Once again we welcome you as we gather to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. May His name be glorified in us.
Two U.K. preachers, Michael Overd and Michael Stockwell were convicted of “religiously aggravated public disorder” in February. They were accused of hate speech against Muslims and gay people after simply reading from the King James Bible and affirming that “Jesus is the only way to God” before a crowd of 100 people.
Today, they are enjoying a sweeping victory after winning their appeal at the Bristol Crown Court. At the appeal hearing Overd said that he does not hate Muslims or gays, but while he disagrees with homosexual people, he doesn’t find them to be worse than anyone else. He calls himself a “Christian soldier,” and has vowed to be back on the streets preaching. Stockwell, a former U.S. marine in responding to the decision of the court, remarked that people should have the freedom “to express their beliefs in public without risk of harm, violence or other repercussions.”
Bristol Crown Court judges stated that despite witness reports that the preachers had been intentionally trying to wind people up; there was no evidence provided that the offense was religiously aggravated. Andrea Williams from the Christian Legal Center which was supporting the preachers said, “At a time where Christians are becoming increasingly fearful about expressing their beliefs in the public space, this is a welcome and needed result. We are grateful that the judge made the right decision today.”
Jesus has commanded us to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to everyone. He also assures us of His abiding presence with us in the process. Therefore, we have no need to fear no matter what the devil may try to do against us. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us. Amen!
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
BOARD MEETING
Today, 6:00 p.m.
LUNCH HOUR HOTLINE /BIBLICAL DYNAMICS
Wednesday, 12:00noon
5:30p.m.- Biblical Dynamics: “The Intercepting Prayer”
PRAISE & ADORATION PRACTICE
Friday, 6:30p.m.
HOUR-OF-POWER PRAYER SESSION
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
NEXT SUNDAY
Worship & Ministry Service, 9:00 a.m.
The King’s Daughters Ministry Meeting, 6:00p.m.
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Calendar of Events 2017
Year of the Overcomer
August 6-8 …………………… King’s Daughters Conference
August 25 …….…………….………………..…… Outreach Night
Oct. 11-13 ……..………..…..… Sisters-in-Unity Conference
Nov. 10 ……..……………….….…………………… Outreach Night
Dec. 10……………………..……..… Leaders Fellowship Night
Dec. 17……………………. Christmas Program & Fellowship
Dec. 31…………….……..……………. Old Year’s Night Service
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Freely You Have Received, Freely Give
Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven
– Matthew 18:21-22
I don’t know about you, but I am glad that God does not put a limit on how many times He will forgive us. Regardless of how many times we fall short, He continues to demonstrate His love for us by forgiving us and welcoming us back time and time again.
But isn’t it amazing how we are willing to keep receiving forgiveness from God, yet how little we want to give forgiveness to others? We freely accept mercy, yet it is surprising how rigid, legalistic, and merciless we can be toward others.
The bottom line is this: As people who have been forgiven much, it is important we learn to share that same forgiveness with others. We can’t live in close relationship with God while we harbor bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness toward another person. These are chains that will keep us spiritually bound up and far from God’s best in our lives.
If there are people who have hurt you and you are finding it difficult to forgive them, just remember all the things God has forgiven you for. When you look at it that way, forgiveness becomes something much easier to give to others.
God’s grace helps us do things easily that would otherwise be hard.
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-From the book Closer to God Each Day by Joyce Meyer.
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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 & Email: info@fea.vi
•On our Website you will find: Live Streaming, free copies of our audio message & radio broadcast.
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OVERCOMER: Living a Life of Victory!