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Archive for the ‘Greater Works’ Category

*HOW TO BECOME BETTER STEWARDS OF THE GOSPEL*

(Matt 28:16-20)

*Jesus not only has given the church power, but also a great responsibility.

*The word “steward” carries a great meaning: One who watches over the affairs of another.

(I Cor 4:1,2  Read)

*The Apostle Paul was clear in these verses that the saints have a great responsibility, that is to be faithful in the handling of the things of God.

*In (Luke 12) Jesus gives a parable concerning a wise and faithful steward and their reward (vs 48). Some of you have talents and are not using them.

*Unknown writer once wrote “A Christian is a mind thru which Christ thinks, a heart thru which Christ loves, a voice thru which Christ speaks, and a hand thru which Christ helps”.

With this said, “How can we become better steward of the gospel?”:

(1)    Know the gospel

(II Tim 2:15  Read)

*In these last days that are filled with false doctrines, I believe it is of utmost importance for Christians to know why they believe as they do.

* I cannot stress enough the need for us to read and study the bible daily.

*There are two main cults with false doctrines in the US.  In a survey taken from these two, they admitted that most of their growth comes from people in mainstream churches.  Who are they: Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses.

Question:

1)      What do you know about Jesus’ life?

2)      What do you know about why He came?

3)      What do you know about His death, His burial, His resurrection?

(Acts 17:10,11 Read)

(2)    Live the gospel

(Matt 5:13-16  Read)

*What good is it to say we believe the gospel if it does not bring a change in our lives, how we live, why we do or don’t do certain things?

(I Cor  4:9   & Col2:6   Read)

*People, families are watching how we live, how we handle things: some will mock us, but some will take notice we are true to living for Christ.  (I Pet 3:16  Read)

(3) Love the gospel

(Psalms 119:97,103,105  Read)

*I know I’ve talked about reading the bible, but do we love God’s word, do we see its work in our lives, do we see the necessity of it?

*Job who experienced such troubles as losing his children, his possessions said this : (Job 23:12 Read) .

1) Do we love it enough to think on it daily? (Psl 119:11 Read)

2) Do we love it enough to let it direct our life’s decisions?  (Psl 37) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.

3) Do we love it enough to attend preaching?  (Rom 10:17  Read)

(4) Give the gospel

(Matt 28:20  Read)

(Psl 107:2  Read)

*Isn’t it amazing the many things we tell people about that comes into our lives?

1) Announce our engagements in getting married

2) Announce the birth of a baby

3) Buying a new car or house

*But yet we struggle with telling others of Christ.  (I Pet 3:15  Read)

Have you asked God to help you be a good steward of the gospel?

*COMMANDMENTS FOR CHRISTIANS*

(I Thes 5:16-23)

Webster defines the word commandment as a law or order, especially in the Bible, any of the Ten Laws God gave to Moses.

*Yet I find in the scriptures that there are certain commands the Apostle Paul gives which will produce maturity and growth toward perfection in our Christian walk.   (vs 23  Read)

*I believe all Christians should desire at least two things in their personal lives:

1) To grow spiritually and have a deeper sense of God in their lives daily.

2) To have a deep yearning in their heart for the Lord’s return.

(*In fulfilling (vs 23) Paul gives us seven commandments:)

(1) Rejoice evermore (vs 16)

*For what are we to rejoice?

1) Rejoice for all the good things the Lord has done for you

(Deut 26:11)  “And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee.”

*Folks are we not better off right now than we were years ago?

2) Rejoice in a good church home

(Ps 122:1) “I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord.”

*Listen:  I know the grass looks greener somewhere else but I love it here.

3) Rejoice if your children are saved

(Prov 23:24) “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice”

4) Rejoice when folks get saved

(Luke 15) Gives us two parables in which something was lost but found:

(vs 6) “rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost”

(vs 9) “rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost”

5) Rejoice because you are saved

(Luke 10:20) “rejoice because your names are written in heaven”

(2) “ Pray without ceasing”  (vs 17)

*In (I Thes) Paul mentions at least three times praying (1:2    3:10   5:25)

*We are to be in a constant attitude of prayer, ready to pray effectively in a minutes notice.

(3) (vs 18  Read)

*Notice what Paul says in (Rom 8:28  Read)

*I realize not everything is perfect, not everything goes right.

*Why are we to give thanks in everything?

“For this is the will of God”

Question: Can you trust the Lord enough to thank Him for everything that comes into your life?

(4) “Quench not the spirit” (vs 19)

*The Holy Spirit is not an it, but a person, the third head of the Trinity of God.  As such He can be quenched.

1) The Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, you quench Him by not acknowledging it in your life

2) The Holy Spirit can be quenched when we disrupt His work in public worship

3) Quenched when we refuse to obey His leading

(Eph 4:30) “And grieve not the Holy Spirit where by ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

(5) “Despise not prophesying”  (vs 20)

*Prophesy is not foretelling but forth telling.

*Prophesy is telling what is going to happen.  Paul’s meaning here is telling known truth.  We call it preaching.  The preacher reveals God’s word to us.

*Your attitude toward preaching determines whether you despise it.

*Do you enjoy singing but endure preaching?  How sad when people follow singers but not the hunger for preaching God’s word.

(6) “Prove all things”  (vs 21)

1) Points of doctrine

*What do you believe about the virgin birth, blood atonement, the second coming of Christ?

2) Prove doubtful things

*Some doubt their salvation

Question: How are we to prove things?

*By the Word of God.  I don’t care what your experiences are, if the Bible does not back it up, it’s false.

(7) “Abstain from all appearances of evil”  (vs 22)

*It is not enough to abstain from evil but to abstain from the very appearance of it.

*Unless absolutely necessary I don’t meet alone with a woman who is not my wife.

*Remember this: If there is any question in your mind whether something is right or wrong, then it’s wrong for you.

*HAVE YOU LOST YOUR SONG?*
(Psalms 137)

Most folks think King David wrote all the Psalms, but he did not.  This Psalm was written well after the time of David.  It was written during Israel’s captivity in Babylon, one of the largest cities of their time.  We know that the Jews were not all taken at one time.  Daniel was taken in one group, Ezekiel was taken in another group.  The finest and most talented and most skilled, but the unskilled , the handicapped, the weak were left in Jerusalem.  The temple was burned and the city plundered.

(Two things to be noted)
1) The Jewish people were singing people and also had the ability to play instruments, especially the harp.
2) Their music abilities were known even by their enemy.  (vs 3  Read)
*From our text it would appear that the Jews no longer played or sang their songs while in bondage.
*Unfortunately some Christians today have lost their ability or they no longer have the desire to sing the Lord’s song.  Circumstances have come into their lives and taken away their song.

(Notice three thoughts)
(1) Songs have a powerful influence on people.
*Think about some songs which touch people, or are known by a lot of people: Wedding March, God Bless America, Happy Birthday.
(Notice what the Bible says about singing.)
1) The Bible tells us what to sing
(vs 4)  “The Lord’s Song”
(Col 3) “Admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”
*Your songs, your singing should exalt the Lord
2) The Bible tells us when to sing
*Times of victory: when Israel crossed the Red Sea, when Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera
*Times of happiness: Psalms 45 is a love song
*Times of sadness: In 1871 tragedy struck Chicago, a fire ravished the city, over 300 killed, 100,000 homes were destroyed.  Horatio Gates Spafford had one son and four daughters, he had recently lost his son but stayed to help rebuild.  He was a friend of Dwight L Moody and for two years he stayed to help those left homeless.  After those two years Spafford and his family decided to take a vacation.  They were to go to England and join  Moody and Ira Sankey for a crusade.  Horatio was delayed by business but sent his family on ahead.
*Their ship, the Ville de Havre never made it.  Off Newfoundland it collided with another ship.  Horatio’s wife Anna was one of 47 who survived among hundreds.
*Their four daughters, Maggie, Tanetta, Annie and Bessie died.   His wife sent him a two word telegram “Saved Alone”.   Horatio boarded the next ship to be near his grieving wife.  Even though reports vary it is said as the ship came near the place where his daughters died, he penned these works to a great song: “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul”.
Beloved: Singing makes the difficult times easier.

(2) What causes us to lose our song?
(vs 3) uses the word “captive” to explain the Jews problems.
1) Their captivity was the result of sin.  The number one reason Christians lose their song is sin.
2) Discouragement: whether death of a loved one, sickness, or actions of others can take your song.
3) Complaining and griping: being negative all the time can take your song.
4) Circumstances:  we all go thru times of trouble; jobs, money, it can take your song.  (Paul and Silas  in Acts 16)

(3) Saints remember  (vs 1 Read)
1) God’s people should be a singing people.  (Mark 14:26)  Jesus and his disciples sung hymns the night He was betrayed.
2) Remember what it was like before you lost your song?:  the joy, peace, happiness.
3) Don’t hang up your harp but if you do, it is right where you left it.

(Don’t lose your song but if you do, you can regain it.)

*GOD’S TOUCH*

(Job 19:21)

Some people like Job’s so called friends have the idea that God is a great giant sitting on a throne  somewhere not caring whether we live or die.  That He is not interested in what’s going on in our life, whether we are having good times or struggles.

*How wrong they are.  God is a great, benevolent and loving Father.

*He is interested in every phrase of our lives, wanting the best for us, being there in our good days and bad days.

*He does not leave us to blind chance.  He is ever guiding and ever touching our life.

*If we are His children we bear His handprint on our life.

Notice times when God touches us:

(1)   There is the touch of salvation

*Having been born in sin we walk the straight line that leads to hell if a divine change does not take place.

*God sees us, God loves us, He touches our hearts and says (Isa 1:18  Read)

*In (Acts 9) God touched a murderer named Saul and changed him to a minister named Paul.

*In (Acts 16) God touched a jailer and transformed him into a justified child of God.

*In (Acts 8 ) God touched an Ethiopian.

*Has He touched you?  Do you know Him through a personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ?

(2)   There is the touch of service

(Matt 4:18-22   Read)

1)      Moses was tending a flock when God touched him for service

2)      Isaiah was busy in the temple

3)      Peter, Andrew, James and John were about their fishing business

*Has God touched and called you to some service?  Are you doing it?  If not, why?  If not, when?

Beloved fear not His call to service for who He calls He equips.  Give Him your availability and He will give you the ability.

(3)   There is the touch of strength

(I Pet 5:8,9    Read)

*We face an enemy who is relentless in his attacks.  At times it seems like one attack after another.

*Yet we have the same promise God gave the Apostle Paul.  (II Cor 12:9 Read)

*Devil I may not can whoop you but my Big Brother can.  He’s got your number “He is the Lord my strength”.

(4)  There is the touch of solace and comfort

*Life is full of sorrows, God’s children at times have eyes filled with tears.  During those times we may feel alone, feel God is not near.

*The story is told of a little girl who woke up in the darkness and was afraid.  She called out “Father”.  Her dad heard her but kept quiet hoping she would go back to sleep.  But she called out louder “Father”.  He answered her “Yes honey, what do you want?” “Nothing” she said. “I just wanted to know that you are there.”

*God has promised to be there

(II Cor 1:3-5  Read)

(5)   There is the touch of satisfaction

*Christians are never fully satisfied here.  Because there is work to be done.  Jesus said “Occupy til I come”.  Simply put: We have business to do for our King.

*But King David gave us a clue when we will be completely satisfied (Ps 17:15  Read)

Has God touched you?

Dividing the Word of Truth

II Timothy 2:15

For the most part, most of us realize the Church is more than a brick building made by man. It is the people, the body of Christ on earth. But it is also an institution established by God and because of this He has set up those who He has called to be responsible for its well-being.

Acts 20:28

Ephesians 4:11

Acts 6:1-7

I believe there are Three Responsible Positions He has established for these days:          (1) Pastors/Evangelists

(2) Deacons

(3) Teachers

Today is Deacon/Teacher Appreciation Sunday and I realize that I & II Timothy are Pastoral Letters of Apostle Paul to the young preacher Timothy. I also believe we can certainly use these books to exhort Teachers and Deacons in their responsibilities.

* Every church should be a Bible School, where the Word of God is taught accurately.

Four Thoughts On II Timothy 2:151.         Vs 15 “Study”

Study means: The act of reading, thinking in order to learn something; a careful and serious examination.

In school, those who apply themselves, using every tool available to them, make the best grades and grow in wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7

Joshua 1:8

* If the Word of God is not in our hearts, we cannot expect it to be in those we teach.

2.            Vs 15 “Approved”

Just who are we trying to impress, to get approval from, to hear “well done” from?

Acts 5:29

II Timothy 2:24-26

Remember, what we compromise to gain, we will lose. If we compromise God’s Word, we will lose His Divine Approval.

3.            Vs 15 “Workman”

We have a work top do and must take it seriously and take efforts to do it.

Workman insinuates laboring. Workmen that are unskillful, unfaithful, and lazy have need to be shamed.

Hebrews 5:12-14

I Corinthians 3:9

Hebrews 13:7,17

4.            Vs 15 “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”

This phrase carries the meaning of cutting through, to handle carefully.

We have 66 books of Truth.

3:16,17

Why must we labor to establish Biblical Truth?

2:16-18

3:13

4:3,4

Ephesians 4:14

Deacons

I Timothy 3:8-13

Acts 6:1-7

Two responsibilities of Deacons

(1) Welfare of the Church

(2) Welfare of their Pastor

I Corinthians 9:1-14

*WHATSOEVER HE SAITH UNTO YOU, DO IT*

(John 2:5)

There are some very great truths that are revealed in this event that I will not deal with at this time: But three I will briefly speak of.

1) Jesus attends this wedding (vs 2)

*His ministry on earth begins at a wedding and His ministry to the church will end at a wedding.

2) Jesus words to His mother (vs 4)

*He is not disrespecting her in (vs 4).  His statement reveals the Gospel Purpose: Death, Burial, Resurrection.

3) Jesus turning water into wine (vs 6-10)

*I will not waste God’s time answering those who are trying to justify their wickedness.

With this said, I want us to Notice (vs 5)  Read

Ask yourself this question:

Is the Lord Jesus asking you to do something?

(1) What is He asking to those who are not saved?

(Isa 55:6,7  Read)

*To those who have never asked Jesus to come into their life, who’ve never believed upon Him:

1) You’ve tried possessions but they hold no joy in having.

2) You’ve tried money but it gives no peace to your soul.

3) You’ve tried worldly pleasures but they leave you empty.

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.”

1) Come to Him who was the water of life to the woman at the well.

2) Come to Him who is the bread of life to hungry souls.

3) Come to Him who can give your life direction and purpose for He said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.

4) Come to Him who:

1) Brings sunshine to every morning

2) Who fills the darkness with His glory and light

3) To Him called: The Bright and Morning Star, the Lily of the Valley, The Hope of All Men, The

Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory. The Alfa and Omega, The King of Kings.

*He is asking you to come*

(2) What is He asking to you who know Him as your Savior?

(Phil 3:7-14 Read)

*Do you remember what joy and peace flooded your soul the day you came to Jesus?

*Do you remember the tears, not of sorrow, but of glory when you felt His Holy Presence overtake you?

1) Is He asking you to renew your love and passion for Him?

2) Is He asking you to renew your trust and committment?

3) Is He asking you to simply come back to Him and fellowship with His as you once did?

*What is He asking?

(Rev 3:20  Read)

(3) What is He asking to you who are members of this church?

(Ps 122:1)  “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”

*It troubles me when I talk to Christians about attending church, but there is something I think you may not understand:

1) Do you know how much better Sunday School goes when you are here?

2) Musicians, do you know how much better the songs sound when you are here?

3) Choir, do you know how much better the singing is when you are standing up here?

4) Soloists, do you know how much of a blessing it is to those here when you sing for us?

5) To those in the pews, do you know how much better teachers teach and preachers preach when

you are here supporting their effort?

I close with the same statement Mary said to the wedding servants concerning Jesus:  (John 2:5) “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.

PART 6: MIRRORS OF THE CHIRISTIAN LIFE – PASS THE SALT

PART 6:     MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

*PASS THE SALT*

*If we have been given all the resources we need to carry our Lord’s message far and wide, and if we are completely equipped to fulfill the Great Commission, why do we keep it within the four wall of our churches?

*There is power in the presence of Christians that spreads and sets into motion the grace of God.

*Understanding that lets us understand this: The Gospel is not something that we only come to church to hear; it is something we go from church to tell.

(Matt 5:13   Read)

*In Jesus’ day salt was more valuable than it is today.  Roman Empire was known to use if for currency, and workers were often paid with it.  Our word “salary” comes from the Latin word “salarium” meaning “salt”.

(Notice the reasons why Jesus taught us we are salt.)

(1) Salt prevents decay

*In biblical times when people had no ability to freeze or refrigerate food.  Salt was used to preserve and prevent decay.

*Without the salt of dedicated Christians our society leads toward decay.

*The bacteria of evil is everywhere and without the presence of Christians the decay would take over this world.

*Our forefathers knew this:

1) In 1774 Rev. Jacob Ducle began each session of the Continental Congress in prayer.

2) In 1787 Benjamin Franklin proposed that it continue each and every day in prayer.

3) From the East of the US Senate chambers is the Latin phrase “Annuit Coeptis” meaning                     “God has favored our undertaking”.

4) On the South entrance are the words “In God we trust”.

5) Calvin Collidge our 30th president said “The foundation of our society and our government rest so         much on the teaching of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these

teachings were to cease”.

*Today there are those who are making every effort to push out Christianity. (ACLU: Take God’s number out of government, schools, sports.)

*But don’t give up : You might be the only Christian in your work place or classroom or sports team.

(Remember that your influence may keep someone from falling into spiritual decay.)

(2) Salt provides flavor

(Job 6:6  Read)

Jesus said “Ye are the salt of the earth”.

*But here’s the problem: when it loses it’s flavor, it is no better than dirt.

*As salt, we Chrisitans have a distinctive character and abilities:

1) We should have the best writers.

2) We should produce the best movies.

3) We should be the most censorious.

4) We should be the hardest workers.

5) We should be the most forgiving.

(Col 4:6   Read)

(3) Salt promotes thirst. (Try eating a potatoe chips without a drink.)

(Ps 42:1)  “As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  (Vs 2)  “My soul thristeth for God, for the living God.”

*As a Christian, does my life make people thristy for God?

*Henry Stanley, a journalist, said of missionary David Livingston in Africa, “If I had been with him any longer, I would have been compelled to be a Christian and he never spoke to me about it at all”.

(4) Salt permeates food

*Permeates means: to spread thru every part.

Jesus said ” Ye are the salt of the earth”.

*Just a touch of salt can affect an entire dish of food.

*Some say “But what can I do?  I’m just one person”.

Take note of (Acts 27) Paul, Luke and Aristachus were apparently the only three Chrisitians among 276 people on a ship bound for Rome.  For awhile those people disliked them but their attitudes soon changed when their lives were saved from certain death by these three Christians.

Two Questions to Consider:

1) Are you making your presence felt?

2) Isn’t it time we got out of the salt shaker?

PART 7: MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – A FAITH THAT WORKS

PART 7:    MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTAIN LIFE

*A FAITH THAT WORKS*

(James 1:22  & 2:17)

*In April 2004, Ringling Brothers Circus went to New York City.  Thousands of people attended in Madison Square Garden.

*A highwire performer named Ernando Amaya, 34 years old, lost his balance and fell to the ground.  Somehow he survived but he taught us a valuable lesson: Life is all about keeping your balance.

*As Christians we need balanced teaching and doctrine.  The N.T. talks a great deal about the balance between faith and works.

(Eph 2:8,9   Read)

*Simply put: We might as well get a pair of stilts and try to reach for the stars, as to try to qualify for heaven by good works, living a good life, doing good deeds.

(Notice three thoughts on faith and works:)

(1) As sinners we can never redeem ourselves in God’s sight by our own efforts.

(Titus 3:5)  “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”

*The O.T. gives us a classic example of trying to justify ourselves before God in (Gen 4) between Abel and Cain.

(Gen 3)  Adam and Eve covered themselves again showing man’s efforts.

*Jesus made it clear in (John 14:6)  “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”.

(2) We are not saved by good works but for good works.

(Eph 2:10   Read)

*Faith is the source of our salvation but good works are the way we express the reality of our salvation.

(James 2:14,17  Read)

*In other words, if faith does not express itself in compassion, love, mercy and good deeds it’s not real faith at all.

*Possibly people in James’ day are like people of our day.  They spoke the language of christianity without reflecting the reality of it’s truth in their lives.

(3) Real faith trusts Christ alone for salvation and then believing enough to be Christ like in your daily life.

(James 1:22  Read)

*Read the whole book of James and see how James revealed a faith that works:

1)  (1:2) Possitive attitude in troubled times

2)  (1:12) Inspires us to resist temptations

3)  (1:19) Makes us good listeners

4)  (1:27) Takes care of orphans and widows

5)  (2:5,6) Gives honor to the poor

6)  (2:15,16) Provides food and clothing for the needy

7)  (3:1-12) Controls and restrains the tongue

8)  (4:11) Doesn’t speak evil of others

9)  (5:9) Doesn’t grumble about others

10) (5:14) Shows concern for the sick

11) (5:16) Prays fervently

Real faith is a balanced faith,it is a faith that works.

PART 10: MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – GREATER WORKS THAN THESE

PART 10      MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

*GREATER WORKS THAN THESE*

(John 14:12-14)

*After World War II, Berlin, the capitol of Germany and headquarters of Adolf Hitler’s 3rd Reich, was overseen by the four nations that had united to defeat Hitler: America, Britain, France and the former Soviet Union.  Sadly the history of Germany has not been good.  Two sections were created: East Berlin and West Berlin.

*Because of the opposition of the people in East Berlin, many began leaving and going to West Berlin.  To stop it, the Soviet Government in August 1961 built the Berlin Wall dividing the city.  The East Germany city of Leopzig became the site of violent protests, but accomplished nothing.

*In 1989 people in Leipzig tried a different approach.  What was once called the “Monday Demonstrations” began meeting with prayers of peace.  They met at the Nikolai Church, first a few 100’s, then 1000’s, then 10,000’s until there were approximately one million.  The results: In November 1989 the Berlin Wall was torn down.

*The French novelist Victor Hugo wrote “There are moments when, whatever the attitude of the body, the soul is on it’s knees.

*Those who prayed down the Berlin Wall must have believed Jesus’ words in (14:12-14  Read).

*What did Jesus mean by saying that His disciples/followers would do greater works than He had done?

*What could possibly be greater than healing the sick, raising the dead, stilling the storms on the sea, defeating demons, and turning water into wine?  Should we expect miracles beyond these?

*Yes: Our ministry will be greater for two reasons:  (1) greater reach   (2) greater results.

(1) The Reach of our Ministry is Greater

(Acts 1:8  Read)

*The Lord of Israel today covers about 8,000 square miles, roughly the equivalent to the land of Palestine in Jesus’ day.  During Jesus’ 3 1/2 years of ministry He traveled no more than 200 miles and primarily confined Himself to Judea and regions of Galilee.  He touched many people but the total’s probably in the 1,000’s.

*Do not misunderstand me.  I am not making light of Christ’s ministry during his 3 1/2 years.  I want us to grasp His glorious ministry today.

*The planet Earth is approoximately 57 1/2 million square miles.  The followers of Christ after His ascension reached 1000,s of miles by foot and ship.  The apostle Paul in (Acts) preached to all of Asia in 3 1/2 years. But understand because of their efforts others became followers of Christ and today 2,000 years after it began, millions are now disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Today God has taken the ministry of Faith Freewill Baptist Church beyond our neighborhood, our city, our state.  The message of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, is reaching: Canada, Phillipines, India, Romania, Germany, South Korea, over 35 countries, numbering 150,000 people monthly.  Our state promotions director is telling other Free Will Baptist churches and pastors are asking: How is this happening?

*We pray, we believe, we receive and Jesus is showing Himself alive and well and His Gospel is changing the world.

*We are reaching not only large cities but small townships and villages.

(2) The Results of our Ministry is Greater

(Matt 28:18-20)

*It is not just the reach of the Gospel that will be greater thru the church.  The results of preaching the Gospel will be greater also.  (Acts 2) Peter’s first sermon reached 3,000, todays 100’s of 1000,s are hearing it.

*Our primary ministry in the world is not to simply perform physical miracles but to be a conduit, the person Christ can continue to perform His spiritual miracles thru:

1) It is wonderful for a man’s eyes to be opened physically but it is even more wonderful for him to see and understand the Gospel.

2) It is wonderful for a leper to be made pure and clean but it is more wonderful for his soul to be washed pure from the stain of sin.

3) It is wonderful for a deaf man to hear words and music but it is more wonderful for him to hear the Gospel and respond to it.

How far can the Greater Works of Jesus go?  As far as you and I believe.

How much of yourself are you willing to give and believe to see greater works?