Our Mission To love all people at all times and lead them into a new life in Christ.
Our Vision To be a church that will be multicultural and generational, having a lasting impact on the people to whom we minister.
To see the gospel extend beyond the walls of our church through various outreaches.
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But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired. Isaiah 40:31
In this Scripture the word “wait” in the Hebrew is “qavah” which is a twisting or binding. It is the word used for making rope. The ancient method of making rope is still used today. There are hundreds of thin stands of fabric, each one alone could easily be broken, but when tightly bound together they form a rope that cannot be broken. In Isaiah 40:31 this waiting is just not sitting back, doing nothing, but it is a process of binding yourself to God and the more you bind yourself to God, the stronger you become.
The following is an interpretation of the gift tongues given last Sunday. Before I spoke in my Word says the Lord that you are to wait on me but I say while you are to wait on me do not forget I am waiting on you and if we move together says the Lord God you will see tremendous things that I have spoken of and your heart will rejoice your bodies will revive as you listen to me as you walk with me says the the Lord God for there are things that are going to happen that you cannot fathom you will receive things in the Spirit that you thought never be possible and you will do things that you thought you you would never be able to do for God will be with you and be your strength and Shield waiting upon the Lord does not mean taking your time lightly or vacation waiting on the Lord is waiting for the instructions to move forward into the things of the kingdom of God and possess what the devil has tried to hold from you possess what this world cannot give you for it only comes from me says the Lord God and I will hold your hand I will walk with you yes I will even live in you says the Lord God and use your shine like a light to the world.
In prayer this week as what to write for the handout I heard Holy Spirit say, “It is time to gather the spoils.” This reminded me of the scripture in 2 Chronicles 20:20-25 “ When Jehoshaphat had consulted with the people he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and give thanks to him for his loving kindness endures forever. When they began to sing, the Lord set ambushments. When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the spoil it was more than they could carry away, so much so they were three days in gathering the spoil.
I have a word of encouragement to those who may be battle weary. In spite of opposition or how circumstances may look like in the natural world right now your breakout is here. We read in the Bible that when the thief is caught he must repay sevenfold. The enemy has been found out and you are rising in victory.
I encourage you to lift up your voice in praise today and shout out in victory. It is time to collect the spoils. Strengthen yourself in the Lord as David did, But do not give up, for you shall surely overtake and without fail recover all!
Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Jehovah-Eternal, Permanent, and Self-existent, the processor of Eternal Life!
Jehovah-Rohi-My Shepherd! You guide me with love and correct me with kindness! You are my Companion and my friend. You cherish me! You lead me! You instruct me and call me by my name! v.1a
Jehovah-Jireh-My Provider! You foresee all my needs and have provided redemption for me. v.1b
Jehovah-Shalom-My Peace! You still my heart and soul, give me divine rest. v.2a
Jehovah-Rapha-My Healer! One who heals my spirit, soul and body You restore me! v.3b
Jehovah-Tsidquenu-My righteousness! You are the ONe Who always makes it right. I am cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! v.3b
Jehovah-Shammah-You are always there! v.4-v.6b
Jehovah-Nissi-My Banner! You give me victory! v.5
Jehovah-M’’kaddesh-My Sanctifier! You purify me and separate me. I am redeemed through His shed blood! v.6
-Given to me by Rita Reynolds-
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” Romans 10:1-2(NKJV)
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4(NKJV)
I have heard about people that don’t agree with God’s version of the Bible but once I heard a man say that Paul’s writings should not have been put in the Bible. Now why would one say that. He must have been smarter than God and the Church fore-fathers. The reason he said it was because it didn’t agree with his knowledge of Scripture. What was it that bothered him? It was Paul’s message about salvation by grace through faith. He was like the Jews. He couldn’t turn loose of the law. Though they wouldn’t say remove Paul’s work, they still hold on to the religious law that can never do away with sin. Don’t be caught in that trap. Jesus set us free. “Whom the SON sets free, is free indeed. Live free!
We all have a story to tell of our life. God is still writing my story and He is still writing yours as well. We have opportunities to share our life story so others may be encouraged by what God has done. Holy Spirit showed me a few months ago that I have been in survival mode most of my life. As Holy Spirit continues to reveal, there is healing.
Many of us over a course of time have become very good at being in survival mode. We have learned to go through the motions in life and do what we need to do to get through. When we are “surviving” too long, we can feel the effects it has on us. Regardless of what has caused us to live in survival mode there is hope and there is healing.
Jesus our great Shepherd has given an invitation to those who find themselves living life in survival mode. Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” The Message reads it as “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace”.
Live life to the fullest, not just surviving but thriving!
What is happening at Asbury in Wilmore Kentucky and other college campuses? Is it the great Awakening that everyone has prayed for? Is it the last day Revival before the Lord’s return? I don’t know. I do know it has caught the attention of the world. Everyone is talking about it on all the social media outlets. I even heard Tucker Carlson on Fox News interview a young lady about what is happening at Asbury.
It is just awesome to see the worship and the crying out to God of the young people and those who are coming from miles to part of this. So many have given up on the younger generation. But God never has and His plan is fulfilling right before our eyes.
Let us not be quick to put titles on what is happening and just be thankful for the lives that are changed and the Good News of the Gospel is going forth however long it continues.
Come, let’s sing out loud to the Lord! Let’s raise a joyful shout to the rock of our salvation! Let’s come before him with thanks! Let’s shout songs of joy to him! The Lord is a great God, the great king over all other gods. Psalms 95:1-4
To know the Love of God is freedom A Love that shouts, “The Son has set you free, you are free through and through” This Love from God brought the gift of salvation to all who would believe No more condemnation of who I use to be A new creation I have been made The Love of the One who He has created me to be who says I am Building my life on a firm foundation of this Love freely given A Love that will never disappoint A Love that carries me through even the darkest of nights A Love that will take me Home to be with my Lord and loved ones gone before To know the Love of God is freedom to live life without fear A life of hope, joy and peace all because of the Love freely given to those who would receive
Paul’s prayer for the Church to know the love of God.
“My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:14-21
Living Overcoming Victoriously Everyday
Have you ever had someone tell you something and it kinda slaps you in the face. Something that leaves you saying, “are you kidding me.” I had this happen to me recently. I was left wondering why this person would make the decision to do what they did. I knew their heart and they would never do anything to disrespect me in any way.
A couple of days later I completely gave it to the Lord. In my prayer to the Father, “I didn’t understand the decision this person made or the why but I do know you have it covered and it will be ok. At the time I did not realize what had happened when I prayed that prayer. I just knew I had peace and it was going to be ok. Later on Holy Spirit explained to me I had a Psalms 46:10 experience. “Be still and know that I am God”.
“Be still” This phrase is derived from the Hebrew word rapha which means “to be weak, to let go, to release.” Or to surrender. “And know” This phrase, in its original Hebrew, taken together with “Be Still,” actually contains the meaning “in order to know.” Surrender in order that you may know. Know what-that I AM GOD.… I AM your present help, your refuge; your strength, your comforter.
Could we read Psalms 46:10 as “Surrender in order to know that I am God”. Surrender means to submit, to give way, to yield. I released the situation to God. I could no longer feel the way I was feeling even though I did not understand the why of the decision that this person made. Surrender is not agreeing with what may have been said or done. Surrendering your feelings to God concerning what was done is freeing yourself. God knew and in his time he told me from the very mouth of the person the reason for the decision they made.
Has there been something that has been said or done to you that has left you not understanding the why. Maybe the other person has no idea what they said or done to cause you to feel the way you do. I encourage you to release it to God. It is in surrender freedom comes.
What a great feeling to let go (surrender) and let God!
Jesus said, ”This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you” Luke 22:20 NKJV
Last Sunday both LaVerne, while leading praise and worship, and Pastor Shirley, when preaching, mentioned the “cup” while sharing about its place of importance in our Christian society. Jesus told us to drink of it in remembrance of Him until He comes back again.
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Laverne and I frequently visit McDonalds in Columbia. During our time there we made several new friends. One of them is Brother David Chundy. He is an Evangelist that loves God and His Word. He is usually there reading his Bible and making notes in his notebook while drinking his coffee. Over the time of our acquaintance I have talked with him about personal and spiritual things.
Originally from the Island of Mauritius and Rodrigue, he grew up in France where he learned to be a pastry chef. After several other places he ended up in Columbia. One of the things he shared with me from his notebook was the main points from a sermon he did called, “What’s in the cup?”
He has visited our church a few times over the years and recently I asked him to share his sermon on the cup.This Sunday is my time to preach since it’s the fifth Sunday of the month. I did not have any idea that the last point shared last Sunday would be about the importance of “The Cup”. Today we will hear the rest of the story.
We will also be having communion at the end of the service today. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ please share with us. Not a believer? You are welcome to come and accept Jesus, today. His blood was shed for you, too.
Victory in Jesus my Savior forever, He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him. And all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
The word “redeemed” comes from the Greek word “agoradzo” and it means to buy out of the marketplace. If you have been born again you have been redeemed. The price that was paid for you was the precious blood of Christ.
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect”. 1 Peter 1:18-19
I Am Redeemed – Jessie Dixon I am redeemed, brought with a price has changed my whole life. If anybody asks you, just who I am, tell them I am redeemed. I’ll tell of His favor, I’ll tell of His love, I’ll tell of His goodness to me. He purchased my redemption with His own precious blood, and from sin I’ve been set free.There’s no shackles on me, I’m as free as I can be; because Jesus changed my life. He died up on the cross, that’s why I can tell the world that I am redeemed”.
John 3:16 sums up the New Testament’s redemption message. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to redeem each one who puts their faith in Him.
Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him.
There are not several ways to God, there is one way. And Jesus made the statement I Am The Way!
In Exodus 3:13-14, God had just told Moses to go and tell His people that their deliverance was near. Moses wondered how the people would believe that God sent him. “Then Moses said to God, ”When I come to the children of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they say to me, “What is His name?” what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, ‘I AM who I AM.” And God said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you”.
We see Jesus as a type of Moses because He came to deliver people from their spiritual captivity. John was saying in 14:16 that the “I AM” in Exodus was now physically standing in front of people, ready to be their Door to the Father, their Way, their Truth, Their Life.
From what source do you get information to live your life?
“But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” Heb. 10:3-4
Under The Old Covenant the sacrifices given were only a reminder of sin. It kept the people living in a sin conscious life looking forward to a time when sins would be taken away. Jesus came and died on the cross to shed the blood that would not just cover sin, but do away with it forever. In addition to the one offering of Christ bringing assurance of salvation, the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us through Jeremiah that God will work in us to produce new desires to do His will. Furthermore, whereas the Old Covenant could only bring a reminder of sins the New Covenant brings real forgiveness.
We find our confidence to enter into God’s presence founded on the blood of Jesus and His high priestly ministry. Our hope in God’s presence must be based on an assurance of the justifying power of the blood of Christ and the sanctifying cleansing of the Word of God.
The confession of our hope of the future consummation of our salvation will never waver as long as it is grounded on the faithfulness of the One who promised. We must not rest our hope on our own good works. Satan can cause anyone to doubt if they have a righteous life and therefore make us doubt our salvation but he cannot undo what God did for us in Jesus Christ. We need to believe in Jesus’ blood and walk by the Holy Spirit. In that we can be secure in our hope for the future.
Have y’all heard the word “mulligrubs”? I have but never knew the meaning. So what do you do if you don’t know the meaning of a word? Google it of course. Mulligrubs-a despondent, sullen, or ill-tempered mood, to be of low spirits. At one time or another we all have had a good case of the mulligrubs. From past experience I have just woken up feeling low of spirits or just in an ill mood. Now I know it is just a mulligrub spirit trying to discourage me.
The next time you get the mulligrubs (not if but when) be like David and talk to yourself.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 45:15
What a wonderful time of the year! This is the season we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given- he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6.
We call him “Jesus” the name the angel gave to Joseph. “And she will bring forth a Son and you shall call His name “Jesus” for he will save his people from their sins”. Matthew 2:21
What a person was named in Biblical times would signify a person. It would imply such as rank or authority. The name “Jesus” means “savior” and “deliverer”. Jesus announced his purpose for coming in Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost”. Jesus the Savior came to restore peace by reconciling all of Creation to God. Colossians 1:19-20 says that God was reconciling to himself all things through Jesus. By restoring our right relationship to God, Jesus also opened the door for us to live in right relationships with each other, Creation, and ourselves.
My four year old grandson River is really good at not hearing when you call his name. He is so busy with what is right there in front of him, he does not hear you.
How many times in life are we so concentrated on the situation right in front of us or just busy with life that we don’t hear God speaking. God is a speaking God-are we listening-are we expecting. Maybe we are not aware of how he speaks.
Over and over God interacts with people in different ways. God spoke to Daniel through visions, Balaam through a donkey, Peter through a rooster, and he spoke to Moses out of a shrub. He is a God who says in Isaiah 28:23, “Give ear, and hear my voice; give attention, and hear my speech.” And Proverbs 3:6 (MSG) adds, “Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Seeing a beautiful sunset – an unexpected hug from someone – a friend or stranger provides a kind word precisely for the season of life you are in – a Scripture you read before suddenly it leaps off the page and you get it.
Let us not be so busy that we ignore the ways in which God is reaching out to us. Be expecting him to communicate with you. Yes God is speaking, may we have an ear to hear and eyes to see.
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices. My flesh also will rest(dwell in security) in hope.” Ps. 16:9
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” Rom.8:19
The title of my sermon today is “Is your hope secure?” “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.” Your hope does not rest on what you have done, but on what Jesus has done. He is your hope for the future because He has done all that is necessary for you to have secure hope.
The Psalmist in the above verse says his heart(spirit), glory(soul), and his flesh(body) rests in secure hope. Hope doesn’t doubt that God is faithful and His promises are true. There is a big difference between the “hope” of the world and the “hope” of God’s Word. When the world says, “I hope it will work, but it may not” it really means “I want it to work, but you never know if it will or not.” Biblical hope says, “God said it so it will work” If this is true as the Bible says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1
In this morning’s sermon I plan to explain the value of hope and its trustworthiness as we remember that His word says He cannot lie. If He says something, He will do it. It is not for us to figure out how He is going to do it or when, we are called to “only believe”. Have faith in God and leave it all in God’s hands. Trust and obey. Amen
A sure thing – have you heard someone say that? Sure-thing definition -“An outcome that is certain or assured; a certainty”.
We are living in uncertain times. As Believers we live by faith not by sight. Hebrews 11 tells that faith is the substance of our hope. Faith is what underlies the Christian hope. Hope is powered by faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The more we know and understand His will, which is His Word faith increases and hope will grow stronger.
No matter the uncertainty in the world around us, the one sure thing – we have certain hope in the midst of uncertainty. As Believers we are never without hope. Jesus is hope and he lives in us and through us.
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” Isaiah 40:31
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 Jn.4:10
The message I have for today is nothing new, but is a deeper view of God’s character. God is love. It’s His nature to love and He cannot go against His nature. God is perfect love. To be like God is to love like He loves. God’s love for man is “The greatest love story ever told” and there will never be a better one told.
Love is the thing that God wants us all to learn. He was where love had its beginning but He didn’t create love, He was, is, and always will be love. He wants to help us understand love and live a life that revolves around God who is love.
Love is not a human emotion but a Divine emotion coming from the very nature of God Himself. Grace is a form of love and can only be understood when we get a view of love through God’s eyes. Grace is God’s love given to us by God Himself. You can hardly separate grace and love. There really is no reason to even try. Just accept the fact that grace is only love in action.
God is love. But, we can be weak in faith by listening to Satan’s lie saying “You surely don’t believe God loves you”? YES! God loves me.
The greatest counterfeit of God is satan. The more valuable something is the more likely it is to be counterfeited. Lies are the counterfeit of the truth. John 8:44 “He (satan) started out as a killer, and he cannot tolerate truth because he is void of anything true. At the core of his character, he is a liar; a master of deception and the father of lies”! Satan does not want you to know the truth. As Believers our truth comes from the Bible. John 8:32 “If ye continue in my word, . . . ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”.
Since Satan lost his position in Heaven after failing at overthrowing Jesus he now operates in the world to counterfeit that which is in Heaven. What is in Heaven all – that is good, precious and valuable.
Truth outweighs facts. Facts never set anybody free. Fact is I was a sinner – truth is I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and now I am a Saint.
We don’t live under facts but truth. The devil will always tell you what you were – not what you are as a born again child of God.
Don’t be misled by satan, the counterfeiter of all things good. God is good – the devil is bad.
David said, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”. Psalms 27:13-14 As I was preparing for the message, “Finding Honey In The Hard Places Of Life” I heard these words, “the goodness of God, the goodness of God”. Honey is the goodness of God. The Bible doesn’t just say that God does good things. It says that God is good. It’s not just what he does; it’s who he is and who he is never changes.
David said I would have fainted (lost courage, lost hope, gave up) but I believed to see the honey (the goodness of God) in the land of the living.
“The land of the living” is this present world in which we live now. In the hard places of life let us look for the honey (the goodness of God). Whenever we are in the hard places of life God does not bail out. He stays right there with us helping us walk it out. That is His goodness.
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God
“The Goodness of God” (song)
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