• Message: “Problem Solver Decision Helper” from Pastor Joe

  Problem Solver- Decision Helper Lesson Objective:  To understand methods that we can use to assist others in learning how to make decisions that leads to problem solving Scripture:  Galatians 6:5  Joshua 9: 1-15  (emphasis on verse 14) Introduction Everyone has problems and often times seek others for advice We must be prepared to provide support where necessary Best is not to solve the problem but help the person to learn how to solve the problem Several steps in assisting in the process Help the person to take personal ownership and not give blame to others Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden 1 Samuel 15: 24 LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Help the person to seek assistance and accept good advice Exodus 18: 23-24 If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.” 24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. Surround oneself with people of like values Acts Chapter 15 ( Council) Help the person to look at their past to see if there is something to learn from their past 1 Samuel 17: 34-36 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock,35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Gather information—( Ask Questions) 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Moses sent out the 12 spies Numbers Chapter 13 Gather information from several sources and not just one Once a decision is made then the person must not be afraid to act Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose It is ok to make a mistake while doing something remembering that making no decision is making a decision So what  Never ever forget to inquire of the Lord through the entire process  Joshua 9: 1-15  Romans 8: 14    

• Message: “God I think We have a Problem” from Pastor Joe

  God I Think We have a Problem Lesson Objective: To try and understand why we have problems and how best to deal with the problems Scripture: John 16: 33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Complete Book of Job Introduction When people would ask Charlie to pray for them, he would respond by praying for more problems for the person. He would say that he got more letters from people asking him to stop praying for them. Why Why Why did he pray for he and others to have more problems—that is the lesson for today Why do we have problems? Gain Perseverance James 1:1-4 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Suffering for Christ Sake 1 Peter 4: 12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you Sometimes we cause our own problems Jonah 1: But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Look at our own lives and see what problems we had or presently have because of something that we did or did not do. What percentage of our problems is caused by us? Sometimes it is so we can be a blessing to others John 6: 1-6 Christ had a problem with a lot of people and very little food Paul had a problem Acts 9:9  He could not see Job had problems He lost his children and his health How to deal with the problems Embrace the problem and be thankful Philippians 4:4 Share with others—It is said that when you share the problem you now only have half and when you rejoice in the solution you now have double happiness Charlie Tremendous Quote “Embrace your problems because sometime in the future, you’re going to cross paths with someone going through the exact same thing and you just might be able to impart some compassion or insights to them. It’s not about you; it’s about using what you’ve been through to help others and to grow as an individual. No one is ever successful being a victim. But if you look at your trials as a godsend, I guarantee you sometime in the future you’ll make a positive impact on someone who desperately needs it, including yourself.”  

• Message: “10 Ways for Effective Witnessing” from Minister Seth

  10 PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE WITNESSING  « Go into all the world,and preach the gospel to every creature,every nations and every kingdom » Mark 16:15 HOW DO YOU BRING PEOPLE BACK TO GOD ? « Sinners are not your enemies,they are your brothers and sisters who is out of the family « For god so loved the world that he gave his son » John 3:16. -Christ didn’t come to save the righteous but to bring sinners to a change of mind. -We need to see them like people who don’t understand the full value of their lives and to tell them the good news 1-DON’T CRITICIZE Christ didn’t criticize any sinners 2-MAKE FRIENDS BEFORE YOU CONVERT « By this all men will know that you are my disciples by how you love » John 13:35   3-BE INTERESTED IN WHAT THEY ARE INTERESTED IN   Everybody is only interested in Himself.   « The easiest way to get people to be your friends is to talk about their interests »   4-BECOME VERY INTERESTED IN THE OTHER PERSON AND TALK TO THEM OF THEIR INTERESTS   -When you listen to people you make them feel important   -The basic human need is the need to feel important.   5-GIVE YOUR BEST FIRST IMPRESSION   « The elevator speech » Pastor JOE -You want to win people,be nice with your face. « Nothing can disarm a person more than a smile » « A glad heart makes a cheerful face ». Proverb 15:13(ESSV) « A man without a smile should not open a shop » Chinese proverb 6-REMEMBER AND CALL THEIR NAMES -A person name’s is the sweetest sound they can hear in their language. 7-LISTEN,LISTEN,LISTEN -Everybody has a story -Your goal is not to make people convert,your goal is to open people up to friendship.   8-ASK QUESTIONS   « Great leaders ask questions » Dr. John.C Maxwell   -Help the other person express their heart » « Out of the abundance of the heart,the mouth speaks » Matthew 12:34   -Questions are important because you don’t know what people need. Example Of Jesus.   9-MAKE THE OTHER PEOPLE FEEL IMPORTANT.   « The best way to get people to feel important is to get them to talk about themselves and you to talk about themselves with them »   10-AVOID ARGUMENTS   -JESUS never argued with sinners « To win people to your way of thinking you should understand the futility of an argument »   -When you win an argument you lose a friend.   HOW TO WIN AN ARGUMENT : Just say okay  

• Message: “Does Easter Bring You Faith” from Pastor Joe

  Does Easter Bring You Faith? Lesson Objective:  To understand the importance of faith in our lives and where we can find that faith Scripture: 1 Peter 1: 3-9  ( verses 5-7) ; James 2:26; Romans 10:9 Isaiah 40: 31; Psalm 39:7 Christian hope is a bold hope that looks back to the risen Jesus in order to look forward.   Introduction “Hail Ceasar” is a movie that uses comedy to teach us some basic Christian principles: When making decisions it may be helpful for us to ask the question “ What would God want me to do?” To be truly happy we must do what God wants us to do No matter what it is.. things will not work like it should without Faith The lesson today is on Faith and how one can have faith because of Easter and furthermore one cannot have faith without Easter. Definition of Faith Dictionary --complete trust or confidence in someone or something Bible - Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrew 11:1 Hebrew word- yachel which translates wait with expectations ( Greek elpis) Examples of Faith scriptures 1 Peter 1: 3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead- verse 3 James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead Christ was an activist and we are expected tobe activist   Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Isaiah 40: 31 but those who hope in the Lordwill renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;    they run and not grow weary,     they will walk and not be faint. Hope here is quite similar to faith expecting and knowing Psalm 39:7 My hope is in you Easter was a time for change John 19: 28-30—It is finished Greek word tetelesti  means paid in full The importance of Faith Hebrews 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 Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 Corinthians 5:7 We walk by faith and not by sight Question for us all… How are we exercising our faith?      

• Message: “Is it Real or is it Memorex”

  Is it Real or is it Memorex? Lesson Objective: To self examine to determine if our actions truly reflect our belief. Scripture: John 12: 12-14; Zechariah 9:9; 2 Kings 9:13; Mark 15: 12-13 Introduction More than 30 years ago there was a commercial that aired on TV which compared a live singer ( Ella Fitzgerald) to a cassette tape where glass was shattered by the voice and the question was “is it live/real or memorex. The question we ask today “ are we living a real/true life as a Christian or are we really not the real thing but an imitation. Palm Sunday Celebrated Recognized as the beginning of the last week of the life of Jesus on earth before his crucifixion` Recognized in all four gospels Fulfilling the prophesy in the Old Testament Zachariah 9:9 2 Kings 9:13 Daniel 9: 23-27 70 weeks prophesy (490 years) (Numbers 14:34) Fullfilling the prophesy of Christ Matthew 16: 21-22 People did not see Christ as the real Son of God Were the People real believers of Christ? People shouted hosanna which is interpreted Savior John 12: 12-14 People came because they thought he was going to save them from political persecution. They did not see him as the Son of God Christ came on a donkey ( sign of peace) vs Revelations when he comes on a white horse ( sign of war) Christ came to bring peace Luke 19: 41-42 Why did the people turn against Christ? They called for his crucifixion Mark 15: 12-14 Were they pretenders earlier in the week? What does that mean for us? Is there enough evidence to prove that you are a Christian? Is our faith genuine or only when it meets our needs? Are we willing to take a stance when something is not biblically correct?  

• Message: “Forgiveness Why and How” from Pastor Joe

  Forgiveness Why and How Lesson Objective: The purpose of this lesson is to look at what the Bible says about forgiveness and why it is important to be able to forgive. Equally importantly we must learn how to forgive. Scriptures: Matthew 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18; Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 5:7 2 Corinthians 12: 7-11 A. What is forgiveness- The act of forgiving 1 To give up resentment 2. To grant relief from payment 3 To cease to feel resentment against (an offender): PARDON B. Why is there a requirement for forgiveness 1. The Bible is very clear that if you do not forgive then you cannot receive forgiveness from God- Matthew 18: 21-35 2. It is part of the Model Prayer- Matthew 6:12 C. Examples of forgiveness in the Bible 1. Forgave sin before healing- Matthew 9:6 2. Women at the well - John 8:11 D. Forgiveness does not mean not being held accountable for actions 1. David and Bathsheba paid a tall price for his sin- 2 Samuel 12:12-23 2. Moses and Aaron were punished- Numbers 20:6-12 E. How to Forgive 1. Understand importance of mercy- Matthew 5:7 a. Mercy is defined as “The act of sparing, or the forbearance of a violent act expected.” - Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary b. Mercy is not something that is earned- Titus 3:5 2. Understand that what ever happened you should rejoice- 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 3. Real forgiveness is also forgetting and restoring. Restoration of Peter John 21:15-17 F. Why is it that some people cannot forget? God sometimes does not allow us to forget – 2 Corinthians 12: 7-11 Question for Discussion: Can there really be true love without first forgiveness

• Message: “Encouraging In Time of Loneliness” from Pastor Joe

  Encouraging in Times of Loneliness Lesson Objective:  To discuss ways of self-encouragement when we feel lonely Scripture: 1 Samuel 30: 1-8 Introduction: While having the comfort of a friend is important, we can sometimes find ourselves alone Paul In prison – house arrest for 2 years Jonah in his travels and ministry to Ninevah Jonah 1: 17 David after battle at Ziglag 1 Samuel 30: 1-3 Lets look at what each did in the time that they needed encourgement David David and his men cried 1 Samuel 30: 4 Took the time to reflect and recognize God 1 Samuel 30: 6-8 Took the time to ask God for direction Psalm 119:143 David acted opposite of Saul 1 Samuel 28:7 David understood how to treat others fairly.  (looking at others) 1 Samuel 30: 9-10 and  21-24 Jonah Jonah first tried to flee from God Jonah 1:3 Jonah prayed to God Jonah 2: 1-2 Jonah followed God’s instructions 3: 3 Jonah chose to be despondent Chapter 4 Paul Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were written while Paul under house arrest Paul thought of others Ephesians 4: 1-5 Christ John 17: 1-25 Christ prays for the Disciples and others as the end draws near What can we do? Psalms 34:1 Hebrews 3:18 Never forget that God will never forsake us Hebrews 13:5 Believe James 1: 6-8 Psalm 50: 15

• Message: “Whose Friend Are You?” from Pastor Joe

  Whose Friend Are You? Lesson Objective:  To continue the discussion on friendship by looking at our own actions and words to determine if we would make a good friend. Scripture: Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother Review from last week Definition of Friend- Biblical definition John 15: 10-14 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. Importance of Friendship- Proverbs 18:24 How does one find a friend? Be friendly Proverbs 18:24 (a) A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly Characteristics of a Good Friend Job 2:11 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.  A good friend comes to the aid of another without being asked Proverbs 18:24 (b) Are you dependable? Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 How quickly do you come to the aid of another who has fallen Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” How do you act when you are corrected or pushed hard? Proverbs 12:26 The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. When you give advice do you start with “If I were you” or “In my opinion” or do you start with “ The Bible says” after prayer Proverbs 16:28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Do you carry gossip or listen to gossip? Proverbs 27: 5-6 An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy Do you want the truth or what you want to hear? How does one find a friend? The best way is to exhibit the characteristics of a good friend I often ask the question to children “ who is your best friend”. The question for us today is who considers us their friend. So What>>>>>>>>  It is a shame to go through life without someone you can call a true friend but it is even worse to go through life and no one calls you a true friend.   Questions to ponder:  Why would someone choose you as a friend? How about when someone wants to be my close friend but i don’t want to be close to him because of his ways of living, how can one handle it? How does this lesson address when one is in a non Christian environment?  

• Message: “Proverbs The Importance of Friendship” from Pastor Joe

  Proverbs - The importance of true friendship Lesson Objective:  To look at true friendship as defined in the Book of Proverbs and  to discuss why it is essential to develop strong  friendships. Scripture:  Proverbs: 18:24; 13:20: 27:6 Introduction: The book of Proverbs is said to be written by Solomon It is one of the books of poetry Solomon is considered to be a man of great wisdom and wealth 1 Kings 3: 7-15 Solomon asks for wisdom God gives him wisdom, wealth (unconditional) and long life( conditional) Solomon was wise even before he asked for wisdom Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know How often are we unwilling to realize what we really do not know? Solomon wrote three books Song of Solomon as a young man Proverbs in middle age Ecclesiates in older age Words of Wisdom ~ Proverbs 18:24- One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. How does this verse compare to Matthew 12: 47-49 Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” 48But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” 49Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. ~ Proverbs 13:20 Birds of a feather flock together idiom People can tell a lot about me by observing my associates The best way to learn how to cook is to hang out in the kitchen with grandma and not by buying recipe books from so called experts A friend means well, even when he hurts you. But when an enemy puts his hand round your shoulder - watch out! ~ Proverbs 27:6 Be careful when someones calls you a friend and you just met True friendship is developed over time and trials Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. Proverbs 24: 26 We need people around us who will tell us the truthand not what we want to hear Are we willing to hear the truth?  As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Priverbs 27:17 We must want to always get better. One of the best ways to get better is to have someone around us who pushes us. Other verses to study about friendship Proverbs 12:26 – “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 18:24 – “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 9: 8-9 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.     Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 27: 10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.    

• Message: “Whose Shoulder Are You Standing On” from Pastor Joe

  Whose Shoulders Are You Standing On and Who Is Standing On Your Shoulders? Lesson Objective:  To understand that we must take the time to make a difference in the lives of others because someone took the time to make a difference in our lives. Scripture:  Matthew 7:16 ; Matthew 20:28; Introduction: Please Listen or read this commencement speech given by Denzel Washington at Dilliard University as an introduction to the lesson. Denzel Washinton’s  video speech https://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzc2MzY5Nzc4NA==.html?spm=a2h0k.11417342.soresults.dtitle   Denzel Washington’s speech text  : https://speakola.com/grad/denzel-washington-everything-i-have-is-by-the-grace-of-god-full-2015 This speech has several resounding themes for me:. Put God First in all that we do Never be afraid to think ouside the box because God has no boundaries Often times we really do not believe and trust and act accordingly Never forget to pray and thank God Remember to make a difference in the lives of others Let’s examine each of these themes Video Pt 1 https://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU0NjEyODgzMg==.html   God is First in everything we do Mark 12:30  Love the Lord 1 Corinthians 10:31 what ever we do do it to the glory of God Matthew 6:33 Seek God first Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. God has no boundaries Ephesians 3:20 God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Luke 1: 37 Nothing is impossible Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible Truly trust in God for what you desire Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope Do not be like the Children of Israel and forget what God has promised and what he has done Video Part 2  https://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU0NTc4MjU4NA==.html   Never forget to Pray and thank God       Pray without ceasing – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray last thing at night and first thing in the morning Video Part 3 https://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDU0NTc4MDc1Mg==.html   Making a difference in the lives of others                 1.We were put on earth to serve We are to use our gifts to make a difference We are where we are because of others Who will be able to say that about you one day?