“O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good …” (Ps. 107:1). With this in mind, we are gathered here today. May we all be blessed.
Iran is now experiencing a spiritual awakening The Christian Post recently reported that hundreds of thousands of Christians are worshiping secretly in a rapidly accelerating house church movement in that country. This is being aided by a London-based theological center which is training the next generation of its spiritual leaders. The Iranian government labels Christianity as a threat to the nation’s Islamic identity and has imprisoned over 100 Christians for worshiping Christ. But this has in no way prevented the Iranian house churches from blossoming into a movement too big for the Iranian religious police to contain.
Some estimates, such as one provided by Open Doors USA, record as many as 450,000 practicing Christians in Iran, while other, more optimistic estimates, record over 1 million Christians in the Islamic republic. According to a source closely associated with the London-based Pars Theological Center, approximately 200 Iranian Christians are being trained to become the next generation of leaders to help the house church movement grow so that it can foster a better society for Iranian people.
But While Iran’s rapid church growth is a cause for praise and celebration, there is major concern being expressed. There is a lack of depth in the movement and a severe shortage of well-equipped leaders to address this need. The church is facing a leadership crisis that, if not addressed, will damage its health and mission. There is a great and urgent need for training quality leaders, and to do that there needs to be quality theological and leadership training that is accessible to those serving inside the country. I am therefore urging us as a church, to join our Global Intercessors and pray for this movement of God in Iran and for the leadership crisis. There is nothing the devil would want more than to destroy this work of God. But through prayer we can stop him. Let’s not hesitate to do so. Amen!
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
BOARD MEETING
Today, 6:00p.m.
LUNCH HOUR HOTLINE/BIBLICAL DYNAMICS
Wednesday, 12:00 noon- Lunch Hour Hotline
5:30 P.M. – Biblical Dynamics – ‘Your Healing From A Divine Perspective‘
3. SISTERS-IN-UNITY PRAYER NIGHT
Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
4. CHOIR PRACTICE
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
5. HOUR-OF-POWER PRAYER SESSION
Saturday, 7:00a.m. – 8:00a.m.
6. PRAISE & ADORATION PRACTICE
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
7. NEXT SUNDAY
Worship & Ministry Service, 9:00 a.m.
King’s Daughters Meeting, 6:00p.m.
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Empowerment Conference 2016
St. Thomas Assembly of God, March 18-19, 2016.
Conference Seminar: 19th, 9:00a.m.
Speaker: Rev. Benedict Jn Baptiste // Registration fee $30.00
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Spanish Scripture: (John 12:24)
“Ciertamente les aseguro que si el grano de trigo no cae en tierra y muere, se queda solo. Pero si muere, produce mucho fruto.”
-Juan 12:24 (NVI)
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God Is Waiting for You to Plant a Seed
“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24b NIV)
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What does a farmer do when he’s got a barren field that’s producing no income? He doesn’t complain about it. He doesn’t even pray about it! He just goes out and starts planting some seed, because nothing is going to happen until he plants the seed. He can pray all he wants, but it’s not going to produce fruit. He’s got to plant some seed. Some of you think you’re waiting on God. You think you’re waiting on God for that job. You think you’re waiting on God for a husband. You think you’re waiting on God for the windfall. God says, “You think you’re waiting on me? I’m waiting on you! I’m waiting for you to plant a seed.”
Everything in life starts as a seed — a relationship, a marriage, a business, a church. And nothing happens until the seed is planted.
Why does God require us to plant a seed? Because planting is an act of faith. You take what you’ve got, and you give it away. That takes an act of faith! And it brings glory to God.
Jesus described this principle of sowing and reaping when he was trying to explain why he came to Earth to die on the cross. In John 12:24 Jesus said, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (NIV). Jesus was saying, “Millions of people will be saved and go to Heaven because of my death and Resurrection. I’m going to plant a seed, and the seed is going to be my life.”
Here’s the principle of sowing and reaping: Whenever you have a need, you plant a seed. Whatever it is you need — more time, more energy, more money, more support, more relationships, more wisdom — just plant a seed. If you need more time, give more time to your kids. If you need more money, give it away to someone who needs it. If you need more wisdom, share what wisdom you have with others. Give yourself away!
It may not make sense to you to give away something that you need more of, but that is exactly the kind of attitude that God wants to bless and that will produce fruit in your life. When you have a need, don’t gripe about it, don’t wish about it, and you don’t even have to pray about it — just plant a seed! – RICK WARREN
MEDIA MINISTRY
World Overcomers: WSTA 1340 AM station: Sundays at 12:30 p.m. & Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m.
Website: http://www.wom.vi
On our Website you will find: Live Streaming, Mobile, and Podcast
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