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Do you know that God loves you, and that He has promised to supply all your need according to His riches in glory?! God is a great God! Trust Him more each day, and prove His word to be true! Here is Volume 2.18 of firstIMPRESSIONS. Keep living for God on purpose! IN THIS ISSUE Article 1 - Power Corrupts, And Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely! Power Corrupts, and Absolute Power
There is an old saying regarding the obtaining of power. It says that power corrupts, and that absolute power corrupts absolutely! We have seen this statement become reality in the political realm, where those within governmental leadership have used their power incorrectly, attempting to cover up the wrongdoings of their administration. The corporate world has had its share of occurrences as certain C.E.O.s have used their power to further their own personal agenda. And, unfortunately, we have lately seen some within certain churches use their power to manipulate others and attempt to minimize sinful actions. Jesus tells us in Acts 1:8 that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. Being a Pentecostal Christian should mean that you are a Christian with power - supernatural power! Just as there can be corruption that occurs in this world, there can be corruption that takes place due to the power that is promised the believer through the Holy Spirit. You can see this in the Scripture, and you can also observe it in the lives of some in the church today. What are these powerful problems, and more importantly, how can we avoid them? This will be the topic of my message this Sunday morning, as I share a sermon entitled "The Perils of Power." You won't want to miss this eye-opening message! Click here for details of Pastor Satryan's "Power for Life" series! What Does It Look Like To You? Have you ever had an occasion where you and a friend have at some time seen something, and at a later time, the two of you, when talking about it to someone else, describe it in totally ways. It would almost seem that you were describing two different objects! The reason this happens is because of something we call "perspective." Each of you has a different way of seeing things, based upon many things, including your past experiences, your position of view, and your mind set at the time. Interestingly, many people have many different "perspectives" on what it means to be Pentecostal. Due to past experiences, teachings they have heard, and their current situation in life, each of us perhaps would have a different thought to share about what being Pentecostal means. This Sunday evening, I am going to share with you a message that I have titled "Pentecostal Perspectives!" It is not really that critical what my perspective, or your perspective is on Pentecost. What is important is what the Bible's perspective is! Join us this Sunday evening at 6:00 for a message sure to enlighten, and perhaps - change your perspective on Pentecost! A rat looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife opening a package. What food might it contain? He was aghast to discover that it was a rat trap. Retreating to the farmyard the rat proclaimed the warning; "There is a rat trap in the house, a rat trap in the house!" The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Rat, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it." The rat turned to the pig and told him, "There is a rat trap in the house, a rat trap in the house!" "I am so very sorry Mr.Rat," sympathized the pig, "but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured that you are in my prayers." The rat turned to the cow. She said, "Like wow, Mr. Rat. A rat trap. I am in grave danger. Duh?" So the rat returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's rat trap alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a rat trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever. Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well. She died, and so many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide meat for all of them to eat. So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it does not concern you, remember that when there is a rat trap in the house, the whole farmyard is at risk. Just this week, multiple emergencies took place regarding John and Pat Milner's daughter, Cheryl Weber. It seemed as though at each step, another catastrophic situation took place, one escalating into the next. Each time, the body of Christ went to prayer. On Tuesday morning, after undergoing surgery the day before, Cheryl nearly passed away, and the hospital staff wheeled in the crash cart. Once again, we called upon many faithful in the prayer ministries of the church, and we sought the Lord. Praise the Lord, Cheryl was revived, and is now doing wonderful! I just received word on Thursday afternoon that the doctors believe that the cancer was contained, and all removed. Cheryl should be absolutely fine! Our God answers prayer! Many of you reading this newsletter prayed for Cheryl. You need to know that God heard you, and answered your prayers! Be encouraged, and let faith rise up in your soul!
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! Why not invite a friend to come with you for this great night of praise and worship! Listen to HeartSong by clicking here.
Sunday-Wednesday, May 12th - 15th - 4 days and 5 Life-Changing Meetings for everyone in the family! HomeFire is a mom and dad, their two daughters and sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. Three generations on one platform! When it comes to family living, they know how to get up close and personal. 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. Conference schedule: Sunday morning - Family Musical Drama Sunday evening - Practical Insights Into Family Living Monday and Tuesday - Mini Concert (30 minutes), Workshops For Everyone (1 hour) - Marriage and Parenting, Singles, Youth, and Nursery. Wednesday evening - Family Musical Drama Click here to visit the HomeFire web site for information on their dynamic ministry!
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! To read more about Brother Davis and his ministry, Cutting Edge International, click here. An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38!" (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.) The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done. As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you. " "Scripture?" replied the burglar. "I thought she said she had an ax and two 38's!" Be ye fishers of men - you catch 'em & He'll clean 'em! God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Our God is such an awesome God! Have you experienced His awesome power lately? I encourage you to be here with us this Lord's Day at WILMINGTON first assembly of God and expect to see the wonder working power of our wonderful God! See you then! Come expecting a blessing!
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