PUT ON THE NEW COAT

This week we are going to explore the benefits and responsibilities of being a believer. Many churches teach about the benefits and blessings but few of them touch on the responsibilities that come with serving God. Welcome everyone to your 24/7, weeklong online church service. How many ways can we say everyone is welcome in this place.

During the last two weeks we discussed with you what the purpose and mission of our online church is. We must faithfully carry out that mission. Teaching and preaching salvation, healing and deliverance to you and to all who will listen to us.

That is our calling, my friends. But what is yours? Many of you have been with us for over two years now. During that time we have asked very little of you. Only that you read or listen to our messages with an open mind and heart to receive the Word of God. Why, we don’t even ask for financial donations from you, do we? Of course we don’t. In two years of ministry we have never asked for one penny from anyone. Don’t worry, we’re not going to start asking for money now.

The point is, church, many of you have been blessed and yes, even helped by our preaching of the gospel. We know this by the e-mails and personal testimonies we’ve heard. There is a reason for this. It is not who we are, but what we preach that ministers to the lost, the hurting and the afflicted. Turn with me to I Corinthians 1:18. Read or listen to this scripture carefully, church. I Corinthians 1:18 states:

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

You see, your help does not come from me, but from what we preach, which is Jesus Christ and him crucified. Jesus died on that cross for you and me. To us that are saved, that is the power of God. But to those who reject Jesus and his sacrifice for them they perish spiritually, and eternal life with God is lost to them forever. Does this touch you at all, my friends? All this online church is now asking you is to share the gospel we preach with others.

I would like to use this example: When you see a good movie, one that moves you, what is the first thing you do when you see your friends or family? Well, of course, you tell them about it, don’t you? Why? Because you want them to enjoy what you have enjoyed. Am I right about this? For those of you that don’t watch movies, just bear with me, okay?

Does it make sense that if you have been blessed, inspired or helped at all through this ministry, that you would desire to share us with others? Do you know anyone who is lost? Do you know anyone who is saved but has walked away from the Lord? Do you know anyone who needs healing in their body, mind or spirit? In other words, who do you know that this online church would be an inspiration and help to? Listen to me, church, this world needs Jesus. One of your responsibilities as a believer is to share what Jesus has done for you with others.

I know many of you belong to Face book or other social networks. How about putting a link to our online church on there for others to see? I guarantee you will be blessed by sharing Jesus with others. One other thing we must ask of you. Take a good look at the prayer list at the right side of this message. Do you see them? Okay. Now pray for them with purpose. These are serious prayer requests. We need you to pray with us daily that all of these needs be met. These are your fellow online church family members. They need your help and effort.

My, my, my – God is moving on this place. Thank you Lord for moving on the hearts of our online church members. Help them, Lord to proclaim you to a lost and dying world. Remind them, Lord, of the joy and love you have given them. Let them share your salvation with others. Thank you, Lord, for being with us this day. Amen.

Paul in II Corinthians 6:1-2 says exactly what I want to say to you:

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he sayeth, I have heard thee at a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.)”

That, my friends, is the message we must share together. Today is the accepted time and now is the day of salvation. Shout it out loud my friends. Come out of the closet. Shout for joy God has saved you. But, of course, you know that, don’t you? Now is the time to let others know. Psalms 98:4 says:

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: Make a loud noise and rejoice, and sing praise.”

We have good reason to shout, praise and show our love toward God, don’t we? How about we actually do it in front of others? Let’s together share Jesus with family, friends and strangers. You share your testimony with them by word and example. Point them to our online church and we will preach and teach Jesus and him crucified to them. What do you say, Church? Are you ready to go to the next level. I’m excited about the prospects that lay ahead, how about you?

We have a special new music video to share with you this week. Be sure and watch it as soon as the message is read or listened to. Pastor Tommy Bates of Independence, Ky. is singing an old Appalachian hymn titled “Two Coats.” One of the best lines are “I have laid off the old coat and put on the new.” The old coat represents our former sin filled destructive life. The new coat represents our new life in Jesus. The old coat is earthly. The new coat is heavenly. Listen closely to the words. I know you will be blessed.

This video was taken at a church service at Pastor Bates home church. It may be more lively than you are used to, but just know this: When God moves over us and sets us free, we have the right to shout and sing and dance before the Lord.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob