Our bodies were made from the dust; they are a temporary holding cell, if you will, for our inner person. One day our bodies will die, but our souls will continue to live somewhere. Since we were made from the dust, our bodies will return to the dust when we die. But what does that mean? Is that why we need a new body? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he answers all of these questions and more in his fiery message, The Great Exchange Pt. 2: The Body.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Genesis 2:7a John 6:63 John 3:6 John 6:28-29 James 2:26 Ezekiel 37:3 Matthew 27:50 Galatians 5:16–18 Galatians 5:19–21 1 Corinthians 6:18 Psalm 51:10 Psalms 23:3 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Philippians 3:20-21 Psalms 103:14 Numbers 35:33 2 Corinthians 4:7
The Great Exchange of Our Body
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 2:16-17
22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.
Genesis 3:22-24
When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit, they didn’t immediately drop dead and stop breathing. So, what died the day they ate the fruit? What was the great exchange of our body?
The very first law God gave to mankind was to not eat of the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil, or they would die. We all know the story, Eve ate, then Adam ate, but neither one physically died. Why? Did God make an empty threat? What kind of death was God speaking of? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he answers all of these questions and more in his fiery message, The Great Exchange: Where It All Began.
Genesis 3:1-7 Revelation 2:24 Genesis 1:26 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Isaiah 6:5 Matthew 7:21–23 Matthew 6:22–23 Job 31:1 Matthew 6:22–23 Genesis 8:21 Psalms 34:8 Genesis 8:21 Leviticus 1:8–9 2 Corinthians 2:15–16
Where It All Began Verses
The Command
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 2:15-17
The Sin
Adam and Eve didn’t just sin; they made an exchange. They exchanged their soul for knowledge.
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:6
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
1 John 2:16
The Consequence
Adam and Eve’s innocence was taken from them the day they ate the fruit from the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil in the midst of the Garden of Eden. They didn’t die physically but spiritually. This is where it all began. This was the beginning of sin.
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.
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
Christmas is a time of hope and joy, but it seems almost hopeless in a world filled with pain, sorrow, grief, starvation, and death. Sometimes it feels as if the very joy is being sucked out of our bodies. What is the joy and hope of Christmas? And how do we receive that joy? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he preaches part one, Joy to the World, of his five-part series Christmas Tidings.
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.”
Luke 2:10-11
In other words, “Joy to the world, the LORD is come.” Are you overjoyed to hear the good news? It doesn’t just bring happiness because happiness depends on circumstances, and when circumstances change, our happiness changes. Are circumstances changing your level of happiness? Do you get sad, or upset, or even angry when a situation or circumstance arises that you have no control over? Have you given someone else other than God the power to dictate your level of happiness? Then you need to ramp up the joy of the LORD.
Elijah was a regular man. He wasn’t secretly Superman. He wasn’t secretly Spiderman. He was a regular human being like you and me. The only difference between Elijah and us was the way that he prayed. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he shares this fiery message on the powerful prayers of Elijah in the third part, The Power of Proclamation Pt. 2, of our three-part series on Effectual Fervent Prayers.
1 Kings 16:34 James 5:17-18 John 12:49 Job 22:28 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 2 Corinthians 6:15 1 Kings 17:1 1 Kings 18:1 1 Samuel 17:47–49 2 Chronicles 20:13–17 1 Kings 18:41–42 James 4:2b-3 1 Thessalonians 5:17 John 6:11 Hebrews 4:12 Psalms 2:7–9
The Power of Proclamation
19 And [the Lord] said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”
Exodus 33:19
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are. And he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not on the earth for the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit.
James 5:16
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
