From The Pastor s Desk

Transcription

1 Living Water News VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 MARCH Hall Valley Drive, Bridgeport WV Church office and Prayer Line For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 KJV Inside this issue: Kidzblast Children's Ministries Greater Blaze Youth Outreach 2 3 Principle of Faith 4 CD order form From Joyce s Pen Living Water Church Ministry Training Ctr. Events New Building Update Contact Information 8 From The Pastor s Desk This verse in Hebrews 4:12 has always captivated me, since I first came to the Lord many years ago. When referring to God s Word, the writer used words like quick and Powerful, and sharper than a sword with two edges. I d like to take a look at these words and see just how they relate to us as Christians in today s world. The first word is quick. The Greek word used here is Zao, which means: to live or to be alive. This Bible that we read is not just a history book full of good moral stories, but is actually words from the living God, speaking to us, his creation. Anything in life that we face can be dealt with by something in God s Word. The apostle Paul told Timothy that All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) So we see that God s word is good for everything! The second word we ll look at is Powerful. In Greek, the word is Energace, which means: active, effectual or operative. Years ago there was a TV commercial that spoke of a brokerage firm, which said: People listen when this firm speaks. I ve got news for them, the only words that have ever, or ever will be effectual belong to God. When God speaks something to us in His Word, or by His Holy Spirit, you can count on it. As a matter of fact, even Isaiah the prophet gave us a glimpse of this part of God s character. So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) When God speaks we should listen! Along with this, we should also do what His word says, as it will only bring blessings to us. The last word we ll examine is Sharper. The meaning of this Greek word (Tomoteros) is: to make a decisive cut by a single stroke, unlike repeated blows or hacking. What this is referring to is the rest of the verse that deals with our souls, spirits and the intent of our hearts. This definition gives us a great visual of how God is able to directly go to the source of the problem with one decisive cut from His Word. He doesn t need to continually hack on us, because His Word will expose the infected area immediately. I suppose this is one reason that ungodly people don t want to read the Bible, as the Word speaks directly to sinful actions. In the last words of this verse, the writer informs us in vivid imagery that the Word can discern the thoughts and intents of our heart. By reading the very next verse, we also are made aware that all things are naked and opened unto the eyes with whom we have to do, which is God. (Hebrews 4:13) I ve heard some people say that they ve got away with, this or that, but according to this verse, that s not true. The great news is, that God has made a way for us to be forgiven of these sins that are before His eyes, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have an advocate in Christ, if we come to Him in repentance. (1 Jn. 2:1) Let God s Word change you today!

2 PAGE 2 KIDZ-BLAST LIVING WATER NEWS KIDZBLAST For kids ages 5-12 Time: Every Sunday 6 7:30 PM Place: Living Water Church Don t miss this exciting adventure! Transportation available -Call if your child needs a ride. *We need your financial help, please consider making a donation. Mark your offering Kids Blast Our Children Have Just Finished A Series on P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happens)

3 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 PAGE 3 God is Moving Mightily In Our Youth Teens ages are invited to Catch the Fire at Greater Blaze Youth Outreach! This exciting new ministry offers Christ-centered activities, music (guest bands and videos), Wii games, Dance Praise, snacks, fun, and fellowship. Join us the 2nd Saturday of every month, 6-8 PM at Living Water Church! Please Continue To Pray For Our Youth, They Are Our Future Church!

4 PAGE 4 LIVING WATER NEWS Principle of Faith by Rick Hammond The World Will Hate You! If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 RSV. How are you perceived by the world and your non-christian acquaintances? According to the Word, there should be some people hating you just because you re a Christian. By the very fact that you proclaim your acceptance of Christ, someone will hate you. Just because you believe, you must be born again through Jesus, someone will despise you, call you names and make fun of you! Just because you go to a church that preaches the truth, has lively music, and has people that speak in other tongues, someone will accuse you of being a Holy Roller, or being possessed by satan. Jesus says later in verse 21: They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. Satan s lies and deceptions will blind not only the unsaved but sometimes even the believers who should be standing with us, because they either don t know the truth or are not rooted firmly enough in the truth to be set free! The fact is, our church has a big Spiritual bulls-eye target on it because it s also a Ministry Training Center. We all are so blessed to be part of a church that not only preaches the word, but is preparing others to be Ministers of the Gospel, going out and tearing down strongholds of lies and deception. Don t forget what Ephesians 6:12 says: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Don t Forget To Praise Him! Praise ye the Lord, Praise, O ye servants Psalm 113:1

5 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 PAGE 5 Below are the CD s of our Sunday morning worship service for 2009 by Pastor Jerry, which are available on a love offering basis. Using the form below, send donations to: Living Water Church, Box 1000 Hall Valley Drive, 01/04/09 Spiritual Warfare Part 1 Our Enemy 01/11/09 Spiritual Warfare Part 2 Prayer 01/18/09 Spiritual Warfare Part 3 Breaking Bondages With The Word 01/25/09 Spiritual Warfare Part 4 The Weapon Of Love 02/01/09 Spiritual Warfare Part 5 Music And Praise 02/08/09 Spiritual Warfare Part 6 The Name Of JESUS 02/15/09 Spiritual Warfare Part 7 Fasting 02/22/09 A Walk Through Colossians - Chapter 1:1-2 03/01/09 A Walk Through Colossians - Chapter 1: /08/09 A Walk Through Colossians - Chapter 2:1-5 Name Address CD s (order by date) Phone Donation $ Please send me a complete list of 2008 messages What would spring be like if each bird said, I m not going North. It may snow all summer up there.?? If the flower bulbs said in January, With cold and snow like that on the earth, it will never change in time for me to bloom, so there is no need to sprout. If the grass said, Every year when I get to growing good, along comes the frost and then snow and I m right back where I started. So, no more.. I m not going to try again! If the farmer said, It s planting time soon, but I won t plow this year. I did last year and planted seed and no rain came. It will be the same this year. Forget it! If the Lord said, I gave my people such beauty in creation last year and they just rushed on about their own affairs and never enjoyed that beauty or thanked me, so this year, I quit. I m through! They didn t, It s Spring and Time for me to do my part too!

6 PAGE 6 LIVING WATER NEWS As a division of Living Water Church, the Ministry Training Center is dedicated to providing a biblically based curriculum. Our curriculum is designed to train and equip those called into the five-fold ministry as outlined in Ephesians 4: It is also ideal for individuals who wish to expand and enrich their personal walk with Christ through in-depth study of God s Word. Once our students have completed the fifteen course program, they will be thoroughly prepared and eligible for licensing thru Living Water Church and Ministry Training Center or equipped to seek licensing under their own Church affiliation. Each course is designed to provide our students with a firm foundation upon which to build their ministries. All students will be encouraged to use the gifts that they have received to serve others. (I Corinthians 12:4-7, Romans 12:4-8). Whether God has called you to full-time ministry or you seek to enrich your own personal studies, it is our privilege to offer this program to help you achieve your goals. I look forward to encouraging you in your journey to know Christ more intimately. Please contact me by if you are interested. In Christ, Catherine Adkins, Administrator cathyadkins@livingwaterchurchwv.com TUITION AND FEES UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULES Tuition - $60.00 per course Textbooks prices vary based upon selected materials. Old Testament Survey A comprehensive analysis of the Hebrew canon. The course acquaints the student with key facts in each book of the Old Testament. March 19, 2009-May 21, 2009 Book Deposit $25; textbooks provided for use by the institution will require a refundable deposit. New Student Application Fee - $30.00 Late Registration Fee - $10.00 Graduation Fee - $25 Diploma Processing Fee - $40.00 The Local Church in Evangelism Make evangelism a lifestyle. A practical approach to sharing your faith in everyday circumstances, learn basic skills and techniques in spreading the gospel. May 28, 2009 July 30, 2009 New Testament Survey An in-depth analysis of the Greek canon. The course highlights the key facts in each book of the New Testament. Key facts are highlighted in a manner that can be used in preaching, teaching and applying principles to everyday life. August 6, 2009 October 8, 2009

7 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 PAGE 7 Events And Announcements Kidz Blast: Every Sunday evening from 6-7:30 PM Greater Blaze Youth Outreach: April 11th, 6-8 PM Foot Washing Observance: April 5th, 6 PM The Shaffers Gospel Group: May 17th, 10:30 AM Ministry Training Center First Graduation Ceremony: May 22nd, 6 PM Annual Jamaica Missions Trip: November 2-10 (Contact Pastor Jerry if interested in participating) Don t forget our other outreach ministries: Teen Challenge Ministry: Please bring food/staples/hygiene products each week for the Teen Challenge pantry. We also need manufactures food coupons sent to the church, which helps with this outreach Mission Meal -Several of our church members help prepare and serve meals at Clarksburg Mission. If you are interested, see Barb Zirkle or Chalmus Bankers. Can you help? Nursery Workers are also needed! Please see Laura Fiscus. New Building Update For those who are new on our mailing list, here is a recap of our current situation. The property that the church purchased in 2005, came with a condition in the deed that mandated us to expand our building to approximately three times it s current size by December 2007, or be demolished. In 2006 we began a new building campaign to collect the necessary funds to build this structure, along with securing a letter of intent from a local bank to provide financing in early In June of 2007, we began construction of the foundation and block work, however were stopped by a legal right-of way issue, presented by the land-association where the church is located. By November 2007, this legal issue was resolved, however the land-association president refused to sign an extension, thus causing the bank to shut down it s offer to loan the remaining amount to complete the structure. At this point, we have continued to solicit donations for this project, and are pleased to announce that we have received, in total, over $39,500 towards the cost of the building. We have been able to pay off what has been done up to this point, however are now needing funds to get the framing, roof trusses, roofing and exterior brick work done. The approximate total still needed to complete the building is $136,000. We praise God for each of you that have been faithful in supporting this project, however the need is great and we re asking each of you to consider helping us with a generous donation. Various attempts have been made in meeting with the land-association to sign a date extension, however the president has refused. In October of 2008, the church leaders were informed that he would take the church to court in the Spring of 2009, in an attempt to gain a judicial order to tear down our current church building. We know that God is our protector, and are standing on his Word for this work to go forward for the kingdom of God here in WV. Please pray, and mark your donations, New Building God Bless you all for your support.

8 Living Water Church 1000 Hall Valley Drive Bridgeport, WV March 2009 A non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization All gifts are tax deductible On the Web: For Information Contact: Church & Ministries Pastor Jerry Fiscus Sunday School: John Harrison, Adults Aaron and Lisa Hewitt, Elementary Laura Fiscus and Mary Payne, Pre-School Kidz Blast Pastor Jerry Fiscus Children s Church Aaron Hewitt Nursery Laura Fiscus Worship Team Cathy Adkins Women s Ministry & Church Announcements Laura Fiscus Newsletter Pastor Jerry Transportation Art & Mary Payne Church Bulletin Cathy Adkins C.H.R.I.S.T Ministry Jackie Hammond Worship Service Sunday, 10:30 AM Christian Education Sunday, 9:30 AM Prayer Meeting Wednesday, 6:30 PM Ministry Training Class Thursday 6 PM Directions to church From Rt. 50, turn onto Rt. 131 (Old Airport Road) - it runs along the cemetery. Watch for the Living Water Church sign on the left. Turn down Hall Valley Drive, We re at the bottom of the hill on the right.