Sermon Notes: Let Peace Rule & Don't Worry (Dec. 6, 13)

Over the past few weeks, Bishop Johnson has been reminding the congregation about the real reason for Christmas (Christ!), but he has really been making sure that all know that this should not be a season for stressing out over "things" or the "acquisition of things." He said that no one should spend beyond their budget, don't worry about gifts to get or whether you can't afford gifts. Do not be stressed over anything this season.

Review of Sermon Notes:
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Let Peace Rule!

Colossians 3:13-15,16

¹⁵And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Don't be anxious about anything!
(Matt. 6:25, 28, 31, 34)

²⁵Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

²⁶Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

²⁷Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

²⁸And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

²⁹And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

³⁰Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

³¹Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

³²(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³⁴Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Don't worry!

Worry:
1) Keeps you from enjoying what you already have
2) Makes you forget your own worth
3) Is a complete waste of energy
4) Erases the promises of God from your mind
5) Doesn't look good on you.

First seek the kingdom of God. Put your care upon him. Why carry something that HE has already carried for you?

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/

Living Life in the Love of God, May 17 Sermon Quotes

Sunday Sermon Quotes from Bishop Johnson, Sunday, May 17, 2009

Scripture References:
I John 3: 1-3, I John 3: 14-16, I John 4: 6-12.

• Love is a realm
• The realm of love is not subject to the natural world
• It's a realm where you can experience God continually.
• It's where faith becomes natural, where faith becomes understandable.
• You will not live a life of love accidentally. You have to choose. Making a choice to love, sometimes you have to do it everyday, several times a day.
• Christ died for us, we must live for Him. (I John 3:16)
• Most precious words: "I love you," "I forgive you."
• Love will paralyze fear.
• Love is a realm where fear has no power.
• The only cure for a painful environment is to allow God to love it away.
• Love is not an action, it's a dimension.
• When you love your enemies, you provide a conduit for God to love them.
• You have to be in the right posture, the right realm for miracles.
• Perfect love casts out fear ((I John 4:18)
• You are committed only to the degree that you are committed to love.

PURSUE THE LOVE LIFE WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART!

Sermon Notes: 7:45, 10:45, 5:00 Jan. 4, 2009

These notes contain highlights from both of Bishop Johnson's messages at 7:45 and 10:45 on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009. Some brief highlights from the 5:00 Communion Service are also included. You are always encouraged to get the tapes and DVDs from the Narthex (on the side of the Narthex/Lobby closest to the elevator, going toward the Resource Center.)

Morning Services
Scripture References: Deut. 8:17-18

The people were taking credit for all of the wealth that they had. "In Abraham shall all of the nations of the earth be blessed." The Word is inot just for them, it is for us.

Proverbs 10:22
The emphasis is not on the wealth, the emphasis is on the blessing (the covenant relationship that God had with Abraham and put on his seed.)

We are the spiritual seed of Abraham; we are qualified for the blessing.

Hebrews 6:16-18
What God promises, He is able to perform. Wealth doesn't necessarily have to do with money, it can be a relationship.

True freedom only happens when I obey His command.

Deut. 8:1. Be careful to follow every commandment that I have given to you.

He led us through '08. It was hard, difficult, and tight, but God led us.

We have to remember that we didn't come through on our own. He led us even when we were kicking and screaming. You're right where you need to be right now.

When ends are meeting, remember, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth our to the mouth of God. Remember: life and death are in the power of the tongue; God hates murmuring.

Deut. 8:5-6. Keep God's commandments by reverencing Him.

Don't despise the chastening of the Lord. When God is disciplining you, He's training you to be equipped to go through difficult places. God loves me the way I am, but He doesn't want me to stay that way.

v. 11. Be careful that you don't forget the Lord your God by keeping His commandments. When we eat and are full, we tend to forget. Example: When you get a new home, don't forget God.
v. 13. Modern day ... [remember God] when you get a raise on your job. Increase doesn't necessarily mean money, you may have been increased in some justice or health. Be careful that your heart doesn't become proud.
The reason why we have issues: We don't want to obey the covenant. He doesn't need your help, He just needs your obedience. The freedom is in the blessing. It is the blessing that brings the wealth. It's not you, it's He that is doing it. Your money, relationships, family - it's all tied up in the covenant.

I'm already blessed. Live in the confines of the blessing. Remember that it is God who sustains you. It doesn't matter how it looks, you just need to know that he's sustaining you. I may not have everything that I want, but He's positioning Himself to take cre of our needs. In God's Word, you can find a hiding place - everything you need. The promised land - The Lord already said that you can have it, but when you there, you have to obey. In my weakness, He becomes my strength, In those moments, I have to stand on the Word of God.

Deut. 8:17-18, Hebrews 6:11-18.

It's the blessing that brings that riches, not the riches that bring the blessing (Galations 3:29, Ephesians 1:2). Understand how to live in and stay in the blessing. It's hard for most people to have complete dependence on the Word of God and God's ability and faithfulness to provide everthing that we need. We say "He's faithful" when it's convenient, we have to know that He's faithful when it's tight.

Deut. 8:1

• Be careful to follow every one of His commandments
• Remember how God humbled you when He tested you.
• Keep God's commandments by fearing Him, reverencing Him (v. 5-6.)

God's Word will always work. When you reverence God, it evidences that you are in a covenant relationship. The time to reverence Him is when it's tight. When the oxygen is out of my environment, it's God's Word that makes me breathe again.

verse 11. Take heed not to forget God by not keeping His commands. DON'T FORGET! When you get the things, don't let the things take God's place. True freedom comes only in the confines of the covenant. Disobedience yields consequences that will hold you longer than you want to be held. The enemy get us involved in "dead works", "Fleshly works" ... God will always sustain you.

5:00 p.m. Communion Service

Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-31

Communion can be a life-giving, life changing experience.

Examine [definition]: To inspect, look inside, not to find disapproval. Key: to look inside and remind us of the Lord Jesus Christ. Look inside to find what's right with me. I get approval in Jesus. He's provided a way to put me back in fellowship and nothing can take me out of relationship.

Come to the table and remember you are approved. Luke 16. [when you know you've been wrong] The wrong doesn't disqualify you, it lets yo know how qualified you are. Why am I sick and weak? Too much negativity in the body. The Lord says, When I chasten you, I'm training you. Activate the release valve - Communion.

Sermon Notes: Bishop Johnson, New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2008. "God's Time Made Personal"

(This message contains references to the kairos and the chronos. Throughout January, you've been hearing Bishop Johnson refer to kairotic moments. This is the message where he introduces that topic.)

Scripture Reference: I Cor. 15: 1-10 (Entire scripture texts are found in the comments section of this post.)

Nothing happens in the sovereignty of God by accident. God gives us His word forinstruction. There's nothing in the Bible by accident. No one is on this earth by accident. You're here on God's time.

Everyone in the room can find yourselves in the scripture.

Fullness - fulfillment, completion of time.
Time:

• Chronos (Quantitative) - period measured by the succession of objects and events and denotes the passing of a moment. (Time moves and nobody can stop it.)


• Kairos - time, seasons. Time moves but there is something passing in chronos. (Time of accomplishment.) Something happens (Qualitatively.)

In kairos time, something ought to happen. Chronos is measured time. Chronos time embraces all possible kairos time.

All measured time is not always accomplished time.

Make your kairos person. KAIROTIC MOMENT.

Acts 7:51-60, 8:1

How many times has God spoken to us and we refused to do what God had for us in the kairotic moment? Don't miss your kairotic moment when God speaks. Whenever kairos comes, it leaves a residue.

Acts 9:1-5

[Recall the stories of] Saul (hebrew name)/Paul (greek name)

Acts 9:5, Acts 26:14. In chapter 7, when Stephen was being stones, there was a kairotic moment, rejected.

Paul's conscience was being violated. "It's hard to kick against the goads/pricks" which means that there's no need to kick against what you can't stop anyway.

Whenever you get a kiss from heaven, your eyes are opened. Acts 9:18.

I Cor 15: 8-9 (Like a premie, born dead, living among living people.) Phil. 3:12-14.

What about God's fullness of time for your dreams, business, family, aspirations?

[God says] What are you going to do with My Son? I've given you all of the chronos that you need. Would you give Him your life and see what God will do next?

Please note that these sermon notes are a summary. The entire message is available on CD or DVD. It can be ordered through the church's website, by calling the office. You can also get a copy immediately after any service. As as you exit the sanctuary, go toward the right side of the Narthex (church lobby) next to the elevators to find the booth with media resources.

Sermon Notes: Min. Brace, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008

The following highlights come from Min. Brace's sermon, 7:45 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 28.

So much of what we do to celebrate Christmas does not honor Christ, it's honoring ourselves. Most of what we do is nothing more than a veiled, vain attempt to avoid rejection. We spend money that we don't have to give gifts to people that we don't even talk to half of the time. We measure our value by the gift that we give. What is the value/quality of the gift that you give to The King?

[This Christmas] made me look at my celebratory acts, the reason for the season. [I] found that Jesus Christ is our best example for dealing with rejection (Isaiah 53:1-3.) The same way that He was despides and rejected, He still IS despised and rejected. He did not allow the rejection of man to prevent him from doing what God told him to do.

Despised - looked down upon. Hebrew definition: "Hold in disdain or disrespect, prefer something more that the thing you despise."
Rejection - refuse to submit to, refuse to hear, receive. Hebrew definition: "stop, desist, leave someone alone, lacking men, forsaken by men.

• Rejection started in heaven. Lucifer preferred his own lordship and wouldn't submit to (rejected) the Lordship of God.
• It continued in the garden. Adam sinned out of a fear of rejection. He preferred acceptance from Eve more than he preferred obedience from God. All of mankind as a result is sold into sin because of the spirit of rejection.

At every turn and circumstance, man has rejected God because we have sought acceptance from man more than we have preferred God. But Jesus Christ is our example. He created everything, knows everything, knows that He will face rejection and despisement, comes to a cruel earth and submits to rejection. He preferred the acceptance of His father more than acceptance by man. He fulfilled His mission. He who was rejected, gave His life for those who were rejected. He who is rejected, does not reject those who reject Him. God owes us nothing! God sent his son who was rejected by the very ones who reject Him. How can I, how dare we shrink back from loving our enemies when God demonstrated His love toward us by sending His son. The rejected one died and hung on a cross for us even when He is rejected.

Hebrews 4:14-15:

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Since Jesus is our example, how did He oevercome? How shall WE overcome?

It was overcome through faithful obedience. Faith requires obedience. Obedience requires faith. He was faithfully obedient to the command, mission, purpose of His father. he was not concerned about man's acceptance, He was concerned about God's acceptance.

When God calls you and you stop and retreat because of rejection, that's when you prefer the acceptance of man.

When it is easy --> faithfully obey. When it's hard --> faithfully obey. Through the fire --> faithfully obey. Through the flood --> faithfully obey. When family walks away --> faithfully obey. When it seems like you don't have a friend in the world --> faithfully obey. When ends don't meet --> faithfully obey.

He promised to see you through your expected end with joy. All that it requires is that you faithfully obey. Jesus Christ - our example.

Semon Notes: Overcoming Depression - 7:45, Dec. 14, 2008

The following highlights are from Bishop Johnson's 7:45 service. All members are encouraged to get the full context from the CDs.
Scripture context: Psalm 102:1-4, Romans 8:25-29, Hebrews 4:14-16

• The spirit of rejection leads to depression. Depression is anger surpressed. It comes from feelings of anger, guilt, hopelessness.
• [Depression] Leads to a place of cessation of activity.
• Depression is a deeper level of emotional turmoil. 1 person in 5 will experience levels of persistent depression. Depression is a major risk factor after heart attack and stroke.
• Depression not only affects you, but it affects those around you.
• Depression can be caused by a variety of factors:

--> Stress. God didn't create our bodies to handle much stress. God didn't give us the spirit of fear, but fear unrecognized can lead to stress.

--> Unconfessed sin. When sin in going on in your life unchecked, the enemy will lead you to a place of depression.

--> Other physical things. You may need to get a good check-up. Some things to check: overactive thyroid, female hormones, diabetes, vitamin B12. The Bible tells us to take care of our temples. These things can create a deficiency, a sadness.

--> Sometimes prescription drugs will cause you to be in a place of sadness and depression (overmedicated) ... may not always be possessed by a demon.

--> Recreational drugs: alcohol, cocaine. Depression comes later ... you keep crashing, it gets worse.

"I always want to have a clear mind so that I can make good decision, make wise choices, to deal with the matter at hand."

Feelings of depression are described in the Bible as: * Fallen countenance * Broken spirit * experiencing despair * being broken hearted * losing heart * becoming faint or weary.

(Be careful of depression right after you're on a great victorious high.)

No one is exempt. No one is completely immune. All are vulnerable. Remember to put on the whole armor of God - it protects you from depression. (Ref. Ephesians 6:10-18)

READ Psalm 143: 1-3.

Depression takes a person's spiritual freedom and power. Remember to pay attention to what has your attention. Remind yourself, "I am a child of God."

Don't let depression get you this year - you already have power - you're already free.

READ Romans 7, Romans 8: 1-2.

The joy of the Lord is my strength. He who the Son sets free is free indeed! All things work together for good ... [for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose!] Remember the good times - remember how He brought you out. Weeping endures for a night ...[but joy comes in the morning.] Meditate, muse on how the Lord made a way out of no way. Think about all of the good things he has done.

To do:

1. PRAY (Get down to where the rubber meets the road, where you mean business with God. He will come to your rescue.)
2. PRAISE (Praise = Thanksgiving - which ushers you into worship. Remember Psalm 103: 1-5 --- "Bless the Lord, Oh my soul!" Tell my soul to get up out of that darkness. Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord.) Remember: Psalm 127, Revelations 3:20.
3. WORSHIP (In God's face; behold the beauty of Him. Worship takes you into a place of supoernatural transfer.)
4. PRAISE Again (Thank Him for what took place in worship.)

Study the life of David: every place you look, he comes out of that despair and praises God. The end of the Psalms - he says "Let everything that has breath [praise the Lord.] (Psalm 150.)

During the holiday season. Don't concern yourself with who's not here, only with who is there. Set your sights on one who will never fail you.

Read Romans 8, Hebrews 4.

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!

Highlights: Sunday Nov. 30 Message, 7:45 & 10:45 services

Bishop Johnson's topic: Let Us Enter In And Possess, But Watch Your Step.

Scriptures: Hebrews 3:1-2, 12-14, 4:1-3

Highlights:

• Sometimes it seems easier to stay in a rut than to let God change us.
• Don't drift away and go back to what was in your past life.
• Many of us are living beneath what God has called us to.
• We often live in defeat. Living in defeat is hard work!
• Struggle is work. Struggle in fear ... is work. Struggle in doubt ...is work. Struggle in anxiety ... is work.
• Do we need some "post-conversion" crisis to come to a place of rest?
• Sometimes we need a crisis point to see how good God is.
• Remember Hebrews 3:19 "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
• When you murmur and complain against the living God, unbelief creeps in.
• We need each other. Be encouraged; God wants you to receive the good news -- the good news is about resting.
• The higher the value, the higher the honor. Value the Word.
• Mix the Word you heard with your faith.
• Faith will counterbalance whatever you're going through, and go to a place of rest.
• The rest of God is not cessation of activity, but it is peace within the work, it is rest within the toil.
• Don't let what's going on take you away from the living God.
• When you have to have it your way, and God can't have His way, you can't have His rest.
• When your heart starts to get hard, your will is no longer stimulated by a desire for God. Your mind sets itself on selfish comfort. your emotions become fixed on easy conveniences. Your emotions become addicted to quick fixes! So watch your step.
• Remember that delayed obedience is still disobedience.
• The Word preached to you should not make you bitter, it should make you better.
• Faith was the pre-requisite for entering into the rest.
• Jesus says, Why should you carry what I've already carried? It is finished. Why should you struggle under a weight that I've already lifted? I will ease, and relieve, and refresh your soul.

Please note that these highlights do not replace the entire message. You are encouraged to get the CD or DVD for the full content.

Bishop's Series on Low Self-esteem, Oct. 19 - Nov. 2

Bishop Johnson has been delivering sermons in a series since the end of October dealing with low self-esteem.

1. Low self-esteem paralyzes your potential
2. Low self-esteem destroys your dreams
3. Low self-esteem ruins your relationships
4. Low self-esteem sabotages your favor for service.

Scriptures: Numbers 13:23-26, 30-33, I John 3:1-3.

We urge you to get the CDs for the series: October 19 - November 2.

Key -- Take your self-estimate from God.

Remember Bishop's words (from I John 3:1) "Say 'I am a champion because I am a child of God!' ... Let God love you!"

Semon highlights: 5/18/08. The Benefits of Saying Yes to God (continued)

Acts 1:8, Acts 2:39

A "YES" keeps you free. A "no" puts you in bondage.

Sermon Highlights: Mother's Day, 5/11/08, 7:45

Galations 3:1-29

(Continuing Principle of Equivalent Effect series, includes review.)

Abraham didn't just believe in God, he BELIEVED God ... big difference.

There are tremendous benefits in saying Yes to God.

Principle of Equivalent Effect:
Based on the unchanging nature of God.

(See 3 Benefits in 4/27 notes. Note from point #3, "Releases in us the potential of our seed" ... not just offspring, but vision.)

The weakest Christian is stronger than the staunchest muslim, jehovah's witness, or buddist.

The power of God is not released because you know a lot or because of your family tree, but because of your faith.

Christ is God's wisdom. If you need wisdom, ask God. Wisdom is the ability to see into the nature of a thing.

The richest resources of every nation is the next generation. The neglect of that generation is abuse of our future. The power of change is in the presnet. God always goes after the see with the fruit. In every seed, there's not just an oak tree, there's a forest of trees.

Protect the promise of God in your life because the devil is after your seed.
God is a generational God whose promise to a specific man or woman is often to be fulfilled in their succeeding generation.

Psalm 112:1-3 (v. 2, the generation of the upright shall be blessed.) He wants us to protect the way.
You don't need to wear a cross around your neck, you just need to live skillfully.


--------------------------------------------------
In addition to Pastor Johnson's sermon, special Mother's Day Remarks were given by Sisters Jackie Ladd and Tanyai Cato.

Semon highlights: 4/27/08. The Benefits of Saying Yes to God

Galations 3:1-29

No matter what your ethnic background, you have to be a part of the seed in order to be a recipient of the promise; and it 's not by works, it's by faith.

When you have a relationship, you're healthy.

Once you miss the mark, you've missed the bull's eye.

The enemy works the hardest on me when it's time to go to another place.

Strategy: simply say "YES" to God whether I'm standing or not, whether you're feeling it or not.

In every seed, there is not just a tree, there's a forest.

There's a difference between believing in God, and believing God. Believe God, take HIM at His word.

Matthew 4:4 " ... proceedeth..." (But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.)

Key: Whatever he said, he's STILL saying.

The Principle of Equivalent Effect

Based on the the unchanging nature of God, states that every believer can and should experience the same effect that Word had on the original hearers who first received the Word.

The moment we say Yes to Him = the moment He begins to operate.

Remember, Abraham still had to make it to the top of the mountain.
Still say yes, don't get weary.

If you're in a spot right now, God wants to know how long you're going to stand on your "yes!"

3 Benefits
Our faith obedience

1. releases the power of God (Acts 3:12) (People didn't do it, God did it)
2. releases the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:30-31, James 1:5-6) (You have to be broken in your soul man for wisdom to come out.)
3. releases us to release the potential in our seed, to release the power to conquer Satan and all of his designs.

HE saved you so that a righteous line can start in your life.

[Full length scripture references are posted in the comments section of this post.]

Semon Highlights: 4/20/08. 7:45

Phil 2: 12-15

It's important to recognize the necessity of staying connected to HIM.

You need to be in communion with HIM, you need to stay connected to HIM, like you're talking to your best friend.

After you talk to HIM, wait long enough for HIM to talk back.

Pray without ceasing - you don't need to be in a closet; you need to have an attitude of prayer at all times.

Eternal life, not a gift FROM God, eternal life is a gift OF God. He gives you himself.

The Holy Spirit is already in you, the enemy wants you to believe HE's (Holy Spirit) ... HE is already in you.


I John 5: 1-14

The union between Jesus and His disciples is not an external arrangement - it is intentional.

You are a spirit. the body may go down, but the spirit still responds.

As HE is, so are we in this world (I John 3:1-3)

What's in a name?
The questions are:

1. Who is the person's father? ( Jesus' father is "The I AM")
   
2. Where is this person from? (Jesus is from Heaven)
3. What does this person do? (Jesus does whatever is according to HIS will)
   
4. What is his most prominent feature? (Jesus is God, He lives in me.)
   

(Remember, Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life ..." ( John 14:6))

For all that a name implies -- authority, character, (rank), majesty/royalty, power* , excellence;
of everything a name covers (authority - John 14), you have authority! You have Jesus in you! You have THE life. Some have more confidence in men, in textbooks, than in THE book. Read John 14. [The whole chapter is presented in the comments section of this post.]

* The flesh is weak, but there's power in the spirit. While you're going through, He's developing His character in you. All of my failures and my mes-ups are working together for my good. Nothing is able to separate me.

Semon Highlights. 4/6/08. The Right to Use His Name

John 15: 5-7, Luke, Phil 2:9-13, 1 John 5: 12-15
Zoe life , the "God quality" of life, not psuche life (just aware of stuff.) Know -- experientially, not guessing.

Luke 10:19
Use authority. Jesus has given you authority over all power of the enemy.

Baptism - complete immersion, come up to live a new life.

John 15:5. Key: Without ME, you can do nothing.
John 15:7. What gives you the right? Jesus gave us the right.
John 15:9. Jesus in His humanity, abided in His father's love.

Obey. To flow (commands or guidance, to conform or comply with). To keep --> to preserve, maintain, abide. Abide: in dwell, occupy.

John 15:16. Remain. Stay, abide, continue throughout without interruption.
He'll hold you when it gets tough, we need to remain - Romans 8:28. What does it mean to remain? The thing that must be recovered is the fervent prayer in the Name of Jesus.

It means: To accept Jesus as savior (John 6: 54-56); persevere in believing; continuing, loving obedience. Remember, He will not leave you comfortless. When you're in love with the man Jesus, then you will be able to imitate everything He did, and you can see that what God requires of us is possible! It is possible, not by might, but by my spirit, says the Lord. Your extremity is God's opportunity.

The Lord is good. He knows everybody who trusts Him. He puts my sin in the sea of forgetfulness. Have you thought about how good God has been to you?

If you continue in my Word, then you are my disciples indeed.

The Union. The union between Jesus and His disciples is not an external arrangement. It is intentional. It is personal (The least we can do is have His back.) How much time have you spent in His love letter to you so that you can remain in His love for you? Though He slay me, yet, will I trust Him. It's personal, It's up close.

An awesome, yet tender reality. This love is not vague. He loves me unconditionally, not based on what I can be.

• It is not a sentimental feeling
• It is a tough reality
• It is always revealed in obedience

Whatever is going on with you, you need to know that it's not just you, it's us.
The harder it gets, the sweeter the joy. You have been chosen, before the foundation of the world, you've been chosen. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have ordained you and prepared you for the job. When you ask in My Name ... He will give it to you. Our obedience is the proof of our love for Christ. The same way I love you ... love others.
Love --> Obey --> Abide --> Remain ... THEN use My Name. When you remain in Him, you remain in His love. Live in what God designed for you here, it starts with coming to know Him.

The Union. The union between J

Sermon Highlights: 3/23/08 - The Superiority of the Gospel Because of the Resurrection

Bishop Johnson started by saying "I was going to say we have happiness, but we have joy. Joy does not depend on happenings."

Gal 2:19-21

The Gospel is real because it started with God. It didn't come by man, didn't come by the will of man, didn't come by the blood of man.

The Gospel is:

• Superior to the law
• Superior to the flesh
• Superior to the devil

The Gospel is so powerful until the gospel sets free.

We need to sign a spiritual death warrant to our tendency and inclination to sin. We need to have a funeral for you. I must give up my right to me. I need to die to what was and live in what is.

We try hard to be Christians. Stop trying - train wisely!

I am identified with Christ, I am crucified with Christ. What He did at Calvary, He works into the fabric of my life.

Romans 6:3.

He puts the God-quality of life in me, and it's up to me to work it out of me. But you have to make that come out. He worked it in, now you work it out.

Romans 6:4-5, Eph 4:4-10. Verse 9 has 3 views:

1. Incarnation of Christ (Jesus came and lived.)
2. He descended into Hades (death and resurrection)
3. Death and burial (in a tomb)

Part 2: Rev. 1:18, I am He that liveth, was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death.

(Note: "I am" = God)

Sermon Highlights, Sunday, 3/16/08

Transformation and change do not occur because you try harder, it happens because you train wisely.

Scriptural texts: John 14:12-16, Phil 2:13, John 15:5-7, Luke 10:19

Rejoice in the fact that your name is written.
"The Staggering Promise" --> John 15:5, John 15:7
Words unlock access to the privilege and right to use His name: love, obey, abide.
Love obeys, then love abides. Proof that you love me (Christ) is when you obey.

A lot of people allow people to be their savior, but won't let HIM be their God.

Keep: Conform to habits of conduct, to stay in accord with, preserve, maintain.

Remain: Accept Jesus as your savior, continue or persevere in believing, believing/loving obedience.

Loving Jesus will cause you to abide, abiding will cause you to obey.

The union between Jesus and his disciples in intentional, it is personal.

He never sends us into the world to accomplish His mission unarmed, ill-equipped.

Sometimes I can't track Him, but I have to love and trust His heart.

He loves me, with all of my mess, He still loves me.

This love is not vague. He says "when you remain in me, I will give you MY joy." The closer you get to difficulty, the greater the joy. Joy will grow in power and in depth by their obedience. The obedience will magnify your power. More difficulty = opportunity to exercise faith, and train. There's POWER in the name of Jesus! The closer you get to Jesus, the more powerful you become.

How's your love live?
Strong enough to obey?
Love Him enough to abide?
Love Him enough to remain?

Assignment: Read: Phil, chapters 1 & 2;
Read: John, chapters 14 & 15.

Sermon Highlights, Sunday 3/9/08, 7:45 & 10:45

7:45 Service, Min. Scott Washington

"Jesus Christ: The Portrait of a Servant"

Love + Obey + Abide + Remain = Servanthood
Phil 2:1-13

• What is the mind of a servant?
• He's humble, he puts himself under authority
• He's selfless, he's secure
• The mind of a servant is love.
  
• What is the measure of a servant?
• A servant will obey no matter how much it costs him.
  
• What is the mark of a servant?
• The reward is the ability to abide.
  
• What is the benefit of a servant?
• Our responsibility is to remain.
  

Our responsibility is to follow God's example. Allow him to live his life through you.

10:45 Service, Min. John Sherrin

Phil 4:4, 11

"I'm good, God's got me."

One of the best tricks of the devil = to make us think that we need something that we already have.

Remember Bishop Johnson's words: "Don't try ... train."
Trying, 9 times out of 10 doesn't get you anywhere. We need to train ourselves.

1) Learn that we have everything that we need (Phil 4:19)
2) Trust - even though there are things that we want ... if God doesn't release it to us, he doesn't want us to have it yet.

We can't put our reliance, our confidence in ourselves. We must rely on on God.

I can honor God in my getting and
I can honor God when He says "no."

It's about trusting God and putting your complete confidence in God.

"If God hasn't given it to me, I don't need it."

Remember the wristbands (from the youth conference) - "Will you B T C?" (be the church.)

Be intentional -- Live for God on purpose.

Sermon Highlights: Sun. March 2, 2008, 7:45. "The Right to Use His Name, Pt. II"

Scriptural Texts: Luke 10: 19-20, John 14:12-14, John 15:7-11, 16

KEY: What must be recovered in this day is fervent, believing, prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.

Phil 2:9-11
You have to grab for yourself what HE has already purchased for you. You ought to "strengthen your grip!" (Phrase ref: Charles Swindoll.)

Luke 10:19-20 (Get this in your spirit!)

King James Version (KJV)

19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

* I ought to really rejoice in my relationship with HIM!

* The greatest miracle you can have in your life is your salvation.

*When I was going my own way, He still loved me. He wasn't lost, He found me.

* I won't rejoice in being able to take care of scorpions, I will rejoice that Jesus is the joy of my salvation.

* I'm not opposed to prosperity, but that should not be our priority.

* Jesus has given you authority over the enemy. Jesus purchased the authority with His own blood. Jesus obeyed perfectly in our place, now we must behave perfectly in His place.

* John 15:7 " ... My words abide in you ..." John 15:9, 10, 14: The words "love", "obey", and "abide", unlock access to this privilege. John 15:14 -- We are Christ's friend if we do what He says.

*ABIDE = OBEY (Definition: Follow commands or guidance, conform of submit to the restraint or command of authority, comply with, submit to the will of another. )

Love ---> Obey ---> Abide ---> Remain

* Proof that you love Him is how you obey Him.

* John 15:16. Remain = stay , abide, continue throughout without interruption.

* 1 John 1:9. I'm glad that He is a forgiving God.

* Obey, love me, remain ... THEN use my name. [Jesus]

* Jesus said pick up your cross and follow. Your kids, spouse, etc. are not your cross, YOU are your cross.

* RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND IS AN ENTIRE RENOVATION OF YOUR NATURAL ORDER.

What does it mean to REMAIN?

1. To accept Jesus (first). (John 6:54, 56)
2. Continue to persevere in believing. (John 8:31)
3. It can also mean believing, loving obedience. (John 15:9-10)

* Love and joy connect (in union.)

*Jesus defines a triad of love: Jesus, God, Disciples.

* Love is a decision, it's not a feeling. It's not external, it's internal.

* Remaining in Jesus ... sometimes it's sporadic, but as you do it more and more, it becomes less sporadic.

Proof that you love Him is obeying Him.

Sermon Highlights: Sun. Feb. 17, 2008, 7:45 & 10:45

THE TITLE TO DIVINE BLESSING

Scriptural references: John 15: 1-7, 8-9, 10-16, end at verse 17.

[Bishop's Note: The promises of God are not affected by things around us (e.g. the economy!)]
He's able to make ends meet. They might not overlap, but they will meet.

* We try to use our unsanctified common sense to get us out of situations that only God can help with.
*Every conception should have a formation.

* In every place where you and I are tempted, Jesus was tempted.

* Jesus was our substitute (death, burial, and resurrection.)

* Q: Have you ever wondered why He didn't stop the evil one? A: e was acting on our behalf. He died for us, not for himself.

Things we must do:

• We must accept as our own what has been done for us.
• We must step in and take full possession.
• Realize it was ours originally.
• Know that Jesus won't take it back.
  

Note: John 15: 1-7, the word "ABIDE" shows up 8 times in 6 verses. Abide means to indwell, reside in, inhabit, occupy, stay in.

* A Love relationship makes me abide.

* Note that God wants His Words to abide in us.

* When you're in a difficult place, obey. If you're in a difficult place, educate your faith. God did not give us the spirit of fear.

* OBEDIENCE KEEPS THE TITLE (DEED) IN TACT.

* If people around you don't want to be radically obedient, don't hang with them.

* God says "Don't fear, don't be terrorized, I'm with you. I will harden you against this difficulty."

* Obedience and abiding carry it the promise of answered prayer.
Note: You don't tell God how to answer or who to answer through.

• Abiding gives you clarity!
• Abiding gives you confidence and authority!
• Abiding gives you patience!

Remember, you have to abide first (John 15:7).

*Whatever word He speaks, you can then "will" it -- not wish it. Know the Word, then you can will it.

*When the difficulty gets tight, you get strengthened with might, when you use the name.

* You shouldn't wait for tragedy to happen before you know Jesus.

* The Word of God supercedes your culture.

* Step into it ... FULL POSSESSION!

Closing comment: Everyone say ask the Lord to "Take from me any inclination to think of saying: I can't, if only, I'll never, or it's a problem."