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Encouragement and Prayer: Grow By God’s Power! (5/1/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Grow By God’s Power! (5/1/23)

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This is the audio from the May 1, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to grow!  When the Bible talks about our need to grow, it is most often talking about the individual Christian growing so that the body as a whole will be healthy and grow as God intends.  When we spend time with God seeking to grow in Christ, we find that we are less distracted by the things the enemy will use in an attempt to keep us from maturing.  When we grow in Christ, we become a healthy part of the body and as the body increases in health, it will grow both naturally and supernaturally.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see how you need to grow.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the need for growth in your life.  Pray that you would experience healthy growth in Christ that will benefit the entire body of Christ.  Pray that your growth would be according to the instruction from your Head, Christ.

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)

Pray that you would know and follow the source of true growth.  Pray that you would be actively involved in helping your own growth even as you trust God’s power to cause it.  Pray that you would plant and water in spiritual ways that cultivate God’s power.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

A Time to GROW! (Sermon Audio)
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A Time to GROW! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the April 30, 2023 sermon, “A Time to Grow”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Acts 2:42-47

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

Today I concluded a series, or added a postscript to the previous series, as we looked at life after the resurrection.  After the disciples had gathered following the resurrection of Jesus, He commissioned them to make disciples everywhere they would go.  When the time came to put that instruction into action, the church was born and God brought about incredible growth.  When we experience a resurrection in our life through the power of Jesus, we also experience a time to . . .

  • Give:  —  Acts 2:44-45

    • One of the marks of growth within the early church was a willingness for individual Christians to give to one another according to the need.  This was not an act of socialism or communism, but rather an act of willing love that cared about the needs of others.  This kind of growth in our life and in the community of God’s kingdom takes place when we begin to realize the enormity of what God has given us because of His love.

  • Respect:  — Acts 2:42

    • The early church grew because of a respect for God’s Word and for one another.  Those who put their faith in Jesus did so with a devotion that changed everything about their life.  When we choose to live with a respect for God, we find that He calls us to a respect for others that values them as one loved by God.

  • Observe:  —  Acts 2:43

    • When we choose to live a life that gives and respects, we find ourselves in a position to see God at work in amazing ways.  It’s not that God’s work is dependent on us, but rather that we are able to grow in Christ according to our willingness to recognize not only God’s work all around us, but also His work within us.

  • Witness: — Acts 2:46-47

    • As the seeds of growth are planted in our life through an obedience to God which leads us to give, respect, and observe, God produces within us a witness for the world to see.  As the church was being formed, the Christians made it a point to meet together every day both in public and in their homes.  When we live our Christian faith everywhere we go, we become a witness to others about the goodness and approachability of God.

When we choose to live a resurrected life, God causes us to GROW in such a way that Jesus is lifted up and He adds to our number daily those who are being saved.

Today, how will you GROW?

Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Teach Faithfully! (4/28/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Teach Faithfully! (4/28/23)

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This is the audio from the April 28, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will continue a focus on our responsibility after the resurrection.  We live a resurrected life as we join with Christ in the power of His resurrection.  The result should be a transformation that changes us in such a way that we are obedient in doing everything Christ commanded.  Part of that obedience is in taking the good news of Jesus to others everywhere we go.

“‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.’”
Matthew 22:16 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you know and follow His commands in a way that shares them with others.  Pray that your teaching remains impartial and true to the Word of God.  Pray that your obedience to the truth of God’s Word would be reflected in the way you teach others.  Pray for a steadfast walk with Jesus that teaches others through your words and through your actions.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Immerse Into Christ! (4/27/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Immerse Into Christ! (4/27/23)

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This is the audio from the April 27, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will continue a focus on our responsibility after the resurrection.  We live a resurrected life as we join with Christ in the power of His resurrection.  The result should be a transformation that changes us in such a way that we are obedient in doing everything Christ commanded.  Part of that obedience is in taking the good news of Jesus to others everywhere we go.

“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”
Romans 6:3 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you know and follow His commands in a way that shares them with others.  Pray that you would recognize, and help others recognize, the importance of dying with Christ in order to be raised with Christ.  Pray that you would understand and share the importance of God’s work which is accomplished in our obedience to being immersed.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Make Disciples! (4/26/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Make Disciples! (4/26/23)

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This is the audio from the April 26, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will continue a focus on our responsibility after the resurrection.  We live a resurrected life as we join with Christ in the power of His resurrection.  The result should be a transformation that changes us in such a way that we are obedient in doing everything Christ commanded.  Part of that obedience is in taking the good news of Jesus to others everywhere we go.

“In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:33 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you know and follow His commands in a way that shares them with others.  Pray that everything about you is surrendered to Jesus and that you would not “cheapen” the cost of discipleship.  Pray that your life as a disciple of Jesus would be reflected in who you attract people to.  Pray that the people around you would learn what it means to be a disciple.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Go Everywhere! (4/25/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go Everywhere! (4/25/23)

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This is the audio from the April 25, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will continue a focus on our responsibility after the resurrection.  We live a resurrected life as we join with Christ in the power of His resurrection.  The result should be a transformation that changes us in such a way that we are obedient in doing everything Christ commanded.  Part of that obedience is in taking the good news of Jesus to others everywhere we go.

“As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’”
Matthew 10:7 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you know and follow His commands in a way that shares them with others.  Pray that God would help you to see the opportunities in your daily life to proclaim a living faith in Jesus.  Pray that you would know the nearness of God’s kingdom as you live a resurrected life.  Pray that the message of Jesus would be seen in you and heard from you everywhere you go.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Go With Authority! (4/24/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go With Authority! (4/24/23)

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This is the audio from the April 24, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will continue a focus on our responsibility after the resurrection.  We live a resurrected life as we join with Christ in the power of His resurrection.  The result should be a transformation that changes us in such a way that we are obedient in doing everything Christ commanded.  Part of that obedience is in taking the good news of Jesus to others everywhere we go.  As you pray, ask God to help you know and follow His commands in a way that shares them with others.  Pray that you would consider how your obedience helps to spread the gospel to everyone you meet.  Pray that you would be involved in teaching others the very things you have learned through your relationship with Jesus.  Pray that God would empower you with the courage that comes from His presence with you always.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”
Matthew 28:18 (NIV)

Pray that God’s authority would be taken seriously by all believers — especially in regards to fulfilling His commands.  Pray that you would be obedient to the authority of Jesus in all things.  Pray for the confidence to share the good news of Jesus with the backing of His authority.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

A Time to GO! (Sermon Audio)
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A Time to GO! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the April 23, 2023 sermon, “A Time to Go”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 28:16-20

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” 
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)

Today I continued a series, or added a postscript to the previous series, as we looked at life after the resurrection.  When it comes to the events following the resurrection of Jesus, Matthew is much more concise than what we have looked at from Luke and John.  In fact, Matthew tells of the resurrection and the attempt by the religious leaders to hide the fact that Jesus resurrected from the dead, then finishes out his writing with what we refer to as the Great Commission being the sum total of his post resurrection account.  In it we find a very direct description of what the disciples did after the resurrection and what we ought to be doing.  When we live as those resurrected by the power of Jesus, we discover it is time to . . .

  • Glorify:  —  Matthew 28:16-17

    • After knowing the power of the resurrection, we should be filled with a growing desire to glorify God.  Our life as those resurrected from the dead is a testimony to God’s power and even in our moments of doubt, worship of God should be our lifestyle.  When we live as those who share Jesus everywhere we go, we not only worship God but we also help others see who He is..

  • Obey:  —  Matthew 28:18-20

    • The power of the resurrection at work in our life ought to result in a growing obedience to all that we learn from God’s Word.  For us to take the command of Jesus seriously to go and make disciples, we must be one who is a disciple.  God’s desire is that our time with Jesus in observation and learning will teach us not only how to live for Him, but also how to instruct others in the ways of obedience.  .

Today, when will you GO and where will you GO?