Tag: Sermons

Posted on

Censored

We are seeing more and more censoring of Christians and Christian beliefs. Why? Why has the progression of society caused the censoring of Christianity and Jesus? Could it be that we are coming to the final days? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the Truth behind the senseless censoring of conservative beliefs in his message Censored.

Censoring of Christians

Bible Examples of Christians Being Censored

58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

John 8:58-59

“28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” 31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered Him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

John 10:28-33

We’ve seen the censoring of Christians and Christian beliefs become the norm in our society. But this isn’t new. This was from the time of Jesus. The censoring of Christianity was from the very beginning. Jesus not only experienced censoring of the most extreme, but He also warned us that it wouldn’t end until He returned.

18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know Him who sent me.

John 15:18-21

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

The message that was removed from YouTube
Like and Share This:
Posted on

Salt & Light: Be The Light Pt. 1

Jesus said that He was the Light of the World, but if He is no longer in the World, but now in Heaven, is the Light in Heaven as well? And if the Light is in Heaven, then are we left here in darkness? Who is the Light of the World if Jesus is no longer in the World? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he shines some light in the darkness in his message Salt & Light: Be The Light Pt. 1.

Matthew 5:13–16
Genesis 1:3
John 9:1–5
Matthew 5:14
Psalms 119:105
Jude 10–13
John 1:5

Be The Light

Jesus is the Light of the World

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

4 We must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 9:4-5

We are the Light of the World

14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16

What is the Light?

If we are the light of the World, shouldn’t we know what the light is?

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:4-5

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:1

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

The light of the World is the knowledge of God. It is Truth and Life. Light overcomes darkness no matter how great it seems because light is the representation of God. As the Church, we represent God on earth. We are His hands and feet to the entire world. We are the light of the world.

Part One?

Part Three?

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

Like and Share This:
Posted on

Salt & Light: Be The Salt

Jesus told us to be the salt of the earth, but what does that mean? How can we be the salt of the earth? And if salt has lost its saltiness or taste, how can it be salty again? As Christians, shouldn’t we know how or what it means to be the salt of the earth? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he explains Matthew 5:13 in his message, Salt & Light: Be The Salt.

Matthew 5:13-16
Luke 14:34-35
Romans 1:22

Be The Salt

Verses on the Salt

Old Testament

34 The Lord said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), 35 and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. 36 You shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you. It shall be most holy for you. 37 And the incense that you shall make according to its composition, you shall not make for yourselves. It shall be for you holy to the Lord. 38 Whoever makes any like it to use as perfume shall be cut off from his people.”

Exodus 30:34-38

11 No grain offering that you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey as a food offering to the Lord. 12 As an offering of firstfruits you may bring them to the Lord, but they shall not be offered on the altar for a pleasing aroma. 13 You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.
14 If you offer a grain offering of firstfruits to the Lord, you shall offer for the grain offering of your firstfruits fresh ears, roasted with fire, crushed new grain. 15 And you shall put oil on it and lay frankincense on it; it is a grain offering. 16 And the priest shall burn as its memorial portion some of the crushed grain and some of the oil with all of its frankincense; it is a food offering to the Lord.

Leviticus 2:11-16

We are the salt of the earth and we are to stay salty that we might be a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

2 Corinthians 2:15-16

We are meant to live our lives for Christ on this earth that the LORD God might be pleased with us. So, that when we enter His presence He might smell a pleasing aroma instead of an unpleasing stench in His nostrils.

New Testament

13 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

Matthew 5:13

42 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.

47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.

Mark 9:42-50

If salt loses its taste how does it become salty again? Don’t trade your salt for the fake imitation salt of the World.

Part Two?

Part Three?

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

Like and Share This:
Posted on

There’s Something Wrong

In today’s world, we are becoming more and more spiritually unaware. Those subtle gut feelings that we once had have slowly dwindled. We used to feel convicted over sin, but now we fully embrace sin without even second-guessing it. If it feels good, do it. Do as thou wilt has become the law, which doesn’t sound too bad. If we’re not feeling convicted, shouldn’t it be okay? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of discernment in his fiery message, There’s Something Wrong.

Psalms 33:12
Proverbs 14:12
1 Corinthians 6:15–20
Isaiah 5:20
Isaiah 5:24–25

There’s Something Wrong

Spiritual Conviction

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

John 16:7-11

23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

1 Corinthians 14:23-25

16 Every scripture [is] divinely inspired, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;

2 Timothy 3:16

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

Like and Share This:
Posted on

One Opportunity

YOLO has become a phrase used in our society to justify sinful, sketchy, or reckless behavior. Sure, we only live once, but what does that mean? If we only have one life to live, shouldn’t we live our best life? But what exactly does it mean to live our best life? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the hard truth of only living once in his message, One Opportunity.

Hebrews 9:27b
Genesis 3:19
Revelation 20:11–15
Revelation 19:11–16, 19–21
1 Timothy 6:11–14
Matthew 6:19–21
2 Timothy 4:7–8
Philippians 3:13b–16
Philippians 3:17

You Only Live Once

YOLO has been the excuse of many people. We only have one life to live, so live it up, but is that what we’re meant to do with our only life we have to live.

27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Hebrews 9:27

We have one opportunity to be saved. Christ died so that we could have new life and have it abundantly. This life is our only chance to accept and receive salvation. We get so busy storing up treasure for ourselves on earth, forgetting about eternity. This earth and everything in it won’t last forever, but eternity will be forever.

7 Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law;
fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool, but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.

Isaiah 51:7-8

19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Therefore, take this one opportunity to build up treasure in eternity. Take this opportunity to live your life for Christ so that you can reap the rewards of salvation instead of the consequences of rejecting Christ. Take YOLO as more than a way to sin, but as a way to store up treasure in eternity.

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. 18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 3:16-18

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

Like and Share This:
Posted on

No Man Is An Island

People often say it’s their own life; it doesn’t affect anyone else. But is that true? Does your life only affect you and no one else? Do your actions affect others? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes in his latest message, No Man Is An Island.

Joshua 7:24–25
Joshua 7:11
Joshua 7:10–12
Joshua 7:20–21
Genesis 30:27
Genesis 39:4–5
Hosea 2:14–15

No Man Is An Island

What you do affects everyone around you, whether good or bad. Your actions aren’t just your own burdens to carry. Your actions affect others.

No Man Is An Island Old Testament Verses

15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

Genesis 22:15-18

4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Exodus 20:4-6

31 And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon and will give you ten tribes 32 (but he shall have one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel), 33 because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites, and they have not walked in my ways, doing what is right in my sight and keeping my statutes and my rules, as David his father did.

34 Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of David my servant whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes. 35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and will give it to you, ten tribes. 36 Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.”

1 Kings 11:31-36

6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” 7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”

2 Samuel 9:6-7

No Man Is An Island New Testament Verses

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Matthew 24:21-22

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Your actions don’t affect you alone. No man or woman is an island. What you do affects those around you, as well as those who will come after you. Whether good or bad, whether you realize it or not, everything has a consequence/reward. Your actions affect others.

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

Like and Share This:
Posted on

The Cost of Following Pt. 6: It’s Worth the Price

All over the world, there is great tribulation for the Church. Christians are being persecuted for the name of Jesus. They give up their lives for Jesus. Why? Why are they willing to give up their lives and endure persecution for the sake of the name of Christ? If the threat of tribulation is coming for the entire Church, even here in the West, the free world, is there hope? Why is paying the price of following Jesus worth it? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he sheds light on the reward for following Christ in his final message, It’s Worth the Price, of his message series, The Cost of Following.

Matthew 13:44–46
Mark 8:36–37 (KJV)
Luke 12:20–21
John 14:1–3
1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)
1 Corinthians 2:10–12
Hebrews 11:5–6
Matthew 5:5
Revelation 21:1–4
Revelation 21:20–27
Revelation 22:6–7
Revelation 22:10–17, 20-21

It’s Worth the Price Summary

Why is following Jesus worth it?

Right now the Church is like a woman in labor pains. The world feels impossible and difficult right now, but there is always hope. It is worth paying the price of following Jesus.

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?”

18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:16-24, 33

Tribulation will come, but one day Jesus will return for His people. He’ll wipe away every tear from their eyes, heal every wound. There won’t be any more sorrow or pain. But, there is so much more in store for those of us who can find that it’s worth paying the price of following Jesus.

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:1–4
  • Top 5 Worst Countries For Christian Persecution
  • The-Persecuted-Church-Following-Jesus-in-North-Korea
  • The-Persecuted-Church-Following-Jesus-in-Afghanistan
  • The-Persecuted-Church-Following-Jesus-in-Somalia
  • The Persecuted Church Following Jesus in Libya
  • The Persecuted Church Following Jesus in Pakistan

Part One?

Part Two?

Part Three?

Part Four?

Part Five?

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

Rapture from Tribulation
The Great Tribulation
Like and Share This:
Posted on

The Cost of Following Pt. 4: Paying the Ultimate Price

2,000 years ago, Jesus paid the ultimate price for the souls of not only His friends but for His accusers, torturers, and all who put Him on the cross. Jesus paid the ultimate price by giving His life not only for His friends but also for each and every one of His enemies. Today, in the underground Church, all over the world, they are still paying the ultimate price. They are giving their lives so that they can share the Gospel of Christ with those who have never heard. They are giving their lives so that even their torturers may see the love of God in their sacrifice that they might be saved. What are you willing to give for the chance to save a life? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he shares the importance of preparing yourself for the day of persecution that is coming upon the Church in his sobering message, The Cost of Following Pt. 4: Paying the Ultimate Price.

John 16:1-4a

Verses on Paying the Ultimate Price

The Prophets’ on Paying the Ultimate Price

22 Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.

Psalms 44:22

9 For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.

Psalms 69:9

Jesus on Paying the Ultimate Price

37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 10:37-39

25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:25-33

23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

John 12:23-26

The Apostles’ on Paying the Ultimate Price

40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Acts 5:40-42

24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24

13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 21:13

How To Prepare For Times of Persecution

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Part One?

Part Two?

Part Three?

Part Five?

Part Six?

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

Like and Share This:
Posted on

This is Pentecost

Pentecost in the Bible is called by three names, Pentecost, the Feast of Weeks, and Shavuot. As Christians, every year, we celebrate or remember the day of Pentecost, but do we truly understand what we are celebrating? We know that on the day of Pentecost 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh, but do we truly understand what this means for mankind? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the mysteries of Shavuot, the day of Pentecost.

Leviticus 23:15–22
Genesis 6:15
Genesis 7:24
Genesis 9:28-29
Genesis 18:24
Leviticus 27:3
Leviticus 27:16
John 4:22
Romans 1:16
Leviticus 23:9–10
1 Corinthians 15:20
Matthew 5:17
John 20:17
John 20:27
Acts 2:17-21
Revelation 19:10
Acts 2:38–39
Acts 10:45
Romans 10:11–13
2 Corinthians 1:21–22
Revelation 19:6–8
Mark 7:24–30
1 John 5:14–15

The Day of Pentecost

The Feast of Weeks Decreed in the Bible

15 You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering. 16 You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the Lord. 17 You shall bring from your dwelling places two loaves of bread to be waved, made of two tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour, and they shall be baked with leaven, as firstfruits to the Lord.

18 And you shall present with the bread seven lambs a year old without blemish, and one bull from the herd and two rams. They shall be a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 19 And you shall offer one male goat for a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old as a sacrifice of peace offerings. 20 And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the Lord, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the Lord for the priest.

21 And you shall make a proclamation on the same day. You shall hold a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a statute forever in all your dwelling places throughout your generations. 22 And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 23:15-22

Pentecost in the New Testament

We see the term Pentecost first used in the New Testament in Acts 2 when all of the followers of Christ were all together in one place, in one accord. When the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh, both Jew and Gentile, fulling Joel’s Prophecy of the coming Pentecost.

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 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

After they are filled with the Holy Spirit, and the people around there mock them, Peter stands up and quotes the prophecy of Joel 2. Peter explained that this prophecy was a prophecy of Pentecost.

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

17 ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”

Acts 2:14-21

Peter goes on to explain this prophecy of Pentecost was fulfilled on that day when God sent His Holy Spirit to all of mankind so that both Jew and Gentile might be saved. God sent this prophecy of the coming Pentecost to the Prophet Joel and fulfilled it 2,000 years ago.

Back to Special Occasion Messages?

More Messages?

Similar Content

Like and Share This:
Posted on

The Cost of Following Pt. 3: The Joy of Suffering

What are you willing to pay for your Christianity? What a hard and even odd question to ponder in the free world. We can’t imagine what it’s like to actually suffer for the name of Jesus. In fact, we even get offended by the mere suggestion that God would allow us to suffer for His name. But, in the underground Church, they rejoice in persecution. Why? What’s the difference between the underground Church under heavy persecution and us here in the free world? Join Reverend Kenny Yates in his sobering message, The Cost of Following Pt. 3: The Joy of Suffering.

Hebrews 12:1-4
John 1:1-5
Matthew 13:20-21
Romans 10:17-18
Matthew 24:13

The Joy of Suffering

Rejoicing in Persecution Bible Verses

38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Acts 5:38-42

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:8-11

The early Church, as does the persecuted Church overseas, counts it a joy to suffer for the name of Christ Jesus. They rejoice in their persecutions. They rejoice, not because they’re masochists, but because they have been found worthy to suffer for the name of Christ. The persecuted church rejoices because they have been found worthy, and therefore they rejoice in persecution.

Why Should You Rejoice In Persecution?

11 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

1 Peter 4:12-16

24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.

Hebrews 11:24-27

It’s not easy to find joy while suffering while being persecuted and tortured, but when we focus on the eternal reward waiting for us, we can retain the Joy of the LORD. For the Joy of the LORD is our strength. The joy that tells us that the night won’t last forever or that this persecution will only be for a little. This is what the persecuted church holds on to so tightly during their trials and tribulations, the Joy of the LORD.

Right now, the persecuted church has withstood much pain and suffering all for the name of Christ Jesus because they hold on to the Joy of the LORD. This is what we have to do in the free world, hold to the Joy of the LORD so that when it’s our time to face persecution, we will be able to stand strong in Christ Jesus.

Part One?

Part Two?

Part Four?

Part Five?

Part Six?

Back to Weekly Messages?

Similar Content

Like and Share This:
Proudly powered by WordPress