© Melinda Nagy | Dreamstime.com Over the past 40 years or so there has been an unfortunate trend for the American male to be abdicating his responsibilities as the God-appointed spiritual leader and head of his family. The male’s failure to “man-up” under the strength, enablement and wisdom of God has evolved into a climate of weakness, softness, and feminization of his manhood. Because of his reluctance to lead, the woman has been forced to assume the man’s responsibilities in order to survive. How many households do you personally know of where the father is absent or has failed to lead under God’s authority? All too often this is the case, and the trend continues at an alarming rate. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth, a city full of immorality and idolatry and said, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all be done in love.” (I Corinthians 16:13,14) What an appropriate message for our fathers today. Most any man can fertilize an egg, but godly fatherhood is another matter. Men, dads, fathers—“man-up” while there is still time—awaken from your sleep and slumber. (See Romans 13:11-13) Our families are waiting for your response to God’s calling. To all our fathers who have been faithful to God and are currently fulfilling their godly fatherhood responsibilities today, we are grateful. LISTEN TO AUDIO:
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© Grafvision | Dreamstime.com On May 13, 2012, we celebrated a National holiday called Mother's Day. Today, we'd like to share with you the message Pastor Mark Parsons gave us on that day. He spoke of how a Mother's love many, many years ago affects each and every one of us today and was a part of the fulfillment of God's plan. During the time of Israel’s captivity in Egypt, the Israelites multiplied immensely. The Egyptian Pharaoh said to his people, “Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we.” (Exodus chapter 1). He feared that the Hebrews would overthrow his rule, and he implemented a plan, an evil one, to destroy the Hebrew males at birth, which failed. The king then ordered his people to cast the male infants into the dangerous and crocodile-infested Nile. With the Pharaoh’s plan in place, he could accomplish a two-fold purpose: first, the babies would sacrificially appease one of their major gods, the Nile, and secondly, Israel’s population would be controlled and managed. However, Moses’ mother, Jochebed, having faith in the Living God, hid Moses for three months not fearing the king’s edict (Hebrews 11:23-24). She then continued to trust God completely to protect and care for her son. She placed Moses into the Nile (the World) in a basket (God’s armor) well-crafted and sealed from the invasive waters and dangers beneath and above. We need mothers today, like Jochebed, who will do whatever is necessary to faithfully enrich and teach their children to walk after and trust God alone through Jesus Christ. We need mothers who will declare to the World (the Nile), “You can’t have my children, not on my watch. They have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise...” (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30) Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download file.)
Personal Testimonies: Prior to the morning's message, Pastor Mark opens the floor to life testimonies. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Click the forward button below to play the personal testimonies of Pastor Mark and others and/or download file.)
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