en Strategic Solutions For Life!! http://www.antiochnews.net © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62&article_id=127 Contributions are welcomed and appreciated. Gifts are tax deductible. Checks or money orders should be made payable to 'Keystone Church & Ministries, Inc.l' and mailed to P.O. Box 1169, State College, Pa. 16804. For information on philosophy and procedures for financial management and accountibility, please go to our Missions Centre. Thank you for your help in ......changing the world!! Thu, 8 May 2008 09:41:09 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=48 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=48&article_id=49 Tapes, CD's and 'Our Land' Calendars available before and after services or by visiting www.KeyCentreMedia.com SAMPLES... 'Disciplemaking Toolbox' How to Be & Make Disciples What is and How to Baptize What To Know & Teach and How to do it. Experiencing God Prayer...Worship The work of The Holy Spirit What is Church...How to begin new churches. Time Management Financial Management...plus much more. 'What We Believe' A systematic study of 22 great doctrines of The Kingdom of God. With the help of the Holy Spirit,... ... You will learn and retain the major teachings from God's Word. ....You will gain a foundational knowledge of the Bible. ....Your knowledge will enable you to teach and help others. Thu, 8 May 2008 09:37:11 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=7 KEYSTONE CHURCH & MINISTRIES...... Our #1 Goal is to give you helpful info and images that will prepare you to be our guest for a Sunday morning worship service. We have many First Time Guests. We will work hard to make you feel welcome and informed. Visit our Welcome Centre for.... > Who we are...it's all in the name. > What we believe > Meet our Leaders > How to get connected > How to get help Thu, 8 May 2008 09:30:06 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=67 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=67&article_id=168 Please visit..... www.SozoArt.org info@sozoart.org Tue, 6 May 2008 12:24:32 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=106 Our #2 Goal is an interactive site with in-depth information, resources and places to connect and communicate. Click the 'Latest News' button above > Schedule of events, activities, meetings. > Updates, announcements...NEWS Visit our Volunteer Centre > How to get involved > List of Public Ministries Visit our Prayer Centre > Pray Antioch, for up to date prayer needs. > Strategic Prayer > Missions & International Prayer >> Prayer Updates, to see answers to prayer, progress reports and testimonies. >>> Prayer Resources, for training, study aids and links. >>> To Request Prayer, email PrayAntioch@AntiochNews.net >>>> To receive "Urgent Prayer" emails, send your name/email address to PrayAntioch@antiochnews.net Tue, 6 May 2008 12:24:00 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68&article_id=166 For More Information Please Visit.... www.joshuahousetyrone.org Tue, 6 May 2008 12:19:00 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=32 Missions, Humanitarian Aid & Economic/Social Development AntiochInternational.org Guiding Biblical Principles 1. 'Kingdom' focused: A.I. will seek to build the Kingdom of God and not any man's or organization's kingdom. Everything supported/done will belong to Jesus Christ. Where practical, A.I. will remain anonymous. Colossians 3:17 2. Biblical in Approach & Oversight: God has patterns, principles and instructions for the handling and distribution of funds, and the support and oversight of ministries. 3. Handling of Funds: a. 'Above Reproach' - I.Timothy 3:2 b. Adhering to the laws of the land - Mark 12:17 c. Wise stewards who will give an account to God - Luke 12:42-44 d. Minimal overhead - Luke 19:1-8 4. Apostolic & Prophetic Oversight: These gifts are designed by God for discernment to see strategic, Kingdom opportunities and with the capacity and wisdom to handle large sums of money without stumbling. They are 'generals'. Decision making cannot be relegated to administrators. Acts 4:34-35, 6:1-7 5. Distribution of Funds with modesty: quietly, so as to not draw attention to men or agencies. 'But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right had is doing.' Matthew 6:3 6. Relational: The Kingdom of God is relational not institutional. In order to be wise stewards of to whom/where funds are distributed and for an accounting of the appropriate and effective use of these funds, decisions must have a relational component. Knowing the person/situation first hand makes wise discernment much more likely. Acts 11:22-30 7. Prayerful: Decisions must be carefully, prayerfully made. The intent is to find the will of God and do it. Colossians 4:1-3 8. Strategic: Kingdom work is strategic work. God given discernment will guide funds to strategic men/places. Strategic decisions have long term and wide effect. Acts 13:1-3 9. Indigenous - Where possible, support local/native people to do the work. 'The best person to reach a Romanian is a Romanian.' John 4:28-30 MISSIONS STRATEGY SYNOPSIS #1. Relationally based #2. Biblical government #3. Indigenous leadership #5. Local church oriented #6. Kingdom motivated AntiochInternational.org © Tue, 6 May 2008 12:16:52 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=53 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=53&article_id=410 To listen to our messages from a web browser click the link below: '08 - Present Messages '07 Messages '06 Messages Click on the links below to view in iTunes and subscribe: '08 - Present Messages '07 Messages '06 Messages Mon, 7 Apr 2008 08:35:22 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=6 January 3, 1988, a group of a dozen adults, Penn State Students and children began to have Sunday morning worship in the home of Perry and Jacque Babb. This was the beginning of Antioch, initially known as 'Church of The Harvest'. The Babbs had worked at PSU as Campus Ministers for 8 years. During those years, a plan formulated for an unconventional type of community church. This new church would be built without the limitations of tradition, preference or culture, but designed Biblically and strategically for the hour, as God would lead. This plan developed into a model for other new churches and is characterized by supernatural experiences with God, 'signs and wonders', miracles, the Presence of God along with honest, genuine relationships between people, integrity, spontaneity, covenant community and a sense that every individual has a profound destiny and can be used by God for great good. During the first 10 years, substantial ministry was developed outside the United States. The church had become 'international' in focus. A global consciousness developed into a global ministry effecting more than a dozen nations. These changes required a name change reflecting the broader vision. The new vision is contained in the name, Antioch International Church. Antioch is the type of church and is based on 10 characteristics of the Antioch Church of the Bible. International communicates both the focus and make up of the church. 'Church' means, 'a group called together for a special purpose'. We believe that the church is more than a building and that we are called to serve in our homes, professions, and everywhere our feet tread. Out of Antioch, a number of churches and ministries have developed. Some examples are, SOZO Institute of the Arts, Joshua House (an 'at risk kids' youth center in Tyrone, Pa established by Pastors Jim and Jess Kilmartin) and more than a half dozen churches in Eastern Europe, orphanages in Belize and Rwanda, national youth conferences in Bosnia, English language instruction to poor children in Taiwan, leadership training in Asia, Guatemala, and Bulgaria, business seminars and medical clinics in Eastern Europe.   In November of 2002, 20 acres were purchased on College Ave. in State College, for the construction of Antioch Centre, a complex to minister to the Spirit, Soul and Body including a worship, training, and global ministry administration center as well as art, medical and professional centers. (For details, click 'Antioch Centre'.) Antioch International Church is affiliated with Bishop Bart Pierce and Rock City Church Fellowship in Baltimore, MD. Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:36:21 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=20 Antioch International ~January 23, 2008~ Welcome! From The Antioch Family www.antiochnews.net ‘Study Notes’ - ‘listen to podcasts’NEW LOCATION SUNDAY MORNINGS: @SOZO 256 E. BEAVER AVENUE CALENDAR MEETINGS AND EVENTS:Jan. 20 Tap Jam 6:30pm Jan. 26 Concert 7pm Jan. 27 -Mark Gorman am - Jazz Jam 5:30pm Espresso bar 7:30 to 8pm. -Mark Gorman 8pm Good For Business: 'Making vision a reality. Succeeding where most fail.' Jan. 28 Mark Gorman Part II 7pm Good For Business: 'Making vision a reality. Succeeding where most fail.' Jan. 31 Home Buyer Seminar Part II 6:30pm to 8:15 ********************************** 40 Days.... of Prayer, Planning, Petition & Proclamation for 2008 Goals Prayer = Seeking God for direction, doors, gateways in '08 Planning = Putting on paper what God would have us do, door to push... Petition = Asking God for doors of new beginnings for '08 Proclamation = Decree, pronounces, declare these things in '08Goals that work must be: —Specific —Measurable —Yours —Time-sensitive ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 200820th Year Anniversary of Our Church Body 10th Year Joshua House We will celebrate through out the year with special events. *********************************** We have many First Time Guests. We understand it is not easy to come into a new setting, with people you may not know. However, we will work hard to make you feel welcomed and at ease. The atmosphere of our services is supernatural. It is real, not faked, not religious, not ceremonial. God's presence fills the room. The music is very powerful. Many people are deeply moved. You may see people dancing, kneeling, lifting up their hands, possibly crying, or even shouting. This may be new to you. Don’t worry. You are not expected to do what others around you are doing. But we do encourage you to meet with and respond to God. Our service begins promptly at 10am. Pre-service prayer begins at 9:45. This is a time to begin to focus our attention on God. You are invited join in at this time. If you have children, we have a great Children’s Ministry. Children will be released to their classes for Children’s Church at 10:55. Nursery for babies and toddlers opens at 9:45 am. Ushers are glad to assist you. Antioch Pastoral Team Apostle Perry Babb Prophet Jacque Babb Pastor Jim Kilmartin Deacon Mark Kosoglow Director Joshua House Tyrone, PA Pastor Jim Kilmartin Director SOZO Downtown State College, PA Will Snyder~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Notes for the current series are now posted online and will be continually updated. Podcast addresses: From any web brower: http://www.antiochnewsmedia.net/podcast/ To listen in iTunes and keep a local copy on your computer in iTunes click on "Advanced" menu, "Subscribe to Podcast" and paste the line below into the box and hit return: http://www.antiochnewsmedia.net/podcast/feed.xml Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:10:52 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52&article_id=53 Jesus Christ tells us... "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20* "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you (MATTHEW 28:19-20) 'What is a Disciple?' A Disciple is a Christian, who can feed himself and others 'Spiritually'. A Disciple learns to feed him/herself and others 'Spiritual Food'. A Disciple helps others become Disciples, able to feed themselves and others. God will help you to become a Disciple and to make other Disciples through the practice of 7 Basic Spiritual Disciplines. #1. Journaling #2. Meditation & Confession #3. Bible Study & Teaching #4. Prayer, Fasting & Forgiving #5. Giving & Receiving #6. Personal Ministry #7. Resting A Spiritual Discipline....... is a skill that enables you to hear God and be used by God. is a habit that puts you in a place to consistently hear God and be used by God. It takes Discipline to be a Disciple and make Disciples. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:51:12 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=30 For Missions to China, please go to http://www.antiochinternational.org/depts.asp Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:47:44 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=107 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=107&article_id=436 JULY Leaders: Nate Yocum/Matt Reed 1 Nate Yocum Mike Scorzetti 8 Elliot Wu Dave Force 15 Dan Short Mike Harper 22 Rick Carra Dave Palmer 29 Nate Verilla Nate Yocum AUGUST Leader: Chris Rossman 5 Tyler Anderson Abe Landes 12 Mike Williams Michael Kerns 19 Nate Yocum Mike Scorzetti 26 Tim Kilmartin Mike Dale SEPT. Leader: Christian Smith 2 Mark Kosoglow Aaron Craig 9 Rick Carra Dalton Carra 16 Theron Glenny Nate Verilla 23 Dave Snyder Abe Landes 30 Bob & Isaac Gilligan OCT. Leaders: Ben Babb/Matt Reed 7 Nate Yocum Mike Scorzetti 14 Elliot Wu Dave Force 21 Dan Short Mike Harper 28 Rick Carra Dave Palmer NOV. Leader: Chris Rossman 4 Tyler Anderson Abe Landes 11 Mike Williams Michael Kerns 18 Nate Yocum Mike Scorzetti 25 Tim Kilmartin Mike Dale DEC. Leader: Christian Smith 2 Mark Kosoglow Aaron Craig 9 Rick Carra Dalton Carra 16 Theron Glenny Nate Verilla 23 Dave Snyder Dave Force 30 Bob & Isaac Gilligan Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:26:39 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=106 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=106&article_id=435 Date Leader Worship Message June 24 Chris & Barb Rossman Andrew Yocum Ben Higgins Nancy Kilmartin July 1 Scott & Carla Stilson Bob, Issac & Maria Gilligan, Masi July 8 Mike & Jill Dale, Nate Verilla July 15 Aaron & Kim Craig , Christine Yocum, Suzanne Shirvani,Eva Higgins, Nicole Kerns July 22 Chris & Barb Rossman, Theron & Mizpah Glenny, Adam & Patti Yocum July 29 Scott & Carla Stilson, Andrew Yocum, Nancy Kilmartin, Dave Snyder Aug 5 Mike & Jill Dale, Bob Issac & Maria Gilligan Aug 12 Aaron & Kim Craig, Eva Higgins, Nate Verilla Aug 19 Chris & Barb Rossman, Christine Yocum, Suzanne Shirvani Ben Higgins, Nicole Kerns Aug 26 Scott & Carla Stilson , Adam & PattiYocum, Theron & Mizpah Glenny Any changes needed PLEASE contact Barb Rossman 353-0725 or 883-7701 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:04:46 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=66 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=66&article_id=162 How we work: Eph 2: 19* Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20* having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21* in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22* in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Antioch is built upon the foundation of ancient and present Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ being the Cornerstone. I. Antioch International Apostolic Council: The Apostolic Council is comprised of recognized Apostles & Prophets, from inside and outside of Antioch International Church, linked through love and tested relationships with the Antioch family, and organized to render council to the Antioch's Board of Directors, Pastors & Leadership. The Apostolic Council helps in 4 areas: #1. Major changes of church direction, vision or strategy. #2. Major financial decisions. #3. Employment and compensation of Staff Pastors. #4. Accountability, discipline and restoration of Pastors or key leaders in times of moral or leadership crisis. Apostolic Council Members: Apostle, John Kelly Bishop, Bart Pierce Founding Apostle, B. Perry Babb II. Founding Apostle & Overseer: Primary responsibility for all that is Antioch International Church, it’s ministries, missions, school and humanitarian aid lie with Apostle, Perry Babb. Apostle Babb is President of the Corporate Board of Directors and and Elders. III. Senior Pastor: Rev. Jacqueline K. Babb is the Chief of our Pastoral Team and is responsible for the pastoral care, nurture and growth of the Church. IV. Antioch International Board of Directors: The Board of Directors manage all matters of the corporation. President - B. Perry Babb Vice-President - Jacqueline K. Babb Treasurer - David E. Force Secretary - Jim Kilmartin V. Deacons/Deaconesses: Mark Kosoglow Deacons/Deaconesses are the Ministers of the Church, they lead teams of Workers and have direct charge of the major ministries of the church. VI. The Antioch Church Council is made up of Board of Directors, Pastoral Team, Deacons/Deaconesses & Ministry Leaders. Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:45:42 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=108 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=108&article_id=309 Antioch Outreach in Tyrone is lead by Pastors Jim and Jess Kilmartin. Antioch Outreach in Tyrone is a part of a Regional Church Outreach of Antioch International Church. Activities include men and women's cell groups, ourtreach to couples, kids and youth, local and regional worship nights. Jim also is the Director of www.JoshuaHouseTyrone.org, a ministry to at-risk teens and young adults. Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:34:51 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=107 Visit our : Ministry Centre > Meet our Ministry Teams > How to get help > How to help Visit our Kids' Centre > Kids' Church Events > Kids' Church Objectives & Strategy > Meet the Staff & Teachers Visit SOZO Institute for the Arts Visit Joshua House > Youth Church > Ministry to at-risk kids > Ministry to Tyrone area Visit Antioch Cells > What are Cell groups? > How to find a Cell > Cell Group Home Pages Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:23:59 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=38 WELCOME RECEPTION Meet the pastors and leaders Last Sunday of each month following the service Refreshments served. ANTIOCH ORIENTATION Once per quarter or as needed. Details on who we are, what we believe & how we work Click 'Antioch News' for the next dates and details. SOZO EVENTS Thursday nights, 6:30pm at SoZo, 256 E. Beaver Ave. Click 'Antioch News' for the latest events details. Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:20:50 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=93 Sun, 24 Jun 2007 20:53:28 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=121 We believe..... people do what they really believe! A simple list of statements which a church says it believes can be inadequate. Actually, people do what they believe. If they don't do it, then they really don't believe it. So what we believe is encapsulated in a set of attitudes/actions which we call a Covenant. This Covenant is how we agree to relate to God and to each other.......is what we really believe. Antioch International Church COVENANT (The Relationship Among Members) I. Covenant Defined: A pledge or promise between human parties before God to do something together based on common agreement. II. Foundation of this Covenant: The foundation on which this covenant is built is none other than Jesus Christ. This foundation is laid in each individual's life by a commitment to Him as Savior and Lord. (I.Cor. 3:11) III. Building on that Foundation: These below specific attitudes make up our covenant relationship and will naturally lead to a variety of acts and ministries. A. Love one another... Put on love, the perfect bond of unity...I.Cor.13 type of love.....Col. 3:14 B. Serve one another..... humble yourself & put others first, Phil. 2:3, I.Cor.10:23-24 C. Forgive one another....quickly release others, not holding offense. Lu 11:4, Col. 3:13 D. Be reconciled to one another.... as far as it depends upon you be at peace with all men. Roman 12:14, Matt 5:23-24 E. Speak well on one another.....control our tongues, no gossip or speech that tears down/wounds. Rom.12:14, James 3:9, Eph. 4:29 F. Encourage/exhort one another to growth and maturity especially through the practice of our 7 Basic Spiritual Disciplines Heb.10:24-25, II Tim.1:7 G. Be open to one another and to the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:9-13 Mark 10:14-16 H. Be accountable to one another... Give and receive correction within Biblical parameters. Gal.6:1, Matt. 18:15-17 I. Support the whole Body with/by prayer, tithes and offerings, and service. Eph. 6:18, IICor.8:3-5, 9:7, Gal. 6:2 IV. Purpose of this Covenant Relationship: That as individuals and as a local church we might be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ in character and ministry. Ro.8:29, Eph. 5:25-27 That the full commission of Jesus Christ to His Church might be carried out in Central Pennsylvania and to the uttermost parts of the world. Mark 16:15-29, Matt. 10:7-8 That all we do in word or deed would bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ and Him alone. Col.3:17, I. Peter 4:11 © Sun, 24 Jun 2007 20:48:30 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=21 What we believe......the greatest commands. Jesus Christ says, "The first of all the commandments is: Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' "And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31 All we do is measured by these greatest commands... These are the standard. If we fail at these, we have failed at everything. Plans, programs, agenda are secondary. We must first love God and others. Sun, 24 Jun 2007 20:46:55 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=185 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=185&article_id=434 Don’t you hate it when you get duped? Ga 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? Worse still when ‘bewitched’ ....tricked, but with some evil intent. Example - Investment schemes which play on Biblical values, especially on the desire to give dramatic amounts of money. - Prov 13: 22 ¶ A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. - Gargantuan return on investment in weeks and months. - Secrecy - ‘Bait and Switch’ This is witchcraft....using the ‘spiritual’ to dupe, trap, rob. Ga 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? bewitch - to fascinate by false representations - to bring evil on one by feigning praise or an evil eye - to charm Col. 2: 6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. How did you received Christ? By being religious? By being a good....better and better person? By personal piety? Gal 2:8* For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9* not of works, lest anyone should boast. - Received salvation by grace through faith - Walk, grow up, mature by grace though faith Gal 2:3:1 ¶ O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Are you this kind of ‘so foolish’? Have religious works and traditions tricked you? TEST - What does the saying mean, ‘to fall from grace’? What does popular culture say? Ga 5:4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. ‘Fallen from grace’ does not mean a person began to sin, but that a person began to get religious....depend upon his own efforts and strength. Being under grace is for the sinners, not for the religious, those depending upon a man made system to get right with God. Again... Gal 2: 21 “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”3:1 ¶ O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain? 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?-- 6 ¶ just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Application: Talk sense to yourself: #1. Thank You Lord I am forgiven now! #2. Thank You Lord, I am saved now! #3. Thank You Lord, I am free now!! #4. Thank You Lord, I am moving, changing, growing...!!! Sat, 26 May 2007 17:31:13 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=184 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=184&article_id=433 REALITY To live in reality, 3 essential questions have to be answered: #1. Who are you? #2. Where do you live? #3. What time/day is it? If you cannot accurately answer these, you will not living ‘in reality’. Inability to answer these accurately can lead to instability, insecurity, boredom, slowed or stymied potential... Answering these from God’s perspective brings stability, security, fulfillment, achievement, purpose.... II Thes. 2: 16 ¶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. Guest/Associate to.. Christian to.. Baptized to... Filled with the Holy Spirit to... Covenant Membership to... Disciple to... Worker to... For some...then on to... Deacon Shepherd Elder Overseer What is a Christian? A Christian has a story!!! ....a ongoing story of supernatural change. supernatural character change supernatural acts, miracles, signs from last week... A Christian is Baptized. #1. Who are you? A. Who are you? I am a new Creation in Christ. 2Co 5:17* Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. .....a natural being, having undergone a supernatural change. .....a new birth, first a natural birth, then a supernatural birth What part of me is new in Christ? 1Th. 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Spirit Soul Body B. Who are you? I am a child of God. Joh 1:12* But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: #2. Where do you live? I live ‘in Christ’. Ac 17:28* “for in Him we live and move and have our being, ...’ 2Co 1:21* Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, #3. What time/day is it? Many people live in/for the future. Many people live in the past. We are to live firmly in this present reality. Gal 2:20* “I have been crucified with Christ; 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 gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20* “I have been crucified with Christ.... ‘I’ died with Christ. But you are walking around alive today. What ‘I’ is the Bible speaking of? ‘I’ no longer lives...’ Ro. 6:5* For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6* knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Ro. 6: 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Gal 2:20* “I have been crucified with Christ; 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 gave Himself for me. I died, but am alive. I live in a flesh and blood body, but by faith in the Son of God, it is not ‘I’ who lives but Christ in me. #3. What time is it? Have been Gal 2:20* “I have been crucified with Christ; 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 gave Himself for me. Why then do you live/fight in the past? Ro 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Why not fight the fight of faith for/in the present reality? Why not live by faith in the Son of God, who love you and gave Himself for you? But I feel dirty? But I feel unworthy? But I fell like nothing has changed? I Cor 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. When??? Were washed Were sanctified Were justified AMP I Cor 6:11 And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God. I was washed !! I was sanctified !! I was justified !! Ro 6: 6:1* ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2* Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3* Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4* Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5* For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6* knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7* For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8* Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9* knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10* For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12* Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13* And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14* For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Sat, 26 May 2007 17:28:19 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=183 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=183&article_id=432 Where do you live? Fundamental question We teach our little ones this as early as possible. How will you know where you are going if you don’t know where you live? Ac 17:28* “for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Act 17:26* “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27* “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28* “for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ This not just a poetic statement. What I’m going to teach you today some have say is merely poetic, merely figurative, not literal, not real. Col 2:6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8* Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9* For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. philosophy empty deceit tradition are meant to cheat us of our completeness in Him My Goal in this series and in this process we are defining, and organizing is .....that you and all to follow might me established. II Thes. 2: 16 ¶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. Guest/Associate to.. Christian to.. Baptized in Water to... Baptized in the Holy Spirit to... Covenant Member to... Disciple to... Worker to... For some...then on to... Deacon Shepherd Elder Overseer What is a Christian? A Christian has a story!!! ....a ongoing story of supernatural change. supernatural character change supernatural acts, miracles, signs from last week... A Christian is Baptized. Sat, 26 May 2007 17:22:31 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=182 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=182&article_id=430 ‘Field Guide’ ‘....And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.’ Ac 11:26 What is a Christian? ‘The Bible’s Field Guide to Christians’ Not a theoretical definition. Not a philosophical definition In plan, practical terms, .... what is a Christian? NOT..... ‘A Christian is one who believes ____________,________, etc.’ ‘A Christian is one who says ____________,___________, etc.’ Not a theological definition, but a practical definition, a ‘field definition’. How do you know you have one? A ‘field definition’, a working definition. In simplest terms.... In practical terms... In real-life terms... A Christian has a story!!! ....an ongoing story/a testimony ....a ongoing story of supernatural change. “ ‘I am a Christian.’ ‘Great, what’s your story.’” II Cor 5:17* Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Getting a person established in their story is the first step in getting them established as a Christian. Today.... A CHRISTIAN’S STORY IS COMPRISED OF 3 PARTS From last time> .....story of supernatural fruit .....story of supernatural signs #1. A Christian has ‘fruit’: ....changed character. Matt 7: 15* ¶ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16* “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Fruit = character Fruit = supernatural character Gal 5: 22* But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23* gentleness, self-control. Fruit = Character = Who you are #2. A Christian has ‘signs’: Mark 16: 17* “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18* “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Sign/miracle/supernatural work Joh 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Signs = Actions = What I do Fruit = Character = Who I am Eph 4:13* till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; stature/maturity has 2 parts: Who I am What I do ======================================= TODAY... #3. A Christian gets baptized: Acts 2: 37* ¶ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38* Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39* “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40* And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41* Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Again, this is not a theological/theoretical discussion as to whether a person is saved/born again/going to heaven... if not baptized. Acts 16:30* And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31* So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32* Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33* And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34* Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. The Bible pattern is believe and be baptized. Mr 2:14* As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Jesus said, ‘Follow me’ 19x’s in scripture. Baptism is the first step in following Christ. Mr 1:9* It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Proper understanding and a proper baptism establishes the person as a Christian. 2Th 2: 16 ¶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. Guest/Associate to.. Christian to.. Baptized in Water to... Baptized in the Holy Spirit to... Covenant Member to... Disciple to... Worker to... For some...then on to... Deacon Shepherd Elder Overseer How did they come to be baptized? What brought them to that point? Mr 1:5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Ac 19:18* And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Confess - say the same as, speak out in agreement, to assent, to concede 1Jo 1:9* If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confess...... ‘I did it.’ Repent..... ‘I know it was wrong.’ Renounce.... ‘I will not do it again.’ Receive.... ‘I Thank God I am forgiving.’ Clear out... ‘Satan get out.’ Fill up... ‘Fill the void left’ #1. Confess - ‘I did it !’ Matt 3:5* Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6* and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 7* ¶ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8* “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, Acts 19: 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18* And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19* Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. Confess - to agree with, to acknowledge openly and joyfully, to profess, to concede, I John 1: 8* ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9* If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. #2. Repent - ‘I know it was wrong !’ Ac 2:38* Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Repent = to change one's mind or purpose Ac 3:19* “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, #3. Renounce - ‘I will not do it again !’ II Cor 4: 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, .... Renounce - to disown/forbid by speaking out, by declaring #4. Receive forgiveness - ‘I thank God, I am forgiven !’ 1Jo 2:12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. Lu 7:48* Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Lu 5:20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” THANK YOU LORD FOR FORGIVING ME. #4. Clear out - ‘Satan clear out !’ Luke 11:24 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 “And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 “Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” After sweeping your house clean of sin through confession and repentance and putting your spiritual house in order by renouncing the sin, and demanding Satan to get out, then this cleaned house must be filled, filled with good things, with promises, blessings, ministering spirits/angels. Eph 4: 26* “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27* nor give place to the devil. NIV - 27* and do not give the devil a foothold. NASV - 27* and do not give the devil an opportunity. Heb 1:14* Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? 2Ti 1:7* For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. #5. Fill up Sat, 26 May 2007 17:17:52 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=181 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=181&article_id=429 ‘....And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.’ Ac 11:26 What is a Christian? In plan, practical terms, .... what is a Christian? Not a theoretical definition. Not a philosophical definition A Christian has a story. ....an ongoing story ....a story of supernatural change. II Cor 5:17* Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. I was _________________ Jesus did _______________ Then, I was ________________ A Testimony of Christ is not a mental assent to historic facts. is not acknowledgment of an historic figure is not a decision. is not ‘I believe in Jesus.’ Jas 2:19* You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! Believing in the existence Christ does not make one a Christian. Believing that Christ is who He says He is does not make one a Christian. ....even the demons believe that!! ‘07, The Year of Establishment’ 2Th 2: 16 ¶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. ‘Establish’ to make stable, place firmly, to set fast, to fix to strengthen, to make firm to render constant, to confirm - Progression toward ‘establishment’. - Protocol & Procedure.....how to move along the process - Definition of steps, levels, goals Guest/Associate to.. Christian to.. Baptized in Water to... Baptized in the Holy Spirit to... Covenant Member to... Disciple to... Worker to... For some...then on to... Deacon Shepherd Elder Overseer What is Christ’s Definition of Christian? How do you know if there is a Christian in front of you? Matt 7: 15* ¶ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16* “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. #1. A Christian has ‘fruit’. How do you know a tree is an apple tree? Do you have to be a tree expert to recognize a tree full of apples as an apple tree? ‘I don’t know what kind of tree this is. There is no fruit.’ Fruit is either there or is not there. Gal 5: 22* But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23* gentleness, self-control. Fruit is OBVIOUS!!! ‘Fruit’ in plan language: Love is Joy Peace Longsuffering Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness Self-Control #2. A Christian has ‘signs’: Mark 16:14* ¶ Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15* And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16* “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17* “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18* “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” ‘sign(s)’ appearing 150x’s in Scripture sometime translated miracle Definition: that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known a mark, an indicator, either ceremonial or supernatural Antioch’s Mission Statement: ‘Love God, Love People, Make a Difference’ A Story/Testimony of Christ is an experience is a miracle is powerful is life altering is transforming A Christian is a walking miracle. Christians are signs, wonders, miracle people. Summary: A Christian has an ongoing story of supernatural fruit, miracles and signs. A Christian has a story. ....an ongoing story ....a story of supernatural change. ‘Love God, Love People, Make a Difference’ Sat, 26 May 2007 17:16:26 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=428 ‘07, The Year of Establishment’ 2Th 2: 16 ¶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. ‘Establish’ to make stable, place firmly, to set fast, to fix to strengthen, to make firm to render constant, to confirm How I can help you become established in word & work? ....... #5. Clearly defined protocol and procedure. #6. Clearly defined progression, how things fit together and how to move along that progression. The Progression.. Guest/Associate to.. Christian to.. Baptized in Water to... Baptized in the Holy Spirit to... Covenant Member to... Disciple to... Worker to... For some...then on to... Deacon Shepherd Elder Overseer - Progression toward ‘establishment’. - Protocol & Procedure.....how to move along the process - Definition of steps, levels, goals TODAY.... Ac 11:26....And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Christian = of Christ, a follower of Christ Not a .... ‘Theologized’ Intellectualized Sanitized Demystified Definition But a... Practical Definition Simple Quickly grasped Biblical A Christian has a story. A Christian has a ‘testimony of Christ’. I was _________________ Jesus did _______________ Then, I was ________________ A Testimony of Christ is not a mental assent to historic facts. is not acknowledgment of an historic figure is not a decision. is not ‘I believe in Jesus.’ Jas 2:19* You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! Believing in the existance Christ does not make one a Christian. Believeing that Christ is who He says He is does not make one a Christian. ....even the demons believe that!! A Testimony of Christ is an experience is a miracle is powerful is life altering is transforming The Progression.. Guest/Associate to.. Christian to.. Christian How to be established in this beginning step - How to help someone to get established - #1. Do they have a story? Jh 9: 10* Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” 11* He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”12 Then they said to him, “Where is He?” He said, “I do not know.” #2. Can they put their story into words? 15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” #3. If they can’t put their story into words, then they have no story. 24* So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.” 25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” 28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 “We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.” 30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31 “Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32 “Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 “If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” 34 They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out. #4. When their story is challenged and they have to tell it again and again, they become stronger and stronger and the story clearer and broader and more powerful. #5. Why is a clear, powerful story critical? No Testimony = No Overcoming Re 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. For a person to be established in their Faith in God, they must first have a clear, powerful testimony of what God has done for them and be able to clearly speak it/give testimony. As we speak our Testimony of what God has done for us, our strength increases, faith increases, insight increases. What is your story? I was ______________ This happened ____________________ Now I am ______________________ Ro 10: 8* But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9* that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. So, do you have a story? The Story must be put into words for the power to be released. Acts 4: 20* “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” If you have a story, you ‘cannot but speak what you have seen and heard.’ Personal Applications: #1. Think through your story: Is it clear to you? If not clear to you, will not be clear to others. Do you testify of a change? Do you testify of a miracle(s)? When you think through your story does it move you? #2. Put your story on 2 pages: Record in your Journal Make an outline #3. Tell your story: No power until told. Ministry Application (helping/sponsoring someone else) #1. Ask to hear their story: Draw out of them their story. Perhaps, Ask questions to get them going. #2. If not clear, supernatural story, help them get a story: Tell your story Challenge them on what God can do for them Challenge them on their need for forgiveness, freedom, peace, etc. NOTE> If all their story is of long ago in their lives, start from the beginning with them. If not a continuous story, then start over with them. The story must be of today also. Lead them in a prayer of repentance/turning to God Lead them to speak out loud their prayer to God (This is the beginning of their testimony.) Next time you are with them, ask to hear their story. If it is clear and powerful you have a Christian. Getting a person established in their story is the first step in getting them established as a Christian. Ac 11:26....And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Sat, 26 May 2007 17:14:29 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=177 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=177&article_id=431 ‘Year of Establishment’ Pastor Jim last week .... ‘Alignment’ Abraham Isaac Jacob Joseph TODAY.. Proper alignment and the corresponding blessings. I. You are blessed in/by your alignments. 2Ki 13:23* But the LORD was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ....... 14x’s in scripture > ‘Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’ This show generational connection This shows generational progression... This shows alignment... You are blessed in/by your alignments. II. The Blessing is progressing...increasing: Progressing Blessing... Abraham Gen 12:1-3 ....I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing..... Isaac Gen 26:12-16 "...The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; Jacob Gen 30:43 "Thus the man became exceedingly prosperous, Joseph Gen 41:40 "You shall be over my house and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you." = 2nd most powerful in the world Right alignment brings blessings. Right alignment brings order. III. New Testament Examples of Alignment: Example #1. I Cor. 12: 27 ¶ Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28* And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? I Cor. 12: 27 ¶ Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. There is a whole ....with distinctive, definable, individual parts and functions. 28* And God has appointed... Appointed = to set, to place, to fix, to establish God appoints and sets order. To get in on the progressing blessing,... .... we recognize and line up with what God has appointed. 28* And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then......... First Second Third after that.....then.... God ranks and sets/brings order. No Ranking = No Order We recognize and line up with God’s appointments/rankings.... ‘chain of command’. I Cor 14: 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Confusion, Gk. akatastasia = instability, a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion, tumult, commotion Without rankings, labels, a progression there will be confusion, disorder, commotion......division, wasted potential. New Testament Example of Alignment: Example #2. ...ranking/function/labels = ORDER Matt 8: 5* ¶ Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6* saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7* And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8* The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9* “For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10* When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! Centurion: Among the Romans, a military officer who commanded a hundred men, a century or company of infantry The Centurion clearly understood and lived the importance of ....being under and in authority .....of clear chain of command Jesus equated this understanding and practice with ‘great faith’. What did the Centurion understand that ‘marveled’ Jesus? He understood The Kingdom of God. He understood how things worked. He understood the blessing and authority of being UNDER authority. He understood the blessing and authority of being IN authority. IV. Some ingredients necessary for order...for peace and maximization of potential...for progressing blessing: #1. Clearly defined and recognized chain of authority #2. Clearly defined and recognized rankings #3. Clearly defined and recognized roles/offices and corresponding labels. #4. Clearly defined and recognized gifts and corresponding labels. #5. Clearly defined protocol and procedure. #6. Clearly defined progression, how things fit together and how to move along that progression.B Sat, 26 May 2007 17:11:06 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=176 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=176&article_id=424 Most Podcasts will have corresponding study notes. Click 'Listen to Podcasts' Then search by date or title to find a match. Enjoy your study. Sat, 26 May 2007 17:05:38 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=39 Belize King's Childrens Home Antioch International has partnered with the King's Children's Home in Belmopan, Belize since 1999. During this time, we have sent well over 40 people to serve in the home. We have sent over $100,000 to the home to help with: Major Construction Maintenance Improvements Education Cleaning Automotive Repair Staffing Encouragement Ongoing Food, Clothing and Shelter Needs. www.AntiochInternational.org Antioch International believes that our work with these orphans and discarded children at the King's Children's Home can and will result in blessing the entire Nation. King's Childrens Homewww.AntiochInternational.org Fri, 11 May 2007 12:41:39 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64&article_id=150 _____ #32. Welcome Team: Greet/usher and welcome guests to services. Organizing and serving at monthly 'Welcome Reception' and/or quarterly 'Antioch Orientation'. Paul & Joanne Nuzzi 235-1462. ______ #33. Women's Outreach & Ministry> Special ministry developed to meet the needs of women from singles to single or young moms to working professional women to seniors. Fri, 11 May 2007 04:22:11 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=179 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=179&article_id=427 We believe God has prophetically said to us and confirmed through signs and wonders that.... ‘07, The Year of Establishment’ ‘Establish’ to make stable, place firmly, to set fast, to fix to strengthen, to make firm to render constant, to confirm 2Th 2: 16 ¶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. to make stable, place firmly, to set fast, to fix to strengthen, to make firm to render constant, to confirm ‘.........you in every good word and work.’ Ro 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began, 2Pe 1:12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. We are going to know and understand more tomorrow. We need to be ‘established in the present truth’. God’s Truth is not changing. Our revelation is/should always be changing. God is establishing us in His ‘Present Truth’...... #1. Clearly defined and recognized chain of authority #2. Clearly defined and recognized rankings #3. Clearly defined and recognized roles/offices and corresponding labels. #4. Clearly defined and recognized gifts and corresponding labels. #5. Clearly defined protocol and procedure. #6. Clearly defined progression, how things fit together and how to move along that progression. These are ingredients necessary for order...for peace and maximization of potential...for ‘progressing blessing’: TODAY’S FOCUS.. #5. Clearly defined protocol and procedure. #6. Clearly defined progression, how things fit together and how to move along that progression. Title: Process & Protocol....for ‘Establishment’ How to proceed How to progress How to become ‘established’ I want to establish you... in your New Birth in your miraculous conversion in Salvation as a ‘Christian’. I’ve used quotations here because I have a specific definition for the word, ‘Christian’. I want to establish you... in forgiveness of sin the ‘new man’, old man is cut off. in your victory over sin. in your position in Christ ....in Baptism I want to establish you... in the Holy Spirit in the Supernatural in the Gifts of the Spirit .....in The Baptism of The Holy Spirit I want to establish you... in The Family of God. in our Family in Antioch ....in our Covenant Relationship I want to establish you... in hearing God in God’s Word in prayer in giving in personal ministry in rest as a Disciple, able to feed self and others. I want to establish you .... in service in ministry in leadership as a Worker I want to establish you... in your leadership... for some as a Worker for some as a Deacon/Deaconess for some as a Shepherd for some as an Elder for some as an Overseer for some as a Prophet for some as an Apostle Examples: ‘I got Baptized when I was a baby or kid and didn’t know what was going on.’ You need to be taught from the Bible what Baptism is, what happens, how to prepare so that you may be established in your faith. ‘I don’t know much about the Holy Spirit. I’ve never experience Him on me, speaking through me. I’m a bit afraid or skeptical of The Spirit. I don’t speak in tongues, or prophesy.’ You need to be introduce to the Holy Spirit, have anointed people put their hands on you and pray for you to be Baptized in Him, in The Holy Spirit with signs and wonders evidenced....so that you may be established in fellowship with God and in signs, wonders, miracles... I don’t spend time with God. I don’t know how to hear God’s voice. You need to learn how to feed yourself and feed others to be established as a true Disciple of Christ. (our goal is everyone 10 years old and up a Disciple, able to feed themselves and others.) The Process Guest/Associate = anyone who comes into the church or your life looking for God. Guest/Associate Christian Baptized in Water Baptized in the Holy Spirit Covenant Member Disciple Worker For some...then on to... Deacon Shepherd Elder Overseer Prophet Apostle The Protocol #1. Everyone in or coming into Antioch is helped into and along this progression. #2. Each level has instruction, action steps and accountability. Each has it’s own protocol. #3. Each of the first 6 levels require a ‘Sponsor’...someone ahead in the process to help others get into and progress. In the coming weeks I want to ‘establish’ you in this process & protocol.... Guest/Associate Christian Baptized in Water Baptized in the Holy Spirit Covenant Member Disciple Worker For some... then on to.... Deacon Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:13:30 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=178 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=178&article_id=426 Luke 10:17* ¶ Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” ‘Subject’ - to arrange under, to subordinate to put in subjection, to obey to submit to one's control A Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". 17* ¶ Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18* And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. How did these 70 get the ability to subjugate dark forces? Luke 10:1 ¶ After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Appoint = to proclaim as elected to show to exhibit The Lord Appointed The Lord Appointed and sent them.. Key.... Don’t go anywhere without having been sent. 17* ¶ Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18* And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19* “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. AUTHORITY = The right and the power to act. Key... Don’t attempt anything without the authority to do it. Matt 8: 5* ¶ Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6* saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7* And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8* The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9* “For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10* When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! Those who understand how authority works will be ‘marveled’ at. The key to the Centurion’s ‘great faith’ was his understanding of authority. > To act in/with authority, we must line up under authority. For the Centurion, was it more important who he was or who he was under? Which gave him such authority? He was Caesars' man? Who’s man are you? Question Today: What authority do you have? My first question is, ‘Who sent you? Whose authority are you under? ‘In what name do you come? ============================ From last time...this series of messages Ingredients necessary for order...for peace and maximization of potential...for ‘progressing blessing’: #1. Clearly defined and recognized chain of authority #2. Clearly defined and recognized rankings #3. Clearly defined and recognized roles/offices and corresponding labels. #4. Clearly defined and recognized gifts and corresponding labels. #5. Clearly defined protocol and procedure. #6. Clearly defined progression, how things fit together and how to move along that progression. Over the next several weeks, I want to define these. Why is Bishop Bart Pierce coming this Friday night? Who you are is important. Who you are under is more important. In the Kingdom of God, there are 2 categories of authority: Gift Authority Governing Authority Authority flowing through a Spiritual Gift Authority flowing through an Office Ranking by Gift Ranking by Office A Spiritual Gift = a supernatural ability An Office = an appointment to a superintendence Act 1:15* ¶ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, 16* “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 17* “for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” 20* “For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’ 21* “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22* “beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23* And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24* And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 25* “to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” 26* And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Office: episkope ep-is-kop-ay'; literally an inspection a superintendence a role as inspector General usage of this Greek word = An office is a leadership role and administrative role, and oversight role Old Testament: 1Ch 6:32 They were ministering with music before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they served in their office according to their order. 1Ch 9:22* All those chosen as gatekeepers were two hundred and twelve. They were recorded by their genealogy, in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their trusted office. 1Ch 9:26 For in this trusted office were four chief gatekeepers; they were Levites. And they had charge over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. New Testament Offices: Apostle Bishop Overseer Elder Shepherd Deacon Worker Husband Disciple Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:11:12 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64&article_id=148 ______ #23. Prayer Center: Prayer, special prayer gatherings, intercessory prayer teams, communication of prayer needs and answers of prayer, training & promotion of prayer. ______ #24. Pre-Service Prayer: weekly prayer for Antioch leaders and that day's service, including prayer, corporate prayer and worship leading/playing. Jim Kilmartin 684-0995 ______#25. Sound: Set up and/or operation of sound equipment and CD production (selection & training process.) Mike Shadow 357-5962 _____ #26. Short Term Missions: Weekend, to 2 week missions, service and ministry teams in the U.S. and beyond. _____ #27. Strategic Corporate Giving> Promoting of global humanitarian needs, developing strategy and capital to meet those needs. www.antiochinternational.org _____ #28. Tape Ministry: Duplicating, cataloging, and promoting message audio tapes of services . Mike Shadow 357-5962 _____ #29. 'TNT': Transport of sound equipment and children's ministry gear and set up for corporate worship services. (Typically, all healthy male, regular attendees are contacted to help from time to time.) Volunteers needed to be a regular part of this team and to lead teams. _____ #30. Visual Arts> Sozo Institute of The Arts - Promotion, production and display of artwork for the glory of God. Will Snyde, Director 880-9933 _____ #31. Web Ministry: Assist with maintenance of church web page and web ministry. Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:28:48 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64&article_id=143 _____ #14. Flags & Banners: Purchasing, designing, making and using flags and banners in worship. Nancy Kilmartin 684-3521 _____ #15. Freedom Ministry Teams: Involves prayer and counsel to help individuals get free of bondage's/problems and healed of emotional and physical hurts and sicknesses. (Special Training available) _____ #16. Hospitality Team: Planning, decorating, cooking for church-wide social and fellowship events or special occasions. Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:27:41 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64&article_id=153 _____ #7. Cell Leadership Team: A cell is a group of 3 to 10 people meeting regularly for friendship and family. Cells usually are led by a team, practice '7 BASIC SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES' together and last for up to 10 weeks/meetings. Cell Leadership Teams are typically made up of a Team Leader, Administrator and Host. There are a variety of configurations of cells: teens', couples', mens', girls', etc. and variety of topics/interests. _____ #8. Chaplaincy: Hospital & home visits, organizing care for the sick, and injured. _____ #9. Cleaning and Maintenance Team: Regular cleaning and maintenance of 'SOZO', 256 E. Beaver Ave, and in the future, our 'Antioch Centre'. _____ #10. Community Service Team: Involves the planning and execution of organized acts of kindness toward those needing God in the community. _____ #11. Dance Team: Worship dance for services and special events. (selection & training process) Julie Snyder 880-9933 _____ #12. Facilities Team: Planning construction of new 'Antioch Centre'. Dave Force 364-9762 _____ #13. Financial Secretaries Team: The counting and recording of offerings given at services. Bill Fitzgerald 238-2783 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:26:39 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=37 Perry & Jacque Babb Celebrating 27 years of marriage & ministry together.... Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:13:03 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=169 Under Construction....sorry! Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:11:47 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=92 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:11:47 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=94 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:11:47 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=95 www.antiochcampuschurch.org Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:11:47 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=98 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:11:47 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=67 Dave Force Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:11:47 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=90 Jim and Jess Kilmartin www.joshuahousetyrone.org Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:10:24 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=108 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=108&article_id=311 Joshua House See weekly schedule on home page...Thanks!! Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:18:56 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64&article_id=147 _____ #17. Joshua House Team: Teens and young adults serving in a youth movement known as 'Joshua House' in Tyrone. This includes 'youth church', youth cells and regional youth events....counseling, teaching, cleaning, and administration. Jim Kilmartin 684-0995 _____ #18. Kids' Church: Teachers, teachers' aids, helpers for Childrens' ministry during corporate worship services, kids' outreach and activities. Many opportunities for service. (Kindergartner age and up)Kim Babb 765-0286, Heather Shadow 357-5962,Tommie Murray 232- 0622 ______ #19. Market Place Leaders: Networking and training of leaders in business, education, arts, and medicine. Dave Force 364-9762 ______ #20. Nursery Team: All regular attendees are asked to serve in the nursery during worship services from time to time, but some will feel a special call to care for and organize the care for our youngest members, birth through toddler. Barb Rossman 353- 0725 ______ #21. Overhead Transparencies: Pulling transparencies of worship songs from a song binder (before services), changing the transparencies (during worship) and putting them away (after services) . ______ #22. Performing Arts> production of skits, plays, and special programs. Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:39:27 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=64&article_id=140 _____ #1. Administration: Office, legal, organizational and administrative help. _____ #2. 'Antioch News': publishing weekly Antioch News. _____ #3. 'Antioch Publishing'> Editing, publishing and promotion of books, study guides, and materials. _____ #4. 'Antioch School': Administration, preparing curriculum, communication, coordinating course work, scheduling and teaching. _____ #5. 'Antioch Store': Organizing, promoting, set up/take down, and buying/selling of books, tapes, CD's and other resource materials. The Antioch Store table is manned before and after worship Services. Nancy Kilmartin 684-3521 _____ #6. Campus Church: A variety of ministries including, worship, training, hospitality, administration, outreach, prayer etc. related to church life among PSU students, 20-somethings and older teens. Perry Babb 234-3231 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:36:56 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=175 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=175&article_id=423 Gen 11: 5* ¶ But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6* And the LORD said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7* “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” #1. Language and Unity> Principles from Gen 11:5-9 A. Language affects unity. B. Unity affects potential for corporate accomplishments...greatness. C. Confuse the language and the people will separate. D. Speak the same language, be one...and nothing is impossible. ========================================== BACKGROUND Mark 16: 17* “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18* “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” SERIES: THE BELIEVERS PERSONAL ‘SECRET’ WEAPON Today... The Believer Personal Secret Weapon to Bring/Preserve the Unity. #2. There is a Religious/Demonic Strategy Against the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly the Gift of Tongues. Why so much controversy/opposition to the Gift of Tongues by religious Christians? The Scriptures plainly teach... 1Co 14:39* Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Gift of Tongues spoken of 28 x’s in the New Testament A few examples: Ac 2:4* And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Ac 2:11 “Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” Ac 10:46* For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, Ac 19:6* And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. So why is the Gift of Tongues so controversial? Why is Tongues, purported to be divisive? #3. Interestingly, The Context for The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Gift of Tongues is Actually... UNITY. Acts 2:1* ¶ When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2* And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4* And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Unity The beginning of The context of The atmosphere surrounding The prerequisite to... .....the Gift of Tongues being poured was... THEY WERE ALL WITH ONE ACCORD IN ONE PLACE Could it be that the very solution, tool, context to build unity is actually what the religious label as divisive?? #4. The Gift of Tongues is actually a sign of/for Unity: Acts 10:24* And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25* As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26* But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27* And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28* Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 “Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me .....34* ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35* “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. ....44* ¶ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 44* ¶ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45* And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46* For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47* “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48* And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. Jews and Jewish Believers in Christ did not associate with, go into the house of, eat with....Gentiles...non-Jews. For the Jews to accept/receive/work with/covenant with Gentiles there had to be a miracle....a great sign of unity. Speaking in Tongues...receiving the Holy Spirit ‘just as we have’, was the Sign that God was bringing unity...bringing together all the ‘tongues’ of the world. ....Tongues ushered in unity between the Jewish Believers and other nations/Gentiles. The attack upon the Gift of Tongues is a demonic strategy to keep the Body of Christ divided. #5. Purposing to ‘speak the same thing’ brings a perfect joining of mind and judgment: 1Co 1:10* Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Speak the same thing No divisions Perfectly joined Same mind Same judgment Ro 15: 5* ¶ Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6* that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - When we pray in the Spirit, we are speaking God’s mind, God’s perfect will, God perfect plan. - When praying in the Spirit, our perspective gets adjusted, priorities come into line, God’s mind becomes clear to us...we are adjusted. #6. Prayer in Tongues Unites...but also exposes what is not united anyway, ...what is sick, ...what is off, ...what is sin. I Cor 4: 19* But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. 20* For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. Their hearts were wrong, so to stop the unity, stop the work they Lord gave them separate languages. 2Ti 3:5* having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! Conclusion: #1. Do preventive maintenance....speak in Tongues....a lot. #2. Want to get on the same ‘page’, come into unity with your brothers, Pray/Sing in Tongues together. #3. If you have issues with a Brother or Sister, get together, Pray in Tongues for 15 minutes, if you still have a problem, then talk it out or turn it a loose. Could it be that practicing the Gift of Tongues is a key to Unity in The Body of Christ? How will unity/ability to work together be maintained today....could it be by coming together under one language...The Language of The Spirit. Sun, 13 Aug 2006 19:13:28 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=174 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=174&article_id=422 The Believers Personal, ‘Secret Weapon’ Part 2 Biblical Basis: Acts 2: 1* ¶ When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2* And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.4* And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 10:44* ¶ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45* And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.46* For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47* “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Acts 19: 4* Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5* When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6* And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Mark 16:17* “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18* “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Characteristics of a ‘Believer’: A ‘Believer’ believe in the below things..... #1. ‘Cast out Demons’: > recognize, take authority over the demonic and set people free. #2. ‘Speak with New Tongues’: > supernatural language/words given by The Holy Spirit... ....supernatural gifts, supernatural abilities. #3. ‘Take up serpents and if drink anything deadly will not be harmed’: > ability to survive spiritual/physical demonic attacks. #4. ‘Lay hands on the sick’: > ability to release healing, both physical and emotional healing. Apostle Paul> I Cor 4: 18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; What did The Apostle Paul know/practice that we perhaps do not? Over the next several sessions of study we will discover: #1. Speaking in Tongues is the key to our Spiritual Strength. #2. Speaking in Tongues is the key to powerful effective prayer. #3. Speaking in Tongues is the key to Unity among Believers. The Gift of Tongues is a strategic tool/weapon from God. The Gift of Tongues is our ‘secret weapon’....literally, right under our noses. TODAY.... Speaking in Tongues, the key to our Spiritual Strength. #1. Speaking in Tongues = Praying in/by The Holy Spirit: I Cor. 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15* ¶ What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. I Cor 6: 17* But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Acts 2:4* And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. #2. Speaking in Tongues ‘edifies’ the Believer: 1Co 14:4* He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I edify MYSELF when I speak in tongues!!! Jude 1:20* But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21* keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. I build MYSELF up when I pray in the Spirit. To ‘Edify’ in the Greek> 1) to build a house, erect a building 1a) to build (up from the foundation) 1b) to restore by building, to rebuild, repair metaphorically - to found, establish to promote growth in Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue, holiness, blessedness to grow in wisdom and piety I Peter 2:4* ¶ Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5* you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1Co 10:23* All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. #3. ‘But, it’s not right to think about yourself...about edifying yourself. This is not Christian. We should be focused on others.’ ....Another, great, demonic lie. Same as....Christians should not be prosperous. See how absurd and unbiblical this is? We found this to be unbiblical and actually a Demonic strategy to keep Christians poor and powerless to help others. I break another lie off you this morning...that it is not right to build yourself up....that it is selfish....to practice a spiritual discipline for yourself, for your benefit.... Stand up right now and repent, expose that lie, reject it, and return to God.....and embrace, desire, take time to edify yourself...pray in The Spirit. Mon, 24 Jul 2006 10:12:43 MST http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51 http://www.antiochnews.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51&article_id=52 Strategic Corporate Giving Your company does strategic planning,..... ...........but do you have a strategic plan for giving?". ............. ...a thoughtful plan which maximizes your charitable contribution? NO ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEAD...100% of the gift goes to the need!!!! "We get a clear sense of satisfaction.....something was accomplished." Strategic Corporate Giving........ ... extraordinary effect > regional-national, long term, historic ...measurable effectiveness. ...definite start and completion dates. .... verifiable. ....easily communicated - packaged for maximum positive publicity.... .....efficient - Zero overhead - 100% if the gift goes to the need!! 'Strategic giving = more bang for the buck' Sample Projects Examples of Strategic Giving...... #1. $500 will feed for one month 25 street kids in Romania. #2. $2,000 will provide for one year a Relief Distribution Center in Mostar, Bosnia. #3. $3,000 will renovate a children's home housing 41 kids in Belize, Central America. $1,000 will run the Home for one month. #4. $1,000 will buy construction tools to employ 6 men full time in Romania. #5. $5,000 will buy one brick making machine for Angola, employing 30 people. #6. $2,400 will rent a youth center for 1 year in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. #7. $3,000 will build combination school, relief distribution center, church and community center in the Transylvanian Alps, Romania. #8. $1,500 will dig a water well in Zambia. Antioch international is a non-profit group, incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania. The purpose is to receive and distribute funds for global relief, education and economic development...'for the benefit of man and the glory of God'. Antioch International financially supports the 'weight' of existing or new organizations, ministries and endeavors. A.I. is nonsectarian, non-denominational. Do you have a corporate giving strategy?? .....a careful plan to maximize charitably contributions? Corporate Giving Consultant Perry Babb, Chairmen of the Board of Antioch International. Mr. Babb has almost 20 years experience in managing philanthropic work in Eastern Europe, Central America, Asia as well as the U.S. For assistance with your corporate or private giving strategy, please contact Mr. Babb at....... Antioch International P.O. Box 1169 State College, Pa. 16804 (814)234-3231 pbabb@antiochnews.net visit our website at www.antiochinternational.org © Tue, 11 Jul 2006 18:20:46 MST