Inside CHC

Aftershocks of The Resurrection

2016-04-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

Easter left an aftershock which has shook the world throughout the last few thousand’s years. You can still feel the aftershocks of Easter weekend today in our churches, in communion, in worship and all over the world.

Matthew 27:50-54:
50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Matthew 28:1-7:
The Resurrection
1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

A genuine aftershock of Resurrection Sunday is His followers participating in authentic worship with the Lord each week. Worship is where individuals connect heart to heart with God. When this occurs a power is unleashed in the life of the believer. This in turn affects the church and community they reside in.

Mike Bickle founder of IHOP explains worship this way: God has ordained many pleasures for believers. There are physical, emotional and intellectual pleasures, all of which are ordained by God. But no pleasure is more intense than the pleasure that comes when God communicates Himself to the human spirit. In the little moments when God communicates His passion for me, I experience what life is all about. It is life at its very best” (54).
1. He also adds, “Discovering God’s heart is both fascinating and absolutely exhilarating “(33).
2. The bottom line is Lovers (worshippers) will always serve God with their whole hearts but servants will only give so much.
3. Lovers (worshippers) will always give the one that they love everything they desire. Lovers love to please the one they love.
4. A person who serves another in a Master/servant relationship will only give what is needed to sustain the relationship.
5. It’s like a student who only wants to get by in school with a D-. They do not give everything – their heart stays with them.
6. There is no passion just service 9-5. Or maybe I should say “I put in my hour a week!”

Mike Bickle stresses in his teachings on worship the necessity of being authentic worshippers and what the difference is between doing it for duty and doing it out of a passionate heart of love.

So how would you describe your worship? Id Resurrection weekend still sending aftershocks into your heart each day? Or has it stopped and impacted how you worship?

My world needs you Jesus!

2015-12-18T13:27:00.002-08:00

Here is a tid bit from this coming weeks sermon:

The world needs Jesus - we all need Jesus! This little child laying in the manger was born so that you and I could be Born Again and be given the power and the ability to redo parts of our lives. To turn the “If Only” moments of time into the “What if” possibilities of God.

God came down 2015 Christmas’ ago to meet our spiritual need – to save our soul. He is aware of every situation we go through and understands the grief, the pain, the turmoil and the fears. No matter what stage of life we are in Jesus is always there to help us through that time if we ask. Emmanuel means God with us and that is what we celebrate in this Christmas Season. Jesus is here this morning – you may not see Him – nor feel Him but He is here and He does show up to minister to His children.

Jesus fulfilled all 354 prophecies of Scripture when He came down to earth. He knew a hard road of life awaited Him and yet He still came down - Jesus is the answer for your “if only” problem and this is why He came as a baby in a manger.

Have you ever experienced an “If Only” moment? A moment of deep regret?

If only I had been tougher in high school then I would not have been bullied so much!

If only I weighed less I would not be so rejected!

If only I had went to that other school I would have been accepted!

If only we had not moved!

If only my friends stood up for me instead of rejected me and made fun of me!

If only I had done better at my work then I would not have been fired!

If only I would not have yielded to temptation!

If only I had not gone to work for this company but choose the other place I would be better off!”

If only I had married another person I would be happy and my kids would too!

If only he would care more about us and the family I would be happier!

If’s have a lot of power in our life – the Bible is filled with this little two letter word which has the ability to change everything! Many people miss their “What if possibility with God for the “If only regret of the wrong choice” and suffer spiritually, emotionally and soulishly for it.

We all mull over and over and over the “If Onlys.” We grieve over them, we think about them over and over, we analyze them over and over, we ponder over them obsessively and stress over the “If Only” moments of our life! We cry out in our souls why did I do that or say that!

An “If Only” moment could be called a regretful or remorseful moment – we all have regrets, there is no exception here – we all have deep regrets about something in our life. Some of the regrets are for what we did wrong and others are for what we didn’t do and even others are the result of others wrong choices or sins.

But the key to understand in this perplexing dark night of the soul is, “What will you do with that “If only” moment? Will you wallow in the wake of the “If Only” and live with the torment of it for the rest of your life? Or will you choose to have faith – Faith that says “What if God does a miracle – What if God intervenes – What if I give it to God and he heals it or gives me peace about it!” “What if He forgives me and washes my sin away!” “What if’s” – is about knowing what God can do with a “If only” moment given into His hands!

I see people trapped, chained, imprisoned from “If Only” moments of their life. The good news of Christmas is Jesus came to help us out and through the “If Only” moments of life. But your response to failure, pain, injustice, sin, stress and such is key to overcoming these moments.

Will you play the victim and want everyone else to pamper you for the rest of your life because of a horrible “If Only they had not died?” People who do this live in the “If only” moments of regret and pain and it steals their joy, their peace and their hope.

Will you live as the victim, a martyr and a woe is me mindset through life?

Do your regrets hold you caged in and helpless? Regrets that plague our sleep, our peace and our soul are caused by being trapped in the “If Only” moments of life. Yes, it’s true you cannot change that event but God can, he can change your soul, He can charge you with hope, with comfort and with purpose!

Do you think that your “If Only” moment has robbed you of the good life – it does not have too? Jesus came so that it would not ruin your life!

Do you think there is no hope – no redeeming of your circumstance with God from that deep seated regret? All things are possible with God.

“What if’s” in God’s hands can supersede the “if only” regrets in life (here is the word).” IF you have faith to believe in Jesus and believe that He will intervene for you – then you have a “What if” possibility!

Men and women are different

2015-10-29T08:46:00.003-07:00

Reality Check: Men and women communicate different – so be aware of the difference!

Gary Smalley shares, “In my interviews of well over 60,000 women all over the world, I’ve learned that no matter what the culture, the economic level, or geographic location, all have one thing in common: the need for conversation. I ask them all the same question: ‘What would improve your marriage?’ I get the same answer time and time again: ‘If my husband would just talk to me more and share his heart, our marriage would improve.’ ‘What do you mean by talk and share his heart?’ I ask. And the answer is always the same: ‘I just wish he would listen and respond and understand when I share my feelings and not try to fix me or the situation.’ ‘You’re saying that if you had better, more meaningful communication with your husband, your marriage would improve?’ No matter what country I am in, the answer is always, ‘Yes!’ All over the world women complain that men do not talk to them enough” (163). So ladies you are not alone in wishing your men would talk more!
Smalley notes that research communicates to us that women talk 3 times more than men do and this attributes to part of the problem with communication in marriage (and in relationships) (170).
But with the effort and understanding of both partner’s, communication can be increased in any relationship. Illustration of Baby Boy: After several years of marriage, Thelma and Bob Robson finally had their first baby, a healthy boy whom they named Barnaby. When the child was one years old, he hadn’t said a word; one and half years, still not a word. The parents took the baby to a pediatrician, who said, ‘Everything’s perfectly normal. Just be patient. And so it went until Barnaby’s fourth birthday. The Robson’s were all having breakfast, when Barnaby turned to his mother and said, “This oatmeal is too lumpy” The parents were amazed. They said, “Why haven’t you talked before?” Young Barnaby shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Up, till now, every thing’s been great!” If we really want to be and do what Ephesians and the Bible calls us to be and do – we must learn to communicate with love to one another. This means we have to make time for each other in our marriages, in our relationships and communicate to each other an attitude of reverence for Christ himself. This principle applies to marriages and other relationships too. John Gottman states: A minimum of twenty minutes a day in true communication with each other decreases a couple’s chances of divorce and greatly increases marital satisfaction. He then adds, ‘Just twenty minutes a day listening and talking with your mate, understanding each other’s heart, and valuing each other’s words. Who doesn’t have at least that much time” (171)? The same applies to close relationships as well! My grandmother did this with her friends! My mom did too!

Gary Smalley shares with men a health reason why we should make time with our wives to talk – I add the 20 minutes:
1. Intimate talk increases a man’s chances of staying healthy up to 500 percent.
2. It reduces his chance of heart failure and all of the major illnesses.
3. It increases the effectiveness of his immune system.
4. It increases his wife’s happiness and health.
5. It increases his wife’s sexual responsiveness to him (page 172).

So guys I challenge you to talk to your wife 20 minutes a day! You can do it! It’s good for your family!

Why we are loving Sundays!

2015-10-07T14:22:00.001-07:00

Sundays were designed by God for us to meet with Him, to be touched by His presence, to hear His Words of Life and to find rest! It is designed by God to be the best day of our week! It’s a day to honor God for what He has done for you the other 6 days of the week! It’s also a day of rest where we get to refueled, refreshed and refocused!

But the latest report by the Barna Research Group shows many people today don't love Sundays like they use too:

Barna Report on the city of Chicago: The latest survey from Barna research on Chicago’s spiritual/soul condition as of this year 2015:

The report reveals the following about the soul of Chicago:

Chicago ranked the highest in the Midwest as one of the most secularized cities – secularized means:
• Secularization refers to the historical process in which religion loses social and cultural significance. As a result of secularization the role of religion in modern societies becomes restricted. In secularized societies faith lacks cultural authority, and religious organizations have little social power.
• 13% of the population of Chicago is considered secularized compared to the national average of 12%!
Church Attendance in Chicago land area according to survey has dropped dramatically!
• Only 39% of the people in Chicago go to church weekly!
• Only 11% of the people even go 1x a month!
• Only 11% go once every 6 months!
• 32% do not attend church at all today when they once went!
• 7% have never attended church!
Volunteering at church has also dropped dramatically
• 15% of the population volunteer at church. Means only half the people who attend church weekly help out at church.
Interesting facts from the survey of Chicago were:
o 56% say they are absolutely committed to their Christian faith.
o 37% say they are moderately committed to their Christian faith.
o By the way that = 93% of the people of Chicago land! BUT
Some other interesting facts from the survey of Chicago in 2015 (all participants):
o 64 % say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus!
o 54% say Jesus committed sins!
o 61% say good works get you to Heaven!
o 60% say the Bible does not have accurate principles!
I found another graph from Barna doing a survey about how Americans see themselves today:
How Americans see themselves from the year 2000
• Totally committed to getting ahead in life 2000 69% today 57%
• Concerned about the future 2000 64% today 77%
• Lonely 2000 12% today 20%
• To Busy 2000 46% today 34%
• Happy 2000 92% today 82%
• In serious financial debt 2000 13% today 16%
• Trying to find a few friends 2000 31% today 37%
• Stressed out 2000 29% today 35%

Our goal, over these few weeks, is to change your perception of Sunday so that your life is better the rest of the week. And we are praying that you will say “I Love Sundays!” because they make for better Mondays and the rest of the week!

So why is Sunday so important in the rhythm of life? The Bible tells us exactly why it is so important?

Scripture:
Isaiah 58:13-14:
13 “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’S holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, 14 then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the LORD has spoken.

We live in a culture retreating from Biblical Christianity as revealed in Barna's surveys but my prayer is that if we come and love Jesus on Sundays and it so impacts our souls that it will become contagious to those we meet. I think it has by the way!

Over the last 3 weeks the Holy Spirit has been doing a new thing here at Christian Hills Church and School we have seen 41 people either accept Jesus as there Lord and Savior or rededicate their life to Him. I believe this is happening because people are really starting to love Sundays around here! There is a buzz in the air and all I can say is Thank You Jesus!

Our text above tells me the following about how we should look at Sundays:

We need to honor the Lord on the Sabbath!
We need to please Him and not break it by doing as we please!
We need to find delight through the Sabbath!
When we do we will find joy in life and we will prosper in life!

God created the Sabbath and Jesus gave it to us on Sunday! Jesus said that the Sabbath was created for man not for God in Mark 2:27-28. Why because we need to be refueled - refreshed and refocused each Sunday so it make for better Mondays!

To hear more on this thought come out this Sunday and see why we are loving Sundays and seeing a lot of people deciding to do the same!

Blessings Pastor Mike

Do you hear God Calling? Surprised by that?

2015-10-07T14:06:00.001-07:00

Do you hear God calling?

In this daily routine of life, do you ever hear God calling your name? Does your hotline from heaven just keep on ringing and ringing? Do you just ignore it, or do you pick up the phone and answer God and then listen to what He has to say?

God’s call came to me at the age of 19. I should say that I finally answered the hotline from heaven at this time. He had called before but I never answered Him. I just kept busy with my life.

I responded to God while I was working as a carpenter apprentice on a commercial job in Minneapolis. I was the typical hardcore construction worker. I felt that life consisted of beer and money and of course, hard work to attain these pleasures.

Then one night after coming home from a long day, I realized that maybe my life did not mean much to anyone. I decided that night recalling what I had been taught as a kid to do when in despair, and that was to pray. So that night I got down on my knees and prayed to God for meaning to my life. I prayed “Lord, if you want to use me for your work, I’m available.” I then got into bed and went to sleep. A week passed and nothing happened.

Then one day I went to work and there was a new laborer at work. He was different from the rest; he seemed happy. He always smiled and talked about this Jesus. He told of how he had been a pimp and a heroin addict for years. His addiction cost him $200 a day. He felt his life was hopeless. Then one day one of his ladies came to him and said, “I have become a Christian”. He could see that she was different and asked her where she had gone to meet this Jesus. She decided to take him to the church where she had gotten saved. Thomas said, “I never know that God was so real until that night.” He gave His live to the Lord and quit drugs that night. The miracle to him was he quit and never had any withdrawal symptoms. You can see why he proclaimed Christ so fervently!

Thomas witnessed to me for six months, telling me about Christ’s love and life changing power. I gave him a hard time but he never gave up on me. Then one day he was talking to another laborer and this guy denied that God existed. I butted in on the conversation and said, “God exists, I know it!” Thomas looked at me in amazement and said, “If you know God exists, why don’t you go to church?” I replied, “It’s because I sleep in on Sunday morning, because Saturday night is party night.” Then I paused a second and said, “Now if you had church tonight, I would come.” Little did I know that they had a Wednesday night service. I went to church that night and gave my life to the Lord. That night I experienced God’s presence like never before. I knew after that night God was a real and powerful force. God called me that night and I answered the hotline from heaven and said, “Yes, Lord!” I have never regretted my decision because it changed my life.

Let me ask you, do you hear God calling? Has your phone been ringing and ringing? Would you pick up the phone and say, “Yes, Lord?” Would you also say, “Lord, if you want to use me for your work, I’m available?” I promise you that you will never regret it.

Surprised by God - Paul's Story!

2015-09-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

God wants to surprise you on Sundays to show you He is who He says He is. Are you willing to let Him surprise you? If you let Him surprise you on Sunday then watch out surprises will also come Monday thru Saturday! God loves to say, “Surprise!”

A Case in point Paul - Scripture: Acts 9:1-18

Paul was surprised by Jesus on the Damascus road !

God surprised our hero of the faith Paul on the Damascus road according to our Scripture text this morning. Paul had thought that he represented God in the persecution of the Way – they were followers and disciples of Jesus. He really though in his religious mind that God was pleased in what he was doing only to discover he was fighting against the God whom He claimed to serve. God appeared to him and ask him the big question, “Why are you fighting against me – why are you persecuting me and my people?” In a sense Jesus said, “Surprise!”

This I am sure blew Paul away – He was surprised – Have you been there in your life? You think you are serving God and instead you are fighting against Him? I am sure most of you here have not done what Paul was doing to Jesus followers by having them killed. So God shows up and surprises our misguided God follower. Jesus appears to Him – yes – he has a revelation of Jesus – he falls off his donkey or horse to the ground – He hears Jesus speak to Him and he sees the light of heaven which blinds him! “Surprise Paul” – Paul is stunned – knocked down – shaken up – blind! Surprised by God on the road!

God speaks to our blind man – tells him what to do and he remains blind for three days until God sends another person to help him. Ananias is also surprised by God especially to go pray for Paul’s healing so his sight may be restored. This what I call being surprised by God – even Ananias was surprised by God because he had heard about Paul and his persecution of Jesus followers – yes - killing of Christians – he even questions the Lord about going to Him. But “Surprise” this is exactly what God wants him to do. So he goes and Paul is healed and changes into a committed follower of Jesus.

How has God surprised you? God throughout the Centuries has surprised a lot a people on Sunday and every other day of the week? I think the he biggest surprise on a Sunday was Jesus rising from the dead and revealing Himself to the world! I too was surprised by God on a Wednesday night service and many Sunday services over my life.

I pray today that Jesus would surprise you too today!

Surprised By God Story

2015-09-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

I came across this story and wanted to share it with you about how we need to be opened to God surprising us in our day when we least expect it.

Surprised by God story: Angel on the Highway:
I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends. Here it is:
I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and my car started to choke and sputter and died.
I barely managed to coast, cruising, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump! So I got out to see if she was okay. When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen. She was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.
At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95. I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now.
So, I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."
I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.
She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay the rent January 1st, and finally, in desperation, had called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.
So. she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.
I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"
This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."
It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow for a check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

From http://www.inspire21.com/stories/christianstories/angelonthehighway

We need to ask God to surprise us this week and allow Him to use you to minister to someone in need!

Surprised by God - Again!

2015-09-15T12:30:00.003-07:00

The first surprise I had from God was shared in my last blog - it's how I came to know Jesus personally.

As I think back to those events which were over 37 years ago - I must admit God kept surprising me and He is still doing it 37 years later!

I am surprised at how He keeps guiding me - loving me - encouraging me - and even forgiving me!
I was pondering this morning how God has been jumping out of the shadows saying "Surprise! for me for years! In my dark moments of the soul I think He is not there then "Surprise" He does something that encourages my soul and spirit.

I have decided over the next few months to go back to my journals and memory (which is not what it use to be :( ) and remember those surprises!

The first one that comes to mind was learning about how the Holy Spirit teaches me and shows me things:

I had been a Christian maybe 6-8 months when in a Christian book store I picked up a book called Satan's Angels Exposed by Salem Kirban. The book took you chapter by chapter through a study of many religions and revealed the false teaching of many cults, groups, Satanist's and other things I never even had thought of before.

The first chapter (I recall) was on Satanism:

I was at the time working for Urban Coalition a government sponsored weatherization program for low income people. I was a carpenter apprentice in the local Carpenters union. I had finished reading the chapter and thought to myself - "Does this crazy occult stuff really exist?"

Well the Holy Spirit answered my question the next morning!

We had gotten a new house to do in the Lake Calhoun area of south Mpls. I was with me buddy Bear's team that day - we had three to a team - Its was Doug, me and Bear. Bear was the leader of our team. He was a large guy about 6' 4 or 5 and weighed about 300 pounds. He knocked on the door of the house and this older strange lady answered the door - she seemed really bizarre. Bear told me he had been their the day before and they had left the house because drugs had been on the coffee table and she was tripping asking if he was a giant. S they left and a rep came out to tell the old lady if drugs were on the premises our team could not work on her house. So he is sent back this next day with me and the same lady is now leading us into the house. Our job was to fix and repair windows, doors, insulate and caulk the house.

The house was very dark and creepy, it was not clean and on every wall in the house was spray painted Satanic symbols. Don't forget I just finished reading about this stuff! So I am telling Bear and Doug the meanings of these signs and symbols. The women let us in and soon disappeared. Bear gave me the task of hanging a new door off the kitchen because the old one was rotted out. So I went to work surprised that the Holy Spirit would place me in a house like this after questioning if this stuff was real!

I had become very proficient in hanging new doors in old jams - usually took me about 1-2 hours to do so. Right at the beginning of hanging my door the mystery lady appeared in the kitchen - at that moment Bear walked by outside and said, "Praise the Lord brother it's going to be a good day!" I responded with a hearty amen to that! As soon as that came from my lips this crazy women spun around and said to me "What's with all this religious talk?" She actually pointed her crooked finger at me and her faced kind of distorted! At least I thought it did! I said to her, "We are Christians and just excited about serving the Lord in our jobs today!" She then pointed her finger I really think it twisted and moved around in circles and she said, "I rebuke that door in the name of Satan!" No really that is what she said! I looked at her and thought she must be high on drugs again! Wow that was weird! Then she stomped out of the kitchen never to be seen for the rest of the day.

Well here I am 4 hours later still struggling with this door! I am frustrated and I keep hearing her words - "I curse that door in the name of Satan!" Bear comes by and says to me, "Mike what is going on - this door should have been done hours ago?" So I told him that she cursed my door in the name of Satan! It's her fault or Satan's fault - they are messing with my door! He then looked at me and said, "Mike did you bind up their curse in the name of Jesus?" I said, "No!" So we prayed and broke the curse on the door. The door was hung 15 minutes later! Can you believe it?

The Lord surprised me that day showing me another spiritual realm I knew very little about - but he also showed me who has the power - Jesus does.

I am surprised repeatedly in my life by those God moments: Have you had a God moment? Have you been surprised by God? If so maybe you need to share them with others so they can be encouraged too! I was surprised and I learned that Jesus name has power over a witches curse! That pumped me up to learn to rely of Jesus and not my own abilities!

Surprised by God

2015-09-15T11:39:00.001-07:00

My Testimony, Pastor Michael McCartney:

I was raised in a nominal Catholic home which never went to church. My parents were not Christian and I was not taught about Jesus. I grew up in a home in Pittsburgh Penna. were my dad occasionally beat up my mother. My first fight was with my dad at age 11 to protect my mom. I ended up being beaten up and vowed to get back at him. After losing this fight I began body building and joined a Martial Arts club. Later on in High School I joined a gang called the “Crazy 5 plus 1” and became the “Tough Guy.” My dad and I had many fights which led to stitches and broken bones. I became a young man driven by hate, rage and anger.

Through a series of events I ended up in Minneapolis Minnesota. I had landed a job as a Carpenter Apprentice and was working on remodeling a school into apartments when God brought a former pimp and drug addict into my life. His name was Thomas and we called him the “Holy Roller.” Wow! Did he roll for Jesus! Thomas entered into our job site to the scene of swearing, gambling and pornography. Yet in the midst of these sins he shined brilliantly in the darkness. He developed relationships with the guys and gals on the job. I sat back and watched Thomas lead 6 people from here to eternity by modeling the character traits of Jesus and telling his testimony to everyone. He would develop relationships with people and then ask them to come to his church. They would go and come back the following Monday with a smile on their face and a glow in there eye and a new Bible under there arm. It was amazing! I watched as the break room changed from a place of debauchery to a Bible Study. I observed our conversations change from parties, fights, and women to Jesus, the end times and His amazing love.

I watched hard core construction workers change spiritually. One of them was my best friend Bear the ex-Vietnam Vet who had kept pictures of his kills from Nam. Bear was a person who could never sleep through the night from the nightmares. So he and I would party hard so we could both sleep. I also suffered from nightmares. I recall when he started talking to Thomas a lot about how he lacked peace in his heart. Bear had killed over 35+ people in the war and was considered a war hero. He discovered the butchered bodies of his 5 best friends one night along with the Viet Cong who were presently doing it. Bear came on the scene and then killed all the Viet-Cong soldiers in the bunker that night. He was awarded the Bronze Star. He then became a sniper and suffered mentally. Thomas told him that Jesus could set him free and forgive him for what he had done. Bear told me, “ I am going to try Jesus Mike.” I tried talking him out of it because I felt he would brain washed. But he went to church with Thomas that weekend. He came back to work on Monday morning with a smile and not a growl. He emerged on the job site with a light in his eyes and that hollow look in his eyes was gone. I could see he had encountered something real and genuine. I asked what happened and he said, “I meet Jesus and I slept last night for the first since Nam and did not have a nightmare!” He then quit drinking and doing drugs and he never had another nightmare. I know I kept asking him if he did! He didn’t! He just kept telling me “Jesus has set me free Mike and He can do the same for you!”

Then one day the attention of the new, “Holy Roller Gang” turned to tough hardcore Mike. They started asking me to go to church with them, I said “No.” They did not pressure me too much but they all encouraged me that peace was only found in Jesus. I watched and observed these 6 men, men who had been angry, mean and nasty. They now had smiles and laughter as they read their Bibles and talked about what they learned. Then one day an Atheist came to work at our job site. Grant made it plain that he did not believe in God. He even made fun of the group and mocked them. One day I had enough of Grant. He said “A belief in God is for the weak minded!” I turned around and looked him in the eyes and said, “Grant I believe in God and I am not weak, as a matter of fact if you don’t shut up I am going to punch you right in the mouth! I also added “Believe me I will knock you out because unlike these folks who are to nice to do it I’m not.” At that moment Thomas, looked at me and asked me a question, “Mike, if you believe in God why don’t you go to church?” I though a moment and said,” Well ….because I party Saturday night’s and I sleep in!” But then I added this phrase, “But if you had church tonight I would go.” I was blown away when he said “We have church tonight!” I thought no one has church on Wednesday night!

We went that night to his African American Pentecostal Church. All I can say is WOW! I did not accept Jesus that night but when I went home that night after the service the Pastor’s message recited in my mind over and over. By morning I was ready to make a decision for Jesus Christ. I wanted to be free. I wanted to have peace like Bear. I wanted to smile, and be happy. I did not want to be angry anymore. I went to work found Thomas and asked if he had church that night and he said “Yes!” I thought, “Man they have church every night.” We went that night to a new believer’s class and I had a personal encounter with the Living God. It changed my heart and my life. By the way Grant went too!

The Bible

2015-09-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Bible

The Bible is filled with miracles, true life stories of heroes, drama, trials and tribulations, it’s a thriller and a romance all in one. It is filled with murder and new life. It speaks of the past – the present and the future. Men and nations have tried to wipe it from the face of the earth but it is still the number one best seller in the world every year.

Although it is impossible to obtain exact figures, there is little doubt that the Bible is the world’s best-selling and most widely distributed book. A survey by the Bible Society concluded that around 2.5 billion copies were printed between 1815 and 1975, but more recent estimates put the number at more than 5 billion. By the end of 1995, combined global sales of Today's English Version (Good News) New Testament and Bible (copyright for which is held by the Bible Societies) exceeded 17.75 million copies, and the whole Bible had been translated into 349 languages; 2123 languages have at least one book of the Bible in that language.

The Bible is the world’s most read book of all times and has sold more copies than any other volume in History and it is a critical book to know. It has impacted both the Jewish and Christian religions and has affected the culture, law, art, morals, and behavior of nearly every society on earth. But the Bible is more than just a classic book it is filled with history and tells the story of God’s interaction with humankind and with individuals. The main story of the Bible is: God created the world, humans rebelled against God and His ways, and God initiated a plan to save the world – a plan that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The main character in the Bible is God!

So my challenge today is to pick up the Bible and read it and in the process experience God!

Supreme court ruling response

2015-06-28T05:44:00.001-07:00

The Supreme Court Ruling: My thoughts – are you surprised?

Our country has been distancing itself from Biblical Values for over 53 years:

1^st - Prayer was banned in schools on June 25, 1962 – as unconstitutional.

2^nd – No fault divorce laws open doors to divorce in 1969 and now 50% of marriages end in divorce. This has led to breakup of families for years

3^rd Cohabitation living together before getting married became the norm by the end of the 70’s and has now become common practice. This too has led to the destruction of the family and statistics reveal 80% of those who live together will get divorced and have children out of wedlock.

4^th – The ruling that abortion bans were illegal which made abortion legal in all states Jan 22, 1973 – ruled as unconstitutional. Abortion has been on the rise as sex outside of marriage embraced by the public and political realm. Most abortions are done for selfish reasons not life threatening reasons.

5^th – The 10 Commandments were outlawed June 27, 2005 and not allowed in public building such as schools because it was unconstitutional and would cause psychological damage if read.

6^th – The position of many Christians that going to church every week on Sunday to honor the Lord was optional – in direct opposition to Commandment number 4 “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord Commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all work but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” Deut. 5:12-15. Result is stores, businesses, sports, recreation has all usurped the Sabbath for honoring God. Instead our nation worships idols on the Sabbath such as: money, greed, recreation, sports, etc.

7^th – The ruling on June 26, 2015 for Gay marriage is just one more step away from Biblical values in this nation and continues to place us as a nation in opposition to God’s word and truth.

George Washington Stated in his farewell address on September 19, 1796 this (excerpts):

Checks and balances and separation of powers

Washington continues his defense of the Constitution by stating his belief that the system of checks and balances and separation of powers within it are important means of preventing a single person or group from seizing control of the country, and advises the American people that if they believe it is necessary to modify the powers granted to the government through the Constitution it should be done through constitutional amendments instead of through force. This statement takes on added significance from a man who commanded the armies of British colonists who waged an armed rebellion against the British Government, during the American Revolution, and helped build a plan for a new government against the wishes of the acting Articles of Confederation government during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. The French Revolution, which had fallen into a Reign of Terror during Washington's second term, may have helped shape Washington's opinion that while armed rebellions may sometimes result in good, they most often lead to the fall of free governments.

Religion, morality, and education

One of the most referenced parts of Washington's letter was his strong support of the importance of religion and morality in not only promoting private and public happiness, but also in promoting the political prosperity of the nation. He argues that religious principles promote the protection of property, reputation, and life that are the foundations of justice. Washington goes so far as to say that the nation's morality cannot be maintained without religion and, since morality is necessary in popularly elected governments, religious principle is vital in maintaining the popularly elected government of the United States. He writes:

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

Washington references religious principle as being the foundation of public morality. He also argues that the American government needs to ensure that "the diffusion of knowledge"^[1] throughout the United States is a primary goal, since the government has been created to enforce the opinion of the people and as a result the opinion of the people should be informed and knowledgeable.

Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated. I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society.

- Letter to Edward Newenham (20 October 1792)

He nailed it right on the head!

So I have to ask the question: Were has the church been for the last 50 plus years? The world has no wisdom to use knowledge rightly and correctly. God is the author of wisdom not man and it is a gift from Him James 1. So Wisdom is God given not man-made and godless men and women cannot make wise decisions. The ability to use knowledge rightly and correctly comes from God so what do you expect from a godless political system?

So Christian what are you going to do to promote Biblical values in this godless society? Are you going to live Christ like, promote and live Biblical truth, and be the light in a dark world? Or yield to godless myths and deception? Choice is yours to make!

Honoring Mom!

2015-05-08T12:12:00.001-07:00

I stand in awe of moms today. I have to admit they amaze me. They are tireless and selfless. They keep going like the energizer bunny. They continue to be physicians helping heal little wounds. They are counselors giving sound advice to their children. They are accountants managing the books of the family and doing it with amazing accuracy. They are gourmet cooks preparing meals with love and taste. They are house cleaners and managers extraordinaire. They are teachers giving wisdom and knowledge at the right times. They always seem to know what’s going on and what to do. Erma Bombeck shares this story about the day God created mothers:

“On the day God created mothers He had already worked long overtime. And an angel said to Him, “Lord, you sure are spending a lot of time on this one.’ The Lord turned and said, “Have you read the specs on this model? She is supposed to be completely washable, but not plastic. She is to have a kiss that will heal everything from a broken leg to a broken heart. She is to be able to function on black coffee and leftovers. And she is supposed to have six pairs of hands.” “Six pair of hands,” said the angel, “that’s impossible.” “It’s not the six pairs of hands that bother me.’ Said the Lord, ‘It’s the three pairs of eyes. She is supposed to have one pair that sees through closed doors so that whenever she says, “What are you kids doing in there?” she already knows what they’re doing in there.” “She has another pair in the back of her head to see all the things she is not supposed to see but must see. And then she has one pair right in front that can look at a child that just goofed and communicate love and understanding without saying a word.” “that’s too much.” Said the angel, “You can’t put that much in one model. Why don’t you rest for a while and resume your creating tomorrow?” ”No, I can’t,” said the Lord. “I’m close to creating someone very much like myself. I’ve already come up with a model who can heal herself when she is sick-who can feed a family of six with one pound of hamburger- and who can persuade a nine year old to take a shower.” Then the angel looked at the model of motherhood a little more closely and said, “she’s too soft.” “Oh, but she is tough,” said the Lord. “You’d be surprised at how much this mother can do.” “Can she think?” asked the angel. “not only can she think, “ said the Lord, “but she can reason and compromise and persuade.” Then the angel reached over and touched her cheek. “this one has a leak,” he said. “I told you that you couldn’t put that much in one model.” “That’s not a leak,” said the Lord. “That’s a tear.” “What’s a tear for?” asked the angel. “Well it’s for joy, for sadness, for sorrow, for disappointment, for pride.” “You’re a genius,” said the angel. And the Lord said, “Oh, but I didn’t put it there.”

This humorous story helps us comprehend why we need to praise our mothers. The Godly mothers who dedicate their lives to meeting the needs of others go un-praised way to often. We need to take a good look at those dedicated mothers and what they do for their families. And we as family members need to take the time to honor them and praise them for their labor of love. We need to serve them like they serve us.

Be Happy

2015-04-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thesis: The church of Jesus Christ needs to be filled with therapists who dispense laughter and happiness to all they come in contact with.

Matthew 21:1-11 "Jesus entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday"

There was Joy and laughter and excitement. People where happy and rejoicing!

The prophet and miracle worker Jesus of Nazareth had come to town. Yet what still amazes me is that less than a week later the “Be Happiness” was not there. The crowd was now chanting Crucify Him! What happened to their happiness, their joy, their excitement.

Was it because he drove out the money changers. Which affected some of their pocket books. Was it because he dealt with sin aggressively and authoritatively? Was it because he challenged the leadership of the Temple? Who in turn influenced the people to turn on their deliverer?

The once happy Israelites watched and observed their prophet be arrested and crucified and their attitude of joy turned to bitterness, to anger, to resentment, and to murder. Their voices of Praise and adoration turned into the voices yelling “Crucify Him!"

The disciples went from experiencing this incredible moment of joy to heartbreak, to fear, to panic, to denial and even depression. Their dreams were shattered and they sank into misery.

The once happy people turned into distraught, bewildered, troubled people.

What happened to their joy, their happiness, their zeal, and their festive nature? By the time we Get to Friday of this week we could look at the same crowd and see despair written on their faces.

Swindoll states:

“Just look around. Bad news, long faces, and heavy hearts are everywhere-even in houses of worship (especially in houses of worship!). Much of today’s popular music, which many consider a voice for the nation’s conscience, promotes, misery, sorrow, and despair. If sex and violence are not pulsating themes in new film, some expression of unhappiness is. Newspapers thrive on tragedies and calamities, lost jobs and horrible accidents. The same can be said of televised newscasts. Even the weather reports give their primary attention to storms, droughts, and blizzards. Tomorrow is usually “partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain,’ never ‘mostly clear with 80 percent chance of sunshine “(20).

Where is the happiness and the joy? What happened to it? Where did it go? Who stole the joy? Who ripped off everyone’s happiness? How come the church is seen as somber and rigid and not having a sense of humor? When did laughter and happiness and joy get stolen out of the church and out of many Christians lives?

Swindoll adds, “This long faced, heavy hearted attitude has now invaded the ranks of Christianity.” We have to many “Grumpy Old Christians” in the church. Who stole their joy? How come they don’t laugh? How come they don’t split a gut and bellow out with expressions of joy? I wonder if they need a vacation to go find their joyful, fun filled attitude again.

Turning ninety-five, comedian Bob Hope told TV guide the secret to his longevity: “Laughter is it. Laughter is therapy-an instant vacation.” I agree with Bob Hope Laughter is therapy. So lets become therapists of dispensing laughter to one another.

Good Friday message to ponder.

2015-04-03T08:40:00.003-07:00

The Last phrases of Jesus: Good Friday

The First Phrase:

“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Thoughts:

It makes perfect sense that the first words of Jesus from the cross is a word centered on forgiveness. Could it have been any other? Forgiveness was His message and His mission. That’s the point of the cross, after all. Jesus is dying so that we might be forgiven for our sins, so that we might be reconciled to God the Father for eternity. Forgiveness – grace – are all wrapped up in Jesus phrase and actions on the cross.

Forgiveness for sin is what the cross is all about. The gift of forgiveness from God through Christ doesn’t come only to those who don’t know what they are doing when they sin. In the mercy and grace of God, we receive His forgiveness even when we do what we know to be wrong and then repent. God chooses to wipe away our sins, not because we have some convenient excuse, and not because we have tried hard to make up for them, but because he is a God of amazing grace, with mercies that are new every morning.

As we read the words, “Father, forgive them,” may we understand that we too are forgiven through Christ. As John writes in his first letter, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9). Because Christ died on the cross for us, we are cleansed from all wickedness, from every last sin. We are united with God the Father as his beloved children. We are free to approach his throne of grace with our needs and concerns. God “has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Ps 103:13).

What good news on this Good Friday! Jesus asked God to forgive while He is hanging on the cross for those doing this to Him. What a Savior what amazing love He has for all of us!

Questions which you may be pondering:

Do you really believe God has forgiven your sins?

Do you take time on a regular basis to confess your sins so that you might enjoy the freedom of forgiveness?

How about doing that today before communion? Take the time to prepare your heart and soul for Communion.

The Second Word:

“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Thoughts:

As Jesus hung on the cross, he was mocked by the leaders and the soldiers. Can you imagine this scene? The humiliation he succumbed too for our forgiveness was incredible. One of the criminals being crucified with him added his own measure of ridicule and insult to Jesus. But the other criminal sensed that Jesus was being mistreated by all of them. After speaking up for Jesus, he cried out, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Good Friday brings us to communion which will place us in a position to remember Jesus sacrifice so that He also remembers us! Do you want to be remembered? Then remember Him!

Jesus responded to this sympathetic criminal, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43). Have you ever heard those words in your life from Jesus? I pray you do! I pray you hear them even tonight!

The Greek word for paradise meant “garden,” it was used for a reference to the Garden of Eden. In Judaism at the time of Jesus it was associated with Heaven. Jesus assured this repentant criminal He would be with Him! Can you imagine the surprise of this criminal at His death? When He was in paradise with Jesus? That is amazing grace!

Thus we have encountered one of the most astounding and encouraging verses in all of Scripture. Jesus promised that the criminal would be with Him in paradise. This man’s cry to be remembered seems more like a desperate, last-gasp effort for salvation and Jesus grants it. Do you see His mission of forgiveness in this scenario? Do you feel His love? Does it impact you tonight right before Communion? Does it touch your soul? Your heart?

It’s important to live for Christ each day but there is always hope of a relationship with Him based on faith and trust. “Jesus, remember me,” we cry. And Jesus, embodying the mercy of God, says to us, “You will be with me in paradise.” We are welcome there not because we have right theology, and not because we are living rightly, but because God is merciful and we have put our trust in Jesus. It’s all because of grace.

The good news on this Good Friday is that we are saved by grace and not by works and that is because of His amazing love! It is because of His sacrifice on the cross on our behalf!

Questions which may be floating through your heart and soul:

Have you placed your life into the hands of Jesus?

Have you put your ultimate trust and faith in Him?

Do you know when your time is up that you will be with Jesus in Heaven?

You can know for sure! Just give Him your heart and soul tonight!

The Third Word:

“Dear woman, here is your son.”(John 19:26)

Thought:

As Jesus was dying, his mother was among those who had remained with him. Most of the disciples had ran to safety, some were hiding out, with the exception of one whom John’s Gospel calls “the disciple he loved.” This disciple is John the author of this Gospel and the one who reminds us of this phrase of Jesus. Jesus was establishing a relationship between John and his mother, one in which the disciple would take care of Mary financially and in many other ways after His death. Jesus wanted to make sure she would be in good hands even after his death. Even at His death on the cross we see His love and concern for Mary! This scene and phrase reflects the love and concern he has for His earthly mother “Mary!”

When we think of the crucifixion of Jesus from the perspective of His mother, our perception can change dramatically. Could you imagine her agony at this time? The death of a child is one of the most painful of all parental experiences. But to watch one’s beloved child experience the extreme torture of crucifixion must have been unimaginably horrible. We’re reminded of the prophecy of Simeon shortly after Jesus’ birth, when he said to Mary: “And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Luke 2:35). I am sure it did at this moment in time! Can you empathize with her pain and broken heart?

This scene helps us not to just glorify or over spiritualize the crucifixion of Jesus but also to feel the pain of it. He was a real man! He was true flesh and blood! He had a mother! He was being killed and it came with unbearable agony. His suffering was altogether real, and Jesus took it on for you and for me. He did suffer – it did cost Him much pain and agony. Do you realize that tonight?

The good news this Good Friday is Jesus loved His mother and made sure she was taken care of even after His death. This phrase and scene at the cross reveal the human side of Jesus and the torture and pain he went through for our sins.

Questions you may be pondering?

How does Mary’s presence at the cross evoke emotion in you? Can you feel Mary’s pain and Jesus agony over this horrible torture?

Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to suffer physical pain as He died and for His mother to have to watch it all? God could have spared her this moment in time?

We see Jesus’s human side coming out here showing His love for His mother helping us to see Him for who He was. He was 100% divine and 100% human and He suffered in both realms on the cross. Do you see it and sense it tonight and connect with His pain and agony of death?

The Fourth Word:

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34)

Thoughts:

As Jesus was dying on the cross, he echoed the beginning of Psalm 22, which reads:

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief. (vv. 1-2)

In the words of the psalmist Jesus found a way to express the cry of His aching heart: Why had God abandoned him? Answer – Sin – yours and mine! Why did his Father turn His back on Jesus in this moment of great agony? Answer – Jesus at this point in His life represented the sin of the world! God will never embrace sin – ever – this moment in time was no exception.

I am not sure we will ever fully know what Jesus was experiencing in this moment. The Passion of the Christ movie does the best job trying to communicate this. But I believe it was a lonely cry of profound agony from Jesus? He was for the first time separated from His Heavenly Father. What we do know is that Jesus entered into the agonizing separation from God. The Father abandoned Him because Jesus took upon himself the penalty for our sins. In that excruciating moment, he experienced something far more horrible than physical pain. The beloved Son of God knew what it was like to be rejected by the Father.

As we read in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (NIV).

I can write these words. I can say, truly, that the Father abandoned the Son for our sake, for the salvation of the world. But can I really grasp the mystery and the majesty of this truth? Hardly. As Martin Luther once said, “God forsaking God. Who can understand it?” Yet even my miniscule grasp of this reality calls me to confession, to humility, to worship, and to adoration. Hearing His lonely cry sends shutters through my heart and soul does it your tonight?

The good news this Good Friday is Jesus choose to be separated from God the Father so that you and I would be connected personally with God the Father!

Questions which you may be pondering:

Have you taken time to consider that Jesus was abandoned by the Father so that you might not be?

Does your heart and soul feel and connect with this moment of the cross! Can you hear His cry tonight? What is it saying to you?

The Fifth Word:

“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

Thoughts:

No doubt Jesus experienced extreme thirst while being crucified. He would have lost a substantial quantity of bodily fluid, both blood and sweat, through what he had endured even prior to crucifixion. Thus his statement, “I am thirsty” was, on the most obvious level, a request for something to drink. In response the soldiers gave Jesus “sour wine” (v. 29), a cheap beverage common among lower class people in the time of Jesus.

John notes that Jesus said “I am thirsty,” not only as a statement of physical reality, but also in order to fulfill the Scripture. Though there is no specific reference in the text of the Gospel, it’s likely that John was thinking of Psalm 69, which includes this passage:

Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me. But instead, they give me poison for food; they offer me sour wine for my thirst. (vv. 20-21)

As Jesus suffered, Jesus embodied the pain of the people of Israel, this pain had been captured in the Psalms. Jesus was suffering for the sin of Israel and for us, as He was taking upon Himself the sin of the world.

Questions you may be pondering:

How do you respond to Jesus’ statement “I am thirsty”?

Are you thirsty for Him? He became thirsty for you?

What does this statement suggest to you about Jesus? About yourself? Do you see His agony and suffering?

Do empathize with His thirst?

The Sixth Word:

“It is finished!” (John 19:30)

Thoughts:

Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ rips my heart out. It is so graphic and horrific to watch. For most of the movie I wanted to look away. It was really horrible to watch even a cinematic version of a crucifixion. We had taken about 45 people from New Life to watch it at a theater. I questioned doing this during the movie because of the crucifixion scenes.

To sit and watch this was beyond comprehension because this actually happened to somebody, and not just anybody, but my Lord and Savior. I had studied about the crucifixion before, and knew in my head what Jesus experienced. But seeing a visual presentation of His suffering was almost more than I could bear. I kept hiding my daughter’s eyes! When The Passion of the Christ was over, I felt so much relief. Thank goodness it was finished on the screen. I think my kids and most of us felt the same!

When Jesus said “It is finished,” surely he was expressing relief that His suffering was over. “It is finished” meant, in part, “This is finally done!” But the Greek verb translated as “It is finished” (tetelestai) means more than just this. Eugene Peterson captures the full sense of the verb in The Message: “It’s done . . . complete.” Jesus had accomplished his mission. He had announced and inaugurated the kingdom of God. He had revealed the love and grace of God. And he had embodied that love and grace by dying for the sin of the world, thus opening up the way for all to live under the reign of God.

Because Jesus finished his work of salvation, you and I don’t need to add to it. In fact, we can’t. He accomplished what we never could, taking our sin upon himself and giving us his life in return. Jesus finished that for which he had been sent, and we are the beneficiaries of his unique effort. Because of what he finished, you and I are never “finished.” We have hope for this life and for the next. We know that nothing can separate us from God’s love. One day what God has begun in us will also be finished, by his grace. Until that day, we live in the confidence of Jesus’ cry of victory: “It is finished!”

The good news this Good Friday is Jesus finished what He started and we receive the benefit of His finishing strong on our behalf!

Questions you may be pondering:

Do you live as if Jesus finished the work of salvation?

Do you have confidence that God will finish that which He has begun in you?

The Seventh Word:

“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46)

Thoughts:

Two of the last seven “phrases” of Jesus were quotations from the Psalms. Earlier Jesus had Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” to express His anguish. Later He borrowed from Psalm 31, which comes to us from Luke as “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands.”

On an obvious level, Jesus was putting His post mortem future in the hands of His Heavenly Father. It was as if He was saying, “Whatever happens to me after I die is your responsibility, Father.”

But when we look carefully at the Psalm Jesus quoted, we see more than what at first meets our eyes. Psalm 31 begins with a cry for divine help:

O LORD, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right. (v. 1)

But then it mixes asking for God’s deliverance with a confession of God’s strength and faithfulness:

I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God. (v. 5)

By the end, Psalm 31 offers praise of God’s salvation:

Praise the LORD, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. (v. 21)

By quoting a portion of Psalm 31, therefore, Jesus not only entrusted his future to his Father, but also implied that he would be delivered and exonerated. No, God would not deliver him from death by crucifixion. But beyond this horrific death lay something marvelous. “I entrust my spirit into your hands” points back to the familiar suffering of David in Psalm 31, and forward to the resurrection.

The good news this Good Friday is that Jesus did place His trust and faith into the hands of God the Father and that act of faith and sacrifice actually delivered you and I. It led to the greatest miracle Jesus ever did raise from the dead!

Questions to ponder:

Have you put your life, in God’s hands?

How do you experience God’s salvation through Christ in your life today?

Please note: Many of the above thoughts and words were taken word for word from: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/the-seven-last-words-of-christ-reflections-for-holy-week/#ixzz3VyZv5SO4. I have inserted my thoughts in along with Mark Roberts thoughts so please be aware of this.

Over view of our series Soul Care and the Holy Spirit

2015-03-13T10:43:00.001-07:00

Series: Soul Care and the Holy Spirit

Thesis: The Holy Spirit is active in the care of our souls if we let Him. He wants to comfort us, lead us, guide us, direct us, teach us and empower us. He wants us to be “Christ like” and “do the work of the Kingdom” in the here and now.

Tag line: A Spiritless Christian will produce a Spiritless Church! A Spirit less Christian is powerless and will produce a powerless Spiritless Church. A Spiritless Christian has a Spiritless soul which craves a connection to the Holy Spirit.

Key Verses:

John 14:15-18:

15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Jesus promised not to abandon us so He sent us the Holy Spirit – who cares for our soul and spirits.

Hebrews 4:12-13:

“12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

This work here described in Hebrews is done by and through the Holy Spirit. It is describing the soul care process done by the Holy Spirit in conjunction with God’s Word.

Introduction to series:

The Holy Spirit played an active role in the Old Testament in the care and empowering of peoples souls. We need to look at these people’s lives to see what the Holy Spirit did for them. What His role was in their lives. How He impacted them and even corrected them. How he empowered them for certain tasks. How He directed and guided. We need to learn from how they managed or yielded to the Holy Spirit so we do it right. We need to learn what to do and what not to do as the Holy Spirit empowers us.

Summary Sermon 1: Moses and the Holy Spirit

Thesis: Moses teaches us what to do when overwhelmed by the pressures of life - talk to God - share your heart and then let the Lord bring us the help we need.

Last week we looked at Moses and the elders and saw how God helped them deal with the crisis of complaining and grumbling crowds of people (About 2 million people). We saw how the Holy Spirit cared for the soul of Moses when He was overwhelmed by the complaining and hostile crowds toward God. God empowered others to carry Moses load so that the people could be directed and corrected properly. We see how the Holy Spirit empowered these elders for their leadership task and we see how they were given the Holy Spirit – the same spirit on Moses to be able to lead. The sign of their spirit empowerment was that they prophesied – and declared the wonders of God, the majesty of God to a bunch of people who were complaining about God. From our Old Testament story God intervened to help Moses’ overwhelmed soul by spreading the influence and power of the Holy Spirit onto others. We also learned of Moses great prayer to Joshua” “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!”

That prayer came to pass in Acts 2 and we benefit from this generous act of Jesus – he sent us the Holy Spirit so we would not feel orphaned and he not just comes on us like He did in the Old Testament time but He will live inside of us and fill us with His presence and goodness – and with that comes power to change the world.

Lesson from Moses: Ask God for help from the Holy Spirit when you are overwhelmed!

Sermon 2: Saul and the Holy Spirit

Thesis: Saul life is a tragic illustration of someone who grieved the Holy Spirit repeatedly and eventually God totally withdrew His precious Holy Spirit. After the loss of the Holy Spirit Saul becomes a depressed, jealous, fearful individual who loses it all.

Lesson from Saul: He had it all and then lost it all because of His disobedience to the word of the Lord. We learn what not to do from Saul’s tragic life and death and see how serious it is to grieve the Holy Spirit through acts of sin and rebellion to God.

Sermon 3: David and the Holy Spirit (Coming this Sunday!)

Thesis: The Holy Spirit takes nobodies and makes them into somebodies and He did this with David. It’s easy to see from David’s early life that he was a man after God’s own heart, he loved the Lord. He was also very diligent in seeking the Lord’s direction in everything he did except one night! This sin with Bathsheba set David on a skid into adultery and murder. But in the end he repented of His sin from within his heart and was forgiven. Thus he earned the tile “A Man after God’s Own Heart!”

Scripture Texts:

David’s is empowered with the Holy Spirit to be King:

1 Samuel 16:13 "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah."

Come on out Sunday to hear his amazing story and legacy! All made possible by the Holy Spirit!

Soul Care and the Holy Spirit

2015-03-04T14:23:00.002-08:00

The Holy Spirit takes an active role in the life of the spirit filled believer to help care for their soul and to empower them to do the work of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Scripture:

John 14:15-18:

Did you here - we are not orphans - we have the Holy Spirit!

Colossians 1:9-14:

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit and He kept that promise in Acts 2 and that promise is still for today. His promise is to empower you and the church to do the work of the Kingdom! Jesus’ promise is still relevant for us today! It’s His Holy Spirit that fills us with spiritual wisdom and it’s His Holy Spirit that helps us live a life worthy of Jesus. It’s His Holy Spirit that helps us to bear fruit in this world for the Kingdom of Heaven. It’s His Holy Spirit which gives us great endurance and patience to live the joyful life. It’s His Holy Spirit which enables us to be thankful for all that God has done for us! He is a personable!

I love this quote, "The Holy Spirit is not a doctrine to be studied; He is a person to be experienced in power" (Randy Clark).

Have you experienced Him and His Power?

He adds, "Understanding His power and work in our lives is of vital importance if we desire to live the Christian lives that Jesus has made available to us. The Holy Spirit does not exclusively belong to ivory-tower theologians; he is not a mere doctrine to be studied, but a divine person to be experienced and known. The more that believers continue to stumble over the power of the Spirit through debate and controversy, the longer we as the church become restricted from bringing true transformation to our world. We cannot afford to be arguing among ourselves while there is so great and so ripe a harvest set before us in this generation." Clark, Randy (2015-01-20). The Essential Guide to the Power of the Holy Spirit: God's Miraculous Gifts at Work Today (Kindle Locations 139-144). Destiny Image, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Question: Why did Jesus send the Holy Spirit to us Christians?

Answer: So that we could “Be Christ Like” and “Do the work of the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Listen carefully the Holy Spirit was not just given to us to be Christ like but to also do the work of the Kingdom like Jesus did! Please hear this you cannot do the work of the Kingdom without the Holy Spirit’s empowerment! We need the Holy Spirit today!

A personal letter to you from God the Father about the Holy Spirit

2015-02-20T13:19:00.003-08:00

A letter for you made of Bible verses about the Holy Spirit from God the Father

Jesus was conceived by my Holy Spirit [1] and by the Spirit you were made. [2] He is everywhere; there are no places kept secret from him, [3] for he created the world. [4]

My Holy Spirit shows you and convicts you of your wrong doings [5] and works through your will to enable you to turn to me so that my desires may become yours. [6]

I saved you, not by anything good that you may have done, but out of my mercy—you are saved by your rebirth and your renewal, performed by my Spirit within you. [7]

Some tried to dissuade my Son from carrying out his work, [8] but the truth is that it is better for everyone that he went away, because when he left, he sent the Counsellor to come to you. [9] Jesus was baptized with water, but he himself baptizes you with the Holy Spirit. [10]

By the one Spirit, [11] all my children are born into my family, [12] and the same Spirit is given to all to drink. [13] For there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism for salvation. [14]

Your Counsellor is the very Spirit of truth that goes out from me [15]—through him the Scriptures were written. [16] My Son has sent him to you as a gift from me; [17] I promised you the Spirit, and my Son has poured him out for you. [18]

When you turned to me, my child, I sent the very Spirit of my Son into your heart; [19] he will tell you all about me, [20] for he is the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. [21] He will reveal me so that you may know me better. [22] I give without limit, and the words the Spirit says are my own. [23]

My child, he will clothe you with my power, [24] with robes of righteousness. [25] By him you are reborn! [26] So receive the Spirit of my Son [27] and receive his fire. [28] I give the same gift of my Spirit to all who believe. [29] And in the one Spirit there are many gifts of the Holy Spirit which are to be used by you. [30]

Know that I live in you through my Spirit, who I have freely given you. [31] My Spirit in you sets you free from the sinful nature [32]—he brings you freedom. [33] For you are led by my Spirit and are no longer under my law. [34]

You have my Spirit within you, given as a deposit guaranteeing that you are mine. [35] My Spirit testifies with your own spirit; in perfect agreement, we know that you are my child. [36]

The Holy Spirit speaks only of what he hears [37] and he knows my very thoughts. [38] He will tell you what has yet to happen, he will bring glory to my Son by revealing to you what is his, for all that belongs to me is his. [39]

You are very special, for do you not know that you are my sacred dwelling place, my holy temple? [40] It is I, your God, who lives inside you; you are not your own. [41] My Son’s own temple was destroyed, but he raised it again in three days. [42] My Spirit raised Christ from the dead, and it is my same Spirit that now lives in you. [43]

My Spirit within you shows that you belong to Christ and guarantees you a wonderful future. [44] Be filled with the Spirit and with wisdom. [45] For, if you do not have my Spirit, you do not belong to my Son or have wisdom. [46]

How can you recognize those with my Spirit? If they acknowledge that Christ became human, [47] that the Word became a man and lived among you, [48] then they are my children. [49]

Do not lie to him, [50] for he has sealed you to be with me. [51] In the past, some have grieved him, and so I turned away and fought against them. [52] There are always those who resist [53] and insult the grace of your God, my Spirit. [54] But, let me warn you:

I will not forgive people who speak evilly against him. [55] Do not extinguish his fire within you. [56] With my Holy Spirit you have been sealed and secured for the day of redemption—do not grieve him. [57]

So, why not live by my Spirit? You will no longer be compelled to do what is wrong, for that is contrary to his ways. But, if you are led by my Spirit you, will do what you desire most. [58] To be under the control of my Spirit is both life and peace: [59] an abundant life, [60] at peace with everyone. [61]

By my will, the Spirit intercedes for you; he pleads your case before me when your words fail or you do not know what to say. [62] In a language that words cannot describe, he prays for you in your weakness; when you have no idea what you need, [63] the Spirit of my Son calls out for his Father. [64]

He will teach you everything, for he is your Counselor; [65] he will lay down wisdom deep within you. [66] As you trust in me, you will be filled with joy and peace; by the power of my Spirit you will overflow with hope. [67]

My Holy Spirit will open the meaning of the Scriptures to you. [68] Using spiritual words to explain spiritual truths, I will teach you through him. [69] Through my anointing you will learn the truth; [70] your anointing will teach you about everything, so remain in him. [71] Let my Spirit rest on you, [72] let him fill you completely. [73]

My child, when you see a tree, you know what kind it is by the fruit it produces. [74] Know too that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness and self-control. [75] Composed of all that is good, right and true, [76] it comes through Jesus for my glory. [77] Bear much fruit, my child; you can be sure that it will last. [78]

When you are filled with my Spirit, you may address those in authority over you. [79] You may speak the word of God boldly [80] and you may even speak in other languages [81]—my Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. [82] He will set you apart for the work to which he calls you. [83] There are different types of work, but I perform them all through my children.[84]

As he chooses, the Spirit gives gifts to each of my children: [85] if yours is serving, then serve unreservedly; if it is encouraging, encourage with all your heart; if it is helping, then give generously; if it is showing mercy, then do so with a smile; if you are a leader, then govern carefully and honestly; and if your gift is prophesying, use it in proportion to your faith. [86] My Spirit endows some of my children to be apostles, some to be teachers. [87] But, you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. [88] For it is through you that we desire to work. [89]

So now let the Spirit use you in your gift, if it is wisdom be wise through the Spirit, if it is the word of knowledge use this gift to open people’s eyes, if it is faith step out in the gift of faith and see God move. If it is healing then pray for others to be healed. If it is flowing in miraculous power then let the Spirit flow through you. If it is prophecy speak forth God’s word with boldness and edification. If it is distinguishing of spirits then use your discernment gift to help others. If it is tongues then speak those tongues to pray what needs to be prayed and say what needs to be said. [90] Go be empowered by my Holy Spirit and be an apostle, or prophet, or evangelist, or pastor or even a teacher of the truth of God. [91]

So my child be filled with my Holy Spirit and receive the power you need to be my witness in this world [92]

The above letter taken from and adapted by Pastor Mike for CHC: http://www.bibleversesabout.org/the-holy-spirit/#Letter-Bible-verses-about-Holy-Spirit

Bible verses bibliography/footnotes:

[1] Matthew 1:18

[2] Job 33:4

[3] Psalms 139:7–10

[4] Genesis 1:2

[5] John 16:8

[6] Philippians 2:13

[7] Titus 3:5

[8] Matthew 16:22

[9] John 16:7

[10] John 1:33

[11] 1 Corinthians 12:13

[12] Hebrews 2:11

[13] 1 Corinthians 12:13

[14] Ephesians 4:5

[15] John 15:26

[16] 2 Timothy 3:16

[17] John 15:26

[18] Acts 2:33

[19] Galatians 4:6

[20] John 15:26

[21] Isaiah 11:2

[22] Ephesians 1:17

[23] John 3:34

[24] Luke 24:49

[25] Revelation 19:8

[26] John 3:6–7

[27] John 20:22

[28] Matthew 3:11

[29] Acts 11:16–17

[30] 1 Corinthians 12:4

[31] 1 Corinthians 2:12

[32] Romans 8:9

[33] 2 Corinthians 3:17

[34] Galatians 5:18

[35] Ephesians 1:14

[36] Romans 8:16

[37] John 16:13

[38] 1 Corinthians 2:11

[39] John 16:13–15

[40] 1 Corinthians 3:16

[41] 1 Corinthians 6:19

[42] John 2:19

[43] Romans 8:11

[44] 2 Corinthians 1:22

[45] Acts 6:3[46] Romans 8:9

[47] 1 John 4:2

[48] John 1:14

[49] 1 John 4:2

[50] Acts 5:3

[51] Ephesians 4:30

[52] Isaiah 63:10

[53] Acts 7:51

[54] Hebrews 10:29

[55] Matthew 12:31

[56] 1 Thessalonians 5:19

[57] Ephesians 4:30

[58] Galatians 5:16–18

[59] Romans 8:6

[60] John 10:10

[61] Mark 9:50

[62] Romans 8:27

[63] Romans 8:26

[64] Galatians 4:6

[65] John 14:26

[66] Psalms 51:6

[67] Romans 15:13

[68] Luke 24:32

[69] 1 Corinthians 2:13

[70] 1 John 2:20

[71] 1 John 2:27

[72] Isaiah 11:2

[73] Ephesians 5:18

[74] Luke 6:44

[75] Galatians 5:22–23

[76] Ephesians 5:9

[77] Philippians 1:11

[78] John 15:16

[79] Acts 4:8

[80] Acts 4:31

[81] Acts 2:4

[82] Luke 12:12

[83] Acts 13:2

[84] 1 Corinthians 12:6

[85] 1 Corinthians 12:11

[86] Romans 12:6–8

[87] Ephesians 4:11

[88] 1 Peter 4:10

[89] Philippians 2:13

[90] I Corinthians 12: 1-11

[91] Ephesians 4:11-13

[92] Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-21

Holy Spirit Power

2015-02-05T09:25:00.003-08:00

This power is the power we need in our lives:

This power is the power which transformed the Roman Empire. This power is the power which raised Jesus from the dead. This power is the power which has shaken the nation of China bringing revival to it over the last 20 years. This power is the power which enabled this land to experience the first and second Great Awakenings which transformed the culture of the day. This power is the power which birthed this nation and called it One Nation Under God. This power is the power which can transform the city of Chicago and its mayor.This power is the power which transformed the nation of Uganda. This power is the power which healed a brown robe priest in India and 1,000 got saved about 2 years ago with Heart of The Father Ministries. This power is the power which has almost reached the whole world with the Good News of Jesus in our time frame. This power is the power which healed a women in Costa Rica with an injury to an arm just a few years ago. This power is the power which has caused the church to grow and grow through the millenniums even while being persecuted. This power is the power which enabled Polycarp to stand in a coliseum and refuse to deny Christ over 1.700 years ago. This power is the power which has raised up a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, 13 year prayer and worship vigil in Kansas City called IHOP which continues on this very moment. This power is the power which showed Lenin that godless communism would not rule the world but Jesus would. This power is the power which drew you to Jesus and is now saying to you “Invite me in so I can empower you to be a dynamic witness for Jesus!” This power is the power which has delivered men and women who have been held in bondage by Meth who I saw set free in Amery over 8-9 years ago. This power is the power which has restored 1,000 of marriages in our land in which I got to be a part of some of these restorations. This power is the power which is raising up an army of young people who are sold out to the cross and are going to take back what the Devil has stolen from their generation. This power is the power which is able to deliver people from porn addictions. This power is the power which raises up certain churches and allows other churches to die. This power is the power which leads peoples lives to their divine destinies. This power is the power which takes the Bible and makes it a living breathing book of life. This power is the power which will stop abortions in the near future. This power is the power which sends out missionaries across this world to transform peoples lives. This power is the power which creates financial miracles and I have seen some of them. This power is the power which transformed a city in Guatemala because they repented of sin and turned to Jesus and now is one of the most prosperous cities in Central America. This power is the power which told my friend Ed's wife to rebuke death and that Ed would not die but live with new focus and purpose. This power is the power which is calling His church to be a house of prayer and a house of healing. This power is the power which has sustained the Nation of Israel against insurmountable odds. This power is the power which caused miracles to happen in the 6 Day War with Israel and the Arabs to bring and reestablish the Nation of Israel. This power is the power which is sweeping across the former Soviet Union states with spiritual revival. This power is the power which caused a revival among the young people of Thessaloniki to break out at a Pastor Ted’s church. This power is the power which can transform your marriage and your family. This power is the power which can heal your baby or your child we have seen God do this. This power is the power which can illuminate you mind to know the will of God for your life. This power is the power which can take a church and bring it back to life when others say it’s dead. This power is the power which causes a nation to turn to God in a crisis like 911. This power is the power which told people to get out of the twin towers before they fell. This power is the power which gives life to dry bones. This power is the power which can reveal Jesus to you right now. This power is the power which enabled David to slay Goliath. This power is the power which caused the walls of Jericho to fall. This power is the power which enabled Moses to stand up to Pharoah. This power is the power that birthed this church over 80 years ago. This power is the power that saved me and empowered me over 34 years ago to become a pastor and your lead pastor today. This power is the power which empowers you with your spiritual gifts. This power is the power which is calling you today to embrace Him and not quench Him. This power is the power which touches your heart during worship.

This power is the power Jesus spoke about in Acts 1:8 and its available for you today.

⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Holy Spirit

2015-02-05T09:21:00.001-08:00

The Holy Spirit takes an active role in the life of the spirit filled believer to help care for their soul. He does this in many ways and His names reflect how He works in the life of the church, the believer and the unbeliever.

Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit and He kept that promise in Acts 2 and that promise is still for you and I today. His promise to empower you and the church to do the work of the Kingdom is still relevant today!

Scripture:

John 14:15-18:

15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—

17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14: 25-27:

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you.

26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:13:

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Acts 1: 4-5; 8:

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.

5 For John baptized with£ water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2: 1-4:

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Key Point: Thus the promises of Jesus to His followers about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled!

Question: Why did Jesus send the Holy Spirit to fill these Christians?

Answer: So that they could “Be Christ Like” and “Do the work of the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Listen carefully - The Holy Spirit was not just given to us to “Be Christ like” but to also “Do the work of the Kingdom” like Jesus did! Please hear this you cannot do the work of the Kingdom without the Holy Spirit’s empowerment!

The premise which I lay down before you this morning is this:

The Holy Spirit is waiting for you to believe in Him, for you to choose to receive Him into your spiritual life and for your willingness to allow His power to come and immerse you. It’s your decision if you want the Holy Spirit to “Baptize you – Immerse you in Him” and in the process transform you spiritually and do a supernatural work in your soul.

The Holy Spirit is our biggest need in the church today, not money, not more people, not larger crowds, not more programs, not larger buildings, not more Bible translations, not more study aids to the Bible, not more Christian books, not more Bible seminaries or Bible colleges, not more Degrees, not more tech stuff like lights, projectors, video illustrations or even better websites. No the biggest need of the church is the in filling of the Holy Spirit. This infilling brings empowerment to us as Christians and to the church. It transforms us into what God wants us to be and it points us to God’s agenda not ours.

Will you open you heart and soul to Him today?

Soul care

2015-01-21T07:27:00.002-08:00

“How is your soul moving into this new year?”

Jesus said in Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Jesus said in Matthew 22:37: “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Jesus emphasized the importance of your soul not just in eternity but it’s health in the here and now! Your eternal and spiritual success this year depends on the condition of your soul!

John Orberg states this about our souls: “If your soul is healthy, no external circumstance can destroy your life. If your soul is unhealthy, no external circumstance can redeem your life (Pg 40, Soul Keeping).

Definition of the soul:

My definition: The soul reflects the sum of your Spirit, Soul and Body as a whole being. It is the link between spirit and body and is the operating system of your life. It encompasses your mind, your will, your decision making process, your perceptions, your emotions, your spirit, your feelings, your physical appetites, your addictions, your desires and it is the control center in your life and it will always impact your daily life. It has been defined as “life” in the Bible in certain passages and as that which longs after God or for a substitute for God like and idol. You don’t have a soul you are a soul!

Hebrews 4:12-13: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

God knows the condition of our souls – He sees them and He knows them!

Ortberg: The soul is what integrates separate functions into a single, organic, whole creature. That’s why the search for harmony and integration and connectedness is a “soul” function. The soul is the deepest dimension of our existence. It captures the reality of life before God in a way that the word “self” does not. Think of the difference between the words “soul-ish” and “selfish.”

I add “Spirit” which refers more generally to the power or energy that comes from the Holy Spirit – the connection point with God if it is not connected with God it is connected to evil spirits. The soul is more intertwined with the Spirit and the body and lies at the core of our mindset and our will. But a soul connected to God and His Spirit is a soul that really has “Life.”

Christmas Letter

2014-12-10T13:25:00.003-08:00

Dear Family and Friends, Christmas 2014

The last couple years have been filled with so much that I didn’t get out my letter.

I am starting early this year so that I know this will be so much better!

We have seen so much of what God is doing here and in many other places.

It is awesome when you see others be blessed by God, and it lights up their faces.

Let me try to catch you up a little on what has happened the last couple years,

So much has happened in our lives, lots of joys and just a few tears.

Christa, 24, spent two years in Burkina Faso, Africa, trying to win the lost,

Shoeboxes, orphanages, outreaches, street children, counting the cost.

Home for 10 months, spending time with family, raising funds, going to school,

Now off to the Philippines, raising up leaders, street children, let God rule!

Ashley, almost 26, so many changes for her, not much is the same.

Now teaching music at our Christian School, back to Illinois she came,

Met a nice young man and she got married on a very cold January day,

New place, new name, and now oh joy, she has a baby boy on the way.

Vernon graduated from Moody this Spring and worked there for a while,

Then got an awesome job at Devry University and he has a big smile.

Came from Madison, such a kind and loving man, soon to be a dad,

Love that they live so close, this Grandma will not be sad.

Tiffany (28) completed her Master’s degree on a very special date,

Now she has a job as a nurse practitioner in which she thinks is great!

It’s amazing how she handled working, going to school and all,

But now its complete, she can enjoy life a little and play some ball.

Joshua, manager at Home Depot, he works hard to provide,

Keeps busy with his family and now he has a new ride.

So talented in his carpentry skills he might do on the side

He made Ashley and Vernon’s bed, I might say with pride!

They added to their family a very special girl,

Eviana Jane came a little early, set life in a little whirl.

She is still a little peanut, only 11 pounds at 7 months old.

But she lights up our life and we feel like she is gold.

Ayden and Keagan, 6, are now in first grade

Getting tall and smart, love all the things they made,

They love their super heroes, wrestling, and ball,

But to see them with their sister is the best of all!

Mike and Kathy, celebrating 30 years of marriage this year

Wonder where did the time go, but blessed beyond tears

We went to Africa to see our dear daughter last June

Loved seeing how God was using her is a blessed tune.

Enjoying our grandchildren and hearing their happy sounds,

There is nothing better than to have them around.

We love serving our Savior and doing His ask,

It brings joy to our hearts as we do His task.

I pray that as you celebrate this season, you will put Christ at the top,

Keep Him as your focus, and don’t ever stop.

Love,

Pastor Mike and Kathy

“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.” Isaiah 9: 6

10 ways to Keep Jesus at the center of your Christmas!

2014-12-05T07:54:00.002-08:00

Our play last night at CHC was all about how the wrong message of Christmas is being communicated through various sources in a mall. We have the same miss message of Christmas being broadcasted like this today too. We have today many people running away from Jesus in our society at this Christmas Season and anything associated with His birth and His message of Christmas. People in our world say you have to distance yourself from Christ at Christmas because it’s offensive to others. It’s rude – really – it’s religious – it’s separation of Church and State - its _____________? And “Yes”the list could go on but you get my point.

But Christmas – is about Jesus birth!

When I read the Christmas story from the Bible – I see the star - I hear the angels sing – I observe the shepherd’s reactions to the star and Jesus the baby - I read of the journey and gifts of the wise men – I see the real Spirit of Christmas and well --- I smile! I think wow this story is really amazing and many in our secular world are missing the point of this miracle event! Jesus loves them – God loves us enough that He sent His son to be a sacrifice for us – to give us the greatest gift of all! Himself!

I read a Scripture this week which may not be very Christmas-ee but listen to what it says about Jesus and His birth:

"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." [Titus 3:4-7]

Jesus was born 2014 years ago out of the goodness – kindness and love of God for you and me! Is that bad? No it’s a good thing – He came to save us – to set us free – to bless us - to give us the greatest gift off all His love. Jesus came to provide a way for you and I to be apart of the family of God. Rather amazing if you think about it.

But it’s easy to forget about the true meaning of Christmas in our world today. There are so many distractions, there is so much busyness, there is so much out of control spending and charging, there are so many messages pulling you away from the true message of Jesus. All these holiday celebrations, mythical stories, crazy lavish gifts, lavish decorations can get us all caught up in the whirlwind of the holiday season. But Christmas is about Jesus and if you want to experience the Spirit of Christmas -- Christ must be front and center. If you want to experience the meaning of gift giving then bring Jesus’ gift to the front and center of your celebrations. Make an effort to place the focus on Jesus not those other distractions!

So the question is do you want to re-discover the Spirit of Christmas – the real Spirit of love and peace and goodwill to all? Then focus on keeping Jesus at the center of your Christmas!

Here are some things you can to do to keep Jesus front and center in your Christmas celebration this year!

The following list was quoted and adapted from: http://christianity.about.com/od/holidaytips/p/keepchristmas.htm

1) Give the Lord a special gift from you to Him – this is to be a personal gift:

a. The best gift you could give Jesus is to choose to accept Him as you Lord and Savior. He gave His life for you and the best way to return that gift is to give your heart and life to Jesus. This means you believe on Him and His teachings. This means you repent of your sins – this means you ask God to forgive you and then invite Jesus to come live in your Heart/Soul – you in essence become “Born Again” by His Spirit invading into your inner being and life – can I say this is an amazing experience!

i. If you really want to discover the true Spirit of Christmas then you need to first and foremost surrender your will and life to Jesus.

b. If you have already accepted Jesus as your Savior then let this gift be something personal that no one else needs to know about, and let it be a sacrifice for Him.

i. David said in 2 Samuel 24 that he would not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing – a true gift means we sacrifice for it - we pay the price for it – this gives the gift a great value.

1. Maybe your gift to God will be to forgive someone you've needed to forgive for a long time.

2. Maybe it’s repairing an old broken relationship.

3. Maybe it’s some type of fast for the Lord.

4. Maybe it’s a commitment to spiritual growth!

5. Maybe it's _________ you fill in the blank with something coming to your mind right now!

2) Make it a priority to read the Christmas story found in Luke 1:5-56 and then also read 2:1-20 do this by yourself in a quiet place – just you and Jesus:

a. After reading this marvelous historical event reflect on what it meant to you personally for Jesus to come to earth in this way.

b. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal His Spirit of Christmas to you in a new way this year.

3) Decide to set up a Nativity Scene in your front yard to communicate the real meaning of Christmas – which is Jesus birthday! Or go visit a live nativity which you can do at Faith Christian Reformed Church at 84^th and 171^st in Tinley Park this Saturday and Sunday from 1-6pm:

a. Talk about the Nativity scene to friends and family with a beam of excitement!

b. Let your family experience the Nativity live and once again experience the miracle of Christmas.

4) Plan a Good Samaritan project this Christmas - if you need ideas you can see Kim at the Love Inc booth in back under the stairs for ideas on how and where to serve others this season:

a. You can also on your own find someone in need and help them out by getting them something they really need.

b. Reach out to a person who needs a helping hand – and experience the Spirit of Christmas.

5) Go Christmas caroling with your family or with others to your neighborhood, a nursing home or a children's hospital – bring gifts for the kids in the children’s homes as well:

a. My grandson Ayden was in Laurie Children’s hospital a few years ago at Christmas and the carolers, the singing, the gift giving to these young sick lives was amazing to see how their tears turned to joy and smiles.

b. Christian Hills School goes to area Nursing homes and does this every year so talk to Pastor Tiffany or Mr. Beadle if you are interested in being a part of this – bring a smile to someone’s face and this once again will reveal the Spirit of Christmas.

c. Decide to bring the Spirit of Jesus to those who need a cheering up this Christmas – maybe someone you know!

6) Make the decision to serve each member of your family with a random act of kindness this season.

a. Jesus taught us to serve others by washing the disciple’s feet.

i. He also taught us that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 NIV

ii. Don’t just give gifts this season – do something special for another person – do a random act of kindness!

b. The idea of giving an unexpected gift of service to members of your family is to demonstrate Christ-like love and service.

i. You might consider giving a back rub to your spouse, running an errand for your brother/sister, or cleaning out a closet for your mother. Make it personal and meaningful is the point here!

7) Set aside a time of family devotions on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

a. Before opening the gifts, take a few minutes to gather together as a family in prayer and devotions.

i. Read the Christmas Story!

b. Or read a few Bible verses and discuss as a family the true meaning of Christmas.

8) Attend a Christmas church service together with your family:

a. If you are alone this Christmas or don't have family living near you, invite a friend or a neighbor to join you.

9) Send Christmas cards that convey the spiritual message of Christmas:

a. This is an easy way to share your faith at Christmastime.

i. If you've already bought the – the Santa cards – snowmen cards or reindeer cards—no problem! Just write a Bible verse and include a personal message with each card.

ii. But use your cards and Christmas letters to glorify Jesus this season.

iii. Testify of His love and blessings to you!

10) You could also write a Christmas letter to a missionary on the field and encourage them this Christmas or send them a Christmas box!

Let’s make sure we keep Jesus front and center this Christmas Season! Let’s keep Christ in our Christmas!

How is your soul?

2014-11-20T16:21:00.004-08:00

How is your soul?

One of the most important words in the Bible is this word "Soul."

Listen to some Bible verses:

Deut. 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deut. 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul...

Psalm 23: A psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.

Psalm 42: 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Boyd argues that we see people who have a strength of soul that simply will not be degraded by the humiliation their body puts them through. He writes of a woman named Patricia who suffered from the effects of diabetes, a heart attack, and two strokes; she went blind, went into renal failure (which required dialysis), and had both her legs amputated all while only in her thirties. She was placed in a nursing home, except for those several times a year when she had to be hospitalized, frequently going into a coma for one or two weeks during those stays. Pat was part of a church in Washington, D.C., that wanted to create a homeless shelter. They could not find anyone with the leadership skills to pull it off, so she volunteered. In between dialysis and amputations and comas, she pulled together the team and got the zoning changes, architectural help, and fund- raising done. She then helped the team figure out the rules for the homeless people who used the shelter, and she recruited and trained the staff who ran it. When Pat died after the shelter’s first successful year in operation, homeless people stood next to U.S. Cabinet members such as Secretary of State James Baker at her funeral. The soul knows a glory that the body cannot rob. In some ways, in some cases, the more the body revolts, the more the soul shines through. People may claim to believe that all you are is your body. But Pat said one time, “The only thing I can depend on with my body is that it will fail me. Somehow my body is mine, but it’s not ‘me.’ ” Greatness of soul is available to people who do not have the luxury of being ecstatic about the condition and appearance of their bodies.

We speak of the soul as a source of strength, and yet we speak of it as fragile. Something about the soul always seems to be at risk. A soul is something that can be lost or even sold. The selling of a soul has been made into countless operas, books, and country music lyrics, as well as movies.

How is your soul as a leader of Christian Hills Church? Is it longing after God, is it seeking more of God, is it healthy, is it thirsting for God? Is it committed to God or have you sold it to another or for a thing?

We each have an outer life and an inner one. My outer self is the public, visible me. My accomplishments, my work, and my reputation lie there. But inside is my soul that part of me that speaks in silence to others but yells at me. It's the inside stuff of real life - what is your soul saying to you - how is your soul? Is it connected to the breath of life or is it deflated by the things of this world and self?

Jesus said: Luke 10: 27 He answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

So I am asking again "How is your soul?"

I look around and I see "soul" missing from a lot of people's live's. I have heard it said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. What do people see when they look into your eyes?

I also want to add that I see "soul" missing from a lot of so-called Christian lives too - because some where along the line of life they gave there's away or sold it to another. For some I can look into their eyes and see that something is missing - I see a hollow look a glaze and I think - what happened to their soul life? What happened to their connection with Jesus? What happened that they lost the real meaning of life?

On December 7th I am going to be talking about soul care and it's importance for our lives - so come out to church that Sunday morning and take a good -hard-honest look at your soul! I believe the Holy Spirit will meet you this Sunday in a personal soul care way!

In His Service,

Pastor Mike :)

Firestorms

2014-10-24T13:08:00.001-07:00

My Story: The Day of the fire storm!

I was at Boy Scout Camp when I discovered the terrible damage a fire storm could do to my life. It was a lazy afternoon very hot and dry. John and I were sent back to camp to start dinner for the guys. When I got back to camp I discovered that the camp fire looked as if it had gone out. So I decided to rebuild the fire to get it ready for our meal. So I gathered fire wood and placed it on the coals and tried to get it to burn. It would not start so I decided to pour some Kerosene on the wood figuring it would help get the fire started sooner so that John and I could start dinner sooner for the troop. So I poured the Kerosene on the wood and all of a sudden the fire ignited. It then traveled up the liquid and into the can I was holding in my hand. Within seconds the can exploded in my hand sending burning Kerosene streaming in every direction and most of the burning fuel landed on my lower right leg and it burst into flames.

It was so surreal I looked down as the heat started piercing through to my leg and I began screaming. I was 12 years old and my leg was burning out of control. I screamed for help and through myself to the ground. I began to roll and roll and the more I rolled the more the ground burst into flames around me. I rolled into a tent it caught on fire. I was screaming because of the pain and crying out for help. I started thinking this is it I am going to burn to death and right at that moment another Boy Scout came to my rescue. John had a blanket in his hand and he grabbed me and wrapped it around my leg to put out the fire. Once he put out my leg he then proceeded to put out the tent and the burning ground around us.

I laid there in shock and disbelief and the horrible pain started getting worse. John held me and asked me to hang in there because he was going to get help. He ran like the wind for about a mile to the first aid head quarters in the park. I laid there all alone on the ground thinking, “Why did I do that!” then the thoughts crept in, “Is this it!” It seemed as if I laid for ever.

The Rangers came and the troop leaders came as fast as they could. They cut my jeans off and started cleaning out my badly burned leg. As they pulled the blanket off of my leg part of my jeans and burnt flesh came off with it. I screamed in pain. I heard one man get sick and throw up and another say, “Oh my Lord!” I was burned from my ankle to just above the knee. I still remember the awe full smell rising up off my leg. All I could do was moan and cry because of the excruciating pain inflicted from this fire. All I could do was keep asking questions, “What happened?” “Where did the fire come from?” “Why did this happen to me?” I was stunned by how quickly I had caught on fire.

It took the troop leaders 4 hours before they finally got me to a hospital. It was a horrible 4 hour trip from the mountains to the hospital. As I rode in a truck I just moaned as my driver a Boy Scout leader just encouraged me to hang in there, I remember he turned his Air Conditioning on to the floor section so that cold air could blow onto my leg. My flesh was hanging off and I was wishing for a miracle as I looked at my deformed leg. I thought this could not be my leg. When we arrived at the hospital the doctors started to work on my leg immediately. They cleaned it up and put salve on it then wrapped with burn wrap.

My mom showed up at the hospital in tears asking, “What happened?” The doctors informed my mom that I had second and third degree burns on the lower half of my leg. I remember the doctor telling her the importance of making sure that she made sure that my leg did not become infected. So daily she would clean my leg off. I would not look at my leg – my mom said it looked horrible almost like hamburger. But eventually I did heal. I often think about that day. It is etched into my memory forever. It was the painful day that I became the victim of a fire storm.

I learned a few lessons that day that I will never forgot, “Do not put Kerosene on hot coals!” The biggest lesson I learned that day. I also learned not to be careless with fire. I discovered the hard way that fire is hot and it burns very quickly and it does maximum damage in short amount of time. The firestorm I experienced lasted for minutes but caused major damage to my leg and it took months to heal. I still have scars on my lower leg from that fire storm. It reminds me as I look at that scar the danger of fire storms.

I read a book called Firestorms for my Master’s Program. The author is Susek and in it he talks about the destruction and the damage that firestorms can do to a church, an organization or even a family unit. He shared true to life horror stories of Christians acting like raging firestorms and leaving a path of destruction in churches, in communities, in families and in individual lives.

Dr. Robert who said, “No church is more than twenty-four hours away from a major conflict breaking out. In less than a year, it can destroy years of hard work and growth” (Firestorms, page 12)

He spoke about the danger and the ferocity of firestorms. He warned us that once a firestorm ignites it causes damage quickly to the surrounding terrain and races off to burn up whatever is in its path. They move fast and quickly across the landscape burning everything up in sight. They are dangerous and destructive.

James 3:6,9-10,13: Warns us about avoiding firestorms, “⁶The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell…⁹With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be…¹³Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

So the moral of the story don’t play with fire and guard your tongue it can do serious damage very quickly just like a real firestorm!

Changing your story or legacy in life!

2014-10-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

I was reading this week one Nelson Searcy's books and came across a real life story of a man who thought he was

leaving a great legacy and he discovered one day he was not - so he changed his path and course in life - read his

story below and ask yourself - So what will be your legacy be?" His story shows us we can change our life story!

What if you opened the newspaper tomorrow morning and saw your own obituary? Would it make you reevaluate your life? Cause you to reconsider how you spend your hours? That is exactly what happened to Swedish inventor and chemist Alfred Nobel. Alfred was the man responsible for inventing dynamite. Even though dynamite is now synonymous with destruction, Alfred’s original intent for the invention was that it would save lives. He wanted to create something so powerful that people would recoil from the thought of going to war with each other, thereby creating more peace. Things in Alfred’s life were moving along fine when, one morning in 1888, he opened the newspaper and saw his own obituary. As it turned out, Alfred’s brother had died, but the local press had accidentally created and run an obituary for Alfred instead. That mistake changed Alfred’s legacy. When he saw that the writer of the obituary had summed up his life and his work by giving him the moniker “Merchant of Death,” Alfred came face-to-face with the reality of how his days on earth had been spent. Upset that he could be remembered so negatively, he decided to refocus his remaining time on his original goal— doing something that would help the world around him. With that decision, Alfred drafted a will directing over 90 percent of his net worth to the establishment of Nobel prizes— prizes to be given to, in his words, “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.” [1] Shortly after his actual death, the first Nobel Prizes were awarded. How will people remember you? Are you having the kind of impact on the world that you want to have? Have you found the purpose and meaning that your heart longs for? Are you achieving true greatness, or are you, like so many others, attaining small successes while simultaneously realizing that they lack real significance. Searcy, Nelson; Dykes Henson, Jennifer (2012-10-01). Greatness Principle, The: Finding Significance and Joy by Serving Others (Kindle Locations 61-68). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Inside CHC

Aftershocks of The Resurrection

My world needs you Jesus!

Men and women are different

Why we are loving Sundays!

Do you hear God Calling? Surprised by that?

Surprised by God - Paul's Story!

Surprised By God Story

Surprised by God - Again!

Surprised by God

The Bible

Supreme court ruling response

Honoring Mom!

Be Happy

Good Friday message to ponder.

Over view of our series Soul Care and the Holy Spirit

Soul Care and the Holy Spirit

A personal letter to you from God the Father about the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit Power

8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Holy Spirit

Soul care

Christmas Letter

10 ways to Keep Jesus at the center of your Christmas!

How is your soul?

Firestorms

Changing your story or legacy in life!

⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”