Join Us, In The Holy Land !

Join Us Soon For 

A Virtual Pilgrimage  to The Holy Land !

PRESENTED BY,  Reverend, Dr.,Wilbert D. Gough

As you may or may not recall, Pastor Gough graces Step With Christ Ministries through serving in an advisor role  to matters of Sound Doctrine. We indeed are grateful and very blessed  to be able to Grow in Christ through his experience of 65 years in ' The Pulpit ' !  (and still at it, serving as an Interim Pastor every Sunday! at FIRST  CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, in Kittery Point, Maine.

Along Pastor's journey, he and his lovely and supporting, very soon to be wife, both graduated  from Philadelphia Bible University, .............. Together, they have driven Pastor's Ministry Successes  in So many capacities .  Among his years of building churches, some of which reached 2,000 plus members, Writing, and just about everything else a Pastor may do, He and his wife Florence served as Christian Tour Guides to The HOLY LAND ! .( Hence, we're taxing him to share his ' Famous Tour Guide Experience '  with us and First Christian Church, as well as the entire Community for what we have titled, ... " A VIRTUAL TRIP to THE HOLY LAND ".

( we are praying that we will be able to announce guest speakers, a time and venue location, and date for you by next week. )

Over these years, Pastor has served in many capacities. Dr. Gough received his Doctorate Degree from Eastern Baptist Seminary, and additionally holds dual Graduate degrees,

(One from Temple University School of Theology, and Burton Theological Seminary.) One of Pastor's fondest memories to the day, was to hold slide-show presentations from the several tours and pilgrimages led by he and his wife to ISRAEL, to THE HOLY LAND.

Over the several years serving Our Lord in as deep a way as I've ever personally seen, Pastor has also lectured, taught, missioned, and written extensively. his writings are inclusive of his own enlightening book titled " LIFE  ISN'T  FAIR -  BUT GOD IS ", and many articles in magazines such as (one of our personal faves), DECISION MAGAZINE, THE WATCHMAN-EXAMINER,
THE PULPIT DIGEST, THE LINK (ARMED FORCES MAGAZINE), many newspapers,
and several Collegiate Speaking Engagements. ( Oh what wisdom must lie in the heart of such a man!,    And he's willing to SHARE ! with prayer that by humbly sharing his array of Godly focused experiences may in any small way, bring us closer to the Word of God, and a more full understanding of ' THE WAY '. The Way of our Messiah Christ,Jesus !

We are praying in The Holy Spirit, that you will join us on the decided event date of late January, or early March. Join us (free of charge of course!), and see The Bible come to life as you walk in the foot-steps of our PATRIARCHS, PROPHETS, APOSTLES, and YESHUA, JESUS Himself.

On the evenings agenda are Pastor's Guided Tour, An outstanding guest musical duo, and the strong possibility of a visit from a Messianic Rabbi, to share their testimony of how they as being Jewish have come to accept Christ as Savior./.......Praise God for this opportunity to " Burn brighter for Christ "  during what appear to be dark and prophetic days ahead.

MORE SPECIFIC DETAILS TO COME NEXT WEEK,......b

PASTOR (  ATOP  THE CAMEL, WITH HIS LOVELY CO-GUIDE, WIFE FLORENCE,AND FLOCK ) Add caption0

Shalom Shabbat/Invitation

Shabbat Shalom Family!
If you were to stroll a street in any Jewish neighborhood, any time between sunset on Friday through Saturday sunset, you will notice Jews wishing eachother an enjoyable Shabbat! , which if unfamiliar is the Jewish worshiper's Day of Rest. So !, Shalom Shabat to our Jewish brothers and especially our
partners at The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews  Click here for link to our partners  .  Let us never forget GENESIS 12:3, which is a Promise of God to " Bless those who bless Israel ". These trying days for our Brother's and Sister's are challenging to say the very least, and seem very reflective of End Day scripture. PLEASE remember them in your prayers!

Although ( I ) can't sing a lick ( not one of my own Holy Spirit Gifts ), my heart indeed sings out blessings to Israel. So, we've found a beautiful child of Christ. Let us share her Holy Spirit Gift of song with you and our family in ISRAEL.

SIDE-NOTE ALERT  !
A LAST MINUTE INVITATION TO ALL

Many, many apologies for not alerting you earlier BUT, ...............

TOMORROW  DEC. 6th at 10:00 A.M. Service at FIRST  CHRISTIAN CHURCH of Kittery Point, we are blessed to be honored with a GUEST  MUSICAL APPEARANCE by renowned seacoast Tenor MR. NATHAN COX. Unlike myself, The Holy Spirit Gift of Song was indeed endowed to our good friend Nate. As a matter of fact, I believe he may have a double portion, or as our own Pastor Gough would say , ....NATE My Friend , ...You are indeed DOUBLY  BLESSED !

Although last minute my friends, if you've not seen Nate in a public venue elsewhere, I tell you it is well worth your time. We pray you might be able to join us at The Little Church, With A Big Heart 

First Christian Church can be located at:

542 Haley Road (@ 2 mi. down the Dunkin Donut's Rd. on rt.

10:00 A.M.

Now, For Our Heartfelt Gift of Song

Blessings in Ruach ha Qodesh

(The Holy Spirit)  

Football, Faith, and Fellowship

Did SomeOne Mention, 'Road-Trip'?

Shalom Brethren,

There are so many blessings to update you with,I hardly know where to start. So, I guess I will start by updating you on our Inter-Church, Fantasy Football League. Allow me to start by saying how 

satisfying it is to be leading my good friend Mr. Mel Spelman for the first time in @ 7 years.

( WE TRULY HAVE SO MUCH FUN !)

But, this year (as we totaled  6 churches), the closeness of competition is nothing short of exciting.

NewComer,  brother Peter Pike (can you say peter pike picked a peck of pickled peppers,...10xfast?) 

In  proving out his Fantasy prowess as He leads the league and hopes to take the Trophy to Eliot Baptist Church till next season!  We'll see,............ !

 The remaining teams are ALL lumped together at 4 wins and five losses, OR the other way around!

I've truly never seen such a competitive leage. And right there in the thick of the playoff hunt is Good Ol' TEAM ESTHER !,...  Somebody (Me) had a great idea to have my wife Donna, and Tom's wife Linda run a team. Well, Linda neglected to let us know that she watches more football than all of us combined. Consequently they are running a srtong second place ! ( I'm Truly SO smart,..NOT! )

Amongst our weekly jokes back n' forth, it allears that next week will hold a league FIRST!  A real true and blue old fashioned 'Tailgate Party' As our Creator has made it happen, next Saturday, UNH Football plays the University of Maine team ! ( I DARE SAY ITS THEIR LARGEST RIVALRY)

Even if you're not in the league this year, we would love to have you join us. It happens to also be Senior Week at UNH, and if you've not seen a collegiate marching band during half-time of Senior Week, you are in for an electrifying performance of skill, passion, precision, which you will not likely forget. And lets not forget, the generation that will be predominant at the game are indeed the ones whom need to see us Burn Brightly for Jesus.So, please join us for some great fellowship. Whether you are a current ministry member, partner, or even inconsistent blog viewer, we would love to see you.

I can be reached at 207-363-1775

Blessings in the Holiest of Names

b

 

.

Christ Centered

Shalom Family,

Share, Share, Share,! ,............Isn't that what we do as Christians?
So very important to share is anything we learn from Holy Scripture, or that may help to lead our brothers and sisters to a closer relationship with Christ.
Being human, and possessing human frailty, it is no easy task to maintain fully Christ-Centered days.

I have found, ( as have many of my family, ...yourselves included ) that if I Begin My Day with
prayer, I am much better equipped to actually carry out a Christ Centered Day. Consequently,
I would like to share the following prayer with you with Holy Spirit driven prayers that you might
find the inspiration of 'Christ First' within.

DEAR  FATHER ABBA

I receive the cleansing Blood of our Lamb, Jesus, today to cleanse me and wash me yet again of my flesh driven and worldly ignorant thoughts and ways. I come against and reject ALL generational sin and darkness that seeks to destroy myself, and all Christians!

Thank you Jesus, for providing THE WAY to the heart of our Father, ABBA.

I shake off the dust of this world and all of it's cares today, and humbly come to my Father God

( Elohim ) to receive all of His sufficiency which is all I need, and magnified by trials overcome with Him. Thank You oh Lord, that You have chosen me to be born to this world and to be filled with the knowledge and revelation of You. ( I truly believe I was born for such a time as this )

So, here I am ABBA, Father God. I ask that you fill me, that I see NOT as the world sees. ABBA, I pray that you fill me with your truth. I look up to you in heaven and receive your heart, your mind, and your will so to be centered, that I will be yours and you will be mine, and my actions righteous in your eyes that see all.

God of Israel, I ask that You ' enlarge my territory ' as in The Prayer of Jabeez. Let your guiding hand be with me always, that I may live happily WITH, THROUGH, and FOR our King and Messiah, Jesus Christ ! Help me to burn ever so brightly in your name, that men may see the path of Christly living as the righteous way.

Thank you Lord for the blessings as well as the trials that define the man you have chosen me to be.

With Thanks, Praise, and Love!,

AMEN !

b

Celebrate Recovery - Bethany Church!

Shalom Brethren, 

As most of you are aware, our ministry actually began about seven years ago as a Celebrate Recovery ministry.
Celebrate Recovery is a powerful Christ Centered Addiction and Recovery program. The uniqueness of this program is  it's Beatitudes based recovery approach. By approaching the challenge of recovery through fellowship with Jesus Christ we attain His limitless power needed to overcome any
Hurt or Hang-Up that may disrupt our walk with Jesus.
We are extremely happy to announce that our friends at Bethany Church in Rye, N.H. have begun a Celebrate Recovery initiative. ( Please click on the link above to see more info on this new ministry initiative.)
This is the closest Celebrate Recovery program south of Portland, Maine. If we can be of any help to you or answer any questions please call !

May you be showered with blessings in the holy name of Christ Jesus,
b

Genesis 12:3

Shalom Family !


Whereas the Anti-Christian and Anti-Israeli movements or (Holy War) and most recently, the Palestinian Intifada, currently making history with unorganized,random knife attacks on the Jewish people ( Many teenagers, women, and children riding bicycles ) is very quickly picking up speed.

Aside from the accelerated speed, the ever-deepening level of barbaric atrocities was demonstrated this past Friday, when Joseph's Tomb was Fire Bombed both inside and out!  YES!, that Joseph!
Joseph, son of  Jacob, who was son of Isaac. Are you beginning to see the real picture ?
As we continue to 'put our houses in order', let's stay aware of signs of the times. These signs dictate the fact that our Brothers and Sisters in Israel, need our Holy Spirit driven prayers NOW !

GENESIS 12:3 relates, " I will Bless those who Bless Israel ". ( the very word of God,..Elohim )
                                       Prophecy that our God knew the end, at the beginning. Unfolding before our 
                                      eyes.

Here is a You-Tube video, produced weekly by Alan Hovarth

I think I have mentioned Alan in past posts as my ancient Hebraic and Aramaic language teacher,

with ' Hippy Hippy Shake ' reminiscent style. But, to be sure, a hard line Christian thru n' thru.

Many of us are aware that Western Main-Stream Media may not always choose to inform us of the actual graveness of Middle Eastern activities which ultimately affect Israel. Every Tuesday, Alan posts his newscast inclusive of a segment called Wars and Rumors of Wars. I have found it to be a good and accurate Middle-Eastern reality check. Alan personally relates to it as " What the Lame-Stream " media isn't telling you. Please check out an example of Alan's newscast below. Additionally,I will include one more link to an Israeli new source at the bottom of this post.

What do you think of Alan's newscast?  Please feel free to comment on this blog, I would love some feedback! ,....   ( I think )

On a personal level, I've always struggled with the " Super-Evangelistic, End-Times, The World is Ending Two Wednesdays From Now " Ministers. It seems that many of them stay so very focused on 
being the one whom will guess a prophesied date ( which indeed the Bible speaks to ), that they don't allow for us to live in the Joy of Jesus, or to rest in God's perfect Shalom, or very importantly to
Carry out The Great Commission and spread the Good News, The Gospel!
Family, the time is NOW!, to Bless our Brothers and Sisters in Israel. these, our family in God.
The very family whom we are richly blessed to have been grafted into. through the Love Sacrifice of Messiah.        Praise God !
Staying knowledgeable of current happenings in the Middle-East should help us arrange our heartfelt prayers for Israel.

May you be richly blessed in the Holy Spirit ( Ruach ha Qodesh )
In the name of Yeshua we pray, AMEN

One More Israeli News Source ....... click here  

Look Up !

Shalom Family!

And may blessings from Elohim direct your hearts and paths. I came across this You-Tube this morning and found it to be intriguing. Just a quick inspirational poem from a young Christian man (by comparison to me). I found that it made me think about how I prioritize my own life.

As a side note, there is ONE word within the poem that could possibly be conceived as a naughty word!  I don't believe it was meant to be naughty and is likely a culturally rooted acceptable word.

( you will likely not even conceive it as naughty, or miss it entirely! ). But, the message in the video is oh so relevant !  I think you will enjoy it.

God Bless !

b

NFL Star Don Davis: Making an IMPACT for Christ - CBN.com

Shalom Brothers and Sisters,

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, and there is a plethora of information to offer you as ministry updates. We will do so throughout the coming week so please visit us again.

First, in an effort to address the several emails received regarding my recent health set-back.

Thank You very much for your prayers,hospital visits, and calls of concern. ( I'm doing GREAT )

Surgery was a success and went well, aftercare infusion treatments with my extended family at York Oncology was very bearable, and it appears that by all indications that I remain in a remission status.

So There!,....Praise God, for He is merciful to His Children!

Many of you (especially our Fantasy Football Fellowship) have heard me speak of N.E. Patriots Team Chaplain, former linebacker, and NFLPA rep., Don Davis as being a personal inspiration to myself and so many more. If you like, you can visit Don's website at Real Don Davis .

Just yesterday while reading Billy Graham's Decision Magazine, (Oct. 2015 issue) I came across a concerning article titled ' atheists Seek to Sack Football Chaplains'. 

How blessed we are to have groups such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes FCA and Christian leaders such as our brother Don Davis. Please pray in the Holy Spirit with me that the voices of FCA, leaders such as Don, and many more (including this ministry) will quell this newest initiative in Christian Persecution.

Below is a short You Tube with Don Davis as the guest on CBN's 700 Club. I think it will give you some insight as to the Passion for Christ possessed by Don and both collegiate and NFL Chaplains across the country. I pray it touches your heart in such a way that you may somehow support or advocate the presence of Chaplains within the realm of sports.

May God Bless You in Every Way,

b 

Kim Davis Speaks After Being Released from Jail | The Blaze

Sorry Folks,..... Most Urgent Post !



The Kim Davis Persecution Story Continues ,..... Yet MORE Bible prophecy being lived out these days. How can a person NOT believe in Biblical Prophecy !

I CRIED LIKE "  A Little Girl " when I saw this. ( Oooops!  Is it legal to refer to gender any more?,...

maybe nor I'm headed to jail! )  If so, please Pray 



God Bless!

b

Are You Ready For Some Football, Faith and Fellowship?

Shalom Brethren!,

We at Step With Christ Ministries feel grateful and blessed to be entering into the 7th year of  our "Fantasy Football Fellowship Initiative". With our Mission to unite local Christian Churches with Fellowship Initiatives that glorify Godly Christian relations, we are very excited and honored to announce the fact that this years league will be comprised of representatives of  FIVE Christian Churches who will edify one another to burn brightly for Christ.

This years brotherhood of Churches are Step With Christ Ministries, First Christian Church of Kittery Point ( whom will host this years live draft ), Eliot Baptist Church ( whom will provide this years much needed Co-Commissioner,Keith Mueller. ), First Parish Church of York (where our league originated), Next Level Church, and Saint Elizabeth Seaton Church of Bedford,NH.

Math never being one of my strongest points,..... I guess this actually equals SIX !.. Praise God!

We Thank each of these fine Churches of Christ for their support and participation.

Our initiative to Fellowship in Christ, has been highly impacted by our new Friend and Brother in Christ, Don Davis ( Shown above with The Lombardi Trophy. ) Don, whom we met at a fellowship function provided by Bethany Church of Rye, NH, is a former 11 year retired NFL Linebacker, and now New England Patriots Team Chaplain, Strength Coach, and NFLPA Representative. A true representative of Christ has instilled in us the fact that Christians are real every day people whom can change the world with what he succinctly calls Christian Swagger !

For you football fans as well as non-football fans, take a moment to visit his ministry initiative site

Real Don Davis .

Again, we thank all participating church representatives for helping us build a brighter fire for Christ and Christian Fellowship. We ask your prayers that we are indeed able to represent Christian Fellowship among Churches of Christ in a way that is pleasing to the eyes of God The Father.

May God Bless each of you with blessings of Christian Fellowship!

A TOUCHDOWN FOR CHRIST !

bill 

Keeping Our Foundation Strong !

Shalom Brethren,

In my studies of Messianic Judaism and the early Apostolic Church, I came across a daily devotional that I felt compelled to share ( in light of worldly conditions ). Allow me to share an expounded version of that devotional.

Today's Mission 

Dedicate this day to God and His will for you today before you do anything else. Set a good and solid foundation upon which we can build.

                                                              .............. REV. 2:4

The first act of the American Government took place in 1789. President George Washington, The House of Representatives, AND The Senate ( imagine if all three gov't components were able to work together once again! ), were together for the inauguration of the President. After he made his speech, they ALL proceeded to a church, went inside, prayed, and committed America into God's hands.

The first initial act of  the American Government was to Pray. That same day, Washington gave a warning that If America departed from God, it would lose the blessings and favor of God !

Please pray for America. It's easy for a nation to forget it's foundation when Prayer, Bibles, and Monuments to our faith are banned. When we talk about the nation and say, how America has departed from it's roots - But, what about you?, ... What about The Church of our Messiah?, Have we gone astray from our first love, Prayer, the God-Given word, our entire Faith Foundation? It's easy to do. ( That should tell us something right there, ... Easy to Do!, ... we know that being a good Christian is anything but easy, ....but more fulfilling than we c an imagine.)

We desperately need to get back to our FOUNDATION, because everything else in our lives will only be as good and strong as the foundation upon which it rests.

Like America, we need to get back to our foundation in God. That my friends is where our blessings lie. That my friends is how we can collectively ' Shine Brighter for Christ ' and draw our lost sheep into the fold of Christianity.

May the Love of Messiah reside in your hearts and guide you through Holy Discernship Today

and every day!

In His Holy Name

bill

Come One, ...Come All !

Shalom Brothers and Sisters !

What better way to close out what has proven to be a truly beautiful Summer here on the Southern Maine Seacoast than an ocean-side picnic hosted by your family in Christ, First Christian Congregational Church of Kittery Point ? 

" The Little Church, With a Big Heart "

Please join us this Sunday, August 30th at 'High Noon' !  Where?  At beautiful and historic

Fort Mc Clary, State Park in Kittery Point, Maine, Ocean-Side directly on Route 103. Established 1791 as a key military point of defense, Fort Mc Clary was built ocean-side on green rolling hills to protect Portsmouth Harbor at it's mouth..

Today the fort serves as an historical state park where tourists picnic at ' The Gazebo ', 

enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, and explore the Bunkers, Cannons, Out Buildings, Tunnels and more!

HotDogs, Hamburgers, and Beverages will be happily provided by First Christian Church, with side dishes brought by it's congregation members. If you are so inclined, you can feel free to bring what you desire if you are not a hot dog, hamburger person (lots of grill space available)

Anyone wishing to join us for FOOD, FUN, and FELLOWSHIP is welcome to join us in unity as we edify one another and fellowship in the name of Christ!

Romans 15:2  " Each of us is to please his neighbor for good, to his edification "

Games for the kids and 'kids at heart'  & LOTS n' LOTS of FOOD n' FUN !

Any questions please call First Christian Church at 207-439-4021  

or call

Step With Christ Ministries at 207-363-1775

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE !

bill  

Our Sufficiency !

Shalom, Brothers and Sisters !



I need to apologize for not posting through the past couple of weeks. Although I've desperately tried to keep the topic of my personal health affliction separate from our ministry initiative, my recent absence deserves an explanation.

A couple of months ago I did in fact quickly reflect on the blessing of my health affliction reaching a 'remission' status'.  Well, as I discovered a while ago,....the Lord sometimes gives us things and sometimes takes things away as He shapes our journeys.



Well, a recent 'glitch' in my infusion treatment protocol ( and this protocol IS a blessing as well as a living testament to the loving power of God ) resulted in a setback and required several days of hospital treatment as The Lord carried me through what became a SuperInfection.

So, a week in the hospital, week on the couch and more infusion therapy at the wonderful York Hospital Oncology Center and Holy Spirit driven prayer from many of you again ended as a blessing.

My most excellent team of specialists found and adjusted this so-called 'glitch', and ' I'm Back in the Saddle '. 

As hard as it may be for some to understand, I actually look at my health affliction, and any of the associated flares or setbacks as Blessings from God, as every time I have a health issue, I actually FEEL the awesome power of God and deepen my personal relationship with Him.



He IS indeed my Sufficiency as He Is yours also. All praise be to God our Father !

Below is one of the most heart touching you tube videos I've EVER seen. The common theme of the video is a good representation of how I am able to look at my health issues. For with Him, and through Him, and very importantly FOR HIM, ... I can achieve anything.



Feel free to comment on the video. Pass  it along, it's message is as sweet, pure, and accurate as can be.

God Bless You All, and visit us tomorrow for the Fantasy Football Fellowship announcement.

He Said, ..." Let The Children Come to Me ! "

Dear Brethren, 

What a critical and Oh So Important quote left to us by Our Savior. But, how many of  this generation's children aspire to "Go To Him" during these darkening days? I believe WE Patriarchs, We Parents see the need to  bring back the basics and demonstrate the need, the WAY, and the Love of Christ. Let's make an effort to instill The True Faith and understanding by teaching and demonstrating a strong God based love of Christ to the hearts of our Children.

Does your heart not soften, and can you feel the Holy Spirit directing your heart, when you see the "blessed" children in the short videos below?

Bless their Souls! Here are 3 short videos showing the " LOVE OF GOD ",  in the hearts of these young children. Watch their eyes, their smiles, as they all demonstrate their own unique blessings and their own ways to REJOICE and PRAISE our Father, ABBA !

We Pray This Short Post Touches Your Hearts!

" GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN, each one! "  

Amazing Grace performed by Watoto Children's Choir at Empower Church Red...

Amazing Grace by 9 year old rapper JoJo Rock and Ozzy from The Sowers Group

Amazing Grace - Rhema 7yr old Gospel singer plz "Share"

REVIVE US AGAIN

Dear Brethren,


Shalom in the name most high, God Almighgty ... ( El Shaddai ) !

Here is a quick inspirational worship tune to stir the Spirit within, prior to today's post. Enjoy!





As we begin to wind up our "Encroaching Darkness" series, we thought that a good follow-up to the
'Hey Jude' post would be highlights from an outstanding sermon written by our own Reverend Dr. Wilbert Gough, whose book " Life Isn't Fair - But God Is " is a Must Have compilation of sermons written over the
course of over 65 years in the pulpit!  Pastor's messages have appeared in Billy Graham's DECISION magazine, THE WATCHMAN-EXAMINER, THE PULPIT DIGEST, the Armed Forces Magazine THE LINK, to mention only a few. Step With Christ Ministries is blessed to have Pastor as our Adviser of Sound Doctrine, and I am personally blessed and grateful to call him Mentor!

Neighboring Church, York Baptist Church has advocated 2015 to be a year for REVIVAL, we also believe the time is NOW! to Revive the Christian Faith, the TRUE and Once and For All Faith necessary to be pleasing to the all seeing eyes of our Father (Yahweh).

REVIVE US AGAIN

Psalm 85:1-8

Like an 8-day clock needs rewinding, batteries are in need of recharging, bodies need food, - our souls need reviving, in the things of the Lord and His Word !

-To pray, like the Psalmist, Lord. "Will you not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You"?

-What a prayer this is, to the Lord! One from God's People- People who Love the Lord need reviving.

-Many churches have special revivals, some I pastored. Careful and prayerful preparations, Music and Evangelistic Preaching, nightly, or for a week or so, like a mini Billy Graham Crusade,

to bless a community.

-Towns, churches, families, individuals all need it!

Psalm 85 tells us how to have a revival - let us pray for it!

-To fortify our faith. Bring Salvation's assurance.

- To find needed forgiveness. Increase our praying.

- To help us get back to the Bible- God's Holy Word.

-To awaken us all fully to the love of Jesus as Lord.

-To stir up evangelism! To bring lost people to Jesus.

-The first three verses show what God does for us.-- Note six things. 1- "The Lord has been favorable."  2- Brought us from captivity. 3- Forgiven iniquities." 4- 'Covered sin"
5-"Taken away your wrath." 6-" You have turned from fierceness of your anger."
-- Much could be amplified, about each of these things.

Psalm 85:4,5  declares " restore us oh God of our salvation."  Maybe your life, like theirs, has been tough.
-Hardships happened. Losses of loved ones, jobs, or ill health. Many taken captive,by evil enemies.
-Sometimes life isn't fair, ... But God cares for you!
-Bible verses record over 21 revivals on it's pages. From Genesis 35 to many in Acts. O God do it now! ...........................................

What a soul touching opening to Pastor's "Revive Us Again" sermon!  Certainly enough to intrigue good Christians to delve into the continuing and discerning points used by Pastor Gough in the remaining sermon notes that feed the soul, and compel us to pray for a much needed Revival of The Once and for all TRUE Faith !

To view the remaining pages of Pastors sermon, we have provided a link to this sermon, as well as an array of additional touching and scriptural sound sermons that we believe will only bring you closer to our Lord and Creator. Please follow this link for more. And we pray you join us Monday as we wind up the " Encroaching Darkness " series with a " Christian Challenge ", to " Shine Brighter For Christ ", and introduce some changes to our blog content which will be geared more toward our new Fellowship Initiatives, Highlights of local Church events, Christian Growth Resources, and much more.

May you all be blessed with the un-paralelled Joy of Jesus, The Deep Inner Peace of God, and rest in His Holy name!

See You all Soon!

bill

Are You Ready 4 Some Football?

Dear Brothers in Christ, AND Fantasy Football !

Yeah, Brother of the 'virtual' gridiron, tis' the season at last!  The time of year when we can serve our savior by ' Fellowshipping ' through our inter-church Fantasy Football League. As some of you are aware this will be the 7th year for Football, Faith, and Fellolwship.
Recently, The Lord has directed me to Elliot Baptist Church (meet them at Eliot Baptist )to discuss the possibility of some inter-church fellowship. I was received by Pastors Joel and Yyves with very open arms. I consequently joined them for a great Sunday service this week. I must say, they are a dynamic, God Loving and Serving group of families for Christ, full of vitality for HIM, eachother, and Christianity as a whole.
After service, EBC held a wonderful congregation picnic, and I was introduced by Pastor Yyves to Keith and Sam whom started a Fantasy Football league at EBC last year. I am excited to say that the concept of shining for Christ through this inter-church fellowship initiative was very warmly welcomed and will be further planned over the next couple of weeks! I will meet with them soon to discuss dates and details.
* If you are aware of a Church that may be interested in joining, OR starting their own league, please feel free to have them contact me. I will do all I can to lend a hand!

With the Participation of Elliot Baptist Church, First Christian Church of Kittery Point ( where I've hung my own hat for some time now ), Next Level Church in Somersworth, NH, First Parish Church of York, and a couple of folk whom are NOT YET!,.... Church Goers, we have a unique opportunity to burn brighter for Christ ! By all means, it should be a fun year with a Live Draft,
Mid Year Tailgate Party, and a Superbowl Party ! Join us as we edify one another through Christ and eachother's Spiritual Blessings.
Should you be interested in playing in this rather 'low-maintenance' league, check back for posts which will include addt'l info. and dates. Or, feel free to e-mail me at bill.bayliss@aol.com .
It appears The Lord is blessing us with additional churches that we may grow through one another and that we may burn brighter for Him, at a time when the magnification of His Glory is needed desperately. We pray you join us with this initiative which has for 7 years now  been effective in promoting new Christian Friendships that burn bright for His Glory.
We hope to hear from you very soon.
May you be blessed in His Holy name! 
bill

Hey Jude !

Dear Brethren,


The short video above which is produced by our Brother in Christ and likely foremost Christian Apologist here in the human realm ( Ravi Zacharias ) is what we believe will be a good ' primer ', for today's post.

Please Enjoy, and as a reminder we do have a link to RZIM (Ravi), on our home page.


Brethren, we Thank those of you whom have chosen to follow our " Encroaching Darkness " study series which is comprised of bi-daily posting through the month. Again, we pray it touch your hearts in any small way that will bring you closer to life in Christ.

As you likely determined, Wednesday's post was largely comprised of my 'venting' with a somewhat forward Evangelistic response to the encroaching darkness that appears to be playing out across the world today, and perhaps leading the way is OUR country whose moral values were at one time founded in the Truth of God's word.

Being a mere man, I felt compelled to ' air out the dirty laundry ' of what many are beginning to perceive as WARNING SIGNS pointed out in Holy Scripture. 

In a post a couple of weeks back, we spoke briefly about our intersecting paths to The Kingdom, and directions oft times being driven by God Planned Co-Incidences to which one blog follower tagged the correct word to be God Incidences, which I thought was appropriate. But Brothers n' Sisters,.doesn't the fact and logic directs that the closer we walk with Christ, the happier we become?
We can CREATE these God Incidences just by remaining in the Faith. We CAN!,....but now we MUST burn twice as brightly. Not only remain closely in the faith as a BEACON, but to also reach out and grab as many lost or misguided sheep as we can on the way. ( these points seem to be brought out in Jude's writings )
I guess what I'm saying is that I truly Believe that the direction of today's world requires us to
Step Up !, ... Now!  
The latest God Incidence put before me is that as the encroaching darkness that has unfolded over the past 30 days or so, happened to co-incide with a thorough Bible Study of the Book of Jude. How appropriate for the time!  This my friends is indeed a God Incidence. The word, sent at the very exact time it was needed. Indeed He is our sufficiency!  And, allow me to profusely thank the Thursday Night Bible Study Group. A God Centered group of 20+ dedicated Christians from 5 local Churches whom for years have been meeting to Fellowship and study scripture in the name of God.

As history certainly repeats itself, a logical man and a man in Christ could easily look at the world condition and compare the dire need to contend for The Faith quickly and seriously as JUDE warned us.

" Hey Jude ! "

How may we as God fearing lovers of Christ and His Way, respond in an effective way that is pleasing to the Father ( Elohim )?. How can we make a measurable difference before the persecution of Christianity proceeds to a point where we cannot positively affect it?

Well, I for one believe that the conditions under which Jude was compelled to to write his Holy message is eerily comparable to current issues of the world, our country, and our western churches.

I don't think it to be odd at all that this 'small' Biblical book is so heavy in it's content. I see it as a Holy Spirit driven warning that is clear, concise, and to the point.

Packing a very powerful and direct message into only 25 verses, Jude points out spiritually inspired warnings and directions that have spoken across centuries and even as though it was written in the past 30 days!

* Although the compilation of the Bible's 66 books is not necessarily written in a chronologically precise fashion,is it not perhaps a God Incidence that these warnings of grave concern happen to precede the end times noted in the final book, ... The Book of Revelation ? 

" Never in the history of the Church has the Body of Christ

been so willing to sacrifice the Truth for the sake of misguided unity.

Because of this Compromise,

she shall have neither. " 

I won't consume your time with descriptions and examples of Apostasy and Gnosticism pointed out in Jude's writing. (I will leave that to your review). I will however touch on the point that Jude fiercely cautions early Christians to be aware of outright heresy in the teachings of some Churches, which depart from The True Faith. Teachers of the day ( and today ) were wandering from the clear word of God to promote various 'brands' of Christianity. These variances consisted of faulty interpretations of the Word of God. This incited an " Out of The Word " unity based in worldly ways and sins of the flesh. It certainly divided houses. I reflect on my personal O.T. hero of prophecy, Isiah. Isiah justly points out that " A house divided against itself will surely fall ". A sobering thought is it not? During my own families search for a Home Church, we were able to experience the TRUTH of this first hand. It is indeed a heart-breaking and soul-shaking experience. 

* when you have time, I very highly suggest you read the Franklin Graham article titled " The Danger of Compromise ". Please find a link to this article here, ...

As I begin to close out today's rather lengthy post, let me point out Jude's Seven Challenges to Christians of the day, in defense of the faith.

1- Earnestly contend for the Faith (v.3)
2- Remember the teachings and warnings of the Apostles (v.17)
3- Build yourself up in the Most Holy Faith (v.20)
4- Pray in the Holy Spirit (v.20)
5- Keep yourselves in the Love of God (v.21)
6- Look to the mercy of the Lord to bring you to eternal life (v.21)
7- Show mercy to Christians who doubt, snatch unbelievers from the fire, and very cautiously show mercy to the corrupt (vv.22-23) 

A Quick Prayer in Closing

Dear Father ( Elohim ),

We offer thanksgiving for the Holy Roadmap of Life, your Holy Word, the Holy Bible. We thank you for assigning your Spirit inspired word to your servant Jude. We pray you help to provoke our indwelling Spirits to absorb Jude's direction in our hearts, so that we may Shine Brighter in the Way of Jesus, that we may portray and convey the TRUTH of your word through every days deeds.

We pray you give us the strength " To Burn with The Zeal of Jude ", so that we may become effective 

" Defenders of The True Faith ". 

May we carry uncompromising love for You and the TRUTH of your word and commands. May we endure in the Joy of Jesus as we carry out " The Great Commission ", until you call us home.

We pray this with love in the name of our Savior, Christ Jesus (Yeshua)

AMEN

* Please join us Sunday as we continue the " Encroaching Darkness ' series with a compelling Sermon taken from the book ( Life isn't Fair, But God Is ! ) of our Adviser to Sound Doctrine,

Reverend Dr. Wilbert D. Gough.

May The Joy of Jesus Burn in Your Hearts!

The Encroaching Darkness !

Dear Brethren, 

Shalom in the name Most High!  Please forgive this very tardy post. I've personally had a very difficult time in determining how to address the encroaching darkness demonstrated by mankind over the past month or so. The seemingly prophetic disturbances to His Kingdom and narrowing of the road that allows us to Step With Christ can be overwhelming for any lover of God.
Through my own ever-deepening Fellowship with Christ, which allows and enables the Holy Spirit
(Ruach ha Qodesh) within, to guide me through holy discernment, I've learned NOT to REACT to life's disappointments. ( Although via my P.H.K. degree,.....Philosopher of Hard Knocks! ) I've learned the hard way. But, my journey has enabled me to Pray in the Holy Spirit, and Rest in the Peace of Christ Guided Patience, for Him to write His Holy and discerning responses onto my heart.
Oh!, how I praise Him for this blessing.     AMEN ?

I've always desperately tried to avoid creating the identity of what many refer to a " Soapbox Social Justice Ministry ". This was easy enough to do when our country was moving forward with a separation of Church and State. However, that line of separation that has allowed us to flourish in  the Faith indeed seems to be in jeopardy. It appears the Prophesied plan of Satan has been set in motion.
Earlier this week I looked down to my W.W.J.D. bracelet ( What Would Jesus Do? ) As I do so often when facing issues that trouble me.  I contemplated my duty and desire to be as Christ-Like as my human frailty allows during challenging times.
So,...... What Would Jesus Do ?  ( I reflect on the turning tables of the Money Changers in the Temple. )
My spirit tells me that He would certainly NOT remain still !.  I believe he compels us to at the very least point out these developing and prophesied warnings as  the half brother of Jesus did in The Book of Jude. ( We will post " Hey Jude ", on Friday, please join us. ) We must always point out warnings
and offer Godly direction that will allow us to burn as brightly as necessary to affect impending and looming darkness!,.......This plan of the evil genius that is Satan!
The Father ( Abba) tells us that Satan is the ruler of the authority of the air and that he is operating in and through those whom are acting disobediently to Elohim.
                         .......according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the Son's of disobedience.
                                                    ....... Eph'siyam ( Ephisians 2:2 )

I pray in The Holy Spirit that you will revisit our blog here at Step With Christ Ministries every other day ( From this day of 15, July 2015 through the remaining month ) as we minister the Holy guidance that has been placed on our hearts with regard to the following signs of darkness. We have diligently organised a discerning effort that we pray will help every believer and non-believer grow closer to
" The Way ", so that we may burn bright enough to Glorify God in the Hearts of Men.

Warnings of Darkness

* The progressing disregard to our Creator's Commands. There are many, but are highlighted by the legalization ( and in some churches, sanctified by misguided leadership ) of same sex marriage. Make no mistake, for it is written ' the world will change, but His word WILL NOT '. This is sin which opens the door to an array of many more. A sin that shines disparity to our once Godly based country's separation of Church and State. Isn't it odd and hypocritical that so many doubters make an effort to use science as a way to disprove God when it serves their purpose?  Yet they overlook the very scientific fact that mankind and all of God's mammals of the same sex are scientifically unable to pro-create.

* Our God-Centered Constitution created by God fearing and God exalting forefathers has been compromised by ( Administratively Nominated Men ), who are now creating and changing laws rather than leaving them to ELECTED officials whom represent WE THE PEOPLE !

* A court order to dismantle a stone monument to our '10 COMMANDMENTS' outside the state capitol of Oklahoma, submitting to organized Satan worshipers.

* An administration who seemingly allowed or even encouraged the now pertinent theme that

" EQUALITY NOW TRUMPS MORALITY ".  ( I thank my brother in Christ Bill Olsen for this insightful analogy )

* An administration and nations turning their backs to God's Chosen One's of Israel. A family whom by the grace of God, and the Calvary Love Sacrifice, that we are blessed to have been grafted into. Forget Not !, ... " He will bless those who bless Israel ".

I could ramble on in an Evangelistic effort to point out these prophetic and blasphemous times for pages. But, I will spare you and leave you with the following YouTube video (just click on it), from our Brother in Christ Alan Horvath. (please don't let his 'hippy hippy shake' style dissuade you from the TRUTH of his message. "It's Right On, Man!" )

I think you will find it very succinctly paints a picture that all Christians should consider as we prepare to burn brightly in our faith during these troubling times. And please remember as we strive to Shine for Christ, that we are not in this fight without Him, and " He has already conquered the world "

Alan Horvath/Prophecy

LIKE FAITH CHURCHES

Shalom My Friends !


As we continue our journey to pronounce the vital importance of Fellowship, we noticed that within our blog, we omitted a fairly significant issue.

Early in the journey, we highlighted the mission of living our lives IN, WITH, and FOR our Father, ( Abba ) through the Calvary 'Love Sacrifice' and walking life in IN, WITH, and THROUGH ' The Way ',  the beacon of light that IS.......Jesus Christ.

And with our intent in creating what we called ' Like Faith ' Inter- Church Fellowship Initiatives, it appears we've neglected to outline ' LIKE FAITH '.  


You may likely tell by the content of previous posts that we consider Like-Faith with our Ministry is ' Bible- Based '. We believe Bible-Based to be the 'original word of God', not to be taken from, nor added to. His word is Holy,unyielding,and NEVER changing. It does NOT evolve to meet the changing ways of much of this world. It is  as it was originally written, and will always be  the Bread of Life for the Christian Soul.


( In future posts, we will examine this topic in greater and more inspirational detail. For now, if you have a few minutes, please visit the new ' Beliefs ' tab at the top of the blog. 

TODAY'S PRAYER

May your Holy Spirit, ( your Ruach ha Qodesh ),...( Also Today's Hebrew Lesson )

be stirred, and may you find that your life in Christ brings you closer to the truest happiness which is pleasing to the Father's eye.           

May you grow closer to understanding our Great and Mighty God by learning about Him through His names in the Bible within the Video just below.

Blessings of 'The Joy of Jesus'

bill

Pulpit Poetry

Dear Brethren,

I have been blessed beyond measure to have had my God directed journey cross paths with an extraordinary group of Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Their light is certainly a very strong presence in my own life, as I'm sure it is to many others.
My prayer for you, is that you too are able to surround yourselves with such God centered  Brothers and Sisters. May we forever grow in Christ together, and inspire any 'lost sheep' to do likewise.

Prior to sharing some ' Pulpit Poetry ' with you, may I be so bold as to ask a personal favor of you?
That personal favor would be fervent prayer today for two situations.
     * May I humbly ask that you pray for my Step Mother Terry Bayliss. On Tuesday she will undergo a significant surgical intervention to her neck (cervical spine).

Loving God, please entrust the care for Terry entirely to yourself today. Guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of Tuesdays surgical team to a successful conclusion and show the awesome power that only You posses. Please grant that every cause of illness be removed, that Terry may be restored to soundness of health so that she may live in perfect harmony with You and those around her.
                                In Jesus' Holy name we pray,

     * M y presumptuous request for a second prayer.  As most of you know, my journey to minister the ' Good News ' of Christ Jesus, began with a ministry by the name of 'Celebrate Recovery', which is a Christ Centered addiction and recovery ministry, and SO much more. (feel free to access a CR link on the blog home page)
As of late, my activity with this ministry has consisted of the most dire and serious of situations requiring intervention and more.
First and foremost may I ask that you not only pray for a very sweet Child of God whom we will call Amanda for the sake of anonymity.
Tomorrow I will join (Amanda) for a very intricate phase of this family intervention effort. I would ask that you pray that merciful and graceful loving God place the correct words in not only my mouth, but the mouths of the people involved in this effort to bring the situation to an effective conclusion that would honor God, and save this family!

Please pray that God redeem Amanda and her entire family from all curses of family destruction. 
" May they be redeemed from the madness, blindness, and confusion of heart."...(Duet. 28;29).
   May the Peace of life in Christ Jesus come to Amanda, her household, and all she has.
                              ............in Jesus' name we pray!   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to Rev. Dr. Gough's

Pulpit Poetry Weekend

We pray you open your hearts to the poetic prowess of Dr. Gough's God-Centered writings.

With discerning prayer that these two selections may stir the Holy Spirit within each of you!

                                                    ...... blessings in the name of Yeshua

WITH  GOD

With God, our path may not always lead

   by pleasant pastures, or water still.

What matters is ... that I am His,

  and in His perfect will.

With God, I know some suffering comes -

  we each must bear our share.

What matters is ... that I am His,

  and have His blessing there.

With God, a day will be when sorrows rob

  of greatest joys, or those we love.

What matters is ... that each of His,

  is to meet, at Jesus' feet, above.

With God, He only knows if long my life

  or brief shall be my days.

What matters is ... that I am His,

  and keep walking in His ways.

With God, we have today because He cares

  in ways high above our own.

What matters is ... that WE are His,

  to live for God's dear Son.

                        ....... Wilbert D. Gough

LOOK TO THE LORD

Look to the Lord, in your trouble,

He can truly give your heart rest.

He looks to you and me, Ever-Present to be,

Trust Him, and all will be blessed.

Look to the Lord, in your suffering,

He has endured the pain that you bear.

He looks on you and me, our Physician to be,

To heal us - or our suffering to share.

Look to the Lord, in your sorrow,

God's sweet peace - let it never depart.

He looks to you and me, our Comforter to be,

His grace, binds the broken in heart.

Look to the Lord, even in your weakness,

For in His strength, you may o'ercome.

He looks on you and me, the Almighty to be,

As we pray - for God's will to be done.

....... Wilbert D. Gough

" God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear "

..... ( Psalm 46;1,2 )

We thank you for visiting, and pray that our blog may in some small way add to your relationship with Christ.

See Ya Soon !

Pastor Bill

A Broad Brush Remembrance of Pentecost

Dear Beloved,



I pray that today's brief post may touch your hearts in such a way that the Holy Spirit within us all is 'stirred', to reflect on the ancient roots of our Christian faith, and that it causes us to always remind ourselves of the significant essence of the Jewishness of our Savior Jesus Christ as flesh, at he design of our Creator ( father ABBA ). And ultimately the quest of our faith in becoming fulfilled with His graceful gift of the divine guidance of The Holy Spirit ! Righteous to us as born Again Believers as a result of the Calvary Love Sacrifice.



Many of my closest brothers and sisters, as well as my mentor/teachers are aware that in my conviction to always broaden my ministry efforts with deeper scriptural education. The past few months have been filled with studies of ancient Judaism, and Aramaic and Greek root word concentration to fortify and build on ancient scriptural understandings of Old Testament faith building blocks.

As one of my God blessed Jewish doctors described his Jewish description of Pentecost to me in a discussion about Pentecost,........... he conveyed that:



Bill, the holiday that occurs coincident to Pentecost is called 'Shavuot' by us Jews. The Talmud refers to Shavuot as 'Atzeret', ... ( a literal Hebrew word for ' refraining' or 'holding back' , referring to the ancient prohibition against work on this holiday and to the conclusion of the holiday and season of Passover,.

Hellenistic ( Greek ) Jews gave it the name of ' Pentecost ', meaning fiftieth day. Or, the 50th day of Passover.

According to Jewish tradition, Pentecost commemorates God giving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai 50 days after the Exodus. The 'Talmud' derives this from a calculation of biblical texts.

Most Jews faith involves the ancient understanding or belief that David was born and died on Pentecost. This may be why, in Peter's speech found in Acts 2, he explains the current happenings using David's tomb and some of his writings and quotes.



I personally find this to be good background insight as we team it with our gentile or Christian Pentecostal understandings.

Through my own studies on this topic, we understand that Pentecost commemorates the likened tongues of fire sent by God Himself while inscribing the understanding,will, and power of the promised wonderful counselor, comforter, and complete understanding of God's will for man to posses after the death and Ascension of Christ Jesus.

" Pentecost " a holiday that had been celebrated back 1500 years to Gods direct intercession in His personal gift of our Ten Commandments.  " Amazing Faith Fortification and sign of God's loving will for all His children to have opportunity to grow through Godly and Discerning Guidance!"



In closing, I seem to have found a strong,coherent, and concise 2 minute 'You-Tube' video put out by leading Messianic Jewish Rabbi K.A. Schneider from ' Discovering The Jewish Jesus '. I pray you find it to be helpful as we reflect on Pentecost, and grow closer to our Messianic Jewish Brothers and Sisters.

Please click on the short video ,..... and Shalom to All in His Holy Name.

Back to Basics !

Dear Brethren,

Having received nothing but positive feedback regarding an inter-church  Old Time Tent Revival,
we have initiated plans for this worship event for a TBD Fall 2015 date.

" Create in us a clean heart O God; and renew a steadfast heart within me. "

             Psalm  51:10

" You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of

your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. "

Psalm  16:11

A Christian brother of mine ( whom I met at a church fellowship initiative, through his light ), once made the comment to me that " churches should COMPLETE one another, rather than COMPETE with one another. "  What a simple yet observant statement this was. A statement which very much affected the overall mission initiative of our ministry.

Shouldn't the Christian Church act in coalition rather than competition ?,... Can this be done ?

Surely it can !!!  As long as we maintain a Godly perspective with the realization that as Jefferson Behtke puts it, and is the title of his excellent book,..... JESUS  > CHURCH  (Jesus is greater than the Church!)

Note:  Jefferson is a wonderful 'next generation' minister of Christ to whom I encourage my own children to watch. He has a wonderful You Tube channel easily found on the net.

So, whereas we are still in the infancy stage of this fellowship initiative, we encourage you to check back for developing details. Or, should you wish, you may always subscribe to our blogsite by scrolling down the homepage on the right side and do so. We welcome individuals, church leaders, and Pastors in southern Maine, and seacoast New Hampshire to contact us regarding interest and/or participation in the upcoming Back to Basics, Old Time Tent Revival via email (bill.bayliss@aol.com) or, a comment to our blog.

Meanwhile we humbly ask for your prayers that this multiple church event may REVIVE God's spirit that indwells every man's heart through the Love Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ERRORS and OMISSIONS

To ' err ' is human, to ' forgive ' is divine !,....... and to ' omit ' is my short term memory loss issue !

Dear Ones,

Within our blessing of the announced addition of Reverend Dr. Wilbert Gough in his ministry advisory role to sound doctrine, we neglected to present you with a link to Pastor Gough's website which contains a literal ' Treasure Trove ' of  discerning sermons selected from his many years of ministry.Pastor Wilbert D. Gough

I can say without reserve that all would be well served to visit this broad array of God Centered topical sermons. Pastor's breadth of experience serving the Lord throughout these United States as well as many ministry trips to The Holy Land will surely serve as a wonderful and enlightening addition to any Christian's desire to augment their ' God Centered Worldview ', and to strengthen 

their personal fellowship with Yeshua, ( Jesus ).

Please visit Pastor's website by clicking on the above Highlighted area of Pastor Wilbert D. Gough

Blessings in The Holy Name of Jesus

b 

He makes me want to be a better man !!!

Dearest Brethren, 

Blessings to you all in the Holy name of Christ Jesus. Now that our Ministry initiative is accelerating,
I am SO happy and blessed to share a couple of ministry announcements with you.

First, I would like to share with you the fact that we have finally compiled the Ordination and Licensing documentation along with our Ministry/Church Charter, required to file the 501 c non profit designation that has become necessary to partner with larger national and international ministries for co-venture Fellowship initiatives and events.

But very importantly, I am blessed to announce a key ministry advisory board designation. Whereas we will be shortly be adding additional board advisers, we feel strongly that an Adviser to Sound Scripture is of most vital importance.
So, without further ramblings, I feel very blessed to announce the name of Rev. Dr. Wilbert D. Gough, whom has graciously accepted this role to advise our ministry with sound God given scripture as it may pertain to our Fellowship Initiatives.

Rev. Dr. Wilbert D. Gough

I am very honored and blessed to have personally known Pastor Gough for some time now. I met Pastor Gough through a wonderful Bible Study group I've been a member of . This Bible Study group has been meeting in Christian Fellowship weekly for several years.

Although I cannot speak directly for the group of twenty something, I can say that I firmly believe that every one of us has very high regard and love for this Man of Christ. His biblical wisdom I have found to be surpassed by none, and importantly, his desire to share said wisdom is strong and cemented in his desire to serve our Lord and Savior.

On a personal level, Pastor Gough has been an invaluable Teacher and Mentor in my own journey to Ministry. Along those lines, Pastor guided me and honored me,... ( who said discipleship ? ) with a very endearing letter of recommendation for acceptance to Liberty University for ministry preparation . In a nutshell, my Christian love for this man of God is deep. He  without hesitation Makes me want to be a better man !

Pastor Gough is a published author, having written the most excellent book entitled " Life Isn't Fair-

But God Is ". This book is a wonderfully arranged compilation of the experience and sermons delivered over a 65 year commitment to God in the Pulpit. Which yes,.... makes him Ninety Something, but with the vitality surpassing most people I know. I have simply never known a man whom is more committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Pastor has a doctorate from Eastern Baptist Seminary as well as graduate degrees from Temple University School of Theology and Burton Theological Seminary. He has served churches throughout

the United States and has written and publicly spoken extensively .

We are quite looking forward to tapping on his guidance for our upcoming " Back to Basics, Old Time Tent Revival ". I am quite sure that pastor's experience and insight ( including Revivals and Crusades with Billy Graham ), will prove to be invaluable to our goal of bringing both Christians and non-Christians closer to God our Father.

We thank Pastor Gough from the bottom of our hearts. May his guidance to our ministry prove to be a Blessing to each and every one of you.

God Bless You, and please feel free to visit our blog often as we off n' running with the development of Fellowship initiatives in the Name of Jesus!

Listening for God

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

" Today is the day the Lord gave us , I was glad in it, and graceful for it. "

My prayer is that today you experienced the goodness an happiness of life in Christ Jesus!

   * ( NOTE ) ,.... Having re-read my last post, I had to come to the conclusion that with my ability to coherently and concisely convey a message, it works out alot better if you don't omit words.

This error has been corrected, and I hope you may have time to re-read it. ( as it relates so strongly to today's post ). I believe you may find it worth the time. God Bless!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In speaking with so many devoted Christians, Mentor Pastors, and Teachers, it seems to be a common agreement that as individual our own paths might be to us, so are the varied ways we as growing followers hear from or listen for God our Father.

As for me, I have for some time now started my mornings rather early. It's what I affectionately refer to as my 'GOD TIME' !

When the sun rises, the birds start chirping, when they chirp ,....they in turn wake up my cats,.... whom affectionately wake ME up,.................' Feed Me Now! '
But that's OK as this is the quiet time I use to feed my soul. I begin each day be either opening The Bible , or, with these days of social media outlets, I can find Bible based messages through following a few of my favorite 'scriptural sound' Ministries who post to You Tube ( as we plan to do in short order ).
This early AM quiet " God Time " as I call it is when alone with Him I can 'listen ', with discerning ears. What I find more times than coincidence could ever be, is that what He has to tell me directly,.... ' I Mean DIRECTLY ' correlates to a specific and current issue I am facing as I journey with Christ. 
When we give the Word of God space to live in our hearts, the Spirit of God will use it to take root, penetrating the recesses of our minds and hearts. Etching a message on our hearts that will allow us to keep God at the center daily happenings.
So, getting back to my daily God Time so often giving me or BLESSING me with Godly insight to a current concern, an almost exact example would be the below video from In Touch Ministries.
Just this morning I came across this video ! And it was telling that the Lord brought this before me just at the RIGHT time!  I listened to this God Given message, and what do ya know, .......... it seemed like a virtual re-interpretation of yesterday's posting. Very distinctly telling me that I need to KEEP LISTENING, and that I'm on the right track or the right path. How glorious it is to receive what you consider as approval from the Lord God !  What a feeling ! similar to the approval a Son seeks from his earthly Father, a feeling that drives me to listen to Him and look for Him in all things.

I Implore you to please re-read the last post, and then to watch the attached video.,

Related Scripture : " God will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. "
                                                                         .....Psalm 32:8

                                " Call to Me, I will answer you and show you great and mighty things,
                                   which you do not know. "
                                                                         ....Jeremiah 33:3

Choose to be alert in the heart of God as you spend time in The Word of God.  ........Listen !!!

 * If you feel compelled, please feel free to leave a comment. Anonymously so is fine, but so many people benefit from the personal testimonies of how God is working in our lives. As we share our stories we can edify eachother in the Fathers desire to have us Fellowship with eachother, build eachother up in the name and way of our loving Messiah.

I am excited to hear your thoughts on the synergy between the last post, and the words and video in this post.

* Please check back tomorrow for details on our upcoming plans for an 'old time - tent revival', which will be conducted by our local church 'elder fellowship', " Melded Elders ", which will be made up of Elders from local Churches. The mission of this particular Fellowship initiative is in the realization of the fact that " Churches should complete one another, rather than compete with one another " in our effort to more completely magnify the amazing grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and more effectively carry out The Great Commission, to together spread The Good News of  life in Christ Jesus.

Good Night All, and may The Father Bless You with the stirring of The Holy Spirit within.
bill                               

By The Grace of God !

Welcome Back Beloved !!!

As most of you are aware, I have been on a Doctor directed ' Medical Sabbatical  ',  while I received rather aggressive medical treatments and adjusted to cutting edge medical protocol. 
I am happy to tell you that this 'season' of my journey has afforded me the God sent Blessing of the ability to manage the significant and unpredictable health afflictions that were managing me, rather than I managing it!   ( once again, it is evident that I've been Again be Saved by the Grace of God ).
Am I cured of the complex combination of my ailments?,.....No,.....or, I should say ' Not Yet '. 
He has yet again shown me that He will only give what I can bear, and that heartfelt faith in Him is most certainly our sufficiency.

Throughout my own journey I have on so many occasions  turned to Holy Scripture for guidance, understanding, and the strength to endure. Yesterday I came across Psalm 40, to once again find synergy and Godly understanding of my journey.
The Psalm recounts God's complete faithfulness when David cried out for His help. ' I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and mire. ' ........( in my own case, a pit of  significant disease and quickly failing health )  ..... Praise be to God !

Whether this Psalm refers to an actual 'pit' or to humanly devastating and challenging circumstances, David knew that he could always count on  the LORD our GOD for deliverance.
( Again pointing out the fact that HE IS OUR SUFFICIENCY !

God never actually says 'NO'  to prayers for healing. He either says ' YES ' or  ' NOT YET '.
Indeed Even to the faithful, born again, God fearing, Christian  living in Christ, the ' NOT YET ' answer may indeed not become the ' YET ' we pray for until our earthly bodies fail us. BUT, 
as convicted Christians, we fully know that at that point ( Thanks to the love sacrifice of Messiah )
we are righteous to an eternity with our Father and Creator where sickness, corruption, and a myriad of  other earthly diversities no longer exist. Additionally we are in full awareness that
' ALL ' of God's plans are for good.

" And we know that in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him "

..... Romans 8:28

Recently, and perhaps a good hypothetical example would be the affliction of cancer in a 7 year old child of God from one of our local churches. So many heartfelt prayers, so many tears.

My wife Donna and I sent a prayer to a young Jewish boy from Israel whom accepts such prayers to insert them into the crevasses of Jerusalem's Western Wall in the Holy Land,  (what s dedicated young man with the fortitude and understanding that each of us can carry out ministry in our own ways) Many of  our wonderful prayer group prayed in earnest with Godly loving kindness,

but the ' NOT YET ' prevailed and after several weeks of treatment and hospitalization, The Lord called him Home to the eternal happiness promised us.

We all indeed had a difficult time trying to decipher why the ' NOT YET '  was delayed until he was united with The Father. How did this young boy's challenge work out for good as scripturally promised?

First and very importantly, we realized it is not always for us to know every reason God besets some of us with these diversities. ( His ways,thoughts,plans, and level of understanding are so very much higher than ours ). What is important is that we have complete faith in God's plans. 

But in this case, who knows ?, ... ( I mean,....other than Him ), perhaps there was a young med student doctor whom worked on the case who along their own journey may extrapolate their experience with the case if this small child of God, and some day apply it to a cure for cancer.

Hmmmm, ... could be, and perhaps not. Again, only the Father knows. We must have unbridled Faith in the ways, words, and plans of our Creator.

Personally, I have come to realize that so very often, God works through other people. ( Who said FELLOWSHIP ? ) But, in my case, I had to patiently wait ( 5 yrs. of 100+ per yr. hospital days, Infusion therapy galore ( a special thank you to the caring people at York Oncology) , surgeries, toxins, and a plethora of fun stuff!,  but in God's divine and pre-destined plan, my path had to cross that of  the correct pre-determined combination of patient centered, empathetic, and skilled medical professionals whom could tame disease and manage other incurable disease. An intersection of paths

that affords me an immensely improved quality of life.

I tell you from the heart that I truly believe that I AM the healthiest sick man, and the richest poor man than I could EVER hope !

I have all I need in a life of serving Christ,..I pray the same feeling for all.

I will forever consider these outstanding empathetic and ' patient  first ' Doctors as ' Vessels of Christ ', as I fully understand this Blessing from God came through their own individual Blessings from God, at the discretion of God !!!

Furthermore I've come to realize that the time patiently waiting and struggles as nothing short of a Blessing ( or even miracle ! ) in itself . As this situation has only further cemented my feet in Words and ways that steep my Faith in our merciful and loving God.

To the many of you,...my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. whom have prayed for me, given me rides and even sat with me through the lengthy infusions at the oncology clinic,... I can only Thank You

for your love and help. You have shown me the paramount importance of how a Christian Family

can so positively affect our journeys. It has all contributed to not simply becoming healthier, but to the fact that I can now accelerate my God-Given assignment to spread our ministry of Christian Fellowship.

I so look forward to working with all of you toward growing the Christian Fellowship initiatives that will add to our growth in Christ, and demonstrate how Christians in like-believing Churches Must Complete One-Another,  Rather Than Compete With One-Another.

In closing, ( You're Welocome!,.. i tend to run on 1 ) haha........  I again offer Thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior as well as to all of you. May you be Blessed with The Joy of Jesus. Please know that you all make me want to be a better man, and contribute to my personal covenant and desire to serve our Lord and Savior for my remaining days. ( WHY ? ) do I choose to serve Him for me remaining days ?

Not because I feel I need to ( although I do ), But because doing so provides me the fullest happiness I've ever known !  My desire is to spread this infectious disease that provides what I refer to as THE JOY OF JESUS.

Please check back Sunday for many updates including new Fellowship initiatives, Ministry Advisory Board announcements and more.

May You All Be Blessed With Shalom of Jesus !