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A note from the publisher

The Pursuit of Holiness

By RedfeRn II

ny serious discussion of Holiness is without meaning, if it does not consider the underlying question that permeates the thought or life pattern of every living thing. That question is: What is the meaning of LIFE? Holiness is a container in which life should reside if is to be lived to perfection. To consider LIFE outside of Holiness is to consider it between its extremities, that is say its beginning and its end. The perceived start of each life is not its true beginning and the end of life is not its true end. Life is related to all things and all things are related to life. Life exists in context of matter or as we might say in a body but the body is not life. The body can be considered a vessel of life but not life itself. Scientists tell us that matter cannot be created nor destroyed in an isolated system. Antoine Lavoislers discovery of the law of conservation of mass has led to many great revelations about the properties of matter and the body but offers us little to even begin to understand life. Let alone Holiness. Life is not matter but rather a relationship to matter, It is recorded in the book of Genesis that the breath of God had a profound impact on matter (dirt) in such a way that the spirit (breath) of God transformed inert matter (dirt) into the active,

self aware, self conscious, free willed living creature called man. Taking a substance where no life existed and shaping it into form and then breathing life into it has defied scientific explanation since the creation of man. To understand Holiness, we must have some insight to the beginning of the vessel called man and the meaning and purpose of this gift called life. Who is this giver of Life? Who is this initiatorof the species called man? This is the one we callGod. Then the question surely must be; Who and what is God? How can this question be answered in such a way as to bring us some degree of satisfaction? The question is answered in the Gospel of John. John identifies God in a word, as a matter of fact he identifies God as THE Word. A definition that is so singular that it is true only because it is true. In other words it is true by definition. There is no way for the finite mind of man to functionally identify God except as He has revealed Himself to us. We can know of Him by how he revealed Himself to Moses when He said, I am that I am. John describes his God given revelation as to who and what God is, in the first chapter of the Gospel of John verses one through 5. Continued on pg 18 CityLight.org 3

september 2012

Are At gods disposAl

By Joe Grimaud

phArAohs & Kings

(Fourth in a series of articles describing the situation and events leading up to the formation of City Light Coalition, Inc., and the 1997 Tony Evans Crusade.) haraohs and Kings Are at Gods Disposal

Local Events & Points of Interest

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8th
Orangeburg COunty FairgrOunds
Bethany Baptist ChurCh of orangeBurg 803-535-0061 - orangeBurg, sC 11:00 am 4:00 pm bethany baptist Church of Orangeburg presents this day of free food, games, and rides for the kids. Over 10,000 people came last year. this community block party will feature a mechanical

I have told of our moving to Columbia from Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1979 to start a new business here. Of how our first Precision Tune business across from the VA Hospital had grown to multiple franchise businesses across South Carolina and Northern Georgia in just a few short years. That was when we saw a man on TV, and later met, that caused us to become involved in schools and inner city communities. We had invited Joseph Jennings, the man on TV, back to Columbia several times. He spoke in our church, in schools in Richland and Lexington Counties as well as in the upstate. Kids were being introduced to Jesus in after school events and being pointed to churches to maintain their newfound faith. By 1987 we had 15 or 20 Precision Tune Franchises in the Atlanta area, had moved there to continue its development, and our franchisees had agreed to sponsor Jennings, representing Precision Tune, while speaking in Atlanta schools. Continued on pg 33

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11th

seawell Banquet hall s 803-771-6634 - 1125 rosewood dr, ColumBia, sC 6:00pm - 8:00pm daybreak Crisis pregnancy Center is hosting their annual fundraising banquet. attendees will sample signature dishes from some of the areas finest restaurants and hear from guest speakers.

daybreak Crisis pregnanCy Center banquet

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15th

west side Baptist ChurCh 803-796-2027 2100 platt springs rd west ColumBia, sC 29169 9:30 am 4:15 pm simulcast will be held at West side baptist Church 2100 platt springs road, West Columbia, sC 29169 phone 803-796-2027 Brookland Baptist ChurCh (health and wellness Center) 803-796-7525 - 1066 sunset BlVd. west ColumBia, sC 29169 10:00 am 3:00 pm this family oriented, fun, and spirit filled event will be held at the brookland baptist Church health and Wellness Centers gymnasium.

beth MOOres Living prOOF Live 2012

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15th

------------------------------------------------------------for a full list of loCal eVents Visit:

www.ColumbiaCVB.com
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CoAugust, 2nd 2012 t s n t en

A note fRom the PuBlIsheR - the PuRsuIt of holIness Redfern II ................................................................................................Page 3 PhARAohs & KIngs ARe At gods dIsPosAl Joe Grimaud ..............................................................................................Page 4 fAmIly - fRom legAcy to destIny Luella Redfern.......................................................................................... Page 7 chAmPIons PlAy By the Rules Gladys Grimaud.........................................................................................Page 8 ReveRend RedfeRn II ............................................................................................................ Page 10 ARts & enteRtAInment ............................................................................................................Page 12 how to stARt A cItylIght PRAyeR gRouP ............................................................................................................Page 14 the secRet PlAce of the most hIgh Sylvia Mickens ........................................................................................Page 22 newtons lAws of Influence Chakisse Newton.......................................................................................Page 26 heBRew tIdBIts Debra Galloway........................................................................................Page 27 my JoB exPeRIence Debra Galloway ........................................................................................Page 34 the comfoRt Zone Is the dAngeR Zone - PARt II Daniel Henderson .....................................................................................Page 36 fAlse leAdeRs Jed N. Snyder, D. Min...............................................................................Page 37 the fAll feAsts Stephen Koehn .........................................................................................Page 40

ArtiCles

locAl events & PoInts of InteRest

feAtures

.............................................................................................................Page 4

cItylIght PRAyeR BReAKfAst Order of Service............................................................................................Page 9 tABle sPonsoRs ............................................................................................................Page 13 mIdlAnds PRAyeR oPPoRtunItIes ................................................................................................... Page 28 & 32 PRAyeR needs & volunteeR oPPoRtunItIes ........................................................................................................... Page 29 september 2012 CityLight.org 5

SEPTEMBER 2012
Publisher .......................................................................................Redfern II City Light Founders ............................................... Joe & Gladys Grimaud Editor........................................................................................Casey Lowe

Creative Director ........................................................................Gabe Lowe Logistics ................................................................................. Sandra Taylor

Director ................................................................................Sylvia Mickens Casting .................................................................................Luella Redfern Photographer Videographer .......................................................Zoe Warren Sponsorship Manager ................................................................... Sam Perry

Contributors................................................................................................. H.L. Allen Stephen Koehn

Debra Galloway Gladys Grimaud Joe Grimaud

Bonita Britt

Chakisse Newton Luella Redfern Jed Snyder

Sylvia Mickens

Catalyst@Citylight.org | ph 803.200.1940
6 CityLight.org

For information about sponsorship opportunities and rates, please contact:

september 2012

fAmilY
by: Luella Redfern

From Legacy to Destiny

od designed the family in His perfect way for His perfect reason. The family is the first interpersonal social group that we encounter in life. In His Word, God encourages each family member to master the role he has laid out for us. The significance that God places on the family, and His purpose in raising Godly offspring, is to trust only him to build up our families. The demise of family over the past few decades has had an adverse effect on our country and what we believe. The family is the group where bonds are created; where we learn to interact with one another, witness and demonstrate examples of behavior and conduct, learn family values and how to build a lifelong Godly relationship. I was born into a very large extended family. Throughout the years my family has come together to celebrate, birthdays, graduations, weddings and funerals. We also come together for family reunions. We learn about our heritage inherited from our ancestors at these reunions. Knowing our family legacy helps to express our identity and define family values that add meaning to our everyday lives. In June of this year my family and I attended the Jones-Simon family reunion in Orlando Florida in honor of my paternal grandmother, Allie Luella Smith-Johnson Jones and her sister, Ethel Smith-Johnson Simon. These ladies along with their husbands are the four Pillars of Strength for our family. Grandma Allie and Aunt Ethel were two very strong Godly women. They were rooted and grounded in the Lord. They lived out their faith. Their faith inspired everything in raising their children. They followed the teachings of Jesus Christ through the Bible showing love, kindness and generosity. Jesus was always first and they instilled in us a Christ centered life. Their relationship with Christ was evident in their daily lives. There

was no doubt that Jesus Christ is the foundation of our family. They believed in the power of prayer. When I think of Grandma Allie and Aunt Ethel, I am reminded of Pauls letter to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Sincere faith passed down from generation-togeneration is very precious. My grandma Allie studied the bible daily to learn what God says about how we should live. As stated in Joshua 24:15, she made a big decision for her family, But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. She instilled in her children to seek God first in making decisions, and God will always be the priority for their families. Grandma Allie was 16 years older than Aunt Ethel and when their mom died, she became Aunt Ethels second mom. She instilled the love of Christ in her as she did with all of her children. These sisters were very much alike in many ways. Both were sisters in Christ, loving and devoted wives, caring mothers, and affectionate grandmothers. Their examples of godly living and genuine transformation made me want to know more about God, read my Bible, attend church, and eventually ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of my life. My cousin, Geraldine Slaughter spent timeless hours planning our family reunion, searching marriage records, birth records, death records, census records, military records and relatives verification to provide us with a family history book. I now have a written history to share with my children for generations to come. We spent four glorious days at the Doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld, Orlando FL. We enjoyed the beach and Jetty

Continued on pg 16 7

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Champions Play By The Rules

By Gladys Grimaud

e have been fascinated by the athletic images coming out of the London 2012 Summer Olympics. We have cheered for all of our favorite athletes and felt pride when multiple gold medals winner, Michael Phelps, American swimmer, became the most decorated Olympian in history. We thrilled again when17-yearold Gabby Douglas took the gold for America in the womens gymnastics giving

As the runners took their positions in the race, The Mens 200 Final would indeed be an exciting race to watch! As the cameras focused in on Usain Bolt while the athletes readied themselves for the race, Bolt shuffled from side to side in place, licking his lips like a hungry tiger anxiously pacing inside caged bars eager to be let loose for his dinner. Seconds later, a smile of confidence crossed his face as a muscle-clad arm

When its all said and done, I want to run the race, in the lane God assigned to me, striving toward the gold medal
her Christian testimony in an interview afterwards. However, it was another event at the Jamaica Olympic National Trials that grabbed my attention and caused me to want to write this article. It was Usain Bolt, previous Olympian Champion at age 15, who had dominated the world of sprinting in the Mens 100 and 200-meter races that was favored to win the Jamaica National trials. But one of the sprinters, Yohan Blake, who happened to be smaller in stature, didnt believe that his size was a handicap against a formidable opponent like Big Man Bolt. At the trials, two times in three days, Yohan Blake defeated Usain Bolt! When the day arrived for the Mens 200-meter Final in London, would Bolt be ready or would Blake be the new gold medal winner? The world wanted to know. 8 CityLight.org raised his right hand to make the sign of the cross on his chest. He quickly feigned a kiss on his lips with his finger thrusting toward heaven as if looking to God for help. Silence descended upon the men as they waited for the start. The signal popped.. the race was on and off they went! At the start and seconds into the race, it was obvious that Big Man Bolt, had found new strength and power. As Bolt bolted at the start, the announcer observed saying, Blake, who beat him twice in the trials, has a lot of work to do here, and in just 19.32 seconds, the announcement was made, Bolt has done it again! He has won the gold medal! What a great story of a great champion. The dictionary describes the word, champion, as a noun in two ways: (1) a person

Continued on page 30

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Columbia Prayer Breakfast

September 6th 2012

CityLight

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reverend

redfern ii
He founded the Ecumenical Churches of Christ with Rev. Carey Hopkins and Rev. Theodore Kennedy. Rev. Marion Hill, Rev. M.L. Gallman, Rev. Keith Green and Sister Georgia Alston were among the first Associate Ministers of the Church. Ralph Mills was the first Minister of Music. The First Church service was held at the Margaret H. Miller Center on Fontaine Road in Columbia, SC. The dream and vision at the beginning was to establish 500 Ecumenical Churches worldwide. The Ecumenical Church served as the home of the founding members of the African American Catholic Congregation. Rev. Redfern was the first founding member at the first service conducted by Bishop Stallings at Jones Memorial AMEZ church. The Ecumenical church moved to Bethlehem Center in the Waverly community where the ministry served over 600 families. There were over 300 youth in Bible Study every Wednesday night. Sports teams were organized to include: the Kings basketball team, the Angels baseball team and the Saints Pop Warner football teams. Hot meals were prepared for families of the community 5 days a week and on Sundays over 200 young people and a 100 homeless men and women were taken to the Golden Coral restaurant for free breakfast. The church purchased 12 vans and 5 buses to transport members.

ev. Redfern II is the Presiding Bishop and General Overseer of the Ecumenical Churches Worldwide. As the presiding Prelate, he serves as the responsible agent for North and South America, Africa and Asia. Rev. Redfern is also the Executive Officer for CityLight, an international Faith Based Organization that organizes 13 member Prayer Groups in every state, county, city, and precinct in America and the 8 regional districts of the world. Rev. Redfern was ordained in 1995 in Riverfront Park with the Rev. Benjamin Mays Blocker and Rev. Cliff Johnson officiating. I.S. Leevy Johnson. E.J. Newby and John R. Harper, II were among those laying on hands. Redfern was invited into ministry, discipled and mentored by several local and national ministers. He cites Bishop Smallwood Williams and Elder A.C. Jackson of Bibleway; Bishop Fredrick C. James, Rev. Willie J. Nelson and Rev. Ronnie Brailsford of the A.M.E. church; Rev. Rosce Wilson, Rev. A.A. Neal, Rev A.W. Goforth, Rev. W.H. Neal and Rev. William M. Bowman of the Missionary Baptist Convention; Father William F. ONeal and Bishop S.K. Rembert of the Episcopal and Reformed Episcopal Church; and Bishop Robert L. Bishop and Rev. Ronald Bennett. Rev. Augustus Rodgers has been a friend, brother and teacher for all seasons.

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The church had joint services with Grace Christian Church. It later merged with Ridgecrest Baptist church with Rev. Ronald Bennett, Rev. Henry Hennigan and Rev. Edward King. Rev. Redfern joined First Church of the Nazarene while serving as Executive Director of CityLight. Joe and Gladys Grimaud, founders of CityLight, are key supporters of the Ecumenical Church movement. Redfern II has served as the Chief Executive Officer in a diverse array of companies worldwide. He is known for his innovative leadership and management skills. He has a demonstrated track record of providing companies with the leadership, organizational and operational tools for sustained profitable growth. He serves as special advisor to Jimmy LaRose and the National Development Institute. Rev. Redfern is a retired newspaper publisher and the retired owner of FSGM, Inc, a ground maintenance and waste management company. As the founder of Black News, he built the first major statewide newspaper network with 9 publications. FSGM, Inc was the largest grounds maintenance company in the southeast, with over 600 employees operating in eight states. Rev. Redfern is a life long civil rights activist. He has led marches and demonstrations throughout the United States. During his protest years, he took over the presidents office at USC, held the Richland One School board hostage for 24 hours and held the branch officers of a bank hostage while negotiating the hiring of more African Americans. He successfully protested to get the first African American car salesmen, insurance agent, Blacks in management at the phone company, retail workers on Main Street and the Malls. Redfern is a founding member of the United Black Fund, the National Black Family Summit and the 100 Black Men in South Carolina. He was one of the organizers on SC State College

campus the night of the Orangeburg Massacre. He organized the largest protest rally ever held at the SC State Capitol building. Redfern orchestrated protest demonstrations on every major college campus on the East Coast. Redfern has successfully managed political campaigns from the local magistrate office to statewide and congressional offices. He has served in operational capacities in several Presidential campaigns. He was a Reagan presidential appointee to the transitional team assigned to the U.S. Department of Transportation. He is a former Board member of the United Way with a 30-year service history. Redfern has held several executive volunteer United Way campaign positions. He has further served the non-profit sector as president of two community based organizations. In each case he substantially increased funding, service delivery and organizational efficiency. Redfern was elected presiding Bishop and chief elder of the Ecumenical Church worldwide. He has served as the International director of CityLight and Cross Style International ministries. As the director of CityLight he organized a chain of worldwide prayer cells covering the 8 regions of the world. In his position at Cross Style he develop the strategic plan for 125 Bible training centers in 25 countries. Bishop Redfern II is married to the former Luella Jones and is father to Jasmine Jones and Shelton Blue.

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ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT

heArts CrY Worship

prisoned hearts are set free, blind eyes are opened, wounds are healed. We want to be a channel through which Holy Spirit flows. For Hearts Cry, worship is warfare. Fronted by worship leaders and siblings Gabe Lowe, and Lydia Karstedt, Hearts Cry Worship Band is made up of an array of musicians and ministers who are dedicated to building the Kingdom and to leading others into worship of the King of Kings. The band is currently comprised of Gabe Lowe (drums, vocals), Lydia Karstedt (guitar, vocals), Miriam Murtaugh (guitar, vocals), Tressa Cassttey (guitar, vocals) Todd Wilkins (bass), Stephen Koehn (guitar, vocals), Dustin Rucker (drums & percussion), & Casey Lowe (Keys, vocals). For more information & booking , contact: Gabe Lowe 803.553.8708 gabe@HeartsCrySC.com
september 2012

ne of the most effective forms of communication is music. Music has the power to awaken our memory, to evoke an emotional response, and to stir us deep in our souls. It is no wonder Yahweh has chosen music as a medium through which we can express our love,

adoration and praise to Him! Because of that powerful influence music has in our lives, Hearts Cry Worship Band wants to make the most of every note. We want to see the heavens opened and the Glory of the King of Kings manifest itself in our praises. HCWB believes that strongholds are broken and the power of the Holy Spirit is released through worship. Im12 CityLight.org

worship=
Sam s Home Repair & Custom Cabinetry CityLight Prayer Group # 1 First Ecumenical Church Christ Central/ Holy Light Chapin Furniture Rev. Ramn Balaguer Precision Tune Esther Women of Influence James P. LaRose Adrian Moldovan Ministries Elder Maurice Webber

warfare
tAble sponsors
Anointed Touch Dr. Dean M. Floyd MD. Morning Glory Prayer Group Jesus Everyday Ministries Daniel Circle Chapel Men Revealing The Glory Ministries Deacon Milton McGee Dr. Augustus Rodgers New Gloryland Baptist Church Brother Lane

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How To Start a

Citylight Prayer Group

ityLight is a Catalyst Connecting Christ to the Culture for Community Change. Our main focus is prayer; seeking the face of God, turning from our wicked ways, receiving forgiveness and the healing of our land. II Chronicles 7:14 We invite you to join us in this great enterprise called - CityLight. As Christians we are committed to bringing Light to the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ. CityLight is a movement of believers who have committed to living the Two Great Commandments and carrying out the Great Commission. We are not separate from, but active members in our local Christian Church. We are from many different cultures, countries, races, communities, societies and denominations, but we are united as one body in Christ. Our members are individuals, churches, ministers, and businesses who have come together in prayer asking God to guide us as we respond to the needs of our community. This response is in our Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry and Evangelism.

2 chRonIcles 7:14 (nIv) 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. the two gReAt commAndments: Mt 22:36 [ Jesus], which is the great commandment in the law? And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets. the gReAt commIssIon: Mt 28:16 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV ) cItylIght vIsIon: To bring light to the world by responding september 2012

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to the prayer of Christ for complete unity with God and other believers. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. ( John 17:22-23) cItylIght mIssIon stAtement: CityLight is a catalyst connecting Christ to the culture for community change. cItylIght slogAn: The light of the world is Jesus. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

City Light and its leaders. Share your passion and love for the Lord Jesus and this mission of prayer with your fellow believers. Allow the call of II Chronicles 7:14 to resonate in your community and the spirit. Examine your life, the lives of those in your community and the spirit and values by which you live. As you discover the will of God for this generation, we pray that you will join us as we join with Him in complete obedience and submission. Knock on the door to your heart and the heart of this generation to live The Great Commission. Allow the door of prayer to open the hearts of a dying generation and give hope anew to those who have not heard the Good news. E the members of the CityLight group hereby solemnly pledge our lives, hopes, and dreams to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We promise to uphold, honor and promote the core values of our Christian heritage.
Continued on page 24

How To Start A Prayer Group

woRshIP 1 The first step in starting a CityLight Prayer Group is to enter into a spirit of Worship... a spirit of unrelenting, unceasing prayer. Taking time to seek the face of God and experience His presence from the very depths of your soul. It is by the will of God and only by the will of God that you can be an instrument of this work. Ask God to reveal His purpose for your life. The purpose for the entirety of your being. Study the Word of God - the Bible. Pray for the manifold wisdom of God to be made manifest in your every endeavor. View the 5 twenty minute video sessions of Stephen Manleys study on prayer and the Book of Ephesians. Seek the advise, counsel and prayers of your pastor, deacons and church leaders. Learn more about september 2012

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fAmilY From Legacy to Destiny

By: Luella Redfern | Continued from page 7

Park at Cape Canaveral and the Amusement Parks in Orlando. It was a wonderful time for all at the beach and amusement parks. It was great meeting new family members and getting reacquainted with others. A reality check of the event was to face the fact that my dad and all of his brothers are deceased. He has three living sisters, however only one of them attended the family reunion. It was great to see that our family has grown into over six generations. The Lord has blessed us in many ways over the years. As we continue to discover Gods purpose for us, we must know who we are and from whence we came. No family is perfect and mine, as well as many other families, surely have skeletons in

several of our family members that proclaim to be Christians, voiced their opinions about the banquet speaker. Some liked his message but felt that the family reunion banquet was not the place for it. Some said we should never have a preacher as a speaker. Others said that family members that practice other religions dont come to the reunion because we have too much church and dont respect their beliefs. It was decided that in order to be committed to our family reunions, and to get all family members to participate,we should consider putting aside our religious differences and focus on the positives. The question was asked, What about Religious tolerance? As Christians, we must be loving and tolerant. Some family members strongly disagreed, I will not deny who I am or what I believe. Just how much should we compromise? In celebrating the Jones-Simon family heritage in honor of the lives of Grandma Allie

Sincere faith passed down from generationto-generation is very precious.

the closet, a relative that drives you crazy, hurt feelings, jealousy and unresolved issues. Family relationships are not always easy but they are always important. After all, we cant choose the family we are born into. The one thing that concerned me the most about my family reunion was my familys reactions to the Saturday evening banquet speaker. He was a powerful, young, spirit filled preacher. He began preaching at the age of four and God has truly anointed him. He preached the Gospel in a mighty way and many were touched. His message was strong, though, not politically correct. Since several of our family members have grown to practice other religions, this message was difficult for some. Some felt that it is not politically correct, for lack of a better word, to have a preacher speak at the reunion banquet because preachers PREACH. People dont want to hear a preacher and they dont want to be condemned. At our Sunday morning family meeting, and Aunt Ethel our legacy was rooted and grounded in JESUS. Prayer was our foundation. How far away have we gotten from that, that we should be politically correct or tolerant at our family reunions, that we should not mention the name of Jesus because some have decided to walk away from Jesus and choose other gods? Should we deny Jesus? Of course not! In Matthew 10:33 Jesus says, But whosoever shall deny me before men, himwillI also deny before my Father which is in heaven. You have to believe in Jesus to believe this statement. Everyone has a freedom of religion and I dont deny his or her right. Little Annie, as we affectionately called Aunt Ethel, and Grandma Allie were two women that loved the Lord. They stood on the Word of God and prayed without ceasing. They planted the seed of prayer in me and believed that Jesus died for my sins and that I would not deny Him. A family reunion is, or can be, a time of cel-

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ebrating our heritage and the legacy of our ancestors. I believe in order to understand our destiny, we must know our history and the legacy of those who came before us. This provides a means for younger family members to learn about their heritage. We should never compromise who we are just because a few family members decide to practice other religions or no religions at all. As Christians we should demonstrate love and treat them with dignity and respect. This can be done without being judgmental or putting conditions on our love. We will continue to invite all family members to our family reunions. My truth is to believe in the Christian God, Jesus. Truth is not contradictory. Is religious tolerance important in my family? As Christians we are instructed by Jesus to love our neighbors and our enemies. We cannot do that by hating them or condemning them. Nevertheless, religious tolerance does not mean that we, Christians, have to agree with the doctrines of contradictory faith, especially when they oppose the Word of God. On the contrary, we are supposed to confront false doctrines. Why? Because false doctrines reject the truth of the Bible. Since Christ is the Word of God the doctrine of Christ is not just His teaching found in the gospels, but rather, His teaching is the Scripture in its entirety fromGenesis to Revelation. Our next family reunion is scheduled for South Carolina in 2014. We will not rede-

fine the purpose of our reunions and we will not compromise who we are. The question becomes, Should we be tolerant? One definition of tolerance fromdictionary.com is: a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from ones own. While many Christians see tolerance as being politically correct, that is not a true definition of tolerance. Tolerance has a fine line. When we mistake tolerance for political correctness, we run the risk of becoming dishonest. Showing love means being honest, and there are ways to be tolerant of anothers viewpoints, while holding onto our own beliefs and values. We can be honest if we disagree with a person and be respectful. Families come with many different beliefs, and in many different shapes, sizes and colors. God can take any family and transform it into a Godly family. Please join me in praying for my family members. As those who do not know, will come to know, the one true God. In John 17:3 Jesus addresses his Father, saying, Now this is eternal life, that they know youthe only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Praise be to God!

luellA RedfeRn
Executive Director Esther Women CityLight.org

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from the publisher The Pursuit of Holiness

By: Redfern II | Continued from page

highest execution of Gods design for life. Holiness is right relationship with God and all that is, was and ever will be.

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John is a witness to the source of Life and the creation of the context in which it is lived. It is clear that God is the true source of all life and the creator of all things that were made. This is to say that God created the body, the mind, the spirit, the habitation in which we live, the earth and the fullness thereof. He created the universe.

stAte of the woRld

The pursuit of Holiness is not to be considered in a vacuum. Whether we are holy or not impacts everything. It impacts Gods eternal plan for the existence of everything. The nature of our existence in relation to a loving God and the order He has prescribed for His Universe. This affects the state of the nation, world and universe. It is man at his smallest level, balancing the lever of power instilled within him by His creator, on the fulcrum of random circumstance, against the will of all that is the antithesis of God. The pursuit of Holiness is not the pursuit of a better, more Godly behavior. Holiness is right relationship with God. It is relationship with God that determines behavior. Holiness is perfect submission. Holiness is not what we do but who we are when we surrender to the perfect will of God. It is the matter of which we were made and the light of His spirit overcoming our personal darkness. Its not our pursuit of God but rather the acceptance of Gods Holiness pursuing us.

ABsolute vs. RelAtIve

Holiness demands a response to absolute Truth. John describes it as light and dark-

Every thought, every reality, every imagination, and even every altered dimension was created and is maintained by Him. As part and parcel of His creation, we are a part of His wholeness, in His perfection we are a puzzle piece designed to eternally compliment the whole of everything. Holiness is the 18 CityLight.org

Juanita Walker-ross, Annette balaguer september 2012

When the imperfect love of man reaches to connect with the infinitely perfect love of God, the glory of God blossoms into the beauty of Holiness.
ness. A life filled with the light of Holiness (the person of Jesus Christ) cannot, will not, be overcome by darkness because as John said, the darkness has not overcome it. There are those who subscribe to life filled with relative truth; a truth that attempts to color the darkness of sin with excuses. They say there are no absolutes. They desire a truth that allows for abortions, adultery, tax evasion, racism, slavery, stock manipulation and government by the will of the people. Holiness is absolute, in that, God is absolute. Responding to God is responding to an absolute unchanging, uncompromising Truth about all things. The truth of God is the same today, yesterday and forevermore. It is Gods Holiness, His completeness pursuing us across the eternal time and space continuum. It is not your pursuit of Holiness but rather Gods pursuit of you. There is no uncertainty in what is right relationship with God. John reports to us that Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. By His hand all things were set in their proper place. By His will, all of creation is ordered and substantiated in his beauty. And Man? What about Man? You are the completion of His creation. You are the highest expression of His glory. Holiness is relative, in that, everything that exists can only exist in relation to Him. God is the creator of all things and all things exist in relation to Him. Holiness demands mans full attention. Holiness is september 2012 not a theory of Relativity; Holiness is Absolute Relativity. It is by definition Gods relation to all things.

PolItIcAl conventIons

There is always a desire by man to capture and enslave Holiness in something we call the Body Politic. There is always an attempt to codify Holiness, to make it a set of rules, ordinances that we can use to contain the darkness of this age. Holiness pursues us, not to be made into commandments. Holiness pursues that original matter that was turned into flesh, full of the spirit of its creator, to so completely fill us with the very nature of God Himself. Holiness is not the power to contain darkness, it is the power to conquer darkness. Holiness is not a political philosophy. It is not a political party. It is not a form of Government. Holiness is God in pursuit of mans heart, not his political creations. Holiness is not the measuring tool for judgment. It is God loving us more than our political body. Holiness is Gods total disregard for all the geo-political subdivisions created by man. Holiness is His absolute love for us beyond ourselves. Sin causes separation from God and disfiguration of all that he has created. Sin is a return to the time that darkness covered everything. Holiness is the light of reconciliation. Holiness seeks each one of us on an individual level because God has life planned for each one of us. Gods design for our life is in such detail that even the numbered hairs on our head have been CityLight.org 19

from the publisher The Pursuit of Holiness

By: Redfern II | Continued from page

19

considered in the alignment of everything that exists. Holiness is the absolute expression of Gods love. It is the manifestation of the person of God in His Son, Jesus Christ. Mans love of God comes from the finite while Gods love for man comes from the infinite. When the imperfect love of man reaches to connect with the infinitely perfect love of God, the glory of God blossoms into the beauty of Holiness. Holiness is not a corrected world order of political jurisdictions. Holiness is not to be trapped by the conventions or ordinances of a finite mind but rather Holiness brings man into a spiritual position that illuminates Gods love for His creation. Political motivations are all based on mans subdivisions of Gods creation while Holiness lifts man to a region of the heavenly realm, where God has called all things into perfect order unto Himself.

everything. We do not find the meaning of Life in the norm, customs or institutions of society. The meaning of life is found in Holiness. Holiness is being one with God, the King of Kings. You dont pursue Holiness, Hes pursuing you. Holiness is reconciliation with the Kings of Kings

one wIth god... holIness

Id like to close with the words of The late Dr. S. M. Lockeridge, a pastor from San Diego, California. He describes the King of Kings this way.... Hes enduringly strong. Hes entirely sincere. Hes eternally steadfast. Hes immortally graceful. Hes imperially powerful. Hes impartially merciful. Thats my King. Hes Gods Son. Hes the sinners saviour. Hes the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. Hes honest. Hes unique. Hes unparalleled. Hes unprecedented. Hes supreme. Hes pre-eminent. Hes the grandest idea in literature. Hes the highest personality in philosophy. Hes the supreme problem in higher criticism. Hes the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. Hes the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. Thats my King. Hes the miracle of the age. Hes the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. Hes the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. Hes available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. Hes the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. Thats my King. Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. Hes the wellspring of wisdom. Hes the doorway of deliverance. september 2012

socIetAl noRms

The life of an individual or the collective life of all the individuals who have ever lived has always been an experience described in geo-political-social and cultural context, in a time/location dynamic. Established patterns of living give rise to specific national, ethic, racial, social and economic entities. Man has always desired to legislate Holiness in the political, economic and social institutions of society. Holiness transcends societal peculiarities because Gods being is not subject to the conventions of the mind of man. Gods Holiness is greater than society created by man. Gods gift of Holiness is not to the society but to the individual. Each individual in society has his own perfect path to right relationship with God. It is Holiness, the fullness of the Spirit that transforms man. It is the person of Jesus, Holiness personified, that changes 20 CityLight.org

Hes the pathway of peace. Hes the roadway of righteousness. Hes the highway of holiness. Hes the gateway of glory. Hes the master of the mighty. Hes the captain of the conquerors. Hes the head of the heroes. Hes the leader of the legislatures. Hes the overseer of the overcomers. Hes the governor of governors. Hes the prince of princes. Hes the King of kings and Hes the Lord of lords. Thats my King. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but Hes indescribable. Thats my King. Hes incomprehensible, Hes invincible, and He is irresistible.

Im coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens cant contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You cant get Him out of your mind. You cant get Him off of your hands. You cant outlive Him and you cant live without Him. The Pharisees couldnt stand Him, but they found out they couldnt stop Him. Pilate couldnt find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldnt get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldnt kill Him. Death couldnt handle Him and the grave couldnt hold Him. Thats my King. He always has been and He always will be. Im talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and Hell have no successor. Theres nobody before Him and therell be nobody after Him. You cant impeach Him and Hes not going to resign. Thats my King! Thats my King!

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The Secret Place of The Most High

By Pastor Sylvia Mickens By Pastor Sylvia Mickens He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2 St. John 1 talks about how Yashua hid Himself in a fleshly body to bring Salvation to the entire world. .. and the Word put on flesh and dwelt among us. Paul too was astounded at the mystery of godliness, namely the incarnation of

t is Gods delight to hide things. That is one of reasons that Yashua spoke of the mystery of the Kingdom of God numerous times throughout the Gospels. He

We are sometimes guilty of having more faith on behalf of others than we do for ourselves
would couch his carefully spoken words in the manner of parables so that the uninitiated would not be able to discern the significance of His hidden meaning. This concept is further carried out in the New Testament epistles when the principles of the carnal or natural man are contrasted with the spiritual man. 22 CityLight.org Yashua into a fleshly body. There are many other instances where we find the Most High and His Secret Place: God the Son hid himself in the home of a simple carpenter and his wife. God the Son hid himself as a wedding guest to perform a miracle

Juanita Walker-ross, Annette balaguer september 2012

 God the Son hid himself at a well to minister to a woman who needed a drink from a deeper well. God the Son hid himself on a Cross. . . .all for the salvation of man. Just a few verses further down in Psalms 91: 5-6, we find a double calamity noted: A battle and A pestilence. Someone might be prone to ask, Is the man who is in the secret place immune from trouble, difficulties, and the harassing moments of life? Often our idea of the secret place of Yahweh and His idea of the secret place are two different concepts. Anything that brings a person nearer to God is not an enemy. It is his closest friend. Anything that can unlock the real potential of a mans soul is to be embraced and not fought off. A relationship with God will reveal to us the purposes and revelation of God. That is what lifts a man far above the earth and all its afflictions. Nowhere does faith find itself

so firmly and completely encircled in the defense of God than in the Secret place. Abide in me, says the vine to the branches, so that nutrients may be imparted to its distant branches. The air says the same thing to the lungs and oxygen, which is delivered to the tiniest of cells. If you will stay where you are supposed to stay, there is an incredible blessing that will reveal itself to you. There is great power in just standing against the onslaught of the world and the enemy. Scattered throughout Scripture there are other instances of Secret Places that often were not perceived as such, yet all in all they brought incredible power to the lives of some of Yahwehs greatest followers. impossibilities Joshua and the wall of Jericho. Weakness The weeping prophet Jeremiah. depression Elijah and his juniper tree.

Continued on page 38

september 2012

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How To Start a

Citylight Prayer Group

Continued from page 15

gentleness, also known as mildness, is the tendency to allow provocations to go unanswered. fAIthfulness is standing strong in faith, and strength against diversion away from faith and virtue. modesty refers to purity in appearance and self-image. self-contRol, also known as continence, refers to purity in words as well as the tendency to avoid temptations. chAstIty refers to purity in actions, especially sexual purity. Chastity should not be confused with celibacy, which is the avoidance of marriage and marital acts.

The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity. These fruits are the result of growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These fruits are tendencies rather than mere willingness, because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. In the person who possesses a Fruit of the Spirit, this willingness bears fruit in the life and behavior of the person. chARIty is love, both of God and of neighbor. It is our love for God above all things for his own sake and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. Joy is the happiness found in union with the Lord. It is a glimpse of the perfect happiness of heaven that leads us to desire heaven. PeAce refers to dealing justly with the world, as well as remaining in good conscience before God. PAtIence, also known as long-suffering, refers to the tendency to endure both temptation and suffering without it leading to sin. KIndness, also known as Benignity, is the tendency toward acting kindly and doing good. goodness is the tendency to avoid sin and do good. geneRosIty is an openness to sharing ones own gifts and goods with others. It is the opposite of both gluttony and envy. 24 CityLight.org

Positions in your CityLight Prayer Group

Chairman Vice Chairman (Discipleship) Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Fellowship Coordinator Ministry Coordinator Photographer Internet Manager 2nd Generation Prayer Group (Evangelism) Chaplain (Worship Leader) Assistant Chaplain columBIA PRAyeR gRouP no. The members of CityLight Prayer Groups are individuals who are guided by II Chronicles 7:14 to save a generation and fit it for Worship and Kingdom Service. We pursue the Face of God in all that we do. We pray that our lives may be vessels of Holiness and Fruit of the spirit. In every area of life we offer our Utmost to his Highest. We are shaped and formed in groups with a leader and 12 disciples. Our Fellowship september 2012

is for Worship, Discipleship, Ministry and Evangelism. Prayer is the cornerstone of our assembly each month. Each disciple in every group will grow and mature to start another group of 12 so that we may reach every heart with the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ. We are a Chapter of CityLight Inc., a nonprofit 50 1(c)3 organization. We have purposely intentioned to find, recruit, develop, equip, and disciple Christians to be todays leaders with a new standard of Holiness. We are committed to God, our families, our children, our extended families and our church. We offer our lives in keeping the Two Great Commandments and the Great Commission. By the Seal of our Hands with our commitment to God, we commission CityLight Prayer Group No. Columbia as a new Chapter of CityLight on the___ day of the month of ___ in the year of our Lord ___.

Light to the world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. CityLight is a movement of believers who have committed to living the The Great Commandments and carrying out the Great Commission. We are not separate from but active members in our local Christian Church. We are from many different cultures, countries, races, communities, societies and denominations, but we are united as one body in Christ. Our members are individuals, churches, ministries and businesses who have come together in prayer asking God to guide us as we respond to the needs of our community. This response is in our Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Evangelism. For more information, visit:

Recruit 12 People to Join You In Prayer one hour each month...

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and PRAY and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14 CityLight is a Catalyst Connecting Christ to the Culture for Community Change. Our main focus is prayer; seeking the face of God, turning from our wicked ways, receiving forgiveness and the healing of our land. II Chronicles 7:14 We invite you to join us in this great enterprise called- CityLight. As Christians we are committed to bringing september 2012

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Tools and Tips to Improve Professional and Personal Success

newtons laws of influence

chakisse newtons

isney has a new movie coming out called Finding Nemo. Oh, youve already heard of it? Thats probably because Finding Nemo won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003 and for several years was the best-selling DVD of all time. So how is it new? Disney is repackaging and re-releasing the film in 3D later this year.

dIsney s f IndIng nemo

Marketing Lessons From

ner of the office. They decided to take the manuals, which contained short tips for parents and social workers, and turn those manuals into tweets, blog posts and emails.

Disneys re-launch of Finding Nemo is a great example for all marketers. You can create great content and great value for your prospects by recycling, repackaging and reinventing assets you already have. Here are three ways to start: 1.tAKe inventorY Try to think more broadly than financial resources or mere physical products. Your assets may include expertise, intellectual property, relationships or special contacts. Identify those resources that you have that are of value to others. 2. re-use Your mAteriAls Look for a few ways that you can reuse those assets and materials today. One nonprofit specializing in the prevention of child abuse uncovered several bookshelves of manuals that sat ignored in a dusty cor26 CityLight.org

3. identifY neW uses Next, figure out if you can combine some of your old inventory to create something new. In the case of the non-profit, they could add some content to create an e-course. Or, they could partner with another organization to take the material and create new resources. What can you do? Even if you dont make the next blockbuster movie, you can still save time, be more productive and be more effective than ever before by re-using some of your old materials. You may not find Nemo, but you will find a marketing goldmine. Want more in depth tips on how to do this? Ask for my Going Green Guide. at CardinalConsulting.com

Chakisse Newton

Cardinal Consulting 803.753.1311 | CardinalConsulting.net

september 2012

hebreW tidbits
by Debra C. Galloway
the importAnCe of blood

here is something beautiful about the complexities and beauty of the red liquid of life called blood, which caused Yahveh to use it as a symbol of spiritual understanding. In the Hebrew language, the word dahm is translated as blood. (Yes, dahm is the root word in the name Adam.) Often we glance over the power of dahm (blood) in our walk of faith. We say we are cleansed by the Dahm (Blood) of the Lamb, but we say it as mere words and do not allow the complexity and importance of the symbolism to soak in. What is dahm (blood) that makes it such an important symbol? Why was dahm (blood) the symbolic element Abba (Father), Yahveh, chose to connect mankind to the salvation gift? I mean, the dahm (blood) of a lamb was placed as a mark on the doorposts of the enslaved Jews of Egypt so that the angel of death would pass over them. Moses turned the waters of Egypt into dahm (blood) as a sign that Yahveh would free the Jews. The Dahm (Blood) of Yahshua was the salvation element that would reconcile the sinful world back to Yahveh. The thought of dahm (blood) evokes rich and sacred imagery because dahm (blood) is in reality extraordinary. For one, dahm

(blood) is the power and mystery of birth, war, disease, and death. We cannot exist on earth, in this realm of human existence, without dahm (blood). In fact, dahm (blood) supplies the delivery and defense system that is necessary for our existence. Dahm (blood) is literally and spiritually life itself. A single drop of dahm (blood) contains the entire genetic code of a particular human being. That fact alone tells us that dahm (blood) is more than a red liquid. In the dahm (blood) is the red cell that contains the iron that our bodies use to carry oxygen. In the dahm (blood) is the white cell that protects our bodies against infection. The living liquid known as dahm (blood) also contains the proteins that deliver nutrients to our tissues and plasma that contains the guardians of our immune system. So, dahm (blood) is a big deal. The next time you say the words, I drink this cup representing the Dahm (Blood) of Yahshua, soak in carefully the fullness of what the red living liquid is, does, and means. Without Yahshua, we cannot live, physically or spiritually. We need the dahm (blood).

Debra C. Galloway is co-author of the Book,

Take Me Back to the Truth Available at www.EshNaga.com

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Prayer Opportunities
gReAteR columBIA cAll to PRAyeR
9:30 11:30 am Columbia International University 7435 Monticello Road Columbia, SC 29230 The goal of GCCTP is to unite the body of Christ across ethnic, racial, and denominational lines seeking Gods face and asking Him to send transformation, revival, and spiritual awakening to the Greater Columbia area and across the world. Prayer Gatherings are held on the second Saturday of each month in the Alumni Center at CIU. 2012 GCCTP dates are: March 10, April 14, May 5, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8 For information contact H. L. Allen at 803-513-2003 or at allenhl@windstream.net

midlands

cItylIght PRAyeR BReAKfAst | columBIA

first Thursday each month 7:00 8:30am CityLight is a worldwide network of Christ centered prayer groups. The Columbia chapter meets the first Thursday of each month to have Breakfast and Pray for Our City and Nation. Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 1066 Sunset Blvd. (US 378) West Columbia, SC 29169 For information visit www.citylight.org Or contact: Rev. Redfern II at 803.7302758 | E-mail: redfern2@citylight.org or H. L. Allen at 803.513.2003 | E-mail: allenhl@windstream.net

wAlK the lAByRInth And PRAy

First Friday every month 10:00 am 8:00pm Wesley Hall at Lexington United Methodist Church 309 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072. A labyrinth is a sacred path and space used for prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a single path to the center and back. It is walked in an attitude of prayer and meditation. Come and spend as much time as you desire and as God leads. www.lexumc.com | 803-359-6838

f IRst fRIdAy PRAyeR focus

A day of fasting and prayer each month for revival and for those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1). Participants are encouraged to make Fridayespecially the first Friday of the montha day of special emphasis on revival in the church. This emphasis is our modern expression of a National Prayer Accord. (For more information visit the website at www.ifapray.org. ________________________________________________________________________

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PRAyeR needs

volunteeR oPPoRtunItIes

Christ Central serves 3500-4000 meals a month as well as offering many other services to the community from the Main Street Location. Our commercial refrigerator recently stopped running and one of our heating and air units went out this past summer. Please join your faith and prayers with ours as we trust God for a Commercial Refrigerator and HVAC unit for the Christ Central Columbia Mission Station

Balsamic Bruschetta

CHRIST CENTRALS # 1 commitment is to serve every client in a spirit of love and respect. Our devoted volunteers are dedicated to serve in excellence, regardless of how great or small the need. I am both grateful and honored to have such dedicated and faithful volunteers who make great sacrifices to serve in the daily operation at 2401 Main Street. There are many services offered at Christ Central Columbia, but none of it would be possible without our volunteers. Some come driving a Cadillac, others come with only a backpack. Some can only stay an hour, others will stay all day. The common thread among them all is a grateful heart with a willingness to enhance another life. Volunteers are the life of Christ Central Columbia and our greatest asset. The following volunteer positions/opportunities are currently available at Christ Central Columbia Clothes Coordinator Director of procurement Part time Receptionist Prep Cooks Professional Floor Care Musicians Director of Community Service (PTI) Director of Sound/Equipment Director of Grounds Vehicles Maintenance Supervisor Sunday Morning Breakfast For more information or a site visit, please contact: Rev. Luella Redfern, Volunteer Coordinator or Pastor Sylvia Mickens@ 803-765-1998

INGREDIENTS: 2 cans Lucks Fried Apples 1 can biscuits Crisco for frying the pies Flour Powdered sugar DIRECTIONS: Open apples, drain and pour in bowl Using a fork cut into medium size pieces Roll out each individual biscuit on floured board Fill center of each rolled biscuit Wet the edges with water then fold over and crimp with wet fork. Fry in deep skillet in enough oil to float

in them.... But mens plans ignore the offence of the cross or despise it. Mens plans have

All Gods plans have the mark of the cross on them, and all His plans have death to self

no profound, stern or self-immolating denial in them. Their gain is of the world.

- E. M. Bounds

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Champions play by The rules

by gladys grimaud | Continued from pg 8

who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition (2) a person who fights or argues for a cause on behalf of someone else.

Close to the same time frame, there was another man who qualified as a Champion on both points, but unlike the story of Usain What gave Usain Bolt and Dan Cathy the Bolt, this other Champions story was not inner fortitude to respond to adversity in told in praise worthy tones by most of the the way that they did? Usain Bolt made mediasimply because of his belief system. the sign of the cross and pointed to heaven, That man is Dan Cathy, President/CEO but was that all there was to it? I think not. of Chic-Fil-A, and He was giving an his story is the story Its who you are, not what you say outward sign of what of a man who com- and do, that counts. Your true besome of us hoped he petes in the world of had in his heart, but fast food restaurants, ing brims over into true words and it could have been beating out the com- deeds. Why are you so polite with me, nothing more than a petition, because he or a always saying Yes, sir, and Thats rabbits footwithgood runs his business like luck charm him. a Champion in such right, sir, but never doing a thing I One would have to an excellent man- tell you? These words I speak to you listen to his words ner that the world to be able to discern is clamoring for his are not mere additions to your life, whether the cross he chicken sandwiches. homeowner improvements to your made on his chest While other fast standard of living. They are founda- was authentic in his food restaurants are heart. When one faltering and declin- tion words, words to build a life on. opens his mouth, he ing, Chic-Fil-A has is showing whether (Luke 6: 46-47, The MSG) grown to 1600 reshis words are rebeltaurantsand still growingall to satisfy lious or obedient to God, whether he loves customer demand. Why does he succeed? or hates God, whether he values Gods He has delicious food, clean restaurants, Word or whether he despises Gods Word. and treats all people with respect. FurtherListen to a man or womans speech. It is more, he has a reputation for being comnot hard to tell. passionate and helping young people get on the right track in life, while giving them You dont get wormy apples off a healthy employment opportunities. America needs tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. more Champions like this! However, when The health of the apple tells the health of Dan Cathy took a stand for traditional the tree. You must begin with your own marriage, on behalf of all those who sublife-giving lives. Its who you are, not what mit themselves to the authority of Gods you say and do, that counts. Your true being Word on this topic, he was criticized and brims over into true words and deeds. Why portrayed as a villain. So much so, that the are you so polite with me, always saying media engaged in an all out assault against Yes, sir, and Thats right, sir, but never dothis Champion, trying to penalize him by ing a thing I tell you? These words I speak 30 CityLight.org september 2012

stunting the growth of his business. Some tried to make this political, but when the public got wind of this, they immediately recognized an insane plot from hell and came storming to take a stand with Dan Cathy, regardless of their political persuasion. Customers flooded his stores all over the country giving Chic-Fil-A record sales and thumbs up to free speech.

to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. (Luke 6: 46-47, The Message Version) Behind the race, we know that Usain Bolt had disciplined himself to get his body into shape, but behind his face, we need more knowledge as to whether he obeys Gods words or ignores them as fables. We do know that Usain Bolt had agreed to abide by the rules laid out by the Olympic games, or he could have never qualified for the games. For instance, he did not have the authority to decide to change lanes at the last minute if it would give him an advantage. To stay in the race, he had to submit to a higher authority and stay in the lane that had been assigned to him. Did Dan Cathy ask God to be on his side or did Dan Cathy join Gods side? Did he try to change lanes by redefining what God defined as marriage, or did he choose to stay in the lane of Gods known definition of marriage? To end well in the Christian race, one must stay under the authority of the rules and regulations God has outlined in His Word. Is this hard? No, not when the only human that ever completely obeyed God, Jesus Christ, sends the Holy Spirit to live within the human heart as promised by the Father. This is His goal for all of us, to become members of a new species of human beings called sons and daughters of God. Everyone who is in the Kingdom of God is a member of the human race, but not everyone who is a member of the human race is in the Kingdom of God. What should be our attitude toward those who have chosen to live outside the Kingdom of God?Those who disregard Gods way?Choosing instead to make up their own rules, running in their own lanes?Becoming their own gods, deciding good and evil? Once again, we find the answer as modeled by Christ in The Message Version of the Bible - I Corinthians 9: 19 23: september 2012

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized whoever. I didnt take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. Ive become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a Godsaved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didnt just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! When its all said and done, I want to run the race, in the lane God assigned to me, striving toward the gold medal that the Champion of my salvation, Jesus Christ, will give me on that day when I stand before Him to give an account of how I ran my race!

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Prayer Opportunities
f IRst nAtIons mondAy
The purpose of First Nations Monday is to encourage Native American leaders, prayer coordinators, independent intercessory prayer groups, organizations and churches to join together in prayer the first Monday of each month for Native Ministry. For info visit the website - firstnationsmonday.com Or contact Jeny Covill at jcovill@cyberport.

midlands

PRAyeR foR medIA And InfluenceRs: PRAyeR foR ouR nAtIon: cRy out AmeRIcA

Ongoing - For more information go to www.mastermediaintl.org. Ongoing For more information go to www.presidentialprayerteam.org september 11, 2012 Visit www.awakeningamerica.us for more information.

AmeRIcA foR Jesus 2012 A nAtIonAl solemn AssemBly

september 28 & 29, 2012 philadelphia, pA Visit www.americaforjesus2012.org for more information.

see you At the Pole

september 19, 2012 Visit www.syatp.org for more information.

dAy of PRAyeR foR the PeAce of JeRusAlem

october 7, 2012 Visit www.daytopray.org for more information.

InteRnAtIonAl dAy of PRAyeR foR the PeRsecuted chuRch

november 11, 2012 For More Information Contact: Sam Elisha | ph: 803-754-4030 e-mail: semintinc@cs.com Gene Lewis | ph: 803-788-9433 e-mail: lewisgkm@hotmail.com H. L. Allen | ph: 803-513-2003 Visit www.persecutedchurch.org | www.persecution.com/IDOP or www.idop.org

cAll to PRAyeR foR the PooR & suffeRIng

december 12, 2011 - 12:00 pm House of Prayer, Kansas City, MO. Visit www.prayforhope.com to learn more.

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pharaohs & Kings

Are at gods disposal
By Joe Grimaud
Continued from page 4

In 1990, Saddam Hussein actually impacted my life. In November of that year I was taking a new franchisee to Northern Virginia, just outside Washington DC, for an interview at the corporate headquarters. I was told the president of the company wanted to meet privately with me while there. By now my company was the largest Area Developer in Precision Tune and the president wanted me and other area developers to invest in the company so that its lender would not default the company on its debt. The company had been bought from its founder in 1987 by a group of investors in the DC area. It was what was called a leveraged buyout. In other words the investors put up some money and borrowed the majority of the money from a large lender to make the purchase. When they did, we noticed that the franchise disclosure document listed a number of Arabic sounding names in the ownership, but we never met any of them. As far as we were concerned they were probably just mid-eastern oil tycoons. The company president, on a number of occasions, made reference to his wealthy investors and we assumed that this just made our company that much more secure. But in late 1990, when I met privately with the president of the company, he wanted me to relate to the other area developers that the group of us invest a million dollars in to the stock of the company, so that they might use that investment to entice the lender to restructure the companys debt. My response was, Don, why are you talking to little me? Where are all of these wealthy investors you

have been referring to? His reply was, Joe, they are Kuwaitis. They dont even know where their money is. Saddam Hussein had invaded Kuwait and the head of the Arabic investor group was basically under house arrest inside Kuwait. Without going into too much detail, these events led to a lot of negotiations, to our own personal investment in the company. Resulting in Gladys and me moving to Leesburg, Virginia, for me to replace the, then, president of the company. During these moves we kept our home on Lake Murray and returned here on most weekends. We loved our lake home, but after a week of addressing the problems of a troubled company, I needed the ministry of my church before facing another week. And every Sunday evening as we drove to Winnsboro Airport to go back to Virginia, Dr Tony Evans would be on WMHK preaching a powerful and fascinating message. As we listened, we could not help but conclude that he had the message that these school kids and our entire country needed for its problems. It was all centered on Jesus and the Bible. While listening to Dr Evans program we heard him promoting a conference in Dallas. It would be the first of its kind for pastors and listeners around the country. Gladys was so moved by his messages, she decided she would attend along with a close personal friend, a former pastors wife, who now lived in Texas. It seemed something was beginning to stir, but we couldnt quite make it out. (Stay Tuned Until Next Month)

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exPeRIence
Debra C. Galloway
Scripture, the Scroll of the story Inyearsrighteous man whoJob tellsthousands of a lived of ago who lost everything from his children to his wealth to his good name to his health. The story traces his suffering and what conclusions he came to about Yahveh from his sufferings. Multiple tests and surgeries later, all the doctors could say was that they see that my experiences are real, but they didnt know why they were happening nor did they know how to treat them. When I first got sick, I was cool, calm, collected, and patient. Ill admit, I was also a little frustrated. However, I believed that Yahveh (Hebrew Name of our Creator) had the situation under control. When people would ask me how I was doing,I would always say that I was blessed because it could be worse. My then boyfriend of ten years said he couldnt handle my sickness and he left

my JoB

I heard the story of a young woman in her thirties as she described what she calls her Job experience and how she fell, but got back up again. I was moved by the story and though Id share it in her words... I served Yahveh with everything I knew. So, I couldnt understand why I had to have a Job experience.

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand at the latter-day on the earth.
It started all of a sudden when one day, I just couldnt feel my legs. The doctor didnt know what was wrong and they basically gave me a prescription for pain medication and a wheelchair. Weeks later, the feeling came back in my legs and I was able to walk again without assistance, but I was in excruciating pain, a pain which has remained in my legs ever since. As if weak muscles and unexplainable pain wasnt enough, I began having dizzy spells causing me to faint and have stroke like symptoms. Then, my heart started to beat irregularly, sometimes slow, causing fainting, and at other times it beat too fast or skipped beats, causing palpitations. me. It reminded me of how Jobs wife told him to curse Yahveh. As one bad thing happened, a chain reaction started. I lost my job and without the income, I could no longer afford my standard of living. I lost my car, my health insurance, my savings, and I couldnt afford my mortgage. Frankly, by this time, I was mad. I felt handicapped and let down by Yahveh. I couldnt understand why He allowed this to happen to me. I mean, I was (and still am) a good person who was (and still am) saved for real. I did all I could for the advancement of

Continued on page 38

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Yahvehs Kingdom. Yet, I felt abandoned in my time of need. I serve a King who healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, and fed 5000 people with one boys lunch. Yet, He wouldnt take away this pain and I couldnt understand why. I couldnt understand what I had done to deserve this. I was so angry that after all I had done for Yahveh, He would do this to me. That attitude was a real problem. I mean, who did I think I was bragging about? What I had done for the One Who created me?! One day, I was sitting in my anger and Yahveh politely said to me, How is it that you are angry with Me? Why dont you trust Me? You say I abandoned you. Well, when you couldnt feel your legs, when the blood had trouble flowing in your limbs, how many limbs were amputated? (The answer is none.) When people said you would be confined to a wheelchair, were you? (The answer is no.) Are you even required to use your wheelchair everyday, most days? (The answer is no.) When you had a seizure while driving with the baby in the car, when you came to later that day, how many people were killed in an accident you caused. (The answer is none.) Who is it that drove you safely to a destination where your mother was waiting to take care of you? The many times you have fallen, how many limbs have you broken? (The answer is none.) When you fell down the stairs while carrying the baby, who cradled the two of you so that no damage was done to either of you? Who is it that reduced the swelling in your brain? Of all the stroke symptoms you endured, how many episodes resulted in permanent damage to you? (The answer is none.) When you found out that you had a heart attack, who do you think it was that operated on your heart so well, that you didnt even know it happened until three months later? You complain about feeling pain, pain is what Yahshua (Hebrew Name of our Savior) felt when He died for your sins. Pain is what I feel when My creation decides it doesnt want to serve Me.

Youre still here. You life hasnt been taken from you. Who do you think did that? You are so angry that you havent counted your blessings. You havent thanked me for what I have done. Your mama thanked me and she still does give me praise for your progress. Your grandma shouts all the time for your progress. Yet, you stew in your anger. I never left you, so why did you leave Me? I am the I AM, the Creator of all that exists. Why do you not trust Me to work things out for your good? Why do you not believe? What exactly could I say? All I could do was repent. Even though my Job experience isnt quit over, I have learned a valuable lesson while in the eye of my storm. No matter how it looks or feels, I believe that Yahveh is still Master over all and He has it all under control. I trust that He will never leave or forsake me. Im learning this lesson first hand and not from a story Ive read. I know without a doubt that if Yahveh wasnt going to bring me through this Job experience, He wouldnt allow me to go through it. For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand at the latter-day on the earth. Iyov ( Job) 19:25.

Debra C. Galloway is co-author of the Book, Take Me Back to the Truth Available at www.EshNaga.com

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the comfoRt Zone Is the dAngeR Zone PARt II

Written with Brenda Brown
n Part One of this devotional we recognized the danger of fitting in with our cultural norm of a comfortable lifestyle. By looking at the example of Jesus, Paul, and other biblical heroes we recognized that we need a new and compelling standard of living. We also recognized the call to live by faith in order to please God. Faith flourishes outside the comfort zone.

Beyond A stunted mAtuRIty

seeIng A woRld In need

Wisdom tells us that inside the comfort kettle we may easily become oblivious to the broken and hurting people around us. It is hard to see the fields white for harvest over the lip of the lukewarm lifestyle of a culturally-adapted faith. Quoting Platt again, When Jesus looked at the harassed and helpless multitudes; apparently his concern was not that the lost would not come to the Father. Instead his concern was that his followers would not go to the lost.[i] Even a brief settling-in to the comfort zone can callous the heart, blur the vision, and stifle the passion for the broken condition of the world. We must remain intent on considering the missionary call that flourishes outside the soft lifestyle of our current norms. By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16). The comfort zone can be an enemy of demonstrated love and mission accomplishment. 36 CityLight.org

I attended a Christian university and seminary years ago. During those days, I was always curious about those students who claimed a call to pastoral ministry, but remained at the school, advanced their education, and never stepped beyond the comfort of the educational bubble. They eventually taught on leadership but never led anything in the real world. They trained other students for ministry but never had the courage to actually attempt ministry on the front lines of local church work. They may have found a secure and predictable career path but never discovered the maturity that only comes through the scars gained in the arena of difficult and painful ministry. The comfort zone is the easy path but seldom the best. First Peter 1:6-7 elevates the value of faithinduced and faith-refining trials: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. When we live the adventure of the Christian calling, risking much to follow Christ, we learn that the testing of our faith produces patience. This refining work makes us perfect and complete, lacking nothing. To know this, we must step beyond the comfort zone of the protected and predictable arenas of life.
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fAlse leAdeRs
Titus 1:10-16
Jed n. snydeR, d. mIn. Founder/President Jesus Every Day Ministries, Inc. | www.jedministries.com

he Apostle Paul urges Titus, and us by extension, to discern and deal with false teachings and those teaching these false religious ideas. The need may be even greater in our information age than it was when Paul traveled the known world. Bits and pieces of Biblical knowledge are gathered. These sometimes are espoused as true even when they are removed from context and revised in meaning. Paul urged Titus to confront these teachers with sharp rebuke. The concerns that Titus was to address are still with us today although frequently in different disguises. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. Titus 1:16 They followed myths fabricated over time and told frequently enough that people came to believe them as true. These become ingrained in cultures and need to be faced and exposed.
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They followed the commands of men. When Gods truth and mens ideas collide, God should always be obeyed. Modern issues that are being redefined include the matter of so called homosexual marriage, using the term tolerance as an endorsement for sinful behavior. Titus was to maintain a Biblical standard of purity. This includes sexual purity but is clearly not limited to such. Finally, Titus was to be careful that the claim of knowing God was examined by the works that came from such a claim. Paul uses very strong terms to describe the lifestyles of these false teachers. It will be necessary to be able to distinguish between professing faith and real faith. The courage to stand up against falsehood will become more necessary even as the influence of false teachers increases and the culture tolerates sin more and more. Happy revealing the wrong, and walking in the right.
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t he secRet P lAce of t he most hIgh

By Pastor Sylvia Mickens Continued from pg 23

While I will not write about all of these difficult situations that turned out to be the Secret Places of Yahweh, there is one that I would like to draw to your attention. It is found in the closing portion of the book of Luke. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31-32 The closing days of the Lords earthly ministry is beginning to be completed. All along He has been attempting to prepare the disciples for his execution. It is very obvious as you read the Gospels that they were much unprepared for it all. Even though this conversation between Yashua and His most aggressive and fearless disciple was uncomfortable, it brought the ultimate truth home to him. everY person Among us must Come to the reAliZAtion thAt We need the ultimAte truth spoKen to us!!! Yashua spoke to Peter, Satan desires to have you. . . He does not want the Jews around you nor the heathen of the world. Satan desires to have the greatest of the Yashuas disciples because they stand in his way more than any others. But there is limited power to the devil and he can only touch those whom he has been given permission to touch.

Elihu sits with Job.

sorrow Rachel, Hannah, and Elisabeths barrenness. darkness Abraham and Moses both discovered God in thick darkness.

Like us, Peter was not promised to be saved from the sifting winds of adversity. Not a single hand is going to be upheld to remove us and place us in some shel suffering tered place. No cloud is going to come Job and the calamities that befell him. comfort us in danger. We are far and 38 CityLight.org september 2012

too valuable to be held immune from the sifting. If we are to be high-grade wheat, then we must to be sifted. When the winds of temptation blow, the light weighted souls are carried away. The real wheat is stripped away of many things they once held dear. The meaning of Yashuas words ultimately come out to us: Fear not them that kill the body, and after that they have no more that they may do. There is an ultimate kernel of life which the sifting cannot touch. With this reality in your life, nothing can be brought against you. In all of this, Yashuas prayer for Peter was for his faith. He did not pray for his deliverance. He did not pray for his trial to be lessened. He did not pray for his flesh to be saved. He did not pray for him to have fellowship with someone else in the trial. He did not pray for him not to endure the temptation. He did not pray for him to have no humiliation and hurt in the sifting. He did not pray for him have power over the enemy. Yashua prayed for his faith. Wow! What an incredible prayer. By praying for his faith, Yashua was praying for more than endurance during the trial, He was also summoning preservation during and after the trial. t he secRet PlAce In ouR fAIth september 2012

We are sometimes guilty of having more faith on behalf of others than we do for ourselves. Its good and right to intercede for others, but the Secret Place is for us to commune one on one with our heavenly Father. Many times we are not even able to share with others what takes place in the Secret Place. We must always keep in mind that in all of this tempting and trying life, Yashua watches us with eyes of flames, with tender mercies awaiting us, with sovereign power over our enemy and surroundings, over-ruling the darkest moments of our lives to the ends of purifying, perfecting, and preserving. That is the Secret Place of the Most High. Shalom!

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the fAll feAsts

by: stephen Koehn

ognize a larger act of deliverance at work, from a far greater and fierce oppressor than the Egyptians, Babylonians or Assyrians, and an even greater work of our Deliverer. The salvation history of the covenant people of God, our salvation story, is outlined in Leviticus 23 and embedded in the Feasts of the LORD. You may have heard of these feasts or holidays, before: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles. Most of these holidays get dismissed as old Jewish religious rites no longer relevant to modern man and have been foreign to the understanding of most Christians, today. Often called Feasts of the Jews, these feasts were memorials for events that happened in the past, but were also prophetic in nature. The truth is that these are not Feasts of the Jews but rather the Feasts of the LORD as you will find in Leviticus 23:2. I do not intend to delve much into the original Hebrew in this article, but I do want to make light of two important words. The first is september 2012

veryone in Christ has a story (an account, a testimony) of who we were before Christ, who we are now in Christ and the path we navigated to get here. Each story differs and each path is unique, yet a common theme is found: the sinner redeemed by the blood of Christ.

I want to tell you about a salvation story. This is the greatest story that is rarely ever told. This story does not involve fictitious men in red-suits or even bunnies and candy. This story involves a loving God and His covenant people. This is a story of redemption. From the beginning, our God has had a plan on how He would bring salvation to His people. From the earliest chapters of Genesis we see prophetic evidence of a Redeemer, a Messiah. Throughout Israels history we see Messiah types that God used to physically deliver His people from oppression ( Joseph, Moses, David, etc.). However, as we take a step back, we rec40 CityLight.org

the word for feast. This word, commonly translated feast is the plural form of the Hebrew word moed( H4150), which literally means appointed time. The second word, which is commonly translated as convocation or gatherings, is the Hebrew word miqra ( H4744). Though this word miqra does carry the meaning of a gathering, it can also mean rehearsal. Please do keep these extremely important Hebrew words in mind when meditating on this passage of Scripture! Leviticus 23 outlines the Appointed Times of Yahweh, which were to be kept as Holy Rehearsals. Each of these Feasts (the Appointed Times) had a multilayered significance. Most of them were a memorial for an event in the past, but they also had an intermediate function and final, prophetic fulfillment. For instance, Passover and Unleavened Bread recall the sacrifice required to protect the firstborn in Egypt and how the Israelites fled in haste with no time to let the bread rise. Pentecost celebrated the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, and Tabernacles celebrated God dwelling among His people in the wilderness as they lived in tents. However, these Appointed Times were also rehearsalsfor their future, prophetic fulfillment. Christ was preached all throughout what is termed The Old Testament, from the beginning of Genesis, in the Psalms and Prophets. One of the most beautiful preachers of the Christs ministry is the prophetic Appointed Times of Yahweh. Jesus Christ september 2012

(Yshua the Messiah) has come as the Suffering Servant and fulfilled the first four feasts, commonly called The Spring Feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits and Pentecost). Through study of Scripture and history we find that it is extremely likely that Yshua was crucified at the same time the Passover Lamb was being slain in the Temple, that He was hidden in the grave prior to the High Sabbath of Unleavened Bread and arose from the dead three days and three nights later to be the Firstfruits offering. Fifty days later, the Holy Spirit came as a rushing mighty wind to fill the disciples at Pentecost, writing the Law on their hearts. Our lives were bought and paid for by the Suffering Servant, our Passover Lamb. Yshua fulfilled these prophetic feasts as they had been rehearsed. These feasts were a memorial, but indeed were a prophetic shadow of what was to come, in Christ. This brings us to The Fall Feasts, (Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles). Just as the Spring Feasts were a prophetic shadow of the ministry of the Suffering Servant, the Fall Feasts are also a prophetic shadow of the Conquering King. Yshua fulfilled the Spring Feasts as they were rehearsed for hundreds of years, on the day and to the detail. In like manner He will fulfill the Fall Feasts. Next month, we will begin to look at the Fall Feasts individually, their memorial as well as their intermediate and prophetic significance. These Fall Feasts outline the ministry of our Conquering King, Yshua the Messiah. CityLight.org 41

the comfoRt Zone Is the dAngeR Zone PARt two

Continued from pg 36

By Daniel Henderson - with Brenda Brown

tRAnscendIng A shAllow woRshIP

My friend, Pastor Jim Cymbala, often declares, The highest expression of worship is sacrifice. Not only do we see great and specific demonstrations of sacrifice in the Old Testament systems of worship, but all the great servants of biblical and church history expressed their estimation of Christs worth through costly sacrifice. Paul sums it up by declaring our worship as the evidence of a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). The comfort zone seldom draws us to a costly, compelling, Christ-honoring life of worship. To avoid this kind of worship is to abdicate our discipleship.

evidence a sacrificial faith and draw you outside the comfort zone in your time allocations? In your financial patterns? In your relationships? Have you ever sacrificed a vacation to travel to a mission field and serve among the less fortunate or spiritually lost? When and how can you commit to do so in the next year? Compare Hebrews 11:6 with Pauls stated ambition in 2 Corinthians 5:9 & 10. Pray today for a greater desire to please God and open your heart to His call to a life of uncommon, uncomfortable faith.

f IndIng A PlAce to BegIn

To walk in the way of a true disciple is to follow the pathway of price for the purposes that transcend our comfort. I often say, If youre not living on the edge, youre taking up too much room. This requires new awareness of the warming waters of our own comfort and convenience that can eventually lull us into a slumber of selfishness. It demands the courage to jump out of the kettle. Having taken the initial leap, we can begin to walk by a fresh faith. Laying aside the weights which slowed us down we can run with endurance the race set before us. Surrounded by that great cloud of witnesses and eyes fixed on Jesus, well wonder why we sat stewing in the kettle for so long. ------------------------------------------

sPecIfIc stePs towARd sImPle wIsdom

When was the last time you became uncomfortable enough to leap out of the kettle? What motivated this change? What reward did you experience? How can you make new choices that will 42 CityLight.org

Copyright 2012 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.

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