From the Pastor

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Philip Morris — 2010-10-08T10:53:11-05:00

At our special church business meeting last Sunday evening, three projects were discussed and considered as we looked at our 2010-2012 "BE. DO. GO." initiative. As our members voted, first priority was given to our children's ministry proposal. This proposal includes the funding of a part-time children's pastor position and the funding of a children's church ministry that would encompass the entire Sunday morning service time.

This next step in children's ministry will not be possible without your "BE. DO. GO." financial commitments over the next two years. As we collect the commitment cards today, we are asking for our Parkway congregation to be faithful to God in regular tithes and offerings. We are also asking that you prayerfully consider making a weekly, monthly, annual, or one-time commitment above and beyond your regular tithes and offerings that will go towards funding this new children's pastor position and children's church ministry, as well as other funding needs. Please fill out your commitment card today with the understanding that your commitment is an "as God provides" commitment. You will be investing in the lives of future generations. God bless you.

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Calendar:
1) Early voting begins this Wednesday, October 13 at the Voting Warehouse on Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville. Your vote matters!
2) Church Fellowship Meal next Sunday at 6 p.m. (October 17) -- The church will provide the fried chicken, tea, lemonade, and paper products. Please bring lots of side dishes and desserts!
3) Please join us for a viewing of the documentary MAAFA 21: BLACK GENOCIDE IN 21st CENTURY AMERICA on Sunday evening (6 p.m.), October 24 at the Parkway facility. This documentary is over two hours long and reveals the terrible connection between abortion and racism in our country. This is not appropriate for young children.

Church Business Meeting

Philip Morris — 2010-09-28T12:28:45-05:00

Tonight at 6 p.m. we will have a church business meeting in the sanctuary. We are inviting everyone to take part in this meeting, which will help to set the course for the next two years at Parkway. I will be presenting the vision for the next two years coming from my perspective and from the Church and Pastor's Council.

A financial update report will be given by our treasurer, John Griffis. Members will be asked to vote concerning three specific two-year projects:

1) Renovation of our educational wing to provide a large, multi-purpose room
2) Tech and media upgrades for all areas of our facility
3) The funding of a part-time children's pastor and an increase to our children's budget

We need you! We need your input, your questions, and your participation as we discern God's will together. Please join us this evening as we seek God together concerning His plans and purposes for this congregation. Thank you!

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Calendar:
1) Next Sunday: BE. DO. GO. Commitment Sunday
2) REGISTER TO VOTE! Deadline for voter registration is tomorrow! Please get a voter registration form in the lobby today and fill it out. We will even turn it in for you if you need us to!
3) BOOK OF REVELATION BIBLE STUDY this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary (Chapter Sixteen: The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath)

Benson and Cathy Vaughn

Philip Morris — 2010-09-15T12:43:01-05:00

For many years our congregation has helped to support our missionary educators at the European Theological Seminary in Kniebis, Germany. Benson and Cathy Vaughan are beginning their twelfth year of service in making disciples that will impact Europe and the world for Jesus Christ. This is not possible without the faithful prayers and financial partnership of supporting churches and individuals. Today, during our offering time, we will watch a short video report from Benson and Cathy describing what God has been doing in their part of the world during this last year.

As you may remember, my parents (Philip and Mary Morris) served for fourteen years in this same ministry. When they left Europe in 1996, Dr. John Sims (our own Anna Huskey's brother, who served from 1996 to 2004) replaced my father as the President of the school. However, there was a desperate need for someone to lead the students in music ministry, which had been the role my mother had filled for many years. Who knew that the Lord would raise up one of her own students (Benson) from her previous years teaching at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to fulfill the calling to equip worship leaders from all over the world in her stead?

Benson and Cathy have the opportunity to disciple students we may never meet in this life, but we can join in their blessing as we partner to send them back to Europe for another year of discipleship and ministry. You can give to their ministry at any time -- just make your check payable to Parkway Church of God and note "Benson and Cathy Vaughan" on your check or envelope. If you would prefer, you may use their Church of God World Missions Project Number: 065-0138. All monies designated in either of these ways will go directly to their ministry account. Thank you for partnering in prayer and finances with the Vaughans!

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Calendar:
1) This Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary, we will continue our Book of Revelation Bible Study (Chapter Fourteen: Last Chance Before the Wrath). Come and join us!
2) Lee University Symphonic Band Worship Concert -- Sunday, September 26 (10:30 a.m.) at Parkway. Our own Daven Haskett is part of this 55-member worship band directed by Dr. Mark Bailey. Don't miss it!

Thank you!

Philip Morris — 2010-08-24T12:27:33-05:00

Parkway, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you especially for two things that happened last Sunday. First, thank you so much for opening your arms in kind hospitality to our missionaries, Gene and Tanya Mills, who are preparing to go to Kenya, Africa. Gene will be the Director of the Eldoret Bible College, where students from all over east Africa come for Bible and ministry training. Your generous offering totaled more than $1000, and your faith promises were deeply appreciated by Gene and Tanya. Thank you for partnering with God and with these missionaries so that they can "go and make disciples"!

Secondly, I want to thank all those who worked so hard to make our "indoor picnic" last Sunday evening such a success. A special thanks to Ray and Meg Curtis and all those who helped with setting up the tables and chairs, and especially all those good cooks who made the evening so tasty! Although I lost very quickly in ping-pong to Linnet Hunt, it was fun watching the young and the old having fun around the ping-pong table. Our field came alive again with lots of games and fun. It was a great night of food, fun, and fellowship. Thank you, Parkway! I am so blessed to be your pastor.

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Other:
1) Mark your calendars: Parkway will host the Lee University Symphonic Band for a worship concert on Sunday, September 26 at 10:30 a.m. -- You won't want to miss our own Daven Hasket, Director Mark Bailey, and this fifty-five piece symphonic band from Cleveland, Tennessee as they worship the Lord with a wide variety of music that will open your heart to worship!

Parkway Picnic and Ping Pong

Philip Morris — 2010-08-18T19:48:57-05:00

Sunday, August 22 at 6 p.m. we will picnic inside! Yes, you heard it! We will picnic in the air-conditioning tonight -- The church will provide the fried chicken, the drinks, and the paper products. We are asking everyone to bring plenty of side-dishes and desserts (For you and yours and some extra).

After we eat, those who are brave enough will go out into the heat for some fun in the field -- bring your frisbees, footballs, etc. I will be hosting another ping-pong tournament with my paddle that I brought back from China -- the paddle that beat everyone except Ray Whaley last time! Hopefully Ray will give me another shot at beating him, or at least let's hope he doesn't beat me too badly!

This will be a great time of food, fun, and fellowship. It is also a great opportunity to get to know some of our newer folk and reconnect with people who have been gone a lot this summer. Come join us!

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Calendar:
1) Book of Revelation Bible Study (Wednesday nights at 6:30 in the sanctuary)
2) Primetimers
3) Men's Breakfast
4) Next Sunday (August 29) -- Communion Sunday

Back to School Blessing

Philip Morris — 2010-08-16T12:35:42-05:00

It’s that time of year when the kids (young and old) go back to school. Whether it is college or kindergarten, school is school — challenging and exciting and wonderful all at once. We love our school-age kids and our teachers and guidance counselors and school personnel. It is our prayer for you that 2010 - 2011 be your best school - year ever!

Today we will pray a special prayer of blessing during our morning service for all of our students, teachers, and school personnel as they prepare for a new school - year. We will pray God’s protection, favor, and anointing for each person and believe God for great things!

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

God's Plan for Marriage

Philip Morris — 2010-07-06T11:42:23-05:00

GOD'S PLAN FOR MARRIAGE

Last Sunday (July 4), I felt led to begin a mini-series on Marriage and the Family. During the next weeks we will be looking at the Biblical foundation for marriage and family established by Christ in Matthew 19:1-15. We started last Sunday with the seven principles found in 19:4-6 ("What God has joined together . . .").

1) God creates each individual uniquely and beautifully (v. 4)
2) God's plan starts "at the beginning" (v. 4 -- Genesis 1-2)
3) God created male and female to be equal partners (v. 4)
4) God desires husbands and wives to be helpers for one another (v. 5 -- "For this reason")
5) Husbands and wives must leave their parents to start their own household (v. 5)
6) God desires husbands and wives to "stick together" (v. 5 -- "like glue")
7) God desires husbands and wives to be physically intimate (v. 5-6)

Join us in the coming weeks as Denise and I share God's plan from His Word and also share some lessons we have learned along the way that may help you in your marriage and family relationships (present or future!).

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Other:
1) Continue prayer for Parkway's New York Mission Team (Bulletin insert with names?)
2) Smoky Mountain Alliance for the Unborn display in lobby today. Accepting donations (Confirm details with Patti Gallo-Bryant)
3) Church Prayer Day (Sundown Sunday to Sundown Monday)
4) Book of Revelation Bible Study continues this Wednesday night (Chapter Twelve -- The Dragon Appears)
5) Early voting begins this Friday (July 16) at the voting warehouse on Dolly Parton Parkway. Please vote for the candidates who are pro-life, pro-family, and pro-Israel!
6) Next Sunday (July 18) -- A special missions offering will be received for our Amazon Mission Trip to Brazil scheduled for this October (Details from Donnie Lay)

Philip C. Morris, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Parkway Church of God
661 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 453-0389
www.theparkwaychurch.org

Happy Birthday USA!

Philip Morris — 2010-07-06T11:41:57-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S.A.!

As citizens of the kingdom of God, Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension signal the first-priority status of our inheritance in Christ’s kingdom. We are “in the world, but not of it.” However our earthly citizenship is in the nation celebrating a birthday today on July 4th — The U.S.A.!

We celebrate our earthly citizenship by thanking God for the privilege of being U.S. citizens. We also celebrate by praying for those who are in governmental authority over our city, county, state and nation (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We celebrate in a very practical way when we take very seriously our privilege of participating in government through voting. This is where we are “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16).

We have voter registration forms available in the lobby. The voter registration deadline is this Tuesday (July 6), so please fill our a form TODAY if you have not registered to vote. Early voting is July 16-31 and Election Day is August 5. Many elections are decided in the primary, so please vote pro-life, pro-family, pro-Israel, etc. We do not want to find out what happens when “good men do nothing”. HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S.A!

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Next Sunday

Philip Morris — 2010-06-16T20:35:41-05:00

June 27 is going to be a beautiful Sunday! The Master's Commission team (Pastor Brian Sylvia, Tal, Davey, and the gang) will be ministering during our morning service. Their powerful combination of drama and testimonies will encourage you and bless you. This is a great Sunday to invite your family and friends (especially young adults, teens, children -- everybody!) -- you will be blessed by this special team on their Summer Ministry Tour! If you can help with housing these young adults, please contact Denise Morris at 429-8202.

Then, on Sunday evening (6 p.m.) we will be having a church picnic. We had such a blast at our last one, and this time Master's Commission will be with us to help us with some children's games. Also, I will be hosting "The Pastor's Ping-Pong Tournament" (my year in China paid off in more ways than one! -- I will be bringing my paddle that I brought back from China, so look out!).

The church will provide the fried chicken, the tea and lemonade, and the paper products. Everyone please bring some side dishes (salads, fruits, veggies, desserts, etc. -- please bring some extra so we can also feed the Master's Commission team), your footballs and frisbees, your lawn chairs, and your prayers for good weather. Invite someone to come with you! See you there!

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Other:
1) Happy Father's Day!
2) Congratulations to those baptized in water last Sunday (Vince, Ron, Mike)!
3) Information on Tennessee Camp Meeting
4) Church Prayer Day (Sundown Sunday to sundown Monday)
5) Congratulations to those who attended youth camp last week! Still need sponsors for next week? (Check with Ray)
7)Book of Revelation Bible Study continues this Wednesday evening (June 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary) as we open Chapter Twelve (The Dragon Appears). Come join us!

Memorial Day

Philip Morris — 2010-05-31T17:55:34-05:00

MEMORIAL DAY

The church office will be closed tomorrow (Monday, May 31) in observance of Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May each year. It was formerly known as Decoration Day -- a day when the tombs of those who died honorably in military service to our country were decorated. It began in 1868 for the purpose of decorating the graves of Civil War veterans, and has since become a day on which all our nation's war dead are commemorated.

We honor those who stood in harm's way and gave up their lives in order for our nation to be protected. Many families in East Tennessee are struggling with the recent death of one of their family members in the conflicts our nation is facing. Let us pray for these precious families, that God would comfort them and bring them salvation and peace.

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Other:
1) Church Prayer Day -- Every Monday (Sundown Sunday to Sundown Monday)
2) Book of Revelation Bible Study continues Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary
3) Next Sunday (June 6) -- Evangelist Joel Arwood will be ministering
4) Please contact Pastor Philip at the church office if you desire to be baptized in water on June 13.

Church Picnic

Philip Morris — 2010-05-11T12:28:18-05:00

Before the kids finish up their school year and all the summer vacations begin, we wanted to have one last "Spring Fling" where everybody gets together for food, fun and fellowship. So bring your family, your friends, your lawn chairs, your frisbees and footballs, and some side dishes and desserts for a "dinner on the grounds" next Sunday, May 23 (6 p.m.) at the church property. The church will provide the sweet tea, the lemonade, the fried chicken (What's a church dinner without the fried chicken!), and the paper products (to wipe our hands after we eat the fried chicken!).

We have been having beautiful weather lately, so we will pray for sunshine and look forward to taking advantage of the beautiful church property the Lord has provided for us. This would also be a great time to invite new folks or to spend some time with some of our newer families in order to get to know them better. If I can find a good frisbee, I may even personally host a "Pastor's Frisbee Challenge"! We'll see . . .

Pastor Philip C. Morris, Jr.

Other:
1) Church and Pastor's Council Meeting this Tuesday, May 18 (7 p.m.)
2) Book of Revelation Bible Study this Wednesday (6:30 p.m.) -- Chapter Eleven (The Two Witnesses)
3) Men's Bible Study this Thursday at 11 a.m. (Book of Galatians)
4) Ladies Weekend this Friday and Saturday (May 21-22) -- Info from Denise
5) Next Sunday (May 23) -- GRADUATES SUNDAY

Ethiopia

Philip Morris — 2010-05-01T19:40:00-05:00

The biblical land of Ethiopia still exists today! In the Book of Acts, Philip was directed by the Holy Spirit and by an angel to have a divine appointment with an Ethiopian eunuch who served in the royal palace. As Philip drew near the Ethiopian's chariot, this royal servant was reading from the scriptures about the promised Messiah. Philip shared the good news of Jesus Christ with him and the Ethiopian accepted Christ and was baptized.

Last year, we received an offering to fund the building of a dormitory at the Harvest Bible School in Ethiopia. We are getting closer to this goal for completion and would like to ask you to participate in a special offering today. Just make your check payable to Parkway Church of God and note "Ethiopia" on your check or envelope. The church is growing so fast in Ethiopia that there is a desperate need for pastors to be trained in the Word. The overseer says that the main thing which stops him from keeping up with the growth is not having enough pastors trained.

We may never go to Ethiopia, but we can send our love, our thoughts, our prayers, and our gifts. Let's be laborers together in the Ethiopian harvest!

Pastor Philip

Crucified...Alive

Philip Morris — 2010-05-06T19:32:22-05:00

CRUCIFIED . . . ALIVE

“I have been crucified together with Christ . . .
And I no longer live”

Crown of thorns . . .
“Who I want to be” must die

Nailed hands . . .
“What I want to do” must die

Nailed feet . . .
“Where I want to go” must die

“Christ lives in me . . .
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus”

“Bring out the best robe and clothe him . . .”
I will be who Father wants me to be

“Put a ring on his hand . . .”
I will do what Father wants me to do

“. . . and sandals on his feet”
I will go where Father wants me to go

“Clothed with Christ . . .
No longer a slave, but a son;
And if a son,
Also an heir through God”

“My son was dead, and is alive again!
He was lost, but now is found!”

“My son, you are always with me,
And everything I have is yours!”

Father,
As you hug my neck
As you kiss my cheek
Help me to realize
I am no longer a slave, but a son

Philip C. Morris, Jr. (May 4, 2010) -- Galatians 2:20; 3:26-29; 4:1-7; Luke 15:11-32

Happy Mothers Day

Philip Morris — 2010-05-06T19:31:19-05:00

We have a special gift today for each mom that is with us in service this Mother's Day. Moms, we appreciate you! You are a tremendous blessing to our congregation! Many of you are wonderful role models for our kids and are helping to raise up a new generation of mothers that will stand strong for the Lord and for their families.

Also, we normally receive a special offering on Mother's Day for the Smoky Mountain Children's Home. Of course, some of our people give offerings throughout the year to benefit the Home. All of these offerings go in their entirety to the SMCH. If you would like to give today or any time during the year to benefit the SMCH, just make your check payable to Parkway Church of God and mark "SMCH" on your check or envelope. God bless you!

Pastor Philip Morris

Thank you

Philip Morris — 2010-04-16T12:23:45-05:00

THANK YOU!

I am thanking God for the wonderful manifestation of His presence during our Resurrection Sunday Celebration last Sunday! What a beautiful time of worship and praise! And I want to say a big "thank you" to everyone who worked so hard to make our time together so meaningful. A big "thank you" as well to everyone who put smiles on the faces of our children by helping with the egg hunt.

Our attendance last Sunday morning was about 280 people, which is probably a new attendance record for our congregation here at our new location. Praise the Lord! Each person is important to God, and we want to reach as many people as possible with the good news of Jesus Christ. Let's continue reaching out to our community with the love of Christ!

Pastor Philip

Other:
1) Today (April 11) we will receive a special offering for the ministry of Gideons International, which places Bibles all around the world and also locally in our schools, hotels, and jails. Please make checks payable to Parkway Church of God and note "Gideons" on your envelope or check.
2) There will be a Holocaust Remembrance Day observance at Temple Beth-El (3037 Kingston Pike, Knoxville) today, April 11, at 4 p.m. -- Pastor Philip will be participating in the program. Everyone is welcome!
3) Happy Birthday to Hope Morris on Wednesday, April 14!
4) Book of Revelation Bible Study (Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.)
5) Men's Bible Study (Thursday at 11 a.m.)
6) Shower for Sarah Pemberton this Saturday, April 17 (Time, place, etc.?)

Passover Week

Philip Morris — 2010-03-27T22:34:47-05:00

PASSOVER WEEK

The Jewish Passover begins at sundown tomorrow (Monday, March 29). The biblical events of Christ's passion (the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Burial, the Resurrection) all took place during Passover week. In fact, the Passover meal is the backdrop for our celebration of the Lord's Supper. We will celebrate this week in the following ways:

1) COMMUNION AND FOOTWASHING -- This Wednesday, March 31 (6:30 p.m.) we will celebrate the Lord's Supper, remembering His body broken for us and His blood spilled for us. Afterward, we will follow Christ's example and command by washing one another's feet -- a sign of Christ's cleansing and a picture of our own willingness to serve others in His name. Come join us for this special celebration of the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world!

2) RESURRECTION SUNDAY -- Next Sunday morning (April 4) at 10:30 a.m. we are going to have a celebration! That's the only word I know that can describe what we do each year for Resurrection Sunday -- special music, new dramas, new dances, new choir songs, familiar hymns -- all combined in a joyful explosion of praise and worship to the risen King! After the service, we will also have a fun time for the kids as they hunt for eggs and find them! Please don't miss this wonderful celebration that is designed for the whole family and all ages! By the way, what a great Sunday to invite your family, friends, and loved ones!

Pastor Philip

Church Membership

Philip Morris — 2010-03-16T16:19:08-05:00

Next Sunday (March 28) is Church Membership Sunday. We will be receiving new members i the morning service. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Parkway Church of God congregation, please contact me this week at the church office (453-0389) for an appointment. I would like to talk with you about church membership.

Church membership does not “save” anyone. Unfortunately, there will be many people who wereon a church roll that will sadly end up in hell. But church membership is a way of saying that you are born again in Christ and want to be connected to the body of Christ through this local congregation. It is a way of saying that you desire this to be your church home and church family -- where you will be receiving and giving. Just give me a call if you are interested.
Thanks,
Pastor Philip

Happy Birthday, Denise!

Philip Morris — 2010-03-12T17:17:05-06:00

Monday (March 15) is my wife's birthday, so I thought I would take a moment to wish her a happy birthday and tell her how much I appreciate her. Denise is the one God hand-picked for me, and I cannot imagine my life without her. She is amazing in so many ways, and I am so proud to have her as my wife. I definitely "married up!"

Denise has also been a tremendous blessing to our Parkway congregation. Through the years, she has ministered in so many different ways to so many different people. Besides being a "pastor's wife," Denise has also been our youth pastor and has served in many different ministry capacities. Currently, Denise is the Director of Worship and the Arts, which basically means she oversees "everything music, drama, and dance." This includes Holy Hands (Children's Drama Team), Refuge Drama Team (Teens), Refuge Dance Team (Teens), Sanctuary Choir, the Praise and Worship Teams, and all the special music. She has a lot of wonderful people helping her in all of these areas, but I am so thankful for her oversight and her constant investment of time, energy, and talent into our congregation.

"Happy Birthday" to the most wonderful woman in the world, the love of my life, my best friend in the world, and the beautiful mother of our precious children! Please keep Denise in your prayers (After all, she is married to me!). I love you and appreciate you, Denise!

Pastor Philip (a.k.a. Denise's husband)

Eight years and counting...

Philip Morris — 2010-03-02T16:58:52-06:00

Wow! It hardly seems possible that it was eight years ago this month that we had moved from pastoring the Crossroads Church of God in Fruitland, Maryland to begin filling the pastorate here in Sevierville at the Parkway Church of God. We are so blessed to continue in this role today (You have put up with us for eight years! Maybe you can put up with us for at least a few more!).

I can truly say that there have been many unforeseen and unexpected turns and twists in the road as we have traveled together, but I suppose that is what its like when you set out on an adventure together into uncharted territory -- following Jesus wherever He leads. I am truly amazed at the love and patience and endurance and faithfulness of this congregation, in spite of seemingly overwhelming odds. You have truly blessed me and Denise and John and Hope and our whole extended family by allowing us to pastor your congregation, and we consider ourselves tremendously blessed. Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

Pastor Philip

Thank you!!!

Philip Morris — 2010-02-09T16:33:54-06:00

THANK YOU
A big “thank you” to everyone who has helped us in remodeling our stage! So many people have sacrificed time, energy, and resources, and we are so blessed with the results! Take an opportunity to look at the new choir section, the stage extension, the steps, etc. Great work, everyone!

A special “thank you” also goes to Nathan Head for getting our website up and running! Thanks so much, Nathan! If you haven’t checked it out yet, please go online to…

www.theparkwaychurch.org

I will update the “From the Pastor” page from time to time. Check it out!

Pastor Philip

The Spirit of Rejection

Philip Morris — 2010-02-07T23:04:05-06:00

THE SPIRIT OF REJECTION

Isaiah 53:2-3
     v. 3 -- He was despised and rejected by men

Mark 8:31
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.

Luke 17:24-25
For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Luke 20:17 (Psalm 118:22)
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.

Although Jesus was despised and rejected by men, he refused to allow his spirit to be defined by that rejection. He never adopted a "spirit of rejection," where the word "rejection" would identify him and his outlook and his actions. He refused to allow "rejection" to define who he was or to stop him from fulfilling his Father's mission.

He could have adopted a martyr's complex. "Woe is me! Nobody loves me. Everybody hates me. I guess I'll just eat worms." But he did not.

JESUS REFUSED TO WALK IN A SPIRIT OF REJECTION!

In essence, Jesus said, "I refuse to be identified by who rejects me. I will only be identified by who accepts me -- My Father in heaven."

Many of us have been rejected:

1) Rejected by an earthly father
   BUT Accepted by our Heavenly Father through faith in Christ -- "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6)

2) Rejected by an earthly mother
     BUT "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever" (John 14:16)

3) Rejected by an earthly brother or sister
     BUT "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24)

4) Rejected by a spouse
     BUT Christ loved you and gave himself up for you (Ephesians 5:25)

5) Rejected by children
     BUT you can say with Jesus "Here am I, and the children God has given me" (Hebrews 2:13; Isaiah 8:18)

6) Rejected by friends
     BUT Jesus said, "I no longer call you servants . . . Instead, I have called you friends" (John 15:15)

7) Perhaps you have been rejected in other ways
     BUT Jesus said, "Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20)

CAST OFF THE SPIRIT OF REJECTION!

1) Matthew 5:43-45
     v. 44 -- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

2) Matthew 6:9-15
     v. 14 -- For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you

3) Romans 12:14-21
     v. 21 -- Overcome evil with good

MAKE THIS CONFESSION!

1) Through faith in Christ, I am not rejected by God!
2) No matter who on earth has rejected me, my Father in heaven will not reject me!
3) I am not a reject -- I AM PART OF THE ROYAL FAMILY OF GOD!

All on the Altar

Philip Morris — 2010-02-04T16:02:10-06:00

This is the poem I used on Sunday, January 24, 2010 -- Hope that it is a blessing to you!

ALL ON THE ALTAR

All on the altar
Let nothing remain
Outside of the boundary
Of Christ’s crimson stain

All on the altar
“YAHWEH will provide”
On top of the wood
In the fire I will hide

Bind me and place me
On top of the wood
Let me be consumed
Like a sacrifice should

“YAHWEH giveth
And taketh away”
Whatever You keep, Lord,
In Your hands will stay

Whatever You give back
Will still be all Yours
A sacrifice living
Your eagle now soars

In praise and devotion
Surrendered to You
A body presented
The least I can do

“Not my will
But Thy will be done”
My life is lost
In the life of the Son

For it is with Christ
I am crucified
It is for me
That He gladly died

A cross fitly carried
Each day it comes due
Following Jesus
Denial of you

Now, for the joy
That is set before you
Endure the cross
And to Him be true

Despise the shame
And die every day
All on the altar
Next to Him lay

And, though, now alive
You find yourself dead
You’ll find that it’s Christ
Who is living instead

Philip C. Morris, Jr.
January 20, 2010

Scripture references:

Genesis 22:1-14
Job 1:20-22
Isaiah 40:28-31
Matthew 26:39
Luke 9:23-24
Luke 14:26-33
John 3:16
Romans 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 15:31
Galatians 2:20
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 John 2:2
Revelation 5:6