A Message From Our Pastor
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ur Focus on Jesus Summit this year coincides with the commemoration of the 20 years of the ministry of Pentecostal Tabernacle International.
While occasions like these are traditionally, and appropriately so, a time of celebration and acknowledgement of the faithfulness of God and His people to the ministry, I believe it should also be a time of sincere evaluation by all of us individually and collectively about our commitment to the fulfilment of our Christian calling. This evaluation, however, must begin with a foundational understanding and focus on what the Christian life is all about; our calling, our purpose, our conduct and our ultimate journey’s end. In John’s gospel, Jesus outlines the calling of every believer: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: …..” John 15:16 From His call, we are commissioned to go and bring forth fruit, and importantly that the fruit should remain. In Romans 7:4: the Apostle Paul said “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.” Our theme this year - “FRUIT BEARING BRANCHES” - reflects our intentional strategy to always align our focus on Jesus and His Word by challenging and empowering believers to pursue a Christcentered life. There is a fundamental requirement to becoming a true disciple of Christ. Here is what the Lord said, again in John 15:8: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” In the parable of the sower, Jesus speaks about four categories of those who hear the Word. In the second and the third category were those ones that became unfruitful, while in the last one, the commendable one, is the one “that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit,
and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:23). But bringing forth fruit, presupposes that we are abiding in the Vine, and we are not the Vine, Christ is! We are the branches. It is impossible for a branch to bring forth fruit, unless it abides in the vine; so also with us. It is our union with Christ, that can make us, the branches, bring forth fruit. The branches are in this case nothing else than a way for the vine to bring fruit. As we are abiding in Christ, He will be manifested through us; the Vine will live through us and will produce fruit. Ministering and pursuing the good works that God prepared for us presupposes, therefore, a passionate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we want to please. Putting it simply, that fruit is a changed life, a Christ-centered life, a life where we have died to ourselves so that Christ will live through us (Galatians 2:19-20). A life that seeks to satisfy God rather than self or people. A life whose central theme, focus and priority is God. It is my earnest prayer that this year’s summit will not just be another “annual event,” where we simply leave with the usual “service was good feeling,” but with a personal challenge, conviction and commitment to passionately desire a genuine and intimate relationship with Jesus, as well as a desire to satisfy and please Him. If this is the aim and the endeavor of our life, then much fruit is going to come out of it.
The Father Factor
DR. LYNDON JOHNSON GENESIS 18:19 | 11:15 AM
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JUN19
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t the genesis of the great nation of Israel, God entrusted His promises to our forefather Abraham. Scripture is very clear in describing him as a major pillar in the history of the Jews. He stood out as a progenitor of faith, righteousness, sacrifice and stewardship. The Bible describes him as a friend of God, and the scripture in Genesis 18:19 reflects the confidence God had in him to be a great father. The life of Abraham serves as an example to our fathers. It is important that fathers thoroughly understand their role and value in the family unit. Like Abraham, God’s intent is for fathers to be pillars in the homes, providing an unwavering support to their families and communities. Not only should they be present in the homes, but God’s plan is that their lives should be a reflection of His character, making fathers a catalyst for Godly principles, values and morals. As He did with Abraham, God has entrusted the role of father and leader to men. It is their responsibility to leave a Godly legacy and propagate a generation that knows and fears God.
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JUN20
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A Responsibility and Command - The Original Design PASTOR SAMMY STEWART GENESIS 2:15-17 | 7:30 P.M.
he 21st century has been the era that has birthed several things which have contributed to our moral decline. Debates regarding gender equality continue to spark the interest of today’s youth. We have seen an exponential growth in the practitioners of humanism, a continued decay in the love for our fellow man, and the subtle removal of gender identity and roles. What we see today is far removed from God’s plan for both man and woman. The wisest man, Solomon, forecasting his concerns concluded, “God made man upright and uncorrupted, but they [both men and women] have sought out many devices [for evil].” These devices are too many to number, and they have skewed our mindset away from God’s order. In the book of beginnings, Genesis, we are led to believe that before man was given a wife and family, he was first established in a place of order, given authority, responsibility and given a command. God’s intention was that man would be an agent acting on His behalf to carry out His duties in the earth. Today we are bombarded with situations where things are out of order, responsibilities are neglected, authority has been misplaced, and the Word of God is blatantly ignored. It is therefore necessary that our Christian men closely examine God’s design in an effort to reestablish themselves to a place of order and realign themselves to the Word of God. This forum will facilitate an open discussion for men to better understand their purpose and role, both in the home, and in the church. The session is designed to provide direction and practical steps that will help them in their pursuit to become Kingdom Men.
The Vine…The Power of thePASTOR Connection WED ALAN TODD 1 PETER 2:9-10 | 7:30 PM
JUN22
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A supernatural connection between God and man was established at Calvary when Gentiles were engrafted into the vine through the shed blood of Jesus. In that single priceless act, Jesus connected Himself to us, and we became His very own. It was at Calvary that our connection to God, which was shattered because of sin, was restored when Christ willingly paid the penalty for our sins – His own life. So powerful and inseparable is the connection to God, that the Apostle Paul declared in Romans 8 that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God. The power of the connection established at Calvary gives us hope, sustains us, and distinguishes us as a peculiar people. We are not our own, but His; chosen by Him and created for His purpose. Because of the power of the connection with Christ, we are confident of the promise in Revelations 3:21 - “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” While He connected Himself to us, He still allows us the choice of remaining connected. Maintaining that connection is dependent on us. It is our responsibility to stay close to the LORD, especially when the storms of life threaten to drive us away from God and leave us feeling disconnected from Him. In John 15:7 Jesus speaks of the power we can access by staying connected: “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you”. In the previous verse, however, He warned of the dangers of losing the connection: “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” Jesus’ death at Calvary established a powerful connection; we cannot afford to be separated.
THUR JUN23
The Closet Experience PASTOR ERROL HOLNESS MATTHEW 17:21 | 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
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One of the most effective and powerful tools of a Christian’s spiritual life is prayer. It is the fundamental avenue for connecting us to God and us growing in faith. The example of Jesus in Luke 5:16 illustrates the importance of a time of withdrawal for intense prayer and connection with God. Living a life of prayer keeps us constantly connected with God. Without that connection we are powerless, as proven in the lesson of the disciples and the demon possessed man in Mathew 17:14-21. It is in our prayer closet that God speaks, shapes, influences, guides and blesses us. If we want to experience miracles, signs and wonders, we must set aside time for a “Wilderness or closet prayer experience” that results in us impacting our families, our cities, and the world.
Fruitfulness through Changing Seasons THUR PASTOR JOHN MARK BARTLETT ECCLESIASTES 3:1-15 | 11:45 A.M. – 1:15 P.M.
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JUN23
he Bible tells us that to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.
The conscientious farmer plants in spring, maintains the elements for growth in summer, harvests at the start of autumn, and allows the trees to rest in winter. Knowing the season allows the farmer to work in accordance to the trees’ activity. The farmer coordinates his activities by seasons, because he knows the seasons that will produce the most fruit. As in the example of the farmer, all seasons are necessary to accomplish a different purpose. In His infinite wisdom, God has appointed the time and seasons. •The Season of Sowing •The Season of Fruitfulness •The Season of Reaping •The Season of Rest During every season God is there. He ushers in the seasons in our lives and walks us through them. All He requires is that we embrace them and trust Him to take care of us. In this session the attendees will learn how to recognize God’s intention in each season and how to move from season to season to maximize spiritual growth and the production of spiritual fruit.
THUR JUN23
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Pruned to Produce DR. PATRICIA HOLNESS JOHN 15:16 | 7:30 P.M.
n John 15:16, Jesus makes it clear that it is a requirement of every believer to bear fruit. However, in John 15:4, He lays out the condition by which fruit can be produced in the life of a Christian – abiding in the vine.
As in the natural, it is impossible for a branch to bring forth fruit, unless it abides in the vine. So also it is in the spiritual context. It is only through our union with Christ that as branches we can ever hope to bring forth fruit. A vine needs light, water and minerals to sustain life and enable it to bring forth fruit. In like manner, a believer needs the Word of the God as sustenance to bear fruit. In addition to sustaining life and growth, the Word of God also shapes and transforms us. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12. As the farmer prunes the tree in his vineyard so it can bear good fruit, so does the word of God prunes us so that we can become fruit bearing branches. God’s Word is the perfect tool for pruning us. It is through the pruning process that God molds us into His character.
Abiding – Rule for Engagement FRI DR. LYNDON JOHNSON JOHN 15:4 | 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
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JUN24
relationship with Jesus begins with obedience and is sustained by our obedience to Him.
In every instance of God’s dealings with man, whenever He promised a blessing, He conditioned it on obedience (certain conditions that must be met or the blessings would be denied). Below are a few examples from the Bible that highlight the blessings that come from obedience. • Noah and his family would be saved from the flood if he built an ark of Gopher wood according to certain prescribed measurements. (Genesis 6:5-22). • Naaman the Syrian leper would be healed of his disease if he would dip seven times in Jordan. (2 Kings 5:10) • The firstborn among the Israelites would be spared; while the firstborn of the Egyptians would be destroyed, if they would sprinkle the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of their houses. (Exodus 12:7-13) • The walls of Jericho would fall down before the army of Israel, if they marched around the city in the proper processional once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day as they shouted and blew the ram’s horn. Prior to them marching God said, “Behold, I have given you the city.” (Joshua 6:1-5) • The blind would be healed if he would go and “wash in the pool of Siloam.” (John 9:1-7) Abiding in Christ, bearing fruits and experiencing the blessings He desires for us are conditional on our obedience to Him.
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JUN24
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Pastoral Discussion – The Church of Yesterday, Now and the Future PASTOR SAMMY & SIS. VALERIE STEWART JOHN 15:4 | 9:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
s we comb through the scriptures, it is certainly evident that the 1st century church contended with a myriad of issues. Today, our churches are certainly no different; however, the intensity of the fight leaves many pastors with much anxiety regarding the future.
Like Paul, pastors should always have a growing concern and compassion for their congregants and society. They must be willing to become all things to all men, so that they may win some. Pastors should be “…gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient and in meekness instruct those that oppose themselves.” However, what happens when the situations presented are beyond the pastor’s ability to effectively manage? Unlike the church of yesterday, leaders of today wrestle more with the challenges of balancing work, family and ministry. In addition, they are bombarded with curious minds and progressive concepts. Our world is ever changing, and at times the church’s relevance is brought into question. In addition, many pastors are caught like “deer in headlights,” standing in today, yet stuck in yesterday thinking they can reach the future. While it is true that God will always have a church, it is imperative that pastors and their spouses constantly assess their own development, as the growth of any church is directly hinged on its leadership. As we facilitate this discussion we will be guided by the following questions: • What are the practical steps being taken as leaders (Pastor and Spouse) to ensure a holistic approach to personal growth and development? • How have you adequately facilitated a strong family unit as you navigate through the various demands of ministry? • How informed are you regarding the various cultural changes and clashes? • How prepared are you to effectively minister to individuals who are transitioning from polygamy, transgender, and homosexual relationships? • How have you equipped your congregation to effectively minister to people from whom traditionally we have shied away?
Inreach for Outreach FRI
PASTOR DEVON DAWSON MATTHEW 28:18 & 19 | 11:45 A.M. – 1:15 P.M.
JUN24
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In Matthew 28, Jesus established evangelism as a major priority for all who become a part of “The Church.” The early church took this command seriously, and the result was a huge increase in the number of believers that were added to the church. Like the early church, we have an important God-given role to play in helping to fulfill the Great Commission. We are engaged in spiritual warfare; while we each have individual assignments, we are part of a collective army with one common goal. When soldiers join a natural army, they are conditioned to the concept that collectively they are committed to a corporate goal. Individuality is minimized to the extent that there is an indoctrination to “group think” and corporate identity. This is manifested in appearance, dress, and adherence to common rules. It includes each soldier protecting the other while on the battlefield to the extent that a wounded soldier is not left behind. In engaging in this spiritual battle, do we mirror the attitudes of the natural soldier In order to be effective at outreach, we need to examine our attitudes: •Can God do what He wants with us and we still remain committed to the cause? •What level of priority do I place on outreach? •Do my personal experiences distract me from the cause? •Is the cause greater than my individual circumstances? •Do we support each other, as natural soldiers do, thus increasing our ability to collectively complete the assignment?
EVENING OF PRAISE FRI JUN24 Man’s Duty… God’s Glory PASTOR SANTY JIMENEZ ECCLESIASTES 12:13; ROMANS 12:1 | 7:30 P.M.
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oday, many theorize worship as a shout, clap, dance or song. Though these are incorporated in our worship experience, worship should not be reduced to mere physical activities. The first use of the word worship in scripture is seen in Genesis 22:5, when Abraham, who was about to sacrifice his son, said to his servants, “…I and the lad will go yonder and worship…” From this statement, we can observe the principle of sacrificing as a necessity in the act of worship, and we are able to glean that worship is an act of submission. Worship is not an activity, nor an event, but rather a lifestyle. It is the intellectual decision to live a sacrificial life that brings glory to God. Romans 12 speaks to the Godly character and conduct that is expected from us as believers. However, this is seemingly seated on a thorough understanding of God, who we are, and the requirements for true worship; these truths will only lead to a more intense lifestyle of worship.
I am the Church
(Accompanied by Video)
SAT
JUN25
PASTOR AUDLEY CASTRO & PASTOR ALAN TODD LUKE 5:19 | 10:00 A.M. – 12 NOON
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he ministry and mission of the church is the responsibility of each individual as part of a collective unit. If the church is to be effective in reaching the world, it requires each of us becoming the hands, feet and heart of Christ.
In addition to the traditional and conventional methods of seeking to bring people through the doors of our churches, we must be willing to explore, cultivate and adapt new methods of evangelism. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the population of the United States will grow from approximately 300 million to 520 million in 2050. Despite population growth, a Gallup survey projects that church attendance will continuously decline. With the availability of social media, technology and multiple methods of transportation and communication, today’s church has significantly more tools to spread the Gospel than the apostles of the early church. It is imperative that we become effective witnesses through the vast array of tools that are available to us. We must employ a new mindset and do all we can to connect others to Jesus. In addition, we need to take Jesus to them – beyond the walls of the church, meeting their needs where they are.
Billboards SUN
PASTOR AUDLEY CASTRO MATTHEW 7:16-20 | 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 AM.
JUN26
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he term “billboard advertising” relates to the usage of signs along the wayside of public places to advertise and promote a range of products and services. It is said that billboards catch the attention of prospective consumers like no other form of advertising. They help to create brand awareness and reach thousands of people each day.
Like the Billboards, our lives as Christians are constantly sending messages to those around us. It is not what we say that is our witness, instead it is the conduct we display to the world as they are constantly observing us and reading our lives. The Biblical word “witness” does not necessarily mean “to speak,” rather, it means being a reflection of God’s glory to the world around us. God teaches that what the world needs is not more exposure to talking [verbalizing] The Gospel, but rather a reflection and demonstration of Christians who will live the Gospel! • What do people see in us when they pass by us, or observe us? • Does our life and conduct reflect “Jesus”? • Is the message we communicate drawing others to Christ?
SUN Realizing Potential…
JUN26
Maximizing Performance
SIS. ALLISON TODD | PSALMS 92:12-15; EPHESIANS 2:10 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 AM. LIFE APPLICATION CLASS
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he discourse in Psalms 92 briefly captures the fate of the individual who is found righteous by God. It is natural for a grain of wheat to spring forth after it has fallen in a bed of rich soil. So it is that the life of a Christian should yield a great harvest of spiritual virtues, character and demonstrations. However, this is not the case, as today our churches are filled with latent excellence, persons with mere potential to do great things, but devoid of the knowledge to execute them. Ephesians 2:10 adequately points out that each person has been uniquely designed and crafted for a specific task that God Himself has predetermined; they have been given purpose. Therefore, the notion that purpose precedes production is evidently true. As such, a person’s potential can only be fully realized if their purpose is fully understood. Once purpose is understood, one should submit themselves to a rigid process of growth and maturity. II Peter 1:5-8 shares briefly what this process involves, and concludes that once this process is adhered to, “you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (AMP) As we navigate through this session, the presenter will provide direction and tools for the person who seeks to fully understand their purpose, so that their potential can be mobilized to maximize their performance in the Kingdom. The session should outline Biblical principles that will result in growth and maturity.
Proximity Without Connection SUN PASTOR KENNETH CARPENTER LUKE 10: 38-42; ISAIAH 29:13 | 11:00 A.M.
JUN26
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elationship with the LORD is foremost a matter of the heart. Drawing near to God is not a physical exercise, but one that requires us to experience a heart connection. Throughout scriptures, Jesus speaks more about a relationship from the heart that is essential for an experience with Him than having a physical experience with Him. Luke 10 records the familiar account of Jesus visiting two sisters – Mary and Martha. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus to learn from Him, and Martha worked in the kitchen and complained that she was getting no help. The issue here is that Mary chose intimacy with Jesus – being with Jesus no matter what else was going on around her. Martha chose proximity with Jesus – they were in the same house, but she was distracted by the affairs of the house. Jesus didn’t scold Martha for working. Jesus scolded Martha, because she allowed herself to be distracted. Martha could have been doing all the things that she was doing and still chosen intimacy with Him, but she chose to be distracted. Sadly, too many of us continue to be around Jesus - busy doing “church,” close to Him – know about Him but do not know Him. We are close enough to be affected but not close enough to be connected so that we can affect others.
Fruit…Shine Bright SUN Bear PASTOR ALAN TODD
JUN26
MATTHEW 5:14-16 | 7:00 P.M.
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n the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged His disciples and all those who would follow Him to live such exemplary lives that they would be the light of the world. In essence they would be conduits or vessels that would radiate the beauty of God, so that men would be drawn to Jesus Christ. As believers we should not shun from our mandate of being light bearers, rather we should dispel the darkness that surrounds us. We should be transporters of God’s presence, so that those we encounter will be greatly impacted by God’s power through us. We must maintain that we are mere conduits of His Glory and canvases for His beauty. It is therefore necessary for us to be cautious in how we lead our lives, so as not to impair our availability to be used by God. We are not the givers of the light. We must stay connected to the source. not hide the light from the world, but display it, so that the world will be impacted. Let us be bold through God and shine bright for Jesus.
Let us
Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. 18415 NW 7th Ave | Miami Gardens, FL 33169 (305) 651-9696 | www.PenTab.org
