Outreach

Jeremiah 1:4-9, 17

What do we observe about outreach & witnessing in this passage?
1. We are all witnesses (Is. 43:10- “You are my witnesses) (Matt 28:19- great Commission)
2. Age doesn’t matter (Jer 1:6-7)
3. God equips us with everything that we need to get the job done (Jer. 1:9)

Witnessing:
Who: we are the witnesses (Is 43:10)
What do witnesses do: Going where God sends us and saying what God tells us to say (Jer. 1:7, 17)
When do we witness: when God tell us to through the Holy Spirit ( Jer 1:7, Gal 5:25) and whenever the opportunity presents itself (1 Pt. 3:15)
Why: God commands us to (Matt. 28:19, Is 61:1-3, Lk. 4: 18-21). It was Jesus’ mission and when we become Christians it becomes our mission as well.
How:
How can we be witnesses on this campus? In our daily lives?
Is there any requirement for us to be good witnesses?
We must be filled (Eph 3:19)

In witnessing follow Jesus’ example.

Also in witnessing remember to Reach Upward then Outward because we cannot give what we don’t have.
Is 61 gives us different ways in which we can outreach to others.

Keep your head up

A psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death,[a] I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.


If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, And make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet, don’t look too good, nor talk too wise,
(rudyard Kipling)

Faith Fest

Last saturday an event entitled Faith Fest occured at Parkview Assembly of God Church in Newark. This was an explosive uplifting concert filled with all types of entertainment : singing, rap, rock, and skits. The Lord was in full force and people were touched by this event greatly.
Chi Alpha christian ministries sponsered the fest. And it truely was a fest, excitement and laughter, joy and praise all in the name of the Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I was there I was truely blessed. It was a good uplifting time in the Lord. All types of people came out its was very diverse, doesnt matter who you are or what you were all were welcome into the house of the Lord. A lot students and faculty from UD showed up to praise the Lord and represent.

Deuteronomy 11:12-14 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
12 It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.
13 So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- 14 then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil.

Thanksgiving

November 22nd the choir will be the opening act to sing at the , Unity Service sponsored by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
The event is for all on campus Christian Ministries
As we come up on the holidays we should get together to give thanks for what the Lord has done for us, he has kept us in school , alive , and health and protected us from hurt harm or danger. God is good I am thankful that he's allowed me to accomplish some of the things have done over the semester. It has been a decent semester but it doesnt come with out ups and downs but through it all the Lord has kept me strong and I have over come obstacles in my path. Its been a blessing to be here at this university. I just ask that the Lord give everyone safe travels as they depart and go home for the holidays. I ask that give people save travels on the return home as well. I pray everyone will enjoy their holiday to the fullest and be thankful for what the Lord has done in their lives.

Colossians 2:6-8 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ 6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

UD Gospel Choir CD Release

Just recently the University of Delaware gospel choir had a album release, the cd titled We Will serve the Lord consist of 12 hot gospel track, orginally written by choir members. They started this project back in March 2004 and then recorded on March 12th , 2005. The choir consists of students from all backgrounds and cultures and its aim is to reach souls across the world through its music. There are over 50 plus members of the choir, there last concert the ablum release was a great success. There was a large turn out and the spirit of the Lord filled mitchell hall in abundance. Many were touched by the sensational gospel sounds of the choir. This the first time the choir has recorded an album. They also plan on going on tour over spring break to chicago, cleveland and many places in the central state area.

Practices are held sundays 6-8:30 in perkins rodney room

The University of Delaware Gospel Choir (UDGC). They are always looking for new voices to come and join us in lifting up the name of Jesus Christ! This year is an exciting year for UDGC, with the CD release and spring break choir tour. They are excited about the things that God is going to do, through UDGC, and through you, this year! Once again they welcome anyone who wants to join , and hopes to see them soon!

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods.”--Psalm 95:1-3

I wanna be a Witness

A. GRACE
1. Heaven is a free gift
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
2. It is not earned or deserved
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
B. MAN
1. Man is a sinner
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
2. He cannot save himself
Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
C. GOD
1. God is merciful – He doesn’t want to punish us
I John 4:8b – “God is love.”
2. God is just – therefore must punish sin
Exodus 34:7b – “Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished”
D. CHRIST
1. Who He is – the infinite God – man
John 1:1,14 – “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
2. What He did – He died on the cross and rose form the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and to purchase a place in heaven, which he offers as a gift that we may receive by faith.
Isaiah 53:6 - We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
II Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
E. FAITH
1. What it is not – mere intellectual assent or temporal faith.
James 2:19 – “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
2. What it is – trusting Jesus Christ alone for our salvation
Romans 10:9-10 – “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

The Gospel

October 21st , this Friday night , Warriors for Christ Bible Study and
UD Gospel Choir, will be going to see the movie "THE GOSPEL" together.
if you aren't sure what the movie is about please go to http://www.gospelmovie.com/site.htm

If you are interested please email me ASAP so we can take a final count. Please indicate also if you will be able to drive.

This is a really great opportunity for the two groups to get together and have some fun.


We hope you all will join us.

Sins of Speech

God places enormous importance on our speech. In matthew 12:36 Jesus makes a sobering statement . " But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of in the day of judgement." Todays society has experienced an unprecendented explosion of vile and wicked speech. Often with out even knowing it , many believers have become involved in significant sins of speech. Ask God for discernment as you prayerfully examine your words.
The children of Israel continually complained about God's provision. As a result, they perished in the wilderness. As Christians, we are definitely commanded to rejoice and give thanks in all things. A lifestyle of continual praise is essential to pleasing God. It is the impossible to be a "complainer"and walk in the power of God's spirit.
A tragic modern trend is the rising number of church fights and congregational splits. What is the cause this spiritual scourge ?
Attitudes and speech are often more damaging to a church than obivious outward sins.

Attitudes

Attitudes and how they effect our relationships with others and God
As God examines our lives, he not only views our outward actions, he especially watches the attitude behind them. Indeed, many yims "how"someone says something carries almost as much weight as what they actually say. God is deeply focused on the attitude of our hearts. In a very real sense , everyone has an attitude about them.Ask God to clearly open your eyes to the heart attitudes within.

It is clear that God desires a fervent and passionate love from his children. In fact the attitude of lukewarmness literally nausetes God. We must understand that the root of sin is the love and worship of the self over God.

Pride is a subtle sin so easily overlooked. Perhaps the worse form of pride is the attitude of spiritual complacency that sees little need for cleansing and growth in one's own life. True revival always beings with deep humilty and brokenness over sin.

God hates all forms of arrogance and self -exalation. If you sense God's conviction, immediately confessand forsake thos sin. Be specific and write down changes God wants you to embrace.

Unbelief is one of the most deadly sins a believer can commit. It was unbelief that caused the children of Israel to die in the wilderness. Unbelief immediately short-circuits God's power in the believers live in weakness and defeat. Through lack of faith crucial prayers go unanswered.

Being present in the Lord

What does it mean to be present in the Lord ?

John 20:19-29


Be present at all times :
- home
-church
-work
- school

Relating this scripture to school
school
have to be present in class room situations in order to know whats going on, your relationship with your professor has to be good as well. Its also good to have friends in class to help you with things you may not understand, you can help each other. You must push your self to succeed in all that you do, never be afraid to ask questions. Study hard and be prepared for anything that may come your way.

Scripture
John 20:24-25 thomas was not present with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them
John 20:27-28 Jesus was a teacher and thomas followed him even though he had doubts. Though he used the ultimate statement of faith, My Lord My God . We have to put faith in out professors to teach us the things we need to know for the real world.
John20:19-20,24-25 all the disciples were together except Thomas so they were ahead. They told thomas what they saw and heard to get him caught up.
John 20:25 Thomas was not sucessful in his faith in Jesus. Even though he didnt see Jesus he didnot push himself to believe that Jesus is real and has risen from the dead.
Even though Thomas was a doubter his questions led to faith because he expressed them sincerely and looked for answers if he didnt understand something he said so , if he felt discouraged he acted like it, John 20:26-28 That day or week Thomas was present with the other discipes and Jesus told him to stop doubting and believe. Dont you hate when teachers give you pop quizzes Thomas had a little surprise test week when Jesus appeared to him and the others, so always be prepared when the teacher is going to give you a pop quiz. Even when Jesus comes back you never know so stay in his word. John 20:29 Thomas failed to believe, he was not rewarded for his hard work because he had to see Jesus, he was not a true believer.
John 20:31 We are rewarded with blessings when we believe that Jesus is Christ.

Its not easy we cant do it on our own

You can’t live anyhow and expect to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 7:21
James 5:16
Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. 6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Christian Maturity and Growth

September 13th, 2005
Bible Study: Trabant Multipurpose Room A
Topic: Christian Maturity and Growth
Taught by Jessica Nance- President

Key Bible Verses:
Romans 10: 9-10
I Corinthians 15:1-4
Ephesians 4:11-15
Hebrews 5:13, 6:1
I Peter 2:1-3

What is a Christian ?
A Christian is a one who believes in Jesus Christ , that he died for our sins and that he will return one day to earth to take his children.They must confess with their mouth and believe it in their heart. Not only that but a Christian is one who follows God's word, and repents for sins committed, they will one day be perfect through Jesus Christ.
Romans 10: 9-10, I Corinthians 15: 1-4

The difference between Christians and sinners is that Christians believe the message of Jesus and Christians understand that they are ONLY perfect through Jesus and lean to Him for all of their needs.
A Christian is NOT someone who goes to church or someone who lives a good life.

We Must grow as Christians

In these verses we see the Importance of Spiritual Growth & Maturity towards maturity.
We also see what we are growing towards. We are growing to become more and more like CHRIST.

I. Heb 5:13-6:1 (NLT)
13And a person who is living on milk isn't very far along in the Christian life and doesn't know much about doing what is right. 14Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right.
1 So let us stop going over the basics of Christianity[a] again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start all over again with the importance of turning away from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

The Evidence of Spiritual Growth & Maturity is knowing the difference between right and wrong and doing what is right. (James 1:22)

II. 1 Pt. 2:1-3 (NIV)
1 So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy and backstabbing. 2You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, 3now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness.

The Development of Spiritual Growth and Maturity occurs when we must read our Word and “desire” the WORD.
Also to grow we must pray and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.


NOTE: Continue to Follow the Word of God. Phil 3:12- 15