Good News for Everyone

How you can make a difference in the growth of your church.

By Tom Shanklin

 “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Mark 11:23, KJV.

The confession of our mouth is one of the most powerful tools that we have in the Christian life.

Think of it! We come into the kingdom by confessing “Jesus as Lord.” Then we are encouraged to hold fast our profession, or confession, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23, KJV.

We can hold fast to our confession because God is faithful and His Word is true.

You will have whatever you say! Are you saying?

* I never have any money.

* This job is killing me.

* I can’t understand math.

* I can’t quit smoking.

* I have no power over temptation.

Now, there may be a place to acknowledge a weakness and then ask God for strength to overcome, but if we keep saying something over and over, we are reinforcing these things in our life. That’s why I don’t agree with having meetings week after week and saying, “I’m an alcoholic.”

It’s better to say, “I was an alcoholic, but Jesus has set me free!”

Here’s some examples of a good confession:

* I’m a new creature in Christ.

* Sin does not have dominion over me, because I’m not under the law. I’m under grace.

* Jesus is made unto me wisdom.

* I have the mind of Christ.

* I know the truth, and the truth makes me free.

The Gospel will only work for you when you believe it, speak it and act upon it. But if you continually agree with the devil in the things that you say and think, you will be defeated in your life.

Start agreeing with God. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth and that mountain will be removed from your life.

There’s much more on the podcast. Be sure and listen.

On this podcast, you will learn:

* How the words that you speak either defeat you or put you over.

* How you can destroy or build your family with word.

* How you can overcome words that have been spoken against you.

* How to guide your life with words.

 

Sermon notes…

You Will Have What You Say

Reading: Mark 11:12-23

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Mark 11:23, KJV.

Main Thought: You are guiding your life and predicting your future by the words that you speak.

Humans have the unique capacity to conceive, create, speak forth and produce.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2, KJV.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, KJV.

1. Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue

“A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and wi...

It's time to ride together in harmony!

By Tom Shanklin

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 18:19, KJV.

There is tremendous power in agreement. If we can agree on anything, Jesus said, It shall be done of my Father.

If a group of Christians can just come into harmony, the possibilities are limitless. But all too often, strife and division spoils the work of God and the thwarts the great work that He wants to do through His body. As Jesus said, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:21, KJV.

This message will stir you and encourage you to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit. It will give you some practical keys to overcome offense and to walk in harmony in your home, your business, and in the church. Let this message speak to your  heart today. It's a very important issue, and one the greatest causes of the short circuiting on the power of God today!

Here's the teaching notes…

THE POWER OF AGREEMENT

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:15-20, KJV.

Main Thought: If you can get a bunch of Christian believers to agree, you will have a mighty force for God. Psalm 133, Acts 2:1-4, The role of unity in revival.

AMP 19 Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Not just agree about a specific prayer request; but basically to live in harmony.

Sumophonos—agree together in harmony; make the same sound. Symphony.

Praying together helps us to "tune up" with the conductor.

-Flow of thought in Matthew 18, conversions, humility, don’t offend littles ones, go after the 99, relationships, forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the essence of the Gospel; Un-forgiveness and strife are contrary to the Gospel.

“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Proverbs 10:12, KJV.

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:21, KJV.

“Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Luke 6:28, KJV.

Dealing with conflict…

Unity is so important that Jesus gave a prescription to deal with offenses in the church. He said if someone trespasses against you, go to him alone, not gossip to all your friends and cause disunity in the church body. Most of the time, this will correct the problem. The goal here is reconciliation and healing and preserving the unity of the saints.

WE ARE CALLED TO SPEAK THE SAME THING

“Now I beseech you, brethren,

Click here to check out Susan's book, "Help! I Want to Lose Weight."

This message preached by Tom and Susan Shanklin deals with the subject of caring for your body. We know that the spirit is of primary importance, but according to the Scripture, the body is also holy and set apart to God. Over four years ago, Tom and Susan went on a weight-loss program in which they loss over 150 pounds between them.

In this message you will learn:

* What God says about your spirt, soul and body.

* The two extremes that have always plagued the Gospel message—legalism and antinomianism.

* How Susan lost over 80 pounds and has kept the weight off for over three years.

* Keys to weight loss and a healthy diet.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR TEMPLE

Tom's Message: THE BODY IS IMPORTANT

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23, KJV.

We are a 3-part being:

1. SPIRIT—through the new birth our spirit comes alive and is united with God.

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” Ephesians 2:1, KJV.

“But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” 1 Corinthians 6:17, KJV.

-God created us good. Gen. 1:31

-Because of sin we are separated from God. Rom 3.23, Rom 5.12

-Through Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection, we are reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:21

-By receiving Jesus as Savior and ruler of our life, we are re-united with God and given new life. John 1:12

This is the most important choice you'll ever make.

2. SOUL—our mind and emotions are transformed progressively through the Word of God.

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21, KJV.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2, KJV.

3. BODY— our earth suit, how we connect with the earthly realm.

Your body is holy and belongs to God.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20, KJV.

It is important to keep your body holy, particularly concerning moral and sexual purity.

How Tom lost weight:

-Ate less, no magic bullet

-Followed Susan's plan

Susan's Message: YOU ARE NOT A DUD

God sees you as valuable.

How Susan lost 86 pounds in just over a year.

-Portion Control—weighing meat, measuring starches, max out on vegetables.

-Avoiding sugar.

-Healthy Foods.

-Accountability (TOPS)

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17, MEV

LOOK at the good things God has for you!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Eph. 1:3 MEV

Pastors praying in harmony in southcentral Nepal in 2014.

By Tom Shanklin

With God's anointing on our lives, we can accomplish great things, but an even greater power and blessing is released when a group is anointed. Churches, ministries, and families can be tremendous conduits for the power of the Holy Spirit when they function in unity.

In this message, you will hear:

* How God's power was released in the Old Testament when God's people made "one sound" in praising God.

* How the choices you make in your relationships in the church have an effect on the salvation of souls.

* How God laid down the pattern for revival and awakening the book of Acts and how that pattern can be followed today.

* How your part in the Body of Christ is valuable.

 

Here's the sermon notes…

THE CORPORATE ANOINTING

“<> Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3, KJV.

-a period of great unity under King David. How many would like to know something you can do that will cause a move of God that will cause people to come to know Christ as Savior and Lord?

MAIN THOUGHT: By coming into unity, we can experience a great manifestation of God and we can see many people come to the Lord.

UNITY IN GOD’S PEOPLE RELEASES THE HOLY SPIRIT

“It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.” 2 Chronicles 5:13, 14, KJV.

harmonious worship, priests could not stand. God invaded the congregation.

REVIVAL COMES THROUGH UNITED PRAYER

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4, KJV.

Revival brings a God-consciousness, and it’s easy to get saved. Noised abroad, multitude came together. 3000 souls. Acts 2:6 We desperately need revival today!

“Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.” Psalms 110:3, KJV.

EVERY PART OF THE ANOINTED BODY IS IMPORTANT

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing?

You are in charge of what goes on in your mind.

By Tom Shanklin

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13, KJV.

Many people suffer with depression, addictions and various phobias of the mind. One of the most important aspects of the Christian life is taking charge of your own thinking. God does not want you to be mentally and emotionally floating in the breeze. He wants you to have a strong, directed mind that is governed by the Word of God.

Without proper thinking, you will never be victorious and you will never walk in the anointing. But when you make a decision to take control of your thought life, you will find success coming your way at every turn.

This message contains the tools to take charge of your thinking and a strong word of encouragement to "gird up the loins of your mind." It also includes testimonies from my own life about how God taught me to control my mind. This sermon was preached a number of years ago, but the message is still totally relevant today. Enjoy this fresh word from the Lord and make use of the study notes below to enhance your experience.

Also, here's a link to the scriptures on Overcoming Oppression which are referenced in the message>>>

YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR MIND

READING: 1 Pet 1.13-19

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13, KJV).

GIRD—a metaphor derived from the practice of the Orientals, who in order to be unimpeded in their movements were accustomed, when starting a journey or engaging in any work, to bind their long flowing garments closely around their bodies and fastened them with a leather belt.

LOIN—the place where the Hebrews thought the generative power (semen) resided; center of reproduction. . .

SOBER—seeing things correctly. . .

Law of the mind—wherever you are going, your mind is taking you there. Here we’re talking about a preparation, a ready mind, a mind directed to success. . . disciplined mind. . . ready to run with Jesus. The reason people’s emotions are all over the place is because their thoughts are all over the place. It is because of a lack of discipline of the mind. Sowing and reaping: negative, defeated thought produce negative defeated results. Sweet, victorious thoughts production lively results.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE PRODUCING? Whatever it is producing is in direct proportion to the kind of direction you are giving through your mind.

YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO PROSPER

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and thenâ thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8, KJV).

-THE biggest cause for defeat in many Christians is stinkin’ thinkin’ and hardening of the attitudes.

YOUR LIFE WILL NOT PRODUCE WITH A GRASSHOPPER MENTALITY

And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled,

Before I came to Jesus I was a slave. Satan had me bound up in alcohol, sin and selfishness. But thank God, Jesus set me free. And He will set you free as well.

The New Birth is the world's greatest miracle. John Wesley said, Only the power that makes a world can make a Christian. The power to change a life is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for the whole man—spirit, soul, and body. God wants to make you whole in every area of your life.

When Jesus walked the earth, the crowds thronged Him to receive healing and deliverance. The woman with the issue of blood was one of those, and she received an instantaneous miracle in her body. But the truth is, we can still receive a miracle today by touching Jesus. When we touch Jesus through the Holy Spirit, we will never be the same.