A Cross Road Celebration

Posted on May 22, 2016 by pmayfield

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A Cross Road Celebration

May 22, 2016, marked a day of celebration as the congregation of Cross Road Christian Fellowship united to retire the debt of the property and building and “burn the note.” We see this as a major step toward the future health and growth of this fellowship. Anyone who had a part in where CRCF has come was invited to celebrate with us on this special day.  Many  were strategic in the beginning days of CRCF, and therefore we want to say thank you for what you have meant to this ministry. So, wherever you found yourself today, May 22, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. was for all of us to stand united and express from our hearts, “To God be the glory, great things He has done …”

Added to this special service were testimonials and invited special guests. We catered a BBQ lunch immediately following our service. Thank you for being our welcomed guest!

 

Brief history of Cross Road Christian Fellowship

May 2005 ”“ our first meeting to begin a church charter our first church worship service in a doublewide mobile home

August 2005 ”“ adopted church constitution & bylaws

Oct. 2005 ”“ church services began at old Pleasant Grove Church

April 2006 ”“ began meeting at Oakland Elementary in the gym

June 2008 ”“ began meeting in the building that had been Orchard Restaurant

                        Had worship & Bible study in the restaurant building but continued doing

                                  AWANA in the gym at Oakland until the school closed

Sept 2008 ”“ added a mobile classroom unit at the restaurant location

Oct 2013 ”“ John Williamson agreed to sell the restaurant building and property to CRCF

May 22, 2016 ”“ we made the final payment to John, 18 months early.

Note:  Everything good that has happened for us is a result of God”™s grace, not our accomplishments. God is doing great things through us. At our lowest point when our future was questionable, we anointed the church and the leaders, dedicating all that is CRCF to God”™s service according to His plans for us.

 

Message by Dr. David Drake

God’s “GPS” For Cross Road Christian Fellowship

 

 

Defined, GPS stands for:

Global

         Positioning

System

 

But for our attention today, GPS will stand for:

God’s

                 Plan (for His)

Saints

 

 

1.   We must “GIVE” of our resources that the Mission and Ministry of God

are experienced and expressed. 

Exodus 35:4-5 (NASB)
4  Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying,
5  ‘Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’S contribution: gold, silver, and bronze,

Exodus 35:20-21 (NASB)
20  Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence.
21  Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.

 

 

2.  We must “PRAY” for the presence of God to dwell in this place of worship.

1 Kings 8:27-30 (NASB)
27  “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!
28  “Yet have regard to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which Your servant prays before You today;
29  that Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which You have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ to listen to the prayer which Your servant shall pray toward this place.
30  “Listen to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear in heaven Your dwelling place; hear and forgive.

 

 

 3.  We must “SERVE” our Lord and our fellow man so as to fulfill

the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

Acts 2:41-47 (NASB)
41  So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43  Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45  and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (NASB)
3  For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord,
4  begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints,
5  and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

 

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A.W.O.L. (Absent Without Leave)

Posted on May 8, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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A.W.O.L.

(Absent Without Leave)

Various Texts

 

 

M.O.M. / M.I.A

Today’s Mother ”¦ Missing In Action

 

George Barna: “3 out of 10 mothers ages 23-41 are not married.

An even greater alarm is moms ages 18-22. Four out of five are not married.”

 

“The commitment among younger mothers in America is failing.

53% of younger mothers are less likely to commit to Christianity or to any expression of traditional faith.”

 

“A.W.O.L”

 

A ”¦ “Alive” ”¦ this speaks of Salvation which is revealed by GRACE

John 8:1-11 (NASB)
1  But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2  Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them.
3  The scribes and the Pharisees *brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court,
4  they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.
5  “Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”
6  They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.
7  But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
8  Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9  When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.
10  Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”
11  She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”

 

W ”¦ “Walking” ”¦ this speaks to Sanctification which reveals GROWTH

Luke 10:38-42 (NASB)
38  Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.
39  She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
40  But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”
41  But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;
42  but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

 

O ”¦ “Obedient” ”¦ this speaks to Serving which reveals GIVING

Romans 16:1-2 (NASB)
1  I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;
2  that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.

 

L ”¦ “Love” ”¦ this speaks to Sacrifice which reveals GOD

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NASB)
10  An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
11  The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
12  She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13  She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.
14  She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.
15  She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
16  She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17  She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong.
18  She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
19  She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle.
20  She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21  She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22  She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23  Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
24  She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25  Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
26  She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27  She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28  Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29  “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”
30  Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31  Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.

 

A.W.O.L.

(Alive, Walking, Obedient, Love)

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The Church, The Greatest Group Of People On The Earth

Posted on April 24, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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What Kind Of Church Are We?

 

The Church, The Greatest Group Of People On The Earth

Acts 2:41-47

 

Acts 2:40-47 (NASB)
40  And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!”
41  So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43  Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45  and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

 

5 Words That Best Describe Why The Church Is The Greatest Group Of People On The Earth

 

1. Open to CHANGE … Acts 2:41

John 9:1-17, 24-25 (NASB)
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 would be born blind?”
3  Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
4  “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.
5  “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”
6  When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes,
7  and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing.
8  Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?”
9  Others were saying, “This is he,” still others were saying, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the one.”
10  So they were saying to him, “How then were your eyes opened?”
11  He answered, “The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went away and washed, and I received sight.”
12  They said to him, “Where is He?” He *said, “I do not know.”
13  They *brought to the Pharisees the man who was formerly blind.
14  Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.
15  Then the Pharisees also were asking him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, “He applied clay to my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”
16  Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, “This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others were saying, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And there was a division among them.
17  So they *said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.”

John 9:24-25 (NASB)
24  So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.”
25  He then answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

 


2. Willing to take the CHALLENGE … Acts 2:42

Start to grow…Continue to grow.

 

jesus_ministry

 

 

3. Committed to COMPANIONSHIP … Acts 2:44

Rick Warren’s Four Reasons People Don’t Go To Church:

– Sermons were boring and not relevant to life.

– Churches were interested more in money than in people.

– Churches did not provide quality childcare.

– Churches were unfriendly to visiting guests.

 

To Be Committed to COMPANIONSHIP:

Listen

Open

Value

Example

 

4. Express And Reveal Genuine COMPASSION … Acts 2:45

Real Compassion Gives, Serves, and Sacrifices.

 

 

5. Embrace The Spirit / Attitude Of CELEBRATION … Acts 2:47

 

We, the church, are the greatest people on the face of the earth!

 

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A Church You Can Love!

Posted on April 17, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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What Kind Of Church Are We?

 

A Church You Can Love!

Acts 2:37-47

 

Three Questions We Must Ask:

1. Who Are We?

A local church is an assembly of professing believers in Christ who have been scripturally baptized and who are organized to do the Father’s will.

Important to note…

a) There must be a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

b) The New Testament church knows nothing of an unbaptized church member.

c) There is a purpose – doing the will of God which may be expressed in many ways.

 

2. Why Are We Here?

The mission of Cross Road Christian Fellowship is to welcome others to the cross road through the grace and truth of Jesus.

Important to note…

a) We must intentionally welcome others.

b) We must meet people where they are, many at the crossroads of life.

c) We must personally live and present grace and truth as the answer found only in Jesus Christ.

 

3. Where Are We Going?

Acts 2:37-47 (NASB)
37  Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”
38  Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39  “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
40  And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!”
41  So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43  Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45  and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

 

I. We are going to present a life changed by the gospel…vs. 37-40

II. We are going to be obedient to the truth of the gospel, personally…vs. 41

III. We are goin to be committed to the principles of the gospel…vs. 42

IV. We are going to worship the God of the gospel…vs. 43

V. We are going to love, sacrifice, and serve for the sake of the gospel…vs. 44-46

VI. We are going to grow because of the gospel…vs. 47

 

 

We Need To Go Fishing!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Laodicea, The Fallen Church

Posted on April 10, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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What Kind of Church Are We?

 

Laodicea, The Fallen Church

(Laodicea means the church that rules itself.)

(1960-present)

Revelation 3:14-22 (NASB)
14  “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
15  ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
16  ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
17  ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
18  I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
19  ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
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 will dine with him, and he with Me.
21  ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22  ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'”

 

I. The Reasons For Their Fallen Condition

…Revelation 3:15-17

 

1. Spiritual Atmosphere…vs. 15-16

Colossians 4:12-13 (NASB)
12  Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
13  For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Galatians 6:7 (NASB)
7  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

 

2. Spiritual Character…vs. 17

Proverbs 8:13 (NASB)
13  “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate.

Proverbs 11:12 (NASB)
12  He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.

Proverbs 13:10 (NASB)
10  Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

Proverbs 16:18 (NASB)
18  Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

Proverbs 15:25 (NASB)
25  The LORD will tear down the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow.

Proverbs 16:5 (NASB)
5  Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

Proverbs 18:12 (NASB)
12  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.

Proverbs 21:4 (NASB)
4  Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

 

II. The Redemption From Their Fallen Condition

…Revelation 3:18-20

 

1. God Dependency…vs.18

We must develop a less of me attitude and acquire a more of God desire.

 

2. Self Humility…vs.19

We must keep a repentant spirit if we are going to continue to experience the presence of God.

Ephesians 4:2 (NASB)
2  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,

James 1:9 (NASB)
9  But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;

James 4:6 (NASB)
6  But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

James 4:10 (NASB)
10  Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

1 Peter 5:6 (NASB)
6  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

 

3. Spiritual Sensitivity…vs.20

Jesus at the door

We must open the door for Jesus.

 

What kind of church are we?

We want to be the church that listens and obeys.

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Philadelphia, The Loving Church

Posted on April 3, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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What Kind Of Church Are We?

 

Philadelphia, The Loving Church

Revelation 3:7-13

 

Introduction:

In The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren of Saddleback Community Church wrote about six paradigms of church “character.” They are:

The Soul-Winning Church

The Experiencing God Church

The Family Reunion Church

The Bible Classroom Church

The Social Conscience Church

The Purpose Driven Church

 

Revelation 3:7-13 (NASB)
7  “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
8  ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9  ‘Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie””I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.
10  ‘Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11  ‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
12  ‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
13  ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’


In the church in Philadelphia (1750-1950) and needed in the church today…

 

1. There must be a “Loving” Foundation…vs. 7-8

This foundation  must be built on the Character of Christ*.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)
22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

*Supreme Holiness

Revelation 4:8 (NASB)
8  And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”

*Surpassing Holiness

John 14:5-6 (NASB)
5  Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”
6  Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

*Sovereign Authority

Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)
9  For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
10  so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11  and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This foundation must be built on the Conduct of the Believer.

 

2. There must be a “Loving” Faithfulness…vs. 9-10

Followers must be faithful…

-in their Worship of God

-to keep the Word of God

 

3. There must be a “Loving” Family…vs. 11-12

A church must genuinely know God and must be genuinely known by God.

John 13:34-35 (NASB)
34  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35  “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 

If you want to be an overcomer, you must be overcome.

1 John 4:8 (NASB)
8  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

John 3:16 (NASB)
16  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 (NASB)
8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

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The Day After The Resurrection

Posted on March 27, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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What To Do With The Resurrection!

Or

The Day After The Resurrection

Acts 1: 9-26

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HE IS NOT HERE!          HE IS RISEN!


Introduction –  A Review of the life and times of Jesus Christ:

  1. Jesus was sent by God and born of the Virgin Mary.
  2. Jesus lived in humility and submission to his earthly father while in a carpenter’s home. All along He was building His heavenly kingdom.
  3. Jesus was crucified on the cross and buried in a borrowed tomb.   
  4. Jesus was raised from the dead and seen by hundreds, authenticating who He was.
  5. Jesus returned to the glory of Heaven after instructing His followers.

 

Acts 1:9-26 (NASB)
9  And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
10  And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.
11  They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
12  Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
13  When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
14  These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
15  At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said,
16  “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.
17  “For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.”
18  (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.
19  And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20  “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT’; and, ‘LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.’
21  “Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us””
22  beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us””one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
23  So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.
24  And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen
25  to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”
26  And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

 

 

Question: “What did the followers of Christ do the day after His resurrection?” (Historically)

 

1. They returned to Jerusalem to begin a more intense effort of revealing the resurrected Lord.

Acts 1:12 (NASB)
12  Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.

Acts 1:8 (NASB)
8  but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Matthew 28:7-8, 18-20 (NASB)
7  “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
8  And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. 
18  And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Mark 16:7-8 (NASB)
7  “But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.'”
8  They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Luke 24:9, 13-33 (NASB)
9  and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
13  And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.
14  And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place.
15  While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them.
16  But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.
17  And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad.
18  One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?”
19  And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people,
20  and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him.
21  “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened.
22  “But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning,
23  and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also 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 exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.”
25  And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
26  “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?”
27  Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.
28  And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther.
29  But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them.
30  When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them.
31  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.
32  They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”
33  And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them,

John 20:17-18 (NASB)
17  Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'”
18  Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.

 

2. They entered an upper room for the purpose of connecting with one another and with God.

Acts 1:12-14 (NASB)
12  Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
13  When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
14  These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

 

3. They affirmed that they were on a mission with God and began building their team.

Acts 1:15 (NASB)
15  At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said,

 

          REMEMBER…Get The Gospel / Gather Around The Gospel /

Go and Give The Gospel

 

Question: “What should we do the day after the resurrection?” (Practically)

John 21:1-3 (NASB)
1  After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way.
2  Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.
3  Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.

 

DON’T BE LIKE PETER… “I am going fishing!”

 

1. Return to our place(s) with a greater sense of urgency expressing our Savior to others.

2. Spend time connecting and building relationship with others and with God.

3. Take serious thought to impact our world for Christ as a team.

 

READY – SET – GO!

 

 

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Sardis, The Dying Church

Posted on March 20, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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Sardis … The Dying Church

Revelation 3:1-6

Revelation 3:1-6 (NASB)
1  “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2  ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.
3  ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
4  ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5  ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
6  ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

 

“Sardis” means … Remnant

The Church age it represents … 1500-1700

(the time of the Reformation)

 

I. The Testimony Of The Church … vs. 1

Revelation 3:1 (NASB)
1  “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

It was an outward testimony of life

It was actual a testimony of death

Note: This was a church revealing a character of hypocrisy 

Death (defined): A permanent cessation of all vital functions, the end of
life, the state of being dead

 

Question … Why is the church today dying? 

1. The ignorance and apathy toward biblical and scriptural truth

2. The overt influence of modernism and materialism

3.  The adopting of the spirit of exclusiveness instead of being inclusive of all men

 

 

II. The Apathy Of The Church … vs. 2-3

Revelation 3:2 (NASB)
2  ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.

-They were apathetic about their spiritual condition by not beginning the right things spiritually.

-They were apathetic about their spiritual condition by not staying faithful to their commitments.

-They were also apathetic about their spiritual condemnation … vs. 3

Revelation 3:3 (NASB) 
3  ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.

 

 

III. The Spirit (the Saints) Of  The Church … vs. 4-5

Revelation 3:4-5 (NASB)
4  ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5  ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

-There were those who walked FROM the world – vs. 4a

(READ: Ephesians 4:17-24)

-There were those who walked WITH the Lord – vs. 4b-5

 

God has always had a people!

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Thyatira, The Unrepentant Church

Posted on March 13, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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Thyatira, The Unrepentant Church

Revelation 2:18-29

 

Introduction:

Out of His seven letters, the letter to the Church at Thyatira was not only the longest letter in its text (a total of 12 verses in our English Bible), but it portrays the longest recorded period within the Church Age (AD 600 through AD 1500), as well as the longest time frame of false indoctrination that the church had to endure.  The bright spot of this place known as Thyatira was that it was the home of a woman known as Lydia (Acts 16:13-15).

 

I. The Writer to the Church…vs. 18

Revelation 2:18 (NASB)
18  “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:

1. He is the Judge.

2. He is the Purifier.

 

II. The Works of the Church…vs. 19

Revelation 2:19 (NASB)
19  ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.

1. They had love.

2. They had service.

3. They had faith.

4. They had patience.

5. They had works.

 

III. The Worship Within the Church…vs. 20

Revelation 2:20 (NASB)
20  ‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

1. Notice their worship leadership.

2. Notice their worship language.


IV. The Warning Given to the Church…vs. 21

Revelation 2:21 (NASB)
21  ‘I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.

“Repent or else!”

 

 7 Marks Of Godly Sorrow (Repentance)

1. Earnestness to do right

2. Eagerness to clear oneself through apology / forgiveness

3. Indignation against sin

4. Fear (reverential) of God

5. Intense desire to see right accomplished

6. Zeal to correct what’s wrong

7. Readiness to see that wrongdoing be punished

 

V. The Reward Obtained by the Church…vs. 25-28

Revelation 2:25-28 (NASB)
25  ‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.
26  ‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS;
27  AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father;
28  and I will give him the morning star.

1. Power to live…vs. 25-26.

2. Authority to lead…vs. 27.

3. Presence of love…vs. 28.

 

ILLUSTRATION…Luke 15 reveals a parable from the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ concerning three lost items. Beginning in verse eleven, the final story reveals a lost son. This is a great picture of a father’s love and a son’s drifting away from the father’s presence. The bigger picture of this story concerns the spirit of repentance. When we as rebellious children truly come to the Father with a spirit of true repentance, there will be at least these three actions involved:

1. There will be the father’s involvement.

2. There will be the humbling of a proud heart.

3. There will be the rejoicing of a family.

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Pergamos, The Worldly Church

Posted on March 6, 2016 by pmayfield

Message by Dr. David Drake

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What Kind Of Church Are We?

 

Pergamos, The Worldly Church

 

Revelation 2:12-17

 

 

Revelation 2:12-14 (NASB)

12  “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: 13  ‘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. 14  ‘But I have a few things against you,

 

Pergamos means “married.”

 

A “pagan” is one who follows polytheism.

 

Titus 2:11-12 (NASB)

11  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12  instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

 

“A god is that which one gives their life to!”

 

 

Three Warnings

 

1. Worldliness produces unfruitfulness.

 

Matthew 13:18, 22 (NASB)
18  “Hear then the parable of the sower. 
22  “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

 

2. Worldliness produces a lack of devotion.

 

1 John 2:15-16 (NASB)
15  Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

 

3. Worldliness will capture your mind.


Proverbs 23:7 (NASB)
7  For as he thinks within himself, so he is. 

 

 

Defective doctrine breeds confusion and brings destruction.

 

Revelation 2:14-15 (NASB)

14  ‘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. 15  ‘So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

 

Colossians 2:8 (NASB) 8  See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

 

Three goals of a defective doctrine:

*to take you captive

*to create deception

*to create spiritual conflict

 

A Demanding Request

 

Revelation 2:16-17 (NASB)

16  ‘Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. 17  ‘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.’

 

Jesus calls for our REPENTANCE!

Jesus calls for our RESPONSE!

Jesus reveals our REWARD!

 

Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB)
13  “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
14  “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
 

We need to say, “I have decided to follow Jesus…”

 

Pergamum is “married ” to the world.

 

Are we married to Christ?

 

 

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