Building the Church to Be Unified in 2011

By: Pastor, Bryant L. McNeal

GENESIS CHAPTER 11:1-9
________________________________________
Read the scripture lesson found below:


1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
> It’s time to be one language and one speech as a church.
______________________________________________

2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
> When things are as one people, come together and the vision can be implemented and executed.
______________________________________________

3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
> They worked together to make the resources to build the tower.
______________________________________________

4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
> Working together, to leave a legacy.
______________________________________________

5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded> It’s time to get the Lord’s attention. Things can only happen with unity.
_____________________________________________
6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
> The Lord should be able to notice our oneness. We can do ANYTHING when we are one
_______________________________________________

7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
> Unity causes God to respond in this context in an unexpected way, but in this dispensation of time He responses with gifts due to unity.
_____________________________________________

8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
> The strategy of the Lord regarding scattering them is to populate the earth with more like minded people to build the world.
______________________________________________

9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
> This place was named according to the works of the Lord.
_______________________________________________

Defeating the Spirit of Murmuring

By: Senior Pastor, Bryant L. McNeal


The spirit of murmuring and complaining has invaded the church. We must work, pray and strive toward unity and relationship as we build the Kingdom of God in the earth. Murmuring and complaining is a cancer to the work of ministry. “Cut It Out” and follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. It’s not about you, it’s about Jesus!

Scripture Reference:

Philippians 2:14 – (Don’t Murmur nor Complain)
“Do all things without murmurings and questionings:”


John 7:12 – (Beware of People who Murmur and Complain)
“And there was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him: some said, He is a good man; others said, Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray.”


John 7:32 - (Public Murmuring Can Cause Trouble Down the Road)
“The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him; and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to take him.”


Acts 6:1 - (Overcome Murmuring By Working Together)
“Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”


1Peter 4:9 - (Service in the Kingdom must be done without Murmuring)
“using hospitality one to another without murmuring:”

Developing a Mind of Christ

Discovering the Power of a Godly Mind to overcome the battles of this world to give God the glory!


Php. 4:8 - (We must be sure to steward the way we think)

”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Eph. 3:20 - (Asking & Thinking work together in the plan of God)

”Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

1 Peter 4:12 – (The scriptures are also designed to cultivate your thinking about even your trials that come)

”Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:”

Luke 12:40 - (Jesus is coming soon at an hour you think not)

”Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”

John16:2 - (Make sure your thinking regarding God is CORRECT)

”They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”

Php. 2:5 – (You must possess the Mind of Christ)

”Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

Roman 12:3 – (Don’t blow yourself up! You may not be all that you think)

”For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

Acts 17:29 – (Don’t put God in the same category with money and silver, He’s bigger then that)

”Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.”

Jeremiah 29:11 – (God wants you to think of yourself, like He sees you)

”For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Jeremiah 17:9 – (Only God can reveal the true nature of the - heart of mind)

”The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Roman 1:28 - (This is the worst mental condition in the world)

”And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient (or holy, lawful, just, appropriate);”

Roman 7:25 – (We must serve the Lord with our Mind, Heart & Soul)

”I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”

Roman 7:23 - (The Mind Vs. the Flesh at war)

”But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”

Roman 8:5 – (The Mind of the Flesh Vs. the Spirit)

”For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”

Servant-Leadership In the Kingdom

This Bible Study lesson is designed to empower servant-leaders in the Kingdom with scriptural references that will expand them to excellence in ministry.


Reference: Scriptures:


Matthew 20:27 - (A leader or chief in reality is a presidential servant)
“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:”

Matthew 23:11 - (The greatest must be lead-servant)
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Matthew 24:45 - (Servants must be both faithful and wise for favor to be released)
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?”

Matthew 24:46 - (Servants are not lazy nor workless)
“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.”

Mark 9:35 - (Last and least is equal to being first)
“And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”

Mark 10:44 - (A chief is a servant of all)
“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.”

Luke 14:23 - (Servants are engaged in evangelism)
“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

Luke 19:17 - (A good and faithful servant can become Mayor of the city)
“And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.”

John 12:26 – (A servant must take on the relationship of the cross with their leaders)
“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

Defeating the Enemy of Pride

Jan. 5th 2011
By: Senior Pastor, Bryant L. McNeal



The third definition of “Pride” is: Arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness. The goal of this lesson is to expose and defeat the enemy of pride in the church/ministry. Pride can creep in, damage and destroy a church operating through leadership as well as membership. Lets do a self-check each week to ensure we are not operating in the spirit of pride. We must engage in “Overcoming the Enemy of Pride” even while experiencing, correction, instruction, reproof as well as rebuke as we expand to excellence.

Scripture References from the Book of: Psalms & Proverbs


Ps 10:2 -
The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

Ps 10:4 -
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Ps 31:20 -
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Ps 36:11 -
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

Ps 59:12 -
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.

Ps 73:6 -
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

Pr 8:13 -
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Pr 11:2 -
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Pr 13:10 -
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Pr 14:3 -
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Pr 16:18 -
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pr 29:23 -
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.


Lets overcome the spirit of pride TODAY!

Make Plans to Develop Self-Control and Resist Temptation

By: Pastor Bryant McNeal

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways (Proverbs 14:8).
Are you frustrated in your efforts to resist temptation?
It can be frustrating to intensely want to overcome a temptation, and then fail again and again. This can be especially hard if you are a Christian and feel discouraged in your desire to grow in the Lord and overcome sin.
If you sometimes find yourself in this position, it may be because you do not go beyond making good intentions. You may say, "I'll try harder," or, "I have to do something about this." In addition, you may pray for hours. Or you simply may mutter a quick prayer without much thought.
Good intentions and prayer are not enough. Make a plan!

Good intentions and prayer are important in your struggle against sin, but be sure to also make a precise, practical plan about how you will battle the temptations in your life. When you combine prayer, determination and a plan based on God's Word, you will find victory.
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).

An upright man gives thought to his ways (Proverbs 21:29).

Pick one temptation to work on.
Have you ever made a long list of changes you want to make? Most of us have done this and soon have felt overwhelmed by trying to do so much. Start slowly, instead.

Personal application: Write one temptation you want to overcome: __________________________________________

Analyze your temptation/sin patterns!

If you can identify patterns when you sin, you will be able to make a better plan. Even if a temptation seems to come out of nowhere, if you pray and think about it, you usually can identify patterns in your behavior. This can help you understand why you sin and how to be an overcomer.

For example, you may discover that every time you think your spouse mistreats you, you "give yourself permission" to become angry, get drunk, flirt with someone else or engage in a sex sin.
With whom are you are tempted to sin?
Are you more likely to sin when alone or when with certain people? Do you give in to peer pressure?

Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies (Psalm 141:4).

Personal application: Whom I am tempted to sin with: __________________________________________

Where are you tempted?

Where are you usually tempted to commit this sin? At home? At school? On the job? Somewhere else? Stay away from dangerous situations. If you must walk on a dangerous path, be alert.
In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them (Proverbs 22:5).

Personal application: Where I am tempted: __________________________________________

When are you tempted to sin?

Is there a certain time of the day or week when you are more likely to
sin?

Personal application: When I am tempted: __________________________________________

Why are you tempted?

What are your excuses for sinning? Do you justify your sin? Does it seem it "just happens?" Do you realize you are rebelling against God when you sin?

Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:8).

Personal application: Why I am tempted—my excuses for sinning: __________________________________________

What are the first steps you might take on the path to sin?

What is your thought process before you sin? What are your first steps?

Personal application: First steps I might take on the path to sin: __________________________________________

Choose Scripture verses to read and memorize.
Identify Bible verses that speak to you personally about holiness and the particular sin you want to overcome. These could be from your personal Bible study, a sermon, or a book such as Defeating Temptation: Biblical Secrets to Self-Control. Keep an eye open for verses that jump out at you.
Once you find some verses, read them regularly. Memorize what you can, but don't feel guilty if you can't memorize them all.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11).

Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it (Joshua 1:8).

Personal application: Scripture(s) I will meditate on to strengthen me: __________________________________________

List preventive actions to overcome temptation.
Personal application: Steps I will take in my daily life to avoid

dangerous situations: __________________________________________

Write how you will resist when tempted.
Don't play around with sin. When tempted, flee!
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue Righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

Personal application: Steps I will take to resist sinning if I am tempted: __________________________________________

God teaches us the “Power of Tithing” through the Mystery of Melchizedek

Bible Mystery Series
By: Pastor Bryant McNeal


Few mysteries of the Bible have been as intriguing as the mystery of the identity of Melchizedek.
Who is he (Melchizedek)? Some have speculated that Melchizedek is Yeshua (Jesus), or the archangel Michael, or Shem the son of Noah, or just an ordinary human, or even another divine being as a type of Christ? There is little said about him in the Bible, but we are given several clues.
The first time he is mentioned is in Genesis 14 (Please Read). Abraham had just returned from his defeat of king Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him; and having rescued his nephew Lot and his possessions, he met with the king of Shalem in the King's Valley (the valley of Shaveh). Here is the account:
And Melchizedek king of Shalem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tenth of all. (Genesis 14:18-20)

Who was this Melchizedek, whom Abraham honored and acknowledged; to whom Abraham gave a tithe of all he had gained in battle?
Then he is mentioned again in Psalm 110, which is clearly speaking of the Messiah (Yeshua?) that will come to reign on the earth; and that this Messiah will judge the nations on the day of the Lord.

The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, "Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:4)
Why is the priesthood of Melchizedek special and why does it last forever?
In the New Testament, the entire 7th chapter of the book of Hebrews is devoted to the priesthood of Yeshua, and to the Melchizedek connection. There are some very interesting details in Hebrews 7, which clue us into who Melchizedek was, and together with this matrix, I believe this mystery has been solved. Melchizedek is Yeshua! He is the second in the trinity, the righteousness of Yahweh, which is Yeshua. Here are some of the basics:


If you look at his name or title, Melchizedek (Melkhey-Tsedek) is translated as King of Righteousness. Who could be king of righteousness, but Yeshua our Messiah? Melchizedek was the king of Shalem, which is king of peace. Yeshua is known as the prince of peace. Who could be king of peace over Yeshua? No one! Melchizedek was without father or mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life. Who could this be said of, other than God himself? No one! Melchizedek has an indestructible life and abides a priest perpetually. No human could fit this bill. And could there be two who abide as a priest to God forever (a man and also Yeshua)? It was also said that Melchizedek was made in the image or likeness of the Son of God. This could be taken as the image of the son of God (the second in the trinity) or as the image of the begotten son of God, when the Lord took on a fleshly body. But they are one and the same.