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Thursday, January 31, 2008

ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT

In WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped.

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America . If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens and for peace in the world.

Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.

Thank You. Please pass this on to anyone who will pray with us.

This was sent to me by Pastor Sam, and I found it very moving, and thought I would share it with all of our Gift Of Grace Family Members.. Lets pass it one to who every wants to pray with us.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

More of Our 3rd Year

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Monday, January 28, 2008

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Thanks

Thanks Gift of Grace family for making our 3rd year anniversary a success. Stay tuned for more update and some photos, of our special day.

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

Good Morning

Gift of Grace Family members. Just a quick reminder that today is our 3rd year anniversary. Hope to see you all theres. It starts at 1:00pm. There will be Worship, Inspiration, and Praise. So come and join us. Have a great day.

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Gifts

Last Sunday Bible School Pastor Jim spoke about the Holy Spirit and that there were nine gifts. So I thought it would be nice to share what I found surfing our friend the Internet on the Gift of the Holy Spirit. To start out this nine days of the gift of the Holy Spirit Pastor Jim went over the Gift of Knowledge. So this is what I found on that one.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

I suppose there is more mystique surrounding the Holy Spirit than the other members of the Godhead, the Father and the Son. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is himself deity or God (2 Cor. 13: 14; Acts 5: 3, 4). The Spirit has performed a specific work. He was active in the original creation (Gen. 1: 2, see "let us" and "our image" in Gen. 1: 26). He also had the work of creating order to the last dispensation, the age of the gospel (Jn. 14: 26, 16: 13). His work was miraculous (Lk. 24: 49, Acts 1: 5, 8). The Spirit also helped stabilize the early church during its infancy by providing certain miraculous gifts. These gifts were experienced in two ways: the baptism of the Spirit (case of the apostles, Acts 1: 8, they appear to have had all the gifts), and the "laying on of the apostle's hands" (Acts 8: 17-19, Rom. 1: 11). The gifts of the Spirit are seen in I Corinthians 12: 8-10 and they are nine in number. Exactly what were these gifts?

"7: But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8: For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9: To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10: To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues" (I Cor. 12).

Let us now consider each of these nine gifts to determine their nature, utility, and how they guarded the early church against false doctrine.

The "word of knowledge" (vs. 8). Notice the recurring expression "to another." As a rule and in general, probably only one gift was enjoyed by the recipient. However, there appear to have been exceptions (see I Cor. 14: 5, cp. vs. 2, 4). The "word of knowledge" seems to especially affect the intellect and enable the person having this gift to understand the deeper matters of the gospel. Jesus told the apostles that, "…when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak" (Matt. 10: 19). Notice the "how" (pos) and "what" (ti). "How" would seem to allude to the wisdom (word of wisdom) and "what" to the knowledge (word of knowledge).

Here is a chapter from our Bible that has a little more on the Gift of knowledge:

Knowledge: 1 Cor 13:8

Each Sunday he will speak on another of the Gifts. I have found them all while searching our friend the internet.

Don't forget that Sunday is our 3rd year Anniversary, we have some exciting things planned so come out and join us at 1:00pm at the YMCA in Kissimmee.

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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Mark Your Calendars

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Good Morning

For those who missed our service on Sunday, you missed a great service. I will share the message with you all: Our message was "Loving The People Who Don't Love you" and the scripture came from the book of:

Matthew 5:43-48

Love for Enemies
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[b] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We would also like to thank Eugene and Annette for a great job in our worship music. Thanks to you both.

Also just a reminder that our 3rd Year Anniversary is just around the corner, well actually Sunday, January 27, 2008 at 1:00pm. Please bring a family member, friend, neighbor and a family member from Church. Lets make our 3rd Year Anniversary a one to remember.

I will share are Bible school lesson in a later posting. So have a great day and God Bless you all.

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Saturday, January 19, 2008

"Discarding Old Baggage for a New Year"

by Jack W. Hayford
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES A NEW YEAR MAKE? When we come to the threshold of a New
Year, many people make a cynical assessment that the difference between a few minutes on theclock
isn’t really that important. Yet there is no question that the minute before and the minute after certain
events represent a radical difference in the lives of people. Consider the minute before and the minute
after responding to the gospel and receiving the gift of salvation, or entering the waters of baptism.
We aren’t superstitious people living in the empty supposition that everything changes because
we flip the page of a calendar. But we do know that the Lord is faithful to move in on whatever is
given to Him. Just as surely as a transaction is accomplished by the Holy Spirit when a heart is
given to Him and, in one moment, a life is transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the
Kingdom of God’s dear Son, when we come together on the brink of a New Year and declare our
commitment: “Lord, we’re giving ourselves to You as we step into a New Year,” we can be confident
that God will honor that. His Word provides us with a framework for making and keeping that
commitment in the first verse of Hebrews chapter 12.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside
every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with
endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)
The practices of the ancient athletes included training with heavy clothing or weights that
would be taken off before the athlete actually participated in the event. This reference made by the
Apostle Paul is to the runner setting forth on a course and laying aside the things that would hold
him back and slow him down—things that would hinder his pace and keep him from accomplishing
the goal. This passage of Scripture draws our attention to three things that will help us to stay
the course:
1. See those that have gone before
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” This is a direct
reference to the “gallery of faith” of Hebrews 11—great people who succeeded in pursuing the way
the Lord intended for their lives. Their stories demonstrate how God rewarded their faith with triumph.
Almost every person can find a portion of their own life within the stories of the people
mentioned in this chapter, because all of us face those same things…and we each have the same
hope of victory.
2. Set aside anything that would hinder
“…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us…” As we look at the
victories of those who have gone before us, then, the Bible says, let us lay aside anything that might
drag us down or hold us back—anything that would keep us from running our best. Keep your eyes
on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith”—He is the One who founded our faith and who
accomplishes its full provision (v. 2).
Like the ancient athletes, we are to lay aside our “training weights”—those things that would
pull us back—and our failures—lack of discipline or obedience. We are told in Ephesians 4, as in
Hebrews 12, to “get out of our training clothes” by “put[ting] off…the old man which grows corrupt
according to the deceitful lusts,” and to get into our “running togs” by “put[ting] on the new
man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 22, 23)
3. Recognize that the course has already been set
…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. We are not setting out on an
uncharted or uncertain course. It is simply unexperienced by us as yet. As we embark upon a New
Year, the Lord is calling us to a place of beginning fresh with Him; a place of moving on in faith
and certainty. There’s a way set before us with clear boundaries within which the Lord wants each of
us to run, for He is the One who sets the course. We can trust following Him, and we can step confidently
into the future with Jesus because He has been here before: “‘I am the Alpha and the
Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the
Almighty.’” (Revelation 1:8). That’s why He can prophetically say to us: If you’ll just run the race
I’ve set before you, you can’t lose.
Come to the Lord’s Table at the start of a New Year
When we come to the beginning of a New Year, it’s been our tradition to partake of the Lord’s
Table to remember Him and the grounds we have for the resources given to us through Jesus’ victory
at the Cross. When you partake, let there be a severing in your heart of anything that would
make you other than fruitful or victorious in this New Year. The Lord wants you to know that as
you come to His Table, He will break every bond to the past so that you may enter the New Year
with a sense of being cleansed and free from any haunting sense of failure. While we partake of the
bread and the cup, confession of sin brings cleansing for those who stand in guilt, while lifting your
head and letting the joy of the Lord begin to overflow you brings release for those who have confessed
their sin but are still carrying condemnation.
Our loving Father God invites us to freedom from the bondage and baggage of the past. As this
New Year begins, I encourage you to let the Holy Spirit fill you afresh and drive out any oppressive
work of hell that brings the spirit of guilt, condemnation or mourning upon you. Welcome the oil
of rejoicing poured over your head, and enter this New Year as a runner, fit to run the race, with all
eyes on our loving Savior who has already set the course.

Copyright © 2004, 2007 Jack W. Hayford, Jack Hayford Ministries, Van Nuys, CA 91405

From all of us at Gift of Grace Worship Center, we hope to see you Sunday, January 20, 2008, we have a great service planned. See you there.....

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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

And Now

For last Sunday's message. If didn't hear the Gift of Grace was a "Rockin" Thanks to Eugene and Annette for the great songs of worship they picked. Great job you two.
The message was "A New Beginning" and the scripture came from the books of:

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

And the Book of:

John 4:28-42

28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ[a]?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."

32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."

33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"

34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
Many Samaritans Believe
39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41And because of his words many more became believers.

42They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

So tonight when you have nothing to do or before turning in for the night read last week message. Also we want to pray for Debby who is leaving for her mission trip. Debby may God be with you and God Bless you. Also I was just checking my e-mail and Pastor Sam is flying to Trinidad, so lets keep him in our prayers also.

As you all know Pastor, Jack Hayford was in town and Pastor Sam went to the Church were he was speaking at on Tuesday, and he has shared some of the information with us. Pastor, Jack Hayford spoke on "The Heart" If our heart is deceptive ask God to make it straight. And the scripture lessons came form:

Hebrews 3:12-13

12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Jeremiah 17:9-11

9 The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

10 "I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve."

11 Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay
is the man who gains riches by unjust means.
When his life is half gone, they will desert him,
and in the end he will prove to be a fool.

Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Well I am sure you all are probably bored with all this or I am putting you all to sleep. So I will close with a few reminders, please give your name, address, birthday, anniversary and graduation (no year please) we are in the process of updating our files. Don't forget Gifts of Grace 3rd year anniversary is January 27th at 1:00pm. God bless you all and have a great night.

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Monday, January 14, 2008

Rediscovering

The Passion. This is from Our Daily Bread, that I get each month, and it brought me to the message the Rev. Cleona spoke about those who need to still back and look at the reason they come to church and if they really have the spirit. Remember therefore from where you have falen, repent and do the first works. Revelation 2:5. If our spiritual passion has grown cold, let us remember again the great sacrifice of Christ for our sin (heb. 12:3), turn away from grudging service and allow the wonder of His Cross to rekindle our love for him. - David McCasland -

O make my life one blazing fire
of pure and fervent heart-desire
The lost to find, the low to raise,
and give them cause thy name to praise.

A passion for Jesus should become
a passion for telling others about Jesus.

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Sunday, January 13, 2008

What A Service

For those who missed our service today, you missed a great sermon. Pastor Sam had mentioned that any one wishing to attend the Jack Hayford bible study, please see him. So have I got home I was more interested in know more about the gentlemen, so it was off to search the internet. And I found a couple of article on him,such as: He is perhaps best known, however, as founding pastor of The Church on the Way (TCOTW), the First Foursquare Church of Van Nuys, CA. I also found a article that Pastor Sam had mentioned in his sermon today A New Time & Place. So I have attached a link to his web site, so you can read the article.

Jack Hayford

Click on the link and it will take you to the article.

Pastor Jim lesson at our Bible Study was The "Holy Spirit". So I did some research and found this interesting article.

WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
THOSE WHO consider this question must bear in mind that the Bible sets truth forward in a positive way; that is, it does not examine alternatives suggested by philosophers in order to arrive at truth. This is true in the instance of this present topic. Scripture does not state in a concise expression that the holy spirit is not a person co- equal with God. Instead, a great number of positive statements concerning the spirit's functions and qualities are placed before us. By considering such statements, we shall arrive at an understanding of what the spirit is, because one scripture complements another; there are no contradictions. What the holy spirit is not becomes quite apparent when a thorough consideration is pursued.
In the Old Testament the phrase 'holy spirit' is used only three times in the King James Version--Psa. 51:11 and Isa. 63:10,11. Most references to it are in the phrases 'spirit of God' or 'spirit of the LORD.' There is, however, no special distinction to be understood among them; the three terms may be regarded as synonymous. In the Old Testament, 'spirit' is almost always from the Hebrew ruwach, #7307, which means "wind, by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation...by resemblance spirit"-- Strong. Its New Testament equivalent is the Greek pneuma.
The word 'spirit' as it appears in the Bible is used in two broad senses. First, and most often, spirit denotes a quality, attitude or disposition usually possessed by individuals, occasionally by a group of people collectively (2 Chron. 21:16), of a nation (Isa. 19:3), even of the world (1 Cor. 2:12). The second use of 'spirit' denotes a spirit being such as God (John 4:24) or angels (Heb. 1:14), or denotes a demonic (Mark 3:11). Identification as to which group the holy spirit belongs will greatly assist to an understanding of what the 'spirit' is.
The Spirit's Effect Upon Men
It is significant that, with but few exceptions, what is said in the Bible of the spirit of God has to do with the spirit's effect upon men. This effect is most notable in those chosen individuals to whom God has given abilities above man's natural capacity that they might accomplish His purposes. Moses was given the ability to prophesy and the wisdom to judge Israel. God distributed of that gift to others so they might assist Moses (Num. 11:16-29). To certain Israelites under Moses, God gave the skills necessary to make the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, and other special furniture of the sanctuary (Exod. 31:1-11). Samson was given immense physical strength, through which God punished the Philistines (Judges 13:24,25; 14:5,6). God's 'spirit' is specifically acknowledged in all such accounts as that which brought the abilities manifested. And the Apostle indicated that throughout Israel's history God put His words in the mouth of His prophets for the guidance of the people. "For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by [the] holy spirit."--2 Pet. 1:21 ASR
The holy spirit anointed our Lord Jesus at His baptism, and many miraculous works were performed thereby at His command in the years following. During those years Jesus conferred the miracle-working power of the holy spirit upon the apostles; and later appointed seventy disciples who also received miraculous gifts (Matt. 3:13-17, John 1:29-34, Matt. 10:1-20, Luke 10:1-16). On the day of Pentecost, in fulfillment of Jesus' promise (John 16:7), holy spirit was poured out from heaven upon the apostles and other believers gathered in one place (Acts 2). From that day and on, during the time of the apostles, those who believed on Jesus Christ received various manifestations of holy spirit bestowed in special abilities to carry forward the early ministry.
These things were indeed examples of how God exerted a powerful effect upon men, but to say that holy spirit is purely the power of God is not in itself an adequate description of that spirit. Before the flood, in a time when intense evil prevailed on the earth, God said, "My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he is also flesh; yet shall his days be an hundred and twenty years" (Gen. 6:3). This statement does not suggest that God's power was insufficient to deal with man. Rather, God set a time limit upon His efforts to persuade "the world that then was" (2 Pet. 3:6) to turn from its wicked course. In this statement, God's spirit was His influence.
Though man is a created being, Eccl. 8:8 ascribes to him a spirit. In that text the word 'breath' for the Hebrew ruwach would better suit the context. "There is no man that hath power over the spirit, to retain the spirit; neither hath he power over the day of death." 'Spirit' here indicates a man's power to live, his 'breath.'
'Spirit of God' Denotes a Quality
It has been noted foregoing that the spirit of God is His power or His influence. Now consider other qualities which the word 'spirit' may refer to. Genesis 41:8 mentions the spirit of a man, one man in particular, Egypt's Pharaoh of old. "And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled" (Gen. 41:8). None would say that Pharaoh's 'power' was troubled, or that his 'influence' was troubled. Nor would 'wind' or 'breath,' words usually represented in the Hebrew text by ruwach, fittingly represent it here, as to say that "in the morning Pharaoh had trouble breathing." Rather, it is clear that Pharaoh was troubled in his mind.
'Spirit' is used in the description of the response of the Israelites to the request of Moses for materials with which to construct the tabernacle. "And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whose spirit made him willing" (Exod. 35:21). This, then, is another instance where 'mind' is the meaning of ruwach. And the KJV translators used that word six times to represent ruwach. In other places, the spirit of individuals is described as 'jealous' (Num. 5:14), 'hard' (Deut. 2:30), 'sad' (1 Kings 21:5), 'anguished' (Job 7:11), 'contrite' (Psa. 34:18), 'broken' (Psa. 51:17), 'faithful,' 'hasty,' 'haughty,' and 'humble' (Prov. 11:13, 14:29, 16:18,19), 'patient' and 'proud' (Eccl. 7:8), 'perverse,' 'erring,' and 'grieved' (Isa. 19:14, 29:24, 54:6), 'ready' (Mark 14:38), 'meek' and 'quiet' (1 Pet. 3:4). In all these instances, the context shows that the 'spirit' has to do with the inward man; the word 'spirit' has been used to indicate the state or quality of mind of the person described.
In instances where a particular moral condition exists in common, the word 'spirit' describes the quality of a group of people. Israel's idolatry is described in that manner in Hosea 4:12. "The spirit of whoredom hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God." The 'spirit of whoredom' was the disposition to be unfaithful, spiritually promiscuous, so to speak, as displayed by those who turned from the one true god to serve false ones. Their outward acts of idolatry demonstrated their inner 'spirit,' or mental attitude. And we find that, in almost every case, the 'spirit' of a man is a function of his mind.
God's Spirit Unrestricted
Man's 'spirit' has been considered foregoing in an effort to learn of the 'spirit' of God. Paul's words in 1 Cor. 2:11 RSV make this comparison valid. "For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? even so, the things of God none knoweth, save the spirit of God." Note that the spirit of a man knows "the things of a man." A man's spirit is therefore not only a function of his mind, but also a conscious function. (The adjective 'conscious' and the noun 'conscience' both derive from the Latin scire, "to know.") And here Paul saw that an analogy would be helpful: because we are familiar with man, the Scripture uses what we can understand about ourselves to tell us something about God. The text says, "even so," that is, similarly, "the things of God none knoweth, save the spirit of God." The conclusion is inescapable that the holy spirit is a function of the mind of God.
Paul specially qualifies in two ways his statement here concerning man. Firstly, he says, "who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man..." Each of us may know why we do the things we do, and we may judge ourselves based upon principles developed by, and in our mind. But in the case of another we can only detect their mind by what they show us, through what they do or say. On the other hand, God is able to perceive the features of a man's spirit even before that spirit becomes manifest in words or deeds. But we lack His ability because man's spirit is limited. Furthermore, we perceive the things of God only as He is pleased to reveal them. Those with whom He is pleased are privileged to see "the things of the spirit of God."--1 Cor. 2:14
Secondly, Paul speaks of "the spirit of the man, which is in him," but does not restrict God's spirit with the same wording. God's spirit is not confined to a particular location, but proceeds from Him for the accomplishment of His purposes (John 15:26). And that is the Apostle's theme in Corinthians. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God...God hath revealed them unto us by His spirit: for the spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."--1 Cor. 2:12,10, Rom. 8:14-16
'Holy' Associated with God
God's prophets only used the noun 'holy' when referring to God Himself, or to persons and objects associated with Him or His worship. The Hebrew qodesh, #6944, is defined as "a sacred place or thing"-- Strong; "apartness, sacredness, holiness"--Gesenius. Clearly, it defines the purity of God's character, God's separateness from all unrighteousness. The Greek hagios, #40, is of the same meaning. When used of persons or things associated with God, those which are consecrated or dedicated to God are 'holy.'
In view of the foregoing, a tentative answer can now be framed to the question, What is the holy spirit? Generally speaking, it may be said that the holy spirit is a function or activity always identified with the mind of God. Where the spirit proceeds from God, and exerts an effect upon man, it is His power, or influence. It remains to be seen if there is any mention in Scripture of holy spirit which cannot be accommodated in these terms.
The examination of the spirit of man now is carried a little further. It is obvious that man's spirit has often been opposed to God, and censured by the prophets, but at other times approved by God, making that man eligible for His blessings (Isa. 57:12-21, Num. 14:24, Psa. 34:18). But a man has control over his own spirit; he is not a helpless victim of it. This is as Paul taught, that a man's spirit "knoweth the things of a man"; therefore the spirit has to do with the conscious mind. God's counsel goes forth on the principle that the spirit of man is under the control of man's will. It is in harmony with this that the prophet Malachi rebuked Israel, saying, "...take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously" (Mal. 2:16). Those words imply the reality that a man may undergo a change in spirit if he wills to. Were it not possible, there would have been no point in the admonition. Gods desire in speaking thus through Malachi was that those to whom the prophet wrote might heed the word of God, and change their minds.
The Spirit of Man
Man's will has often stood between his spirit and the word and will of God. In Acts 7, Stephen gave inspired witness before the council of the Jews. He laid before them the shameful history of the apostacy of their ancestors, and then said, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears; ye do always resist the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do you" (Acts 7:51). The only way man can resist God is in his mind. The Jews against whom Stephen witnessed had filled up the measure of their fathers in refusing to submit to the words of God's prophets. They had put their wills in opposition to God, shutting out His influence. Their minds could not be changed and their spirit was unaltered; it was manifested by their actions. They had already betrayed and murdered the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, and upon hearing Stephen's testimony against them, they took him and stoned him to death.
Their wills were involved in this course of events in two ways. Firstly, they had the choice to receive Stephen's testimony or to close their minds to it. They chose the latter. "Uncircumcized in heart and ears" described their state of mind in terms they would well understand. Circumcision was a sign in the flesh of Israel's consecration, their dedication to God. "Uncircumcized in ears"-- unwilling to commit their hearing to, or heed, God's Word; "uncircumcized in heart"--unwilling to commit themselves to God in faith and trust. Secondly, though they refused to hear God's Word, they still had a choice regarding their actions toward Stephen. They were not compelled to kill him; they chose to do it, even though they made a pretense of obeying the Law.
It is seen that a man's will stands guard, not only on the way into the mind, but also on the way out. If a man is guided by his spirit, then his state of mind is revealed in his speech and actions. We call this the character of that man. Likewise, the things which God has said and done and caused to be recorded reveal to us His divine character.
Putting God's Spirit Within Man
During the Babylonian captivity, the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel, saying, "And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."--Ezek. 36:26-38
The spirit which God would put in His people would not be 'new' in the sense of an innovation. Rather, it would be His spirit, an holy spirit. "I, the LORD, change not" (Mal. 3:6). But in man it would indeed be new, entirely different from the 'spirit' of the natural fleshly man (1 Cor. 2:14). A new heart and a new spirit would amount to nothing less than a radical change in the inward man, with a corresponding change in character. And because the new spirit would be an holy spirit, the resulting new character would necessarily be like God's. They would walk in His statutes and keep His judgments not from any external constraint, but from the heart, because they and God would be of like mind. And His standards would be reflected in all their thinking.
A fundamental principle of God's dealings with the human family is that He will not override the will of man in order to make unfaithful men faithful. The choice has always belonged to man to respond to God or to turn away from Him. It was true of Adam (Gen. 2:17, 3:3,6), of Abraham (Gen. 22:2,12,18), of Moses (Heb. 11:25-27), of the nation of Israel (Exod. 19:5, Deut. 30:19), of Christ (Matt. 26:39, Heb. 5:7,8); it is so now (Heb. 4:7,11, 10:26,38, 12:25), and it will be so in the Earthly Kingdom Age, as expressed in Rev. 22:17 RSV: "..e that will, let him take the water of life freely."
An Open Mind Essential
A man's spirit will not be changed unless he is willing for that change to take place. The "new spirit" of which Ezekiel prophesied would consequently find no place in a man until that man first opens his mind to the influence of God. What Ezekiel promised involves a change in man's spirit, a transformation of that spirit, through the influence of God.
Ezekiel prophesied that the promised change would follow a cleansing process: "I will sprinkle clean water upon you." Peter had a moral cleansing in mind when, on the day of Pentecost, he urged the men of Israel, "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit" (Acts 2:38 RSV). In this one sentence the vital steps toward a change in spirit are set forward. The first step: "Repent ye!" The Greek word metanoeo, #3340, means "to 'think differently' or to 'think afterwards,' i.e. 'reconsider' (mor. 'feel compunction)'"--Strong. Repentance is proof that the way to the mind is not closed.
The word of God is recognized as truth (John 17:17), and its preaching leads to one's acknowledgment of former disobedience and the humble request for God's forgiveness. This act of contrition is a sign that the mind has opened to the influence of God and that one is willing to act in accordance with the knowledge received. The next step is one of obedience: "...be baptized...in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins..."
However, let us not think that the statement in Ezekiel, "I will sprinkle clean water upon you," refers to the literal water involved in the act of outward baptism. Rather, it refers to the cleansing by remission of sins through repentance and faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. It is of this that 1 John 1:7,9 RSV promises: "...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanseth us from all sin...If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The 'filthiness' of Israel of which Ezekiel wrote was their unrighteousness.
God's blessings are not forced upon any, but are received voluntarily through the meeting of conditions set down by God. And note the assurance that God's spirit is intended for us: "...and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit" (Acts 2:38 RSV). Its implanting in the believer depends upon his willingness to receive it. Quite understandably, God's cleansing of the believer from unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ could not take place before Christ's blood was shed. Also dependent upon that was the giving of the holy spirit, which was shed forth by our resurrected Savior who had faithfully offered the propitiatory sacrifice.
Grace and Truth
Attention is now directed to the teaching in John 1:17 of the element of progression in the dispensing of God's favors. There the apostle declares, "For the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." Moses "was faithful in all his house, as a servant" during the Law Age; but Christ is faithful "as a son over his house" (Heb. 3:4-6) during the selection of His heavenly bride. Grace and truth introduced the higher relationship now enjoyed by "the sons of God."
Grace is the favor of God toward believers, and a principal manifestation of that grace is justification by faith. One receives justification when his "faith is counted for righteousness." "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD will not impute sin" (Rom. 4:5,7,8). Justification is God's free gift.--Rom. 5:15-18
Truth is that revelation of knowledge given to us by God. It comprises the whole body of Scripture, to which the New Testament is the key. Repentance denotes a mind opened to the influence of God transmitted through an understanding of that knowledge. Our new-found understanding of God's grace manifests itself in the cleansing of our conscience (Heb. 10:22), and that forms the basis of our spiritual change by removing the impediment of guilt and self-reproach. There was no provision in the Law to accomplish this inner cleaning.
Conscience is not instinct or emotion, nor is it something we are born with. By definition it has to do with knowledge and understanding. It is formed from what we have learned and believe to be correct, and is our standard of morality, justice, and truth. It is the "inner judge" by which we can assess our own thoughts and conduct. The Jew in the Law Covenant would not have felt guilt had he not known that the Law condemned him for his smallest infringement of it (James 2:10). The Law was in his conscience, sitting in judgment upon him and pronouncing him guilty, without reprieve (Zech. 9:11). His 'spirit' or state of mind was one of bondage, bound for life to the service of the Law. Due to the weakness of the flesh, even one who would strive to be righteous always fell short of the Law's perfect standard of righteousness.
A Cleansed Conscience
When we learn from His Word that God has reckoned us righteous, we can understand that our conscience is cleansed. Paul testified in Rom. 8:15 regarding our glorious liberty. "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." The old spirit of bondage (Jews to the Law, Gentiles to false gods) and constant fear of retribution and death, is gone. We no longer have reason to fear, knowing that if we confess our sins, He is just to forgive us, for Christ's sake. We are able to continue in a cleansed, justified condition, in close relationship with God, realizing that we have not fallen from His favor because of the fleshly weaknesses. Although we still share in the fallen condition of our race, justification by faith is the means provided by God through which He receives us as sons. This brings the profound change in our state of mind, and in our attitude toward God. We "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."--Heb. 10:22
Faith in Christ is the sure foundation from which to approach God and develop a conscience restructured by His word. The glorious gospel of God contained in the New Testament enables us to realize that the whole Bible reveals His mind and character. We have especially the perfect example of our Lord Jesus. The conscience built according to the standards of truth and righteousness serves as a reliable guide in every judgment we are called upon to make. Such restructuring is only through watchful, prayerful and patient attention to Scripture and to our own self.
Truth is the mainspring of a pure conscience. Jesus expressed important sentiments in this regard in His prayer on our behalf. "Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17 ASR). The Greek verb hagiazo, #47, translated 'sanctify,' means 'to make holy.' Believers are made holy by the influence of God's word. With a pure conscience directed by a mind appreciating truth, the influence of God is no longer solely on the outside; it also exists within.
Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
Grace, truth...? Another factor yet remains in our spiritual change, and that is the inner commitment to be guided by the knowledge that we have received. That might be called faith and its exercise, now but briefly mentioned. Faith is a many-faceted quality, but faith founded in truth will never disappoint, will never become credulity. A clear understanding of the truths regarding sin, salvation, and redemption, as they involve our Heavenly Father and His dearly beloved Son, lead to higher perceptions in fellowship with God.
The fact that miraculous abilities were given by God to believers at and following Pentecost should not distract us from the principles involved. Those special gifts were essentially no different from the manifestations of the holy spirit recorded in the Old Testament, and had no direct effect upon the character of those through whom they functioned. The miraculous gifts existed for a particular purpose in the early church, and when that purpose was served, they ceased. They were a means to God's end, and not an end in themselves. Their function was to establish the church; firstly, by demonstrating that the preaching was God-ordained, and, secondly, to provide the substance of the message preached in the absence of the New Testament. Once the New Testament had been delivered to the church, there was no further need for inspired human witnesses, and the miracles ceased.
It does not fit into the present phase of God's plan for God's earthly servants to work miracles; nor would it suit His purpose, with regard to our mental processes, to perform miracles on us. What God desires in us is the development of the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ, who is Himself in the image of the Father (Rom. 8:29, Gal. 4:19, 2 Cor. 4:4). The outward likeness in character can be produced only as our minds are formed in the image of His mind. For that reason the apostle exhorts, "Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5), and encourages, "...we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16). Of course our knowledge is not to be compared with His, for completeness, nor is our faith and self-control to be compared with His, for strength; but the principle is the same. As displayed in the man Christ Jesus, character is a product of a consecrated will guided by the knowledge of God.
What is the Holy Spirit?
The answer to our question is now summed up. The holy spirit is a quality of the mind of God; and where it proceeds from Him for the accomplishment of His purposes, it is His power or influence. And where holy spirit is within the believer, it renews the mind after the pattern of Christ, through the word of God. Regarding this, Paul wrote in Eph. 4:17-24 RSV: "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye did not so learn Christ; if so be that ye heard Him, and were taught in Him, even as truth is in Jesus: that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, which waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, which after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."

I will close this for now, and I will share with you tomorrow our message from Sundays, service. I am also working on a link to be added to our page that will have each Sunday Bulletin, for those who missed our message, so keep checking it will appear soon. Also don't for get Gift of Grace is Celebrating its 3rd year anniversary on Sunday, January 27, 2008 at 1:00pm. I will attach a copy of it here tomorrow. Well I hope that you all have a great night, and God Bless you all.

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Saturday, January 12, 2008

Our Eternal Salvation

Are you really sure of your eternal salvation? This is a very important question, and one that will have lasting eternal consequences. If you were to die today, do you know for certain that you would go to heaven? This is a question about which we cannot afford to be wrong, because eternity is very permanent. One day each of us will know the true answer to this question, "For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ", Romans 14:10. Every one of us have two appointments that have already been made for us and that we will definitely keep, whether we want to or not. They are, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment", Hebrews 9:27. These two appointments, death and the judgment, cannot be cancelled.

The tragedy of what happened in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001 shows the uncertainty and brevity of life. God tells us in James 4:14, "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even as a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

We must not make an error concerning our salvation in following what "seems right" to us, or that we "feel in our heart that we are saved". The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death". Our feelings are not a safe guide, but only the Bible is.

What prior assumptions have we already made about our salvation? Many of these assumptions, that people make, contradict what God says in his word to us. All we have to do is to look around at all of the many differing doctrines that are being taught, and then compare them to what God says in the Bible, and we can see a great difference. Our Lord says in Mark 7:7, "And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men". Our worship is vain if it comes from the doctrines of men and not from God. Can we say that all these many differing doctrines have come from God? I think not. I Corinthians 14:33 says that, "God is not the author of confusion." Or are they from men? Where else could they have come from, if they did not come from God? This becomes a very serious question. Our worship becomes vain and useless, if our doctrines come from men when they meet in their conventions and conferences to decide what they are to believe and do.

As the apostle Peter told the Jewish council in Acts 5:29, "We ought to obey God rather than men". Do not believe anything that I tell you, because we are not going to be judged by what I say. Do not believe anything any other person tells you, because we are not going to be judged by what some other person says. In fact, we are not going to be judged by what we personally believe. On the Day of Judgment we are going to be judged only by what the Lord says in the Bible. That is going to be the only standard for judgment, for our Lord says in John 12:48, "The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day". So, if I or any other person cannot point to it in the Word of God, then please do not believe it, because there is too much at stake – your soul!

Our soul is worth more than the whole world and everything in it. Jesus says in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Our soul is the part of us that is going to continue to live on forever throughout all eternity. We cannot afford to lose our soul and be eternally punished.

Now for the Quiz to this
Questions Lesson 1

Our Eternal Salvation

1) (Romans 14:10) Who will appear before the judgment seat of Christ?

Only the lost.

Only the saved.

All people.

2) If we are wrong about our salvation we will be lost.

3) (Proverbs 14:12) The way that seems right unto man leads to
Eternal life.

Spiritual death.

Success.

4) Our feelings are a safe guide when it comes to our eternal salvation.

5) (Mark 7:7) If we follow the doctrines of men
It is vain.

It doesn’t matter.

God is still well pleased.

6) It is pleasing to God if we follow the doctrines of men in our worship.

7) (John 12:48) What will be the standard of judgment on judgment day?
What we think.

The words of Christ.

What my preacher says.

8) Just because we feel in our heart we are saved does not mean we are saved.

9) (Hebrews 9:27) What two appointments have already been made for us?
Doctor.

Dental.

Death and Judgment

10) We can cancel our appointments with death and judgment.

Lesson 2 will follow tomorrow, take the time to read this and answer the guestions, see how well you did.

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Friday, January 11, 2008

Calendar

Mark Your Calendar!
The day is fast approaching
And we can hardly wait
We want you to be with us
So be sure to Save the Date!

Gift of Grace 3rd Year Anniversary
January 27, 2008 @1:00pm

Come help us celebrate

2412 Regent Way, Kissimmee, FL 34758

And I thought I would share the other Article on Baptism:

Infant Baptism?
By Ron Boatwright

Many in the religious world today say that infants are born sinners and must be baptized in order to be saved. They say we inherit sin from our ancestors all the way back to Adam. This contradicts God’s word. God says in Ezekiel 18:20, "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor shall the father bear the guilt of the son." Here God is telling us that children do not inherit sin from their parents, grandparents, or any of their forefathers, all the way back to Adam. God says "The son shall not bear the guilt of the Father." Each person is responsible for his own sins.

What is sin? I John 3:4 says, "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness." We do not inherit sin; we commit sin; and we commit sin when we commit lawlessness. An infant has not broken any law of God and thus has not committed any sin. How is sin committed? In James 1:14-15 we read, "Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed, then when lust is conceived, it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished brings forth death." A baby cannot be drawn away and enticed into lustful sin.

One error leads to another. Men say since infants have inherited the sin of Adam, they must be baptized or they will be lost. Not only are infants not lost but they are not suitable candidates for baptism, since they cannot believe. Jesus says in Mark 16:16, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved." Here one of the prerequisites of being saved is to believe, which is impossible for an infant to do. Also one of the prerequisites of being baptized is one must repent. The apostle Peter told a group of people to "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Can an infant repent? It would be absurd to think an infant could believe or repent, but it is just as absurd to think an innocent infant, who is without sin, must be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, which he does not have.

Parents who have their infants "christened" are being deceived by the false doctrines of men. Satan has many ways through his lies in fooling people into being lost. When a person who was baptized as an infant becomes accountable, he doesn’t think he needs to be baptized again so he can be saved. Satan knows infant baptism accomplishes nothing. Satan knows when people who were baptized as an infant become accountable, at that time they begin to sin and will be eternally lost in the burning fires of Hell if they don’t obey the Lord. When a person becomes accountable he must "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38), not before. If a person misses Heaven by believing the lies of Satan, he will only have himself to blame.

And I leave you with this little quote and a today in history.
Hope is the word which God has written on the brow of every man. -Victor Hugo-

Today In History
January 11, 1902
"Popular Mechanics" magazine was published for the first time. Initially, there were only five paying subscribers and a few hundred others who paid a nickel at newsstands. In September, 1903, the still popular magazine became a monthly.

Hope you all have a great evening.

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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Got Me Wondering......

After listening to Pastor Jim teaching the Bible School on Sunday about Baptism, it got me wondering, so I started do some more research on this, and I have found a site that has different topics on several bible studies. And to my wondering eyes they had a few on Baptism. So I will share what I found on that subject.

Baptism Is Immersion
By Ron Boatwright

Our word "baptize" is transliterated from the original Greek word "baptizo", which means to immerse. All Bible dictionaries define the word "baptizo" only as immerse, dip or plunge. "Baptizo" does not mean sprinkle or pour. If our Lord had wanted people to be sprinkled, he would have inspired the New Testament writers to use the Greek word "rhantizo". If our Lord wanted people to be poured He would have inspired New Testament writers to use the Greek word "katacheo". But He didn’t, so "baptizo" was used, which can only mean to immerse.

Let’s look in the Bible to see how people were baptized. In John 3:23 we read, "Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there." Why was John baptizing near Salim? "Because there was much water there." Scriptural baptism requires much water. In Mark 1:5 we read, "Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to Him, and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River." Why was John baptizing in the Jordan River? Could it be "because there was much water there" in a river?

Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death." Here we see that baptism is a burial, which is what is done when one is immersed. Sprinkling is not a burial; it is only sprinkling. Neither is pouring a burial. Both are unlawful substitutions made by man, which will cause many people to be lost. This man made exception over the centuries became the man made accepted practice until the Catholic Church at the Council of Ravenna in 1311 AD legalized sprinkling for baptism, but without God’s authority.

Sprinkling for baptism is foreign to the scriptures. God did not authorize it. There is not one instance anywhere in the Bible where anyone was sprinkled for baptism. The person who was sprinkled or poured has refused to obey God. Sprinkling is without God’s authority. There is no baptism in the absence of immersion. One who was sprinkled or poured has not been scripturally baptized. He still has every sin that he has ever committed and is still lost.

Here is another Study:

Baptized Into Christ
By Ron Boatwright

The denominational world says that baptism has nothing to do with our salvation, but let’s see what the Bible says. Notice that it is baptism that puts us into Christ so that we can be saved. Galatians 3:27 says, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Baptism is the only way a person can get into Christ. The preposition into indicates a change of relationship. You can search from the front to the back of your Bible, and you will find no other way to get into Christ except by being baptized into Christ. What is the advantage of being baptized into Christ?

Ephesians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ." This verse tells us that every spiritual blessing is located in Christ. Only those who are in Christ can enjoy these spiritual blessings.

We read in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." If one is in Christ, he has become a new creation. This is how we are born again.

The Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:10, "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." Here we see that salvation is located in Christ, and for one to be eligible for salvation, he must be in Christ. It will be a horrible thing for a person, who thinks he is saved, when he stands before the Lord on the Day of Judgment, if he is still outside of Christ. He will have no salvation. He will be lost eternally in Hell.

In 1 John 5:11 we read, "And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." Only those who have been baptized to be saved are in Christ and have the promise of eternal life. Those who are outside of Christ have no promise of eternal life but are lost.

There were a few more on this topic, but before this become a book, I will share that another time. Its amazing what we can find on the internet about the our Bible and Jesus. So take a few minutes and see what you can learn.

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Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Remember

That Brother Eugene spoke on Resolutions. I receive every month a small little book called "Our Daily Bread". Each day of the week there is a reading, and while I was turning to tonights I came across this one called Resolutions and thought I would share it with you all. It started out with a Gentlemen who was asked to list 70 of his resolutions, dedicating himself to live in harmony with God and other. Here is just a few of his resolutions: To do what ever is most to God's glory, To do my duty for the good of mankind in general, Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the LAST HOUR of my LIFE. And it went on with many more. Then it asked us to go to Nehemiah 10:28-31 ( which I have added here for you all to read more about)

Nehemiah 10:28-31

28 "The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand- 29 all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord.

30 "We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons.

31 "When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.

After reading this over again, it all comes back to what Eugene says there are not too many who make resolutions towards him.

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Thou Shalt have no other GODS before me
Exodus 20:3

Not by work of righteousness which we have
done, but according to the mercy he saves us.
Titus 3:55

Also just a reminder that tonight is Bible study, it will be held at the Munoz's house. Please call Pastor Sam for directions. Hope to see you all there.
If there is anything that our Gift Of Grace Family would like to see here on our site please feel free to contact Pastor Sam or Rochelle and we will make sure it gets put on. Remember this is your site.

Well have a great Wednesday.

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Monday, January 7, 2008

And

Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and Man. Luke 2:52.

For the Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the SEA. Habakkuk 2:14

Just a reminder we need to get every one's Name, addresses, Birthday, Anniversary dates, so that we may update our files. Please see Rochelle to give her the information.
Just a reminder to take some time to pray for that family who's daughter is missing from North Carolina. Let's all pray that she returns home to her family safe and sound.

Have a great night, God Bless.

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Sunday, January 6, 2008

New Year, New beginning, New Day

And our Message to day was "New Year - Now is the Hour!"
And our scripture lesson came from the book of:

Ephesians 5:8-21
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Our Bible class led by Pastor Jim was on the Doctrine of Baptisms

Elements: The Baptizer, the Candidate and the Element. He showed us that there are three Baptisms:
I. Baptism into Christ
II. Water Baptism
III. Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
If you would like more information on this please see Pastor Jim.
Also just a reminder that we would like to have your name, addresses, Birthday or anniversary just to share on our site here. Please see Rochelle. God bless and have a blessed day.

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Wednesday, January 2, 2008

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the Seam.

Habakkuk 2:14

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Its a New Year.....

Good Morning Gift of Grace Family. Happy New Year to you all.
Just a reminder that tonight is Bible Study and it will be held at Marilyn and Eugene Phillips House. Please call Pastor Sam for the address and directions. Also I would like to get everyones Birthday and Address for each of our family members so that we can update our Church files. I will be handing it out on Sunday. Hope that you all have a great day.

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