Getting to Jesus

Matthew 2:7-8

 ⁷Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

 ⁸And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Getting to Jesus

I have the great fortune of sharing the word of God yesterday at Fellowship.  Much of that message came from this same chapter.  Further down after the three wise men are introduced, we see the devious side of Herod.  As these strangers searched for a king from a king, Herod said, 'when you find this Child, let me know so I can worship Him.'

Its a practice many of us still do today...we try to get to Jesus through someone else's experience...'My grandmother prays for me'...'my Pastor has a relationship with God, so I'll go to him instead of seeking for myself'....'I'll get sister so-and-so to pray for Dad.'

Its absolutely true that other people can lead us to the Savior, but we have to meet Him and have a relationship with Him all by ourselves.  It wouldn't be very smart to try to have a marriage to one person by always going through another person, but we do it to God all the time.

Dear ones, as you prepare to welcome in 2012, resolve to have a personal relationship with Christ.  Instead of focusing on changing your weight, or breaking an old habit, put some weight into your discipleship.  Get in the habit of following the Holy Spirit.

I invite you to start this Saturday at Fellowship.  We will welcome in the new year with a special service, starting at 9:30 PM.  Any and all are welcome.  If you do not know Christ as your Savior, or understand how to be a disciple, please come.

Start 2012 with new eyes, a fresh walk and with a heart after God.  Get to know Jesus for yourself.

Philippians 2:5-13

 ⁵Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

 ⁶Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

 ⁷But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 ⁸And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 ⁹Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

 ¹⁰That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 ¹¹And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 ¹²Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

 ¹³For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

I hope to see you there.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email tofellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men

Listed below is a reprint from last year. It seemed appropriate after the events yesterday morning of the ending of the Iraq War. That war just ended, thank the Lord. But the war between humankind and God was ended a long time ago. Won't you enter into this peace?


Merry Christmas!

From Monday, November 29, 2010

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men

Luke 2: 9-14
9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. For Liturgical congregations, there is a set of sermon topics that are preached each Sunday leading up to Christmas...the Mass celebrating the Birth of Christ. Hallelujah!

The passage above is familiar to most believers and even non believers. In The Charlie Brown Christmas Special, Linus stands on stage and recites verses 1 through 14 of Luke 2, aka The Christmas Story. We read it at our house before opening any presents and before any other celebration on Christmas Day. I was thinking about these verses as I was listening to a recording of a choir singing Glory To God from Handel's Messiah when the Holy Spirit dropped this revelation in my heart.

Peace on Earth. War didn't end with with Christ's birth. Well, let me restate that. War between men didn't stop with Christ's birth. The war that ended was between us and God. It was a war we could not win. Yet, with Christ's coming, God declared peace. We could know the Father and His Son crucified and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit because peace was declared by God toward mankind because of Christ.

And more than that, through Christ, God's good will came towards us. This is why Jesus is Emanuel, God with us. Not just physically with us, but for us, in agreement with us, offering and enriching life towards us. Wow! Think about that when you're faced with a struggle. Think about all that ended over 2000 years ago when Jesus, the Christ chose to come to Earth as a baby and be delived up as a Lamb to the slaughter as sacrafice for you. With Him, He brought the Peace of God and God's good will into your life.

It is the beginning of the Christmas season for the world, but as a believer, it is Christmas everyday. Everyday we're here, we enjoy the peace of God and His good will toward us. Further, we have the expectation of this same favor throughout eternity with Christ, the Ressurected, Risen King of Glory.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).

Won't you receive this wonderful Gift? Won't you walk in the fullness of this Gift? You do not have an enemy in God. He declared peace, and made a personal, everlasting sacrifice and sealed the deal in Blood. The very Blood of Christ. It is a precious and invaluable Gift that will last an eternity. It will never tarnish. It will never break. And it's yours for the receiving.

Luke 12:29-32
29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

You've got a Present waiting!

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Restoration

Ezekiel 36:35-36
35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.
36 Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.

Restoration

There's little sadder to me than an empty house. Driving around Atlanta, its easy to see the scars of our nation's current economic situation. You can find whole neighborhoods that are more abandoned than occupied in pockets all around the city and surrounding suburbs. Those empty houses, boarded and barren were probably once filled with raucous families. There once may have been tv's in every room, toys scattered on the floor, curtains, pets. Or maybe they were occupied by a meticulous couple with nothing out of place. Kitchens once bristled with activity. Now, they are empty, cold. Wasted even.

It's an all too common metaphor for our lives. We come here full of potential. Most of us probably had celebrated arrivals into loving families. Then, somewhere along time, life throws in some ditches and curve balls and we find ourselves feeling as empty and purposless as one of those abandoned houses.

But there is hope.

There is no life wasted beyond the reach of God. He can make a life not only prosperous, but Eden-like, abundunt, lush, full and sustaining. There is no condition that we can reach that is a challenge for God. No depth of sorrow. No distance. No hardness of heart. Nothing in our lives is beyond the capabilities of a God Who loves us so much that He would bring a Son into the world just to have Him bear what we could not (John 3:16).Brokenness is just a good beginning for God.

There is one potential hinderance, however. It all rests with our acceptance. We have to be willing to believe and receive that God is, well, God. We have to be willing to accept Christ's sacrifice and Lordship. We have to be willing to accept that in all our understanding there are thoughts, ways, and purposes that are bigger than we are.

Perhaps you find yourself at one of those stages in life where it feels like you've lost everything. Perhaps you've moved away from the very thing you felt like you were here to do. Perhaps you feel like you've lost everything and you have no hope.

May I share a hope with you? If we feel like we've lost it all, then we have nothing to lose in trusting God. Just give yourself over to Him and watch what He does with wasted land. The Psalmist said we'll be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in season (Psalm 1:3).

At the beginning, God spoke into darkness and light happened. Won't you let Him speak into your darkness? His light is marvelous.

We often share stories of restoration at Fellowship. We look forward to hearing yours.

Joel 2:21-27


21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.
22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

My Christmas wish for you? Restoration.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Delighting the Lord

Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

Delighting The Lord

It's Christmastime! My son is already compling a multi-volumed list of things he wants for Christmas. The malls are crowded. The internet is humming today as people shop online during their 'breaks' at work. It's the most over-marketed time of the year again.

Ok, that last line might have been a bit much. Goodness knows I love holiday shopping and parties too. But that doesn't change the fact that we can loose sight of what Christmas is really about.

This passage from Jeremiah listed above really touched me this morning. When we consider the time of year, and some of the specific happenings this year, Occupy protests, civil disobedience, productions of excessive wealth, a time when people can't afford to be sick - literally...its very humbling to consided the word recorded...in understanding and knowing the Lord as He is, we delight him.

Isn't that the point of all those wrapped gifts that will soon populate the bottom of our decorated trees? To delight the receiver? Let's face it, that box of socks and underwear a child receives, not matter how desperately needed, isn't the one he or she talks about back at school. They talk about the gift that brought delight. Not just children, either.

As holiday plans come together over the next few weeks, I encourage all of us to consider how we might please our Lord. Loving mercy, doing justly and walking humbly with God are our basic requirements (Micah 6:8). We talk alot about how we can delight ourselves in the Lord, but how can we delight Him? By putting Jesus at the top of our gift giving list this year. Afterall, its only fair. He gave everything for you and me.

Isaiah 1:11
To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Matthew 17:5
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Hear Jesus. That's what the Father wants for Christmas. That's how to delight Him.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

What We Can Bear

Psalm 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

What We Can Bear

It's not unusal for people to say good things that aren't actually in the Word. One that comes to mind is 'God helps those who help themselves.' Nice thought, but it isn't scriptual. I've always heard that saying, that God never puts more on us than we can bear. To be honest, I've never found that passage. Not saying it isn't there...just saying I don't know (yet) where it is. What IS scriptual is that the Lord willingly bears our burden.

It may in fact be true (and I welcome the reference) that the Lord never gives us more than we can bear. But we do it to ourselves. We take on more than we are equipt to handle all the time. Furthermore, if we are believers in Christ, we have a sworn enemy who would like nothing more than to watch us be consummed to the point of death with the cares of this world. You don't have to be very old to know that living will bring unbearable burdens.

But Jesus said that His burden was bearable. (Matthew 11:30)

We are spiritual beings when we're born again. This weekend, at our anniversary services, the evangelist talked about this new state of ours. It only stands to reason that the weapons formed against us would be spiritual too. They just manifest sometimes in the physical.

Friend, take an inventory. Are you heavy laden with cares? Do you have a smorgasboard of debt, family, job, school, health issues weighing you down? Does it sometimes seem like you're back is about to break with what you're carrying?

If so, then cast your burden to Jesus. He spread His arms out wide and is ready and willing to carry them. He even had His hands nailed to a tree to ensure they'd stay up under the weight. Just take His burden instead. It's light. But, you have to put on a yoke to pull it. That yoke keeps us in His path. It sort of insures that He does the driving. That's the catch, if you're looking for one. His burden, His will.

But its nice to feel light again. Trust me. I know.

We'd happily yoke up with you at Fellowship. We're walking the same way.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Sound the Shofar! Blow the Trumpet! Great is the Lord! We're Still Here!

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Sound the Shofar! Blow the Trumpet!  Great is the Lord!  We're Still Here!

This passage is the rally cry for our church anniversary this Sunday.  We are about to wrap up our fifth year in ministry and open our sixth.  In those five years, we have been seen some weapons formed specifically against us.  There have been snares and outright open attacks aimed directly for our ministry....and we're still here.  Bless the Lord!

We've heard from people why our ministry would not succeed....and we're still here.  Great is our God!

There have been challenges.  There have been trials.  But, the Lord said His Word would accomplish what He said it would do (Isaiah 55:11).  This is the Word our church was established by, through and on.  We're still here.  Hallelujah!

I hope you will join us this Saturday for our very special services at 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM, November 20th.  Our special guest church is Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church from Dayton, Ohio.  But it's your presence that will truly bless the day.

And, maybe, just maybe this can become your anniversary too.  The anniversary of when you accept Jesus as Lord...or maybe the anniversary of your rededication?  Perhaps we can celebrate you're accepting your calling and vocation in Christ?  Whatever you commit to in Christ, we will celebrate with you at Fellowship.

Please come.  God is great, and greatly to be praised!

 

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

A Blessing for My Sister...

Psalm 40:11-12

11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

A Blessing for My Sister, or Rather The Blessing of My Sister....

Proverbs 3:27 instructs us not to withhold honor to whom it is due. This tribute has been a long time coming and it is now due.

One faithful reader of this blog is my sister. A little over nine years ago, she was invaded with by a cruel and relentless murderer. This evil intended to be the definer of her life. What the evil didn't understand was my sister is a disciple of Christ.

Evil is what God is not. It is not omnipresent. It is not omnipotent. It has to steal power from us to be effective. The evil that set upon my sister has been chewing away at her very life's blood with the intent of not just killing her, but killing her joy, her vibrance and her outlook on life along the way.

It failed.

My sister, who gave her life to Christ years ago, became a disciple of Christ long before the evil showed up. She had chosen not just to accept salvation but to press in to fellowship and relationship. She believes God and takes Him at His word.

When the evil showed up, all it could take was her physical strength. When it sought her joy, she met, fell in love with and married an amazing man. When it sought her vibrance, she and her husband became foster parents. When it sought her outlook on life, she became one of the prayer warriors covering her pastor.

Evil is ever present. The enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus reminded us to not fear those who could kill the body, but Him who is able to destroy both the soul and the body in Hell (Matthew 10:28). My sister chose to reverence Him, and not the other.

And my life, and the lives of everyone who's had the pleasure of her company are better for it.

So, this is a blessing for my sister because my sister is a blessing. Whether the evil takes her body from us or not, she cannot die. She settled that a long time ago, and lives a life faithful to that decision. I hope you have too.

It doesn't matter what the evil's name is. We all have our own evil to confront. My pastor reminded us recently that when we accepted Christ, a contract was put out on our lives. Our job is to remain vigilant, watch, fight and pray so that we can avoid, or like my sister, contain the evil in its place. Apart from Christ, this is a fruitless effort. With Christ, we've already won.

This evil did not and does not define my sister. Instead, it provides a dark background on which the light of Christ shines even brighter. Like the dark matting of a fine museum peice, my sister's life is all the more brillinant despite the evil's presence.

How shall your life be framed? Will you be consumed by the evil that so easily besets us, or run the race with patience and perserverence? (Hebrews 12:1).

Choose to run. Run with Christ. There is no finish without Him. Starting lines and aid along the raceway are available at Fellowship.

Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

I love you, Cyss.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Raising the Dead

Side Note...For the first time in over a year, I was not able to send the message out from the email list noted below.  Hmmmm...isn't that curious?  Be Blessed.

John 3:10-15
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Raising the Dead

I learned yesterday that I can, and have been raising the dead. No, this isn't some Halloween joke.

See, the thing about being born again, is that we really are re-born. And just as we come here as a physical baby, grow, and live a physical life, we have this spiritual birth, growth and life when we accept Christ.

'Well, duh, Sis. Stephanie...that's pretty much Bible 101.' I know. But I learned an incredible lesson yesterday. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that I've been raising the dead....the things that were dead in my life keep coming up, because I'm raising them.

Our pastor challenged us yesterday to get rid of those 'old things' that we've been doing to ourselves that, well, basically are killing us. He reminded us that when we accept Christ, our advisary issues a contract to take us out. And, whenever he can, he tries to convince us to do it ourselves. Think about it.

I know I do things that are contrary to a full life in Christ. And when I think about why I still do these things, my mind starts the condemnation speech we sometimes do...I'm not really dedicated....this life in Christ thing isn't real....

That's when the Holy Spirit stepped in and said, 'You're raising the dead.'

When we are born again in Christ, we have new life. Paul recorded in his second letter to the Corinthians that old things are passed away. Not 'passed away' as in they went they're way off into the distance. But, passed away like that euphamism we use to say someone has died.

But being born into this resurrection power as we are, we keep bringing those old things back to life.

Loved ones, and especially those of you of the Body of Christ, I encourage you to accept that power of Christ in you and to understand that is brings life...to all things...good and bad things. That is why we are charged to be careful about how we speak, where we go, what we think and with whom we spend our time. Its not about restriction. Its about respecting power and understanding how it works.

Just think of what we could do if we focused all that energy we give to ressurecting our old life into obedience? What would happen if we actually got up each morning, dying to self and living for Christ as a choice? As a real direction in life? Wow! Its pretty amazing when you think about it. Especially when its as close as a choice.

I don't know what's on your list. I don't want to know what's on your list. That's between you and the Lord or me and the Lord...no one else need be involved. But I do know that God loved you and me enough to send Jesus so we could have access to this life, this everlasting, power of Christ, greater things that these, life that Jesus spoke about.

So, try not to resurrect that life you had before Christ. Try not to resurrect old habits that take you away from His presence, His will, His love. Embrace the new life you and I were given in Christ.

Don't know Christ? We'll introduce you at Fellowship. We lift Him up high. You'll see Him right away.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Newness.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Moving On From Here


Luke 15:18-24
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Moving on From Here

I love the story of the prodigal son. It applies in so many areas of life...our own lives...definitely my life.

This weekend, I was in Ohio joining in the celebration honoring the pastor of my home church. He's retiring as pastor after 42 years. Not from ministry, but as pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, Ohio.

The gathering had the atmosphere of a reunion. Many of us who had attended a nearby college attended this church when we were students. I was baptized there. Most of the membership has been at the church for years, but some of us just passed through. Many of us stayed in touch even though we had moved to other places.
'
So here we all were, gathered and hugging, sharing stories and exchanging addresses. I had lived in Newark for a while after graduation. I became godmother to a baby girl while I was there. Then, after I moved, I had lost track of her and her mother. I was recalling this episode at the table, when I said 'Someone needs to point out Sidney to me'. The young woman standing behind me said 'I'm Sidney'.

In that instant, I knew everything I had done wrong in my assignment as her godmother. Here stood this lovely young woman, about to start her own education. I had done what I could when I was close, but when I moved away, and communication got complicated, I had just let her slip away.

But, in Christ, there is a here and a now.

Like the son in the story, I can't make up for what has passed. I wouldn't even want to try. But, what I can do is admit my shortcomings, pick up and move on.

This is the forgivness Jesus paid for. They kind of forgiveness that is readily available and needs only be received. He never says 'now, go back and relive your life without mistakes'. He says only, go and sin no more. All the rights and priviledges and yes, responsibilities of relationship are always just on the other side of forgiveness. They have to be received, not earned.

We know that we reap what we sow. But that doesn't mean we cannot be forgiven. Whatever it is that stands between us and the life God intends is only accepting forgiveness away.

Will you receive the forgivness that's been so lovingly attained for you?

I found my goddaughter. My responsibilities to her are just as real today as they were 18 years ago when I held her in my arms and promised to see to her wellbeing and her life in Christ. I look forward to moving on from here.

I also look forward to you moving on from there, wherever that is for you. Receive the forgivness of Christ and go forward. Directions available at Fellowship...no charge.

Philippians 3:13-14

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

No matter where we are, we can always go forward in Christ.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Born (again) Free

Acts 22:27-28
27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

Born (again) Free

If you're north of 40, chances are as soon as you read the words 'born free' a certain song starts ringing through your brain. That's the sound track for today's message.

This is an interesting exchange between the centurion and Paul. The chief captian became a Roman citizen because he bought the priviledge. Paul was born a Roman. There was a difference between someone who became Roman and who was born Roman. Blood, it would seem, matters.

If you were born American, you were born with freedoms not universally enjoyed in the earth. There are countries where being of two different cultural groups makes you invalid, illegal. Where being born female makes you a target for abuse. Where being born poor condems you to a life of poverty with no opportunites to change. These are just a few of the many freedoms simply being born in this country, or to a parent from this country you are automatically afforded.

With those freedoms, its easy to get a little cocky. Americans have a reputation in other countries of being obnoxious tourists. We're reputed to be arrogant and boistrous when we go to new places, because we walk with such confidence and expectation.

As believers in Christ, we are born again free. Just like being born American, there are freedoms, rights, priviledges afforded to us just because of the re-birth. But THESE freedoms, rights and priviledges are WAY beyond anything accorded to citizenship in a country. And just like that American citizen example, we are supposed to be assured in our relationship in Christ and all that the relationship holds.

Imagine, walking through your life with the confidence that everything you do would work? Walking with the assurity that you could not fail. Meeting every challenge, every obstacle with success as the destined outcome.

How would you walk if you knew that you could strut through what you want to do most and it would work? Would you march, or would you take small, sheepish steps? Of COURSE you'd move with strength and confidence because that's what security and assurity does.

Security is a patent hallmark of relationship. That expectation that the other person will 'be there' whether that other person is a parent, a spouse, a friend, is something that we all count on. It's one of the reasons why we trust that person with our heart.

Born again into Christ brings security, assurance, confidence, righteousness, holiness and all with enteral life with the Father. This relationship is a blood one...THE Blood relationship that matters most in our lives. It's not a step, it's not via in-laws. An honest to goodness blood relationship that lasts forever.

Dear ones, you are born again free when you confess Christ. You are grafted into the body of Christ and of essential importance to Him.

And He will 'be there' no matter what you do. No matter where you go. When we accept Him as Lord, nothing fails. We yield our will to His, and all things work.

So, embrace the song. Be born-again free.

Ephesians 1:3-6

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Free!

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

770-573-9339

Alton Watkins, Pastor

What's in Your Hand?

Exodus 4:1-2
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.

And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

What's In Your Hand?

Look to the Lord. Now, look at your hands. Now, look back to the Lord.

If you're an internet junkie, like I am, you'll recognize that paraphrased line from a stream of web ads that crossed over to television. Truth is, God Himself wrote that copy eons ago with Moses. It's a great formula for us to follow.

When we read about Moses' confrontation with his destiny with God, we discover that Moses, once gung-ho about freeing his brothers and sisters from the tyranny of Pharoh, is hesistent when God finally tells him, 'It's time.' Moses, who was raised in the palace of Pharoh as one of the king's sons, suddenly can't find his voice. He can't see how he can be used for such a great task.

Moses knew who he was. He knew his destiny. But, out in the wilderness, up on a mountain, looking at a burning bush and hearing the voice of God, he felt weak, helpless and hesitant.

Any of us who have come face to face (or face to voice) with our callings in Christ have found ourselves in the same predicament. That passion inside that burns like Moses' bush...constant flame but never consumed. Seems like that 'thing' never goes out, no matter how much we ignore it. No matter how far in life we may seem to get from it, it always comes back...brighter...more intense. But once we come before the Lord with it, we don't know how to start.

God said, 'What is in your hand?'

Beloved, there is nothing we are called to do...there is no passion placed inside that God is not willing to meet. In church settings, we'll use the phrase 'author and finisher of our faith' and it's true (Hebrews 12:2). God authors the passion. He will complete and refine the work. But we have to choose to begin the work, the walk, the answer to the call.

We have to start with what's in our hands.

So what is it? What is it that you've been made to do? Is it teach? Then teach. Are you a singer? Sing. Is it a hairdresser? Then do the darn thing.

But start. Start with what's in your hand. Start with what has already been given to you by your experiences, your training, your innate talent. Start. But start in the right direction. Don't start for material gain. Don't start for fame. Start toward your calling. Start by giving your gift back to the Lord...the Author...the Creator. Give it back to Him and He will complete the task through you.

And you know what? That passion? It's your ministry. It really is. All of us who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for our sin, have a ministry. It may not involve a collar or a pulpit one day a week, but it is a ministry. You and I and our callings in Christ are just as important and necessary in the work of the Church as any pastor or deacon. (Romans 12:4)

It takes many roles to create a vibrant community. Doctors and lawyers are as necessary as janitors and sanitation workers. Nurses, artists, teachers and barbers all fill important roles. The community isn't viable if any are missing. Just like your own body, it takes a lot of different parts to make the whole thing work well.

Embrace the passion. Turn aside, or rather, inside, and take a look at that burning passion...that calling...that ministry and turn it over to the Lord. Then start. Start with what you have. What you need to do it is His business. And He's willing and able to meet the need, if we just start.

Ephesians 1:3-13


3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Abundant, productive, passion following peace to you! (hint...it's in your hands)

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Come to Jesus

Deuteronomy 30:11-15

11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Just Now

We recently observed the tenth anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 here in the United States. The day was full of prayers, rememberences and special ceremonies honoring those who died that beautiful Tuesday morning, ten years ago in Washington DC, New York City and in that field in Pennsylvania. For the most part, the memorials were solemn and respectful.

But as I mentioned, they were full of prayer.

It doesn't amaze me that people turn to prayer in a time of sorrow, loss or fear. It's a perfectly reasonable thing to do. When faced with what hurts, we reach out to the highest form of help. A child will reach for a parent when they are in pain; not a toy or another person, but their parent. A country will look to the highest levels of government when there's a crisis. Very little was spoken immediately after Katrina hit about the local response...everyone wanted to know what then President Bush was going to do about the chaos. So, when our soul hurts, its only logical that people reach out to the highest power in soul living - to God.

When we are laid bare by life, we know where to go for answers, healing and comfort. We have no pretense about falling to our knees and crying out for God. We don't wonder where authority is. We know. And when stricken, we cry out. God Himself told us that the Word is very close...It is written on our hearts and is in our mouths.

I'm amazed how once we feel better, we turn away. The 'problems' with God start to show up. See, we have no problem with God perse. Our troubles only show up with the whole Jesus factor. But there is where our logic breaks down.

If God is God when we are at our wits end. If He is the only source when we have nothing left, then He also has to be God in our abundance and with our obedience. That's what sovereign means.

If we wish to live comfortably in the United States, we accept that there are rules to follow. Barack Obama may not be who you voted for to be President, but he IS the president right now. You can't go and serve another President because you disagree with him. If you own a small business in this country, there are rules and regulations that apply to your business. You may not like them and you can certainly work to change them, but you don't get to choose which ones you want to obey without consequences.

And that's in a democracy. God is King.

I want you to cry out to God when you're in despair. I want you to know that there is Someone bigger than yourself and your circumstance. I also want you to know that He has laid out a plan for salvation, relationship and fellowship and it goes through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father except by Him. (John 14:6)

In our good times, and our bad times. In our obedience and our disobedience. In our doubt and our clarity, all roads to the Father pass through the blood of Jesus.

No matter what we're going through in our lives right now, come to Jesus. He's not a panacea to make us feel better. He's the way, truth and life to make you and I perfect before God. Coming to Jesus doesn't make the situation magically better. Coming to Jesus makes us better able to withstand everything that rises up against us.

The song goes...come to Jesus, come to Jesus, come to Jesus just now, just now.

Come to Jesus. Come to Fellowship and we'll introduce you, and we'll walk with you as you move from relationship to fellowship.

Come to Jesus, just now.

John 10:1-9
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Peace.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Be Ye Comforted

Psalm 119:49-56
49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.
53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

Be Ye Comforted
Seasons are just that...seasons. Periodic...cyclic in nature...they come, they go. Each may seem familiar, but none are exactly the same.

We know weather seasons. You don't have to look at a calendar to know autumn is close in Atlanta. Leaves are changing from green to bright vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. The mornings are cooler and the heat of the day doesn't hold the same level of opression it did in late July/early August. Same temperature, different season.

And this Fall promises to be similar, but not the same to last Fall. We can't expect the same conditions this September 12th as a year ago on this date. Each season has the same framework, but the specifics vary.

This is true for the seasons in our lives as well. Maybe you're smack dab in the middle of a season of prosperity and abundance. Like the best spring and summer of your memory, you're experiencing only gain. That's wonderful and I pray it continue for you as long as the season may.

And yet, you may be in a season of utter loss. Loved ones have left. What you once considered immovable in your life - your job, a marriage, your sense of self - may be crumbling away as you read this. Its a season. A mean one, but a season nonetheless. Like Winter into Spring, it will pass.

The Lord is far too often blamed when there is loss in our lives. He is far too often ignored when there is abundance. But like rainfall and sunshine, Ecclesiastes reminds us that to everything there is a season. Our job is not to focus on the abundance or lack, but to know that God is still God, no matter our particular circumstance at the time.

And sometimes, that's not easy. What's really amazing is that it can be just as hard during a season of plenty as in a season of loss. Time after time, the children of Isreal were chastised for how they prospered and forgot about God. Then they would find themselves in captivity, crying out as though God had forgotten them. Things haven't changed much, have they?

Dear friends, the word today is to be comforted. No matter your season, God is still there. He still cares. He is as invested in our loss as He is in our gain. He is concerned when we cry - even if the cause is of our own doing. He's concerned when we cheer so that we do not take our faith off Him and place it on ourselves, lest we fall. That's the essence of that 'so loved' in John 3:16. It isn't a love based in obedience or works. Its a love that comes from the very depths of His heart. It's real love. It's complete love. It comes from God, toward us and always toward us...even when we don't return it.

Whatever your challenge, your state, I pray you know the comfort of the Lord God. That you feel His very presence in all that you do. That you receive all that He has available to you. That every need is met, the ones you know you have and the ones you don't realize that you have.

I pray that if you do not know this 'so love' personally, that you will come to know it, and know it fully. That if you do not believe that our God 'so loves' you, that you will be open to receive Him fully. I also pray that if you do know His love, that it will move you squarely into the calling He has placed on your life and that you will lay aside any hesitation, fear or obstacle that is keeping you from it.

I pray all of this for you, and myself, in the name of Jesus.

Please know that you are always welcome at Fellowship when you need a church body that will support you, no matter what your season may be.

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Peace. Comfort. Joy. Mourning into dancing. Abudance now into supply later.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Trouble in Your Way? Stay in the Ship

Acts 27:31



31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

Trouble in your Way? Stay in the Ship

This story in Acts is very good. Paul had warned his captors not to sail when they did. They left based on their experience and knowledge of the sea, and found themselves in a terrible, ship-killing storm.

It's hard to convince someone who's an expert at something to change their mind, especially if you don't have credentials or experience equivalent or better than theirs. Timothy ran in to this when Paul encouraged him to 'despise not thy youth'. Sailors are no exception. Those who have sailed know the sea. They've seen the sea's moods and states. They take pride in recognizing the signs of storms and calms. They usually learn this stuff the hard way, so they are comfortable in their knowledge and experience.

So, when some non-sailing preacher comes along touting that he knows something they don't, that wicked combination of pride, experience and spite gets together and makes it impossible for them to do anything but what THEY know. Later, they found out that the preacher was right. They didn't understand WHOM he knew.

Trouble comes from alot of different sources. When it's time for maturing eagles to leave the nest, the parents 'trouble' the nest to make it uncomfortable for them to stay. When the waters at Bethsaidia were 'troubled' healing happened, if you got in 'trouble' first. Then there's the kind of trouble these experienced, salty sailors found. Storms that seemed set on capsizing the ship and killing all onboard. The kind of trouble that overwhelms you with its size and capacity for destruction. The kind of trouble that comes from tornadoes, fires, floods, loss of income, divorces, sicknesses, deaths.

The natural thing to do is to get as far away from the touble as possible. But God isn't natural. He says stay.

When we belong to God, He accepts responsibility for our well being. That's not just when we're obedient, but all times. There are some problems we bring on ourselves, like these sailors who left port despite the Godly instruction to stay. We spend more than we make. We do things to our body that weaken or destroy it, both inside and out. We keep company with people and things that detract from our best selves. We set sail in waters that appear fine, but are unsafe up ahead. And the Lord keeps us.

Even when the trouble is of our own doing, we have safety in the ship. The natural tendency will be to run away and hide, but salvation is in the ship. Paul recorded that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, them that are called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28). That means the good things, the things from God, and the things that we pull into the picture. They all work together for our good.

Our trouble is no challenge to God. Only our willingness to trust Him...obey Him. These are the real challenges...the real mountains.

So, dear ones, speak to your mountain. Only tell it that you are choosing to trust God. Tell your storm that blow as it may, you're staying in fellowship with God and that you choose to believe Him over the wind. Tell the flood waters that your spiritual house is built on the solid rock of Christ and you shall not be moved. Tell your sickness that you were already healed by His stripes and that no matter the symptoms present, it had no authority in your body today. When temptation and disobedience come to call, tell them you're busy praising and praying to God. You'll see them another time.
Jesus told us not to be surprised when troubles come. He said He was persecuted, so we would be too. When we accept salvation, we become the sworn enemy of God's advisary. That old rascal can no longer win our soul from God, so he focuses on keeping us as far away from our calling as possible. And usually, with trouble.
There's an old song, 'Trouble in my Way...I hafta cry sometimes'. But remember, even it ends with 'Jesus, He will fix it, afterwhile.' It's okay to cry. Just remember to cry out to God.

Psalm 27:5 (The Whole Psalm fits...)


5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

At Fellowship, we have room in our ship for you.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Cross Post from Through His Eyes...

Today's entry is a cross post from the blog I keep of my son, Myles' inspired words...

I Pray the Lord My Soul to Keep

I was fussing at Myles today.  He had done something wrong and tried to hide it only to have mom discover the hidden deed.  As his punishment, he had to clean up the mess he'd made and take the trash out.  Where we live, the dumpster is a bit of a walk, even for a newly minted 10 year old.

It was getting dark when he left with the trash.  We are on the upper floors of our building, so it is my habit to stand on the balcony and watch over him as he walks to the dumpster, especially if its dark out.  The first time he went by himself, he asked me to do this (not that he had to).  Today, as I yelled 'I'm here.  I've got you.' from the balcony,  he answered 'It's okay, Mom.  When you can't see me, I've got God. I'll be ok.'


Psalm 121

 ¹I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

 ²My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

 ³He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

 ⁴Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

 ⁶The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

 ⁷The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

 ⁸The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Yes, dear boy.  I know you do.

Come Up Higher

Exodus 24:12
And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

Come Up Higher

Several times, Moses was called not only away from the people, but up into the presence of God. God would require that Moses pull away, above the day to day workings of the camp in order to give instruction, to commune with Moses. Remember, when Moses first stopped to see a bush that burned without being consumed, he was up on the mountain, away and above.

John recorded in his gospel, that Jesus said 'And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me' (John 12:32). Perhaps we need to get a little higher when we lift Him.

If I'm standing in a hole, and I lift a light, the light will shine over more of the hole, but unless you're in the hole with me, no one else will probably see the light. Now, if I take that same light and get up on a hill, that light can be seen for miles around.

Dear ones in the Lord, we may need to take a cue from Moses and get up a little higher. Get up above the day to day life. We have responsibilities, of course. But a major responsibility of walking in Christ is to get up and away from time to time so that the Lord can talk with us, one on one. So He can show us who we are to Him.

He's not very concerned about our past. He sees us differently than we probably see ourselves. He's focused on our truth where we may be tied up in our facts. By coming up and away, we give Him the room to take our binds of our experiences and our limitations off and heal our sight so we can see our truth despite our facts.

But, we have to come to Him, where He is.

When Jesus went to the tomb where Lazarus was laid, the scripture testifies that Jesus didn't go in, but instead called Lazarus out. The children of Isreal were called out of Egypt. Peter testified that we have been chosen, that we are a royal preisthood who were called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Even when the Lord walked the earth, people came to Him. Very rarely does the scripture testify where Jesus went to someone. They met Him where He was. They followed where He went. Some crawled through the dirt just to touch Him. Others cried out from the side of the road just for His mercy.

Loved ones, its time to come up. It's time to get a little higher so we can show forth His glory from a hill and not a hole. I encourage you to lay down that burden that keeps you from coming higher. Set it aside and come up to the Master. Ask Him what to do with it, and then do that. Even if He says let it go. Jesus told the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more. Whatever she had done in the past, it was time to leave it behind and move on and go a little higher.

The Master is waiting. Won't you come up? We'd be honored to show you the way at Fellowship.

Isaiah 1:18-20
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Higher living!

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message.

The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.

Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Offered to All, Received by Few

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.


Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Offered to All, Received by Few

If I paid all your bills, forever, would you accept? I've already contacted every creditor you have. I've paid the bills. All you have to do is endorse, acknowlege, Yes, Stephanie paid the bills. They have the money, but they can't credit it to you until you endorse my action with your acceptance. If this were true (and I wish I could do it for each of you), would you accept?

The relief by that action would be temporary, but it would have a daily impact on your life. You would probably tell me about what you can do now that you are unburdened from owing anyone any money. You'd probably work to maintain a friendship with me, even if it was just at Christmastime and on my birthday...you would stay in touch. You might even look to see what I was doing and join in on my activities because you'd probably figure I must have something exciting going on if I could make enough money to free you of debt, and yet had enough compassion to do it for you and everyone you know. I think my action would spark your interest. I'd hope so.

I suppose it's possible that some of you might not endorse my action. You might feel like it's a joke and doesn't deserve attention. Some of you may believe it, but just choose not to accept. Some may accept and choose not to know another thing about me, even though my action changed tyour entire life.

I can't give any of you this gift. But, I can give you another. Your debt has been paid in full. Jesus paid every bit of your debt to God for your righteousness. When God sees you, He looks at you the same way He looks at Jesus when you accept that Jesus paid your debt. He sees you as His.

Will you accept? It's an act of faith. It's a lifelong...no...eternity long comittment, but it has an immediate, permanent affect on your life. I hope that you will accept, that you will learn more and that you will seek out a friendship with Jesus, beyond His birthday.

This is my message today...accept His gift. He is the Gift.

John 3:14-18
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Gift of Peace to you.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.fcchosengeneration.com) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages. Evangelist Robinson also posts her entries on Facebook and Twitter. To subscribe to the mailing, or for questions and comments, tweet (@evangeliststeff) or send email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because You Are a Chosen Generation

455 Highway 138 W, STE C

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Suffer the Children

Mark 10:13-16
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Suffer the Children

School started today in my son's district. Same for several other counties in our area. Some children went back last week. Some won't start until September. Others never stopped since they go year round.

Yet, what about their spiritual development? Is going to church enough? What do they know about the Christ you serve? Do they see what Christian service looks like?

No, we aren't to be ruled by our children, but they do have important lessons to teach us about humility, receiving, joy. And yet, we...not just parents, but anyone who knows a child, are responsible for their well being...physical, mental and spiritual. What they come to know, they come to know through us.

Jesus litteraly embraced children. I'm moved in particular by the image in verse 16 above - And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Not just a passing word or a pat, but an embrace. And these children took in all that He gave.

Jesus told us they are an example to us of how to receive the Kingdom. Then, He showed them how the Kingdom gives. In being 'Christ-like', we should strive to do the same.

Whether you're a parent, a relative or just a friend of a child, remember they are looking at you to live the example of what they learn and hear about in church. Children are often great little lie-detectors, but that doesn't mean they know how to follow truth. That's our job. We should pursue truth for our own salvation, but know that our efforts help make the path clear for them.

Suffer the children to come to Jesus. Make the way plain, and the path clear. If you don't know the way, we have maps and "JPS" (Jesus Positioning Systems) at the ready at Fellowship that we'd be happy to share. It doesn't matter where you are in your life, your walk, or your growth. Just come.

Matthew 11:25-30
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden isl light.

Praying for peace in your schools, as wel as peace in your hearts.

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Feel free to share this message. Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions Become Reality

Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!

455 Hwy 138 W, Ste C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Alton Watkins, Pastor