Dare to Believe God!

DARE TO BELIEVE GOD is a motto written on the wall in our church. It is part of our congregation's history. One of the speakers from our Men's Conference used it as his topic yesterday. I can't seem to get passed it today.

For those of you who were unable to make any of the sessions, I am sorry for the opportunity you missed. Some things just have to be witnessed. However, much of what was said is encapsulated in this passage below.

Dear brothers and sisters, there is so much for us in this relationship with Christ that we would be foolish to ignore it or to willingly put anything between ourselves and God. Listed below is all of Malachi 3. I encourage you to read it, meditate on it and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Hear what He has to say to you and for you. Then act on what you learn.

Sometimes, the best message is the one you get from God directly, not through anyone else.

Don't believe me? I dare you to try Him.

Peace.
Sis. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.

The church website is http://www.fcchosengernation.com/.

Previous Lifeline mailings are posted on a blog at http://www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com/ and can also be reached through the church website on the Lifeline link.

Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com

Fellowship Church
Where your passions become relality
because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!

455 HWY 138 Suite C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

Malachi 3
1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

4Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

5And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

7Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

8Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

12And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

13Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?

14Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

15And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Happenings and Newness

We're having a men's conference at Fellowship this weekend. It starts Friday, April 16th (tonight) at 7:30 PM and continues tomorrow, Saturday April 17th at 1 PM. Tonight is just for the fellas only, but tomorrow, women are invited to join in.

You can find out more information by going to the church website at www.fcchosengeneration.com and clicking on the link at the top for the conference.

And yes, we have a new church website. It will link to this blog and, as time moves forward, be an interactive spot to find out what's going on at Fellowship, how you can participate and how you can reach us.

Fellowship Church

Where Passions become Reality

Because YOU are a CHOSEN GENERATION!

Check us out!
Peace.

He Is Still Risen!

Matthew 28:6-9

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

He Is STILL Risen

Christ rose from the grave once and for all just as He was born once into the world. All that He said He would do has been done. The only untold part of the story is what YOU will do with the relationship.

He is alive. He is real. He has risen. Easter may be over as far as the world is concerned, but every day is your opportunity to experience ressurection power in your life because He lives.

Face tomorrow.

Let go of all fear.

He holds tomorrow, know it.

Life is worth the living just because He lives!

Hallelujah!!

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Peace and Victory!!

Sis. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.

Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com

Fellowship Church
455 HWY 138 Suite C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

The Choice is Yours...But the Consequences?

John 17:20-23

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

The Choice is Yours...But the Consequences...are Ours

Earlier today, I got one of those calls that no one ever wants to get. A friend called to tell me that his son had been killed.

As the shock took hold, I found myself not believing it was true. This wonderful young man was gone.

Gone before his life really got started. He wasn’t a gang banger living a violent life. He wasn’t out rough housing or in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wasn’t driving recklessly or drinking. He was riding his motorcycle home. He was struck by a driver who didn’t see him.

Now, this message could be a plea to take a second look for cyclists and pedestrians. It could be, but it isn’t. It could be a plea for you to pull over before you read that text message. It could be, but it isn’t. It could be a plea for you to remember that the kids are in their seat belts and the cup is already spilled so you reaching back isn’t going to change anything. It could be. It isn’t.

This message is about the car driver and the choice he or she made. I don’t know why that driver didn’t see this young man and his friend on the motorcycle. All I know is that the car driver made a choice to turn without absolutely ensuring the way was clear. And that choice impacted the driver’s life, my friend’s life and even your life.

Dear ones, as the Body of Christ, we are connected. The choices you make affect the whole body. Any decision you make for or against your purpose and calling in Christ has an affect on everyone else, no matter how insignificant the decision may seem to you. Just as this driver’s choices changed so many lives, so do yours.

I’ll give you a less severe picture…ever notice that when you have a headache, your whole body is affected? Your feet don’t hurt, but you don’t feel like walking. Your eyes are fine, but you’d prefer to keep them closed. You don’t want to hear anything loud or high pitched. Your body just doesn’t work right, even though it’s just your head that hurts.

Still not convinced? Ok, try this. Tie your toes together for a day and see how easy it is to walk. Spend one day chewing your food on just one side of your mouth. Put in earplugs and go through your day. Again, you might accomplish all that you set out to do, but a singular, relatively minor change will have an affect on every action you take and it will change how you get things done.

Christ prayed to the Father that we would be one even as He and the Father are one. To function best, we need every single member of the Body operating according to the Master’s plan and design. Otherwise, we move along hobbled; less effective.

I don’t know what this young man’s calling and purpose in Christ was to be. I don't understand why this happened, nor do I blame God. I do receive that all things, even wrong things, do work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. I also know that my ways and thoughts are not God’s and that His are well beyond me. Some things truly are beyond words and human understanding.

But, after reading this, you might take a moment to take that second look in the rear view mirror to make absolutely sure nothing and no one is coming. You might wait until you park to read that text message. You might keep your hands on the wheel instead of trying to grab something behind you. All of those would be good outcomes and could spare the life of someone else’s child. Maybe your child. Maybe mine.

Or, you might even decide today…right now…that you’ll stop fighting your calling in Christ and you will take your rightful place in your destiny and you’ll set in motion a series of effects that you may never fully comprehend until you step into eternity. Only God knows how many lives your decision for Him could impact.

Will you make that choice? Will you choose Christ and His will over your own? Or will you stick with the idea that it really doesn’t matter much since it only affects you…even though you know that’s not true.

If you are reading this, then my decision to yield has affected you. Who will your decision affect?

Joshua 24:14-15

Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Peace.

Sis. Stephanie Robinson

Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com

Fellowship Church

455 HWY 138 Suite C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Alton Watkins, Pastor

Just a Little Bit

Matthew 14:28-32

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Just a Little Bit

This is a familiar passage to those who study the Gospels. The disciples were in a boat during a storm when they say a figure out on the wave. It was Jesus. Peter challenged Him with the request to 'bid me come unto thee on the water.' When Jesus answered, Peter stepped out on the waves and walked for a bit on the water.

We know that Peter let the surroundings get the best of him. There's a deep teaching in the evidence of what could be outpacing the the reality of what is and how that can affect us. But that's not what I'm supposed to share today. Today, look at verses 31 and 32 and understand that they walked back.

Jesus scolded Peter after He rescued him not for having little faith, but for having doubt. Then, they went back to the ship. The Word doesn't record where Jesus flew across the water with Peter. It doesn't say that they were translated from one position to another. All we have as a record was Jesus walking across the water, Peter going out to meet Him and then they returned to the ship.

I think what the Holy Spirit is trying to get us to see today are two subtle but important points. Jesus didn't chastise Peter for having little faith, but for having doubt. We learned in other lessons in the Word that great things can happen with only the faith the size of a mustard seed.

It's not the quantity of faith, but the purity of it.

Also, they walked back. The very thing that Peter asked for happened. He walked on the water with Jesus. He walked through the storm back to safety with the Savior right there with him throughout. And when they got to their destination, the wind ceased (v. 32). Your doubt doesn't negate God's ability, but it can affect the nature of the relationship. But, being available still counts.

Dear ones, I know how it goes. Sometimes you feel like the ultimate warrior for Christ. You get up and you're ready for whatever comes your way. Your helmet and shield are shiny and your sword is so sharp you can hear it cut the air. And some days you get up and you just want to crawl under the bed and hide because you just don't think you can muster up the courage to face the day. Yep, I know those extremes. But, most importantly, so does the Savior.

Jesus isn't bothered if all we have is a little faith to get through. He just wants us to understand that we shouldn't doubt. Give all you have to the Savior, even if it is only a little bit. He made wine out of water, salvation out of complete loss...He can see you through your challenge if you just have faith...even just a little bit of faith.

So, don't beat yourself up when you don't have the strength to put on the full armor. Just remember to give God all that you have available that day. He will not only work with that small faith, but you'll end up exactly where you're suppose to if you just give Him what you have.

After all, this is the same great God who spoke into darkness and created light. Just imagine what He can do with a yielded spirit and a little bit of faith.

Genesis 1:2-4

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Peace and Faith.

-Sis. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.

Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com

Fellowship Church

455 HWY 138 Suite C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Alton Watkins, Pastor

What are YOU Looking For?

Luke 24:1-7

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

What are YOU Looking For?

They came, laden with spices to prepare the dead body of Jesus. They came expecting to see a decaying, lifeless body of the Master they followed for as many as three years, beaten, broken and gone from this world.

They found an empty tomb.

No one came with a sandwich. No one came with clothing. No one came expecting to find Him alive.

But wasn't that what He told them? Isn't that what He'd said? He said that He would rise in three days. They came looking for what their natural minds felt was the only outcome. They found what He said He would do.

Dear one, what are YOU looking for? Are you expecting YOUR miracle or are you just hoping for it? Are you expecting God to do what He said He'd do? Not in the far off, by and by, yep, Sis Robinson, when we all get to Heaven. No, my dear friend, are you expecting God to be real in your life RIGHT NOW? TODAY?

I encourage you to pick a Gospel...any Gospel and read the words in red. Meditate on what Jesus said and then look at your life and consider what you're looking for.

We are in the middle of Financial Training classes at Fellowship. The Word says that when we are faithful with tithing that God will 'rebuke the devourer' and that He will 'pour out a blessing that we cannot contain' (Malachi 3). If we believe that, shouldn't we build bigger barns? Shouldn't we face the 'big, bad bills' with the confidence of super heroes? Shouldn't we get up every morning looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us instead of being consumed with the worry of how we'll handle it all?

Dear friends, look for a risen Savior. Look for Him to do nothing less in your life than what He'd said He'd do. He's not doing it because you're so good. He does it because He is righteous. Because He chose to put His blood on your life. He does it because He is in you and you are in Him and it is His name that He upholds.

Ah, it's good to be related to someone with a good name. Do you know a better one than Jesus?

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Start writing your testimony. The 'but then God...' is closer than you think. Peace.

Sis. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.


Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com

Fellowship Church
455 HWY 138 Suite C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

The 'Late' Gift

Genesis 18:9-14

And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.

Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.



The 'Late' Gift


Have you every received a late gift? Maybe it's the card with money that got to you a week or two after your birthday. Maybe it's a Christmas present you get in February. Maybe it's this email (sorry it's late).

Sometimes those late gifts can feel a little silly. But, tell me, have you ever refused the gift just because it was late? Was it any less appreciated? Was the gift any less sweet or the giver any less precious to you? Probably not.

The Bible has many lessons about getting gifts 'out of season'. I particularly like the ones taught by the 'old moms.' These are women in the scriptures who get children well into their senior years like Sarah, Rebekah, Elizabeth and so many others. In each case, the 'time of women' had passed and yet they all found themseleves the moms of infants at a time when by world standards they should have been attending grandchildren if not great-grandchildren.

But, we have to realize that God is not restricted to our definition of time. If He brings the harvest, then the fruit is in season.

At our church, we have a program called the AdAM Project. AdAM stands for Adopt A Mind. The goal of the program is to sow into the passions of young people by encouraging them to follow after and develop the gifts and talents God has put into them. This way, they can, in turn sow those gifts back into the Kingdom of God.

But these old moms remind me that growing and nurturing passions isn't just for the young.

Age, as Sarah learned, cannot limit God. Some of us who are a bit passed our prime have yet to birth those passions that are still within us. The good news, dear one, is that it isn't too late. As a matter of fact, you may just be coming into season.

We may think we've let too much time get by for us to get our degrees...or to write that great novel...or to learn how to paint...but, is there anything too difficult for God?

No matter what the calendar says, open your heart to the Lord and let Him decide what is and isn't in season for you. Don't deny the gifts that are in you, but instead make them available for the Master's use.

You might find yourself an 'old mom' or an 'old dad' of a brand new passion that literally changes the direction for your life.

Luke 1:36-37

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hat also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.


Peace!
-Sis. Stephanie Robinson


Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.


Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com


Fellowship Church
455 HWY 138 Suite C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor