Blessed Is The Nation

July 4, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

Blessed Is The Nation

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33:12‬ ‭

Let Freedom Ring

Our first President, George Washington, was quoted saying, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” America, the Beautiful, was founded on the principles of freedom of religion. Our forefathers established this great nation with the mindset that there could be a nation whose God is Lord.

Over the years we have witnessed a decline in Christian values and belief. Our religious freedoms are actually disappearing right before our eyes. People are swiftly slipping away from Christian belief. Churches are declining in attendance and effectiveness. Christians are remaining silent when it comes to proclaiming lordship. Is it possible that one day we will not be a Christian nation?

Jesus invested into His disciples who made new disciples who made new disciples and then eventually those disciples came to a land of freedom. We must keep making disciples who will make new disciples. If we want to continue to exist as a Christian nation we must invest in people who will call Jesus, Lord and Savior. As a Christian, you have a duty to uphold the faith and invest in other people. How many disciples have you made? Do you remember who invested in you as you were made into a disciple? The work must continue if we are going to be a Christian nation whose God is the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, put someone in my life so that I can invest into them and make them a disciple of Jesus Christ.

It Is I

April 22, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

It Is I

But He (Jesus) said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:20‬

No Need To Fear

After Jesus fed the 5,000, the people who witnessed the miracle wanted to make him their king. Jesus swiftly slipped away into the mountains to be alone. The disciples got into the boat and set sail across the lake. A storm was brewing and the waves became rough due to the high winds. They rowed for about three to four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water. They became frightened as He came near the boat. They thought it was a ghost. Jesus spoke to them and they recognized His voice and gladly received Him into their boat. The Scripture then says immediately they were at the shore.

There are some interesting truths packed into this event. First, after every victory there is a valley awaiting. Don’t be disappointed because the Lord is always with us regardless of where we are. He is with us in our good times and with us in our suffering. Second, the Lord’s presence makes for peace. Jesus appeared during their struggles and spoke a peaceful word, “it is I; don’t be afraid.” The Lord always provides peace and comfort during our trying times. He will allow us to build strength and faith but He will never neglect us. Third, the Lord’s power over nature. Jesus walked on the water. Some want to discredit the Lord walking on the water. We must never forget that the Lord can do what He pleases to do.

Trusting the Lord during good times is easy. Trusting the Lord during hard times is difficult. Our faith in the Lord is what pleases Him the most.

Prayer

Lord, let me see You for who You are. I want to be in Your presence and feel Your peace. Help me to overcome my trials and suffering with your grace.

Resurrection Sunday

April 21, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trust

Resurrection Sunday

He is not here, for He has risen, as He (Jesus) said.

Matthew 28:6

Because He Lives

Today we celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior of the world. Easter Sunday is a day that the world can be sure that God’s promises are true and that redemption is accomplished. Because Jesus lived a perfect and holy life on this Earth His blood that was shed on the cross became the atonement for our sins. In other words, Jesus paid the ultimate price for sin which is death!

On the third day (Sunday) Jesus defeated death and sin by bringing Himself back to life. Only God the Son could do such magnificent and miraculous work. That is why we worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could live and die and then live again. All power and majesty are given unto Him!

Because He lives, we have hope and assurance in salvation. One day we all will leave this Earth but glory to God we shall see Jesus face to face. Heaven awaits us for eternal life in perfect harmony and glory. There will be no more sin! No more death! No more tears! No more suffering! It’s all because of Jesus. It’s all because Jesus lived. It’s all because Jesus died. It’s all because He lives! Celebrate today with the joy and blessedness that we have received because God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son so that all who believe in Him will not perish. Jesus gives us everlasting life!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for dying in my place and forgiving me of my sins. Thank you for giving me eternal life in Heaven. I will live for your glory so that others may know you as I do.