Woodward First Assembly

Mysteries Of The Kingdom-3-The Dragnet

Tonight we continue our mid-week series that Pastor Brad has titled, "Revealing The Mysteries Of The Kingdom."  In This series he will be breaking down the parables the Jesus taught in regard to building the Kingdom of God.  Tonight's  parable is The Dragnet.
Pastor’s Notes:
Matthew 13:47-50 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, (48) which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. (49) So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, (50) and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
INTRODUCTION
Good evening, everybody!
I hope all of you are ready and excited to be with us this Friday at 7 pm. Once again, invite, invite, invite!
Tonight, I’ll continue in our series as we keep looking at the Kingdom of God and how Jesus teaches HIs disciples about what it’s like.
TEXT
1. THE PARABLE EXPLAINED
A. THE DETAILS OF THE PARABLE...1. A "dragnet" was cast into the sea.2. As defined by the Holman Bible Dictionary, a "dragnet" is...
a. "A large fishing net equipped with a weighted bottom edge for touching ("dragging") the river or lake bottom and a top with wooden floats allowing the net to be spread across the water (Isaiah 19:8)."
b. "Such nets were normally let down from a boat and then drawn to shore by a crew positioned on the beach. In the case of a large catch the net was hauled to shore by boat (John 21:6-8)."
3. Once the dragnet was drawn to shore, the fish were separated; those good for eating were saved in vessels, the inedible were discarded.
B. THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE...
1. As with "The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares", Jesus explains what this parable means - Mt 13:49-50
a. The kingdom of heaven, in its present state, will be a mixture of good and bad.
1) Just like a dragnet gathers in both good and bad fish
2) We see in "The Parable Of The Wheat And Tares" that this will be due to the influence of Satan, such that there will be those "that offend, and those who practice lawlessness" - Mt 13:41
3) Paul wrote that in "a great house" (i.e., the church) some vessels are "for honor and some for dishonor" - 2 Timothy 2:20-21
b. But in the future there will be a separation - Mt 13:491) It will occur "at the end of the age" - Mt 13:39-402) The agents of this separation will be the "angels" - Mt 13:41 3) The "wicked" will be separated from the "just" (i.e.,the righteous) - cf. Mt 13:41c. The punishment of the "wicked" is described - Mt 13:50
1) "cast...into the furnace of fire." - Mt 13:42a
2) "There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." - Mt 13:42b 2. In giving His explanation, we see the emphasis of Jesus in
this parable, and the fundamental difference between it and "The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares"
a. The emphasis is upon...1) The "future" separation of those in the kingdom 2) The punishment of the wicked
b. Unlike "The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares"...1) There is nothing in the explanation related to the "present"
mixture in the kingdom - contrast that with Mt 13:24-302) There is nothing depicting the blessedness of the righteous contrast that with Mt 13:43
["The Parable Of The Dragnet", then, reinforces the spiritual truths taught in "The Parable Of The Wheat And Tares", especially those relating to the coming judgment and condemnation of the wicked.
That Jesus would emphasize the judgment and condemnation of the wicked in this parable ought to impress upon us that the "good news" of the kingdom of heaven also contains "bad news" for those who reject it.
Since this parable focuses on the "destiny" of the wicked, this might be a good time to review what Jesus Himself taught on the subject...]
2. JESUS' TEACHINGS ON THE DESTINY OF THE WICKED
A. JESUS TAUGHT THE WICKED WILL BE JUDGED...1. We have seen this truth illustrated in the two parables we have been comparing2. He warned those cities that rejected Him of the coming judgment - Mt 11:20-243. He spoke of the condemnation that would come upon His generation - Mt 12:41-424. The wicked would be raised unto condemnation, unlike the righteous - Jn 5:24-30
B. JESUS TAUGHT THE WICKED WILL BE SEPARATED FROM GOD... 1. He spoke of this separation in His sermon on the mount - Mt 7:21-232. Again, when describing the judgment scene - Mt 25:41-46
C. JESUS TAUGHT THE WICKED WILL BE CAST INTO "HELL"...1. A term used most often by Jesus to describe the destiny of the wickeda. The Greek word is "gehenna" {gheh'-en-nah}, which in Hebrew is "Ge-Hinnom"b. B. W. Johnson comments: "The term Gehenna arose from the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the Canaanites burned human sacrifices to Moloch. After the return of the Jews from the Captivity they made it a place of defilement, where the refuse of the city was thrown and burned. The name was applied to the place of future punishment by the Jews. The word is often used in the New Testament, and always denotes a place of future punishment."
c. Found twelve (12) times in the New Testament, and it is used only by Jesus with one exception (Jm 3:6)
2. Jesus used the term to describe the final place of punishment...a. In His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:21-22,29-30b. When sending His apostles on the "limited" commission - Mt 10:28c. In warning against personal stumbling blocks - Mt 18:8-9d. Perhaps the most vivid use of this term is in Mk 9:43-48-- Jesus evidently used this word because it properly spoke to His contemporaries the horror and abomination of the eternal destiny awaiting the wicked!
3. This place called "hell" was originally prepared for the devil
and his angels (Mt 25:41), but will serve as the place of punishment for the wicked as well
D. JESUS TAUGHT THE WICKED WILL SUFFER TORMENT...
1. They will experience "the furnace of fire"
a. As described in "The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares", and "The Parable Of The Dragnet" - Mt 13:42,50
b. This "furnace of fire" is the same as...1) The "fire" of Gehenna - Mt 5:22; 18:8-9 2) The "lake of fire" - Re 20:12-15; 21:8
c. A fire that is never quenched - Mk 9:43-48d. Notice Jesus' description of Hades (the temporary dwelling of the wicked dead) - Lk 16:22-242. They will experience "wailing and gnashing of teeth"
a. As told in the two parables we have considered - Mt 13:42, 50
b. Jesus used the similar expression "weeping and gnashing of teeth" on other occasions - Mt 8:12 22:13; 24:51; 25:30
3. They will experience "outer darkness" a. As in the punishment of...
1) The "sons of the kingdom" (unbelieving Israelites) - Mt 8:12 2) The "unprepared wedding guest" (those who mistakenly
believe they are saved?) - Mt 22:133) The "unprofitable servant" (slothful Christians?) - Mt 25:30
b. And the punishment described by Peter and Jude for false teachers - 2Pe 2:17; Jude 13
4. They will experience "everlasting punishment"a. The punishment for the wicked is as "everlasting" as the life given the righteous - Mt 25:46b. The wicked will be "punished" with "everlasting destruction" from the presence of the Lord - cf. 2Th 1:9 CONCLUSION
1. As Jesus went about "preaching the gospel of the kingdom" (Mt 4:23), He did not hold back...
a. He called upon the people to repent - cf. Mt 4:17b. He warned them of the impending judgment and torment to come
1) As seen in "The Parable Of Dragnet"2) As seen in our survey of Jesus' teaching on the destiny of the
wicked
2. If we are to proclaim the "gospel of the kingdom" faithfully...a. We must not only preach the "good news" of the kingdom... b. We must also tell the "bad news" Christ revealed through His parables and other teachings!
Dear friend, are you living in view of the coming judgment? When "the great separation" is made, where will you be? Why not be "born again of the water and the Spirit", so you may enter that wonderful kingdom? - Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16; Ac 2:36-39
CONCLUSION

Driven By Eternity-3-The Power Of Partnership

This morning, as Pastor Brad teaches us about The Power Of Partnership, we finish the Driven By Eternity series.

Pastor's Notes:

TEXT
Philippians 4:10-19 NKJV
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your[a] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [b]be abased, and I know how to [c]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through [d]Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I [e]have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everybody!
I’m super excited to be here with morning. Thanks to everyone who has continued to keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time.
It is with great joy that we’re anticipating our upcoming FIRE Conference with Christopher Alam. As we have shared before, please invite your lost loved ones and those you know who are ill and need a touch from the Lord. It starts THIS Friday night at 7 pm. We hope you will be here.
Today, I will be finishing this series with a message entitled “The Power Of Partnership”.

ILLUSTRATION
Many of you are familiar with start up businesses. If you look around you, everything had a beginning. Starbucks, Wal Mart, Apple, Samsung, Chevrolet, etc.
The one thing that shares a commonality among all of these is stock. Most companies today that are thriving have astronomical stock prices.
If you would have bought into Apple and Wal Mart in the 80’s and Amazon in the late 90’s, you would be a millionaire by now. Today, a single stock comes at a hefty price.
However, the thing about stock is that buying stock is investing in a product. In essence, you are getting ownership into the company.
When the company wins, every shareholder wins. When the company goes broke, well, everyone goes broke.

TRANSITION
The great think about the Kingdom of God is it isn’t like that. It isn’t going broke, nor will it ever!
Yet, when we give into the kingdom, it’s like investing stock into a booming company.
Now, before you get all sideways with me, I’m not trying to tell you that you give to get rich. That is totally the wrong motive for doing anything.
We give out of an obedience to God and His word. We also give because of our love for His work!
What we do for eternity is literally the only thing that will last for eternity.
Yet, just like a stock can pay out, our dividend is souls yes, but also many other blessings! God blesses those who bless the kingdom.

BACKGROUND
In our text, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Philippi.
According to history, the Apostle Paul founded the church on his second missionary journey.
He actually wrote this letter to thank this church for partnering with his ministry.
It’s been told throughout the years that a church will often take on the personality of it’s leader. Here, it’s apparent that Paul imparted a missionary spirit and a heart of generosity into his people.
Praise God!
There’s a blessing that comes when people catch a heart for the work of God.
Let’s look at our text


APPLICATION
1. It keeps giving (vs. 10)
- I want you to notice that Paul said it “flourished again”.
- This implies that their giving had continued to be a blessing.
- It likely not only continued to help him spiritually, but I’m sure it helped him emotionally. It helps people to know that others are “with them”.
- When we give to missions, we are “a part of the team”.- It’s a great thing to know people love you and are supporting you.

2. It’s a Blessing (vs. 14)
- Notice that the words, “shared in my distress”.
- Literally, they lifted a burden.
- Week after week, month after month, I get requests from missionaries. I wish I could say yes to all of them. The number one thing they have need of is not only prayer, but resources.
- There are projects that need completed and people that need to be reached.
- Sure, the Gospel is free. Plane tickets, Bibles, vehicles, etc. are not.

3. It’s Partnership (vs. 15-17)
- The biggest thing I wish I could communicate with people is that when we are giving to ministry, we aren’t giving it people. Yes, it goes into the hands of people, but it goes into the hands of God.
- It’s not just giving. That’s what the church has taught all these years. Notice Paul said giving AND receiving,
- They sent consistent aid to Paul.
- He told them it was going into their account. Did you know that you have a heavenly account? How do you put stuff in it? Giving!
- An account is meant to put stuff in AND to take stuff out.
- Your blessing account gets full when you’re a giver and generous towards the work of God.

4. It’s Sacrifice (vs. 18)
- I’m not sure how much they gave, but Paul recognized it as a sacrifice.
- You only sacrifice when something is valuable. If you’re putting $2 in the missions offering but paying $100 on a cell phone, thats not sacrifice. Oh come on, somebody!
- I’m not trying to beat you up. I’m trying to let you know that God blesses us when we truly are generous. Notice was Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:6 “But this I say, He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. “
- Notice there are only two levels of giving with God: Sparingly or bountifully. Or as a I like to say it, stingy or generous.
- Don’t be mistaken. The amount doesn’t determine which one that is, but rather proportion and attitude.

5. It’s Security (vs. 19)
- Notice Paul starts off the verse with “and”. That means it’s connected.
- This is a verse that is often taken as a promise isolated and out of it’s context.
- However, the promise of God “supplying all your need according to His riches in glory....” is directly connected to missions giving.
- Point blank? When you take care of God’s business, you don’t have to fret and worry. People are all financially messed up when they put themselves first, and then maybe if anything is left, they might give a little to God.
- No! I’m challenging each of us to be generous when it comes to giving, but especially to missions!
Why?

CONCLUSION
Because we are driven by eternity! Souls Souls Souls!
We have to pray, we have to go, and we have to give!

Mysteries Of The Kingdom-2-The Mustard Seed

Tonight we continue our midweek series Mysteries Of The Kingdom.

This evening Pastor Brad teaches on The Parable Of The Mustard Seed.

Pastor's Notes:

Matthew 13:31-32(NKJV)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 13:31-32  Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field,  (32)  which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
INTRODUCTION
Good evening, everybody!
I certainly hoped you enjoyed last week as we started this brand new series entitled “Mysteries Of The Kingdom”. We are going to look at what the Scriptures tell us about the Kingdom Jesus so often spoke about.
Last week, we looked at the parable of the spoil. This week, I will teach you on “The Parable of the Mustard Seed”.
Read the text with me one more time.
Matthew 13:31-32  Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field,  (32)  which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."

1. THE MUSTARD SEED
- THE PLANT ITSELF...
     1. The mustard plant is well known for its hot-flavored seeds
     2. Among seeds sown in a garden it was generally the smallest
     3. As a plant, it reaches ten, sometimes fifteen feet in height
     4. In the fall of the year, its branches have become rigid, and the plant often serves as a shelter for birds of many kinds
        - PROVERBIAL USES OF THE MUSTARD SEED...
     1. The mustard seed was used frequently to describe anything that is small in its beginning
     2. Jesus used it on another occasion to describe one's faith -cf. Mt 17:20
[With this understanding of the mustard plant and its seeds, perhaps we are better able to appreciate the meaning of the parable itself

2. THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE
 - THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WOULD HAVE A SMALL BEGINNING...
     1. Old Testament prophecy foretold this:
        a. Concerning the Messiah - cf. Isa 11:1; Isa 53:2-3
        b. Concerning the kingdom - cf. Dan 2:35; Is 60:22(starting out as a stone, becoming a great mountain)
- BUT ITS TREMENDOUS GROWTH WOULD BE ITS HUMBLE BEGINNINGS...
     1. Just as the "small stone" of Dan 2:35  "became a great mountain and filled the whole earth"
     2. The growth of the church in the first century A.D. certainly confirmed the truth of Jesus' parable
        a. The 120 disciples grew to over 3000 just in one day - Acts 2:41-42
        b. It was soon about 5000 - Acts 4:4
        c. The number of the disciples continued to "multiply"
           1) In Jerusalem - Acts 6:7
           2) Throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria – Acts 9:31
        d. Years later, there were "myriads" of believers just in Jerusalem alone - Acts 21:20
     3. Even today, we see the growth and influence of the kingdom of heaven in lives of believers around the world!
 -  IT'S GROWTH WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THE WORLD...
     1. In the parable, Jesus spoke of how "the birds of the air come and nest in its branches"
     2. What did Jesus mean?  He does not say, but the kingdom of God is certainly a blessing to all who take refuge in its "branches"
        a. Ex. "for the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" - Rom 14:17
        b. To those seeking rest for their weary souls, the King offers His tender invitation to come to Him and enter His kingdom of rest - Mt 11:28-30
What about today?  The Kingdom of Heaven continues to grow and spread out its branches to those who will accept it, certainly.  But can we ever expect growth similar to the first century?
Consider a few thoughts about...]
3. THE GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM TODAY
-  THERE IS THE "MATHEMATICAL POSSIBILITY"...
     1. Beginning with just twenty disciples, each converting just one
        person a year, and their converts doing the same...
     2. ...the growth would be like a mustard seed!
        a. End of year  1 - 40
        b. End of year  5 - 640
        c. End of year 10 - 20,480
        d. End of year 15 - 655,360
        e. End of year 20 - 20,971,520
        f. End of year 25 - 1,342,177,280
     -- All it takes is for each person to bring one soul to Christ each and every year!
Look at the AG stats………
The Assemblies of God (AG), officially the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, is a group of over 140 autonomous but loosely associated national groupings of churches which together form the world's largest Pentecostal denomination.[2] With over 300,000 ministers and outstations in over 212 countries and territories serving approximately 57 to 60 million adherents worldwide,[3][4][5] it is the sixth largest international Christian group of denominations.[6]
That’s just AG……not Baptist, Methodist, etc.
-  THERE IS CERTAINLY THE "SPIRITUAL POSSIBILITY"...
     1. We have the same "seed" of the kingdom, the Word of God!
        a. A "seed" which is incorruptible, that lives and abides forever - 1 Peter 1:23-25
        b. A "seed" capable of producing what God intends - Isaiah 55:10-11
     2. While the first two parables remind us that not all will accept the Word of God, this parable declares that the kingdom will grow!

CONCLUSION

Driven By Eternity-2-Driven By Eternity

This morning we continue our series with a self titled message called  Driven By Eternity.

Pastors Notes:

TEXT
2 Corinthians 5:1-11 NKJV

For we know that if our earthly [a]house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our [b]habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as [c]a guarantee.
6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everyone!
We’re so very glad that all of you are here today! If you missed last week, I preached a passionate message entitled “People Of The Spirit”. I shared with you the history of our church and movement, and endeavored to show you we have a long history of passionately proclaiming the Gospel.
Today, I want to talk with you from the title of our series, “Driven By Eternity”.
ILLUSTRATION
To full understand the concept of a people being “Driven By Eternity”, I feel like we need to understand the definition as a whole.
Look at what Websters Online says:
1. operated, moved, or controlled by a specified person or source of power."a chauffeur-driven limousine"motivated or determined by a specified factor or feeling."a market-driven response to customer needs"2. (of a person) relentlessly compelled by the need to accomplish a goal; very hard-working and ambitious.
Both of these words describe what it means to be driven. To have a drive toward something means to be passionate about something.
TRANSITION
I’d submit to you this morning that we need to have a passion for souls!
At the end of the day, all that really matters is reaching people for Jesus Christ.
It needs to drive us when we get up in the morning. It should drive us when we are about our day. It should consume our thoughts upon our laying down. BACKGROUND
This very thing is precisely what Paul gave his life for. After his conversion, Paul tried to right some wrongs that he had done in his previously life.
That’s why he made the statement in Romans 1:14 NKJV “I am a debtor…..”
In this particular passage, he is showing us that urgency in which we should share the good news.
Look with me and let’s study this together. APPLICATION

The Frailty of Life (vs. 1-3)

- In the context of this verse, Paul calls this earthy body a “tent”.
- A tent is a temporary structure that usually doesn’t have the appearance of something glorious.
- That’s the way our bodies are. They are meant to be temporal.
- It truly gives us the reality that death is imminent.
2.   The Anticipation of Eternity (vs. 4-8)
- The book of Ecclesiastes says that God has placed eternity in our hearts.
- Some may deny it, but I truly believe we long for eternity!
- Paul writes and says “God has prepared us for this.”
- As believers for sure, this world is not our home. We are longing for Heaven!
- Whether we like it or not, we are leaving!
3.   Certainty of Judgment (vs. 9-11)
- As a believer, we have an appearance to make!
- Where? It will be before the judgement seat of Christ!
- This my dear friends is why we persuade men!
- We must be driven by an eternity focus!
CONCLUSION
In light of this, how does that make you feel like? I’m telling you that we must get busy doing the Master’s work!
In the words of the late Leonard Ravenhill, “Are the things you’re living for worth Christ dying for?”

Mysteries Of The Kingdom-1-The Soil

Tonight we start a new mid-week series that Pastor Brad has titled, "Mysteries Of The Kingdom."  In This series he will be breaking down the parables the Jesus taught in regard to building the Kingdom of God.  Tonight's  parable is about The Soil found in Luke 8:4-15 (NKJV).

Driven By Eternity-1-People Of Spirit

This morning Pastor Brad starts a new series he calls Driven By Eternity with a sermon titled People Of Spirit.

Pastor's Notes:

TEXT
Mark 16:14-20 NKJV
14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who [a]believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they[b] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everybody!
I’m so glad each and every one of you are here. This morning, we are going to start a brand new sermon series entitled “Driven By Eternity”.
Over the next three weeks, we’ll be looking at the mission of the church and what we are called to.
Last week, I preached about the necessity of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Today, I want to preach to you about “ People of The Spirit.
BACKGROUND
In our text, we see Jesus have a conversation with His disciples about the work they were to do. He accompanied that with soul willing, along with accompanying signs of supernatural power such as healing, deliverance, tongues, and casting out demons. All of these were to follow after the Holy Spirit would be poured out, which is what we learned about last week.
Yet, verse 20 is what I wanted to lock in on. It says:
“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word through the accompanying signs. Amen”.
These people went out and preached the Gospel, believed God, and saw the world turned upside down.
The Book of Acts is actually a historical record of the formation and mission of the church.
In Acts, you see this brand new church that was formed in Jerusalem. They had received the power of the Holy Spirit.
They received opposition and persecution, but with God’s help, they pressed forward.
Souls were being saved, disciples were being baptized, and corrupted culture was being challenged. (We should still be doing this today!).
Acts records the very missionary journeys that the early Apostles did, spreading the Gospel to all of the known world at that time.
TRANSITION
Yet my friend, you and I have the same responsibility and are a part of the same mission: To share Jesus Christ and to warn  people about eternity.
That’s what is truly great about our church.
Let me take you on a journey.

APPLICATION


Our Past

- Let’s look at our past.
- Denomination believers heard about a prayer meeting in California.
- Many went there and received the Baptism of the Spirit.
- In this revival, people were awakened to eternity and the soon coming of Jesus.
- Out of this revival formed many groups, but most notable is the one you’re a part of right now. In 1914, a group assembled in Hot Springs Arkansas to establish was we know is the Assemblies of God.
- From there, a doctrinal statement was formed and a passion for missions.
- Missionaries were sent all around the world with many going on faith, packing their belonging in coffins to be shipped overseas with no expectation of returning.
- Churches all over the USA were planted through revivals, prayer meetings, and brush arbor services.
- Such is how our church was started. In 1922, Gordon and Glen Miller came to Woodward to start a new work. In 1924, Woodward First Assembly of God was started.
- Throughout the years, many pastors have served, many leaders have came out of our church such as pastors and missionaries, and many people have been saved, healed, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Yet, He isn’t done.

Our Present

- Dear friends, God is doing something TODAY!
- Times have progressed. Methodist have updated. Scenery has changed. Yet, our mission is the same: SOULS
- Today, souls are being saved.
- Today, people are being healed.
- Today, marriages are being restored.
- Today, the Holy Spirit is still filling people.
- Today, we are still sending missionaries!
- The mission is still the same: To exalt Jesus and to preach this full gospel message across the land!
- Fun Fact: Did you know that our church sends out roughly $4,000 per month in missionary support to 42 different missionaries and missions outreaches? That's why we ask you to give. That’s why we need you to sacrifice!

Our Future

- While we honor the past, we live in the present. Yet while we live in the present, we plan for the future.
- We will see more people saved.
- More people healed.
- We will raise up more leaders.
- We will support more missionaries.

CONCLUSION

Prayer School-7-Praying The Word

It's midweek and Pastor Brad continues the mid week study of prayer. Tonight he teaches us about Praying The Word.

Pastor's Notes:

TEXTS
James 3:1-6 NKJV
My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a [a]perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 [b]Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of [c]iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of [d]nature; and it is set on fire by [e]hell.

Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

INTRODUCTION
Good evening, everybody!
We’re so glad that you’re here today. My hope and desire is that you’ve learned some principles of prayer of the last few months. Last week, we talked about praying in the Spirit and how doing so helps us pray in the will of God. Sunday, we also gave people the opportunity to be filled with the Spirit.
Today, I want to talk to you in this final installment about “Praying The Word”. Why is this important? It’s important because prayer is a guiding force in our lives. Since prayer is a guiding force in our lives, what we say and how we pray is vitally important.Why?
Read our scriptures again.
Our tongue is like the rudder on a ship.
Life and death are in it, and it produces fruit that we will eat.
TRANSITION
That’s why it’s so important that we are mindful what we say and how.
Prayer is a very spiritual thing. It can also be an emotional thing. How many of you know what I’m talking about?
So, one way to stay on track and to pray effectively is to pray the Scriptures.
Not only is it a good way to commit to memory the Word of the Living God, but it’s also a way to pray God’s will, which is revealed in His Word.
Let’s look at it and practice together a little.
APPLICATION
1. The Leadership Of Jesus
- Psalm 23

2. Peace and Protection
- Psalm 91
- 2 Timothy 1:7

3. Wisdom
- James 1:5
- 1 Corinthians 2:16 “The Mind Of Christ”

4. Finances
- Psalm 35:27-28 “He takes pleasure..”
- Malachi 3:11 “The rebuking of the devour-er”
- Philippians 4:19 “My God shall supply...”
CONCLUSION

Walking With Jesus-4-The Promise

This morning, Pastor Brad concludes his series Walking With Jesus with a message he calls The Promise.

Pastor's Notes:

TEXT Acts 1:1-9 NKJV

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everybody!
I’m so glad to see each and every one of you again. I want to give a special thanks to all of our staff, volunteers, and church family for praying, inviting, and serving to make it such a great weekend.
We had a total of 309 people in worship with us last weekend. If you came back today, we are glad to have you here and hope to have you join our family!
For our regulars, I want to remember how awesome it felt to have the house that full. This is what we are striving for every week. Thanks for continuing to help us reach this city for Christ!
This whole month, we’ve been walking in the footsteps of Jesus as He lived and died. Last Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection!
Today, I want to take you on a post resurrection journey, and share with you Jesus’ message to His disciples.
I’ve entitled this message, “The Promise”, as we look at the glory that Jesus promised to give to the church.

ILLUSTRATION
This last week, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ were killed in an act of terrorism as churches in Sri Lanka were bombed.
American politicians titled them “Easter worshipers”.
What an insult. Dear friends, I’m not an Easter worshiper. I am a worshiper of Jesus Christ!
And while there has been an attack on Christianity in America and across the world, Jesus promised to return for His church one day.
TRANSITION
Yet, before He left, He promised us power to live a victorious life to accomplish the assignment He gave us to fulfill.
BACKGROUND
In our passage, Luke gives us some insight. After the resurrection, Jesus walked the Earth for 40 days showing Himself alive to His people.
Yet before He would ascend again, He gave them specific instructions to go into Jerusalem to wait for the promise of the Father.
What was that promise?

APPLICATION
1. The Promise
-  That promise was told by John Luke 3:16
-  Jesus said in John 7:37-39 He would send the Spirit
-  Jesus tells us in Mark 16:15-18 that it brings supernatural power.

2. The Purpose
-  What is the purpose of this promise?
-  You shall receive “power”.
-  Why? To be a witness.
-  A witness of what? That Jesus is alive and resurrected.
-  Bottom line? The purpose of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is an empowerment of boldness to be a witness for Christ! It’s power to share your faith with others!
-  Who wouldn’t want such a thing?

3. The Pattern
-  In Acts 2, we see the disciples praying in the upper room. It was the day of Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Harvest.
-  When this initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit happened, something interesting happened. Tongues of fire sat upon each of them, and they all began to speak in a language they had never learned. The Scripture is very emphatic that they “were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues......”.

-  History shows us this is a normative experience.
-  Acts 2:4
-  Acts 10:44-46
-  Acts 19:6
-  In all of these cases, along with others in church history, the accompanying SIGN of Spirit baptism is speaking in tongues?
-  But why?
-  Because Jesus wants to touch your mouth and make you a bold witness for Him.
-  Someone asked me one time “Can I be filled with the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues?”. to which I replied, “Why would you want to be?”
- Many people are afraid of this experience. Some have just been taught wrong. Let me close with this Scripture.
CONCLUSION



Luke 11:9-13
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for [a]bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Prayer School-6-The Holy Spirit and Our Prayer Language part 2

Its mid-week and tonight Pastor Brad picks up his teaching about The Holy Spirit And Our Prayer Language Part 2.

Pastor's Notes:

Text: Jude 20
Conversation and communication is the key to every relationship/ including our relationship with God.
We are SELFISH by nature/ we pray the kind of prayers which God can’t answer.We often lack the UNDERSTANDING of God’s WORD to pray effectively. We pray our WILL versus God’s WILL.
We are INDEPENDENT and IMPULSIVE.We look to God as our last RESORT.We are IMPATIENT and fail to WAIT on God.We have LIMITED insight, knowledge, revelation, and understanding. We harbor UNFORGIVENESS and BITTERNESS in our hearts.
*Paul instructs us to pray in the Spirit and to pray in our understanding. What does it mean to pray in our understanding?
Pray the FACTS as you know them.Pray according to your UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM.. Pray the amount of your personal REVELATION of the Word. Pray what you THINK should happen.Pray what you want to happen.Pray how you think GOD should make it happen.Pray according to the TIMETABLE you want it to happen.
Why it is crucial that your prayer life includes a prayer language?

Christ [acts 1:4,5] told his followers not to go back home, but to WAIT/TARRY in Jerusalem until they RECEIVE the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
James 4:2/ you have not because you ASK not [problem with offered prayer].
James 4:3/ you have not because you ask AMISS that you may please your selfish lusts. [problem with unacceptable prayer]
1 Cor. 14:2/ he that prays in an UNKNOWN tongue speaks not to men but to GOD; howbeit, in the Spirit he speaks MYSTERIES [when you pray in the Spirit, you pray things which agree with God’s will and purpose for your life/but unknown to man].
1 Cor. 2:7/ we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery...even the HIDDEN wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. [When you pray in the Spirit, you are praying God’s plan and destiny for your future/ a plan which God ordained before you were ever born.]
1 Cor. 14:4/ he that prays in an unknown tongue EDIFIES himself 1 Cor. 14:14/ If I pray in an unknown tongue, my SPIRIT prays....
Jude vs. 20/ beloved, BUILD up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the HOLY SPIRIT.
1 Cor. 14:15/ I WILL pray with the Spirit, and I WILL pray with my understanding; [praying in the Spirit is an act of your WILL in the same way in which you pray in your understanding.]

1 Cor. 14:18/ the Apostle Paul said, I speak with TONGUES more than you all.
1 Cor. 14:39/ FORBID not to speak with tongues.
Acts 19:2/ Paul asked the Ephesians, Have you received the Holy Spirit since you BELIEVED? They said, we have not heard whether there be any Holy Spirit. Vs. 6. When Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they began to SPEAK with other tongues...
*How to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit


Accept Christ as your SAVIOR and be baptized.


Desire the promise which Christ said was important for the first century followers to WAIT for.


Receive the GIFT in faith. You don’t have to continue to wait for a gift that has already been given. Once something has been given, all that remains is for you to receive and use it.


Remember...God will not VIOLATE your will. He will not force you to do anything. He will not speak for you. He will intercede through the voice we give him. If you don’t give him a sound, he won’t speak.


It is a CHOICE whether you are going to pray in the Spirit or pray with your understanding. You must decide. You control which way you pray. Paul said, I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with my understanding.

It is impossible to pray in the SPIRIT while you are praying in your understanding/English. You must decide which.


English is INCAPABLE of praying God’s hidden wisdom/ will for your life. If I want to pray God’s will/ I must pray in the Spirit.

When you pray in English...you are asking God to AGREE with your will. When you pray in the Spirit...you are agreeing with GOD/HIS WILL.

9.I must give God a VOICE [sound]. It is up to God to give me a LANGUAGE. God will only use what I give Him. The more I use my prayer language...the more proficient my language will become.
10.When I pray in the Spirit, I CANNOT pray wrong because my Spirit is praying/ and God knows my heart.
11.To pray in the Spirit, I must truly believe that the Holy Spirit will do what God’s word says He will do/ that He will SPEAK through the voice/ SOUND I give Him, regardless how foolish it sounds.
12. To pray in the Spirit, I have to pray in FAITH. I must give God a sound/groan for Him to use. He will not force me to speak. As I yield to His leading, He will bring clarity, distinction, dialect, and direction to my prayers.
When I pray in the Spirit, I am...
...AGREEING with what God wants for my life
...agreeing with God that HIS WILL be done in the situations involving my life, that I may not be aware of
...praying God’s PLAN FOR MY FUTURE into existence for my family, future, church, ministry, nation, and friends
...doing spiritual WARFARE / praying in a language the enemy cannot interpret/ binding principalities and powers, breaking strongholds, exposing and pulling down the strategies of hell, and releasing supernatural provision and power for my situation
...releasing GOD to act on my behalf/ according to His divine wisdom/ and level of knowledge that supersedes my understanding
...inviting the Holy Spirit to accomplish His work/word/will through MY LIFE.
*Don’t over-complicate the baptism of the Holy Spirit
Realize...in the same way in which a parent understands the groans/ cries of their children, ...to learn to speak any language...you have to be willing to make a sound/ give the Holy Spirit a voice and He will give you a language.

Walking With Jesus-3-He Still Moves Stones

This is Resurrection Sunday, and we are reminded that He Still Moves Stones.

Pastor's Notes:

TEXTJohn 20:1-10 NKJV

Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the [a]handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not [b]know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everyone!
We want to welcome all of our guests that are joining us this morning. Our prayer is that if you don't have a church home, you’d come back next week and find First Assembly, “home”.
Today, we are celebrating the greatest holy day of our Christian faith: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is without a shadow of a doubt a bloody message.

BACKGROUND OF RESURRECTION
Because of the sinfulness of man and our separation from God, Jesus was sent from Heaven to be born of a virgin, that He might become the perfect, sacrificial lamb to take away our sin.
That is exactly what He did. He came down from Heaven teaching, gathering to Himself twelve disciples that would ultimately change the world.
Jesus’ message was different than any other teacher or Rabbi of His day, and He made some claims.

*He claimed Lordship
*He claimed precedence (before Abraham was, I Am).
*He claimed to be above the law.
*He claimed equality with God
*He claimed sinless
*He claimed to be able to rebuild the temple in three days
*He claimed to be able to forgive sin
*He claimed to be the only way to God
*He claimed He would die and resurrect again.
*He claimed He would come back and judge the world.

As you can see, any Jewish person or Pharisee would take offense at this. However, they didn’t know that their scriptures, the Old Testament, pointed to this coming Messiah. So they did the unfathomable.
They decided to kill him.
He was sentenced and stood before Pilate. Pilate’s wife was troubled by a dream, and warned her husband that this man was innocent, so Pilate did what was allowed, and as the customary law was, one person could be granted pardon, so they brought Jesus out with Barabbas, a murderer.
The hatred was so much toward Jesus, that they chose to let Barabbas go.
The crowd who one day shouted “Hosanna”, is now shouting “Crucify Him”.
Jesus marched up Golgotha’s hill with His cross, as they whipped Him, spat on Him, and scored Him.
They hung Him between two thieves that day. One which reviled Him, and another with recognized His innocence, while at the same time accepting His Lordship.
The soldiers shoved a crown of thorns on His head, and a mocking inscription above Him that said “King of the Jews”.
Every sort of insult you could think of, they did it.
The agony of a crucifixion was like no other. Because Jesus was taking too long to die, they went to break His legs. Yet because of the restraining of the Holy Spirit, they stopped. Psalms 34:20 says concerning His bones, “Not one of them will be broken.”
So they shoved a spear into His side, bursting His heart, causing both blood and water to pour out, with Jesus blood spilling onto the ground. With this, Jesus cried, “It is finished”.
They hurried to take His body off of the cross because of the Sabbath. They placed His body in a borrowed tomb.

TRANSITION
Yet, three days after, Something interesting was found. Any empty tomb.
Our text shows us some interesting things. But in it, Mary makes a statement. In the Mark 16 account, verse 3 tells us what Mary asks “Who will roll still stone away for us?”
What an interesting question!
Scholars tell us that this stone was approximately 1 1/2 to 2 tons! It probably took a whole group of of people to push this stone into place. After all, it was guarded and sealed by the Romans. They didn’t want anyone to steal Jesus body!

BACKGROUND
Yet, early on Sunday morning, they found that an angel had rolled the stone away!
Jesus came out of the grave!
I want to submit to you today that Jesus didn’t NEED to move the stone for Himself? Why? He slipped through crowds, walked through walls, and even walked on water.
I personally believe Jesus moved the stone not so He could get out, but so the disciples could see in.
Did you know that today, He still moves stones?I want to share with you three stones Jesus moved on this day.

APPLICATION

1. The Stone Of Discouragement
- Mary was discouraged- Peter went fishing

2. The Stone Of Doubt
- Thomas didn’t believe it.

3. The Stone Of Death
- The grave couldn’t hold Him!

CONCLUSION