Series on INTEGRITY - summary from Sun. Nov. 29, 2009

Over the last few weeks, Bishop Johnson has been talking about integrity.

Here is a summary of the points that he has been giving us.

Building Integrity in Our Lives

1. Deal with your past
2. Commit to discover what the scripture says about justice and honor
3. Examine your daily walk with God (Be quick to repent and confess sin, seek God's enabling grace to help you change direction.)
4. Judge yourselves
5. Listen to your conscience
6. Seek Godly counsel from someone who understands your circumstances is is living by Godly values.
7. Obey what you know (don't ignore it, respond to it).

We are reminded to "Be a doer, not just a hearer" (James 1:22.)

Our power source for life, a life of integrity, is Jesus Christ.


Scriptures used: Phil 4:13, Acts 17:28a, Psalm 107, Psalm 92, 1 John 4, Psalm 24, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 18:28-34, Isaiah 41: 10, 13, Psalm 102:27, Acts 17:28.
Bible Online: http://www.biblegateway.com/

Sermon Highlights: Sun. Dec. 7 - The Spirit of Rejection

The following notes are highlights/summary points from the 12/7/08 7:45 and 10:45 services. All members are strongly encouraged to get the CD so that you can hear Bishop Johnson's message in its complete context.

Recognizing and Dealing With the Spirit of Rejection
Scripture context: Isaiah 53:3-6, Hebrews 4:13-16.
(These scriptures will be provided in full text in the comments section of this post.)

• Rejection is one of Satan's favorite tools to use against God's people. He doesn't waste time inflicting us with the spirit of rejection.
• If we allow our emotions to be filled with the spirit of rejection, we limit the favor of God and the power of God in our lives.
• Rejection keeps us away from people, and keeps us away from God.
• When God blesses us, he doesn't bless us an an island. He blesses us to be a blessing.
• Children may be affected as young as in the womb. [Pregnant] women must be protected mentally, emotionally, and physically - her attitude affects both her and the child ... in the womb. Watch what you eat, what you watch, where you go.
• People who have the spirit of rejection look for approval in the wrong places.

Points about looking for the favor of God, the blessings of God in all of the wrong places:

• Approval [desired] from other people. The approval should come from God. Approval and acceptance seekers have a fear of rejection - they live in your opinion of them, rather than who they really are.
• [They would] rather have your love and approval than God's.
• [They are] addicted to approval. Approval addicts believe:

1. If I'm accepted by others, I'll be satisfied.
2. If I'm accepted by others, I'll be blessed.
3. If I'm accepted by others, I'll have their favor, and their favor will give me the favor of God ... then my life will be fulfilled.

• God is not limited by any outside approval. No experience of human approval leads to permanent satisfaction.
• You need to look at the right face and get approval from the right place!

[With the spirit of rejection] You pay a high price.

• [You're] vulnerable to whims and suggested opinion of those around you. (Managers need approval. Leaders want approval but don't need to have it.)
• Others can take advantage of your vulnerability and mistreat you in every way. When folks know that they can control you, they will control you which leads to more rejection. Sometimes THEY will have the spirit or rejection, they want what you have. The arm of flesh will fail you - no matter who they are. Don't make your expectation too high. Make no provision for the flesh (not even yours!) - Phil 3:4. Nobody can take advantage of you unless you let them.

The enemy uses your fear of rejection to isolate you.

Ask yourself, "Why do I do what I do?" People with the spirit of rejection may appear to be shy, timid, may dodge close relationships - translates to "I'm afraid of being rejected." People don't connect because they'd have to open up.

Results of the spirit of rejection:

1. No relationships
2. No blessing and receiving from others
3. No blessing given to others, no opportunity to give to others

More results:

1. Rebellion
2. Anger
3. Bitterness
4. Guilt
5. Escapism
6. Negative criticism
7. Judgemental/critical
8. Distrust
9. Competitiveness
10. Jealousy/envy

Anger unchecked will soon become depression. Depression unchecked --> bitterness. Bitterness unchecked --> inferiority. Inferiority --> escapism.

Jesus gives us good news! Luke 12:32, Matt. 7:11, Galations 3:14

* Isaiah 53:3. Nobody was rejected like HIM. No rejection you have can ever measure up to what our savior went through. (Your Holy father will re-father you.) Jesus had to endure God rejecting him because of our sins. He was rejected by the very creation that he made in their mother's wombs! Isaiah 53:5 - He was wounded for our transgressions -- our weaknesses --- rejection is a weakness. Why carry what he has already carried for you? He was rejected so that we can move out of rejection. He cried, "It's finished!" Just for you. GOOD NEWS!

• We need to get the limits off of God so that favor can flow. He healed me before I was wounded.
• Hebrews 4:13-16. He sees and responds. Don't let it slip. Strengthen your grip on your faith. He feels it with you. He knows exactly how you feel.
• During the holiday season, it doesn't make a difference who leaves, He won't! Talk to yourself, "I've got a high priest!"
• Bruised blood takes care of deep-seeded emotions - releases you from that deep feeling of rejection. (Sorrow = wound. Grief = wound. Rejection = bruise.) Bruised blood hurts for a long time. He became grief for you. He became sorrow for you. The next time you're feeling down in the dumps, feeling like murmuring and complaining, take a look at Calvary.
• I'm blessed whether I feel like it or not.

In '09, everything will be fine!

Bishop's Charge: Meditate on Isaiah 61

Good afternoon Mount Pleasant!

I'm writing this between the 10:45 and Baptismal worship services ... Greetings from the Grand Fellowship Hall! Today Bishop Johnson told us to say "This is a new day and this is my time!"
He also instructed us to meditate on Isaiah 61 every day this week! Here is the link to this scripture online: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+61

The full passage will be in the comment section so that you can see it directly.

Bishop went through the following scriptures:
Isaiah 65:24
Romans 6:6

He also reminded us to really use Romans 6:11: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Bishop's topic was "The Law of the Spirit as it connects to the Law of Faith." He said that the "Law of faith is spiritual power and action given to every child of God based on the Word of God."

There is much, much, much more! Like his points about your faith and the will of God, correct confession of faith, having what you believe, and corresponding actions! Get the CD to review.

This is by no means a substitution for the full message, but hopefully it will encourage you to go back through your notes and/or listen to the CD!

Remember all of the announcements for the month that are in the Ministry Update (newsletter) and on the website. God Bless You, it's time to get ready for the Baptismal Service!