Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Freedom" in this Sunday celebration with "Freedom Worth Protecting".
Freedom PT5
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 29, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Freedom Worth Protecting
Psalm 116:16 “O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains.”
Romans 8:2 “And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
We were created for freedom. Our freedom in Christ is a target of satan. Tomorrow we celebrate Memorial Day—we honor those who have given their lives for our freedom in this country. Just as that freedom must be guarded and protected, the freedom Christ died to give us must also be protected. The Word of God gives us some keys to staying free now that Christ has set us free. (Galatians 5:1 “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free…”)
Keys to staying free:
Revelation 12:11 (God’s Word Translation) “They won the victory over him (satan) because of the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life so much that they refused to give it up.”
* The Blood of the Lamb--Settle the Lordship issue. Isaiah 44:22 “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”
* The Word of their testimony: (the Word in their testimony (Worral Translation)) John 8:32 “you will know the truth and the truth will make you free”
* Didn’t love their life: Romans 6:22 “But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.”
- Fasting—living a fasted lifestyle—making sure your habits are healthy and nothing controls you but God—
- Giving—living generously—a lifestyle whose source is God not self. Larry Burkett giving away over 2 million before starting his ministry
- Prayer—living dependent—from saying grace to praying over business deals—reminding yourself you need God involved in every aspect of your life
It is important to note that, like the old hymn says, The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power. The breakdown in the loss of freedom, in being overcome by our enemy satan, is never in the Blood of the Lamb—it is in our testimony and how we love our lives.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
05/25/11 - Wednesday Night - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches in this Wednesday evening service.
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sunday, May 22, 2011
05/22/11 - Freedom Series PT4 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Freedom" in this Sunday celebration with "Staying Free".
Freedom PT4
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 22, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Galatians 2:4
Even that question came up only because of some so-called Christians there—false ones, (false brothers) really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. False ‘brothers’—people who claim a relation or kinship to you. Just as you have a divine flow, there is a demonic flow—those who share a delight in darkness with you. “We go way back. Old buddies, friends forever.” Reminders of the old way—in this case it is dead religion. Could be our old world ways before Jesus.
Luke 8:26-39
26 So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. 27 As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town. 28 As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power. 30 Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 31 The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit. 32 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs. So Jesus gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. 35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 36 Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37 And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them. So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. 38 The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, 39 “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.
There are 2 men in Matthew’s account of this story. Mark and Luke both tell the story about 1 man. Why? Mark and Luke don’t exclude the other man, they just focus on 1. The one who does the most talking, has the most demons, and ends up making the biggest difference with his newfound freedom.
Why the pigs? What’s the significance?
* Demons didn’t want to go to hell. They thought it was judgement day since the Messiah was there.
* Demons need something living to inhabit.
* Demons are assigned to an area. (familiar spirits)
* Pigs were smart enough to know they didn’t want a life controlled by devils.
* A pagan, Gentile culture (pork) that celebrated ungodliness and the occult/superstition. These practices centered around fertility and fruitfulness. Practices that were supposed to influence their crops and herds, making them more productive—economic influence. The destruction of the pigs, several thousand, represented a severe blow to the economy. Jesus’ point: dancing with the devil does not produce fruitfulness, in fact it will destroy it.
How did he end up this way?
* Living among the dead—an outcast and feared among the living. The Church must be a place that welcomes anyone—a place where this man could find help. The Church must also be a place that challenges any lifestyle that is less than God’s best. The difference in accept and approve.
* Probably once surrounded by ‘false brothers’ cheering him on. (like the group cheering on shots at a bar). He probably was once considered a ‘fun guy’ to be around, the life of the party. Then he went too far,
* Once surrounded by voices cheering him on from his ‘band of brothers’, now surrounded by the voices of darkness—voices that hate him and just want to use him
* He has become a sideshow
* Begging for help but help is not to be found
* Still drawn to righteousness—
- Did Jesus come across the lake for this purpose? Was the storm an attempt to turn Him back?
* Finds real freedom and never wants to lose it.
* Jesus doesn’t want him to lose it either. So He tells him how to keep it. Go back to your family, you town, your region, and tell everybody what God has done for you.
- Stay free by shouting it from the rooftops
- Stay free by leading those you love
- Stay free by being a man as defined by God and not by those around you or the culture
* He didn’t just change his city—he changed an entire region! (Mark 5:20—he went throughout the 10 city region (Decapolis) sharing his story. He changed this region’s attitude toward Jesus—note Mark 7:31-37—Jesus returns to this area, heals a deaf mute man and the region begins to celebrate His ministry. Later Paul goes to Damascus, find believers there and starts churches. One man, being God’s man, changed the atmosphere of an entire region. Salvation is a 2 step dance: God saves me because He loves me. God saves me to make His name famous.
Jesus’ 4 keys to staying free:
* Fasting—living a fasted lifestyle—making sure your habits are healthy and nothing controls you but God
* Giving—living generously—a lifestyle dependent on God. Larry Burkett and giving away over 2 million before starting his ministry
* Prayer—living dependent—from saying grace to praying over business deals—reminding yourself you need God involved in every aspect of your life
* Shout it from the rooftops
Freedom PT4
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 22, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Galatians 2:4
Even that question came up only because of some so-called Christians there—false ones, (false brothers) really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. False ‘brothers’—people who claim a relation or kinship to you. Just as you have a divine flow, there is a demonic flow—those who share a delight in darkness with you. “We go way back. Old buddies, friends forever.” Reminders of the old way—in this case it is dead religion. Could be our old world ways before Jesus.
Luke 8:26-39
26 So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. 27 As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town. 28 As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power. 30 Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 31 The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit. 32 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs. So Jesus gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. 35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 36 Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37 And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them. So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. 38 The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, 39 “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.
There are 2 men in Matthew’s account of this story. Mark and Luke both tell the story about 1 man. Why? Mark and Luke don’t exclude the other man, they just focus on 1. The one who does the most talking, has the most demons, and ends up making the biggest difference with his newfound freedom.
Why the pigs? What’s the significance?
* Demons didn’t want to go to hell. They thought it was judgement day since the Messiah was there.
* Demons need something living to inhabit.
* Demons are assigned to an area. (familiar spirits)
* Pigs were smart enough to know they didn’t want a life controlled by devils.
* A pagan, Gentile culture (pork) that celebrated ungodliness and the occult/superstition. These practices centered around fertility and fruitfulness. Practices that were supposed to influence their crops and herds, making them more productive—economic influence. The destruction of the pigs, several thousand, represented a severe blow to the economy. Jesus’ point: dancing with the devil does not produce fruitfulness, in fact it will destroy it.
How did he end up this way?
* Living among the dead—an outcast and feared among the living. The Church must be a place that welcomes anyone—a place where this man could find help. The Church must also be a place that challenges any lifestyle that is less than God’s best. The difference in accept and approve.
* Probably once surrounded by ‘false brothers’ cheering him on. (like the group cheering on shots at a bar). He probably was once considered a ‘fun guy’ to be around, the life of the party. Then he went too far,
* Once surrounded by voices cheering him on from his ‘band of brothers’, now surrounded by the voices of darkness—voices that hate him and just want to use him
* He has become a sideshow
* Begging for help but help is not to be found
* Still drawn to righteousness—
- Did Jesus come across the lake for this purpose? Was the storm an attempt to turn Him back?
* Finds real freedom and never wants to lose it.
* Jesus doesn’t want him to lose it either. So He tells him how to keep it. Go back to your family, you town, your region, and tell everybody what God has done for you.
- Stay free by shouting it from the rooftops
- Stay free by leading those you love
- Stay free by being a man as defined by God and not by those around you or the culture
* He didn’t just change his city—he changed an entire region! (Mark 5:20—he went throughout the 10 city region (Decapolis) sharing his story. He changed this region’s attitude toward Jesus—note Mark 7:31-37—Jesus returns to this area, heals a deaf mute man and the region begins to celebrate His ministry. Later Paul goes to Damascus, find believers there and starts churches. One man, being God’s man, changed the atmosphere of an entire region. Salvation is a 2 step dance: God saves me because He loves me. God saves me to make His name famous.
Jesus’ 4 keys to staying free:
* Fasting—living a fasted lifestyle—making sure your habits are healthy and nothing controls you but God
* Giving—living generously—a lifestyle dependent on God. Larry Burkett and giving away over 2 million before starting his ministry
* Prayer—living dependent—from saying grace to praying over business deals—reminding yourself you need God involved in every aspect of your life
* Shout it from the rooftops
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
05/18/11 - Super Servers - Mike Barker
Mike Barker teaches on living life as a "Super Server" in this Wednesday celebration.
Super Server
Mike Barker
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Super Server
Turn to Philippians chapter 1.
When I say Super Server, it might bring some Super Hero’s to your mind.
Who are some of your favorite Superhero’s?
Most of the Superhero’s had extraordinary powers that enabled them to do heroic acts.
The one that stands out to me is Superman. He came from another planet, the planet Krypton, and was raised by a couple from Kansas. He did what was right and just. He protected the innocent from evil and brought criminals to justice.
One thing that I never could quite understand is why he kept his identity secret. He lived by day as the mild mannered Clark Kent, and would quickly change into his Superman outfit in the local phone booth.
Superman is just a character in comic books. He was created for entertainment.
There is a real book that describes a man that did some super things. A man that was not of this world and he left his world for ours. The man knew that there was injustice to be dealt with. He knew that there were people who were being held captive and had to be protected from evil. He knew that the only way that he could save their lives was to give his. The one thing about that man is nothing could defeat him. Not even Death, Hell and the Grave!
That man, a real Super Man, was Jesus Christ
The Awesome thing about Jesus is that he equips us and allows us to be super like him, because we are not from this world either. Once we receive Jesus into our heart and make him our lord, we become super servers for Jesus, and heaven is our destination.
Jesus knew that we need some help while we are here on this earth, because our flesh is weak. So Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us and to give us the strength to conquer the things of this world.
Jesus is a Super Man. Unlike Superman, Jesus doesn’t have an alter ego. Jesus was himself where ever he went. He wants us to be the same way. He wants us to be ourselves everywhere we go. We should let the light of Jesus shine to everyone we come in contact with. He lives inside of us. We are his representatives. He makes us super.
On the outside, the character Superman seemed to be invincible. Nothing could hurt him, except Kryptonite. The kryptonite would drain Superman of his energy and he couldn’t continue to fight when he was around it. But when the Kryptonite was put in a special box, that shielded its power and he regained his strength.
Since our flesh is from this world, we have weaknesses. Just like Superman, we have our own types of kryptonite. We have situations and circumstances that can make us weak and keep us from being everything that God intended for us to be.
What is your Kryptonite? Is it:
- Fear
- Shame
- Guilt
- Addictions
- Rejection
These are some things that keep us from being the best that we can be for Jesus.
They can try to keep us from serving where we are in life. Jesus doesn’t expect you to have your life in perfect order to serve him. If we had to, nobody here would ever be able to serve. Jesus wants us to depend on him for strength and to look to him for guidance through the Holy Spirit.
Don’t be afraid to serve him because we haven’t finished our journey to being like Jesus. That journey never ends while we are still on this earth.
Serve him where you are, no matter what the circumstances or situation. Let Jesus shine through you.
There is a man in the New Testament that knew about serving Jesus in the place where you are at. He was a super server. Because of his diligent serving nations were changed through Jesus.
That man was Paul. Paul was a strong man because he found his strength through Jesus. He had a Mack truck experience with God that changed his life. You know when you get hit by a Mack truck you will never be the same.
In Philippians, Paul is in Rome while under house arrest, writing to the church in Philippi.
Philippians 1:12-14 (NLT) 12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
Paul faced dark circumstances as a prisoner in Rome. The dark circumstances stared Paul right in the face. No circumstances could ever be any more severe, no matter what they were.
Paul was waiting to appear before the Supreme Court of Rome. He was facing a trial
before Nero, who was the Roman Emperor, and Paul was innocent. He had done nothing to cause his arrest and imprisonment, but there he was.
Paul had to wait for the arrival of his Jewish prosecutors, with their trumped-up and malicious charges.
He was imprisoned for over two years, and with all prisoners, the days wore on ever so slowly, hour by hour and day after day.
Can you imagine the pressures that hung over a Paul's head, while awaiting trial? It was a trial that would determine whether he lived or died. That is what hung over Paul's head.
Paul didn’t let that slow him down! He was a super server!
Paul didn’t:
- grumble and complain
- question God and wonder why
- whine and murmur
- fall to pieces
- curse God nor give up his faith
Just imagine! Paul was bound to a Roman guard every day and night for over two years. What do you suppose Paul talked about with the guards?
Paul spread the gospel through the Praetorian Guard, the elite of the Roman army.
These soldiers were the Imperial Guard of Rome, men who had been hand-picked
to protect the emperor and to carry out the major armed functions of the state.
There were sixteen thousand of them, most of whom were stationed in Rome at
any given time. It was these soldiers who guarded and were chained to the wrist of Paul day and night for two years, young men who were the elite of Roman youth . How many Paul led to the Lord is unknown.
Note: Paul shared the message of Jesus so much that the gospel spread throughout:
- The whole Praetorian Guard.
- The palace of the emperor.
- And other places.
Because of Paul’s stand for Jesus and the gospel he preached, he became the conversation throughout Rome. He was the conversation among all the social circles including the upper strata, the very palace of the emperor himself.
The lesson for us is this: we must never let circumstances get us down. Never let them defeat our testimony and witness for Jesus.
Paul used his situation to spread the gospel. Paul did not see himself as a prisoner of Rome, or Nero. He saw himself as a Super Server for Jesus Christ.
He did not see himself as a victim; he saw himself as a conqueror for Jesus Christ.
That is how we need to be church! We are more than conquerors with Jesus.
But how do we do that?
Don’t let a situation define you, you define the situation.
Remember that you are a chosen child of the King! You are his masterpiece!
Philippians 1:27-28 (NLT) 27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
When the Situations and circumstances (Kryptonite) of life come to you. Remember, we may get knocked down but we’re not knocked out. We have the power to stand back up and defeat them through the power of Jesus.
If you find yourself being knocked down by the things of this world. Remember that Jesus clothes us in a crimson cape, his crimson cape. It is crimson because of the blood that he shed for us on Calvary. And because of what he did, we are Super servers!
His blood is so powerful that it still defeats death, hell and the grave.
Jesus gives us the tools to stay strong like:
- S.O.A.P
- Prayer
- Godly connections (Iron sharpens Iron)
Are we super servers?....... Yes we are!
Super Server
Mike Barker
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Super Server
Turn to Philippians chapter 1.
When I say Super Server, it might bring some Super Hero’s to your mind.
Who are some of your favorite Superhero’s?
Most of the Superhero’s had extraordinary powers that enabled them to do heroic acts.
The one that stands out to me is Superman. He came from another planet, the planet Krypton, and was raised by a couple from Kansas. He did what was right and just. He protected the innocent from evil and brought criminals to justice.
One thing that I never could quite understand is why he kept his identity secret. He lived by day as the mild mannered Clark Kent, and would quickly change into his Superman outfit in the local phone booth.
Superman is just a character in comic books. He was created for entertainment.
There is a real book that describes a man that did some super things. A man that was not of this world and he left his world for ours. The man knew that there was injustice to be dealt with. He knew that there were people who were being held captive and had to be protected from evil. He knew that the only way that he could save their lives was to give his. The one thing about that man is nothing could defeat him. Not even Death, Hell and the Grave!
That man, a real Super Man, was Jesus Christ
The Awesome thing about Jesus is that he equips us and allows us to be super like him, because we are not from this world either. Once we receive Jesus into our heart and make him our lord, we become super servers for Jesus, and heaven is our destination.
Jesus knew that we need some help while we are here on this earth, because our flesh is weak. So Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us and to give us the strength to conquer the things of this world.
Jesus is a Super Man. Unlike Superman, Jesus doesn’t have an alter ego. Jesus was himself where ever he went. He wants us to be the same way. He wants us to be ourselves everywhere we go. We should let the light of Jesus shine to everyone we come in contact with. He lives inside of us. We are his representatives. He makes us super.
On the outside, the character Superman seemed to be invincible. Nothing could hurt him, except Kryptonite. The kryptonite would drain Superman of his energy and he couldn’t continue to fight when he was around it. But when the Kryptonite was put in a special box, that shielded its power and he regained his strength.
Since our flesh is from this world, we have weaknesses. Just like Superman, we have our own types of kryptonite. We have situations and circumstances that can make us weak and keep us from being everything that God intended for us to be.
What is your Kryptonite? Is it:
- Fear
- Shame
- Guilt
- Addictions
- Rejection
These are some things that keep us from being the best that we can be for Jesus.
They can try to keep us from serving where we are in life. Jesus doesn’t expect you to have your life in perfect order to serve him. If we had to, nobody here would ever be able to serve. Jesus wants us to depend on him for strength and to look to him for guidance through the Holy Spirit.
Don’t be afraid to serve him because we haven’t finished our journey to being like Jesus. That journey never ends while we are still on this earth.
Serve him where you are, no matter what the circumstances or situation. Let Jesus shine through you.
There is a man in the New Testament that knew about serving Jesus in the place where you are at. He was a super server. Because of his diligent serving nations were changed through Jesus.
That man was Paul. Paul was a strong man because he found his strength through Jesus. He had a Mack truck experience with God that changed his life. You know when you get hit by a Mack truck you will never be the same.
In Philippians, Paul is in Rome while under house arrest, writing to the church in Philippi.
Philippians 1:12-14 (NLT) 12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
Paul faced dark circumstances as a prisoner in Rome. The dark circumstances stared Paul right in the face. No circumstances could ever be any more severe, no matter what they were.
Paul was waiting to appear before the Supreme Court of Rome. He was facing a trial
before Nero, who was the Roman Emperor, and Paul was innocent. He had done nothing to cause his arrest and imprisonment, but there he was.
Paul had to wait for the arrival of his Jewish prosecutors, with their trumped-up and malicious charges.
He was imprisoned for over two years, and with all prisoners, the days wore on ever so slowly, hour by hour and day after day.
Can you imagine the pressures that hung over a Paul's head, while awaiting trial? It was a trial that would determine whether he lived or died. That is what hung over Paul's head.
Paul didn’t let that slow him down! He was a super server!
Paul didn’t:
- grumble and complain
- question God and wonder why
- whine and murmur
- fall to pieces
- curse God nor give up his faith
Just imagine! Paul was bound to a Roman guard every day and night for over two years. What do you suppose Paul talked about with the guards?
Paul spread the gospel through the Praetorian Guard, the elite of the Roman army.
These soldiers were the Imperial Guard of Rome, men who had been hand-picked
to protect the emperor and to carry out the major armed functions of the state.
There were sixteen thousand of them, most of whom were stationed in Rome at
any given time. It was these soldiers who guarded and were chained to the wrist of Paul day and night for two years, young men who were the elite of Roman youth . How many Paul led to the Lord is unknown.
Note: Paul shared the message of Jesus so much that the gospel spread throughout:
- The whole Praetorian Guard.
- The palace of the emperor.
- And other places.
Because of Paul’s stand for Jesus and the gospel he preached, he became the conversation throughout Rome. He was the conversation among all the social circles including the upper strata, the very palace of the emperor himself.
The lesson for us is this: we must never let circumstances get us down. Never let them defeat our testimony and witness for Jesus.
Paul used his situation to spread the gospel. Paul did not see himself as a prisoner of Rome, or Nero. He saw himself as a Super Server for Jesus Christ.
He did not see himself as a victim; he saw himself as a conqueror for Jesus Christ.
That is how we need to be church! We are more than conquerors with Jesus.
But how do we do that?
Don’t let a situation define you, you define the situation.
Remember that you are a chosen child of the King! You are his masterpiece!
Philippians 1:27-28 (NLT) 27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
When the Situations and circumstances (Kryptonite) of life come to you. Remember, we may get knocked down but we’re not knocked out. We have the power to stand back up and defeat them through the power of Jesus.
If you find yourself being knocked down by the things of this world. Remember that Jesus clothes us in a crimson cape, his crimson cape. It is crimson because of the blood that he shed for us on Calvary. And because of what he did, we are Super servers!
His blood is so powerful that it still defeats death, hell and the grave.
Jesus gives us the tools to stay strong like:
- S.O.A.P
- Prayer
- Godly connections (Iron sharpens Iron)
Are we super servers?....... Yes we are!
Monday, May 16, 2011
05/15/11 - Freedom Series PT3 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Freedom" in this Sunday celebration with "Dancing with the Star".
Freedom PT3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 15, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (AMP: He will rejoice [dance] over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them])
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
Dancing with the Star
There are several instructors who want to teach us to dance—our culture, our enemy, our past. Make sure you are dancing with the Holy Spirit. He is the only one whose dance sets you free. He is the only one whose instructions are always for your good. The other instructors may make you feel free sometimes, but they do not have the power to sustain that freedom. In fact, at the end of the day you will find their dance was a trap not freedom.
A Tale of 2 Dances:
John 14:3-11 Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.”
- Sin seeks ways to “salve” or treat the sin—numb the pain, dull our conscience. The result is more sin, the things we do to fill the void actually increase the pain, leading to a life filled with regret. I’m sorry I danced at all.
- Notice none of the companions in this dance, the friends and guests surrounding them, stopped the dance. They just stood by and watched destruction unfold, then went home and either talked about how horrible it was or laughed about what fools Herod, Herodias and his daughter made of themselves.
2 Samuel 6: 14-23 “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him…Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes. When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
- Dancing to celebrate the Lord is filled with innocence. Those around were blessed, even physical blessings (when David fed the entire nation), by the dance. Everyone left this party rejoicing. The joy remained since it was the presence of the Lord they were celebrating. No need to manufacture another reason to celebrate (It’s the weekend. It’s Cinco de Mayo. It’s St. Patrick’s Day. Bin Laden is dead.) The reason for celebration—the goodness and presence of God—lives among them fulltime.
- The freedom dance doesn’t really care what people think about it. The dance is for an audience of One. I’ll become even more undignified than this—I will worship, I will talk about the goodness of the Lord, I will appear foolish in your sight, I will go overboard for Jesus no matter how ‘uncool’ anybody thinks it is.
- Just a few days before David was overcome with grief and guilt—because of His mistake someone had died and it seemed the presence of God would never fill his city. Isn’t it too early for him to be dancing? Shouldn’t he be grieving longer? Or could it be that grieving in the presence and power of God looks different. Could it be that guilt and regret are really healed in God’s presence? Is there really freedom found simply by living in the presence of a Holy God?
- Notice the result of despising (making small) the dance of freedom—a barren life
So What?
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is Lord there is freedom.”
- Settle the “Lordship Issue”—Who is directing your dance? (culture, career, control, comparison, competition)
- Admit the need to be free—What is present in your life that you could not do without for one week?
- Embrace the Holy Spirit and His work in you (story of the little girl’s impromptu dance)
- Practice trusting God—Jesus taught His disciples to pray for “today’s bread”—depending on God instead of self. He called worry “the way of the Gentiles” (NLT—“dominates the thoughts of unbelievers) (Matthew 6:32)—those with no understanding of a relationship with God.
Freedom PT3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 15, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (AMP: He will rejoice [dance] over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them])
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
Dancing with the Star
There are several instructors who want to teach us to dance—our culture, our enemy, our past. Make sure you are dancing with the Holy Spirit. He is the only one whose dance sets you free. He is the only one whose instructions are always for your good. The other instructors may make you feel free sometimes, but they do not have the power to sustain that freedom. In fact, at the end of the day you will find their dance was a trap not freedom.
A Tale of 2 Dances:
John 14:3-11 Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.”
- Sin seeks ways to “salve” or treat the sin—numb the pain, dull our conscience. The result is more sin, the things we do to fill the void actually increase the pain, leading to a life filled with regret. I’m sorry I danced at all.
- Notice none of the companions in this dance, the friends and guests surrounding them, stopped the dance. They just stood by and watched destruction unfold, then went home and either talked about how horrible it was or laughed about what fools Herod, Herodias and his daughter made of themselves.
2 Samuel 6: 14-23 “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him…Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes. When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
- Dancing to celebrate the Lord is filled with innocence. Those around were blessed, even physical blessings (when David fed the entire nation), by the dance. Everyone left this party rejoicing. The joy remained since it was the presence of the Lord they were celebrating. No need to manufacture another reason to celebrate (It’s the weekend. It’s Cinco de Mayo. It’s St. Patrick’s Day. Bin Laden is dead.) The reason for celebration—the goodness and presence of God—lives among them fulltime.
- The freedom dance doesn’t really care what people think about it. The dance is for an audience of One. I’ll become even more undignified than this—I will worship, I will talk about the goodness of the Lord, I will appear foolish in your sight, I will go overboard for Jesus no matter how ‘uncool’ anybody thinks it is.
- Just a few days before David was overcome with grief and guilt—because of His mistake someone had died and it seemed the presence of God would never fill his city. Isn’t it too early for him to be dancing? Shouldn’t he be grieving longer? Or could it be that grieving in the presence and power of God looks different. Could it be that guilt and regret are really healed in God’s presence? Is there really freedom found simply by living in the presence of a Holy God?
- Notice the result of despising (making small) the dance of freedom—a barren life
So What?
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is Lord there is freedom.”
- Settle the “Lordship Issue”—Who is directing your dance? (culture, career, control, comparison, competition)
- Admit the need to be free—What is present in your life that you could not do without for one week?
- Embrace the Holy Spirit and His work in you (story of the little girl’s impromptu dance)
- Practice trusting God—Jesus taught His disciples to pray for “today’s bread”—depending on God instead of self. He called worry “the way of the Gentiles” (NLT—“dominates the thoughts of unbelievers) (Matthew 6:32)—those with no understanding of a relationship with God.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
05/11/11 - Wednesday Night - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches in this Wednesday evening service.
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
05/08/11 - Freedom Series PT2 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Freedom" in this Sunday service.
Freedom PT2
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 8, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Freedom PT2
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 8, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
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