Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Mini Message #2

1 Corinthians 13: Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 this famous chapter about love gives us one of the most eloquent descriptions of love ever written. Love is patient and kind - Love does not demand its own way - Love never gives up.

Love is willing to sacrifice for the good of others, even to death. A healthy definition of love is crucial to understanding the central message of the Bible. The Bible teaches that love is a commitment. As a commitment, love is not dependent on good feelings, but rather on a consistent and courageous decision to extend oneself for the well-being of another. Jesus became the perfect demonstration of God’s unconditional love for us by laying down his life for our benefit.

Love is a very important idea for Christians. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments were to love God and to love our neighbors. In the same way, people like Paul and John wrote how love should be a major part of every Christian’s life. Because it is such an important idea to understand, it is helpful to see what the Bible tells us about love.

John 13:34 - I now am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

1 John 3: 11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 4: 7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian Brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.

Being a Christian comes with certain expectations, and one of them is that we will love others. Our Christian conduct is proof as to whether we love each other, and loving each other is proof that we belong to Christ.

These scriptures that I just shared with you are but a few that addresses the topic of Christian Love. Take your bible and find a verse on love and commit it to memory.

Pastor Jack

Monday, December 28, 2009

Short Messages from God

I saw this on a website. No matter what your religion, it is nice to read.

1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all - God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me, don’t ever forget.

Friday, December 25, 2009

A JOURNEY TO JESUS PART 2

When we decide to take a trip/journey, we select a destination that has some attraction or a good reason why we want to journey to this location. Our choice is generally a pleasurable place that we have a great interest in and enjoy very much to be there. In preparation for our journey we make careful plans so that we arrive at our destination safe, sound and when we are to be there.

We know that no matter how much we plan for a successful journey, problems can arise and throw a monkey wrench into our plans. Problems such as: if your mode of transportation is plane, train, etc., there are possibilities of cancellations. If you go by car there can be detours, breakdowns, bad weather, etc. This is part of life in our physical world.

Now in our “Journey to Jesus”, in the Celestial City (in our spiritual life), we know that there will be mountain top experiences and stumbling blocks in the valley.
We need to make sure that in our “Journey to Jesus” we are going for the right reason. We should be going with the “love of Christ” in a heart filled with thanksgiving for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

During our journey we will not only address God’s love for us and our love for God and others, but many situations of our spiritual life that are stumbling blocks in our path on our journey.

As we start our journey in 2010 during the month of January we will spend time in message and word trying to understand God’s love for us and our love for God and others.

Pastor Jack

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Mini Message #1

The Great Commission taken from Matthew 28: 16-20

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus left the disciples with some last words of instruction. God gave Jesus complete authority over heaven and earth. On the basis of his authority, Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples as they preached, baptized, and taught.

“Making disciples” means - instructing new believers on how to follow Jesus, to submit to Jesus’ lordship, and to take up his mission of compassionate service.

Baptizing is important because it unites a believer with Jesus Christ in his or her death to sin and resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, a willingness to live God’s way, and identification with God’s covenant people.

The disciples had been trained well, and they had seen the risen Lord. They were ready to teach people all over the world to obey all the commands that Jesus had given. Jesus’ followers had a mission to do—evangelize, baptize, and teach people about Jesus so that they, in turn, could do the same. With this same authority, Jesus still commands us to tell others the Good News and make them disciples for the Kingdom.

Let’s look at a couple of words; the first word is go and it means to move toward a person or place with the intention of doing something specific. In verse 16 Jesus told His disciples to go. This means action on our part.

Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples as they preached, baptized, and taught. Three things He wanted them to and that was to preach, baptize and teach. Three tasks that he assigned to the Disciples and to us to do to continue His mission here on earth. It is not a case of multiple choice or pick and choose or which one we should choose and leave the others for somebody else.

We should be about our Fathers work.
Pastor Jack

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Mission Possible – is it?

I named this Blog “Mission Possible” and the reason is:
First we have a reason for being on earth and so we have a mission to accomplish.
Second with God everything is possible.

Let me share my idea of the mission of Christians, it is scriptural.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This scripture is not just an idea or a good suggestion because it says “Therefore go”.

The questions are this:
What is the part that you understand?
What is the part you don’t understand?

As Christians we have many gifts and talents that differ from others. Yours mission is unique because it is yours. In the Comment section at the bottom of the Blog please share your view on what your mission is and I would post it on this Blog along with others if you would give me permission to do so.

I will not be posting comments - only those who have prayer requests and praises and/or those who give me permission to do so.
Pastor Jack

Sunday, December 13, 2009

IN JESUS’ OWN WORDS:

Matthew 4:4 “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Matthew 4:7 “You must not test the Lord your God.”

Matthew 4:10 “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”

Matthew 4:17 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Matthew 5:20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew7:1-2 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”

Matthew 7:12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, Lord! Lord! will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

Matthew 10:32-33 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matthew 18: 19-20 “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Matthew 20:28 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 28:18-19 “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Mark 12:17 “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

Mark 12: 29-31 “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.”

Luke 9:62 “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Luke 12:40 “You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

John 1:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”

John 14:1-3 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Mark 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Mark 15:17 “This is my command: Love each other.”

Pastor Jack

Saturday, December 12, 2009

A life with Christ begins with Salvation

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

John 14:6 Jesus said; I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Romans Road: The Gospel of Grace - The Highway to a Relationship with God

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” We must all realize that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness. We are not worthy of God’s grace.

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Through Jesus, God gave us a way to be saved from our sins. God showed us His love by giving us the potential for life through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If we remain sinners, we will die. However, if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and repent of our sins, we will have eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved”. Just confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved!

Romans 10:13 “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” There are no religious formulas or rituals -- Call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved!

Romans 11:36: “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Roman Road: Are You Ready to Accept God’s Gift of Salvation?
If you truly believe the message of the Roman Road, and want to accept God’s gift of salvation right now, it's a matter of repenting of your sins and turning the rest of your life over to Jesus Christ. Again, this is not a ritual based on any specific words or prayers, but rather, a willful decision and a sincere step of faith. The following is a prayer that you can say (read) to express your desire to have Jesus be your Savior and Lord.

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send the Holy Spirit to help me obey You and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”

Acts 2:38 says, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

If you decided to receive Jesus, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

•Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
•Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
•Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
•Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
•Find a local church where you can worship God.

Pastor Jack

Thursday, December 10, 2009

A JOURNEY TO JESUS Part 1

My theme for Antioch Baptist Church for 2010 will be “A Journey to the Celestial City”. I have taken this theme from the book “Pilgrim Progress” by author John Bunyan. John Bunyan was born in Elstow England in 1628. As you can see this book as been around for almost 400 years and John Bunyan was a spirit filled individual.
If you have not read this book you should get a copy and read it.

As a start I wrote the following:

JOURNEY
Let’s take a Journey in two thousand ten,
but first let’s see where we have been.
The journey depends on your soul’s need,
like love and compassion, surely not greed.
The road well traveled may not always be the best,
but the Lord will surely guide you, at your request.
So pack your Bible and prepare to leave,
to reach Celestial City, you need to believe.
Pastor Jack

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

PRAISE AND PRAYER REQUEST

Please feel free to add a pray request or praise to the comment below this posting. If you would like to converse with me on a prayer request please feel free to use my E-Mail. jacksmith@grics.net

12/09/09 with the way the President and Congress have been destroying life and liberty as we know, we need to pray that they will do what is right and that the Holy Spirit intercedes so they can get it right. PJ

01/23/10 Please pray that as a Pastor I lead the church so the congregation understands that they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the task for the building up of the Kingdom of God here on earth. PJ

WHAT IS PRAYER?

Prayer is a very important part of the life of a Christian. Prayer is an opportunity to bring our will into line with God’s plan and to demonstrate our trust in God as we are speaking to God.
Prayer not only reflects our dependence on God but prayer is better than complaining to others. When we pray with humility and sincerity and with a attitude of respect for God we can restore a right relationship with God
Prayer binds us together with other believers when we pray for others. Prayer is personal and it also demonstrates complete dependence on our Lord when we recognizes the spiritual warfare around us.

James 5:16 (From The Message Bible) - Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (From The Message Bible) - Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

Please feel free in the comments section to send praise or a prayer request.
Please don’t leave request hanging out there after the Lord has taken care of the situation, please notify me so request can be removed.

Pray is as easy just try talking to the Lord.
PJ

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

My name is Jack Smith, I have been married to Hilda for over 53 years and that is mostly likely more years than some of you have been alive. Hilda is a dedicated Christian first, and second a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.
Hilda has been very active in American Baptist Women in the Cluster, Area and ABW of the GRR which involves Illinois and Missouri. At this time she is president of ABW of Great Rivers Region. What more could any man want? I have a true soul mate.

I am serveing the Antioch First Baptist Church of Mt. Carroll as Pastor and look forward to serve as a servant for our Lord until who knows when.

The purpose of this Blog is to Glory our Lord by sharing insight in the scripture and by sharing scripture for the building up of the Kingdom here on earth plus inspiring others by encouraging them to be the person the Lord intended them to be. I will be sharing many other thoughts, prayers and tid-bits as the Lord leads me.
Pastor Jack