On last Lord’s day, Straight Gate Ministries Pastor teacher, Landis Fisher presented a message for the close of the year instructing us in ways to make our walk better in the year to come. Now as we have come to the new year 2008 A.D. our teacher has prepared a message to get us started for the year which he has titled: “Standing Strong In Christ” So please join us as we open our bibles and our minds and listen in as Pastor Fisher presents this special message for your edification!
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Joshua 3:1 – 5 (KJV)
Josh 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
Josh 3:2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;
Josh 3:3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
Josh 3:4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
Josh 3:5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Acts 28:22 – 31 (KJV)
Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Acts 28:25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Acts 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. Acts 28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. Acts 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Transforming Power Statements: #1) Preparing for the next move of God calls for a time of prayer, meditation, and self evaluation so that when God is ready to move, we can be ready to respond and move with Him in His will.
#2) Since God has fully revealed His will for the salvation of mankind, let us first fully assimilate the gospel to ourselves and then simply stand strong in Jesus Christ as we confront a sinful unbelieving culture with the message of God’s unfailing love and the great sacrifice that He has made on their behalf.#3) Let us rise up and face 2008 A.D. with full assurance that even though we are a weak unfinished work that our Savior is almighty and all powerful and therefore in our weakness is His power perfected so that we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us.
