Perhaps there have been times when you have been on the mountaintop with Jesus and were reluctant to come down to the everyday grind of life in the valley below. As Christians, we must remember that Jesus has given us the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be a very present help in time of need regardless of our circumstances. Jesus brought Peter, James and his brother, John, to a high mountain by themselves, and He was transfigured there before them. Jesus' face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus. God spoke out of a cloud and said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Matthew 17:5) What an experience on the mountain they must have had. Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here." (Matthew 17:1-13) We can only imagine their profound joy and trembling at the same time. However, it came time for them to come down and continue their journey of faith where they were hammered, forged and transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:2) We must allow the King of glory to direct our every step and show us the more perfect way. The spiritual and physical landscape will be threatening and ominous at times, but nothing is impossible with our God of Miracles. David said, "Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle...The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory." (Psalm 24:7-10) Is the King of glory having His way with you on mountains high or valleys deep? If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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© Carolyn Marshall, www.livinglifephoto.com
“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) Through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part, we become Christians. Out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. We are each under construction by our God who creates masterpieces, and are a work in progress. Christ is day by day chiseling and building us. He is removing the unwanted and harmful things in our lives and rebuilding the internal workings of our heart and mind. Just like the roads we travel each day, the construction goes on and the traffic cones are deployed. We must steer around them just as we need to steer around the things that are still obstacles in us so we don’t fall into pot holes or drive where the road is no longer there. Please watch the video below prior to listening to Pastor Ted's message.If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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As we reflect on this July 4, 2013, I want us to think on the greatness of this nation. We have done so much and it has been so successful. But I think we are slipping a bit. As our country has slowly removed God, references to Him, prayer and Bible from the public square, has anyone noticed the precipitous decline of our military might, our standing in the world, our academic achievements, our financial strength and the overall health of our country? Whoa…I think we’re cruisin’ for a bruisin’! A long time ago, it was said that America was great because her people were great, but that it would remain so only as long as her people remain great. We have gone from laws against abortion, homosexuality and pornography to laws for those issues. We have gone from laws for prayer and Bible reading in public school to laws against them. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is looking mighty pertinent right now! If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. Image © Alekss Dreamstime ID: 8107926 The above title is the theme for GHCF for 2012. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "...do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2) The Greek word for transform is metamorphoo (meta, meaning change and morphe, form). In biology class, we learned that through metamorphosis a caterpillar changes into a butterfly, and a tadpole transforms into a frog. Likewise, when we come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we begin a lifelong journey requiring us to submit daily to the Holy Spirit who teaches us, enables us, and empowers us to be conformed and transformed into the image of Christ. Our mind is actually renewed to prove and know the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. Yes, it is a battle, a spiritual warfare to die to self and old habits and to live for Christ in the refreshing newness of the Holy Spirit. Paul's own words cry out in this struggle to put off the old man–"Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" He answers his own question, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24, 25) You are like a complex puzzle–are you willing to let go and let God put the perfectly-fashioned pieces together to transform you in 2012 and beyond? Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
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