Most of us have certainly heard of the expression, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” This is especially true when it comes to God’s words, laws and statutes for all men to obey and enjoy His blessings. However, there are lawmakers and judges who are deceived to believe that they have a superior wisdom over God and know what is best for mankind and our country. Isaiah speaks to these maligned rulers and says, “Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions, so as to deprive the needy of justice and rob the poor of My people of their rights, so that widows may be their spoil and that they may plunder the orphans.” (Isaiah 10:1, 2) There is an aggressive assault by the ungodly against the rule of God and the wisdom of God. God’s word is becoming less esteemed and is being replaced with self-righteous and defiant authorities. These unjust decisions will lead our nation further away from God’s rule and blessings. It is the unfolding (entrance) of God’s word that gives light and understanding to the simple, not the folding (closing up) or neglect of His word. (See Psalm 119:130) Our founding fathers had a propensity to humble themselves before God. They cherished God’s word as a lamp unto their feet, and a light unto their path. (See Psalm 119:105) There is hope for America and the world but only in Jesus, the light of life! LISTEN TO AUDIOIf 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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© 2012 www.livinglifephoto.com Jeremiah is often called “the Weeping Prophet” because he wept openly about the sins of his people. (Jeremiah 9:1) He was one of God’s spokesmen in his time, and he said that the word of the Lord was “like a burning fire shut up in my bones.” (Jeremiah 20:9) God desired and offered rest for all His people and spoke these words through Jeremiah. “Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ And I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’” (Jeremiah 6:16-17) God reached out time after time to a rebellious nation offering them rest, peace and salvation, and He has extended this invitation through His Son Jesus Christ to all mankind today. It is an invitation to press in and seek the ancient paths and the ancient words from the Ancient of Days. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my Yoke is easy and my Load is light!” (Matthew 11:28-30) LISTEN TO AUDIOPERSONAL TESTIMONIESPastor Mark and others share their personal testimonies with us prior to the morning's message. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Listen to the personal testimony of one of our members, Drew F., who has just returned from Afghanistan. Most assuredly, we are witnessing a cultural shift in our society today—a movement from what is morally right in the sight of God to what is morally corrupt and wrong. If you live in diminished light long enough, you begin to believe that obscurity, ambiguity, and obtuseness are rather normal, but in time this deprivation will show its ugly face. For example, if you place a blooming plant which requires full sun into a heavily-shaded environment, you will soon observe the ill effects of it yielding fewer or no blooms and declining health. In like manner, God created man to walk with Him and bear fruit in the light through Jesus Christ, the Light and Life of the world. I can just hear multitudes saying to themselves, “There must be a better way”—and there emphatically IS! His name is JESUS! In Matthew 4:16, Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:2, “The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, and to those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned.” The light was JESUS. The book of Hebrews mentions the word “better” 13 times, all referring to Jesus—the better way, the better truth, and the better Life for those who walk in obedience to Him. 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.)
Have you ever said to yourself, “Maybe someday,” (and I’m sure you have), “I’ll pursue more training and education, or eat a more healthy diet, and exercise.” The list can be exhaustive. But what about the weightier matters such as “maybe someday I’ll have peace in my heart,” or “I’ll finally forgive someone or be forgiven?” How about “maybe someday I’ll pursue a closer more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ,” or even better, “…take a leap of faith and accept Him as Lord and Savior of my life.” Paul wrote to the Galatians and said, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I NOW live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 So powerful, the life which I NOW live! Not maybe someday, but NOW! Remember, “hope deferred (for a later time) makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 Make your “maybe someday” be TODAY to live a life of faith in Jesus Christ, who is a very present help in time of need. See Psalm 46:1. Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 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 mp3 file.)
Once we surrender ourselves into God’s hands, we accept His authority, discipline, training and nurturing. We begin a lifelong process of being transformed into the glorious image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:5, 6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (KJV, “direct thy paths…”) The Hebrew word for direct means to do good, do right, be straight, make smooth, and to be evenly hammered, from the base meaning of straightening out a crooked object. Most certainly we come to Jesus crooked, twisted, and rough on the edges. We come lost in darkness and without hope of eternal life. (See Psalm 51:5) However, God being rich in mercy receives us through the sacrifice of Jesus and patiently and skillfully “hammers” out the corruption and flesh so prevalent in our hearts. Paul was certainly saved but he said "I die daily." (1 Corinthians 15:31) Remember, God “...disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness." (Hebrews 12:10) Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
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