Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches on "Buried Treasure" in this Sunday service.
Buried Treasure
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 30, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Buried Treasure
Matt 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Matthew 25:14- 14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. 1‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘2Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 3To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”
Many of us, maybe most of us, have areas of our soul—our innermost being—which we have buried. Like the 3rd servant in the parable, we have buried our treasure. Instead of guarding our heart, we have buried it. By doing so we have set ourselves up to experience “Less than” life instead of the “Rich and Satisfying Life.” Listen to Solomon in Proverbs 4:3 “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Above all else are strong words. Are you guarding your heart or have you buried parts of your soul? Do you have buried treasure?
(video of dog and bone)
Buried Treasure--If we cannot connect to our innermost being--our heart and soul--because of the various reasons life has given us to block it off, then how will we ever love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? Each of us has areas that we may not even recognize have become numb or dead. We have areas we are not willing to address with ourselves, much less with anyone else. Those areas are stopping us from being able to fully accomplish the 1st thing Jesus said must happen for us to have Rich and Satisfying life--love God with your whole being.
1. Like the servant who buried his treasure, we must dig up those things so we can be fruitful and enjoy even more of what God has for us. “Let’s celebrate together”. Note Luke 10:26-28 “…Do this and you will live!”
2. The result of “buried treasure”: evil thoughts toward the master
3. If we keep it buried, it is not inactive. Just because it is hidden doesn't mean it is dormant. Jesus said it will eat away at what we do have until it is gone.
Signs of Buried Treasure—a locked soul:
• Numbness in areas where there should be feeling
• Exaggerated response to circumstances (investing $1 emotion in a nickel event)
• Inappropriate fantasies
• Inability to dream big dreams
• Irrational fears
• Control freak
• Inability to commit, limited ability to trust
Unlocking the soul:
The story of Abraham in the book of Genesis is the story of a man with buried treasure and how God teaches him to unlock his soul, to live freely.
• God identifies himself to Abraham as El Shaddai—the breasted one. Abraham never talks about his mother. He know nothing about her. But God first identifies himself by name as the one who will be a mother to him.
• Abraham’s father has died. God reveals himself as the Heavenly Father.
• Abraham lives in fear of being killed for his stuff, including his wife—God continually intervenes and teaches Abraham the “1st things 1st” principle with Melchisidek.
• Abraham fears dying without an heir. God’s promise to him is not only an heir, but the father of many nations.
The result of Abraham digging up his treasure—of opening his innermost being to God—is displayed when he takes Isaac to the top of a mountain to sacrifice him. He has learned to trust God. His language is no longer a language of fear but of confidence. “We will return.” He knows that his greatest treasure in his eyes—a son, an heir, Isaac—was given to him by God and God will raise Isaac from the dead if need be. He trusts God. He is able to believe. Real freedom. Real life.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
01/26/11 - Core Fitness PT3 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Core Fitness" in this Wednesday evening service.
Core Fitness PT3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Core Fitness PT3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sunday, January 23, 2011
01/23/11 - Pickled - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches on being "Pickled" in this Sunday service.
Pickled
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 23, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”
Mark 16:16 “Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” (Note: condemnation is not tied to baptism but to belief)
1. Baptism: 2 verbs: bapto and baptisma—Bapto is a temporary dipping into boiling water to cleanse (our symbolic immersion) and Baptisma produces permanent change (the Greek word describes the process of being pickled—removal from the surrounding air and immersion into a vinegar solution that produces permanent change)
2. The cucumber and the pickle. Started off the same, but a change has happened. The pickle looks different, smells different, tastes different. The cucumber, pulled from the vine is rotting, while the pickle, in the solution, is preserved. The DNA has changed.
3. Our belief in Christ permeates us. We are new creations. Stay immersed. Don’t stay out of the solution for too long.
4. Baptism, being pickled, identifies me with Christ, his death and resurrection—the victory over satan. Satan has no power over the pickle!
5. Baptized out of something and baptized into something.
6. Baptism is a pledge.
7. Baptism, being pickled, changes us and will change those around us.
Nicander (a Greek poet and physician, who lived about 200 B.C.) says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptized' (baptisma) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. 'He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!
Romans 6:4 “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
Colossians 2:12 “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”
Such is what has happened here….those who are in Christ, are fully in Him. They have been cut off from the influencing power of satan. So much so, that we are fully united with Him in His death, and what it accomplished. What did the death of Christ accomplish? It crushed the head of Satan. The death of the Son of God thwarted Satan’s rule over God’s people. It is exactly contextually complete with what has been said already. In Adam, we died. Satan wielded the power that God gave him, and used it to inflict a mortal wound. But God made a promise, directly concerning this…that the seed of the woman would come. Perfect, sinless Man; infinite, holy God in human flesh would live and die and be raised again conquering death. That the death of Christ, being just a bruise on His heel, would crush the head of Satan. Satan, who tempted and drew mankind into sin, who rules and reigns as the god of this world, has been dealt a fatal blow to the head, in that he cannot rule and reign over those who are in Christ. His throne has been debunked.
1 Corinthians 12:13 “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.”
- Baptism out of something—Jews, Gentiles, slave, free: our old ways of identifying ourselves that focused on differences and separation—Baptism into something—the Church where we focus on what brings us together (we all share the same Spirit)
1 Peter 3:21 HCSB “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
- Baptism is a pledge to God--commitment to a life of repentance and faithfulness. Max Lucado says baptism moves us from tire kickers to owners. “Would you want to marry someone who wanted to keep the marriage a secret?”
1 Timothy 4:14-16 (The Message) "Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity...Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation."
The life baptism symbolizes (this temporary dipping) is a life where a permanent change has happened and is permeating every part of our being: the way we talk, our attitudes, our ability to love. Pickled folks begin to exhibit childlike faith. When we are pickled our actions begin to line up with our belief. We are changed inside out and it is noticeable. Everybody knows we are different. Just stay in the solution (permanent change), stay immersed in His presence and the change in you will cause a change in others. Some of the old cucumber patch will join you in the pickle jar.
Pickled
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 23, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”
Mark 16:16 “Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” (Note: condemnation is not tied to baptism but to belief)
1. Baptism: 2 verbs: bapto and baptisma—Bapto is a temporary dipping into boiling water to cleanse (our symbolic immersion) and Baptisma produces permanent change (the Greek word describes the process of being pickled—removal from the surrounding air and immersion into a vinegar solution that produces permanent change)
2. The cucumber and the pickle. Started off the same, but a change has happened. The pickle looks different, smells different, tastes different. The cucumber, pulled from the vine is rotting, while the pickle, in the solution, is preserved. The DNA has changed.
3. Our belief in Christ permeates us. We are new creations. Stay immersed. Don’t stay out of the solution for too long.
4. Baptism, being pickled, identifies me with Christ, his death and resurrection—the victory over satan. Satan has no power over the pickle!
5. Baptized out of something and baptized into something.
6. Baptism is a pledge.
7. Baptism, being pickled, changes us and will change those around us.
Nicander (a Greek poet and physician, who lived about 200 B.C.) says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptized' (baptisma) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. 'He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!
Romans 6:4 “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
Colossians 2:12 “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”
Such is what has happened here….those who are in Christ, are fully in Him. They have been cut off from the influencing power of satan. So much so, that we are fully united with Him in His death, and what it accomplished. What did the death of Christ accomplish? It crushed the head of Satan. The death of the Son of God thwarted Satan’s rule over God’s people. It is exactly contextually complete with what has been said already. In Adam, we died. Satan wielded the power that God gave him, and used it to inflict a mortal wound. But God made a promise, directly concerning this…that the seed of the woman would come. Perfect, sinless Man; infinite, holy God in human flesh would live and die and be raised again conquering death. That the death of Christ, being just a bruise on His heel, would crush the head of Satan. Satan, who tempted and drew mankind into sin, who rules and reigns as the god of this world, has been dealt a fatal blow to the head, in that he cannot rule and reign over those who are in Christ. His throne has been debunked.
1 Corinthians 12:13 “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.”
- Baptism out of something—Jews, Gentiles, slave, free: our old ways of identifying ourselves that focused on differences and separation—Baptism into something—the Church where we focus on what brings us together (we all share the same Spirit)
1 Peter 3:21 HCSB “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
- Baptism is a pledge to God--commitment to a life of repentance and faithfulness. Max Lucado says baptism moves us from tire kickers to owners. “Would you want to marry someone who wanted to keep the marriage a secret?”
1 Timothy 4:14-16 (The Message) "Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity...Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation."
The life baptism symbolizes (this temporary dipping) is a life where a permanent change has happened and is permeating every part of our being: the way we talk, our attitudes, our ability to love. Pickled folks begin to exhibit childlike faith. When we are pickled our actions begin to line up with our belief. We are changed inside out and it is noticeable. Everybody knows we are different. Just stay in the solution (permanent change), stay immersed in His presence and the change in you will cause a change in others. Some of the old cucumber patch will join you in the pickle jar.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
01/19/11 - Core Fitness - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Core Fitness" in this Wednesday evening service.
Core Fitness
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Core Fitness
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sunday, January 16, 2011
01/16/11 - Parable of the Sower - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches on "The Parable of the Sower" in this Sunday service.
The Parable of the Sower
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 16, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Luke 8:8-15 “4 One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: 5 “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. 6 Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:
‘When they look, they won’t really see. When they hear, they won’t understand.’
11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. 12 1The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. 13 2The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. 14 3The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 15 4And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
Mark 4:11 & 13: “He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders…Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?”
Luke 8:15 & 18 “And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest…So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”
Jesus is teaching the secret (note secret not secrets) to the Kingdom in the parables. The key (like a map) is the parable of the sower. If you don’t get it, you will have misunderstanding concerning Kingdom things.
Big Idea: The seed is the Word. It is the answer for everything in our lives—represented by the 4 different types of ground (4 types of ground not only represent different type of hearers, they represent different areas in our lives. Each of us have these 4 types of ‘ground’ in us). Don’t settle for a great harvest only in the areas of your life where the Word works quickly. It will work in every area of your life, even that well-worn footpath of habits and wrong thinking that seems impenetrable. The Kingdom, and the Blessed Life, starts with the seed of God’s Word. Looking for answers in other places, shortcuts and temporary fixes, results in the erosion, and eventual destruction, of what the Word has accomplished in any other area of your life.
* The secrets of the Kingdom—this parable is the “key” parable.
* 2 types of ears: those that hear and those that don’t
* Those that have, get more. Those that don’t have, lose what they have. (Luke 19:24-26 The faithful servant produced fruit—took what he was given and produced more. The wicked servant just guarded what he had. Faith involves risk. Faithful doesn’t mean you protected what you had. It means you are fruitful.)
* The seed is the Word. Seed is the beginning of life. Seed must be put in the ground. Seed take patience. Seed must be protected. (Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting (seedtime) and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”)
1. Allow the devil, darkness, to steal the Word from your heart. Doubt and unbelief. What causes us to doubt? What fills us with “un-belief”? (the word means a belief that has been undone—like a button unbuttoned) Fear. Logic. Worldview. (Luke 1:78-79 “darkness and the shadow of death” Satan deals in shadows. 1 Peter 5:7-9 “as a roaring lion” an illusion. James 4:7 “submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Expose the darkness, the shadows, the illusions to light—the Word)
2. No roots. Shallow. Skin-deep. Not really a belief, more like a wish. I wish I could lose weight. I wish I could quit drinking. I wish I could be a better husband, father, etc. (Ephesians 3:17 “rooted and grounded in love”—focus should be on falling in love with Christ and the Word instead of “trying not to do the areas where temptation gets you)
3. Cares, Riches, Pleasures. Immaturity. A crowded, complicated life. No room for the Word. This is a Lordship issue. Settle that one and everything else will find its proper place.
4. Honest, good-hearted. Infers a lack of honesty with ourselves is a root cause for the other 3 conditions. Hear it (seek understanding), cling to it (endurance), patiently produce (oven vs microwave. Not trying it, doing it)
Practical application: let's say the Word is working in someone's relationship, strengthening it and causing it to be rich and satisfying. But that couple chooses to ignore the word in the area of their finances, due to hard times, increased financial pressure, or simply wrong thinking. Over time that area will begin to infect the healthy areas of their life and eventually finances will become an issue in their marriage, possibly the reason both would cite as the cause of their divorce. What they had (healthy, word-based relationship) was lost. On the other hand, a couple who are struggling in their relationship applies the Word to that area and begins to see improvement. They begin to treat each other the way the word tells them to and their marriage starts turning around. They have always struggled financially, but decide to go with the Word in that area too because of what they have seen it do in their relationship. Over time, their finances stabilize, they move from being consistently behind in payments, to on time, to out of debt. During that same time, spurred on by the effect of the Word in those areas, they make some changes in their parenting styles and work ethics. They slowly begin to see a more peaceful atmosphere at home and, over the next few years, gain recognition in the workplace as a quality employee, surviving cutbacks and even getting raises when there were not supposed to be any. The principle: "those that have, will be given more".
Real Testimonies:
- Denise Thompson Wham
When Karson was home on hospice dying of cancer, Kenny and I kept standing on by the stripes of Jesus Karson is healed and we would speak it over and over. Although, he didn’t looked heal I still believed every scripture that stated he was. It took patience and renewing our mind several times a day with the Word. We had to keep the Word in us to drown out the circumstances…
- Stacey Wright Bowden
I have two different perspectives. The first is how I stood and believed for my Dad to have a relationship with God. His whole life he has had major addictions to drugs and alcohol. Because of his sickness he wasn't there for me growing up...
The Parable of the Sower
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 16, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Luke 8:8-15 “4 One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: 5 “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. 6 Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:
‘When they look, they won’t really see. When they hear, they won’t understand.’
11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. 12 1The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. 13 2The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. 14 3The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 15 4And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
Mark 4:11 & 13: “He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders…Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?”
Luke 8:15 & 18 “And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest…So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”
Jesus is teaching the secret (note secret not secrets) to the Kingdom in the parables. The key (like a map) is the parable of the sower. If you don’t get it, you will have misunderstanding concerning Kingdom things.
Big Idea: The seed is the Word. It is the answer for everything in our lives—represented by the 4 different types of ground (4 types of ground not only represent different type of hearers, they represent different areas in our lives. Each of us have these 4 types of ‘ground’ in us). Don’t settle for a great harvest only in the areas of your life where the Word works quickly. It will work in every area of your life, even that well-worn footpath of habits and wrong thinking that seems impenetrable. The Kingdom, and the Blessed Life, starts with the seed of God’s Word. Looking for answers in other places, shortcuts and temporary fixes, results in the erosion, and eventual destruction, of what the Word has accomplished in any other area of your life.
* The secrets of the Kingdom—this parable is the “key” parable.
* 2 types of ears: those that hear and those that don’t
* Those that have, get more. Those that don’t have, lose what they have. (Luke 19:24-26 The faithful servant produced fruit—took what he was given and produced more. The wicked servant just guarded what he had. Faith involves risk. Faithful doesn’t mean you protected what you had. It means you are fruitful.)
* The seed is the Word. Seed is the beginning of life. Seed must be put in the ground. Seed take patience. Seed must be protected. (Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting (seedtime) and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”)
1. Allow the devil, darkness, to steal the Word from your heart. Doubt and unbelief. What causes us to doubt? What fills us with “un-belief”? (the word means a belief that has been undone—like a button unbuttoned) Fear. Logic. Worldview. (Luke 1:78-79 “darkness and the shadow of death” Satan deals in shadows. 1 Peter 5:7-9 “as a roaring lion” an illusion. James 4:7 “submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Expose the darkness, the shadows, the illusions to light—the Word)
2. No roots. Shallow. Skin-deep. Not really a belief, more like a wish. I wish I could lose weight. I wish I could quit drinking. I wish I could be a better husband, father, etc. (Ephesians 3:17 “rooted and grounded in love”—focus should be on falling in love with Christ and the Word instead of “trying not to do the areas where temptation gets you)
3. Cares, Riches, Pleasures. Immaturity. A crowded, complicated life. No room for the Word. This is a Lordship issue. Settle that one and everything else will find its proper place.
4. Honest, good-hearted. Infers a lack of honesty with ourselves is a root cause for the other 3 conditions. Hear it (seek understanding), cling to it (endurance), patiently produce (oven vs microwave. Not trying it, doing it)
Practical application: let's say the Word is working in someone's relationship, strengthening it and causing it to be rich and satisfying. But that couple chooses to ignore the word in the area of their finances, due to hard times, increased financial pressure, or simply wrong thinking. Over time that area will begin to infect the healthy areas of their life and eventually finances will become an issue in their marriage, possibly the reason both would cite as the cause of their divorce. What they had (healthy, word-based relationship) was lost. On the other hand, a couple who are struggling in their relationship applies the Word to that area and begins to see improvement. They begin to treat each other the way the word tells them to and their marriage starts turning around. They have always struggled financially, but decide to go with the Word in that area too because of what they have seen it do in their relationship. Over time, their finances stabilize, they move from being consistently behind in payments, to on time, to out of debt. During that same time, spurred on by the effect of the Word in those areas, they make some changes in their parenting styles and work ethics. They slowly begin to see a more peaceful atmosphere at home and, over the next few years, gain recognition in the workplace as a quality employee, surviving cutbacks and even getting raises when there were not supposed to be any. The principle: "those that have, will be given more".
Real Testimonies:
- Denise Thompson Wham
When Karson was home on hospice dying of cancer, Kenny and I kept standing on by the stripes of Jesus Karson is healed and we would speak it over and over. Although, he didn’t looked heal I still believed every scripture that stated he was. It took patience and renewing our mind several times a day with the Word. We had to keep the Word in us to drown out the circumstances…
- Stacey Wright Bowden
I have two different perspectives. The first is how I stood and believed for my Dad to have a relationship with God. His whole life he has had major addictions to drugs and alcohol. Because of his sickness he wasn't there for me growing up...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
01/09/11 - The Pursuit of Happiness - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches on "The Pursuit of Happiness" in this Sunday service.
The Pursuit of Happiness
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 9, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
What do you want out of life? I just want to be happy. Are you happy?
One study showed that, all over the world, when asked what they want most from life — and what they most want for their children – people answered that they want happiness.
We live in a country with “pursuit of happiness” as one of our founding principles.
- If we don’t watch out we will begin worshipping the false god of Happiness. Everything we do will be based on our happiness:
* I’m not going to church anymore because it doesn’t make me happy.
* I’m leaving my marriage because I’m not happy.
* I’m quitting my job because I’m just not happy there.
* I’m moving because I might be happier somewhere else.
* This is not making me happy so I will abandon it and try something else.
* I’m happy so everything must be OK.
* I know I’m single, but if I have sex with him that will make him happy. Then he will love me and that will make me happy.
* I am not happy with the way I feel. I will take this pill, smoke this joint, drink enough drinks and it will make me feel happier. (This one is not really a pursuit of happiness as much as it is fleeing from unhappiness. Interviews with Prozac patients revealed they weren’t happy as a result of their medications but they were grateful they didn’t feel like dying anymore.)
* "But it makes me happy.” If something makes me happy that must be what God wants me to do.
* I’m not happy with what I have so what I don’t have must be what will make me happy.
- Our whole life becomes focused on serving the god of happiness.
Alan Hirsch, in his book “Untamed”, says this:
“What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea they could “be like god”…be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of men trying to find something other than God which will make them happy.”
But doesn’t God want me happy? Doesn’t the rich and satisfying life in John 10:10 include happiness? If we believe God’s ultimate goal for me is my happiness, then our belief turns God into our servant. He exists to make us happy. Everything I do “for Him” is done with the belief that the result will be my happiness. I give so I can get blessed. I serve others to achieve a sense of well-being and self-satisfaction. I come to church to feel better about myself. If I do right, then God must make me happy. “I don’t understand why all this is happening to me. I go to church, I give, I pray, I help other people.” That’s a set up that ends in “I tried God’s way and it didn’t make me happy.”
God’s goal for us is not our happiness. He wants us blessed instead of happy.
(Romans 14:17 “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.) He wants us fulfilled. Happiness is based on circumstances. Blessed is a way of life, a worldview, a way of thinking. (Philippians 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”) Like the fish out of water, when we seek happiness outside of what we created for, we will find life frustrating. In fact, like the fish out of water, if we keep pursuing happiness in the wrong element we find death instead of life. Keep that fish out of water long enough while trying to make him happy and he will die.
We were created for fellowship with God. We will only find fulfillment, which includes happiness that is not based on circumstance, when we are living in that element. We were created with a God-given destiny. (Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.) In that element, we find the blessed life.
Throughout the Bible, when the attention was shifted from pursuing God and His destiny to pursuing happiness, the results are disastrous:
* David and Bathsheba
* Eve
* Samson
* Ahab and Jezebel
* Aaron and the Israelites—the golden calf
* Achan—a little treasure swapped for national tragedy and personal death
* Judas: no matter the reason for the betrayal, personal gain or to push Jesus to reveal Himself as an earthly king sent to overthrow Rome, it was what would make Judas happy that ended in the cross and Judas’ suicide
Story after story of contemporary leaders whose pursuit of happiness stole their destiny and resulted in disaster: What will Bill Clinton be remembered most for? Bernie Madoff. Ted Haggard and other Christian leaders who turned from destiny to pursue happiness and lost destiny and happiness. Listen to the disillusioned preacher from Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 8 “14 And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!
15 So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.”
This is Solomon, the king who, when told by God he could have anything, didn’t ask for something to make him happy, but asked for wisdom so he could lead the people well for their good. (2 Chronicles 1 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” 11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people—12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”)
So What?
1. Discover your destiny in God and pursue it instead of happiness. (Psalm 119:35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.)
2. Learn the secret of enjoying the journey. Most happy people find happiness just by enjoying doing life. Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness. (Romans 4:5-7 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: 7 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.)
3. Practice the Presence of God. Learn to love His presence. Find ways to celebrate His presence.
Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
Psalm 89:15 “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.”
Acts 2:28 “You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.”
1 Peter 7:8-9 “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”
The Pursuit of Happiness
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 9, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
What do you want out of life? I just want to be happy. Are you happy?
One study showed that, all over the world, when asked what they want most from life — and what they most want for their children – people answered that they want happiness.
We live in a country with “pursuit of happiness” as one of our founding principles.
- If we don’t watch out we will begin worshipping the false god of Happiness. Everything we do will be based on our happiness:
* I’m not going to church anymore because it doesn’t make me happy.
* I’m leaving my marriage because I’m not happy.
* I’m quitting my job because I’m just not happy there.
* I’m moving because I might be happier somewhere else.
* This is not making me happy so I will abandon it and try something else.
* I’m happy so everything must be OK.
* I know I’m single, but if I have sex with him that will make him happy. Then he will love me and that will make me happy.
* I am not happy with the way I feel. I will take this pill, smoke this joint, drink enough drinks and it will make me feel happier. (This one is not really a pursuit of happiness as much as it is fleeing from unhappiness. Interviews with Prozac patients revealed they weren’t happy as a result of their medications but they were grateful they didn’t feel like dying anymore.)
* "But it makes me happy.” If something makes me happy that must be what God wants me to do.
* I’m not happy with what I have so what I don’t have must be what will make me happy.
- Our whole life becomes focused on serving the god of happiness.
Alan Hirsch, in his book “Untamed”, says this:
“What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea they could “be like god”…be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of men trying to find something other than God which will make them happy.”
But doesn’t God want me happy? Doesn’t the rich and satisfying life in John 10:10 include happiness? If we believe God’s ultimate goal for me is my happiness, then our belief turns God into our servant. He exists to make us happy. Everything I do “for Him” is done with the belief that the result will be my happiness. I give so I can get blessed. I serve others to achieve a sense of well-being and self-satisfaction. I come to church to feel better about myself. If I do right, then God must make me happy. “I don’t understand why all this is happening to me. I go to church, I give, I pray, I help other people.” That’s a set up that ends in “I tried God’s way and it didn’t make me happy.”
God’s goal for us is not our happiness. He wants us blessed instead of happy.
(Romans 14:17 “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.) He wants us fulfilled. Happiness is based on circumstances. Blessed is a way of life, a worldview, a way of thinking. (Philippians 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”) Like the fish out of water, when we seek happiness outside of what we created for, we will find life frustrating. In fact, like the fish out of water, if we keep pursuing happiness in the wrong element we find death instead of life. Keep that fish out of water long enough while trying to make him happy and he will die.
We were created for fellowship with God. We will only find fulfillment, which includes happiness that is not based on circumstance, when we are living in that element. We were created with a God-given destiny. (Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.) In that element, we find the blessed life.
Throughout the Bible, when the attention was shifted from pursuing God and His destiny to pursuing happiness, the results are disastrous:
* David and Bathsheba
* Eve
* Samson
* Ahab and Jezebel
* Aaron and the Israelites—the golden calf
* Achan—a little treasure swapped for national tragedy and personal death
* Judas: no matter the reason for the betrayal, personal gain or to push Jesus to reveal Himself as an earthly king sent to overthrow Rome, it was what would make Judas happy that ended in the cross and Judas’ suicide
Story after story of contemporary leaders whose pursuit of happiness stole their destiny and resulted in disaster: What will Bill Clinton be remembered most for? Bernie Madoff. Ted Haggard and other Christian leaders who turned from destiny to pursue happiness and lost destiny and happiness. Listen to the disillusioned preacher from Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 8 “14 And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!
15 So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.”
This is Solomon, the king who, when told by God he could have anything, didn’t ask for something to make him happy, but asked for wisdom so he could lead the people well for their good. (2 Chronicles 1 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” 11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people—12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”)
So What?
1. Discover your destiny in God and pursue it instead of happiness. (Psalm 119:35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.)
2. Learn the secret of enjoying the journey. Most happy people find happiness just by enjoying doing life. Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness. (Romans 4:5-7 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: 7 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.)
3. Practice the Presence of God. Learn to love His presence. Find ways to celebrate His presence.
Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
Psalm 89:15 “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.”
Acts 2:28 “You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.”
1 Peter 7:8-9 “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”
Friday, January 7, 2011
01/05/11 - Back to the Basics PT1 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "Back to the Basics" with part 1 in this Wednesday evening service.
Back to the Basics PT1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Acts 2:41-47 (NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the *1 apostles’ teaching, and to *2 fellowship, and to *3 sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to *4 prayer. 43 *1 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the *2 apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
44 And all the believers *3 met together in one place and *4 shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They *5 worshiped together at the Temple each day, *6 met in homes for the Lord’s Supper (HCSB: 46 And every day they devoted themselves [to meeting] together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart), and *7 shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while *8 praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the *9 Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
(Message) 46-47They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Result of the Holy Spirit active in the life of a believer: (Jesus told them to gather together to receive the Holy Spirit. This passage is report of what happened following Pentecost.)
* Community became important—they believed, they were baptized and immediately joined the church
1. They developed a hunger for the Word
2. Actively sought connection with other believers (fellowship denotes a like-mindedness. 2 fellows in a ship. Romans 14:5-6 NKJV Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.)
3. Did life together in small groups (Acts 20:20)
4. Practiced a fervent prayer life (Ephesians 6:18 “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”)
* Consequences of those choices:
1. A deep sense of awe, respect and fear of the Lord—which means they began to walk in more wisdom and good judgment. (Proverbs 9:10)
2. Empowered the leaders to walk in more power and authority
3. Generosity replaced stinginess and selfishness
4. A desire to participate in large gatherings (local church)
5. Moved from owners to stewards, making it easy to share
6. Insatiable hunger for church and for doing life with other believers
7. Uncomplicated, joyful lifestyle of worship
8. Continually increasing Kingdom influence
9. A harvest of souls
Back to the Basics PT1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Acts 2:41-47 (NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the *1 apostles’ teaching, and to *2 fellowship, and to *3 sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to *4 prayer. 43 *1 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the *2 apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
44 And all the believers *3 met together in one place and *4 shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They *5 worshiped together at the Temple each day, *6 met in homes for the Lord’s Supper (HCSB: 46 And every day they devoted themselves [to meeting] together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart), and *7 shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while *8 praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the *9 Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
(Message) 46-47They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Result of the Holy Spirit active in the life of a believer: (Jesus told them to gather together to receive the Holy Spirit. This passage is report of what happened following Pentecost.)
* Community became important—they believed, they were baptized and immediately joined the church
1. They developed a hunger for the Word
2. Actively sought connection with other believers (fellowship denotes a like-mindedness. 2 fellows in a ship. Romans 14:5-6 NKJV Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.)
3. Did life together in small groups (Acts 20:20)
4. Practiced a fervent prayer life (Ephesians 6:18 “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”)
* Consequences of those choices:
1. A deep sense of awe, respect and fear of the Lord—which means they began to walk in more wisdom and good judgment. (Proverbs 9:10)
2. Empowered the leaders to walk in more power and authority
3. Generosity replaced stinginess and selfishness
4. A desire to participate in large gatherings (local church)
5. Moved from owners to stewards, making it easy to share
6. Insatiable hunger for church and for doing life with other believers
7. Uncomplicated, joyful lifestyle of worship
8. Continually increasing Kingdom influence
9. A harvest of souls
Sunday, January 2, 2011
01/02/11 - Vision Sunday - Relationships Not Resolutions - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches on "Relationships, Not Resolutions" in this Vision Sunday service.
Vision Sunday: Relationships, Not Resolutions
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 2, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Vision Sunday, January 02, 2011
Get Connected-It Changes Everything!
- What is the Gospel Message? Why did God save me?
2-fold purpose: He loves me, and, to make His name famous throughout the world. I am saved to change the world. I have a destiny and a purpose.
Ezekiel 36:22-23 “Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which you brought shame while you were scattered among the nations. I will show how holy my great name is—the name on which you brought shame among the nations. And when I reveal my holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations will know that I am the Lord.”
1Corinthians 7:23 (AMP) “You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for by Christ]; then do not yield yourselves up to become [in your own estimation] slaves to men [but consider yourselves slaves to Christ].” (Bondservant)
- How do I best accomplish that purpose? How did Jesus do it?
John 17:4 “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”
The rest of his prayer in John 17 focuses on the men He with whom He had connected while on earth. Not on the miracles, the crowds, the dead raised, walking on water, even the cross—his work was to connect with others to accomplish God’s purpose.
Our vision as a church is to share the life-giving message of Jesus with West Georgia and the world. To do that we believe in the power of connection.
* Connect to salvation by making Jesus your Lord.
* Connect to a local church by becoming a member.
* Connect to your ministry by discovering your design. (DISC, Gifttest, SOAP)
* Connect to your destiny by developing life-giving relationships with a common purpose—grow up into Christ and make His name famous. (DreamTeam, Connect Groups)
Using extension cords as object lesson:
It is not what you unplug from that makes you holy and increases influence. (unplug from dead cord—no power)
It is what you plug into. (plug into live cord and light comes on)
Then others you can make a difference. (plug another light into glowing light)
- The Result:
Acts 2:41-47 “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
Vision Sunday: Relationships, Not Resolutions
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, January 2, 2011
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Sermon Notes:
Vision Sunday, January 02, 2011
Get Connected-It Changes Everything!
- What is the Gospel Message? Why did God save me?
2-fold purpose: He loves me, and, to make His name famous throughout the world. I am saved to change the world. I have a destiny and a purpose.
Ezekiel 36:22-23 “Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which you brought shame while you were scattered among the nations. I will show how holy my great name is—the name on which you brought shame among the nations. And when I reveal my holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations will know that I am the Lord.”
1Corinthians 7:23 (AMP) “You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for by Christ]; then do not yield yourselves up to become [in your own estimation] slaves to men [but consider yourselves slaves to Christ].” (Bondservant)
- How do I best accomplish that purpose? How did Jesus do it?
John 17:4 “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”
The rest of his prayer in John 17 focuses on the men He with whom He had connected while on earth. Not on the miracles, the crowds, the dead raised, walking on water, even the cross—his work was to connect with others to accomplish God’s purpose.
Our vision as a church is to share the life-giving message of Jesus with West Georgia and the world. To do that we believe in the power of connection.
* Connect to salvation by making Jesus your Lord.
* Connect to a local church by becoming a member.
* Connect to your ministry by discovering your design. (DISC, Gifttest, SOAP)
* Connect to your destiny by developing life-giving relationships with a common purpose—grow up into Christ and make His name famous. (DreamTeam, Connect Groups)
Using extension cords as object lesson:
It is not what you unplug from that makes you holy and increases influence. (unplug from dead cord—no power)
It is what you plug into. (plug into live cord and light comes on)
Then others you can make a difference. (plug another light into glowing light)
- The Result:
Acts 2:41-47 “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
12/22/10 - The Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "What's A Party Without Gifts?" with "The Baptism of the Holy Spirit" in part 13 in this Wednesday service.
What's A Party Without Gifts? Part 13
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
www.mylifegatechurch.com
What's A Party Without Gifts? Part 13
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
www.mylifegatechurch.com
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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Together, we are living the Winner's Life as we learn to love, serve, reach, grow and connect. So whether you're a spiritual seeker starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian looking to sink your faith roots even deeper, you'll feel at home at LifeGate Church at Mirror Lake.
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