Evening Service

Blood is a mixture of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. There are three different type of cells: Red, White and platelets. Red blood cells make up 40% of the blood and they serve to move oxygen to tissue and waste way. The while blood cells fight off infection. Platelets are small pieces of cell particles that serve to plug up holes in arteries when there is an injury. Of all the gifts that God has given us, none is more precious than the Blood of Jesus. Many churches no longer preach about the blood, because it is a gristly subject. The blood is necessary however, and when applied to our life, it gives forgiveness for our sins. When the Blood of Jesus is applied to our life, it cleanses and makes whole. It sanctifies us. Then the blood is applied to our life, it heals. Applying the blood allows us to overcome the work of the devil. Blood is so important to God, it is mentioned over 700 times int he the bible. In Leviticus, the bible tells us that the life of the flesh is in the blood. In our body, the blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the body. If the flow of blood is cut off, the body begins to die. Spiritually, the same thing will happen. In our bodies, the blood carry away waste from the cells. Spiritually, the blood carries away sin. The physical blood protects and fights off disease. The blood of Jesus protects us from the sicknesses of the world. Many Christians know about the shedding of blood, but not about the application of the blood. In our text, Israel was instructed to apply the blood to their doors. Those that did were spared the passover, but those that did not lost their first born. The killing of the lamb was not enough, it had to be applied to the door. God's protection was not dependent upon good works, it required that the death angle see the blood applied. Through the old testament, the blood shed was used to atone for sin. In the new testament, the blood of Jesus covers us all. In John, he refers to Jesus as the lamb. In John's gospel, Jesus is hanging on the cross literally on the same day as thousands of lambs are being sacrificed for the passover. Jesus became the passover lamb and atoned for our sin with his own blood. The blood of Jesus is the only thing that can bring about the forgiveness that we truly need. Without the blood of Jesus we are defenseless again the attacks of the devil.

Applying the blood is necessary. It is already been shed, but we must apply that blood to our life. That is when it will become powerful. In the old covenant, the blood was applied with hyssop. In the new convent, the blood is applied with the word of God. When we read and study the word, we consume the word and apply that word to our life. Bro. Hilton invites three members of the congregation offer testimony on the how the power of blood applied to their life has protected, healed and sustained. The blood doesn't work if you don't apply it.

Evening Service

Blood is a mixture of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. There are three different type of cells: Red, White and platelets. Red blood cells make up 40% of the blood and they serve to move oxygen to tissue and waste way. The while blood cells fight off infection. Platelets are small pieces of cell particles that serve to plug up holes in arteries when there is an injury. Of all the gifts that God has given us, none is more precious than the Blood of Jesus. Many churches no longer preach about the blood, because it is a gristly subject. The blood is necessary however, and when applied to our life, it gives forgiveness for our sins. When the Blood of Jesus is applied to our life, it cleanses and makes whole. It sanctifies us. Then the blood is applied to our life, it heals. Applying the blood allows us to overcome the work of the devil. Blood is so important to God, it is mentioned over 700 times int he the bible. In Leviticus, the bible tells us that the life of the flesh is in the blood. In our body, the blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the body. If the flow of blood is cut off, the body begins to die. Spiritually, the same thing will happen. In our bodies, the blood carry away waste from the cells. Spiritually, the blood carries away sin. The physical blood protects and fights off disease. The blood of Jesus protects us from the sicknesses of the world. Many Christians know about the shedding of blood, but not about the application of the blood. In our text, Israel was instructed to apply the blood to their doors. Those that did were spared the passover, but those that did not lost their first born. The killing of the lamb was not enough, it had to be applied to the door. God's protection was not dependent upon good works, it required that the death angle see the blood applied. Through the old testament, the blood shed was used to atone for sin. In the new testament, the blood of Jesus covers us all. In John, he refers to Jesus as the lamb. In John's gospel, Jesus is hanging on the cross literally on the same day as thousands of lambs are being sacrificed for the passover. Jesus became the passover lamb and atoned for our sin with his own blood. The blood of Jesus is the only thing that can bring about the forgiveness that we truly need. Without the blood of Jesus we are defenseless again the attacks of the devil.

Applying the blood is necessary. It is already been shed, but we must apply that blood to our life. That is when it will become powerful. In the old covenant, the blood was applied with hyssop. In the new convent, the blood is applied with the word of God. When we read and study the word, we consume the word and apply that word to our life. Bro. Hilton invites three members of the congregation offer testimony on the how the power of blood applied to their life has protected, healed and sustained. The blood doesn't work if you don't apply it.

In our familiar text, we often look at the perspective from man's perspective. However, Bro. Hughes looks today at these parables as being from God's perspective. The treasure is us and the pearl is the church. Bro. Hughes points out that when God is in control, then there are certain things that follow. There are many conflicting views about life. Many people's lives are messed up because of their take on life. Bro. Hughes tells us that he wants to go to the creator for his guidance in life. If we buy a IBM computer, we do not go to Apple for help in how to work it. What does our creator have to say about us and our journey on earth? Many people are looking for advice on how to live life from the wrong source. It is important to understand that when God rules, there will be characteristics of life that will be part of our life. By being part of the treasure of God's plan, we will enjoy the blessings of the best life, but there will be a cost associated with that. There is the discovery of a treasure in our text, but there is also a price required to attain that treasure. When God rules, that treasure will be more important than everything else. The treasure will be the focal point. We must all find the treasure. It cannot be discovered for us. The value of the treasure is far beyond any earthly currency. What kind of price can you put on healing or for the restoration of a life lost in sin? When God rules we discover that there are some things that are worth selling all. We will never regret any sacrifice made for God. God will always bless us more abundantly than any effort or sacrifice we may make. When God rules we discover what true happiness is. In our text, the merchant was seeking good pearls, but he discovered the best, and gave all he had to posses it. He had the wisdom to discern the best from all that may have been good. When we allow Him to rule, we can discover the best. There are a lot of good people in this world, but they will be lost unless they discover the best. Do we recognize the best when it is before us? Are we satisfied with good, and stop seeking the best? Be true to what is highest and not be lost in just good living. The crowing possession was not many thing, but one thing. Paul said "This one thing I do, I forget what is behind, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling." (Phil 3:14)

We must learn that when God rules, we will find the best.

In our familiar text, we often look at the perspective from man's perspective. However, Bro. Hughes looks today at these parables as being from God's perspective. The treasure is us and the pearl is the church. Bro. Hughes points out that when God is in control, then there are certain things that follow. There are many conflicting views about life. Many people's lives are messed up because of their take on life. Bro. Hughes tells us that he wants to go to the creator for his guidance in life. If we buy a IBM computer, we do not go to Apple for help in how to work it. What does our creator have to say about us and our journey on earth? Many people are looking for advice on how to live life from the wrong source. It is important to understand that when God rules, there will be characteristics of life that will be part of our life. By being part of the treasure of God's plan, we will enjoy the blessings of the best life, but there will be a cost associated with that. There is the discovery of a treasure in our text, but there is also a price required to attain that treasure. When God rules, that treasure will be more important than everything else. The treasure will be the focal point. We must all find the treasure. It cannot be discovered for us. The value of the treasure is far beyond any earthly currency. What kind of price can you put on healing or for the restoration of a life lost in sin? When God rules we discover that there are some things that are worth selling all. We will never regret any sacrifice made for God. God will always bless us more abundantly than any effort or sacrifice we may make. When God rules we discover what true happiness is. In our text, the merchant was seeking good pearls, but he discovered the best, and gave all he had to posses it. He had the wisdom to discern the best from all that may have been good. When we allow Him to rule, we can discover the best. There are a lot of good people in this world, but they will be lost unless they discover the best. Do we recognize the best when it is before us? Are we satisfied with good, and stop seeking the best? Be true to what is highest and not be lost in just good living. The crowing possession was not many thing, but one thing. Paul said "This one thing I do, I forget what is behind, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling." (Phil 3:14)

We must learn that when God rules, we will find the best.

Most of us are wise enough to know how to act when all is going well. When we get what we want; when our prayers are answered, we don't need anyone to encourage us to be faithful. But we need faith for times when everything is not falling into place. What we need to know is how to be happy when our prayers are not being answered. When life is raining down on our faith, we need to trust in God. We must learn how to trust God when He says no. No is an answer. Wait is an answer. Sometimes, God's silence is an answer. How do we live when things do not work out the way that we want. Do we still know how to serve Him? Do we still know how to worship Him? We do not have to backslide just because God said wait. We don't have to quit when the answer is no. In our text, David shows us an outstanding example of how to live through discouragement and disappointment. He was prepared to build a temple. God had given him the plans. He had made preperations and had assembled materials, but at some point, God said no. Bro. Hughes takes us on a study through 1 Chronicles chapter 28 and 29 to show us lessons from David on how to live when God says no.

The first thing David reached out for was an attitude of gratitude. He remembered how God had blessed him in his life. Even though these plans had been changed, David refused to forget his gratitude for God's hand throughout his life. God may have said no to this, but David acknowledged that God had elevated him to be King over all others. Secondly, David continued to encourage those that God was going to use to accomplish what he had thought he would do. It takes a real man to encourage someone who is doing what he really wanted to do. Thirdly, he assessed the materials he had already gathered and gave from his own wealth to continue the work. When he didn't' get his prayers answered, David continued to give even when God was not giving. David remained a giver even in the midst of disappointment. Not only did he continue to encourage and give, David continued to praise. This praise was not limited to a private prayer closet, he publicly proclaimed God and praised him. Sometimes when God does not answer our prayers, we take it out on Him. David said there was a better way than that.

Most of us are wise enough to know how to act when all is going well. When we get what we want; when our prayers are answered, we don't need anyone to encourage us to be faithful. But we need faith for times when everything is not falling into place. What we need to know is how to be happy when our prayers are not being answered. When life is raining down on our faith, we need to trust in God. We must learn how to trust God when He says no. No is an answer. Wait is an answer. Sometimes, God's silence is an answer. How do we live when things do not work out the way that we want. Do we still know how to serve Him? Do we still know how to worship Him? We do not have to backslide just because God said wait. We don't have to quit when the answer is no. In our text, David shows us an outstanding example of how to live through discouragement and disappointment. He was prepared to build a temple. God had given him the plans. He had made preperations and had assembled materials, but at some point, God said no. Bro. Hughes takes us on a study through 1 Chronicles chapter 28 and 29 to show us lessons from David on how to live when God says no.

The first thing David reached out for was an attitude of gratitude. He remembered how God had blessed him in his life. Even though these plans had been changed, David refused to forget his gratitude for God's hand throughout his life. God may have said no to this, but David acknowledged that God had elevated him to be King over all others. Secondly, David continued to encourage those that God was going to use to accomplish what he had thought he would do. It takes a real man to encourage someone who is doing what he really wanted to do. Thirdly, he assessed the materials he had already gathered and gave from his own wealth to continue the work. When he didn't' get his prayers answered, David continued to give even when God was not giving. David remained a giver even in the midst of disappointment. Not only did he continue to encourage and give, David continued to praise. This praise was not limited to a private prayer closet, he publicly proclaimed God and praised him. Sometimes when God does not answer our prayers, we take it out on Him. David said there was a better way than that.

Our God is an amazing God. He is omnipresent, but He is present int times of trouble. He is omniscient, but He is a God of mercy. He knows that even through we repent today, we will fail tomorrow. Yet that does not affect the grace for tomorrow. He is omnipotent. He hs all powerful. He can speak a word and worlds come into existence, bodies are healed, the dead revived. Even with all this power, He is a God of tenderness and caring. So powerful that He can create a universe, but he can still hear the sigh of His people. He is a God of perseverance. He seeks after us and our life. Thank God for that perseverance. Even though we may stumble, He does not give up on us.

When He walked the earth, Jesus was not afraid to associate with some unsavory characters. He was willing to be connected with Simon Peter who was a foul mouthed foul tempered man. Jesus saw the potential in hIm. When Jesus came into contact with the demoniac, He turned that life around and set him in his right mind. There was no one that he would not connect with save one. The bible tells us that there was one that He refused to be connected to. Our text tells us that one is the "one who turns back" The man that does not have the back bone to continue. The Lord said He did not want to associate with that man.

Our failure, disappointments, and maladies will not turn Jesus away. But Jesus will not identify with those start down the path but turn back. If we will but make an effort and try, Jesus will reach out and help. Those that will believe in spite of what their current circumstances might be will rewarded for their persistence. God said He would take an imperfect believer than a quitter. Living for God can be difficult at times. As long as we are trying, God will help, but He will not help those who will not help themselves. We live in a day when standing up is out, but giving up is in. The bible is clear, that we are to stand. God said "I take no pleasure in those who turn back." God's pleasure is in those who stand. Sometimes it is easier to quit, but we must not turn back.

Our God is an amazing God. He is omnipresent, but He is present int times of trouble. He is omniscient, but He is a God of mercy. He knows that even through we repent today, we will fail tomorrow. Yet that does not affect the grace for tomorrow. He is omnipotent. He hs all powerful. He can speak a word and worlds come into existence, bodies are healed, the dead revived. Even with all this power, He is a God of tenderness and caring. So powerful that He can create a universe, but he can still hear the sigh of His people. He is a God of perseverance. He seeks after us and our life. Thank God for that perseverance. Even though we may stumble, He does not give up on us.

When He walked the earth, Jesus was not afraid to associate with some unsavory characters. He was willing to be connected with Simon Peter who was a foul mouthed foul tempered man. Jesus saw the potential in hIm. When Jesus came into contact with the demoniac, He turned that life around and set him in his right mind. There was no one that he would not connect with save one. The bible tells us that there was one that He refused to be connected to. Our text tells us that one is the "one who turns back" The man that does not have the back bone to continue. The Lord said He did not want to associate with that man.

Our failure, disappointments, and maladies will not turn Jesus away. But Jesus will not identify with those start down the path but turn back. If we will but make an effort and try, Jesus will reach out and help. Those that will believe in spite of what their current circumstances might be will rewarded for their persistence. God said He would take an imperfect believer than a quitter. Living for God can be difficult at times. As long as we are trying, God will help, but He will not help those who will not help themselves. We live in a day when standing up is out, but giving up is in. The bible is clear, that we are to stand. God said "I take no pleasure in those who turn back." God's pleasure is in those who stand. Sometimes it is easier to quit, but we must not turn back.

In our text certain, words jump of the page. "I am your brother" "I am your companion". How encouraging it is when we can talk to someone who had experienced what we are going through. It is good to know that someone else understands what we are facing and to gain experience from someone who understands. John speaks to the seven churches a message of partnership. He speaks of being in tribulation. In the Greek the word used means pressure. John had lived through a lot of pain and endured harsh environments. Bro. Hughes points out one more word that is often overlooked. It is only two letters, but the truth is that all that John learned on Patmos was condensed in this one word: IN. John said I was IN the isle called Patmos. All of us are in something of some kind: trouble, sickness, distress, pain, confusion. We are in turmoil. We are in so many things. John was in Patmos not by choice, but by force. There are a lot of forced environments in life. We do not get to choose many of the things that we are in. John didn't ask to go to Patmos, and we do not get to choose the situations and trials that we find our selves in. Serving the Lord does not exempt us from trouble and difficulties; John is proof of that. John did not turn away or question, and neither should we. Bro. Hughes comes this morning to share the lessons of a sufferer? Though we may be IN a particular situation, that does not have to be IN us. John was IN Patmos, but he didn't let Patmos get IN him. All of the beatings, labor and harshness of Patmos did not find themselves into John. If we ever let our situation get into us, we will become bitter, angry and hateful. If we let it get IN us, we will find some way to exact revenge on the one that sent us there. Whatever is IN us will determine what comes OUT of us. John was IN Patmos, but he was also IN the spirit of the Lord. When we are in the spirit, it can take us to places what we could never go if we stay in Patmos. If we are in the spirit, it beats whatever else we may be in. John made it through what he was in because he was in the spirit. What are you in?

In our text certain, words jump of the page. "I am your brother" "I am your companion". How encouraging it is when we can talk to someone who had experienced what we are going through. It is good to know that someone else understands what we are facing and to gain experience from someone who understands. John speaks to the seven churches a message of partnership. He speaks of being in tribulation. In the Greek the word used means pressure. John had lived through a lot of pain and endured harsh environments. Bro. Hughes points out one more word that is often overlooked. It is only two letters, but the truth is that all that John learned on Patmos was condensed in this one word: IN. John said I was IN the isle called Patmos. All of us are in something of some kind: trouble, sickness, distress, pain, confusion. We are in turmoil. We are in so many things. John was in Patmos not by choice, but by force. There are a lot of forced environments in life. We do not get to choose many of the things that we are in. John didn't ask to go to Patmos, and we do not get to choose the situations and trials that we find our selves in. Serving the Lord does not exempt us from trouble and difficulties; John is proof of that. John did not turn away or question, and neither should we. Bro. Hughes comes this morning to share the lessons of a sufferer? Though we may be IN a particular situation, that does not have to be IN us. John was IN Patmos, but he didn't let Patmos get IN him. All of the beatings, labor and harshness of Patmos did not find themselves into John. If we ever let our situation get into us, we will become bitter, angry and hateful. If we let it get IN us, we will find some way to exact revenge on the one that sent us there. Whatever is IN us will determine what comes OUT of us. John was IN Patmos, but he was also IN the spirit of the Lord. When we are in the spirit, it can take us to places what we could never go if we stay in Patmos. If we are in the spirit, it beats whatever else we may be in. John made it through what he was in because he was in the spirit. What are you in?