Why do so many white people want to continue to say "nope, not me” without even a hesitation or thought to examine the man or woman inside? In like manner, why be so defensive when racism or supremacy is brought up?! Specifically, I ask these rhetorical questions of the white church. We cannot hope to fully embrace being in step with the gospel and distance ourselves from the plight of others. As followers of Jesus Christ, I remind us all that Jesus, the one we follow, is He who fought a battle that was NOT innately His. He died for sins that were NOT His!

 

The Bible makes it very clear that as the people of God we are directed continually to provide for, feed, assist, and preach the gospel to the poor. "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:17-18). Our love for God and our love for others are paramount to our faith and walk in Christ. He additionally puts an even greater importance on the fatherless, the widow, those who do not have a defender, and the poor. When Jesus saw the needy, they were met with great compassion and sacrificial service. The proclamation of the gospel is always hand-in-hand with the demonstration of the Father’s love.

Verses 22-34 of John chapter 3 gives us incredible insight into a man, John the Baptizer, greatly gifted and called, who must come face to face with a decision. That decision is “what is my role?” Through beautiful imagery of a wedding we see God’s purpose for his children through Christ Jesus. The Bride belongs to the Bridegroom. John chooses to be the shoshabin; the friend who attends the Bridegroom. The friend waits and listens for Him, full of joy when he hears His voice. We will look at the task of the shoshabin and as greatly gifted and called members of the Bride we too are face to face with a decision. What is my role?

In this message we will talk about the ministry of Deliverance from a practical stand point.  There will be an interview with a Deliverance Pastor as well as testimonies from believers who have experienced freedom from demonic influence by walking through deliverance.

Elijah was commissioned by the Lord to relate a word from the Lord during the showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. With the people of Israel assembled he said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” The people said nothing. Elijah sets up the ultimate test to see which “god” answers with fire. The altar for Baal was ready for the sacrifice; ready to go! The altar for the Lord was dilapidated and in ruins. Before the Lord could answer with fire, the altar had to be repaired. What about our altar; the way, the time, and the places we worship God with our life and our service? Is it in disrepair? We need to fix our altar before God will answer with fire!