DECEMEBER MONTH 2012

WHY JESUS WAS SENT

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” -(JOHN 3:17) KJV 

When we discuss Christ and his sacrifice we perhaps forget that all that he did was out of obedience to the Father. He did not just come to earth, but he was sent by God the Father to reconcile humanity until himself. While we celebrate salvation on the cross do we truly appreciate the fact that Jesus left Heaven to die on earth. Ask yourself, “Why was he sent?”

Jesus in his conversation with the Pharisee Nicodemus, expressed to him that God;s plan was that Jesus arrived on earth with the purpose of saving humanity not condemning it. Which suggest that his establishment of the church was specifically designed to continue his work of saving souls?  While we don’t have saving power we do have serving power. Our kingdom service is to preach and teach the Gospel and to tell a dying world that Jesus is the key to their salvation.

The many miracles that Jesus did, were not the core of His mission but a compliment to it. His purpose and His plan was to bring salvation to the Jews and the Gentiles. "That is God’s response when we give?”

Pastor SP Courtney

WHAT IS GOD'S RESPONSE WHEN WE GIVE

Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. ” -(LUKE 6:38) KJV 

When we consider what God has given to us, it is impossible to think that we can give on His level. The beauty of this is that He knows our shortcomings and our inadequacies. Since all that we are and all that we have belongs to Him, he is fully aware of what we are capable of doing. Therefore God’s expectations are directly influenced by His sovereignty. Whatever God asks of us He has already made provisions for us to give it. Therefore when we give, God is faithful and just to honor our gifts. Have you tried God? “What is God’s response when we give?”

Luke records Jesus teaching His disciples to give, understanding that whatever you give, it will be given back to you with increase. When God blesses His faithful believers he not only restores but He gives overflow to the giver. With the same passion and purpose you give, God is faithful to give unto you in the same manner. Don’t give begrudgingly, angrily or hesitantly. But, give with a cheerful, willing and purpose filled heart.  God will give unto you in like manner. “What is God’s response when we give?”

 Pastor SP Courtney

WHICH PATH WILL YOU TAKE

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat . ” -(Matthew 7:13) KJV  

The choices we make in life will dictate the path we take and in essence these same choices  will determine our eternal destination. While this is true, many believers find themselves confused and conflicted because they are traveling hopelessly down the wrong path. The path we choose is not only critical to our eternal destination but our earthly expectations. If we expect abundant life and the favor of God, we must  find  and follow the path that leads to these and other promises of God , “Which path will you take?”

In this sermon on the mount Jesus makes the declaration to his disciples that they must travel the road he has chosen for them by entering into the strait gate. This is not a suggestion but a command to enter ye in at the strait gate, it is the righteous choice. This gate is narrow which suggest we must enter in alone and not in a crowd. He also suggest that the wide gate and the broad way would lead to destruction. It is easy in this world to stay in the crowd, but if we do we can expect destruction and difficulty. Yes we will have difficulty on the narrow path too, the difference, we will be in the will of God. With God on our side, our road might get rough, but His grace and His mercy will see us through. “Which path will you take?”

Pastor SP Courtney

WHOSE LEADING YOU INTO THE NEW YEAR

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." -Galatians 5:16-17) KJV 

Many people saved and unsaved make preparations to begin the New Year off by making changes in their lives. Choosing to be different or committing to change their attitudes, their diet, their relationships or perhaps their bodies through exercise. They will join work out facilities, book clubs, weight loss groups looking to gain an advantage or find assistance with their changes.  . , “Whose Leading You into the New Year?”

When considering the changes we plan for the new year, unfortunately we never include improvements in our faith. Our spiritual lives seem to migrate from year to year without any effort  or commitment to improving. Paul’s instructions to the Galatians suggest living or walking by the Spirit. It is the Spirit of God that guides us and leads us into righteousness..

The struggle between our flesh and our Spirit will be won by what we commit to. If you commit to fleshly desires then your flesh will lead you. However if you commit to living and walking by the Spirit God, then your Spirit will lead you in the ways that God would have you to go. “Whose Leading You Into The New Year?”

,Pastor SP Courtney