In 1 Kings 3:23-27, King Solomon revealed what was in two women’s hearts to find which was the honest mother. Just like the mother in that passage, we need to let love be our guide. Walking in love is walking in the Spirit. Whatever we do, we need to do it in humility and love, esteeming others better than ourselves. Jesus was led by the Spirit of love: in John 4:1-3 Jesus left the area because He didn’t want to become famous, and He ended up at the well of Samaria talking to a woman about the living water. The secret to seeing miracles is walking in humility in ministry and love. Walking in love will help you get what belongs to you and looks at the best interests of people. When strife broke out between Abram’s and Lot’s men, Abram allowed Lot to pick the best land. Love guided Abram to prefer Lot, because he knew God was his source. Love will always give without limitations. In Gen. 26:17-23, love led Isaac, and the Lord made room for him. James 3:16 says that envy and strife bring confusion and every evil thing. There’s joy at the end of the journey if you do the right thing. Know that God is your source, and learn what love is (1 Cor. 13). 1 John 3:16-18 tells us to lay our lives down for our brothers and to love in truth, serving one another. There is no fear in love (1 John 4:16-20). The love of God will support, guide, and supply you. We are to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2) and to please our neighbor (Rom. 15:1-3). In love, we ought to serve one another. (We discerned the body of Christ and served communion to someone else.)
Walk in Love Part 4
The Love of God – Part 3
Gal. 5:13-16 tells us to serve one another by love and to walk in the Spirit. When you serve one another by love, you’ll use your prosperity to bless others. Love is like an iPhone: most people don’t know what it can do. We need to pray to comprehend the love of God (Eph. 3:13-19). We are in a relationship, that of a family. We carry one another’s burdens, restore others, and serve because of our love for people (Gal. 6:1-2). If your problems aren’t mine, you’re probably not family. Learn to serve others in the body; otherwise, you’re a guest. Charity is a love that gives (1 Cor. 13:1-4). Spiritual relationships should be stronger than physical family relationships. Love should motivate your giving and doing good deeds. Be longsuffering in love. Walk in love, even when the other person doesn’t treat you right. (There were four words given at the end of the service.)
Love Is The Direction – Part 2
Text: John 13:34. Part of the commandment of loving God and others is to love ourselves, which we can do if we understand how much God loves us. The love of God is already in us, if we are full of Him (Romans 5:5). Life is about 1) choices, 2) words, 3) actions, and love should determine each of these. Jesus prayed that the love that God loved Jesus with would be in us (John 17:26). Love is an action and is the direction we need to take. Every problem that has ever defeated any Christian is the result of not walking in love. If the question is whether to walk in love or to be “right”, choose walking in love. Allow love to temper all your decisions. The three facets of love are: 1) Learn to receive and believe in the love God has for you; 2) Respond in love to people; 3) Learn to direct your love on the right objects of affection. Love righteousness and hate sin. Ask yourself: Where am I directing my love? Meditation is more powerful than experiences. Meditate on the Scriptures that will help you overcome whatever sin you’re in or need you have. Meditate on Scriptures about meditation and those about the love of God.
Four Key Elements of How To Stay Full of God
Mary Beth Rutter had a Word before Karen preached. Text: Romans 1:21. We can stay full of God. The first way is to glorify Him. To glorify Him is to magnify Him. God is bigger than your problem, sickness, disease, whatever, and when we glorify Him, our problems shrink. Magnify the Word over your problem. Renew your mind and your talk to speak the Father’s language. God loves you now as much as He ever has or ever will. Love God and love others as you love yourself. God’s Word trumps everything in your life. Secondly, be thankful and have a thankful heart (Ps. 103; 100; 2 Tim. 3:1-5). If you can’t be thankful for the people you see, how can you be thankful for God, whom you can’t see? The anecdote for complaining: when a thought comes, discern if it’s from God or the devil, and then pray in tongues. Thirdly, God wants our thoughts, and you must discern where they are coming from. Use your imagination for Him, meditate on truth, and put more value on what He says than what others are saying. Picture yourself doing what He wants you to do. Finally, keep your heart right (Matt. 23:25-26). God is more interested in your heart than even your actions.
Testimony of Healing from Colon Cancer
Pastor Dale interviews a young Armenian couple who live in Washington, D. C. They share their powerful testimony of God’s miracle saving, healing, and prospering power in their lives. Listen as they tell of the husband’s salvation and of the victory they won through the power of prayer, agreement with God’s Word, and the words of their mouths over the most aggressive colon cancer in the husband’s body and the enemy’s threat of breast cancer in the wife’s body. This is a testimony of one challenge after another and the following victories. God is good!
True Faith False Faith
Satan takes a truth and very subtly turns it into a lie like he did with Adam and Eve. In 2 Cor. 11:3-4 Paul was concerned that the believers would put up with a different Jesus, gospel, and spirit. False faith can look like faith, but it doesn’t work like faith. There is an interaction between the power of the tongue, the unity of God, and true faith. Believing and speaking (2 Cor. 4:13) won’t work if your “faith” isn’t God’s faith or if God hasn’t spoken to the other person involved. It’s God’s faith operating in you. Mark 11:22-23 accurately translated means “Have God’s faith.” That means we possess God’s faith. If we have faith the size of a mountain, it won’t move a grain of sand, but if we have a mustard seed size of God’s faith, we can move a mountain. Listen as LaVere explains the Logos and Rhema (word). Rhema is the witness of the Spirit communicating to us (1 John 5:4-8). We have that witness if we believe in the Son of God. Just because it’s in the Word, doesn’t mean it’s God’s word to you. In God’s unity we can know what is God’s will. Just as He witnesses to us that we’re born again, He can witness to us about anything we can overcome. Jesus only did what He heard and saw His Father do. That’s what we need to do, too. Gene English shared concerning the offering. Chester Petersheim shared about the recent mission trip, changing the country of Honduras.
Offerings and Tithes
Gene English shared during offering. Sydney Ropp had message. 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9. We are priests, and we give spiritual offerings. What makes our offerings acceptable to the Lord? 1) When we give to the LORD. 2) When we give our best. 3) When we give with thankfulness. Tithes are included with offerings, but offerings are not tithes; both are used in worship. Tithe means tenth, like a sheep owner counting and every tenth one went to the LORD. You are not sowing seed with your tithe, because it belongs to the LORD. The tithe existed before the law (Gen. 14:17-18; 28:10-20), during the law, and after the law. Giving the tithe is acknowledging God as your source. It’s a covenant with God and a covenant of prosperity. Look for the covenant: if I do this, God will do this. The first-fruit is different from the tithe. Tithing brings a blessing. Give to the LORD- first. (Other Scriptures: 2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Chron. 16:29; Mal. 3:6-7; Lev. 27:30-34; Heb. 13:15; Heb. 6:20-7:7; Heb. 8:1-2, 6; Luke 20:20-25; 1 Cor. 16:1-2)
The Love of God- Part 1
God wants your love to flow through you to others. The first commandment is to love God, and the second one is to love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:28-31; Gal. 5:13-14). If you’re having a sin or habit problem, look at your love-walk. John 13:34-35 tells us that the new commandment Jesus gave is that we are to love our neighbors as Jesus has loved us. Where our love-walk breaks down is that we don’t love ourselves as God loves us. Husbands are to love (agape) their wives (Eph. 5:28). Agape is a God-like and selfless love, which looks for nothing in return. Phileo love responds to love. The husband is to initiate love. Marriage problems are a husband problem. The wife responds to the husband’s love. If the husband doesn’t love his wife, he does not love himself. Wives need to build their husbands’ self-esteem and learn how much God loves them. Read 1 Cor. 13:4-13 putting your name in the place of the word “love”. You have a choice to step out in love or be selfish. Emotions come after choosing to walk in love. The love of God is in you if you are born-again. The first commandment (in 1 John 3:23) is that we should believe on the name of Jesus Christ and love one another. Jesus Christ first loved us, and if we say we love Him, but don’t love our brother, we’re liars. He wants us to love each other so we can experience the love of God.
The Co-Witness (The Inner Witness)
Offering Message by Gene English: Bring all the tithes into the storehouse. Speak the Word to receive from God. Read the “all” references in these Scriptures: Mal. 3:10; Ps. 103:1-3; Luke10:27; Proverbs 3:4-5. Sermon by Sydney Ropp: John 14:16; 16:13-15. Decisions determine direction, and direction determines destiny. Live by being completely led by the Holy Spirit. How are we led by the Spirit? We know God’s voice. When won’t you hear His voice? 1) When you’re not born-again; 2) When you’re not following Jesus, because you have one foot in the world and one in the church; 3) When you haven’t obeyed what He has already told you to do; 4) When you have known or unknown sin in your life, and your heart is seared and hardened; 5) When you are not submitting to Him; 6) When you’re trying to hear from the wrong place (from your senses, instead of your spirit). Rom. 8:14 All those who are led by God’s Spirit are sons of God. Always make sure what you think you’ve heard lines up with the Scriptures. God speaks to us through our spirits, not through the flesh. He speaks to us through His Word, angels, visions, dreams, other people, through His Spirit, by the inner witness- His Spirit testifying with our spirit, when you have a spirit of peace, and it seems like the right thing to do. Watch what you submit to, and make sure it’s not the devil, but trust in the Lord. Be led by the Spirit of God, the umpire of peace. Pay attention to what He is leading you to do, and don’t quench the Spirit.
Hunger for the Holy Spirit Part 6 – Seeking the Glory of God
Text: John 7:37-39. If we aren’t seeing God move, it’s our hunger that is the problem. Love for people will pull down God’s power. Our hunger and thirst should be centered on Jesus. Promote and present Jesus to His glory! Go into the promised land and let go of the things in the past. When Jesus was here on earth, the Holy Spirit wasn’t given, because He was not yet glorified. Deut.8:14 warned the Israelites that they would forget the Lord and would take credit for their prosperity. Watch that you don’t think that you did what the Lord did. Be humble and give God the glory. Now that Jesus is glorified, the Holy Spirit empowers us to do greater works. Glorify God in your temple (body). Jesus had to go away to give us His Holy Spirit (John 16:7). It’s a sin to think that God hasn’t come through for you. Live for Jesus. You’re accountable to Him, not to the world. The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13) says, “For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory”. Are we thankful? Don’t forget you are forgiven. To Him be the Glory!
Let No One Despise Your Youth
Text: 1 Tim. 4:12-16. You can be an example of the Word in your conduct, love, faith, and purity. People are watching you, and they will notice a difference in you. 1) Minister to the Lord through people. 2) Be humble in serving. 3) Show faithfulness to people. 4) Be and stay teachable. 5) Don’t allow offense in your life. Bible examples of young people who made a big difference are Samuel and David. Samuel ministered to the Lord by serving Eli (1 Samuel 3:1-19). His obedience to the Word changed him. David didn’t take offense when his father “forgot” about him when Samuel came to anoint the next king (1 Samuel 16:12-18). He also was very gifted, and it was apparent that the Lord was with him, as Saul’s servant perceived. He was faithful in that he kept tending his father’s sheep even after he was serving King Saul in the palace. There are times of preparation that will propel us later in life and for the battles ahead. David had to be properly trained to face the lion and the bear. Even when he lost everything in Ziklag, and people close to him wanted to kill him, he strengthened himself in the Lord. If it worked for David and Samuel, it will work for you. Don’t waste your youth.
Praise Away Your Burdens
Pastor Vitaliy Kozachencko (Odessa, Ukraine) gave a “now” word about God’s visitation (repentance, miracles) for the U. S. church (Joel 2:1, 28, 29). We must say, “Yes, Lord.” Sermon: We must lay aside weight and sin, run with patience, and look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:12). God wants to pour His Spirit on the whole church. He needs us to pray and pay the price for the next generation. He sets us on a path. Are we going to walk it out? Don’t stop thinking about God’s plan and will. When you have a burden on your back, you’re looking down, and all you see is your feet. Confess your sin to God and your pastor. Burdens hinder us in our race. Instead, LOOK UP TO JESUS! Keep running the race. Praise will get rid of the burden! Pastor Vitaliy tells of a woman in Ukraine dying of cancer who was healed through Jesus and praise to Him. KEEP PRAISING! KEEP MINISTERING TO GOD! In 1 Cor. 15:58 we are told to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, and that our labor is not in vain. We have changed; we have lost our fire and passion. Pastor Vitaliy told of a man who for years stood in a grocery store in Ukraine, passing out flyers that said, “God loves you”, and on the other side was a prayer for salvation. At a pastors’ conference, there were three pastors who received salvation as a result of that man’s faithfulness and labor. (Listen for the rest of the story.) Does what you do and does what you have, serve the Lord? Be faithful to finish your race.
Hunger for the Holy Spirit Part 5
Text: John 7:37-39. We are a spirit living in a body and having a soul. When our spirit leaves our body, we’re dead (James 2:26). Your mind is part of your soul. God doesn’t speak to you through your body, but through your spirit (Prov. 3:5). Learn to listen to your heart, because that’s where you’re expected to live. God’s Word doesn’t do you any good unless it’s in your heart. The shield of faith quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked one, and the sword of the spirit is the Word of God prayed (Eph. 6:16, 17). We must keep (guard) our heart, because out of it springs the issues of life. Sanctify your heart for Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). The easiest evangelism is “glowing with the love of Jesus”. Your body has a voice. Your soul has a voice. Your spirit has a voice. The Word of God feeds your spirit, because it is alive (Heb. 4:12). God wants your spirit operating correctly. Receive in your spirit first, and then the soul can proceed (Luke 1:45-47). What’s in your heart? When your life is led by the flesh, it will never be satisfied. You have to control the flesh. Instead, yield to and give into the Spirit and go with your heart. The mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.
Hunger for the Holy Spirit Part 4
(LISTEN TO THIS ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.) Text: John 7:37-38. Are you hungry for Jesus and His Holy Spirit? Seek Him and eternal things. One of the first steps of directing your hunger and thirst is to check your priorities. Out of those who believe will flow rivers of living water (the Holy Spirit). The Spirit is poured out when Jesus is glorified. He wants to flow through you. Some people are perishing now in sin, and Jesus came for them (John 3:16). Don’t give up on people. First you must believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, because the world can’t receive the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17). After salvation there’s more, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit (John 20:19). Tell people how to be born-again (Rom. 10:9, 10). When you’re born-again, you have the Spirit, but it’s not the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is for you, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for power and service to others. After salvation, ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:11-13). Some haven’t heard about the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6). You are a spirit and God is Spirit; yield to Him, allowing Him to flow like a river out of you. Study the Bible for yourself, reading Acts 2, 8, 9, 10, and 19. Praying in the Spirit will bring you peace, bless others around you, and change you. Let the Holy Spirit have His way in your life. (There was ministry for salvation, being filled with the Spirit, and receiving a fresh in-filling.)
Pastor Demeke Shares
Pastor Demeke shares briefly about miracles happening.
Hunger for the Holy Spirit Part 3
John 7:37-39. Do you want the truth? You must get into the Word yourself. Don’t compromise, stay comfortable, or be lukewarm, but be hungry and thirsty for the Word. Take a drink of the Holy Spirit and out of you will flow rivers of living water. Come to Jesus and make sure your life is right, cutting off what shouldn’t be there. Be passionate about Jesus and don’t be afraid of what God asks you to do. In Acts 8:5 the people heard Philip preaching, and they saw the miracles he did. Simon the Sorcerer was saved but then wanted to buy the ability for people to receive the Spirit from him. Is there enough power in your life for people to want? Be hungry for God.
CWI’s Unique Purpose
(This was the last church service held at Greenfield. Next week’s service will be in Landisville, Saturday night, 6:30 PM.) Text: 1 Peter 2:1-10. Pastor Dale shared about some past churches that he and others pastored. Jesus is the chief cornerstone, and we are living stones building a spiritual house for a holy priesthood. People in personal revival can become a holy nation. Keep your eyes on Jesus and be in communion with Him. CWI’s peculiar, unique, and distinct purpose is to be a strong “Word” church with a pastor who is sent out frequently as an apostle. Numerous people shared testimonies of how God changed their lives while they were at CWI in the Greenfield building.
Guatemala Mission Team
The team that went to Guatemala shared testimonies of their ministry time there. Those sharing were Gene English, Lynzee Hershey, Josh Yoder, Levi Lapp, Nicole English, and Eddie Bondarencko.
Testimonies
Offering Message: Texts: 1 Peter 2:5; Ex. 35-36:7; 40:34-35; 1 Chron. 29:3-20; 2 Cor. 8:6-11; 2 Cor. 9:6-12. Physical offerings carry spiritual significance. We are to give cheerfully, with delight, honoring God, and He graces us for our work, honors us, and enriches us. Sermon Message: Luke 4:16-19; 1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14-16. Pastor Sydney shared his testimony of opening a door to destruction at a very early age and his deliverance and victory in Jesus Christ from the wound of rejection. Be constantly led by the Spirit in your home. Take captive memories and thoughts and bring them into obedience of Jesus Christ. There is victory through Christ Jesus.
Hunger for the Holy Spirit Part 2
Text: John 7:37-39. The promise of power is the Holy Spirit, whom we can receive after we are born-again (John 3:16; Acts 2:33; John 14:16-17). We have to ask for the Holy Spirit to live in us and be hungry and thirsty for Him (Acts 2:1-6, 11). Jesus commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). When He came, they began to speak in tongues and continued as the Spirit gave them utterance. They all heard them speaking in his own language. It was tongues and interpretation. The Holy Spirit doesn’t force you to do anything. We can be refilled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 10:44-46 the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard the Word. The Jews were astonished that the Gentiles spoke in tongues and magnified God. You don’t need interpretation when you’re praying personally. Obey the Lord. Follow after love (1 Cor. 14:1). Desire spiritual gifts and be thirsty.