FOJ 2017 Conference Brochure by Gracious Grafx

From our PASTOR W

elcome to our 15th Annual Focus on Jesus Summit. Whether you are visiting with us or a member of our local assembly, I am truly delighted that you are here for this special time of worship, praise and The Word.

Our theme this year, “Faithful to Faith,” is a reminder to all of us of the faithfulness of our God, who has called us. Our obligation is to be faithful to Him through our obedience to the Gospel, which is the Word of God. Throughout the New Testament we are exhorted to apprehend “The Faith.” We are encouraged to attain it, and then contend or fight to keep it. We are also warned to examine or test ourselves to see if we are still “in” The Faith.

1st Peter 2:9 reminds us of the uniqueness of the people of Faith. We are a “CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AN HOLY NATION, A PECULIAR PEOPLE;” called to “SHEW FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM WHO HATH CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT.” Such is the awesomeness of the privilege and relationship that we have with Christ Jesus. If that Truth is lost or even devalued, attitudes change, doubt strangles faith, confusion replaces commitment, and eternal death, not eternal life, becomes the reward. The Book of Jude, which is our focus book for this year’s Summit, calls our attention to some profound truths that will be closely explored over the next five days:

1. There is a faith once for all delivered to the saints. 2. This faith is worth contending for. 3. This faith is repeatedly threatened from within the church. 4. Every genuine believer should contend for the faith. I am delighted that we have been able to assemble a team of distinguished men and women of the Faith, who will not only edify us with the Word, but will challenge us to a life of unwavering faithfulness to God and His Word. I hope you will be faithful in your attendance at all our day sessions and our evening worship services. A special feature of our Summit this year is our Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day on Saturday, for all children between the ages of 10 and 13 years. Parents, guardians, family members and everyone reading this message, I entreat you to invite and bring with you a child on Saturday to a special childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workshop, as we prepare the next generation to be faithful men and women of God. I hope you are blessed, inspired and renewed during this time of edification and fellowship, but more importantly, challenged to a life of commitment and faithfulness to God. Pastor S. Robert Stewart

SUMMIT Schedule WEDNESDAY 6/21

7:30 PM - Pastor Andrew Urshan

THURSDAY 6/22

10:00 AM - Dr. C. A. Holdswoth 11:45 AM - Dr. C. A. Holdsworth 7:30 PM - Dr. Lyndon Johnson

FRIDAY 6/23

10:00 AM - Dr. Lyndon Johnson 11:45 AM - Sis. Sharon Webster 7:30 PM - Pastor Audley Castro

SATURDAY 6/24

10:00 AM - Pastor S. Robert Stewart 12:00 PM - Minister Chris & Sis. Lia Wilson, Minister Dwayne Stewart 12:00 PM - Pastor Sammy Stewart (10-13 year olds) 6:30 PM- Evening of Exalted Praise

SUNDAY 6/25

10:00 AM - (Christian Education classes) Pastor Colin Sterling, Pastor Sammy Stewart, Bishop Devon Dawson, Pastor Wayne Williams 11:15 AM - Dr. Lyndon Johnson 7:00 PM- Pastor Andrew Urshan

hrough deception, Satan successfully brought a curse upon Adam and Eve (because of their disobedience) and all of mankind. Nevertheless, God promised that from the seed of the woman would come One who would bring man’s deliverance and Satan’s destruction. That “seed” was our Lord Jesus Christ.

Daily

TREASURE THE FAITH: PROMISED SEED

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27 Seed is singular and can be understood as referring to an individual. This means, the same God who created man, had to redeem His creation by becoming His own Savior. He did not send another person, because there were no gods before Him (Isaiah 45:21) and beside Him there is no Savior (Isaiah 43:11). God’s plan for redemption focused on the seed of the woman. He did not pronounce judgment on His creation; instead, He promised a future deliverance for all to live triumphantly. This redemptive plan enabled us to be adopted as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. This promise,

serves as an example that God will always be true to His Word, because it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). Therefore, if we desire to be in the center of God’s purpose, we must be focused on the Word, the Promised Seed; which is the One and Only Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. What did the prophets say about the Promised Seed? Exercise: Study the following • Isaiah 7:14 Born of a virgin • Zechariah 9:9 The King cometh • Hosea 11:1 Called out of Egypt

Daily

TREASURE THE FAITH: COMING SAVIOR

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:18

magine Mary and Joseph trying to figure this out. Would we believe a teenager, who is professing she is pregnant, but had never been with the young man to whom she is engaged? Furthermore, could we conceive the possibility that she was so pure and favored that God would choose her to be the carrier of the Savior of the world?

Mary, it was hard for him to believe this “story.” Is it safe to say he had some questions of his own? In our moments of questioning, if we are listening and can hear the voice of the Lord, He gives us the answer(s) we need through faith.

This journey required much faith. It is interesting that the Bible does not go into depth about Joseph’s feelings about the matter; we are told, “…being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.” Matthew 1:19.

• John 14:15 - Keeping God’s commandments • Hebrews 5:9 - Eternal salvation through obedience • Hebrews 13:17 Submission to authority

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son When the angel appeared to of David, fear not to take unto Mary, she had questions. “And thee Mary thy wife: for that when she saw him, she was which is conceived in her is of troubled at his saying, and cast the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:20 in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” Luke Faith demanded obedience 1:29 from Joseph; it required evidence that he believed the When the angel told Mary Word delivered to him. about what was to come, she had even more questions. What do we need on our Mary asked, “How shall this be, journey of obedience? seeing I know not a man?” Luke 1:34. Exercise: Study the following

Clearly,

though

trusted

THE FAITH

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017 7:30 PM

Hebrews 13:9 & II Timothy 4: 3-4; Jude 3 PASTOR ANDREW URSHAN

n Jude 3, we are urged to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” The faith mentioned here is tied specifically to the apostles’ message. The Church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). As Christians, we have a dynamic foundation and legacy that we must preserve. Hebrews 13:9 and 2 Timothy 4:3-4 provide a cautionary note to the Church; however, we have seen that many believers are being carried away by teachings contrary to the Word of God. If ever a generation needed to be faithful to the faith, it is this current generation. If we do not guard, preserve and pass the faith through to other generations, there will be “a generation which know not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done.” Daily, we must earnestly seek to know and understand God, and we must devote time to develop our relationship with Him through prayer and study of the Word..

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GRACE – GOD’S GIFT

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017 10:00 AM– 11:30 AM

Ephesians 2:8-9

DR. C. A. HOLDSWORTH

he Word of God makes it very clear that we do not merit our salvation. This is hard for us to comprehend, but it is the essence of grace – favor that is not earned but a gift freely given. Jesus Christ, through His love, died for us making our salvation possible.

As Christians, it is necessary for us to understand that our walk with Christ is not hinged on our own abilities. Rather, it is by God’s grace that we are energized to fulfill His purpose. We are His workmanship, sustained by His strength. If we are to be faithful to the faith, we must recognize our limitations and truly embrace the transforming power of God’s grace.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM

GRACE – OUR RESPONSE Titus 2:11-14, 1 Peter 2:9 & Galatians 2:20-21 DR. C. A. HOLDSWORTH

itus 2 gives clear instructions on how we should respond to God’s grace. The Apostle Paul in speaking about the grace of God in Galatians 2:20-21, affirmed that the life he lived was only accomplished through faith. As one closely examines God’s gift of grace demonstrated on the cross, one will come to the realization of the response demanded by grace. Man’s response should be one of faith demonstrated through obedience. As recipients of grace, we need an awareness of who we are; not how we feel about ourselves, but rather how God sees us. We are chosen of God, precious, lively stones, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…this knowledge should lead us to live a life of victory and obedience to the God who graciously and liberally dispenses grace.

UNCHANGING FAITHâ&#x20AC;Ś CHANGING TIMES

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017 7:30 PM

1 Peter 1:13-15, 23-25; Hebrews 13:8 DR. LYNDON JOHNSON

he Apostle Peter urged us to be obedient to the Word of God. He further intimates that the Word of God, which we are called to obey, is everlasting. This call to obedience is persistent despite the constant changes and contradictions in our modern age. As time unfolds we see a great exodus from truth and the notion of relativism becoming more prevalent in the body of Christ. This session will survey the immutability of God and His Word. Attendees will be encouraged to use the Word of God to judge every idea, concept and perception presented in this current age. We must remain resolute in what we believe, and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word must be the constant moral compass in our sojourn.

ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH (PART 1)

FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

I Peter 3:14-15 & Colossians 2:8 DR. LYNDON JOHNSON

he Apostle Peter in his discourse to the saints exhorted them not to be fearful when opposed for the sake of righteousness. Instead, they should be ready at all times to give an answer for their belief or hope. Similarly, Jude exhorts us to contend for the faith. The Greek work used in 1 Peter 3:15 for the phrase “give an answer” is apologia, which means defense. It is from this word we get the English word Apologetics. Apologetics is a religious discipline, which deals with defending or proving the truth of religious doctrines through systematic arguments. As a body of believers, it is incumbent on us to ensure that we are thoroughly informed to present a proper defense regarding our faith. As such, this session will employ Biblical principles and Christian apologetics to address the erroneous doctrines and philosophies concerning the following: • Authenticity of Scripture • An answer to the question, ‘Is truth relative?’

FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM

ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH (PART 2) I Peter 3:14-15 & Colossians 2:8 SIS. SHARON WEBSTER

THE FAITH UNDER FIRE

FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017 7:30 PM

Hebrews 11 PASTOR AUDLEY CASTRO

ebrews 11 is probably the most famous chapter in the book of Hebrews. It has been called “The Great Faith Chapter” or the “The Hall of Faith.” In this chapter, we have an extended list of examples of Old Testament men and women who lived by faith in the midst of great persecution and tribulation. These believers overcame every imaginable type of adversity through faith. They trusted God when the day was dark, when the night was long, the suffering was great, and when there was no visible sign of deliverance for them. As Christians, we are called to be resolute in our faith in spite our circumstances. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and like the Old Testament men and women, our faith will be tried and tested. At times everything around us will suggest that there is no logical reason for the things we encounter. However, we must understand that our faith experiences align us with the Will of God. This session will survey God’s sovereignty and His providence. The session will also examine the role that challenges, failures and obstacles play in us conforming to the image God and will seek to exhort us to be faithful in our pursuit after God.

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Daily

TREASURE THE FAITH:

HIS BIRTH

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

he Promised Seed was finally here. There had been so many prophesies about the One that would be the Savior of the world, yet, there was no room for Him anywhere. Jesus, that Savior, was born in Bethlehem in a manger.

he killed innocent babies in Bethlehem. He did not understand that he could not compete with the Son of God.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

• Hebrews 10:4 - Elimination of the need for sacrifice of animals to remove sin • Hebrews 8:6 - The New Mediator • Galatians 3:28 Redemption for all people

The birth of Jesus was the incarnation of God Himself, God in the flesh. King Herod sought His life, because he heard that the wise men called Him the King of the Jews and sought to worship Him. However, nothing could stop “The Promised Seed.” “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Luke 2:21 It appears King Herod was threatened by Jesus, not so much for what He was at birth, but for what he thought He could become. When King Herod could not find Jesus

What are some of the benefits of the Savior being born? Exercise: Study the following

he Bible says very little about Jesus after He was found in the temple at 12 years old. He reappeared at about 30 years old, and His ministry lasted about three years. However, within those years, Jesus proved that He was indeed God in the flesh.

Daily

TREASURE

THE FAITH:

HIS LIFE

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2:23

isolation, it is crucial that we stay on guard. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8.

During Jesus’ ministry, up to the “And the Word was made flesh, crucifixion, He chose disciples, and dwelt among us, (and we taught (people and disciples), beheld his glory, the glory as of and performed miracles. Jesus the only begotten of the Father,) ministered to individuals in full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 places that perhaps would be frowned upon today, as He Today, as during Jesus’ time on intensely ministered to the earth, some dare to question multitudes. Jesus was tempted, whether Jesus was truly the but never fell into temptation. Son of God; He is referred to as a teacher or prophet. How do I follow Jesus’ example of having a personal devotion? After Jesus reappeared, He requested to be baptized by Exercise: Study the following John the Baptist. It took some convincing, but John the Baptist • Mark 1:35 - A solitary baptized Jesus. Subsequently, place Jesus was led up of the Spirit • Luke 6:12 - Focused time into the wilderness to be of prayer tempted of the devil (Matthew • Matthew 14:23 - Jesus 4:1). It is worth noting, that the sent His disciples away very purpose for which Jesus was isolated was to be tempted; the devil did not appear until after the period of fasting. There are times when the Lord will pull us aside for a specific purpose, and following that

THE FAITH, THE ISSUES, MY REALITY

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

PASTOR S. ROBERT STEWART Millennials & The Unchanging Faith

hat, exactly, is the Millennial generation? The term Millennials is usually considered to apply to individuals who reached adulthood around the turn of the 21st century. Their ages range from 14-35. There is a great deal of variation from one individual to another within any generational cohort. Nevertheless, the particular environment for any generation affects those individuals in ways that are observable as broad tendencies. A snapshot of Millennials, according to their press: • Millennials grew up in an electronics-filled and increasingly online and socially-networked world. • They are the generation that has received the most marketing attention. • As the most ethnically diverse generation, Millennials tend to be tolerant of difference. • Having been raised under the mantra “follow your dreams” and being told they were special, they tend to be confident, but highly impatient. • The Millennial generation’s confidence has been argued to spill over into the realms of entitlement and narcissism (inordinate fascination with oneself). • They are the first generation since the 1920’s (the Silent Generation) that is expected to be less economically successful than their parents. • One reported result of Millennial optimism is entering into adulthood with unrealistic

expectations, which sometimes leads to disillusionment. Millennial statistics (Source: Pew Research): • 59 percent of Millennials raised in the church have dropped out. • 35 percent of millennials have an anti-church stance, believing the church does more harm than good. • They are the least likely age group of anyone to attend church by far. • Only 2 in 10 Americans under 30 believe attending a church is important or worthwhile (an all-time low). • They have the highest average number of Facebook friends, with an average of 250 friends vs. Generations X’s 200. • 55 percent have posted a selfie or more to social media sites versus 20 percent of Generation X. • They send a median of 50 texts a day. • As of 2012, only 19 percent of Millennials said that, generally, others can be trusted. • There are about 76 million Millennials in the United States (based on research using the years 19782000). Millennials and Technology • Millennials grew up with computers, the Internet and the graphical user interface (GUI). This familiarity makes them adept at understanding interfaces and visual languages. • Privacy, in the Millennial’s eye, is mostly a concern of functional settings limiting who sees their online shares. This comfort with social media means they are good at self-promotion and fostering connections through online media. But this approach often results in an issue when comparing

themselves to peers. • Millennials are sometimes frustrated by the grass seeming greener on the other side of the fence. That impression may be due to people’s image crafting, which emphasizes their good qualities and exciting parts of their lives. • Millennials can also be very dependent on the Internet for learning how to do things. Millennials and Culture • The Millennials have shown in survey to have the least faith in the institutions of America. • Although Millennials have less faith in religious institutions, at the same time the numbers have also risen for those who have absolute faith in the existence of a god. • Many churches’ messages clash with the Millennial ideal of tolerance for religious, racial, gender, and sexual orientation differences. • Millennials are exerting their influence on the world around them, as all prior generations have done. • Millennials feel more entitled than previous generations. • The four major issues for millennials are: Parenting – Technology – Environment – Impatience. • Through no fault of their own millennials have lower self-esteem than other generations. • Millennials are addicted to social media. • Millennials do not know how to form deep meaningful relationships. When 1/3 of a generation is Anti-Church, and introspective reflection is urgently needed. FAITHFULNESS TO THE FAITH DEMANDS IT!

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM

THE FAITH, THE ISSUES & MY RESPONSE MINISTER CHRISTOPHER & LIA WILSON

MINISTER DWAYNE STEWART

he challenges of this generation cannot be met by a “business as usual” attitude. When 1/3 of a generation is Anti-Church, an introspective reflection is urgently needed.

This session is designed to strengthen our resolve to reinforce and empower this and every generation to earnestly contend for the FAITH. The following information gained from online sources, is provided to assist us in focusing our prayers and preparing our hearts for spiritual direction.

HYMN

Daily

TREASURE THE FAITH: HIS SACRIFICE

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39

esus went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray, and asked Peter, James and John to pray with Him. While He prayed, they fell asleep. Jesus responded sorrowfully, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.” Matthew 27:28-31

It might be tempting to judge the disciples. How dare they fall asleep when Jesus needed them the most? However, is the church “falling asleep” in a time when God is depending on us to be the church? The disciples loved Jesus, and it can be assumed that they wanted to do what Jesus asked of them.

He was nailed to the cross. They pierced His side. The sinless Jesus took on the sins of humanity at Calvary. “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus was then betrayed by Judas, taken to the High Priest What does self-denial mean to and turned over to the Roman me? government. They could find no fault in Jesus and ultimately Exercise: Study the following traded Him for a murderer at the request of the Jews. It • Luke 9:23 - Taking up was the Jews that demanded your cross His crucifixion; the soldiers • Galatians 2:20 executed their demands. Crucified with Christ • Philippians 3:7 - Gain as “And they stripped him, and loss put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee

as it the darkness Exercise: Study the following that fell over the land, the ripping of • John 11:25 - Eternal the veil in the temple, or the life earthquake that opened graves • Romans 6:5 - Likeness that caused the people to think of His resurrection and confirm that Jesus was in • Romans 6:4 fact the Son of God? Newness of life

Daily

TREASURE THE FAITH:

HIS RESURRECTION

They buried Jesus, and there was much diligence in ensuring that the grave was secured. It was as if those that crucified Him expected something to happen. Perhaps, they remembered Jesus saying, “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…” John 10:17-18

“Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.” Matthew 27:64 There is no dispute; Jesus is the only one to rise from the dead triumphantly! Religion presents other gods, but none of them rose from the dead. “And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. Mark 16:2-4 How does the resurrection relate to the Gospel?

esus had to prove to those that followed Him before His death that He was the resurrected Christ, and reminded them that He told them all things spoken to them must be fulfilled. “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.” Luke 24:46

Daily

TREASURE

THE FAITH: POWER THROUGH HIS RESURRECTION

“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” Luke 24:36

Jesus made appearances following the resurrection to those who knew Him. They were frightened and did not recognize Him at first, including the disciples. Jesus prepared the disciples for His departure. His resurrection power would propel them into deeper ministry and with more power than ever before.

Jesus ascended, but the disciples who were left were equipped to reach the world. “And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” Luke 24:50 The Gospel is that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived among men, was crucified, and rose from the dead. He made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity, and through His resurrection made power available to all who know Him. “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” Philippians 3:10

”And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach How is the resurrection power the gospel to every creature. He manifested in me? that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that Exercise: Study the following believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow • I John 5:4 - Overcoming them that believe; In my name the world shall they cast out devils; they • I Corinthians 6:11 shall speak with new tongues; - Sanctification and They shall take up serpents; and Justification if they drink any deadly thing, it • Galatians 5:22-23 shall not hurt them; they shall Bearing fruit lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:15-18

epentance, baptism in Jesus’ Name (not the titles Father Son and Holy Ghost), and the receiving gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is required for salvation.

Daily

TREASURE

THE FAITH: PLAN OF SALVATION

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38

Those who know Him in the power of His resurrection are required to share the plan of salvation to the world. While outreach is a crucial part of the structure of the church, we are also required to share the plan of salvation to those around us.

Salvation begins at the cross, Am I compelled to tell those in but why stay there? There is My World about salvation? life after the cross. Jesus Christ lives in humanity. While there Exercise: Study the following has been much debate in the religious world, the Bible is clear • Acts 3:19 - Need for about the plan of salvation. repentance • Acts 8:16 - Baptism in “How shall we escape, if we Jesus’ Name neglect so great salvation; which • Acts 10:44-46 - Gift of at the first began to be spoken the Holy Ghost by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” Hebrews 2:3 While churches readily call upon the Name of Jesus, acknowledge Jesus as God, and pray in Jesus’ Name, baptism in Jesus’ Name has been rejected. Jesus commanded that baptism be done in the NAME of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19) “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47

HYMN

I DO, BECAUSE I BELIEVE

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Galatians 2:20, 6:9-10 Luke 19:10-13 & James 2:14-26, PASTOR COLIN STERLING

he parable presented in the Luke 19:10-13 provides us with insight regarding our roles as disciples. In verse 13 of the passage, we see the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;occupy till I come,â&#x20AC;? a phrase which is often used inaccurately. The command in scripture was not a charge to us as humans to take possession of the earth and acquire as much as we can before Christ returns; rather, it was a call to the disciples to propagate the salvific work of Jesus Christ. Like the characters in the parable, we often have a passive disposition in our approach to our faith. We are guilty of possessing a wealth of knowledge and understanding regarding the Gospel. We do a great job in professing it; however, we fail to effectively execute the Gospel message. As believers, if we are faithful to the faith, we will possess a passion that drives us to activity. We should champion the causes outlined in Isaiah 61:1. We must seek out the meek, care for the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the bound and be agents of change in a dying world. In James chapter 2, the author in addressing this topic exhorted us on the importance of faith that is accompanied by works; works that are evidence of our salvation, not requirements for our salvation. This session should serve as a reminder to the believer that the life which we live is in Christ; exhorting them on the components of our belief system, which pertains to discipleship and our ambassadorship.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM AGES: 18-21 & LIFE APPLICATION CLASS

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH JUDE

PASTOR WAYNE WILLIAMS

esus warned in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, The warnings of the Apostles are relevant to but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” the church of today, in an Much of Jesus’ ministry consisted of confronting age where we are witnessing the the false teachings of the religious leaders of His same manifestations: day (Matthew 16:11-12, 23:1-39). In His discourse Denial of God • Denial of the faith on things to come, He warned (Matthew 24:4-5), • Denial of sound doctrine “And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed • Denial of the separated life that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my • Denial of morals name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” • Denial of authority The Apostle Peter devotes most of 2 Peter to warning against false teachers. Jude devotes his In this time, the words in the book of Jude have an entire short letter to the same theme. John in his even greater relevance. The church is being warned epistles repeatedly warns of false teachers. Paul’s and encouraged to keep “the Faith Once Delivered” final words to the Ephesian elders warned them of and to be on guard against those who want to destroy our commitment to the faith. false teachers (Acts 20:28-30).

JESUS THE GREAT I AM

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Ages: 14-17

Matthew 16:13-18; John 8:58 BISHOP DEVON DAWSON

esus warned in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Much of Jesus’ ministry consisted of confronting the false teachings of the religious leaders of His day (Matthew 16:11-12, 23:1-39). In His discourse on things to come, He warned (Matthew 24:4-5), “And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” The Apostle Peter devotes most of 2 Peter to warning against false teachers. Jude devotes his entire short letter to the same theme. John in his epistles repeatedly warns of false teachers. Paul’s final words to the Ephesian elders warned them of false teachers (Acts 20:28-30). The warnings of the Apostles are relevant to the church of today, in an age where we are witnessing the same manifestations: • Denial of God • Denial of the faith • Denial of sound doctrine • Denial of the separated life • Denial of morals • Denial of authority In this time, the words in the book of Jude have an even greater relevance. The church is being warned and encouraged to keep “the Faith Once Delivered” and to be on guard against those who want to destroy our commitment to the faith.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Ages: 10-13

JESUS THE GREAT I AM Matthew 16:13-18; John 8:58 PASTOR WINSTON STEWART

n Matthew chapter 16, we read the discourse of the revelatory confrontation between Peter and Jesus Christ. Jesus speaking with Peter asked, who do you say that I am? Upon answering, Jesus declared that He will build His church upon this rock and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Through this discourse, we can understand the importance of having an accurate understanding of the deity of Jesus Christ. Throughout the life of the Israelites, God repeatedly reinforced His deity by providing a progressive revelatory knowledge of Himself. In John 8:58, Jesus declared that “I assure you: Before Abraham was, I am.” A close and intense look at the scripture will reveal that Jesus’ declaration resembles the declaration made by God to Moses in Exodus 3:14. A further look at sayings of Jesus will reveal several “I AM” declarations. As believers, it is important that we adequately comprehend the person of Jesus Christ; our faith is built on this revelation. Today we are faced with a plethora of religions and ideologies whose agenda is to reduce the deity of Jesus Christ. This session will provide Biblical evidence that confirms the deity of Jesus and affirms His person and character.

NOTES

THE THREE “D’S”

(DISTRACTION, DECEPTION, DESTRUCTION)

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017 11:15 AM

1 Peter 5:8-9 & II Corinthians 2:11, Revelation 2 DR. LYNDON JOHNSON

atan uses many strategies and schemes to deceive the children of God. If we are not spiritually alert, we can easily succumb to his ploys. Ignorance is not bliss, especially when it comes to knowing our enemy and his attempts to distract, deceive and destroy us. One of the subtle strategies he deploys is busyness. Like the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2, we can become consumed with our religious activities and duties at the expense of sabotaging our own relationships with God. The church of Ephesus was distracted by a pseudo relationship. They were deceived into thinking that their dedication to their religious duties could substitute for their fervency for God; they had lost their first love. Sometimes we can become so distracted with the demands of life that our relationship with Christ is negatively impacted. Growing and maturing in Christ does not happen by default. It takes concerted effort. We should therefore not be ignorant of the enemies’ devices. Rather, we should seek to become more alert through prayer, reading and understanding the Word of God.

OUR GREAT HOPE Ephesians 1:18; 2 Peter 3:14

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017 7:00 PM

PASTOR ANDREW URSHAN

ope is a fundamental part of the Christian faith. While the promises of men are uncertain, God’s promises are sure. God has given us a great hope and a promise of a glorious inheritance. It is a guaranteed inheritance for the faithful and obedient. As believers, it is incumbent for us to be faithful to the Faith, so that we may be found in the Lord upon His return. We must cherish this hope He has given us. Let us therefore “… not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

ecoming a follower of Christ is a journey; getting saved is just the beginning, and once saved is not always saved. Relationship with the Lord must be established and maintained. Our faith must propel us to obedience to God through the application of the Word.

Daily

TREASURE

THE FAITH:

LIVED

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” 2 Peter 1:3

Fundamentally, we need God. There is danger in believing, or living as if we believe, that the spirit does not need to be fed. Deception led to disobedience in the garden of Eden. Let us equip ourselves to live victoriously! Ephesians 6 instructs, “Put on the whole armour of God…” The Word has given us everything we “If a man abide not in me, he is need. As we become disciples cast forth as a branch, and is through obedience, we can withered; and men gather them, then disciple others. and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot When we make mistakes, let be hid. Neither do men light us choose life, so that we can a candle, and put it under a be about the Father’s business! bushel, but on a candlestick; and Consider Judas, who betrayed it giveth light unto all that are Jesus; the tragedy is that he in the house. Let your light so clearly regretted his decision shine before men, that they may and tried to make things right. see your good works, and glorify However, he could not get your Father which is in heaven.” himself to seek redemption Matthew 5:14-16 from Jesus, and instead chose suicide. Peter, on the other Do I manifest my Faith in the hand, denied Jesus, but was way I live? given the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven after he repented. Exercise: Study the following The gift of grace is ours. • II Corinthians 5:20 “And if any man sin, we have an Ambassadors for Christ advocate with the Father, Jesus • Galatians 2:20 - Christ Christ the righteous: And he is living in me the propitiation for our sins: and • Romans 12:2 - Nonnot for ours only, but also for the conformity to the world sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2

he book of Jude, which covers so much in one chapter, speaks to the attack on the purity of the faith. Furthermore, that attack is described as a “creeping in;” things that were once rejected were being accepted. Does that describe the church of today?

Daily

TREASURE

THE FAITH: CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4 Apostasy: an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith; abandonment of a previous loyalty. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. There must be much diligence to do whatever it takes to protect the purity of the faith. Soldiers contend for freedom; be it the freedom of another country or their own. Jude encourages the people of God to contend for the faith. Soldiers fight for freedom; the people of God fight for the faith. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening

wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits…” Matthew 7:15-16 What am I willing to do to fight for and protect the Faith? Exercise: Study the following • I Peter 3:15 - Readiness to defend the faith • Philippians 1:27 - Standing for the faith • I Timothy 6:12 - The fight of faith

Daily

TREASURE

11 THE FAITH: UNITY OF THE SAINTS

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

ove must be the force that drives the body of Christ; without love, there is no unity. Love for God, each other, the Faith (truth), and the world will propel us into true unity.

work to put away pride, strife, prejudice, inferiority, as well as superiority; instead, pursue and thereby manifest the love of Christ, especially in the household of faith.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” I Corinthians 13:1

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 2 John 4:20

The first step in fighting division is to acknowledge the power of division, and conversely, the power of unity. The call for unity or the lack thereof is not new. The epistles frequently addressed the importance of unity among the saints. Today’s church is no different. We face some of the same challenges, packaged differently, but much the same. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” I Corinthians 1:10 The enemy has always used division to destroy God’s people; nevertheless, we often fall prey. Let us aggressively

What brother or sister do I need to make things right with for the sake of unity? Exercise: Study the following • I Peter 3:8 - One mind • Romans 12:10 - Loving and honoring • I John 2:11 - Blinded by hate

Daily

TREASURE

THE FAITH: PROMISE FULFILLED “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

od thought so much Am I willing to stay in the fight of us, that He gave to receive the great reward? His only begotten son, that “Promised Seed,” to live Exercise: Study the following among men, be crucified and victoriously resurrected. By • I John 3:2 - Seeing Him faith, we are saved by His grace, • I Peter 5:4 - The Crown of through obedience, so that we Glory can attain eternal life. • Revelation 22:5 - Reign forever with Christ “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:8 The Bible is full of promises for the people of God; lest we forget, they are conditional. We cannot allow anything or anyone to stand in the way of our great reward, which is to see God face to face. Let us not become weary in well doing, fall asleep spiritually, or die on the pews or in the ministries of the church. Let us press, so that we can behold Him! “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:3

• I Am An Apostolic For Life • I Will Earnestly Contend For The Faith Which Was Once Delivered Unto Me. • I Am Prepared To Give My Life For It • I Will Never Surrender To Anxiety, But Will Trust The Lord For Strength • I Will Help Others Find Christ • I Will Not Accept Gold Or Silver In Exchange For My God • I Will Remain Fully Persuaded By The Gospel Of Jesus Christ • I Will Never Do Anything That Will Be Harmful To My Fellow Christians • I Will Attempt To Guide Others • I Will Obey Them That Have The Rule Over Me • I Will Work To Further The Cause Of Christ • I Will Abstain From All Appearance Of Evil To The Best Of My Ability • I Will Abstain From Sexual Immorality • I Will Govern My Body In Accordance With The Word Of God • I Will Practice Myself To Pray Daily And Read The Word Of God • I Will Not Compromise My Standard Of Holiness • I Will Not Make Any Statements That Are Disloyal To God And Harmful To His Purpose • I Will Never Forget That I Am An Apostolic Pentecostal Christian Responsible For My Actions And Dedicated To God • I Will Trust In The Lord And In The Power Of His Spirit • By The Grace Of God These Things I Will Do • “Nay In All These Things We Are More Than Conquerors Through Him That Loved Us”