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Churches that Heal Pt.5

Posted on Dec 5, 2020 in General |

PPT Churches that Heal Series Part 5

“Becoming an Adult”

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV

Spiritual Immaturity

Hebrews 5:12-14 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Dr. Henry Cloud’s Recap: Three steps to becoming an adult:

Stop comparing yourself to others.
Learn from your failures.
Give others the opportunities to prove their expertise.

Stop Comparing Yourself

Paul’s Apostolic Mandate

2 Corinthians 10:12 “Of course, we wouldn’t dare to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with those who rate themselves so highly. They compare themselves to one another and make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and then they judge themselves by their own standards. What self-delusion!”

Jeremiah 1:5 ““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Learn from your failures

Failure – the fact of someone or something not succeeding – Cambridge Dictionary

Failure often involves sin. And sin must be confessed.

Confession of Sins

Proverbs 28:13 “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Give others the opportunities to prove their expertise.

Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings;

they will not serve before officials of low rank.” (NIV)

Train Up a Child

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6 “Dedicate your children to God and point them in the way that they should go,

and the values they’ve learned from you will be with them for life.” (TPT)

Proper Correction

Proverbs 22:15 “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”

Proverbs 23:13-14 “Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell.” (NKJV)

Proverbs 23:13-14 “Don’t be afraid to correct your young ones; a spanking won’t kill them.

A good spanking, in fact, might save them from something worse than death.” (MSG)

Proverbs 23:13-14 “Don’t withhold appropriate discipline from your child. Go ahead and punish him when he needs it. Don’t worry—it won’t kill him! A good spanking could be the very thing

that teaches him a lifelong lesson!” (TPT)

God Disciplines Those He Loves

Hebrews 12:5-6 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

Maturity

1 Cor 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke about childish matters, for I saw things like a child and reasoned like a child. But the day came when I matured, and I set aside my childish ways.”

Philippians 3:12-14 Pressing Toward the Goal

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:15-16 As Many As Are Mature

“Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Churches that Heal Pt.4

Posted on Nov 28, 2020 in General |

Processing Pain

Churches that Heal Series Part 4

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJ

In this session Dr Cloud walks us through the unrealistic standards we put on ourselves and how we sort out the good and the bad through finding a place of acceptance, opening up, and using the standard as a guide.

Dr. Henry asks these questions

Which of these do you consider yourself to be more of? An Idealist or a Realist
Are you more likely to deny the existence of bad or to deny the existence of good?

Jesus said this in regard to reality…

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Tribulation – G2347 = pressure, afflicted or affliction, anguish, burdened, persecution, trouble.

How a person handles “tribulation” is taught or modeled in their family of origin.

What did you learn about failure and forgiveness in your family of origin?

Everything is Affected by Missing the Mark

Romans 3:23 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Sin – from the root word G264 = to miss the mark, to err, to sin:-for your faults, offend, trespass.

Teaching on Forbearance

In my years of counseling and spiritually mentoring others I have found that this teaching has been neglected. It is the key to having healthy relationships and serves as a building block in our relationship structure. Dr. Janet Cook

Ephesians 4:1-3 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (KJV)

G430 – Forbearance means “to bear with” or “to endure” or “to put up with” or “to suffer”.

Forbearing with One Another

Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Dr Henry talked about the “judging gap”

God’s Forbearance

Romans 2:3-4 “And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”

Transformed Relationships

Romans 12:9-10 “Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous. Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another.” (TPT)

Henry asked, according to Romans 12:9 “How are we to process both the good and bad in the world?”

Freedom from Condemnation for Those Who Are in Christ Jesus

Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Condemnation – G2632 = to judge against, sentence, condemn, to damn.

Dr. Cloud gives three steps to process pain:

Find a place of safety and acceptance.
Begin to open up and look inside.
Only then can the standard of the law become the guide.

Forgiveness is the Key to Freedom

Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Forgiving those who have trespassed into your life releases you from the control of your abuser.

Dr Henry “We are both good and bad. The people around us are good and bad. One of our tasks is to accept and love each other in spite of our failures and gently correct each other toward a goal of love. We do this through confession, repentance, and forgiveness.

Forbearing and Forgiving

Churches that heal Pt. 3

Posted on Nov 21, 2020 in General |

Boundaries Session 3

Churches that Heal Series

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV

Boundaries are property lines that define:

What you own
What you control
What you are responsible for
How you are free to use it

KJV Dictionary Definition: trespass

Literally, to pass beyond; to pass over the boundary line of another’s land; to enter unlawfully upon the land of another.
To commit any offense or to do any act that injures or annoys another; to violate any rule of rectitude to the injury of another.
In a moral sense, to transgress voluntarily any divine law or command; to violate any known rule of duty.
To intrude; to go too far; to put to inconvenience by demand or importunity; as, to trespass upon the time or patience of another.

TRES’PASSER, n. One who commits a trespass; one who enters upon another’s land or violates his rights. A transgressor of the moral law; an offender; a sinner.

We Were Dead in Transgressions

Ephesians 2:4-5 “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.” (NIV)

The Biblical Way to Address Boundary Busters

Matthew 18:15-17 “Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector

“What you are doing is affecting me and I want you to take responsibility for that.”
Set a limit with the person.
The limit should contain the problem and hold them responsible for dealing with it themselves.

Dr Henry Cloud: “In every situation in the Bible that shows someone dealing with conflict, they had to have the faith to push through it. You can keep doing what you’re doing expecting different results or experience temporary pain to get to where you want to be.”

Grace = Be loving and patient and forgiving
Truth = “speak the truth in love” – that is not okay – your behavior or decisions are affecting me.

Proverbs 19:19 “Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” (MSG)

“A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.” (NIV)

Live Your Life on Purpose

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So, let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Purpose = Chose for yourself
In your heart = thoughts or feelings (mind)
Grudgingly or of necessity = without feeling resentful or pressured or obligated

2 Corinthians 9:9 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

Dr Henry asked: What are you funding? Future pain or life

Dr. Henry Recap: Dealing with Demands on Time and Energy

Saying no to dysfunction, non-performance, and divisiveness in your work.
Saying no to overextending your role so that others can fulfill their roles.
Saying no to overextending your time and energy and taking away from home and family.

Time to Sit at Jesus Feet

Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.””

Set a limit on work and personal activities and set at Jesus feet.
Your relationship time with God and others will live forever.

Examples of Setting Boundaries in the Bible

Choose Your Master

Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

Give a Clear Answer

Matthew 5:37 “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

Prioritize Prayer Time

Matthew 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Honor God

John 5:44 “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?”

Keep Your Word

Matthew 21:28-31 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”

They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them,

Churches that Heal Pt.2

Posted on Nov 15, 2020 in General |

Relational Connection

Part 2 – Churches That Heal

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV

Last week we learned about 3 essential ingredients Grace, Truth and Time.

John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Grace is God’s unmerited favor towards him people. Grace is something we have not earned and do not deserve.
Truth describes how things really are. Jesus said his word is truth.
Dr Henry Cloud says: Truth is the skeleton life hangs upon; it adds shape to everything in the universe. God’s truth leads us to what is real, to what is accurate. Just as our DNA contains the form that our physical life will take, God’s truth contains the form that our soul and spirit should take. Cloud, Henry. Changes That Heal: The Four Shifts That Make Everything Better…And That Everyone Can Do . Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

In the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13:6-9

“A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

WHAT IS BONDING? Bonding is the ability to establish an emotional attachment to another person. It’s the ability to relate to another on the deepest level. When two people have a bond with each other, they share their deepest thoughts, dreams, and feelings with each other with no fear that they will be rejected by the other person. Cloud, Henry. Changes That Heal: The Four Shifts That Make Everything Better…And That Everyone Can Do . Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

According to Dr Cloud, our foundation as human beings should be bonding to others. Babies growing up without connection are malnourished physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The scripture emphasizes the importance of bonding:

Psalm 22:9 “But You are He who took Me out of the womb;

You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.”

An infant learns to trust
Love bonds are developed

Loving God and Loving Others

Matthew 22:36-40

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Everything in the law hinges on loving God and loving others.
To become mature and responsible requires us to bond with others.

Love bonds and Fear Bonds

“Based upon our experiences We will develop love bonds or we can develop fear bonds. The fear bonds and love bonds we experience during our formative years determine the way that we motivate ourselves.

When we use fear we threaten ourselves with what will happen if we do not get to work on time, do not lose weight. Do not save money, or if we get our spouse mad. We think about things that could go wrong. We worry and feel guilty. We run from shame and blame others. We become paralyzed. We operate way under our potential.

Love bonds on the other hand, motivate us to remain faithful under pressure, to help others to be all they were created to be, to be willing to endure pain in order to be close to those we love, and to tell the truth even when it hurts. We think about how God sees others. We are not controlled by fear because we know there is always something more important that demands our attention and devotion.” The Life Model, Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You; Shepherd’s House, Inc., Van Nuys, CA 91406, 1999, p. 16

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.”

Story from Changes That Heal, How to Understand Your Past to Ensure a Healthier Future; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1990, p.46.

Who are you talking to? Are you willing to be vulnerable and share?

Open Up Your Heart

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children —open wide your hearts also.

Closing Prayer

Ephesians 3:16-19

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Grace Truth Time

Posted on Nov 7, 2020 in General |

Church that Heal Series – Session 1

Grace + Truth + Time

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV

The Heartbeat of River of Life is to provide a place of refuge for all people to meet with Jesus and receive healing for their body, soul and spirit as their hope is restored and their strength is renewed by sharing the Love of God through His Word.

Luke 13:6-9

He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

(Play Dr Henry – Session 1)

Grace + Truth + Time

Dig around, Fertilize, and Give it Time

Luke 13:6-9 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

Jesus Full of Grace and Truth

John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

“Grace is something you can never get but only be given. There’s no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about any more than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks or bring about your own birth.” Frederick Buechner

“Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon.”

John Piper

G5485 charis (χάρις), “grace,” indicating favor on the part of the giver, “thanks” on the part of the receiver, is rendered “acceptable.”

By Grace You Are Saved Through Faith

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

We Need Grace and We Need God’s Truth

John 17:15-17,19 “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (19) And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”

Sanctify – to make holy,
Vines Dictionary – Sanctify – G37 The separation of the believer from the world in his behavior— by the Father through the Word (John 17:17, 19).
Sanctifying grace – The way we receive grace is through God’s truth, the Holy Scripture, the word of truth. The prayer of Jesus is for his disciples to be kept from evil and made holy.
“Sanctified by the truth”

To Change Your Life – Abide in the Word

John 15:3-4 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

We are saved by grace and sanctified by Truth – Which is God’s Word.

John 8:31-32

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Grace + Truth + Time

We Grow Up

Ephesians 4:15-16 “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Transformation

Romans 12:1-3 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

What must I do to be saved?

Posted on Oct 31, 2020 in General |

“What must I do to be saved?”

PPT Water Baptism

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV

Jesus Baptized

Matthew 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus Commanded

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

What shall we do?

Acts 2:36-37 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Repent and be Baptized

Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Received his word and were Baptized

Acts 2:40-42 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers

Gentiles Received the Holy Spirit

Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Peter Commanded Them to be Baptized

Acts 10:47-48 Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Fall in Love with the Word Part 3

Posted on Oct 24, 2020 in General |

Fall in Love with the Word of God Part 3

PPT “Fight the Good Fight!”

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Be Watchful in All Things

2 Timothy 4:5

“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Be Watchful
Endure Afflictions
Do the Work of an Evangelist
Fulfill Your Ministry

Paul’s Farewell to Timothy

2 Timothy 4:6

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

Paul’s life was poured out like a drink offering to God.
Departure – analusis – G359 – an unloosing
Laying down the burden in order to rest

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Fight – agnon – Paul had done his best
Finished the race – Paul completed his course
Kept the faith – Paul never lost confidence or hope in the Lord.

2 Timothy 4:8

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Paul would receive his reward from the righteous Judge.
To Timothy and all loyal believers, whatever discouragement or persecution we may face we know that our reward is with Christ in eternity.

God is a Shelter and a Strong Tower

Psalm 61:2-4

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.”

I hear the Lord say that He is our true shelter and He is our safe place. Shelter in Him!

“Shelter-in-place” means to take immediate shelter where you are—at home, work, school, or in between. It may also mean “seal the room;” (CDC)

Shelter in Place

I hear the Spirit of the Lord say to the church you are my beloved. I am with you always. Draw close to me and I will keep you from the snare of the enemy.

(Over the last few months, I have heard the phrase “shelter in place” several times on the news.)

I hear the Lord say to the church that we are sheltered safely in him when we abide in His Word.

How to Shelter in Place

Psalm 91:1-2

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

How to Shelter in Place

The Hebrew word “Shelter” means “A place to hide from you enemies”

The Hebrew word “Refuge” means, “A place to run to for safety.”

The Hebrew word “Fortress” means “The one who keeps me”

The Lord is my Protector

Psalm 91:1

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Dwells = H3427 – To sit down, to remain, to inhabit
Rest = H3885 – to stop, to stay permanently, to remain, to dwell, to abide
The Psalmist found in God a hiding place…a safe place… a resting place…from the trials…troubles…temptations… & terror of this world.

John 15:1-4

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

John 15:5-6

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”

John 15:7-8

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

Fall in Love with the Word of God Part 2 – Preach the Word

Posted on Oct 16, 2020 in General |

Fall in Love with the Word of God Part 2

“Preach the Word!”

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV

The Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

A Solemn Charge

2 Timothy 4:1-2

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.

Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

One day you will stand before the living God to give an account of your life.
Take your life seriously, take the Word of God seriously.
Be ready at all times
Convince, Rebuke, Exhort – with the Word of God
Be Patient and Teach

From the Truth to Fables

2 Timothy 4:3-4

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.”

They will find teachers who will tell them what they want to hear, not what they need to hear.
They will turn away from God’s truth to embrace what feels good.

Be Watchful in All Things

2 Timothy 4:5

“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Be Watchful
Endure Afflictions
Do the Work of an Evangelist
Fulfill Your Ministry

Shelter in Place

I hear the Spirit of the Lord say to the church you are my beloved. I am with you always. Draw close to me and I will keep you from the snare of the enemy.

(Over the last few months, I have heard the phrase “shelter in place” several times on the news.)

I hear the Lord say to the church that we are sheltered safely in him.

Psalm 61:2-4

I hear the Lord say that He is our true shelter and He is our safe place. Shelter in Him!

“Shelter-in-place” means to take immediate shelter where you are—at home, work, school, or in between. It may also mean “seal the room;” (CDC)

How to Shelter in Place

Psalm 91:1-2

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

How to Shelter in Place

The Hebrew word “Shelter” means “A place to hide from you enemies”

The Hebrew word “Refuge” means, “A place to run to for safety.”

The Hebrew word “Fortress” means “The one who keeps me”

The Lord is my Protector

Psalm 91:1

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Dwells = H3427 – To sit down, to remain, to inhabit
Rest = H3885 – to stop, to stay permanently, to remain, to dwell, to abide
The Psalmist found in God a hiding place…a safe place… a resting place…from the trials…troubles…temptations… & terror of this world.

John 15:7

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

Fall in Love with the Word of God

Posted on Oct 10, 2020 in General |

PPT “Fall in Love with the Word of God”

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV

Psalm 119:97

“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Psalm 119:114

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”

You Must Continue…

2 Timothy 3:14-17

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)

2 Timothy 3:14-17

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed,
knowing from whom you learned it and how
from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and
profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)

2 Timothy 3:14-17

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed,

CONTINUE!! Timothy
Timothy learned and believed the sacred writings.

2. knowing from whom you learned it and how

2 Timothy 1:5 “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
First reason to Continue: You know the character of those who taught you. Don’t abandon the truth someone has shown you that is faithful, has integrity and loves you. Be slow to walk away from what you have learned.

from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Second reason to continue: The scripture gave Timothy wisdom that led him to faith in Christ Jesus and he found salvation.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable

Third Reason to continue: The scripture has an amazing affect. It is inspired by God and it is profitable for Teaching

5. for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that

Teaching the word of God does these three things:

Reproof – We need to know when we are headed in the wrong direction.
Correction – We need to be corrected and turned around so we can be equipped for every good work.
Training – We need to be pointed in the right direction and trained in the ways of righteousness

the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)

The word of God completely equips us to for every good work. The works of Faith

Another Way to Look at this passage.

Continue in the Scriptures it has amazing affect and power
Salvation – Eph 2:8 “have been saved”; 1 Cor. 1:18 “are being saved”; Romans 10:9 “you will be saved”
Good Works flows from faith that gives us salvation
Faith in Christ equips us for every good work
Teaching that produces
Inspired Bible

This is why we need to fall in love with the word.

Once For All

Posted on Sep 26, 2020 in General |

“Once For All”

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV

The Atonement

Old Testament- Day of Atonement provided only a covering of sin

Hebrews 10:3-4 “But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”

The Bible gives the diagnosis of what is wrong with the human problem: It is sin

The Bible gives the cure (remedy): Which is Atonement

New Testament – Central issue is taking away sin

Jesus Offered Himself Once for All

Hebrews 7:27 “Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” (NIV)

Atonement is about what God did.

He built a bridge by the Shed Blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

Lev 17:11 “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”

Hebrews 9:22 “And according to the law almost all things are [purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

Atonement brings the One True Living God and fallen man together.

“At-One-Ment”.

At-One-Ment is the reconnecting and strengthening of our relationship with the Almighty, and therefore the reconciliation of the Almighty with us.

Yom Kippur begins this evening through Monday evening

Yom Kippur was the Old Testament Hebrews opportunity to reunite with the Almighty God.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is our opportunity to unite with God.

Yom Kippur can be summarized into one word, Repentance (Teshuva) meaning “To Return”.

“To Return” to “At-One-Ment” with God.

Atonement under the New Covenant comes, if you will: repentance.

Acts 17:29-30 “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”

On Yom Kippur the Hebrews read the Book of Jonah.

The lesson is that God accepts repentance, just as He did with the people of Ninveh.

Jonah 3:5 “…the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.”

Putting away sin

Hebrews 9:28 “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many…”

Jesus offered Himself through the eternal Spirit to God the Father

Hebrews 9:13-14 “For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

Preach Christ crucified

1 Corinthians 1:22-25 “For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

The weakness of God is stronger than men
The foolishness of God is wiser than men

One complete, all-sufficient sacrifice

Hebrews 10:14 “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Perfect, complete, forever”

Appropriation is progressive (continuing present tense)

2 Chronicles 7:14 “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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”