GET WELL SOON MAMA MITTY!!!

By M.G. Bueno

SISTER MITTY'S BEEN GOING IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL THREE TIMES ALREADY FOR THE LAST FOUR WEEKS, AND WE WANT TO ASK EVERYONE TO INCLUDE HER IN YOUR PRAYERS FOR HER TO GET WELL SOON.  SIS. MITTY'S BEEN COMING TO CHURCH SINCE I'VE BEEN IN CHURCH, AND SHE'S BEEN A BLESSING TO US AND TO OTHERS IN MANY WAYS.  AND WHILE VISITING WITH HER SHE SAID WITH A BIG SMILE ON HER FACE THAT SHE'S READY TO MEET HER MAKER WHEN THE TIME COMES.  AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS ABOVE ALL ELSE.  ARE YOU READY TO MEET WITH GOD FACE TO FACE?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER MARSHA!!!

by M.G. Bueno

WE JUST WANT TO GIVE GLORY TO GOD FOR GIVING US WORKERS IN THE CHURCH WHO ARE WILLING TO DO THE WORK THAT GOD ASKED THEM TO DO LIKE SISTER MARSHA WHO IS A GO BETWEEN AND A GAP FILLER WHERE THERE'S A NEED FOR THE WORK OF GOD TO BE ACCOMPLISHED PARTICULARY IN THE CHILDREN'S CHURCH, WHERE SHE MEETS WITH THE CHILDREN AT HER ASSIGNED SCHEDULE TO TEACH, MAKING READY THEIR INOCENT HEARTS AND MINDS TO BE FILLED AND EQUIPPED WITH THE THINGS OF GOD AS THEY GROW UP IN THE LORD.    

SPIRITUAL CONCLUSION

Spiritual Conclusion
By Pastor R.A. Woods

Text: Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Intro: Conclusion: termination or end of. Solomon, the son of David, the richest man that ever lived, when he assumed the kingdom, didn't ask God for riches, power, houses and land. He asked God to give him the wisdom to go in and to come out, to lead God's people. God was so impressed with Solomon's request, that he not only gave him wisdom, but blessed him with riches untold. As you read through the chapters in Ecclesiastes, you will find that he had experiences that brought problems to his life.

Vanity: Emptiness. (All is vanity and vexation of the spirit)

There is nothing wrong with having nice things! There is nothing wrong with having riches, material things, position, etc. The problem in them is when we allow them to own us instead of us owning them, also allowing these things to become more important than God. So that brings us to an all important conclusion, which is spiritual in nature. What is it that we can do that really matters in life, thats fulfilling and satisfying? The answer is fulfill our duty to God, not only that, but our whole duty. (complete duty)

Illustration: Day Of Judgment And Daily Work
Once in New England, a strange darkness fell at noon time. The birds started their evening songs, chickens went to roost, and cows returned from pasture. The Connecticut State Legislature was in session and it was suggested that they should adjourn, as the Day of Judgment had come. One of the legislators took the floor and said: "I am against adjournment. The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Let candles be brought in!"
Later, the poet Whittier wrote about this incident. And there he stands in memory to this day, erect, self-poised, a rugged face half seen against a background of unnatural dark--a witness to the ages as they pass that simple duty hath no place for fear.

I. Fear God

A.Fear: to stand in awe or reverence. (to look at with respect)

1. Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

2. Hebrews 10:31 (KJV)
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

a. It's a fearful thing to know that you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior, that you have not repented of your sins and made peace with God.

b. It's a fearful thing to know that we are going to answer for every deed done in our bodies.

c. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (KJV)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God,' and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

II. Keep His Commandments (It's all founded and based on love)

A. Commandments: Is an order or directive.
1. John 14:15 (KJV)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

2. John 15:10 (KJV)
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

1. When you really love God, his commandments are not grievous, they don't irritate you to do them. Real love will motivate you to obey God, and fulfill his will for your life.

Conclusion: The conclusion of the matter is that it's your duty to fear God, keep his commandments.

THE ONLY SOURCE OF OUR BLESSINGS

THE SOURCE OF OUR BLESSINGS

By M.G. Bueno

Issaquah Falls, Washington

Pro 10:22  The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. 


I want to make a very important statement, that the source of rewards and blessings for our Life comes from the one and only, God.  And that the blessings of God come in the form of rewards or gifts whether spiritual, physical, or material.  And a person receives blessings or rewards from God only because of one reason, God is pleased with his life.  We cannot expect the blessings and rewards of God upon our life when we do not even serve God or please God according to His terms.  Many people want the blessings and rewards of God according to their own terms, but not in God’s terms.  People want the many benefits of God, yet they don’t even do what God wants them to do. 

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The blessings and rewards of God is connected to our faith.  And faith is not something that we do only at the moment we wanted a blessing from God.  Faith is when God shows you what to do, and then you do it, because that’s what pleases God.  We must remember the benefits of God’s rewards and blessings only come when we do what is pleasing to God.  The question is this, Is that thing that you do pleasing to God?  Has your life been a sweet savor to the nostrils of God?  If not then, you cannot expect his blessings to come upon your life.  But if you do what God had showed you to do, that’s when God is pleased, then, the blessings will begin to be poured out upon your life.  I’m not talking about what anyone had showed you to do, but I’m talking about what God had showed you that you need to do for him in your life.  What God has put in your heart to do is what matters and not what anyone told you to do.  And if you do that which God had showed you to do, then it’s like opening a treasure box of God’s blessings, it’s like opening doors of apportunities of God’s blessings for you to receive.      

Mat 6:31  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 

Mat 6:32  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

Now there is an earthly or worldly system of getting what we need for ourselves, but there’s also a Godly or heavenly system of acquiring what we need and desire, and enjoy.  In the earthly system, people acquire things by focusing to getting what they thought they need, or what they want for themselves.  And the results become so obvious, people begin to become greedy, and selfish and covetous.  Because they themselves is in control of what they can hoard for themselves, and gather for themselves, and not God.  And self when left to itself not coupled with any good moral principles from the scriptures is a disaster.  And people in the earthly system become rich for themselves and by themselves, but God is not responsible for them being rich.  In the gospel Luke is a story of a rich man who had amassed great wealth to the point where he didn’t know where to store the riches that he had accumulated for himself. 

Luk 12:18  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 

Luk 12:19  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 

Luk 12:20  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 

Luk 12:21  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 

In these verses, God himself said to the rich man, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.  This tells us that God was not responsible of the wealth which he had amassed to a very great degree.  Just because a person is rich doesn’t always tell us that God was responsible for them being rich, because here God tells the rich man that he is fool for gathering this great wealth for himself.  And indeed he gathered it only for himself and for himself only, because it says in the following verse.  

Luk 12:21  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

The man gathered and kept his many riches only for himself.  And that itself is a lesson for everyone of us, that being selfish is not a good attitude or habbit to make in our lives.  And the Bible said that he was not rich toward God.  

What matters above all else is to be rich toward God.  You may not be rich in this world, but if you are rich toward God, that’s all that counts.  But woe unto you if you be rich in this world but not rich toward God.  Our bank account in this world may be overflowing but what about our heavenly account with God?  Is it full, or zero balance; is it with sufficient funds or insufficient funds? The bible said in,

Mat 6:19  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 

Mat 6:20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 

Mat 6:21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

And in the following verse in LUKE 12:22 Jesus keeps reminding us again and again.  

Luk 12:22  And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 

Jesus is saying, don’t even think or worry about the things that you need in this life, because it will be given to you by God, just like the rest of his creation such as the birds in the air and even the grass on the fields.  

And then Jesus tells us what we should "think and worry" about.  He said in,


Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

And then he keeps reminding us again again in, 

Mat 6:34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

What is it that God wants us to do according to the heavenly system of acquiring his blessings?  God wants us to focus on the most important things, and the right things.  God wants us to put our worries and thoughts upon obtaining his Kingdom and his righteousness.  And God’s point is, He is the one who is responsible for making us rich, he is the one who will do the adding and giving of his benefits as we seek and serve him.  And all that God is asking is for, is for you to seek and serve him, and walk uprightly before him.  And it’s God’s job to do the adding and the blessing and rewarding and the the giving of our needs, and that’s if we do not stop seeking and serving and walking uprightly before him.  

And so we find that the blessings comes according to his terms, his will and his word, and his purpose and not by our own terms.  And there’s a reason for it.  God doesn’t want us to become covetous and greedy and hoarders for ourselves just like the rich man in the bible who’s riches did not come from God, which ended up in a mess to where his soul was required by God.  His soul was put in jeopardy for being not rich toward God.

1Ti 6:9  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

1Ti 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

1Ti 6:11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

Jas 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 

There are people who are lovers of money, that’s all they think about, and worry about, about the next dollar that they could get by hook or by crook.  When Jesus said take no thought of your everyday need, he’s not talking about not having a job or just be lazy or just do nothing to feed yourself and your family.  Because the bible has commanded for everyman to work with his own hands.  And the bible also said, that a man who does not provide for his own is worst than an infidel, someone who has denied the faith, a pagan, an apostate, a heretic.  And that If any would not work neither shall he eat.   

I remember, when I got laid off twice, it would have been easy for me to worry and wring my hands and think "how am I going to do this?".  But my wife and I didn’t do that, because our faith tells us that God will take care of us no matter what happens.  And not only that, there was a time when the car needed a new transmission, we didn’t lose sleep about it, Why?  Because we believe in the promises of God in his word.  Yes, we did what we could do to pay the bills, but we didn’t lose sight of our faith in God that he is able to make everything right.  And God did it according to his word as we believe in him and his word.

Because it says in Psa 84:  no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 

So what God is saying is, just keep seeking and believing in me, and don’t worry about the blessings, just keep serving me, and the blessings will come and will be added to you.

Do you remember your job, when all that you’re concern about was to have that job and get paid for the job, and do that and nothing else.  Especially because it was at a time when they were laying off people left and right.  And so you did the best that you can to keep that job, but most of all, you made sure that the bossman is pleased with your job.  And if the bossman tells you that your job needs improvement, there was no reason for you to argue with the bossman.  And so, you work that job to live! and had high hopes to get a raised someday.  And there’s one thing you didn’t do, you didn't ask or tell your bossman to give you a raise.  And there were people who keep bugging their bosses to give them a pay raise, and guess what?  they didn’t get what they asked for;  when really all they had to do was do a real good job, and that will make the bossman smile, and make his heart tender.  We don’t have to worry about the bossman giving us a raise or even giving us a promotion, all we have to do is do a good job, and make the bossman feel proud.  All that we need to do is focus on the job, and do what the boss tells us to do and do it, in the best way we can.

Isn’t it the same way with God? that if you just do what God had shown you or tell you to do that God will add the blessings.  And people sometimes complain when they don’t get a raise from the bossman, when they’ve been doing a sorry job, go to the bathroom a lot, missing a lot of work time, and having too much down time, when there’s a lot of things to do if you just look for it.  And people blame God, God where is my blessing, where’s my raise, where’s my promotion?  Did not God tell Cain  also in,


 Gen 4:7  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? 


Because Cain did not like the fact that God did not honor his sacrfice with fire from heaven as He did to Abel's sacrifice.  But Cain knew exactly what to do, but he didn't do it.  Cain knew what he ought to have sacrificed before God.  And the blessings of God, as long as keep on seeking him, and serving him, and walking uprightly before him, the blessings of God will come.  And they come as opportunities.  And they come at the time when you’re not even seeking for it, or worrying about it.  They come in the form of open doors of opportunities that God just drops in your way for you to take.  Yes open doors! perhaps a job that is offered you, or available for you to fill, that pays a great sum of money.  And if it’s in the form of great riches or finances, that means that God is trusting you, that you cannot become greedy and selfish and end up forgetting God because of it, and God will make sure that he will be glorified for it for blessing you.  

And sometimes we think that we are the provider but in actuality, God has always been our provider since the very beginning, so that before he created man, everything that man needed was already created for him.  God first made man’s resources before he created him.  And when man sinned against God, God provided the right sacrifice for man to be delivered from his sin.  And the ultimate sacrifice and blessing for us is His Son Jesus Christ, for us to be saved from sin and from the torment of hell and the lake of fire.  And that all we have to do is come to him and submit ourselves to him and believe him.  For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.  

        

INSPIRATION

INSPIRATION

By Pastor R.A. Woods

Text: Luke 19:40 (KJV)

40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

BR: Luke19:37-40

Intro: The disciples had been up in the mountain with Jesus, because of the mighty works they had seen, they begin to worship and praise the Lord out loud.  In other words they were inspired, enthused, jazzed and upbeat at the fact that they had witnessed the things of God. They saw the power of God at work, affecting the people's lives. ('Inspiration is an attitude and emotion that you have about someone or something. “Attitude determines your Altitude" Whatever you do for God should have inspiration involved; Preaching, witnessing, teaching, ushering, praying, singing, playing an instrument, etc.

Inspiration: Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.  It's inspiring, stimulating to see God at work! Coming to church, when its time to pray, read the bible should be exciting, stimulating, inspiring because it's in those things that God works, moves and accomplishes his will.

Illustration:

A friend asked Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, "Have you ever asked your husband where he gets all the ideas that make him so famous?" Thoughtfully, Mrs. Edison replied, "Yes, I did ask him once. He didn't say anything. He just pointed upward and smiled"

I. It's inspiring to see people get save!

A. Begins with a witness (Somebody showing them with their life or telling them their testimony or simply inviting them to service) That's exciting to know that a lost soul would have an opportunity to make a lifetime of mistakes, errors and wrongdoing right with God.

     1. Acts 2:21 (KJV)

21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

      2. James 5:20 (KJV)

20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

B. Mark 16:15 (KJV)

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

    1. It's inspiring to know that all colors, creed, cultures, socio economic status, can come to God, be a part of the family of God. (whosoever will let him come) let the drunk come, homosexual come, prejudice come, prostitute come, drug dealer come, liar and thief come, career criminal come!

I'm inspired this morning, enthused about Jesus, I'm excited about the fact that we have hope, we are doing something worth doing, our life has meaning because Jesus is in it. I'm excited about the church growing, about you being excited and inspired, about the house of God being full of people that love him. I'm excited and inspired about our children's church, etc.

INFLUENCES

INFLUENCES 
by M.G. Bueno

The heavenly influence of God should be greatest in our life
than the corrupt influence of this world.

2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

2Pe 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

2Pe 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

2Pe 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Corruption in Greek means decay which is a process culminating to ruin thru corruption. Loss of purity and integrity. Perversion or deterioration of moral principles. And the Bible clearly says that corruption is in the world thru lust. Lust is an unlawful desire of carnal pleasure. And the Bible has in record three types of lust: the lust of the flesh, which are sensual and impure desires which seek gratification in sex, drugs, strong drink, and the like. Lust of the eyes, when the eyes is being lured or seduced by the superficial, material and temporal beauty that this world has to offer instead of the true beauty that is inward and spiritual and eternal that comes from God himself. The pride of life, is the lust for self-aggrandizement, lust for the honor and praise and flatteries of the people, instead of the true honor and praise that comes from God. 


2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Because of the lust that is in the world, people disregard the consequences of sin in their life. It is because of lust that there is corruption or compromise in the law of the land. When politicians begin to do things under the table instead of over the table. When people do things that are hidden and illegal and at the same time try to appear sanctimonious to the eyes of the people. In politics we call it corruption. So it is in Christendom, it is because of lust that so called Christians are corrupted when they begin to compromise the word of God.  And the enemy of our soul satan, tries to corrupt anything with good moral principles. He’s out to confuse order. Why? Because he wants the corruption and deterioration of anything that has a moral foundation. Because morality comes from God. That’s why it’s a battle just to keep yourself morally pure.

And so the devil wants people to compromise. And a compromise takes place when two enemies find a common ground to agree about. They have to make a waterdown version of what’s true, so that it becomes half lie and half truth, which is not truth at all. That’s the corruption that’s in the world.  But we cannot play politics with the devil. We cannot compromise with the devil especially when it comes to the word of God. Compromise means a mutual concession or agreement between two parties.  And there's no such thing as a mutual concession with the devil, because the Christian will always end up the loser.  Because the devil doesn't have anything to give up to compromise with, because he is a liar and the father thereof.  And the word of God can only be powerful and effective in its pure estate and not in a waterdown estate. And the Christian can only be more effective in his pure estate and not in a compromised estate. So it is true in God, there is no such thing as a lukewarm Christian, you’re either cold or hot, or God will spue you out. You’re either for Jesus or for the devil. The Bible said, you cannot serve two masters, you must love one and hate the other.

He said in 2 PETER 1(4)…that we have been given by God exceeding great and precious promises that by these, we might become recepients or beneficiaries of the nature of God, How? Having escaped the corruption or the decay that is in the world such as the lusts or desires that’s forbidden by God for man to be involved in.

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

The divine nature of God and the love for the world do not mix. We’re not talking about not mixing with the people in the world, because God wants us to be a light in the midst of this darkened world.  But we’re talking about not mixing with the system of this world. The system of this world is not friendly to the heavenly system of God. The bible said, for all that is in the world, appeals to the lust of the flesh, it appeals to the eyes, and the pride of life. The system of this whole world is flesh influenced, while the heavenly system is spirit influenced. It is the flesh that makes you think that you are something, when you are nothing. It’s the flesh that flatters you, to  feel proud, in a time when there’s nothing to be proud about. And that’s the nature of this world, that’s the character of the system of this world. And the Bible said, that if you love this world, if you try to emulate it’s nature and character, the love of the father is not in you. That’s why the Bible said,

2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

So instead of our life being directed and influenced by the flesh, we must be directed and influenced by the spirit, by God, by Jesus Christ and by the Word of God.  Because this fleshly world is subject to corruption and decay, and it's not getting any better because that's what corruption and decay is all about, a process of deterioration that is without remedy.  But the spiritual system of God will continue forever. Are you flesh influenced or spirit influenced?

So if you want to receive the promises of God, and if you want to be a partaker of the divine nature of God, there’s one thing that you must do, and that is to escape from the corruption or the system of this wolrd. To escape from the things that will try to corrupt the body, soul, and spirit and our relationship with God. This world will try to corrupt us thru the flesh, but God will glorify us thru the spirit by his Son Jesus Christ.

You see there’s a real enemy, and his mission is to confuse people, to corrupt their minds and their soul, and even more so with the younger generation, because many have become gullible to his lies, and have become easy prey to the devil.  But you need to make a decision whom you gonna serve, whether sin and the devil who own this temporal world or the eternal God of life and righteousness.  You cannot have both. You cannot straddle the fence. You need to stop jumping from one opinion to another.

JOSH 24:15 Joshua says, Choose you this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

Why? Because Joshua has proven the Love of God in his life. And he had seen God make a way when there was no way. Joshua had seen God blessed his life abundantly. Though he may have some battles that he had to face, especially those who tried to stop his progress to the promise land, but it didn’t give him an excuse to escape from his faith in God. But everyday he was determined to escape from sin and from compromise. And if anyone is in a battle, instead of running away from God, we need to submit ourselves to God.

Psa 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

The enemy of your soul satan thru lust has destroyed countless souls of men and women. And that tells us that we’re fighting a real enemy, and God knows what we need of in order to combat his many tricks to mislead, especially those who do not know Christ as Lord of their Life.

Jesus said, unless a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. That means he cannot understand or grasp what the kingdom of God is all about. Because the kingdom of God is Spiritual, and man’s rationale is naturally fleshly and carnal. And satan is a spirit but he influences thru the flesh. Are you spirit influenced or flesh influenced? Are you worldly influenced or heavenly influenced.

To be heavenly influenced, you must first be born again, in Greek it means be born from above, which is a spiritual and heavenly birth. You are born into the spiritual family of God in heaven. You have become a new creature in God. Old things pass away, and all things are become new. You have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. And the Sin in your life which causes you to sin has been condemned by Jesus Christ when he died for you on the cross as a sacrifice, so that you are no longer condemned by and in your sins. And it’s because of his grace, and his love. And If you humble yourself and invite him in your life and receive his blood sacrifice and believe in him, he will save you in an instant and give you eternal life.

God has given us many gifts and promises following our salvation, which are going to make our life better and enjoyable and fulfilling as we walk with him. Because serving God is an enjoyable experience.

The Bible said, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good."

Jesus said in Joh 10:10 I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

God has chosen you to be the beneficiary of his promises and many blessings thru the sacrificial death of his Son Jesus Christ. And that's emphasizing spiritual blessings, which are greater than any physical or material blessings combine.

SALVATION

SALVATION

By Pastor R.A. Woods

Text: Psalms 32:1 (KJV)1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Bible Reading: Psalms 32:1-11

Introduction: What is salvation or being saved from a biblical perspective and what is the evidence that this has taken place to prove it exist in you?

Salvation: deliverance and preservation, rescue or safety (physically and morally), to make whole or complete, to heal or recover (salvation is symbolic of having a terminal illness and Jesus comes along and heal it and restore your life again.

Romans 10:10 (KJV) (proof)

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (righteousness is simply clean, holy living ensues)

So the Psalmist gives us a picture of what happens to a person when they have an encounter with God. Think about the gospels, when Jesus came in contact with men and women, they were never the same.

I. The Need of Salvation

A. SIN IMPLIED (verses 1-2) sin is there, exist, in violation.

1. Three phases of guilt (transgression, sin and iniquity)

a.  Transgression: revolt or rebel against God.

b.  Sin: offence or offend God. (violated God)

c.  Iniquity: guilt and punishment.

2. If we are to reckon with God. we must face the question of sin! a. Romans: All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. b. I John 1:9 If we confess .... unrighteousness.

B. SIN DISCOVERED (verse 4)

1. my moisture turned into drought like summer. Psalmist described how God was dealing with him and the things he was doing were no longer prospering. The game is up, your cover will be blown, sin will be discovered.

2. Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh, them shall have mercy.

3. Romans 6:23 (KJV)

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C. SIN CONFESSED (Verse 5)

1. There is an old saying that "Confession is good for the soul".

2. Romans 10:9 (KJV)

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, andshalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

3. What is confession? Confession: to agree with God that you are as he sees you, to acknowledge things in the true state that they are.

D. SIN FORGIVEN (Verse 5)

1. When God enters into a persons life who is forgiven, he blesses that life. Because the bible says: Psalms 32:1 (KJV) 1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Illustration: REGENERATION.

It is a well-known fact, although it is an ever-increasing wonder, that a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. There is certainly very little resemblance between the two, yet every butterfly has been a caterpillar. The butterflies can truthfully say, as they look at the poor caterpillars, "Such were some of us, but we are changed. So Every saint has been a sinner, but a wonderful work has been wrought in them. Thc caterpillar sinner knows nothing of the delights of the butterfly saint. The only way a caterpillar can enter into the joys of the butterfly life is by being made a "new creature"--by being, in a sense, "born again." The cabbage-loving caterpillar has no capacity for the new-born movements and delights of the butterfly. No more can the carnal nature of man enter into the enjoyment of the things of God without Being born again.

THE UNBAPTIZED ARM

THE UNBAPTIZED ARM

By Pastor R.A. Woods

Old time baptism in America about the 1800's

Text: Romans 6:3 (KJV)

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Matthew 3:11 (KJV)

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Matthew 28:19 (KJV)

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Bible Reading: Romans 6:1-4, Matthew 3:11, Matthew 28:18-20

Introduction: Tonight I am presenting to you 3 baptisms that need to take place in the life of a believer. These three baptisms are vital, because they will provide to you the necessary ingredients you need to have a successful Christian life. I have observed that there are many who have called upon the name of Jesus, claim to have been saved and had these experiences, yet their life does not reflect the proper results. Could it not be that men and women have been holding back things while they were claiming to be saved? What is it that you are struggling with, wrestling with, wrangling with? Is it not that you refuse to admit these issues, present these problems to God? Are they any different than the other things that you have given to God?

Illustration:

Toad Shuts City Water Mains

An incident is told of a certain college which was without any supply of water one morning. The plumber was called and he examined the plumbing, but could find nothing wrong. Yet, there was no water.  Next the water department of the city was called and they sent men to investigate the trouble. After much searching they finally found the cause.  A mile away from the college--where the small pipe line supplying the college was connected with the large line going into the city--they found a huge toad sucked partly into the small line. The effect was to literally shut off all the water. City officials speculated that it had most likely got in there first as a little tadpole, but it had fed upon the water until grew and shut off the water.  Many a Christian has allowed some little sin to sneak into his life, and allowed it to remain there, until he woke up one day, and like Samson long ago, found that the power was gone.

I. Korah: Numbers 16:1-3 (KJV)

1. Now Korah, the son of lzhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:

2. And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:

3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?

A. He was following Moses to the promise land as the others was, but something was wrong in his heart that caused him to become spiritual insubordinate to the man of God, so to speak an unbaptized arm, thinking that he could put himself above the things of God.

2. Judas: Luke 22:3-4 (KJV)

3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

A. Judas had walked along with the 12 disciples, got the same teachings and instructions, but somewhere along the line, greed caused him to betray Jesus. Along the way he didn't address an obvious problem in his life, with hem this problem, which led to his suicide.

B. What about us tonight? Do we have something that is unbaptized, that didn't go under the blood, was not baptized into the body of Christ, was not baptized in water, the unbaptized arm? The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE LAST WORSHIP SERVICE OF THE YEAR OF 2011

By M.G. Bueno

The Blessings of God to start the New Year was upon us at our 11 PM Special New Year Service which was also called "The Night Watch Service."  Pastor Woods preached about the theme of treating others right, even another who is an enemy, being nice to people, which reminds us the word of the Lord from the scriptures in the book of  Matthew,

Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

And much more as the service continued, the Spirit of God through his servant spoke to us, drawing us, bringing back again our confidence by his word as believers, admonishing all of us that every single one of us is important to God as he pointed to us the scriptures in the Book of Psalms,

Psa 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psa 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Psa 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

And with this very same confidence, that God loves us even to the giving of His Son to die on the cross so that we might be saved from sin, we can expect great things, and do great things for God and for His glory.  So that this new year's mind set should be greater, growth in God should be more visible, individually and as a church, forgetting the failings of the pass, and do better this year, not living according to the daily cliche's and feel good words of this world but by the promises and instructions written straight from the word of God.


Rev. Woods also shared that storms are also imminent on the horizon in the journey of our faith in God, individually and as a church, but God will be their with us to assist and to direct us when we do not see the way in the midst of the storm.

Then, the last service of this year of 2011 closed with even more blessings, as each one was anointed by the pastor with oil on their foreheads, and his hands laid upon each member of the flock which God had given him to direct to the green pastures of His blessings.  And indeed blessings were pronounced upon each and everyone of us, as the families were called to the front first, who received God's benediction upon their life as though God was equipping them with many blessings to enjoy and blessings to face the challenges that may come before them.  After the families, then the rest of the church came also, as the pastor prayed and laid his hands upon them, with words of hope and faith and love for each and everyone.  And lastly, Rev. Woods called his family to the front, his hands upon them and prayed with them for God to make them an example of the believer.