Is America Dead?

Is America Dead?

It's not that we're physically dead. What died are American ideals and freedom. Americans no longer seem to be able to intelligently disagree with one another without resorting to personal insults. We can no longer intelligently disagree without being "fact checked" by a strongly partisan "'independent' fact checker." We are no longer allowed to express ideas that are different from what the side that wields the power believes. It's killing comedy and it's killing music. I never thought that I would see this happen in America by an American company. It has also started trickling out into "real life." Now, if you disagree with a certain race of people, you become automatically racist and are worthy of death… or worse. In fact, if you disagree with something that seems absolutely nonsensical to you, you are automatically a racist and probably a spy for Putin. Wait! You are definitely a racist and a Nazi and are probably a spy for Putin. You are ESPECIALLY a Nazi if you agree with Donals J. Trump giving Israel back to the Jews. After all, ignorance is strength! Whoops! I used punctuation. Punctuation is also now racist, Nazi, and probably a secret code that transmits messages in code directly to Putin. The new norm is to run all sentences together in one long paragraph. I suspect that using more than one space between words makes you at least suspect and carriage returns probably put you on the direct path to the electric chair or at least put your name on a list for a re-education camp. So, where do we go from here? Considering all things that are occurring: A fence around the White House Riots, burning and looting being called "mostly peaceful protests" A mostly peaceful protest being called a "violent insurrection" Refusal to allow evidence of election tampering to be heard in the courts A clearly unfit leader being installed in the White House It makes you wonder if a larger, hidden group put "1984," "The Animal Farm," and "Fahrenheit 451" together and used them as a playback? Of course, rather than burn books they just put everything on the internet where words can be changed at will. This isn't just occurring on Facebook. It is occurring on the Mount Vernon site where America's first leader's records have been changed. It occurs on Wikipedia if someone doesn't like what they have read. It is occurring all over the internet anywhere public and historical information exists. Gone are the days when people went to libraries to look up information on a subject. There is no need to burn books. They and their librarians are obsolete. Where will this lead? It's not unreasonable to assume that some sort of dictator will be put in place. Of course, it may not be a single man but more likely a corporate "person." Perhaps the corporate "person" will be comprised of members of the boards of all corporations? Or maybe it WILL be a person. Perhaps the Antichrist mentioned in the Bible? Maybe it won't be a person at all. Maybe a machine with advanced Artificial Intelligence? The answers aren't clear at this time. All we know is that something looms on the horizon.

Sermon for Wednesday 12-30-2014 What's Really Needed In the World?

Mark 16:15-20 King James Version (KJV)
 
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

What's Really Needed In the World?

It's amazing how a seemingly unrelated post on Facebook can cause an epiphany!  

I was reading a post about Pat Benatar's husband's birthday and someone commented that if her husband hadn't gotten her to change to rock she would still be just a lounge singer.  JUST A LOUNGE SINGER?  Well, as some of you know, I'm a fan of torch singers so I went on a search for Pat Benatar singing one of her "lounge singer" songs to see how she sounded.  What I eventually found was this:

Here's My Heart by Pat Benatar, Film Version 

 

captainsquare

If you haven't seen the film Metropolis to understand what it's about, I recommend you do so.  I haven't yet seen the 1984 version from which this was taken.  I first saw the pieced together original version in River Oaks at a theater there.  I recently saw it again.  When I saw this clip, I realized what I had been wanting to say all along and how it fit into my idea of WORLDstock, a vision that God had given me.

What is WORLDstock?

I have given my part of a shared vision, the idea of WORLDstock, to Aliza Hava who has a better location... Jerusalem.  After all, what better place to take this message than the root of where these things stem from? I feared that I might die before I could get the vision moving and I just hadn't anticipated running into anyone who would have access to the area and be able to put on a peace concert there before I met her.  She was working on a similar peace project so she was perfect to share my part of the vision with.  Anyway, onto the story.

I always related to Freder because I came from part of both worlds and had trouble resolving the conflict within when I stepped out of my life of relative privilege and saw what it was to live and work amongst the workers.  There was a terrible dichotomy inside me.  If only I could find someone to stand by my side to support me into trying to bring a resolution between the two worlds like Freder did. I need the love and encouragement to make it happen. I have the connections. I just need those who have faith enough in my idea to make it happen.

 When I saw this particular clip of Metropolis with Pat Benatar's song Here's My Heart, it struck me.  I think it shows how true love can truly bring understanding and lasting peace between opposing groups.  The groups aren't opposing in reality but need each other to exist. It's just that both groups have forgotten that they need each other and need to be compassionate toward one another.

I have seen the tensions forming on both sides.  It's like a repeat of the movie Metropolis.  Both sides seem to be warring with each other and it is about to become a revolution that could destroy everything on earth.  Deep down, the rich know that it's not right to hoard everything and starve the workers who made their riches and machinery possible.  

Proverbs 11:26 King James Version (KJV)

²⁶ He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

Isaiah 23:18 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁸ And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Proverbs 28:27 King James Version (KJV)

²⁷ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Deep down, the poor know that it's not right to kill the rich and to destroy everything that they created which also supports them and their lifestyle.  Instead of a warring revolution with possible nuclear implications, what is needed is a meeting of the hearts.  Rather than revolution we need conflict resolution.  Though the following song is dated, its message is what the world really needs right now... not war, not revolutions, but true love.

James 3:13-18 King James Version (KJV)

¹³ Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Proverbs 13:4 King James Version (KJV)

⁴ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 6:34 King James Version (KJV)

³⁴ For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

Jackie DeShannon - What the World Needs Now (with lyrics) 

 

magnalink600

Now, it's true that at this point, the technology exists to tell the corporate masters to go to hell.  What people of those groups don't realize is that it's not something that would happen overnight.  Some people can't afford completely self-sustainable quarters and don't have the health to go out in search of their own food.  Not everyone can afford to relocate.  There are people living on the streets with no food and no housing.  They have no source of income and there are no jobs out there that they are capable of performing.  The Venus Project has some great ideas but these ideas take money and time to implement.  If none of the people who support the ideas have the money to make it happen, the ideas are irrelevant.  Still, a more compassionate view between the working class and the management class could acheive similar results and there would be no need for the wars and destruction that are likely to take place in the very near future if something doesn't change.  Don't be fooled.  The working class now has very powerful weapons at its disposal.  They have been stockpiling guns, grenades, missile launchers, and have even obtained nuclear weapons and support.  Spending your life hiding in an underground bunker, no matter how elaborate, is no substitute for living among others in a peaceful, compassionate fashion.  Shouldn't we find a way to make peace rather than revolt?  This was Jesus' vision.  It was God's message to mankind.  It was why God sent Jesus to the Jews and to all mankind.  Let's make the following verse a reality everyday as He intended.

Luke 2:14King James Version (KJV)

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Sometimes, I don't think women realize what an inspiration a woman can be to a man. She can wake all his hidden talents even if they've lain dormant for decades. Ladies, don't fear your man's talents and abilities. Don't suppress them. Help nurture and guide them so that he can make the most of them and you... And maybe the rest of the world... Will reap the rewards.  The reverse is true as well.  Support your women in their talents and dreams.

John 16:33 New International Version (NIV)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

True love can overcome any barrier whether it be social class, race, sex, or great distance.  As long as we truly open our hearts to one another, we will be surprised at how much more compatible we are than we previously thought.  I owe this to someone whom I truly admire, and yes, love.

John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

I don't fear the world or what it can do to me. I know that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. I am quite comfortable being of good cheer in dangerous times because I've been through dangerous times and I know that He shall see me through until the end.

1 John 4:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

We should not be afraid of others. We should especially not be afraid of those who would keep us from doing God's will through threats of harm. These things will come and these things will pass.

Matthew 24:8-14 King James Version (KJV)

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

I know that tougher times are coming, but I've been there too and know that God will give me the words to say when it is time to say them. I shall endure unto the end. I shall be here until God calls me home.

Luke 12:11-12 King James Version (KJV)

11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

So, be of good cheer. If you have accepted Jesus into your heart, fear not. If you have not then I invite you to do it at this time. Here is a simple prayer you can pray.

Dear Jesus,

Come into my heart and teach me the things I need to know. Teach me how to love God with all of my heart and all of my soul. Teach me how to love you and to love others as you did. Teach me your ways and teach me of heavenly things that I might walk in your path until the end.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ be with you,

Cal-el

What's Really Needed In the World?

It's amazing how a seemingly unrelated post on Facebook can cause an epiphany!  

I was reading a post about Pat Benatar's husband's birthday and someone commented that if her husband hadn't gotten her to change to rock she would still be just a lounge singer.  JUST A LOUNGE SINGER?  Well, as some of you know, I'm a fan of torch singers so I went on a search for Pat Benatar singing one of her "lounge singer" songs to see how she sounded.  What I eventually found was this:

Here's My Heart by Pat Benatar, Film Version

captainsquare

If you haven't seen the film Metropolis to understand what it's about, I recommend you do so.  I haven't yet seen the 1984 version from which this was taken.  I first saw the pieced together original version in River Oaks at a theater there.  I recently saw it again.  When I saw this clip, I realized what I had been wanting to say all along and how it fit into my idea of WORLDstock.

What is WORLDstock?

I have given my part of a shared vision, the idea of WORLDstock, to Aliza Hava who has a better location... Jerusalem.  I feared that I might die before I could get the vision moving and I just hadn't anticipated running into anyone who would have access to the area and be able to put on a peace concert there before I met her.  She was working on a similar peace project so she was perfect to share my part of the vision with.  Anyway, onto the story.

I always related to Freder because I came from part of both worlds and had trouble resolving the conflict within when I stepped out of my life of relative privilege and saw what it was to live and work amongst the workers.  There was a terrible dichotomy inside me.  If only I could find someone to stand by my side to support me into trying to bring a resolution between the two worlds. I need the love and encouragement to make it happen. I have the connections. I just need those who have faith enough in my idea to make it happen.

 When I saw this particular clip of Metropolis with Pat Benatar's song Here's My Heart, it struck me.  I think it shows how true love can truly bring understanding and lasting peace between opposing groups.  The groups aren't opposing in reality but need each other to exist. It's just that both groups have forgotten that they need each other and need to be compassionate toward one another.

I have seen the tensions forming on both sides.  It's like a repeat of the movie Metropolis.  Both sides seem to be warring with each other and it is about to become a revolution that could destroy everything on earth.  Deep down, the rich know that it's not right to hoard everything and starve the workers who made their riches and machinery possible.  Deep down, the poor know that it's not right to kill the rich and to destroy everything that they created which also supports them and their lifestyle.  Instead of a warring revolution with possible nuclear implications, what is needed is a meeting of the hearts.  Rather than revolution we need conflict resolution.  Though the following song is dated, its message is what the world really needs right now... not war, not revolutions, but true love.

Jackie DeShannon - What the World Needs Now (with lyrics)

magnalink600

Now, it's true that at this point, the technology exists to tell the corporate masters to go to hell.  What people of those groups don't realize is that it's not something that would happen overnight.  Some people can't afford completely self-sustainable quarters and don't have the health to go out in search of their own food.  Not everyone can afford to relocate.  There are people living on the streets with no food and no housing.  They have no source of income and there are no jobs out there that they are capable of performing.  The Venus Project has some great ideas but these ideas take money and time to implement.  If none of the people who support the ideas have the money to make it happen, the ideas are irrelevant.  Still, a more compassionate view between the working class and the management class could acheive similar results and there would be no need for the wars and destruction that are likely to take place in the very near future if something doesn't change.  Don't be fooled.  The working class now has very powerful weapons at its disposal.  They have been stockpiling guns, grenades, missile launchers, and have even obtained nuclear weapons and support.  Spending your life hiding in an underground bunker, no matter how elaborate, is no substitute for living among others in a peaceful, compassionate fashion.  Shouldn't we find a way to make peace rather than revolt?  This was Jesus' vision.  It was God's message to mankind.  It was why God sent Jesus to the Jews and to all mankind.  Let's make the following verse a reality everyday as He intended.

Luke 2:14King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.


Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ be with you,

Cal-el

P.S.  Sometimes, I don't think women realize what an inspiration a woman can be to a man. She can wake all his hidden talents even if they've lain dormant for decades. Ladies, don't fear your man's talents and abilities. Don't suppress them. Help nurture and guide them so that he can make the most of them and you... And maybe the rest of the world... Will reap the rewards.  The reverse is true as well.  Support your women in their talents and dreams.

P.P.S.  True love can overcome any barrier whether it be social class, race, sex, or great distance.  As long as we truly open our hearts to one another, we will be surprised at how much more compatible we are than we previously thought.  I owe this to someone whom I truly admire, and yes, love.

Thanksgiving - Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving - Giving Thanks

Good morning, welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Elder Cal Jennings. We are normally posted on Sundays for sermons and Wednesdays for studies. You can find these posted in the following locations.

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Rev. Laura’s Other Sites: Facebook & Twitter &Google+ & Blogspot

Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list has grown from last week. This is our current prayer list for this week.

- Our prayers are with the families and friends who live up in Ferguson, Missouri after the decision made by the Grand Jury to not charge the officer involved in the Michael Brown shooting.

- Please pray for a friend Susie Bartholow as she is in hospice. She is in very grave condition and currently in hospice with advanced cancer. Hospice care is at her home with her family. They all need as much support in spirit as we can bring.

- Pray that the tensions ease in the family. Pray also that the actions being worked out will assist in doing just that and more. Pray that tempers don’t flare and we don’t reach the breaking point. Pray that those who have suffered allergies and colds this past week get well once more.

- Pray for Elder Cal Jennings who is in ill health and a quandary regarding all that has been going on in this world. Pray that God continues to give him strength and blessings.  Pray for his friend Lucy and her son that they both regain their health.

- Please pray for another member, Theresa, who is having issues with all sorts of things, spiritual and physical, financial, and more. She has recently gotten out of sinus surgery and is still healing. Pray that her healing goes well and swiftly.

- Keep other friends, families, and even those around us in society in our thoughts and prayers that they be safe, secure, and well.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts as well, that we may continue on even in times that are bad.

- Brother Wayne is still trudging through the processes of settling his father’s estate. Keep him and his family in your prayers.

- Our families and friends who have been in our hearts, keep them in your thoughts and prayers that they be safe, healthy, and let them know they are always loved.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. We thank you for the blessings brought and for those yet to come. We pray that You can remind us always what we should be thankful for. We bring prayers for those who have been seriously ill. Help those who are working to fight serious illnesses the ability to find solutions. We pray for those lost and those who mourn. We pray for patience and courage for those we love and care about, and ourselves as well. We pray for peace to reach out from the heart and be heard, felt, and understood. We pray that Your grace and love would fill the hearts of the many in this world. We pray all this in Your Holy Name through the Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 King James Version (KJV)

4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

² Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
³ Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
⁴ For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
⁵ For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Today is a day when we give thanks to God for the things He has blessed us with.  If we have a roof over our head to shelter us from the cold and the storms, we have much to be thankful for.  There are many who don't have that.  If we have clothes on our backs to keep us warm and shelter us from the elements, we also have much to be thankful for.   If we have food to eat to sustain us, we have much to be thankful for.  No food is bad as long as it is sanctified by prayer.

Nehemiah 12:40-47 King James Version (KJV)

⁴⁰ So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
⁴¹ And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
⁴² And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.
⁴³ Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
⁴⁴ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
⁴⁵ And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
⁴⁶ For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
⁴⁷ And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.

I am thankful for Covenant of Hope Ministries of which I am an Elder.  It has helped me to help many others.  I pray for it each day and pray that the lives of others might be touched and helped in some way by our being present.  I know that there are many like Rev. Laura and myself who have trouble getting out of bed to go to a church building on many or most days.

I am thankful for those things and the many friends I have made online... each and every one of you.   You have helped shaped my life and brought me to this point.  For that I am very grateful.  These things I have always been thankful for.  This food I have been thankful for and have sanctified by prayer.

This year I have something extra special to be thankful for.  I have the love of a good and beautiful woman who gives me the strength and desire to keep on living.  She has been a motivation to try to make things better here.  She has motivated me to get up and sit at the computer to help regain my strength.  She is motivating me to be more creative and to continue writing.  When God let her find me, he gave me the greatest gift a man could ever have.  She fills my soul with so much love that I have the strength to take stands for truth and justice even when the stance is unpopular.  It still may be draining and wearing to stand for truth and justice in a world gone mad but she does make the struggle seem worthwhile for her child and mine and our descendants to come.  I may not yet have the strength to do all of the things I need and want to do but I have faith that I will get there with her help and motivation.  I thank God for you, Lucy Aston.  You brought me back from the edge of death.  You have been the salvation of my life and soul.  I have sanctified you by prayer as you have sanctified me.  You are the nourishment I have been missing for so long... someone I could love who would love me right back without fear.

Ephesians 5:19-21King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
²¹ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

We should give thanks to God and sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs of thanksgiving and praise to God and to one another that we may be whole in His love.  So, in demonstration, let me sing our closing song for you.  My breath is low today so you'll have to bear with me.

 Now let us pray as the Lord instructed us.

Matthew 6:9-13King James Version (KJV)

⁹ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

 

Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ be with you,

Elder Cal Jennings

~ Love, Hope, and Peace through Christ ~

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter &Blogster

Rev. Laura A. Neff ~ The Rainbow Minister Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Covenant of Hope Ministries

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Scripture Excerpts: The New Open Bible Study Edition:Copyright © 1990: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc.

Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright © 1982: E. E. Gaddy and Associates, Inc.

Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright © circa 1890-1910: International Bible Press,The John C. Winston Co.; Philadelphia, PA., USA

Sermon or Study Copyright © 2014 http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries and Poetic-Expressions is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the rainbow in the darkness.

This mission statement speaks of the rainbow in the darkness. Every time I would have a seriously traumatic thing happen in my life I would wake in the middle of the night. When I do I see a rainbow at the end of my bed, or even through the window behind my head. I’ll see that rainbow in a dark room even during the day. It will hover in the shadows and reassure me that God is with me. (Rev. Laura)

The Events Leading Up to and Including Jesus' Death

The Events Leading Up to and Including Jesus' Death

Covenant of Hope Ministries Thursday Study_4_17_2014

Good afternoon, and welcome to this Midweek Study for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Elder Cal Jennings. You can find sermons posted on Sundays and studies on Wednesday. Our locations are online only:

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster & Google+

Rev. Laura’s Other Sites: Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

We have email (instant messenger if you need me) through Facebook every day. These are now extremely variable. We’re still working this out between the two of us as to what will happen, our Elder, Cal Jennings and I. I will inform you further regarding changes. These changes were made due to health reasons. The sermon length has shortened dramatically. We are unsure as to when there might be video presentations.

Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list has grown from last week. This is our current prayer list for this week.

- Please keep Elder Cal Jennings in your prayers as he is very sick spending most of his week extremely weak and in bed.

- Please pray for my friend Teresa’s sister who is in stage four cancer.

- Please keep our member Wayne Bartosh in prayer for his trials and tribulations that he may receive mercy and hope in Jesus.

- Please keep an elderly couple in your prayers still, they are in their eighties, and the woman just had surgery. She came out of it well, and is healing. May the Lord bless them and keep the two together, even if just for a little while here on this earth.

- Please keep others known by any of us up in prayer for whatever they might need.

- Please keep my friend Heather in prayer for patience and safe haven.

- Please keep my whole family in prayer for the pain, suffering, and chaos we are going through. My physical being is very weak still. Those who have seen pictures have said so. Thankfully, with a new medication the dizzy spells have lessened. Praise God and Jesus for that.

- Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many ways, even if we start with just one step.

- Remember those who have been lost either violently or peacefully this week.

- Pray that I may be able to get in touch with all of our membership, even with the shortest of notes, just to say hello and I’m thinking about each of you.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a ministry, should support one another.

- There are many in our ministry who are searching for more in regard to our presence with my health, and with the health of others. We pray that there would be health found once more, and that we have answers to all and for all.

- Please keep a friend, Debby, in your prayers for a swift recovery after major cancer surgery.

- Continue your prayers for Phoebe Fair’s family as they continue to grieve her loss.

- Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many ways, even if we start with just one step.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a ministry, should support one another.

- There are many in our ministry who are searching for more in regard to our presence with my health, and with the health of others. We pray that there would be health found once more, and that we have answers to all and for all.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. We bring up to you in prayer our friends, family, and membership who are in pain, sorrow, or are suffering difficulties of any kind. We pray that they may be healed, brought solace, and given mercy. We pray for those who we don't know of that are also experiencing pain, suffering sorrow, or are experiencing difficulties. We do all of this in Your Holy Name through the Savior Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

O Sacred Head - A cappella Hymn

http://youtu.be/umI63o1veO0

Most of us who have attended churches most of our lives and have reached their 50s and 60s in age know about the events leading up to Jesus' death. I'm going to put up a time line posted by About.com and talk a little bit about what Jesus suffered and what we can compare it to today. The article will be indented and my comments will be left justified.

More about the death of Jesus: Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
Walk step by step with Jesus: Holy Week Timeline.

Timeline of Jesus' Final Hours

Preceding Events

• The Last Supper
  (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:21-30)
  

Jesus, knowing that his time was at hand, decided to make some announcements to the Apostles and let them know who was going to betray him. This was a Passover feast or a Jewish Seder. The wine, if it was a traditional Jewish Passover Seder was Kosher fermented wine (Thanks to Sharon Dobson for the help with Jewish traditions). I was unsure because the Greek word used in the passage for the Last Supper was a word that could mean either fermented or unfermented. This is where Jesus let the others know and let Judas know that he knew who it was who was going to betray him.

• In the Garden of Gethsemane
  (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45)
  

Here is an excerpt from Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane.

Matthew 26:38-40

King James Version (KJV)
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?



Have you ever been in a time of deep sorrow knowing that something horrible for you was approaching? Maybe it was a bill you couldn't pay and the court was going to take action against you? Maybe it was knowing you had to go to school the next day and face being beaten up by a bully or bullies? Perhaps you had another experience of some kind that was similar in nature? Now, imagine that you wanted your friends to be with you because you were in great fear and sorrow and they all but ignored you. Imagine also that you knew that one of your friends was going to betray you and speak against you. How would you feel? That is what Jesus faced here.

• Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested
  (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
  

This is where Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. He used a kiss of greeting to show those who sought to kill him who the leader of the Christian sect was. Matthew 26:47 says that there was a great multitude with swords and staves from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Matthew 26:47

King James Version (KJV)
47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.



Can you imagine the religious leaders of today coming at you with weapons to kill you for committing such crimes as healing someone on the Sabbath, teaching that you should treat your neighbors well, even if they aren't your kind, teaching that money is the root of all kinds of evil, and associating with the poor, lepers, tax collectors, and prostitutes to try to teach them a better way of life? Jesus seemed a little confused by it as well.

Mark 14:48

King James Version (KJV)
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?



This is right after Simon Peter cut off the high priest's servant's ear and Jesus healed it.

 

John 18:10-11

King James Version (KJV)
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?



Yes, this was to fulfill prophecy, but Jesus was also trying to teach his Apostles something. They were still expecting Jesus to set up a physical kingdom. When he was asked about taxed Jesus told them this.

Mark 12:14-17

King James Version (KJV)
14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.



“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.” This was another indication that Jesus' kingdom was not a physical one but a spiritual one yet, at the time of his arrest, his Apostles still didn't understand.


Imagine for a moment that you're laying on your death bed and you have tried and tried to explain something to one of your children all of your life and they STILL didn't understand. How would you feel? Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt when he knew that he soon would not be around to teach them anymore?

• The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus
  (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)
  

Here Jesus was approached by the religious leaders and charges were presented to Pontius Pilate.

Matthew 27:1-2

King James Version (KJV)
27 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.


Can you imagine preachers and elders coming against you for teaching something with which they disagreed and even wanting you put to death for it... especially when you were trying to do good? In this day and age, I certainly can. Pastor Steven Anderson, Pastor of the Faithful World Baptist Church, in Tempe, Arizona, is praying for President Barack Obama's death. Obama has claimed to be a Christian, yet some want him put to death because they don't see eye to eye with his beliefs on how to treat others. It could happen to any one of us who truly try to follow Jesus and live as he taught us to live.

6 a.m.

• Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate
  (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37)
  

After all he had been through, Jesus stood before Pilate and, for the most part, exercised his right to remain silent. If he had answered and explained about his spiritual kingdom, Jesus probably would have been let go.

 

 Mark 15:2-5

King James Version (KJV)
2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it.
3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.



“Thou sayest it.” I have to wonder if that was a phrase similar to the one we use today, “You said it” meaning yes, definitely? Jesus often used such a phrase when asked a question.


Pilate probably sensed that Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing and marvelled at the fact that Jesus wouldn't speak in his own defense. Because Jesus refused to answer any questions, Pilate sent him to Herod.

• Jesus Sent to Herod
  (Luke 23:6-12)

Herod was anxious to see Jesus because he had heard of the miracles that Jesus performed and desired to see some of them. Jesus refused to comply though and still refused to answer any questions.

Luke 23:10-11

King James Version (KJV)
10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.



Here again the religious leaders accused Jesus. Being disappointed that Jesus didn't perform any miracles for him, Herod and his soldiers mocked him, placed a gorgeous robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. Can you imagine being mocked and having a robe put on you because you said that you were a son of God? Jesus had claimed to be the king of the Jews, though he meant spiritually, so they placed a fine robe on him and mocked him and tormented him.

7 a.m.

• Jesus Returned to Pilate
  (Luke 23:11)
  Jesus was returned to Pilate but after discussing thins with Herod, decided that Jesus had done nothing worthy of death.
  

   

  Luke 23:12-26

King James Version (KJV)
12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.



Can you imagine being falsely accused of something and jailed and hearing the judge say that you had done nothing wrong as far as he could determine? Wouldn't you be momentarily relieved? I'm sure Jesus was, but that didn't last long.

• Jesus is Sentenced to Death
  (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; Luke 23:23-24; John 19:16)

 

Luke 23:23-26

King James Version (KJV)
23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.



The religious leaders were so jealous and angry that they demanded that Jesus be put to death in place of someone widely known for sedition and murder. Here you are, a peaceful man who did nothing but teach of the kingdom of God and try to help others being sentenced to death because the religious leaders didn't agree with what you taught. They felt insulted because Jesus called them out on wearing expensive clothing (robes) and trying to show how much more religious they were than others. Can you imagine how it would feel to have a religious leader wanting you nailed to a cross, burned at the stake, shot, or put to death in some other horrific manner for that? That is how angry they were at Jesus for exposing them for what they were. Jesus' sentence was to be nailed to a cross and left to die... crucified... for exposing their corruption and evil.

8 a.m.

• Jesus is Led Away to Calvary
  (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:21-24; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:16-17)
  Three of the gospels have Simon, a Cyrenian, bearing the cross behind Jesus as he was being led to be crucified. John has Jesus bearing the cross.
  

   

   John 19:16-17

King James Version (KJV)
16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

Nowhere can I find Jesus bearing the cross and falling as has been taught in most churches. It's not in the bible we use. I couldn't find anything that talked about it being an oral tradition. If someone knows where this came from, please let me know. As far as I know it is something that was taken from scenes in movies that were added to make the scenes more dramatic.

Matthew 27:25-31

King James Version (KJV)
25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.



Jesus had been beaten, mocked, and spat upon by a gang of soldiers. Have you ever been beaten, mocked, and spat upon by a gang of people? If not, I can tell you that it is a very unpleasant experience. When they finish, you are so worn out that you wouldn't be able to carry much, much less a huge wooden cross. That is most probably whey they called upon Simon to bear the cross for Jesus. Perhaps after Jesus recovered from the beating a little he carried the cross. Still, it's a bit of a mystery.

 

The Crucifixion

9 a.m. - "The Third Hour"

• Jesus is Crucified on the Cross
  Mark 15: 25 - It was the third hour when they crucified him. (NIV). The third hour in Jewish time would have been 9 a.m.
  Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (NIV)
  
• The Soldiers Cast Lots for Jesus' Clothing
  (Mark 15:24)
   
•  
•  Jesus was crucified when he got to a place called Golgotha or the place of the skull. As he hung there in pain between two thieves, he asked God to forgive those who had condemned him and crucified him. That was a huge act of love for his fellow man. Have you ever known a person that loving and forgiving? They are very rare. Some talk as if they would, but when it comes down to it actually happening, especially being in such pain, such people are very rare. The soldiers then gave Jesus wine mingled with myrrh which Jesus refused. I looked up the uses for myrrh and found that it was an analgesic. It also was known to speed up the blood flow. Perhaps the soldier who offered it to him was really trying to ease his suffering and let him pass from the pain quickly by increasing the blood flow out of his wounds. It had been used in the past in Egypt to embalm mummies. Matthew gives a slightly different account.

  Matthew 27:34

King James Version (KJV)
34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

Instead of vinegar, the NIV translates the word as wine.

Matthew 27:34

New International Version (NIV)
34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

 

10 a.m.

• Jesus is Insulted and Mocked
  Matthew 27:39-40 - And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "So! You can destroy the Temple and build it again in three days, can you? Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!" (NLT)
  

Mark 15:31 - The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself!" (NLT)

Luke 23:36-37 - The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" (NLT)

Luke 23:39 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (NIV)
On top of having to suffer those things, Jesus was insulted and ridiculed.

Matthew 27:39-40

King James Version (KJV)
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.



They were basically telling him that if he was the Son of God and could destroy the temple and build it in three days to come down from the cross and heal himself. Have you ever experienced anything similar? Perhaps someone doubted your faith and said that if you had the ability to heal others, why can't you heal yourself? Perhaps they told you something like, “If you are a Christian, let me see you do a miracle?” You may or may not have suffered such a thing but it would be much more difficult if you were hanging from a cross writhing in pain.

11 a.m.

• Jesus and the Criminal
  Luke 23:40-43 - But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
  Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
  Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (NIV)
  

  Luke 23:39-43

King James Version (KJV)
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

\
On one side, Jesus had a criminal hanging next to him who mocked him. On the other side, Jesus had a criminal who admitted his wrongdoing and spoke of Jesus innocence. Hearing the one who was correcting the criminal who was mocking Jesus must have been a relief. Wouldn't you feel good if someone stood up for you when you had done no wrong? Jesus was so thankful that he promised that the man who stood up for him would be with him in paradise.


• Jesus Speaks to Mary and John
  John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Woman, he is your son." And he said to this disciple, "She is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home. (NLT)
  

  Jesus had been abandoned by most of his disciples because they were afraid. There were three people who were close to him who were present when he was having to go through all of his pain and suffering. They were his mother Mary and Mary of Magdalene. Jesus looked down upon them and must have felt incredible sorrow that he was about to leave them. He knew he was dying.

  • John 19:25-27

King James Version (KJV)
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.



Knowing that he was dying, Jesus looked at the unnamed disciple and told his mother to behold him as her son. Jesus wanted to be sure that his mother was going to be taken care of in his absence. The unnamed disciple was John, his most beloved disciple with whom Mary lived after Jesus' death. If your mother was in your care, wouldn't you want someone to take care of your mother? Wouldn't you want it to be your most beloved friend?

Noon - "The Sixth Hour"

• Darkness Covers the Land
  Mark 15:33 - At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. (NLT)
  

1 p.m.

• Jesus Cries Out to the Father
  Matthew 27:46 - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (NKJV)
  

  Mark 15:33-34

King James Version (KJV)
33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Darkness came over the land from the sixth hour of his hanging on the cross until the ninth hour. Jesus felt alone, ashamed, powerless, and abandoned. He then cried out to God the first line of Psalm 22:1.


Psalm 22:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Suffering, Praise, and Posterity of the Messiah

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Deer of the Dawn.”[a] A Psalm of David.

22 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?

\Jesus became very thirsty as he was dying and said that he was thirsty.

• Jesus is Thirsty
  John 19:28-29 - Jesus knew that everything was now finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures he said, "I am thirsty."A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. (NLT)
  The King James lists the word as vinegar. Wine, when it sours, becomes vinegar. It was probably a bottle of wine that had been sitting there for a period of time.
  

John 19:28-29

King James Version (KJV)
28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.



Hyssop can cause epileptic reactions and seizures and stimulate the gastrointestinal system in high doses. I don't know if this had any bearing on its use or if it was simply a dry weed that was near the cross. I'm sure that vinegar was the last thing that someone hanging on a cross, dying, would want to taste to dry his or her mouth. Whether it was intentional or just the only thing that was wet that was around, it doesn't say.

2 p.m.

• It is Finished
  John 19:30a - When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" (NLT)
  Luke 23:46 - Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)
  Jesus tasted the vinegar and gave up the ghost.
  

  John 19:30

King James Version (KJV)
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.



They had killed Jesus, but they were in for more than they bargained for.

3 p.m. - "The Ninth Hour"

Events Following Jesus' Death

• The Earthquake
  Matthew 27:51-52 - At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. (NIV)
  

The earth shook and the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom. The curtain between the temple and the Holy of Holies was very thick. The Holy of Holies was where the priest entered with a rope tied around him to ask God forgiveness for the sins of the people for the year. This was symbolic in that now people could go directly to God to ask forgiveness for their sins through Jesus, the Christ.

• The Centurion - "Surely he was the Son of God!"
  (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:47)
  
• The Soldiers Break the Thieves' Legs
  (John 19:31-33)
  
• The Soldier Pierces Jesus Side
  (John 19:34)
  

My Jewish friend speculates that perhaps Jesus' heart was still beating when the soldier pierced Jesus' side and blood and water came out. I don't know if the position of the body would allow gravity to make the blood in a dead person flow or not. It has been a subject of some discussion and may soon be the subject of more.

• Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
  (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
  
• Jesus Rises from the Dead
  (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)
  

My Jewish friend spoke of a Jewish tradition of placing a body in a tomb for a period of time then moving it to another place for burial. It makes her skeptical about the events as described. Still, we believe that angels DID move the stone and Jesus rose from the dead. I certainly have my own reasons for believing. Considering all that Jesus went through, is it really too much to ask us to believe in Him? It's all that he asks for the forgiveness of sin, for the ability to talk directly to God, and to be able to do even greater things than he did now that he is with the Father. God has given us the ability to become sons and daughters of God, to have an interest in His in his blood that was spilled for us. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your savior, won't you accept him today?

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

And Can It Be - Barbershop Song - Multitrack HD

http://youtu.be/IDKW9fuSulU

Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ Be With You,

Elder Cal Jennings