Greetings! It has been too long since I have posted something on the wall for our Sunday Bible Study. . . which has been perking along by the way.
I would like everyone to know Jesus Christ and to walk with Him on a daily basis. This is the purpose of our Bible Study. Yes, we enjoy fellowship. Yes, we like to pick on Brother Mike. Yes, we do enjoy the donuts and the coffee. MOST OF ALL, I want you to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior. Once you know Him, I want you to learn to fellowship with Him. . .earthly fellowship is good, but not nearly so special as to enjoy being in the presence of the Lord daily. I want you to know how you can share your faith with others.
In line with these goals, we have been doing a little homework for our group. Every day, or as often as we make the time, we are "journalling". With our Bibles and a notebook we are jotting down the ways that God speaks to us and also the prayer needs and burdens of our hearts that we share with the Lord. It is amazing how this little exercise brings a new life to our quiet time with God. Hopefully it will help you to be more faithful and to develop the good habit of making this a priority each day, too. Next Sunday we will be sharing at least one thing. . .an insight or an answer to prayer or something like that. . .from our journals. I hope that you can be here and also that you can help make this a great time of sharing. It is not an exercise in perfection, just a time when we can brag on the Lord.
God is doing several things in the lives of His children as He molds us into the image of Christ. He is teaching us. . .giving us doctrine. He is also showing us the things in our lives where we have made mistakes. He then wants to show us how to make these errors correct. Finally, He wants to teach us how we can stay on the proper path of life. In these ways, the Word of God works in our lives. Our sharing may include one of these aspects of God's working in our lives.
PRAY
Mrs. Francis will be traveling this weekend.
Tammy's due-date is getting closer each day.
Keep praying for our parents who are struggling with health issues.
Pray for revival in America and in our own personal Christian lives.
Pray that souls will be saved.
Pray for our revival meetings coming up.
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS!
Confess your own sins and failures to God.
Spend some time just thanking God for Who He is.
Keep Brandi in prayer as she is in her new job now.
Lift up the various ministries of the church for His leadership and blessings.
HAVE AN AWESOME WEEK! I am praying for you. Let's be faithful to our Lord.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
After the Threats
Yesterday we pursued our study in Acts by looking at the response to the initial persecution from the Jewish Council. Sometimes we receive opposition to our Christian faith. In fact, it seems like being tolerant in our society is for everybody and towards everybody except Bible-believing Christians! From all appearances, unless we have a revival of real Christianity in our nation, this intolerance toward Bible believers will increase. Our Bible study proves remarkably relevant.
1. Gain support and strength in corporate worship and cooperation with other believers. Not only do we gain encouragement and spiritual sharpness as we gather to hear the preaching of the Word of God, but we also gain strength as we jointly state our purpose of serving the Lord and as we serve the Lord together.
2. The second response to opposition is PRAYER. Joining together in prayer with other Christians builds unity and puts everything in perspective. Ask God to demonstrate His power and enliven your witness.
3. Maintain faithfulness in the basic areas of Christian living. In our chapter we find the disciples demonstrating love for one another by giving sacrificially to the needs to others. The early church at Jerusalem contained a large number of "displaced persons". Many had come for the Feasts and then stayed. Some had experienced "shunning" from family, and were in real need of financial support. Even in the midst of persecution, the disciples did not become introverted and self-centered.
Let's be sure to include these steps in our response to opposition to our expressions of faith.
PRAYER NEEDS:
Terry's dad and mom. . .health needs.
Spence's mother is recovering from surgery.
Tammy - expecting :-)
Larry and Ginger are traveling in New Zealand.
Summer school for the next six weeks as well as enrollment for the fall.
Church ministries;
Those who are looking for work or needing jobs;
Sonya Haas is having trouble with a nerve causing her pain.
Tom goes for a Dr.'s visit Monday.
Pray for each other!
Let's invite someone to join us this next week.
Love Y'all,
Brother Mike
1. Gain support and strength in corporate worship and cooperation with other believers. Not only do we gain encouragement and spiritual sharpness as we gather to hear the preaching of the Word of God, but we also gain strength as we jointly state our purpose of serving the Lord and as we serve the Lord together.
2. The second response to opposition is PRAYER. Joining together in prayer with other Christians builds unity and puts everything in perspective. Ask God to demonstrate His power and enliven your witness.
3. Maintain faithfulness in the basic areas of Christian living. In our chapter we find the disciples demonstrating love for one another by giving sacrificially to the needs to others. The early church at Jerusalem contained a large number of "displaced persons". Many had come for the Feasts and then stayed. Some had experienced "shunning" from family, and were in real need of financial support. Even in the midst of persecution, the disciples did not become introverted and self-centered.
Let's be sure to include these steps in our response to opposition to our expressions of faith.
PRAYER NEEDS:
Terry's dad and mom. . .health needs.
Spence's mother is recovering from surgery.
Tammy - expecting :-)
Larry and Ginger are traveling in New Zealand.
Summer school for the next six weeks as well as enrollment for the fall.
Church ministries;
Those who are looking for work or needing jobs;
Sonya Haas is having trouble with a nerve causing her pain.
Tom goes for a Dr.'s visit Monday.
Pray for each other!
Let's invite someone to join us this next week.
Love Y'all,
Brother Mike
Monday, June 15, 2009
Good Discussion
I hope you are having a good week this week. Yesterday our Bible study in Acts focused on chapter 4. This chapter tells of Peter and John's examination before the Council. They were pressured to stop talking about Jesus, but this type of persecution would not stop them or any other Spirit-filled Christian. A holy boldness had been given unto them. Let's ask God to give us this same boldness in our witness for Him today.
Next week we will finish up the study of Acts 4 and the prayer meeting that was held. We may even get into the next chapter.
Be praying for Harold and Joanne, Francis' brother and sister-in-law.
Keep praying for Tammy's cousin who has cancer.
Pray for David who is traveling abroad in Morocco.
Pray for one another.
Pray for the ministries of the church, Sunday School, Reformer's Unanimous, Heritage Academy, and our other outreach ministries.
This week is the service at Avon Lea Retirement Village. Pray for the group that goes to minister, as well as those who will be going to the Cedar's Nursing Home service on Saturday.
Pray for Spence's mother who is recuperating from surgery last week.
Pray for Larry and Ginger Sauvageot who are traveling in New Zealand.
Pray for the Youth ministry on Wednesday night.
Bless you all this week! I do look forward to the upcoming weekend as we continue to study the wonderful Book of Acts.
Next week we will finish up the study of Acts 4 and the prayer meeting that was held. We may even get into the next chapter.
Be praying for Harold and Joanne, Francis' brother and sister-in-law.
Keep praying for Tammy's cousin who has cancer.
Pray for David who is traveling abroad in Morocco.
Pray for one another.
Pray for the ministries of the church, Sunday School, Reformer's Unanimous, Heritage Academy, and our other outreach ministries.
This week is the service at Avon Lea Retirement Village. Pray for the group that goes to minister, as well as those who will be going to the Cedar's Nursing Home service on Saturday.
Pray for Spence's mother who is recuperating from surgery last week.
Pray for Larry and Ginger Sauvageot who are traveling in New Zealand.
Pray for the Youth ministry on Wednesday night.
Bless you all this week! I do look forward to the upcoming weekend as we continue to study the wonderful Book of Acts.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Looking Forward to Sunday!
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!
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!
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.
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