Posts Tagged ‘church’
Full Gospel Churches San Antonio Texas
Are you looking for a Full Gospel Church in San Antonio Texas area?
The teaching of Christ is a well-recognized story covered primarily among the first four books of the new testament. While the story of Jesus’ life may have been relegated to a period of just over thirty years, and a few books of the Bible, the power of that Gospel is much greater than any other story in existence. People today still need the Full Gospel. Not just to hear it but to obey it as well. There are benefits to being apart of other believers that adhere to the full gospel. Being a Full Gospel Church is much more than simply putting Full Gospel Church as part of the Church’s title.
The story of the life and death of Jesus Christ is where many people stop, but the power of the Gospel is more than a story of past events. The message of the coming Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament, with over three-hundred individual prophecies recorded about the coming and life of the Messiah. Christ was born of a virgin. Jesus Christ gave His life willingly upon the cross, becoming a sacrifice for all who follow Him. In layman’s terms, He racked up no charges against his life while he lived on Earth, therefore his payment in the form of sacrificial death was enough to cover the charges against all of mankind if they so chose to believe and obey Him.
All people have sinned in their life and under the Law deserve death because of it. However, we also have a God that loves each and every one of us. Because of that love, He robed Himself in flesh to live a sinless life and to sacrifice Himself to pay for the sins of all others. Regardless of who we are, where we come from, or what flavor of sin the full Gospel Message is available to all who will receive it.
What power lies in the Gospel?
In short, the power to change and to save the world. It has changed the world, from the very moment of creation, to the days of Christ’s death and resurrection, to the very day that you are now reading this blog. Perhaps you have seen the power of the Gospel change the lives of those around you, perhaps you are hoping to see what the gospel can do. For illustration, we have selected two stories about the transformative power of the Gospel; they are both from the Bible. In order to see a clear message of full gospel preaching let’s look to a couple of examples of the apostles preaching from the book of Acts.
Peter’s full Gospel Message
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Paul’s full Gospel Message
First, we look at Saul, a Roman Jew and a leader among the Jewish people following the days of Christ’s ministry on Earth. Saul spent much of this time persecuting members of the newly founded Christian faith. To accept that Christ was the Messiah was seen as heresy in those days, with many different viewpoints and accusations being leveled at Christ and those who followed him. While on the road to Damascus in an attempt to further persecute and arrest any Christians in the city, Saul was apprehended of the Lord. A light blinded him, and the voice of Christ called out, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Saul was left blind as the light disappeared, and was directed into the city where he did not eat or drink for three days. At this time, the Lord also commanded a follower of his by the name of Ananias to visit Saul and to pray for Him. Upon being prayed for by Ananias, scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he was baptized. Upon this healing, Saul began to pray, preach, and serve the Lord around the city of Damascus, so much so that he faced persecution from the very people he had once belonged to. This began Saul’s journey as he became Paul, and as he spoke the Gospel to all who would hear it, writing a substantial amount of what would later become the New Testament along the way. Now let’s look at the gospel message that Paul preached to some followers of John the Baptist.
Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
The Gospel Power
The Power of the Gospel doesn’t just transform the lives of those running from God, or those trying to stamp out the message itself. The Gospel message is hope for all who believe and obey. It is a promise that sin no longer has a hold on the sinner. It is a message that God loves and wants to be loved by each of his children. It is a reminder that not even death can stand triumphant over anyone who follows Christ. It is hope in the bleakest of situations, a light in the darkest corners of the globe, and a lifeline in our weakest of moments. It is, and it has always been, and it will always be. The Gospel is the ultimate power and authority, because it is the message and extension of the One True God.
“One must keep on pointing out that Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and, if true, of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”– C.S. Lewis
Come Be apart of Pentecostal Life Church. Pentecostal Life Church Is a Holy Spirit filled full Gospel Church. Proclaiming the Gospel to San Antonio Texas and surrounding Suburbs of San Antonio TX.
The Positive Impact of Holy Spirit Filled Churches in San Antonio Texas
Joel 2:28-29
28 “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.
The power of a Spirit filled church is one that has been discussed since before Jesus came to Earth and before the idea of the modern church was born. The verse used above, prophesied the day when His Holy Spirit would fill anyone regardless of age, race, or social standing and was quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost. On that day, the Spirit of God descended unto the believers in the upper and the believers began speaking in tongues. After quoting from the prophet Joel, Peter delivers the following message to those that had gathered that day.
Acts 2: 38-47
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
In Acts we see how the Holy Spirit filled, influenced, and empowered the church. Peter states clearly that the Holy Spirit is is available to all and that everyone should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. We see further on from his sermon some of the blessings that the Church body received because of their reception of the Holy Spirit as well. After receiving the Holy Spirit, many signs and wonders were performed. Many sold their worldly possessions and provided for others while being provided for themselves. The Lord added to the church daily because of this. That is how the Holy Spirit blessed the early Church in a matter of days and weeks, but how does a Holy Spirit filled church bless modern day Christians?
The Spirit can bless the modern church in many ways, including the ways which it blessed the early Church mentioned in Acts and the lives of the original disciples and apostles. This doesn’t mean that spiritual blessing is limited to the ways it was described in Acts, but that those means are an aspect of what is possible under the influence and impact of the Holy Spirit. It is also important to remember that one of the keys to receiving the Holy Spirit is believing in Jesus Christ and that the Holy Spirit is a free gift available to all mankind. So going forward we will move under the assumption that Holy Spirit filled Churches can be any Church which is full of members who have accepted, obeyed Christ and committed their lives to Him.
Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind of an outsider looking for a Church body blessed by the Holy Spirit. If someone was truly looking for a place where they felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, they probably wouldn’t be looking for a Church body that lacked passion or commitment to the full gospel message found in the book of Acts. One would expect to find a Church service full of sincerity, love, and an obedience to the Word of God and the members celebrating their Lord and Savior and basking in the opportunity to gather with those that shared the same values and beliefs. When a church is Holy Spirit filled, their worship takes on an entirely new meaning. This is the same for musical tastes and styles of any believer, whether they worship from a hymnal or with a full-fledged church band. The presence of the Holy Spirit brings a new sense of meaning to worship, when one can sing and praise their God, and do so knowing and feeling the influence and presence He has in their lives.
Another aspect of blessing on a Church filled with the Holy Spirit is similar to what was seen in Acts on the day of Pentecost. When the Spirit descended on the people, they not only had the ability to understand one another across differing language barriers, but it also gave Peter the wisdom and words that he was to preach in front of them. From the life of Solomon, we know that God is not only able to impart great wisdom on his subjects, but that he is willing to do so as well. A Holy Spirit filled Church often finds that it is blessed with sermons that give deeper meaning than can be found elsewhere. A Holy Spirit filled Church may often also find that there is clarity given on tough decisions, or that difficult questions are answered to them somewhat miraculously. The applications of Spiritual wisdom are nearly endless, and they can be felt greatly in the Holy Spirit filled church.
A third aspect that was discussed in Acts was the strength in relationships felt by those present when the Holy Spirit came down. Many sold their worldly possessions to help their fellow brothers and sisters, and many more experienced an increase in gladness and singleness of heart. There was a unity among the believers because of the Holy Spirit which they shared. This same unity can be felt among the members of a Holy Spirit filled Church body. Whether it is in services, in the friendships they’ve built, or in the works that they undertake together, the blessing of the Holy Spirit flows into their ability to converse, to collaborate, and to touch one another’s lives.
A Holy Spirit filled church will find many blessings that come to it, and those in search of a Holy Spirit filled church can often tell by the means which the Spirit has poured out and influenced the prospective Church. It is truly wonderful to be able to take part in a body united by the Spirit of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
If you are looking to be apart of a Holy Spirit filled Church San Antonio Texas area, then prayerfully consider Pentecostal Life Church. Pentecostal Life Church is a Holy Spirit filled Church servicing San Antonio TX and surrounding suburbs.
Apostolic Churches In San Antonio TEXAS
The teachings of the apostles are a foundation of the Christian faith, but why? The Apostles were, after all, just regular people, right? They were followers themselves, following Jesus Christ during his brief tenure on this planet over 2000 years ago. So why are their teachings placed in the same esteem and stature of the prophets and the Messiah? Listed are some reason to be apart of an Apostolic Church San Antonio TX.
Well, a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith is in the divine inspiration of the Bible. As Christians, we believe that the Bible was written by men acting on the message that they received from the Lord. So, while Paul may be the writer of the book of Romans, the knowledge, wisdom, and teachings found in that book were created and inspired by God. We find evidence for this throughout the Bible as well, both with events that occur and with the writings themselves. For example, Moses received the Ten Commandments directly from God on top of the mountain. We also find, specific scriptures that indicate the nature of scripture in accordance with divine inspiration. Here are two of these examples:
2 Peter 1: 20-21
20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
The writers themselves acknowledge the source of their works and give due credit to the One who not only inspired them, but who is also the reason for which they are writing. This lends credibility to the topics they speak on, the wisdom they pass on, and the knowledge that they transcribe for fellow believers. This credibility, coupled with knowledge of these individuals themselves and theme of topics and ideas between the works themselves, lends proper credibility to the authors and the books that they wrote.
If the works can be accepted as credible and valid for the time which they were written, how can they still be applicable to the modern audience? After all, most of the letters were written as letters to specific groups of people or Churches. As modern citizens, we have the benefit of modern communication and the extent to which the Gospel has already spread. We have easy access to churches, to copies of the Bible, and countless other sources of information and knowledge about Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. What can possibly be learned from works that are two thousand years old?
First, the opening books of the New Testament, the Gospels, are a record of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. They are our closest source of information regarding what He said and what He did. The books following the Gospels, excluding Revelations, help break down the meaning of His life and how that is applicable to the readers. The later books of the New Testament are in layman’s terms, a break down of the call that Christ places in the hearts of every believer. Through the teachings of the Apostles and the examples in the book of Acts , we are able to better understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and the true depth of his actions.
The list of topics goes on and on, the examples above only covering a fraction of what can be found in the book of Acts of the Apostles alone. These things were written to teach us the fundamentals of the Christian faith, and to build on them into the in-depth topics that help us answer the difficult questions that world is apt to throw at us. The teachings of the apostles equip us for the difficulties of being the minority as believers; submerged in a world that not disagrees with us, but that works against us as well.
The latter books of the New Testament also help to equip us not only as individual believers, but as members of the larger Body of Christ. Paul’s letters to the churches, Peter’s letters, and even the short book of Jude, all have crucial wisdom and practical solutions to the problems that churches faced not only two-thousand years ago, but that still apply to the church today. The applications of the teachings of the Apostles are timeless in the sense that they do not lose influence and truth when removed from their original audiences, but that carry both similar and unique ideas to any who reads through their pages today and tomorrow. Do you live in or near San Antonio, TEXAS, and are wanting to be apart of Apostolic Churches in San Antonio, TX.
We invite you to come and be apart of Pentecostal Life Church. It is our desire to be a book of Acts Holy Spirit filled Church and provided an Apostolic Church in San Antonio, TEXAS and the surrounding. Pentecostal Life Church is in a San Antonio suburb called Schertz TEXAS.
Service Times: Sunday 10:30am Thursday 7pm
Pentecostal Life Church Location: 1201 Oak St. Schertz, TX. 78154
The Importance Of A Local Community Church San Antonio TX
What is the community Church or Christian community?
Biblically, the original word for “church” is ekklesia, the Greek word for “assembly” or “gathering”. The church community refers to the “local gatherings of believers” who are devoted to the teachings of Christ and also renowned for its love for one another.
With this one can easily say that the Church community is simply those who love Jesus Christ and live in fellowship with each other. When the world sees this love and devotion in action, they will see the true love of Jesus Christ and by so doing find themselves attracted to the Church and Christ too.
Belonging to a community church is more than just attending services on Sundays. It is about becoming a full member of that community, connecting with the people, fellowshipping with them, supporting them, sharing in their troubles and celebrating their joys.
Being part of a local community Church is not only to gain a sense of community among other believers, but it is also to continue growing in your Christian life and also help with the growth of the Church (which is Christ’s mission here on earth).
In this piece, we’re going to list the importance of a Christian Church community and all the blessings that come from being connected to a group of believers. But before we go into that, let me clear the air on something – Solo Christianity.
Why you can’t serve the Lord alone
Yes, many Christians live as though they believe in “solo Christianity” and that is sad. Some of the consequences of solo Christianity are spiritual stagnation, unhappiness, and depression. The fact is Christians rarely survive spiritually when they are apart from other Christians. According to an illustration, it is like a glowing ember removed from the fire of which it is a part of. Soon enough it cools and dies off (while the other embers remain hot and glowing)
Love can’t operate in a vacuum – I believe everyone will agree with me when I say that Love requires someone to love. One of the major reasons why solo Christianity is not ideal is because love is at the very root of God’s character.
John 4:16 – “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
Love seeks out someone to love, share and bless. Love is never solitary or isolated, it requires a community to operate, and that is the Church Community we’re talking about. Jesus believed in this so much as you can see in John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The Importance of a local Community Church
- You will experience mutual acceptance among completely different group of persons.
Rom. 15:7 – “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
- You are able to motivate others to love and good works while being motivated by others also.
Heb. 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
- You’ll be able to express your sincere love for Jesus.
1John 4:19-20 – “We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
- As a result of corporate worship before God, you will receive mutual encouragement and growth both spiritually and otherwise.
Col 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
- You also learn to grow in humility.
1Pet. 5:5 – “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”.”
- Being a part of the Church community makes you become increasingly aware of God-given opportunities to grow in kindness and forgiving others.
Col. 3:13 – “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
- You taste of the encouragement of harmony.
Rom. 15:5 – “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus”
- You gain opportunities to witness testimonies and see God’s answers to prayer not just in your life but in the lives of others.
2Thess. 1:3 – “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”
- You also gain opportunities for joy, unity, mutual comfort, encouragement and peace amongst the community.
2Cor. 13:11 – “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
- You will receive confrontation from others in the Church community; this makes you less vulnerable to the hardening deceitfulness of sin.
Heb. 3:13 – “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
- There is mutual instruction, encouragement, and correction which you would benefit greatly from.
Rom. 15:14 – “I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.”
- The community grants you a good number of opportunities to put to death your judgmental spirit.
James 4:11 – “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”
- Since you’re of course dealing with other humans, you will be giving so many opportunities to help develop your level of patience.
Eph. 4:1-2 – “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love”
- You have to freedom of confessing your sins to a brother or sister in the Church community, and you have the benefit of not being judged but been prayers for.
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
- You benefit from a newfound freedom that you’ll use to serve others.
Gal. 5:13 – “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
TV, the internet, radio, books, etc.; nothing can take the place of being a part of a local community Church of believers. The Bible describes the Christian community in four different ways, which is as a family, a body, a flock, and as the Church.
Described as a family
Being part of the Christian family as seen in the following verses.
Galatians 6:10 – “Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
The idea here is that the Bible states clearly how the local community Church should relate to each other which is simply doing what’s best for the next person. Family care for each other, help and support each other. Family also forgives and encourages each other, and that is what the Church must do as well.
As a body
Being part of a body is another way the Bible described the Church community.
1 Corinthians 12:12 – “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
Ephesians 4:16 – “from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
The Bible makes it completely clear in those verses that the different parts of a body cannot decide to be independent of the others – they work together. Each part has an essential role to play in the overall survival of that body and in other for it to function efficiently.
As a Flock
John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
That good shepherd is Jesus Christ who died that each and every Christian can be saved. The sheep are the Christians all around the world – we are all part of the flock of Christ.
This idea of shepherd does not only reflect in the Bible but is today carried over around the Church communities. The word “Pastor” literally means “Shepherd” – designated to each group of Christians, whether big or small. These Pastors are giving the responsibility of the flock assigned to them.
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
All Christian leaders were giving this responsibility, whether they are called pastors, priests, elders, ministers or overseers – they are all Christian leaders thus, regarded as shepherds tasked to care for the sheep of Christ.
As part of the Church
In the bible when Jesus made reference to the word church, he was not referring to just the building we call church today. Let me explain what I mean
The Bible word “church” means “the called-out ones” – those who have been called by God and are gathered together out of the world. In the context of the Bible, a church primarily refers to a gathering of people and not just the physical structure only.
This is to show how important the gathering of the brethren is, being a part of a local community Church fellowship.
Hebrews 10:25 – “Let us not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
You can see that there are many benefits and blessings of being part of a community Church San Antonio TX. These blessings range from growth, encouragement, care and brotherly love to healing, protection and meeting great role models that’ll help you reach new heights spiritually.
Now while you are thinking about all you can receive from a local community Church San Antonio TX, it is good to understand that you also have a lot to offer and the Christian community Church San Antonio TX will not only make you realize your potentials, but will give you an opportunity to maximize it.
Still thinking about the local community Church San Antonio TX to be a part of? Join us at our local community Church San Antonio TX soon at Pentecostal Life Church.
We are located in a suburb of San Antonio called Schertz TX.
Our current facility is located at 1201 Oak Street, Schertz, Texas, 78154
We meet Sunday 10:30 am & Thursday 7pm.