Getting Hooked

I recently had a time of relaxing and fishing with my grandsons. It was so fun. I caught my limit in one hour. It was in a touristy area and many people were watching me fish. I reeled in one fish and had my grandson help me get the fish in. He was holding the pool and I was going to take the fish off the hook. The fish jumped and the hook came out into  my finger. I was now caught.
As I tried to wiggle the hook out, the deeper it went in. The barb was below the surface and my fat fingers were just pushing it deeper into my finger.

The same thing happens in life. The enemy will try and get a hook in us. And while we just wiggle it around it gets stuck deeper. By wiggling I mean entertaining it. Playing with it.

I didn't have any pliers to back it out and it was a barbed hook. It was starting to hurt. My grandson was watching as were many people standing around to see why my face was grimacing. I grabbed the line tight and pulled hard and fast. The hook pulled through the skin and came out. It stung. A man watching closely said "It looks like that hurt" and I just said "Yeah."

When it comes to the hooks the enemy has in you, you have to just pull them out. Don't entertain them or not deal with them because it may hurt coming out. Be bold and and yank. Don't give the enemy any ground in your life.

My finger bled for a minute and I just smiled at my grandson. He knew it hurt but he knows I'm tough. I just shook it off and kept going. It may hurt for a moment but dealing with the issue head on will get you free.

God bless you.

Pastor Ron King

Being All In

I have taught about marriage a lot through the years. God has shown me a lot about being married.
For those of you wanting to get married;
When people are dating they tend to walk in their personality. They get all showered and cleaned up to look their best for you. They say the right things and do the right things. They show you what they think you want to see. They put their best foot forward.
When you get married, you find out what they are really like. They settle into their true character. They say that men can be like a hunter and once they get the lady, they stop trying. You find out what they are really like.
All of our habits that were held back on, come out. So it is important to get to know the character of a person.
So the question I have for you today is:
Are you just dating the Lord or are you all in?
Dating would be that you just put your best on when your around other Christians.
Being all in, is your character is the same all the time. Your allowing the Lord to take off the rough edges so that kindness is coming forth.
You humble yourself and admit you need to overcome a certain area of your life. We will walk in love and forgiveness and encourage you as you walk through it.
Your patient with those that at the beginning of the things you have already overcome. You don’t forget where you came from.

If you want to be all in, pray and ask Jesus to be the center of your live. 

Pastor Ron King

Preperation

I recently tool a trip up to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. It is over 14,000 feet up. The air is thin and it can be tough to breath. I saw a guy that road up there on his Harley. It was a nice bike. I stopped to talk to him about the ride up as it is a crazy drive with not a lot of guard rails. He told me that when he arrived in Denver, he filled up his bike with a tank of gas and drove it around until the computer chip in the bike got used to the elevation so that the bike would not spit and sputter going up the mountain.
In the Kingdom of God, many want to go to the top of the mountain without the prep time. But without the prep time they end up with the spitting and sputter and not making it to the top. They end up quitting and going back down.
The Kingdom is not just Word, it's doing the Word. It's not just Spirit, it's walking in the Spirit. The Spirit and the Word preparing us for the journey we are on. We need both in our lives and we need to be active about being prepped so that we don't spit and sputter and end up quitting.
Take time today to pray in the Spirit and read the Word.

Have a great day and God bless you.

Pastor Ron King

Fullfilment

Right now we are going through the Book of Genesis as a church. As I have been reading my faith is increasing. It is so awesome to see how God fulfills His word. 
As I read through chapter 36 today, I could have just skimmed through it as it was about the genealogy of Esau. He gave up his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Why would this be important to read. 
Well, right in the middle of it, it says that Esau took his family, servants, and all his livestock and left the land to his brother Jacob. 
He had been working that land for 21 years while his brother was away with Laben and now he moves off of it because there is not enough room. 
The great thing is that the land was promised to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. The land was not to be Esau's. Esau moved without a big conflict. 
I was so encouraged by this in that when God has a plan and has released a promise, He makes sure it happens. God makes a way for His word to be fulfilled. 
Jacob didn't have to make it happen by fighting with his brother, he just did what he was supposed to do and God did the rest. 
Today, do what you know to do and put the rest in God's hands and let Him settle His word to you. 

God bless you and have a great day.

Pastor Ron

Colossians 4

It has been a while since I have blogged. Many travels this last few months.
Today our reading was on Col. 4. As I read it a couple of areas of prayer jumped out at me.
1. vs. 3 Pray that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.
    I think we should come into agreement with this prayer and begin to pray it out. At our Friday night prayer meeting we are coming into agreement with the prayers out of the Word of God and this is a good one to pray for each other. May god open doors for us to speak the mystery of Christ.

2. vs. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
     Epaphras was praying for the Colossian church to be able to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. That is something we should be in agreement with. People these days are standing with the wrong thing. They are coming into agreement with things that God hates and are an abomination to Him. People are even changing the Word of God to fit a sinful lifestyle. We need to pray in agreement with this scripture for each other in this day of trials and tribulation.
Just remember that we win but we will be tested.

Pastor Ron

Acts 15

Acts 15 (NKJV)

Conflict over Circumcision

15 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

Note: We are quick to put people into bondage of the things we are under. We should walk in the freedom of God's grace. It's not freedom to sin but freedom from sin.

The Jerusalem Council

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’

18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works. 19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Note: They got down to dealing with the issues of sin. The very thing that separates us from God. Sexual Immorality has become a big issue of the day. The LBGT agenda has skipped over this verse to create a lifestyle that is not of God. People are living together and adultery is rampant and accepted as part of our society. It's when the church accepts it as ok that it becomes an issue. There are certain things we are to abstain from and that is Biblical. It's not that its the law, it's evidence of regeneration. 

The Jerusalem Decree

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

23 They wrote this letter by them:

The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,

To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Farewell.

Note: "These necessary things." They deemed these are necessary for a believer. If it was necessary back then, then it still is. Every time a society thinks God has evolved to the point of allowing sin to have it's way, that society falls. That was what happened to Rome. All was lost and no one thought it worth saving as it was so immoral.

Continuing Ministry in Syria

30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. 32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. 33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.

34 However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. 35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Note: The believers received the word that came to them. They knew in their hearts that it was right and the Holy Spirit bore witness to them. Don't allow the lies of the enemy to cloud your mind and allow you to justify the very things that God calls immoral. Stay the course with the Word of the Lord and don't quit on it because your flesh is screaming. Fast, pray and seek the Lord and let's bring our flesh into submission to the Spirit of the Living God.

Division over John Mark

36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Note: John Mark didn't want to go to the places Paul wanted to the first missionary journey. They were tough places. Paul suffered a lot when he went there. John was not ready for that. Not everybody can go where it's hard but we still should all go. We are all called to spread the gospel and to live the gospel message by our words and deeds. John Mark finished strong and Paul called for him later in his ministry. Sometimes we just need a second chance.

Acts 4

Acts 4(NKJV)

Peter and John Arrested

4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

Note: The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. That is the issue they have. Five thousand men believing is an incredible account. The other issue is that they are turning people away from the old law to freedom and healing in the name of Jesus. The religious rulers were loosing control.

Addressing the Sanhedrin

5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Note: Being filled with the Holy Spirit empowered Peter to stand up for what he was doing in the Name of Jesus. Us being filled with the Holy Spirit empowers us with boldness also. 

The Name of Jesus Forbidden

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Note: Is it evident that you have spent time with Jesus? That's what matters. Can people see the transformation in you? Have your words changed and is the fruit of the Spirit and power of God evident in your life? Take time to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you today.

Prayer for Boldness

23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:

‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’

27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Note: Do you struggle with being bold and speaking out for the Lord? Say this prayer that they did and believe that God is empowering you to step out in His boldness.

Sharing in All Things

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Note: We are blessed to be a blessing. It is wonderful to see this. If you would like to come on a Friday, we give food to the community every week. Today we will give food to about 75 families. 4-5 bags for each family. It's a great way to serve and touch the people of our community.