It's Time

Proverbs 24:30-34
30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

It's Time

I’m from the Midwest originally. Ohio , specifically. It wasn’t unusual when I was a kid to see abandoned orchards when we drove around the rural parts of the state. Old fruit orchards, usually apples, could be spotted easily among the other forest trees or in overgrown fields. The fruit trees, despite their gnarled forms and vine coverings would all be in a row. Their branches would be about the same length, showing that they had spent years being carefully pruned. Yet, there they would be, broken, bowed, with some limbs on the ground. What was most remarkable was that they would rarely have fruit. Oh, there would be the errant apple or two, but they would be small, sour, unfit for consumption.

I was reading the above passage in Proverbs and the image of those fruitless fruit trees came to mind. They had been abandoned for whatever reason and without the meticulous care they received when they were part of an orchard, they stopped doing what they were designed to do…namely produce good fruit.

Dear ones, we are known by our fruit. The work we do produces the fruit we’re known by. No, salvation isn’t earned by works, but fruit is. Like those trees, we only produce our best fruit when we’re tended by the Master Gardener. We can expect to be pruned, cut back, propped and prodded, but all with the aim of producing our best fruit. It’s not a big deal when a weed or misplaced seed shows up in our garden as long as we realize that Our Gardener will remove it. Well, as long as we let Him.

Those trees had no say in their tending or their abandonment. They were at the mercy of the orchard master. We are not trees. We have a choice as to whether we will submit to our Master’s pruning or not. Even though we confess Him as Lord, we still have to choose daily to submit to His will through obedience, study and worship. How's your fruit? Would you want to consume it? Would you be joyful to bring it before The Master?

Have you been called to a work? Have you been called to be still, but you’re still moving? Have you been called to prayer, but you’re too busy? Have you been called to worship? Have you been called to salvation?

The time to answer your calling is now. The time to move forward in what you have been designed to do is now. The time for salvation is now, not tomorrow. Not next year. Not when you work things out. The time is now.

It is my prayer that you chose the path of wisdom The Holy Spirit outlined through the author's proverb. Choose to be alive and working in your calling and not a weed-choked field of missed potential and ill-spent time.

It is a season of celebration at Fellowship. We are rejoicing in the 4 years behind us as a ministry and excited about the centuries in front of us as we move into our fifth year. Please make plans to share this time on Sunday, November 20th during our regular morning service at 11:30 AM and at a special service at 3:00 PM. We are redeeming the time and would love the honor of redeeming it with you. We are open, you are welcome.

Or, do you have the time?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Hallelujah!
Evg. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. The church website is www.fcchosengeneration.com. Feel free to share this message. 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, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

Change the Season

Judges 6
1 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
3 And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.
7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midianites,
8 That the Lord sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;
9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;
10 And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
11 And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

Change the Season

My sister shared part of today's passage with me in response to seasonal attacks. Like the Children of Isreal, many of us in the Body of Christ suffer seasonal attacks in our bodies, our minds and even our spirits. Maybe it seems like November and January always bring financial strife. Sickness seems to show up every time the weather changes. For some reason, your child always becomes a challenge in the fall. Isn't it strange how crime seems to increase in the summer? Layoffs seem occur at the job the same time of the year. Why is it the pastor is always talking about money in July?

Dear ones, these are examples of seasonal attacks. The same thing, every year, without fail. But what we need to do is stop preparing to weather the attack and instead, line up behind the Warrior who's been chosen and equiped to win the battle.

The Children of Isreal in this passage were given a cautious, strategic warrior in Gideon. He confirmed and re-confirmed his approach to make sure he was following God's will going into battle. He knew from his life's experience that the Midianites and the Amalekites were vicious foes and if he was going to defeat them, he had to be completely convinced that God was on his side. He knew he had victory before he even recruited the first fighter. His faith in his calling changed the seasons for his people from that point forward. His obedience ended the seasonal attacks.

Precious brethern, our Savior knew He had victory before He even came to Earth. He knew that the plan was going to be successful and suffered through it with this prize in mind. He knew that the challenge before Him would change the season of separation from God for us forever. His obedience would destroy every curse, remove the penalty of sin for every believer, and would usher a change of eternal destinations for everyone who believes in Him.

For your seasonal attack, consider what you put ahead of Christ. Whatever comes in your life before Christ must be put back into proper order. Then, align yourself behind The Warrior who has already proven victorious. Christ defeated death, Hell and the grave for you. He subdued all of your enemies before you were born. He removed anything that would keep you from having a relationship with Him and with the Father and the Holy Spirit. All of your curses, debts, failures, sicknesses have been answered - the ones behind you as well as the ones ahead of you. But to realize this victory, you must follow Christ. You must follow His leading and submit to His will.

Make no mistake, attacks will come. Some would even argue that the more you submit, the greater the attacks. But if Christ truly is your provider, your protector, and the author and finisher of your faith, then don't worry about how fierce the attack is. When you are on the team that has already won, it doesn't matter how intense the battle is; victory is yours. Fight the fight; go headlong into the battle. Others around you may not understand when you bring all your energy to the fight, but do it with victory as your focus, knowing that whatever comes, you've already won. As Christ leads, you cannot fail because He has already succeeded.

Will you join the winning team? Will you break your cycle of seasonal attacks by aligning yourself behind Your Warrior? Will you enter the battle guarenteed of victory, or will you continue to prepare to be denied? Will you continue to prepare for defeat?

Choose victory. Choose assurity. Choose Christ.

At Fellowship, we've made this choice. We welcome the opportunity to help you make it too. We want to walk with you through your battle, ready to apply balm when needed, to fight with you if necessary, but mostly to encourage you that no matter how dark the night, you are not alone and your dawn in Christ is as assured as your very name.

Isaiah 54
11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.
16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
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.

Hallujah! Jesus is Alive! Death has lost its victory and the grave has been denied! Jesus lives forever! He's Alive! He's Alive!
He is the Alpha and Omega! The First and Last is He! The curse of sin is broken! We have perfect liberty!
The Lamb of God is risen! He's Alive! He's Alive! Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive!!!

A new season of victorious living to you!
Evg. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Feel free to share this message.

Previous Lifeline mailings are posted on this blog and 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, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

Get Your Inheritance!!!

Ephesians 1:3-14
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, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Get You Inheritance!!

Inheritance has a limited definition in our society. We think of it only as money or posessions left from one generation to the next. Although that is an accurate application, it falls short in scope.

We inherit more than things from our parents, grandparents and before. We inherit their name. We inherit their reputation. We inherit lifestyles, mindsets, habits - good and bad. We inherit most of our being from our ancestors. Just as our children will inherit these traits from us.

One of the many amazing things about the Word of God is how it speaks to the physical and the spiritual at the same time. We can all understand the practical advantages of having good parents who provide for their children physically as well as emotionally. We strive to be those parents to our own children. Yet, if we work hard to be those kinds of parents, how much more God?

Your life in Christ isn't just for you. It sets up an inheritance to your children's children of a connection to God. It sets a foundation for all who come after you to know Christ and Him crucified for their sins. They inherit this lifestyle just as Suzie has Grandma Janie's eyes or Bobby looks just like Uncle Joe when he runs. Your obedience, subjection, service allows the very blood of Christ to flow through your family...even those who will be born long after your service is completed.

Proverbs 13:22 says that a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children. Through Christ, your spiritual inheritance is set for your to receive. He lived a life as both human and Holy so that YOU could inherit the Kingdom of God. Adam squandered your inheritance. Jesus set the record straight and became "the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchase posession, unto the praise of his glory."

Dear ones, your inheritance isn't defined by the possesions you have or your family has here on earth. It has been arranged in Heaven and is yours for the believing. Won't you get your inheritance? Won't you set a new inheritance for your children's children? Won't you receive that which has already been set aside for you? Receive it in fullness? Receive it as it was meant to be given, not as it has been parsed down through misinterpretation and deception over the year. Get your inheritance! Give your life fully to Christ.

Not your Sundays. Your everydays. Not your church clothes, but your whole being. Not your highs only, but your highs, your lows, and your in betweens. Give them all to the One who gave all for you.

Get your inheritance!!!

Peace and salvation.

Evg. Stephanie Robinson

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

The church website is www.fcchosengeneration.com. Feel free to share this message. 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, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

Battling Through

Battling Through

There's a program going on around the country right now. Several famous, and not so famous people are recording video messages to the victims of bullying to remind them that "It Gets Better". The gist of the messages is encouragement to those who are bullied because they are different. The program began in response to several publisized suicides committed by young people who thought it might not get any better. These messages are a touching outcry by those who made it to those who are still going through.

Jesus did the same thing for us.

Dear ones, it gets better. The advisary may be like that bully in your face, in your finances, in your faith, but it gets better. It's hard to think of victory when you're distraught and bruised, but it gets better. It isn't a 'in the sweet by and by' get better, but a real, live, here and now get better.

As a matter of fact, if you belong to Christ, it got better 2000 years ago. Just remember when your bully shows up, resist him. He'll flee (James 4:7). Remember that you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Remember that weapons meant to hurt you can't (Isaiah 54:17). And that this battle isn't your's, it's the Lord's (2 Chronicles 20:15). And on, and on, and on.

But don't remember all this to tell your bully. Remember this so you can believe it. Say them over and over to yourself, because faith comes not just by hearing, but by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Your bully knows this is true. That's why he repeats what's wrong with you, your family, your friends, your money, over and over again. You counter by repeating the Word of God to yourself, over and over again. And before you know it, you'll find yourself mid-praise on the other side of through.

It gets better. It really does. Know Christ and Him crucified, and it starts getting better immediately. Grow in discipleship, and it gets better everyday. Come by Fellowship. We'd love to walk though with you.

Ephesians 1:15-23
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Peace and victorious living!

Evg. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. The church website is www.fcchosengeneration.com. Feel free to share this message. 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, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

Say THE Name

Ephesians 1:15-23
15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Say THE Name

Yesterday, I had the good priviledge to preach a message called 'Say My Name.' The reference for the message was from Genesis 32 (the story of Jacob wrestling with the Angel of the Lord) and from Genesis 2:18 where God brought the animals to Adam and whatever Adam called them that became the name of the animal. The message dealt with answering your calling.

Whether from fatigue or by divine appointment, I didn't give the whole message. The scripture above is the other part, or say THE Name. Jesus, as a name wasn't uncommon. There were many boys before and since the birth of Christ who were named Jesus.

But who gives the name and who receives the name matters.

My pastor isn't my pastor because he decided to open a church. He is my pastor because God called him to that role and he accepted the name. Other people have the same name, but not the same role. His role is unique to his calling and the lives his obedience has impacted. Same with every other pastor, evangelist, apostle, prophet and teacher who has been called by God to service. Common names, unique applications.

Then there is this Jesus. This One Man. The Only Begotten of God Himself. This Jesus Who is Alpha and Omega, the Morning Star, Wonderul, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Prince of Peace. His name became Emmanuel, God with Us despite being a common, ordinary name because of Who gave it to Him and Who He is.

Say THE Name, that Name above all Names. That Name at which every knee should bow, and every tongue confess His Lordship. He is Christ the King. He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Then you need to come see what's been written about and for you by the Author.

Know what I mean, but don't know why I'm so excited about it? Then perhaps your faith is unfinished in its construction. You need to spend time with the Finisher.

Know what I'm talking about and why I'm excited but you feel far removed? Then come see about this Man, this Jesus. You're still His.

Whether you know, don't know or feel lost, we have room for you at Fellowship.

Ephesians 1:3-14

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4According 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:
5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10That 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:
11In 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:
12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13In 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,
14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The rest was too good not to share. Hallelujah!

Evg. Stephanie Robinson

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

The church website is www.fcchosengeneration.com. Feel free to share this message. 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, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

Ephesians 4:8, 11-13

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Gifts to the Church

Paul taught us in Ephesians that Christ left gifts for the church. Like a good bridegroom who presents his bride with a rare gem as an engagement token of his pledge, so Christ has left His Bride, The Church, gifts of His pledge. His gifts include apostles, teachers, evangelists, prophets and pastors.

Last week, we talked about our responsibilty as belivers; that is to honor our calling in Christ, because we are all ministers. But like all organized bodies, different parts have different roles.

In the role of pastor at Fellowship, we are richly blessed. Our pastor, Alton Watkins, has a heart after God and a deep devotion to his congregation. All this combined with a solid foundation in the Word makes him a warrior and champion in his calling. In his wife, Dossie, we have a teacher of profound depth and humility. She exudes her lessons in her walk, giving us a tangible example of Godly womanhood that is rarely equalled.

I hope you will join us as we celebrate this wonderful couple's fourth anniversary in the ministry this Sunday, October 17th at Fellowship Church. We have a full day of events planned:
At our regular 11:30 morning service, Minister Ronald Watkins will bring the word.
We will have a light lunch after service catered jointly by Zen Catering and Calico Catering.
At 3:00 PM, we will have a special service honoring our Pastor and First Lady where I will share a word from God.
Cake and refreshments will be served following the special service.
Please make plans to join us for either or both services. We look forward to celebrating this special couple with you. However, whether you are able to make it or not, share a word of encourgement with them to help build their faith in their walk.

If you have no idea what would spark this kind of admiration for a pastor and first lady because you do not have a church home, or where you attend, your pastor is a stranger, then I encourage you to come to Fellowship. We are a ministry that takes roles and callings seriously. We take relationship seriously. We take salvation and discipleship seriously. And we would welcome the honor of introducing you to and walking with you through all of this. Seriously.

Proverbs 3:27
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Peace and Joy be with you!

Evg. Stephanie Robinson

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

The church website is www.fcchosengeneration.com. Feel free to share this message. 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, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor

Really? All Things? Really. All Things.

Philipians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Really? All Things? Really. All Things.

Ah, the battle cry of the believer. I can do all things!! We say it all the time. But do we believe it? Do we know what ALL really means?

When Paul wrote this line in his letter to the Philipians, he was in captivity. As Saul, he had been a favorite of the priests as a persecutor of the Church. He was a Pharasee with his own disciples. Here, as Paul, a man so changed by his salvation experience, his name changed; here he sits in a prison, a societal outcast, defending a practice that as a Pharasee, he had once killed followers to prevent its spread. Yes, Paul had learned that he could indeed do all things, including living as a humble servant with the same grace he showed as a celebrated leader.

Our discipleship journey crosses hills and valleys. Like the travels our Savior took throughout Judea and Galilee, we can expect mountains and canyons along the way. We may be praised as we enter one phase of our life, and find ourselves in isolation in the next. And our call is to know that regardless the of the circumstances, we can do all things through Christ. We can abase, and we can abound. We can be the lead, the middle, the tail end or even the left out. We can do whatever The Father needs us to do because when we move in obedience, we move through Christ.

We make this our call when we are challenged. I encourage you dear friends to also make this cry when you feel like the work is beneath you. Whether the Holy Spirit leads you to the pulpit or to the nursery, make this your battle cry. If the call is to preach or to vacuum the church after service, make this your battle cry.

Whatever the Holy Spirit leads you to do, you can do through Christ. The practice, whatever it is, will strengthen you. And honestly, your obedience and willingness to yield are matters of life and death, eternally speaking (Matthew 25:46).

If you are making this journey without leadership, or the support of a church family, please visit Fellowship. If you haven't started your journey, we would be honored to help you get started.

Matthew 25:31-46

³¹When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

³²And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

³³And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

³⁴Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

³⁷Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

³⁸When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

³⁹Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

⁴⁰And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

⁴¹Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

⁴²For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

⁴³I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

⁴⁴Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

⁴⁵Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

⁴⁶And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Peace that passes all understanding be with you!

Evg. Stephanie Robinson

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

The church website is www.fcchosengeneration.com.

Feel free to share this message. 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, Ste C

Jonesboro, GA 30238

Alton Watkins, Pastor