Archive for August 2007

On the Battlefield

August 26, 2007 by PastorMark.

Play now #285, On the Battlefield, 08-26-2007, Pastor Mark Boucher

Text: Galatians 6:1-5
Theme: If you’re going to help you must be healthy.

INTRODUCTION:

  1. My Father in law in the battle. (1950)
    1. God used fellow soldiers to bring him to safety. They were healthy, caring and courageous.
  2. The world of Bible day was full of soldiers, war.
    1. Roman soldiers were scattered across the empire.
  3. The Apostle Paul often used military imagery.
    1. He challenged Timothy to “be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
    2. At the end he said, “I have fought a good fight …”
  4. Paul recognized he needed the help of fellow soldiers.
    1. He wrote a letter to the Galatians.
    2. He spoke about helping one another in the battle.

Let’s look at some battlefields

  1. People are going to get hurt, wounded.
    1. Life is not an amusement park.
    2. There is good, evil … light, darkness.
    3. The sin nature and Holy Spirit are opposed.
    4. “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other …” Galatians 5:17
    5. Sometimes a soldier goes down.
    6. “if someone is caught in a sin” (v 1)
    7. This should not shock us beyond belief.
    8. Abraham and Sarah – used deception
    9. Moses – struck the rock
    10. David – committed adultery and murder
    11. Samson – visited prostitutes
    12. We are all capable of falling.
    13. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
    14. “We all stumble in many ways.” James 3:2
    15. We don’t have to fall, even though we stumble.
  2. We have a responsibility to help each other.
    1. “The local church is an army base for saved sinners, not a moldy museum for perfect saints.” (When someone falls, we don’t leave them behind.)
    2. The challenge goes out to “you who are spiritual.”
    3. This doesn’t just mean pastors.
    4. Every believer can help restore others.
    5. Your part must just be to pray and stay strong.
    6. What does the Bible mean by restore?
    7. This comes from a word meaning to set a broken bone in place.
    8. This is to be done gently.
    9. Restoration can only occur after repentance.
    10. We must be willing to allow the broken to be set right.
    11. As we restore we are “carrying each others burden” (v 2)
  3. We have to first be willing to get help ourselves.
    1. How can we help ourselves so we can bless others?
    2. Watch yourself in the area of temptation.
    3. We are tempted to feel superior.
    4. “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:3
    5. We are tempted to fall into the same sin.
    6. Test yourself, specifically your actions. (v 4)
    7. Examine, scrutinize, to see whether it is genuine.
    8. Are there compromise activities in my life?
    9. “Compromise won’t kill me” … but it makes you sick, weak.
    10. Am I allowing the fear of God to clean me?
    11. “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.” Psalm 19:9
    12. Is there anything in my house, room that would bring shame to Christ?
    13. Do I have the boldness to change?
    14. “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.” Acts 19:18

CONCLUSION:

I’m so grateful some fellow soldiers saved my father-in-law.

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PASTOR’S PARAGRAPH, 08-26-2007

August 26, 2007 by PastorMark.

In light of the recent events, I have experienced times of sorrow and heaviness in my heart. This sorrow, however, is not a “depression” kind of sorrow but a sorrow that is driving me closer to God. It is amazing how God uses even the difficult places to comfort us and teach us more about himself! Jesus also experienced grief and sorrow (Isaiah 53), and He knows how to help us. Godly sorrow and mourning have caused me to grasp even tighter to the “things which are above.” If we allow our hearts to draw near to God in these days, we will know that all things are working for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). God is still sovereign!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FALL ELECTIVES 2007

August 26, 2007 by PastorDave.

Fall 2007 Christian Education Electives
Beginning Sunday,September 9 10:10-10:50 AM

Welcome to the Family
taught by Pastor Mark
This course will meet in Pastor Mark’s office.

This class is an introduction to Leominster Assembly of God. You will be introduced to the purposes and vision of Leominster Assembly of God as well as the practices and policies of the church. This course is for anyone interested in becoming a member of our church and is a requirement for membership. Class size is limited to 15.

Drawing Closer to God
taught by Pastor Bob
This course will meet in the Triangle room next to the sanctuary.

This class is for all new Christians as well as any Christian who wants to draw closer to God. God says that if we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us. This is your chance to become the dynamic, joyful disciple of Christ that you have always wanted to be. This class is a requirement for membership.

Me & the Word
taught by Pastor Dave
This class will meet at the elementary school across the street from the church.

The Word of God, the Bible, is God in letters, words, sentences, chapters, books and message. Come and grow a personal relationship with Jesus, the Word!

Men and Women of Faith
taught by Harry Marshall
This class will meet at the elementary school across the street from the church.

You will study Abraham, Sarah, Rahab, Hannah and others! The purpose is to learn how God worked through them to make them great men and women of faith. Come and learn how to live a God-pleasing life!

Financial Freedom
taught by Manny Onos
This class will meet at the elementary school across the street from the church.

Each attendee will receive the means to prepare his/her individual road to true financial success and will be thoroughly equipped to remove the obstacles on the road to receive his/her rewards of eternal pleasures, possessions and powers in this present life and in the life to come.

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
taught by Sean Hanson
This class will meet at the elementary school across the street from the church.

Pastor Jim Cymbala shares the lessons he learned when the Spirit ignited his heart and began to move through his people. This course is for those seeking God’s purposes and desiring to experience the power of His Spirit.

The Worn-Out Woman
taught by Gerry Rainbow
This class will meet at the elementary school across the street from the church.

For the growing number of women who want to drop out because they are stressed out, this class will provide practical solutions. If you are running on empty but would rather live a life that is meaningful and fulfilled, this is the class for you.

Secrets to the Ultimate Marriage

The seminar will begin Tuesday, September 11, at 6:30 PM and will continue each Tuesday through November 6.

  • A seminar designed to minister to the needs of every marriage
  • This 9-week video series will change your marriage forever!
  • Pastor Dave and Tatiana McIntosh will be the facilitators.
  • The seminar will be held at Rick and Joan DiMarzio’s house in Leominster (directions will be provided).
  • The price of the seminar is $40 per couple, which includes two workbooks, a home study guide and refreshments.
  • To register, please sign up at the Welcome Center.
  • For more information or if you have questions, call Pastor Dave at the church office at 978-534-1190.
  • A brochure with further information is available at the Welcome Center.

Rediscovering Joy in Your Marriage

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The Anointing

August 19, 2007 by PastorHarv.

Play now The Anointing, Sunday 08-19-2007, Pastor Harv Meppelink

Text: 1 John 2:20-27

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PASTOR’S PARAGRAPH, 08-19-2007

August 19, 2007 by PastorMark.

The Apostle John wrote what he saw and knew. In Revelation 19:11 we read his words, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war.” In the last book of the Bible we read alot about war and judgment. At the end of the ages God’s wars will target sin and all who choose to embrace ungodliness. God’s war is declared to be one of justice. He has no other motive or desire than to see the world purified of evil. Today, we see a world of confusion and chaos, but let us always remember, in the end God wins!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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Living in Harmony with the Holy Spirit

August 12, 2007 by PastorDave.

Play now Living in Harmony with the Holy Spirit, Sunday 08-12-2007, Pastor Dave McIntosh

Title: Living in Harmony with the Holy Spirit
Text: Zechariah 4:6, John 14:15-17

INTRODUCTION:

  • Read the words of Jesus from John 14: 15-17
  • Jesus will ask the Father and the Father will give us another Counselor
  • “Counselor” = Parakletos = encourager, helper, legal advisor, advocate, one who comes forward on behalf of another, by the side of, comforter.
  • He lives with you and will be in you!!!!! (dwell or abide) forever!

TRANSITION:

Listen to what God spoke in Zechariah 4:6 – “This is the word of the Lord…Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” Might = military strength, power = abilities; but by my Spirit.

  • Inside of me & you lives God’s Spirit, how do I live in harmony with Holy Spirit?
  • How do I live in relationship with Holy Spirit so that my daily life is changed forever!

Three-Phases of Life with the Holy Spirit

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ME

  1. We are all made up of three parts (Spirit, Soul, and body)
  2. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  3. The Holy Spirit has a special relationship with each part of our being.
    1. Our spirit is first and foremost where we personally meet the Holy Spirit.
    2. The Holy Spirit INDWELLS our spirit when we repent of our sins and ask Jesus Christ to forgive us and be the Lord and Savior of our lives!
    3. Romans 8:15, 16- “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
    4. Without the Holy Spirit dwelling in your spirit, any personal relationship with God or Jesus Christ is impossible.
    5. 2 Corinthians 2:14 – “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
    6. Our soul then becomes the next part of my being to begin relationship with the Holy Spirit.
    7. The Holy Spirit desires to FILL my soul. (My mind, will & emotions)
    8. Luke 11:13 – “How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’
    9. Acts 1:5 – “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
    10. The Holy Spirit (that dwells in your spirit) wants to fill your thinking with Gods thoughts, your feelings with God’s emotions and your will with God’s will; in every situation of daily life.
    11. Acts 2:4 – “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
    12. The tongue is the outside evidence in this verse, but what is happening to the soul is what is most important here; filled with God’s Spirit.
    13. The third part of my being; my body, also has a relationship with the Spirit.
    14. The Holy Spirit desires to CONTROL my body.
    15. Romans 6:19 – “Just as you use to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.”
    16. Romans 12:1 – “Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
    17. The Holy Spirit in me means all of me (spirit, soul and body) if we resist in any area we are not living in harmony with the Holy Spirit, His power of love is not fully experienced in our lives. (this is what “Mighty in Spirit” means)
    18. Our lives become caught in the cycle of battling God’s Spirit instead of overcoming life’s challenges. HERE IS WHAT I MEAN:

THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADING ME

(The second phase of living with Holy Spirit)

  1. Luke 4:1 – “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”
  2. IN THE SAME WAY THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT LET JESUS INTO THE WILDERNESS FOR TESTING, HE WILL LEAD US INTO TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS.
  3. Most people make no connection between the trials, irritations, and distresses of daily life and the fact that they are the tests of the Holy Spirit!
  4. 1 Peter 4:12 – “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”
  5. James 1:2, 3 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
  6. Example: Acts 16: The Scripture says that Paul was kept by the Holy Spirit from going into Asia to preach the gospel. Instead Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia telling him to come and minister there. So Paul and his team go there and preach and not soon after they were arrested, stripped, beaten, severely flogged and thrown into prison. (Acts 16)
  7. Example: Rev. 2:1011: what you are about to suffer, devil is coming, the Spirit says!
  8. If I do not allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate all of me (body, soul, & spirit) I am going to have great difficulty being “Spirit Led” in my daily life, because the Spirit has a very different leadership style than I am use to.
  9. Now I understand these are extreme examples, you and I probably won’t be led out into a desert or be severely flogged or thrown into prison.
  10. But are you Spirit led today? How do you know? How do you handle “wilderness” times?
  11. It is hard to lead others when I’m not letting Holy Spirit truly lead me!

THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGING ME

(The third phase of living with Holy Spirit)

  1. The result of the Holy Spirit in me and leading me is that the Holy Spirit changes me.
  2. To be full of the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit and changed by the Holy Spirit is a life of great power.
  3. Ephesians 3:16- “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” and V.19 goes on to say; “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
  4. Romans 5:5 – “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
  5. Galatians 5:22, 23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
  6. The changing of Me by the Holy Spirit is the greatest testimony I have that the power of God is real, alive and available for people today to experience!

SUMMING IT UP

  1. This is a life lived in harmony with the Holy Spirit.
  2. The Holy Spirit indwelling my spirit, my soul being daily filled with the Spirit, my body under the control of the Spirit.
  3. My daily life then being Spirit led (even through the wilderness) and my life being Spirit-changed for the glory of God!
  4. Spirit in Me, Spirit leading Me, Spirit changing Me! If you choose this path then I can tell you four ways in which life gets really exciting: For the life lived in Harmony :
    1. All things come from the hand of God (even the bad)
    2. All things are designed for our good (even the bad things)
    3. All things produce Christ like character (especially the bad things)
    4. All things reveal to us the ways of God
  5. Nothing in a life lived in harmony with the Holy Spirit is a waste!

CLOSING

  1. Re read John 14:15-17
  2. James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves then, to God.” (Surrender)
  3. The response from us really is to come out of our “fox holes” and personally surrender ourselves to the headship of Holy Spirit.
  4. Some of you need to surrender you minds, emotional life or your will; others need to wave the white flag and dedicate your body to the Holy Spirit.
  5. I wonder… if there is even one here today that needs to take the most important step and will surrender their life to God, admitting they are a sinner, asking Jesus to give them of their sins, and ask His Holy Spirit to come dwell in their spirit.
  6. Wave the white flag (surrender to the Holy Spirit)

PRAY

WE INVITE YOU TO THE 6:30 PRAYER MEETING FOCUSING ON HARMONY WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

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PASTOR’S PARAGRAPH, 08-12-2007

August 12, 2007 by PastorDave.

When Jesus was teaching his followers about their relationship with the Holy Spirit, He told them, “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:25-26). May we open our hearts this morning and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work, teaching us all things that Jesus wants us to know! Oh, Holy Spirit, come and minister today!

Pastor Dave McIntosh

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On The Road

August 5, 2007 by PastorMark.

Play now #284, On The Road, Sunday 08-05-2007, Pastor Mark Boucher

Text: Matthew 7:13-14
Theme: There are two roads from which to choose, and choosing both is not an option.

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Summer time is a time of travel for many.
    1. Trips are made up of beginning – duration – end.
    2. Trips can be exciting … or not.
  2. Jesus spent a lot of time traveling.
    1. He often compared life to a journey (in His parables).
    2. In His sermon on the mount Jesus spoke of the gate and road.
  3. I began my journey with Jesus on September 16, 1973.

I want to share some observations of the journey.

  1. There are two roads from which to choose.
    1. The world has ways to divide people. (by nation, education, rank, title, etc.)
    2. Jesus speaks of His way … and everybody else’s.
    3. Either you are for me or against me, in His Kingdom or out, born again or not, on the narrow road or the broad way, His child …
    4. Jesus was either the most arrogant deceived person … or He was God.
    5. You can’t travel on both roads at the same time.
    6. There are not “many roads that lead to heaven”
    7. It’s not just “have faith of some type.”
  2. The road of the world seems easier.
    1. The road is broad and many travel it.
    2. Why do so many people go this way?
    3. Our sinful nature blinds us to truth. (We think our way is freedom, God’s way is restrictive.
    4. The broad way appeals to our flesh.
    5. Don’t be deceived by majority morality.
    6. “The majority crucified Christ, the majority burned the Christians at the stake, the majority established slavery, the majority jeered when Columbus said the world was round …” ~ late Senator James A. Reed of Missouri
    7. In reality, the broad way is the hard way.
    8. “the way of transgressors is hard” Proverbs 13:15
    9. “ ‘there is no peace,’ says the Lord, ‘for the wicked.’ ”
    10. There are no answers for life’s ultimate questions.
  3. The road of Jesus appears difficult.
    1. It has a narrow gate. (the gate is as wide as Jesus)
    2. To enter you must be willing to “let go”.
    3. You must be willing to be “broken”.
    4. The way of Jesus is a narrow road.
    5. Most people don’t believe there even is a road.
    6. This road has unexpected twists and turns.
    7. This road is one of adventure, beauty.
    8. The presence of Jesus makes all the difference.
    9. His presence is better than anything in life.
    10. “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” Psalm 63:3
  4. The road we choose determines our destination. (You can choose your path, but you can’t choose your consequences.)
    1. The narrow road leads to life.
    2. We are promised life here (full of the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit).
    3. We are promised life hereafter.
    4. What if it’s all a big hoax? All I have had is a life of seeking goodness, faithfulness. But, we are promised eternity from the God who cannot lie.
    5. “A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which god, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.”
    6. The broad road leads to destruction.
    7. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

CONCLUSION:

If you are not on the road with Jesus, you can be … God allows U-turns.
If you are on the road, be grateful and reach to others headed for destruction.

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PASTOR’S PARAGRAPH, 08-05-2007

August 5, 2007 by PastorMark.

The radio in my car has a problem. Outside interference often prevents me from hearing certain stations. Even the sound of the motor often drowns out the music or person speaking. In 1 Peter 4:7 Peter writes, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” Being able to have a prayer connection right to God is an awesome privilege! However, prayer can sometimes be disrupted by “interference.” The “static” of impurity and lack of self-control can hinder our ability to pray. Peter exhorts us to make things right with God and pursue holy living so that we may enjoy a clear connection in prayer. Stay tuned in with God!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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