Have you ever wondered what you and your local church can do to reach the world for Jesus Christ?  This message from the heart of God, based on the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3 & Acts 11:19-30), will help you to see God's plan for your life and your local church. As the church at Antioch sought the Lord and then obeyed the leading of the Holy Spirit, ministry came forth which literally changed the world. Likewise, as you pray and obey, you will see the results that God has in mind for your life, your ministry, and your church. Be blessed!

This message by Susan Shanklin, which was delivered at our Harvest World Evangelism Conference, exposes the lies that the enemy seeks to sow into our lives. As long as you are believing the lies of the enemy, you will not fulfill your destiny. Through biblical principles and Bible stories, along with personal experience, Susan challenges you to walk in the truth of God's Word about who you are, what you have, and what you can do. She then calls you to the burning bush, like Moses, to hear God's voice and to be sent forth. Enjoy!

By Tom Shanklin

I believe if you will listen to this audio message and apply it in your life, it will help you.

God’s plan for every human being is victory! If you are experiencing defeat, discouragement, depression, and hopelessness, there is an answer in the Word of God—Praise! The secret to victory is to change what is coming out of your mouth. This audio message will inspire and encourage you to praise your way to victory!

The Scripture tells us, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength because of Your enemies, to silence the enemy and the avenger.” (Ps 8:2, MEV) When Jesus quotes this scripture, the New Testament uses the words “perfected praise” instead of “ordained strength.” (Mt. 21:16) This tells me that our praise will make the devil to get out of our face and to be quiet. And the good news is that even baby Christians can exercise this authority and have victory over the devil.

Jesus procured the victory when He died for our sins, rose again, and ascended far above all principalities and powers. Now we can get on the victory procession by first receiving Christ and then praising Father God for all he has done.

By praising God, you can:

Change your attitude.

Change the atmosphere.

Change your circumstances.

Enjoy God … and praise Him every day!

"On the Wings of the Wind Instrumental" courtesy of Dave Dickerson, Bishop Sutton, Somerset, England.

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Comments on this Message

Great message Tom, as usual.  I printed out your Scriptures and brought them to this Bible Study group I go to for the ladies there.  We were studying about anxiety, fear etc... so thought it would be helpful for them. (Minneapolis area)

Just finished listening to your message. It blessed me. I appreciate your ministry. (Thailand)

I have several 'feeds' from 3-4 ministers.  Amazing as it seems I don't listen to any some days.  Today, i was a bit 'down' to say the least.  I realized how long it had been since I'd been fed.  I came across your Victory Plan teaching, and soon became aware of God's faithfulness once again. God is so good.  I"m very thankful for you.  God bless! (Minnesota)

SERMON NOTES: PRAISE YOUR WAY TO VICTORY!

Reading: Ps. 8

Ps. 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength because of Your enemies, to silence the enemy and the avenger.  MEV

MT: You can change your attitude, the atmosphere, and even the circumstances of your life by praising God.

Mt 21.15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were extremely displeased 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are Saying?”jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ”˜Out of the mouth of children and infants You have perfected praise’?” 

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15, KJV).

Praise is the will of God…

Heb. 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

1 Thes. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Ps 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

Ps 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely (MEV, fitting) for the upright.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:9, KJV).

Praise gives victory…

<> O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (Psalms 47:1, KJV).

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus ...

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

By Tom Shanklin

For weeks Susan had thought we were going to visit a very special church leader named Bishop Sutton. In fact we were on our way to visit Pastors Dave and Jenny Dickerson and the lively congregation of the Bishop Sutton Community Church in Bishop Sutton, Somerset, South England.

We had a wonderful time of worship and both Susan and I shared the Word with these hungry souls. As I have everywhere I have gone on this trip, I preached on John's announcement about Jesus' ministry:

“I indeed baptize you with water to repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Matthew 3:11 MEV)

Enjoy the fire! We need to repent, but the fire can do what repentance alone will not accomplish. Jesus' ministry went beyond the ministry of John. Through the blood of the cross and the fire of the Holy Spirit, we can expect to be changed, in Jesus name.

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By Tom Shanklin

This message was preached as a part of series on the book of Nehemiah at Two Rivers Vineyard Church in Mankato, Minnesota. Nehemiah called the people to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Today, we, too, are involved in a great work—building up the Jesus' Church. Let us rise up and build the Church, in Jesus' name.

Notes: LET US RISE UP AND BUILD

READING: Nehemiah 2

“Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” Nehemiah 2:18, KJV.

M.T. Just as in the days of Nehemiah, we are involved in a construction plan, and God has a purpose for each of us in it.

Very Significant: Daniel 9:24 Daniel’s 70 weeks. Rebuilding Jerusalem started the clock for Messiah. Jeremiah. Likewise, we are involved in a very significant project in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

GOD’S BUILDING PROJECT REQUIRES GOD-ANOINTED LEADERSHIP

“Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:17-20, KJV.

He prayed. 11 times in the book. Source of strength and direction……He know his destiny.

He recognized the problem

He told them God had anointed him and sent him. “The hand of my God which was good upon me…” Pastor David and Shannon, “I want you to build My church.” Then he specifically called them here. “Together, we can make a difference.” “Some people are under-impressed with God.” “A time to build up.”

He called them to work with him to build the wall. He cast the vision, and they responded to his leadership.

He immediately faced opposition

He dismissed the enemy.

He spoke words of faith and victory, recognizing the greatness of God.

JESUS IS THE BUILDER OF THE HIS CHURCH

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:13-19, KJV.

The Church is built upon Jesus. Without Him we are just a religious social club. 

Through the revelation that he is the Christ we come into the blessing. 

He identified Himself as the builder.

He gives us authority to function in our part of the construction project.

GOD-ANOINTED CO-LABORERS BUILD THE CHURCH

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder,

By Tom Shanklin

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:35, 36, KJV.

Need a faith lift! Check this message out. When we are in the midst of a storm, it's hard to see the way out. But if we keep our eyes on the Lord and all that He has done for us, we can have confidence, knowing that He will bring us through.

The Hebrew Christians were suffering trials and affliction because of their faith, and were tempted to turn back. They are encouraged to "Cast not away" their confidence because it has great recompense reward.

This message will encourage you, and help you to see that God is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

See Heb. 10:12-11:6

What is the purpose of Pentecost?

2000 years ago, Jesus died on a cross at Calvary for our sins. He was buried and then God raised Him from the dead. After that He told His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father, the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

After waiting on the Lord, on the day of Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit and they spoke in other languages supernaturally. This experience was largely lost to the Church until the early 1900s, when brave men and women faced harassment and persecution and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues.

The purpose of Pentecost was not just so we could experience ecstasy, although it is a wonderful experience. But God sent His Holy Spirit so we could have God's power in our lives to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. If ever we needed that power, we need it today. We need the baptism of the Holy Spirit and we need to use that power to reach the world for Jesus.

There is a tendency in the Church to go back to comfortable, man-pleasing religion rather than to follow the Scriptures and reach into the things of the Holy Spirit. This message will challenge you to press into all that God has for you in Christ, and to discover the true purpose of Pentecost.

NOTES: THE PURPOSE OF PENTECOST

READING: Acts 1:1-8

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8, KJV.

MAIN THOUGHT: We need the power of the Holy Spirit to reach this world for Jesus.

If Jesus needed power in His life to bring men and women to himself. If the early church needed power to turn the world upside down, what would make us think with the proliferation of evil and deceit in the world today. that we don’t need power today. We need the power of the Spirit. 

THE PROMISE OF PENTECOST

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Acts 1:4, 5, KJV.

If I made you a promise and then failed to fulfill it, what would that make me. God has promised you the spirit. Too many Christians ball and squall and beg for the Holy Ghost, when all we need to do is believe His promise and take it by faith. They had to wait for the day of Pentecost, but today, Pentecost has come. There is no more waiting.

THE PASSION OF PENTECOST

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Acts 1:14, KJV.

Accord—one accord, one mind, one passion; Gr. compound word meaning to “rush along” “in unison” 

THE POWER OF PENTECOST “ye shall receive power.”

“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.

This started a brush fire that is still burning today. 

Charles Parham challenged is Bible School students in Topeka, Kansas to study the Bible and determine what was the most common manifestation of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. While he was away on a preaching engagement, they studied and concluded that speaking in other tongues (languages) was the key manifestation found throughout the New Testament. On Jan 1, 1901, Agnes Ozman, asked Parham to lay hands on her to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. As he did, she abruptly erupted, speaking out in a foreign tongue. It was found out later,

"Bringing Healing to Families, Communities, and Nations" is Lesson 12 from the  Believers School of Ministry from Tom Shanklin Ministries. This final message of the Introduction to Ministry deals with God's plan to bring healing and restoration to all the families and nations of the world, and explores the part that each of us have in His great plan. This message was taught via Skype in a nation in Asia.

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Notes…

Bringing Healing to Families, Communities and Nations

The purpose of this lesson is to encourage believers to be agents of mercy, forgiveness and healing to a dark a troubled world.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14, KJV.

GOD'S HEALING TRAIL IN THE BIBLE

Gen. 3

Gen. 12:1-3

Gen. 22:11-19

Ezekial 47

John 4, John 7

John 15:1-9

Eph. 1:15:23

Eph. 3:14-21

Eph. 5:18-6:9

Rev. 22:1-5

WE BRING HEALING BY FOLLOWING JESUS

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14, KJV.

As He is, so are we. 1 John 4:17, Walk as He walked. 1 Jn. 2:6

As the Father sent Jesus, so He has sent us. John 20:21-23, KJV.

We have the same calling as Jesus

We need the Holy Spirit to accomplish it.

We must release forgiveness rather than judgement.

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

YOUR MINISTRY STARTS AT HOME

Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and into all the world. Acts 1:8

Where you live, where you work, where you shop, where you play. Jerusalem is your hometown. You have a ministry in your hometown. Sometimes that is the most difficult place to minister. And your ministry may not be as effective there as in other places, but nonetheless it is your calling.

“But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country…” Mark 6:4-6

Jesus’ ministry was not as effective in His hometown, nevertheless He continued to minister and to teach God’s Word, so faith might arise. Remember in ministering to people, their first reaction is not the end of the story. Continue to be faithful to live the life before them and to teach God’s Word.

Return to your own house and tell what great things the Lord has done. Luke 8:39

Practice the love of God in your own home. Ephesians 5:22-6:4

COMPASSION IS THE HEARTBEAT OF MINISTRY

“When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion,…” Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus was moved by compassion. This is the heartbeat of true ministry, to have compassion on people, in your home, in your church, in your community, in your home.

REDEMPTION STARTS WITH PRAYER. 

Your kingdom come. Your will be done. Matthew 6:9-15

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done…

In me

In my family

In my church

In my community

In my nation

In the world

WE ARE CALLED TO RECONCILE PEOPLE TO GOD

He has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

All healing starts with healing in our relationship with God. God did His part. He sent Jesus. Jesus did his part. He died on the cross. Now, we must do our part, by bringing the Good News of God’s love and forgiveness to others. We can bridge the gap between God and man by our life, by our love, by our witness, and by our prayers.

“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth,

Tom teaching in Lalo, Benin.

This message was preached by Tom Shanklin at a Lusk World Outreach Evangelism Conference in Lalo, Benin in February of 2018. It's a simple message about sharing Jesus with others. There's a worksheet included in the French language.

Notes…

Partager Jésus!

Download a PDF file of these notes>>>

PRIE- "Père, je suis ouvert pour les affaires aujourd'hui! Donne-moi des occasions de partager au sujet de Ton Fils, Jésus. Ouvre la porte. Ouvre leurs cœurs. Ouvre ma bouche, au nom de Jésus. Amen. »

FAIS UNE CONNEXION - Pose des questions sur leur vie, leurs intérêts, leur famille, leur origine spirituelle, etc. 

PARTAGE TON HISTOIRE UNIQUE

À quoi ressemblait ma vie avant de venir à Jésus-Christ?

Comment suis-je venu à Jésus-Christ ?

Quelle a été ma vie depuis que je suis venu à Jésus-Christ?

PARTAGE LES BONNES NOUVELLES 

« Pourrais-je partager avec vous comment vous pouvez faire l'expérience de la paix de Dieu et savoir que vous avez la vie éternelle? »

Notre besoin - Dieu créa toute chose bonne et il nous a fait bon. La raison pour laquelle il y a tant de problèmes dans le monde n'est pas à cause de Dieu, mais parce que le premier homme, Adam, s'est révolté contre Dieu et a suivi Satan. Nous avons hérité d'une nature à pécher d'Adam. Par conséquent, tout le monde a péché contre Dieu et a besoin d'un Sauveur. 

« Car tous ont péché et sont privés de la gloire de Dieu; » Romains 3:23, LSG.

Le don de Dieu - Dieu, parce qu'il t’aime, a envoyé son Fils mourir sur la croix pour tes péchés. Il n'a jamais péché, mais Il a payé la pénalité pour tes péchés. Puis Il est ressuscité des morts. Il est vivant et la Parole de Dieu dit que vous aussi pouvez vivre éternellement avec Lui. En croyant en lui, vous recevez sa vie éternelle et la paix avec Dieu.

« Car Dieu a tant aimé le monde, qu'il a donné son Fils unique, afin que quiconque croit en lui ne périsse pas, mais qu'il ait la vie éternelle. » Jean 3:16, LSG.

Recevoir Jésus - La Bible dit que si vous vous détournez du péché et confessez Jésus comme Seigneur de votre vie, et croyez dans votre cœur que Dieu l'a ressuscité des morts, vous serez sauvés. Voulez-vous le faire maintenant?

« Si tu confesses de ta bouche le Seigneur Jésus, et si tu crois dans ton cœur que Dieu l'a ressuscité des morts, tu seras sauvé. »

Romains 10: 9, LSG.

CONDUIS-LES DANS UNE PRIÈRE POUR RECEVOIR JÉSUS

Cher Père céleste, je sais que j'ai péché. Merci d'envoyer Jésus mourir pour mes péchés. Je crois que Jésus est ressuscité des morts. Je me détourne du péché et je confesse Jésus comme Seigneur de ma vie. Je vais le suivre. Merci de m'avoir sauvé et de m'avoir donné la vie éternelle. Je crois que je suis ton enfant et je vivrai avec toi pour toujours, au nom de Jésus. Amen. 

« Mais à tous ceux qui l’ont reçue, à ceux qui croient en son nom, elle a donné le pouvoir de devenir enfants de Dieu, » Jean 1:12, LSG

ENCOURAGE-LES 

Encourage-les à s'impliquer dans une église qui croit en la Bible, où ils peuvent recevoir le baptême, être rempli de l'Esprit, apprendre la Parole de Dieu, être en communion avec les croyants et prier. Invite-les à votre église ou à vos études bibliques. 

Pour plus d'enseignement, visitez BelieversSchool.org

Teamwork makes the dream work in world evangelism! It's not a new revelation, but this truth was so impressed on my heart during our mission to Benin in February of 2018. Two ministries from the United States and all our supporters, a group of fellow workers from Benin, and 60 churches from Lalo, Benin all worked together to reach a city and touch a nation for Jesus.

Each one of us have a part in the work of God in the earth. You are a very important person for world evangelism.

When we work together, we win. When we pull apart, the devil wins. By working together, we can reach the world through Jesus Christ! This is true on many levels—in our families, in our local churches, and on the fields of world evangelism. United, we can reach the world!

This message was preached at the Country Church in Ruthton, Minnesota. Enjoy this message and put it into practice in your life and ministry.

Sermon Notes…

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20, KJV.

Preach the Gospel: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, KJV.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16, KJV.

They (plural) the Lord working with them (plural) Teamwork makes the dream work. We saw this in Benin—2 ministries from the US, 6 on our team (apostle, 2 pastors, 2 interpreters, and a driver/photographer). We also worked with 60 churches in Lalo, Benin, who now have the responsibility to preserve the harvest.

The Lord’s dream is the evangelization of the world. That’s why He gave us the Great Commission.

M.T. As every member of the Body does his or her part, we can reach the world for Jesus.

“And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.” 1 Corinthians 12:21-23, KJV.

Young parts Older parts. Men. Women. Preachers. Business people. Homemakers. Quiet people. Loud people.

Michael Lusk: 36 year old evangelist I learned strategies from. He know about them because an older minister took him under his wing, TL Osborn, and showed him how to do crusades. Too many people are unwilling to invest in others. We need one another. We need the TEAM to function.

FIVE VIPS FOR WORLD EVANGELISM

EVANGELISTS

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” Ephesians 4:11-13, NKJV.

Model—Acts 8: evangelist conference in Benin, PAs, we need to restore the office of the evangelist to the Body of Christ. Problem: FADs.

2.