Lately, the world has screamed, ‘Unity, Unity,’ but with whom are we unifying and why? As the Church, are we supposed to fight to unify as one with everyone? Are we supposed to fight for peace? Should the Church try to unify with the world? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings his latest fiery message addressing the Church’s role in the world today.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Luke 19:1–10 Exodus 32:25–29 Hebrews 4:12 Matthew 10:34–39 John 15:18–25 1 Peter 4:12 1 John 3:13
More Verses on Unity With The World?
5 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
1 John 1:5-6
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Ephesians 5:6-11
21 You cannot drink the cup of the LORD and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the LORD and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the LORD to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?
1 Corinthians 10:21-22
In other words, Paul is saying that we cannot be a part of the world and a part of the Church. We can’t support sin and call ourselves righteous. We can’t fight for unity with the world and fight for unity with God.
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; 5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.”
Revelation 18:4-5
If we fight for unity with the world, are we fighting for discord with God? We cannot stand for darkness and call ourselves a Christ Follower. We cannot fight for justice for wickedness and call ourselves righteous. The time is coming when we will all be forced to choose a side when we will all be forced to draw a line in the sand. Will you be on the side of God or the world? Will you recognize the light from the darkness?
Throughout history people have claimed to be Christians, but does that mean that they are Christians? What does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to be a Christ Follower? We all know that we are not saved by works, but by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. BUT are there any specific pre-requisites to enter Eternal Life other than faith? What about false prophets?
15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:15-20
We see many Christ Followers today living their lives according to how they feel and according to their OWN happiness, but is that right? Are they the false prophets in sheep clothing that Jesus was warning us about? How do we know the difference between wolves in sheep clothing and actual sheep? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings a powerful new message entitled ‘What Does It Mean To Be A Christ Follower?’
Ephesians 2:8-9 John 14:15 James 2:19 James 2:14-18 Hebrews 9:22 Acts 4:12 John 14:6 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 Hosea 6:6 1 John 4:19–21 Ephesians 5:1-6 1 Corinthians 6:18 James 2:10-13, 24 Matthew 7:21-23
Verses On Being A True Christ Follower
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:22-24
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
God has given each of us a call on our lives. He has bestowed purpose upon our hearts. He set out a plan and a path for us to take, yet many of us feel purposeless. We feel useless, and the road ahead of us feels overwhelming and too difficult to maneuver. Why? In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with rubble. We’re hit from all sides with problems, obstacles, persecution, hatred, and all that the enemy can throw at us. Does that mean we won’t be able to fulfill our call? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he teaches us how to deal with our lives when there is ‘Too Much Rubble.’
Nehemiah 1:3 Nehemiah 4:10 Nehemiah 2:2 Nehemiah 1:3b Nehemiah 2:3b Matthew 6:33 1 John 4:18a Palms 103:2 Psalm 77:12
In today’s society, our children are raised in church, but their beliefs quickly change as soon as they go to university. But why? Were their foundations not strong enough? Were they not taught the knowledge of the Scripture so that they might be able to defend their faith? More and more Christians are pushing the Progressive-Christianity movement because they buy into one of two lies:
The Bible is outdated and can no longer be used for every circumstance in our culture today
Jesus loves everybody and just wants us to be happy
When ‘Christians’ push ‘progressive’ ideology, the one thing they never do is back up their beliefs with Scripture. How can we try to change the entire Church and what the Church stands for without knowing what Scripture actually says? We have taken away the most important aspect of our faith, the power of knowledge.
As we are compelled to put away Scripture more and more by the media and those in government, it has become more imperative than ever to actually know Scripture. Do you know your Bible? If someone questions your faith, can you defend it? If someone shows you another way of thinking, do you know the Scripture to determine whether they are right or wrong? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he goes into great detail on The Power of Knowledge.
2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and Godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, 4 by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Peter 1:2-4
Peter says that we have been granted all things that pertain to life and Godliness by the knowledge of God. We have to know God, His attributes, feelings, and goals in order to grow closer to Him so that we might become more like Him and grow in Godliness. There is power in knowledge.
4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord?
Psalms 14:4
David equates the lack of knowledge to evildoers. Why? Because it is impossible to please God without knowledge. Why? Because it is impossible to please God without faith. And faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Faith comes through the power of knowledge.
From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, the Serpent questioned the authenticity of the Word of God. He questioned whether God really said, ‘Do not eat this fruit,’ and Eve was could not successfully defend her faith. Today, it is no different. All over the world, many skeptics question the authenticity of the Word of God. From political leaders to other religious believers to the men and women educating our young people, the idea that the Bible has been changed is a mainstream belief. They often argue for the validity of every other Historical book except for the Bible. This often leaves many believers unable to defend their faith.
As a Christian, it is more important now than ever before to be able to defend your faith. The most often used claim that the Bible is not trustworthy is that they say it has been changed several times. But is that true? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes and teaches us how we can defend our faith in his latest message, Defending Your Faith Part One: The Authenticity of The Bible.
1 Peter 3:15 Genesis 3:1 Genesis 2: 4, 7-9, 15-18 2 Peter 1:16–18 1 John 1: 1-5a Acts 22: 4-10 2 Peter 1:19–21 2 Peter 3: 15-16 Luke 10:31,32 Revelation 1:5 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Mark 9:39 John 20:24-29
The Authenticity of the Bible
Historical Books vs. The Bible
Let’s talk about other historical books and names. We talk with much finesse and confidence and historical figures while we treat the Bible as though it has no historical evidence and/or has been changed multiple times. Here are some comparisons between Historical Books and the Bible that you can use to defend your faith.
Plato – Everything we know about him is contained in a total of 7 manuscripts
Caesar – Total of 10 manuscripts
Tacitus – A total of 20 manuscripts
Aristotle – A total of 49 manuscripts
Homer’s Illad – Has whopping 634 manuscripts
The Original Greek New Testament Biblical manuscript – Has either in full, or in part 5,795 Greek manuscripts
Other manuscripts that support the N.T. base – Includes the Syriac, Latin, Coptic, and Aramaic languages number over 24,000
Total Biblical manuscripts – 24,633 manuscripts in all
We have 24k more manuscripts than the closest one. Not only that but the entire New Testament was written within 70 years of the actual events. This means that a lot of the eyewitnesses were still alive and could have disputed the stories and facts about Jesus. But surprisingly, none did.
Yet, it’s the most disputed and considered the most unreliable. Even though they have been proven to be highly preserved the authenticity of the Bible is constantly being questioned. You must ask yourself why? Why is the authenticity of the Bible being questioned but no other historical book or text?
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:14-15
As Peter tells us, we must always be ready to defend our faith. We may not have been there when all of these things recorded in the Bible took place, but Jesus said, blessed is the one who believes and has not actually seen. The truth is, it’s through faith that we are saved. You don’t have to worry, the same God who spoke the world into being is the same God who preserves His own word. Jesus is the Word that became flesh; therefore, His word cannot be corrupted.
2020 was filled with fear and division, but why? Is there a higher power at hand pushing us apart? Or is there an invisible force putting up walls between us? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the invisible plan behind the division in our world in his message, Borders.
Luke 17:11 Genesis 11:1–9
Borders
We are divided in every way possible by the invisible forces moving the chess pieces behind the curtains. This isn’t anything new, look at the time of Jesus. There was division and great borders, beyond the physical, that separated Jews and Samaritans.
11 On the way to Jerusalem He [Jesus] was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.
15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
Luke 17:11-19
Jesus didn’t differentiate between Jew and Samaritan. He didn’t only heal the Jews, instead, He healed the Samaritan at the same time as the Jews. He didn’t put up borders between them. When there are spiritual borders between people separating some from the chance of receiving salvation, then that’s the invisible forces of the enemy separating us. Don’t allow him to do so.
2020 has been filled with fear, anxiety, division, anger, and much confusion. I think it’s safe to say that none of us are sad to see 2020 come to an end so that we can usher in 2021. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings his sobering message, Christmas Tidings: New Beginnings, summing up 2020 and looking towards the future.
All over the world, Christmas will be celebrated this December 25th. We open our presents under our decorated Christmas Trees. We spend time with family and friends as we celebrate this festive holiday. But as we celebrate and partake in this joyous season, do we truly know what we are celebrating? Do we truly know and understand the real meaning of Christmas? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings his eye-opening Christmas message, Christmas Tidings: The Real Christmas Story.
Luke 2:1–20 Romans 3:23 Hebrews 4:15b Galatians 2:20 John 14:26 Ephesians 4:31 John 3:16 John 7:37b–38 Revelation 22:17
The Real Christmas Story
The Birth of Jesus Christ
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:8-20
What’s the real meaning of Christmas?
The real meaning of Christmas isn’t about Santa, presents, or even spending time with your family. The real meaning of Christmas, the true Christmas story, is the story of God setting aside His Godliness to become man so that He could save anyone who would humble themselves before Him.
Jesus came to save mankind 2000 years ago, but there was no room for Him in the inn. Because of this, He was born in a stable and laid in a manger. We often look at the Nativity scene as something beautiful and wonderful, but was it? Was the manger scene a beautiful sight to behold? Have we completely lost sight of the significance of the manger scene? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings the powerful message, Christmas Tidings: Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room.
Luke 2:7 John 1:2–3 Matthew 20:28 1 Timothy 2:5–6 Revelation 3:20 John 15
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
2,000 years ago, there was no room for Christ in the inn. 2,000 years later, there’s not even room for Christ in our schools, government, and country. Is there at least room for Jesus in your heart?
Jesus’ account of Every Heart to Prepare Him Room
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
Paul’s account of Every Heart to Prepare Him Room
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19
When you make room in your heart for Christ, He not only comes in, He gives you the strength you need to overcome all obstacles in your path. Christ changes us so that we might become more and more like Him. Let every heart prepare Him room that we might all be saved.
When did it become breaking a rule To say your name out loud in school When your name’s the only one that sets us free? When did it become incorrect To speak the truth about life and death When your life gave us all eternity?
Even if it gets me convicted I’ll be on my knees with my hands lifted
If serving you’s against the law of man If living out my faith in you is banned Then I’ll stand right before the jury
If saying “I believe” is out of line If I’m judged ’cause I’m gonna give my life To show the world the love that fills me Then I wanna be guilty
I’ll rise up and honor you I’ll testify to the good you do ‘Cause your grace and your mercy have overtaken me
So even if it gets me convicted I’ll be on my knees with my hands lifted
If serving you’s against the law of man If living out my faith in you is banned Then I’ll stand right before the jury
If saying “I believe” is out of line If I’m judged ’cause I’m gonna give my life To show the world the love that fills me
Then I wanna be guilty by association Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways, your truth, your life I’ll pay the price to be your light
If serving you’s against the law of man If living out my faith in you is banned Then I’ll stand right before the jury
If saying “I believe” is out of line If I’m judged ’cause I’m gonna give my life To show the world the love that fills me
Then I wanna be guilty by association Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways, your truth, your life I’ll pay the price to be your light
Oh little town of Bethlehem Looks like another silent night Above your deep and dreamless sleep A giant star lights up the sky And while you’re lying in the dark There shines an everlasting light For the King has left His throne And is sleeping in a manger tonight, tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping For God became a man And stepped into your world today Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
Mary shivers in the cold Trying to keep the Savior warm Born among the animals wrapped in dirty rags Because there was no room for Him in the world He came to save
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping For God became a man And stepped into your world today Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
United States of America Looks like another silent night As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies That save the trees and kill the children And while we’re lying in the dark There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky For the Bridegroom has returned And has carried His bride away in the night In the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping Will Jesus come again And leave us slumbering where we lay America, will we go down in history As a nation with no room for its King Will we be sleeping Will we be sleeping
United States of America Looks like another silent night
The birth of Christ is so significant that we built our dates around it with B.C. and A.D. Prophets prophesied the coming of the Messiah. The coming Son of God given to mankind. Isaiah described the birth of Christ Jesus like this, ‘Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,’ in Isaiah 9:6. But what was Isaiah trying to tell us? What was he prophesying about Jesus? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings the second part, Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given, to our five-part series ‘Christmas Tidings.’
Isaiah 9:6-7 Genesis 3:15 John 3:16 Isaiah 7:14–15 Luke 1:46-56 Matthew 1:18 Luke 2:7a Philippians 2:5–11 John 1:1–5 Isaiah 9:6b-7 Matthew 11:12 John 14:27 Philippians 1:21 Isaiah 9:2 Isaiah 5:20
Christmas Tidings: Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given
The Birth of Christ
Unto Us A Child Is Born, Unto Us A Son Is Given
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponHis shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
A son has been given to us by our Everlasting Father. He is God incarnate. He is the prophesied child born 2,000 years ago.
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”
Luke 2:10-14
Jesus’ birth was foretold hundreds of years prior to His birth. These tidings of great Christmas joy was brought first to the lowly shepherds by the angels 2,000 years ago. Unto us a child is born, but a son is given. Jesus is the child of Mary, but the Son of Almighty God.
The Purpose of Jesus: A Son Is Given
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
John 3:16-17
Jesus’ one purpose for coming to the earth was to be the Son given to all of mankind. Jesus had to be born as a human child so that He could save the world as a man. That’s the meaning of Christmas. That’s Christmas tidings.
