Who's Influencing Your Unbelief?

I must admit that from time to time in prayer I cry out, "Lord, I believe!  Help me with my unbelief" (Mark 9:24).  It is an admission that as a woman of God, I occasionally struggle in trusting God to handle my situation.  In the Bible, there were people who struggled believing Jesus.   In fact, after all Jesus had done, they refused to believe.  Surprisingly, these were not people who didn't know him, but those who did.

1: And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.    2: And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?    3: Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.    4: But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.    5: And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.    6: And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.  Mark 6:1-6

Here is an incident where the Word of God was preached, the Spirit of God was felt, the Power of God was known.  Yet, Jesus was powerless to reach these people.  Why?  Because of the unbelief.  Jesus was puzzled. Verse 6 states, "And he marvelled because of their unbelief." He had poured out His heart to no avail.  This may very well be a picture of any congregation today - Seeing but not seeing, hearing but not hearing, experience the presence of God but not refusing to believe and respond.
Let us note unbelief, the causes of unbelief, and the effects or results of unbelief:
The people were amazed a Jesus' ability to teach, cast out devils, raise the dead, and heal the sick.  They were astonished at His teachings, yet refused to believe ,  2: And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 
You've heard the adage, "Familiarity breeds contempt?"  The hometown folk knew all about Jesus, that he was brilliant, a gifted teacher of the law, and about his family background, yet refused to believe, Verse 3:, "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him".  It was not because he was an outsider, but because he was one of them that they were offended.  Notice, how they mentioned his mother, Mary but not his stepfather, Joseph. Who does he think he is?, they said.  
They knew about the miracles Jesus performed, the people He healed. No doubt they had heard he had just raised Jairus' dying daughter and healed the woman with the issue of blood before returning home.  Knowing all this, still they refused to believe. What all has Jesus done for you? Verses 5-6 said, "And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.  6: And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching".   
And Jesus said to them in verse 4, "A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house."  The NIV says, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."  They were amazed, but Jesus was amazed also for their lack of faith.  What all has Jesus done for you?  No matter the new circumstance, He is still able to keep you from falling.
Like Jesus being a prophet without honor , at some point in your life those closest to you will refused to believe in you.  They are not going to call upon you no matter what you do, not going to consider your skill or talent, nor  will they realize and recognize you as the answer to their prayer.  As a result, you won't be able to contribute to your best work, and they won't receive all that God has for them.  It won't be people you don't know who won't support you, but people you know -- family, friends, co-workers, church members -- people right there in your town operating by a jaded perspective of familiarity, influence by those around them, the know-it-alls; and by cultural, religious, socio-economic, environmental factors, they won't believe. 
So, whose influencing your unbelief?  Are they the "believers"?  Don't let their lack of faith negatively impact your relationship with God.  Don't give up, but continue to trust in the Lord. The Bible says,  He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek after Him. Hebrews 11:6.

WLOU Radio Hosts Lonnie Hunter Meet and Greet in Louisville



One of the biggest names in gospel music, Lonnie Hunter, producer of songs Even Me (The Drip Drop Song), Let's Dance, among others, came to Louisville for 104.7 FM WinterFest, December 11th & 12th. WLOU/104.7 FM Radio hosted a pre-WinterFest Meet and Greet with the Stellar-Award winning gospel artist, and syndicated radio show host on Friday, December 11th at The Life Conference Suite. Attendees spoke with, took selfies with Lonnie, listened to his new project, and picked up copies of his new CD, #GetItDone, featuring the new single, He's Worthy.

 

Gospel Artist Lonnie Hunter is Coming to Louisville This Weekend at WinterFest

Stellar-Award Gospel artist Lonnie Hunter will be in Louisville this Friday, December 11 for the 104.7 FM Meet and Greet at The Life Conference Suite, 6:00 pm, a prelude to 104.7 FM's WinterFest

WinterFest Christmas Celebration and Vendor Wonderland, is Saturday, December 12th, at Old Walnut Street, 1300 W. Muhammad Ali, presented by 104.7, that's WLOU on FM and 1240 WLLV. WinterFest features national gospel artist Lonnie Hunter, local artists, choirs, and praise teams, vendor wonderland, polar express for the kids, and Christmas Café, hourly drawings of bikes, flat screen televisions and much more! You don't want to miss it! Hear your favorite Christmas caroles sung live, as we celebrate Jesus, the Perfect Gift, the reason for the season.

We are honored to have Lonnie Hunter ministering in song at WinterFest. Listen to 104.7, that's WLOU on FM for the details. Log onto WLOUonline.com!

Vintage Lonnie Hunter and the Voices of St. Mark reminding us beautifully in song that God loved the world so that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. This song will bless you, and minister the unquenchable love of Jesus to your spirit!

Former Patients, Friends Celebrate Retiring West Louisville Physician, Dr. A. O'Tayo Lalude

We enjoyed great evening at the retirement celebration for Dr. A. O'tayo Lalude, Family Practioner and Diabetes Specialist, on Sunday, October 18th at the Glen View Condominium. The celebration included a call of the drum and African dance by the Belizean Dance Intermix and Women of the Drum, welcome by Virginia Bradford; prayer for the Health of the Community by myself, Scripture by Tanya Beachamp, and solo, "Wind Beneath My Wings." Elaine Burns shared reflections from Dr. Lalude 's bio and accomplishments over 28 years serving West Louisville. Special presentation from the Celebration Committee included a proclamation from the Office of Council woman Cheri Bryant Hamilton, Kentucky Colonel proclamation, and gift from the committee. Dr. Lalude, his wife Judith, staff and friends and patients all shared remarks. The celebration end in prayer, dance, and drum celebration. Attendees enjoyed a colorful, tasty healthy meal. I was honored to serve as emcee.



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Father, May I?

By:  Angela Lee Price


I was asked to be in a fashion show on Saturday, September 12th at an African Heritage Festival at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage in Louisville.  I did some twirling, although not very good because modeling is something I haven't done in a long, long time. Rip the runway? Not hardly, but I had fun getting out of my comfort zone, and giving back to my community.  

I grew up just a few blocks from where the African Heritage Festival was held.  I did a lot of twirling as a child while playing a game with the other children on my block  called "Mother, May I?" One child served as the "mother" and all the other children were the "children." The object of the game was for the children, who started out at the other end of the block, to get to where the mother was. The first one there won the game and became the new mother.

In getting to the mother, the children each took turns asking, "May I hop, skip, run, leap, jump, twirl?." The Mother could accept, reject, or amend their requests. But often the response would be, "Yes, you may!"

I really liked this game. It taught children how to get along with each other, to have respect for authority, good manners, and patience. Sometimes the children were asked to take a number of steps backward, and we did it.

Our goal as children of God is to get to the Father.  We serve a God who is waiting on each of us to ask right now, "Father, may I? Before we get to our Father in Heaven, we have a great work to do for Him right here on earth in reaching the lost for Jesus Christ.  We ought to be on fire for God, willing to do anything, hop, skip, run, jump, leap, and even twirl to get closer to God and show others the way to Him through Jesus Christ! Jesus says in His Word, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).  He said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32).  Jesus promises to do the drawing when we do the lifting. 

It is a September to Remember Jesus in Worship, Service, and Giving here at Jesus Saves Ministries as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.  We are blessed by your presence on the Jesus Saves Social Network, but we know in faith that the best is yet to come. God has an assignment for you draw closer to Him, and lift Him up in your neighborhood, church, workplace, home, school, and on social media. You may have to do what I did at that fashion show, that is get out of your comfort zone and twirl, twirl, twirl -- that is worship, serve and give as only you know how!  The Lord needs willing vessels.  The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Just ask, Father, may I?" We pray that His reply to you is, "Yes, you may!"

God's Prescription for Healing

"If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land"  2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 7:14 speaks about the people of God who were called by the name of God. Clearly, God was not speaking to the unsaved, but to the saved.  It starts, "If my people...." This promise was originally given to Solomon, the Israelite King, concerning the people of Israel.   God said through Solomon that if His people would do four things, humble themselves, pray, and seek His face, turn from their wicked ways, He would forgive their sin and heal their land.  

It is amazing that just four things done by the people of God would heal so much of the brokenness that we are experiencing today. So much of the crime and violence in our inner cities, and in our suburbs, in our schools, and in our homes is due to sin, lack of respect for human life, and a total disrespect for God! I don't know about you, but I need a few things healed, a few things mended, a few things fixed, a few things restored in my life!  What an awesome promise this is!  It is much more than a quick fix.  It does what Alleve, Advil, and Tamaflu can't do.  It is a prescription for healing.

It is so important that as intercessors and as Bible-believing people of God that we remain humble and on our knees before Yahweh, our Almighty God, seeking His face daily and not just His hand. Some devotions on this text say that God is asking us to do three things and not four, that pray and seek His face are really one and the same.  I beg to differ.  I believe God wants us to pray (persistently, every day) and seek His face.  When we seek the face of God, we ask the will of God despite what it is we want to do because His will is what's best. That's why reading the Word of God is so important. Therein we find the will of God, the B-I-B-L-E has our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.  When we read the Bible we gain insight into what God would have us do in our specific circumstance.  When we seek the face of God, we seek the presence of God, the way a baby stretches its arms to be in its mother's lap, or the way we stretch our legs to soak up the warmth of the sun, (and Son) on a beautiful sunny day. The good news is we have an advocate with the Father in Jesus Christ who sits at His right hand making intercessions for us! What happens to us is predicated on our relationship with God and on us doing our part in it. 

Let us claim 2 Chronicles 7:14 today. We are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Let us not sit on the premises at home, at work, at school, at church, nor here in this ministry, but stand on the promises of God.   If we do our part, then God promises to forgive our sin and heal the land.  What an awesome God we serve!  He is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. To Him be glory and honor, dominion and power both now and forever!  Amen.

Getting Into the Word: Malachi 3:10 Famously Misapplied

This week's lesson in Malachi 3:1-10 is the last in my Walking With Jesus Summer Series. I hope you have gained a few valuable insights from recent recaps from the prophets Micah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Zechariah. These brief recaps served as a source of inspiration to stay in your Bible and study your lessons during the "dog days" of summer. Exciting times are ahead! The new quarter begins next week on the book of Acts where we will learn more about the growth of the early ch...urch. Good stuff! Back to Malachi.

Malachi was unique in that he was the last of the Old Testament prophets. Though all of the OT books are not in chronological order as to when they were written, Malachi really is the last book. When God finishes speaking here, he says not a word for 400 years until he announces his Son Jesus.
Malachi in a nutshell: Worshipping God is not about doing the least you can do to get by, but about "keeping it 100," wholeheartedly. The tone of this book is not jovial but angry. Malachi reprimanded the Israelites for disregarding God's laws, and bringing damaged crops and sacrifices. They also failed to give the tithe which supported the priest and levites. They acted as if they were innocent and/or totally oblivious to their own disobedience and wickedness. Malachi stated, "Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now, return to me and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. But you ask, 'How can we return when we have never gone astray? '"
The Isrealites went astray and we have, in many respects, gone astray today in our giving, yes, but also in our misapplication of Malachi 3:10, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be food in my Temple. If you do, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies, I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have room enough to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!" This text is famously presented as a "give-to-get" text. We ought give as an act of worship, because it is the right thing to do. Let us repent and turn back to God in every area of our lives, also in the application of God's word.
The follow link shares more on how Malachi 3:10 is famously misapplied.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php…

Jesus Saves Ministries Day at the Movies

It was Jesus Saves Ministries Day at the movies on Saturday, August 29th! A group of us put our war clothes on and went to see the movie WAR ROOM at the Carrmike Cinemas Stony Brook 20. The movie is a must see! Get your group together, family, church members and friends and support this movie on the power of prayer! It will make you laugh. It will make you cry, but most of all, it will make you more inspired to pray! Jesus Saves Ministries is celebrating our 10th anniversary so I brought along giveaways for everyone, great new gospel music CDs by Marvin Sapp, Israel & New Breed, JJ Hairston, Risen, and local artist Michael Young and In God's Presence. Pastors Thomas and Linda Moore gave DVD of their weekly cable ministry. We are planning another movie day real soon. Don't miss it! Jesus saves!

Getting Into the Word: Straight Outta Ezekiel!

My aunt Evangelist Carolyn McKinney  posted this tag about children taking personal responsibility in her Facebook group, Armed and Extremely Dangerous Warriors the Kingdom.   This is what Ezekiel Chapter 18 is about in a nutshell, our Bible study lesson this week!

The Israelites tried to blame their exile in Babylonian captivity on the sins of their forefathers,  as if they did nothing themselves to deserve it.  The prophet Jeremiah warned them time and again to repent and turn from their wicked ways, and so did his contemporary Ezekiel. The Iraelites weren't hearing their loose rap, though.  They worshipped idols and did everything they were big and bad enough to do. They cited a proverb from the past (v2), "The parents eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are on edge," but God wasn't hearing that either!  He told them He didn't want to hear that proverb ever again, because they were using it to shift blame and avoid taking responsibility for their sins.  He said in v4, "The person who sins is the one who will die."

He goes on to say in v20, "The child will not be punished for the parent's sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child's sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness."

Children need to be taught from a young age to take responsibility for their actions, and what the Word of God says about this in Ezekiel 18.  This trumps generational curses. And even if they are not rewarded by the world's standards, God will reward them for their right acts by His standard because He is a just God.  Jesus saves!

Getting In the Word: Jeremiah Chapter 7

GETTING INTO THE WORD: The weeping prophet Jeremiah wasn't weeping and wailing for no reason, or shall I say, without reason. This major prophet prophesied 600 years before the birth of Christ in Judah, the southern part of the divided kingdom prior to and during Babylonian captivity.  The books of Jeremiah and Lamentations both bear his name. When Jeremiah saw the depravity of his people, he cried. He cried for them, and he cried to them over and over again to change their wicked ways. In verse 3, the Lord told him to tell the people, "Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place." Don't you hear Jeremiah crying aloud today?

In Jeremiah chapter 7, we find Jeremiah preaching at a strategic position at the temple entrance. The Lord sent him there to warn the people to reform. The people, though, weren't havin' it. They thought since they had the temple and the Lord was with them they could do whatever they wanted as long as they went to church and gave their sacrifices. 9 “‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury,[a burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, 10 and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things? 11 Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord."

In verse 12, Jeremiah told the people to go to Shiloh. God's temple was once there, but He destroyed it. God told the people through the prophet, don't think I won't destroy your temple, too,  “‘Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. 13 While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer.14 Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your ancestors. 15 I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your fellow Israelites, the people of Ephraim.’

Newsflash! It ain't about the building. It ain't about superficial religiosity. It's about a geniuine covenant relationship with almighty God. We can't do whatever we want -- disobey, disrespect, dishonor, the Lord and expect to receive His blessings. It ain't gonna happen... not then, not now! Jesus saves!

Happenings on the Jesus Saves Social Network - August 6th

 

Black Clergy, Dems Vow To Restore Voting Rights Act On 50th Anniversary

Calling it a “moral issue,” prominent Black clergy leaders will join President Barack Obama in the push to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which celebrates is 50th anniversary on Thursday.

You may recall that the Supreme Court in 2013 struck down a key provision of the measure that required nine Southern states with a legacy of racial discrimination to procure federal approval before amending their voting laws. The decision made it possible for states such as North Carolina and Texas to adopt restrictive rules requiring votes to bring certain identification to the polls.

The president and other Democrats such as Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz argue that the laws discourage people of color from heading to the polls.

Republicans, who on Thursday are poised to square off in the first 2016 presidential debate, contend that strict ID laws are aimed at reducing voter fraud.

“Today we are witnessing the most vicious and draconian assault that we’ve witnessed in 50 years since the Voting Rights Act was enacted,” the Rev. Dr. Raphael Gamaliel Warnock, senior pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, spiritual home of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., told NewsOne on Wednesday.

“We must fight to protect the right of every American to end this vicious assault,” he said. “We’re calling on Congress to fix the Voting Rights Act.”  Read more at Newsone.com.

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Rev. LaShonda Fletcher, Drops By With New Book, The Black Church and Mental Health

I could not make it to the book signing on Saturday, but look at God! I have my copy of Rev. Lashonda Fletcher's new book, The Black Church and Mental Health. This is a subject about which I have written and I am glad to see other clergy here locally addressing how the black church can help congregants and their families in this area.

Congratulations to Rev. Lashonda on the release of her new book and grand opening of the Revelation Counseling Center! She stopped by The Life Conference Suite on Monday after her on-air radio interview with Ms. Krystal on 104.7 FM. I enjoyed our conversation and look forward to reading the book and seeing the counseling center soon! The book is available on Ebay. TGBTG!

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Nashville Non-Denominational Church Launches New Church in Louisville

You Can't Hurt God's Property, YCHGP, Praise and Worship Center is officially one church in two locations, Nashville and Louisville with the dedication Sunday, August 2nd of their Louisville location at 2001 W.  Broadway, in The Life Conference Suite.  Bishop Floyd L. Stone, performed the ceremony installing Rev. Richard Smith as Sr. Pastor. The group Men Standing for Christ and songstress First Lady Nebra Smith rendered songs of praise.  Pastor Richard Smith preached from the text, John 6:63, the message entitled, Being Filled With the Spirit..

YCHGP worship services are Sundays at 2:00 pm,  Bible Study, prayer, and choir rehearsals,  Mondays at 6:00 pm; and Health & Wellness Ministry/Dare to Care, 4th Mondays at 6:30. The church meets in The Life Conference Suite,  directly across the hall from the WLOU/WLLV radio studios, 2001 West Broadway,  Suite 10. If you are looking for a church home, or a place to worship and grow in the word, check out YCHGP Praise and Worship Center.

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Jesus In the Building at Cincinnati Music Festival

Jesus was in the building at the Cincinnati Music Festival Saturday, July 25th! The fest featured R&B artists Frankie Beverly & Maze, Jill Scott, Kem, Avery Sunshine, and gospel crossover artist Mali Music.We now have first-hand knowledge of the present-day Cincinnati Music Festival. Mali Music performed his entire set doning a Jesus cap and representing with hit songs, "You're Beautiful,"  and "I Believe" among others. Avery Sunshine took us to church, and her church song had the whole stadium on their feet. Talk about witnessing for Christ, the first three performers, including Kem, did that. And Frank Beverly -at age 69- and Maze were better than I remember back in the day.  Their performance was very positive, and they certainly kept the stadium engaged. They started off with songs, "We Are One," and "Happy Feelings."  The people were singing and dancing when we left the stadium.   We didn't hear vulgar language on Saturday, nothing degrading or derogatory. There was no violence that we saw. My 30-year-old son went on Friday and enjoyed Jennifer Hudson the most.  I can say Jesus and gospel music were part of the Cincinnati Music Festival.  I hope that trend continues.

 

Jesus Saves Ministries Celebrating 10 Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!
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Celebrate Your Freedom In Christ

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

In this month of outdoor festivities and fireworks, we celebrate freedom and independence. Here on the Jesus Saves Social Network, we celebrate the Christians' freedom in Christ everyday.  Freedom in Christ describes the spiritual liberty, or freedom, we have as followers of Jesus Christ.  Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the  power and the penalty of sin.  We have been set free from the obligation to obey God's laws in our own strength. The Bible states, "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death"(Romans 8:1-2). 

  

Freedom in Christ affords us the power to obey God out of love rather that obligation.  Freedom in Christ allows us by the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and those sins that so easily beset us.   Freedom does not give us the right to do whatever we want, disregarding God's laws, but gives us power to keep His commandments.  Romans 6:1-2 states, "Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?  Of course not!  Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?"

Brothers and sisters, not only do we celebrate freedom in Christ, we celebrate freedom with Christ.  Jesus is alive now at the right hand of the Father making intercessions for us.  Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother!  We live with Christ right now through the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:10-11 states, "And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.  The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.  And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Isn't that good news!  And when we get to heaven, Jesus has prepared an eternal home for us free from the very presence of sin in our lives (John 3:16). Glory to God!

Brothers and sisters, God has given us freedom to live not only in Christ and with Christ, but for Christ.  Here in the USA, we enjoy tremendous religious freedom. Please don't take it for granted. As the birds sing, and the "Son" shines, take advantage of the freedom you have to share that powerful testimony God has given you, that Scripture He has placed on your heart, that sermon excerpt that in faith will become a rhema word for a weary soul, that upcoming revival, conference or ministry event, that prayer request or praise report, and that birthday greeting or note of encouragement.  Use your freedom to become an instrument of God's drawing and saving power in someone's life. Has Jesus broken every chain that had you bound in sin and shame?  Has Jesus set you free?  We would love to hear what great and marvelous things God is doing in your life today.

We are blessed by your presence here, but we know in faith that the best is yet to come as you celebrate your freedom in Christ. God has given us great opportunities to share our faith.  He has given each of us great and wonderful gifts. Use them to His glory! Tell somebody, everybody, anybody, "I are not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes!" Celebrate your freedom in Christ, and share the good news that Jesus saves!

If you have a passion for Christ and enjoy blogging and witnessing on the internet, join us on the Jesus Saves Social Network and post once daily.  You don't have to re-invent the wheel.  Post whatever you have posted on your website site or elsewhere.  Jesus saves!

Remembering the Charleston Nine

One week has past since Rev. Clementa Pinckney and eight church members at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC were killed in a massacre in a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Thank God, the 21-year-old confessed gunman who committed this heinous act was apprehended quickly. While this nation feels the pain, hurt, and sorrow of this senseless trajedy, we have seen so much hope across this nation as churches have held prayer vigils and rallies in solidarity against racism and for justice and the right of all people, regardless of color, to be treated equally.  And on Monday, South Carolina Governor Haley held a press conference to say that it is time for the Confederate flag, a symbol of hatred and division, to come down from the South Carolina state capitol. Walmart, Sears, and Kmart announced they would ceasing selling merchandise containing the Confedrate flag. It is an important first step toward healing.  I tell you prayer changes things!   Prayer changes things!

It has been inspiring to see the overwhelming outpouring of love and support, the unity of people of various ethnicities connected by faith in almighty God, and to see the thousands rallying peacefully in the streets. It is clear there is much discussion to be had around race and race relations. We ought, as Dr. King said, judge people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.  Sadly, we still have work to do in realizing Dr. King's dream. The church must renew her commitment to saving souls, preaching and teaching righteousness and living virtuously, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. She must lead the discussion on racial matters as well.
As the three men and six women are eulogized this week, I am trusting God that the Charleston nine, the Mother Emanuel nine, good God-fearing people did not die in vain. May they rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.  Jesus saves!

Remembering the Mother Emanuel Nine

One week has past since Rev. Clementa Pinckney and eight church members at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC were killed in a massacre in a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Thank God, the 21-year-old confessed gunman who committed this heinous act was apprehended quickly. While this nation feels the pain, hurt, and sorrow of this senseless trajedy, we have seen so much hope across this nation as churches have held prayer vigils and rallies in solidarity against racism and for justice and the right of all people, regardless of color, to be treated equally.  And on Monday, South Carolina Governor Haley held a press conference to say that it is time for the Confederate flag, a symbol of hatred and division, to come down from the South Carolina state capitol. Walmart, Sears, and Kmart announced they would ceasing selling merchandise containing the Confedrate flag. It is an important first step toward healing.  I tell you prayer changes things!   Prayer changes things!

It has been inspiring to see the overwhelming outpouring of love and support, the unity of people of various ethnicities connected by faith in almighty God, and to see the thousands rallying peacefully in the streets. It is clear there is much discussion to be had around race and race relations. We ought, as Dr. King said, judge people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.  Sadly, we still have work to do in realizing Dr. King's dream. The church must renew her commitment to saving souls, preaching and teaching righteousness and living virtuously, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. She must lead the discussion on racial matters as well.
As the three men and six women are eulogized this week, I am trusting God that the Charleston nine, the Mother Emanuel nine, good God-fearing people did not die in vain. May they rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.  Jesus saves!

Happy Father's Day from Jesus Saves Ministries

We celebrate Father's Day first by giving honor to our Heavenly Father who has been better to each of us than we have to ourselves.  Thank you, Lord for being a father to the fatherless and mother to the motherless! 
We celebrate Father's Day with the theme "Real Men Love Jesus." Join with us in honoring the nobility, elegance, and demands of being a father. Fathers throughout history have had great dreams, offered intercessory prayers, guided us, protected us, encouraged us, loved us, taught us to be strong, to use our imagination and improve ourselves and our communities. We thank the Lord for God-fearing fathers, and for the fathers who represent for Jesus with ministry and social network.
We are grateful for fathers who know Jesus and realize that God's grace, full of mercy and justice, is the force that gives all of us life and men the opportunity to be fathers.
Happy Father's Day, fathers from Jesus Saves Ministries,  Louisville!

Sermon Excerpt: Stepping Out With Authentic Praise!

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

The women of St. Stephen East at Dosker Manor here in Louisville, Kentucky culminated Women's Month on Palm Sunday, March 29th waving palm branches in celebration and praise to our triumphant King Jesus Christ. Dosker Manor hosts off-campus services just east of downtown Louisville weekly for St. Stephen Church. This was my very first Palm Sunday invitation and so deeply humbled to bring the morning message, "Stepping Out With Authentic Praise," based on John Chapter 12:1-19. Shout out to Rev. Josie Gilbert, Campus Pastor and team for a job well done. Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby, Sr. Pastor

Here is an excerpt from the message, "Stepping Out With Authentic Praise!":

It was Palm Sunday; the people with the palm branches shouted, "Hosanna, Hosanna," meaning, "save us, save us."  They were singing praises to Jesus, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the King of Israel!”  But not all were stepping out with authentic praise.  Authentic praise happens when we step in the Spirit and put our faith in Jesus Christ.  Authentic praise happens when we think and when we thank.  When I think about his goodness and all that He has done for me, my soul shout, “Hallelujah! Thank God for saving me!!!”
This is a sad thing about these inauthentic people because there is power in authentic praise.  We say all the time there is power is prayer, but praise is potent. Your faith is not complete without your praise. Praise combined with prayer and an attitude of gratitude gives you access to God!  Praise wins battles!  Praise defeats the enemy!  Praise encourages the miraculous!  Praise heals the soul and calms the troubled spirit!Some of those same fickle people, who praised on Sunday shouted, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" at the end of the week. Not all who praised Jesus, praised Him authentically.  Can I tell you who was in the crowd?   There were agitators, perpetrators and instigators in the crowd - those who hated Jesus and attempted to stop his ministry. Also, there were imitators in the crowd -  those who placed their faith in Jesus and sincerely desired to be like Himl  Those were the people with Lazarus and believed Jesus because of his witness.
Let me ask you, "If you had been present on Palm Sunday 2,000 years ago, where would you be standing in the crowd?  Would you have been standing with Lazarus, and the imitators of Christ, with the saved crowd?  The Bible says, "Because of him, many believed on Jesus."  Or, would you be standing among the various spectators and haters, those who refused to believe in Jesus?If you are not where you need to be, then press through the crowd!  Touch the hem of His garment.  He will give you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Then, step out with authentic praise! We should be stepping out with authentic praise because Jesus came riding in 1) as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world, 2) to fulfill prophecy, and 3) to give us abundant life through the Holy Spirit.

Join us as we celebrate Jesus as all that He has done in our lives on the Jesus Saves Social Network!  Let's step out with authentic praise today and every day telling the world, "Jesus saves!" 

Jesus Saves Ministries celebrating 10 years of lifting up Jesus Christ!

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The Dean of African American Preachers, Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor Goes Home to Be With the Lord

BCNN -The Homegoing of Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor

The Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) Inc. mourns the passing and celebrates the life of the Rev. Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor.
Dr. Taylor, who passed on Sunday, April 5, Resurrection Sunday, was Pastor Emeritus of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ, Brooklyn, New York, President Emeritus of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., and widely known as “the Prince of Preachers.” He was also one of Time Magazine’s most influential pastors and the dean of the African American prophetic preaching tradition.
PNBC President Dr. James C. Perkins said, “The world has lost a giant of man, who transformed America and the world for the better. How appropriate it is that God called Dr. Taylor home on Resurrection Sunday. In both life and death Dr. Taylor gave a clarion call to the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Perry A. Smith, III a longtime friend and former PNBC pastor said, “We’ve lost a legend. One of the world’s greatest preachers, the last of a kind.” Dr. Smith also said that Dr. Taylor was a living embodiment of PNBC’s core principles of Fellowship, Service, Progress, and Peace, but he was that and much more.
Dr. Tyrone S. Pitts, former PNBC General Secretary said, “Dr. Taylor was the greatest preacher of the 21st Century. He was really was one of the people who helped to frame the Civil Rights movement and he was the soul of PNBC. He also was key in helping us to understand and appreciate the transformative and prophetic art of Black preaching.”
Source: BCNN

When Praises Go Up, Blessings Come Down!

In the post "Stepping Out with Authentic Praise," I said praise wins battles and praise defeats the enemy...

Herein is the rest of the story...Praise does more than that because when you praise sometimes you won't have to fight the battle at all! Isn't God good! So while you're at work, why not offer up a sacrifice of praise.  While you're on your lunch break, lift holy hands during Holy week.  Offer up authentic praise, praise that is heart-felt, consistent and genuine.  Hebrews 13: 15-16 state, "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.…"

In 2 Chronicles 20, the text says beginning at verse 21, "After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever."

God loves it when you fast, pray, and seek His face, and He loves it when you praise Him. Jehoshaphat takes the people's advice and he orders men to sing to the Lord. When they did that, God set ambushes against the three nations and they turned on each other, and destroyed each other!

This is almost identical to what happened in the war Gideon's army did not have to fight in Judges Chapter 7. God sent 300 men against a vast army of 30,000 Midianites. God confused the enemy with trumpets, torches, and timing! The army prepared for war, processed to the battlefield, and positioned themselves, but they did not fight! And God got the glory! When praises go up, blessings come down!
Share with us how you are stepping out with authentic praise during Holy Week. Log on to jesussavesministries.ning.com and post a comment! 

A Thankful Life!
By:  Maurice Jackson, Kansas City, MO
Consistent with words of thankfulness is a lifestyle that reflects the same.
Our LIVES should exhibit appreciation to our Lord Jesus Christ who is the one who SAVED our LIVES.  We can say 'Thank You, Lord' with our lips while in our living, we actually dismiss Him.  Jesus said in Matthew 15:8 that some come near to me with their words but their hearts or very distant from me.
Jesus also said that IF we love Him, we WILL keep His commandments.  Our conduct and HOLY lifestyle tells our HOLY GOD that we are grateful to be His children.  Our entire Christian existence should be a constant praise and thanks to God!
  

Our natural children make us proud parents when they have followed the precepts and directions that we have given them throughout the years.  And once they have put these things into practice and they become upstanding, productive and respectful citizens, it reflects upon their adherence to the teaching and training they received from us.  This is to the praise of the parents themselves.  The implementation of these precepts demonstrates gratitude towards the source from which they were received.  

And we as children of God, in the very same manner, conduct our lives to the honor and praise of our Heavenly Father,  showing our gratitude through obedience to Him.

  

The Word tells us in Ephesians 5:1 to be imitators of God as dear children!

Notice that is says "DEAR" children.  Now some offspring don't quite turn out to be DEAR children because of their constant disobedience.  Though, as parents, we still absolutely love them unconditionally,  they may not always follow in the way we presented to them and often take an opposite path.  It is our hope that they eventually turn toward the right path.

Conversely, as DEAR children, we are to imitate our Heavenly Father and reflect His holiness in our thoughts, behaviors and character.  Consistent with words of thankfulness is a lifestyle that reflects the same.  Obedience to The Father should be our gratitudinal priority.

Share with us how you are stepping out with authentic praise during Holy Week. Log on to jesussavesministries.ning.com and post a comment! 

Family Matters Blog Series Pt. 6: Family Ministry Shift Conclusion

For the past six weeks, we have been looking at one strategy for introducing children to the gospel and keeping them involved in church, family ministry. Today we conclude the "family" matter.  I hope this blog series was a blessing to you and has presented you with an option for your ministry, church, or family. Family ministry equips parents to become the primary disciple-makers of their children.  Proponents believe the 21^st century church is failing congregations by not partnering with parents to equip them to share in ministry to the next generation.  The goal is to accurately pass on the gospel to the next generation through the family.  There are at least four types of family ministry strategies, family based ministry, family equipping ministry, family intergrated ministry, and the traditional programmatic, segregated approach.  Although young adults are highly educated, they are largely “unchurched,” and rarely to they read the Bible or meet with others to study the Bible.  Approximately 70 percent of young adults agree that the American church is irrelevant, and only 24 percent attend church weekly.  This means that the church must disciple young adults differently, parents and mentors must be involved with the church in the discipleship process, and the church must prepare to disciple a more ethnically diverse congregation.  Recent research found that Millennials are very close to their parents and thrive on relationships. Family ministry as a long range plan, and not a quick fix, might be the answer.

 

Related Posts:

Family Matters Blog Series Pt. 5: Strengths & Weaknesses of Family Ministry Models

Family Matters Blog Series Pt. 4: Active Churches In Family Ministry

Family Matters Part 3:  Contemporary Approaches & Leading Voices in Family Ministry

Family Matters Part 2:  Biblical Basis for Family Ministry

Family Matters Part 1:  The Historical Roots of Family Ministry

Introduction:  Blog Series, Family Matters, The Family Ministry Shift

 Bibliography

Baucham, Voddie Jr. (2007).  Family Driven Faith, Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk With God, Wheaton:  Crossway
Floyd, Ronnie  When the Bible Meets Life Sampler, biblestudiesforlife.com
Haynes, Brian (2009).  Shift, What It Takes to Finally Reach Families Today, Loveland:  Group Publishing, Inc.
The Holy Bible, (1984).  New International Version.  Grand Rapids:  Zondervan Publishing

Jones, Timothy Paul (2011).  Family Ministry Field Guild, How Your Church Can Equip Parents to Make Disciples, Indianapolis, Wesleyan Publishing House.
Mercadante, F. (2008). The Millennial Generation, Postmodernism, and the Changing Face of Catholic Youth Ministry.
Rainer, T. S. (2011). The Millennials, Connecting to America's Largest Generation. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group.
Stinson, Randy and Jones, Timothy Paul (20 Trained in the Fear of God, Family Ministry in Theological, Historical, and Practical Perspective
Younts Jones, Christine,  A Blueprint for Family Ministry,  Retrieved December 5, 2013 from Childrensministry.com: http://childrensministry.com/articles/a-
blueprint-for-family-ministry

SURPRISE!!! Thanks for Birthday Greetings, Surprise Birthday Bash!

Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude to all who posted Birthday greetings on my Facebook wall. I feel so blessed, loved, and appreciated. I want to thank my husband, Bill for the awesome surprise birthday party, my family and all who dined with us on Monday, March 16th. Oh yes, I was so surprised to see all the friends, radio staff, and church members, and family on Monday evening.  I thought we'd just go out for a quiet dinner at a nice restaurant.  Instead, the restaurant, complete with servers, came to us!  And no, it was not quiet! We had awesome weather, a delicious meal, catered by Donald's Catering, and great guests for the occasion. Once I got over the shock, I had a blast.  There is a Happy Birthday song (Stevie Wonder style) video.  Hopefully, I can get it posted. Thank you and may God bless you, each and everyone who said a kind word, extended a courtesy, gift, or $3.16 contribution (put the decimal where ever you like) to Jesus Saves Ministries.



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