Monday, July 31, 2017

Jesus Is The Way

By:  Min. Angela Lee Price

Jesus told his disciples in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father except through me."  Jesus had just finished supper in the upper room with them when he gave us one of His very greatest gospel texts

In my sanctified imagination, Thomas must have been overwhelmed and in a daze!  Jesus had already shared so much, that Judas would betray him for 30 pieces of silver; that Peter would deny him three times.  Then, Jesus declared He was going to heaven, and they were extremely concerned.  In John 14:  1-4, Jesus declared He was going to heaven.  And yet he told his disciples, “do not be troubled (v1).  Believers ought not be troubled today despite all that is going on in the world, and here’s why. First, we can take God at His Word.     When Jesus said, "Trust in God, and trust also in me,"  he was reminding his disciples to trust in God's Word (v.1).  Scripture had  spoken of Jesus' impending crucifixion and his resurrection.  Sometimes we miss important information when circumstances become overwhelming.  We must remember  to trust God's Word. Secondly, We can trust in Jesus. Jesus is the Logos, the Word made flesh who dwelt among us.  The Word was with God and the Word was God in the beginning (John 1:1-2). Jesus is God.  What is true of the Father is also true of the Son.  That is why it's important to study the written Word of God so that we can learn more about the incarnate Word of God, Jesus. Jesus said in Matt. 24:35, Heaven and earth will pass away;  but my words will never pass away." 

Not only can we trust in God and trust in Jesus, but the benefit of that trust is  everlasting life for the believer.  Believers are going to heaven. Heaven is not a state of mind (Rev. 21).  Heaven is a  place prepared personally by Jesus who said, "I am going to prepare a place for you" (v2). Finally,  Jesus is coming back for us.  Notice, Jesus said, "I will come and get you."  Jesus is not merely going to send for us.  He is going to personally escort us to the Father's house!  Isn't that good news?!  The Bible tells us to "encourage each other with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).  In heaven, there will be no more fear, death, pain, or sorrow.

Thomas caught the tail end of his statement.  Jesus said, You know the way to the place where I am going" (v4).  Thomas must have woke up.  "We don't know where you are going,"  he blurted out, "How can we know the way? (v5)  Jesus then provided answers to three pertinent questions that have continued to be sought out by  the lost, the learned, and the longing down through the ages.  Those questions are "How can I be saved?", "How can I be sure?", and "How can I be satisfied?"

For lost people, Jesus answers the question, "How can I be saved?  He says, "I am the way, No one comes to the Father except through me" (v6). Jesus clearly explains that the only ones who will enter heaven will be those who have accepted him as the way, the truth, and the life - not the people who have performed the greatest number of deeds.  Jesus does not tell them about the way, nor does He show them the way.  He does not even guide them along the way.  He says He is the way!

For the learned, Jesus answers the question, "How can I be sure?"  He says, “I am the truth.”   Everything that is true of God the Father is true of me.  Jesus replied to Thomas, "he who has seen me, has seen the Father" (v9). You can be sure when you put faith in Jesus Christ. 

The word "truth" is used in Scripture in two ways:  true as contrasted with false; and genuine as contrasted with unreal.  Although both apply to God, when we speak of the truth of God, normally His genuineness is contrasted with false gods of other religions.  The Scriptures declare Jesus as the one true God (John 1:1-2; John 17:3).  There are no attributes of deity that the Jesus does not possess.  Jesus is the only way to have a relationship  with God (Romans 10:9; Acts 12:4; John 3:16). 

For the longing who ask, "How can I be satisfied?, Jesus said, “I am the life,” that is, life in eternity and life on earth.  In fact, John 14:6 is one of the seven “I AM” statements of Jesus in the book of John. He is bread when you are hungry and water when you are thirsty.   He is the light of the world,  the door, the Good Shepherd, the resurrection and the life, and the true vine. 

In John 10:10, he stated, "I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly," in other words, until you are satisfied.

The reason we can have relationship with God the Father is because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross.  Jesus died, and rose again which is the Resurrection is all about.  Yes, Jesus is the way!  Not only is Jesus Christ the only way to eternal life, He is the only way to abundant life.  Salvation, deliverance, healing, and spiritual growth cannot come any other way except, through Jesus Christ. He is the way!

 
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Jesus Saves Ministries 12th Anniversary Celebration

It is hard to believe, but Jesus Saves Ministries, Louisville will be celebrating 12 years of ministry beginning in August. Truly, we have come this far by faith leaning and depending on the Lord! We could not have done ministry for 12 years without the many people, friends and family, the Lord has sent our way, who have connected with us in sharing the message that Jesus saves.  The first of two anniversary events will take place on Saturday, August 12th, our actual anniversary date, and the second on Saturday, September 9th. Not only are we celebrating the 12th anniversary for Jesus Saves Ministries, but also it is the fourth anniversary on August 16th for out meeting facility, The Life Conference Suite. So, this is a special invitation to our friends in ministry, family, and faithful supporters to join us for one or both events. It's our way of saying thank you and showing love to you for your kindness as volunteers, ministry partners, and contributors to Jesus Saves Ministries.   Our guest speaker at the appreciation luncheon will be the dynamic Rev. Tina Patterson, the newly appointed Pastor of Mosaic United Methodist Church, Louisville. Leading in praise and worship, Min. Demetrius Gunn & True Purpose.  Min. Kevin Wharton, Sr., Minister of Music, Cable Baptist Church will be our clinician.  Email, text, inbox, or call to confirm your attendance. Join us as we give God praise for the things He has done!  We walk by faith and not by sight! This event is free! Seating in Limited. Call 502-415-1001 to reserve your seat!  Jesus saves!

Friday, July 21, 2017

WLOU/WLLV RADIO HOSTS SUMMERFEST PRAYER BREAKFAST, WE BELIEVE IN WEST LOUISVILLE

By:  Min. Angela Lee Price

On Friday, June 16th, WLOU/WLLV Radio hosted their Sixth Annual Summerfest Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast has held at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage.  The theme was “We Believe In West Louisville”  The prayer breakfast is the kick-off event for Summerfest, the stations’ all-day, outdoor family festival in Chickasaw Park held on Saturday, June 24th. 




Prayer breakfast guest speakers included Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer; Passport Health Plan CEO, Mark Carter; YMCA of Greater Louisville CEO Steve Tarver; and keynote speaker St. Stephen Church Sr Pastor/Simmons College of Kentucky President, Dr. Kevin Cosby.  Leading in prayer, St. Stephen Church Administrator, Cheri Mills and Mt. Sinai AOH Church of God Pastor Gena Redmon, and King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church Pastor, Rev. Charles Elliott.  Michael A. Young With In God's Presence ministered in song.


WLOU/WLLV GM Bill Price opened with the welcome, and Passport Communication Director Michael Rabkin, and Metro Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith gave responses to the welcome.  News Anchor Stephan Johnson served the emcee. The event was sponsored by Passport Health Plan. 

Pastor Kevin Cosby, Sr. Pastor, St. Stephen Church and President, Simmons College of Kentucky was keynote speaker.  His message was entitled, When Prayer Gets Abused. 

Prayer gets abused when prayer hurts someone else; 2)When prayer hurts ourselves; 3) When prayer is a substitute for intelligence, 4) When prayer turns God into an errand boy; 5) When prayer is a substitute for faith/action.  “There has always been prayer, and there will always be prayer, but, there has to be more than prayer,” said Rev. Kevin Cosby.  “You have to pray and work.”

For the fourth year, Jesus Saves Ministries served as the coordinating ministry for the event, providing guest speakers, volunteers and support in several areas, our largest project of the year.   The prayer breakfast drew more than 300 attendees.  To God be the glory for the things He has done!




Friday, July 14, 2017

Sermon Highlights: Dr. Kevin Cosby, When Prayer Gets Abused

Pastor Kevin Cosby, Sr. Pastor, St. Stephen Church/President, Simmons College of Kentucky was keynote speaker at the WLOU/WLLV Summerfest Prayer Breakfast, June 16, 2017, at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage.  His message was entitled, When Prayer Gets Abused. 

Prayer gets abused when prayer hurts someone else; 2)When prayer hurts ourselves; 3) When prayer is a substitute for intelligence, 4) When prayer turns God into an errand boy; 5) When prayer is a substitute for faith/action.  Scripture references:  2 Kings 20:1-7; Matthew 6:1-6; & Exodus 14:13-15.

Listen for Pastor Cosby's sermons on the St. Stephen Church weekly radio broadcast on 1240 Love WLLV, in Louisville, Ky, Tuesdays 9-10AM.

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