• Message: “Spiritual Growth” from Elder Clarence

  Spiritual Growth What is Christianity to you? Christianity is not merely a label •Christianity is not merely a list of dos and don’ts I define Christianity to be the intimate fellowship of man with God i.e Christianity is a lifestyle The Christian Journey starts here - Acts 2 v 38 38 And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit What made Israel special – Exodus 33-16 6 For by what shall it be known that I and Your people have found favor in Your sight? Is it not in Your going with us so that we are distinguished, I and Your people, from all the other people upon the face of the earth? A New Covenant– Hebrews 8 v 9 9 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their forefathers on the day when I grasped them by the hand to help and relieve them and to lead them out from the land of Egypt, for they did not abide in My agreement with them, and so I withdrew My favor and disregarded them, says the Lord. A New Covenant– Hebrews 8 v 10 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds, even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.   Knowing and loving God There are levels to knowing someone • Church should be supplementary progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him Be a thermostat not a themometer …..but he hit me first. ……but everyone is doing it. • …….no one will ever know. • Independent events Phillipians 3 v 8 8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

• Message: “Growing Weary” from Pastor Joe

  Growing weary Lesson Objective:  To understand the importance of holding on even when we get weary. Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Exodus 17:12; Galations 6:9 Weariness definition Physically or mentally to make or become discontented or impatient, esp by the long continuance of something Causes of being weary Persecution 2 Timothy 3:12 Being taken advantage Physical tiredness What can happen when one gets weary Become Despondent and depressed 1 King 19:9 What to do to keep from being weary Christ grew weary John 4:6 Have someone around you Exodus 17: 8-13 Do not stop because we have been guranteed the victory Judges 8:4 Secret of fighting weariness John 4: 31-34 Others advice Lock arms with a friend Remove excess fuel Sit before God Summary 1 Corinthians 15:58...my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

• Message: “How to Pray” from Pastor Joe

  How to Pray Lesson Objective:  To review the purpose of prayer and how to pray Scripture: Matthew 6: 9-13; Luke 11: 2-4 What is Prayer? Opportunity to communicate with God Communicating with a friend and a parent It is a tool against the devil Luke 22:46  Philippians 4:6 Prayer is a two way conversation What does Amen mean and is it the end Examples of prayers in the Bible Matthew 6: 9-13 Luke 11: 2-4 Our Father who art in heaven – recognizes our relationship with God Hallowed be thy name—recognizes the true God Thy Kingdom come- Recognizes the second coming of Christ Thy will be done= Allows us to understand and accept his will in our lives Give us our daily bread- both physical and spiritual Forgive us our trespasses-- understanding that we sin and that we must also forgive those who do us wrong Lead us not into temptation.. do not allow us to enter temptation but when we do aid us in resisting Deliver us from evil…. Means keeping us safe from satan Doxology-in Matthew but not Luke ===1 Chronicles 29:11; Ps 72:19 Hezekiah 2 Kings  20: 1-6 Hannah 1 Samuel 1: 10-13 Total Church prayer - Acts 12: 1-17 Prayer of jabaz 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10 Prayer of thanksgiving Philippians 1: 1-4 Summary Prayer is a communication with God Prayer can be in the form of speaking, singing, or just thinking words Disciples asked how to pray because they began to understand the importance of prayer Pray without ceasing- 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18; Ephesians 6:18; Romans 12;12    

• Message: “Redemption Through Christ” from Minister Innomasa

  Looking in the mirror and what do I see? Lesson Objective:  To understand the importance of living a Christian lifestyle that results in being a true witness for Christ. Scripture:  Joshua 2: 1-6 , 1 Samuel 16:7   Introduction: Quote from a person that I just met.  “and my collague told me that you are a Christian, me too”. I love Christians. They are so kind. I was just baptized last year. Quote from another person..  It happens that sometimes when we talk to people who do not come to Church or who do not want to come to Church, They say that they do not come because the people who serve do the same things that they do. Which person do you see when you  look in the mirror? Why do you look in the mirror? What did Rahab see about the two spies that led her to protect them.? Joshua 2: 1-6 What does God look at when he looks at us? 1 Samuel 16:7 Are you living in such a way that people see your heart or just the ourside? Show love – John 13:35 Known by your fruit Matthew 12:23 Matthew 7: 17-18 Are you the one? John the Baptist disciples asked  Christ  Luke 7: 20 Luke 7: 17-23 Christ response was tell him what you have seen. Causing others to stumble Matthw 18:6-7 Romans 14: 21 1 Corinthians 8:13 So What!!!!! Who do you look at in the Bible as an example?  For some people you are the example that they see.  You may be the gateway for them to read the Bible.

• Message: “Looking in the mirror and what do I see” from Pastor Joe

  Looking in the mirror and what do I see? Lesson Objective:  To understand the importance of living a Christian lifestyle that results in being a true witness for Christ. Scripture:  Joshua 2: 1-6 , 1 Samuel 16:7   Introduction: Quote from a person that I just met.  “and my collague told me that you are a Christian, me too”. I love Christians. They are so kind. I was just baptized last year. Quote from another person..  It happens that sometimes when we talk to people who do not come to Church or who do not want to come to Church, They say that they do not come because the people who serve do the same things that they do. Which person do you see when you  look in the mirror? Why do you look in the mirror? What did Rahab see about the two spies that led her to protect them.? Joshua 2: 1-6 What does God look at when he looks at us? 1 Samuel 16:7 Are you living in such a way that people see your heart or just the ourside? Show love – John 13:35 Known by your fruit Matthew 12:23 Matthew 7: 17-18 Are you the one? John the Baptist disciples asked  Christ  Luke 7: 20 Luke 7: 17-23 Christ response was tell him what you have seen. Causing others to stumble Matthw 18:6-7 Romans 14: 21 1 Corinthians 8:13 So What!!!!! Who do you look at in the Bible as an example?  For some people you are the example that they see.  You may be the gateway for them to read the Bible.

• Message: “The Presence of God” from Minister Stani

  The Presence of God What does it mean the presence of God? The presence of God in Hebrew is Shekhinah, which means dwelling or settling of the divine presence of God. God presence means simply the fact that He is there, Matthew 18: 20 Moses in God presence, Exodus 34: 29 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I (God) in the midst of them” What do we need before going to the presence of God? Believe in Jesus Christ. (Mark 5: 25 – 34, Jesus heals a woman with a blood issue) Have faith in Christ. (Mark 10: 46-53, Jesus heals Bartimaeus) Repentance and prepare your heart. (Exodus 3: 3- 5) (2 Chronical 7: 14, If my people who are …) Come to His presence with a desire or an expectation. (Isaiah 30:18, therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you…) Prepare yourself, be ready to meet Him. (Exodus 19: 9 – 11 ) The benefits of the presence of God Healing, Psalm 147:2, He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Peace and rest, Matthew 11: 28 Restoration, Amos 9: 14 Change of your identity, Genesis 32: 28, from Jacob to Israel He will bring you to His secret Place. Genesis 18: 17, and the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing. Then what? The parable of the sower Mark 4: 3 -8 / 14-20 How do you prepare yourself before coming to His presence?

• Message: “Are You a Born Again Christian?” from Pastor Joe

  Are You a Born Again Christian Lesson Objective:  To understand the true meaning of born again and what a person should do after they are “born again”. Scripture: John 3:7; John 3:3; John 3: 1-16 Definition of “ Borm Again Christian” of, relating to, or being a usually Christian person who has made a renewed or confirmed commitment of faith especially after an intense religious experience 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.Johm 3:6 Who was Nicodemus Pharasee – John 3: 1 Believed somewhat in Christ John 3:2   John 12:42 Visited Christ in the night How is one born again? Water Baptism Acts 2:38 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:4 Ephesians 4:4 Spirit Holy Spirit Titus 3:5 1 Corinthians 6:11 1 Peter 1: 22-23 Two step process John 20:22 Acts Chapter 2 What happens when one is born again? Renewing Titus 3:5 Romans 12: 1-2 Must All Christians be born again?   So What Understand the importance of continuing to allow the Holy Spirit to reside in us. If you have forgotten come back to the Solid Rock If you are seeking Salvation and eternal life then we encourage you to seek God’s forgiveness and be baptized

• Message: “Keys to Christian Lifestyle”

  Keys to Christian Life Style  Lesson Objective: To review lifestyle keys as described by Paul in his writings in the book of Romans. Scripture: Romans Chapter 12 Christians must first learn that their body is a living sacrifice to God-  Chapter 12: verse 1 Old testament was sacrifice of animals New testament- Christ sacrifice for us We have to sacrifice daily by not following the desires of our hearts if they are inconsistent with the word of God Do not think like the world but have a renewing of the mind- 12:2 What are some things that the world teach which are opposite of the Bible? Look out for number one first Fornication is acceptable behavior It is ok for kids to disobey their parents Parents should not ever spank or discipline their children How does one gain this renewing of the mind? By studying the Bible and by surrounding our selves with Christians who believe in the inherent truth of the Bible Be humble and have humility Verse 3 What does it mean to have measure of faith We all have the capacity for exemplifying all of the spiritual gifts in some measure but we exceed in one more than the other because that is what comes most natural and we utilize that gift most often which allows us to become more comfortable   Use of Spiritual Gifts Review of Gifts as described by Paul- Verses 4-8 Not meant to be the only gifts for there are other gifts that may not fit directly under any of those identified by Paul. Used to uplift body of Church-  These gifts are to be used in the development of the Christian body.   The necessity of Love in our lives for each other- 12: 9 This love must be genuine and not based upon what we can get or some ulterior motive   Devoted to one another 12: 10 We must be able to depend on each other no matter what the condition   Zealous- Verse 11 also Galatians 4:17-18 We must have the same zeal when utilizing our spiritual gifts for the up building of the Church as we have in non religious events such as football games, etc.   Romans 12: additional keys to living  Verse 12-14 Do not be revengeful- 14-21 We must recognize that there will be disagreements but these should not lead to our revenge. Summary It is vitally important that we recognize that the key to living a Christian lifestyle is to understand first that we must allow God to enter our lives and that we are to meet his purposes. Furthermore this requires a change of mindset different from what is taught in the world and recognizing that each of us have a spiritual gift that must be used to build and sustain the Church. We can only accomplish this is we truly love each other and be zealous of our responsibilities and never utilize revenge as a means of addressing the Church.  

• Message: “Honesty and Trust” from Pastor Joe

  Honesty and Trust--- Truth may not be honesty Lesson Objective:  To understand the importance of being honest and always telling the truth even in the most difficult of situations Scriptures:  Colossians 3:9; Proverbs 12:22; Philipians 4: 8; 2 Corinthians 2:15 Definitions 1.      Honesty is when you speak the truth and act truthfully 2.      Trust is firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something 3.      The truth about something is all the facts about it, rather than things that are imagined B.     The importance of honesty a.      Philippians 4:8  pure, honorable, b.      Proverbs 6: 16-19 God hates dishonesty c.       Dishonesty can affecr an entire nation  Joshua 7: 1-26 ( story of Achan) d.      Honesty is the foundation of any relationship e.       Honesty can keep us from living a life of lies f.       Honesty allows us to understand that people often hate the dishonesty more than the actual act that we are trying to hide C.    The importance of Trust a.      Gods Trust                                                               i.      Joshua 1-9                                                             ii.      Psalms 9:10                                                           iii.      Proverbs 3: 5-6 b.      Are you trustworthy                                                               i.      Foundation of trustworthy 1.      Honest 2.      Capable 3.     Reliable D.    What can you do when you lose the trust of someone? a.      Zacheaus Luke 19: 1-10 E.     Truth is not always honesty a.      Motive for telling truth b.      Telling only what benefits you F.     Where does it start and where does it stop a.      Judas went from thief to murderer John 12:6 G.    So what  Luke 16:10  Matthew 25:23

• Message: “Fellowship” from pastor

  Fellowship --- Together or Alone? Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of gathering together while still having some alone time. Scriptures: Romans 12:5 1 Corinthians 12 A,  Why the need to fellowship? An opportunity to see God’s - handi work--- Romans 12: 4-6 Understand the importance of worshiping  together  -Matthew 18: 19-20 Provides encouragement -  Hebrews 10:  24-25 We are never alone – 1 Kings 19: 8-10 Learn from each other - 1 Corinthains 14:26 We are a part of a body,,,not the body -Romans 12:5 1 Cointhians 12:12 12: 27 Christ went to Church -  Luke 4: 16 What happens when one stops fellowshiping Run the risk of stopping your spiritual growth Begin to fall for teachings that are not true Not using your spiritual gifts – 1 Peter 4:10 We need each other We all need encouragement,    1 Thessalonians 5:11 Two are better than one Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Summary Actively seek a prayer partner and be willing to share all of your sorrows and joys. Always seeking fellowship