Tune It Up

Acts 3:6 “…Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you…”

            There’s a story of a shepherd who lived in the mountains and was a faithful listener of a national radio station that played some of the finest music.  One evening after listening to the station he was prompted to write them a letter.  He said in his letter:

“I enjoy your program every day, and I’m writing to ask a favor of you.  I’m living in the hills and void of the assistance I need.  I have an old violin, which I once could play, but it has gotten badly out of tune.  I’m hoping on your next program that you’d strike “A” on the piano so I may tune my violin again."

            The station contacted him, thanked him for his commitment to the program, and gave him a date his request would take place.  The following Saturday night, the program came on, and they stopped in the middle of it, long enough to strike “A” on the studio piano, while the shepherd in a faraway place got the right pitch for his violin.

            What’s this have to do with you?  Well our church and this world are badly out of tune and need our Lord to strike a pitch to help us get back on the right track!  A foundational note that will compel us to live God honoring, holy and humble lives.

            For 2,000 plus years ago, Jesus came and struck a note that was heard around the world.  His note took death’s sting away (1 Cor15:55), His note gave living water (John 4:13-14), and allowed the oppressed to be set free (Luke 4:18).

            Tune in this coming Sunday morning when the word goes forth, so you can get retuned!

Pastor Kirkland A. Smith,
Senior Pastor

Seedtime and Harvest: It's Harvest

Seedtime and Harvest: It's TIME!

     Steve Malone tells a story: A pilot always looked down intently on a certain valley in the Appalachians. "What’s so interesting about that spot?" Asked a fellow pilot. "See that stream? Well, when I was a kid I used to sit down there on a log and fish, and every time an airplane flew over, I would look up and wish I were flying... Now I look down and wish I were fishing."

That is pretty well the way it is, isn’t it? - Sometimes even though we do get what we want - it still doesn't satisfy us!

 Mostly everyone wants more. A little child wants more toys, a teenager wants more gadgets, newest phone/TV time; and young adults want more clothes, more freedom, and more popularity. Most adults even want more also; a nicer house, a newer car, a better job, better spouse, more prestige.....

And often we do get more – we get a new car and we are content..... For a while. We buy a new home - it’s the home of our dreams and we are content.....for a while. The job we always wanted comes knocking at our door - great pay, incredible benefits - and we are content, for a while; for what looks good today, isn't always good tomorrow, what's in today becomes old tomorrow, and what we couldn't do without today is extendable tomorrow. Those new shoes, we now take off from stepping on them with the other shoe, and without untying them (I know I'm right about it).

Why? Because nothing and no one is able to keep any of that stuff sustainable indefinitely.

Only what we do for the ultimate REWARDER will last.

- The word proclaims that Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away Matt 24:35 It also goes on to say, It's God's word that will bring about the changes and the miracles we all desire. So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isa 55:11

For everything else will pass like a vapor, and only what you do for Christ will last.

Your good looks, long Black hair, hour glass figure; yep all gone in just a lil while- (somebody a lil older than you is saying AMEN right now). So make good decisions, for the good seeds you sow today will reap a good harvest tomorrow, for...

1. The harvest God provides: "Seedtime and harvest...shall not cease" (Gen. 8:22).

     - Meaning the more you sow unto God, his kingdom, and his kids will be richly rewarded, for he is able to make your harvest ongoing. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor. 9:8

- That means He's able to bless your work all the time!

And If you're not believing The Lord of the harvest at his word and by faith then it's SIN (Rom 14:23). Doubting God keeps mountains in your way (Mark 11:23), keeps doors locked that should have been opened (Matt 7:7), and keeps promises from being provided.

2. The harvest sin produces isn't something you really want: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7)

Similar as to the things we have today grow old tomorrow, and the materials we have today, we'll grow disinterested in them; bad decisions, will only provide dissatisfaction. Ask the rich man in Luke 12:20-21 who lost it all behind selfishness, ask the man with the one talent in Matt 25:28, who didn't utilize what The Lord gave him, or ask those closes to you who struggle because they only want a  Savior, but not a Lord (one they submit ALL to).

~~ It’s a package deal! He only comes to us one way- Savior and Lord. So this month sow good seeds, so you can reap you God appointed, God provided harvest

If you don't know, you better ask somebody.

Pastor Kirkland A. Smith

Kirkland Smith

Sr. Pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch

What Makes a Leader?

 

One who is said to be a disciple is known to be a follower of Christ, but in reality a disciple ultimately is one who The Lord wants to lead his people. For in Matt 5:13-16: it says “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 NIV)

 

Jesus clearly declared we are to be different and to take on the roles of a head (leader), while the world would be the tails (Deut. 28:13). But the ironic thing about what he commanded was that our norm from infancy is that we were to be taken care of (fed, clothed, cared, and changed) by someone older and in charge. But after a few years, that same individual who before couldn't have made it without that mother/father figure is now desirous of being independent: cooking, cleaning, and choosing which way they're going to live their lives.

 

Though we were reared with the intentions of needing someone, we were also created with the expectations of becoming self-supportive and a future leader. In our complex DNA, it had seeds of initial reliance, then independence, but also an internal dependence upon our Heavenly Father, no matter who or what we do.

    (Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want)

 

This is what the psalmist was trying to tell us in this great psalm; how there's no lack in God, and how he has everything that we need. He even leads us when he sees us going the wrong direction which could cause chaos by still waters (v2). And he will also renew us when he sees our mind, will, and emotions=SOUL damaged; for the psalmist said he'll restores our soul (v3) , with his transforming power.

 

Everything we will become God did it. So let's give him honor and glory this month, as we spend more time with him in this month of fasting and prayer knowing that the more time we spend with him, the more we will take on his image and likeness as leaders and change agents in this world. (…26Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth."…)

 

Time to LEAD

 

 

Kirkland Smith

Sr. Pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch

 

Sent from my iPad

 

Are We Really Family

Are We Really Family? (Acts 2)

 

V42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

 

V44 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; v45 and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. v46 And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,..” (Acts 2:42, 44-46 ASV)

 

If you look back to your earlier memories, pictures and experiences; they included family: old pictures with you bathing with your brother or sister, pictures with you and your siblings wearing the same dresses or suspender outfits to church, or even hugging each other at a family outing. From the very onset, your parents promoted and laid a foundation for you to participate in-FAMILY.

 

What happened? Seldom do we get together for birthdays. Rarely can we get the majority to come out for the holiday meals. Once in a blue moon, your kinfolk make the sacrifice to travel for family members’ graduations or a playoff game? And let's not go there, when it comes to attending the family reunions, which you grew up on, but now hardly ever will you see your relatives because the time together has lost its significance and relevance.

 

I remember when my grandmother was diagnosed with Leukemia, a debilitating disorder; she was lethargic, tired, weak, and seldom had an appetite. But once diagnosed, they treated her with a blood transfusion.  They put somebody else's blood in her; they exchanged their good blood for her bad blood, and her whole countenance changed!  She did a 180 (not a 360, cause you'd be where you started). I hope you see where I'm going with this.

 

Blood along with water are the essential ingredients for us to live; and I propose that some of us received blood transfusion from those who have similar blood types. Who are they? Family - the body of Christ ("Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it"- 1 Cor. 12:27)

 

We've all been adopted into the family of God (Eph. 1:5) and it is Christ blood which has given us hope and a new life.  We don't have to walk around tired, lethargic and without an appetite (for without food, one can't grow).  I hope you see where I'm going with this!

 

The first church had everything in common (Acts 2:42-47); they ate together, prayed together, worshipped together, and satisfied any need that their church family member's had. There was a sense of community.  That's what the church is supposed to be a people or society which shares common interest; in particular relating to our Father in heaven.

 

Let's get this family thing back on track and stop forsaking the fellowship (Heb. 10:24-25) - get back to church every week. Get back to serving in the church, get back to bible study, and helping brother's and sister's in need (Can somebody say I'm there).  Let's break bread together; the church picnic is on the 26th of this month at Almond ridge Park, around the corner from the church.  Meet us there.

 

We are family, I've got all my brother's/sister's with me! Do I??

 

Think about it, and let me know.

 

Pastor Kirkland A. Smith

Senior Pastor

 

It's A New Season 2015

 

It’s a New Season:

“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Dan 2:21).

The school year is about to end, and summer is about to begin. It’s a new season. No spring showers, but hot weather is on the way for it’s a new season. Change is in the air, and we must prepare for it. Not just clothing changes or fewer sheets on the bed, but a season of change for God’s people!

            Change can manifest itself instantaneously if God sees fit. The key to experiencing miracles in biblical times was always ensuring (1) either God like faith was being utilized, (2) God’s presence was there for the transformation, or (3) God’s people who believed were present and on one accord. Whenever those groups made themselves available to a person, an area, or a situation; it HAD TO CHANGE!

            So in this season, God is here and he’s changing situations. Mark the next 90 days of this season, and you will see shifts that hadn’t been revealed before. You will see new doors opening that hadn’t opened before. You will see relationship blossoming that you never expected before. And you will see growth and increase like you’ve never seen before.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecc 3:1); He said to them, “it is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority” (Acts 1:7); “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isa 55:11).

Get ready, for it’s a new season.

 

Kirkland A. Smith

Senior Pastor of Grace Bible of Antioch

Celebrate Cultural Diversity

 When was the last time you celebrated something? For when you celebrate something, you show happiness that something good has happened during this particular time (ex- birthday party, anniversary).




 When you celebrate something you mark a special occasion or day by ceremonies or festivities (ex- Mardi Gras, School Graduation, or New Year’s Eve).



 When you celebrate something you praise something publicly or declare it a holiday (ex- Christmas, Martin Luther King birthday).



Therefore we declare this, from this day forward, we the body of Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch is marking the Month of May as the month that we celebrate "Cultural Diversity."



Cultural Diversity encompasses recognizing and celebrating cultural differences that exist between people of different nationalities such as language, dress, traditions, and the way societies organize themselves and embrace religion.



There is a general consensus among mainstream anthropologist that humans first emerged in Africa about two million years ago. But since that time, people have spread across this entire world and embraced different cultures and different styles of living.



We know about the more obvious cultural differences that exist between peoples, such as language, dress, and traditions, but there are also significant variations in the societies as it relates to how they organize themselves in the concept of morality and the ways that they interact with their environment.



One of the greatest ways we can enjoy Cultural Diversity is when cultures embrace one another (come together); such as when those that are of European descent enjoy Oriental food; or when Blacks will embrace and enjoy Hispanic music, art, or architecture; or those of Asian descent will embrace the clothing attire of other cultures.



Diversity is good, for if we were to lose diversity we would lose languages, customs, and history!! We would lose our own sense of identity; where you came from and that ultimately would hinder you from finding out where you were destined to be!!



Much of what is in our Western civilization came from other parts of the world. Chess for example came from India, gunpowder from China; various mathematical concepts came from the Islamic world.



The embracing of different cultures speaks volumes to the fact that there is no race/culture better than any other!! For if so, then why are we replacing something from our culture with something from another culture? Whether it is foods, clothing, or sayings, there’s some good we can draw out of every culture.



So let's use this month to embrace, invite, encourage, and love on those that may look a little different than us on the outside; but have the same red blood running through their veins.



So for our members of Grace Bible Fellowship that are non-Black, please share with me any areas of special interest that you think would educate, motivate, or spiritually inspire the Black members of this congregation. Whether it is cultural food dishes for our Cultural Pot Luck (scheduled for Sunday, May 31st after 11:30 service), fellowships, music or dances unique to your culture which would be a blessing to our body; this month is the month that we CELEBRATE YOU!!!!



Let's enjoy the month of May as we celebrate Cultural Diversity!