Offering message: Ps. 66:12 and Is. 43:2 refer to going through the fire and the water, but God brings us out to a wealthy place. We all face problems, but what’s important is the person’s heart and what the person does under the pressure. Pastor Dale defined “landmark”. Sermon message: God sets the solitary in families (Ps. 68:5-6). God wants you rooted in a church family. He is a Father to the fatherless. Malachi says that the hearts of the fathers will be turned to the children and the children’s hearts to the fathers. Children, you may need to repent to your fathers. Learn from your father and look for a spiritual father. Fathers, pass the spiritual “baton” or “mantle” to your children or other youth and be the spiritual head. What Elijah didn’t do, Elisha completed. Invest in the next generation. Be an example (2 Tim. 4:12- 5:2). Your attitude allows someone to invest in you. The younger generation must receive from the former generation. (Matt. 26:53)
The Heart of the Father
Birthing Through Praying in the Holy Spirit
Offering message: Gal. 6:7 Whatever you sow, you will reap, positive or negative. You don’t have a money problem; your problem might be obedience, faith, faithfulness… In due season you will reap, if you don’t quit. Sermon message: Gal. 4:19 tells us about Paul’s prayer for those who received salvation, but who slipped away. Travail in prayer comes before birth. Is. 66:7-10 says about Zion (the church) travailing and then giving birth. There is a point of prayer needed to bring forth children. Expect revival because prayer has gone forth. Pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20, 21). Your spirit has a voice, so link up with it. When you’ve prayed in the Spirit, something will come up into your mind, and then you can pray it out in English. Praying in the Spirit gives you answers and creativity. Rom. 8:14 tells us that if we are led by the Spirit of God, we are the sons of God. PRAY IN THE SPIRIT!
Jesus Is Lord: Who Is Jesus to Me?
Offering message: Josh. 1:8. You make your way prosperous. Find out why you aren’t winning and look for victory. Take care of what you have, but know that God wants to bring you more. Meditate on success and on the truth that you are victorious. Sermon: Matt. 16:13-25.Who do you say that Jesus is? You must receive Jesus as LORD, the way, the truth, and the life. Your response to His lordship is obedience and faithfulness. You must lose your life, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. I John 4:17. In Mark 7:20-22 Jesus said that it’s what comes out of a man’s heart that defiles him, and in Gal. 5:19-25 Paul mentions almost the same list of things that defile, but he said that the defilement comes from works of the flesh. Why? Jesus was speaking to unsaved men, because He hadn’t died or been resurrected, whereas Paul was talking to born-again people. Die to self and make Jesus LORD of your life.
Your Quiet Time
Prepare your heart to listen to God. Abraham (Gen.19:27) and Jesus (Mark 1:35) got up early in the morning to spend time with God. Daily time with God in the Word and prayer must be a priority. Make it a habit to have a place and a time to meet with Him. Worship Him (develop your love relationship and fellowship with Him). Daily devotions will keep you holy. Matt. 6:9 (the Lord’s Prayer) is a way to have your quiet time: Adoration (worship), Confession (get the sin out), Thanksgiving (count your blessings), and Supplication (prayer requests). Feed on the Word as spiritual food. Keep realistic goals, so you can meet them. Develop a system for yourself, and keep a notebook of what the Lord speaks to you. Treasure the Word, apply it (What does it mean for me?), and meditate on it. There is more in the Bible about meditation leading to prosperity than giving. (Other Scriptures: Job 23:12; Prov. 4:20-22; Josh. 1:8)
The Lordship of Jesus
Acts 9:1-6 Saul (Paul) was violently opposed to Christians, but God took him from fighting Him to submission. Christianity is not a make-over, but a new creation. Each person upon salvation becomes what didn’t exist before. The question we must ask is, “Who do you say I (Jesus) am?” Who is Jesus to you? We should ask, “What do You want me to do?” “Lord” speaks of submission and kingship, and as Paul put it, as being a slave to Jesus. Obedience is in relationship to His lordship. HE IS MY KING! Rom. 10:9-10 tells us to confess Jesus as Lord and to believe that God has raised Him from the dead. The new birth is a commandment. 1 John 3:2 says that we are sons of God. Don’t fight His will. LOOK TO JESUS! HE IS LORD! Know the difference between your will and His (John 7:17). Submit to His will and then you will receive His will. To affirm that He is Lord of your life: know your faith is in His lordship over your life; use His name by being under His authority; and want your life to glorify Jesus.
“Praise: The Highest Form of Faith”
Pastor Dale and others shared testimonies of God’s wonderful power and healing. What would you do if you were completely healed? Start doing it and release your faith by praising God. Praise is the highest form of faith. God’s Word works. Praise and thank Him for all He has done. Stir yourself up. If you are fighting a habit, apply praise to it. Fear is the opposite of praise; it is faith in the wrong thing. Mark 11:22-23 tells you that you will have what you say. Believe that what you say will come to pass. Are you saying what you want? Pastor Dale gave the challenge of praising God every time you brush your teeth.
We Need the Power of God: Pentecost Sunday
Text: John 7:37-39. You will be filled with whatever you’re hungry for. If you’re hungry for God, the Holy Spirit will flow out of you. God’s supernatural power makes things new. Be and stay teachable and be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues (Acts 19:1-6). You have to yield to the Holy Spirit. There is a reason why the power is or isn’t there: unity is needed. Thirst for unity. Call on God and expect the suddenlies from Him. Acts 2:4. The test is if you can worship when you get bad news. Be filled with the Holy Spirit to excess; be drunk in the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18-19). How do you have a move of the Holy Spirit? Glorify Jesus, worship Him, put Him first. You are always a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Every day is a new relationship with Christ. You are a product of the new creation. Forget what is behind and reach forward (Phil. 3:13-14). Stir yourself up for personal revival. (There was a time of ministry and prayer.)
The 99 Going After the One Part 6
Neal shared some of his experiences with the supernatural. We must put our faith in the Lord, just like the Israelites did in the wilderness. Neal taught about how we can keep the harvest of new believers. We want to lay a good foundation in them and help them to grow spiritually, based on the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2). We need to be disciples (Eph. 4:15) and help them to grow in grace, in knowledge, in faith, and in love. He led a time of prayer for “The 99” and the harvest that will come from it.
Armada Mission Trip Guatemala
Offering message: (Pastor Syd Ropp) Gal. 6:6 Pastor Syd teaches about the difference of sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit. When you give, GIVE TO GOD, not to man or man’s work, and then it won’t come to corruption. In Mark 9:37,41 Jesus said that giving a cup of water to someone or receiving one of His children is giving to God. Don’t lose your focus of giving to God. Heb. 7:8 says that here mortal men receive tithes, but we’re giving it to God. Sermon: Gene English, Chester Petersheim, Jason Miller, Chani Zimmerman, and Josh Shuman shared about their recent mission trip to Guatemala and the way that Armada Commission (Armada Bible School) has impacted their lives. Gene also taught on seizing the moment with the examples of Mary’s anointing Jesus’ feet (John 12:1-8), and Kubla Khan’s (and China’s) turning to Buddhism because Christian missionaries weren’t sent to China when he asked for them. Seize the opportunity to be used by God. It’s important!
The 99 Going After the One Part 5
Neal reviewed what “The 99” is, some statistics about it, and about the rooms that the teens will go through. He related how prophetic words have been given about change and the need for obedience and willingness of God’s people. Using Scriptures, Neal taught about spiritual growth and gave Scriptures using the acronym of DISCIPLE. The congregation spent time in prayer circles.
New Things Now
Is. 43:18-19 tells us to forget the past things, because God is doing a new thing. Is. 42:5-9 says that we have been called, and He keeps us; we are to open blind eyes and bring out prisoners; God will declare new things. God wants to change and rearrange us. Is. 42:10 tells us to sing a new song and to praise Him. John 16:12-15 lets us know that He wants to show us new things to come. We are to pray in the Spirit and to pray for the understanding, and we will have a new song and revelation (1 Cor. 14:12). Bob read twice a word that the Lord gave him for CWI about new things of the Spirit, new ways to do ministry, new ideas to create wealth, great change that will be manifested by the obedience of God’s people, the glory of God’s presence, and cleansing in our hearts, because the time is NOW! He read the blessings of Deuteronomy 28. (There were several words given to individuals in the congregation.)
The 99 Going After the One Part 4
Luke 15:4. After people are born-again, a foundation must be laid in their lives (2 Tim. 2:19; I Cor. 3:10-12; Heb. 5:12, 6:1-2). We should know the basics and be able to teach them. A person working with a new believer should pray with them and follow-up with phone calls, e-mails, and letters. What is needed for spiritual growth? Prayer, reading and studying the Bible, attending church regularly, having fellowship with other Christians, and sharing what Jesus has done in your life. Neal shared Scriptures that we should know. He taught about being filled with the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. He also taught about ways to receive healing.
The Secret of Life
To go with God’s momentum, be a doer of the Word (2 Tim. 3:7) and check out your beliefs, because wrong beliefs about God equal a wrong approach to Him. We start with Jesus and then move to His truths. A key truth is the fear of the Lord. It contains and provides for great promises. It is not a spirit of fear nor stiffness nor lack of fun (Heb. 13:5; Ps. 23; 1 John 4:17, 18; Is. 29:13). The fear of God must be balanced with the love of God. The fear of God is the fear of wrath and judgment of God, the awareness of and faith in God, the divine order before His glory and presence, and judgment. If we want the glory of God and His presence, we must be in divine order and be in reverence and awe of Him (Heb. 5:7; Heb. 12:25-29; 2 Cor. 7:1), or we will be judged. Revival is the refreshing of new fire, a greater presence of God, and reverence and awe. Do not have a casual attitude toward God and don’t stop revival.
The 99 Going After the One Part 3
Text: Luke 15:4. After a brief review from the previous Wednesday service, Neal taught and led a discussion about the characteristics that will cause spiritual growth and what a disciple does. The three main characteristics are that you will continue (abide) in the Word of God (John 8:31-32), have love one for another (John 13:34-35), and pray (John 15:7-8). The fruit you produce is the answer to prayer. You must have a heart for the lost and to see them grow and develop. Discipling a person is laying down your life to care about that person. Train that person to also be a disciple-maker; help him develop good habits of getting into the Word and praying. Assess what the new disciple’s needs are. 1) Give him an understanding of spiritual growth (1 John 2:12-14); 2) Get the Word of God in the new believer. The congregation spent time praying together for the one each of us is to disciple and for “The 99” event.
Jesus, Anchor of Your Soul
Text: Phil. 1:27-2:2. We should be working together in one hope toward the work of the Gospel. Focus on the good of who others are or could be. We will have to suffer for the Gospel. There is consolation in Jesus Christ: Jesus guarantees and represents you. (Heb. 6:13-20). Satan tries to separate and divide the body (CWI). Jesus is our anchor. We must pray for Pastor Dale and Teri and for the leadership, because they are targets for division. Heresy is pushing your opinion and wanting to promote yourself. We need the anchor of Jesus so that we are not swept away by the current of life and the spirit of the world. Jesus relates to us through His covenant, which in non-negotiable. Jesus is our hope, and He reveals His love to us. Love Him and keep your eyes fixed on Him. Satan causes people to doubt leadership and the authority of God (Matt. 4:3-4), and appeals to us on the basis of our needs, but stay anchored and live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Let go of the past by dealing with it; forgive; forget your successes; keep moving forward (Phil. 3:13-14). Success is obedience. There was a communion service at the end of the sermon.
The 99 Going After the One Part 2
Luke 15:4. We are to make disciples. The Great Commission is to make disciples of all the nations. A disciple is a student, follower of Jesus Christ, learner, an adherent. It is Pastor Dale’s heart to double the church. Ask God to give you one person to win to the Lord and to disciple. We must be ready to bring in the harvest. Pray, give, reach out to someone, go to another land. When the harvest is ready, we must be ready for them, or we’ll lose the whole crop. (We saw a video entitled, “The Harvest”.) God wants to minister through us. How do you know if you’re mature? You’re mature if you’re reproducing. Believe to get someone saved. Win souls to the Lord. Share your testimony.
Let Your Light Shine
Offering Message: Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you… You won’t be able to contain it, because you’ll keep sharing it and increasing others. Respond to God’s nudges. Sermon Message: (John 9:4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me…) (Matt. 5:14-16 Let your light shine before men…) You are the light. Let your light shine by your works, and don’t be afraid to let people know you’re a Christian. God strategically places us as a light to guide others to salvation, deliverance, and freedom. We are here to do Jesus’ works. We must make a difference in our community. Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. Be light where you are and obey the nudges of the Holy Spirit. There are never enough workers in the church. You are here for a reason, and we can change our world by being a light. Be the church. (Pastor Pat shares many testimonies in his sermon.)
The 99 Going After the One Part 1
Text: Luke 15:3-7. Neal Bratschun describes “The 99” as a walk-through reality theater for young people. Many volunteers, including 250-500 volunteers are needed to bring in this harvest of the lost. They will need to be mentored and discipled. Why do people get involved in a church? The move of the Holy Spirit, 2 to 3 close friends, and it’s where God called them to be. We are all capable and able to be used by the Lord to reach people’s lives (I Tim. 1:12; Num. 13:30; Phil. 4:13; Philemon 1:6). What is the good thing? Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, His Word, His anointing, His work, His grace, He is the Greater One, His mind, His joy, His kingdom… Keep a positive confession and pray for salvations, the location, team leaders, volunteers, corporate sponsors, Ben Krothe (who is in charge), and participation by other churches. It will be July 13 to Aug. 5 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 7-11.
The Vision of the Church Part 2
Offering messages: Text: Luke 6:38. It’s the same measure or manner you give that is given back to you, not the same amount. BE QUICK TO GIVE. SOW YOUR BEST. GIVE EVERY DAY. Text: Luke 15:4. BE QUICK TO OBEY. Sermon message: Text: Acts 13:1. Pastor Dale shares his many divine connections which sent him from northwestern PA to Armenia, the Philippines, Ukraine, Russia, and Argentina. God kept showing him that He could quickly place him in front of a large number of people. He also relates how Pastor Sydney Ropp from Colorado became connected to CWI Lancaster and will be going on a ministry trip to Oregon. What else does it take to be in God’s will? Being faithful, recognizing positions of authority, praying, fasting, and pressing in, and ministering to the Lord. Pastor Dale asked us to be praying for him while he is away and to prepare for “The 99” by coming for training on Wednesday evenings.
When God Speaks to You, It’s a Command
Gen. 16:16, 17:1-5 tells us that Abram was 86 years old when Ishmael was born, and God didn’t speak to him until he was 99 years old. God had told Abram that his seed would be in number like the stars and the grains of sand, but God was silent for 13 years because Abram tried to make it happen in the flesh. Moses was a zealous deliverer when he killed the Egyptian, but four years later when God spoke to him to be a deliverer, he was hesitant because he didn’t want to make another mistake. Deut. 28:1 says that we must diligently listen and obey (harken) to the voice of the Lord. In Matt. 4:4 Jesus said that it is written that man shall live by every word that comes from the mouth of God. God speaks to us, and we need to obey, fear Him, and realize that what He told us to do or not do is a command. John 10:17, 18; John 14:21. God manifests Himself to those who keep His commands. Allow the voice of God to be a commandment in your life. What has God told you to do? Don’t keep going in circles, but be quick to obey and do something that puts you in the right direction of obedience and commit to it. If God is silent, go back to the last thing He told you to do and do it. Your point of offense is your point of deliverance.