FOJ 2015: The Soul Priority by Gracious Grafx

God sets such a high price on our redemption that He came into the world in the form of man-in order to die and rise again for the salvation of the soul of everyman. It cost Jesus every drop of His blood and His very life. 1 Peter 1:18-19 highlights more precisely: “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” Jesus literally gave Himself!. In return he gives us the first commandment in the gospel of Mark 12:30: “…. thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength...” This should be our sole priority – “….seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; Matthew 6:33. However, in our dysfunctional world so many things clamor for our attention and devotion on a daily basis: our jobs, our children, our spouses, our hobbies. These demands and distractions of life, often times result in misplaced priorities. The sad reality is that distractions and misdirected priorities are not limited to the secular world. It is tragic that so many today have the wrong priorities. The average Christian is more interested in secular pursuits than they are on matters concerning the soul or soul-winning. Sadly churches are not immune and have become consumed with buildings, wealth and fame than the priority established by God that of soulwinning. Jesus in his foreknowledge knew what would be at stake and therefore warned in Mathew 16:26-26:

SUMMITHOSTS

ll scripture from Genesis to Revelation relate the purpose and plan of God – the redemption of the soul of the man. Starting with the record of the creation of man in Genesis: 2:7, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (KJV), through to the fall of Adam and Eve and the resulting consequences on all humankind as recorded in Romans 5:12: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” to the hope of our restoration as recorded in Revelations 20:4 & 5 “….and I saw the souls of them ……. which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ …..,” the soul of man has always been God’s sole priority.

THE SOLE PRIORITY IS THE SOUL PRIORITY

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or, what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Jesus was so concerned about the soul of man that he taught his followers to “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) Here at Pentecostal Tabernacle we have consciously become more deliberative in our focus each year about the theme of our annual conference - The sole priority is the soul priority - to bring more attention to the word of God and highlighting the urgency of his imminent return in light of the signs around us and times in which we live to make souls our focus in keeping with our God given mandate in Mathew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” So valuable is souls to Christ that Luke 15:7 says that there is “joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,” Our time on earth is so short. The Lord’s return is imminent. The end of this life is so near. Proverb 11:30 says, “… he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverb 11:28. It is time to make the sole priority the soul priority. It is my hope and prayer that this summit will reawaken our consciousness to the value of our soul to God, cause a re-examination of the state of our soul against the word of God and reignite a passion for soul winning. Pastor S. Robert Stewart

WEDJUN24 THE SOLE PRIORITY | PASTOR ALAN TODD | 7:30 PM

THURSJUN25 THE VALUE OF THE SOUL | PASTOR AUDLEY CASTRO | 7:30 PM

FRIJUN26

SOUL FOOD | PASTOR JOHN-MARK BARTLETT | 11:45 AM

FRIJUN26 HOPE: THE ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL | MINISTER DWAYNE STEWART | 7:30 PM

SATJUN27 GOD’S WILL – MAN’S DILEMMA | MINISTER ROSALINA MATOS | 10:00 AM

SATJUN27

CHANGING PRIORITIES | PASTOR DEVON DAWSON | 10:00 AM (Pastors Forum)

Break 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM THE SOUL HARVEST | BRO. KEN RAGGIO | 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM

SATJUN27 SOUL MATES: DRAMATIZATION AND DISSCUSSION | 7:00 PM

SUNJUN28 THE LOST SOUL | PASTOR ROBERT STEWART | 10:00 AM

SUNJUN28 WHEN MY HEART BEATS…| SIS. SHONDELL JAMES | 10:00 AM

SUNJUN28 IS MY SOUL SATISFIED? | PASTOR ALAN TODD | 11:00 AM

SUNJUN28

BREATHE AGAIN: RESUSCITATING THE SOUL | PASTOR SAMMY STEWART | 7:00 PM

SUMMITSCHEDULE

THE WELLNESS CHECK: THE STATE OF THE SOUL | PASTOR SAMMY STEWART | 10:00 AM Break 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM

PASTOR ALAN TODD

THE SOLE PRIORITY

COLOSSIANS 3: 1-3

rom the world’s perspective, life is about juggling priorities at various stages of our life. Each new year, millions of sincere people make resolutions. Some resolutions are deemed more important than others and may even be ranked in value and given priority. Most resolutions dissipate and amnesia gradually takes over. Inevitably, what starts out as rankings of priorities in the New Year, succumbs to shifting sands and a shuffling of the priority deck. The initial resolve and fidelity gradually surrenders to the expedient realities of daily life. When dealing with our soul, how should we prioritize? How many priorities are there? There is only one priority; the focus should always be on Jesus Christ. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

WEDJUN24 | 7:30PM

astor Alan Todd is the Senior Pastor of Global Apostolic Ministries, located in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He is the husband to wife Allison Todd, and father to 8 beautiful children - one boy and seven girls. A hard working minister with a tremendous passion for lost souls, not only does he lead his local assembly, but God has also given him access to enter the evangelistic field to strengthen those in the body of Christ internationally. Since August 2008, he has established missions work in the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, baptizing ‘whosoever will’ in the Name of Jesus. He currently sits on the Executive Board of the Bethlehem United Churches of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) - Canadian Division, as the Board’s National Administrator.

NOTES __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

PASTOR AUDLEY CASTRO

THE VALUE OF THE SOUL

MARK 8:36-37

od sees our soul as the most valuable thing in the world. So valuable that He sent His only Son to the cross to suffer and die so that our soul may be saved. The human soul is a priceless treasure. Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew â&#x20AC;&#x153;For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or, what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26)

THURSJUN25 | 7:30PM

astor Audley Castro is privileged to be a servant of Christ by grace. He was born in Jamaica, W.I., and now resides in Pickering, Ontario, Canada, with his wife Karen and two daughters, Rhea and Aarien. Pastor Castro pioneered and currently pastors the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Pickering. He graduated with valedictory honours from the Apostolic Missionary Institute, Oshawa, ON, Canada, and holds a Masters of Religious Administration, and a Bachelor of Theology from University of Biblical Studies, Parkersburg, West Virginia, USA. His interest in propagating the knowledge of Christ has led him to author several articles, booklets, and books. For the excellence of the knowledge of Christ, his passion is to serve, and empower the body of Christ to take the step - Out of the Ordinary into Greatness.

PASTOR SAMMY STEWART

THE WELLNESS CHECK: THE STATE OF THE SOUL EPHESIANS 4: 17-32

he Bible states that we are all born in sin and shaped in iniquity. What can be done about this spiritual genetic abnormality? In Ephesians chapter 4 the Apostle Paul forces an examination of the health of our soul by causing us to consider its present condition, what’s required to maintain a healthy soul and the dangers of non-compliance.

FRIJUN26 | 10:00AM

astor Winston Sammy Stewart is a dedicated servant of God. Pastor Sammy is the husband of Sis. Valerie and together they have 2 sons. He was very instrumental in the development of Pentecostal Tabernacle, Wildman Street, Kingston, Jamaica where he was the full-time pastor for over 25 years. He also served as the National Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church of Jamaica. Pastor Stewart retired from the pastoral ministry in 2004, but continues to serve in the Kingdom of God by teaching seminars and conducting workshops, as well as through preaching. Pastor Stewart is passionate about reaching the lost and he continues to minister the Gospel at an international level. He is the founder of the H.O.P.E foundation, a ministry focused on helping others to excel. He has also authored the book “The Vision.”

PASTOR JOHN-MARK BARTLETT

SOUL FOOD

1 PETER 2:1-5

ust as we need nourishing food to survive physically, we need the gospel of Jesus Christ to survive spiritually. Jesus himself said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) Sadly, some Christians do not experience the richness of the Christian life because they settle for spiritual junk food. As a result, many are malnourished and dying spiritually.

FRIJUN26 | 11:45AM

astor John Mark Bartlett currently pastors Pentecostal Tabernacle UPC, Wildman Street, Jamaica. He is husband to wife Alicia and they have 5 children. He has served in this capacity for over 10 years and has been instrumental in its development. He is very passionate about the Gospel and has travelled extensively throughout the world to assist in its propagation. He has served as the Assistant National Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church of Jamaica. This inspired Bible teacher is one of the key presenters on ‘Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth’, a locally produced radio programme of the UPCJ, Jamaica, and lectured at the eastern campus of the Caribbean Bible Institute for four years until 2009. He has also written a book entitled, “Fellowship.” Pastor Bartlett is passionate about community-outreach activities and has a keen interest in the work of church organizations to assist in addressing the social ills plaguing Jamaica. During his tenure as pastor, Pentecostal Tabernacle was a recipient of the 2005 Gleaner Honour Award for voluntary service.

MINISTER DWAYNE STEWART

HOPE:

THE ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL

HEBREWS 6: 17-20

o withstand the spiritual winds howling about us as well as our inner turmoil, we need a sense of stability. We need spiritual mooring. We need something solid and firm to anchor our souls. “Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, will your anchor drift, or firm remain?” The answer to these questions depends on where your anchor is placed. The anchor is the hope that we are given in Christ Jesus our Lord.

FRIJUN26 | 7:30PM

ro. Dwayne is a fun-loving, God-fearing, servant-leader who is passionate about the people of God being connected to His will. His endeavors stem from his determination to take others higher through faith, worship and the study of The Word of God. Bro. Dwayne’s determination is evidenced through his ministry involvement with Youth & Worship Ministries of Pentecostal Tabernacle, Apostolic Camp International, and other arms of service within the faith community as they arise. Bro. Stewart is married to the lovely, Lady Typhanie Stewart and they have one son, Adam Cooper Stewart. Bro. Dwayne approaches every endeavor with the awareness that only what is done for Christ will last.

MINISTER ROSALINA MATOS

GOD’S WILL – MAN’S DILEMMA

JOB 2:1-10

n the minds of many modern Christians, who are being swayed by the concept of a God who behaves like Santa Claus, it is much easier to accept the account of Job’s suffering and loss as a fictional story rather than reality. Man is likely to ask the following questions: How can a loving God allow a faithful servant to suffer? How can He consent to such a deal? While enduring pain, loss, and anguish, where is the God who will make everything all right? What do you do when your perception of how God should operate in your life does not match the reality? How does one continue to serve God, offer praises, and maintain hope when faced with the knowledge that God is allowing them to walk a path of adversity?

SATJUN27 | 10:00AM

orn and raised in Junction City, Kansas, USA, Minister Rosalina Matos is the daughter of Pastor William & Ramona Matos. On February 28, 1986 at the tender age of 5 years old she received the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus Name. Minister Rosalina completed Biblical studies at Texas Bible College as well as a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Law and Justice. She served as a child advocate in the state of Kansas and in her years of ministry she has served as Youth Pastor and many other areas of ministry for most of her life. Minister Rosalina currently serves as Youth Leader and Sunday school teacher under the leadership of Pastor Howard Aarons of Pentecostal Tabernacle in West Palm Beach, FLorida.

PASTOR DEVON DAWSON

CHANGING PRIORITIES

(A forum for Pastors and Spouses)

ACTS 30: 28-29

n all things, whether rebuke, encouragement, guidance, or counsel, love should be the guiding force. This forum creates an opportunity for pastors to have the necessary frank discussion of some of the issues that are a common challenge. “Iron sharpeneth iron!” The goal is to be introspective, and share ideas on how to realign to God’s plan for the church.

SATJUN27 | 10:00AM

astor Devon Dawson is perhaps best known for his spiritual and practical approach to coaching seekers in pursuit of the Holy Ghost. He has had the distinct honor of serving on the UPCI New York Metro District Board. He has also served as the UPCI National Superintendent for Guyana and Trinidad for 17 1/2 years. During his 34 years of ministry, he has had the honor of spearheading the groundwork that resulted in the realization of one church in Jamaica and 15 churches in Guyana, 5 in Trinidad, and 1 in Suriname, and many of them remain fully functional today. An ordained minister for 38 years, who graduated top of his class in 1971 from the Caribbean Bible Institute (CBI), in Kingston, Jamaica, Rev. Dawson has committed his whole life to being an instrument in the hands of God while proclaiming the truths of the Bible to all within his sphere of influence.

MINISTER KEN RAGGIO

THE SOUL HARVEST

JOEL 2: 28-32; 2 CORINTHIANS 5: 6-11

esus predicted in Matt. 24:14 that the gospel would be preached throughout the world before the end comes. The church, and therefore each individual, has a role in Matthew 24 verse 14 being accomplished. Unfortunately, we have gotten complacent and despite the unfolding world affairs, it appears that many are not mindful that these are the last days. An examination of current world events and their importance in scripture.

SATJUN27 | 11:45AM

Pentecostal minister since 1966, Minister Raggio has been a pastor, evangelist, singer, songwriter, musician, broadcaster, journalist, editor and author. Ken has maintained a major internet presence since 1996 and has tens of thousands of subscribers in 215 nations to his daily writings, including, “Today’s Bible Study,” a daily email containing four 100-word mini-Bible-lessons. He is the author of 9 books including a 1488-page Bible Commentary. He is now focused on writing and producing video teaching series.

SOUL MATES DRAMATIZATION & DISCUSSION

SATJUN27 | 7:30PM

Dramatization & Discussion | Ruth 1:16-17 | 7:30 PM CHAIRMAN: Pastor Sammy Stewart

PANELISTS: Pastor Wayne Williams | Pastor Colin Sterling Minister Dwayne Stewart | Sis. Shondell James Sis. Allison Todd | Sis. Alecia Bartlett

ho is a soul mate? If two souls are headed in different directions, can they be soul mates? If the individual does not care about your soul, do they qualify to be a soul mate? A soul mate goes beyond being a good friend. What is the distinction? How does this discourse apply to casual, professional, and business relationships? The state of your soul determines your destination beyond this life. A soul mate travels the same path as far as your eternal destination is concerned. This session allows for an exploration of the connections that we make that affect our soul. Are the people we align ourselves with soul mates or cancerous tumors? Do they contribute to spiritual health and growth or are they tumors that metastasize to our soul causing spiritual death? Since the health of our soul is to be given priority, it is necessary to understand the effects of ungodly connections. Samson’s connections progressively affected his relationship with God. Eventually, his love for and intimate connection to Delilah, stripped him of his anointing and led to his spiritual and physical death. In contrast, when Ruth refused to leave Naomi, she was solidifying a connection with a true soul mate. Ruth turned her back on her people and the gods she knew in order to embrace a connection that led to a relationship with the only true God. Overview: To be covered by the chairman who will define “soul mates” for the purpose of this discussion. Panelists: 1. The pros and cons of having a soul mate. Do we need one? – Pastor Colin Sterling 2. What qualities should we look for in a soul mate? - Sis Shondell James 3. How do we develop and maintain positive relationships? – Sis. Alecia Bartlett 4. What are the benefits and pitfalls of exposure? – Sis Allison Todd 5. What are the signs that a connection is having a negative impact? – Minister Dwayne Stewart 6. Is it ever appropriate to sever ties? If so, when and if not, why not? – Pastor Wayne Williams

PASTOR ROBERT STEWART

THE LOST SOUL

LUKE 15

elationship is the channel through which redemption and restoration is manifested. The lost sheep still belonged to the sheepfold. The silver was lost but was still in the woman’s home. The prodigal son set himself outside of his father’s house but he was still a son. “Wherever we are lost or whatever has caused us to stray, Jesus is willing and able to restore. We belong to Him; He is Creator, Shepherd, Seeker, and savior. He has already paid the price for our redemption and will restore us unto himself if we return and say “Father forgive me.”

SUNJUN28 | 10:00AM

lder Robert Stewart was born in Frome in the Parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica. He attended the Hunters Wood Basic School, George’s Plain Primary, and Manning’s High School, all in the parish of Westmoreland. Elder Stewart moved to Kingston, Jamaica in 1970, and in September he was baptized in the name of Jesus at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost later in the same month. Elder Stewart has served in the Sunday school, Youth, and Men’s departments. He is an appointed missionary, an ordained minister, and an ordained elder. He currently serves as pastor of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple of 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2, Jamaica. Elder Stewart holds credentials from the College of Arts Science and Technology now the University of Technology, The University of the West Indies, Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the University of Phoenix. He has been married to Beverly since 1973 and the union has produced two sons. He is a Justice of the peace for the parish of St. Andrew. Elder Stewart is guided by the words of the Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” and the words of the Prophet Isaiah “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength”.

SIS. SHONDELL JAMES

WHEN MY HEART BEATS…

PSALM 73: 25-26

he heart pounding in the chest signifies the presence of life. It indicates that the muscular pump is working to supply oxygen to the entire body. This is true of the physical body, but, what of the spiritual? What happens in the spiritual realm with every beat of my heart? Am I only alive to fulfill material needs or does the beating heart indicate an eternal purpose yet to be fulfilled? Is there any spiritual flow to energize the Body of Christ when my heart beats?

SUNJUN28 | 10:00AM

inister Shondell James was born in Guyana, South America to missionary parents Devon and Joy Dawson. She has been married to Sean for 12 years, and together they have two beautiful children, Sean Devon (9 years old), and Lauren James (8 years old). She is an educator with a strong passion for Kingdom building through children and youth. Minister Shondell is currently employed as the principal of an upper elementary charter school and her ministerial responsibilities include; teacher of the Young Adult Sunday School Class at All Nations Apostolic Tabernacle, which is pastored by her parents Bishop and Sister Devon Dawson. She also serves on the Resource team at her assembly, as well as a next generation leader. In addition, she is a powerful propagator of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, always presenting its relevance to every-day living. Minister Shondell is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Policy and Leadership at Hofstra University in New York, USA. She states that, ‘Being a missionary’s kid, I feel like I’ve been in ministry all my life.’

PASTOR ALAN TODD

IS MY SOUL SATISFIED?

PSALM 42: 1-6

very man’s soul has an inner longing, a hunger, a thirst, a craving and an emptiness that demands to be satisfied. The question is with how are you trying to satisfy the longings, cravings and emptiness of the soul? More importantly, what can satisfy your soul? “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” David’s passionate words speak to more than mere sustenance. God is satisfaction and a delight to David. Like marrow and fat, the presence of God in David’s life is delicious. It is a deep pleasure.

SUNJUN28 | 11:00AM

PASTOR SAMMY STEWART

RESUSCITATING THE SOUL

EZEKIEL 37:1-14

od spoke matter into existence with just a word. He made a man out of clay and a woman out of a rib. It stands to reason that He can also cause the spiritually dead to hear. Are we hearing the personal call and responding to God’s sole priority for man, the saving of our souls? Are we heeding the warnings to examine the state of our soul? Does the church hear the call to reignite a passionate desire for souls? Breathe on us again Lord!

SUNJUN28 | 7:00PM

BREATHE AGAIN:

Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. 18415 NW 7th Ave | Miami Gardens, FL 33169 (305) 651-9696 | www.PenTab.org

Scan This To Give Online

Scan This To Take Our Survey