Pastor Michael's Blog

The Father's will for the one that is lost

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:53:00 +0000

Thank you very much for your prayers as
I preached at the Pastor's Conf. at FBC
Jacksonville yesterday. God blessed
and honored His Word!

Today's Insight in the Word -
Matthew 18: 14 - Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep.... of the shepherd who has 100 sheep and one of them goes astray... the shepherd leaves the 99 and seeks after the one who is straying. What is Jesus' point to His parable?

"Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."

Walking in the Word -
The Father's will for the lost is to be the will of His redeemed children for the lost. The more I know our Heavenly Father the more His will becomes mine.. and His heart for the one that is lost becomes my heart for the one who is lost.

Prayer Response to the Word -
Heavenly Father, I bless and praise Your holy name for You deep, deep compassion for the one who is lost. I am reminded that .... this was Your compassion for me which sought for me in dangerous places. I earnestly pray that I might know more of Your heart and will for the lost that I might express it more to the lost whom You allow me to encounter. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!

Who is the greatest in the kingdom?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:28:00 +0000

Today's Insight in the Word-
Matthew 18:1 - the disciples were asking Jesus the question we ask today.... Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Probably answers could be - the one who has the most or is known the most or is most religious....
But notice- Jesus did not Mention any of these... Vs. 4 - "therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven".... A child has no possessions, no popularity, no religious devotion and yet he is the greatest!

Walking in the Word-
My desire is to have the humility and dependence on God as a little child. May God's grace rest on me as I uplift Him!

Prayer Response to the Word-
Abba Father, I humble myself before You as a little child and desire to know You and obey You. May Your hand rest on me today I pray in Jesus' name, Amen!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Amazing grace of reconciliation!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:26:00 +0000

We celebrated the joy of new life and relationships
through the waters of baptism in the Jordan river!

Today's Insight in the Word -
Genesis 45: 3 - "Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph; does my father still live?' But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismissed in his presence."

Joseph's brothers had betrayed him and sold him into slavery and reported to his father that he had died.
This passage takes place years later and through a process Joseph now reveals himself and is reconciled with his brothers and then with his father, who thought Joseph was dead!
This is reconciliation - i.e. - relationships that were separated because of sin now rejoined by God's amazing grace in the heart of Joseph.
Notice Joseph's gracious, God-centered words to his brothers - Vs. 5 - "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.... Vs. 7 - "God sent me before you to preserve a prosperity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance."
Reconciliation occurs by the grace of God in the heart of one who possesses a God-centered vision of life.

Walking in the Word -

I desire to have a God-centered vision for life and continually experience the amazing grace of reconciliation in all relationships. God uses the hurts of others to help His child to bless others!

Prayer Response to the Word -

Heavenly Father, I am blessed and challenged by the example of Joseph in his forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers. I see Your amazing grace at work in his heart as he maintained a God-centered view of His circumstances. May I never become bitter but always grow better through difficulty, I pray in Jesus' name, Amen!

Living the high life of integrity!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:22:00 +0000

I am praying earnestly for our 'First Steps'
training Saturday that the Lord will use
this day to shape the future of PC's FBC!
If you have not signed up for this one day
training, please call the church office today.

Today's Insight in the Word -
Psalm 15: 1-5 - David asks the question of which we all desire the answer - "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?" - there is no greater special, higher, and holy place than the Lord's dwelling and His holy hill!

Note the answer - "He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart...." the remaining 3 verses he further expands the description of a life of integrity.

Walking in the Word -
Living a life that walks and talks the truth of God's Word is of utmost importance to fellowship with the Lord and usefulness in the Lord's service. I desire to live a life of integrity by holding highly God's truth in my heart, speaking truth, and living truth in all aspects of life and ministry.

Prayer Response to the Word -
Abba Father, I desire with all my heart to live continually in Your tabernacle and in Your holy hill. I am grateful for the grace of God found in Christ, who is truth, that has set me free the deception of my own heart. Lead me in truth that I may continually live in truth, for I pray in Jesus' name, Amen!

A Dream Come True!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:15:00 +0000

It is a joy to serve the church of my dreams!
Please pray for me as I preach this Friday
morning at 11:15 a.m. at the Pastor's
Conference of FBC Jacksonville , Fl.

Today's Insight in the Word -
Have you ever had a dream come true?
This is what occurred for Joseph in Genesis 42: 9, for the Lord had given to Joseph as a young teen a dream that his brothers would come and bow down before him. Through God's providence in exalting Joseph through his trials and difficulties to being the Prime Minister over the land of Egypt during the crisis of a famine, his brothers came bowing before him asking for a provision of grain.

"Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them....."

Walking in the Word -
As a teen, the Lord gave me a dream that one day I would serve Him in a local church that would be making an eternal difference in the city and surrounding communities with God's Word. Today, I am living that dream. Just like Joseph in the Bible, I reflect on the past and see the providence of God in fulfilling the God-given dream He placed in my heart and I am deeply grateful!

Prayer Response to the Word -
Heavenly Father, I rejoice that You are the giver of dreams and You are the fulfiller of dreams that glorify You in our lives. As I read this passage this morning, it took me back to the time in my life when You first gave me a dream of serving as pastor and leading a church that is making an eternal difference in the community and world. I thank You for allowing me to serve the church of my dreams at Plant City's First Baptist Church! In Jesus' name, Amen!

Special Wednesday Night House Of Prayer This Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Please join me for a special House of Prayer this Wednesday evening, January 25^th at 6:30 p.m. We are pleased to have Richard Shepherd from Florida Baptist Convention, he is the Team Strategist – for Prayer/Spiritual Awakening. He will be sharing with us how to prayerfully prepare for the upcoming State Evangelism Conference that will be hosting here at Plant City’s First Baptist Church on March 24-27, 2012.

RICHARD SHEPHERD

TEAM STRATEGIST, Prayer/Spiritual Awakening Team

Evangelism Group

Serving the Convention since 2000

This team seeks to assist churches and their leadership in understanding the role and purpose of prayer and spiritual awakening as an integral element of a church’s ministry. The team strategist also provides consultation and resources to develop and promote prayer, intercessory prayer and spiritual awakening in the life of a church and individual.

Our service will include those usually attending Tessera in effort to unite our church body in prayer for this important conference.

Please plan to attend ~ You will be blessed!

Where is your heart in relation to the Lord?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:18:00 +0000

The Lord blessed us with a great day of worship
yesterday through the preaching ministry
of Dr. Jerry Vines!

Today's Insight in the Word -

Matthew 15: 7,8 - Jesus said concerning the religious leaders of His day who were criticizing His disciples, "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."

Here are a group of good people, saying good things about God, and doing good things for God ... And yet they were not close to God. They were 'hypocrites' - i.e. - play-actors.... acting like they knew God really good when in fact they were strangers to Him!

Walking in the Word -
Jesus desires that our heart be close to Him; His longing is for relationship with us. Jesus never desires that we would devote ourselves to a greater rituals and religious talk, but that we have a heart that is wholly devoted to following Him. Throughout this day, I will meditate and seek to go deeper in my heart-relationship with the Lord.

Prayer Response to the Word -
Heavenly Father, I am deeply grateful for Your Son's confrontation with the hypocrite's sin, for He teaches me what really matters in life and what You long for in my heart. A fresh and anew I surrender my heart and body to You as a living sacrifice. I don't want to just say and do the right thing before You, but I so long to be in a right heart relationship with You. I pray humbly in Jesus' name, Amen!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Good morning and welcome to “Super January” at Plant City’s First Baptist Church! This is a season of opportunity for every Sunday School class to join the “winning team” of reaching out to new friends and inviting them to life-changing Bible study. Today is “Half-Time” in our 6 week evangelistic endeavors and it is time for every class to ‘Get in the Game!’

We are blessed and honored to have Dr. Jerry Vines, the Prince of Preachers, preaching today in all three of our services! Dr. Vines has been preaching God’s Word for over 50 years; He is the retired pastor of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, two-time president of the Southern Baptist Convention, author and Biblical scholar of numerous books, and a powerful preacher of God’s Word. I encourage you to open your Bible and heart to hearing this mighty servant of God!

Do all that you can to bring a friend with you to our 6:30 p.m. evening service!

Blessings!

Pastor Michael Lewis

Broken and blessed in the hands of Jesus!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:04:00 +0000

It was on a Galilean hillside like this one where Jesus
fed the multitudes! Place your inadequacy in the
all-powerful hands of Jesus and witness His
all-sufficient provision!

Today's Insight in the Word -
Matthew 14: 19-21 - 'Broken and blessed' is an very important lesson for any follower of Jesus to learn. This is what occurred as Jesus was teaching the multitudes by the Sea of Galilee. The disciples counseled Jesus to send the multitudes to the surrounding towns to purchase something to eat and return the next day. Yet Jesus wanted to teach them an eternal lesson... So He commanded His disciples to give them something to eat. But they responded with an answer of their own inadequacy and insufficiency, "We have ONLY five loaves and two fish."
Have you ever responded to the Lord's command in that fashion? - 'Not enough, Lord!'

Jesus told His disciples to bring the 5 loaves and 2 fish to Him. "Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about 5,000 men, besides women and children."

WOW!

Walking in the Word -
'Broken and blessed' is an important lesson for us to learn today as followers of Christ. Jesus commands us to do things that we are fully and completely inadequate to do in our own ability, so that He may take what we give to Him, 'break and bless' in His omnipotent hands, and reveal His glory.
I will bring all my inadequacies and insufficiencies to Jesus and allow Him to break and bless me for His glory!

Prayer Response to the Word -
Heavenly Father, I rejoice in this glorious revelation from Your Word in how You use my inadequacies and inabilities to reveal Your glory. I pray that I would be broken and blessed in Your hands as a pastor of Plant City's First Baptist Church so that Your glory may be displayed in Your sufficiency to feed the multitudes. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

How much is the kingdom of God worth to you?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:19:00 +0000

Next Saturday from 9 a.m till 4 p.m. we will
be having a training in what it means to
follow Jesus & how to teach others to follow
Jesus one-on-one. This is will be a spiritually
enriching time for each one personally and
also life-transforming as we learn to make
disciples. Email cmcdaniel@fbcpc.com to register
today!

Today's Insight in the Word -
Matthew 13: 44- 46 - As I read through the Gospels, I keep asking the question - 'What does Jesus require of me to be His follower?' His parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of great price make clear His requirement to experience the blessing of His kingdom's rule in my life.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, when a man found and hid; and for joy over it goes and SELLS ALL THAT HE HAS and buys that field.Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,who when he found one pearl of great price, went and SOLD ALL THAT HE HAD and bought it."

Note - Each of these men gave everything they possessed to receive everything they desired in God!

Walking in the Word -
When I committed my heart to believe in the Lord Jesus as a adolescent, did I fully understand the calling to give my all to follow after Him? I understood that He is Lord and I am to obey Him and do as He directs. I don't think I fully understood His requirements, but I have grown in understanding as a man that He requires my ALL for His rule and reign to be over my life. Once again, I surrender ALL to Him!

Prayer response to the Word -
Lord Jesus, Truly Your rule and reign in my life is a treasure in a field and a pearl of great price! You are everything I could ever hope for or dream of.... I sell everything in my heart and life for You! The joys and delights of Your kingdom far outweigh anything I could ever accumulate in this world on my own. All to Jesus, I surrender! All to Him, I freely give! Amen!

Pray for Dr. Jerry Vines as he travels today
to preach in all 3 of our worship services
tomorrow at Plant City's FBC. It is gonna a be
a glorious time of worship!

What is your heart condition to God? - Are you dull or delighted?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:54:00 +0000

Walking through the pool of Bethasida where
Jesus healed the lame man in John 5. My
heart is delighted with who Jesus is
and what Jesus said!

Today's Insight in the Word -

Matthew 13: 15 - The disciples asked Jesus, why He spoke to them in parables. Jesus responded, "For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."

How is your heart to God?

the people of Jesus' day, their hearts, had grown 'dull' - lacking spiritual interest and excitement, not having spiritual receptivity and brightness.... slow moving to respond to the revelation of Christ's teaching.
the disciples hearts were different from the crowd - they were delighted with the Word of Jesus - they were possessing spiritual interest and excitement over the teaching of Jesus. They were wide-open to receive and respond to the Word.

Why is it so important to have a heart that 'delights' in Jesus' Word and not 'dull' to it?

13: 12 - Jesus promised, "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."

Walking in the Word -

I will guard my heart from becoming dull and unresponsive to the Word of Christ and seek always to have spiritual enthusiasm and obedience to His Word. Christ's Word leaves me both full and hungry at the same time..... full in that my life is blessed spiritually, but hungry in that I long and desire to know and obey Him more and more!

Prayer Response to the Word -

Abba Father, I thank You for revealing to us the mysteries of the kingdom. I rejoice in the parables of Your Son and pray that You will continue to reveal to me more and more of the depths of insight into Your rule and reign in my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

What is your relationship with Jesus?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:19:00 +0000

The joy of family! In our recent trip to Israel, we meet
a group from Nigeria and were able to fellowship with
them!

Today's Insight in the Word -

Matthew 12: 46-50 - As Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, His mother and brothers stood outside, desiring to speak with Him. Someone shared that they were desiring to speak with Him, and He asked an astonishing question, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?"
And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said,
"Here are My mother and My brothers!
For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother!"

Walking in the Word -
It is a blessed state to be a member of Jesus' own family by doing the will of His Father in heaven! I desire to meditate on this eternal reality throughout the day and share with others 'outside the family' of how they can come 'in the family' by repenting and doing the will of the Father.

Prayer Response in the Word -
Heavenly Father, I am so honored to call You 'Abba Father!' Thank You for Your amazing grace that has called me through Your Son to be a member of the family of God. I am grateful to hear His voice and follow His Word. Show me all the blessing and privileges of being Your child, I pray in Jesus' wonderful name, Amen!

Seeing God face to face!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:20:00 +0000

Dr. Vines is truly a humble and anointed
preacher of God's Word, and I am so
looking forward to His preaching this
Sunday at PC's FBC.

Today's Insight in the Word -

Genesis 32: 30 - "So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."

How did Jacob have this face-to-face encounter with God?

It was the crisis situation of returning to his home-land and about to meet his brother, Esau.
Remember the last time Jacob met Esau.... he stole his birthright and Esau vowed to one day kill Jacob!
Jacob was anxious and remained in solitude before God the night before He was to meet His brother.... and He encountered the Angel of the Lord - i.e. who I consider to be the pre-incarnate Lord Jesus (Christ in the O.T.)
Jacob wrestled with the Angel for the blessing of the Lord ... and the Lord broke his hip and blessed Him.
Jacob, who was a very prideful, self-made man, walked with a limp from that day - i.e. humility before God and man.
Jacob describes his experience as 'seeing God face to face.'

Walking in the Word -

Through times of difficulty and anxiety, God desires for me to meet Him face-to-face and really know Him. He desires for me not just to know about His mighty acts but to know His awesome presence.

Prayer Response to the Word -

Lord, I want to know You more! In Your death and resurrection, I want to know You. Thank You that in circumstances that seem against me that You are for me, breaking and blessing me to be in the image of Your Son. May I see You face-to-face! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

First Steps - One on One Discipleship Training Offered January 28th

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

These are exciting days of spiritual and numerical growth in the life of Plant City’s First Baptist Church, and I am deeply grateful for your friendship and partnership in our ministry together! Our prayerful vision is to be a church that will “bear lasting fruit” by leading people to KNOW Christ, to GROW in Christ, and to SHOW Christ’s love. I am writing to share with you about a strategic plan of discipleship that will shape the future for First Baptist forever. We have all witnessed in our Sunday School evangelism outreach that “many make decisions for Christ, but most walk away.” One-on-one discipleship is crucial in helping new babes in Christ grow to be fully devoted followers of our Lord.

I would like to personally invite you to join me and a group of leaders for a special opportunity to be the equipped in a one-on-one mentoring/discipleship process of new believers. Our Pastoral team has prayed seeking God’s wisdom on how to train and lead new believers to grow in their faith and also to connect them effectively to the body of Christ. Through prayer, the Lord has led us to Ray Willis, director of First Step Discipleship ministries, www.disciplinganother.com, to equip us in an effective one-on-one discipleship process.

You are receiving this letter from me as a personal invitation to our First Steps Discipleship Training Day to be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. I realize this is a full day of commitment of your time, but believe it will be time well invested in eternity as we learn how to mentor and nurture new believer’s in their walk with Christ. I value your commitment in sharing our vision to “bear lasting fruit” that will remain for God’s glory. Will you join me in this worthwhile day of training to equip us to grow the next generation of Disciple-makers? Please call the Church office and reserve your place, or email my assistant at cmcdaniel@fbcpc.com . Lunch and childcare will be provided.

Praying for you as a leader!

Jesus' prophesy fulfilled!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:49:00 +0000

It is a joy to have Dr. Jerry Vines preaching
in all 3 of our worship services this
coming Sunday. Dr. Vines is a powerful
preacher of the Word who is a godly
example to me and so many pastors.

Today's Insight in the Word -

Matthew 11: 21-24 - Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mightyworks had been done, because they did not repent: ²¹“Woe to you,Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which weredone in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repentedlong ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²²But I say to you, it will be moretolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. ²³Andyou, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down toHades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done inSodom, it would have remained until this day. ²⁴But I say to you that itshall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment thanfor you.”

Jesus foretold the fate of the 3 ancient cities that were beautifully situated on or near the shores of the Sea of Galilee. All three of these cities have perished according to the prophesy of our Lord. Our group visited their excavations on our recent trip to Israel. George Davis in his 'Bible Prophecies Fulfilled Today' records that "an earthquake destroyed Capernaum about AD 400 and doubtless Chorazin and Bethsaida perished at the same time."

Walking in the Word -
Why were these cities destroyed? Because they did not repent at the mighty works that were done in their midst by our Lord in His earthly ministry. They did not respond to the clear revelation of God in the manifest power of His Son walking on planet earth.

God's call to us today is repentance. God has done so many mighty works through the preaching of the Gospel and the exaltation of the USA. His hand is clearly seen throughout our history, and we should repent in light of His goodness of revelation to us.

Prayer Response to the Word -
Heavenly Father, I repent of my sin and believe wholly on Your Son for salvation! Jesus is my refuge from the coming day of judgment. I marvel at how great is Your long-suffering, that you waited 400 years for the people of these three cities to repent and seek Your salvation. O Lord, I pray for a spiritual awaking in America that would lead us to repentance. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

The preaching of the Gospel

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:07:00 +0000

from Mount Scopus at sundown... overlooking
Jerusalem.

Today's Insight in the Word -
Matthew 11: 4-5 - John the Baptist is in prison and he sends disciples to ask Jesus, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" - i.e - obviously John was going through a time of discouragement and doubt. Jesus answered the disciples and said,

"Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:
The blind see and the lame walk;
the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear;
the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."

In Jesus' response to the disciples, His answer affirms His identity as the Messiah, the Coming One. Jesus performed acts of supernatural power which marked His identity as the promised Messiah of O.T. Scripture such as Isaiah 61.
He also affirms His work as an evangelist - for He preached the Gospel to the poor.

Walking in the Word -

Just as Jesus presented Himself with power as Messiah and preached the Gospel to the poor, so I desire to preach His Gospel to the least and lonely with His anointing and power.

2 Timothy 4:5 - commissions pastors 'to do the work of an evangelist.' - i.e. - to be like Jesus in preaching the Gospel.

Prayer Response to the Word -

Heavenly Father, I worship You for Your heart for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. I so pray that I may reflect Your heart by presenting the Gospel to everyone possible and sharing the Good News that those held captive to the kingdom of darkness who can now be set free to enter the kingdom of light. Just as Jesus preached the Gospel, so help me to preach the Gospel. I pray in Jesus' wonderful name, Amen!

Sermon Notes For Sunday Evening, January 15, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:30:00 +0000

“Surviving the Babylonian

Success Syndrome”

Daniel 4

1. King Neb’s Insomnia Vs. 4 – 28

2. King Neb’s Insanity Vs.29 – 33

3. King Neb’s Insight Vs. 1-3, 34-37

A. Lesson about Pride.

B. Lesson of Procrastination.

C. Lesson of Presumption.

D. Lesson of God’s Providence.

Sermon Notes For Sunday Morning, January 15, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

“Survivors in the Burning Fiery Furnace of Faith”

Daniel 3

1. - Don’t “Go Along” to “Get Along!” vs. 3:1-12

a. Call for Tolerance vs.2-6

b. Crowd of Tolerance vs.7

c. Conflict with Tolerance vs.8-12

i. Obvious - Noticeable to all – vs. 8

ii. Based on Absolute Truth - Biblical

iii. Courageous

2. - Don’t Just Believe God in “Fair Times,” but also in “Fiery Trials.” Vs. 3:13-18

a. “Fear Pressure” Applied!

i. His anger vs. 13

ii. His Amazement vs. 14 “is it true?”

iii. His antagonism vs. 15

b. “Faith” Persevered!

i. Faith in God’s power vs.17

ii. Faith in God’s Providence vs.18

3. - Don’t Fear in the Fire, for God is Near. Vs. 3:19-30

a. In Face of Fear vs.19-23

b. In the Flames vs.24-28a

i. By God’s Presence vs.24-25

ii. By God’s Power vs.26-28a

c. By His Favor vs.28b-30

“Survival Pack” for the Week –

1.– Commit to memory Jude 24 in reflection of today’s study of Daniel 3:17. Meditate on the phrase “Our God is able.”

2.– Share with your family or friend the survival lessons learned from today’s message concerning worldly pressure to conform.

3.– Reflect on the “fiery trails of faith” that you are experiencing. What important lessons do you learn in the fire?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Good morning and welcome to worship at Plant City’s First Baptist Church where we are stepping into ancient Babylon and learning from our study of Daniel how to be a “Survivor.” Turn with me to Daniel chapter 3 as we learn how to be a “Survivor in Fiery Furnace of Faith” from the thrilling account of the three Hebrew young men who survived King Neb’s burning fiery furnace My prayer is that you will be filled and thrilled with the Word of God!

Today is our 1^st Quarter of outreach in our “Super January” Sunday School emphasis. We are seeking to encourage our friends and family to “join the winning team” of Bible study and fellowship in our Sunday School groups for all ages and all seasons of life. There are no spectator seats in this game, but only positions that need to be filled in our afternoon phone calling, prayer, and outreach advances. So come on the playing field, and “get in the game!”

In our 6:30 p.m. evening worship service, we will continue in our “Survivor in Babylon” series of Daniel chapter 4 by studying one of the most amazing conversion stories in all the Bible. Come and hear the ancient Babylonian King tell his story of Lord’s mighty power to save!

Praying for you in the fiery furnaces of faith!

Pastor Michael Lewis

The cost of discipleship

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:42:00 +0000

Because Jesus gave His everything,
He calls us to give our everything to Him.
He is worthy, for He is alive!

Today's Insight in the Word -

Matthew 10: 37 - 39 - Jesus shares with His disciples the pain, persecution, misunderstanding, and difficulty they will face for being His followers. Our Lord further explains what it means to be His follower, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthier of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."

Walking in the Word -
Being a follower of Christ means being willing die for my identity with Him... means loving Him above those closest to me.... means losing my life for His sake and calling. I am a follower of Christ; I am not ashamed; I have crossed the line and I am clearly and unashamedly 'with Christ' and 'for Christ;' there is no retreat, remorse nor regret. Jesus is my Lord, my God, my King, and my mighty Savior!

Prayer Response to the Word -
Heavenly Father, I bless You that You have given me all in the indescribable gift of Your Son. You spared not Your own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. In light of Your love, I give my supreme love for You above all earthly relationships and devotions. You are worthy of all. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

My prayer for preaching

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:40:00 +0000

1-14-2012

My prayer for preaching

Today's Insight in the Word-
Jesus is commissioning His disciples to go forth and preach the Gospel of the kingdom and He tells of the persecution which awaits them. He tells them they will be delivered up before councils, yet assures them not to be afraid "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you." Matthew 10:20 NKJV

Walking in the Word-
My prayer for preaching is Jesus' promise to the disciples that it is 'not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.' I must be always 'dying to preach' that it is not I, but Christ who preaches in and through me.

Prayer Response to the Word-
Abba Father, I worship and praise You! Thank You for the commission of Your Son to proclaim Your Word in a darkened and hostile world. May You speak 'to' 'in' and 'through' me as Your appointed preacher. I thank You for Your calling me to Plant City's FBC. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Have you spread any news about Jesus lately?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:02:00 +0000

Today's Insight in the Word -
Matthew 9: 27-31 - records Jesus touching the eyes of two blind men and healing their eyesight. Notice what Jesus told them -
"And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, 'See that no one knows it.' But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country."

Why did Jesus 'sternly warn' these men, whose sight He restored, not to tell anyone concerning the miracle? - We are not sure... maybe the 'news about Him' may raise greater opposition and limit His time in that region for ministry. Not sure?
But notice - the blind men did not heed to Jesus' warning, for they went in all the country and spread the news, 'The man Jesus healed our blind eyes! We once were blind but now we see!'
Do you find it interesting that Jesus told these men whom He healed not to tell anyone and they told everyone & today Jesus has commanded us to tell everyone and we do not tell anyone? Seems strange doesn't it?

Walking in the Word -

I want to tell everyone that I meet today my personal testimony concerning Jesus' miraculous touch of salvation in my life - for I once was lost, but now I am found; I once was blind, but now I see!

Prayer Response to the Word -

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for the eternal touch of the Lord Jesus on my life! He touched me and I am no longer the same. He has saved me and transformed my life from emptiness to fulness. May You give me many opportunities to share the news about His supernatural power to save with others, I humbly pray in Jesus' name, Amen!

The joy of answered prayer!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:20:00 +0000

Picture taken in the wilderness of En Gedi....
Our recent trip to Israel was a direct
answer to prayer we have prayed for many
years!

Today's Insight in the Word -
Genesis 24: 48 - Abraham's servant prayed a specific prayer that the Lord would lead him to guide him to find a wife for Issac, and the Lord answered his prayer specifically. Notice his joy -
"And I bowed my head and worshipped the Lord, and bless the Lord God of my master Abraham, who had lead me in the way of truth to take the daughter of my masters brother for his son."

Walking in the Word -
As I review my prayer journal of prayer request and the many answers to prayer from 2011, this gives me confidence to pray with joy being assured that God answers prayer!

Prayer Response to the Word -
Heavenly Father, You are the Lord who amazes me. Just as Abraham's servant was amazed, so you continually amaze me of how You hear my cries in prayer and You answer them specifically. Teach me to pray with greater specificity and to see You hand at work around me, I pray in Jesus' name, Amen!

Capernaum, the ministry headquarters of Jesus.

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:34:00 +0000

Picture of the remains of the synagogue
in Capernaum.... the city where Jesus
performed this miracle!

Today's Insight in the Word -
Matthew 8: 5 - 13 "Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, 'Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.' And Jesus said to him, 'I will come and heal him.' The centurion answered and said, 'Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it. When Jesus head it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!...." Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed the same hour.

This is an incredible passage that comes to life from our recent journey to the land of Israel and visit at the ancient city of Capernaum which has partly been excavated. We were able to view part of the synagogue and the house of Simon Peter's mother-in-law.
The Roman centurion asking Jesus to heal His servant by just His authoritative word was amazing - for the Romans considered Jews to be third-class citizens... and yet with this miracle of healing, Jesus found favor in the eyes of the Roman centurion.
The miracle centers on the authority of Jesus' Word - for the centurion asks Jesus to "only speak a word" - you do not have to come to visit Him, but "only speak a word."
Jesus spoke the word and the servant was healed.

Walking in the Word -

I will exercise faith in the authoritative word of the Lord Jesus Christ. For as I believe in the powerful and authoritative word of Jesus, so it is experienced in life. I must never underestimate the power of the Savior! It is the same word that calmed the storm, and the disciples said, 'Who can this be, that even the wide and the sea obey Him?'

Prayer Response to the Word -

Abba Father, I fall down at the feet of Your Son and confess as did the centurion, 'Only speak a word!' I believe in the power of the authoritative word of Jesus, for He spoke and all the universe came to be. He spoke and the centurion's servant was made well. He spoke and the troubled sea became calm. Just as the winds and the waves, disease, and death obeyed the authoritative words of Jesus, so I desire to obey Him. In Jesus' wonderful name I pray, Amen!

Are you simply an false professor OR a true Possessor of eternal life?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Michael Lewis) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:21:00 +0000

My favorite camel shot from Israel!
Happy Birthday, Faith!

Today's Insight in the Word -
What does it mean to be a true possessor of eternal life and a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ?
- Jesus in Matthew chapter 7 describes a real 'follower' of Him as -

7:13,14 - A true follower is on the 'road less traveled' that is difficult road that leads to life which only a few find.
7: 15-20 - A true follower of Christ is one who is known by the good fruits that his life produces.
7: 21-23 - A true follower of Christ is known not for his boasting in kingdom accomplishments but in his practice of the will of the Father in heaven.

What a shock this passage presents! - for there will many church-leaders and church-goers who will stand before the Lord and say, 'Look what I have done!' and the Lord will say, 'Depart from Me, I never knew you.'
for it is not the false professors who will enter heaven but the true possessors who know Christ and practice the Father's will in life.

Walking in the Word -

I desire to be not just 'a fan' of Jesus who only names Him, but I desire to be 'a follower' of Christ who hears His teachings and practices them in my daily life. I will be deeply committed to Him and seek to know Him more and more each day.

Prayer Response to the Word -

Heavenly Father, my greatest joy and boasting is knowing Your Son as my Lord and Savior! All else is empty boasting and vain pursuits; I count them as rubbish for the excellency of knowing Christ Jesus the Lord. May I live today the way I will be thankful for all of eternity. May my life magnify and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray in His name, Amen!