March 7, 2004   Early Morning Service

Exile - Part 2

Text:  I Kings 17:7-9

Preface:   Last week we talked about this "Tough Tishbite" called Elijah.  How he was taken care of and fed by the ravens and watered by the Hand of God.  Now we come to the point that the brook Cherith dried up and no water to be found.  Today, we want to take a look at just what happened when all means of support stopped and Elijah was faced with failure again.

A.  What Can We Do When The Water Goes Dry (vr. 7)?
  1. When God said there would be no rain, He meant exactly what He said.
  2. Some today in this sanctuary feel like Elijah did, your well or spring seems to have dried up.
  3. God will not take you thru half of your course and leave you comfortless.
B.  God Said Move (vr. 9).
  1. Elijah was told once again to obey the voice of Jehovah God.
  2. In both the "Old and New Testament", God has re-arranged things.
  3. Sometimes not the way we really like, however, Elijah obeyed God.
C.  Gathering Sticks To Die (vr. 10).
  1. Who among us would have chosen a poor widow woman to sustain a wondering pilgrim?
  2. God uses whomever He can use freely.
D.  Barrel Is Empty.
  1. The woman was shocked when Elijah informed her to take the little meal she had and bake him a cake first.
  2. God calls on us today to give him the perfect sacrifice, not the left-overs.
  3. Nevertheless, the widow obeyed.
E.  Overflow Of Blessings (vr. 14).
  1. The Word tells us that the woman did, "According to what Elijah told her".
  2. The woman was blessed with;
    • Barrels of meal (vr. 14).
    • Much oil (vr. 14).
    • Healing of her son (vr. 22).
Thought:   Sometimes we don't understand why God wants us to do specific things in our everyday ministry.  God is in charge and we will never do wrong by obeying the voice of God.








March 7, 2004   Morning Service - Rev. Rucker Chunn

Now Is The Time

Text:  Luke 14:15-17

Preface:   Jesus shared a parable of a man calling invited guests to a supper.  This was an analogy of the days of Christ, and He was calling people to take part of the Bread of Life!  Supper is the Last meal of the day.  The last provision before a new day occurs.

We are about to enter a "New Day."  You and I are "blessed" as ones that are invited to "eat bread in the kingdom of God."  We are living in SupperTime Days!  And NOW IS THE TIME for us to gather ALL we can to dine at the supper table!  (Rom 13:11-12)

A.  WE ARE INVITED:
LET'S FIND THE PLACE
  1. (1 Cor 9:24 KJV)
  2. Where is the supper place?  Where is it that I will find God's destination for me?
  3. *We say we want revival.  *We want a Move of His Holy Ghost.  *We want a Stirring of our congregation.
  4. god is found of those that Diligently Seek Him!  The most power and blessing is found by those that Seek the Most!
  5. Where Is God?
    - He is where you are searching!
B.  SENSE OF URGENCY
  1. There is a need for Urgency!  People are dying Lost.  NOW!  Your friend, *Your loved one, ...  *You may be dying now...
    - * And may not have Christ;
  2. Too often we are Complacent, Satisfied, Comfortable and Non Motivated until there is a Known Limit to what we are about!
    - When someone makes a Critical Life Changing Error!  Then... we fell the urgency!
  3. We cannot afford to Wait!
    - We must take action NOW!  Every moment we waste is a moment we can accomplish for God and progress toward what we are seeking. (2 Cor 6:1-2 NIV)
C.  STRIVE FOR THE GOAL
  1. What Do You Want From God?  (Mat 7:8)
  2. Why do we not Receive what we want from God?
    - You many Not be Determined in your search.  We are often not sure what we do want.  We may not Make the Effort to Receive.  I must decide what my Goal is and then Pursue It!
  3. Think about it!... What are you Really Expecting God to Do HERE;... In THIS CHURCH ... and in YOUR LIFE?
D.  VISUALIZE WHAT GOD WILL DO HERE AND "IN YOU"!
  1. What do you SEE in your spirit?
    - If you visualize nothing, you will get nothing more than the results of someone else's vision.
  2. Join the Action!  Be a Changer of Lives by directing people to Jesus!
    - (Jer 29:13)  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search fro me with all your heart....
    Now is the Time!








March 7, 2004   Evening Service - Rev. David Rathbun

CHURCH AFLAME

Text:  Isaiah 4:4-5

Preface:   Are you really alive as you claim to be or are you dead?  Do you have the goods to back up your doctrine and you widespread claims or is the church just another institution that preaches one thing and practices another?

A.  The Church is Under Attack
  1. The church can be alive and on fire!
  2. The Holy Spirit gives a blast of power and fire!
    • He cleanses His people
    • He baptizes His people
    • He consumes His people.
B.  The Church is not Buildings
  1. The Church is People
  2. Our ways should die so Christ can move
  3. Satan has set up fortresses in our minds
    • Satan wants to control man’s mind
    • The sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit can destroy Satan’s hold
C.  When God’s People Receive His Burning They Receive Power
  1. Elijah is a prime example
    • He took authority over spiritual enemies
    • He did not rely on human methods
    • He prayed down the fire
  2. Our spiritual altar must be rebuilt
D.  Hindrances to the Church
  1. Pessimism
  2. Doubt
  3. Tradition
E.  When God Begins to Move He Works From Top to Bottom
  1. The Holy Spirit removes doubt and uncertainty
  2. The church begins to affect the world
    • It is recognized as a living body alive and well
    • It is the body of Christ
  3. Church leaders need the Holy Spirit to burn out impurities
  4. After fire falls on the pulpit it will then fall on the pew
    • The Spirit will move from preacher to laymen
    • Ministry will break forth from laity
    • The church will grow
A church on fire is a church that impacts the world and makes a difference!








March 14, 2004   Early Morning Service

Ready or Not

Text:  Judges 6:15

Preface:   Doesn't it astonish you how our Lord can take nothing and make something admirable of it.  Isn't it amazing to see the people God chooses to do battle for Him?  In the Old Testament, just about everyone that God used was insignificant.  Even after God blessed them and used them, many of them remained unknown.  In I Samuel 16:7 we are told, "The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart".

A.  We've Gotten Into Trouble
  1. Israel finally came to her senses and began to call upon the Name of the Lord (Judges 6:7-10).
  2. We often suffer needlessly because we don't call upon Jesus Christ.
  3. Deliverance was on the way, God sent a prophet to let Israel know that she had gone contrary to the Divine mandate.  We all have a divine mandate.
B.  Worthy Or Not Worthy, Ready Or Not.
  1. Gideon was threshing wheat, hiding from the Midianites (Judges 6:11).
  2. The angel told Gideon that God was with him (Judges 6:12-14).
  3. Gideon was called , "A mighty man of valor". Gideon was not a warrior, and the most unlikely to lead in battle.
C.  Too Many For God To Use.
  1. Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men.  God never needs a crowd to defeat the enemy.
  2. More than half of the men left Gideon, and God still informed him that this was too many.
D.  300 Water Lapper's.
  1. Gideon was shocked to hear that he still had too many.
  2. God told him to take them to a stream and separate them by the way they drank water.
  3. God is not concerned with numbers, however He is interested in having people with the same mind and spirit.
  4. Gideon was both willing and obedient to go and challenge a vast army with only 300 men.
Thought:   Gideon was just a poor farm boy, but was willing to be used of God.  Ready or not, are you willing to be used of God?








March 14, 2004   Morning Service

Ready or Not

Text:  Judges 6:15

Preface:   Doesn't it astonish you how our Lord can take nothing and make something admirable of it.  Isn't it amazing to see the people God chooses to do battle for Him?  In the Old Testament, just about everyone that God used was insignificant.  Even after God blessed them and used them, many of them remained unknown.  In I Samuel 16:7 we are told, "The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart".

A.  We've Gotten Into Trouble
  1. Israel finally came to her senses and began to call upon the Name of the Lord (Judges 6:7-10).
  2. We often suffer needlessly because we don't call upon Jesus Christ.
  3. Deliverance was on the way, God sent a prophet to let Israel know that she had gone contrary to the Divine mandate.  We all have a divine mandate.
B.  Worthy Or Not Worthy, Ready Or Not.
  1. Gideon was threshing wheat, hiding from the Midianites (Judges 6:11).
  2. The angel told Gideon that God was with him (Judges 6:12-14).
  3. Gideon was called , "A mighty man of valor". Gideon was not a warrior, and the most unlikely to lead in battle.
C.  Too Many For God To Use.
  1. Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men.  God never needs a crowd to defeat the enemy.
  2. More than half of the men left Gideon, and God still informed him that this was too many.
D.  300 Water Lapper's.
  1. Gideon was shocked to hear that he still had too many.
  2. God told him to take them to a stream and separate them by the way they drank water.
  3. God is not concerned with numbers, however He is interested in having people with the same mind and spirit.
  4. Gideon was both willing and obedient to go and challenge a vast army with only 300 men.
Thought:   Gideon was just a poor farm boy, but was willing to be used of God.  Ready or not, are you willing to be used of God?








March 21, 2004   Early Morning Service

WHY DID I COME TO CHURCH TODAY?

TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP MY JESUS CHRIST,
THE LORD OF LORDS
AND KING OF KINGS

Breaking Away From Satan’s Stronghold

Text:  II Timothy 4:18 - And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His Kingdom:  to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.  (KJV)

Preface:   There are countless times in Spiritual warfare when the believer feels overwhelmed. Our master,(God or Lucifer) pleads our case for us in this warfare. Believers need not fear. Though Lucifer may rant and rage, develop war strategy, and amiss a sizable arsenal, Lucifer is limited. God has never lost a battle. He has promised us that we are endowed with Divine responsibility to subdue and have dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:28).

A.  Satan Cannot.
  1. Invent or create things to be used against you as a Child of God.
  2. Be infinite, omnipotent, omniscient and for sure is not omnipresent.
  3. Understand man, for we are the creation of Almighty God.
B.  Satan Can.
  1. Discover by trial and error that it is possible to influence man (Gen 3).
  2. Study mortals (Eph. 2:2).
  3. Resource hell’s archives of historical accounts of failure by mortals.
  4. Use manipulation against us (Ezek. 28:17).
C.  This Is God’s War.
  1. We must understand that the Spiritual War belongs to God and not us (Rom. 14:7).
  2. James 4:7 tells us that, "When the Lord becomes Master of the heart, demons leave".
  3. It takes more than lifting our hands and shouting hallelujah, more than attending church, more than "talking" Jesus Christ.
  4. II Timothy 1:12 informs the Christian, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded, that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day".
Thought:   The Holy Spirit alerts believers to evaluate and correct our journey toward Heaven. God will not tolerate mediocrity and instructs us to set our Spiritual house in order.








March 21, 2004   Evening Service

WHY AM I A SUNDAY NIGHT CHURCH ATTENDER?

1.  I AM A CHRISTIAN.
2.  GOD INSTRUCTS ME TO, "FORSAKE NOT TO ASSEMBLE TOGETHER WITH SAINTS".
3.  I AM IN LOVE WITH CHRIST.

I AM RICH

Text:  Ephesians 2:7 - "That in the ages to come He might shew The exceeding riches of His grace in His Kindness toward us through Christ Jesus".  (KJV)

Preface:   You may be saying right now, "You say I am rich, but how come I don't feel rich."  Being rich means more than most would possibly imagine. This world certainly has a different opinion of "Rich" than the Christian should have. Hopefully, tonight we can look at just what Christ does for His children.

A.  I Am Rich Because Of Redemption.
  1. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In whom we have redemption through His blood...according to the riches of His grace."
  2. Humankind disobeyed God, fell from grace, and became Spiritually bankrupt.
  3. We can become rich in redemption when we repent and receive Christ by faith.
B.  Rich By His Instruction.
  1. Colossians 3:16 tells us, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom."
  2. Many Christians lack Spiritual victory because they neglect God’s Word.
  3. Christ leads, guides, and directs through His Word, making us rich in instruction.
C.  Rich In His Heirship.
  1. We are, "Heirs with God, and joint heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:17).
  2. Totally committed Christians are cleansed and filled with God’s love, joy and peace.
  3. Spirit-filled Christians are willing to work, witness and walk in the fullness of the Trinity.
Thought:   Today’s world is filled with discontented people who are dissatisfied with their jobs, houses, cars, money, and almost all they are involved with.  The only real peace is with Jesus Christ (John 14:27).








March 28, 2004   Morning Service

The Door Left Open

Preface:   The very mention of the name, "Judas" brings thoughts of treachery and deceit.  But it wasn't always that way, Judas was once a popular name.  The name Judas is from Judah meaning "Jehovah Like."  He was born to parents who believed he would be led of God.  The irony is that no other person has ever been so clearly led by satan.  Judas is possibly the most colossal failure in human history.  He committed the most horrible and heinous act ever.  He betrayed the perfect, sinless, holy, Son of God for a handful of money.

A.  Judas Is A Reminder Of:
  1. The depths that a human heart is capable of sinking.
  2. It is possible to once be close to Christ and still miss Him.
  3. We must be either sold out to Christ or we'll sell out Christ.
  4. Give the devil an inch and he'll take a mile.
B.  Judas Left The Door Of Disillusionment Open.
  1. Judas was looking for a Messiah that would ride a white horse and conquer Rome.  To restore Israel.
  2. Judas grew weary and bitter against Christ, following Him was different than he expected.
  3. If we are not careful, we also will follow Jesus for the wrong reasons.
C.  Judas Left The Door Of Greediness Open.
  1. Judas followed Christ for selfish gain, not for Spiritual reasons.
  2. Remember when Mary anointed Christ, Judas became indignant.
  3. Judas’ life is a picture of how the love of money is the root of evil.
D.  Judas Left Open The Door Of Betrayal.
  1. Judas didn't act in a moment of insanity, it was calculated (Psalms 55:12)
  2. Judas betrayed Christ in the most insulting and despicable way possible-a kiss.
  3. Satan filled the heart of Judas with wretchedness.
Thought:   The devil didn't make him do it, and neither did God. We choose our way and how we accomplish it.  It is simple to blame others with our decisions.








March 28, 2004   Evening Service

Reaching The Unchurched In 2004

Preface:   The following is a study conducted by Reverend Thom Rainer, a Southern Baptist Minister in Louisville, Kentucky.

This study was conducted in all 50 states and Canada, representing all major ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups.  It attempted to discern faith stages, or reception of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the unchurched.

The unchurched population in the United States is estimated to be 160 million.

As your Senior Pastor, I believe that the following findings of the study will aide our church in reaching the unchurched.

Some of the Findings:
  • Some of the unchurched would prefer to attend church on Sunday morning.
  • 82% of the unchurched were at least "somewhat likely" to attend church if invited (with a caveat).

  • Most of the unchurched feel guilty about not attending church.
  • Less than 20% of the unchurched have ever been invited to church.
  • Most of the unchurched have positive views about Pastors, Christians, and the church.

  • A certain type of direct evangelism seemed to be the most effective.
  • The attitudes of the unchurched are not related to where they live, their ethnic or racial background, or their gender.
  • The higher the level of income, the more resistant the attitude of the unchurched.

  • The unchurched were deeply concerned abut the spiritual welfare of their children.
  • The unchurched are not anti-church.
  • Over 17 million people will probably accept Christ if presented with the gospel.  Another 43 million are close.
  • 79% of the unchurched believe in the existence of heaven: 70% believe in hell.

  • September 11, 2001 taught us an important lesson about the unchurched.
  • Most of the unchurched have a high view of Scripture.
  • Most of the unchurched would rather talk to a layperson about spiritual issues than a minister.

  • Most of the unchurched have a spiritual view of life.
  • The majority of the U5s have a childhood church background.
  • A U5 is almost twice as likely to have an income above $100,000 as the general population.
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