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October 2013
Word of Life | Are You Real?!
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Contents
ARE YOU REAL? October 2013
Are You Real?
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Free Indeed.
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Grace Giving
Are we real with our giving?
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Will The Real Christians Please Stand?!
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Words of Life from Pastor G
Je’Voniou Davis
Read and Study The Word
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When I Say I Am A Christian
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Clergy Appreciation Month
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Upcoming Events
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Disciplined Disciples Devotion
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To Tell The Truth
Word of Life Christian Church 460 W. Atherton Rd. Flint, MI 48507 (810) 232-5944 www.thewordisalive.org October 2013
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Words of Life from Pastor G
ARE YOU REAL? Word of Life Christian Church, I am an avid fan of a college football team in the great state of Michigan. I wear their colors, I read their articles and study their statistics, and yes I cheer fanatically on Saturday as they take the field to compete against their opponent! I attend a game at the stadium at least once a year, and no matter how much I may want to, stadium security will not allow me to go on the field to call a play, throw a pass, or make a tackle. In fact, if I did attempt such a feat, I would be quickly handcuffed, arrested, and taken to the nearest lock up. I am sure I would wonder and ponder why the coach didn’t know my name, and why the athletic department and director never placed me on salary? The question is why wouldn’t they let me play and participate? The answer is, because I am not an official, genuine member of the team, I am only a fan. I do not have a scholarship or contract to be a part of the team. Yes, I associate myself with them, I cheer for them, I wear their colors, and follow them throughout the year, but I am not ON the team. It turns out that there is a big difference between being a paid college coach and scholarship football player and being an obnoxious fan. The main difference is having a signed contract. A contract which I, like so many others who show up each Saturday to cheer lack. Pseudo-Christians are a lot like that. They arrive at the stadium (church) on game day (Sunday), put on their team’s jerseys (carry a Bible), hang out with the real players (God’s children), and speak the terminology ( quote scripture). However, the fact is they are not on the team roster (Lamb’s Book of Life). They are not genuine Christians. They look the part from a distance, but they do not have a signed contract with the upper management. When they die and stand before the Owner of this universe, He will do what stadium security would have done to me according to scripture;
October 2013
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23) Saints, we can’t be pretenders! God calls us to be real and relevant in our Christian walk. In his book Crazy Love, Francis Chan wrote, “Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and he is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but he isn’t allowed to control their lives.” Real disciples of Jesus Christ are deliberate and radical about their faith. God’s children should seek to be hot all the time, but the reality is that we will get cold sometimes on this journey. I believe God understands that, what he dislikes and abhors is tepid, lukewarm individuals seeking and acting as though they are all in when they are really ingenious and fake. It has been said that there is no such thing as a lukewarm Christian. I was once asked, are you a saint or an ain’t, are you a testifier or a testi-lier? Religious involvement, being active in ministry, communicating Christian concepts and quoting scripture does not make you a real Christian. This month we will ask and answer the question “Are You Real”? We have all walked down the street of Hypocrisy, what God desires is that we would walk down the street of Christian Character consistent with the life of Christ. Let’s be real as a spouse, child, friend, employee, and church member. It is time to be real for Christ!
Be Blessed, George D Wilkinson Pastor G
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Free Indeed.
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“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” -John 8:36
Je’Voniou Davis
October 2013
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Afflicted but not crushed, perplexed and not discouraged, persecuted and not forsaken, struck down and not destroyed, but overcome with victory. This is just a glimpse of what Je’Voniou Davis has been through in the last 2 years. She is the youngest of twelve children and a mother of two. Being raised in church was not optional since she was the Pastor’s daughter. Proverbs 22:6 (Living Bible) says: Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it. Although there have been some missteps along the way, she has never lost her faith. Je’Voniou started visiting Word of Life in 2011. She was in search of a church family that would show her unconditional love and display the love God. Her upbringing taught her that she needed a church to call home, but previous experience had made her very timid when it came to getting involved again. One Sunday Pastor Wilkinson preached a sermon about having dreams and vision and casting away your fears. That day she shared her dreams with God and placed her fear of working among God’s people in the trash. She heard a lot of sermons in a few different places, but her heart always lead her back to Word of Life. If she had to choose one word to describe what kept her coming back it would be “welcomed”. This is what she felt each time she returned. After becoming a member, the winds of the storms of life really began to blow. There was a warrant out for her son’s arrest. She was deeply concerned as any mother would be. After much prayer, she convinced him to turn himself in because God assured her that everything was going to work in his favor. The Holy Spirit spoke to her and told her to read Psalms 15: LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart. Her son told the truth and after the evidence was presented to the judge he replied “We can’t hold him, because we don’t have a reason.”
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Je’voniou then starting having some health concerns. She woke up in the middle of the night because her bed was soaked, she got up to find out she was hemorrhaging. The doctors revealed that she had a tumor that was pressing on her organs due to its size and she needed surgery. Still holding fast to her faith, she went in for surgery. Things went so smoothly, she woke up and wondered when they going to perform the procedure? Her family explained that it was already done and she was in recovery. She was confused because she felt no pain. The tumor that was removed weighed 13 pounds. The physicians described her recovery as miraculous and unbelievable. She spent her recovery time in the birthing unit of the hospital. This became very spiritual to her. Her mind reflected on the things that God was birthing out of her since she cast her fears into the trash that Sunday. She now sings in the choir and has a passion for working with women and young ladies by sharing her testimony and life experiences with others. Her dream is to empower the D.I.V.A.S. She calls them Destined Intelligent Victorious Anointed Sistahs. She understands that it takes the mind of Christ to be an overcomer Philippians 2:5 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: She gives glory to the favor of God and has complete trust in Him. She can’t praise God enough for all he has done, and is willing to give her all to the God of her Salvation. Psalm 34:19(NIV) The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; This is her Psalms of testimony.
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Grace Giving
The way we give is an indication of our love for God. All things belong to God. God says in Psalms 50:10, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” Everything we have received has come from God. God has only loaned them to us. John 3:27 says, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from above.” We can never out-give God. In Luke 6:38 we read, “Give and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” We give so the Lord’s church can better carry out its mission here on earth. The world must be evangelized, and the church must be edified, and the needy must be helped. Giving is a command of God. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 we read, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also. On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper that there be no collections when I come.” We see the giving here was to help the poor saints in Jerusalem. Notice also they were to make a regular collection every first day of the week. Because of everything God has given us, including His Son to die for us, we should be anxious to give back to him. In 2 Corinthians 8:12 we read, “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” God expects us to give what we are able to give. How can our love for God be real unless it is expressed in our obedience and our giving? Our giving is an expression of love, and act of praise, and sacrifice to God. How we give is an indication of where our priorities are. Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth and rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Where is your heart? October 2013
Since we can’t out-give God, we should at least be liberal in our giving. As we read in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our giving is to be planned. We should not give because we feel we have to give. Nor should we resent that we need to give to please God. We should be glad that we can give to the Lord. We should never try to impress other people with our giving. If we do we already have our reward. Giving needs to be a private matter. We should not seek recognition for the things we do. Jesus says in Matthew 6:1-4, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen of them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the Type to enter text hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” We should seek the approval of God and not the glory of men. Our giving should not only include material possessions but we must first give ourselves to God. We are told in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” If we will first give ourselves to the Lord, we will have no problem in being liberal in our giving. Our liberal giving is part of worshiping God “in spirit and in truth.”
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Q&A
2 WAYS TO GIVE
HOW IS MY GIVING USED? YOUR GIVING IS USED TO... •HELP US ACHIEVE THE VISION OF THE MINISTRY. IT ALLOWS THE EXECUTION OF KEY MINISTRIES SUCH AS EVANGELISM, OUTREACH, YOUTH, MEN & WOMEN MINISTRIES. •IT OFFERS US THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND HARDSHIP SUPPORT TO THOSE IN NEED. •IT PAYS FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHURCH.
In Person Sunday Service Cash or Check
Online www.thewordisalive.org Credit or Debit
Grace Giving September Monthly Tithes & Offering Results $22,000
Faith That Finishes 2nd Quarter Goal $18,750
Faith That Finishes 2nd Quarter Actual $5,000
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When it comes to our culture, sometimes it hard to tell the saved from the unsaved. Often times the music industry hypes our youth up with profanity and sexual lyrics, but then some of those same musicians stand up and thank “the man upstairs” at awards ceremonies. Or how about this...our sports heroes party, use performance-enhancing drugs and get into fights, but then kneel down and thank God the moment they score a touchdown. Not feeling what I’m saying yet? Ok, let’s make it personal. Many of us come to church on Sunday morning, smiling real good, reciting our bible affirmation and declaring our love for God only to leave the church house and gossip with friends, harbor ill-will towards our fellow man, let profanity roll off our tongues like butter, the list goes on and on. What is the world supposed to think of this? How often October 2013
have you heard someone say, “I thought she/he was a Christian? Often times, the unsaved see believers as hypocritical and we hinder them from even wanting to know Christ. IT’s SURELY TIME OUT FOR THAT, WILL THE REAL CHRISTIANS PLEASE STAND?!!!! Jesus didn’t come to make our lives a little better; He came to radically transform life as we know it. He came to kill our sinful lives so we could experience true life with the fullness there is. If your life’s been changed by God, it’s important that you BE REAL!!The following represents ways in which we can practice being real:
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HAVE NO FEAR Fear is a tactic of the enemy. It stops us dead in our tracks and often time paralyzes our thinking, prevents us from moving forward in life and blocks our faith. Fear can also affect our relationship with God and each other. If you’re living in fear, you are constantly worrying and wondering, afraid to dream. Stop for a moment and examine yourself. Is fear gripping you or have you been set free from it? “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) STAY CONNECTED How can we love someone with whom we never communicate? Connecting with God is a must! There is no iPad, iPod, iPhone, drug or treatment that can replace God. Talking to God empties the heart of its worries and when we ask God for what we need in prayer, prayer replaces worry with trust. We must also remember, prayer is a two way street. We can talk to God but we must remember who He is and take the time to listen so His Spirit can whisper to our hearts and remind of His truth from His Word. Has prayer become an afterthought in your life? “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) TAKE NO OFFENSE When we are walking in the flesh, it’s real easy to get offended. Try to look at offenses in a different, more Christlike manner. I once read a passage that said, “Perhaps God allows our minds to be offended to see what’s actually in our hearts because offenses serve as windows into the heart.” If our heart’s don’t line up with God’s, we’ll complain, gripe, and lash out. Nursing our offenses is another one of the enemy’s traps! Don’t get caught up, learn to let go and release forgiveness. “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm you love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. and what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgiveI have forgiven in the sight of Christ for you sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:7-11)
VALUE PEOPLE Every person is precious and valuable to God. Remember Pastor G’s lessons on valuing the valuables? What do we see when we interact with God’s valuables? Are we just hung up on the superficial things, like hair, clothes, jewelry, titles and other things that don’t matter? People take notice as to how we as Christians are treating others. To those around us, we are their scriptures. Do we always display the love and strength of Jesus? How accurately do our attitudes, reactions, and choices represent our Heavenly Father? Are you letting His light shine in you? “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7) WALK IN HIS PURPOSE God created every one of us with a specific mission and purpose in mind. Do you love God but feel disconnected from His purpose. Maybe you’ve done something in your past that you are ashamed of and feel discouraged. Be encouraged...God’s grace and mercy rules over the past, the present and the future. He can marvelously craft even the darkest strands of our lives into the fabric of His good purpose. He uses our deepest sins to help us appreciate His grace and gives us compassion for others who suffer. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10) During the 9-11 attacks, the last words of Todd Beamer were, “Okay, Let’s Roll!” Let’s Roll has become a catchphrase that’s used as a command to move forward with purpose to positively impact a mission or project. It is a phrase but it must also be backed with behavior and constancy of purpose that represents authenticity. If you are going to Roll you must Roll by being real in your actions, true to yourself, and all of who God has called you to be. As Christians we have been called and commissioned to share the love of Christ. Let’s live intentional, devoted, lives for Christ. Are you willing to “Be Real”?! Saints, let’s roll.
BE INCONVENIENCED Remember, a true servant really does serve. When we see a need that we can meet, we should try our best to meet it, with a smile. A servant doesn’t have a checklist of criteria to see if the job fits perfectly. We just need to be willing to help. Real Christians love God, serve His people, give to the poor and seek to reach the lost. “Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.” (Luke 6:30) October 2013
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Hear & Obey the Word Sunday Worship Service 9:00 AM October Theme Are You Real?! Week 1 - What Real Looks Like Week 2 - What Real Sounds Like Week 3 - What Real Does Week 4 - What Real Is Study the Word Christian Education Reconvenes!!! Every Tuesday 6:00 PM October Theme: “The Lord Will C You Through” - the 4 C’s Week 1 - Commitment Week 2 - Conviction Week 3 - Competency Week 4 - Character Study the Word Some More Christian Education Every Sunday 8:00 AM October Theme Are You Real?! Week 1 - R U Real with Yourself? Week 2 - R U Real in your Relationships? Week 3 - R U Real on the Street? Week 4 - R U Real in your Worship? Morning Manna Every Morning 6:00 AM (805)399-1000 Access Code -293922 October 2013
Week 1
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Week 2
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26)
Week 3
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46)
Week 4
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
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Page Title When I Say I’m Christian When I say... “I am a Christian” I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.” I’m whispering “I was lost, Now I’m found and forgiven.” When I say... “I am a Christian” I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say... “I am a Christian” I’m not trying to be strong. I’m professing that I’m weak And need His strength to carry on. When I say... “I am a Christian” I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess. When I say... “I am a Christian” I’m not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it. When I say... “I am a Christian” I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name. When I say... “I am a Christian” I’m not holier than thou, I’m just a simple sinner Who received God’s good grace, somehow! -Author Unknown
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October 2013
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Upcoming Events
New Member Orientation Every 1st and 3rd. Sunday morning 8:00 am - 8:45 am. and Every 2nd Saturday 9:00 am - 11:00 am.
Baptism
Teen Bible Study & Bowling Event October 21, 2013 8:00AM
Winter of Warmth A Winter Wear Drive & Dinner Hosted by Word of Life Christian Church Saturday, November 23, 2013 11:00 AM Give the Gift of Warmth this Holiday season and donate a coat today. Donations will be accepted now until November 16th. See Sis Claudine Jackson or Sis Julie Price for more details.
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Disciplined Disciples Devotion
To Tell The Truth “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom 2nd” -Corinthians 3:17 Many years ago there was a game show called To Tell The Truth. The show contained a panel of people trying to figure out the occupation of one of the people among a trio. This trio contained 2 imposters along with the actual employee. The imposters were allowed to tell all the lies they could think of while pretending. But, the one true individual was charged to only tell the truth. At the end of the show after the panel placed their best guess based on the questions asked and answered, the host would say “Will the Real Person, please stand up?” In our current society we are so inundated by fake, counterfeit and imitation reality that many have a hard time telling the difference between what is actually real and what is not. We have designer apparel vs. knockoffs, women vs. men and human hair weave vs. synthetic. The truth is not as common as it used to be, but it is the very thing that makes us free to be who we are in Christ Jesus. You can’t hide the truth from an Omnipotent (All Powerful), Omnipresent (Everywhere) and Omniscient (All Knowing) God. We find in Romans 12 2 Do not be conformed to this October 2013
world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. When we don’t walk in the truth of who God created us to be, then we are easily influenced by the ways of this world and that was never the plan of God for his children. Reading Jeremiah 29 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Truth begins with ALL. That last verse says you will find God, when you are willing to put your all into finding him. When you find God, you discover His will for you, freedom to stand on His word and the ability to declare your love for the true and God living in an evil world. We admire many people who have done great things, sang great songs, or preached life changing sermons and even with all that admiration you can only be your best YOU.
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