David said, "I was glad when they said unto me. . ." He was excited about the days of worship. We should be, too. This weekend is exciting to me since we have some good friends coming in from Phoenix, AZ. It will be nice having some time with them as they pass through the area. It is always good to be with our class members and church family. I like to pick on Brother Terry! :-) Best of all, this Sunday, we can come into the presence of the King of kings and worship Him Who has done so much for us and Who is our Awesome God.
Thanks to Brother Terry for his helping out and presenting the lesson this last Sunday. Here is a brief overview of what he presented.
Acts 2:42-47 FUNDAMENTALS of a HEALTHY CHURCH
In the past few weeks we have begun to look at the formation of the church.
Several things to mention:
1. The Great Commission was given - Jesus' Command
2. The promised COmforter was given - Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
3. The promised power was given - Powerful preaching
4. The church given - 3000 saved
J. Vernon McGee says that there are 4 marks of identifying a real church. Clarke says that there are 4 basic truths about a real church.
FOUR IDENTIFYING MARKS OF A REAL CHURCH: Acts 2:42
1. There is sound, Biblical doctrine being taught
They relied on the apostles to teach them more about Jesus. They had believed (2:41), now they wanted to know more (discipleship). he Greek word used here for steadfastly is a verb that communicates "a steadfast and single-minded fidelity to a certain course of action". Paul, in Romans, teaches Biblical doctrine: Sin, Salvation, Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. (Who we are without Christ, how to be saved, how to live our life, and the rewards of living such a life.)
Major doctrines discussed:
DOCTRINE of SIN
DOCTRINE of JUSTIFICATION
DOCTRINE of SANCTIFICATION
DOCTRINE of RIGHTEOUSNESS
DOCTRINE of SALVATION
DOCTRINE of GLORIFICATION
2. There is genuine fellowship
"koinonia" - association, communion, fellowship and participation; to share in something.
As Christians we share the same Lord Jesus; the same Guide for life, the Bible; love for God; desire to worship Him; struggles; victories; job of living for Him; and joy of communicating the Gospel to others.
3. There is a continual remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and love
They wanted to remember what Jesus had done for them, so they partook of the Lord's SUpper on a regular basis. Prior to every Jewish feast or celebration the act of breaking of bread was performed by the master of the house, where he blessed the meal. We do the same thing when we pray prior to enjoying a meal together. (1 Corinthians 11:23-24; Matthew 26:26)
4. There was continual prayer.
Prayer is needed in the individual's life to continue in the faith. What does prayer do? It increases our faith. It brings healing and God answers (James 5:15-18). There is a Biblical way to pray (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:5-15).
RESULTS of the actions and prayers of a "real" church:
* Fear in the souls of the unsaved - 2:43
* Those who belived were in one place (common) - 2:44
Acts 3:1 in one time
Acts 2:1 in one accord
Acts 1:15 to meet in one place
This verse has often been misunderstood. Many tink that those Christians sold all they had and lived in a separate commune together. But there were men and women from all over the known world in Jerusalem and they tarried there after they had been saved longer that they had planned. The Greek here indicates that they came together in one place, in one accord, and they sold and shared food, cooking pots, eating utensils, and all of the goods they had so that those who were less fortunate would not starve or sleep in the cold. Benevolence is one of the evidences of a true Christian. (Example - Mrs. Francis bringing coffee and donuts, or a benevolence closet)
1 Corinthians 16:1 refutes the idea of a commune. Collections were ordered to send to the church at Jerusalem.
* They were praising God - 2:46-47a (Hebrews 13:15-16)
* God added to the church daily - 2:47b
Pay close attention to this statement. God added daily, not man. However, ot was because of the Christian's continued thanksgiving, praise, prayer, and obedience to participate in the spreading of the gospel that God added to the church. A church will not grow if the "real" Christians do not share their faith, if they do not have sound doctrinal teachings, and if they do not have a private and personal prayer life.
If we take care to follow the example of Acts 2:42-47a, then God will take care of the church growth.
Church growth is not the pastor's responsibility, but it is the responsibility of all born again believers.
Matthew 28:19-20
Thanks Brother Terry for the good instruction and challenge.
This week we will be moving into chapter 3 in the book of Acts. THE HEALING OF THE LAME MAN. Y'all come and join us, and bring someone with you, too.
Be praying for Mrs. Francis as she travels this week. She is visiting her brother and sister-in-law down at Tylertown, MS. Also pray for the pastor's and their families as they also travel for a graduation in TX. Brother Mike's parents arrived safely in New Zealand and will be preaching there for a month. They send their regards to all of us. Carol Gibson, from West Point, needs prayer. She has a liver disorder and will require a transplant within a period of time. Thank God for visitors and keep praying for His blessing upon all of our services. Ask the Lord for a personal revival and then for a revival among all of the church members. He can certainly use a revived group of believers. We also are praying that God would separate us from wordliness. and thereby sharpen our witness and testimony for Him.
See ya Sunday!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Great Time Sunday!
Freedom and Sacrifice. . .what a message! I thank the Lord for the privilege to hear it. Of course we had no Sunday School last week, but this week we are back to the study of Acts. You won't want to miss it.
One thing we have learned already as we study the Book of Acts is that prayer is not an afterthought. Praying cannot be underestimated, or overrated. So let us continue in prayer for the services Sunday, for those who visited last weekend, and for those who are traveling. . .which is the Sauvageot family.
Thursday we are heading out for a family function in SC. I do ask that you would pray for us and for the niece to be married. The grandparents are there already so it will be good to see them before they push off for Australia and New Zealand. We will miss everybody this Sunday! You will definitely be in our prayers.
It is our plan to stop and visit with the Trasks in Georgia. They will be leaving soon for the mission field (language school in Mexico). Robin will be flying out in the morning to go and see her grandfather, who is dying of cancer. Pray for her safety.
Another good prayer request - STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL. Summertime can be a great time for the kids, but it can also be a time of spiritual coolness. Let's keep our young people in prayer.
Pray for Sonya Haas. She has been sick for several days and needs all of our prayers and support.
Pray also for our elderly folks who have been struggling with health issues. They have been such a blessing to us. Let us remember them daily in our prayers.
Keep our regular requests before the Lord also.
Hope to see you tonight at church :-)
One thing we have learned already as we study the Book of Acts is that prayer is not an afterthought. Praying cannot be underestimated, or overrated. So let us continue in prayer for the services Sunday, for those who visited last weekend, and for those who are traveling. . .which is the Sauvageot family.
Thursday we are heading out for a family function in SC. I do ask that you would pray for us and for the niece to be married. The grandparents are there already so it will be good to see them before they push off for Australia and New Zealand. We will miss everybody this Sunday! You will definitely be in our prayers.
It is our plan to stop and visit with the Trasks in Georgia. They will be leaving soon for the mission field (language school in Mexico). Robin will be flying out in the morning to go and see her grandfather, who is dying of cancer. Pray for her safety.
Another good prayer request - STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL. Summertime can be a great time for the kids, but it can also be a time of spiritual coolness. Let's keep our young people in prayer.
Pray for Sonya Haas. She has been sick for several days and needs all of our prayers and support.
Pray also for our elderly folks who have been struggling with health issues. They have been such a blessing to us. Let us remember them daily in our prayers.
Keep our regular requests before the Lord also.
Hope to see you tonight at church :-)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Gene Howard!
This Sunday will be a special Sunday for us called our FREEDOM RALLY. I hope that you all can be there and enjoy Dr. Gene Howard, a fantastic John Wayne impersonator. His message, "Freedom and Sacrifice" will touch your heart.
Our Bethany Bible Class will take a vacation this weekend. Since the FREEDOM RALLY starts at 10:30 Sunday morning, we will not have our study. Bring something to add to the dinner on the grounds after the rally. Bring some friends as well.
Someone averaged it out one time. For every 10 people that you invite, you will get one person to come. Now that means a whole lot of inviting must be done :-). Also, it is an overwhelming majority of people who come because a friend invites them. So, let's show our friendliness and invite our friends. Many of them are probably familiar with John Wayne, if not already fans of his. Also be in prayer for the rally. I believe God wants to do some great things through this event.
Last week we looked at the foundational truth that unlocked Pentecostal power: UNITY. This thought comes from Acts 2:1. We will continue our study of Acts 2 when we return to class one week from Sunday.
SPECIAL THANKS to all of those who are serving or who have served our country in the armed forces. God has blessed us with liberty and with patriots who are willing to put their lives on the line for us. Thank a veteran, and also thank the Lord for His blessings. May God turn our nation back to Himself.
Have a good week!
Our Bethany Bible Class will take a vacation this weekend. Since the FREEDOM RALLY starts at 10:30 Sunday morning, we will not have our study. Bring something to add to the dinner on the grounds after the rally. Bring some friends as well.
Someone averaged it out one time. For every 10 people that you invite, you will get one person to come. Now that means a whole lot of inviting must be done :-). Also, it is an overwhelming majority of people who come because a friend invites them. So, let's show our friendliness and invite our friends. Many of them are probably familiar with John Wayne, if not already fans of his. Also be in prayer for the rally. I believe God wants to do some great things through this event.
Last week we looked at the foundational truth that unlocked Pentecostal power: UNITY. This thought comes from Acts 2:1. We will continue our study of Acts 2 when we return to class one week from Sunday.
SPECIAL THANKS to all of those who are serving or who have served our country in the armed forces. God has blessed us with liberty and with patriots who are willing to put their lives on the line for us. Thank a veteran, and also thank the Lord for His blessings. May God turn our nation back to Himself.
Have a good week!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Key Verse: Acts 1:8
Special thanks to Brother Terry Herndon for leading the class Sunday. Of course it was Mother's Day and we were a little slim on attendance, but had a good class in which we focused on the key verse of the Book of Acts - Acts 1:8.
Here are some of Brother Terry's notes:
"Power, Witnesses, Witnesses to Whom?" Acts 1:8
Parallel passages: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21-23
This commission was not only for the disciples, but for you and I today. It was used by the early believers to establish the church and for the churches to grow in numbers. This same commission should be used today for the same purposes.
Our human flesh is weak. It has no strength, neither should we have confidence in it. Therefore, Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power.
POWER - Dynami (dynamite) meaning strength, might, virtue, might, ability; Acts 4:33; 6:8; 8:10; 10:37-38; Ephesians 1:19-23; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:11
So the power that was received was the power to be witnesses and it was the power of God which is freely given to those who believe in the name of the Lord.
HOW IS THIS POWER RECEIVED? By the Holy Ghost coming upon you. When does this happen? Cf. Romans 8:9-11, 15
WITNESS: martyria (martyr)
Acts 6-7 reveals the witness of Stephen. Paul in Acts 22:20 stated that when the martyr Stephen was stoned, that he was a witness.
A witness is one who should be willing to undergo persecution and even death. A witness is one who tells others of past events that he/she saw (or, in our case believe).
WHAT WAS THE MESSAGE? WHAT IS THE WITNESS?
Acts 1:22 be a witness with us of His resurrection (Jesus' resurrection)
Mark 16:20
Luke 24:46-48
WHERE SHOULD THE MESSAGE GO? To all the world.
Where is our Jerusalem? The street we live on.
Where is our Judea? This community, city, county, state
Who are our Samaritans? Those of other cultures, races, etc.
Believers we have been given the power (ability) by the Holy Ghost to be witnesses (tell the world about Jesus). 90% of believers have never told anyone what Jesus has done for them.
John 4:35 "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
Congratulations to one of our members - SUSANNE COOK graduated from Itawamba Community College this past weekend. Good job! Wish we could have been there with you to celebrate, too.
Keep on praying. Thank God for the person of the Holy Spirit Who helps, or wants to help us, pray and pray effectively.
God bless you this week! Tell at least one person this week what Jesus has done for you.
Here are some of Brother Terry's notes:
"Power, Witnesses, Witnesses to Whom?" Acts 1:8
Parallel passages: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21-23
This commission was not only for the disciples, but for you and I today. It was used by the early believers to establish the church and for the churches to grow in numbers. This same commission should be used today for the same purposes.
Our human flesh is weak. It has no strength, neither should we have confidence in it. Therefore, Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power.
POWER - Dynami (dynamite) meaning strength, might, virtue, might, ability; Acts 4:33; 6:8; 8:10; 10:37-38; Ephesians 1:19-23; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:11
So the power that was received was the power to be witnesses and it was the power of God which is freely given to those who believe in the name of the Lord.
HOW IS THIS POWER RECEIVED? By the Holy Ghost coming upon you. When does this happen? Cf. Romans 8:9-11, 15
WITNESS: martyria (martyr)
Acts 6-7 reveals the witness of Stephen. Paul in Acts 22:20 stated that when the martyr Stephen was stoned, that he was a witness.
A witness is one who should be willing to undergo persecution and even death. A witness is one who tells others of past events that he/she saw (or, in our case believe).
WHAT WAS THE MESSAGE? WHAT IS THE WITNESS?
Acts 1:22 be a witness with us of His resurrection (Jesus' resurrection)
Mark 16:20
Luke 24:46-48
WHERE SHOULD THE MESSAGE GO? To all the world.
Where is our Jerusalem? The street we live on.
Where is our Judea? This community, city, county, state
Who are our Samaritans? Those of other cultures, races, etc.
Believers we have been given the power (ability) by the Holy Ghost to be witnesses (tell the world about Jesus). 90% of believers have never told anyone what Jesus has done for them.
John 4:35 "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
Congratulations to one of our members - SUSANNE COOK graduated from Itawamba Community College this past weekend. Good job! Wish we could have been there with you to celebrate, too.
Keep on praying. Thank God for the person of the Holy Spirit Who helps, or wants to help us, pray and pray effectively.
God bless you this week! Tell at least one person this week what Jesus has done for you.
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 3 - Bible Study (Acts 1)
Good study yesterday. Started the Book of Acts. I do appreciate all who joined us for the study. We said a prayer for you who could not make it, too.
The cookout was great fun for me. I do enjoy being able to grill for the class, and a special thanks to everyone who helped. David and Suzanne brought a grill, charcoal, and a lot of other goodies like banana pudding. Frances brought strawberries and cake. Mable and Mary brought some other good things to eat. Terry provided his special recipe chicken. Tyler supplied the cream soda :-). It was great! We will do it again soon. Let's be working on some guests for our next one.
Do not forget to be praying and working towards the FREEDOM RALLY that will be held on the 24th. You will receive a blessing from Dr. Gene Howard. He has spoken here before, but he also speaks at veteran's gatherings and other national events. You do not want to miss this!
Next week we are studying Acts 1 and 2. Be reading ahead. Keep our requests in your prayer.
- Brandi, new job
- church ministries
- class members who are sick, or discouraged, or backslidden :-)
- Francis' brother
- Tammy, expecting baby
- Terry's job-search
- All of our parents health situations (my dad had a biopsy last week)
- FREEDOM RALLY preparation
Have a wonderful week, and keep in touch with us. Don't listen to the nay-sayers. God wants to bless, but He expects us to trust Him and wait on His timing.
See ya Sunday!
The cookout was great fun for me. I do enjoy being able to grill for the class, and a special thanks to everyone who helped. David and Suzanne brought a grill, charcoal, and a lot of other goodies like banana pudding. Frances brought strawberries and cake. Mable and Mary brought some other good things to eat. Terry provided his special recipe chicken. Tyler supplied the cream soda :-). It was great! We will do it again soon. Let's be working on some guests for our next one.
Do not forget to be praying and working towards the FREEDOM RALLY that will be held on the 24th. You will receive a blessing from Dr. Gene Howard. He has spoken here before, but he also speaks at veteran's gatherings and other national events. You do not want to miss this!
Next week we are studying Acts 1 and 2. Be reading ahead. Keep our requests in your prayer.
- Brandi, new job
- church ministries
- class members who are sick, or discouraged, or backslidden :-)
- Francis' brother
- Tammy, expecting baby
- Terry's job-search
- All of our parents health situations (my dad had a biopsy last week)
- FREEDOM RALLY preparation
Have a wonderful week, and keep in touch with us. Don't listen to the nay-sayers. God wants to bless, but He expects us to trust Him and wait on His timing.
See ya Sunday!
Monday, April 27, 2009
PRAISE GOD!
I believe that we had a touch of revival in our church services yesterday and encourage all who might have missed it to get back in the swing of things as far as church attendance goes.
Sunday morning Bible study time was also a blessing to me. We examined the Biblical teaching on separation. Separation is both positive and negative. . .THOU SHALT, and THOU SHALT NOT, in the Bible. Our testimony for Christ and our witness for the Lord require separation from the world's basic principles. These basic principles are found in 1 John 2:15 and are "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." From these three "rudiments" come all kinds of temptations for us as believers, and WE MUST BEWARE!
One awesome truth which will help us be overcomers is found in Romans 1:1 and comes in the phrase: "separated unto the gospel of God." It is time to GET CLOSER to God. That does not mean that you should seek some un-Biblical experience or join a monastery. It does mean that instead of neglecting God's house or keeping your kids out of Sunday School you should "kick it up a notch" and get more involved in the things of the Lord and of your local church. You are missing so much and are actually conforming to the world when you cease to get closer to God. We are a greatly privileged group, Christian. We can get as close to God as is possible. Let us draw near.
Be in Prayer:
- boy with leukemia (given by David Cook)
- national leaders
- David Higgins and others in Iraq
- Denny Douglas will be going to Iraq soon
- the father of Columbine students who recently gave a testimony before Congress
- Brandi, that her new job would not be a hindrance to her growing in the Lord
- FREEDOM RALLY coming up May 24th
- Re-enrollment for Heritage Academy is underway
- Tammy's cousin, cancer
- All of our parents for spiritual needs and health concerns both
- Terry, for work, and others who are having hard times financially
- Tammy as she carries the baby
- If you run out of things to pray for, pray for me
DO NOT FORGET THE COOKOUT THIS SATURDAY!!! (call for more details)
Have a wonderful week serving the Lord!
Sunday morning Bible study time was also a blessing to me. We examined the Biblical teaching on separation. Separation is both positive and negative. . .THOU SHALT, and THOU SHALT NOT, in the Bible. Our testimony for Christ and our witness for the Lord require separation from the world's basic principles. These basic principles are found in 1 John 2:15 and are "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." From these three "rudiments" come all kinds of temptations for us as believers, and WE MUST BEWARE!
One awesome truth which will help us be overcomers is found in Romans 1:1 and comes in the phrase: "separated unto the gospel of God." It is time to GET CLOSER to God. That does not mean that you should seek some un-Biblical experience or join a monastery. It does mean that instead of neglecting God's house or keeping your kids out of Sunday School you should "kick it up a notch" and get more involved in the things of the Lord and of your local church. You are missing so much and are actually conforming to the world when you cease to get closer to God. We are a greatly privileged group, Christian. We can get as close to God as is possible. Let us draw near.
Be in Prayer:
- boy with leukemia (given by David Cook)
- national leaders
- David Higgins and others in Iraq
- Denny Douglas will be going to Iraq soon
- the father of Columbine students who recently gave a testimony before Congress
- Brandi, that her new job would not be a hindrance to her growing in the Lord
- FREEDOM RALLY coming up May 24th
- Re-enrollment for Heritage Academy is underway
- Tammy's cousin, cancer
- All of our parents for spiritual needs and health concerns both
- Terry, for work, and others who are having hard times financially
- Tammy as she carries the baby
- If you run out of things to pray for, pray for me
DO NOT FORGET THE COOKOUT THIS SATURDAY!!! (call for more details)
Have a wonderful week serving the Lord!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Good Group Sunday!
I am always happy when our class gets involved in serving the Lord. Special thanks to Brother Spence for teaching the children's School class Sunday morning. We also had a good group in our class. Connie, the soccer mom from down around Columbus, was here with the girls again. PTL! Also, thanks to Francis for the donuts and coffee. She takes good care of us each week.
Our study yesterday focused on Nehemiah 9-10 and the covenant that was renewed by God's people. God is a covenant making God, and we also should enter into covenant with Him. Thankfully we live in the days of GRACE. The New Covenant will be our focus for the next lesson as we looked at the Old Testament covenants this past week. I know it will be a blessing to you.
KEEP PRAYING -
Many of our parents are needing prayer because of physical infirmities.
We are constantly praying for our church missionaries and ministries.
We praise the Lord for Faith Miller's recovery!
Pray for the elected officials in our country and in South Africa (per request from a friend).
Pray for Tammy carrying the baby.
Pray for church folks who are looking for employment.
Pray especially for the FREEDOM RALLY coming up May 24th with Dr. Gene Howard.
I trust that you will have a wonderful week this week as you serve our Lord and Savior.
Our study yesterday focused on Nehemiah 9-10 and the covenant that was renewed by God's people. God is a covenant making God, and we also should enter into covenant with Him. Thankfully we live in the days of GRACE. The New Covenant will be our focus for the next lesson as we looked at the Old Testament covenants this past week. I know it will be a blessing to you.
KEEP PRAYING -
Many of our parents are needing prayer because of physical infirmities.
We are constantly praying for our church missionaries and ministries.
We praise the Lord for Faith Miller's recovery!
Pray for the elected officials in our country and in South Africa (per request from a friend).
Pray for Tammy carrying the baby.
Pray for church folks who are looking for employment.
Pray especially for the FREEDOM RALLY coming up May 24th with Dr. Gene Howard.
I trust that you will have a wonderful week this week as you serve our Lord and Savior.
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