God's Love Is Amazing

Transcription

1 5756 Zachary Taylor Highway Mineral, Virginia (540) (phone) (540) (fax) Volume 35, Issue 2 - February 1, 2015 reetings in the name of Jesus, the captain of our salvation and our sooncoming king. God's love is amazing! I mean that very explicitly and Pastor Lynn W. Beanum, Jr. seriously. God s love for us is so spectacular that we cannot grasp itknowing it as a conscious experience-without omnipotent supernatural help. This is why Paul prayed in Eph. 3:18-19 like this, I pray that you may have a strength to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge." The love of Christ surpasses what we are able to comprehend with our mere human minds or hearts. So what is needed to express it? God's power! So Paul prays, May we have strength to comprehend the love of Christ; Soul strength, Heart strength, and Mind strength. God gives this to us. We pray, Paul says in (Rom. 5:5) God's love has been poured into our hearts through God's Love Is Amazing the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Without the divine power of the Holy Spirit, we will not be able to fully experience the love of God. So, I paused to pray that God would give us this power, and pour out the Holy Spirit in our hearts like this, to help us experience the love of God. Why is it that the Bible reveals God's love for us - including and delighting in us and rejoicing over us? This is His way of revealing His love and calling attention to his own glory; if He didn't do it, we would be even more likely to turn the love of God into a subtle m e a n s o f s e l f - exaltation. Now God directs us in John 15:12-13, This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend. With God's help in Matt. 5:44, we are to love our enemies, bless those that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them which despitefully use and persecute us. God is LOVE and if we have Him in our hearts, we have His amazing love. Amen. Verse for the Month: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

2 A Word from Our Editor Nothing Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ Greetings, in the Loving name of Jesus. Romans 8:35-39 states, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. God has a hold on US! It s an honor and a privilege to be hidden/covered by the Love of Christ Elders Speak Love, Love, Love True Love Greetings, in the most wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We take this opportunity to thank God for His grace (the free and unmerited favor of God), Mercy (compassion and forgiveness shown toward us), and His Love (Agape love unconditional love). Christ died and rose again while we were yet in sin. For the Bible says in John 3:16-17, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. So as we go into the month of February there is a day which is called Valentine s Day. This day we show love to one another. As we celebrate this special day, February 14 th, there might be someone who does not receive a card, flowers, candy, money, etc. So, we want you to know that here is a card for you: Sister Marilyn Silver and to know that NO thing can separate us. Tests and trials can t do it. Disappointments can t do it. Persecution can t do it. Terrorists can t do it. Sicknesses and afflictions try to linger, but they can t do it. Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so. When we remind ourselves of the ONE who loves us, it motivates us to honor, trust and be faithful to that ONE who loves us. Jesus loves us! He gave His life for us. Let s not disappoint Him. He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. It s up to us whether or not we stay in the safe haven. But, to turn a deaf ear to the ways of the Lord, and walk in our own understanding place our lives in jeopardy. Let s stay connected to the Power, to the Love of God. Hold to God s unchanging hand, He won t let go of you; don t you let go of Him! Nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ. With much love. Elder Robert Johnson God Loves YOU and we do too. Because you are so special, it s hard to find a Valentine Card that s nice enough for you. Since you are so very special, and the usual ones won t do, this one seems just a perfect pick for you. For it really makes it clear, YOU are close in thought and prayer. Not every now and then, But all throughout the year. God bless you with Love. Happy, happy, happy Valentine s Day. Be blessed always. Page 2 Temple of Deliverance, HCG, Inc. Newsletter

3 Temple Men Speak God s Love is Second To None Praise the Lord, my brothers and sisters in Christ! We have now entered February, the second month of the new year, so I would like to remind everyone who hasn t made their new year s resolution yet that it is not too late to do so. If I wasn t saved today, in order to be saved I would make seeking God a priority and my new year s resolution because we are living in the last and evil days. On February 14th many of us will celebrate Valentine s Day. We will be expressing our love for one another in many ways as we send cards or notes, e-cards or s, texts or tweets, messages on Facebook, candy or flowers, and phone calls. It seems the ways to communicate love are endless. And all of these expressions are fine. But when I think of the true meaning of love and how it has impacted my life, I think of God s unconditional love toward all of us. God s Word (John 15:13) reminds us that Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. He Temple Women Speak God Is Love We now enter the month of February and we find many acts of love being shown by men and women. We ask how important is it for Christians to love each other? Without a doubt, this is a crucial issue. When love is flowing in a church there will be life and the Spirit of God will be able to flow freely. We are reminded how Paul spoke so eloquently on this matter in his first letter to the sacrificed his only begotten son, Jesus, who then allowed his body to be beaten and torn, eventually leading to a horrendous death, so that our sins would be forgiven. Without the ransom and price that He paid, including shedding His blood, there would be no remission of sins. Christ died for our sins without condition. His death enabled each and every one of us to experience the tree of life. In God s eyes we all are sinners because we are born into sin and shaped into iniquity. God s word (Ephesians 4:32) reminds us that we must forgive one another as He has forgiven us. His word (1 John 4:8; 20-21) also reminds us that He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God IS love, so if we say that we love God, whom we haven t seen, and yet hate our brother, then we are a liars and the truth isn t within us. Many years ago in my career, while assigned to the President of the United States, I witnessed a moment where a member of the news media asked the president if he could forgive those who tried to destroy him and his presidency. His response was humble Corinthians. He described love as being greater than all the spiritual gifts, better than any offering, and superior to our greatest sacrifice (see 1 Corinthians 13). Love a higher and holier value than even faith or hope is the finest attribute a Christian can possess. Love should be our chief pursuit. John 3:16 states, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. We should make By: Deacon Jose Brown and thought provoking: In order to be forgiven, I must be able to forgive others. I was amazed that a person of his stature, who never professed to be saved, was so humble and honest with his answer. His response really made me think about myself and how I should treat others who deliberately try to destroy me. Again I am reminded of God s Word (Romans 13: 10) in which He teaches us that love worketh no ill toward his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Jesus makes the difference and his love is second to none. While many of us (including me) were yet sinners and walking around spiritually dead, God loved us so much that he looked beyond our faults and saw our needs. In this life many will tell us how much they love us, but God s unconditional love supersedes all of those accolades. He paid the ultimate sacrifice through death in order to save us from our sins. He didn t have to do it but He did! Remember God s love and His ultimate sacrifice! God s blessing and love to you all. By: Mother Joyce Rock every effort to love all humanity without reservation just as God loves all humanity. Jesus love is the benchmark by which we should gauge our love. The Lord has forgiven those whom some thought were unforgivable, touched those whom some thought were untouchable, and has loved those whom some thought were unlovable. Likewise, my brothers and sisters, we should follow His e x a m p l e o f s u c h g r e a t unconditional love. Volume 35, Issue 2 - February 1, 2015 Page 3

4 Pastor & Mother Ruby Beanum, Phyllis Brice, Brenda Ratcliff, Amanda Petey Lewis, Joshua White, Donnell Silver, Paul Lewis, Odellsie A. Smith, Theresa Brown, Joyce Simms, O Neal J o h n s o n, B u r n e l l Woodward, Edward Johnson, James McGill, Geneva Talley, Joyce McGill, Nic Family, Lester Brent, Tracey Beanum, Laura Silver, Sean Smith, Shalita Madison, Kathy Brooks, Tanya Lewis & Family, Tina Smith, Eric Williams, A. Carter, James Coleman, Elmoe Johnson, Mitchell Anderson, Jr., Mike Mason, Jeremy Richards, Candice Anderson, Ben Marshall, James Harris, Melissa Harrison, Nikki Drain, John Pendleton, Jeremiah Adams, Antoine Washington, Olney Family, Kevin Shelton, Teka King, Monica Bumbrey, Torri Wormley, Racheal Abeerly, Melissa Pendleton and Family, Charles Bailey, Linda Finn, Azu Rhodes, Howard Bess, Marshall Johnson, Barbara Peyton, GW Richardson, Anthony Brown, Daniel Hackett, Adriana Brown, Tremaine Skinner, Nicholas Broger, Clarence Byrd, Linda Coleman, Vest Carter, Beverly Brent, Marion Smith, Adriana Coleman, Steve Washington, Hattie Ellis, Prison & Health Care Ministries, The Lost, TOD Church Family, COGTH Beulaville NC, Lisa Washington, Mrs. Hesstine Brown, Marion Green, Sherrie McEachin, Aaron F. Garris, Keisha Robinson, Hannah Coleman, Elton Wright, Joanne Coleman, Charles Mcgehee, Sheila Washington, Edward Newman, Reka Fitch, Treresa McDonald, Thomas Goodwin, Charlotte Fowlkes, Tommy Noel, Williams Todds, Vernell Jasper, Katie Mills, Gene Spears, Clarence Hottinger, Stephanie Wilson, Lisa Washington, Michael Tally, Raymond Washington, Bonnie Whaling, Annette Waldron, Brenda Milbourne, Maria Segarra, Palmira Segarra, James Carvin, Doris Ellis, Kevin Melvin & Sage, Susan Stewart, Wesley Ragland, Elizabeth Thurston, David Shelton, Eloise Cody, Earl D. Johnson, Jaylen Smith, Angel Knight, Marie Moody, Delonte Johnson, Tammy Eubank. Warren & Mabel Houchens, Virginia Veloy, Leanne Hairfield, Peggy Leake, Alice Acors, Mary Smith, John Carter, John Robinson, Jeff Williams Thurston Audrey Avery, James Booker, Sr., Shanika Richardson, Renard Willis, David Neal, Alyssia Dye Dedication to the Sick and Shut-In -Submitted by Mother Ruby Beanum Love can always conquer Whatever discord brings And love can also cover A multitude of things Don't you under estimate What love can ever do, For love is God eternal And His love can renew What is cold and lifeless, Now lost all hope and died, For love can breathe new meaning And give it back new life TRUE LOVE For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 Please don't give up on love When it seems that all is lost, For there is always hope If we're prepared to pay the cost For love is always worth it No matter how much the price, For love will be much stronger When we trust in Jesus Christ So let God have full reign, Let Him live within your heart Then you will know true love, For this He will impart. By M.S.Lowndes Sunday Sermons January 2015 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. -Jeremiah 3:15 1st Sunday January 4th Eld. Jason Lewis II Chronicles 5:13-14 Acts 2:1-4 "Lord Shift this Place 2nd Sunday January 11th Eld. Robert Johnson John 9:1-3 Blind But Now I See 3rd Sunday January 18th Eld. Robert Brice, Sr. Psalm 91:1-16; Colossians 3:3 Stay Under God s Protection 4th Sunday January 25th Eld. Clinton Porter, Sr. Luke 19:8-10 Why Are We Here? Be An Example. Page 4 Temple Of Deliverance HCG, Inc., Newsletter

5 Happy Birthday (February) The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years. (Psalm 90:10) 1 - Tim Williams 2 - Ruby Moody 3 - Vera Coleman 4 - Pastor Lynn Beanum Robert Pope, Sr. 5 - Jordan Yancy 8 - Melanie Pollard 12 - Travis Lucas Junius Marshall 13 - Tara Lewis 16 - D. Shirley Jenkins 17 - Cortez Jones Yvonne Morris 19 - Imani Lewis 20 - Deante Anderson Resa Lewis 21 - Chrystal R. Hall 22 - Darrin Coleman, Jr. Robert Jackson Shamara Jackson Zoye Williams 23 - Burnett Adams, Jr Robert Brice, Sr. Brea Dobson 25 - Alexis Liles Patricia Smith 26 - Jane E. Johnson 28 - Adriana Coleman Happy Anniversary (February) And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. (Mark 10:8) 2 - Wilbur & Berlinda Robinson 14 - Keith & Ebony Coleman 21 - Paul & Lucille Lewis Volume 35, Issue 2 February 1, 2015 Page 5

6 Bible Word Search: LOVING Contributed by - Emily Submitted by Mother Ruby Beanum ( All the words listed below are in the puzzle - left, right, up, down or diagonal. Christian Quotes of the day. God sweetens outward pain with inward peace. -Thomas Watson Temple Youth Speak By: Sis. Crystal Porter What's Love Got To Do With It? It has a lot to do with it. Love allowed Jesus to go out and teach his ways to a sinful world. Love caused Jesus to take the accusations that accusers claim. Love helped Jesus carry the cross to Calvary. Love told Jesus to stay on the cross and take on the sins of the world so that we can have everlasting life. Love raised our Savior on the third day with all power in his hands. Love cause Christ to do so much for us. I Cor.13 tells us that it's the greatest gift to have. This let's me know we have to show love regardless of what life throws at us. We still must show love to our fellow brothers and sisters; saved, or unsaved. What's Love got to do with it? Love has everything to do with it! Page 6 Temple of Deliverance, HCG, Inc. Newsletter

7 The Hurting Church: Why we get hurt and hurt others -Written by Gail Rodgers (Submitted By: Mother Ruby Beanum) The hurting church is not an occasional dilemma. More and more often we find people who have been hurt deeply within the family of God, leaving them worn and exhausted. More and more often we find leaders in conflict within the body of believers, robbed of the joy Jesus promised in Him. When we find this hurt hanging on to our own bruised soul, it can make us want to leave the church and sometimes even want to back burner our God who seems to have allowed it all. Do not Leave your Church! Sadly, we have come to accept that this is the way church is. There is an epidemic of fractured believers out there and we have actually come to accept this as the norm. So we either stay away and let our hearts become cold or we put on our Sunday best, call forward march and implement a new vision or program and hope the problems will just go away. The hurt in individual hearts and churches gets buried until it gets bumped again. Can we break this cycle that happens over and over in heart after heart, and church after church? I am continually amazed at the simplicity of God s Word and the direct instructions He shares with us. The Father s heart toward us, His children, is so open and loving as He instructs us in living in the day-to-day challenges of rubbing shoulders where the rubber meets the road. The steps God gives us are simple, though not necessarily easy. They are steps that can help us move from being reactive in conflict to becoming proactive in guarding our hearts and our churches. And, as steps always do, they will take us to higher ground where we can live above disunity and confusion. The framework these steps are built on is love. Love is also the handrail that helps move us along from one step to another. Without love, the steps move us from the fulfillment of right living that God calls us to, to selfrighteous living, which is hollow and void of the power of the Holy Spirit. God says our trademark will be love. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). Step 1: Know your enemy We don t like to focus on the devil. We don t want to give him any glory. Yet, in failing to heed the warning of Scripture that the devil actually prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), we find ourselves consumed (devoured!) by all kinds of irritations in one another and in the church. How the new programs run, personalities of the leaders, worship styles that become the focus and the quarrel, people who just don t get it spiritually the way we do, all begin to rob us of our joy and steal our effectiveness as a body of believers. And we are so often oblivious to what is really going on in the spiritual realm. Scripture says, We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12). When in conflict with another believer, we need to ask ourselves the question, Am I wrestling against flesh and blood? The answer in these situations is usually yes. And the solution is so simple we miss it. As Christians we are in a wrestling match. But our opponent is in the spiritual realm. His mandate is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). Instead of recognizing that, we put on the gloves and begin to engage in battle with one another, leaving scratches and scars, bruises and bleeding that sometimes takes years to heal and always leaves a mark. And the trademark of love becomes so faint, onlookers can hardly see it. Scripture tells us to be alert, resist the enemy (1 Peter 5:8,9) be on your guard and stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). So when irritation strikes know immediately who your opponent is know immediately he has schemes and plans in place that will at best steal from you and at worst destroy God s people and their effectiveness. Any pervasive, downward spiral needs to be called what it is. Be alert to the red flags. Our human nature wants to defend and justify ourselves. God knows the propensity of our hearts to go their own way. That is why He calls us to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and to do good to those who despitefully use us (Luke 6:27). (The trademark of love, remember?) Only the God strength in our lives, His strength invited in at our point of weakness and frustration, can remedy this battle that is fought in the heavenlies, yet lived out in our churches. Be alert and always keep on praying (Ephesians 6:18). When prayer is no longer the oxygen of our spiritual soul or the heartbeat of our church, our defense is down. Praying for those who hurt us becomes something we don t even want to do. Neglect in prayer and in the spiritual training of the Word leaves us with open doors for the enemy to turn the wrestling match on one another. It is so subtle and we can feel so justified, but the loss in our own hearts and in the Kingdom is an unnecessary tragedy. The stealing and robbing is done long before we have even recognized the enemy was at the door. Knowing he is prowling the neighborhood keeps us in a proactive state and able to recognize and withstand his tactics. (To be continued) Volume 35, Issue 2 February 1, 2015 Page 7

8 Valentine Greetings Just for YOU... Page 8 Temple of Deliverance, HCG, Inc. Newsletter

9 Your Lord as Your Divine Valentine ( Posted by Sharon Dear Caregiver, do you ever feel the sorrow of things lost? Do you ever miss the way things were in the past with your loved one for whom you are caring? Does the approach of holidays such as Valentine s Day make you feel melancholy and sad? During those moments of sadness remember that the Lord loves you with an infinite love. He in effect is your Divine Valentine. He is sufficient. He alone can give you all that you need. Below is a poem called Your Divine Valentine: Your Divine Valentine A Valentine may play a love song for you, but God sings you the sweetest love song in the universe. (Zephaniah 3:17) A Valentine may give you flowers, but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all, Jesus. (Song of Solomon 2:1) A Valentine may bring you chocolate, but God provides you with something even sweeter, His Word. (Psalm 119:103) A Valentine may love you for a lifetime, but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity. (Jeremiah 31:3) Thanks to the many readers who have contributed to the Newsletter with your prayers, encouragements and finances! Donations may be mailed to: Temple Of Deliverance Newsletter Staff * 5756 Zachary Taylor Hwy * Mineral VA Directions to Temple of Deliverance 5756 Zachary Taylor Highway Mineral, Virginia From I-95, take the Thornburg Exit (#118). From I-95 South: Turn left going toward Route 1 From 1-95 North: Turn right going toward Route 1 Stay on Route 606 until you reach the stop light. Cross over Route 1 on Route 606. Follow through to Snell-intersects with Route 208 (Courthouse Road). Stay on Courthouse Rd for approximately 18 miles to Zachary Taylor Highway (Route 522). Turn right. Church is 1/2 mile down on right side. Volume 35, Issue 2 February 1, 2015 Page 9

10 Temple of Deliverance February 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1-10am CS 11:15am MW Good Catch 3pm Youth Service st Sunday Newsletters Available Submissions are due on 2nd Sundays. 1st Sunday 3pm Youth Services as Announced -Health Care & Rehab Center Ministries 2nd & 3rd Sundays 7:30pm Prayer Service Bible Study 5 6 Noon Day Prayer 7 10am Mass Choir Rehearsal 8-10am CS 11:15am MW 4pm Health Care & Rehab Ministries :30pm Prayer Service Bible Study Noon Day Prayer 14 6pm Caroline Prison Ministry 15-10am CS 11:15am MW MASS CHOIR Rehab Ministry 16 President s Day :30pm Prayer Service Bible Study Noon Day Prayer 21 10am UVOP Rehearsal SPECIAL FUND RALLY 22-10am CS 11:15am MW Black History Program :30pm Prayer Service Bible Study 26 8pm Men s Bible Class 27 Noon Day Prayer SUBJECT TO CHANGE 28 7:30pm Play Rehearsal Temple of Deliverance HCG, Inc. Newsletter Sunday Schedule of Services Sundays - 10:00 a.m. - Church School 11:15 a.m. - Morning Worship NONPROFIT U.S. Postage PAID Louisa, VA Permit No Zachary Taylor Hwy * Mineral, VA Phone: Fax: newsletter@templeofdeliverancehcg.org Temple of Deliverance HCG, Inc. Newsletter Published monthly to encourage, enlighten, and inform, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ that men, women, boys, and girls may come to know and to love the God of Salvation. Change Service Requested Overseer Correspondent Editor Assistants Circulation Mail/Supplies Men Photographers Proofreading Women Youth NEWSLETTER STAFF: Pastor Lynn W. Beanum Mother Ruby Beanum Marilyn Silver Vera Coleman Cecelia Anderson, Janice Bullock, Teresa Jackson, Doris Shirley Jenkins, Sandra Wesley, Karen Williams Sally White, Rose Young, Major White Sylvester Silver Travis Lucas, Danna Lucas, Sierra Silver Marie Dobson, Sierra Silver Roberta Johnson Lynetta Watkins God s Love is Amazing