Wilmington First Assembly of God

The Grace of God

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 7 February 2012 19:00:00 EST

Born in a Muslim family with Middle-Eastern origins, Christopher Alam received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1975. He was immediately confined in a mental asylum for his faith in Christ. Christopher responded quickly to the call of God and began to preach the Gospel. He was arrested several times and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. After being threatened with execution, Christopher finally escaped to Sweden, where he was given political asylum, eventually becoming a Swedish subject. It was in Sweden that he met is wife, Britta, in the church that he attended. They were married in 1979.

Christopher first attended the Torchbearers Bible School in HolsbyBrunn, in Sweden, then, together with Britta, attended RHEMA Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Christopher also served with Operation Mobilization in the Benelux countries. He taught for several years as a full-time teacher at the Word of Life Training Center in Uppsala, Sweden, which was the largest Bible school in Europe at that time.

Dynamis World Ministries started as a missions organization with Christopher Alam's preaching behind the Iron Curtain long before the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. From there, it spread to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In 1993 the Alams and the ministry's headquarters moved from Sweden to Lancaster, PA.

Christopher Alam has preached the Gospel in over 60 nations so far, and hundreds of churches have been started as a fruit of this ministry. The preaching of the Gospel is accompanied by signs, wonders, and miracles.

Dynamis World Ministries has full-time crusade teams at bases in Africa and Asia. These bases are located in Zimbabwe and a 'closed' country in Southeast Asia. In addition to this, there is a full-time team running the Training Center for church planters and pioneers in Southeast Asia.

What is Faith?

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 6 February 2012 19:00:00 EST

Things of Faith

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 5 February 2012 18:00:00 EST

Why I Preach the Gospel

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 5 February 2012 10:30:00 EST

What Are We Leaving?

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 29 January 2012 10:30:00 EST

The song says it well - "Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!" As believers in Christ, we are looking for, and waiting expectantly for that great Blessed Hope - the rapture of the church! And, I believe it will indeed be soon - very soon!

There may be some people who aren't expecting Christ's return. In fact, the Bible says there will be people who say "where is the promise of his coming? All things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!" (2 Peter 3:4) However, just a quick look around you tells you that things are NOT as they have always been. One need not be a "news junkie" to be aware of the wars, rumors of wars, famines, weather changes, increases in earthquakes, financial catastrophes... all pointing to Christ's soon return.

Here is something well worth pondering. When Christ comes to take His followers to heaven with him, what will things be like here on this planet? Think about it - no true church, no real believers, and most importantly - with the absence of any real believer, the Holy Spirit will no longer be dwelling within any human being - so there will be no one praying at all!

Last week we answered the question "Where Are We Going?" This week we want to look at the other side of that same question, as we continue our "Focus on the Future" series by asking this important question - "What Are We Leaving?" Don't miss it!

Where Are We Going?

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 22 January 2012 10:30:00 EST

Can you imagine heading out the door, getting in your vehicle, starting the car, and driving away without any idea where you were heading or what your destination was? Wouldn't it be foolish to take a trip without knowing where you are going? You wouldn't know how to prepare for the trip or what to pack for where you would end up.

But, in all reality, many Christians are doing that very thing! Every day, they continue on the trip of their life, without having any idea where they are going or what they should take with them. Oh, granted, they may believe as a Christian they are going to end up in heaven, but do they really know where they are going, or anything about what to take - or what they can take with them?!

In John 14, Jesus told the disciples about our future destination. He said He was going to prepare a place for them, and that He would come back to take them to be with him. Today, we are waiting along with all believers for Jesus to take us to the place He is preparing for us!

As we continue our "Focus on the Future" series this Sunday, we will be looking at the Bible and discover the answer to the question every believer needs to know - "Where Are We Going?" This is a message that you will want to invite all your friends to join with you in hearing!

Great Expectations - For the Sinner

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 15 January 2012 10:30:00 EST

PIf you are a believer in Jesus Christ, and have asked Him to be your Savior, then you have great expectations about the future, because you are trusting in Him! When we look around us, and see all the confusion, the moral decay, political unrest around the world as well as here in America, global weather change, wars and rumors of wars – we can be encouraged, because our future is focused on Jesus returning to take us home with Him! Paul reveals "a mystery" to us in 1 Corinthians 15, saying "We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." As the saints used to say – "I'm not looking for the undertaker, but for the Uppertaker!"

But – what about the one who hasn't asked Christ to be their Savior? What expectation does this person have?

Some have concluded that a good, kind, loving God could never send anyone to hell. In fact, there are some who have implied that God has save everyone, without any regard to them having asked Christ to be their Savior. Unfortunately for them, this is not true. The Bible describes a far different future for those apart from Christ.

Last Sunday here at WFA we spoke about "Great Expectations – For The Saint" and described the hope and joy associated with the expectation that the saints – followers of Christ – have as we wait for the rapture of the church. This Sunday, we will look at the other side of that, and share about the Second Coming of Christ, in a message we are calling "Great Expectations – For The Sinner."

What can the sinner expect in the future? Most likely something far different than they think! You don't want to miss this message in our series, "Focus On The Future!"

Great Expectation for the Saint

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 8 January 2012 10:30:00 EST

As a new year begins, there is an accompanying thought of new beginnings. People traditionally make "New Year's Resolutions" to take advantage of a new beginning with a new year. However, most resolutions give way to the reality of life and a return to things as they have always been.

This will surely prove true as we begin 2012. The conditions of the world around us, including political upheaval, economic failures, extreme weather swings, and continued moral decay don't give too much hope of things getting better in 2012.

What are your expectations for the future? In the natural, perhaps not much. But, as a believer in Jesus Christ, your outlook is far different! Your future is far different than what the eye can see!

In 1 Thessalonians 4, we read that we don't need to be like those with no hope. There are some incredible things waiting for us in the future! As a Christian, although there may be some temporary difficulties, we can be encouraged because there are "Great Expectations – For The Saint!"

Be sure to join us this Sunday morning at WFA, as I continue my "Focus on the Future" series with this encouraging message of hope!

Hope for the New Year

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 01 January 2012 10:30:00 EST

We are just days from the conclusion of 2011 and the beginning of a brand new year. And as the calendars are changed and as we celebrate yet another new year, there are many people concerned about whether the new year will actually be the last year!

These concerns stem from many factors. The ancient Mayan calendar predicts the end of the world on December 21, 2012. Couple that with the wild predictions of the 2nd coming of Christ last year by Harold Camping. Then throw in a good dose of the wild climate changes on our planet, including the increase in the number earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes and hurricanes. And, just look at the news with all of the reports of scores of nations in upheaval with governments crashing, leaders toppled, and the economy tanking. The list goes on and on. All these and so many other factors will make "end times discussions" a prime target of discussion in the new year.

As we start this New Year, our plans here at WFA are to share through preaching on Sunday mornings and teaching on Wednesday nights, a comprehensive, yet easily understood, biblical insight on what we are REALLY going to be facing in 2012.

To start things off, on New Year's Day morning, I want you to understand that in spite of the way things may look around us at every turn, for each and every one of us, 2012 is a year that will be filled with hope – great hope! Why? Because we have the Blessed Hope!

In Ephesians 1:18 we read, "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." Do you see that? We are to KNOW the HOPE that God has called us to!

There are many different kinds of hope, but this is the BLESSED hope! It is what we are all looking for, and counting on! It is what we are sure of! Christ is coming back for us!

Just what is so important about having this Blessed Hope now? What does holding on to this blessed hope, and looking for this blessed hope do for us NOW – here – on a practical level?

Holding fast to this "blessed hope" is much more than a "pie-in-the-sky" theology! It has dynamic implications upon our daily walk in the Lord!

Be sure to join us at 10:30 am on New Year's Day as we begin our journey together, and find "Hope for the New Year!"

What Lies Ahead

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 31 December 2011 18:30:00 EST

It is the end of 2011, and we now stand at the beginning of 2012. Listen to Pastor Satyran's last message of the year in preparation for the coming New Year.

Christmas Presents

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 25 December 2011 10:30:00 EST

"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me..." Is there anything more identified with Christmas, especially in America, than the tradition of giving gifts? Families exchange presents. Co-workers give gifts to each other. Quite often, presents are given to people who have little relationship with each other throughout the year - but at Christmas time, things are different!

Some have, perhaps rightfully, decried all of this as a part of the huge commercialization of the Christmas season. However, the giving of gifts to celebrate the birth of Christ is nothing new at all. In Matthew 2:11 we read "…they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

This Sunday is Christmas Day, and as we gather to worship at WFA, we will conclude our "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" series with a special message about "Christmas Presents!" Let's look beyond simply the custom of commercial gift giving, and see the spiritual truth associated with the giving and receiving of gifts. Don't forget - God loved us so much that He gave!

Christmas Travel

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 18 December 2011 10:30:00 EST

PThe old songs speak the sentiment well – "Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go..." "I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me..." One of the things that mark our American celebration during the Christmas season is traveling. We travel locally to gatherings of friends and co-workers, and we travel long distances in order to be with our family at this time of the year. Most everyone has a desire to be "home for Christmas."

Travel is a key ingredient to the Christmas narratives found in the Bible. That very first Christmas we see the magi travel from afar to worship the newborn King, and the shepherds travel from their fields to "go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." (Luke 2:15)

We are continuing our series of messages on "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," where we examine many of the "natural" ingredients of the Christmas season, and see the deeper, spiritual meanings found within them. We have already looked at the beautiful Christmas Lights and know that Jesus is the light of the world, and that we are to let our light shine to draw others to Christ. Last week we spoke about our traditional Christmas Tree, and recognized that Jesus is the tree that came from the root of Jesse, that we are the branches, and the ornaments on the branches remind us of fruit, and the fruitfulness that needs to be a part of our lives as believers in Christ.

This Sunday we will be looking at "Christmas Travel" – and take time to see the great distance that God has traveled to reach us, and the distance we must travel to reach others for Him. You will never look at traveling the same way again! Don't miss this third part of our series!

Christmas Tree

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 00 December 2011 10:30:00 EST

Yes, that's my Christmas tree! Actually, it could be my tree from any year, because we always decorate it the same way. It's a tradition for us! In fact, our tree is decorated nearly the same way as the Christmas tree found in my boyhood home every year! Some things have been modified and slightly altered throughout the years, but the deep-seated traditions on how my tree looks have remained consistent since... well, since before I was born!

Across America, you will find a Christmas tree in nearly every home, including many who's owners don't even have a Christian faith! Bringing a tree into the home and decorating it during the Christmas season isn't really a very old tradition. It began in the late 19th century, originally in western Germany. The Christmas tree wasn't decorated until Christmas Eve – a tradition we held to in my home during all the years of my childhood until I had grown up and gotten married!

This month at WFA, I am preaching a series of messages on the theme "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!" The song popularized by Andy Williams during the 1960's tells us that it's the happiest season of all, and talks about visiting friends, going to parties, Christmas caroling in the snow, holiday greetings and happy meetings! The world certainly recognizes much of the merriment of the season. I believe that as believers in Christ, this can also be the most wonderful time of the year, if we will just take advantage of the many opportunities presented to us every day to be a living witness for our Lord! Because it is Christmas, there are built-in open doors ready for us to walk through!

Last week we shared about the beautiful Christmas lights that are all around, and how the Lord has used lights from the time of creation until this very day to allow us to live for and speak about Jesus. This week, we want to share about the wonderful life lessons we can learn from that most-common Christmas decoration – the Christmas Tree! Don't miss this great encouraging message!

Christmas Lights

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 4 December 2011 10:30:00 EST

The late Dr. D. James Kennedy once said "the greatest tragedy of the Christmas holiday each year is not so much its commercialization, but its trivialization." I couldn't agree more!

While I surely don't endorse all the commercial aspects of Christmas, I refuse to allow the world to steal the joy of this season! All too often, we become so focused on avoiding the secular, that we lose the joy of the Christmas season!

The songwriter said it years ago – "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" For the believer in Christ, this should be especially true!

During the four Sundays of December, we will take a look at what could, at first glance, be seen as the secular side of Christmas, and see the truth of Christ revealed!

Jesus is the reason for the season! He is what makes it the most wonderful time of the year!

I Thank God for You

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 27 November 2011 10:30:00 EST

Thanksgiving Day may be history, but giving thanks needs to be a 24-7 lifestyle for all of us! No exceptions!

We know that we are to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). But, not only are we to give thanks in the midst of all things, we are also called to give thanks to God FOR all things (Ephesians 5:20).

Many folks are able to "stretch" themselves to give thanks even during difficult times. But, it becomes very hard to even contemplate actually giving thanks for the things that seem difficult, harsh, or destructive. It helps in times like that when we remember that God is able to use all things for His glory, and He is able to use for good even what the enemy means for our harm.

In Genesis, we read that Joseph's brothers, due to their jealousy, sold him into slavery. Later, when he meets his brothers again, he says to them, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Paul tells the church in Romans 8:28 that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

One writer put it this way –

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful in the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful when you have limitations Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful during the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful in the midst of your troubles and they can become your blessings.

On this weekend that we pay special attention to our giving thanks, I want you to know that I thank God for you! God has brought each of you into my life in one way or another, and each of you has had an affect on my life.

As Paul the apostle wrote to the church at Philippi, he was ten years removed from planting that church. And, he wrote it while sitting in a damp, dark prison in Rome. Yet, he begins his letter to them with these remarkable words – "I thank my God every time I remember you."

This Sunday at WFA, we are going to take a look at the first chapter of Philippians, and examine just how Paul gave thanks to God for these people. It can and should stand as a model of how we need to give thanks for one another! Don't miss the practical and timely message!

Give It All You Got

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 6 November 2011 10:30:00 EST

In my youth, I was a competitive swimmer. The sport involves many hours of practice, swimming lap after lap, continually trying to swim faster and faster. As part of a "medley relay" team of four people, each one swimming a different stroke, I regularly swam the butterfly. As I stood on the starting block, waiting for the breaststroker to complete their lap, I would hear the other team members encourage me to "give it all you got!" You see, it wasn't enough in the race to simply swim correctly or gracefully. It was important to put everything you had into the race. You were expected to push yourself as hard as you could.

This is exactly what Paul was referring to in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. He says that all the athletes train hard in order to win. And they are merely attempting to win a gold medal. But, we are in a far more important race, and our prize is not a gold medal, it is eternal life! With that in mind, he says, "I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got."

Are you living in such a way as to "give it all you got?" Interestingly, if you scan through the New Testament, you will find exactly six times where we are admonished to "make every effort." Each of these six times refers to a critical area of our Christian character that is vitally important for us to focus upon, and "give it all we got!"

This Sunday morning at WFA we are going to examine these six areas of Christian character, and encourage everyone to "Give It All You Got!" Don't miss it!

I Will Build My Church

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 30 October 2011 10:30:00 EST

I have heard it said, and you probably have, too. There's even a book with it as the title. "I like Jesus. I just don't like the church." Why would anyone say that? And, more importantly, what does it mean for us?

The reason this statement has been made so often is because there is such a huge difference between who Jesus is and what many people see in what they think is the "church." First, let's understand that "the church" isn't a building. Secondly, we need to recognize that the church is not a corporate organization. The church is not something made of brick and mortar, and it's not something run by CEOs or a board of directors. Rather than an organization, the church is an organism, a living representation of Christ on this planet. It is not founded by any man, but rather it is built by Christ Himself!

In response to Jesus' question, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Peter said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus then pronounced a blessing upon Peter, and within His blessing, there are five simple yet profound words – "I will build my church."

You see, the reason why some claim to like Jesus, but not the church, is because they haven't seen the church that Jesus is speaking of when He said, "I will build my church!"

This Sunday at WFA we will be looking at and examining in detail just what these five words mean for us today. If you like Jesus, but don't like "the church," then you won't want to miss this message!

Facing the Giants

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 23 October 2011 10:30:00 EST

This morning we welcome Rev. Tom Rees back to WFA. Tom serves the PennDel District as the Assistant to the Superintendent, and oversees the areas of Church Development, US Missions, and Men's Ministries.

Relentless

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 16 October 2011 10:30:00 EST

Sunday October 16th is National Speed the Light Sunday. Speed the Light is the Assemblies of God National Youth Ministries Missions Giving Program. Speed the Light provides "Essential Transportation and Creative Communication" for Assemblies of God Missionaries around the world. Here at WFA, IMPACT Youth has committed to giving Missionaries Doug and Carol Baldwin the funds to further the work they are currently doing in Ecuador with Children's Ministry.

This Sunday, our focus will be on the "Relentless" love that God has for every single one of us - it is this love that motivates our missionaries to see lives changed and souls saved around the world. Jesus taught about this kind of relentless love in Luke 15. His teaching in the Parable of the Lost Son shows the heart of God the Father - and gives us the example of how we are to love each other. Don't miss this Sunday at WFA - come and be reminded of the RELENTLESS love God has for us - and come prepared to partner with IMPACT Youth in providing the Essential Transportation and Creative Communication for Doug and Carol Baldwin, missionaries to Ecuador.

When Heaven Opens

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 03 October 2011 10:30:00 EST

There is a philosophy that is quite common in the world – in fact, it is even common among many Christians – where there is a belief in God, but that He is somewhere far off and distant. People with this concept of God live as though they are all alone, and must negotiate life's challenges by themselves. They don't doubt there is a God, but to them, He seems to be untouchable, unreachable, and disconnected from their life. He is simply watching from afar.

Perhaps it seems to you as though God is afar off, and that the heavens are closed to you.

But, the truth is that God is not far off, and the heavens are most certainly not closed! In fact, there are at least five instances in the New Testament where we specifically see that the heavens are opened! If we take a look at these five instances, we can gain great insight into how our God cares for us!

Do you want to see heaven open? Then be sure to join us this Sunday at WFA as we see exactly what happens "When Heaven Opens!" Don't miss it!

Penn-Del Charities

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 25 September 2011 10:30:00 EST

John D. Castellani currently serves as the Executive Director of Penn-Del Charities. In 2007, John took on this volunteer position at the request of Superintendent Stephen Tourville to advance Penn-Del Charities into its full potential and be a resource to the churches and communities in the Penn-Del District. He has been diligently working over the years with teams of gifted and talented individuals to make the vision and mission of PDC come to pass and impact individuals in need for eternity.

John was President and Chief Executive Officer of Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc., in Rehersburg, Pennsylvania. He served in this capacity from 1989 to 2002 and from 2005 to 2006. Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc. is a second phase Christian Rehabilitation Substance Abuse Program with occupancy of 250 plus students. Reverend Castellani was responsible for ten Induction Centers located in Harrisburg, Rural Ridge, Philadelphia, (men and women homes), Factoryville and Rehersburg, Pennsylvania; Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, New York; Sandhills, North Carolina.

He was President of Teen Challenge International, USA with headquarters in Springfield, Missouri from 1998 to 2005. In that capacity, he was responsible for working with the directors of 170 centers nationwide.

Additionally, he served as Board Member of Global Teen Challenge from 1995 to 2005 as well as a consultant and trainer for leaders in various countries.

Reverend Castellani is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God since 1962. He graduated from Eastern Bible Institute (presently called Valley Forge Christian College). He completed further training at Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Graduate School of Theology. He has pastored four churches in the Penn-Del District from 1960 to 1988. He served as presbyter of the South Central Section of the Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council of the Assemblies of God from 1977 to 1984. He also served as Christian Education Director and Director of Ministries in the Pennsylvania-Delaware District for two years.

Revered Castellani and his wife, Esther, have been married since June 20, 1959 and reside in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. They have two married daughters and five grandchildren.

He served on the Working Group on Human Needs and Faith-Based Community Initiatives conducted by Search for Common Ground chaired by former Senator Harris Wolford. Presentation was made on January 15, 2002 at the Washington DC Press Club.

He was a Certified Allied Addiction Practitioner with (PCACP) Pennsylvania Chemical Abuse Certification Board, a Member of the National Association of Forensic Counselors and has a (MACE) Masters Addictions Counselor Endorsement and is a (CCJS) Certified Criminal Justice Specialist.

Standing Fearless at the Edge of the Cliff

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 18 September 2011 10:30:00 EST

Between a rock and a hard place. Out of options. No place left to go. At the end of yourself. Your back is up against the wall. At the edge of a cliff.

Have you ever been there? Perhaps you are there now! If so, then you are in good company! Just think about Moses and the Israelites backed up against the Red Sea. Think about Daniel in the lion's den. Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace.

There are times in life that you just feel like the enemy has been pursuing you from every direction, and you have done all you can, and find yourself out of options, at the end of the line, and come to the very edge of the cliff with no where left to go.

When you get there – then you know there is only one place you can turn!

I recently read Psalm 46:1-2 in "The Message," and it absolutely grabbed me. It says, "God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains."

Are you at the edge of the cliff? Then, you need to know that God is a safe place to hide, that he is ready to help you!

This Sunday morning we will be talking about what to do when you are at the end of it all – how you can stand fearless at the edge of the cliff! Don't miss it!

10 Things Everyone Needs To Know

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 11 September 2011 10:30:00 EST

Things changed for Americans ten years ago. And, they have continued to change ever since.

Just take a casual look around you. Try to take the "pulse" of the world that surrounds you. We have seen terrorism and tragedy. There has been an increase of war in scope and in the numbers of nations involved in war. We see friends and family that have gone through pain and death.

You cannot escape the numbers of advertisements promising that their medication will help with depression, while they mention that the prescription itself can cause a litany of problems and difficulties enough to cause depression. We have seen weather extremes that have, at least in my lifetime, have never been experienced.

The economy around us is worse than at any time since the depression of the 1920's. Poverty is present even here in America like never before.

In the back of many people's minds – and perhaps in the forefront of many others, the question is asked – "Is God in control?"

In times like these, where nearly everything seems to be in question, and where the once unshakable now seems to be shaken, is there any stability at all? After last week's occurrences of an earthquake, a hurricane, and a tornado all experienced here in Delaware, one acquaintance asked, "Can anyone tell me what this means?"

Can we count on anything today? In all the questions, is there anything that we can count on? Anything that we can know for certain?

Most certainly, there is!

The Bible says in 1 John 5:13 that these things have been written so that we may know that we have eternal life. There are absolutes. In fact, in just this one book of the Bible, 1 John, we read no less than ten times that we can know!

This Sunday at WFA, I want to share with you "10 Things Everyone Needs To Know." This is a message you will not want to miss. In fact, it is a message you should invite your entire family, and your friends, neighbors and co-workers to come and hear with you. This Sunday – you will know!

A Christian Labor Day

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 04 September 2011 10:30:00 EST

Where has the summer gone? This weekend, we Americans celebrate what has come to be considered the last weekend of the summer - Labor Day weekend. Even though summer actually has another three weeks, the Labor Day holiday for most people means an end to the summer activities and a return to the regular schedules of work and school. Interestingly, Labor Day began as a day to recognize the work done by those who are... well, who are laborers! Rather than the family picnics of today, Labor Day was observed to demonstrate "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. I believe there is no better time to share an explanation of what true Christian ministry, or if you prefer, Christian labor, is. I have said many times that ministry is a four-letter word - spelled "w-o-r-k." And, what better example of what our Christian labor should be than the example of Christ Himself. This Sunday at WFA, we are going to look at Matthew 20, where we find Christ coming face to face with two blind men. His actions and His words provide for us a tremendous outline of what "A Christian Labor Day" should be. You won't want to miss this practical lesson for our daily living.

The Moment

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 21 August 2011 10:30:00 EST

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This Sunday morning, we welcome Rev. Garland Owensby to WFA as our special guest speaker. Garland grew up here at WFA, and is now teaching youth ministry at SAGU (Southwest AG University) in Waxahachie, TX, and also travels as a stand-up comedian!

Dealing with Discouragement in Ministry

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 14 August 2011 10:30:00 EST

Are you at a place where you feel like you have been working as hard as you can for a very long time, and you just don't see any fruit from all you have done? Feel like you've been banging your head against a wall, and all you have to show for it is a great big headache?

This is especially difficult if you have been laboring for the Lord in ministry! You know God has called you, you know God has gifted and equipped you, and you have His promises that He will bless you – and yet, it all seems empty and disastrous now.

Well, you aren't the only one to be in that situation! And, you are in good company, too. In Isaiah 49, the prophet says he knows God called him (:1), that God prepared him (:2), that God has protected him (:2) and called him personally (:3). Yet, in spite of understanding these truths, how does Isaiah feel? He says in verse 4 that he has "labored to no purpose" and he has "spent his strength in vain and for nothing."

Feeling this way can become even more stressful during times like we are experiencing here in America now. Unemployment skyrocketing and inflation rising seems to be a breeding ground for feelings of discouragement.

During the recently concluded AG General Council meetings, guest speaker Rick Warren shared a wonderful word for the church. He mentioned that "bad times are good times for churches!" And, he encouraged us to know that this is not the time to pull back and withdraw, but rather to move forward in greater ways than ever before!

This Sunday at WFA, we are going to look at these thoughts, and examine just what we need to do during these times! You won't want to miss this tremendous time of inspiration and encouragement!

Exceptional

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 07 August 2011 10:30:00 EST

This Sunday's message will be presented by our children's Pastor Mike Murphy. You won't want to miss this message!

Are You Being Set Up?

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 31 July 2011 10:30:00 EST

Ever feel like you've been set up? You know how it goes… things seem to be going right - almost too right! You are given an opportunity that seems excellent. You are doing everything right. And all of a sudden, things fall apart all around you! It's almost as if things had been orchestrated for your demise in spite of what had appeared to be a great opportunity for advancement!

Do you ever wonder why things go wrong when you are living for Jesus and doing everything you know He wants you to do? Of course, we often just blame the devil and move on.

But, did you ever think that perhaps there is a higher purpose to the trouble you face? What we call "trouble," many times God has allowed to take place in our lives in order to bring about a blessing!

In 2 Chronicles 19, we read how Jehoshaphat had turned the people to God, and how he appointed judges throughout the land, as well as priests and heads of families to administer the Law of the Lord. Jehoshaphat instructed the people to "serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord." He warned them not to sin against the Lord. He admonished them to "act with courage," and prayed that "the Lord would be with those who do well. Sounds to me like Jehoshaphat was doing the right things.

But the very first verse of the next chapter says this - "After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat." Why would this happen to him, immediately after making all of the right choices and decisions? Was he being "set up?"

What we read in 2 Chronicles chapter 20 provides a wonderful directive for us in when we go through times when it seems like we have been "set up." In verse 20, Jehoshaphat says, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful."

Are you being set up? I am confident that God can - and WILL - use all things and allow them to work together for your good, as you trust in Him! Be sure to join us this Sunday at WFA, as we will look at 2 Chronicles 20 to find out what we should do if we are being "set up!" Don't miss it!

Words with Friends

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 24 July 2011 10:30:00 EST

For those who haven't been "initiated," one of the most popular games being played today is called "Words With Friends." Very similar to the traditional board game "Scrabble," anyone with an iPhone, iPod, iPad, or any of the Android phones can download the app for free and find someone to play with online. Since I am a long-time Scrabble player, picking up Words With Friends was an easy thing for me, and I have played scores of games. In fact, I have only ever lost four times - all four to the same person (they know who they are!). Since I am a person who enjoys words, I enjoy the game!

However, this is not the only kind of "Words With Friends" game that some people play. Long before the "Words With Friends" app was released, people were already playing with words with their friends. Sometimes people speak good words and bless their friends. Unfortunately, there are also times that some individuals speak harsh words, and cause grief and hardship.

Talking about the words we use, James 3:9-10 says that "with the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness… My brothers, this should not be."

How should our "words with friends" be? Colossians 4:6 tells us to "let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

In my message this Sunday at WFA, I want to share some guidelines that can help to assure that our "Words With Friends" will follow this biblical admonition. You won't want to miss this practical application of God's Word!

Commission Them

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 17 July 2011 10:30:00 EST

It makes no sense at all. WFA is not a mega-church. We have no surplus of funds. We have no excess personnel. And yet, we have made, once again, a conscious, specific decision to give away thousands of dollars and a core group of gifted people.

So, why are we doing this? Because we believe in and are 100% committed to advancing the kingdom of God and fulfilling Christ's "great commission."

What are we doing? Once again, we are planting another new church. Why are we doing this? Consider these facts:

Churches in America

- Between 50 and 75 U.S. churches close their doors every week. - More than 80% of the churches in the U.S. have plateaued or are declining. - Every year over 3700 churches in America close their doors for good – that's 71 per week. - America has more people but fewer churches per person. There are 60 percent fewer churches per capita now than there were in 1920.

People in America

- In the United States alone, there are over 200 million unchurched people, making the U.S. the third largest mission field in the world, and the largest mission field in the English-speaking world. - Since 1991, the number of adults in the U.S. who do not attend church has nearly doubled. Only 2 out of 10 Americans attend church on any given Sunday. - The percentage of people in attendance at any Christian church dropped from 20.4 percent in 1990 to under 18 percent in 2005, and to less than 18% by 2008. In ten years, that number is projected to be less than 15 percent. - Seventy-seven percent of Americans do not have a consistent, life-giving connection with a local church.

Young adults in America

- The largest unreached people group in America is the 20-somethings. - 51.9 million people in the U.S. between the ages of 20-38 are not connected with the existing churches. - Eight million 20-somethings alive today will no longer attend church by the time they turn 30. - The fastest growing religious affiliation among young adults is "None of the Above" – growing from 7% to 17% in the last twenty years. - Given a blank piece of paper and asked for their impressions of Christians, 16-29 year olds gave these top three responses: hate homosexuals, hypocritical, judgmental.

Planting new churches is a part of our spiritual "DNA" here at WFA. Why do we regularly plant new churches? First, because Jesus told us to, and because lost people matter to God. Secondly, it has been proven that there is no more effective way to reach people for Christ than planting new churches. Simply put, new churches effectively reach people for Christ. Again, consider these statistical facts:

1.) A church that is 50 years old will add only 1 new convert per 85 members per year. 2.) A church that is 7 years old adds 1 new convert per 7 members per year. 3.) A church that is 3 years old or less adds 1 new convert per member per year.

This Sunday, we will commission our fifth church plant – Skypointe Church, under the pastoral direction of Rev. Daniel and Sara Day. You will not want to miss this historic occasion.

My message, "Commission Them," will be directed not only to the members of the Skypointe Church Launch Team, but to every believer in attendance. Drawn from Acts 13:2, "The Message" translation says, "Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do." Just as Barnabas and Saul were commissioned by the church to reach out to spread the Good News of Christ, we will be commissioning a fantastic group of people to follow this biblical mandate.

In First Place

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 10 July 2011 10:30:00 EST

This coming week, Major League Baseball will have its annual All-Star Game. As any baseball fan knows, every team wants to be sure to have played well enough to be in contention at the All-Star break. And, it's a great thing to be in first place then! I am a life-long Pittsburgh Pirates fan, and as I write this, my Bucs are only a game and a half out of first place, which is huge for a team that has been in the basement for over a decade. As I watched a recent post-game interview with Pirates manager, Clint Hurdle, his words caught my attention. He was explaining what was different about this Pirates team from other teams he had managed. He mentioned that every player on the team showed up early, worked very hard, and cared nothing about getting individual credit. All they cared about was winning the game that day as a team. I was impressed. That is what it takes to be a good team. And, it may be what is needed for the Pirates to be in first place at the All-Star break!

A team doesn't get to first place by accident. There are certain things that they must do, and things they must not do, in order to be in first.

My question for you today is this. What is in first place in your life? I guarantee you, whatever is in first place isn't there by accident. It is there because of the things you have done, or the things you haven't done.

As a Christian, it should be your goal that Jesus Christ would be in first place in your life. That is what Jesus wants. Colossians 1:18 tells us that Christ Himself wants to "...have first place in everything." If you want that to be true, then there are most certainly things you must do in order for that to happen.

This Sunday at WFA we are going to talk about how you run your life, what your decisions are, and what actions you take. We will specifically be talking about what it takes to make sure that in your life, Jesus is "In First Place!"

The Test of Freedom

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 03 July 2011 10:30:00 EST

When I was just a boy, I remember playing with other children, and often hearing one child say to another, "You can't make me do that! It's a free country!" Although those are childish words, I have sometimes heard the same thing come for the mouths of adults when they are asked to do something they don't want to do!

Interestingly, there is a variation of that same thinking prevalent in many Christians. They will be quick to quote John 8:36, saying, "He who the Son sets free is free indeed," while they go about doing whatever they desire to do in their life. The claim is that since they are free in Christ, and not "under the law," that no one can tell them what they can or cannot do.

However, this is not what true freedom is all about.

This is the weekend that we celebrate our freedom as Americans. This certainly is a free country. However, that does not mean that anyone can do anything they want, any way they want, any time they want. If you think you can, just go try to drive down the highway on the left side, claiming that you have freedom to do whatever you want! There are rules and regulations and laws that have been established in order that we can live in peace and harmony with each other in this land.

Likewise, the freedom that we have in Christ comes with parameters and guidelines that help each one of us to walk in true freedom. For example, in Galatians 5:13 we read that we are "...called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature." Yes, we are free – but we are not free to go and sin!

What are the other guidelines we can find to help us properly understand our Christian freedom? This Sunday at WFA we are going to be examining seven specific guidelines we can use to make sure we are truly walking in freedom. Don't miss this timely message as we look at "The Test of Freedom."

Following Jesus

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 26 June 2011 10:30:00 EST

Well, that series of hypothetical questions is really the basis of the Assemblies of God's ministry known as Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. Chi Alpha missionaries are trained specifically to reach college and university campuses here in America, where scores of the brightest young men and women gathered together to prepare for their life's work.

Eighteen million collegians are pursuing degrees on campuses nationwide. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowships are established at more than 270 major colleges and universities throughout the United States, involving more than 22,000 students in weekly evangelism and discipleship. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship also serves international students studying on U.S. campuses through friendship and conversational English partners, Bible studies, retreats and social events. Almost a million international students and scholars, representing 200 nations of the world, attend campuses in the United States.

This Sunday, Dennis Gaylor, national director of Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, will be our special guest here at WFA. Gaylor has served as the national director for 33 years. Under Gaylor's leadership, national appointment for men and women called to serve in university ministry was introduced in 1992. Today, there are 286 nationally appointed Chi Alpha campus missionaries.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear of what God is doing on the college campuses across America!

Character of a Good Man

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 19 June 2011 10:30:00 EST

This Sunday is Father's Day across America. Courtesy of the National Center for Fathering (www.fathers.com), here are some interesting facts about fathering in America -

• An estimated 24.7 million children (36.3%) live absent from their biological father.

• There are almost 17 million children (25%) living with their single mothers.

• 1.25 million or 32% of all births in 1995 were out-of-wedlock.

• Today nearly 4 out of 10 first marriages end in divorce, 60% of divorcing couples have children, and over one million children each year experience the divorce of their parents.

• One out of every six children is a stepchild.

• There are nearly 1.9 million single fathers with children under 18.

• 4 out of every 10 cohabitating couples have children present, and of children born to cohabitating couples, only 4 out of 10 will see their parents marry. Those who do cohabitate experience a 50% higher divorce rate.

• 26% of absent fathers live in a different state than their children.

• About 40% of the children who live in fatherless households haven't seen their fathers in at least a year while 50% of children who don't live with their fathers have never stepped foot in their father's home.

• Children who live absent from their biological fathers, on average, are more likely to be poor, experience educational, health, emotional and psychological problems, be victims of child abuse, and engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological mother and father.

We live in a day where the definition of "family" is continually being blurred, and where the role of being a father is often diminished in the eyes of the world. However, as these statistics demonstrate, the importance of a father in the life of each child cannot be overstated.

With this in mind, the question fathers must ask themselves is "What kind of a father am I?"

Every father – myself included – has made mistakes. Being perfect is not, nor can it be, one of our goals. What should be the goal and ambition of every father? In fact, what should be the desire for every man? To be a man of good character. Nothing else will be as important in being a good father as being a man of good character.

We are introduced to a man named Barnabas in Acts 11:24. What is the first thing we hear about Barnabas? "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith..." Years later, in Acts 22, we are introduced to another man, named Ananias, who was led by the Lord to find Paul, and pray for him to receive his eyesight to return. What do we know about this individual? Acts 22:12 says that Ananias was a devout man, obeying the law, and that he "...bore a good character with all the Jews of the city."

The most important thing for any man – especially fathers – is to be a man of good character. Be sure to join us this Sunday at WFA as we share this timely message – "The Character of a Good Man."

Pentecost Today - Pitiful or Powerful?

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 12 June 2011 10:30:00 EST

What image comes to mind when you think of the word "Pentecostal"? If you come from a liturgical background, the word may mean nothing more to you than another day on the church calendar. If you are from Europe, interestingly, it's a major time of celebration, lasting two days! In many American churches, you never hear anything at all mentioned about Pentecost. But, if you are familiar with traditional Pentecostal churches, you may think of "tongue-speaking, hand-clapping, arm-raising, praise-shouting, voice-raising, oil-anointing, late-arriving, long-preaching, Bible-thumping, beehive-hairdo-wearing, foot-stomping, church-going, loud-praying, God-fearing, pew-hopping, aisle-running" people!

If you are a part of the Assemblies of God, the organization WFA is associated with, or any of the other full-gospel, charismatic churches, denominations or fellowships, then you have most likely had personal experience with some form of "Pentecost" today.

The term "Pentecostal" is derived from the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which occurred fifty days following Passover. In Acts 1:8, Jesus said to His followers, "…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." What Jesus said would happen did indeed take place, on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:4 tells us that "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Because this happened on the day of Pentecost, those who have this experience today are called "Pentecostals."

However, what may pass for "Pentecostal" today is quite often very different - and many times the complete antitheses - of what Biblical "Pentecost" is. What is the state of Pentecostalism today? Unfortunately what many people think is Pentecostal, and how many Pentecostals act, is more pitiful than it is powerful.

I will say this up front. I consider myself a classic Pentecostal. I seek, desire, and long for the personal work and operation of the Holy Spirit in my life, and in the church I pastor. Because of this, I am completely unwilling to settle for any man-made and manufactured substitute for a genuine move of God's Spirit.

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Here at WFA, we are going to take an honest look at America's full-gospel churches, asking the question, "Pentecost Today - Pitiful or Powerful?" This message will be pointed and anointed! Don't miss it!

Ears To Hear

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 5 June 2011 10:30:00 EST

If you are a parent you will understand exactly what I am talking about. When my children were small, there were times when they were deeply engrossed in a favorite television show, or intensely working on some special project, and I would call their name, and get no response at all. In fact, I could call to them two or even three times, and still – nothing. It was as though they were deaf! Finally, in desperate frustration, I would walk to them, get in front of them, and yell their name. They would then look at me in astonishment, wondering why in the world was I yelling at them. Although their hearing was fine, they had never one time heard me call their name until I made it impossible for them to avoid me!

This may seem funny to you, and you may be nodding in agreement as you could tell the exact same story. But, the thought occurs to me – how many times are we the exact same way with God? He calls to us and calls to us, but we are so engrossed with the "stuff" of life, that we never hear Him.

Seven times in the Bible, and always spoken by Jesus Himself, we read these words – "If any man has ears to hear..." Now, quite obviously, everyone has two ears on their head. But, Jesus isn't questioning whether or not you have ears. Rather, He is saying that not everyone with ears will use them to hear the words He is saying.

So, my question to you is this – do YOU have ears to hear what Jesus is saying? There is no doubt that He is talking! The only thing in question is if you hear Him! What is it you and I can do to be sure we do hear Him? Join us this Sunday at WFA as we share some specific things we can do to make sure we indeed have "Ears to Hear!"

Elijah's God and God's Elijah

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 29 May 2011 10:30:00 EST

One of the most interesting individuals in the entire Bible is the prophet Elijah. His exploits for the cause of the God of Israel are perhaps the most dynamic of any Biblical character. He called down fire from heaven. He spoke God's word, and it ceased to rain. He breathed and a dead boy is raised to life. He stood in confrontation to scores of the prophets of Baal, and challenges them and their god. Elijah almost seems like a superhero! Yet, he was just a man, like you and me.

One of the keys to understanding the awesome exploits of Elijah is to understand the God that Elijah served. Elijah's power came not because of his own strength, but because of the strength of the Lord.

God, as we know, is no respecter of persons. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Because of this fact, another key to understanding Elijah's deeds is to examine Elijah's relationship with the God of Israel.

In Elijah's last days upon this earth, he was followed wherever he went by Elisha. Elisha's desire was to receive a double portion of the spirit of God that was upon Elijah (2 Kings 2:9). Wouldn't we all desire to have a double portion of Elijah's anointing?! If that is our desire, then we need to make careful observation of the characteristics of Elijah and his God.

Be sure to join us this Sunday at WFA, as we look at Elijah's God – and, God's Elijah! Be ready for your life to be changed!

It's a Miraculous Life

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 23 May 2011 19:00:00 EST

God desires to the miraculous through our lives. but, the one place He will not work is "second place." Let Jesus lead, and let him "touch." From the cross He touched the sun, the veil, the Earth, and the cemeteries. Listen to this message about the powerful touch of Jesus, even from the cross.

What to Do When the Lights Go Out

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 22 May 2011 18:00:00 EST

Those of deepest devotion sometimes go through the deepest darkness. Dr. Davis speaks about faith's development, faith's discernment, faith's danger, and faith's daybreak!

The Ashes of a Wasted Life

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 22 May 2011 10:30:00 EST

We are thrilled to have my good friend, Dr. James Davis, return for a special two-day revival this weekend here at WFA! James will be with us for three meetings – this Sunday, May 22nd for two services – 10:30 am and 6:00pm, and then on Monday evening, May 23rd at 7:00pm.

I have known James and his wife Sheri since our days in Bible school together, and have engaged his evangelistic ministry at every location in which I have had led ministry. I consider him one of the finest expository preachers I have ever heard, as well as the greatest networker I have had the privilege of associating with.

Dr. James O. Davis is the founder of Cutting Edge International and the CoFounder of Billion Soul Network. The Billion Soul Network is a growing coalition of more than 1,000 Christian ministries and denominations synergizing their efforts together to build the premier community of pastors worldwide to help plant five million new churches for a billion soul harvest. The Billion Soul Network, consisting of more than 400,000 churches has become the largest pastors network in the world.

Many Christian leaders recognize Dr. Davis as one of the leading networkers in the Christian world. His leadership includes:

• A biannual Synergize! Pastors Conference, regional Synergize! Leadership Summits, plus the deployment of Billion Soul Leadership Summits in all major world regions. During international summits in 2007- 2009, leaders committed to plant 3.5 million new churches.

• An annual North American Conference On Biblical Preaching. • More than 40,000 pastors have attended these conferences and summits.

• Before launching the Billion Soul Network, Dr. Davis served twelve years as the National Evangelists Representative for the National Assemblies of God world headquarters where he provided leadership for some 1,500 evangelists and equipped thousands of students for full-time evangelism.

• Ministering more than 45 weeks per year to an average yearly audience of more than 100,000 people. In the last 25 years, Dr. Davis has ministered face-to-face to more than 5,000,000 people in more than 95 nations.

• Annual travel exceeding 250,000 miles with a combined total of nearly 8,000,000 miles.

• Working with countless significant leaders in different spheres of society like Jack Hayford, Johnny Hunt, Robert Schuller, D. James Kennedy, Reinhard Bonnke, Leonard Sweet, Charles Blake and Barry Black.

Dr. Davis earned his Doctorate in Ministry at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He was awarded his Bachelor's degree in Bible by Central Bible College and earned two master's degrees at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. As an author and editor, he has provided: The Pastor's Best Friend: The New Testament Evangelist; Living Like Jesus; The Preacher's Summit: Reaching Your Maximum Potential; Gutenberg to Google: The Twenty Indispensable Laws Of Communication and co-authored with Dr. Bill Bright, Beyond All Limits: The Synergistic Church For A Planet In Crisis; as well as articles for Charisma, Ministry Today, New York Times Magazine and numerous other publications.

Dr. Davis resides in Orlando, with his wife Sheri and daughters, Olivia and Priscilla. They also have two children, Jennifer and James, who reside in heaven.

You will not want to miss a single service this coming Sunday and Monday! Invite your friends and neighbors, and come expecting to receive a great blessing!

Making Godly Decisions

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 15 May 2011 10:30:00 EST

It begins the moment we wake up in the morning. And every moment of every day, we are continually in the process. Sometimes they are seemingly minor and of little significance. Other times they appear to be life-changing. But, make no doubt about it, there is rarely a moment that goes by in which you are not making a decision about something in your life.

Whether the decision seems big or small, your life to a great degree is the sum total of the result of the decisions you have made each and every moment of every day.

If this is true, and I certainly believe it is, then as followers of Jesus Christ, the question that must be asked is how can we assure ourselves of making Godly decisions along life's way.

Are there any principles to help us in this process? And, is there an example to which we can look that can speak to us today as we face the ever-growing complexity of the decisions we must make?

The answer to both questions is a resounding yes! In God's Word we find the principles to guide us in our decision making. And, among others, we can look at the prophet Daniel, as he was a prisoner in a foreign land, for an example of how to make Godly decisions. In Daniel 1:8, we read that "Daniel resolved not to defile himself." (NIV) The KJV says it this way – "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself."

What have you "purposed in your heart?" What have you resolved to do? How do you go about "Making Godly Decisions"? Don't miss my message this Sunday morning at WFA! Make a purposeful decision now to join us!

Off The Chain

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 07 May 2011 10:30:00 EST

What does it take to get off the chain? Listen to this message from our newly ordained pastor, Rev. Michael Murphy.

It's Not Time to Quit

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 01 May 2011 10:30:00 EST

Have you ever had "one of those days?" You know the kind I mean – the ones where it seems like anything that could go wrong, does go wrong. Are there are days when you begin to wonder if what you do makes any difference at all? You have planned and worked on a project for a long time, and devoted yourself to accomplishing the task, but yet you have so very little to show for it.

These feelings tend to be compounded for the believer, because we hold close to our hearts passages from the Bible, such as "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10), and "my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19). You've used "all your might," but at the moment, it seems like your needs haven't been met!

It's at times like that when thoughts of giving up and quitting may begin to enter your thoughts. Our enemy is all too happy to provide negative encouragement to reinforce these thoughts!

But, allow me to give you a word – it's NOT time to quit!

In Galatians 6:9 we read, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." I like the way the New Living Translation says it – "So let's not get tired of doing what is good!"

Now is not the time to get tired. It's not the time to give up. It's not the time to quit. We have the promise of God's Word, which tells us "we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up!"

This Sunday at WFA we want to share a challenging and encouraging message with you from God's Word, and let you know "It's Not Time To Quit!" Don't miss it!

The Unexpected

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 24 April 2011 10:30:00 EST

Each day when we wake up, you have in your mind a certain idea of what your day is going to be like. Perhaps you have made plans to meet someone, or you know you have a meeting scheduled. You may have a "to do" list of things that you plan to accomplish.

But, if you are like me, you often discover that the expectations you have for your day are quickly changed by the unexpected things that come up. Road construction makes you late for an appointment. A letter that comes in the mail demands immediate response that you were not anticipating. A phone call interrupts your day with difficult news about a loved one. Of course, not all unexpected interruptions are bad! Perhaps you get word about a new job, or you may get a surprise visit from a friend from long ago.

It's been said many times that one secret of success is to expect the unexpected! And, truthfully, if you are flexible enough to adapt to the changing situations around you, you will certainly be more successful.

A little over two thousand years ago, on the Sunday during the Passover, following the crucifixion of the one known as Jesus of Nazareth, no one expected what happened. There are a dozen accounts of incidents that took place that completely took people by surprise. They had to face the unexpected.

Two thousand years ago, these individuals faced the unexpected, and met the true, living God. Today, you can still encounter this same God. And, He is still going beyond our expectations. He is still doing the unexpected.

Easter Sunday at WFA. Get ready for "The Unexpected."

One of the Crowd

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 17 April 2011 10:30:00 EST

Are you one of the crowd? Most people like to be around other people. In fact, it is a known fact that a crowd will draw a crowd – meaning that when a group of people begins to gather together, they will attract even more people to join with them. When we are in a group of people, and someone starts acting differently than the others, we will say "there's one in every crowd." The Bible urges us to be careful not to follow the crowd in doing wrong. (Exodus 23:2) Of course, there are different kinds of crowds, and many folks want to be a part of the "in" crowd!

Mankind has always been the same way. Years ago, when Jesus was making what we now refer to as His "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem at the beginning of the Passion Week, there was a crowd that gathered together to greet and accompany Him. Matthew 21 tells us there was a large crowd who spread their cloaks on the ground, as well as branches from the palm trees, to make a special path for Jesus. This is why it is called "Palm Sunday.

Many in the crowds that day began to shout praises to Jesus, crying out, "Hosanna to the Son of David… Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord… Hosanna in the highest!" However, there were others in the crowd who were not quite as jubilant, and asked, "Who is this?" (Matthew 21:8-10) And, we all know that the mood of the crowd certainly changed just a few days later.

There are crowds that gather together today! Are you one of the crowd? Where are you in the crowd? That's the question we will be asking this Sunday here at WFA! Be sure to join us for a very special Palm Sunday, as my message will be "One of the Crowd." Don't miss it!

Re-Focus, Part 5, Go - First Half

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 10 April 2011 10:30:00 EST

You Want Who to Go Where?

It's really quite perplexing. If you ask any Christian if they believe they are supposed to obey God's commands, they will undoubtedly say, "Yes!" If you ask them if only certain people need to obey, or if everyone needs to obey, the answer they give will always be "Everyone needs to obey!"

Christ gives a command to His believers, and it is recorded in all four of the Gospels. You know these verses already – we call it the Great Commission (which is just another way of saying Great Command). In Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:44-49 and John 20:19-23 we read of Christ's command to his disciples. Mark 16:15 puts it this way – "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." One translation gives a very easy rendering, telling us simply "Go everywhere in the world, and tell everyone the Good News."

It doesn't get any clearer than that. Go everywhere. Tell everyone.

But, here is the perplexing thing. Many believers will read these words, and still ask, "you want who to go where?!" There is an implication that Christ's command must pertain to someone else, certainly not me!

Further, just before Christ's ascension, we read His final words to His followers in Acts 1:8, where He told His followers they would "receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Notice that He didn't say you might or that you should, but rather you will be His witnesses! Yes, He wants YOU to GO!

And, go where? "Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." We understand the "ends of the earth." But we need to realize that for us, our "Judea and Samaria" is America. And our "Jerusalem" is Wilmington, Delaware.

This Sunday at WFA, we conclude our RE-Focus series, with an in-depth look at last of the four pieces of what we call the "WFA Connection Process" – GO! Just as we have learned that each of us must "Connect," "Grow," and "Serve," it is just as important that each and every believer in Christ recognizes the need to "Go!"

Pastor Daniel Day will be joining me, as together we will be sharing this final part of WFA's RE-Focus, as well as the vision for our Going into our own Jerusalem! Don't miss this exciting week! It will be historic!

Re-Focus, Part 5, Go - Second Half

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 10 April 2011 10:30:00 EST

You Want Who to Go Where?

It doesn't get any clearer than that. Go everywhere. Tell everyone.

Re-Focus, Part 4, Serve

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 03 April 2011 10:30:00 EST

If I Had a Hammer

Have you ever used a hammer to put a screw into a wall because you had no screwdriver? I know I have! And the results are certainly less than ideal. Although you can put the screw into the wall, both it and the wall are usually damaged in the process. It's always best to use the proper tool for the job.

Similarly, have you ever had tried to get dressed when you have an injured hand? Everything from buttoning buttons to tying shoes becomes a difficult chore.

As Christians, it is far harder to "do life" when we are unable or unwilling to serve God as we should. The most miserable people in any church are those who are not doing anything of value for the Lord. And, those who are very involved and busy serving God are usually the most happy and fulfilled.

At WFA, we are continuing our RE-Focus series, with an in-depth look at the four pieces of what we call the "WFA Connection Process. A vital piece of this process is for each and every one of us to Serve. You can never be the Christian you are called to be, and WFA can never be the church that God desires it to be, unless all of us are involved in meaningful ministry, serving the Lord and His people.

Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us that "we will in all things grow up into... Christ. The whole body grows and builds itself up... as each part does its work." In order for you to grow as a believer, and for WFA to grow as a church, we need to do the work God has called us and equipped us to do. In fact, one of the main duties of those who are called to be pastors is to "prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up... and become mature." (Ephesians 4:12-13)

This week at WFA we are going to explore this key ingredient in the life of the believer, and the vitality of the church.

Don't miss this Sunday at WFA – "Re-Focus – Part 4 – The WFA Connection Process – Serve"

Re-Focus, Part 3, Grow

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 27 March 2011 10:30:00 EST

Time For Miracle Grow?

I have a confession to make. My wife and I do not have "green thumbs." We have tried having houseplants, but after a somewhat meager life, they end up turning brown and dying. While visiting Arizona a few years ago, I brought home some cacti, thinking that it would be nearly impossible to kill them. They are gone. Once, after failing to maintain a hanging basket of some type of indoor foliage, we tossed it outside into the woods. A week or so later, after being cast aside, the same plant had begun to grow on its own!

Perhaps like us, you have been unsuccessful in growing plants. So, you purchased some "Miracle Grow" in hopes that simply by sprinkling some of this special blue substance into the plant, it would miraculously change. I can't really say whether or not "Miracle Grow" is able to live up to its promises. But, I have observed this – many Christians seem to be waiting for some sort of "Miracle Grow" that will make them grow in the Lord! Even though new life in Christ is most certainly a miracle, growing in Christ involves purposeful decisions, specific actions, and dedicated commitment!

At WFA, we are continuing our RE-Focus series, with an in-depth look at the four pieces of what we call the "WFA Connection Process." One of the key elements necessary for each of us to be fully connected is to Grow. Christianity is not a "spectator sport"! Being connected to Christ is not the end of the process, but rather the beginning, as each believer must be provided opportunity to grow, and must make personal choices to allow growth to happen. There may be no "Miracle Grow" you can use to magically make you grow in Christ. But, there absolutely are specific things each of us needs to do – and continue to do – that will assure that we will indeed grow in Him.

Don't miss this Sunday at WFA – "Re-Focus – Part 3 – The WFA Connection Process – Grow"

Re-Focus, Part 2, Connect

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 20 March 2011 10:30:00 EST

Is There a Piece Missing?

Have you ever put a jigsaw puzzle together, and discovered there's a piece missing? It's frustrating! You're excited to finally see the complete picture, but it never quite happens, because of the missing piece.

That same thing often is true in our Christian walk. We long for the satisfaction of feeling complete, but never quite achieve it, because there just seems to be a missing piece somewhere. Likewise, many churches have ministries that are quite dynamic and running well, but when you look at the entire church picture, something just isn't there.

Some churches focus on outreach and evangelism, but are quite lacking in developing true disciples. Other churches may have dynamic worship services, but rarely does anyone get saved. You can find churches with a fantastic ministry of compassion and service to their community, but their worship services are dry and boring.

At WFA, as we continue to RE-Focus, we want our ministry picture to be complete. This is what the WFA Connection Process is all about – a way to see how everything we do at WFA is an integral part of the complete picture of our ministry. It's also a means of examining your personal walk in the Lord, and make sure that there isn't a "missing piece."

There are four pieces of the WFA Connection Process – Connect, Grow, Serve and Go. The picture of ministry at WFA, and in your life, is incomplete if any one of the four pieces is missing. This Sunday, we continue our RE-Focus series, as we look at the first piece of the WFA Connection Process – Connect. You don't want to miss it!

Re-Focus, Part 1, Change

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 13 March 2011 10:30:00 EST

About a year ago, while in the Pittsburgh area, I had the opportunity to take a drive around the neighborhood that I grew up in. I hadn't been there in a long time, but I had no trouble finding my way around. But, I had to slow down, and even pull over a few times as I looked at things that had at one time been so very familiar, but now seemed so strangely different. Many of the buildings were still there, but they had changed. Most of the people were different than the ones I had known. The school I attended for six years was now all boarded up. It was the same place – but it was so very different.

A decade ago, after pastoring First Assembly of God in Wilmington, Delaware for a year, we began the process of proclaiming a new, exciting and dynamic vision for the church. There was an excitement, and a drive, as everyone sensed that God was directing us as a people into something bigger than any of us had ever known. That was ten years ago. A lot has happened in ten years. WFA is the same place – but it's so very different.

It was easy for me to see the changes where I grew up, since I was gone for a good while. But, it's more difficult to see the changes that take place around us. But, make no mistake – things have changed!

Think nothing has changed? Think about this. The largest employer in the state of Delaware ten years ago – doesn't exist today. Ten years ago, the real estate market in Wilmington was exploding, causing a surplus in revenue for New Castle County. Today, that surplus is gone, and the county fights a huge deficit. Interestingly, there are 114,334 more people living in Delaware today than ten years ago – a population increase of 14.6%. And there are two churches – Trinity Community Church in Hockessin and True Life Church near Prices Corner – that didn't exist ten years ago, but were birthed out of Wilmington First Assembly, which we now refer to as WFA.

But, some things don't change. Jesus is still the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father, except through Him. Jesus' command to us is still the same – to "go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone."

Our challenge is this – to bring what is unchangeable to a world that is ever-changing. And that means we need take time to re-examine what we are doing, where we are doing it, and why we do what we do, so that we are faithful to be doing what He has called us to do.

This Sunday at WFA things are changing. Because the world around us is changing. And, we need to re-focus on what we are doing. Be sure to join us for this new series of messages, designed to help us Re-Focus!

Missionaries to Romania

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 06 March 2011 10:30:00 EST

Our guests for the Missions Banquet and Sunday morning are Mircea and Ana Dascalescu. Mircea and Ana grew up in Romania, but in November 1981, by God's providence and protection, they miraculously escaped the Communist regime of persecution and economical distress, and established themselves in Reading, Pennsylvania, where they attended Glad Tidings Assemblies of God Church since 1989.

Ana, a minister's daughter, felt God's calling to ministry since she was a child, and after coming to the U.S., she was able to start her ministry courses with the Berean School of the Bible, and recently received her ministry credentials with the PennDel District of the Assemblies of God. Since their escape in November 1981 to the present, Mike and Ana developed an unshakable hope that some day they would be used by God to help take the Good News of the Gospel to the lost and oppressed Romanian people.

After the Communist regime was overturned, Mircea and Ana made the most of their opportunity. They began taking trips back to their country with supplies and Christian literature. Since 2002, they have been leading mission trips every year to various parts of Romania as the Lord was leading them to the remotest of villages and towns. In addition to the outreaches partnered with Evangelist Greg and Robyn Hubbard, they were conducting children's outreaches, medical clinics and women's teas. They sent a bus to Romania so the team could travel unrestricted, along with all the equipment needed for ministry: A keyboard, projector, puppets, medicine, etc.

Last summer the Dascalescu's chose to spend four months ministering alongside missionaries Rick and Jen Cunningham, and they used that time to hear God's voice more clearly regarding their calling to ministry in Romania. They were presented with many opportunities such as village outreaches, translating ministry material, as well as repair of missions vehicles. Ana was able to translate the materials for Junior Bible Quiz as well as training instructors, coaches, officials and quizzers in about thirty churches.

Both Rick and Jen encouraged Mircea and Ana to initiate the process for becoming Missionary Associates and return to Romania to continue to work together on these missions projects. After further time of prayer and seeking the Lord for confirmation, Mircea and Ana completed the necessary requirements and were approved to proceed with the itinerating process to raise the funds for their first two years of missions work in Romania.

Protection and Accountability of Ambassadors

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Wed, 02 March 2011 10:30:00 EST

On Wednesday, March 2, our Missions Convention moves from America to Armenia. And, our guest missionaries are doing exactly that – moving from Philadelphia, PA to Armenia! Shahan Teberian has worked as a lawyer for over seventeen years, and has been a faithful member and deacon at Calvary Temple in Philadelphia. His wife, Tyra, and their four children are transitioning to their calling to work with the Armenian Pentecostal Church establish an indigenous missionary-training program and in the training of national church leaders so they can be instrumental in the "equipping of the saints for ministry." (Ephesians 4:12)

Armenia is a small country at the crossroads of Asia and Europe has endured an unbroken history of persecution by surrounding nations and empires for its Christian faith. Shahan's own ancestors were driven from their homes in 1915, during the most violent of these persecutions. Throughout the centuries of oppression, Armenia has stood firm in its commitment to Christ. A former Soviet republic, Armenia has in the last twenty years seen an explosion of the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Armenian Pentecostal Church is passionate about its role in the Great Commission.

It is no accident that God has preserved this isolated nation, where Noah's Ark landed and from which all human life was renewed upon the earth (Gen. 8:4; 9:19). Today, Armenia stands as a lighthouse for Christ in the midst of a sea of Islam. It is a strategically-located and unique springboard from which the Gospel can be launched by an equipped Church and spread throughout the Middle East.

Missionary to East St. Louis

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 27 February 2011 10:30:00 EST

Jay S. Covert is a 1991 Teen Challenge graduate and an Assemblies of God Church Planting U.S. Missionary ministering in East Saint Louis. This is one of the poorest cities in the nation with high statistics of poverty, crime, violence and murders. East St Louis has 31,000 residents and in 2007 there were 42 murders.

Jay started The Urban Outreach Inner City Ministry in 2004 from scratch. Jay did not know anyone in East St Louis, he had no staff or buildings just trust and faith that God could do the impossible through the dreams and vision God put in Jay's heart. Today, Jay and the Urban Outreach Ministry have three indigenous pastors from the community, several staff, and an indigenous Spanish speaking pastor/planter. He has planted three churches – the first one July 2006, second in October 2008, and a third one in October 2009. They have plans to launch two more churches soon. UOESL has two black churches, a Spanish speaking church and now a Bosnian Church plant in the largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia that is wide open with nothing happening in St Louis, MO. He has invitations now to launch in Gary, Indiana, Louisville, Kentucky and Cleveland, Ohio.

Recently, Jay told me, "I am driven with passion, great zeal and incredible faith to reach many cities with churches being planted in the worst, most violent and dangerous neighborhoods and communities in the Metropolitan Cities of the United States. Yes we will deliver, yes we will promote and yes we will tear it up for the Glory of God. Souls are the heartbeat of God and millions in the inner cities are Hellbound! That grieves and hurts of heart of God!"

A Quiet Influence

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 20 February 2011 10:30:00 EST

The WFA Women of Purpose talk about being a "Quiet Influence" in our world. Listen to this inspirational message from Jean Duerr, Zia Betts, Suzanne Miller, Babitha Praveen Nair, and Helen Shahbazian.

What to Do When You're Passing Through

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 06 February 2011 10:30:00 EST

God sets paths for us to take. Being obedient and walking in those paths will bring a blessing. Listen to this inspirational message by guest seeker, Rev. Daniel Day!

A little bit about Daniel Day. He is first and foremost a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. He is also a husband, father, and minister of the Gospel. He has degrees from Central Bible College which include a B.A. in Preaching and Evangelism as well as an A.A. in both Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies. While attending Christian college, he received the Outstanding Preaching and Evangelism Major and Outstanding Senior of the Year awards. Daniel was also chosen to deliver the commencement address at his graduation ceremony in May of 2007. Daniel is also a published author, with his book, "Stoked," available through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble Online, Borders and from Infinity Publishing.

He served as the full-time Youth Pastor of Harvest Christian Center in El Paso, Texas from 2007 until resigning this past December to prepare for planting this new church. Daniel, his wife, Sara, and daughter, Mikayla, are now temporarily residing in Nashville, Tennessee as they itinerate to raise support for this new church plant.