Verizon Wireless’ second annual How Sweet the Sound™ competition world premieres on Gospel Music Channel (GMC) Sunday, November 22 at 8 PM ET.
You’ve waited long enough to see the professional video of our Church Choir’s worship experience this past Saturday night in Detroit at Verizon Wireless How Sweet The Sound Finale. Enjoy!
(watch until the end so you can get your dance in along with us)
10
Nov
09
Our Apostolic Heritage
It is with Jesus Joy that I share with you tonight that my church choir has been crowned “Best Church Choir in America” by Verizon Wireless ($25,000). We also were chosen for the “V CAST National People’s Choice Award Winner” ($5,000) with a total winnings of $30,000! Lets give God a great hand clap of praise.
God told us as a congregation and a choir on more than one occasion through tongues and interpretation of the tongues that we were to go to Detroit and set the people free. There has been hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of miracles, signs and wonders that have taken place because of this competition and once again, all glory belongs to our One God who’s Name is clearly JESUS!!!!!!!!
So whats next for Atlanta West Pentecostal Church (UPCI)? Well, we are going to record with the money next year 2010 and the icing on the cake is that we will be performing at this years Stellar Awards with Donald Lawrence on January 16th 2010 in Nashville, TN.
I boldly proclaim to you that outward and inward holiness is still right. The baptism in Jesus Name is still right. Speaking in tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance is still right! No compromise! And because we hold to the traditions of the Apostolic Faith (Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone) your black, white and latino Apostolic Brothers and Sisters are able to proclaim that there is still One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism to the entire world. I so thank and praise God for the revival that has broken out across the nation because of this choir competition. Saints, do not be surprised if your local congregations start to be flooded with souls wanting to know more about the truth because they saw a video or actually attended a live concert that my choir ministered at. Organizational affiliation has nothing to do with this outbreak of revival. It has to do with a group of like minded people such as you and I who hold fast to the teachings of the Apostolic Faith!
Did we dance on stage? Yes we did! Did we pray for unsaved souls in the back after our performance? Yes we did! Bottom line, God was glorified and the devil was horrified and I truly believe Detroit (along with every other city that watched) will never be the same. In the words of Byron Cage (one of the judges of the How Sweet The Sound Finale) “YOU CANT JUDGE THE HOLY GHOST”!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (because Holy Ghost filled believers always win in the end).
Congratulations also is in order for the second runner up (who might I add had vibrato that was second to none) Mt. Ararat Baptist Church – Pittsburgh, PA! They won $15,000!
For those that watch TV, you can view the entire finale on the Gospel Music Channel in the upcoming weeks (I think its the latter part of November) and of course, to view the BEST CHURCH CHOIR IN AMERICA, you can click here and watch the entire WORSHIP EXPERIENCE because truly God was worshipped! See you guys at the Stellar Awards January 2010 and watch for our upcoming album sometime in 2010!
P.S. Raw video footage of the judges response can be found here!
We celebrate Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir, whose Grand Finale performance earned them the title of The Best Church Choir In America winning a total of $30,000 in cash and prizes.
To God Be The Glory!
Raw Video Footage Bel0w
By Christopher Quinn
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
11:20 a.m. Monday, November 9, 2009
Atlanta West Pentecostal Church choir of Lithia Springs won the Verizon How Sweet the Sound gospel competition in Detroit Saturday and brought home not only the title, but $25,000 in cash for winning and $5,000 for being getting the most votes from the audience. A bit of icing on the cake is that the choir will back gospel star Donald Lawrence during his performance for the taping of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards in January.The choir won the regional competition for large choirs in October in Philips Arena for their rendition of “Athem of Praise,” during which Lawrence introduced them as one of his favorite choirs. They sang the same song, competing with ten other regional winners last Saturday.
Brandon Frazier, choir director, said “It was amazing.”
He knew the choir hit the mark during its performance, and the judges in the competition were moved as well, he said. The church hopes to put the prize money into a recording.
On November 7, 2009 the How Sweet the Sound Grand Finale Event will bring together the most amazing choirs from across the country to the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Houston, TX
Resurrection Baptist Church Mass Choir
St. Louis, MO
Washington, DC
Newark, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Anointed Voices of Ford Memorial Temple
Detroit, MI
Selected of God
Chicago, IL
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir
Memphis, TN
Greater Community Temple Voices
Los Angeles, CA
City of Refuge P.S.A.L.M.S. Choir
Oakland, CA
Angelic Voices of Deliverance Center Choir
03
Nov
09
Praise Break!
You Mine As Well Praise Him!
This is a very exciting week for the Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir as we are about to fly to Detroit for the How Sweet The Sound finale (WOW!). I am in complete awe at how God has been moving in our church services and I want all of my readers to stand with me in prayer for the following things:
- Safe Traveling Mercy
- The Will Of The Lord Be Done
- The Anointing to destroy the Yoke of Sin in peoples lives in Detroit (including other choir members that are traveling near and far).
- That we as a choir represent God’s true church.
- That when we open our mouths, souls begin to ask themselves what must they do to be saved.
- We want more souls to be baptised in Jesus most Holy Name.
- We want souls to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost evident by speaking in tongues.
- That we as a choir stay humble before the mighty hand of God.
- The miracles, signs and wonders be performed to the glory of God!
- Finally, that we have crazzzzzzzzzzzzzyyyyyyyyyyyyy church!
The following are the current economic conditions that Detroit is currently in:
The economic recession has left Detroit with an astounding 22 percent unemployment rate, almost three times the national average. It is now one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. NPR
Crime in Detroit has increased in recent decades. In 2007, the city had the sixth highest number of violent crimes among the twenty-five largest cities. FBI reports for 2009 show that the number of violent crimes has risen in the city of Detroit and the metropolitan area…………still ranks Detroit as the Murder Capital of cities with more than 500,000 residents. (FBI UCR table 6. Retrieved on January 17, 2009 MSNBC (January 14, 2009).FBI: Violent Crime Drops in Metro Detroit. Retrieved on January 17, 2009. Detroit News (June 18, 2009).Detroit police routinely under-report homicides Actual ‘08 total gives city worst rate in nation,by Charlie LeDuff and Santiago Esparza. Retrieved on June 18, 2009.)
As you can see this is not a vacation we are going on. This is a missionary trip. With the rate of unemployment and crime sky rocketing, Detroit really needs true Apostolic believers to come and bring them hope and that hope can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ. While the other choirs might consider this a competition, Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir considers this a mission to seek that which is lost, show them a better way (through the power of song) consistently letting our light shine that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. This is not just some random concert / competition. True indeed I personally am honored to be taking a part of this trip, but most importantly as an Apostolic Ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ, I am more honored that God has chosen my choir (our choir) to go up there during this economic turmoil that the city of Detroit is currently facing, and turn things upside down by the power of the Anointed One!
Ephesians 6:10-18
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
In the words of the saints of old, LETS DRIVE OLE SATAN AWAY once we get to Detroit. Be praying for us in Jesus Name and watch God do a mighty work on your behalf.
ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM!
Set your watch and clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed Saturday night (or your going to be 1 hour early for Sunday School tomorrow)
Many in our secular society believe Halloween is nothing more than a harmless festival that allows kids to collect candy. But is it? Its origins lie deeply rooted in the occult, and Christians should stay away. Here are ten reasons why.
1. October 31st has long been known as “The Festival of the Dead.” The Celtic tribes and their priests the Druids celebrated this day as a marker for the change from life to death.
2. Halloween today is performed usually by adherents of witchcraft who use the night for their rituals. Witches celebrate Halloween as the “Feast of Samhain,” the first feast of the witchcraft year. Being a festival of the dead, Halloween is a time when witches attempt to communicate with the dead through various forms of divination.
3. Christians should not be involved with occultic practice or divination. Note God’s command against divination in Deuteronomy 18.
4. Occultists believe Halloween is a time of transition between life and death. Some occult practitioners practiced divination and believed you could learn the secrets of life and wisdom by Iying on a grave and listening to the messages from the long-departed.
5. Occultists also taught that spirits and ghosts left the grave during this night and would seek out warmth in their previous homes. Villagers, fearful of the possibility of being visited by the ghosts of past occupants, would dress up in costumes to scare the spirits on their way. They would also leave food and other treats at their door to appease the spirits so they would not destroy their homes or crops but instead move on down the road. That is the real reason why kids dress up in costumes today and go door-to-door seeking treats.
6. Occultists also would try to scare away the spirits by carving a scary face into a pumpkin. This horrible visage would hopefully move the spirit on to another home or village and spare that home from destruction. Sometimes the villagers would light a candle and place it within the pumpkin and use it as a lantern (hence the name, Jack-o-Lantern). This is the origin of carving pumpkins at Halloween.
7. In some witchcraft covens, the closing ritual includes eating an apple or engaging in fertility rites. In the Bible (Genesis 3), eating a piece of fruit brought sin and death into the world. In witchcraft, eating an apple is symbolic of bringing life. The practice of bobbing for apples brings together two pagan traditions: divination and the fertility ritual.
8. Schools are removing any religious significance from Christmas (often called winter break) and Easter (spring break). Isn’t it ironic that most public schools still celebrate Halloween even though it has occultic origins?
9. Participating in Halloween gives sanction to a holiday that promotes witches, divination, haunted houses, and other occultic practices.
10. Christians should avoid Halloween and develop creative alternatives. Churches can hold a Fall Fun Festival and/or celebrate Reformation Day (also October 31). They should not endorse or promote Halloween.
Finally, I will let the bible speak for itself:
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (King James Version)
14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
If I were you this year (and this is just my suggestion), if someone came knocking at your door wanting candy, I would give them a track. The Pentecostal Publishing House has some excellent tracts that can be ordered and while the tracts have nothing to do with Halloween, they have everything to do with being fun, colorful and leading kids as well as youth to Christ by means of explaining to them the necessity for being born of the water (water baptism in Jesus Name) and the Spirit (receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues). You can change a child or youths life just by witnessing to them this year. This October 31st, do whats right that will bring glory and honor to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
A beautiful four-colored tract designed especially for youth. This tract walks young people through the process of receiving the Holy Ghost.
A fun guide to help kids understand the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Using puzzles, crosswords, word searches and fill-in-the-blank scriptures, this six-page tract allows children to realize on their own how essential it is to receive the Holy Ghost. A safe way to introduce children to this key biblical truth.
Artist of the Year
Song of the Year
(Songwriter; Song – Album; Label)
Male Vocalist of the Year
Female Vocalist of the Year
Group Duo of the Year
New Artist of the Year
CD of the Year
Choir of the Year
Producer of the Year
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
Contemporary Male of the Year
Traditional Male of the Year
Contemporary Female of the Year
Traditional Female of the Year
Contemporary CD of the Year
Traditional CD of the Year
Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year
(Artist; Song – Album; Label)
Music Video of the Year
(artist, song or CD title, label)
Contemporary Choir of the Year
Traditional Choir of the Year
Special Event CD of the Year
Instrumental CD of the Year
Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Children’s Performance of the Year
Quartet of the Year
Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Recorded Music Package of the Year
[art credit / artist - album / label]
This article will tackle the controversial question, “Should Christians observe Halloween?” With no direct references to Halloween in the Bible, resolving the debate can be a challenge. How should Christians approach Halloween and is there a biblical way to observe this secular holiday?
Current Status
Christian perspectives on the observance of Halloween are strongly divided. Some believers feel complete freedom to observe the holiday, others run and hide from it, many boycott or ignore it, a number celebrate it through more positive and imaginative observances or Christian alternatives to Halloween, and still others choose to take advantage of Halloween’s evangelistic opportunities.
History
Some of today’s popular celebrations associated with Halloween have pagan roots stemming from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain. This harvest festival of the Druids ushered in the New Year, beginning on the evening of October 31, with the lighting of bonfires and the offering of sacrifices. As the Druids danced around the fires, they celebrated the ending of the summer season and the beginning of the season of darkness. It was also believed that at this time of year the invisible “gates” between the natural world and the spirit world would open, allowing free movement between the two worlds.
During the 8th century in the diocese of Rome, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day to November 1, officially making October 31 “All Hallows Eve,” some say, as a way of claiming the celebration for Christians. However, this feast commemorating the martyrdom of the saints had already been celebrated by Christians for many centuries prior to this time. Pope Gregory IV broadened the feast to include the entire Church. Inevitably, some of the pagan practices associated with the season persisted and have been mixed into modern celebrations of Halloween.
But what about today? Perhaps we can still learn from history. In the fourth century, Christians attempted to co-opt the holiday by celebrating the lives of faithful Christian saints the day before Halloween. This was a conscious attempt to provide an alternative and re-focus the day away from ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches and other “haunted” experiences. Since that time many Christians have decided to allow their children to dress in more “innocent” costumes of pumpkins, princesses, Superman or as a cowboy. Part of this is due to the simple reality that in today’s Western culture it is nearly impossible to “avoid” Halloween.
Beloved, it is my opinion that Halloween is not for Christians. Honor God instead by refusing to observe Halloween this year.
The Bible says,
“Deu 18:10 Don’t you dare sacrifice your son or daughter in the fire. Don’t practice divination, sorcery, fortunetelling, witchery,
Deu 18:11 casting spells, holding séances, or channeling with the dead.”
“1Co 10:21 And you can’t have it both ways, banqueting with the Master one day and slumming with demons the next.
1Co 10:22 Besides, the Master won’t put up with it. He wants us–all or nothing. Do you think you can get off with anything less?”
” 2Ki 21:5 And he built shrines to the cosmic powers and placed them in both courtyards of The Temple of GOD.
2Ki 21:6 He burned his own son in a sacrificial offering. He practiced black magic and fortunetelling. He held séances and consulted spirits from the underworld. Much evil–in GOD’s judgment, a career in evil. And GOD was angry.”
Are you a TRUE follower of Jesus Christ? Then SKIP Halloween this year and tell others to do likewise!
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Eph. 5:11)
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” (Rom. 13:12)
28
Oct
09
Morning Devotional
Psalm 136
1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. 3O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. 4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. 5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. 6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. 7To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: 8The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: 9The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. 10To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: 11And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: 12With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. 13To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: 14And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: 15But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. 16To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever. 17To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: 18And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: 19Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: 20And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: 21And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: 22Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. 23Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: 24And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. 25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. 26O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
As I was on my knees in prayer this morning, the Lord told me to write! First thing I did was opened my bible and it flipped open to Psalm 136. The Lord wanted me to write about being thankful for the things He had done in the past. Did you know that your deliverance can be found in the past events that God has done for you? You see, Psalm 136 repeatedly talks about the mercy of the Lord enduring forever. After each verse the writer (David) wants the reader to think of all the things that God has done in the past, so that you can move forward into your future. If it was not for God, where would we be Saints? We would be just like the children of Israel, stuck in Egypt in some type of bondage. Or perhaps we would have already crossed the red sea but still murmmering and complaing.
You see, God has a way of brining us back to reality by causing us to remember the things of old that He’s done. For the children of Israel, He gave them food in the dessert (manna from heaven), He led them through the wilderness (Cloud by day, Fire by night), and all of the false gods of the Egyptians, God shows us that even He is the God of those false gods (meaning there is no one else beside Him and that even false gods have to answer to Him). Truly God’s mercy endures FOREVER! What a mighty God we serve.
Today, when you dont know what to do, where to turn, how your going to get the things God has promised for you, remember the things of old (the past). If God could bring you out of that situation surly He can do anything but fail. Your deliverance can truly be found in the completed works that our Lord has done in you and through you by focusing on the past events God has brought you out of. Knowing this, its easy to see and say “His mercy endures forever”!
So take the time today during your time of reflection on the goodness of the Lord, reflect on the things He has already done for you, THANK HIM for His mercy, and trust knowing that if God could bring you through circumstances last year and the year before, surely our One Lord WILL do the same again.
Be blessed, for truly God’s mercy endures forever!
Did you know with all the “name it and claim it” religious organizations out there, there are still those who believe its OK to practice both Christianity and Halloween and find that dressing up in costumes to be a petty and harmless event that has nothing to do with their soul salvation. Check out these staggering statistics (according to the CIA World Fact Book. 2002. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html. Retrieved 2007-12-30) The majority of Americans identify themselves as Christians (76%) while non-Christian religions (including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and others) collectively make up about 4% of the adult population. Yet for some reason, there are going to be large masses of people here in America alone who actively participate in Halloween. How in the world can one say that love and adore Christ yet participate in such an anti Christian day?
This week we will be doing a simple mini series on Halloween and the reasons why you need to hold true to the slogan No Trick No Treat! This has nothing to do with the religious organization you are affiliated with but this has everything to do with your soul (and the soul of your children).
Stand with me in agreeance this week and say no to Halloween while saying yes to the Power of the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 says “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” If you want real power (and not that false temporary power that Satan has to offer) get the Holy Ghost and watch God through you put a woopin on the enemy that will make every demon in hell tremble and flee.
24
Oct
09
COOLJC FL State Youth Choir
Yall betta praise Him. I miss The Church Of Our Lord.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)- Police said a gunman spent nearly 10 minutes on his knees praying with the clerk at an Indianapolis check cashing business before fleeing with her cell phone and $20 from the register. Security video from the Advance America branch clearly showed the man’s face during Monday’s stickup, and a 23-year-old man surrendered Tuesday on a preliminary charge of robbery.
The robbery took an unusual turn after the gunman came around the counter as the clerk told police she began crying and then talked about God. The man said he had a 2-year-old child to support and asked for prayers about overcoming his hardships.
Sgt. Kevin Wethington said the clerk’s actions “certainly didn’t hurt” in preventing more trouble at the store on the city’s east side.
We are called Apostolic because of a commitment to stay in subjection to the doctrines which they , the Apostoles, preached, according to the scripture.
It sounds outrageous to our sophisticated ears. Why the outrage? We have learned from society there is no absolute truth. We have also learned that no one is really any better off that anyone else. The main correlary is, “to be completely fair, one may have many wonderful thoughts, but none are of any advantange to the individual”. That allows us to say that a brain surgeon and a ditchdigger are equally valuable. The root principle here is Christian. The foolish misapplication is not. God loves all, and there are none that impress Him with their knowledge, but He has offered to everyone, a way to be saved. Do you believe a person with a map, and a desire to find his or her way out of the woods stands a better chance than the person who sees only endless trees and no clear path? There are two main statements being made here, and both are in opposition to the conventional wisdom.
- The is ONE truth, not many truths
- You can have access to, and receive the truth and be blessed, while another may pass it by and suffer loss
The knowledge you receive and what you do with it does make a difference!
Paul refered to the gospel as “my gospel”. Did he create it? Of course not! But the truth is very precious. When you have something valuable, you are pleased to let others know. It’s glory and beauty and importance supercedes much else concerning our lives. The young man who gets his first hot car knows something about how a prize can eclipse much that was formerly held important.
Yes, we say we have the truth. It implies that someone else may not. But, unlike that slick car which cost many thousands of dollars, this precious truth is offered to you if you will only value it.
Before us, many noble people died under persecution so that we could have the truth. Will we live so that we can have it?
Some religions, and even Christian movements or denominations derive their names from the founders or practices of those who laid down their heritage. For example:
- Lutherans – following and repeating the ideas of Luther
- Wesleyans – following and believing in the interpretations of Wesley
- Baptists – doing according to the practive of those who baptized
- Methodists – following the Wesleyan idea of methodical salvation
- Bhuddists – followers and believers in Buddah
- Moravians – religious practitioners associated with historical movement in Moravia.
- Quakers – One of their observed actions was “quaking”, in the old days.
You see? All have something to do with their “founders”. So, you say, a Christian simply ought to be named Christ. Well, OK. That’s a good thought. It is important in another way which you will read of on these internet pages. But, while Jesus Christ is indeed the architect and builder of His church, it’s foundations are in … you guessed it: the Apostles.
This first generation were in every respect what God intended when He began to build His church. Being transformed and receiving a supernatural relationship with God cannot be accomplished by men and women. God had to do it, and He did!
The power to become the children of God was given to certain individuals who were Jesus’ disciples. Whatever God intended for us to have, he first gave them, AND he gave them special status so that their WORDS and AUTHORITY has prevailed over 2000 years. In this way, He could assure that there would be valid (corresponding to scripture), and repeated opportunity for everyone, in successive generations to receive the truth. He gave them something to anchor their teaching to, and a standard to meet. Of course, religious teachers can still teach their own ideas (false doctrines), and mislead those who follow blindly, but those who want validation, can check the word of the Apostles, and be safe.
When you hear about Jesus today, you hear because someone is repeating their words. They preach to us across 2000 years.Think about it.
God also gave them a special appointment to deliver the gospel to all the people of the world.
The power to become the children of God was given to certain individuals who were Jesus’ disciples. Whatever God intended for us to have, he first gave them, AND he gave them special status so that their WORDS and AUTHORITY has prevailed over 2000 years. In this way, He could assure that there would be valid (corresponding to scripture), and repeated opportunity for everyone, in successive generations to receive the truth. He gave them something to anchor their teaching to, and a standard to meet. Of course, religious teachers can still teach their own ideas (false doctrines), and mislead those who follow blindly, but those who want validation, can check the word of the Apostles, and be safe.
When you hear about Jesus today, you hear because someone is repeating their words. They preach to us across 2000 years.Think about it.
God also gave them a special appointment to deliver the gospel to all the people of the world.
Everything needs some validation, otherwise, it’s just another idea, of one of 6 billion people. In the same was that the reputation of Luther gives some creedance to Lutherans, the authority of the Apostolic is derived from the Apostles. They taught that His church is built upon the foundations of the Apostles and prophets, and Jesus Christ himself is the cornerstone.
If you want to be confident in a spiritual experience today, and know that the Lord Jesus Christ is clearly in view when we pray, worship, and life before God, what better way that to come into agreement with Jesus’ REAL teachers, the Apostles.
If you want to be confident in a spiritual experience today, and know that the Lord Jesus Christ is clearly in view when we pray, worship, and life before God, what better way that to come into agreement with Jesus’ REAL teachers, the Apostles.
22
Oct
09
Stellar Award Hosts Announced
Kirk Franklin, Vickie Winans, and Donnie McClurkin have been named as hosts for the 25th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The 2010 awards show returns to Nashville, TN at The Grand Ole Opry for the fifth consecutive year on January 16, 2010. On Oct. 29, 2009, the official nominees will be announced at the Stellar Awards press conference, which will be held at the Sommet Center in Nashville. During that time, the recipients will be named for special awards such as “The James Cleveland Lifetime Award”, “The Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award”, and “The Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award”.
A New York Times article linked the increase of computer storage with the decrease of data in the human mind. Our electronic aids now remember phone numbers, driving directions, and other information we used to learn by repeated use. In schools, memorization and oral recitation are disappearing from the curriculum. We have become, according to the Times, “products of a culture that does not enforce the development of memory skills.”
Yet never have we as followers of Christ been in greater need of hiding God’s Word in our hearts (Ps. 119:9-11). Scripture memory is more than a helpful mental exercise. The goal is to saturate our minds with God’s truth so that our lives will conform to His ways. The psalmist wrote: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. . . . Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way” (Ps. 119:33,37).
Why not begin committing Scripture to memory? Daily consistency and review are keys to success. And just like physical exercise, this spiritual discipline is enhanced when done with a small group or with a friend.
Let’s not forget to remember and follow the life-giving wisdom of God’s Word. — David C. McCasland
God’s Word will change your life
If you will do your part
To read, to study, and obey,
And hide it in your heart. —Sper
Let the Bible fill your mind, rule your heart, and guide your life.
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