Wilmington First Assembly of God

Tears in a Bottle

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 08 November 2009 10:30:00 EST

Many things are kept in bottles. Things of little value, like soda and windshield washer fluid, are most often found in plastic bottles. Liquids of moderate value are distributed in plain, glass bottles, like certain medicines. More expensive liquids, like perfumes, are kept in more ornate, fancy bottles.

But here is something you may not have known. One of the most expensive liquids found, is kept in a very important bottle. Important, not due to its style, but due to its owner. The owner is God, and the liquid is... the tears of His saints.

In Psalm 56:8, David says of God, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” This Psalm recounts a very distressful time in David’s life when he had been wrongly accused and found himself to be a fugitive in his own country. David holds to the belief that God keeps a record of human pain and suffering and always remembers our sorrows and tears.

Tear bottles were prevalent in ancient Roman times, when mourners filled small glass or ceramic vials with tears and placed them in burial tombs as symbols of love and respect. Tear bottles reappeared during the Victorian period of the 19th century, when those mourning the loss of loved ones would collect their tears in bottles ornately decorated with silver and pewter. The mourning period would end when the tears evaporated from the bottle. And in some American Civil War stories, women were said to have cried into tear bottles and saved them until their husbands returned. Their collected tears would show the men how much they were loved and missed.

Washington Irving is quoted as saying “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.”

You may have shed many tears recently. Know that the Lord has saved them in His “tear bottle.” This Sunday morning at WFA we will take a look at many in the Bible who have cried and God has now captured their “Tears in a Bottle.” You won’t want to miss this comforting and challenging message.

Kingdom Contradictions

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 01 November 2009 10:30:00 EST

When a statement is made in which one part seems to disagree with another part, where it seems to be inconsistent with itself, it is said to be a “self-contradiction.” It is considered to be a statement of contradiction. In classical language, we find “Aristotle’s law,” which states that “One cannot say of something that it is and that it is not in the same respect and at the same time.”

Sound confusing? Here are some common examples of statements that contradict themselves – “The only thing you are sure of is that nothing is sure.” “Never say never.” “The only thing constant is change.”

As Christians, one of our most fundamental beliefs appears to be a self-contradiction – “Jesus Christ is both God and man.”

There are a number of statements that seem at first to be self-contradictory, but are nonetheless absolutely true. Further, it is critically important that believers recognize, understand, and apply these truths to our everyday life.

The Bible gives tells us the real reason why there are things that seem self-contradictory to the natural man, but are critical for the Christian to believe. In Isaiah 55:8 it says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.”

We will examine these critical self-contradictory statements this Sunday at WFA, as we share our message “Kingdom Contradictions.” Don’t miss this look at how what seems right in the eyes of man is so very wrong in the eyes of God!

Satan’s Strategies for Sabotage

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 18 October 2009 10:30:00 EST

The word “strategy” comes from the Greek word, “strategia.” It is a military term, literally meaning “generalship” and implies maneuvering troops into position before the enemy is actually engaged. Strategy, then, means to pro-actively devise an effective plan, utilizing any and all resources, to attain the desired result.

With that in mind, know this – the enemy of your soul, satan himself, has a strategy, as old as mankind itself, designed to sabotage your life, and prevent you from a walk of victory in the Lord.

Now, here is the good news – God Himself has revealed to us in His Word exactly what the enemy’s strategies are, and desires to equip you to overcome the devil’s demonic strategy to ruin you!

If you are to overcome the enemy and have victory in your life, then you must become aware of satan’s strategy, and purposefully position yourself to avoid his pitfalls. In 1 Peter 5:8 we read these critical instructions – “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

In “stealth mode,” satan is strategically sneaking around to see who may become his next prey. Don’t let it be you! This Sunday at WFA we will expose the enemy’s strategy, and allow you to prepare to be more than a conqueror in Jesus‘ name! Don’t miss this message as we reveal “Satan’s Strategies for Sabotage!”

When Jesus Cries

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 04 October 2009 10:30:00 EST

I have spent the last ten days of September in the beautiful state of Colorado. For the first five days, I taught at the Church Multiplication Network’s Church Planting/Church Health Boot Camp for the Rocky Mountain District. For the last five days, I visited my friends Jim and Linda Eiler in Salida, Colorado, and Jeff and Cheryl McElhattan in Summit County, Colorado. On multiple occasions, I was seemingly atop the world, as I gazed down from some of the highest vantage points in America.

The views of God’s creation I observed while ascending the many mountains is nothing short of breathtaking. You can check out many of the photos on my Facebook page. (www.facebook.com/tsatryan)

But, what impacted me the most was our ride along Skyline Drive.

The entrance to Skyline Drive is just a few miles west of Cañon City, Colorado, off Highway 50. It is a one-way, paved road that runs about 3 miles along an extremely narrow 800 foot high ridge and winds along following the crest of the Dakota hogback. In many locations the ridge is only as wide as the road, with sheer drops on both sides. The road is only wide enough for one vehicle, and while driving, you can look down both sides of the mountain. To the west, you see Highway 50. To the east, you can see all of Cañon City lying before you.

As I looked down at Cañon City, all I could think of was Luke 19:41, where Jesus looked down on Jerusalem and wept. You see, for the entire previous week, I had been working with a great team of leaders and pastors from the Assembly of God church in Cañon City, and knew their heart to reach out to all those people that I was now gazing at from above. As I stood there, looking at their city, I prayed for them. And, I began to likewise pray for my city of Wilmington, and the state of Delaware.

Jesus cried as He looked down upon his city. I believe He weeps today as he looks down upon this world, desiring so deeply that its inhabitants would receive His gift of freedom and eternal life. And, I pray that each of us weep as we consider the world around us.

This Sunday here at WFA, we will be looking at Luke 19:41-44 and John 11:33-35, and find what makes Jesus cry – and why we, too, should cry – and, cry out to God – for the people of our land.

The Fig Tree

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 27 September 2009 10:30:00 EST

Looks can be deceiving. What may look healthy and prosperous may not be, and it is really what is underneath that counts. An example comes from the parable of the fig tree. Listen to this challenging message from Rev. Stephen Miller.

Man vs. Wild

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 20 September 2009 10:30:00 EST

What does it take to survive? Out in the wild one has to assess the situation, acquire food and water, and make fire. Did you know that for the Christian spiritual survival has the same requirements? Listen to this challenging message by Pastor Stephen Miller, youth pastor of WFA.

Ingredients of a Surrendered Life

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 13 September 2009 10:30:00 EST

What Do I Need To Do?

Why is it that so many Christians seemingly struggle through their life, not seeing breakthrough, working so hard, and ending up further back than they were when they started? For some, they appear to live out the old saying, “two steps forward, three steps back.” I have heard many people angrily ask, “What do I need to do?!”

Quite often, the answer can be summed up in just one word – surrender. Although they are believers in Jesus Christ, they have yet to discover and walk in a life that is fully surrendered to the Lord they profess as their savior.

The dictionary tells us that “surrender” means to yield something to the possession or power of another; to give oneself up; to give up, abandon, or relinquish; or to yield or resign in favor of another. As a believer in Christ, we are called to be a people of total surrender – to God. By surrendering to God, we admit that He is ultimately in control of everything, including our present circumstances. Surrendering to God helps us to let go of whatever has been holding us back from God’s best for our lives. By surrendering to God, we let go of whatever has kept us from wanting God’s ways first.

What do you need to do? Every one of us needs to make purposeful choices to surrender to God in every area of our life. This often goes against what seems logical to us. I’m sure it seemed completely illogical to Abraham, when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. But, Abraham’s decision to completely surrender to God was absolutely necessary.

How do we surrender everything to God? This Sunday we will look at five key areas in our life that we must surrender, in our message “Ingredients of a Surrendered Life.” You won’t want to miss this life-changing message!

From Recession to Possession

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 06 September 2009 10:30:00 EST

Bailouts. Foreclosures. Cutting back. Downsizing. The news is all around us here in America, and actually around the world. The economy is said to be in the worst condition in many years. The government attempts to stimulate the economy as businesses across the nation struggle to hold on in these difficult times. Families are stressed as they face real concern of how they will be able to make ends meet. Bills go unpaid, creditors make unexpected and unwanted calls, and homeowners face losing their homes. Where will it all end?

The Bible tells us of a family in a situation just like that. They didn’t know how they could go on. They had come to the end of their resources, and only had just a day’s worth of food left. In their mind – like I’m sure in many people’s minds today – they had given up on everything – including life itself.

But, God had different plans for this family. And, He has different plans for you, too! Instead of running out of their food and supply, God intended their supply to be unending!

I want to share with you how you can have great possessions – even through a time of great recession! Be sure to join us the Sunday here at WFA as we look at 1 Kings 17:8-16 in our message “From Recession To Possession!” Don’t miss this message – it will change your life!

Conquering Adversity

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 30 August 2009 10:30:00 EST

Have you been facing a time of adversity? What is adversity? The dictionary defines it as “adverse fortune or fate; a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress.” Some Christians have been lead to believe that if you are living a life dedicated to the Lord, you won’t ever face adversity. But, that is simply not true. Everyone will experience times of difficulty and adversity, including the most dedicated believer.

It’s not a question of whether or not you experience adversity. It’s what you do when you are in the midst of it that matters. When Job’s world was falling apart all around him, his “friends” all thought he must have done something wrong. Even his wife told him to give up, saying, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!”

But, Job’s response still speaks to us today. He said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” You see, adversity doesn’t build character – it reveals character!

All of us will face adversity. When you do, it’s important to first discern what the source of your adversity may be. Then, we need to move forward and recognize, as a believer in Jesus Christ, what resources we have to conquer adversity in our life.

Be sure to join us this Sunday morning at WFA as together we discover how we can conquer adversity in our life!

Five Words of Encouragement

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 23 August 2009 10:30:00 EST

The dictionary defines discouragement as follows; “a feeling of despair in the face of obstacles; or a state of distraught and loss of sense of enthusiasm, drive or courage.”

Are you discouraged now? Here are some signs of discouragement:

• Sleeplessness, as your mind and soul is full of worry.

• Restlessness and absent-mindedness, resulting in weariness.

• Complacency, including a loss of interest in food even though you might not have eaten for hours.

• Negative thoughts, including the contemplation of suicide.

Everyone will have their share of discouragement at some point in their lifetime. When you face those difficult, discouraging times, rather than running away from the Lord, turn to Him. His Word is a source of strength and encouragement.

In Revelation 2:8-11, Jesus speaks to a group of people who were going through a very discouraging time. And, His words to them are also words of encouragement to each and every one of us.

Be sure to join us this Sunday morning as we look at Jesus‘ “Five Words of Encouragement.” I am convinced that this is a very time-sensitive word for many people today – including you!

Gleaning vs. Reaping

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 16 August 2009 10:30:00 EST

The fingerprint of God is upon you. You must learn to release your God given ability.“Divinity has touched us, and has created destiny.” Listen to this inspiring message from Rev. Larry Hickey, district superintendent of the Potomac District of the Assemblies of God

Speed Racer

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 09 August 2009 10:30:00 EST

Message from Rev. Steve Miller, Youth Pastor of WFA.

The Starbuck's Effect

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 02 August 2009 10:30:00 EST

How are Christians like coffee? Better yet. How should Christians be like coffee? And, better yet. How should Christians be like Starbuck's coffee? Listen to this challenging message from Pastor Steve Miller.

Fearful or Faithful

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 26 July 2009 10:30:00 EST

Sunday morning church services have often been referred to as a “gathering of the faithful.” This may be true, for its easy to be faithful – filled with faith – when you are in the company of others who are worshipping the Lord and hearing the preaching of God’s Word.

But, it’s not simply on Sunday morning that we need to be faith-filled people! It needs to be a “24-7” experience!

The apostles walked with Jesus, ministered with Jesus, and saw Jesus perform miracle after miracle. Yet, in Matthew 8, we see these men, who had previously been professional sea-going fishermen, caught in a raging storm. These experienced sailors became filled with fear. And, on top of that – Jesus was in the boat with them! They cry out to Jesus, saying, “Lord, save us! We're going to drown!” What is Jesus‘ reply to these “men of faith”? He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”

It’s easy for us to read and shake our heads at the fearfulness of these men. But, the truth of the matter is, we do this same thing all too often. Jesus has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Yet, when we are faced with a moment of crisis, our faithfulness quickly turns to fearfulness.

Why does this happen? Why are we so quickly filled with fear? And, perhaps more importantly, what can we do to stop being fearful and living more by faith?

We will be sharing answers to those very questions this Sunday here at WFA! You won’t want to miss this week’s message, “Fearful or Faithful.”

Hope for the Hurting

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 19 July 2009 10:30:00 EST

Are You Hurting? Here’s Hope!

Doesn’t it seem like when you are hurting that time just slows down? Clocks don’t run fast enough. The calendar date changes far too slowly. Minutes pass like hours. Hours seem like days. Days become as long in your mind as a week. Each week is like a month, and months last... well, it just seems like forever.

In the midst of hurting, you feel uneasy. You want to do something – anything – to make things change for the better. And, yet, all too often, there is precious little you can do.

When you are hurting, it’s so easy to feel helpless – and hopeless.

In 1 Corinthians 13, we read that faith, hope and love will endure. We have faith. And we know that God loves us. But – what about that thing called hope? Well, God has hope for you! In Romans 5:5 we read that “hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit!”

One of the best passages of scripture to look at when you are hurting is Psalm 30. This Sunday here at WFA we want to encourage you from this short Psalm with special words of “Hope for the Hurting.” If you have ever been hurt, if you are hurting now, or if you know someone who is hurting, you won’t want to miss this message! Be sure to invite a friend for this special message from God’s Word for you!

Accept No Substitutes!

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 12 July 2009 10:30:00 EST

Do you know what a “knock-off” is? They have been around for a long time, but today, especially due to the ease of communication through the internet, you can find them faster and easier than ever! A “knock-off” is a product produced to look and function very closely, if not nearly identically, to a more expensive, more exclusive, harder to attain, highly sought after item.

For years, a quick trip down the streets of New York City would find allow you to find very cheap “knock-offs” of very expensive purses, watches, and other highly sought after items. In some Asian countries, the sale of “knock-off” DVDs of movies that have just been released in the theater is as common as can be. There have even been some “knock-off” speculative items recently sold. An overseas manufacturer actually produced a “knock-off” “iPhone nano” – later to find out that no such real item was even going to be made!

People who acquire any of these knock-offs usually discover that they have a cheap substitute, that although may seem to pass for the real thing initially, it will quickly tarnish, break, and leave you with a very worthless piece of junk.

Unfortunately, it seems as though many people have taken this same “knock-off” idea, and applied it to areas of their Christian life! Some have substituted weak “knock-offs” for key areas in their walk in the Lord. There is no substitute for the Word of God, for a walk of faith and obedience, a lifestyle of strong character, anointed by the poser of God, a right relationship with God and others, and a repentance of things that displease the Lord.

The apostle Paul was unwilling to allow his ministry to be marked, as others had, but cheap substitutes. He says to the church at Corinth, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”

Is your walk with the Lord built on the genuine, or is it hindered by worldly “knock-offs?” This Sunday at WFA our message will address this question, as we urge you to “Accept No Substitutes!”

Walking in True Freedom and Liberty

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 05 July 2009 10:30:00 EST

This weekend, we Americans celebrate the birthday of our nation. On July 4, 1776 a new nation was born, one that declared freedom for its people, believing that all people have been given by God the rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Americans are very proud of their “freedom.” But, freedom doesn’t mean that you are free to do anything you want, anytime you want, anywhere you want. We are free in America, but you don’t see people driving down the wrong side of the road because they are “free” to do whatever they want!

We all understand this principle of freedom. Unfortunately, many Christians fail to recognize what true freedom and liberty means. In 1 Peter 2:16 we read that we are to “live as free men,” but we are not to use our “freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”

As Americans, we live in a “free nation,” but there are guidelines, rules and regulations that govern how our freedom is expressed. Likewise, as Christians, Jesus Christ has set us free. But, there are principles behind how our freedom and liberty is to be lived out.

Be sure to join us this Sunday here at WFA as we look at 1 Peter 2:9-17, and learn how to walk in TRUE freedom and liberty!

Walking With God

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 29 June 2009 19:00:00 EST

Enoch walked with God. Enoch pleased God. The greatest journey is to walk with God.

Three facets to our walk with God...

1.) It is a Walk of Fellowship. We need to spend time with Him.

2.) It is a Walk of Faithfulness. We need to walk with Him faithfully, day by day.

3.) It is a Walk of Fruitfulness. We "reap what we sow." If we are faithful in our walk with God, then we will be fruitful as we walk with God.

Listen to this inspiring message from Dr. James O. Davis, http://www.jamesodavis.org/

Foundations of Fortified Faith

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 28 June 2009 18:00:00 EST

There are five principles to a "Fortified Faith:

1.) The Voice of Principle. Abraham heard the voice of God, and obeyed.

2.) The Venture Principle. Abraham ventured out not knowing where he was going. But, only knowing Who he was following. "Nothing ventured. Nothing gained."

3.) The Value Principle. Though he was very wealthy Abraham sojourned in a tent. Faith changes our perspective on our possessions, and ourselves.

4.) The Vision Principle. By faith Abraham looked for a city. Vision is not about bigness, but about clarity. We need to have spiritual vision for our life.

5.) The Victory Principle. Abraham was blessed, like the stars of the sky, and the sands of the sea.

Listen to this inspiring message from Dr. James O. Davis, http://www.jamesodavis.org/

Blessings in a Box of Bones

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 28 June 2009 10:30:00 EST

"Without faith it is impossible to please God."

1.) We need to remember the unbreakable promises of God

2.) We need to rely on the unshakeable power of God.

3.) We need to rest in the unmistakeable peace of God.

Listen to this inspiring message from Dr. James O. Davis, http://www.jamesodavis.org/

Wake Up Call

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 21 June 2009 10:30:00 EST

The enemy has carefully disguised and packaged sin in such a way that we have been lulled and our spiritual senses have been numbed. Our priorities are wrong!

Have you fallen into a state of spiritual sleep or lull? Have you been lulled by the things of this world into an inactive state?

It's time to awaken our senses.

Faith: What Really Matters?

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 14 June 2009 10:30:00 EST

Back in the day when Jesus was walking the earth, ministering, and teaching the people were accustomed to cliché ridden double talk from the scribes, priests, and Pharisees. However, unlike the religious leaders of the time Jesus words and message made sense to the people. His messages were simple, direct, and truthful.

There is not a better example of the way Jesus delivered his message so simply yet so powerfully then when he sat on a hillside one day with some of his followers. We commonly know this teaching as the sermon on the mount. In the short amount of time that he spent with them that day he taught them a great amount of truth to ones who sat spellbound to the very end.

This message will take a look at the beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount and the incredible insight gained from this passage. It will teach us, in a unique way, how to apply the instruction of Jesus that day to our own walk of faith and what really matters in life.

Persuaded by the Power of God – Part 6 – “Persuaded by the People of the Spirit”

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 07 June 2009 10:30:00 EST

Without question, the early church was a Pentecostal church. However, as the centuries advanced, the church lost its dependency upon the Pentecostal power of God. Today, as we are living the those “last days” prophesied by the prophet Joel, a fresh, new outpouring of the Holy Spirit is being experienced by those children of God who are desirous of receiving the same anointing that the first-century church enjoyed.

If the church today truly wants to be called Pentecostal, then it is necessary that their characteristics, lifestyle, and actions agree with those first Pentecostals.

My desire is to be fully Pentecostal today. I want to live a life that has the passion of that first church. In describing that first church, Acts 2:41-47 tells us they were baptized, they devoted themselves to the apostles‘ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. There were many wonders and miraculous signs. They had everything in common. They gave to those who had need. They met regularly in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes together. They praised God. They enjoyed the favor of all the people.

What a fantastic experience it must have been to be a part of that church! I want to truly be Pentecostal! I am “Persuaded by the People of the Spirit!”

Be sure to join us here at WFA this Sunday for this concluding message in our series – Pentecostal! Persuaded by the Power of God!

Persuaded by the Power of God – Part 5 – “Persuaded by the Passion of the Spirit”

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:30:00 EST

Many years ago, when Merv Griffin hosted one of the television talk shows, he had a body builder on as a guest. As the large, muscular man entered the stage, the crowd went crazy with applause as he flexed his muscles walking over to take his seat to be interviewed.

Merv’s first question seemed to catch the body builder off guard however, when he asked him “What do you use all those muscles for?” A bit puzzled, the body builder simply stood up and flexed his muscles again while the crowd again applauded wildly. As he sat down Merv again asked him, “What do you use all those muscles for?” Again with a puzzled and somewhat frustrated appearance the body builder stood up and flexed his muscles once again to a cheering audience. Merv however was undaunted and insisted a third time, “What do you use those muscles for?” The body builder was stumped and had no answer, all he could do is sit there and look bewildered at Merv’s constant question.

The man was all power, but with no purpose! While he could impress the audience there was no application for all this power. He was “all show and no go!”

How many Pentecostal Christians are like this? The Bible says “these signs shall follow them that believe,” but all too often, it is the believers following the signs. The baptism in the Holy Spirit was not given so that we could make a display of ourselves and the gifts of God, but rather so that we could make use of the power of God to reach out to a lost and dying world with a God-given passion.

Our current series of messages at WFA are built around the theme of “Pentecostal – Persuaded by the Power of God.” This Sunday – Pentecost Sunday – we will continue with the fifth message in this series – “Persuaded by the Passion of the Spirit.” I am believing that as we gather this Sunday we will be moved beyond a desire to just “show” and be moved with a passion from God to GO!

Persuaded by the Power of God – Part 4 – “Persuaded by the Purpose of the Spirit”

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 24 May 2009 10:30:00 EST

Some of the fondest memories from my childhood are from the many weekends that my younger brother and I would stay at my grandmother’s house. My parents would drop us off on a Saturday afternoon, and after dinner, a regular habit we had was to walk “upstreet,” through the tunnel under the railroad tracks, and into the little town of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. Every week, we made this trek, stopping first at the local news stand, and then heading to Isaly’s for one of their famous skyscraper ice cream cones, then walking back to “Gramma’s house.” One of the special things was that each week Gramma would buy her Sunday newspaper – and also would buy my brother and me a 12-cent comic book! On rare occasions, Gramma would allow us to get the giant 25-cent comics! Mike and I each had our favorites. He always got Batman. But, not me. There was only one comic I wanted – Superman! When we got back to Gramma’s house, we would each read our comic books and watch “Studio Wrestling” with Bill Cardille (otherwise known as “Chilly Billy Cardilly” – don’t ask – it’s a ‘burgh thing.)

Superman, if you remember, was mild-mannered Clark Kent, reporter for the newspaper “The Daily Planet.” But, when duty called, he would slip out of the building, go into a phone booth (good luck finding one of those today!) and quickly change his outfit, donning his blue and red superhero tights with the big S on the chest. In an instant, the weak, glasses- wearing individual was transformed into a muscle-bound powerhouse with abilities that defied human thought – he was invincible!

Now, note this – once transformed from Clark Kent into Superman, he didn’t stand around, flex his muscles, impress people by seeing through buildings, or doing any number of “carnival trick” acts to demonstrate his powers and abilities. He went immediately to the work that he had to do. He had a distinct purpose, and he was focused on doing that work.

We could learn a lot from Superman! While we are not from the planet Krypton, we have nonetheless been given extraordinary powers, far beyond human capability, and actually even more dynamic than those of the “Man of Steel.” But, what do we do? Once a week, we “Pentecostal Christians” jump into our “phone booth” that we call “the church” and put on our version of blue and red leotards (I think we call them suits and ties now.) And then we have cute little meetings where we have the opportunity to see all the powers of all the other “superheroes” – all without leaving the phone booth.

Isn’t it about time for we believers to go “up, up, and away” into all the world and allow the “superpowers” we have been given to be used for the purpose they were given?

Well, that is exactly what we will be talking about this week, as we continue our “Persuaded by the Power of God” series with the fourth message – “Persuaded by the Purpose of the Spirit.”

Hope to see you at WFA this week – and watch you discover the “superhero” within you!

Persuaded by the Power of God – Part 3 – “Persuaded by the Promise of the Spirit”

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 17 May 2009 10:30:00 EST

Have you ever made a promise? Children will make special promises with each other, called a “pinky promise,” where they will link their pinky fingers while speaking a commitment to each other. Most often, those promises are forgotten. When dating, sometimes teens will make a promise to each other, even wearing a promise ring. Those promises are broken as often as they are kept. In fact, an engagement ring is a type of a promise ring. So is a wedding ring. Unfortunately, especially in the day in which we live, those promises are too often broken.

Anytime people make promises, one to another, there is the distinct possibility that the promise will at sometime be overlooked, forgotten, and eventually broken.

However, God is not man. And when God makes a promise, He never breaks it!

In Joel 2:28-29 we read this prophesy – “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”

On the day of Pentecost, we read in Acts 2 that the believers were “all together in one place” and that the heard “a sound like a rushing wind.” They saw “what seemed to be tongues of fire” that came on each of them. And, most remarkably, Acts 2:4 says, “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The apostle Peter, who had just previously been so backward and ashamed that he denied Christ, then suddenly becomes bold, and tells all who were present that “this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel,” and quotes the very prophecy from Joel 2 we mentioned.

What does this have to do with us today? Everything! Because, you see, this is a promise from God! Peter says in Acts 2:39 that this “promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Each and every one of us is a part of that group of whoever God will call! The promise of the Holy Spirit is for you, my friend! Be sure to join us this Sunday here at WFA as we continue our series of messages on “Persuaded by the Power of God!” with this third message – “Persuaded by the Promise of the Spirit!”

Persuaded by the Power of God – Part 2 – “Persuaded by the Power of the Spirit”

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:30:00 EST

Well, I have become my father! Like many dads, I now find myself walking around the house and turning off lights in empty rooms. I then hear voices telling me “but I was going back in there!” My reply is always “so, turn the light on when you go back in.” When I see burning lights in an empty room, I see dollar bills burning up at the same time! And the bills keep getting bigger. My electric bill goes up all the time because electric costs keep rising.

We are in an energy crisis. Here in Delaware, there is a lot of talk about how we get our power, and how can we find better ways to get it. Another nuclear plant? Solar panels? Or, the increasingly popular off-shore wind power. We need more power!

However, electricity isn’t the only power we need. As Christians, we need the power of God! But, too often, just like the world, believers are trying to find “alternative power sources!” God has already provided all the power we need – we just need to avail ourselves of His provision! Acts 1:8 says that “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you!” That’s what we need! We need the Holy Spirit’s power!

As we continue our series of messages on “Persuaded by the Power of God,” we move from our look last week at the character of the Holy Spirit, to considering His power this Sunday. It’s not wind power, nuclear power, or solar power that we need. And, it’s not the power of positive thinking or the power of positive confession either! This Sunday we will share with you just how the power of the Holy Spirit is needed, and can be found in each and every moment of our lives. Be sure to join us as we share part 2 of this series – “Persuaded by the Power of the Spirit!”

Persuaded by the Power of God – Part 1 – “Persuaded by the Person of the Spirit”

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST

Among the great “heroes of the faith” we read about in Hebrews is Abraham. Again and again, we read “by faith, Abraham...” He, and all these men of God, “were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised. They only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.”

In Romans 4:20-21 speaks about Abraham, too, and says “...he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

Did you catch that last part? Abraham was “fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” I believe that is what made him such a great man of faith. He was fully persuaded by the power of God!

The question for you today is this – are YOU fully persuaded by the power of God? Are you a person of faith? God has promised power to His followers – Holy Spirit power! That power is for all of us, and according to the Bible, it is the “promise of the Father” – the baptism in the Holy Spirit, as recorded in Acts 2:4 and prophesied in the book of Joel.

Like the patriarch Abraham, I believe that we are at a time when true Pentecostals likewise should not waver in unbelief regarding the “Promise of the Father.” We must be strengthened in our faith and give glory to God. To be truly Pentecostal, we must be persuaded by the Power of God!

This week we begin a six part preaching series – “Pentecostal – Persuaded by the Power of God!” Our full intension is to present a biblical persuasion of the present day reality and need of the Holy Spirit’s power in our life.

To begin this series, we need to take a look at the very person of the Holy Spirit. In Revelation 1:4, John sends greetings to the churches “from him who is, and who was, and who is to come...” And, quite interestingly, he also sends the greetings “...from the seven spirits before his throne.”

While you may tend to just “read through” that last phrase, you need to consider three other similar passages. Revelation 3:1 tells us that Jesus “holds the seven spirits of God.” Revelation 4:5 speaks of “the seven spirits of God.” And Revelation 5:6 likewise talks about “the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.”

So, what exactly does “the seven spirits of God” refer to? Glad you asked! Because that is the subject of our first message in this series – “Persuaded by the Person of the Spirit!” You won’t want to miss this dynamic beginning to this powerful series of messages, so very needed in the day in which we live! See you here at WFA this Lord’s Day!

Missionaries to Russia

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST

Special presentation by Missionaries to Russia, Kevin and Sandy Barner, pastoring the International Christian Assembly, Moscow, Russia

Cries from the Cross - Part 6 - The Cry of Power

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST

Many times as a small boy, I would say something to my parents that would get me into plenty of trouble. Now, I never intended to get into trouble, and I wasn’t trying to say anything that would cause difficulties. And often, it wasn’t the exact words that I said that got me into hot water. My father shared with me a phrase that I have heard many times since the days of my childhood – “It’s not just what you say, but it’s how you say it.”

The meaning of the things we say is quite often determined not just by the exact words spoken, but perhaps more importantly, the way in which the words are said. This has never been truer than when we consider Jesus’ final words as He hung on the cross.

“It is finished.” These three words have been spoken by many people. And quite often, they are spoken in defeat. “It’s over.” “I can’t go on.” “No more.” These are the words of the losing team after a big ball game. These are the words of someone who has lost their job. These are words of sorrow and sadness.

But when Jesus said, “It is finished,” these were not words of defeat, but rather a cry of power! They were the exclamation point at the end of a journey. This was a shout to all creation, for time and eternity that the work of the enemy was defeated, that the reason that Jesus came to this earth was fulfilled, and that the salvation of all who would trust in Him was secured! Indeed, it was finished! No more would sin rule and reign, for the work of the Savior was completed! It is finished!

Because of His finished work, Jesus could then say to His Father, “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” You see, Christ was not killed by the crucifixion. Rather, He voluntarily laid down His life to purchase our salvation, and having completed the task, was able to share “The Cry of Power” – “It is finished! Into Your hands I commit my spirit!”

You won’t want to miss this Sunday’s concluding message of our “Cries from the Cross” series, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, victorious over the enemy of all!

Cries from the Cross - Part 5 - The Cry of Paradox

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST

When we look at the life of Christ, we are confronted with a number of seemingly contradictory concepts. We know that Jesus is the King of Kings – but we also know that he is a suffering servant. We know Him as the Lion from the tribe of Judah. But, not only is He a lion, He is the lamb slain from the foundations of the world.

These amazing paradoxes continue during Christ’s crucifixion. We know that Christ is the living water. In fact, in John 4:13, He told the woman at the well “whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.” Yet, this One who is the living water shouts out this fifth “Cry from the Cross” when He says, “I thirst.”

When Christ hung on the cross, paying the price for all our sin by literally becoming sin for us, I believe that He was not simply experiencing physical thirst. He was also experiencing the spiritual thirst and the inner anguish that all men face when separated from the presence of God.

This week we continue our series of messages, “Cries from the Cross,” examining this fifth cry of our Lord – a Cry of Paradox, as the One who has told us “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” cries out “I am thirsty.” Join us this Sunday here at WFA as we discover how we can find satisfaction for our thirsty soul from the Living Water.

Cries from the Cross - Part 4 - The Cry of Pain

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST

Have you ever experienced pain? I’m sure that everyone has, in one way or another. The most common definition of pain is “physical suffering or distress, as due to injury or illness.” Another definition describes pain as “a distressing sensation in a particular part of the body.” Pain may also be due to “mental or emotional suffering or torment.”

While physical pain may at times be extremely difficult to endure, there is another much harsher type of pain – the pain of separation. The pain of seeing a loved one depart for a very lengthy trip is hard. Separation due to the breakdown of a relationship is very painful. But, the greatest pain that has ever been experienced was the pain Jesus experienced when He was separated from His Father as He hung on the cross.

While hanging on the cross, literally all of the cumulative sin of the entire world was laid upon the shoulders of Jesus. As He carried all our sin – yours and mine – the holiness of the Father made it impossible to maintain contact with His Son. This pain was so excruciating, that Christ cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

This Sunday here at WFA, we continue our “Cries from the Cross” series, this week considering Christ’s fourth cry – “The Cry of Pain.” As we recognize the enormity of the pain Christ endured on the cross, we may then begin to understand the magnanimous amount of pain we avoid, as our separation from the Father has been remedied by Christ’s atoning death.

Cries from the Cross - Part 3 - The Cry of Provision

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST

Have you ever thought about the Pyramids in Egypt? People have debated for centuries as to how they were made. Regardless of what methods were used to create them, it is obvious that they were made because the people who were buried in them believed strongly in some kind of afterlife, which was far more important than their life on this earth.

Even though their efforts were foolish, their recognition of a life after death is quite valid.

I have been told that there is an old tombstone in Indiana upon which the following words engraved:

Pause Stranger, when you pass me by,

As you are now, so once was I

As I am now, so you will be,

So prepare for death and follow me.

Underneath that engraved poem, someone has scratched these words:

To follow you I’m not content,

Until I know which way you went!

As Christ hung on the Cross, two thieves hung on either side. One was totally unrepentant, not concerned at all about the fate momentarily awaiting him. The other recognized Jesus as the Son of the living God, and upon his word of confession, asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise!”

In our continuing series of messages about Christ’s final words from the Cross, we come now to this third “cry” – a cry of provision.

The Bible clearly confirms to us that we are all sinners, for all have sinned. Further, it tells us that the penalty of sin is death. There is surely a life after this earthly life. The question for each and every person is where he or she will spend eternity. You cannot prepare for eternity by building a huge edifice in which to stockpile goods to take into eternity. There is only One who has made provision for our eternal life!

Be sure to join us this Sunday as we look at Jesus’ third Cry from the Cross – “The Cry of Provision!”

Cries from the Cross - Part 2 - The Cry of Promise

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST

We live in such a crazy world today. There have never been more ways for people to connect than we have today. There are clubs and organizations to join. Places to go. Things to do. You can even connect to other people online in everything from chatrooms to Facebook!

But, in the midst of all this “connection,” people in general seem to be more disconnected than ever before.

People are lonely today. On average, folks move from one location to another every four years. Families are uprooted and broken apart. Although people send email, make phone calls and text messages, we have become more and more “cocooned.”

The trouble is, people were not meant to be alone. When God created man, He said the “it is not good for man to be alone.” God is indeed concerned when we experience loneliness.

We are considering Christ’s “Cries from the Cross” in this current series of messages here at WFA. It’s interesting to note that as Christ hung on the cross, he looked down, and the Bible tells us that He “saw his mother there.” He also saw, standing with her, the apostle John. Christ was concerned for his mother, most likely a widow. And so, John 19:26-27 records these “Cries from the Cross.” He says to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to John he says, “Here is your mother.”

God is still concerned about relationships today, and He desires that we all have family. While your physical family may not be close to you, we are called as His people to become family to one another, even as John became the son of Mary.

This is Christ’s “Cry of Promise” to you – you need not be alone! There is family and friendship in the people of God! Join us this week as we explore this second “Cry from the Cross!”

Cries from the Cross - Part 1 - The Cry of Pardon

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST

Famous last words... people are often remembered most for their last comments. Those final utterances can define what a person’s life was really all about.

Have you ever stopped to think specifically about Christ’s final words, as he hung on the cross? Among the very first words He uttered as He helplessly hung there, nailed between two thieves, for wrongs He never committed was “Father, forgive them.” Imagine that – while in the midst of the most excruciating form of death known, He asks His heavenly Father to forgive the very ones who nailed Him to that cross.

Thank God – because the individuals He asked the Father to forgive were you and I!

The cry of pardon burst forth that day from Calvary’s cross, and that same cry is still shouted loud today for all to hear. Yet, many seemingly turn a deaf ear to this cry. Why?

Be sure to join us this Sunday morning, when we will answer this question, as we begin our series of messages leading to Easter Sunday – Cries from the Cross – with The Cry of Pardon.

Three Rules of Hardly Effective Losers

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST

What are the three rules of the hardly effective loser?

Rule 1: "Maximize the task."

Rule 2: "Minimize the resources."

Rule 3: "Trivialize God."

Listen to this inspiring message from 2009 Missions Convention guest speaker, Jack Belin of Convoy of Hope.

ThinkMISSIONS!

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST

Kicking off our 2009 World Missions Convention this morning, our guest is Rev. Pat Summers, founder and director of ThinkMissions. While planting a church north of Pittsburgh, he led the congregation with a global focus that resulted in church members praying, giving and going to share the gospel in different areas of the world. Over 145 churches in different parts of the world have been started. Pat’s vision is to help churches think globally so more churches are started in needy parts of the world.

Victory is Mine in 2009, Part 7 – Victory Through Faith

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST

Since the first Sunday of this year, we have been sharing in the series “Victory is Mine in 2009!” Perhaps the most important sermon in the series is this week’s concluding message, “Victory Through Faith!” Overarching everything we have shared so far, the element of our personal faith is the ultimate key to our victory!

In 1 John 5:4, we read “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” The early disciples recognized the need for great faith, when in Luke 17 they say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” What was Jesus’ response to their request? He said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

A careful examination of that passage demonstrates a very important point. The disciples thought they needed more faith, as they asked the Lord for an increase. But, that’s not at all what they needed. Jesus essentially tells them that if they just use what they already had, they could do miraculous things!

And that’s the exact point. The key to our victory is not to somehow get more faith. It is to use the faith we have. Victory is not found in some quantity of faith or belief in Christ. Rather, it’s in what we do with what we have and what we do for Jesus! Don’t miss this dynamic concluding message, as together we discover how we can indeed have “Victory Through Faith!”

Victory is Mine in 2009, Part 6 – Victory Over Obstacles

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST

Is there anything more frustrating when you are on a trip than encountering some sort of detour? You have a schedule and plans, and the detour, the construction, the re-routing, the heavy traffic – you just know that you are going to be running late, and that all of your well-made plans will now be turned upside down and inside out.

I must confess, it is times like that when I tend to be more “in the flesh” than any other time! Patience in traffic situations is something that continually is my prayer need!

But, the reality is, there is no avoiding these obstacles in life. In so many places, at so many times, the unexpected comes up, and our anticipated activities are rearranged in a way we hadn’t expected. Traffic tie-ups are minor things. What if your obstacle is an unexpected illness? Or employment termination? These and so many other “obstacles” can and will come up in our lives. When they do arrive, do you fall apart – or do you have the victory?

In Isaiah 42:16 the Lord tells His people “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.”

Even in unexpected ways, along paths we had not anticipated, the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us! He will design and use what we may have thought were obstacles to bring us exactly where and how He wants us!

Are you facing obstacles in your life? Be sure to join us this week as we continue our series on “Victory is Mine in 2009!” with the message “Victory Over Obstacles!” Don’t miss it!

Victory is Mine in 2009, Part 5 - Victory Through Prayer

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST

What is the single-most overlooked opportunity for every believer to obtain victory? The answer, quite simply and obviously is prayer! Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” It doesn’t get any better than that!

Unfortunately, many have misunderstood prayer, and have attempted to make it into some difficult and elusive exercise that demands extraordinary study and practice in order to perfect, or even make effective. Nothing could be further from the truth.

There are countless numbers of books that have been written on the subject of prayer, as well as teaching on methods and procedures claiming to be some newly revealed or discovered methodology for achieving effective prayer. But, the reality is, prayer is not difficult to do, not limited to only a studied few, nor available only to those with years of practice and experience.

But, the Bible is quite clear four very important principles needed to touch God and pray effectively. This Sunday, we will continue our “Victory is Mine in 2009!” series as we address this subject and learn how to achieve “Victory Through Prayer!” Don’t miss it!

Victory is Mine in 2009, Part 4 – Four Reasons Why People Lose the Victory

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST

Have you ever felt that you were praying to the ceiling? Or, that you just couldn't grasp what it takes to be victorious? Jesus asked his disciples, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" (NKJV) Listen to this inspirational message by guest evangelist, Tiff Shuttlesworth

Victory is Mine in 2009, Part 3 – Victory Over Worry

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST

Are you a “worrier?” Many of us are worriers, and we spend many needless hours worrying. There is an old story that goes something like this – There are only two things to worry about, either you will remain healthy or you will get sick. If you remain healthy, then there is nothing to worry about. But if you get sick, there are only two things to worry about – either you will get well or you will die. If you get well, then there is nothing to worry about. But if you die there are only two things to worry about, either you will go to heaven or to hell. If you go to heaven, there isn’t anything to worry about! And if you end up in hell, worrying won’t do any good at all!

The truth, in fact, is that worrying never does any good at all. Worrying wastes your time and your energy. Worrying isn’t good for you. Proverbs 12:25 says that “worry weighs a person down.” Worrying really implies a lack of trust in God. Philippians 4:6-7 says “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

So, why do we worry? And, what can we do to overcome this bad habit of worrying? This Sunday, we will continue our series on “Victory is Mine in 2009!” with the third part of this series, “Victory Over Worry!” Don’t miss this important message to help you achieve your victory in the new year!

Victory is Mine in 2009, Part 2 – Victory Over Stress

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by stress, and wondered just what caused it? There is something called the "Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale" that lists life events, and assigns them a numerical value, according to the level of stress they can cause. For example, death of a spouse is rated at 100 points. Divorce is 73 points, and marriage is 50 points. Pregnancy is worth 40 points, and buying a house is 31 points. We have all just gone through the holiday season. Christmas is rated at 12 points! Personally, back in the early 90’s, within one year, I changed jobs, sold one house, moved, rented a temporary dwelling, bought another house, and had our second child! My combined "stress scale" was in excess of 225 points!

We all will experience stress at some time in our life. At times the stress will be heaver than at other times. But, the real issue is not whether we will or won’t have stress, or how high on the stress scale we score – but, rather, how can we gain victory over the stress!

This Sunday we will continue our "Victory Is Mine in 2009!" series, dealing with this very topic. Be sure to join us as we discover how we all can have "Victory Over Stress!"

Victory is Mine in 2009, Part 1 – Keys to Victory

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST

A new year is upon us – and it is filled with potential! 2009 will be filled with opportunities the Lord brings your way. Each and every day, you will wake up to brand new situations and circumstances to see the hand of the Lord at work in your life! But – will this be a year of victory, or a year of agony?

A large part of how the year develops will be based upon the choices you make along the way! Not a single one of us will have a year without any challenges. But, every one of us can face those challenges, and come through victorious in the power of the Lord!

As we start the year, let’s make this new year a better one than last year! Are you ready for change? Well, let’s look for not just a “change you can believe in” but rather, a change you can live in!

Be sure to join us here at WFA each and every Sunday morning in Jan and Feb for this dynamic new preaching series, designed to help you make 2009 a year of victory for you!

Unto Us a Child is Born

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST

Christmas is almost upon us. We celebrate the birth of Jesus. But who was this baby that was found by the shepherds, "lying in a manger?" The prophet Isaiah wrote, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Listen to this wonderful Christmas message from Pastor Satryan.

God Made Jesus

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST

We now find ourselves in the very middle of the Christmas season, which traditionally begins on Thanksgiving. Look around you now at all of the things we associate with Christmas. Do you see Jesus anywhere? You don’t have to look very far to see Jesus. But – how do you see Jesus depicted?

Or, more to the point – what have we made Jesus to be?

Most often, it looks like we have made Jesus to be a cherubic, white Anglo-Saxon baby with light beams radiating from around his head! We have made Jesus to be away in some iconic manger, sleeping silently, “no crying he makes!” We have all too often made Jesus to be an after-thought to the merriment and festivity of this holiday-time of the year. We have made Him to be an afterthought, only merely incidental to all of what makes our Christmas seem like what we want Christmas to be.

But, that’s not who or what Jesus really is.

The Bible tells us – in three unique places – that “God Made Jesus…” The future of all humanity was changed over two thousand years ago when at just the right time and at just the right place, the eternal Son of God, Jesus, penetrated His own creation, transcending the eternal with His own incarnation.

Humanity has been changed. Have YOU been changed? We will examine just how you indeed have been changed this Sunday as we consider just how “God Made Jesus…” Don’t miss this timely and life-changing message!

The Dilemma of Discouragement

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Thanksgiving is now history, and we are moving full-speed into the “most wonderful time of the year” – Christmas! Special holiday music, gift-giving, parties and gatherings, delicious food, colorful lights and displays, family and friends gathering together... all these and so many other things combine to make this time of the year an absolute delight.

At least it’s a delightful time some of the time and for some people. This time of the year is also a time when many people, for any number of reasons, become very depressed and discouraged.

When a person becomes depressed and discouraged, they inadvertently place themselves in a position where they may do and say things that are not in their own best interests, and may in all likelihood lead to a disastrous outcome.

If you have found yourself in such a situation, you are not alone. The Bible is filled with many individuals who became deeply discouraged. How can you avoid these situations, and what do you do if you are in the midst of being discouraged right now?

This Sunday morning, we will look at a number of Biblical examples, and discover how to deal with “The Dilemma of Discouragement.”

With Thanksgiving

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:30:00 EST

Listen to this inspiring Thanksgiving Celebration message from Dr. Donald Dunnigan, of Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church, in Wilmington, Delaware. Then, "Tell somebody!"

God’s Will for Giving Thanks

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Without question, when asked, nearly every Christian will say that they desire to be in God’s will. More specifically, they wouldn’t want to be out of God’s will, nor would they ever desire to do something that would be contrary to the will of God. However, there is one area in particular where many believers miss the mark in obeying the will of God – and it is particularly evident as we Americans prepare to celebrate our annual Thanksgiving holiday.

Across our nation, we will be encouraged to take time this week and give thanks for the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. This is a good thing to do. But – perhaps we need to re-think about what we consider to be blessings. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that we are to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” But, consider also Ephesians 5:20 which says we need to be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What is God’s will for giving thanks? Yes, we need to give thanks in all circumstances, but additionally, we need to learn that it is God’s will for us to give Him thanks FOR all things – even those things which may at first not seem to be blessings at all!

As we begin Thanksgiving week, this Sunday at WFA we will consider five specific areas in which it is God’s will to give Him thanks! Be sure to join us for this timely message!

Character of a Conquering Christian

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Do you wake up in the morning saying “Good morning, Lord!” or do you say “Good Lord, morning!” Are you walking a life of victory, or do you feel more like a victim? Is each day a walk of faith, or a slip into failure?

The Bible tells us in Romans 8:37 that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” We are called to be more than conquerors! So, why is it that so many believers are living a life that is far less than a victorious conqueror?

To be a conquering Christian, we must understand that character is far more important than appearance or popularity. In my life, I desire far more to be known as a man of Godly character than a person of good reputation.

In 1 Timothy 6:11-14, Paul gives us four key identifying traits of a person of Christian character. This Sunday morning we will look at these characteristics, and learn how we can develop the “Character of a Conquering Christian.”

Lessons Learned at a Chuck Mangione Concert

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

When I was just a very young man, as a music student and saxophone player at Duquesne University, I discovered the music of a little-known-at-that-time musician by the name of Chuck Mangione. Perhaps you have heard of his music, as he later became quite famous, and a Grammy award winner, best known for his song “Feels So Good.”

I listened to everything that he recorded, and owned every album that he produced. Perhaps even more that Chuck Mangione, I was in awe of the woodwind player that was with him, Gerry Niewood. He was – and still is – the finest “doubler” and improviser I have ever heard. As a doubler, Gerry is equally proficient on all of the woodwinds, and in any given song, can and will play a select variety of the instruments he brings with him. It is not unusual at all for him to play alto flute, flute, piccolo, soprano sax, and tenor sax, all within the same song. And, his improvisational skills are amazing. He spontaneously creates melodies within the context of the harmony of the song being played in such a way that you would think they had been well thought out and scripted lines of the song from the time it was created.

Earlier this summer, I learned that Chuck Mangione was going to be performing live in concert at the Sellersville Theater, just north of Philadelphia. So, I immediately purchased reasonably good tickets, and made plans to attend with my oldest daughter, Jessica. The concert just took place a few weeks ago.

I had eagerly looked forward to this concert, to be able to see and listen to the musicians that had most influenced my own musical style. But, what took place on that evening went far beyond my wildest dreams and anticipation. Making a long story very short, I had the privilege of having a personal meeting and conversation with both Gerry Niewood and Chuck Mangione. It was an evening that I will never forget.

The events of that evening have provided me with a most incredible illustrative message that I am looking forward to sharing with everyone this Sunday morning here at WFA. I guarantee you that you will be blessed as we discover many life lessons that I learned at a Chuck Mangione Concert! Don’t miss it!

S.O.S. - Save Our Souls

webmaster@wfa.org (webmaster@wfa.org) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Listen to this inspiring "Speed the Light" Day message from youh pastor, Rev. Steve Miller!