August 24, 2008 by PastorDave.

#325, God’s Secret Ingredient, Pastor David McIntosh, Sunday 08-24-2008

Text: Romans 1:4-6

INTRODUCTION

1. In the story “A Cranberry Thanksgiving” grandma makes the greatest cranberry bread in the land and a city slicker is trying to steal her secret ingredient for this cranberry bread.
2. Grandma uses something that is so powerful everyone wants her cranberry bread!
3. Well, in a day when many are seeking answers to life we Christians should be demonstrating the power of Jesus Christ in our personal lives to attract others to Him.
4. Instead, multitudes of believers seem powerless against the same forces that destroy the world.
5. Marriages are falling apart, raising children that respect others, anger, bitterness, addictions to sex and pornography are reigning in the land whether you claim to be Christian or not.
6. What is the missing ingredient that will propel us to be genuine overcomes of the sins that destroy in this world? That our light would shine with words & works!

EXAMPLE (Psalm 106:9-16)

1. Read verses 9:11 – “He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; So He led them through the depths, As through the wilderness. He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. The waters covered their enemies; There was not one of them left:
2. V.12-16 on the PowerPoint:
   1. They believed his words & sang his praise (look what God did for me!)
   2. They forgot his works…causing them to not wait for His counsel
   3. This led to lusting after and testing God
   4. God’s consequence is He gives them what they want (but leanness to the soul)
   5. They then envy God’s leaders (Moses & Aaron)
3. Now look at this pattern, God does something they don’t deserve, limited belief and praise, they soon forget, turn from God’s ideas, this leads to lust, consequences and envy.
4. This is a picture of what happens over and over again to believers today.
5. Listen to what James 4:1-4 says; “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasure. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?”
6. Wow, that’s tough, that hurts! What is that secret ingredient that can change everything?
7. How do we live everyday in the ways of our faith? How do break out of this cycle that we see in the O.T. people of God and the N.T. church of believers?

THE SECRET INGREDIENT

1. Romans 1:4-6 – “And who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.”
2. We received GRACE to call people to obedience that comes from faith!
3. The missing ingredient is GRACE. It’s not that we haven’t heard of grace but rather we have misunderstood it.
4. To many believers today, being under grace means that they are not under any obligation to fulfill the righteousness of the Law of God but are under a covering of God that allows them to do whatever they think is right and God will approve…this is grace.
5. We need to receive a fresh biblical understanding of God’s grace for our lives!

GOD’S GRACE FROM GOD’S WORD

1. In Romans 1:5 we saw that we received grace to call people to obedience.
2. Look at Romans 5:21 – “So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
3. We see that grace rules through righteousness it is not a ticket for unrighteousness.
4. Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”
5. So one of the main purposes for grace is to help us work out God’s righteousness in our everyday lives.
6. This can only be done through the power of God not the efforts of man.
7. Listen to Ephesians 3:7 – “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.”
8. You see, grace is more than God’s loving favor; it is God’s gift of power to do His will in our lives!
9. 2 Peter 1:2-4 – “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
10. Peter is speaking of multiplied grace as divine power by which we have given great & precious promises that we can partake of the divine nature and not the corruption of lust!
11. From God’s Word we see that grace is a gift of divine power that God freely gives us so that we can obey Him, live in righteousness, overcome sin and partake in His divine nature!

GOD’S GRACE OUR TEACHER

1. If anyone is going to truly partake of God’s grace you have to have one thing…a teachable spirit.
2. Titus 2:11,12 – “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
3. We learn here that grace is our teacher and we are her students. Grace teaching us (through divine power) to say no to ungodliness & worldly lusts. Grace is not going to just cover over these things, grace teaches us to say no to our way and yes to God’s way!
4. Are you teachable?
5. See the law demands, but gives no strength to obey it, grace promises and gives power to perform for us. The Law points its finger, grace opens its arms.
6. But are we willing to see and be students in the school of biblical grace?

WHERE TO BEGIN

1. Well we know that grace is a gift so you can’t earn it. But there is a qualification that God is looking for.
2. James 4:6 – “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
3. So we see that God considers the opposite of grace is pride.
4. Pride is doing it on my own, pride is reserving the right to make final decisions, pride resists grace!
5. Humility is the key to this incredible gift, daily humility may I add.
6. So here is the first step, completely accept and confess our personal failure and inability to live life in a way that pleases God.
7. With this, we realize our helplessness to do anything good that God accepts, and unless God’s grace moves in my life I really can’t do anything, I am helpless and all the gifts and talents and experience I have won’t do me any good, save for the grace of God.
8. In 2 Corinthians Paul said, “For when I am weak then I am strong,” this is what he was talking about.
9. Humility is realizing that I need God’s help for every decision in my life.

ALTAR CALL

• I would like to open the altars and invite anyone who knows they need the grace of God (the favor, power and desire) to fill their lives like never before that they would become partakers of the divine nature and escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust.
• Grace to say no to this world and yes to righteousness living!
• Grace to obey, grace to grow in faith, grace for self control, grace to overcome!

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August 24, 2008 by PastorDave.

ADULT ELECTIVES FALL 2008 QUARTER
Begins Sunday, September 7, 10:00 - 10:50 AM

WELCOME to the Family
Taught by Pastor Mark
The following course will meet in Pastor Mark’s office.
In this course 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.

Matters of Christian Character
Taught by Pastor Dave
This class will meet at the Johnny Appleseed Elementary School across the street from the church.
How does a Christian respond to the issues of our day–immorality, tobacco, entertainment, and gambling–and integrity issues such as truth, honesty, and self-control. This class will focus on formulating a belief system and lifestyle with a strong biblical center.

The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ
Taught by Pastor Darryl
This class will meet at the Johnny Appleseed Elementary School across the street from the church.
Calling all parents of teenagers and pre-teens! Discover the priorities of Jesus Christ when He was a teenager here on earth. What better model than the plan of the Master himself.

Financial Freedom
Taught by Manny Onos
This class will meet at the Johnny Appleseed 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.

Lessons from the Early Church
Taught by Harry Marshall
This class will meet at the Johnny Appleseed Elementary School across the street from the church.
What you will be studying in this class in some ways is a return to “the basics” of what the Church is supposed to be about. Get ready to discover some wisdom from the Book of Proverbs and hear from the faithful man Job.

Biblical Prophecies, Israel, and the Church
Taught by Fumio Taku
This class will meet at the Johnny Appleseed Elementary School across the street from the church.
This is part two of an exciting course begun last spring. This in-depth study of biblical prophecies, from Genesis to Revelation, will give you a greater understanding of end-time prophecies, God’s love for Israel, and His wake-up call to the Church for prayer, humility, and faith.

CHILDREN’S and YOUTH CLASSES

2s and 3s teachers: Jenn Farnsworth and Christine Salliby
Through stories about Solomon and the temple, kids will discover that church is God’s house and that God wants them to help others. They will also learn about people at church as well as how to be like Solomon and God’s people, who enjoyed going to church. Kids will find out how they can talk and listen to God because Samuel listened to God in the temple. Stories about Noah’s ark and the flood will show kids how to obey God and trust Him to keep them safe.

4s and 5s teachers: Sally Dyer and Heidi Antunes
Students will enjoy amazing stories about how Joseph saved his family, how Rahab risked her life, and how Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land. Peter fishing, Matthew collecting taxes, the Samaritan woman drawing water, and Zacchaeus climbing a tree show how Jesus reached out to people around Him. Through the faith of his great-grandmother Ruth and stories about being a shepherd, being anointed by Samuel, and defeating Goliath, David shows kids how to love God like he did.

1st and 2nd grade teachers: Rick and Joanne Boehm
Kids will discover that God not only created everything but that He also loved Adam and Eve even after they sinned. After learning about faithfulness through stories about Noah’s ark, kids will find out about Babel, the first city built after the Flood. Through Abraham, Lot, and Isaac, kids will explore faith, the danger of selfishness, and God’s provision.

3rd and 4th grade teachers: Debbie Nurnberger and Danielle Caron
Because Jesus healed others, kids will discover He still has the power to heal today. Through Esther, Jeremiah and others, kids will discover that God can be their source for guidance, courage, faith, wisdom, and love. Kids will be reminded that gifts aren’t deserved but instead show God’s love for us through stories about Jehoshaphat, the grateful leper, and the Prodigal Son.

5th and 6th grade teacher: Peter Kovacs
Through lessons about God’s nature, kids will see how He is true to His Word, keeps His promises, and provides a way for us to be in His family forever. Because what believers say and do can be a witness for or against Christ, kids will explore how they can help others gain eternal life. This introduction to the Bible focuses on its inspiration and writers, why we need it, and what it tells us about God.

Middle School and High School
The students will be studying the book, The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Pattern for Teenagers Today by Jerry Ross. Through Scripture, the students will study how Jesus himself conducted his life during his teen years and prepared for the work of His Father.

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August 24, 2008 by admin.

JOIN US TODAY

• WORSHIP and THE WORD at 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM
  • Nursery, 4s and 5s, Kids 4 Christ
  • Benevolence offering today
  • Pastor David McIntosh will preach the Word of God: “God’s Secret Ingredient” (Romans 1:4-6)
• CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
  • Classes for all ages—adults are in the Youth Chapel
• CHURCH PICNIC AND WATER BAPTISM– 1:00-6:30 PM at Sunset Lake in Ashburnham.

JOIN US THIS WEEK

• MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer
• TUESDAY 6:30 PM—Prayer
• 7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
• WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
  • Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 up to K)
  • Girls Ministries (grades K-8)
  • Royal Rangers (boy’s clubs, K-12)
  • Adults & Impact Youth Ministries John Bevere DVD series: Honor’s Reward
• SATURDAY 7:00 PM—All-Church Prayer

ANNOUNCING

• A PRAYER GATHERING (sponsored by the Pastors’ Prayer Team) will be held on Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM, at Pilgrim Covenant Church (Route 13 N). Let’s join with the larger body of Christ to intercede for our nation and world.
• CONGRATULATIONS to Matt and Kelly Bernard on the birth of their daughter Madison Marie Bernard on August 15th. Madison weighed in at 6 lbs. 12 oz. and is 20” long.
• CARENET is in need of gently used fall and winter maternity clothes. Please call 978-342-4244 or 978-534-1190. Thanks.
• REGISTRATION CONTINUES for the girls clubs of Leominster Assembly—Girls Ministries. You must register your child at the start of each school year. You can also register your child(ren) for Girls Ministries AND Royal Rangers (boys clubs) on Wednesday nights—before 6:30.
• ONE MORE TEACHER IS NEEDED for ESL for the coming school year. If you can help or would like more information, please see Rita Trainque ASAP or call her at 978-534-4742.
• TODAY IS THE ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC at Ripple Beach, Sunset Lake, in Ashburnham. Directions are on the Welcome Center desk in the foyer.
• THE NEXT CHILD DEDICATION SERVICE will be on Sunday, September 14, during the 11:00 AM service. If you desire to have your child dedicated, please pick up a yellow application card at the Welcome Center, complete, and turn in.
• GOING TO IRAG—Dana Beauvais is heading for Iraq and has furniture and household items available. Please see the bulletin board for information.
• BEHOLD THE WONDER OF THE LORD! Please visit and pray over sister in Christ, Judy Trainque’s, jewelry display at Hannoush Jewelry in the Whitney Field Mall. God bless you.

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK

• Christians in Action (Proiettis)—Tuesday, 7:00 PM
• Branches of Messiah (Wheelers)—Wednesday, 6:30 PM
• Women of Faith (Telliers)—Friday, 10:00 AM
• Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. You are invited!

CHURCH LIBRARY

• The library, located next to the Youth Chapel, is open:
• Sunday: 10:00-11:00 AM, after second service, 6:00-6:30 PM
• Wednesday: 6:15-6:30 PM and after Family Night ministries

TAKE THE LAND OFFERINGS TO DATE

• Original Loan Amount: $600,000
• Paid Down from Church Budget: 58,330
• Total Offerings, 6/07 - 7/08: 95,006
• Current Loan Balance: $446,664
• Average Monthly Offerings: $6,441
• At an average $9500/month extra applied each month, the loan should be paid off by Aug 2011.

NEEDS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Jack LaFave is in need of a computer tower. If you can help, please call him at 978-537-6938.
• There are several requests for clothing listed on the bulletin board. If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.
• A young woman in the church is looking for work. She has almost 10 years experience in the accounting and credit department areas. If you know of anything, please call her at 978-227-5935 or e-mail her at mkeylida@yahoo.com.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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August 24, 2008 by PastorDave.

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” It truly is the word of God that is the source of wisdom and teaching! With these alive in our lives the joy they produce causes us to sing unto the Lord spiritual songs from the heart. If we allow the word to dwell in us we will become a people of praise and worship to the Lord! He tells us that He inhabits the praises of His people, so His presence will be strong and life changing! It is my prayer that you will sing unto the Lord today and allow His word to dwell in your life! You won’t regret it!

Pastor David McIntosh

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