Fortress of Joy
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bringing
the word
​to life

a season of giving

12/23/2019

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I have a question: Who started all this gift giving at Christmas?  The answer: God gave His only begotten Son.  When folks wish to emulate the life of their Savior, they will give gifts to those who they care for.  There is an exception, if the devil is yet your father you will give nothing but expect much.  Christmas is represented by God giving His Son, the wise men giving gifts to His Son and the Son giving men the gift of the Holy Ghost.
 
John 12:24 I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abide alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.
 
The Jews were anxiously awaiting the appearing of the Messiah, but few recognized Him when He began His ministry in Galilee.  After many signs and wonders some began to believe He was the Christ, but when they crucified Him they lost all hope.  They did not understand the prophets, they did not know who their true enemy was.  Jesus was God’s gift to all men, He was born to be the final sacrifice under the Abrahamic covenant.  He was not what Israel expected Him to be, so He could not be what He was born to be.  Many did not know His true identity, but they loved Him because He healed all their disease.  Jesus had to die in order for men to live, He became our sin and we became His righteousness.
 
Galatians 1:15 It pleased God when He called me by His grace and to reveal His Son in me.
 
The Apostle Paul never met Jesus as far as we know.    He was a pharisee commissioned by the Jews to dismantle the teachings of Jesus.  He set out to discourage and arrest anyone who demonstrated an allegiance to Jesus.  A modern term for Paul would be a liberal.  But Paul met this Jesus on his way to Damascus and Jesus gave Paul a revelation.  A revelation is an inward witness of the Holy Ghost, it is more real than tangible evidence.  Natural evidence can be altered and fabricated, it is the basis for “religion”, but a revelation comes directly from God and it cannot be disputed.  God can convince any man if they are willing to accept His evidence.
 
Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized into the Name of Jesus and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 
 
The most important gift of God is eternal life but it is not His only gift, salvation qualifies you for even greater gifts.  The baptism of the Holy Spirit is greater than salvation because without the Holy Ghost you cannot be saved.  A born-again man is a son of God and God has many gifts He wants to give His children.  We cannot earn these gifts, we believe for them, without faith it is impossible to please our Father who art in heaven.
 
Acts 20:35 And Jesus said: it is more blessed to give than to receive.
 
The Scripture has always puzzled me until I looked up  the Greek word blessed.  We can read it this way: The one who gives is more happy than the one they give to.  It is the Father’s good pleasure to gift you the kingdom.

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    OFFERING DECLARATION
    Jesus Redeemed me from the curse, no poverty, no lack in my house.

    Wealth and riches in my home, the devil is rebuked for my sake.

    Father daily loads me with benefits, He takes pleasure in my increase.

    I love being redeemed,
    and I give my Lord all the glory.

    ​PRAYER FOCUS
    TAKING INVENTORY
     
    We are about to embark on the greatest adventure and outpouring of God’s Spirit! This month the Holy Spirit is asking us to examine ourselves/take           inventory so as God’s Vessels we can take our part and place in the Body of Christ!
     
    Scriptures to meditate on:
     
    Hebrews 12:1 Therefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

    Psalm 26:4 Lord you can scrutinize me. Refine my heart and probe my every thought. Put me to the test and you will find it is true.
     
    2 Cor 10:6 It is written, and having a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

    1 Peter 4:17 For judgement begins at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
     
    Psalm 139: 23, 24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me of unbelief and lead me in the way everlasting.
     
    2 Timothy 2:4 No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of (civilian) life: his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him (God)! DO ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!

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720 Faw Rd
Helena, Mt
59602
  • Home
  • About
  • Schedule
  • Visitors
  • Childrens Church
  • Youth Outreach
  • Women's Ministry
  • 2021 Faith Family Camp
  • Life Words
  • Giving