Gaining Strength

How should believers in Jesus Christ be approaching these difficult days? In this message taken from the sermon given at Union Street Meeting House on December 31, 2023, Cheryl encourages us to "Look Forward to the Blessed Hope." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gainingstrength/message

In today's episode, my friend Tanya Ewbank recounts the story of her 1981 abortion where "the worst day becomes the best thing." because Jesus forgives, heals, and restores. Although she experienced tragedy, trauma, and compounded grief, Tanya is a witness of the power of God to bring "Hope Post Abortion." Today she shares the ministry she received to those wounded by abortion. This episode is released on June 24th by design. It is the one year anniversary of the Dobbs Decision. On June 24, 2022 the Dobbs Decision was handed down by the United States Supreme Court which overturned 1973's Roe vs Wade. We hope you will listen to hear how God healed Tanya and allowed her testimony to be used to support this momentous decision by the court. For those wounded by abortion, below find the resources she mentioned in the podcast. https://theyarenotforgotten.com/ to find healing after abortion https://www.operationoutcry.org/ to add your abortion story https://www.glennbeck.com/blog/abortion-regret-story to add your abortion story to the archives https://themoraloutcry.com/ to add your name to the petition --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gainingstrength/message

1.5 billion people live in India and only about 2% are evangelical Christians. The need for missions is great, the laborers are few and the conditions can be difficult. Today's episode is an interview with Pastor Kukku Mathew of Reach India Missions. If you would like to contact P. Kukku, he can be reached by email using this address: kukku.mathew@yahoo.com To give toward this work in India use the following link with Church of God World Missions, where 100% of your gift goes directly to Reach India Missions. https://www.cogwm.org/shop/specified-project/ Then type in the project number 7311161-009 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gainingstrength/message

Today's episode concludes our study of Christian Baptism. You will find an excellent teaching on Christian Baptism by the late Derek Prince found here ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z471FyXgK1M⁠ Enjoy this song on Baptism ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=depXVe6MFk8⁠ by Anne Wilson based on the movie "Jesus Revolution." Personally I was very blessed by the baptism scenes in the recent movie entitled "Jesus Revolution." You may find this movie available online and DVD as of April 2023. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gainingstrength/message

Today's episode is part two of a deep dive into the significance of Christian baptism. You will find an excellent teaching on Christian Baptism by the late Derek Prince found here ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z471FyXgK1M⁠ Enjoy this song on Baptism ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=depXVe6MFk8⁠ by Anne Wilson based on the movie "Jesus Revolution." Personally I was very blessed by the baptism scenes in the recent movie entitled "Jesus Revolution." You may find this movie available online and DVD as of April 2023. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gainingstrength/message

Today's episode is Part 1 of a 3 part series investigating the Significance of Christian Baptism. You will find an excellent teaching on Christian Baptism by the late Derek Prince found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z471FyXgK1M Enjoy this song on Baptism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=depXVe6MFk8 by Anne Wilson based on the movie "Jesus Revolution." Personally I was very blessed by the baptism scenes in the recent movie entitled "Jesus Revolution." You may find this movie available online and DVD as of April 2023. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gainingstrength/message

When ordinary people say, "Yes," to Jesus, extraordinary things happen. In this episode Bill and Rosie Pezzutti share how they were activated by giving their lives to Christ and how simply praying for others has activated the power of God to impact individuals, churches, cities and nations. Bill and Rosie, as activated believers in Jesus, use this one question to open people's hearts for the kingdom of God simply through prayer: "What one thing can I pray for you personally today?" Here are links to the organizations and materials the Pezzutti's mentioned in today's podcast. Campus Crusade for Christ is now known in the US as CRU https://www.cru.org/ Bill mentioned using the Alpha Course for discipling new believers https://alpha.org/ and Rick Warren's materials https://cf.pastors.com/class-spb The Go Movement https://gomvmt.us/ GACX, The Global Alliance for Church Multiplication https://gacx.io/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gainingstrength/message

Words have power.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we must all learn the power of life and death that is wielded by our tongues.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

You are in a process of "becoming" what God intended you to be. The Word of God is the promise toward you becoming who you are. Jesus is the Word made flesh. Once you give your life to Christ, He is working to conform you to His image. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Today's episode is an interview with my friend, Eric Miller. He and Casey, his wife and family have been serving in missions for about 20 years. Listen today to hear how he went from a struggling believer to a missionary with burning heart. You can discover more about Eric and Casey Miller by connecting here Website https://revivalcry.org/the-millers Email Eric info@revivalcry.org Hearing God Through His Creation https://a.co/d/8B3vJgi book by Eric Miller Homeschooling Through High School for Success by Casey Miller https://a.co/d/6TZ3AwL --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

The book of Acts records a time when the Apostle Paul saw that a man had faith to be healed. What did he see? How did he see it? Listen to the message entitled Seeing Faith, previously recorded at The Orchard Bible Study in Milton, Delaware. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

My friend Kimberly, a former hospice chaplain and widow, joins me today to offer hope to those who find themselves in the tumultuous waves of grief. Kimberly referred to Grief Share as a possible connection for helping you walk through grief. https://www.griefshare.org/ She also shared Scripture references. Use the links below to access those verses digitally. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+2%3A12-13&version=NKJV Job 2:12-13 highlight for us the gravity of grief and how our friends may help us simply by their presence. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A4&version=NKJV Matthew 5:4 Cheryl referred to where Jesus teaches that those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted. Open your heart and receive His comfort. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+1%3A2&version=NKJV Kimberly shared how even God grieved. Even though we are taught in Scripture not to complain, God never said not to lament. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+84%3A3&version=NKJV Psalm 84:3 helped Kimberly to realize the tender love of God for her, how He longs for us to draw near to Him and shelter under His wings. "You just keep living until you are alive again," is a quote from a scene in the PBS series Call the Midwife. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

The Bible mentions strongholds in the Old and New Testaments. Today's message focuses on the image of the stronghold that David fled to when he was in danger.  A jealous king wanted to kill him.  Four years David was on the run to save his life, hiding out in wilderness caves and mountainous cliffs. Yet during this time he learned that the cliffs did not save him but God did.  David put these life lessons into a beautiful imagery in many Psalms such as, Psalm 18: 1.  "The Lord is my rock (a lofty, craggy rock) and my fortress (castle), and my deliverer (escape), my God, my strength (cliff) in whom I will trust, my buckler (shield, protector) and the horn of my salvation and my high tower (lofty inaccessible cliff). The Lord is your stronghold! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

We marvel at the transformation of insects. There is something so encouraging about a worm becoming the lithe creature we call a butterfly. It gives us hope that we too can be transformed. The hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the hope of transformation, that we personally be transformed . . . and then what? Bringing transformation to others and to the world around us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

There are about 435,000 missionaries serving Jesus in the field today. 77% of them are working in areas that are considered reached. Less than 3% are working among unreached people groups . . . . Pray! There are 7,900,000,000 people on the planet, of them about two thirds DO NOT KNOW JESUS. . . . Pray! Jesus asks us to pray for more laborers, "And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Luke 10:2 They must be sent. We must pray and be willing to give their ministries and be willing to go help bring in the harvest. Many important statistics can be found here: http://www.thetravelingteam.org/stats An encouraging website (mentioned in the podcast) showing live data of decisions for Christ and those searching for discipleship materials is here https://witnesstoall.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

When God calls us to a particular work, He promises His Presence will be with us. This message, as well as many others on Gaining Strength, was edited from a previous message delivered at The Orchard Bible Study. To hear the message in its entirety go to www.theorchardministry.org I often refer to P. Bill and P. Carl. These are spiritual fathers in the faith that regularly teach at The Orchard Bible Study. They are Pastor Bill Sammons, Sr. and Pastor Carl Vincent. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

How do you process anger? Is it possible for anger to be productive? Even Jesus got angry. What are we to do with anger? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Repent? It's not scary.  It's not religious.  It's just a decision to change the way you think.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Reveal . . . God wants to reveal Himself to you. Listen as Cheryl shares how this happens and how it can impact our purpose in life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

We are each in the process of being renovated. In this message today Cheryl speaks about a much deeper process of renewing . . . getting rid of fear. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

The Apostle Peter wrote in II Peter 1 about becoming a partaker of the nature of God through His magnificent promises.  Listen as Cheryl discusses how this happens. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

*Allison joined me today for a fun and personal interview in a local coffee shop. She and her husband serve in missions in a Middle Eastern country.  She discusses how she came to be involved in this work and some intriguing aspects of "cross cultural" ministry. She shares her heart, her life and her love for the people where God has placed her family. *Allison is not her real name.  Since she works in a nation where there are few Christians, it is wise to not reveal her actual name. Please check out:  1. People International, Allison's sending agency   https://www.gopeople.org/ 2. Campus Crusade for Christ is now called Cru cru.org If you are able to leave a rating or review, that would be helpful for Gaining Strength Podcast.  Or if you would like to share comments or questions you may email us at this address: gainingstrengthpodcast@gmail.com . --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

You are a portable container of the testimonies of God! Psalm 71: 15-16 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your salvation all day long; for I do not know the sum of them. I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Have you spent much time thinking or praying about these days we are living in?  How should we respond to these turbulent times?  What does Scripture have to say about it?  This message was originally given November 22, 2020 at The Orchard Bible Study www.theorchardbiblestudy.org  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2024%3A1-14&version=NASB https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1%3A+3&version=NASB To message me gainingstrengthpodcast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Some call it "passing the torch;" others call it "passing the mantle."  P. Burt Miller of Solid Ground Church in Lewes, Delaware urges the older generation to, "throw the cloak around us."   With P. Burt's permission I am sharing a prophetic message he gave on September 12 at The 2020 Deep Branch Tent Meeting.  Whether you are a "boomer" or of another generation, you'll find this message insightful, encouraging, and inspired. If you'd like to connect with P. Burt Miller https://solidground.church/ https://sgclewes.online.church/ Email: hello@solidground.church To hear more from The 2020 Deep Branch Tent Meeting, click the link below and scroll down to September 11-12. https://www.theorchardministry.org/audiovideo-archive.html. More on this topic: https://www.christianitytoday.com/karl-vaters/2018/july/boomers-lets-be-elders-church-needs.html --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

What is it like to make disciples in a resistant region? Let's hear today from Pastor Issahaku John who serves in Northern Ghana as he describes the work of his 22 teams in regions where Christianity is a minority religion. Important Notes and Links 1. Pray for anointing for preaching and miracles protection of Gospel workers and new converts provision for the work breakthroughs in resistant areas 2. Tax deductible gifts may be sent for P. Issahaku to: Abundant Life Worship Center: make checks to ALWC, mark the memo line Mission: Ghana, mail to 6070 Hobbs Rd. Salisbury, MD 21804 https://www.alwc.org/ 3. Missions https://joshuaproject.net/countries/gh https://www.ttionline.org/the-method/ https://renewoutreach.org/equipment/ 4. Contact Gaining Strength @gainingstrengthpodcast gainingstrengthpodcast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Most of us acknowledge that because of what Jesus accomplished, we have received the gift of forgiveness. But do we realize that healing should come in that same package? Today we discuss the revelation that healing and forgiveness are the same gift. Connect with me, give a comment, share a prayer request or ask a question: @gainingstrengthpodcast gainingstrengthpodcast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

What's it like being a disciple of Jesus? Frank and Tracey Honess joined me today for a discussion about discipleship and what it looks like in their lives. As you listen, you'll discover the passion Frank and Tracey have for Jesus and for pouring into others. Out of their brokenness, Jesus has built them into a strong ministry team especially directed toward those who need support with living a sexually pure life. To contact them or for more information use the links below. https://pflhome.com/ Frank referred to some of the content using this link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-discipleship.html --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Paul instructs us that the Word of God is a sword. Jude teaches us that we will need to contend for the faith. Let's work out with that "sword" day by day and grow strong in its use. Let's be ready to contend with the Word of God against the assaults of an invisible enemy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

If the devil challenged Jesus concerning His identity and purpose, he will also challenge us. If Jesus responded with the Word that was hidden in His heart, we must do the same. We need to be established in our identity and purpose based on what God says about us. The sure Word is the foundation of who we are as new creatures in Christ. Let's put His Word in our hearts and let the Holy Spirit move through it to restore us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

How important is Scripture in our lives? The Word of God is a key for us. It is a key that opens up who Jesus is and who we are. Let's find ourselves and our purpose as we find Him. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Pastor Bill Sammons, Sr. joins us today to discuss discipleship and some of what is involved in making disciples. We'll enjoy hearing some of P. Bill's life experiences and wisdom as it relates to fathering those in the body of Christ. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Being a disciple of Jesus involves life change. How does this change happen? What are the impacts of such life change? Today we listen to special guests, Arleth and Gigi as they discuss the transformation of their lives as disciples of Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Learning to swim is a metaphor for learning to trust God. Learning to trust Him we grow in faith and become capable of accomplishing the works He has destined for us. This often means walking through uncomfortable, even challenging circumstances, overcoming fear, and ourselves. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message

Gaining Strength, what's it all about? Today, I share a "Grand" experience about Gaining Strength as I faced a physical challenge. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gainingstrength/message