Join us beginning August 8th for a brand new sermon series called “Miracle-Gro”!  Do you believe in miracles?  Are miracles for today?  If miracles are for today, why aren’t we seeing them?  How do miracles work?  Come and  join us as we explore the miracles of God and how miracles impact our life and growth in Him!

Hey Connexion Church friends, we will be in the City of Peace Parade on August 14th.  I am really excited about this.  We were invited by Pastor Felix and Ministerio Bethel from Pawtucket, RI to be 1 of 2 American churches in this parade.  This will be the 4th year for the parade.  Last year there were over 700 people in attendance.  This year the parade board is expecting at least 1,500 people in attendance.  What a great way to share God’s love and promote unity and peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Our worship team will be playing live on a flatbed trailer for about 45 minutes to an hour, the rest of us will follow along in the parade as we turn my pick-up truck into a Connexion Church float.  This is exciting!

Thank The Lord!

Deuteronomy 23:21

We pledge allegiance to many things in life – however, the most important pledge that we can make is to follow Jesus, the Christ, the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world – “I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb!”

This great nation of ours was founded, rooted, and established on Christian principles. What has happened to it?  King Solomon, in his journal on life – “Ecclesiastes” – tells us in Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NLT): “And don’t make rash promises to God, for He is in Heaven, and you are only here on earth. So let your words be few.” In Ecclesiastes 5:4 (NLT): “So when you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools.”

I remember the first pledge that I ever made!  It was in school, as a child, and I stood in awe of this great nation of ours as I solemnly said, with my hand over my heart, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands; one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”  How sad it is to see how that pledge and the words “under God” are no longer deemed necessary!

The late great fiery orator, first and sixth Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry (1736 – 1799), known for his “give me liberty or give me death” speech, once said: “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” If he could only see us now!

The late great first President of the United States, George Washington (1732 – 1799), in his Farewell Address to the Nation, said, “Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics.” If he could only see us now!

The late great second President of the United States, John Adams, Jr. (1736 – 1826), once said, “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people…it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other…” If he could only see us now!

The late great third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826), in his address to the Danbury Baptists, said, “The 1st Amendment has created a wall of separation between church and state; but, that wall is a one directional wall. It keeps the government from running the church; but, it makes sure that Christian principles will always stay in government.” If he could only see us now!

So we see, that despite what modern politicians may say – or, what the contemporary media might claim – or, what the revisionists of history might declare – this great nation of ours, the United States of America, was founded not on the concept of freedom to worship any God – Buddha, Allah, etc. – but, on the freedom to worship Jesus, the Christ!  Let’s consider some things:

First, the Patriots—A BOLD DECLARATION!

For more than fourteen (14) months, after the Battle at Lexington and Concord – 19 April 1775 – the Patriots fought not for their independence; but, rather, for their rights within the British Empire – rights that had been gradually taken away – and, even more so after the Boston Tea Party!   Hundreds of Americans gave their lives to regain these rights – four hundred (400) alone died at the “Battle of Bunker Hill!” It was during this time of the conflict, that the fiery politician from Virginia, Patrick Henry, before the Virginia Provincial Convention, gave his famous speech “give me liberty or give me death.”

He concluded his speech with these words: “Three million people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the Destiny of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battle for us. Battle sir, is not to the strong alone, it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.  Besides sir, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come. I repeat it, sir let it come!  It is in vain, sir to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace, but there is no peace. The war has actually begun! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?

What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery. Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.”

This was a bold declaration! The Americans were challenging the most powerful empire of the world – at that time – and, what’s more, they entered into the War of Independence without a Navy or an Army!  Their fighting forces consisted only of militia units in the various colonies – citizen soldiers ready to defend their homes and their families when danger threatened!  And, they paid a high price!  On the other side, England had an Army of well-trained, highly-disciplined soldiers – who also made a bold declaration – they had pledged their lives and their allegiance to Great Britain! And, they also paid a high price in lost lives!

It is one thing to make a bold declaration; and, quite another to pay the price of freedom – to fulfill that declaration on the field of battle – to shed blood: your blood, your family’s blood, and, your neighbor’s blood!  However, they reaped a great reward!

The War of Independence, which began on 19 April 1775, officially ended when the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.  The reward? Freedom and independence from Great Britain!  A great and unique nation was founded and established – a nation where every human being could be free; and, what’s more, could have something to say about how they were governed!  The Patriots had made the pledge – they had paid the price – and, they reaped the reward!

We pledge allegiance to many things in life – however, the most important pledge that we can make is to follow Jesus, the Christ, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world – “I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb!” Perhaps you remember the day that you stood before the “Body of Christ” – the day that you stepped forward and confessed Jesus, the Christ, as your personal Lord and Savior!  You were proclaiming, on that day, your desire to be a Christian true believer – to be united with Christ Jesus – to be washed in His blood!  You were courageously announcing that nothing short of independence from the shackles and bondage of sin – from the ways of the world – would be acceptable! Understand, that on that day, you were proclaiming what the Apostle Paul proclaimed to the Galatians and to us, in Galatians 2:20 (MSG): “Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.”

It is a very bold declaration to say that you will no longer live for yourself – that you will no longer seek your own will for your life – that you will no longer live for the things of the world (for power – for pleasure – for popularity – for possessions); but, rather, that you will seek the face of Almighty God – that you will seek His will for your life – that you will seek to do what is pleasing to Him – declaring that He is first in your life – above all else! The Old Testament Biblical character, Joshua, in Joshua 24:14-15 (NLT), made such a declaration: “So honor the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. (v. 15) But if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”  It is one thing to make a bold declaration in the comfort of a church building; but, quite another to live up to such a declaration!

There is a price that we have to pay – and, just like the Patriots, it is a high price!

To fulfill that declaration on the battlefields of our daily lives is difficult – it is easy to say the words; but, the actions are a lot harder to do!

We are engaged in a “spiritual war;” and, we need to understand that wars are not won by those who only make declarations – by those who only make claims – by those who only speak words – they are won by those who “walk the talk!”  Victories are seldom gained, if at all, by those who simply lift their voices!  We, who are in the Army of the Lord, soon learn that the war is a hard war to win!   Like the Patriots, we are challenging an empire that is very powerful!  The Apostle Paul, tells the church at Ephesus and us, in Ephesians 6:12 (NLT): “For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.”  We have a real enemy in a real war!

He does not like it very much when someone opposes him – when someone defies him!  His name is Satan, that old adversary the devil, who goes to and fro, seeking whom he may devour and destroy!  He will attack us – He will pursue us – He will tempt us – He will try to make sin look good! He is a master of deceit and disguise!

One moment, he will come after us head on – as a roaring lion – in the next moment, he will appear as an angel of light!

There are many people, in this world, who are not committed to the war effort – not everyone who cries, “Lord, Lord!” is the real thing – the genuine article!  Many are infiltrators – those who started out right – but, failed to succeed – those who passed “boot camp;” but, ran like cowards when the battle came!  You see the battle does not come until you make the declaration!  Satan does not fight or engage those who are already his – He goes after the loyal Christian soldiers – the battle-hardened veterans!  Take comfort in the fact that the battle is not ours – it’s the Lord’s – and, if we put on the whole armour of God; and, if we focus on Him – we will get the victory!

The faithful will reap a great reward!   “You will know the Truth,, and the Truth will set you free!”  “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!”

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!”

“I Pledge Allegiance…”

Proverbs 27:17-19

Have you ever tried to use a knife or pair of scissors only to find that they wouldn’t cut?  It was probably frustrating – the problem: They needed to be Sharpened!

Our passage today has a Biblical principle that teaches us how to be Sharpened!

1. 1. As Iron Sharpens Iron, so one man Sharpens another.
   2. Now Proverbs is a book about Wise sayings and how important it is to be Wise.
   3. It is written primarily as a way to guide, instruct and influence Solomon’s Sons, and yet all people to live fully in the Lord.
   4. You will find general sayings of wisdom and truth to live with integrity, honesty, morally and in relationship with your spouse, children, friends, neighbors, your enemies, business associates – and of course the Lord!
   5. In fact, Prov. 1:7; The Fear of the Lord is the beginning o knowledge…
   6. Prov. 9:10; The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
   7. So these Wise sayings begin with us being in relationship with the Lord.
   8. So what do we learn about this Wise Saying and the Principle of how we can be Sharpened?

I.  An Iron Man knows what it means to be Sharpened!

A. Just as a knife that is not Sharp isn’t productive, useful, or helpful, ready, – so to be Sharpened as a Man is to be Ready for life, Useful, helpful and productive in life and society.

1. It reflects the fullness of life: physical, emotional, social, as well as Spiritual.

2. The Word – Chadah means to make glad, joined together, sharpened, to grow.

3. So to be Sharpened is to be ready, useful, and productive in life and society – it means to be joined together and grow to meet the challenges in life and even ready for Eternal life, through faith in Jesus Christ.

4. The Principle is clear: Just as Iron sharpens Iron – so we sharpen or Influence someone to: prepare, make glad, useful, productive and growing in every area of life.

II. An Iron Man learns the Process of Sharpening in life.

A. What does it take?

1. Intention – Just as Iron has the purpose of sharpening Iron, so we must be Intentional about sharpening One Another – Others.

2. We need to seek those who can Sharpen us and we need to intentionally seek those whom we can Sharpen in life too.

a)   Intention also identifies our True Purpose.

b) What is our Intention in Sharpening another person?

c) The Intention according to Scripture is to help a person become complete and ready in every area of Life.

d) Jesus is an example – Luke 2:52; Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and in favor with both God and Man. I.E. He grew (He was Sharpened) in Wisdom, Physically, Spiritually and Socially!

3. What a great Intention we should have in Sharpening others and being Sharpened.

4. The problem is that often we only focus on one area or we are just haphazard in seeking the Sharpening Process in life.

B. In Relationship – If I have a Iron Sword and you have an Iron sword it will never be Sharpened if it isn’t in Relation to one another.

1. The Sword has to be Present, in Contact with the other sword in order for it to be Sharpened.

2. So it is with us too. You can’t truly Sharpen another person if you aren’t together – in Contact with each other – in Relationship with one another.

3. The Bible Calls this – FELLOWSHIP!

4. Communing with One another; coming alongside each other.

5. We need each other. It is essential for us and other in the Sharpening Process!

C. Influence – Iron sharpens Iron as it is in contact– The process of contact Influences each other and can Sharpen the pieces of Iron.

1. However, in order to really Sharpen and not damage, ruin or make more dull – the Influence has to be done right.

2. So it is with us. We Sharpen one another by Influencing each other.

3. But it is also important to Influence one another in a right way.

4. 1Cor. 15:33; “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”

5. That is why the Bible calls each of us to Teach, Encourage, Set an Example, explain, Exhort, Urge, Spur each other on toward love and good deeds, etc.

6. The Bible also teaches us to be careful in the words we use the example we set, and what we are Influencing others toward.

7. The Process of Sharpening one another involves Intention, In Relationship, and Influence.

D. One thing is for certain is that you can’t Sharpen one another by being Indifferent, Independent, Incognito.

1. We must be Intentional, In Relationship, and Influencing.

III.  An Iron Man learns some Models for Sharpening the lives of others.

A–The example of Iron sharpening Iron is one example but the Scriptures    also demonstrate for us the process of Sharpening each other.

1. Parents and Children; Dt. 6:6-7; “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road.” The Proverbs themselves are an example of a Father influencing – Sharpening his children in life.

2. Friend to Friend; David and Jonathan, Phillip and Nathaniel, Jesus wants to be our Friend too.

3. Older men with younger men; 1Tim. 5:1, Tit. 2:6

4. Older women with younger women, Titus 2:3-4; Teach older women so that they can train the younger women…

5. Teachers and students Matt. 28:20a, “teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Titus 2:7; “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In our teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech…”

6. Brothers & Sisters in Christ with other Brothers and sisters in Christ = Fellowship.

7. Heb. 10:24-25; Let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

8. 1Thess. 5:11, “Let us encourage and build one another up…”

Conclusion:

A. Just as you tried to cut something and found that your knife or scissors were dull.

1. You Sharpen the instrument and think to yourself – Wow, why didn’t I get this done earlier – this is Great!

2. Well, that is how it is when we experience Sharpening by those who invest themselves in our lives.

3. It is the Joy we experience when we Invest our lives to Sharpen another to Grow, become more useful, capable, and ready for Life: Physically, with Wisdom, Socially and Spiritually!

B. As we learned what it means to be Sharpened; The Process of being Sharpened (Intention, In Relationship, and Influence) and the models for Sharpening – I think Paul summed it all up best when he said:  “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” 1Thess. 2:8

C. As we consider this Truth – the Principle of living Wise – ask yourself the following questions:

1. Who Sharpens You?

2. Who are you Intentionally Sharpening?

3. What are you being Sharpened/Influenced for life and eternal life?

4. How are you Sharpening/Influencing others to be ready for life and eternal life?

Galatians 5:22-23

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

I don’t know about you, but I love Juicy Fruit gum!  It has so much juicy flavor (although it doesn’t last long).  Whenever you chew it, your mouth salivates and it is refreshing.  Juicy Fruit gum has been around for some time now bringing juicy flavor to both old and young.  The only downside to juicy fruit is:  It is only good for about ten minutes of chewing then you want to spit it out and get another peace.

You and I have been called to bear fruit!!!  Just like juicy fruit gum, we need to live our lives where we add flavor to this world and to those we impact.  We should provide juicy flavor to everyone we meet.  And when we walk away they are left standing in wonder and wondering what it is that you have that makes you so juicy (fruitful).  Just like that piece of gum, when we get rid of one piece we want another.  You may not feel as though you have much to offer, but you can offer the fruits of the Spirit by living out a juicy fruit love everyday.

Maybe this week you feel as though you have lost some of your fruitfulness and feel as though you have no flavor to offer.  I challenge you to get in the Word, praise the Lord, and hang around some other juicy fruit believers.  Let’s get a little juicy with our fruit this week and spread the love.

Being Fruity:

Jack Osteen

YOUR TIME WILL COME

PROVERBS 22:29

Satchel Paige threw his first major league pitch at the age of 42. Actually, he was good enough to play in the majors at the age of 18, but he couldn’t: Satchel Paige was black. Seven years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, Paige, an undisputed superstar everywhere but in the major leagues, finally got his chance.

Cleveland owner Bill Veek was criticized for adding such an old man to his roster; some sportswriters and critics called it a publicity stunt. Others said Paige was finally getting the break he had deserved for years, though most doubted his ability to compete effectively at his age.

Paige silenced the critics when he won his first three games as a pro, shutting out Chicago twice in the process.

All along he knew he was good enough to pitch in the major leagues, and when he finally got his chance, he proved it. He went on to win 28 games during his pro career, and even made a brief comeback at the age of 59, pitching three innings for the Kansas City A’s.

He approached his major league pitching debut no differently than he approached any of the 2,500 games he pitched during his career. “It was just another game,” he said. “And home plate was where it always was.”

Though Paige had the ability to make throwing a baseball look effortless, he spent his life perfecting the art. And, eventually, he got his chance to show the world he was capable of competing with the best.

King Solomon said, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” (Proverbs 22:29)

Solomon is emphasizing that commitment to quality is more important than self-promotion. Do your job well, he says, and you’ll get your chance to serve before the best.

In the work that you do, you may have to wait years before you get your chance to play in the big leagues. And the fact is, the chance may never come in the way you would like. But you can be sure your time will come. Believers can work with the assurance that our jobs — even the most menial tasks — are performed before our King. Our efforts do not go unnoticed. All the more reason to pursue excellence in all we do.

Your time will come; never give up on the dream of being the best.

Make it a great week:

Jack Osteen