https://www.celebrationchurchms.org https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post26c6feab Mon, 04 May 2026 16:37:35 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post26c6feab thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1acc6f63 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:39:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1acc6f63 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/a-teaching-on-hell Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:34:37 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/a-teaching-on-hell thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postb72b77f6 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:30:11 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postb72b77f6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1cdbce6d Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:26:31 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1cdbce6d thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postbef41384 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:52:48 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postbef41384 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gods-glory-declared-gods-word-revealed-gods-servant-examined Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:12:20 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gods-glory-declared-gods-word-revealed-gods-servant-examined thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post5b0818e5 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:53:41 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post5b0818e5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-posta1301147 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:16:05 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-posta1301147 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-power-of-a-praying-church Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:47:05 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-power-of-a-praying-church thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-posta2482a23 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:31:12 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-posta2482a23 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1f5c54b2 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:25:58 GMT 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image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post5c693f83 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:21:29 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post5c693f83 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post2b46a0e9 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:34:46 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post2b46a0e9 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post873cb075 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:40:31 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post873cb075 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-posta9641536 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:38:18 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-posta9641536 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1552de47 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 20:12:35 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1552de47 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-book-of-revelation-all-things-new Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:50:52 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-book-of-revelation-all-things-new thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-hope-of-grace-in-suffering Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:27:42 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-hope-of-grace-in-suffering thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/get-your-ask-right Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:41:14 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/get-your-ask-right thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-secret-to-living-in-every-situation Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:40:20 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-secret-to-living-in-every-situation thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/pastor-matt-comments-on-charlie-kirk Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:38:55 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/pastor-matt-comments-on-charlie-kirk thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/wake-up-church Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:37:29 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/wake-up-church thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/scariest-words-in-the-bible Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:36:36 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/scariest-words-in-the-bible thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post2c31e5c3 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:55:10 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post2c31e5c3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post8cd57231 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:56:18 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post8cd57231 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1a38a7b1 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:05:54 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1a38a7b1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post385743e6 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:02:09 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post385743e6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post4db1adda Wed, 30 Jul 2025 17:47:36 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post4db1adda thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post20f4e9b4 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:45:36 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post20f4e9b4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/clarion-call Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:39:22 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/clarion-call thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postc0efa160 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:33:46 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postc0efa160 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postd4313727 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:24:44 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postd4313727 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post118ea8f2 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:21:20 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post118ea8f2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1346682c Wed, 28 May 2025 17:47:13 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post1346682c thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postfdeb9c70 Wed, 21 May 2025 21:56:59 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postfdeb9c70 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postf475fe04 Tue, 13 May 2025 16:15:46 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postf475fe04 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post537d29ca Mon, 12 May 2025 17:03:21 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post537d29ca thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/easter Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:46:52 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/easter thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/palm-sunday Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:40:33 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/palm-sunday thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post347b923c Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:13:30 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post347b923c thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postacabbfd4 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:51:01 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postacabbfd4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post4a7f09cc Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:32:53 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post4a7f09cc thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postd6c3d687 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:53:15 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postd6c3d687 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-book-of-revelation-all-things-new Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:19:00 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-book-of-revelation-all-things-new thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-if-my-people-a-call-to-prayer-3 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:54:12 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-if-my-people-a-call-to-prayer-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/if-my-people-a-call-to-prayer-2 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 01:06:31 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/if-my-people-a-call-to-prayer-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/if-my-people-a-call-to-prayer-1 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:30:41 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/if-my-people-a-call-to-prayer-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/looking-back-looking-forward <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> THANKS &amp; GIVING </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 31 Dec 2024 17:46:37 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/looking-back-looking-forward thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postc1eff7ef Tue, 31 Dec 2024 17:42:27 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-postc1eff7ef thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post6d88f795 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> THANKS &amp; GIVING </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 31 Dec 2024 17:41:15 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post6d88f795 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post195051c9 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> THANKS &amp; GIVING </span> </h3> </div> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:05:54 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post195051c9 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/with-us <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <strong> With Us </strong> </h3> </div> Tue, 03 Dec 2024 22:06:48 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/with-us thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thanks-giving-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> THANKS &amp; GIVING </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 03 Dec 2024 22:04:15 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thanks-giving-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-poste2146738 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> THANKS &amp; GIVING </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 20 Nov 2024 21:54:13 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-poste2146738 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thanks-giving <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> THANKS &amp; GIVING </span> </h3> </div> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:40:27 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thanks-giving thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-mark-of-being-with-jesus <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:53:58 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-mark-of-being-with-jesus thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/guest-speaker-elijah-stephens-fear Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:00:52 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/guest-speaker-elijah-stephens-fear thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-34 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:08:30 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-34 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-33 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:05:50 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-33 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-32 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 02 Oct 2024 15:00:36 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-32 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-31 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:45:21 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-31 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-30 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:24:10 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-30 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-29 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:01:05 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-29 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-28 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:32:20 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-28 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/what-is-gods-will-for-me <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> What Is God's Will for Me </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 13 Aug 2024 20:54:14 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/what-is-gods-will-for-me thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-6 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Gifted Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:15:17 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-5 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Gifted Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 18 Jul 2024 18:44:27 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Gifted Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:39:44 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Gifted Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:35:18 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Gifted Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 19 Jun 2024 18:42:39 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Gifted </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 19 Jun 2024 18:38:08 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/gifted thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post55a1981e <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Celebrate Communion </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:28:09 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post55a1981e thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/jesus-is-worth-the-pursuit <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Jesus is Worth the Pursuit </span> </h3> </div> Fri, 31 May 2024 17:22:51 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/jesus-is-worth-the-pursuit thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-27 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 21 May 2024 19:13:10 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-27 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/happy-mother-s-day <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Happy Mother's Day </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 15 May 2024 19:06:58 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/happy-mother-s-day thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-posta9612782 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Celebrate Communion </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 08 May 2024 20:51:34 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-posta9612782 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-26 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 08 May 2024 20:48:06 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-26 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-25 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:22:27 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-25 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebrate-communion <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Celebrate Communion </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:25:58 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebrate-communion thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/easter-sunday <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Easter Sunday </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 03 Apr 2024 19:17:04 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/easter-sunday thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post5c615903 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 26 Mar 2024 23:03:31 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post5c615903 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-24 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:52:22 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-24 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-23 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Exodus &amp; Hebrews </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:06:31 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-23 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-22 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:54:01 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-22 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-21 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:51:51 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-21 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/don-t-shrink-back <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Don't Shrink Back </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:03:06 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/don-t-shrink-back thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-20 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:14:48 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-20 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-19 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:14:41 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-19 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-18 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:47:26 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-18 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/communion-sunday <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Communion Sunday </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 09 Jan 2024 23:31:03 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/communion-sunday thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/new-year-s-eve-2023 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Psalm </span> </h3> </div> Fri, 05 Jan 2024 19:31:03 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/new-year-s-eve-2023 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-17 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:06:40 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-17 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/ower-for-salvation-16 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:32:11 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/ower-for-salvation-16 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-15 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:49:05 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-15 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-14 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 09:45:13 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-14 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-13 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:39:34 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-13 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-12 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:51:28 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-12 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-11 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:10:20 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-11 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-10 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 02:44:51 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-10 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-9 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 22:55:45 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-9 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-8 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:27:40 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-8 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-7 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:24:37 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-7 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-6 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:44:46 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-5 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:42:04 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:26:38 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Fri, 04 Aug 2023 21:23:40 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post102bd9ea <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Mon, 31 Jul 2023 19:23:32 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post102bd9ea thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Book of Romans </span> </h3> </div> Thu, 20 Jul 2023 22:26:24 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/power-for-salvation thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/welcome-home <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Welcome Home - Showing Hospitality </span> </h3> </div> Wed, 12 Jul 2023 22:07:53 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/welcome-home thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words-part-5 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Church Words | Part 5 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Church Word: Sanctification – Growing in Christlikeness  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Romans 6:1 – 14) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Absolutely not! </span> </span> <span> <span> How can we who died to sin still live in it? </span> </span> <span> <span> Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may </span> </span> <span> walk in newness of life. </span> <span> <span> For if we have been united with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection. For we know that </span> </span> <span> our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. </span> <span> <span> Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over Him. For the death He died, He died to sin once for all time; but the life He live, He lives to God. So, you too </span> </span> <span> consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. </span> <span> <span> Therefore, </span> </span> <span> do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. </span> <span> <span> And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Sanctification – What is it? </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Sanctification is the </span> </span> <span> ongoing, progressive </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> work </span> <span> <span> of God and believers that makes us more and more </span> </span> <span> free from sin </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> like Christ </span> <span> <span> in our actual lives. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> <span> To be sanctified is to be </span> </span> <span> set apart </span> <span> <span> for a </span> </span> <span> specific purpose. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. </span> </span> <span> Sanctification is an </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> ongoing process. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      a. It has a </span> </span> <span> definite beginning. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      b. It </span> </span> <span> increases </span> <span> <span> through life. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      c. It is </span> </span> <span> completed </span> <span> <span> at </span> </span> <span> death </span> <span> <span> , for our souls, and </span> </span> <span> when </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>         </span> </span> <span> Christ returns </span> <span> , for our bodies. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. </span> <span> <span> In the process of sanctification, God and believers </span> </span> <span> cooperate. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      a. God the Father </span> </span> <span> disciplines </span> <span> <span> us as His children. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      b. God the Son, Jesus Christ, </span> </span> <span> earned </span> <span> <span> our sanctification </span> </span> <span> for </span> <span> <span> us and serves as our </span> </span> <span> example </span> <span> <span> of living a sanctified life. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      c. The Holy Spirit </span> </span> <span> works within </span> <span> <span> us to </span> </span> <span> change </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> sanctify </span> <span> <span> us giving us </span> </span> <span> greater holiness </span> <span> <span> . He also </span> </span> <span> produces </span> <span> <span> in us the </span> </span> <span> fruit of the Spirit </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      d. Our role is both </span> </span> <span> passive </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> active. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>           i. It’s </span> </span> <span> passive </span> <span> <span> because we </span> </span> <span> depend on God </span> <span> <span> to sanctify us.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>           ii. It’s </span> </span> <span> active </span> <span> <span> because we </span> </span> <span> strive </span> <span> <span> to </span> </span> <span> obey God </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> take steps </span> <span> <span> that  will increase our sanctification. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. Sanctification affects the </span> </span> <span> whole person </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>       a. It affects our </span> </span> <span> minds </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>       b. It affects our </span> </span> <span> emotions </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>       c. It affects our </span> </span> <span> will </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>       d. It affects our </span> </span> <span> spirits </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>       e. It affects our </span> </span> <span> bodies </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>       f. It affects our </span> </span> <span> identities </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sat, 08 Jul 2023 02:35:34 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words-part-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Church Words | Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Church Word: Justification </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Rom 3:20-28, 8:30 ESV 20 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. </span> </span> <span> 21 </span> <span> <span> But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- </span> </span> <span> 22 </span> <span> <span> the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: </span> </span> <span> 23 </span> <span> <span> for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, </span> </span> <span> 24 </span> <span> <span> and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, </span> </span> <span> 25 </span> <span> <span> whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. </span> </span> <span> 26 </span> <span> <span> It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. </span> </span> <span> 27 </span> <span> <span> Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. </span> </span> <span> 28 </span> <span> <span> For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Rom 8:30,33 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 30 </span> <span> <span> And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 33 </span> <span> <span> Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. </span> <span> <span> Justification is an instantaneous </span> </span> <span> legal act of God </span> <span> <span> in which he thinks of our sins forgiven and </span> </span> <span> Christ’s righteousness </span> <span> <span> belonging to us and declares us to be </span> </span> <span> righteous </span> <span> <span> in his sight. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. </span> <span> <span> Paul clearly teaches us </span> </span> <span> justification </span> <span> <span> comes after our faith and as God’s response to our faith. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. </span> <span> <span> Regeneration is the act of God </span> </span> <span> in us </span> <span> <span> , justification is a judgment of God with </span> </span> <span> respect to us </span> <span> <span> . </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 4. </span> <span> <span> Justification comes to us entirely by </span> </span> <span> God’s grace </span> <span> . Not because of any merit or goodness in us. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:21:53 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Church Words | Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Church Word: Atonement </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Romans 3:21-31 </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 21 </span> </span> <span> <span> But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. </span> </span> <span> 22 </span> <span> <span> This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, </span> </span> <span> 23 </span> <span> <span> for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, </span> </span> <span> 24 </span> <span> <span> and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. </span> </span> <span> 25 </span> <span> <span> God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— </span> </span> <span> 26 </span> <span> <span> he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. </span> </span> <span> <span> 27 </span> </span> <span> <span> Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. </span> </span> <span> 28 </span> <span> <span> For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. </span> </span> <span> 29 </span> <span> <span> Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, </span> </span> <span> 30 </span> <span> <span> since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. </span> </span> <span> <span> 31 </span> </span> <span> <span> Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> <span> Sin separates </span> </span> <span> <span> us from God. Romans 3:21-23, Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 4:18 </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. God is </span> </span> <span> perfect </span> <span> <span> and we are </span> </span> <span> not </span> <span> <span> . Genesis 1:27,31, Genesis 3:1-24 </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Part of God’s perfection is His </span> </span> <span> perfect justice </span> <span> <span> , and </span> </span> <span> <span> justice </span> </span> <span> <span> demands that sin be </span> </span> <span> reckoned with </span> <span> <span> . Romans 3:22-26, Hebrews 10:1-4 </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. The </span> </span> <span> blood </span> <span> <span> of Jesus is the </span> </span> <span> sacrifice </span> <span> <span> that </span> </span> <span> appeased </span> <span> <span> God’s </span> </span> <span> wrath </span> <span> <span> against sin once and for all. 1 John 2:2 </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 5. God does not </span> </span> <span> <span> love </span> </span> <span> <span> us because Christ </span> </span> <span> died for us </span> <span> <span> ; Christ died for us because God </span> </span> <span> <span> loves </span> </span> <span> us. 1 John 4:1 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Wed, 21 Jun 2023 20:58:14 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Church Words | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> Church Word: Gospel </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2 Chronicles 7:11-16 </span> <span> <span> Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD and the king's house. All that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the LORD and in his own house he successfully accomplished. </span> </span> <span> 12 </span> <span> <span> Then the LORD appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. </span> </span> <span> 13 </span> <span> <span> When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, </span> </span> <span> <span> 14 </span> </span> <span> <span> if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. </span> </span> <span> <span> 15 </span> </span> <span> <span> Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. </span> </span> <span> 16 </span> <span> <span> For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> It’s always been about </span> </span> <span> relationship </span> <span> <span> . </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Perichoresis: Dance of the Trinity. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Peri = </span> </span> <span> Around </span> <span> <span> and Chorein = </span> </span> <span> to give way or to make room </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> God never </span> </span> <span> <span> needed </span> </span> <span> <span> us, but he </span> </span> <span> <span> wanted </span> </span> <span> <span> us. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      The Gospel is the Good News that the Just and Gracious Creator of the Universe has looked upon hopelessly sinful men and women and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, to bear his wrath against sin on the cross and to show his power over sin through the resurrection so that everyone who turns from his sin and self and trusts in Jesus as Savior and Lord will be reconciled to God forever! </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> The gospel contains three main elements, and these elements are the three elements that connect the universal church. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> The </span> </span> <span> story, baptism, </span> <span> <span> and a </span> </span> <span> meal </span> <span> <span> . Isaiah 6:1 ….the train of his robe fills the temple because </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Jesus is the </span> </span> <span> King </span> <span> <span> of </span> </span> <span> <span> Kings </span> </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> <span> Lord </span> </span> <span> <span> of </span> </span> <span> Lords </span> <span> <span> ! </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Jesus is Lord! When it comes to the Great Commission, the commission is carrying out an order. What is that order? </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> The Great Commandment </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 01:07:06 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Church Words | Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> Rom 8:9-11, 26-39 ESV </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 9 </span> <span> <span> You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. </span> </span> <span> <span> 11 </span> </span> <span> If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. … </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 26 </span> </span> <span> <span> Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. </span> </span> <span> <span> 27 </span> </span> <span> <span> And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. </span> </span> <span> <span> 28 </span> </span> <span> And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. </span> <span> <span> 29 </span> </span> <span> For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. </span> <span> <span> 30 </span> </span> <span> And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. </span> <span> <span> 31 </span> </span> <span> <span> What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? </span> </span> <span> <span> 32 </span> </span> <span> <span> He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? </span> </span> <span> <span> 33 </span> </span> <span> <span> Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. </span> </span> <span> <span> 34 </span> </span> <span> Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. </span> <span> <span> 35 </span> </span> <span> <span> Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? </span> </span> <span> <span> 36 </span> </span> <span> As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." </span> <span> <span> 37 </span> </span> <span> No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. </span> <span> <span> 38 </span> </span> <span> <span> For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, </span> </span> <span> <span> 39 </span> </span> <span> nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. The word Trinity means Tri-unity or three in oneness. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. God reveals himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. What we see from Genesis to Revelation is distinct persons, distinct roles, yet one God. </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Fri, 09 Jun 2023 20:14:40 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/church-words thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-7 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Seven Words Series | Part 7 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 7 Words for the Church Today pt. 7 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 3: 14 – 22) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> <span> <span> 14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 15 "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> hot! </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. Jesus as the Amen is the yes to all of God’s promises and is also the Faithful and True Witness. (Rev. 1:5) </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. We can learn a lesson from the lukewarm church. We cannot be indifferent to our spiritual condition. We must continually examine our hearts in light of God’s word. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. Jesus shows the Laodiceans that true riches come from Him and are found in Him , not from worldly things that will one day burn away </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Fri, 02 Jun 2023 18:15:53 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-7 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-6 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Seven Words Series | Part 6 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 7 Words for the Church Today pt. 6 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 3:7 – 13) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> <span> Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: Thus says the Holy One, the true One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and who closes and no one opens: </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My Name. Note this: I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying – I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city </span> </span> <span> f my God – the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God – </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> and my new name. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Words for the Church Then and Now . . . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Revelation 2:19-29 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. Jesus is the One with authority, and when He graciously counts you “in” no institution or person can declare you “out.”  </span> </p> <p> (Revelation 3:7) Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: Thus says the Holy One, the true One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and who closes and no one opens: </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> (Isaiah 22:22) I will place the key of the house of David on h </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. Faithfulness in the small things leads to being entrusted with bigger things. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> (Revelation 3:8) I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My Name. </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> (Luke 16:10) Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. <span> <span> 3. We must remember what we received and heard. (Rev. 3:3) </span> </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Wed, 24 May 2023 20:56:30 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-5 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Seven Words Series | Part 5 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 7 Words for the Church Today pt. 5 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Revelation 3:1-6 (ESV) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> To the Church in Sardis </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him </span> </p> <p> <span> who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you </span> </p> <p> <span> are dead. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I </span> </p> <p> <span> have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and </span> </p> <p> <span> repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will </span> </p> <p> <span> not know at what hour I will come against you. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not </span> </p> <p> <span> soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they </span> </p> <p> <span> are worthy. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and </span> </p> <p> <span> I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his </span> </p> <p> <span> name before my Father and before his angels. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the </span> </p> <p> <span> churches.. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Being a Church that is Alive </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Revelation 2:19-29 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. Wake Up! Don’t let your comfort and complacency cause you to drift asleep. (Rev. 3:2) </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. We must strengthen what remains. We must strengthen the faith we have and participate in the building up of faith in one another. (Rev. 3:2) </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. We must remember what we received and heard. (Rev. 3:3) </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. We must Keep it! We’ve got to keep/obey the word of God and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. (Rev. 3:3) (John 14:15) </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 5. We must Repent. (Rev. 3:3) Repentance is an honest, regretful acknowledgement of sin with commitment to change. </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Wed, 24 May 2023 20:41:36 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Seven Words Series | Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 7 Words for the Church Today pt. 4 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 2:18-29)  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> The Message to the Church in Thyatira </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 18 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira. This is the </span> </p> <p> <span> message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, </span> </p> <p> <span> whose feet are like polished bronze: </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 19 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, </span> </p> <p> <span> your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your </span> </p> <p> <span> constant improvement in all these things. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 20 “But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that </span> </p> <p> <span> woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my </span> </p> <p> <span> servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat </span> </p> <p> <span> food offered to idols. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 22 “Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering,[a] and those </span> </p> <p> <span> who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> and turn away from her evil deeds. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 23 I will strike her children dead.Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 24 “But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who </span> </p> <p> <span> have not followed this false teaching (‘deeper truths,’ as they call </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> them—depths of Satan, actually). I will ask nothing more of you </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 25 except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 26 To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, to them I will give authority over all the nations. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 27 They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 28 They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star! </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 29 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3 Characteristics of Christ </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Revelation 2:18 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. Christ has _Supreme_ _Authority_. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. Christ is _All-Seeing_ and __All-Knowing__. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. Christ is __Holy__ and _All-Powerful_. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3 Characteristics of Christ’s Church </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Revelation 2:19-29 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. We must be a church that is _active_ in doing the works of the </span> </p> <p> <span> ministry and actively seeking constant _improvement_ in the works </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> of the ministry. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Revelation 2:19 - 29 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. We must be an __uncompromising__ church that is committed to </span> </p> <p> <span> _holiness_. Rev. 2:20-23, 1 Peter 1:15-16 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. We must be an _obedient_ church. Rev. 2:26-29, James 1:22 </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Thu, 11 May 2023 21:13:06 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Seven Words Series | Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 7 Words for the Church Today pt. 3 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 2:12 – 17) </span> </p> <p> <span>   And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: </span> </p> <p> <span>   The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: </span> </p> <p> <span> I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching </span> </p> <p> <span> Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Words for the Church Then and Now . . . </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. Jesus reveals Himself to us in exactly the way that we need Him to be revealed. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 2:12 – 13) And to the angel of the church of Pergamum write: the One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is . . . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 1:16) . . . out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword . . . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Hebrews 4:12) For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. We are to stand firm on the word of God and in our faith in Jesus, even in the midst of persecution and death. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 2:13) . . . you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. (Matthew 10:22) You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who </span> </p> <p> <span> has endured to the end who will be saved. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. Beware of compromising the call to holiness. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Revelation 2:14 – 15) But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 9:23 CSB) If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4. Those who repent are given a new identity, the provision of His </span> </p> <p> <span> presence and the promise of eternal life. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 2:16 – 17) Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I </span> </p> <p> <span> will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him </span> </p> <p> <span> hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give </span> </p> <p> <span> some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name </span> </p> <p> <span> written on the stone which no one know but he who receives it. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Wed, 03 May 2023 15:04:04 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Seven Words Series | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 7 Letters to the Churches pt. 2: Smyrna </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Rev. 2:8-11 </span> <span> <span> “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and </span> </p> <p> <span> came to life. “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty </span> </p> <p> <span> (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that </span> </p> <p> <span> they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. </span> </p> <p> <span> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil </span> </p> <p> <span> is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may </span> </p> <p> <span> be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be </span> </p> <p> <span> faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. </span> </p> <p> <span> He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to </span> </p> <p> <span> the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by </span> </p> <p> <span> the second death.’ </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> John 15:1 - 11 </span> </p> <p> <span> As a follower of Jesus Christ we must learn how to </span> </p> <p> <span> SUFFER WELL </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> As we have seen throughout the scriptures, Jesus is </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> concerned about our </span> </span> <span> HEART </span> <span> <span> or </span> </span> <span> FAITH </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> John 16:33 </span> </p> <p> <span> Our most prized treasures (growth/ fruit) in our walk with </span> </p> <p> <span> Jesus can only be discovered when we’re willing to. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 7 Letters to the Churches pt. 2: Smyrna </span> </p> <p> <span> DIG DEEP </span> <span> <span> in the trenches. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Many times in trials and tribulations that are allowed, </span> </p> <p> <span> there’s an </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> ATTRIBUTE </span> <span> <span> or side of God he’s wanting to </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> show us. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> We can be rich in the world and still be like </span> </p> <p> <span> WHITE WASHED TOMBS </span> <span> <span> in th </span> </span> <span> e Spirit. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 24 Apr 2023 21:36:10 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Seven Words Series | Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Rev 2:1-7) </span> <span> <span> 1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 "'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your </span> </p> <p> <span> lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.' </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. We stand firm against spiritual and physical opposition not in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Christ. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. The church at Ephesus didn't have a head problem but a heart problem. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. Our victory is a participation in His victory. To be an overcomer means being in a day to day walk with God and dependence on His strength. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:48:01 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/seven-word-series-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-day-has-come-easter-celebration <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Day Has Come - Easter Celebration </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> [Luk 24:13-35 ESV] </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these </span> </p> <p> <span> things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25 And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. Not being able to see God does not mean he isn't there walking with us. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. Suffering precedes glory, humiliation comes before exaltation. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. God uses our pain, our afflictions, our brokenness to refine us, to mature us spiritually, to make us more like Christ. </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:23:30 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-day-has-come-easter-celebration thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post58ad511f <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> I Shall Not Want Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> (John 9:1 – 11)ESV </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some said, "It is he." Others said, "No, but he is like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." 10 So they said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" 11 He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed and received my sight." </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. If God can use mud and spit to change someone else's life he can use you to change someone’s life. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. I believe God wants us to be participants in His miracles not consumers. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> 3. There is opportunity in the mess and muck for healing and to come up from the water looking more like Jesus than we did before. </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 02 Apr 2023 17:45:36 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post58ad511f thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/i-shall-not-want-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> I Shall Not Want Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> (John 4:4 – 42) </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Now He had to go through Samaria. So He came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as He was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to here, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> The Samaritan woman said to Him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and Who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> “Sir,” the woman said, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> “I have no husband,” she replied. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Then Jesus declared, “I, the One speaking to you – I am He.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Just then His disciples returned and were surprised to find Him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Meanwhile, His disciples urged Him, “Rabbit, eat something.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then His disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought Him food?” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look to the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. And because of His words many more became believers. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this Man really is the Savior of the world." </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Jesus is greater. . . </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. Jesus is greater than the boundaries of race, gender, culture or heritage. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. Jesus is greater than our past and our sins. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Jesus is greater than our perception of Him. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 4. Jesus is greater than any need you or I will ever have, both physical and spiritual. Since Jesus is greater, we need to tell others about His saving greatness! </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:36:25 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/i-shall-not-want-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/i-shall-not-want-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> I Shall Not Want Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> 3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus[a] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[d] must be born again.’ 8 The wind[e] blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you[f] do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.[g] 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.[h] </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 16 “For God so loved the world,[i] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. We must come to Jesus with humility and openness. John 3:1-2 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. Salvation only comes from Jesus. John 3:3-15 John 14:6 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Salvation is available to all who believe in Christ. John 3:16-17 </span> </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:19:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/i-shall-not-want-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/i-shall-not-want-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> I Shall Not Want Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> [Matt. 4:1-11 ESV] </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 4 But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' </span> </p> <p> <span> 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.' </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 9 And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.' </span> </p> <p> <span> 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. We overcome temptation by the Word of God. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. We have to read scripture with the original intent of the author and culture of the time rather than our wishes and desires. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. Like Jesus, we have to have the courage to take the difficult path rather than the easy path. </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:19:08 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/i-shall-not-want-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/uncomfortable-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Uncomfortable Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> Rev.19:6-9 ESV 6  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"--for the fine line nis the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me," Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me," These are the true words of God." </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. God has told us how the story ends. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> 2. God has called us to more than comfortable Christianity. 3. We can rest in the hope and anticipation of the comfort that is to come. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:17:22 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/uncomfortable-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/uncomfortable-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Uncomfortable Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (1 Corinthians 12:12 – 27 NASB 1995) For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span>      For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? </span> </span> <span> But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. </span> <span> <span> If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> no need of you;” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3 Truths about the Church </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1.Everyone is welcome and has a part to play in the body of Christ. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. Being a part of the body is really hard. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Although we are different, we are united in the most important way - </span> </span> <span> by the Spirit of God </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:08:05 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/uncomfortable-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/uncomfortable-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Uncomfortable Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> The Uncomfortable Cross(Mark 8:27 – 38) </span> </span> <span> <span> Jesus went out with His disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the road He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They answered Him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.” “But you,” He asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Peter answered Him, “You are the Messiah.” And He strictly warned them to tell no one about Him. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      Then He began to teach them that it was </span> </span> <span> NECESSARY </span> <span> <span> for the </span> </span> <span> <span> Son of Man </span> </span> <span> <span> to </span> </span> <span> <span> SUFFER </span> </span> <span> <span> many things and be </span> </span> <span> <span> REJECTED </span> </span> <span> <span> by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be </span> </span> <span> <span> KILLED </span> </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> <span> RISE </span> </span> <span> <span> after three days. He spoke openly about this. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and looking at His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! </span> </span> <span> You are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>      "Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him </span> </span> <span> <span> DENY </span> </span> <span> <span> himself, </span> </span> <span> <span> TAKE UP </span> </span> <span> <span> his cross, and </span> </span> <span> FOLLOW </span> <span> <span> me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. At the Center of the Christian Faith Is the Cross—An Execution Device </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Mark 8:34) Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Hebrew 12:2 NIV) “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (1 Corinthians 15:3 – 4, 12 – 19) “For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures . . . Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that he raised up Christ — whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. Following Jesus Means Denying Ourselves and Taking up Our Own Crosses. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Mark 8:34 NIV) Then He called the crowd to him along with His disciples and said: Whoever wants to be my disciple </span> <span> <span> MUST </span> </span> <span> <span> deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.(Mark 10:43-44) “whoever would be great among you </span> </span> <span> MUST </span> <span> <span> be your servant, and whoever would be first among you MUST be a slave ofall. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3.Jesus Provides the Ultimate Example. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Mark 8:34) Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Philippians 2:5-11) “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead, he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow — in heaven and on earth and under the earth — and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:02:11 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/uncomfortable-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/uncomfortable-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Uncomfortable </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 1 Peter 2:4-5,9 ESV4 </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,5you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a  holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ....9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> John 12:25 ESV </span> </p> <p> <span> Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.1.When we allow a consumerist mindset to influence our spiritual lives, our faith can become less about knowing and serving God and more about finding a church that serves us and our desires. 2. If you love the comforts of this life above all else, you will miss out on the comforts of eternal life in heaven. 3. The Christian life is supposed to be uncomfortable so embrace it. <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 23:42:29 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/uncomfortable-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/modern-love-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Modern Love Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> 1[Eph 5:21-33 ESV] </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 30 because we are members of his body. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 31 "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3 Truths about Marriage </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. Marriage is for His purpose and His good. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. The biblical view of marriage helps us to become less </span> </p> <p> <span> selfish and more of a servant to our spouse in glorifying </span> </p> <p> <span> God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. A vibrant, thriving marriage consists of both spouses </span> </p> <p> <span> working in a reciprocal submission to God and each </span> </p> <p> <span> other. <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:52:39 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/modern-love-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/modern-love-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Modern Love Part 3 </span> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> (Matthew 19:1 – 12) </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> When Jesus had finished saying these things, He departed from Galilee and went to the region of Judea across the Jordan. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. Some Pharisees approached Him to test Him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on any grounds?” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> “Haven’t you read,” He replied, “that He who created them in the beginning made them male and female, and He also said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> “Why then,” they asked Him, “did Moses command us to give divorce papers and send her away?” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> He told them, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the </span> </span> <span> hardness of your hearts </span> <span> <span> , but it was not like that from the beginning. I tell you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> His disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> He responded, “Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, there are eunuchs who were made by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept it should accept it.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4 Truths about Divorce </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. Divorce was NOT part of God’s intended design for marriage. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. Sometimes, divorce is permissible. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Divorce is NOT the unpardonable sin and marriage is not the ultimate goal. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4. There is grace and life after divorce. <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:52:35 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/modern-love-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-modern-love-series-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Modern Love Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (NIV) </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> Three Qualities of Love </span> </span> </p> <p> 1. Love is __essential____. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> 2. Love is __expressive____. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 a. We must be _intentional_ about loving even when we don’t feel love. </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> 3. Love is _eternal___. 1 Corinthians 13: 8-13 a. We must ___know God______ and __His love__ in order to walk in love with others. </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:52:33 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-modern-love-series-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/modern-love-series-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> Romans 5:1 - 11, </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this </span> </p> <p> <span> grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person - though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation”. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> God is Love and the world doesn’t get to say otherwise. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Matt. 22:37 </span> </span> <span> “Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets”. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1 Peter 1:15 - 16 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy (set apart from the world) in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy”. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Many people today want God’s Love without his holiness, but both are inseparable because it’s God’s love that shapes us into his likeness which is the process of sanctification. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Matt. 5:8 </span> <span> <span> “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God”. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> If we want to know how to love, be moved with Compassion. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Phil. 2:3 (NLT) </span> <span> <span> “Don’t be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves”. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Jesus died on the cross to show us how we ought to die to ourselves. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Modern Love Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:52:29 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/modern-love-series-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/among-us-series-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Among Us Series | Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Matthew 6:19- 34 </span> </p> <p> <span>  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> </div> Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:09:26 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/among-us-series-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/vision-sunday-service <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Vision Sunday Service </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 1 Peter 2:9-10 </span> </p> <p> <span> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> John 13:34-35 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 01 Jan 2023 22:44:55 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/vision-sunday-service thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/among-us-series-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Among Us Series | Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Luke 2:4-21 </span> </p> <p> <span> So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” </span> </p> <p> <span> So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 25 Dec 2022 22:34:18 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/among-us-series-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/among-us-series-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Among Us Series | Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> John 1:9-13 </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> John 1:29-33 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.  And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 18 Dec 2022 22:22:07 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/among-us-series-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/among-us-series-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Among Us Series | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> John 1:14 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Exodus 33:18-23 </span> </p> <p> <span> Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> </div> Sun, 11 Dec 2022 22:05:18 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/among-us-series-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thank-full-series-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Thank Full Series </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 4 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Matthew 6:19- 34 </span> </p> <p> <span>  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> </div> Sun, 27 Nov 2022 17:37:46 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thank-full-series-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thank-full-series-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Thank Full Series </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 3 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> John 3:16 </span> </p> <p> <span> For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Galatians 2:20-21 </span> </p> <p> <span> I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> </div> Sun, 20 Nov 2022 17:16:21 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thank-full-series-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thank-full-series-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Thank Full Series </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 2 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 </span> </p> <p> <span> Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> </div> Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:59:41 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thank-full-series-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thankful The first part to the series Thank Full starting in Luke 3:10 - 14. <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Thank Full Series </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 1 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Luke 3:10-14 </span> </p> <p> <span> And the crowds asked him, "What then shall we do?" </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> </div> Sun, 06 Nov 2022 16:47:34 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/thankful thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-7 The seventh part to the series The Seven Sins of Suburbia. Romans 12. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us... <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Seven Sins of Suburbia </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 7 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> [Phl 2:1-11 ESV] </span> </span> <span> 1 </span> <span> <span> So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, </span> </span> <span> 2 </span> <span> <span> complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. </span> </span> <span> 3 </span> <span> <span> Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. </span> </span> <span> 4 </span> <span> <span> Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. </span> </span> <span> 5 </span> <span> <span> Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, </span> </span> <span> 6 </span> <span> <span> who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, </span> </span> <span> 7 </span> <span> <span> but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. </span> </span> <span> 8 </span> <span> <span> And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. </span> </span> <span> 9 </span> <span> <span> Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, </span> </span> <span> 10 </span> <span> <span> so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, </span> </span> <span> 11 </span> <span> <span> and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1.Christ is the antidote to the sickness(sin) of </span> <span> <span> conceit </span> </span> <span> .  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> 2. Radical </span> <span> <span> love is counting others </span> </span> <span> <span> more </span> </span> <span> <span> significant than yourself. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> </span> <span> (Rom. 12:10) Love one another with brotherly affection.  </span> </p> <p> <span>                Outdo one another  in showing honor. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. As believers, we are called to care for others both </span> </span> <span> inside </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> outside </span> <span> <span> the church.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> <span>             </span> </p> <p> <span> (Rom. 15:2) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,  </span> </p> <p> <span>              to build him up.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. Humility is not </span> </span> <span> weakness </span> <span> <span> , but strength of </span> </span> <span> <span> identity </span> </span> <span> and </span> <span> <span> security </span> </span> <span> <span> in who you are in Christ. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Gal. 5:26) Let us not become conceited, provoking one  </span> </p> <p> <span>               another, envying one another.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Fri, 28 Oct 2022 01:42:17 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-7 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-6 The sixth part to the series The Seven Sins of Suburbia. Haggai 1: 2-8. The LORD of Armies says this, “These people say: The time has not come for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt.” The word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai, “Is it time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” Now, the LORD of Armies says this: “Think carefully about your ways: You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough to be satisfied. You drink but never have enough to be happy. You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm. The wage earner puts his wages into a bag with a hole in it.” The LORD of Armies says this: “Think carefully about your ways. Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house; and I will be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD. <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Seven Sins of Suburbia </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 6 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <br/> (Haggai 1:2 – 8) The LORD of Armies says this, “These people say: The time has not come for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt.” </span> </p> <p> <span>   The word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai, “Is it time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” Now, the LORD of Armies says this: “Think carefully about your ways: You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough to be satisfied. You drink but never have enough to be happy. You put on clothes but never have enough to get warm. The wage earner puts his wages into a bag with a hole in it.” </span> </p> <p> <span>   The LORD of Armies says this: “Think carefully about your ways. Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house; and I will be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> <br/> The Dangers of Consumerism  </span> </p> <ol> <li> <span> <span> Consumerism leads to </span> </span> <span> misplaced priorities </span> <span> . </span> </li> <li> <span> <span> Consumerism leads to constant </span> </span> <span> dissatisfaction </span> <span> <span> , which leads to a </span> </span> <span> hunger </span> <span> <span> for </span> </span> <span> more </span> <span> . </span> </li> <li> <span> <span> Consumerism leads to </span> </span> <span> idolatry </span> <span> . </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> <br/> The Cure for Consumerism  </span> </p> <ol> <li> <span> Adjust </span> <span> <span> your priorities. </span> </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> (Colossians 3:2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> <br/> (Matthew 6:19 – 21) Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. </span> </span> <span> For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> <br/> (Matthew 6:24) No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. </span> </span> <span> You cannot serve both God and money </span> <span> <span> .  </span> </span> </p> <ol> <li> <span> <span> Be </span> </span> <span> content </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> grateful </span> <span> <span> for what you already have.  </span> </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> (1 Timothy 6:8) But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> (Philippians 4:11) I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> (Hebrews 13:5) Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV) Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. </span> </p> <ol> <li> <span> <span> Be </span> </span> <span> generous </span> <span> <span> with what you have. </span> </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> (Psalm 119:36) Turn my heart to your decrees and not to dishonest profit. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> (Acts 20:25) In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:21:42 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-5 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Seven Sins of Suburbia </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 5 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Luke 18:9 – 14) He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people – greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.’ </span> </p> <p> <span>   But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, ‘God have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” </span> </p> <p> </p> <p> <span> <br/> The Dangers of Complacency  </span> </p> <ol> <li> <span> <span> Comparison leads us to take our eyes off of </span> </span> <span> God </span> <span> <span> and place them </span> </span> <span> somewhere else </span> <span> . </span> </li> <li> <span> <span> Comparison leads us to feeling either </span> </span> <span> prideful </span> <span> <span> or </span> </span> <span> envious </span> <span> . </span> </li> <li> <span> <span> Comparison can lead to </span> </span> <span> anxiety </span> <span> . </span> </li> <li> <span> <span> Comparison causes us to miss out on </span> </span> <span> what God is doing </span> <span> . </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> <br/> The Cure for Comparison  </span> </p> <ol> <li> <span> <span> Learn to be </span> </span> <span> content </span> <span> <span> with and </span> </span> <span> use </span> <span> <span> what God has given you. </span> </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> (Hebrews 13:5 NIV) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have . . .  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11) A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good. One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> (1 Peter 4:10 NIV) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <ol> <li> <span> <span> Be who God has </span> </span> <span> called </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> created </span> <span> <span> you to be.  </span> </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> (1 Corinthians 15:10) By the grace of God I am what I am . . .  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> <br/> (1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV) Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <ol> <li> <span> <span> Celebrate the </span> </span> <span> diversity </span> <span> <span> of the body of Christ. </span> </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> <span> (1 Corinthians 12:12 – 14) For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body – so also is Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and we were all given one Spirit to drink. Indeed, the body is not one part but many. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <ol> <li> <span> Repent </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> remember </span> <span> <span> your need for God’s mercy. </span> </span> </li> </ol> <p> <span> (Luke 18:13 – 14) “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” . . .Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 16 Oct 2022 20:55:50 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-4 The fourth part to the series The Seven Sins of Suburbia. Amos 6:1-7 Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come! Go to Kalneh and look at it; go from there to great Hamath, and then go down to Gath in Philistia. Are they better off than your two kingdoms? Is their land larger than yours? You put off the day of disaster and bring near a reign of terror. You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end. <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Seven Sins of Suburbia | Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Amos 6:1 – 7 NIV) Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel </span> </p> <p> <span> secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the </span> </p> <p> <span> people of Israel come! Go to Kalneh and look at it; go from there to great Hamath, </span> </p> <p> <span> and then go down to Gath in Philistia. Are they better off than your two kingdoms? </span> </p> <p> <span> Is their land larger than yours? You put off the day of disaster and bring near a reign </span> </p> <p> <span> of terror. You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine </span> </p> <p> <span> on choice lambs and fattened calves. You strum away on your harps like David and </span> </p> <p> <span> improvise on musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest </span> </p> <p> <span> lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among </span> </p> <p> <span> the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> The Dangers of Complacency </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> Complacency leads us to trust in and depend on circumstances, </span> </p> <p> <span> people, our positions, and things instead of trusting in and </span> </p> <p> <span> depending on God. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Amos 6:1) Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and to those who feel secure on </span> </p> <p> <span> the hill of Samaria – the notable people in this first of the nations, those the house </span> </p> <p> <span> of Israel comes to. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. </span> </span> <span> Complacency leads us to arrogance. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Amos 6:2 – 3) Cross over to Calneh and see; go from there to great Hamath; then </span> </p> <p> <span> go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their </span> </p> <p> <span> territory larger than yours? You dismiss any thought of the evil day and bring in a </span> </p> <p> <span> reign of violence. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. </span> </span> <span> Complacency leads us to indifference and inaction. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Amos 6:4 – 6) They lie on beds inlaid with ivory, sprawled out on their couches, and </span> </p> <p> <span> dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. They improvise songs to the </span> </p> <p> <span> sound of the harp and invent their own musical instruments like David. They drink </span> </p> <p> <span> wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the finest oils and do not grieve </span> </p> <p> <span> over the ruin of Joseph. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. </span> </span> <span> Complacency leads to downfall. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Amos 6:7) Therefore, they will now go into exile as the first of the captives, and the </span> </p> <p> <span> feasting of those who sprawl out will come to an end. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> The Cure for Complacency </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> Place your trust and hope in Jesus Christ. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Psalm 20:7 NIV) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the </span> </p> <p> <span> name of the LORD our God. </span> </p> <p> <span> (1 Peter 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His </span> </p> <p> <span> great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection </span> </p> <p> <span> of Jesus Christ from the dead </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. </span> </span> <span> Have the correct view of yourself. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Romans 12:3) For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think </span> </p> <p> <span> of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has </span> </p> <p> <span> distributed a measure of faith to each one. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. </span> </span> <span> Do something different that makes a difference. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Proverbs 31:8 – 9) Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who </span> </p> <p> <span> are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the </span> </p> <p> <span> oppressed and needy. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. </span> </span> <span> Above all, repent. </span> </p> <p> <span> (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble </span> </p> <p> <span> themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will </span> </p> <p> <span> hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 16 Oct 2022 00:39:14 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-3 The third part to the series The Seven Sins of Suburbia. James 4: 13-17. Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Seven Sins of Suburbia </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 3 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> </span> <span> James 4:13-17 ESV </span> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/>   </span> <span> 13 </span> <span> <span> Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- </span> </span> <span> 14 </span> <span> <span> yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. </span> </span> <span> What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.  </span> </p> <p> <span> </span> <span> 15 </span> <span> <span> Instead you ought to say, </span> </span> <span> <span> "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." </span> </span> <span> 16 </span> <span> <span> As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. </span> </span> <span> 17 </span> <span> <span> So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/>   </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1.Instead of making our own plans, we must </span> </span> <span> submit </span> <span> <span> our plans to the Lord, seeking and trusting His will.  (V15) </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. I need the </span> </span> <span> <span> grace </span> </span> <span> <span> of God and I am </span> </span> <span> <span> dependent </span> </span> <span> <span> on the will of God in every area of my life . (V15) </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. The answer to our control issues is </span> </span> <span> Jesus </span> <span> , being obedient to the will of God.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> New Paragraph </p> </div> Sat, 15 Oct 2022 01:23:58 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Seven Sins of Suburbia </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 2 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> </span> <span> Matt. 7:12-14 ESV </span> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/>   </span> <span> 12 </span> <span> <span> " </span> </span> <span> So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them </span> <span> <span> , for this is the Law and the Prophets. </span> </span> <span> 13 </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> <span> "Enter by the </span> </span> <span> narrow </span> <span> <span> gate </span> </span> <span> <span> . For the </span> </span> <span> <span> gate is </span> </span> <span> wide </span> <span> <span> and the way is </span> </span> <span> <span> easy </span> </span> <span> <span> that leads to destruction </span> </span> <span> <span> , and those who </span> </span> <span> <span> enter by it are </span> </span> <span> many </span> <span> . </span> <span> <span> 14 </span> </span> <span> <span> For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. </span> </span> <span> <br/> </span> <span> <span> <br/> <br/> <br/> 1.When we live in the </span> </span> <span> uncomfortable </span> <span> <span> , that's where we find our greatest joy in Christ.   <br/> <br/> 2.The closer we get to Jesus the </span> </span> <span> harder </span> <span> <span> but </span> </span> <span> better </span> <span> <span> way of life we live.  <br/> <br/> 3.We </span> </span> <span> <span> all </span> </span> <span> are creatures of convenience!  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> New Paragraph </p> </div> Fri, 14 Oct 2022 01:27:07 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/copy-of-the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-2 The first part to the series Seven Sins of Suburbia. Matt. 16:21-26 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you. But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> The Seven Sins of Suburbia </span> <span> <span> | </span> </span> <span> <span> Part 1 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> <br/> [Matt 16:21-26 ESV] </span> </span> <span> 21 </span> <span> <span> From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. </span> </span> <span> 22 </span> <span> <span> And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, " </span> </span> <span> Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you </span> <span> <span> ." </span> </span> <span> 23 </span> <span> <span> But he turned and said to Peter, </span> </span> <span> "Get behind me, Satan </span> <span> <span> ! You are a hindrance to me. </span> </span> <span> For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> 24 </span> <span> <span> Then Jesus told his disciples, </span> </span> <span> "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul </span> <span> ? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? </span> <span> <br/> <br/> 1. Following Jesus will cost everything and give everything. <br/> <br/> 2. We cannot live the life Christ meant for us to live, apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> 3. God is not asking us to be spectators of His work, no He is asking us to be participants in it.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </span> <span> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> New Paragraph </p> </div> Thu, 13 Oct 2022 01:30:52 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-seven-sins-of-suburbia-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post4a7758f1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Masterpiece | Part 12 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Ephesians 6:10 – 24) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in </span> </p> <p> <span> chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. </span> </p> <p> <span> But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Fathers and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Before Engaging in Battle We Need to . . . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. Know that we </span> </span> <span> ARE </span> <span> <span> in a battle. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 6:12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 10:3 CSB) For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh . . . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. Know who our </span> </span> <span> allies </span> <span> <span> are. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 6:10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Know who our </span> </span> <span> enemy </span> <span> <span> is and what their </span> </span> <span> tactics </span> <span> <span> are. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 6:11 – 12) Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 Peter 5:8 CSB) Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling </span> </p> <p> <span> around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 2:11 CSB) so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. Know what our </span> </span> <span> equipment </span> <span> <span> is. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 10:4 CSB) Since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 6:14 – 18) Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And </span> </p> <p> <span> take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit. . . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 5. Know what our </span> </span> <span> objectives </span> <span> <span> are. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 6:18 – 20) With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an </span> </p> <p> <span> ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 21 Aug 2022 16:33:30 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post4a7758f1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-11 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Revealing the Masterpiece of God in Our Relationships </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Ephesians 5:21 – 6:9) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but </span> </p> <p> <span> they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church – for we are members of His body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or </span> </p> <p> <span> free. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3 Relationships Where We Can Reveal God’s Masterpiece in Us . . . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. In our marriages. </span> </p> <p> <span> a. By wives submitting to and respecting their husbands. </span> </p> <p> <span> b. By husbands sacrificially loving and leading their wives. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 5:22, 25, 32) Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord . . . Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her . . . each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. In our parent-child relationships. </span> </p> <p> <span> a. By children honoring and obeying their parents. </span> </p> <p> <span> b. By parents teaching them about Jesus, raising them to know Him, and not pushing them to be rebellious. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 6:1 – 4) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and </span> </p> <p> <span> instruction of the Lord. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. In our work relationships. </span> </p> <p> <span> a. By employees honoring, respecting, and obeying their employers. </span> </p> <p> <span> b. By employers honoring and respecting their employees, treating them like people NOT property. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 6:5, 9) Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 14 Aug 2022 17:05:49 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-11 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-10 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Masterpiece | Part 10 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Ephesians 5:1 – 20) Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. For know and recognize this: Every </span> </p> <p> <span> sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. Therefore, do not become their partners. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light–for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth – testing what is pleasing to the Lord. Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. Everything exposed by the light is made visible, for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: “Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Pay careful attention, then to how you live – not as unwise people but as wise – </span> </p> <p> <span> making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3 Ways to Walk as Imitators of God . . . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. We imitate God by walking in love not in lust. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 5:1 – 2) Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 John 3:18) Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (John 3:16) For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. We imitate God by walking in light not in darkness. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 5:8) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (1 John 1:5) This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 6:14) Don’t become partners with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. We imitate God by walking in wisdom not in foolishness. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> (Ephesians 5:15) Pay careful attention, then to how you live – not as unwise people but as wise </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (James 1:5) Now, if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly – and it will be given to him. </span> </p> </div> Mon, 08 Aug 2022 02:53:51 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-10 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-9 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Masterpiece | Part 9 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Living the New Life in Christ </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Ephesians 4:17 – 32) Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: </span> </span> <span> You should no longer live as the Gentiles live, </span> <span> <span> in the futility of their thought. They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every king of impurity with a desire for more and more. But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, </span> </span> <span> to take off your former way of life, </span> <span> <span> the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, </span> </span> <span> to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> to put on the new self </span> <span> <span> , the one created according to God’s likeness in </span> </span> <span> <span> righteousness and purity of the truth. </span> </span> <span> <span> Therefore, </span> </span> <span> putting away lying, speak the truth </span> <span> <span> , each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. </span> </span> <span> Be angry and do not sin. </span> <span> <span> Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. </span> </span> <span> <span> Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, </span> </span> <span> <span> so that he has something to share with anyone in need. </span> </span> <span> <span> No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, </span> </span> <span> <span> so that it gives grace to those who hear. And </span> </span> <span> don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. </span> <span> <span> You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. </span> </span> <span> Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, </span> <span> <span> just as God also forgave you in Christ. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. As Christians our lives in Christ should look and be different than </span> </p> <p> <span> the lives of non-Christians. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Ephesians 4:17) Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: </span> </span> <span> You should no longer live as the Gentiles live in the futility of their thoughts. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 5: 17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. A new life requires new </span> </span> <span> thoughts </span> <span> <span> , a new </span> </span> <span> heart </span> <span> <span> , new </span> </span> <span> practices </span> <span> <span> , and new </span> </span> <span> desires </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 4:18 – 19) They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every king of impurity with a desire for more and more. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Romans 12:2 NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but </span> </span> <span> be transformed by the renewing of your mind. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ezekiel 36:26) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. In and through Christ, we are to </span> </span> <span> take off </span> <span> <span> the old self, </span> </span> <span> renew </span> <span> <span> our </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> minds, and </span> </span> <span> put on </span> <span> <span> the new self. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Ephesians 4:20 – 24) But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, to </span> </span> <span> take off your former way of life </span> <span> <span> , the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, </span> </span> <span> to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, </span> <span> <span> and to </span> </span> <span> put on the new self, </span> <span> <span> the one created according to God’s likeness in </span> </span> <span> righteousness and purity of the truth. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Romans 12:2 NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be </span> </span> <span> transformed by the renewing of your mind. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4. Replace the practices of the old life with the practices of the new </span> </p> <p> <span> life. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Ephesians 4:25 – 32) Therefore, </span> </span> <span> putting away lying, </span> <span> <span> speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. </span> </span> <span> <span> Be angry and do not sin. </span> </span> <span> <span> Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. </span> </span> <span> Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, </span> <span> <span> so that he has something to share with anyone in need. </span> </span> <span> <span> No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, </span> </span> <span> <span> so that it gives grace to those who hear. And </span> </span> <span> <span> don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. </span> </span> <span> <span> You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. </span> </span> <span> Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, </span> <span> <span> just as God also forgave you in Christ. </span> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 31 Jul 2022 13:51:18 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-9 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-8 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Masterpiece | Part 8 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Ephesians 4:7-16 ESV </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the </span> </p> <p> <span> measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended </span> </p> <p> <span> on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." 9 (In </span> </p> <p> <span> saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also </span> </p> <p> <span> descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who </span> </p> <p> <span> descended is the one who also ascended far above all the </span> </p> <p> <span> heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, </span> </p> <p> <span> the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to </span> </p> <p> <span> equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of </span> </p> <p> <span> Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the </span> </p> <p> <span> knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure </span> </p> <p> <span> of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer </span> </p> <p> <span> be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by </span> </p> <p> <span> every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in </span> </p> <p> <span> deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to </span> </p> <p> <span> grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 </span> </p> <p> <span> from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint </span> </p> <p> <span> with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, </span> </p> <p> <span> makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1) We were created to serve and to use our </span> </span> <span> gifts </span> <span> <span> to </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> unify </span> <span> <span> the body in love and </span> </span> <span> grow </span> <span> <span> each other into </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> maturity in Christ. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2) Jesus fills all things through the </span> </span> <span> body </span> <span> <span> (us) because </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> we are an extension of Him, His reign, His wisdom </span> </p> <p> <span> and His power. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3) The </span> </span> <span> truth </span> <span> <span> of Christ leads us to mature manhood or </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Christian maturity. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 24 Jul 2022 13:39:37 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-8 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-7 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Masterpiece | Part 7 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in </span> </p> <p> <span> a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been </span> </p> <p> <span> called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, </span> </p> <p> <span> bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the </span> </p> <p> <span> unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body </span> </p> <p> <span> and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> belongs to your call--one Lord, one faith, one baptism, </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all </span> </p> <p> <span> and in all. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1) Without the gospel truth as the foundation why </span> </p> <p> <span> we live our life the way the scriptures command, </span> </p> <p> <span> we are merely moralists and hypocrites. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2) We are to walk worthy of our calling and to do </span> </p> <p> <span> so specifically in love and as children of light. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3) The act of calling is God raising spiritually dead </span> </p> <p> <span> people to life and faith through the </span> </p> <p> <span> preaching (hearing/reading) of the gospel. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4) Walking worthy is walking in humility, </span> </p> <p> <span> gentleness, patience, love and eagerness to </span> </p> <p> <span> maintain unity. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 17 Jul 2022 23:12:07 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-7 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-6 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Masterpiece | Part 6 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Ephesians 3:1-13 ESV </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1 For this reason I, Paul, a </span> </span> <span> prisoner </span> <span> <span> of Christ Jesus on behalf </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> of you Gentiles-- 2 assuming that you have heard of the </span> </p> <p> <span> stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how </span> </p> <p> <span> the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have </span> </p> <p> <span> written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight </span> </p> <p> <span> into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the </span> </p> <p> <span> sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to </span> </p> <p> <span> his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that </span> </p> <p> <span> the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and </span> </p> <p> <span> partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of </span> </p> <p> <span> this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's </span> </p> <p> <span> grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, </span> </p> <p> <span> though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> to preach to the Gentiles the </span> </span> <span> unsearchable riches </span> <span> <span> of Christ, 9 and </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery </span> </p> <p> <span> hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through </span> </p> <p> <span> the church </span> <span> <span> the </span> </span> <span> manifold wisdom of God </span> <span> <span> might now be </span> </span> <span> made </span> </p> <p> <span> known </span> <span> <span> to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Christ Jesus </span> </span> <span> <span> our Lord, 12 </span> </span> <span> in whom </span> <span> <span> we have </span> </span> <span> boldness </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> access </span> <span> <span> with </span> </span> <span> confidence </span> <span> <span> through our faith </span> </span> <span> in him </span> <span> . 13 So I ask you </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> not to lose heart over what I am </span> </span> <span> suffering for you </span> <span> <span> , which is </span> </span> <span> your </span> </p> <p> <span> glory. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1) We can glory in our </span> </span> <span> suffering </span> <span> <span> when we know we are </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2) We have been made heirs, members of the same </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> body, and recipients of the </span> </span> <span> promise </span> <span> <span> in Christ. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3) Part of the eternal purposes of God is that we, the </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> church, </span> </span> <span> display </span> <span> <span> the manifold wisdom of God to </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> those on earth and in heaven. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 10 Jul 2022 18:38:52 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-5 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Masterpiece | Part 5 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Ephesians 2:11-22 ESV </span> <span> <br/> </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 11 Therefore </span> </span> <span> remember </span> <span> <span> that </span> </span> <span> at one time </span> <span> <span> you Gentiles in the </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands-- 12 </span> </span> <span> remember </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> that you were at that time </span> </span> <span> separated from Christ </span> <span> <span> , </span> </span> <span> alienated </span> <span> <span> from </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> the commonwealth of Israel </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> strangers to the covenants of </span> </p> <p> <span> promise </span> <span> <span> , having </span> </span> <span> no hope </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> without God </span> <span> <span> in the world. 13 </span> </span> <span> But </span> </p> <p> <span> now in Christ Jesus </span> <span> <span> you </span> </span> <span> who once were far off have been </span> </p> <p> <span> brought near by the blood of Christ. </span> <span> <span> 14 </span> </span> <span> For he himself is our </span> </p> <p> <span> peace, </span> <span> <span> who </span> </span> <span> has made us both one </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> has broken down in his </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> flesh the dividing wall of hostility </span> </span> <span> 15 by abolishing the law of </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create </span> </span> <span> in </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> himself </span> </span> <span> one new man </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> in place of the two, so making peace, 16 </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> and might </span> </span> <span> reconcile us both </span> <span> <span> to God in </span> </span> <span> one </span> <span> <span> body </span> </span> <span> <span> through the cross, </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> to you </span> </span> <span> who were far off </span> <span> <span> and peace to those </span> </span> <span> who were near </span> <span> . 18 For </span> </p> <p> <span> through him </span> <span> <span> we both have access in </span> </span> <span> one </span> <span> <span> Spirit to the Father. 19 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> So then </span> </span> <span> you </span> <span> <span> are </span> </span> <span> no longer strangers and aliens </span> <span> <span> , but you are </span> </span> <span> fellow </span> </p> <p> <span> citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, </span> <span> <span> 20 </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus </span> </p> <p> <span> himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, </span> </p> <p> <span> being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In </span> </p> <p> <span> him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God </span> </p> <p> <span> by the Spirit. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1) God is pursuing every ethnicity, every status, and </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> every class by faith through </span> </span> <span> Christ </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2) The purpose of remembering is to magnify the </span> </p> <p> <span> grace, the joy, and the gladness that we have been </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> brought </span> </span> <span> near </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3) We were brought near and made one by the blood of </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Christ and the </span> </span> <span> abolishing </span> <span> <span> of the law. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4) The building/temple is all of </span> </span> <span> us together, </span> <span> <span> every </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> ethnicity, every tribe, every tongue, and every </span> </p> <p> <span> nation. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 03 Jul 2022 18:12:08 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Masterpiece | Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> (Ephesians 2:6 – 10) </span> </span> <span> He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not </span> </p> <p> <span> from works, so that one can boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. </span> <span> <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> God’s Work of Art </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. Salvation is a gift from God. <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:8 – 9) For you are saved by grace, through faith and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Titus 3:5) He saved us – not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy – through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (2 Timothy 1:9) He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> <span> 2. We are saved FOR good works not BY good works. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (James 2:14 – 20) What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is </span> </p> <p> <span> it? In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe – and they shudder. Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless? </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. It is through the good works we do in Christ Jesus that we reveal </span> </p> <p> <span> His masterpiece within us. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:6 – 7) He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Matthew 5:16) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 26 Jun 2022 14:51:15 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> From Death to Life </span> <span> <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Ephesians 2:1 – 10) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you </span> </span> <span> previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh </span> </p> <p> <span> and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! </span> </p> <p> <span> He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, </span> </p> <p> <span> and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that one can boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Our Condition Apart from Christ </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. Apart from Christ we are spiritually dead. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:1) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins. . . <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. Apart from Christ we are disobedient slaves. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:2 – 3a) in which you previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts. . . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. Apart from Christ we are doomed to destruction. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:3b) and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were </span> </p> <p> <span> also. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Our Condition if We Are in Christ </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4. In Christ we are made alive. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:4 – 5) But God who is rich in mercy because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 5. In Christ we are raised up as children of God. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:6a) He also raised us up with Him </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 6. In Christ we are seated as heirs with Christ. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:6b) He . . . seated us with Him in the heavens in Christ Jesus </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> What Does This Transition of Condition Reveal? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 7. The transition from death to life reveals the character of God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 8. The transition from death to life reveals the work of God. </span> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 20 Jun 2022 01:20:40 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Celebration Church 6-12-22 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Ephesians 1:7-23 ESV </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of </span> </p> <p> <span> our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,which he lavished </span> </p> <p> <span> upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of </span> </p> <p> <span> his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan </span> </p> <p> <span> for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and </span> </p> <p> <span> things on earth.In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been </span> </p> <p> <span> predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things </span> </p> <p> <span> according to the counsel of his will,so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his </span> </p> <p> <span> glory.For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord </span> </p> <p> <span> Jesus and your love toward all the saints,I do not cease to give </span> </p> <p> <span> thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,that the God of our </span> </p> <p> <span> Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the </span> </p> <p> <span> saints,and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward </span> </p> <p> <span> us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he </span> </p> <p> <span> worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at </span> </p> <p> <span> his right hand in the heavenly places,far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1) Christ set us free from sin so that we can become a </span> </p> <p> <span> child of God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2) It’s when we are at our weakest, that His strength </span> </p> <p> <span> and His glorious grace shine the brightest. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3) Your inheritance in Christ is incorruptible and </span> </p> <p> <span> undefiled because the Holy Spirit has sealed it. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4) One of the most important aspects of Christian life </span> </p> <p> <span> is possessing the true knowledge of God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 5) My only help and only hope of ever knowing God is </span> </p> <p> <span> through revelation of the Spirit. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:14:27 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Ephesians 1:1-6 ESV </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the </span> </p> <p> <span> saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ </span> </p> <p> <span> Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord </span> </p> <p> <span> Jesus Christ.Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus </span> </p> <p> <span> Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual </span> </p> <p> <span> blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him </span> </p> <p> <span> before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and </span> </p> <p> <span> blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to </span> </p> <p> <span> himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of </span> </p> <p> <span> his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> blessed us in the Beloved. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> In him we have redemption through his blood, the </span> </p> <p> <span> forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his </span> </p> <p> <span> grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making </span> </p> <p> <span> known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, </span> </p> <p> <span> which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to </span> </p> <p> <span> unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.In </span> </p> <p> <span> him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined </span> </p> <p> <span> according to the purpose of him who works all things according to </span> </p> <p> <span> the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in </span> </p> <p> <span> Christ might be to the praise of his glory.In him you also, when </span> </p> <p> <span> you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and </span> </p> <p> <span> believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is </span> </p> <p> <span> the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, </span> </p> <p> <span> to the praise of his glory. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1) You cannot know the peace of God until you </span> </p> <p> <span> experience the grace of God. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2) It is not what we can do for God but it's what God </span> </p> <p> <span> has done for us that's most important. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3) God takes pleasure in our love and obedience to </span> </p> <p> <span> Him. </span> </p> </div> Mon, 06 Jun 2022 03:25:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/masterpiece-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-6 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Retold | Part 6 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Jesus Visits Zacchaeus </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 19:1 – 10) He entered Jericho and was passing through. There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to </span> </p> <p> <span> him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> So he quickly came down and welcomed him joyfully. All who saw it began to complain, “He’s gone to stay with a sinful man.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give half of my </span> </p> <p> <span> possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4 Truths for Transformation </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. Jesus knows who you are and where you are. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 19:4 – 5) So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since He was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” </span> </p> <p> <span> (Isaiah 43:1) Now this is what the LORD says, - the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel - “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. If Jesus did not come and stay with sinful people, then none of us </span> </p> <p> <span> would be saved. </span> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 19:7) All who saw it began to complain, “He’s gone to stay with a sinful man.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (John 14:6) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Acts 4:12) There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3 </span> <span> . We cannot earn the grace of Jesus, but we can respond to it. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 19:8) But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:8 – 10) For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4. The mission of Jesus should be the mission of all those who </span> </p> <p> <span> believe. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 19:10) For the Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 6:35 – 36) But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Mark 16:15) Then He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 29 May 2022 21:51:02 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebration-church-5-22-22 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Retold | Part 5 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Thank you for joining us today for online worship! </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/celebrationchurchtupelo" target="_blank"> #celebrationchurchtupelo </a> <span> <span> </span> </span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/loveservereach" target="_blank"> #loveservereach </a> <span> <span> </span> </span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sunday" target="_blank"> #Sunday </a> <span> <span> </span> </span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/onlinechurch" target="_blank"> #onlinechurch </a> <span> <span> </span> </span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tupelomississippi" target="_blank"> #tupelomississippi </a> <span> <span> </span> </span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/webelieve" target="_blank"> #webelieve </a> <span> <span> </span> </span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/retold" target="_blank"> #Retold </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take a moment and introduce yourself below and let us know where you're watching from! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take time to fill out our connect card: (We promise we won't harass or spam you!) </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkZ1T2V3blp6N09kMk44bmh3cGE2NzRtdW5mZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsRVZvcnJOVTZNSEZXVXlQVEZLMW5zX1Zzd2pqTlBhWERSQ3N3OE8yUnZaLWRzVlFwNWcxQ0JPVlB5VUdMeGlzN1lMQld4TFlGdlVjb3JIQ0h6dFBqRk1ocEcwd05SeVdlRWtKNG5oSmREVFZ3bmNSQQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.celebrationchurchms.org%2F&amp;v=SDTyPoIkRm0" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Submit your confidential prayer requests here: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkxxS3JQcndVbHg4MGppa25nbW9mNUd2VHdPQXxBQ3Jtc0ttY1p4eWRYdzVJTk83ZGN1bEpiRHJyYmF4bkNCNExlb2p1YXZXZmhVZU5HWEJTVWxfVVVxTW1EUGl1RjlubV9FTkxwa3c5SWRXaU5HUkRMU051RWJlbW1vdy1ZTHZaM3ZZVEpnTWxUOHFmQ0s0TTg4OA&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.celebrationchurchms.org%2Fprayer-request&amp;v=SDTyPoIkRm0" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/p... </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Support Celebration Church by giving online at: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1pSNG5GY1VzSjl5VTlyUTN2UXJaNXk4anBSd3xBQ3Jtc0tuYmZlOGFWTkZjMHpkaEczRWhKamgwNkhTek9aQ0JPbTFjWlRmcjNxTEtrWl9IMVVGZzhJemRXTzRXenhmWVZTQ2wyYkVLMnJsYl9PUWZ4dE1kUUFya01ZRTcxT09UdGhlQkJzUmFiRHBvOGlCMUVyNA&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com%2Fgiving&amp;v=SDTyPoIkRm0" target="_blank"> https://celebrationchurchms.churchcen... </a> </p> <p> <span> Want to stay connected w/all that is going on @ CC?! Then text the word "CELEBRATE" to (662) 297-7435 </span> </p> </div> Sun, 22 May 2022 17:06:29 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebration-church-5-22-22 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Retold Part 4 | Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span>  </span> Daniel 3:1-30 ESV </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1) The good news shines brightest when we see the </span> </p> <p> <span> darkness of our sin. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had faith that </span> </p> <p> <span> God had the power to save them. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3) In our toughest, darkest, wounded times God is with </span> </p> <p> <span> us and it's in those times of suffering that His grace </span> </p> <p> <span> and mercy is most evident. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4) If God doesn't answer our prayers the way you </span> </p> <p> <span> expect, will you still love Him? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 15 May 2022 17:01:25 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Retold Part 3 | David vs Goliath </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 1 Samuel 17:1-58 ESV </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1) David and Goliath is not about a little guy beating a </span> </p> <p> <span> giant but God protecting His people. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2) David’s motivation to fight Goliath was not for </span> </p> <p> <span> money, fame, or a wife but was to defend God’s </span> </p> <p> <span> glory. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3) David’s courage was fueled by his confidence in </span> </p> <p> <span> God’s promises and God’s power to fulfill them. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4) The story of David and Goliath demonstrates God’s </span> </p> <p> <span> power and faithfulness not David's courage.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 08 May 2022 13:38:07 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Retold | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Seeing the Glory of God Through the Fear <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Exodus 14:10 – 31 CSB) As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians coming after them! </span> </span> <span> <span> The Israelites were terrified and cried out to the LORD for help. </span> </span> <span> They said to Moses: “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Isn’t this what we told you in Egypt: Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? </span> </span> <span> It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” </span> <span> <span> <br/> <br/> But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the LORD’s salvation that he will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. </span> </span> <span> The LORD will fight for you, and you must be quiet.” <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> The LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? T </span> <span> ell the Israelites to break camp. As for you, lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. </span> <span> <span> As for me, I am going to harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them, and I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh, all his army, and his chariots and horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I receive glory through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> Then the angel of God, who was going in front of the Israelite forces, moved and went behind them. The pillar of cloud moved from in the front of them and stood behind them. It came between the Egyptian and Israelite forces. There was cloud and darkness, it lit up the night, and neither group came near the other all night </span> </p> <p> <span> long. <br/> <br/> Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The LORD drove the sea back with a powerful east wind all that night and t </span> <span> <span> urned the sea into dry land. </span> </span> <span> <span> So the waters were divided, </span> </span> <span> and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left. </span> <span> <span> <br/> <br/> The Egyptians set out in pursuit – all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen – and went into the sea after them. During the morning watch, the LORD looked down at the Egyptian forces from the pillar of fire and cloud, and threw the Egyptian forces into confusion. He caused their chariot wheels to swerve and made them drive with difficulty. “ </span> </span> <span> Let’s get away from Israel,” </span> <span> <span> the Egyptians said, </span> </span> <span> <span> “because the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” </span> </span> <span> <span> <br/> <br/> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the water may come back on the Egyptians, on their chariots and horsemen.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal depth. While the Egyptians were trying to escape from it, the LORD threw them into the sea. The water came back and covered the chariots and horsemen, plus the entire army of Pharaoh that had gone after them into the sea. Not even one of them survived. <br/> <br/> But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left. That day the LORD saved Israel from the power of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. When Israel saw </span> </span> <span> <span> the great power </span> </span> <span> used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in him and in his servant Moses. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> <span> In the face of fear we have a choice to either fix our eyes on our </span> </span> <span> circumstances </span> <span> <span> or on our </span> </span> <span> God </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> (Exodus 14:10 – 12 CSB) <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. </span> </span> <span> <span> In the face of fear, we are called to </span> </span> <span> trust </span> <span> <span> God and to </span> </span> <span> move forward </span> <span> <span> one step at a time. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Exodus 14:15 – 16, 21 – 25 CSB) <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. </span> </span> <span> <span> In the face of fear, remember that God not only </span> </span> <span> leads </span> <span> <span> , but He also </span> </span> <span> protects </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> (Exodus 14:19 – 20, 23 – 25 CSB). <br/> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. </span> </span> <span> <span> What the enemy intended to </span> </span> <span> destroy </span> <span> <span> you with is what God intends to </span> </span> <span> use </span> <span> <span> for your </span> </span> <span> good </span> <span> <span> and His </span> </span> <span> glory </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> (Exodus 14:26 – 31 CSB) </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Mon, 02 May 2022 03:51:07 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Retold | Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Genesis 6:9-22 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a </span> </span> <span> righteous </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> man, </span> </span> <span> blameless </span> <span> <span> in his generation. Noah </span> </span> <span> walked with God </span> <span> . And </span> </p> <p> <span> Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.Now the earth </span> </p> <p> <span> was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> violence.And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, </span> </span> <span> for all </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. </span> </span> <span> And God said to Noah, </span> </p> <p> <span> "I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is </span> </p> <p> <span> filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with </span> </p> <p> <span> the earth.Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in </span> </p> <p> <span> the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch.This is how you are </span> </p> <p> <span> to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, </span> </p> <p> <span> and its height 30 cubits.Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a </span> </p> <p> <span> cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with </span> </p> <p> <span> lower, second, and third decks.For behold, I will bring a flood of </span> </p> <p> <span> waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> life under heaven. </span> </span> <span> Everything that is on the earth shall die. </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> But I </span> </p> <p> <span> will establish my covenant with you, </span> <span> <span> and you shall come into </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with </span> </p> <p> <span> you.And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of </span> </p> <p> <span> every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be </span> </p> <p> <span> male and female.Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the </span> </p> <p> <span> animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the </span> </p> <p> <span> ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to </span> </p> <p> <span> you to keep them alive.Also take with you every sort of food that is </span> </p> <p> <span> eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for </span> </p> <p> <span> them. </span> <span> "Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1) Noah was saved not because of his good works </span> </p> <p> <span> alone but because of his faith. (Heb. 11:7) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2) When you understand grace you praise Him not to </span> </p> <p> <span> receive a blessing but you praise God for his </span> </p> <p> <span> blessings. (2 Cor. 5:14) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3) The rainbow was intended to remind you of his </span> </p> <p> <span> faithfulness in keeping His promises. (Gen. 9:12-17) </span> </p> </div> Mon, 25 Apr 2022 03:38:44 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/retold-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/easter-sunday-at-celebration-church <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Easter Sunday 4-17-22 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Happy Resurrection Day! Thank you for joining us today for online worship! </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/celebrationchurchtupelo?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #celebrationchurchtupelo </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/loveservereach?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #loveservereach </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/sunday?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #Sunday </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/onlinechurch?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #onlinechurch </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/tupelomississippi?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #tupelomississippi </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/webelieve?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #webelieve </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/easter?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #Easter </a> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Take a moment and introduce yourself below and let us know where you're watching from! </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Take time to fill out our connect card: (We promise we won't harass or spam you!) </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/?fbclid=IwAR2XkxtVbJ2w_XnvoBg-32J03bQ88DKZ7VneMq9sC2Q6wGDfSBQ10eNanyM" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org </a> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Submit your confidential prayer requests here: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request?fbclid=IwAR3z9qmZ45MIc7qKqfL8ZrMZBV3qb9kz3ReyPTE1peeu2cbmMyXsE_xTKzw" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request </a> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Support Celebration Church by giving online at: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving?fbclid=IwAR2jh25ta90HUTTHcC7W6C2slVu5ETRYo6Y_vDKl_k6k87JzLB3fqQ31YVg" target="_blank"> https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Want to stay connected w/all that is going on @ CC?! Then text the word "CELEBRATE" to (662) 297-7435 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:00:15 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/easter-sunday-at-celebration-church thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebration-church-sunday-morning-worship-04-10-2022 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Celebration Church Sunday Morning Worship 04-10-22 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Thank you for joining us today for online worship! </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/celebrationchurchtupelo?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZU3p-7QhqSZU0YI0uMXzZxoXyHi9Smh66VDNGmeABrq9cbXlZJV9ASJbgRK87FeAbdOKFuuw9TgFZVUNb7w89OUp5kaBQao-JB-FhQCVQtS6ZfY8TjV1k7oBatJe8mhyXJS8_M9ZKGfcRAgM7VkeM7GHu71UoteexVTZivqeVy9dQVtfb5WqZ_rFFQIf7-uoh4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #celebrationchurchtupelo </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/loveservereach?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZU3p-7QhqSZU0YI0uMXzZxoXyHi9Smh66VDNGmeABrq9cbXlZJV9ASJbgRK87FeAbdOKFuuw9TgFZVUNb7w89OUp5kaBQao-JB-FhQCVQtS6ZfY8TjV1k7oBatJe8mhyXJS8_M9ZKGfcRAgM7VkeM7GHu71UoteexVTZivqeVy9dQVtfb5WqZ_rFFQIf7-uoh4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #loveservereach </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/sunday?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZU3p-7QhqSZU0YI0uMXzZxoXyHi9Smh66VDNGmeABrq9cbXlZJV9ASJbgRK87FeAbdOKFuuw9TgFZVUNb7w89OUp5kaBQao-JB-FhQCVQtS6ZfY8TjV1k7oBatJe8mhyXJS8_M9ZKGfcRAgM7VkeM7GHu71UoteexVTZivqeVy9dQVtfb5WqZ_rFFQIf7-uoh4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #Sunday </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/onlinechurch?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZU3p-7QhqSZU0YI0uMXzZxoXyHi9Smh66VDNGmeABrq9cbXlZJV9ASJbgRK87FeAbdOKFuuw9TgFZVUNb7w89OUp5kaBQao-JB-FhQCVQtS6ZfY8TjV1k7oBatJe8mhyXJS8_M9ZKGfcRAgM7VkeM7GHu71UoteexVTZivqeVy9dQVtfb5WqZ_rFFQIf7-uoh4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #onlinechurch </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/tupelomississippi?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZU3p-7QhqSZU0YI0uMXzZxoXyHi9Smh66VDNGmeABrq9cbXlZJV9ASJbgRK87FeAbdOKFuuw9TgFZVUNb7w89OUp5kaBQao-JB-FhQCVQtS6ZfY8TjV1k7oBatJe8mhyXJS8_M9ZKGfcRAgM7VkeM7GHu71UoteexVTZivqeVy9dQVtfb5WqZ_rFFQIf7-uoh4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #tupelomississippi </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/webelieve?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZU3p-7QhqSZU0YI0uMXzZxoXyHi9Smh66VDNGmeABrq9cbXlZJV9ASJbgRK87FeAbdOKFuuw9TgFZVUNb7w89OUp5kaBQao-JB-FhQCVQtS6ZfY8TjV1k7oBatJe8mhyXJS8_M9ZKGfcRAgM7VkeM7GHu71UoteexVTZivqeVy9dQVtfb5WqZ_rFFQIf7-uoh4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #webelieve </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take a moment and introduce yourself below and let us know where you're watching from! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take time to fill out our connect card: (We promise we won't harass or spam you!) </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/?fbclid=IwAR3auDP70S2aCxhSNoUFXgWACpkllOw2lVABJa1VsuN81RY_htkKjxymwt4" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Submit your confidential prayer requests here: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request?fbclid=IwAR33OFEwJAXEH8KzVfYwA2I5HclTWPodwjqn4qpEGYzd6SpBwgx84pFfIsw" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Support Celebration Church by giving online at: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving?fbclid=IwAR17gKj4C_kFQGwaQajuWtlmAe8LZW9xiCeMkEplQI3CRnL8e27ikQ7vBOA" target="_blank"> https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving </a> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Want to stay connected w/all that is going on @ CC?! Then text the word "CELEBRATE" to (662) 297-7435 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 10 Apr 2022 18:34:25 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebration-church-sunday-morning-worship-04-10-2022 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebration-church-sunday-morning-worship-04-3-2022 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Thank you for joining us today for online worship! </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/celebrationchurchtupelo?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUXeYKjJa2SMR5zm-VlTZRLE6PEIDHkBhwyuyEPIn094QVCY94rOa4QCGXvZ4MfjzSLK8xagG0fiqiE3LhTQkd9_Te7b4ZqL6RfU9rZmKr876I97d_LzbILmfd7obgW1Oxzu5Xhw7ce7fihOwu-iGG0mPZtEHIBVH5hKs2yydmKMeJySbdFXSxLw99T0sm3rH4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #celebrationchurchtupelo </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/loveservereach?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUXeYKjJa2SMR5zm-VlTZRLE6PEIDHkBhwyuyEPIn094QVCY94rOa4QCGXvZ4MfjzSLK8xagG0fiqiE3LhTQkd9_Te7b4ZqL6RfU9rZmKr876I97d_LzbILmfd7obgW1Oxzu5Xhw7ce7fihOwu-iGG0mPZtEHIBVH5hKs2yydmKMeJySbdFXSxLw99T0sm3rH4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #loveservereach </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/sunday?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUXeYKjJa2SMR5zm-VlTZRLE6PEIDHkBhwyuyEPIn094QVCY94rOa4QCGXvZ4MfjzSLK8xagG0fiqiE3LhTQkd9_Te7b4ZqL6RfU9rZmKr876I97d_LzbILmfd7obgW1Oxzu5Xhw7ce7fihOwu-iGG0mPZtEHIBVH5hKs2yydmKMeJySbdFXSxLw99T0sm3rH4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #Sunday </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/onlinechurch?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUXeYKjJa2SMR5zm-VlTZRLE6PEIDHkBhwyuyEPIn094QVCY94rOa4QCGXvZ4MfjzSLK8xagG0fiqiE3LhTQkd9_Te7b4ZqL6RfU9rZmKr876I97d_LzbILmfd7obgW1Oxzu5Xhw7ce7fihOwu-iGG0mPZtEHIBVH5hKs2yydmKMeJySbdFXSxLw99T0sm3rH4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #onlinechurch </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/tupelomississippi?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUXeYKjJa2SMR5zm-VlTZRLE6PEIDHkBhwyuyEPIn094QVCY94rOa4QCGXvZ4MfjzSLK8xagG0fiqiE3LhTQkd9_Te7b4ZqL6RfU9rZmKr876I97d_LzbILmfd7obgW1Oxzu5Xhw7ce7fihOwu-iGG0mPZtEHIBVH5hKs2yydmKMeJySbdFXSxLw99T0sm3rH4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #tupelomississippi </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/webelieve?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUXeYKjJa2SMR5zm-VlTZRLE6PEIDHkBhwyuyEPIn094QVCY94rOa4QCGXvZ4MfjzSLK8xagG0fiqiE3LhTQkd9_Te7b4ZqL6RfU9rZmKr876I97d_LzbILmfd7obgW1Oxzu5Xhw7ce7fihOwu-iGG0mPZtEHIBVH5hKs2yydmKMeJySbdFXSxLw99T0sm3rH4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #webelieve </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take a moment and introduce yourself below and let us know where you're watching from! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take time to fill out our connect card: (We promise we won't harass or spam you!) </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/?fbclid=IwAR0EkF2ZVmedAlSvS1bIAvi1KjjQGdEWgyenbeIqF2-0pkETKpOsv4W84jo" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Submit your confidential prayer requests here: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request?fbclid=IwAR2kZN1ief5mRu_mC-OQtoukl4hdTypi3FjxpwWpXOpv4Pn6OBMCXNT-ZmU" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Support Celebration Church by giving online at: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving?fbclid=IwAR0vTIZumiCtyYAJc0MMDL-eJBLS-W6oKH7kyP3p5AzPXxFJVKngFebav4Q" target="_blank"> https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving </a> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Want to stay connected w/all that is going on @ CC?! Then text the word "CELEBRATE" to (662) 297-7435 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 03 Apr 2022 23:40:13 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebration-church-sunday-morning-worship-04-3-2022 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/cancelled-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Cancelled | Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Titus 3:1 – 11 CSB) Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be </span> </p> <p> <span> ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting and to be kind, </span> </p> <p> <span> always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, </span> </p> <p> <span> deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> hateful, detesting one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> for mankind appeared, he </span> </p> <p> <span> saved us – not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his </span> </p> <p> <span> mercy – through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He </span> </p> <p> <span> poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, </span> </p> <p> <span> having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal </span> </p> <p> <span> life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those </span> </p> <p> <span> who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These </span> </p> <p> <span> are good and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, </span> </p> <p> <span> quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. </span> </p> <p> <span> Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning. For you know that such a </span> </p> <p> <span> person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. Live out your faith in the world. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Titus 3:1 – 2 CSB) Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be </span> </p> <p> <span> ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting and to be kind, </span> </p> <p> <span> always showing gentleness to all people. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Titus 2:7 – 8 CSB) Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and </span> </p> <p> <span> dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any </span> </p> <p> <span> opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Matthew 5:16) Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good </span> </p> <p> <span> deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. When dealing with those who disagree with you, remember your </span> </p> <p> <span> experience with grace. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Titus 3:3 – 8 CSB) For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by </span> </p> <p> <span> various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one </span> </p> <p> <span> another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind </span> </p> <p> <span> appeared, he saved us – not by works of righteousness that we had done, but </span> </p> <p> <span> according to his mercy – through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the </span> </p> <p> <span> Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our </span> </p> <p> <span> Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the </span> </p> <p> <span> hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, </span> </p> <p> <span> so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good </span> </p> <p> <span> works. These are good and profitable for everyone. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Romans 2:4 CSB) God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 2:8 – 9 CSB) For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not </span> </p> <p> <span> from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. Refrain from pointless public debates. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Titus 3:9 CSB) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about </span> </p> <p> <span> the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4. Avoid troublemakers. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Titus 3:10 – 11 CSB) Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning. For </span> </p> <p> <span> you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 Corinthians 5:9 – 13 CSB) “I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually </span> </p> <p> <span> immoral people. I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy and </span> </p> <p> <span> swindlers or idolators; otherwise you would have to leave the world. But actually, I </span> </p> <p> <span> wrote you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister and is </span> </p> <p> <span> sexually immoral or greedy, an idolator or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. </span> </p> <p> <span> Do not even eat with such a person. For what business is it of mine to judge </span> </p> <p> <span> outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside? God judges outsiders. Remove the </span> </p> <p> <span> evil person from among you.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:23:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/cancelled-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/cancelled-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Cancelled | Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Psalm 51:1-19 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. </span> </span> <span> Have mercy on me </span> <span> , O </span> </p> <p> <span> God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> mercy blot out my transgressions. </span> </span> <span> Wash me thoroughly from my </span> </p> <p> <span> iniquity, </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> <span> cleanse me from my sin! </span> </span> <span> For I know my transgressions, </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> my sin is ever before me </span> <span> <span> . </span> </span> <span> Against you, you only, have I sinned </span> </p> <p> <span> and done what is evil in your sight, </span> <span> <span> so that you may be justified in </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, </span> </span> <span> you delight in </span> </p> <p> <span> truth </span> <span> <span> in the inward being, and </span> </span> <span> you teach me wisdom in the secret </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> heart. </span> </span> <span> Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall </span> </p> <p> <span> be whiter than snow.Let me hear joy and gladness; </span> <span> <span> let the bones that </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> you have broken rejoice. </span> </span> <span> Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all </span> </p> <p> <span> my iniquities. </span> <span> <span> Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> spirit within me. </span> </span> <span> Cast me not away from your presence, and take not </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> your Holy Spirit from me. </span> </span> <span> <span> Restore to me the joy of your salvation, </span> </span> <span> and </span> </p> <p> <span> uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, </span> </p> <p> <span> and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O </span> </p> <p> <span> God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your </span> </p> <p> <span> righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your </span> </p> <p> <span> praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> be pleased with a burnt offering. </span> </span> <span> The sacrifices of God are a broken </span> </p> <p> <span> spirit </span> <span> <span> ; </span> </span> <span> a broken and contrite heart, </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> O God, you will not despise.Do </span> </p> <p> <span> good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; then </span> </p> <p> <span> will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt </span> </p> <p> <span> offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1) God does not separate what a leader </span> </span> <span> does </span> <span> <span> from </span> </span> <span> who </span> </p> <p> <span> a leader is . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2) The prerequisite for </span> </span> <span> qualification </span> <span> <span> is acknowledging </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> your sin for this is the first step in </span> </span> <span> restoration </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3) If we want </span> </span> <span> restoration </span> <span> <span> instead of cancellation we </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> must confess our sins, turn from our sin, and allow </span> </p> <p> <span> God to move in our hearts. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4) Brokenness is a </span> </span> <span> permanent </span> <span> <span> sense of God </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> neediness. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 5) The sins that we do that affect our community need </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> to be dealt with in a way that </span> </span> <span> honors </span> <span> <span> our community. </span> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 20 Mar 2022 16:20:25 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/cancelled-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/cancelled-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Cancelled | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is </span> </span> <span> not tolerated even among pagans, </span> <span> <span> for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be </span> </span> <span> <span> removed from among you. </span> </span> <span> <span> For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.Your boasting is not good. </span> </span> <span> Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> <span> Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. </span> </span> <span> For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. </span> <span> <span> Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of </span> </span> <span> sincerity and truth </span> <span> . </span> <span> <span> I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.But now I am writing to you </span> </span> <span> not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler--not even to eat with such a one. </span> <span> <span> For what have I to do with judging outsiders? </span> </span> <span> <span> Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? </span> </span> <span> God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you." </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1) </span> </span> <span> Unrepentant </span> <span> <span> sin in the church needs to be dealt with, not ignored.(V.1-2) </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2) While our hearts should desire restoration of our brother we need to understand that </span> </span> <span> discipline </span> <span> <span> is not a punishment. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3) God never intended for us to be shut off from the world but to be a </span> </span> <span> light </span> <span> <span> in the darkness to those in the dark. </span> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 13 Mar 2022 18:45:08 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/cancelled-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/cancelled-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Cancelled | Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Colossians 3:1 – 17) </span> </span> <span> Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated, at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. Before Christ came, we all existed in a </span> </span> <span> cancelled </span> <span> <span> state before God.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 4 Ways to Deal with Our Own Issues Before Addressing the Issues of Others  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. Cancel the </span> <span> <span> old way </span> </span> <span> <span> of thinking by putting on a </span> </span> <span> <span> new mind. </span> </span> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Colossians 3:1 – 4) Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Romans 12:2) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Cancel the sinful </span> </span> <span> desires </span> <span> <span> of the flesh.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Colossians 3:5) Put to </span> </span> <span> death </span> <span> <span> , therefore, </span> </span> <span> <span> whatever </span> </span> <span> <span> belongs to your </span> </span> <span> earthly nature </span> <span> : sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 9:23) Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  (Galatians 5:24) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have </span> </span> <span> <span> crucified </span> </span> <span> <span> the </span> </span> <span> <span> flesh </span> </span> <span> <span> with its </span> </span> <span> <span> passions </span> </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> desires </span> <span> .  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 4. Replace what was cancelled with </span> <span> <span> godly living </span> </span> <span> .  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Colossians 3:12) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (1 Timothy 4:7 NASB95) Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 5. Walk the path of </span> <span> <span> grace. </span> </span> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Colossians 3:13 – 14) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Matthew 6:14 – 15) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 06 Mar 2022 23:30:04 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/cancelled-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/messy-spiritual-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> <span> Messy Spirituality | Part 4 </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> 2 Peter 3:14-18 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be </span> </span> <span> found by him </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> without spot or blemish </span> <span> <span> , and at </span> </span> <span> peace </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> And count the </span> </span> <span> patience </span> <span> <span> of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> There are some things in them that are </span> </span> <span> hard to understand, </span> <span> <span> which the </span> </span> <span> ignorant and unstable </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> twist </span> <span> <span> to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that </span> </span> <span> <span> you are not carried away with the error </span> </span> <span> <span> of lawless people and </span> </span> <span> lose your own stability </span> <span> <span> . </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> But </span> </span> <span> grow </span> <span> <span> in the </span> </span> <span> grace </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> knowledge </span> <span> <span> of our </span> </span> <span> <span> Lord and Savior Jesus Christ </span> </span> <span> . To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1) As believers we should be working, by His transforming grace to be found pure and blameless when God looks at our lives.(V.14) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2) Christianity is not a one and done process of becoming saved and then we are perfect. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3) Growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ is a lifelong process called progressive sanctification.(V18) </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 27 Feb 2022 20:36:23 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/messy-spiritual-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/messy-spirituality-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Messy Spirituality | Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Hebrews 4:12-16 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> For the word of God is </span> </span> <span> living </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> active </span> <span> <span> , sharper than any two-edged sword, </span> </span> <span> piercing </span> <span> <span> to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and </span> </span> <span> <span> discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> And no creature is hidden from his sight, but </span> </span> <span> all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> For we do not have a high priest who is unable to </span> </span> <span> sympathize </span> <span> <span> with our </span> </span> <span> weaknesses </span> <span> , but one who in every </span> <span> <span> respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. </span> </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> <span>  </span> Let us then with </span> </span> <span> confidence </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> draw near </span> <span> <span> to the throne of grace, that we may </span> </span> <span> receive mercy </span> <span> <span> and f </span> </span> <span> ind grace </span> <span> <span> to help in time of need. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. Our response to sin should lead us </span> </span> <span> toward </span> <span> <span> God not away from </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Him. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. </span> </span> <span> Godly </span> <span> <span> sorrow leads us towards God, so he can change our heart </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> and therefore our behavior in light of our sin. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. In worldly sorrow you try to </span> </span> <span> justify </span> <span> <span> your sin whereas godly </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> sorrow causes you to own your sin which leads to </span> </p> <p> <span> repentance. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. When we have given our sin to God we don't have to </span> </span> <span> carry </span> <span> <span> it </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> with us any longer. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 5. Jesus made a way for us to </span> </span> <span> connect </span> <span> <span> with God because he has </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> been tempted as we are. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 20 Feb 2022 18:42:44 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/messy-spirituality-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/messy-spirituality-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Messy Spirituality | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> (2 Corinthians 7:4 – 13 NASB95) </span> </span> <span> Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more. For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it – for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while – now I rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you; what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made known to you in the sight of God. For this reason we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> Life </span> <span> <span> is messy. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 7:4 – 5) </span> <span> <span> I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. For </span> </p> <p> <span> when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every </span> </p> <p> <span> turn: conflicts on the outside, fears within. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (John 16:33) </span> <span> <span> In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> the world. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (John 10:10 NASB95) </span> <span> <span> I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. We do not have to </span> </span> <span> face </span> <span> <span> the messiness of life alone. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 7:6 – 7) </span> <span> <span> But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given </span> </p> <p> <span> him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern </span> </p> <p> <span> for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Hebrews 13:5) </span> </span> <span> Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Ecclesiastes 4:12) </span> </span> <span> A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Not all </span> </span> <span> “negative” feelings </span> <span> <span> are bad. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (2 Corinthians 7:8 – 9) </span> </span> <span> Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. </span> </p> <p> <span> Though I did regret it – I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while – yet </span> </p> <p> <span> now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led </span> </p> <p> <span> you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not </span> </p> <p> <span> harmed in any way by us. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Hebrews 12:6) </span> </span> <span> The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he </span> </p> <p> <span> accepts as his son. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 7:10 NASB95) </span> <span> <span> For the sorrow that is according to the will of God </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the </span> </p> <p> <span> world produces death. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. We should not let our messy condition keep us from </span> </span> <span> pursuing </span> <span> <span> God. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 7:11 NASB95) </span> <span> <span> For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> sorrow has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what </span> </p> <p> <span> fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you </span> </p> <p> <span> demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 13 Feb 2022 18:38:28 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/messy-spirituality-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/messy-spirituality-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Messy Spirituality | Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Luke 15:11-24 The Parable of the Prodigal Son </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> "And he said, "There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there </span> </span> <span> <span> he squandered his property in reckless living. </span> </span> <span> <span> And when he had </span> </span> <span> <span> spent everything, </span> </span> <span> <span> a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and </span> </span> <span> no </span> </p> <p> <span> one gave him anything. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> But when he </span> </span> <span> came to himself </span> <span> , he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> sinned against heaven and before you. </span> </span> <span> <span> I am no longer worthy to be called your son. </span> </span> <span> Treat me as one of your </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But </span> </span> <span> while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, ' </span> <span> <span> Bring quickly the best robe, </span> </span> <span> and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and </span> <span> <span> let us eat and celebrate. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> For this my son was dead, and is </span> </span> <span> alive again </span> <span> <span> ; he was </span> </span> <span> <span> lost, and is found.' </span> </span> <span> And they began to celebrate." </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. Sometimes God allows us to go through something hard and </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> even painful things or </span> </span> <span> foolish </span> <span> <span> choices so we can be molded to </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> be more like Jesus . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. No matter how </span> </span> <span> reckless </span> <span> <span> your life has been, your heavenly </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Father has been watching for you to come home. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. God doesn't wait for men to become </span> </span> <span> good </span> <span> <span> before he forgives. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> He is always </span> </span> <span> ready </span> <span> , in his love, grace and mercy to receive us. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Rom. 7:15-25 </span> </p> <p> <span> 1 Tim. 1:16 </span> </p> <p> <span> Isa. 59:1 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 06 Feb 2022 18:32:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/messy-spirituality-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/first-fruits-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> First Fruits | Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Luke 20:45-47 </span> </p> <p> <span> And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, </span> </p> <p> <span> " </span> <span> Beware </span> <span> <span> of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the </span> </p> <p> <span> synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> who devour widows' houses and for a </span> </span> <span> pretense </span> <span> <span> make long prayers. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> They will </span> </span> <span> receive </span> <span> <span> greater </span> </span> <span> condemnation </span> <span> ." </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. God cares more about our attitude or intention in giving than </span> </p> <p> <span> he does the amount. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (1 Peter 4:10) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to </span> </p> <p> <span> serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given </span> </p> <p> <span> among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their </span> </p> <p> <span> abundance </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> of </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> joy </span> <span> <span> and their </span> </span> <span> extreme poverty </span> <span> <span> have </span> </span> <span> overflowed </span> <span> <span> in a </span> </span> <span> wealth </span> </p> <p> <span> of generosity </span> <span> <span> on their part. For they </span> </span> <span> gave </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> according </span> <span> <span> to their </span> </span> <span> means </span> <span> , as I can </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> testify, and </span> </span> <span> beyond their means </span> <span> <span> , of their </span> </span> <span> own accord </span> <span> <span> , </span> </span> <span> begging us earnestly </span> </p> <p> <span> for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints </span> <span> --and this, not as we </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> expected, </span> </span> <span> but they gave themselves first to the Lord </span> <span> <span> and then by the will of </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> God to us. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. When we give to God first, we help to support the relief of </span> </p> <p> <span> other believers, and help grow the mission of God’s kingdom </span> </p> <p> <span> here on earth . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Proverbs 3:9) Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all </span> </p> <p> <span> your crops. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. Our giving should not be out of routine or coercion but out of </span> </p> <p> <span> a sincere desire to help others . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2 Cor. 9:6-15 </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> The point is this: </span> </span> <span> whoever </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> sows sparingly </span> <span> <span> will also </span> </span> <span> reap sparingly </span> <span> , and </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> whoever </span> </span> <span> sows bountifully </span> <span> <span> will also </span> </span> <span> reap bountifully. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Each one </span> </span> <span> must give as he has decided in his heart, </span> <span> <span> not </span> </span> <span> reluctantly </span> <span> <span> or </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> under </span> </span> <span> compulsion </span> <span> <span> , for </span> </span> <span> God loves a cheerful giver. </span> </p> <p> <span> And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all </span> </p> <p> <span> sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> work. As it is written, </span> </span> <span> "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> his righteousness endures forever." </span> </span> <span> <span> He who supplies seed to the sower and </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> bread for food </span> </span> <span> will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  the harvest of yourrighteousness. </span> </span> <span> <span> You will be enriched in every way to </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> to God. </span> </span> <span> <span> For the ministry of this service is not only </span> </span> <span> <span> supplying the needs of </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. </span> </p> <p> <span> By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your </span> </p> <p> <span> submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> and the </span> </span> <span> generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, </span> </p> <p> <span> while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing </span> </p> <p> <span> grace of God upon you. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! </span> </p> </div> Sun, 30 Jan 2022 18:01:38 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/first-fruits-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/first-fruits-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> First Fruits | Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest:  </span> </p> <p> <span> "Thus says the LORD of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD."  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Then the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, </span> </span> <span> "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: </span> </span> <span> <span> Consider your ways. </span> </span> <span> <span> You have </span> </span> <span> sown much </span> <span> <span> , and </span> </span> <span> harvested little </span> <span> <span> . You </span> </span> <span> eat </span> <span> <span> , but you </span> </span> <span> never have enough </span> <span> <span> ; you </span> </span> <span> drink </span> <span> <span> , but </span> </span> <span> you never have your fill </span> <span> <span> . You </span> </span> <span> clothe yourselves </span> <span> <span> , but </span> </span> <span> no one is warm </span> <span> . And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> "Thus says the LORD of hosts: </span> </span> <span> Consider your ways </span> <span> .  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that </span> </span> <span> I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified </span> <span> , says the LORD.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> You </span> </span> <span> looked for much </span> <span> <span> , and </span> </span> <span> behold, it came to little </span> <span> <span> . And </span> </span> <span> when you brought it home </span> <span> <span> , </span> </span> <span> I blew it away </span> <span> <span> . </span> </span> <span> Why? </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> <span> declares the LORD of hosts. </span> </span> <span> Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Therefore the heavens above you have </span> </span> <span> withheld the dew </span> <span> <span> , and the </span> </span> <span> earth has withheld its produce.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> And </span> </span> <span> <span> I </span> </span> <span> <span> have </span> </span> <span> <span> called </span> </span> <span> <span> for a </span> </span> <span> <span> drought </span> </span> <span> <span> on the </span> </span> <span> land and the hills </span> <span> <span> , on the </span> </span> <span> grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors."  </span> </p> <p> <span> Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, spoke to the people with the LORD's message, </span> </span> <span> "I am with you, </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> declares the LORD."  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And </span> </span> <span> they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,  </span> </p> <p> <span> on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.  </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. As Christians our faith is meant to be </span> <span> <span> active </span> </span> <span> <span> not </span> </span> <span> passive </span> <span> .  </span> </p> <p> <span> (1 Peter 4:10) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. God will not bless us if we put our </span> <span> <span> personal comfort </span> </span> <span> <span> before our relationship with Him.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Proverbs 3:9) Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the </span> </span> <span> <span> firstfruits </span> </span> <span> <span> of </span> </span> <span> <span> all </span> </span> <span> your crops.  </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. God wants a relationship with us where we honor Him by putting Him </span> <span> <span> first </span> </span> <span> <span> and giving Him our </span> </span> <span> absolute best. </span> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (1 Corinthians 9:14) In the same way, the Lord </span> </span> <span> <span> commanded </span> </span> <span> <span> that those who proclaim the gospel should </span> </span> <span> get their living by the gospel </span> <span> .  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (1 Timothy 5:17) Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, </span> </span> <span> especially those who labor in preaching and teaching </span> <span> .  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Ezekiel 44:30) And the first of all the firstfruits of all kinds, and every offering of all kinds from all your offerings, </span> </span> <span> <span> shall belong to the priests. </span> </span> <span> <span> You shall also give to the priests the first of your dough, that a </span> </span> <span> blessing may rest on your house.  </span> </p> <p> <span> (Psalm 24:1) The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. NIV </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 23 Jan 2022 17:39:49 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/first-fruits-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/first-fruits-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> First Fruits | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Thank you for joining us today for online worship! </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/celebrationchurchtupelo?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXQM5cEt12CMolyvo7dHp1CQdr04weEd5Q0Yj5ap9xJ_Q47ppLT1bsl-XXhP4coCMX1dtArnUK7oHvc9cO28V-6b_0X8iLcnNc2xs2YN6Bb4dERQ8IwiBBir7pg--dnQ15sFJKcIBs3GjrTD9Y1YOdc3ztl_r-bzebHMW4-lOtlKx2HJ4LU7vO7OKlK8EXZYks&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #celebrationchurchtupelo </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/loveservereach?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXQM5cEt12CMolyvo7dHp1CQdr04weEd5Q0Yj5ap9xJ_Q47ppLT1bsl-XXhP4coCMX1dtArnUK7oHvc9cO28V-6b_0X8iLcnNc2xs2YN6Bb4dERQ8IwiBBir7pg--dnQ15sFJKcIBs3GjrTD9Y1YOdc3ztl_r-bzebHMW4-lOtlKx2HJ4LU7vO7OKlK8EXZYks&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #loveservereach </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/sunday?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXQM5cEt12CMolyvo7dHp1CQdr04weEd5Q0Yj5ap9xJ_Q47ppLT1bsl-XXhP4coCMX1dtArnUK7oHvc9cO28V-6b_0X8iLcnNc2xs2YN6Bb4dERQ8IwiBBir7pg--dnQ15sFJKcIBs3GjrTD9Y1YOdc3ztl_r-bzebHMW4-lOtlKx2HJ4LU7vO7OKlK8EXZYks&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #Sunday </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/onlinechurch?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXQM5cEt12CMolyvo7dHp1CQdr04weEd5Q0Yj5ap9xJ_Q47ppLT1bsl-XXhP4coCMX1dtArnUK7oHvc9cO28V-6b_0X8iLcnNc2xs2YN6Bb4dERQ8IwiBBir7pg--dnQ15sFJKcIBs3GjrTD9Y1YOdc3ztl_r-bzebHMW4-lOtlKx2HJ4LU7vO7OKlK8EXZYks&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #onlinechurch </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/tupelomississippi?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXQM5cEt12CMolyvo7dHp1CQdr04weEd5Q0Yj5ap9xJ_Q47ppLT1bsl-XXhP4coCMX1dtArnUK7oHvc9cO28V-6b_0X8iLcnNc2xs2YN6Bb4dERQ8IwiBBir7pg--dnQ15sFJKcIBs3GjrTD9Y1YOdc3ztl_r-bzebHMW4-lOtlKx2HJ4LU7vO7OKlK8EXZYks&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #tupelomississippi </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/firstfruits?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXQM5cEt12CMolyvo7dHp1CQdr04weEd5Q0Yj5ap9xJ_Q47ppLT1bsl-XXhP4coCMX1dtArnUK7oHvc9cO28V-6b_0X8iLcnNc2xs2YN6Bb4dERQ8IwiBBir7pg--dnQ15sFJKcIBs3GjrTD9Y1YOdc3ztl_r-bzebHMW4-lOtlKx2HJ4LU7vO7OKlK8EXZYks&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #FirstFruits </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/webelieve?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXQM5cEt12CMolyvo7dHp1CQdr04weEd5Q0Yj5ap9xJ_Q47ppLT1bsl-XXhP4coCMX1dtArnUK7oHvc9cO28V-6b_0X8iLcnNc2xs2YN6Bb4dERQ8IwiBBir7pg--dnQ15sFJKcIBs3GjrTD9Y1YOdc3ztl_r-bzebHMW4-lOtlKx2HJ4LU7vO7OKlK8EXZYks&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #webelieve </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take a moment and introduce yourself below and let us know where you're watching from! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take time to fill out our connect card: (We promise we won't harass or spam you!) </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/?fbclid=IwAR1Y_KCOZ4BjY0_O5QT85N8nSB96FzJQv2NyIbCVizZJVyLN-YMlE-Gla3A" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Submit your confidential prayer requests here: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request?fbclid=IwAR1tlbLFObsauHyO-am7ruQ75uzY_kvKM9s4I7uIXRCXez9mpPK_xlLvH1U" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Support Celebration Church by giving online at: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving?fbclid=IwAR2WiX-Bn7cyWZ_-cMg3d-5nQlT_NiEGE-D9p0rA7B5xnkjrrWD3ot_iuJI" target="_blank"> https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving </a> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Want to stay connected w/all that is going on @ CC?! Then text the word "CELEBRATE" to (662) 297-7435 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 16 Jan 2022 17:54:50 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/first-fruits-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/first-fruits-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> First Fruits | Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Genesis 4:1 – 8 CSB) The man was intimate with his wife Eve, and she conceived </span> </p> <p> <span> and gave birth to Cain. She said, “I have had a male child with the LORD’s help.” She </span> </p> <p> <span> also gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel became a shepherd of flocks, but Cain </span> </p> <p> <span> worked the ground. In the course of time Cain presented some of the land’s produce </span> </p> <p> <span> as an offering to the LORD. And Abel also presented an offering – some of the </span> </p> <p> <span> firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The LORD had regard for Abel and his </span> </p> <p> <span> offering, but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and </span> </p> <p> <span> he looked despondent. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why </span> </p> <p> <span> do you look despondent? If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you </span> </p> <p> <span> do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you </span> </p> <p> <span> must rule over it.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> When we give to God . . . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. We should give from what we have. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Genesis 4:2 – 4) Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of </span> </p> <p> <span> time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. And </span> </p> <p> <span> Abel also brought an offering – fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 Peter 4:10) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve </span> </p> <p> <span> others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. We give based on our view of God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Genesis 4:3 – 4) In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as </span> </p> <p> <span> an offering to the LORD. And Abel also brought an offering – fat portions from some </span> </p> <p> <span> of the firstborn of his flock. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Proverbs 3:9) Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. We give based on our attitude towards God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Genesis 4:4 – 6) The LORD looks with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain </span> </p> <p> <span> and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was </span> </p> <p> <span> downcast. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry?” Why is your face </span> </p> <p> <span> downcast?” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Psalm 24:1) The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live </span> </p> <p> <span> in it. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Mark 12:41 – 44) Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put </span> </p> <p> <span> and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich </span> </p> <p> <span> people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small </span> </p> <p> <span> copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I </span> </p> <p> <span> tell you; this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all </span> </p> <p> <span> gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had </span> </p> <p> <span> to live on.” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 Corinthians 8:12) For if the willingness is there the gift is acceptable according to </span> </p> <p> <span> what one has, not according to what one does not have. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 4. We give God what is right NOT what is left. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Genesis 4:7) If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do </span> </p> <p> <span> what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule </span> </p> <p> <span> over it. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Malachi 1:6 – 8) “A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, </span> </p> <p> <span> where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says </span> </p> <p> <span> the LORD Almighty. “It is you priests who show contempt for my name. But you ask, </span> </p> <p> <span> ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’ By offering defiled food on my altar. </span> </p> <p> <span> But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’ By saying that the LORD’s table is </span> </p> <p> <span> contemptible. When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When </span> </p> <p> <span> you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your </span> </p> <p> <span> governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the LORD </span> </p> <p> <span> Almighty. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 09 Jan 2022 18:52:41 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/first-fruits-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebration-church-sunday-morning-worship-01-02-2022 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Thank you for joining us today for online worship! </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/celebrationchurchtupelo?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWSXsCLVDQyAsmfUgExWH8fjxHCfGl7lYgO-dq98sSyv_X6aAmpJFwrUQfeWT1rvo0GENVBP3VGtv6yHl5mzHj-99pP0XDs5SVqbIIYkIYjivuaRLmC3b0CLpR5IaKAZPEqYTrqfLs3qVo4lhESvmSRyBvcLTsaT2u7qCbQAxEJ4uDT4ZmL6PDtd3Wsh2nVmcw&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #celebrationchurchtupelo </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/loveservereach?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWSXsCLVDQyAsmfUgExWH8fjxHCfGl7lYgO-dq98sSyv_X6aAmpJFwrUQfeWT1rvo0GENVBP3VGtv6yHl5mzHj-99pP0XDs5SVqbIIYkIYjivuaRLmC3b0CLpR5IaKAZPEqYTrqfLs3qVo4lhESvmSRyBvcLTsaT2u7qCbQAxEJ4uDT4ZmL6PDtd3Wsh2nVmcw&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #loveservereach </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/sunday?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWSXsCLVDQyAsmfUgExWH8fjxHCfGl7lYgO-dq98sSyv_X6aAmpJFwrUQfeWT1rvo0GENVBP3VGtv6yHl5mzHj-99pP0XDs5SVqbIIYkIYjivuaRLmC3b0CLpR5IaKAZPEqYTrqfLs3qVo4lhESvmSRyBvcLTsaT2u7qCbQAxEJ4uDT4ZmL6PDtd3Wsh2nVmcw&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #Sunday </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/onlinechurch?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWSXsCLVDQyAsmfUgExWH8fjxHCfGl7lYgO-dq98sSyv_X6aAmpJFwrUQfeWT1rvo0GENVBP3VGtv6yHl5mzHj-99pP0XDs5SVqbIIYkIYjivuaRLmC3b0CLpR5IaKAZPEqYTrqfLs3qVo4lhESvmSRyBvcLTsaT2u7qCbQAxEJ4uDT4ZmL6PDtd3Wsh2nVmcw&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #onlinechurch </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/tupelomississippi?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWSXsCLVDQyAsmfUgExWH8fjxHCfGl7lYgO-dq98sSyv_X6aAmpJFwrUQfeWT1rvo0GENVBP3VGtv6yHl5mzHj-99pP0XDs5SVqbIIYkIYjivuaRLmC3b0CLpR5IaKAZPEqYTrqfLs3qVo4lhESvmSRyBvcLTsaT2u7qCbQAxEJ4uDT4ZmL6PDtd3Wsh2nVmcw&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #tupelomississippi </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/newyear?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWSXsCLVDQyAsmfUgExWH8fjxHCfGl7lYgO-dq98sSyv_X6aAmpJFwrUQfeWT1rvo0GENVBP3VGtv6yHl5mzHj-99pP0XDs5SVqbIIYkIYjivuaRLmC3b0CLpR5IaKAZPEqYTrqfLs3qVo4lhESvmSRyBvcLTsaT2u7qCbQAxEJ4uDT4ZmL6PDtd3Wsh2nVmcw&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #NewYear </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/webelieve?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWSXsCLVDQyAsmfUgExWH8fjxHCfGl7lYgO-dq98sSyv_X6aAmpJFwrUQfeWT1rvo0GENVBP3VGtv6yHl5mzHj-99pP0XDs5SVqbIIYkIYjivuaRLmC3b0CLpR5IaKAZPEqYTrqfLs3qVo4lhESvmSRyBvcLTsaT2u7qCbQAxEJ4uDT4ZmL6PDtd3Wsh2nVmcw&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #webelieve </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take a moment and introduce yourself below and let us know where you're watching from! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take time to fill out our connect card: ((We promise we won't harass or spam you!) </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/?fbclid=IwAR34nPUW_t1z_mr-yCiUILtNqLh9NKgwXszFVoSv4A0607jTSuBgj3kPoqI" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Submit your confidential prayer requests here: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request?fbclid=IwAR1Ol-zMHLqFcAoVVGLxkSvLOLWqTXOZiV85GBb8yI-Tglvb482GNXuUsWA" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Support Celebration Church by giving online at: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com%2Fgiving%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1PZFEyDUAItD_5IutU6_zdW_x9WALgUPCZngPCBOaL7DmWT18C6jtWWe8&amp;h=AT0MUyoAdyPox0Nem7fT4Fz8CcGFMPO01QQy1NSkGHmUYnO-i-32YPXmCv-4_YjTwCRlfkySkRQW411m8FVLSORrGwfotabFeTkhvcI4640DjuMtmEkQnTv7Jz2YZVX9DSmHHclY6Q&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT213dAVJH2FYYIo-AuRxTZeKY52taVKj52jQQsSqT-CbwLtR1ejKC0Yzoa4WPsFo0jQjle9cYAlfmJw4bJTpPLrp3YdeWoZkDSJOvAijavXQy8NaEEjJt3h-C_nkiFJPR3p7hpDVsEl2TEhQeoLS_6-bKCD2fo7npe_N3bNeisz4m3P2ARZYaBhtHEB671nlUc9U7sy8P_uiVW6zlw" target="_blank"> https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving </a> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Want to stay connected w/all that is going on @ CC?! Then text the word "CELEBRATE" to (662) 297-7435New Paragraph </span> </p> </div> Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:19:28 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/celebration-church-sunday-morning-worship-01-02-2022 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/christmas-at-the-movies-part-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Christmas at the Movies | Part 4 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> (Luke 2:1-21) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, </span> </span> <span> <span> “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” </span> </span> <span> <span> When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, </span> </span> <span> glorifying </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> praising </span> <span> <span> God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told to them .And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> <span> <span> 1. God often works in ways that are often </span> </span> <span> smaller </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> humbler </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> quieter </span> <span> <span> than we expect.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1Cor. 1:27) God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. Our hope in every situation in every season is found in </span> </span> <span> Emmanuel </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 2:11) For unto you this day is born in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. Christmas is not about the worth and goodness of humanity but the </span> </span> <span> mercy </span> <span> <span> of God.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> (Luke 2:19-20) But Mary </span> </span> <span> treasured </span> <span> <span> up all these things, pondering them in her </span> </span> <span> heart </span> <span> <span> . And the shepherds returned, </span> </span> <span> glorifying </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> praising </span> <span> <span> God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:40:29 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/christmas-at-the-movies-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/christmas-at-the-movies-part-3 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Christmas at the Movies | Part 3 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Luke 1:46 – 56) My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, </span> </p> <p> <span> for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all </span> </p> <p> <span> generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - </span> </p> <p> <span> holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to </span> </p> <p> <span> generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those </span> </p> <p> <span> who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their </span> </p> <p> <span> thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but </span> </p> <p> <span> has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be </span> </p> <p> <span> merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our </span> </p> <p> <span> ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned </span> </p> <p> <span> home. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> What can we learn from Mary’s prayer and A Christmas Carol? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. God </span> </span> <span> cares </span> <span> <span> even when </span> </span> <span> others </span> <span> <span> don’t. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 1:48) He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Psalm 34:18) The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are </span> </p> <p> <span> crushed in spirit. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. The ground is level at the </span> </span> <span> manger </span> <span> <span> and the </span> </span> <span> cross </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 1:52) He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the </span> </p> <p> <span> humble. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Acts 10:34 – 35) Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God </span> </p> <p> <span> does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and </span> </p> <p> <span> does what is right. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 2:8 – 18) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping </span> </p> <p> <span> watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the </span> </p> <p> <span> glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to </span> </p> <p> <span> them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the </span> </p> <p> <span> people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the </span> </p> <p> <span> Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes </span> </p> <p> <span> and lying in a manager.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared </span> </p> <p> <span> with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on </span> </p> <p> <span> earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and </span> </p> <p> <span> gone into heaven, the shepherd said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see </span> </p> <p> <span> this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off </span> </p> <p> <span> and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they </span> </p> <p> <span> had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about </span> </p> <p> <span> this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Galatians 3:28) There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there </span> </p> <p> <span> male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. God loves and cares about the </span> </span> <span> poor </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 1:53 – 55) He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away </span> </p> <p> <span> empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham </span> </p> <p> <span> and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 4:18 – 19) The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to </span> </p> <p> <span> proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the </span> </p> <p> <span> prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim </span> </p> <p> <span> the year of the Lord’s favor. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. </span> </span> <span> Caring </span> <span> <span> makes a </span> </span> <span> difference </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 1:54 – 55) He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to </span> </p> <p> <span> Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:25:43 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/christmas-at-the-movies-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/christmas-at-the-movies-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Christmas at the Movies | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> What is our issue? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> One problem we see is </span> </span> <span> wrong expectations </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Mark 6:1-6 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> So how do we fix this issue? We need to be reminded that God </span> </p> <p> <span> will provide what we need but not always what we want. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Isaiah 55:8-9 </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> But what is the problem? What is still causing issues? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Skeptics, questions, etc.? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Belief </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> What we see today is that our culture’s beliefs are </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> increasingly </span> </span> <span> skeptical </span> <span> <span> of God. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> And the central theme we see in the Polar Express is </span> </p> <p> <span> belief. The main character in the Polar Express didn’t come to </span> </p> <p> <span> believe in Christmas by seeing Santa, but it was because he </span> </p> <p> <span> stepped out on faith. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The Purpose of John’s Gospel </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his </span> </p> <p> <span> disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are </span> </p> <p> <span> written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of </span> </p> <p> <span> God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> Stop </span> </span> <span> doubting </span> <span> <span> and simply </span> </span> <span> believe </span> <span> ! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> That doesn’t mean you won’t have legitimate questions, but that’s </span> </p> <p> <span> what community is for. To get around other believers and have these </span> </p> <p> <span> questions discussed. There’s so much to know about God, and it’s </span> </p> <p> <span> impossible to know everything, but should never be the reason to </span> </p> <p> <span> run away </span> <span> <span> from God. </span> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 05 Dec 2021 23:40:35 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/christmas-at-the-movies-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/christmas-at-the-movies <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <h3> <span> This is a subtitle for your new post </span> </h3> </div> <div> </div> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (John 1:1 – 18) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the </span> </p> <p> <span> Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were; </span> </p> <p> <span> without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life </span> </p> <p> <span> was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has </span> </p> <p> <span> not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came </span> </p> <p> <span> as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. </span> </p> <p> <span> He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light </span> </p> <p> <span> that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and </span> </p> <p> <span> though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came </span> </p> <p> <span> to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did </span> </p> <p> <span> receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become </span> </p> <p> <span> children of God - children not born of natural descent, nor of human decision or a </span> </p> <p> <span> husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling </span> </p> <p> <span> among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came </span> </p> <p> <span> from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, </span> </p> <p> <span> saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has </span> </p> <p> <span> surpassed me because he was before me.’”). Out of his fullness we have all received </span> </p> <p> <span> grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace </span> </p> <p> <span> and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and </span> </p> <p> <span> only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made </span> </p> <p> <span> him known. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 1. God chose to relate to us in a unique way, by becoming a part of </span> </p> <p> <span> His own creation. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (John 1:1, 14) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the </span> </p> <p> <span> Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and </span> </p> <p> <span> made his dwelling among us. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Hebrews 4:14 – 15 NASB) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has </span> </p> <p> <span> passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. </span> </p> <p> <span> For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but </span> </p> <p> <span> One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 2. God communicates in unexpected ways. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (John 1:11) He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 Kings 19:11 – 13) The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the </span> </p> <p> <span> presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful </span> </p> <p> <span> wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the </span> </p> <p> <span> LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD </span> </p> <p> <span> was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not </span> </p> <p> <span> in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heart it, he pulled </span> </p> <p> <span> his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a </span> </p> <p> <span> voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 3. There is hope that cannot be overcome. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (John 1:5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. </span> </p> <p> <span> (Matthew 5:16) In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may </span> </p> <p> <span> see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 28 Nov 2021 23:36:00 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/christmas-at-the-movies thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/transformational-thanksgiving-part-2 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Transformational Thanksgiving | Part 2 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Romans 12:1-2) 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Transformation </span> <span> <span> - a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Thanksgiving </span> <span> <span> - the expression of gratitude especially to God.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> Gratitude is </span> </span> <span> thankfulness </span> <span> <span> and appreciation. Comes from the latin word “gratus” which means thankful, pleasing. When we have a heart of gratitude, we are pleased by what someone has done for us as well as the results.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> Transformational Thanksgiving is a deep heart of </span> </span> <span> thankfulness </span> <span> <span> because of the careful, strategic, evident change that has taken place in our lives.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Romans 12:1 - 2  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> If we are unwilling to let the Lord transform us, we are settling for </span> </span> <span> spiritual stagnation </span> <span> .  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> James 1:2  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> How can we know this life of transformation? In this case, it’s </span> </span> <span> repentance </span> <span> <span> (turning to God).  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Acts 3:17-21  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Here Peter promises three things concerning repentance. In Acts 3:20  </span> </p> <p> <span> If we repent (turn to God) we can receive and know:  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> Forgiveness </span> <span> <span> of sins  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. Times of </span> </span> <span> refreshing </span> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. </span> </span> <span> Christ </span> <span> <span> is coming again.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> What we can know about transformation:  </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Our </span> </span> <span> soul </span> <span> <span> needs to be transformed.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Our </span> </span> <span> mind </span> <span> <span> needs to be transformed  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Our </span> </span> <span> perspective </span> <span> <span> needs to be transformed.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Our </span> </span> <span> response </span> <span> <span> needs to be transformed </span> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 21 Nov 2021 23:31:20 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/transformational-thanksgiving-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/transformational-thanksgiving-part-1 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Transformational Thanksgiving | Part 1 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Romans 12:1-2) </span> <span> <span> 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy </span> </p> <p> <span> and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not </span> </p> <p> <span> be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal </span> </p> <p> <span> of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of </span> </p> <p> <span> God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. God does not </span> </span> <span> conform </span> <span> <span> to our notions of how he should act. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> (Matt. 5:45) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. We cannot put God into a </span> </span> <span> transactional </span> <span> <span> box. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. </span> </span> <span> Transformation </span> <span> <span> is not switching from a to-do list of the flesh to </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> a to-do list of the law. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. The transformed life is about giving our </span> </span> <span> lives </span> <span> <span> and </span> </span> <span> bodies </span> <span> <span> as a </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> living and holy sacrifice. (Rom. 12:1) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 5. We become transformed by </span> </span> <span> renewing </span> <span> <span> our minds. (Rom. 12:2) </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 6. When our minds are renewed it </span> <span> <span> </span> </span> <span> frees us </span> <span> <span> from life-ruining , </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> worship-destroying sinful desires. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 7. The Holy Spirit </span> </span> <span> renews </span> <span> <span> our mind.(Titus 3:5) </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 8. The Spirit also transforms us and </span> </span> <span> enables </span> <span> <span> us to see the glory of </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> the Lord. (2 Cor. 3:18) </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 14 Nov 2021 19:06:09 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/transformational-thanksgiving-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-8 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Convictions | Part 8 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> What is the Church? </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> The church is a community of believers. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Acts 2:44) All the believers were together and had everything in common. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Revelation 5:9) With your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe </span> </p> <p> <span> and language and people and nation. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (see James 2:1 – 7) Rich and poor are both in the community </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. </span> </span> <span> As a community, the church is a Family. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 Timothy 5:1 – 2) Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he </span> </p> <p> <span> were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and </span> </p> <p> <span> younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Matthew 12:49 – 50) Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the </span> </p> <p> <span> will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 John 3:16 – 18) This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life </span> </p> <p> <span> for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has </span> </p> <p> <span> material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has not pity on them, </span> </p> <p> <span> how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words </span> </p> <p> <span> or speech but with actions and in truth. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. </span> </span> <span> The church is the Bride of Christ. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (2 Corinthians 11:2) I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one </span> </p> <p> <span> husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 5:32) This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the </span> </p> <p> <span> church. (see Eph. 5:21 – 33) </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 4. </span> </span> <span> The church is the Body of Christ. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (1 Corinthians 12:12 – 14) Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its </span> </p> <p> <span> many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit </span> </p> <p> <span> so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all </span> </p> <p> <span> given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but many. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 1:22 – 23) And placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be </span> </p> <p> <span> head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 5. </span> </span> <span> The church is both local and universal. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; 1 </span> </p> <p> <span> Thessalonians 1:1; Acts 9:31; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 12:28) </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The Purpose of the Church </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 1. </span> </span> <span> The purpose of the church is ministry to God through worship. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Acts 2:42, 46 – 47) They devoted themselves . . . to prayer . . . to meeting together </span> </p> <p> <span> in the temple . . . praising God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Colossians 3:16 ESV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and </span> </p> <p> <span> admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual </span> </p> <p> <span> songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 5:16 – 19) Making the most of every opportunity . . . be filled with the </span> </p> <p> <span> Spirit . . . sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 2. </span> </span> <span> The purpose of the church is ministry to believers through nurture. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Colossians 1:28) He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone </span> </p> <p> <span> with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Ephesians 4:11 – 13 ESV) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, </span> </p> <p> <span> the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building </span> </p> <p> <span> up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge </span> </p> <p> <span> of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness </span> </p> <p> <span> of Christ. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> 3. </span> </span> <span> The purpose of the church is ministry to unbelievers through evangelism and mercy. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Matthew 28:19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> (Luke 6:35 – 36) But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without </span> </p> <p> <span> expecting to get anything back. . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Sun, 07 Nov 2021 18:59:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-8 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-7 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Atonement, Grace, Forgiveness, Redemption </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> (Rom. 3:23-26) For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, </span> </p> <p> <span> through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put </span> </p> <p> <span> forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This </span> </p> <p> <span> was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 1. God has provided a free gift of grace that justifies us through </span> </p> <p> <span> the life and death of Jesus.(verses 24-25) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 2. All sin is a preference for the pleasures of the world over the </span> </p> <p> <span> everlasting joy of fellowship with God. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 3. The real meaning of sin is failing to love God's glory above </span> </p> <p> <span> everything else. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 4. Christ bore the wrath of our sins, and turned it away from us. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 5. Through the sinless life Christ lived he became our </span> </p> <p> <span> righteousness. ( 1 Cor. 1:30) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 6. He became a curse for us to redeem us from the curse of the </span> </p> <p> <span> law. (Gal. 3:13) </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> 7. It’s not about what we do , it’s about what Jesus did on our </span> </p> <p> <span> behalf!! </span> </p> </div> Sun, 31 Oct 2021 16:21:45 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-7 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-5 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Join us for a powerful sermon! </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Thank you for joining us today for online worship! </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/celebrationchurchtupelo?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #celebrationchurchtupelo </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/loveservereach?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #loveservereach </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/sunday?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #Sunday </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/onlinechurch?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #onlinechurch </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/tupelomississippi?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #tupelomississippi </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/convictions?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #Convictions </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/thisibelieve?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #thisibelieve </a> <span>   </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/webelieve?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"> #webelieve </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> 911 Ministries: </span> </p> <p> <span> 911 Life Blog </span> </p> <p> <a href="http://911life.org/?fbclid=IwAR3QH19g2G3CNUnjCodqHBQ_kW-BOkxuRZrrkBkLmN6eamdjtEYfgYunayA" target="_blank"> 911Life.org </a> </p> <p> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FOrphanos.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1MYKPJO-4CGNktt_cVQz-XC_xk1YlIswxKD1tIR9USFnGaYY27aDSDHKE&amp;h=AT3Csc__9ucwBo-q_SxaPGQt0HCeXwIXo8GNO04chHQmJf95yIHNGH_v6y0y7za5hiOJLt8LGYTi2KW3a1fRrYlP1sLjVh0aEo19mDkgXCCfr6QKSLm4mKBmzo17uFzM5_xXOYdVrQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R" target="_blank"> Orphanos.org </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take a moment and introduce yourself below and let us know where you're watching from! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take time to fill out our connect card: ((We promise we won't harass or spam you!) </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/?fbclid=IwAR1eMcQs-rvKGmocWEZ60QmZkvfSN3MSuaeZJyjGAz43AOaQu3xan0UBaQw" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Submit your confidential prayer requests here: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request?fbclid=IwAR1yg-HTO5vUqIV5dOPbT7vHp-PYoVkmciH2O6f74B6d6L78NZJYwvEJjKM" target="_blank"> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Support Celebration Church by giving online at: </span> </p> <p> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com%2Fgiving%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0qbRsY_no2-a4_VQe0IhVE7SAexd6vGr1T1bgUZVcwBQYv-RqI-VVPPTo&amp;h=AT3nyZ0YpPrPcabHPLK59FuU-fyTQDjVYTS987rNiXsRs5gVa6pDxW0nF5r31v-ZEavj4XDQWviJdBM_2YtrBheSYwz0fMetpmCAovUzadOKat2wBsjhvXsINNoyT5hzyCVKvQuhMA&amp;__tn__=-UK-R" target="_blank"> https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Want to stay connected w/all that is going on @ CC?! Then text the word "CELEBRATE" to (662) 297-7435 <span>  </span> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 24 Oct 2021 16:16:45 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/this-i-believe <h3> Who Is The Holy Spirit?  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <b> 1. The Holy Spirit is God.  </b> <br/> </div> <div> (Isaiah 48:16 NASB) And now the Lord GOD has sent me, and His Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Acts 5:3 – 4) Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit . . . You have not lied just to human beings but to God.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> What does the Holy Spirit Do?  </b> </div> <div> <b> 2. The Holy Spirit provides the believer with power for living.  </b> </div> <div> (Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 3. The Holy Spirit provides the believer with understanding of spiritual truth.  </b> </div> <div> (John 14:16 – 17, 26) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. . . But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 16:13) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 4. The Holy Spirit provides the believer with guidance in doing right.  </b> </div> <div> (John 16:13) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Romans 8:14, 26) For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Galatians 5:25) Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 5. The Holy Spirit provides the believer with spiritual gifts to build up the church and spread the gospel.  </b> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 12:4, 7) There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them . . . Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 6. The Holy Spirit testifies of Christ. </b>   </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 12:3) No one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 16:14) He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 7. The Holy Spirit leads to repentance and new life.  </b> </div> <div> (John 16:8 – 11 CSB) When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 3:3, 5 – 6) Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Acts 2:38) Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> How do we respond to the Holy Spirit?  </b> </div> <div> <b> 1. We respond by repenting.  </b> </div> <div> <b> 2. We respond by following His lead.  </b> </div> <div> <b> 3. We respond by using the gifts He’s given us.  </b> </div> <div> <b> 4. We respond by being in community with God and other believers. 5. We respond by sharing the Gospel of Jesus.  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:01:16 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/this-i-believe thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/911-ministries <h3> <div> 911 Ministries Information: </div> </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> 911 Life Blog </div> <div> <a href="http://911life.org" target="_blank"> <font> 911Life.org </font> </a> </div> <div> <font> <a href="http://Orphanos.org" target="_blank"> Orphanos.org </a> </font> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Take time to fill out our connect card: ((We promise we won't harass or spam you!) </div> <div> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Submit your confidential prayer requests here: </div> <div> https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/prayer-request </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Support Celebration Church by giving online at: </div> <div> https://celebrationchurchms.churchcenter.com/giving </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Want to stay connected w/all that is going on @ CC?! Then text the word "CELEBRATE" to (662) 297-7435 </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 10 Oct 2021 23:39:42 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/911-ministries thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-4 <h3> The Son </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Phil. 2:4-11) Let each of you look not to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who , though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father .  <div> <br/> <div> 1. We believe that Jesus is God in flesh. (John 1:1-4,14)  </div> <div> 2. We turn to the one, the only one who could keep God’s law, Jesus.  </div> <div> 3. As God in the flesh Jesus did what we could not do; he obeyed the law perfectly.  </div> <div> 4. Jesus is God and he became human for a reason; for us and for our salvation.  </div> <div> 5. Jesus forgives us and empowers us to follow Him in servanthood and love.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Application  </div> <div> 6. Jesus calls us to lay our life down as servants. (Matt. 23:11)  </div> <div> 7. God wants us to freely and joyfully choose to put others' interests above our own.(Phil. 2:3-4)  </div> <div> 8. In God’s greatness and genius he says the greatest among us are those who love and serve others most.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> </div> Sun, 03 Oct 2021 18:04:01 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-3 <h3> Creation </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> Gen. 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. John 1:3 “all things were made through Him”  <div> <br/> <div> Col. 1:16 By Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. Men and women were created by God's very hands and received life from God's very breath. (Gen2:7,22)  </div> <div> 2. As humans we are the only created things to be made in the Image of God. (Gen. 1:26)  </div> <div> 3. The Bible is clear: God created the earth and all that is in it from nothing .( Psalm 33:6,9)  </div> <div> 4. The fact that God created the universe out of nothing means it has a purpose and that purpose is to bring glory to Himself.  </div> <div> 5. God created the sun, moon, and stars to testify to His greatness and His glory. (Psalm 19:1-2)  </div> <div> 6. God created His people for His own glory. (Isa. 43:7) 7. The universe and everything He created was good. (Gen. 1:31)  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> </div> Sun, 26 Sep 2021 18:02:23 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-2 <h3> The Trinity: God in Three Persons  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <b> What is the Trinity?  </b> <div> (Matthew 28:19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> The Oneness of God  </b> </div> <div> <b> 1. God is One.  </b> </div> <div> (Exodus 20:2 – 3) I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Deuteronomy 6:4) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (James 2:19 NASB) You believe that God is one. You do well;  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> See also 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6; 1 Timothy 2:5-6  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> The Deity of Three </b>   </div> <div> <b> 2. God the Father is God. </b>   </div> <div> (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 6:26) Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 6:9) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 8:6) There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live . . .  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 3. Jesus the Son is God.  </b> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 8:6) There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Philippians 2:5 – 6 NASB) . . . Christ Jesus, Who, being in very nature God . . .  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Hebrews 1:2 – 3, 5 NASB) in these last days, (God) has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature . . . For to which of the angels did He ever say, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You?’ And again, ‘I will be a Father to Him and He shall be a Son to Me?’  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 1:1 – 2) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 4. The Holy Spirit is God. </b>   </div> <div> (Isaiah 63:10) Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Isaiah 48:16 NASB) And now the Lord GOD has sent me, and His Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 14:26) The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you…  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 16:7) It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> The Three-in-Oneness  </b> </div> <div> <b> 5. All Three Together are God. The Trinity is One God consisting of Three Distinct Persons, yet they are One. </b>   </div> <div> (Matthew 3:16 – 17) As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 28:19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (2 Corinthians 13:14) May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 19 Sep 2021 16:27:37 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-1 <h3> The Word of God: A Firm Foundation </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Matthew 7:24 – 27) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts  <span> them into practice is like a wise man who build his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.  </span> <div> <br/> <div> What is the Bible?  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 1. The Bible is authoritative.  </b> </div> <div> (2 Timothy 3:16 – 17) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (2 Peter 1:20 – 21) Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 5:17 – 18) Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 2. The Bible is inspired.  </b> </div> <div> (2 Timothy 3:16 – 17) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (2 Peter 1:20 – 21) Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 17:17) Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 3. The Bible is true.  </b> </div> </div> <div> (2 Sam. 7:28 CSB) Lord, GOD, you are God; your words are true . . .  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Titus 1:2) in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie . . .  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Hebrews 6:17 - 18 CSB) Because God wanted to show his unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 4. The Bible is dependable.  </b> </div> <div> (Psalm 12:6 ESV) The words of the LORD are pure words  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Proverbs 30:5 ESV) Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Numbers 23:19) God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Isaiah 40:8 ESV) The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. </div> <div>   </div> <div> <b> Why Do We Need the Bible?  </b> </div> <div> <b> 1. The Bible teaches us.  </b> </div> <div> <b> 2. The Bible corrects us.  </b> </div> <div> <b> 3. The Bible trains us.  </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> What Can We Do with the Bible?  </b> </div> <div> <b> 1. Read it.  </b> </div> <div> <b> 2. Study it.  </b> </div> <div> <b> 3. Obey it.  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> All scripture is from the NIV unless otherwise noted. </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 12 Sep 2021 16:23:05 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/convictions-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/love-moved-first-part-4 <h3> When Love Moves First </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  <div> Love moved by the creation of the world.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Gen 1:1  </div> <div> “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Hosea is an example of God’s commitment to us.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> God’s love continues to move first toward us even with consistent history of moving away from Him.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Rom. 5:8  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Love moves first even when we don’t trust His Love for us.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> And what we see in this time of history is that God’s love would move first to unite us all.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Love moves first because it is an essence of who God is.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Because God’s love moved first, we should be a church that moves first.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> We should be a church that helps people belong before they believe  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> A few essentials of response:  </div> <div> 1. Love moves first to restore.  </div> <div> 2. Love moves first to redeem.  </div> <div> 3. Love moves first to Love.  </div> </div> Sun, 05 Sep 2021 16:14:11 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/love-moved-first-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/love-moved-first-part-3 <h3> Love Moves to Serve </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  <div> (1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7 CSB) Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 1. Love shares the load.  </b> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 13:7 CSB) It bears all things . . . hopes all things, endures all things.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Galatians 6:2 CSB) Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 22:37 – 40 CSB) He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 2. Love goes the extra mile.  </b> </div> <div> (Matthew 5:38 – 42 CSB) You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants  <span> to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.  </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> (Romans 12:9 – 21 CSB) Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the  </div> <div> saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,’ says the Lord. But ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.’ Do  <span> not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.  </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <b> 3. Love sacrifices of itself.  </b> </div> <div> (John 15:12 - 13 CSB) This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. </div> <div>   </div> <div> (Ephesians 5:1 – 2) Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> 4. Ultimately, Love serves.  </b> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 13:5 CSB) Love is not self-seeking  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 13:5 MSG) Love cares more for others than for self. (1 Corinthians 13:5 ESV) Love does not insist on its own way.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 29 Aug 2021 16:10:07 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/love-moved-first-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/love-moved-first-part-2 <h3> Love Moves to Reconcile </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Romans 5:6 – 11) You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless,  <span> Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.  </span> <div> <br/> <div> <b> 1. Love takes the initiative.  </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> (Romans 5:8, 10 CSB) But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Ephesians 3:4 – 7 CSB) But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 5:23-24 CSB) Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 2. Love speaks the truth despite our feelings. </b>   </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Ephesians 4:15 CSB) Speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head – Christ.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 13:4 – 6) Love is kind . . . is not rude . . . love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 14:6) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 3. Love offers correction.  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Galatians 6:1) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 18:15 – 17 CSB) If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. If he doesn’t pay attention to them, tell the church. If he doesn’t pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 4. Love extends forgiveness and restoration. </b>   </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 13:5 CSB) [Love] does not keep a record of wrongs.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Galatians 6:1 CSB) Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> </div> Sun, 22 Aug 2021 16:01:04 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/love-moved-first-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post0f8b1940 <h3> 4 Ways of Experiencing God's Love  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love  <span> has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who  </span> <span> has been given to us. </span> <div> 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died  <span> for the ungodly.  </span> </div> <div> <span> 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous  </span> <span> person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare </span> </div> <div> even to die—  </div> <div> 8 but God shows his love for us in that while  <span> we were still sinners, Christ died for us. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. <b> God's love is mostly giving us himself and all that  </b> <b> he is in Jesus. </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. <b> Eternal life is to know Him forever with increasing  </b> <b> knowledge, admiration, wonder and joy. </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 4 Ways of Experiencing God’s Love </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> 1) <b> God's love is poured out through the Holy Spirit  </b> <b> therefore to experience it you must be in Christ. </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2) <b> This experience happens through the truth of  </b> <span> <b> Christ. </b>   </span> <span> <b> (Romans 5:5,8) </b> </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3) <b> All true Christians experience God's love in some  <span> measure. (Romans 8:9) </span> </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 4) <b> This experience varies and can be pursued in  <span> greater measures. </span> </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> ● 2 Thessalonians 3:5 </div> <div> ● 2 Corinthians 13:14 </div> <div> ● Ephesians 3:14-19 </div> </div> Sun, 15 Aug 2021 15:55:54 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post0f8b1940 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/love-moved-first-part-1 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 15:51:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/love-moved-first-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/he-s-always-there-even-now <h3> No Matter What, He is Always With You.  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> </div> Sun, 01 Aug 2021 15:47:59 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/he-s-always-there-even-now thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-7 <h3> Marriage/Home/Work </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Col. 3:18-25) <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 1) Wives submit to your husband (3:18) </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Submission is about order, it's not about value.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Submission is voluntary, not demanded. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> First she must submit to the Lord. (Eph.5:22) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 2) Husbands love your wife (3:19)  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Paul is teaching us husbands to love our wives sacrificially even if it means the crucifixion of our desires. (Eph.5:25-27)  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> As men and women in marriage we get to play the Jesus role by imitating his sacrificial authority and sacrificial submission. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> What submission is not (1 Peter 3:1-6)    </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. Submission is not agreeing on everything.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. Submission does not mean to not think. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. Submission does not mean you don't try to influence your husband.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 4. Submission is not putting the will of the husband before the will of Christ.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 5. Submission does not mean living or acting in fear.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Children obey your Parents (3:20) and (Eph. 6:4)  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 6. Children need parents who are loving authorities, loving guides and loving disciplinarians.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Bondservants obey in everything (3:22-25)  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 7. Paul says their motivation should not be to please people (masters) but to fear the Lord.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 25 Jul 2021 15:43:27 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-7 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-6 <h3> 5 Demonstrations of a Christ-Centered Life </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> (Colossians 4:2 – 18) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. <b> We demonstrate a Christ-centered life through being devoted to </b> </div> <div> <b> prayer. </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> (Colossians 4:2 – 4) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And  <span> pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may  </span> <span> proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it  </span> <span> clearly, as I should. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Pray continually. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. <b> We demonstrate a Christ-centered life through the way we interact </b> </div> <div> <b> with those outside the church. </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> (Colossians 4:5 – 6) Be wise in the  <span> way you act toward outsiders; make the most of  </span> <span> every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,  </span> <span> so that you may know how to answer everyone. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (2 Corinthians 5:20) We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal  <span> through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf: “Be reconciled to God.” </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Ephesians 4:29) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but  <span> only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may  </span> <span> benefit those who listen. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Titus 2:10) In every way . . . make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Prov. 18:21) The tongue has the power of life and death. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (James 1:5) If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to  <span> all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. <b> We demonstrate a Christ-centered life through being an active part  </b> <b> of a Christ-centered community. </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> (Colossians 4:7 – 16) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 4. <b> We demonstrate a Christ-centered life through faithfully using our  <span> God-given gifts in service to the LORD and His body, the church. </span> </b> </div> <div> <b> <span> <br/> </span> </b> </div> <div> (Colossians 4:17) Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have  <span> received in the Lord.” </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> (Colossians 4:17 CSB) And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have  <span> received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.” </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Colossians 4:17 MSG) And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, “Do your best in the job you  <span> received from the Master. Do your very best.” </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Romans 12:6) We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 5. <b> You can demonstrate a Christ-centered life through keeping Christ  <span> central in your life. </span> </b> </div> </div> Sun, 18 Jul 2021 15:38:49 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-5 <h3> Community With Fellow Believers  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Col. 3:12-17) <div> <br/> </div> <div>  1) <b> Put on the Virtues of Christ (3:12-14) </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> You matter to God, God has chosen you, through His Son he is making you holy, you are His treasured possession!! (verse 12)  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> We are to give forgiveness of the same kind, measure, and degree that Christ has given us.(verse 13) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2) <b> Be Ruled by the Peace of Christ </b> <b> (3:15)  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> We are called to tune ourselves to the peace of Christ , a peace that transcends race,age, gender, class and personality type.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> 3) <b> Be filled with the Word of Christ (3:16)   </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> The true gospel community speaks truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)   </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 4) <b> Live for the name of Christ (3:17)  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> We should do everything for the honor and praise of Jesus. </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 11 Jul 2021 15:38:51 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-4 <h3> The New Self </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> Due to technical difficulties, click the Facebook link <a href="https://fb.watch/v/1VpkEeg4z/" target="_blank"> <font> here </font> </a> to watch this week's sermon.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Col. 3 </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> The Command: Walk in Christ (2:6-7) </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. We are called to walk in Christ, rooted in Him, built up in Him and strengthened in Him. (verse 6-7)  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. Believers are called to participate in the Christian life; not to be consumers but contributors to the kingdom.(verse 6-7) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Let no one take you captive(2:8) </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. Beware of empty, deceitful teaching based on human tradition that's opposite to the teaching  <span> of Christ.  </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 4. Any teaching or belief that distracts us from faith in Christ or takes away from the sufficiency of His work is both deceptive and dangerous.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> The reason: Christ is Sufficient (2:9-15) </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 5. We need not seek, we cannot find perfection anywhere else, Christ is sufficient!(verse 9) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 6. If we are filled in Christ, who is the fullness of God, we want for nothing! (verse 9-10) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 7. We are not only filled with Christ, but we are made alive in Him! (verse 11-13) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 8. In Christ we are forgiven of our trespasses and sins!(verse 13-14) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 9. The powers of darkness are no threat and have no claim to those who are in Christ! (verse 15) </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 04 Jul 2021 20:43:56 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone <h3> The Sufficiency of Christ  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Col. 2:6-15) <div> <br/> <div> <b> The Command: Walk in Christ (2:6-7) </b> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> 1. We are called to walk in Christ, rooted in Him, built up in Him and strengthened in Him. (verse 6-7) </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> 2.Believers are called to participate in the Christian  </span> <span> life; not to be consumers but contributors to the kingdom.(verse 6-7) </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Let no one take you captive(2:8) </b> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> 3. Beware of empty, deceitful teaching based on  </span> <span> human tradition that's opposite to the teaching  </span> <span> of Christ. </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> 4. Any teaching or belief that distracts us from faith in  <span> Christ or takes away from the sufficiency of His  </span> <span> work is both deceptive and dangerous. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> The reason: Christ is Sufficient (2:9-15) </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 5. We need not seek, we cannot find perfection  <span> anywhere else, Christ is sufficient!(verse 9) </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 6. If we are filled in Christ, who is the fullness of God,  <span> we want for nothing! (verse 9-10) </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 7. We are not only filled with Christ, but we are made  <span> alive in Him! (verse 11-13) </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 8. In Christ we are forgiven of our trespasses and s <span> ins!(verse 13-14) </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 9. The powers of darkness are no threat and have  <span> no claim to those who are in Christ! (verse 15) </span> </div> </div> </div> Sun, 27 Jun 2021 20:01:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-2 <h3> Jesus, the Center of Everything </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> Due to technical difficulties, please click the Facebook Link <a href="https://fb.watch/v/2SYCoVIbA/" target="_blank"> <font> here </font> </a> to watch this week's video.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Col. 1:15-29) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. There’s no part of creation  <span> that Jesus does not have his hand in. </span> </div> <blockquote> <div> <span> Ps. 89:27 references this passage “I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.  </span> </div> </blockquote> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (What about evil?) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. God is over all, but not the author of all. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> God could have created: </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> No world at all  </span> </li> <li> A world where there’s no such thing as good or evil. (Amoral World) </li> <li> A world where we would be wired to choose only good. (Pre determined constraints)  </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> God Did create: </div> <div> <ul> <li> A world with the possibility of good and evil.  </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. The same hands that created the universe are holding YOU!  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> In every situation and in every circumstance in life, God is doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and you do not know. ~ John Piper </span> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 20 Jun 2021 20:08:49 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-1 <h3> Responding to the Power of Christ </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> FB Link: https://fb.watch/v/4ggf16QYE/ </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Colossians 1:1 – 14) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. Always be thankful. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Colossians 1:3 – 5) We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when  <span> we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the l </span> <span> ove you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the  </span> <span> hope stored up for you in heaven. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you </div> <div> in Christ Jesus. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. Always place hope in the Gospel. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Colossians 1:5 – 8) The faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in  <span> heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel  </span> <span> that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing  </span> <span> throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you  </span> <span> heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear  </span> <span> fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us  </span> <span> of your love in the Spirit. </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> (1 Peter 1:3 – 4) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his  <span> great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of  </span> <span> Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or  </span> <span> fade – kept in heaven for you. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. Always be in a state of prayer.  </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> (Colossians 1:9 – 12a) For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have  </span> <span> not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge  </span> <span> of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that  </span> <span> you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in  </span> <span> every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all  </span> <span> power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and  </span> <span> patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV) Pray without ceasing. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Through the power of Christ . . . </b> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> 1. We share in Christ. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Colossians 1:12) giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in  <span> the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Hebrews 3:14) We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original  <span> conviction firmly to the very end </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. We have been saved. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Colossians 1:13 CSB) He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and  <span> transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Romans 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of  <span> God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the  </span> <span> Gentile. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. We have been forgiven and redeemed.  </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> (Colossians 1:14) In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Ephesians 1:7) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of  <span> sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Acts 4:12) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under  <span> heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. </span> </div> </div> Sun, 13 Jun 2021 20:17:23 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/colossians-christ-alone-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-of-the-gap-part-4 <h3> Do You Love Me?  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> John 21:1-19 <div> <br/> </div> <div> 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon  <span> Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than t </span> <span> hese?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love </span> </div> <div> you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16He said to him a  <span> second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He  </span> <span> said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said  </span> <span> to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time,  </span> <span> “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved  </span> <span> because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?”  </span> <span> and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know  </span> <span> that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.  </span> <span> 18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used  </span> <span> to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when  </span> <span> you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another  </span> <span> will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”  </span> <span> 19(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to  </span> <span> glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow  </span> <span> me.” </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> When we run without being sent by Him, we can't expect God to bless us . (John 21:3) </li> <li> God waits for us to admit our own emptiness before he gives us abundant supply. (John 21:4) </li> <li> We show our love for God by our actions. “If you love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) </li> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 30 May 2021 19:41:03 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-of-the-gap-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post <h3> From Promise to Fulfillment: Waiting on the Lord </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Acts 1:4 – 23) <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> Wait for the Promise. </li> <ol> <li> (Acts 1:4 – 5) While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem,  <span> but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak  </span> <span> about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in  </span> <span> a few days.” </span> </li> </ol> <li> <span> The Promise of God looks different than the Promise we think is  </span> <span> from God. So, wait on the right thing.  </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Acts 1:6 – 8) So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” </li> </ol> <li> <span> Waiting for the fulfillment of the promise does not mean standing  </span> around, doing nothing. Waiting on the promise means being faithfully and prayerfully obedient. </li> <ol> <li> (Acts 1:9 – 11) After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” </li> </ol> <li> <span> You don’t have to wait alone. </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Acts 1:12 – 14) Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem – a Sabbath’s day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. They were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. </li> </ol> <li> <span> There is work to be done in the waiting.  </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Acts 1:15 – 17; 20 – 23) In those days, Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters – the number of people who were together was about a hundred twenty – and said, “Brothers and sisters, it was necessary that the Scripture be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David foretold about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was one of our number and shared in this ministry. . . For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling become desolate; let no one live in it;’ and ‘Let someone else take his position.’ Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us – beginning from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us – from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of his resurrection. </li> </ol> </ol> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Action Points: </b> </div> <div> <ol> <li> <span> <b> Seek God. </b> </span> </li> <li> <b> Plug into Community. </b> </li> <li> <b> Be active in Your Waiting. </b> </li> <li> <b> Move when it’s time to Move. </b> </li> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 23 May 2021 19:47:06 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/my-post thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-of-the-gap-part-3 <h3> Love:Death:Glory </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> John 11:1-6 <div> 1  <span> Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village  </span> <span> of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the  </span> <span> Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose  </span> <span> brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying,  </span> <span> “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he  </span> <span> said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the  </span> <span> glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified  </span> <span> through it.”  </span> <span> 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6  </span> <span> So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days l </span> <span> onger in the place where he was. </span> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> God is working in your waiting...... </b> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <ol> <li> <span> Many times we are blind to what God is doing in t </span> he midst of our suffering, but He is always working for our good and His glory. </li> <li> God's love often allows pain and loss in the lives of those He loves. </li> <li> God's love means doing what He must to help us see and savor the glory of God forever. </li> <li> God's love works and suffers to enamor us with what is infinitely and eternally satisfying, which is the glory of God. </li> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 16 May 2021 19:37:41 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-of-the-gap-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-of-the-gap-part-2 <h3> Man in the Middle </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <b> Scene 1: Hosannas &amp; the Haters </b> <div> </div> <div> (Luke 19:37-40) Now he came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud  <span> voice for all the miracles they had seen: Blessed is the King who comes in  </span> <span> the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!  </span> <span> Some of the Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, rebuke your  </span> <span> disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones  </span> <span> would cry out.” </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Scene 2: Walking &amp; Weeping </b> </div> <div> (Luke 19:41-44) As he approached and saw the city, he wept for it, saying, “If  <span> you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden from your  </span> <span> eyes. For the days will come on you when your enemies will build a barricade  </span> <span> around you, surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you  </span> <span> and your children among you to the ground, and they will not leave one stone  </span> <span> on another in your midst, because you did not recognize the time when God  </span> <span> visited you.” </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <b> Scene 3: Judas &amp; John </b> </div> <div> (Luke 22:7-23) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Scene 4: Loneliness &amp; Love </b> </div> <div> (Luke 22: 39-46) He went out and made his way as usual to the Mount of  <span> Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he told  </span> <span> them, “Pray that you may not fall into temptation.” Then he withdrew from  </span> <span> them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, “Father, if you are  </span> <span> willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be  </span> <span> done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.  </span> <span> Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops  </span> <span> of blood falling to the ground. When he got up from prayer and came to the  </span> <span> disciples, he found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief. “Why are you  </span> <span> sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t fall into  </span> <span> temptation.” </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Scene 5: Walking &amp; Wailing </b> </div> <div> (Luke 23:26-30) As they led him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who  <span> was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind  </span> <span> Jesus. A large crowd of people followed him, including women who were  </span> <span> mourning and lamenting him. But turning to them, Jesus said, “Daughters of J </span> <span> erusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children.  </span> <span> Look, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the women  </span> <span> without children, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never  </span> <span> nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the  </span> <span> hills, ‘Cover us!’ </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Scene 6: The Crucifixion &amp; the Criminals </b> </div> <div> Luke 23:32-43 </div> </div> Sun, 09 May 2021 19:34:19 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-of-the-gap-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-of-the-gap-part-1 <h3> In the Tomb </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Luke 23:48-49) And all the crowds that had assembled for this  <span> spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home  </span> <span> beating their breasts. 49And all his acquaintances and the women  </span> <span> who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching </span> <div> these things. </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> (Luke 24:1-12) </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <ol> <li> Frequently, in times of transition and confusion we may lose hope and forget the promises of God. </li> <ol> <li> (Luke 24:6-12) </li> </ol> <li> <span> Often defeat is what the enemy and the world wants  </span> us to accept however God uses what looks like “defeat” to bring the victory!! </li> <ol> <li> (Mark 16:9-11) </li> </ol> <li> When our mind is focused on defeat and disappointment it's hard to believe good news. </li> <ol> <li> (Luke 24:9-12) </li> </ol> <li> In times of disappointment, hope, truth and good news can sound like nonsense. </li> </ol> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> God is working in your waiting...... </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <ol> <li> God uses waiting to change us. When we push God  <span> to the side it creates distance in our relationship  </span> <span> with Him, causes trouble, and brings pain. </span> </li> <li> We have a choice to either relax, let God be God, and continue to hope in His greatness or take matters into our own hands. </li> <li> Much of our anxiety in waiting is because we forget that” God is able to make all grace abound to you”. (2 Corinth. 9:8) </li> <li> Believing that God is loving means there is care and purpose behind all he does. (Phil. 4:19) </li> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 02 May 2021 19:30:47 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-of-the-gap-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/stranger-things-part-6 <h3> <div> <span> Resurrected Hope </span> <br/> </div> </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> 1 About that time King Herod violently attacked some who  <span> belonged to the church, 2 and he executed James, John’s  </span> <span> brother, with the sword. 3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, </span> <div> he proceeded to arrest Peter too, during the Festival of  <span> Unleavened Bread. 4 After the arrest, he put him in prison and  </span> <span> assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, </span> </div> <div> intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5 So  <span> Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying fervently to  </span> <span> God for him.  </span> <span> 6 When Herod was about to bring him out for trial, that very  </span> <span> night Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two </span> </div> <div> soldiers, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the  <span> prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light  </span> <span> shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and  </span> <span> said, “Quick, get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 “Get  </span> <span> dressed,” the angel told him, “and put on your sandals.” And he  </span> <span> did. “Wrap your cloak around you,” he told him, “and follow me.”  </span> <span> 9 So he went out and followed, and he did not know that what  </span> <span> the angel did was really happening, but he thought he was  </span> <span> seeing a vision. 10 After they passed the first and second  </span> <span> guards, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which  </span> <span> opened to them by itself. They went outside and passed one  </span> <span> street, and suddenly the angel left him.  </span> <span> 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain  </span> <span> that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s  </span> <span> grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected.” </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> Part 2 of the Church. (Acts) </li> <ol> <li> Part 2 of the Gospel of Luke. </li> </ol> <li> <span> Peter was kept in prison but the Church kept praying.  </span> (v.5) </li> <ol> <li> Peter is resting. </li> <li> The Church is relentless. </li> <ol> <li> “Learn to discern when to rest and when to be relentless,  <span> because both are an act of faith.” </span> </li> </ol> <li> <span> As readers we can see both scenes, but in reality  </span> we are always left in the dark. </li> <ol> <li> “Learn when to rest in the dark and when to pray in the dark.” </li> </ol> </ol> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 18 Apr 2021 19:05:28 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/stranger-things-part-6 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/stranger-things-part-5 <h3> Earthquaking Faith </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <ol> <li> Praise breaks chains! (Acts 16:25) </li> <ol> <li> (Heb. 13:15, Ps. 50:14) </li> </ol> <li> <span> God remains the same! </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Heb. 13:8) </li> </ol> <li> <span> There is somebody watching our faith in God. </span> </li> <li> Lend your hand to whosoever. </li> </ol> <div> <ul> <li> Praise God in all times of your life because praise is the pathway to Life breathed into your situation. </li> <li> Somebody will see how you respond to adversity. </li> <li> Brokenness is often the road to breakthrough ~ Dr. Tony Evans </li> <li> Sometimes God rescues us from things. Sometimes he rescues us out of things, and sometimes he changes us in things. Let God choose because he knows best. ~ Dr. Tony Evans </li> <li> God may not give us everything that we want, but will always provide what we need. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> What Chains do you have that need broken off of you? What situation do you need God to interfere in? </li> <ul> <li> James (1:2-4 ESV) “Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Your greatest lessons in faith are often learned in the dark ~ Dr. Tony Evans </li> <ul> <li> (2 Cor. 12:7-10 ESV) If you have a sufficient amount of something, it's enough — not too much, not too little, just right. </li> </ul> </ul> </div> </div> Sun, 11 Apr 2021 18:59:01 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/stranger-things-part-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/stranger-things-part-4 <h3> For the Joy Set Before Us / Supernatural Power of the Resurrection </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <ol> <li> Jesus endured the greatest suffering, with the greatest love, for the least deserving </li> <ol> <li> (Hebrews 12:2) looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. </li> </ol> <li> <span> Jesus' joy that held him on the cross was so that our joy  </span> may be full in Him. </li> <ol> <li> (John 15:11) These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. </li> </ol> <li> <span> For the joy that is set before us in the resurrection, we will  </span> endure the cost of love no matter how high for the least deserving. </li> <li> When we complain and grumble we are not living out the power of the resurrection. </li> <li> The sustaining power of Paul's song of suffering and love for the jailer was the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of those in Christ. </li> <li> Our purpose in life is to walk in the power of the resurrection for the joy set before </li> <ol> <li> (Romans 8:18) I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us </li> <li> (2 Cor. 4:17) For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. </li> <li> (Matt. 5:11-12) Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...... </li> <li> (Luke 13:14) But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just. </li> </ol> </ol> </div> Sun, 04 Apr 2021 18:51:21 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/stranger-things-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/strangers-things-part-3 <h3> Dueling Prophets </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (1 Kings 18:20 – 46)  <div> <ol> <li> <b> We are all faced with a choice of who to follow.  </b> </li> <ol> <li> (1 Kings 18:21) Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.  </li> <li> (James 1:7 – 8 KJV) A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.  </li> <li> (Matthew 6:24) No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.  </li> </ol> <li> <b> You may be outnumbered but stand up for God anyways.  </b> </li> <ol> <li> (1 Kings 18:22) Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men.”  </li> </ol> <li> <b> Seeking after other things and false gods will drain you of life and strength. Seeking after the One, True God will grant you life and strength.  </b> </li> <ol> <li> (1 Kings 18:26, 28 – 29) So they took the bull that he gave them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound; no one answered. Then they danced around the altar they had made. They shouted loudly, and cut themselves with knives and spears, according to their custom, until blood gushed over them. All afternoon they kept on raving until the offering of the evening sacrifice, but there was no sound; no one answered, no one paid attention.  </li> <li> (1 Kings 18:36 – 38, 45) At the time of the offering the evening sacrifice, the prophet Elijah approached the altar and said, “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that you are God in Israel and I am your servant, and that at your word I have done all these things. Answer me, LORD! Answer me so that this back.” Then the LORD’s fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. In a little while, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a downpour.  </li> </ol> <li> <b> Return to the place of repentance. </b>   </li> <ol> <li> (1 Kings 18:30) Then Elijah . . . repaired the LORD’s altar that had been torn down. </li> <li> (2 Chronicles 7:13 – 14) If I shut the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on my people, and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.  </li> </ol> </ol> </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 28 Mar 2021 18:25:00 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/strangers-things-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/stranger-things-part-2 <h3> Balaam’s Donkey and the Angel  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> (Numbers 22:22-40) But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side. And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So he struck her again. Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.” Then Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.” And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak. When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him at the city of Moab, on the border formed by the Arnon, at the extremity of the border. And Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?” Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you! Have I now any power of my own to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak.” Then Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent for Balaam and for the princes who were with him.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> The Talking Donkey </b>   </div> <div> <ol> <li> <b> Do not wait for everything in your life to be perfect before you let God use you, or He will never use you.  </b> </li> <ol> <li> (Numbers 22: 9-13) And God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” 10And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, 11‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and it covers the face of the earth. Now come, curse them for me. Perhaps I shall be able to fight against them and drive them out.’” 12God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” 13So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Go to your own land, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you.”  </li> </ol> <li> <b> Sometimes a No from God is for our own good and sometimes it is His will.  </b> </li> <ol> <li> (Numbers 22:12) God said to them “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”  </li> </ol> <li> <b> Beware of false teachers who spend their life gaining things at others expense by means of wrongdoing.  </b> </li> <ol> <li> (2 Peter 2:15-16) Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, sthe son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing. But he was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.  </li> </ol> </ol> </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 21 Mar 2021 18:24:58 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/stranger-things-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/out-of-this-world-generosity <h3> Earthly Treasures vs. Heavenly Treasures </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> (Matthew 6:19-24 TPT) “Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure. “The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. If your heart is unclouded, the light floods in! But if your eyes are focused on money, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound will be the darkness within you if the light of truth cannot enter! “How could you worship two gods at the same time? You will have to hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t worship the true God while enslaved to the god of money!”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> <b> Do we invest more in the temporal or the eternal? </b>   </li> <ol> <li> (Matthew 6:19-20) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  </li> <li> (Luke 12:15-17 TPT) Speaking to the people, Jesus continued, “Be alert and guard your heart from greed and always wishing for what you don’t have. For your life can never be measured by the amount of things you possess.” Jesus then gave them this illustration: “A wealthy land owner had a farm that produced bumper crops. In fact, it filled his barns to overflowing! He thought, ‘What should I do now that every barn is full and I have nowhere else to store more? I know what I’ll do! I’ll tear down the barns and build one massive barn that will hold all my grain and goods. Then I can just sit back, surrounded with comfort and ease. I’ll enjoy life with no worries at all.’ “God said to him, ‘What a fool you are to trust in your riches and not in me. This very night the messengers of death are demanding to take your life. Then who will get all the wealth you have stored up for yourself?’ This is what will happen to all those who fill up their lives with everything but God.”  </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> Do we understand that we can’t serve both God and money, but we can serve God with our money?  </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Matthew 6:21, 24 NLT) Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. “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 God and be enslaved to money.  </li> <li> (I Timothy 6:10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> Do we view God as a God of scarcity or abundance? </b>   </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Matthew 6:22) “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  </li> <li> (2 Corinthians 9:6 TPT) Here’s my point. A stingy sower will reap a meager harvest, but the one who sows from a generous spirit will reap an abundant harvest.  </li> </ol> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 07 Mar 2021 15:20:01 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/out-of-this-world-generosity thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/ruth-part-4 <h3> The Willingness of Love  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <b> Ruth 4:1-22  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Love is willing . . .  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> <b> Love is willing to accept the cost. </b> </li> <ol> <li> (Ruth 4:6) The redeemer replied, “I can’t redeem it myself, or I will ruin my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I can’t redeem it.”  </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> Love is willing to redeem the one they love.  </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Ruth 4:4, 9) “I thought I should inform you. Buy it back in the presence of those seared here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, tell me so that I will know, because there isn’t anyone other than you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I want to redeem it,” he answered . . . The redeemer replied, “I can’t redeem it myself, or I will ruin my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I can’t redeem it.”  </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> Love is willing to sacrifice of itself for the one they love.  </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Ruth 4:5-6, 9-10) Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from Naomi, you will acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the deceased man, to perpetuate the man’s name on his property. The redeemer replied, “I can’t redeem it myself, or I will ruin my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I can’t redeem it.” Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi everything that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Maholn’s widow, as my wife, to perpetuate the deceased man’s name on his property, so that his name will not disappear among his relatives or from the gate of his hometown. You are witnesses today.”  </li> <li> (Ruth 1:3-5) Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons. Her sons took Moabite women as their wives: one was named Orpah and the second was named Ruth. After they lived in Moab about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two children and without her husband.  </li> <li> (Ruth 4:13-17) Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. He slept with her, and the Lord granted conception to her, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name become well known in Israel. He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. Indeed, your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became his nanny. The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.  </li> </ol> </ol> </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 28 Feb 2021 15:13:16 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/ruth-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/ruth-part-3 <h3> In New Life, We Receive &amp; Experience Fulfillment &amp; Joy.  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, shouldn’t I find rest for you, so that you will be taken care of? Now isn’t Boaz our relative? Haven’t you been working with his female servants? This evening he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfumed oil, and wear your best clothes. Go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let the man know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, notice the place where he’s lying, go in and uncover his feet, and lie down. Then he will explain to you what you should do.”  <div> <br/> <div> So Ruth said to her, “I will do everything you say.” She went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law had charged her to do. After Boaz ate, drank, and was in good spirits, he went to lie down at the end of the pile of barley, and she came secretly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> At midnight, Boaz was startled, turned over, and there lying at his feet was a woman! So he asked, “Who are you?”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> “I am Ruth, your servant,” she replied. “Take me under your wing, for you are a family redeemer.”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Then he said, “May the Lord bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not pursued younger men, whether rich or poor. Now don’t be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you say, since all the people in my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Yes, it is true that I am a family redeemer, but there is a redeemer closer than I am. Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, that’s good. Let him redeem you. But if he doesn’t want to redeem you, as the Lord lives, I will. Now lie down until morning.”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> So she lay down at his feet until morning but got up while it was still dark. Then Boaz said, “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” And he told Ruth, “Bring the shawl you’re wearing and  <span> hold it out.” When she held it out, he shoveled six measures of barley into her shawl, and she went into the town.  </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> She went to her mother-in-law, Naomi, who asked her, “What happened, my daughter?”  </div> <div> Then Ruth told her everything the man had done for her. She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley, because he said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Naomi said, “My daughter, wait until you find out how things go, for he won’t rest unless he resolves this today.”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> <b> Relationships Matter!  </b> </li> <ol> <li> Without being related to Naomi, Ruth would never have been known as Ruth.  </li> <li> Without taking in Ruth, Naomi would have stayed bitter &amp; remained hopeless.  </li> </ol> <li> <b> In life we experience emptiness &amp; frustration.  </b> </li> </ol> <span> <b> In new life we receive &amp; experience fulfillment &amp; joy.  </b> </span> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> </div> Sun, 21 Feb 2021 15:08:03 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/ruth-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/ruth-part-2 <h3> Boaz Meets Ruth </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> Character of Boaz/Ruth <div> <br/> <div> <ul> <li> <span> Boaz is a picture of Christ, Boaz’s grace points to Jesus’ grace. </span> </li> <li> <span> Boaz is a man of material wealth and moral wealth. </span> </li> <li> <span> Ruth is loyal, humble and hardworking. (Prov. 31) </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> Ruth 2:3 </div> <div> <ul> <li> It’s no coincidence, it’s God’s providence! </li> <ul> <li> <span> (Prov.16:9,33) The Lord controls even the roll of dice. </span> </li> <li> (Matt. 10:29) Not even the sparrow drops without the Father's knowledge. </li> </ul> <li> <span> God’s quiet hand is always at work in the everyday mundane  </span> <span> workings of life. </span> <br/> </li> </ul> </div> <div> Ruth 2:4 </div> <div> <ul> <li> God’s timing is perfect. </li> </ul> </div> <div> Ruth 2:5-7 </div> <div> <ul> <li> Faith in God doesn't mean sitting around waiting for Him to act. </li> </ul> </div> <div> Ruth 2:8-9 </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> Boaz goes against the culture and provides and protects Ruth. </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> Ruth 2:10 </div> <div> <ul> <li> When humility and grace come together worship happens. </li> </ul> </div> <div> Ruth 2:11-14 </div> <div> <ul> <li> We should not live for the approval or praise of others but solely  <span> for the glory of the Lord! </span> </li> <li> God is not only a rewarder but he is also a refuge! </li> <li> It's not just hope but faith, humility and action together that  <span> brings the blessing from God. </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> What can we glean from Boaz and Ruth? </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> How to be a Micah 6:8 Christian? </li> <ul> <li> (Micah 6:8) He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> How did Boaz exemplify Micah 6:8 ? </b> </div> <div> <ol> <li> Boaz provided food for the hungry. </li> <li> Boaz not only provided for Ruth but he also protected her. </li> <li> Boaz uses his words to bless Ruth. </li> <li> Boaz showed Ruth kindness and grace but also to his workers. </li> <li> Boaz walked humbly with the Lord. </li> </ol> </div> </div> </div> Sun, 14 Feb 2021 22:49:44 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/ruth-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ruth-series-part-1 <h3> Ruth // Part 1  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Ruth 1:1-22) In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So <div> a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live </div> <div> for a while in the country of Moab. The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name </div> <div> was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were </div> <div> Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. Now </div> <div> Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married </div> <div> Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there </div> <div> about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her </div> <div> two sons and her husband. When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to </div> <div> the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law </div> <div> prepared to return home from there. With her two daughters-in-law she left the </div> <div> place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back </div> <div> to the land of Judah. Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each </div> <div> of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have </div> <div> shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. May the Lord grant that each of </div> <div> you will find rest in the home of another husband.” Then she kissed them goodbye </div> <div> and they wept aloud and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.” But </div> <div> Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I </div> <div> going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my </div> <div> daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still </div> <div> hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— would </div> <div> you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my </div> <div> daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has </div> <div> turned against me!” At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her </div> <div> mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. “Look,” said Naomi, “your </div> <div> sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you </div> <div> go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and </div> <div> your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the </div> <div> Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” </div> <div> When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging </div> <div> her. So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived </div> <div> in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women </div> <div> exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me </div> <div> Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the </div> <div> Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; </div> <div> the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” So Naomi returned from Moab </div> <div> accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as </div> <div> the barley harvest was beginning. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> <span> It’s better to trust in God’s providence, than in your plans. </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Ruth 1:1-2 CSB) During the time of the judges, there was a famine in the land. A man left Bethlehem in Judah with his wife and two sons to stay in the territory of Moab for a while. The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife’s name was Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They entered the fields of Moab and settled there </li> </ol> <li> <span> Pray for friend </span> s like Ruth, and pray to be a friend like Ruth to others. </li> <ol> <li> (Ruth 1:16-17 CSB) But Ruth replied: Don’t plead with me to abandon you or to return and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and do so severely, if anything but death separates you and me. </li> </ol> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 07 Feb 2021 22:42:39 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ruth-series-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-5 <h3> Invitation To An Encounter - What Are We Being Invited To? </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Luke 19:1-10) He entered Jericho and was passing through. There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” So he quickly came down and welcomed him joyfully. All who saw it began to complain, “He’s gone to stay with a sinful man.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much.” “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”  <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. The one who you see as a <b> misfit </b> is the same one who Christ <b> sees fit </b> .  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. <b> Position and posture </b> toward the invitation is crucial.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. Your <b> worth </b> is never found in people.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Changed </b> lives, <b> change </b> lives.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> Why are we inviting? </span>   </div> <div> <span> (Luke 18:26-27) Those who heard this asked, “Then who can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”  </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> Who are we inviting? </span> </div> <div> (Luke 19:10) For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> THE LOST!!  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> So who is it that we have in our lives who we see as unfit, unworthy, unfit to be loved by God not to invite them to come to the table? </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> Notice where the invitation occurs…  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Mon, 01 Feb 2021 02:25:59 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-4 <h3> Attitude That Transforms Our Culture </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> 1. Our attitude is our <b> choice.  </b> <div> <br/> <div> (Jeremiah 29:4-7 NIV) This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Proverbs 15:13-15 TPT) A cheerful heart puts a smile on your face, but a broken heart leads to depression. Lovers of God hunger after truth, but those without understanding feast on foolishness and don’t even realize it. Everything seems to go wrong when you feel weak and depressed. But when you choose to be cheerful, every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Daniel 1:1-8 NIV) In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility--young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Daniel chose not to be influenced from the <b> outside in, </b> but to influence from the <b> inside out </b> .  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Daniel 1:18-21 NIV) At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. Grow where you are <b> planted. </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Jeremiah 29:4-7 NIV) This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all </div> <div> those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; </div> <div> plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find </div> <div> wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have </div> <div> sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the </div> <div> peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the </div> <div> Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Jesus prayed that his disciples would not be taken out of the world but that <b> through them </b> the message of His Kingdom would go to the entire world.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 5:13-15 MSG) Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep an open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. <b> Love </b> is the attitude that transforms culture.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Romans 8:13 NIV) Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 25 Jan 2021 01:40:20 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-4 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-3 <h3> See Yourself. See Others. </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> 1 Samuel 3 - 4:1  <div> The boy Samuel served the Lord in Eli’s presence. In those days the word of the Lord was rare and prophetic visions were not widespread.  <span> 2 One day Eli, whose eyesight was failing, was lying in his usual place. 3 Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was located.  </span> <span> 4 Then the Lord called Samuel,[a] and he answered, “Here I am.”5He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  </span> <span> “I didn’t call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Once again the Lord called, “Samuel!”  </span> <span> Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “I didn’t call, my son,” he replied. “Go back and lie down.”  </span> <span> 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.8Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  </span> <span> Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy.9 He told Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  </span> <span> 10 The Lord came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”  </span> <span> Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. See yourself.  </div> <div> (1 Samuel 2:18,21,26)  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. See others.  </div> <div> (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:12-13, Luke 2:52)  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 17 Jan 2021 20:58:48 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-2 <h3> Prayer  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> Jude 1:17-25 ESV  <div> But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1) Prayer is a means of God’s grace to keep us from falling into disbelief and bring us safely into eternal life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2) Jude wants us to see that building ourselves up in prayer keeps us in the love of God.  </div> <div> Who is our Keeper?  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3) God the Father is our ultimate keeper and he acts through Jesus!  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> ❖ God called us  </div> <div> ❖ God set his saving love upon us  </div> <div> ❖ God keeps us  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 4) God’s keeping inspires and sustains our keeping. His keeping is decisive and ours is dependent on His.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> What is praying in the Spirit?  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 5) It means to pray that the Holy Spirit is moving and guiding us.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> How do we pray in the Spirit?  </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> ❖ First is by faith, we trust God for his help  </div> <div> ❖ We admit to God we need His help  </div> <div> ❖ We let the word of God shape and mold our prayers </div> </div> Sun, 10 Jan 2021 20:55:20 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-1 <h3> Kindness </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <span> (Luke 10:25-37) On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. </span> <br/> </div> <div> “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is </div> <div> written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” <span> 27He answered, </span> </div> <div> “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and </div> <div> with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as </div> <div> yourself.’ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you </div> <div> will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is </div> <div> my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem </div> <div> to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his </div> <div> clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened </div> <div> to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by </div> <div> on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, </div> <div> passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where </div> <div> the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him </div> <div> and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on </div> <div> his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day </div> <div> he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ </div> <div> he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you </div> <div> may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man </div> <div> who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one </div> <div> who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Showing kindness to <b> whosoever </b> becomes easier when you realize </div> <div> that you are <b> whosoever </b> ! </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> How Can I Love My Neighbor? </b> </div> <div> (Galatians 5:22-23 TPT) But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you </div> <div> is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that </div> <div> subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, </div> <div> faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the </div> <div> law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. </div> <div> <ol> <li> <b> Rely on His power. </b> </li> <li> <b> Practice Kindness </b> </li> </ol> </div> <div> The question shouldn’t be who is my neighbor, but rather will I be a </div> <div> neighbor who is marked by sacrificial kindness. </div> </div> Mon, 04 Jan 2021 00:02:19 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-ripple-effect-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/21-days-of-prayer-2021 <div> <img src="https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/md/unsplash/dms3rep/multi/photo-1543525238-54e3d131f7ca.jpg"/> </div> <h3> Reset • Refresh • Rest </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> During these days of prayer, we will use this time to <span>  reset, refresh, and receive rest — individually and corporately. We will join together online each day to pray and worship while using this time to prepare for the year ahead! </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> As a church, we are wanting everyone to set aside intentional time each day to pray. Doing this during the 21 days will help make this a discipline, which then turns to a delight and a desire. Furthermore, setting aside time for prayer is one of the best ways to connect with the Father, throw off our burdens, and receive peace.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> We understand that this might be new for some; therefore, we have attached a prayer guide that offers different types of prayers for you to follow along.  <span> Make sure you follow us on our social media because we will be posting each day with verses of encouragement and reminders. We will also post different parts of the prayer guide so you can easily follow along.  </span> <span> Follow along in our </span> <font> <a href="https://tinyurl.com/ycljzzez" target="_blank"> <font> prayer guide </font> </a> <font> . </font> </font> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Also, we want you to know that you are cared for and not alone–not only during these 21 Days of Prayer but at all times. If you are needing prayer for anything, please fill out our private <a href="/prayer-request"> <font> prayer request form </font> </a> and we will personally prayer for any thing that you send us.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 27 Dec 2020 17:33:33 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/21-days-of-prayer-2021 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-with-us-part-3 <h3> Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <ol> <li> (Isaiah 9:6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall </li> </ol> <div> be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty </div> <div> God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Wonderful Counselor </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> Jesus is not just the Wonderful Counselor, if you are His, he is your Wonderful Counselor! </span> </li> </ul> <ol> <ol> <li> His counsel is available to us through His word. </li> <li> His counsel is available to us through prayer. </li> <li> His counsel is available to us through worship. </li> <li> His counsel is available to us through time spent with Him. </li> </ol> </ol> <b> Mighty God </b> <br/> <ul> <li> <span> Jesus's power and strength is unparalleled, unmatched, and  </span> <span> unequaled! </span> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ol> <ol> <li> He gives us strength to endure all things...... </li> <ol> <li> (Philippians 4:13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. </li> </ol> <li> His power is made perfect in our weakness..... </li> <ol> <li> (2 Corinthians 12:9) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” </li> </ol> <li> He is able to do more than we can think or even imagine.... </li> <ol> <li> (Ephesians 3:20) Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. </li> </ol> </ol> </ol> </div> <div> <b> Everlasting Father </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Your heavenly father cares deeply for you and is always near! </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ol> <ol> <li> Jesus came to earth to heal us of our brokenness and replace it with the hope of glory!! </li> <ol> <li> (Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. </li> </ol> <li> We never have to fear that we will be separated from Jesus </li> <ol> <li> (Romans 8:38-39) For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor heights nor depths,nor anything else in creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. </li> </ol> </ol> </ol> </div> <div> <b> Prince of Peace </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> His peace invites calmness into our lives no matter what storm or difficulty we are going through! </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ol> <ol> <li> When we are in the valleys of life he says don't be troubled. (John 14:27) </li> <li> When fear and anxiety overwhelm us, his peace calms us, it guards us and is beyond what we can understand.(Phil. 4:7) </li> </ol> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 20 Dec 2020 17:14:07 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-with-us-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-with-us-part-2 <h3> The Missing Peace </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> (John 14:27) “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.”  </div> <div> <ol> <li> <b> We have the Promise of Restoration. </b> </li> <ol> <li> (Isaiah 35:10 ESV) And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> We have the Promise of Peace. </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Isaiah 9:6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. </li> <li> (John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> We have the Promise of His Return. </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (John 14:3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am </li> <li> (Acts 1:11) This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven </li> <li> (Revelation 22:12) Look, I am coming soon! </li> </ol> </ol> </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 13 Dec 2020 22:09:22 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-with-us-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-with-us <h3> The Promises of God with Us </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <b> O come, O come, Emmanuel </b> </div> <div> <b> And ransom captive Israel </b> </div> <div> <b> That mourns in lonely exile here </b> </div> <div> <b> Until the Son of God appear </b> </div> <div> <b> Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel </b> </div> <div> <b> Shall come to thee, O Israel </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 1:23) “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call </div> <div> him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> <b> We have the Promise of His Presence. </b> </li> <ol> <li> (Isaiah 7:14) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. </li> <li> (Matthew 28:20) And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. </li> <li> (John 14:16-18 NASB) I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever, that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> We have the Promise of Redemption. </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Isaiah 59:20) “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the LORD. </li> <li> (Ephesians 1:7) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> We have the Promise of Restoration. </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Isaiah 35:10 ESV) And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> We have the Promise of Peace.  </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (Isaiah 9:6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  </li> <li> (John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. </li> </ol> <li> <span> <b> We have the Promise of His Return.  </b> </span> </li> <ol> <li> (John 14:3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. </li> <li> (Acts 1:11) This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven </li> <li> (Revelation 22:12) Look, I am coming soon! </li> </ol> </ol> </div> </div> Sun, 06 Dec 2020 22:09:03 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-with-us thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-god-who-sees-you <h3> The God Who Sees You! </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> No matter where you are in life, God sees you!  </div> Sun, 29 Nov 2020 15:01:44 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/the-god-who-sees-you thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/10-000-reasons-part-3 <h3> How do we worship?  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Psalm 150 NASB) Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Where are we to worship God? </b> </div> <div> We are to worship God inside and outside the church building.   </div> <div> (Psalm 150:1 NASB) Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Why do we worship God? </b> </div> <div> We worship because of what God has done and because of who He is. </div> <div> (Psalm 150:2 NASB) Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> How do we worship God? </b> </div> <div> We are to worship God with all we have. </div> <div> (Psalm 150:3 – 6 NASB) Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Ways to Worship </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Barak – bow down. </li> <li> Halal – to boast, celebrate.  </li> <li> Shabach – shout.  </li> <li> Tehillah – sing. </li> <li> Towdah – sacrifice. </li> <li> Yadah – raise your hands </li> <li> Zamar – play a musical instrument. </li> <li> Pray. </li> <li> Read Your Bible. </li> <li> Give. </li> <li> Serve. </li> </ul> </div> <div> (1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB) Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Romans 12:1 NASB) Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> Sun, 22 Nov 2020 14:44:14 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/10-000-reasons-part-3 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/10-000-reasons-part-2 <h3> Why do we worship?  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Psalm 144:1) Blessed be the Lord, my rock who trains my <div> hands for battle and my fingers for warfare. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ul> <li> “Blessed be the Lord, my ROCK”- this a Hebraic word for expressing strength. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Worship is merely an individual expression to the creator, of our thanksgiving and praise </li> <ul> <li> Thanksgiving expresses gratefulness. </li> <li> Praise gives credit where credit is due. </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Why do we worship? </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> (Exodus 17:8-16) Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So </div> <div> Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with </div> <div> Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in </div> <div> my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while </div> <div> Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held </div> <div> up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek </div> <div> prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it </div> <div> under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on </div> <div> one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the </div> <div> going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people </div> <div> with the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a </div> <div> book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory </div> <div> of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name </div> <div> of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The </div> <div> Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ul> <li> When we praise we prevail! (Exodus 17:11) </li> </ul> </div> </div> Sun, 15 Nov 2020 14:38:54 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/10-000-reasons-part-2 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/10-000-reasons-part-1 <h3> What is worship?  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Psalm 34:1) I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be continually in <div> my mouth. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Everything we do should glorify God </li> <ul> <li> (1Cor. 10:31 ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Worship is the activity of glorifying God in his presence with your voice and your heart. </li> <ul> <li> (Col. 3:16) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> God calls us to assemble so that we might worship Him. </li> <ul> <li> (Exodus 7:16) “Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the desert.” </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> <b> What is worship? </b> </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> True worship is treasuring God above everything else. </li> <ul> <li> (John 4:23-24) But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li>  The gospel call is a call to worship, to turn from sin and call upon the name of the Lord </li> <ul> <li> (Heb. 12:28-29) Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Reverent corporate worship, then is not optional for the church of God. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Worship therefore is an expression of our ultimate purpose for living which is to glorify God fully and enjoy Him forever. </li> </ul> </div> </div> Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:58:07 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/10-000-reasons-part-1 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/title <div data-rss-type="text"> (Philippians 4:6-7) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, <div> by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. </div> <div> And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your </div> <div> hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Philippians 4:6-7 TPT) Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about </div> <div> a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your </div> <div> faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every </div> <div> detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human </div> <div> understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Make a <b> choice! </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ul> <li> To trust more in His character over my current circumstances </li> <ul> <li> (Numbers 23:19 ESV) God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> To trust more in His promises over my present situation. </li> <ul> <li> (John 16:33) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li> To trust in His voice over any other voice. </li> <ul> <li> (Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT) Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> <b> The Prescription </b> </span> </div> <div> <span> <b> <br/> </b> </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> <b> Pray more </b> . </span> </li> <ul> <li> (Philippians 4:6-7 TPT) Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about  <span> a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your  </span> <span> faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every  </span> <span> detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human  </span> <span> understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. </span> </li> <li> (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP) Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in  <span> everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with  </span> <span> thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And  </span> <span> the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which  </span> <span> transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your  </span> <span> hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. </span> </li> </ul> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <b> Praise more. </b> </li> <ul> <li> (Philippians 4:4) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! </li> <li> (Galatians 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. </li> </ul> </ul> </div> </div> Sun, 01 Nov 2020 22:24:36 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/title thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/people-of-value-who-value-people <div data-rss-type="text"> <b> 1. The world says <span> who you should be </span> , The Word says <span> who </span> </b> <div> <b> <span> you are </span> .  </b> </div> <blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> (1 Peter 5:5-11, TPT)  </span> <span> 5 In the same way, the younger ones should willingly  </span> <span> support the leadership of the elders. In every relationship, each of you must  </span> <span> wrap around yourself the apron of a humble servant. Because: God resists  </span> <span> you when you are proud but multiplies grace and favor when you are humble.  </span> <span> If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as  </span> <span> you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon  </span> <span> him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. Be well  </span> <span> balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around  </span> <span> incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour.  </span> <span> 9 Take a decisive  </span> <span> stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For  </span> <span> you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are  </span> <span> experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure.  </span> <span> 10 And then, after your  </span> <span> brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in his  </span> <span> eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make  </span> <span> you stronger than ever. Yes, he will set you firmly in place and build you up.  </span> <span> 11 And he has all the power needed to do this—forever! Amen. </span> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Reference to story is Luke 22:31 </div> </blockquote> </blockquote> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 2. True Humility </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> Look at me and whoa is me both point back to me. </span> </li> </ul> </div> <blockquote> <blockquote> <div> (1 Peter 4: 11, TPT) For example, if you have a speaking gift, speak as  <span> though God were speaking his words through you If you have the gift  </span> <span> of serving, do it passionately with the strength God gives you, so that in  </span> <span> everything God alone will be glorified through Jesus Christ. For to him  </span> <span> belong the power and the glory forever throughout all ages! Amen.  </span> <span> Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself  </span> <span> less. </span> </div> </blockquote> </blockquote> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 3. You have to personalize it. </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> I am........... </li> </ul> </div> <div> <b> 4. What are you going to do with what you’ve been given? </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <blockquote> <blockquote> <div> (Luke 19: 11-27 TPT) At this time Jesus was getting close to entering  <span> Jerusalem. The crowds that followed him were convinced that God’s  </span> <span> kingdom realm would fully manifest when Jesus established it in  </span> <span> Jerusalem. So he told them this story to change their perspective: “Once  </span> <span> there was a wealthy prince who left his province to travel to a distant  </span> <span> land, where he would be crowned king and then return. Before he  </span> <span> departed he summoned his ten servants together and said, ‘I am  </span> <span> entrusting each of you with fifty thousand dollars to trade with while I am  </span> <span> away. Invest it and put the money to work until I return.’ “Some of his  </span> <span> countrymen despised the prince and sent a delegation after him to  </span> <span> declare before the royals, ‘We refuse to let this man rule over us! He will  </span> <span> not be our king!’ “Nevertheless, he was crowned king and returned to his  </span> <span> land. Then he summoned his ten servants to see how much each one  </span> <span> had earned and what their profits came to. “The first one came forward  </span> <span> and said, ‘Master, I took what you gave me and invested it, and it  </span> <span> multiplied ten times.’  </span> </div> <div> <span> “‘Splendid! You have done well, my excellent  </span> <span> servant. Because you have shown that you can be trusted in this small  </span> <span> matter, I now grant you authority to rule over ten fortress cities.’ “The  </span> <span> second came and said, ‘Master, what you left with me has multiplied five  </span> <span> times.’ “His master said, ‘I also grant you authority in my kingdom over  </span> <span> five fortress cities.’ “Another came before the king and said, ‘Master, here  </span> <span> is the money you entrusted to me. I hid it for safekeeping. You see, I  live  </span> <span> in fear of you, for everyone knows you are a strict master and impossible  </span> <span> to please. You push us for a high return on all that you own, and you  </span> <span> always want to gain from someone else’s efforts.’ “The king said, ‘You  </span> <span> wicked servant! I will judge you using your own words. If what you said  </span> <span> about me is true, that I am a harsh man, pushing you for a high return </span> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> and wanting gain from others’ efforts, why didn’t you at least put my  <span> money in the bank to earn some interest on what I entrusted to you?’  </span> <span> “The king said to his other servants, ‘Take the money he has and give it  </span> <span> to the faithful servant who multiplied my money ten times over.’ “ ‘But  </span> <span> master,’ the other servants objected, ‘why give it to him? He already has </span> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> so much!’ “ ‘Yes,’ replied the king. ‘But to all who have been faithful, even  <span> more will be given them. And for the ones who have nothing, even the  </span> <span> little they seem to have will be taken from them. Now, bring all those  </span> <span> rebellious enemies of mine who rejected me as their king—bring them  </span> <span> here before me and execute them! </span> </div> </blockquote> </blockquote> <div> <br/> </div> <blockquote> <blockquote> <div> (1 Peter 5:5b, TPT) God resists you when you are proud but multiplies  <span> grace and favor when you are humble. </span> </div> </blockquote> </blockquote> </div> Mon, 26 Oct 2020 20:06:36 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/people-of-value-who-value-people thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/why-would-god-allow-you-to-experience-more-than-you-can-handle <h3> Did God Really Say...He Would Give You More Than You Could Handle? </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <blockquote> (1Corinthians 10:13 NIV) He will not let you be tempted beyond what  <span> you can bear. </span> </blockquote> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Does God give you more than you can handle? </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Judges ch. 7 Gideon and the 300 </li> <li> Mark 14:33-34 </li> <li> Jonah 2:2,7 </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 1. God gives us more than we can handle so we will </b> </div> <div> <b> learn to depend on his presence. </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> <span> In my distress I called on the Lord, not in my success </span> </li> <li> God said I will never leave you or forsake you (Deut.31:6-8) </li> <li> God said cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) </li> <li> God said He is near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18) </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> God gives us more than we can handle so that we will be  </b> <b> forced to depend wholly on Him. </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> Why would God allow you to experience more than you can  </b> <b> handle? </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 2) God allows us to experience more than we can handle  </b> <b> so we can experience His supernatural power. </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> So many of you are trying to hold on in the storm by your own strength. </li> <li> You were not created to have the power to do it yourself. </li> <li> You were created to need God and be desperate for Him. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <blockquote> <div> (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for </div> <div> my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more </div> <div> gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That </div> <div> is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in </div> <div> persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. </div> </blockquote> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 3) God gives us more than we can handle so we can  </b> <b> experience His peace. </b> </div> <blockquote> <div> (Isaiah 43:1-3) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and </div> <div> when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When </div> <div> you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set </div> <div> you ablaze. </div> <div> <br/> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> (John 16:33) so that in me you may have peace... </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 14:27) My peace I give to you, let your hearts not be troubled </div> </blockquote> </div> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 22:47:42 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/why-would-god-allow-you-to-experience-more-than-you-can-handle thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/did-god-really-say-that5987b8e5 <h3> Did God Really Say That? </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <span> 1. Suicide is serious. </span> <br/> </div> <div> (Genesis 1:26-27) Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our </div> <div> likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over </div> <div> the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along </div> <div> the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he </div> <div> created them; male and female he created them </div> <div> (Genesis 9:6 NLT) If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken </div> <div> by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. Suicide is a sin. </div> <div> (Mark 10:19) You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not </div> <div> commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall </div> <div> not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ </div> <div> (I John 3:15) Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that </div> <div> no murderer has eternal life residing in him. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. Suicide is theologically a difficult problem. </div> <div> (Romans 11:33 CSB) Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the </div> <div> knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> His Grace Vs. My Sin </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 1. All my sin is covered. </div> <div> (Ephesians 1:7 AMP) In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and </div> <div> salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the </div> <div> forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His </div> <div> grace. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Colossians 2:13-14) When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of </div> <div> your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having </div> <div> canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and </div> <div> condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 2. Nothing can separate me from God’s love. </div> <div> (Romans 8:38-39) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor </div> <div> demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor </div> <div> depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of </div> <div> God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> 3. One dark moment doesn’t ultimately define me. </div> <div> (Matthew 24:13 CSB) But the one who endures to the end will be saved. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> It’s not the intensity of our faith that saves, but the object of faith. </div> </div> Wed, 14 Oct 2020 21:37:26 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/did-god-really-say-that5987b8e5 thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/did-god-really-say-that <h3> Did God Really Say That...He Wants Me To Be Happy?  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (Psalm 97:12 NLT96) May all who are godly be happy. . . <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Psalm 1:1-2 CSB) How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of </div> <div> the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of </div> <div> mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates </div> <div> on it day and night. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 16:24) “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> What do we mean by happiness? </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> What is your happiness based on? </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Happiness is NOT . . . </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <blockquote> <div> <b> 1. An absence of struggle. </b> </div> </blockquote> <div> (John 16:33) “In this world you will have trouble.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <blockquote> <div> <b> 2. Getting what I want. </b> </div> </blockquote> <div> (James 4:2-3) “You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you </div> <div> ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may </div> <div> spend what you get on your pleasures.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <blockquote> <div> <b> 3. Denying the existence of pain. </b> </div> </blockquote> <div> (1 Peter 4:12-13) “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you </div> <div> are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But </div> <div> rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be </div> <div> overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Does God Want Me to Be Happy? </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Happiness IS . . . </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <blockquote> <div> <b> 1. Confidence in God in the MIDST of struggle. </b> </div> </blockquote> <div> (John 16:33 TPT) “And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which </div> <div> is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. </div> <div> For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you </div> <div> must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <blockquote> <div> <b> 2. Knowing God will provide for my needs. </b> </div> </blockquote> <div> (Philippians 4:19) “And my God will meet all your needs according to his </div> <div> glorious riches in Christ Jesus. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Matthew 7:11) “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts </div> <div> to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to </div> <div> those who ask him!” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <blockquote> <div> <b> 3. Knowing I am NOT alone in my pain. </b> </div> </blockquote> <div> (Psalm 34:18 NASB) “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves </div> <div> those who are crushed in spirit. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Hebrews 4:15 MSG) “We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our </div> <div> reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all – all but </div> <div> the sin.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> True and lasting happiness is found in God’s Presence. </b> </div> <div> (Psalm 16:11 NASB) “In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand </div> <div> there are pleasures forever.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Psalm 97:12 NLT96) “May all who are godly be happy in the LORD and </div> <div> praise his holy name!” </div> </div> Wed, 07 Oct 2020 01:08:12 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/did-god-really-say-that thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/is-god-bipolar <h3> Did God Really Say That? // Is God Bipolar?  </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> (1 John 5:11-14 TPT) This is the true testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son. Whoever has the Son has eternal life; whoever does not have the Son does not possess eternal life. I’ve written this letter to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you will be assured and know without a doubt that you have eternal life. Since we have this confidence, we can also have great boldness before him, for if we present any request agreeable to his will, he will hear us. <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 John 5:18 TPT) We are convinced that everyone fathered by God does not make sinning a way of life, because the Son.   </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Target: </b> Saving Faith is Staying Faith  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Takeaway: </b> Everything on the outside is a reflection of what is on the inside. The heart is first to change when the gift of salvation is received.   </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 1.Do you reflect the son.  </b> </div> <div> (1 John 5:11-12 TPT) This is the true testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son. Whoever has the Son has eternal life; whoever does not have the Son does not possess eternal life.   </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 2.Do you converse with God.  </b> </div> <div> (1 John 5:13-14 TPT) I’ve written this letter to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you will be assured and know without a doubt that you have eternal life. Since we have this confidence, we can also have great boldness before him, for if we present any request agreeable to his will, he will hear us.   </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 3. Do You Continue In Bad Decisions  </b> </div> <div> (1 John 5:18 TPT) We are convinced that everyone fathered by God does not make sinning a way of life, because the Son.   </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 3:16) Everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 3:36) The one who believes in the Son has eternal life  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 5:24) Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 6:47)I assure you: Anyone who believes has eternal life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 6:68) Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 10:28) I gave them eternal life, and they will never perish  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (John 17:3) This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the One You have sent- Jesus Christ.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 John 1:2) We.... Declare to you eternal life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 John 2:25) And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 John 5:11) And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (1 John 5:13) I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. </div> </div> Thu, 01 Oct 2020 01:31:07 GMT fields_ferguson@yahoo.com (Fields Ferguson) https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/is-god-bipolar thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-hates-the-sin-but-loves-the-sinner <h3> Did God Really say.....God hates the sin but loves the sinner </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> (Psalm 5:4-6) For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may </div> <div> not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all </div> <div> evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the </div> <div> bloodthirsty and deceitful man. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> What is Sin? </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature . </li> </ul> </div> <div> <b> Where did sin come from? </b> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Sin came from the voluntary choice of men and angels.   </li> </ul> <span> <b> Did God create sin? </b> </span> <br/> </div> <div> <ul> <li> It is impossible for God to do wrong. </li> </ul> <span> (James 1:13) ...for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no  </span> <span> one. </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> (Deuteronomy 32:4) ...His work is perfect; for all his ways are justice... </span> <br/> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> <b> God hates sin and sinners </b> </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> (Psalm 5:4-5) For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. </span> <ul> <li> God doesn’t delight in wickedness </li> <li> Evil does not dwell within Him </li> <li> God hates all evildoers </li> </ul> <span> (Psalm 11:5) ...His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. </span> <br/> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <span> (Romans 5:12) Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man,  </span> <span> and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned </span> <br/> <ul> <li> Sin does not just hangout in existence, sin is who we are at our core. </li> <li> Sin doesn’t suffer in hell, sinners suffer in hell. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <span> <b> God loves sinners </b> </span> <br/> </div> <div> <span> <b> <br/> </b> </span> </div> <div> (John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that </div> <div> whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> (Romans 5:6-9) For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for  <span> the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though  </span> <span> perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his l </span> <span> ove for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since,  </span> <span> therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be  </span> <span> saved by him from the wrath of God. </span> </div> <div> <span> <br/> </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> God comes for me not in my attractiveness. He finds me reprehensible yet he sent Jesus to die for me so that he might make me his son. </li> <li> God is both love and hate. </li> </ul> </div> <div> (Isaiah 53:6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every  <span> one—to his own way and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> God absolutely hates sinners and absolutely loves sinners. </li> </ul> </div> <div> (Isaiah 53:11) Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;  <span> by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be  </span> <span> accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> When we trust in Jesus our sins are removed. </li> </ul> </div> <div> (Isaiah 43:25) I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,  <span> and I will not remember your sins. </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> He will remember our sins no more . </li> </ul> </div> <div> (Isaiah 48:9-11) For my name's sake I defer my anger; for the sake of my  <span> praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined  </span> <span> you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own  </span> <span> sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My  </span> <span> glory I will not give to another. </span> </div> <div> <ul> <li> He has chosen not to hold our sins against us . </li> </ul> </div> <div> All scripture is from the ESV unless otherwise noted. <br/> </div> </div> Wed, 30 Sep 2020 03:11:11 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/god-hates-the-sin-but-loves-the-sinner thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/whats-next-part-1-know-god (Matthew 7:21-23) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Knowing God is not... 1. Growing up in church. 2. Being a good person. 3. Attending church. 4. Getting your act together. 5. Doing and saying “Christian” things. We’ve trusted more in a Christianity that is grounded in our resumes of “Do’s and Don’ts” rather than trusting in what Christ has already done. (John 19:30) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Knowing God is, knowing Him... 1. Personally. (Romans 10:9 NLT) If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 2. Relationally. (I John 4:10 TPT) This is love: He loved us long before we loved him. It was his love, not ours. He proved it by sending his Son to be the pleasing sacrificial offering to take away our sins. 3. Intimately. (John 5:39-40 TPT) “You are busy analyzing the Scriptures, frantically pouring over them in hopes of gaining eternal life. Everything you read points to me, yet you still refuse to come to me so I can give you the life you’re looking for—eternal life! (James 4:8a) Come near to God and he will come near to you. All scripture is from the NIV unless otherwise noted  <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (Matthew 7:21-23) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the <b> will </b> of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never <b> knew </b> you. Away from me, you evildoers!’  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Knowing God is not...  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> 1. Growing up in church.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> 2. Being a good person.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> 3. Attending church.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> 4. Getting your act together.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> 5. Doing and saying “Christian” things.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> We’ve trusted more in a Christianity that is grounded in our  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> resumes of “Do’s and Don’ts” rather than trusting in what Christ  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> has already done.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (John 19:30) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, <b> “It is finished.”  </b> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> Knowing God is, knowing Him...  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <b> 1. Personally.  </b> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (Romans 10:9 NLT) If <b> you openly declare </b> that Jesus is Lord and <b> believe </b> in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <b> 2. Relationally.  </b> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (I John 4:10 TPT) This is love: <b> He loved us <em> long before we loved him </em> . </b> It was his love, not ours. <b> He proved </b> it by sending his Son to be the pleasing <b> sacrificial offering </b> to <b> take away </b> our sins.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <b> 3. Intimately.  </b> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (John 5:39-40 TPT) “You are busy <b> analyzing </b> the Scriptures, frantically pouring over them in hopes of gaining eternal life. <b> Everything you read points to me </b> , yet you still <b> refuse </b> to come to me so I can give you the life you’re looking for—eternal life!  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (James 4:8a) <b> Come near to God and he will come near to you.  </b> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> All scripture is from the NIV unless otherwise noted  </p> <p> </p> </div> Sun, 02 Aug 2020 15:30:00 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/whats-next-part-1-know-god thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/words-matter (Proverbs 18:21 TPT) – Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences. (James 3:8-9) but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Speaking Death Condemn. Destroy. Rob. Hurt. Imprison. (Matthew 12:36 TPT) you can be sure of this: when the day of judgment comes, everyone will be held accountable for every careless word he has spoken. (Luke 6:45 TPT) People are known in this same way. Out of the virtue stored in their hearts, good and upright people will produce good fruit. But out of the evil hidden in their hearts, evil ones will produce what is evil. For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words. Speaking Life (Proverbs 16:24) Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Affirm. Buildup. Give. Heal. Liberate. Key point: Words matter because they ultimately reveal the condition of our hearts. What Can I Do? 1. Guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 2. Guard your tongue. (Proverbs 21:23) Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. All scripture is from the NIV unless otherwise noted <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (Proverbs 18:21 TPT) – Your <b> words </b> are so <b> powerful </b> that they will <b> kill </b> or  <b> give life </b> , and the talkative person will reap the consequences.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (James 3:8-9) but no human being can <b> tame </b> the tongue. It is a restless evil <b> , full of deadly poison </b> . With the tongue, we <b> praise </b> our Lord and Father, and with it, we <b> curse </b> human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <h2> Speaking Death  </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (Matthew 12:36 TPT) you can be sure of this: when the day of judgment comes, everyone will be held accountable for <b> every careless word he has spoken </b> .  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (Luke 6:45 TPT) People are known in this same way. Out of the virtue stored in their hearts, good and upright people will produce good fruit. But out of the evil hidden in their hearts, evil ones will produce what is evil. <b> For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words.  </b> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <h2> Speaking Life  </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (Proverbs 16:24) <b> Gracious </b> words are a <b> honeycomb </b> , <b> sweet </b> to the soul and <b> healing </b> to the bones.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> <b> Key point: </b> Words matter because they ultimately reveal the condition of our hearts.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <h2> What Can I Do?  </h2> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> 1. Guard your heart.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (Proverbs 4:23) <b> Above all else </b> , <b> guard </b> your <b> heart </b> , for <b> everything </b> you do flows from it.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> 2. Guard your tongue.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (Proverbs 21:23) Those who <b> guard </b> their <b> mouths </b> and their <b> tongues </b> keep themselves from calamity.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> All scripture is from the NIV unless otherwise noted </p> <p> </p> </div> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 15:30:00 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/words-matter thumbnail main image https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/undivided-part-6 <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (1 Kings 18:22 CSB) Then Elijah said to the people, <b> “I am the only remaining prophet of the Lord </b> , but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p> (1 Kings 19:10c CSB) ...I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.” </p> <p> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> </p> <p>  (1 Kings 19:4-13 CSB) ...but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and <b> prayed that he might die </b> . He said, <b> “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my ancestors.” </b> Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, “Get up and eat.” Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So, he ate and drank and lay down again. <b> </b> Then the angel of the Lord returned for a second time and touched him. He said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. <b> </b> He entered a cave there and spent the night. Suddenly, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Armies, but the Israelites have abandoned your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. <b> I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life </b> .” <b> </b> Then he said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.” At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. <b> </b> After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. <b> </b> When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” </p> <p> </p> </div> Sun, 19 Jul 2020 15:30:00 GMT https://www.celebrationchurchms.org/undivided-part-6 thumbnail main image