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IN THIS ISSUE HomeFire Family Ministries Comes to Wilmington
Have you ever heard the saying "if it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck – it must be a duck!" This saying tells us the characteristics of something tend to prove what that thing is. Now, that may be true for ducks, but I am certain it isn’t true about being Pentecostal! I have been preaching and teaching on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit in every service since Easter, and will continue to do so until Pentecost Sunday in a series we have titled "Power for Life." In this series, my desire is, of course, for our church to understand fully what being Pentecostal is all about. But, even more than that, it is my desire for every individual Christian to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Thank God, we have seen the altars filled at every service. But, it has been my observation through the years that many sincere Christians struggle around the altar, praying to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, because they are essentially trying to "walk like, talk like, and quack like a duck!" Although they truly want to receive the Baptism, they tend to focus on all of the outward activity, that they end up missing what God has desired to give them. There is a feeling by some that "if I just lift my hands higher and longer, if I just praise louder, if I just linger longer, then I will get the Baptism." Unfortunately, they end up with nothing more that sore knees, tired arms and a hoarse voice. They have become a "spiritual duck" by focusing on the outward. The Bible tells us, however, that even though man looks on the outward appearance, God looks upon the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This Sunday morning I am going to address this very important aspect of receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit in a message from John 7:37-39 that I have entitled "The Unseen Action of the Pentecostal Baptism." I’m looking forward to seeing you there! Come expecting to receive the promise of the Father! Click here for details of Pastor Satryan's "Power for Life" series! Evangelist Jimmy Davis
On Sunday, June 16th, one of my personal friends, Dr. Jimmy Davis, will be ministering with us here at WILMINGTON first assembly of God. Brother Davis is the National Evangelists Representative for the General Council of the Assemblies of God. He has traveled around the world, conducting evangelistic crusades. I have known Jimmy and his wife Sheri since we were students together at Central Bible College. He is one of my absolute favorite preachers, and I know you will be blessed! click here to visit Cutting Edge International and Dr. James O. Davis God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, but He’ll ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation. God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but He’ll ask how many people you welcomed into your home. God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He’ll ask how many you helped to clothe. God won’t ask about your social status; He will ask what kind of class you displayed. God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but He’ll ask if they dictated your life. God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but He’ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it. God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but He’ll ask if your overtime work was for yourself or for your family. God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but He’ll ask how you promoted others. God won’t ask what your job title was, but He’ll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability. God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but He’ll ask what you did to help others. God won’t ask how many friends you had, but He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but He’ll ask what you did to protect the rights of others. God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He’ll ask how you treated your neighbors. God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but He’ll ask about the content of your character. God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but He’ll ask how many times they didn’t. God won’t ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, but He’ll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.
Coming on Wednesday, May 6th, the 27 member musical ensemble, HeartSong, from Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri, will minister in concert here at WILMINGTON first assembly of God! This dynamic vocal and instrumental group bridges the gap between contemporary and traditional in styles that will bless each and every one! Make your plans now to be here for a great night of praise and worship! Listen to HeartSong by clicking here. HomeFire Family Ministries Comes to Wilmington
Coming Sunday – Wednesday, May 12th – 15th – 4 days and 5 Life-Changing Meetings for everyone in the family! Through drama, gospel music and motivating workshops, this one of a kind family ministry travels full-time, challenging families to link arms and be an unbreakable force for Christ. Be sure not to miss this ministry to the family from a family. Three families, three generations, all travel together, featuring Dave & Judy Kyllonen (of Couriers fame), their now-grown children and their grandchildren. This special Family Life Conference will change your life! Don’t miss it! Click here to visit the HomeFire web site for information on their dynamic ministry! Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love. The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly Wisdom never swings at what Satan throws. The bases were now loaded. The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground; then it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team won! The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why. The Lord explained, "If your love, faith, and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, Faith and Wisdom will get you on base but, only My Grace can get you Home. Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. "Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13 Looking forward to seeing you this Lord's Day here at WILMINGTON first assembly of God! What a wonderful move of the Holy Spirit we are experiencing now! I expect the Lord to move in a phenomenal way again this week! See you there! Keep living for God – on purpose!
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