To learn more about The Feast of the Lord, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

Here are the author's notes from this week's message:

How Fruit Produces Power Pt. 7 (Faith)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
*- The Holy Spirit produces love through us, and that love gives birth to virtuous characteristics that reflect high moral standards, including faith. In this verse, faith does not refer to faith in God because the fruit of the Holy Spirit does not produce faith in God. Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is about developing our character, not God's. The faith that is love’s fruit refers to the character of one who can be relied on: faithfulness to one’s duties.

23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Matthew 23:23 KJV
*- Self-righteous people take pride in showcasing their acts of obedience while concealing their disobedience in areas where God’s expectations test the parts of their character they don’t want to change…
*- “I’ll faithfully give tithes and offerings, but I’m going to continue smoking, lying, and being lazy.”

4 I give thanks to my God for you always when I mention you in my prayers,
5 Because I continue to hear of your love and of your loyal faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and [which you show] toward all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
Philemon 1:4-5 AMPC
*- Again, this mentioning of faith is not about our faith in what God and Jesus can and will do for us, but rather our faithfulness to successfully and joyfully complete the daily responsibilities entrusted to us—consistently demonstrating that God and Jesus can depend on us no matter what happens.

So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 AMPC
*- Pure joy comes when our motive for everything we do is to demonstrate our faithfulness to God—knowing He relies on our obedience to His divine strategy and plan to unfold perfectly and successfully, including our critical role.

Lifework Assignment:
Meditate on Matthew 23:23, Philemon 1:4-5, and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Identify the areas where you notice unfaithfulness in your life.
Find a correcting verse you can live by daily until you decide and prove you are permanently faithful to God in that area.

Expected Behavior:
Be strong, therefore, and let not your hands be weak and slack, for your work shall be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7 AMPC
Each time you commit an unfaithful act, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the root cause of your failure.
Respond with faithfulness: Choose to be faithful to God only, and you’ll also be reliable to others, unto God’s glory.

To learn more about The Feast of the Lord, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

Here are the author's notes from this week's message:

How Fruit Produces Power Pt. 6 (Goodness)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
*- goodness: uprightness (purity) of heart and life

11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
*- No matter what you’re facing or will face, always know that it is God’s good pleasure to fulfill our lives with His goodness.
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 KJV

Personally I am satisfied about you, my brethren, that you yourselves are rich in goodness, amply filled with all [spiritual] knowledge and competent to admonish and counsel and instruct one another also.
Romans 15:14 AMPC
*- rich: whose minds are as it were filled with thoughts and emotions, either good or bad
*- Just like anything that comes from fruit, goodness can be measured and tested for levels of quality.

For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life.
Ephesians 5:9 AMPC
*- Being that goodness is uprightness (purity) of heart and life, everything we do and everyone we come in contact with should experience the purest goodness available on earth through our interactions with them.

Lifework Assignment:
Meditate on 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 AMPC, Romans 15:14 AMPC, and Ephesians 5:9 AMPC this week.
Identify one area where you can actively practice goodness.
Write down what God reveals and act on it.

Expected Behavior:
Examine your heart all day: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas for maturing.
Respond with goodness: Choose to display goodness in challenging situations.
Be a light: Demonstrate God’s pure goodness to those you know and don’t know.

To learn more about The Feast of the Lord, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

How Fruit Produces Power Pt. 5 (Gentleness)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
*- gentleness: benignity (harmless), kindness
*- gentleness is directly translated as “lovingkindness” or “steadfast love,” reflecting a similar concept of covenantal loyalty and kindness.

Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)?
Romans 2:4 AMPC
*- God’s gentleness and kindness are designed to lead us to recognize our unworthiness of His grace, compelling us to humble ourselves, repent of our wrongdoing, and surrender fully to live in obedience to Him.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Colossians 3:12 KJV
*- Put on: “to sink” or “to go into”
*- Therefore, kindness is the power that causes us to only be seen as the kindness we display. It is through this meekness that we immerse ourselves, enabling us to encounter our true identity by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Gentleness is mightier than any of the following conquerors:
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
*- When the Holy Spirit is allowed to rule in our lives, our past is cast aside, and He produces such profound gentleness and kindness that all of our former ways are completely destroyed by the transformative power of His gentleness.
Titus 3:3-4 KJV

Lifework Assignment:
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life where gentleness is needed. Meditate on Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 2:4, and Colossians 3:12 this week. Practice sinking into gentle responses to minor or major difficult situations, and watch how God moves mightily through your humility.

Expected Behavior:
We will live in such a way that when the Holy Spirit prompts us to choose kindness, we’ll immediately embrace and demonstrate the kindness and gentleness that He produces within and through us.

Are you facing battles that seem impossible? Do you feel like giving up? Apostle Wall reveals a shocking truth from Romans 13:1, Proverbs, and 1 Timothy that will change your perspective on hardship FOREVER. 🤯

He exposes the deceptive tactics that keep us from enduring and unveils the REAL reason we struggle. PLUS, he connects this powerful message to the recent ISRAEL-HAMAS ceasefire and President Trump's involvement! 🇮🇱

To learn more about our church, or to find out how to discover your purpose, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

The Next President
(Presiden-Elect Donald Trump’s Inauguration Tomorrow)

Romans 13:1 AMPC Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment.
Proverbs 21:1 AMPC The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the watercourses; He turns it whichever way He wills.
Proverbs 29:2 AMPC When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 AMPC
2 First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men,
2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.
3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior,

Life in the Supernatural Pt 422
How Fruit Produces Power Pt. 4 (Longsuffering)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
*- longsuffering: patience, patient self-control, restraint and tolerance under provocation, slowness in avenging wrongs
*- More than patience—longsuffering is enduring with a hopeful expectation and a refusal to give up in the face of difficulties. It’s not a passive waiting but an active stance that invites God’s power to manifest while we’re enduring.

The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 AMPC
*- Longsuffering reflects God’s character. His longsuffering toward humanity demonstrates His desire for us to live in redemption and fullness.
*- When we practice and share our experience with longsuffering, we operate in God’s power that fulfills the promise made to those who wait patiently. Psalm 40:1, Isaiah 40:31, James 1:12)

But he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:13 AMPC
*- saved: to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment.

3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
James 1:3-4 AMPC
*- We prove that we have the power of faith in God when we patiently endure our trials.

1 Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
*- run: a metaphor taken from the runners in a race, to exert oneself, strive hard; to spend one's strength in performing or attaining something

2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 AMPC

Lifework Assignment:
Longsuffering is not weakness—it is strength controlled and powered by the Holy Spirit in our lives while we go through trials. So, observe your future responses when troublesome situations approach or remain in your life for a season. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with longsuffering.
Expected Behavior: Commit to allowing longsuffering to grow in your life so you can be a vessel of God’s power and a testimony to others of His faithfulness.

Will you find your community? Find out more and register now: www.orangeburgchurch.com/small-groups

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

How Fruit Produces Power Pt. 3

*- Too many Christians are choosing to remain ignorant—ignoring the truth about what it takes to produce fruit (responses) that truly pleases God.
*- Only by following the Holy Spirit can we eliminate the guesswork, as the fruit of the Holy Spirit always brings pleasure to God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
*- peace: harmony between individuals
23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 KJV
*- peace: A formula of blessing and well-wishing, traditionally addressed by the Hebrews to friends as they departed, desiring that they go into a place or state of peace. Christ elevated this concept, not merely wishing peace but actively giving it—offering true wellness and divine blessing.

37 And a furious storm of wind [of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled.
38 But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing?

39 And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).
Mark 4:37-39 AMPC
*- Hush now / peace: to be silent, hold one's peace.
*- In God, we have the power to command a noisy undesirable (sickness, fear, temptation, etc.) to be silent immediately!

19 For while your loyalty and obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you well versed and wise as to what is good and innocent and guileless as to what is evil.
20 And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you.
Romans 16:19-20 AMPC
*- peace: the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.

And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever.
Isaiah 32:17 AMPC
*- The impact of righteousness in our lives, and the result of allowing it to bear fruit through us, will be an unshakable peace and a steadfast, unwavering trust in God!

Lifework Assignment: Study and apply this sermon’s definitions of peace to your life.

Expected Behavior: We will have and share peace to remove undesirables from our lives and the lives of others.

To learn more about The Feast of the Lord and to find out how you can discover your purpose, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

How Fruit Produces Power Pt. 2

*- Christians often struggle to manifest God’s power because we default to producing reason, calculations, control, and emotions—rather than cultivating the fruit that unlocks His power.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah—the Levites—helped the people to understand the Law, and the people [remained] in their place.
8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God distinctly, faithfully amplifying and giving the sense so that [the people] understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of them, This day is holy to the Lord your God; mourn not nor weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.

10 Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.
Nehemiah 8:7-10 AMPC
*- joy: rejoice, gladness
*- strength: used metaphorically to describe God as a refuge or stronghold for His people, emphasizing His role as a protector and source of strength.
*- Sorrowful repentance over sin is necessary, but it is not the end of the story. God’s grace and mercy restore His people and bring joy because He lovingly protects His repentant ones.

10 Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.
Nehemiah 8:7-10 AMPC
*- How can we produce genuine joy (gladness)?
*- The Holy Spirit produces joy by revealing the good news of God’s will and purpose for our lives…
*- We are not to wallow in sorrow; instead, we are to eat, drink, and share—actions that flow from a heart filled with joy.

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
Acts 16:25-26 KJV
*- Singing joyous praises—especially during trials—releases miraculous power.

Lifework Assignment:
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to live a life of authentic joy, where miracles flow naturally and become a daily part of your walk with Him

Expected Behavior:
When we live a life filled with authentic joy, we become a testimony that inspires others to trust God and believe Him for the miracles He has prepared for them.

In this powerful message, Apostle Shane Wall reveals the shocking secret to unlocking the miraculous in your life. It’s not about having more faith, working harder, or doing more religious activities. It’s about something much deeper and much more transformative.

Apostle Wall exposes the common misconception that keeps many Christians from experiencing the power of God and shares the one key that will unlock the supernatural in your life.

To learn more about The Feast of the Lord, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com.

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

How Fruit Produces Power Pt. 1

*- The reason many Christians struggle to produce miracles is that they rely on their own fruit—things like reasoning, calculations, control, and emotions—rather than producing the fruit that produces God’s power.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
*- How, then, do we stop producing our own fruit and start producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit?
*- Stop focusing on yourself and start acting according to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

*-The Law of First-Mention is the principle in the interpretation of Scripture which states that the first mention or occurrence of a subject in Scripture establishes an unchangeable pattern, with that subject remaining unchanged in the mind of God throughout the entirety of the Bible.
*-Love wasn’t mentioned in the Bible until 20 generations after Adam.

[God] said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I will tell you.
Genesis 22:2 AMPC
*- When we’re willing to sacrifice what we love, we make room for a miracle to take its place in our or someone else’s life—something greater than what was there before our act of sacrificial love.
*- If you want to experience God’s power in your life and in the lives of those you minister to, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the specific act of sacrificial love He requires of you. It is through this sacrifice that miracles will replace yours and others’ needs.

*- How do we strengthen our own belief and help others believe for their miracle?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 KJV
*- Love has the power to transform hearts, moving them from disbelief to belief, because love makes it easier to trust and accept what once seemed impossible.
*- Miracles happen when we choose to believe and remain steadfast in faith, holding on to what God has said.

Lifework Assignment:
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can live a life of sacrificial love, allowing miracles to become a natural, daily part of your life.

Expected Behavior:
Because you live a life of sacrificial love, you will easily inspire people’s hearts to believe for the miracles God has for them, right at the moment you encounter their need.

To learn more about The Feast of the Lord, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EcNSyJgo5xCOfpqI-gd0nDNpRK_HA1tX7n-Afb9eGv8/edit?tab=t.0

Here are the author's notes from this week's message:

Suffering in God’s Kingdom Pt. 5

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)
*- The purpose of suffering was never about what caused it or when it would end. Its true purpose has always been to refine and make us better.

36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Matthew 26:36-39, 42, 44 KJV
*- For many of us, suffering begins in the mind—anticipating the suffering we must face.
*- How can we recognize when our suffering has ended? Is it when the situation resolves, a financial breakthrough occurs, or a perfect opportunity arises?
*- We know our suffering is over when we have been perfected, established, strengthened, and settled—just as Jesus was.

*- Has a recent situation tested and revealed your level of settlement? The other three qualities—perfection, establishment, and strength—lead to settlement in areas where God is preparing to build.
*- Ultimately, after enduring suffering successfully, we will say: “God has properly adjusted me to be firmly planted to endure tension so I can be a strong and solid foundation for Him to build upon.”
*- God only allows our suffering for a short while because once He has settled us as a strong and solid foundation, He’s ready to build…
*- Suffering is a sign that God is ready to build something more significant in your life.

Lifework Assignment:
Ask: “Father, You have prepared me for what You will build in my life soon. Instruct me to do all I need to do for this building process and to maintain what is built to Your standards.”

But here's the chilling revelation: Just because you are used by God, does it guarantee you a place in Heaven? Apostle Shane Wall doesn't pull punches, sharing a startling truth straight from Scripture that will challenge your understanding of faith, obedience, and God's plan.

Prepare to be challenged, moved, and awakened to a deeper understanding of God’s work in your life. Are you building on the rock or the sand?

Here are the author's notes from this week's message:

Suffering in God’s Kingdom Pt. 4

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)

*- suffered: I am acted upon in a certain bad way; I experience ill-treatment. In a bad sense, is of misfortunes, to undergo evils and to be afflicted.

*- settle:
*- Definition: to lay the foundation of
*- Usage: I found, lay the foundation (literally and metaphorically)
*- To make stable, establish of the soul.
*- Lay the foundation, ground, settle (the area for building)
*- To lay a basis for, i.e. (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate [make (something) physically stronger or more solid]-- (lay the) found(-ation), ground, settle.

*- Do you want to know a hidden sign in the Bible referencing the season of Jesus' return?
*- What are the top two displays of power that many preachers, primarily online, seem eager to showcase during these final days?
22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?
23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].

24 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a [a]sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.
25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.
27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it.

28 When Jesus had finished these sayings [the Sermon on the Mount], the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His teaching,
29 For He was teaching as One Who had [and was] authority, and not as [did] the scribes.
Matthew 7:22-29 AMPC

*- This final installment of this series marks the ending of a suffering season for some of us—more endings are soon to come.
*- What will God build on your life, once this suffering has caused you to be settled and solid enough for the huge structure He wants you to be the foundation for?

Lifework Assignment:
Ask: “Holy Spirit, will You please guide me how to use the meaning of "settle" in prayer so I can better understand from God, my Father, why my specific type of suffering is essential for my growth and fruitfulness?”

Here are the author's notes from this week's message:

Suffering in God’s Kingdom Pt. 3

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)

*- suffered: I am acted upon in a certain bad way; I experience ill-treatment. In a bad sense, is of misfortunes, to undergo evils and to be afflicted.

*- strengthen: to make strong, to strengthen: one's soul.
*- "strength" – properly, make strong so as to be mobile – i.e., able to move in a way that achieves something in the most effective way.
*- confirm (in spiritual knowledge & power). Having and wielding knowledge & power proves strength.
*- waiting; be strong, strength, also strand of rope
*- Properly, steadfastness (firmly resolved or determined).
*- probably originally twist, stretch, then of tension of enduring

*- “What I’ve already learned through suffering is the importance of moving wisely in all my dealings. I’ve also understood that gaining God’s wisdom and direction often requires persistent prayer. I am committed to praying for these virtues, determined to avoid this kind of suffering again. From now on, I won’t decide without prayerfully obtaining what it truly entails.”

Lifework Assignment:
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in using the meaning of “strengthen” in prayer so you can better understand from God, our Father, why your specific type of suffering is essential for your growth and fruitfulness.

Dive in as Apostle Shane dives deep into scripture and uses relatable examples to show how God uses suffering to make us stronger, more resilient, and more like HIM! 🙌

This sermon is a MUST-WATCH for anyone who's ever asked:

"Why am I going through this?"
"What's the purpose of my suffering?"
"How can I grow through difficult times?"

Here are the author's notes from this week's message:

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthent, settle you.
1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)

*- Suffering is not a weapon meant to destroy us but a tool designed to strengthen and refine us.
*- When we say we want to grow, it's easy to blame the preacher, our bosses, or even the government. Yet many who have already grown up avoid talking about fruitfulness because it places the responsibility on their shoulders to produce what they were meant to. Actual growth brings the burden and privilege of bearing the fruit we were cultivated to yield.

*- stablish: (establish); to make firm,
Usage: (a) I fix firmly, direct myself towards,
(b) generally met: I prop, support; I strengthen, establish.
(c) "a support that fixes, plants down"; akin to "to stand," Gk root/sta, "to make stand") – properly, set fast (fix);
(d) give support to secure (firmly establish); solidly plant (which eliminates vacillation); like stereos (solid, used with reference to hardness
(e) to set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm -- fix, (e-)stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen. To strengthen, make firm [by people and situations God sent to us].

*- strengthen: "strength" – properly, make strong so as to be mobile – i.e. able to move in a way that achieves something in the most effective way. Properly, steadfastness (firmly resolved or determined); strength, to make strong, to strengthen: one's soul. Bodily vigor; to strengthen, i.e. (figuratively) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power)—[as spiritual knowledge and power proves strength] -- strengthen.

*- settle:
Definition: to lay the foundation of
Usage: I found, lay the foundation (lit. and met).
To make stable, establish of the soul.
Lay the foundation, ground, settle (the area for building)
To lay a basis for, i.e. (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate [make (something) physically stronger or more solid]-- (lay the) found(- ation), ground, settle.

Lifework Assignment:
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in using the meanings of "establish," “strengthen,” and "settle" in prayer so you can better understand from God, our Father, why your specific type of suffering is essential for your growth and fruitfulness.

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

Suffering in God’s Kingdom Pt. 1

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthent, settle you.
1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)
*- suffered: I am acted upon in a certain way, either good or bad; I experience ill-treatment. In a bad sense, is of misfortunes, to undergo evils and to be afflicted.
*- a while: small; hence, of time: short, of degree: light, slight, little. A short time, a (little) while. Of uncertain affinity (relationship or association); puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); brief(-ly), few, (a) little, a season, short, small, a while.

*- perfect: (a) I prepare, for his (its) full destination or use, bring into its proper condition (whether for the first time, or after a lapse). "to adjust," which is derived from "properly adjusted" – properly, exactly fit (adjust) to be in good working order, i.e. adjusted exactly "down" to fully function.

(b) To strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he/she ought to be.

(c) To complete thoroughly, i.e. Repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust -- fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect(-ly join together), prepare, restore.

*- perfect: The term "adjusting down" refers to the action of aligning or fitting something perfectly according to a specific standard or function. The "down" aspect in katartízō (from katá, "according to, down") conveys the idea of precision and completeness in the adjustment—bringing something fully in line or order. In practical terms, "adjusting down" means carefully aligning or refining something so that it operates as it should, in proper order. It’s as if each component is precisely tuned or brought into alignment to meet its purpose, much like the way a craftsman would adjust each part of a machine to ensure it runs smoothly and effectively.

Lifework Assignment:
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in using the meanings of "suffer" and "perfect" in prayer so you can better understand from God, our Father, why your specific type of suffering is essential for your growth and fruitfulness.

Get ready for a powerful word from God! Pastor Jennifer Thompson delivers a prophetic message that will leave you in awe. She shares stunningly accurate revelations, confirming that God is moving in a mighty way.🔥

This Feast of the Lord celebration is like no other. Discover the biblical meaning of feasts and why this 21st anniversary marks a season of INCREASE, MANIFESTATION, NEWNESS, and CHANGE for Feast of the Lord church.

Don't miss next week's continuation as Apostle Shane delves deeper into the awe-inspiring presence of ministering angels and the life-changing benefits of being in the Kingdom of God!

Here are the author's notes from this week's message:

The Kings Pt. 3

So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].
John 5:19 AMPC

And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully.
Acts 13:22 AMPC

Psalm 103 AMPC
19 The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.
21 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion; bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul!

Lifework Assignment:
*- Read this entire Psalm at least twice to praise and pray each verse, for example:
“Lord, I praise You because You forgive [every one of] all my iniquities, and You are the One Who heals [each one of] all my diseases.”

For Verses 13-22:
*- Read this entire Psalm at least twice to praise and pray each verse, for example:
“Father, I praise You for always being compassionate and loving towards me because You know that I hold You in the highest esteem in my life. You are the One I worship with my life; I am in complete awe of You!”

Also, we’re launching our Fall Small Group quarter! Hear from the Small Group leaders and find the group that’s perfect for you.

To sign up for Small Groups, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

But there’s a catch… Many of us are unaware of the full extent of these benefits and how to truly claim them.

This message will ignite your faith as Apostle Wall reveals:

* The shocking truth about how God views our past transgressions.
* The secret to unlocking God’s healing power for emotional and physical pain.
* A practical “life work assignment” that will transform your relationship with God.

Don’t miss this revelation, and subscribe now to stay updated!

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

The Kings Pt. 3

So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].
John 5:19 AMPC

And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully.
Acts 13:22 AMPC

Psalm 103 AMPC
1 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits—
3 Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;
5 Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!
6 The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.
9 He will not always chide or be contending, neither will He keep His anger forever or hold a grudge.
10 He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
14 For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children—
18 To such as keep His covenant [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] and to those who [earnestly] remember His commandments to do them [imprinting them on their hearts].
19 The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.
21 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion; bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul!

Lifework Assignment:
*- Read this entire Psalm at least twice to praise and pray each verse, for example:
“Lord, I praise You because You forgive [every one of] all my iniquities, and You are the One Who heals [each one of] all my diseases.”

Watch now to discover the truth about God’s ultimate priority and how it changes EVERYTHING.

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s sermon:

The Kings Pt. 2

31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Matthew 6:31 & 33 AMPC
*- When we seek God as the priority, we won’t need to seek anyone or anything else.
*- Don’t rely on food, clothing, or home as nutrition, warmth, and shelter sources. Instead, let’s look to the One who provides our spiritual and natural needs—supplied by every word from His mouth.

*- If we don’t understand the Kings, we won’t benefit from citizenship in Their Kingdom.
The seventh angel then blew [his] trumpet, and there were mighty voices in heaven, shouting, The dominion (kingdom, sovereignty, rule) of the world has now come into the possession and become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (the Messiah), and He shall reign forever and ever (for the eternities of the eternities)!
Revelation 11:15 AMPC
*- This verse emphasizes how God (the Lord) and Jesus (His Christ) share kingship and rule over the world.

No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely).
Luke 16:13 AMPC
*- We cannot truly have “priorities”—we can only have one priority. When we attempt to balance multiple priorities, committing to each on the same level, we create confusion. This confusion arises when we try to focus on, believe in, or simultaneously satisfy more than one crucial matter. To live effectively, we must place God as our singular priority—from which all other needs are supplied.

So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 AMPC
*- When we prioritize God, everything He tells us to think, say, or do becomes the priority. His will is not just one among many things. His will defines and directs all of our other decisions.

*- What do our Kings do, and what are They really like?
23 Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 AMPC
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 5:30 KJV

Lifework Assignment:
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
*- without ceasing: In a manner without pause or stop, especially to the point of annoyance.
*- As we strive to prioritize God in our lives, let’s never think we can pray too much when seeking His Spirit’s guidance. Let’s always verify with Him that none of our personal planned tasks take precedence over Him.

**🔥 Don’t miss this life-changing message! 🔥 **

#KingdomOfGod #Priorities #ApostleShaneWall #GodIsKing #JesusIsKing #Convicted #LifeChanging #Truth #Revelation

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

Sermon: The Kings Pt. 1

31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
*- “Who else other than me is gonna provide my family food, clothes, and shelter?”
32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 KJV
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Matthew 6:31-33 AMPC
*- God is King of the Universe because He was first (priority), and followers are of a different class.
*- The word “priority” originally entered the English language in the 1400s as a singular term meaning “first in rank, order, or dignity,” it referred to the one most important or primary thing. For 500 years, the word remained singular, emphasizing the idea of one first or prior.

*- The plural form, “priorities,” became more common in the 1900s as time management experts shifted the focus from a singular priority to multiple priorities, transforming the idea of having one singular priority into managing several competing priorities.
6 So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel?

*- The plural form, “priorities,” became more common in the 1900s as time management experts shifted the focus from a singular priority to multiple priorities, transforming the idea of having one singular priority into managing several competing priorities.
7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power.
Acts 1:6-7 AMPC
*- How can we manage what God has placed solely in His own power to control and manage?

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
*- before: as to approach or be presented to God, even by mere belief or constructed object…
Exodus 20:3 KJV
*- When we place ideas, schedules, people, places, or anything on the same priority list as God—even if they’re listed beneath Him, we don’t understand God isn’t one of many. He’s the only One.
*- When we divide our devotion, even in well-meaning ways, we diminish the reverence He deserves.
*- Let’s not confuse understanding and obedience. “Obviously, God first, but then there’s 2, 3, 4…”

Lifework Assignment:
We are always faithful to who or what we prioritize.If God is first on your list, take everything else off of your list. God cannot be itemized.

He uses the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea as an example. God split the sea, allowing the Israelites to walk through on dry ground while Pharaoh’s army pursued them. But, God didn’t give Pharaoh a warning, nor did he reveal his plans to Moses until the very last moment. The Israelites had to trust God implicitly to guide them through this impossible situation.

The message leaves listeners with a compelling question: How can we, as believers, live in peace, even when facing uncertainty and challenges? Watch and listen in to discover Apostle Shane Wall’s wisdom on finding peace in the midst of life’s storms.

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

What is Happening to Me? Pt. 4

I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, neither is bread to the wise nor riches to men of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 AMPC
*- time: as uncertain
*- chance: when things happen without any predictable, understandable, or controllable cause.
*- It’s easy to feel that our faith would be stronger if only God spoke to us directly.

*- Children often ask what will happen while watching a movie for the first time, and we respond, “We’ve never seen this movie.” They’ll ask again during the show, and we remind them that we’re all watching to find out what will happen.
*- From childhood, we all want to know what’s coming next. But part of the anticipation in watching a movie is not knowing how the scene will end. The characters have a chance to win, but will they? We don’t know because we can’t predict, fully understand, or control the outcome. Let’s all anticipate, by our faith in God, that He will work out everything perfectly because He takes perfectly great care of us!

6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 AMPC
*- Once people fully realize they only need Me, their anxiety ends immediately. I am the All-Sufficient God—nothing and no one else is needed besides Me. So, place your faith in Me and keep it there because I will never disappoint you.

*- When we declare it’s our time, and we have a chance to be prosperous, we’re acknowledging that the uncertainty of how, when, what, and where can’t be predicted, understood, or controlled. This leaves us with two choices: to put our faith in God or drive ourselves crazy trying to figure out life on our own.
Proverbs 3:5-6 AMPC
5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

*- People who give up cut off the time and chance God intended to use to prosper them, and they’ll never discover who they were meant to be.
35 Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.
36 For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 AMPC
*- Our uncertainty is why we need to have faith and confidence in God, the One Who knows how everything will work out perfectly for us.

Lifework Assignment:
Never attempt to predict what will happen, lean on your understanding, or try to control any situation. Let God control your life, which you have given entirely over to Him.

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

What is Happening to Me? Pt. 3

I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, neither is bread to the wise nor riches to men of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 AMPC
*- time: as uncertain
*- chance: when things happen without any predictable, understandable, or controllable cause.

16 No king is saved by the great size and power of his army; a mighty man is not delivered by [his] much strength.
17 A horse is devoid of value for victory; neither does he deliver any by his great power.
18 Behold, the Lord’s eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness,
19 To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 33:16-19 AMPC
*- Winning against death and famine in any area of your life isn’t achieved through greatness or force. God alone frees us from the dying and starving areas in our lives.

13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (held in relative disregard in comparison with My feeling for Jacob).
14 What shall we conclude then? Is there injustice upon God’s part? Certainly not!
15 For He says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion (pity) on whom I will have compassion.
*- One reason time and chance happen to everyone is that God, in His sovereignty, can bypass someone’s natural advantage and elevate the person He has selected for success.

16 So then [God’s gift] is not a question of human will and human effort, but of God’s mercy. [It depends not on one’s own willingness nor on his strenuous exertion as in running a race, but on God’s having mercy on him.]
17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, I have raised you up for this very purpose of displaying My power in [dealing with] you, so that My name may be proclaimed the whole world over.

18 So then He has mercy on whomever He wills (chooses) and He hardens (makes stubborn and unyielding the heart of) whomever He wills.
Romans 9:13-18 AMPC
*- Who in your life causes frustration? If God, not you, allows an enemy in your life, it’s to show God’s power against them in His timing. The Bible tells us not to seek revenge and to love our enemies. If God made them your enemies in their hearts, He will bring justice for what they’ve done to you.

Lifework Assignment:
“Lord, thank You for Your mercy. Now I see that Your mercy goes beyond forgiving my sins; it gives me an advantage over those who seem to have already won due to their natural advantages.”

If you’d like to learn more about The Feast of the Lord, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

What is Happening to Me? Pt. 2

I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, neither is bread to the wise nor riches to men of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 AMPC
*- time: as uncertain
*- chance: when things happen without any predictable, understandable, or controllable cause.

1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”
Hosea 6:1-3 KJV
*- “Stop expecting to know. Your ‘not knowing’ is part of how I work. It will always feel uncertain to you when and where I will act, because you cannot predict, understand, or control how events will unfold. Your role is to have faith in Me, trusting that I am in control of the situation.”

*- “Being content with uncertainty about the specifics, but certain of My care for you, pleases Me. When you remain uncertain yet still have faith in Me, I am well pleased.”
8 Behold, I go forward [and to the east], but He is not there; I go backward [and to the west], but I cannot perceive Him;
9 On the left hand [and to the north] where He works [I seek Him], but I cannot behold Him; He turns Himself to the right hand [and to the south], but I cannot see Him.

10 But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous].
Job 23:8-10 AMPC
“Most people believe they are waiting for Me to give them a Word about how, when, and where. So, they place their faith in themselves and in others who speculate and guess the specifics, not realizing that they don’t need the specifics as a prophetic Word to trust Me. They only need Me—knowing how loving and caring I have always been toward them.”

Lifework Assignment:
Holy Spirit, since I deeply desire to converse with God about my situation, will You please reveal His perspective on how I should view my circumstance, so I can approach Him with the right conversation?

This is one way to begin deep conversations with God.

Using the example of Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, Apostle Wall reveals why embracing uncertainty is actually the perfect foundation for unshakeable faith. Get ready to have your trust in God elevated to a level you've never experienced before!

Here are the author's notes from this week's message:

What is Happening to Me? Pt. 1

11 God said to him, Because you have asked this and have not asked for long life or for riches, nor for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to recognize what is just and right,
12 Behold, I have done as you asked. I have given you a wise, discerning mind, so that no one before you was your equal, nor shall any arise after you equal to you.
1 Kings 3:11-12 AMPC
*- Let's explore what Solomon, whom God called the wisest man ever, said about what is happening to us.

I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, neither is bread to the wise nor riches to men of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 AMPC
*- time: as uncertain
*- It's okay and expected that we’ll be uncertain about when, where, how, or what God will do to bless us because we were never promised to know all the details. We shouldn't expect what we weren't promised. Jesus told us that the timing is in God's power and control. (Acts 1:7)

*- When we wait on the Lord, we will renew our strength and soar higher than our enemies. (Isaiah 40:31) Even though our earthly enemies may be the fastest in the race, the strongest in battle, the wisest in obtaining necessities, the most intelligent in gaining wealth, and the most skillful in winning favor, they can still lose because they rely on their own abilities instead of depending on God. We will wait on and depend on God.

I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, neither is bread to the wise nor riches to men of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 AMPC
*- Just like time, that which is uncertain, chance happens to us as well…
*- chance: when things happen without any predictable, understandable, or controllable cause.

*- Stop expecting to predict, understand, or control the specifics of your situation. According to Jeremiah 9:24, you’re to understand and know Me. If I want you to predict, understand, or control anything, I'll let you know. Often, I withhold specifics from you because you tend to shift your faith from Me to the specifics themselves. Then, when things don't happen at your desired time, you question why what you trusted in isn't working, forgetting that your faith should be in Me, not in the specifics.

Lifework Assignment:
1. Write or type at least one situation in your life that you feel uncertain about.
2. List everything you predict, understand, and control within that situation.
3. Then pray to God, saying, “Father, I release everything I’ve listed. I choose to trust You completely to work this situation out for me and will only act as You direct me.”

In this eye-opening sermon, you’ll learn:

-Why Jesus chose only certain disciples for intimate moments

-The power of recognizing limitations in ourselves and others

-The difference between separated favor and separated damnation

-How to tell if you’re living in a fantasy world

Don’t miss this incredible sermon about personal relationships with God, with a shocking cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting more!

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

Jesus & Relationships Pt. 2

And He permitted no one to accompany Him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.
Mark 5:37 AMPC
Six days after this, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves. And He was transfigured before them and became resplendent with divine brightness.
Mark 9:2 AMPC
And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be struck with terror and amazement and deeply troubled and depressed.
Mark 14:33 AMPC
*- Why did Jesus choose only Peter, James, and John to accompany Him during significant events?
*- If God sends someone into your life, understand their abilities and limitations to ensure they are appropriately placed in your life and you in theirs.

And when they knew (perceived, recognized, understood, and acknowledged) the grace (God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing) that had been bestowed upon me, James and Cephas (Peter) and John, who were reputed to be pillars of the Jerusalem church, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, with the understanding that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised (Jews).
Galatians 2:9 AMPC
*- Jesus knew which of His disciples possessed the trainable characteristics needed to be in His inner circle and whom He could trust deeply. His selection highlights the importance of intimate, trusting relationships in fulfilling divine purposes. They became known as pillars in the Church of Jesus Christ.

40 But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!

41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;
42 There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 10:40-42 AMPC
*- Be cautious of those, even in ministry, who are distracted from Jesus, who complain, and who try to distract you as well.
*- These are the ones who have left the realm of need and are now seeking to fulfill a fantasy (something that exists only in imagination). Only desire what is needful, not what is fantastic.

Lifework Assignment:
Ask yourself, “Am I distracted by fantastic things that I like to complain about, even in ministry, or am I focused and attracted to Jesus?”

Watch now to discover:

- The shocking truth about the enemy’s plans for America
- How God uses even betrayal to work for good
- The power of prayer in navigating challenging relationships
- Why we must stay under God’s covering

This message will leave you with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to stay strong in your faith. Don’t miss out, subscribe to our channel and share this message with others!

Here are the notes from this week’s message:

Jesus & Relationships

44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me, and [then] I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day.
John 6:44 AMPC
*- Jesus will raise those who God draws (gives the desire to come) to Him.

But [still] some of you fail to believe and trust and have faith. For Jesus knew from the first who did not believe and had no faith and who would betray Him and be false to Him.
John 6:64 AMPC
*- Jesus knew from the beginning who among His disciples would betray Him and who would not have faith in Him.

*- Jesus did what He saw His Father do.
1 THE VISION [seen by spiritual perception] of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah [the kingdom] and Jerusalem [its capital] in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: I have nourished and brought up sons and have made them great and exalted, but they have rebelled against Me and broken away from Me.
Isaiah 1:1-2 AMPC
*- God will make people great, knowing that they will leave Him.

*- Why did Jesus still train, teach, and love them, knowing how some would react and that all would eventually leave Him?

37 All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me].
John 6:37 AMPC
*- Jesus knew that His Father was the One Who gave the disciples to Him, and Jesus never rejected anyone God gave to Him.
*- Just because someone betrays you doesn’t mean the devil sent them. The Holy Spirit may or may not reveal who will be unfaithful to you. So, love everyone and treat them right because God sent them.

*- If your life belongs to God, however long an earthly relationship lasts, be grateful to God for His divine strategy for orchestrating your time and space.
*- The truth is that God never promised us a life devoid of trials. Tests are an integral part of the journey towards a fulfilled promise.

Lifework Assignment:
We must pray often to give God all of our past, present, and future relationships.
Past: To understand why God allowed people to treat us the way they did.
Present: To understand why God brought them into our lives and us into theirs.
Future: To use the wisdom gained from praying about the past and present.

This semester, we’re kicking off a new season of small groups designed to help you grow in your faith and build meaningful connections. We’ve got something for everyone:

-Fit Kids for the Kingdom: Fun fitness activities and spiritual growth for kids ages 12+ 🤸‍♀️💪✝️

-Sister Connection: Bond with other women through engaging activities and meaningful conversations 👯‍♀️❤️

-Do You Still Love Me?: Strengthen your marriage through intentional connection and service 💍💖

-Guys Around the Grill: Build brotherhood bonds through tough conversations and fun activities 🍔👨‍🤝‍👨

-Help Everyone Acquire Life: Learn how to walk in the power of God’s healing and help others find freedom 🙏🙌

Register online at https://www.orangeburgchurch.com/smal… to join a group. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others, grow in your faith, and make a difference!

Here are the author’s notes from this week’s message:

8 Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory (the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them.
*- God allows demons to reveal what might tempt us because He takes great delight when we choose Him and His righteousness over sin.

9 And he said to Him, These things, all taken together, I will give You, if You will prostrate Yourself before me and do homage and worship me.
10 Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.
*- We have the authority to command demons to stop speaking and depart from us.
11 Then the devil departed from Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Matthew 4:8-11 AMPC
*- It is crucial for our well-being to have someone minister to us after we’ve endured a test or trial.

9 Then his wife said to him, Do you still hold fast your blameless uprightness? Renounce God and die!
*- Some people believe that when something undesirable happens, there’s no point in living for God anymore because He didn’t protect His righteous ones. So, how should we respond?
10 But he said to her, You speak as one of the impious and foolish women would speak. What? Shall we accept [only] good at the hand of God and shall we not accept [also] misfortune and what is of a bad nature? In [spite of] all this, Job did not sin with his lips.
Job 2:9-10 AMPC
*- The point is that God never promised we wouldn’t face trials. Tests are merely stopovers on the way to a fulfilled promise.

Lifework Assignment:
Ask the Holy Spirit to keep you focused on the destination of your life, not the stopovers.

Here are the author's notes from this message:

Don’t Tell Me What to Do

1 NOW THE serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?
*- Before we obey any devil, he must first tempt us to doubt what God said.
2 And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden,
3 Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.

4 But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die,
5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity.
*- satan never told Eve to eat the fruit, but he did insinuate. That’s the moment we’re to resist the devil.

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good (suitable, pleasant) for food and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she gave some also to her husband, and he ate.
Genesis 3:1-6 AMPC
*- Never prioritize someone’s opinion over God‘s command.

12 The messenger who went to call Micaiah said to him, Behold, the words of the prophets foretell good to the king with one accord. So let your word be like one of them, and speak favorably.
13 But Micaiah said, As the Lord lives, what my God says, that will I speak.
2 Chronicles 18:12-13 AMPC
*- Whether it is a person or a demon speaking to you, command them not to dictate your actions.
*- We can only take this stance when we are fully committed to serving God with our words and actions.

Lifework Assignment:
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to grant you the sensitivity to know His guidance in every situation.
2. Also, ask God for discernment, wisdom, and understanding that will give you the boldness to successfully refuse every demon's insinuations and direct commands to disobey God.

Here are the notes from this week’s message:

Why We Eat Fruit

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
*- fruit: Metaphorically, that which originates or comes from something; an effect, result; equivalent to work, act, or deed.
*- Fruit is used in the singular form, denoting that the remaining works are results from the fruit, love.

20 A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
Proverbs 18:20-21 AMPC
*- The company we keep reflects the kind of influences we absorb.
*- All that we produce also reflects the kind of influences we absorb.

33 Either make the tree sound (healthy and good), and its fruit sound (healthy and good), or make the tree rotten (diseased and bad), and its fruit rotten (diseased and bad); for the tree is known and recognized and judged by its fruit.
34 You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.

35 The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things.
36 But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak.
37 For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.
Matthew 12:33-37 AMPC

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. [Ezek. 22:27.]
16 You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?
17 Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit.

18 A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration].
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.
20 Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:15-20 AMPC

Lifework Assignment:
1. Ask the Holy Spirit what are you doing right that causes you to bear good fruit.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit if you produce corrupt fruit and why?

The Feast of the Lord welcomes Nanette Larson, Deputy Director and Ambassador for Wellness & Recovery for the Illinois Department of Human Services and Mental Health, who delivers a powerful message!

• The X-Ray Factor of Fear: How fear exposes what we REALLY believe.
• The Power of Uncompromising Righteousness: Why God NEVER gives up on us, even when we fall.
• The Secret To Overcoming ANY Fear: Discover the type of belief that crushes doubt and unlocks miracles.

Get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and transformed! This sermon is packed with real-life examples and practical insights you can apply today. Don’t miss this message! 🔥

In this powerful sermon, Apostle Shane Wall dives into the X-Ray Factor of Fear, revealing what's really at the root of your fears and how to overcome it.

You'll hear a story about a man who felt like he was in a rut, until God revealed a simple truth that changed everything.

This sermon could be the key to unlocking the abundance you've always dreamed of. Don't miss it!

Here are the message notes from this week’s sermon:

*- When a person set out to follow a Rabbi (religious teacher), people would say, “May you be
covered with the dust of your Rabbi.” This saying meant disciples walked so closely behind the Rabbi on the ancient dirt roads in Israel while he was teaching that the dust from the Rabbi’s feet covered them. Onlookers saw the dust as honorable. Likewise, as disciples of Christ today, we should aspire to walk so closely behind Him that we are “covered with His dust.”

18 Now Jesus, when He saw the great throngs around Him, gave orders to cross to the other side [of the lake].
*- Has Jesus ever felt close to you at times and distant at others, or does He seem more distant than close?
*- There is a purpose for everything Jesus said and did, especially when teaching His disciples.
*- How do you respond to Jesus when it seems He is drifting away from you?
*- How, then, do you respond after He replies to you?

19 And a scribe came up and said to Him, Master, I will accompany You wherever You go.
20 And Jesus replied to him, Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have lodging places, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.
*- As a disciple of Jesus Christ, are we willing to follow Him even when the destination and the care you’ll receive is uncertain?

21 Another of the disciples said to Him, Lord, let me first go and bury [care for till death] my father.
22 But Jesus said to him, Follow Me, and leave the dead [in sin] to bury their own dead.
*- As a disciple of Jesus Christ, are we willing to obey Him over the needs of our family members or anyone or anything else that has our affectionate loyalty?
He who loves [and takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me;”
Matthew 10:37 AMPC

23 And after He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.
*- As a disciple of Jesus Christ, after being fatigued from working for Him and the evening comes, are we still willing to follow and work even more for Him?

24 And suddenly, behold, there arose a violent storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered up by the waves; but He was sleeping.
25 And they went and awakened Him, saying, Lord, rescue and preserve us! We are perishing!

26 And He said to them, Why are you timid and afraid, O you of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm (a perfect peaceableness).
27 And the men were stunned with bewildered wonder and marveled, saying, What kind of Man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!
Matthew 8:18-27 AMPC
*- As a disciple of Jesus Christ, are we willing to obey Him just as easily as the winds and the sea obey Him?

Lifework Assignment: Pray earnestly: “Holy Spirit, reveal to me anything I must do at any moment to uncompromisingly obey and follow my Lord Jesus.

Here are the notes from this week's message:

Dusty Disciples Pt. 2

*- When a person set out to follow a Rabbi (religious teacher), people would say, “May you be covered with the dust of your Rabbi.” This saying meant disciples walked so closely behind the Rabbi on the ancient dirt roads in Israel while he was teaching that the dust from the Rabbi’s feet covered them. Onlookers saw the dust as honorable. Likewise, as disciples of Christ today, we should aspire to walk so closely behind Him that we are “covered with His dust.”

19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:19 AMPC
*- Jesus never told us to make Christians; He told us to make disciples (students, hungry to learn).
*- Indeed, our goal is for people to commit their lives to Jesus. However, it's crucial that they truly understand who Jesus is first, then grasp His teachings and learn how to apply His words to their lives. Without this knowledge, they can't honestly know Him. After all, who commits to a serious relationship with someone they don't know?

*- Jesus' directive to "Go and make disciples..." essentially instructed us to inspire a desire to learn in others. How did He spark this hunger? Through sight and sound. He captivated them with unprecedented miracles and teachings. He told His disciples to "Teach them what I taught you," urging us to use similar methods to engage and educate prospective disciples…

20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).
Matthew 28:20 AMPC
*- Solely based on Jesus’ teachings and training, as faithful disciples, we commit to our spiritual growth through consistent participation in congregational, small groups, and all other gatherings, alongside prayer, fasting (if medically able), and daily Bible study. These dedicated practices help deepen our understanding of God and enrich our spiritual journey.

7 And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand!
8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give.
Matthew 10:7-8 AMPC
*- Again, sight and sound attract those who genuinely desire discipleship. Then, we continue to teach them how to successfully use sight and sound in their own lives to share their faith in Jesus with others.

*- How are we empowered to minister wisdom, understanding, and tangible miracles to others?
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:17-18 KJV

Lifework Assignment:
We live in a world powered by energy, from starting engines with a key turn to charging our phones and flipping light switches. We rely on this power every day to meet our needs. Similarly, God invites us to energize our faith in Him, believing that everything will work through His divine power just as we trust in unseen power to activate our devices.

Therefore, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to follow Jesus so closely that you instinctively know how to tap into His power for any need of yours or others.

Here are the sermon notes from this week!

*- At around 14 or 15 years old, young men completed their schooling and were assessed by Rabbis who visited their schools. These Rabbis selected the most exceptional students to become their disciples, using the invitation, “Follow me,” the same phrase Jesus used. (This selection was equivalent to medical or law school acceptance). The Rabbi assessed whether the young man had the potential to convey his teachings or "yoke." If selected, the disciple would leave everything behind—his hometown and familiar life—to follow the Rabbi closely, dedicating his life to emulate his mentor in every aspect, from teaching to mannerisms.

They were on the way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on in front of them; and they were bewildered and perplexed and greatly astonished, and those [who were still] following were seized with alarm and were afraid. And He took the Twelve [apostles] again and began to tell them what was about to happen to Him,
Mark 10:32 AMPC
*- When a young man set out to follow a Rabbi, people would say, “May you be covered with the dust of your Rabbi.” This meant disciples walked so closely that the dust from the Rabbi’s feet covered them. Onlookers saw the dust as honorable. Likewise, disciples of Christ should aspire to walk so closely behind Him that they are covered with His dust.

Dusty Disciples Pt. 1

*- If a Rabbi called you to follow him, you would adopt his set of rules and teachings (to faithfully obey each ritual, no matter how strenuous). The hope was that you would someday perpetuate their ideas to future generations. A Rabbi’s set of teachings in that day was called their “yoke.” This is what Jesus was talking about when he said,

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
Matthew 11:28-30 AMPC
*- The Rabbis of Jesus’ day put a heavy yoke loaded with burdens (of rituals and commands) on men and did not help to lift them (through teaching and sharing useful wisdom). Essentially, Jesus told those with heavy rabbinical, non-scriptural burdens that the burdens were unnecessary.

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-22 KJV
*- If the Rabbi rejected a young man, he would instruct him to go home, have children, learn your family’s business, and pray that one day you may become a Rabbi.
*- Since Jesus saw the teenagers working in their family's trade, it seems that other Rabbis had rejected them as students.
*- If we’ve ever felt rejected, please know that God protected us from something hard and harsh — saving us to follow Jesus as disciples (people who want to learn).

Lifework Assignment:
Ask Jesus to teach you daily, as a student, what He wants you to do for Him.

Voices in My Head Pt. 3

38 Whatever prayer or supplication is made by any or all of Your people Israel—each man knowing the affliction of his own heart, and spreading forth his hands toward this house [and its pledge of Your presence]—
39 Then hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart You know, for You and You only know the hearts of all the children of men,
1 Kings 8:39 AMPC
*- Devils cannot read our thoughts; only God knows them. He forgives us based on our hearts' thoughts rather than our words.

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart).
Proverbs 16:2
*- While humans may justify their actions, the Lord weighs our true motives, which our thoughts reveal.

*- When God thinks about us, what are His thoughts?
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Jeremiah 29:11
*- How God thinks about us is how we should think about ourselves because knowing God’s thoughts helps us to pray according to His will, not out of our insecurities.

My mind reels and wanders, horror terrifies me. [In my mind's eye I am at the feast of Belshazzar. I see the defilement of the golden vessels taken from God's temple, I watch the handwriting appear on the wall–I know that Babylon's great king is to be slain.] The twilight I looked forward to with pleasure has been turned into fear and trembling for me.
Isaiah 21:4 AMPC
*- Sometimes, our natural thoughts and emotions are deeply impacted when the Holy Spirit reveals something troubling to us.

46 But a controversy arose among them as to which of them might be the greatest [surpassing the others in excellence, worth, and authority].
47 But Jesus, as He perceived the thoughts of their hearts, took a little child and put him at His side
48 And told them, Whoever receives and accepts and welcomes this child in My name and for My sake receives and accepts and welcomes Me; and whoever so receives Me so also receives Him Who sent Me. For he who is least and lowliest among you all—he is [the one who is truly] great.
Luke 9:46-48 AMPC
*- When the Holy Spirit confirms someone's misguided thoughts, use an example to guide them towards correct thinking.

Lifework Assignment:
Pray this verse daily, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit for as long as He directs:
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

Here are the sermon notes from this week:

Voices in My Head Pt. 2

*- What can thoughts in our heads cause in our lives if we entertain them?

10 He Who disciplines and instructs the nations, shall He not punish, He Who teaches man knowledge?
11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain (empty and futile—only a breath).
*- vain: worthless; that which is of no value, use, or profit.

12 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law,
*- God’s Word, the Holy Bible, teaches us how to be disciplined and instructs us, so we don’t need the voices in our heads…

*- What is an enormous benefit to the Bible’s teaching, discipline, and instruction?
13 That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.
Psalm 94:10-13 AMPC
*- God entrusts supernatural calming power to those who are taught, disciplined, and instructed by His Word.

112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, even to the end.
113 I hate the thoughts of undecided [in religion], double-minded people, but Your law do I love.
Psalm 119:112-113 AMPC
*- double-minded: divided, half-hearted (in a religious sense); divided (in mind), i.e. (concretely) a skeptic thought.

The thoughts of the wicked are shamefully vile and exceedingly offensive to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasing words to Him.
Proverbs 15:26 AMPC
*- God hates the idolatrous thoughts of the wicked, even before the thoughts become words or actions.
*- The thoughts of the wicked are idolatrous because wicked people worship (deeply respect, love) and obey thoughts that oppose God’s will and Word.

The thoughts of the [steadily] diligent tend only to plenteousness, but everyone who is impatient and hasty hastens only to want.
Proverbs 21:5 AMPC
*- thoughts: plans, purpose
*- diligent: constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything
*- plenteousness: abundance, gain, profit
*- hastens to want: rushes to poverty

Lifework Assignment:
When you're unsure or can't remember a relevant scripture in a challenging situation, seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to reveal God's thoughts on your current circumstances.

Here are the sermon notes:

Voices in My Head

28 And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.
29 He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus.
30 But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]!
31 Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
Matthew 14:28-31 AMPC
*- doubt: hesitate
When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up.
Psalm 94:18 AMPC

So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].
John 5:19 AMPC
*- In Matthew 14:31, Jesus mirrored the action attributed to His Father in Psalm 94:18.
In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!
Psalm 94:19 AMPC
*- These verses in Psalms appear to directly prophesy Peter's struggle with his thoughts while walking on water.

*- How can we stop hearing voices in our heads?
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 KJV
*- “Neurological science has demonstrated that the human brain is incapable of focusing on two things at once.” -MIT Sloan Management Review
*- The voices in our heads prove we are listening instead of thinking. When we consciously think as Philippians 4:8 commands, the voices must cease.

4 When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
5 They will never [on any account] follow a stranger, but will run away from him because they do not know the voice of strangers or recognize their call.
27 The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:4-5,27 AMPC

8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 AMPC

Lifework Assignment:
Stop listening to and ultimately obeying random voices in your head, including your own.
Prayerfully, obediently, and consciously think only according to instructions in the scriptures.

To learn more about our church, or to find out how to discover your purpose, visit us online at www.orangeburgchurch.com

Here are the notes from this message:

Why Jesus Prayed (Resurrection Sunday)

5 So too Christ (the Messiah) did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed and exalted by Him Who said to Him, You are My Son; today I have begotten You;
6 As He says also in another place, You are a Priest [appointed] forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek.

7 In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered up definite, special petitions [for that which He not only wanted but needed] and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him Who was [always] able to save Him [out] from death, and He was heard because of His reverence toward God [His godly fear, His piety, in that He shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father].
8 Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered
Hebrews 5:5-8 AMPC

Lifework Assignment:
Pray according to your every want and need, using all of your strength and emotions toward God, not out of doubt, but out of desperate need for His miracles in your life.
Always pray while fearing God reverently and because you know He is able to save/rescue you from anything!

To learn more about our church, or to find out how to discover your purpose, visit us online at https://www.orangeburgchuch.com

We believe that deep, lasting change happens in the context of relationships. Join us as we discover the small group offerings here at The Feast of the Lord.

To learn more about our church, or to find out how to discover your purpose, visit us online at www.orangeburgchuch.com

Here are the notes from this message:

What’s Back There?

12 And the [two] men asked Lot, Have you any others here—sons-in-law or your sons or your daughters? Whomever you have in the city, bring them out of this place,
13 For we will spoil and destroy [Sodom]; for the outcry and shriek against its people has grown great before the Lord, and He has sent us to destroy it.

14 And Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, and said, Up, get out of this place, for the Lord will spoil and destroy this city! But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be [only] joking.
15 When morning came, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, Arise, take your wife and two daughters who are here [and be off], lest you [too] be consumed and swept away in the iniquity and punishment of the city.

16 But while he lingered, the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, for the Lord was merciful to him; and they brought him forth and set him outside the city and left him there.
17 And when they had brought them forth, they said, Escape for your life! Do not look behind you or stop anywhere in the whole valley; escape to the mountains [of Moab], lest you be consumed.
Genesis 19:12-17 AMPC

23 The sun had risen over the earth when Lot entered Zoar.
24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of the heavens.
25 He overthrew, destroyed, and ended those cities, and all the valley and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
26 But [Lot’s] wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Genesis 19:23-26 AMPC

What’s Back There?

*- God placed nothing in our past for us.

28 So also [it was the same] as it was in the days of Lot. [People] ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
29 But on the [very] day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed [them] all.
30 That is the way it will be on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.

31 On that day let him who is on the housetop, with his belongings in the house, not come down [and go inside] to carry them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back.
32 Remember Lot’s wife!
33 Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve and [a]quicken it.
Luke 17:28-33 AMPC

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
*- If you want to go F.A.R., forget and reach! Both are required for success.
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 KJV
*- Press: of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal

61 Another also said, I will follow You, Lord, and become Your disciple and side with Your party; but let me first say good-bye to those at my home.
62 Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.
Luke 9:61-62 AMPC

Lifework Assignment:
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you why you like to refer to your past or other people’s past.
2. Once the reasons are revealed, realize that you must change your way and focus of thinking.
3. Stop looking back because what’s back there is not for you.

Here are the notes from this message:

*- People aren’t inherently bad or good because evil and righteousness are both learned behaviors. What is inherent is the ability to choose.

23 Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 AMPC
*- God judges because He enjoys judging everyone.

*- Why does God take pleasure in judging people?
Far be it from You to do such a thing—to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as do the wicked! Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth execute judgment and do righteously?
Genesis 18:25 AMPC
*- God wants everyone to be judged fairly and righteously, and that’s why He is the ultimate Judge.

*- Why are people in this world so corrupt and unapologetically evil?
Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, the hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 AMPC

*- How does God judge?
Now will I shortly pour out My wrath upon you and finish spending My anger against you, and I will judge you according to your ways and will recompense you with punishment for all your abominations.
Ezekiel 7:8 AMPC
*- God judges us according to how our ways differ from or are in accordance with His Word, the Holy Bible.

4 I said to the arrogant and boastful, Deal not arrogantly [do not boast]; and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn [of personal aggrandizement].
5 Lift not up your [aggressive] horn on high, speak not with a stiff neck and insolent arrogance.
6 For not from the east nor from the west nor from the south come promotion and lifting up.
7 But God is the Judge! He puts down one and lifts up another.
Psalm 75:4-7 AMPC
*- God’s judgment decides who receives a promotion.

For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God?
1 Peter 4:17 AMPC
*- God always judges His own first. Therefore, before God judges you, it’s always best to ask Him if you acted according to His will in the situation He will surely judge.

Lifework Assignment:
1. Get alone, and ask God to judge your life.
2. Type or write what the Holy Spirit says to you.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit how to correct any wrongdoing that has led to God's judgment in your life.
4. Repent and correct (admit your ways are wrong, stop sinning, and do what God says is right).

Here are the notes from this message:

By Appointment Only
1 Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt:
2 You only have I known (chosen, sympathized with, and loved) of all the families of the earth; therefore I will visit upon you all your wickedness and punish you for all your iniquities.

3 Do two walk together except they make an appointment and have agreed?
*- Which one of the two agrees with God?
4 Will a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den if he has taken nothing?
5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth where there is no trap for him? Does a trap spring up from the ground when nothing at all has sprung it?

6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city and the people not be alarmed and afraid? Shall misfortune or evil occur [as punishment] and the Lord has not caused it?
7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
8 The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?
Amos 3:1-8 AMPC
*- Those who hear what God is saying now can’t help but prophesy.

1 Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
2 As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:
3 So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.
Job 7:1-3 KJV
*- How can we know if a trial is appointed or unnecessary?

*- How can we know if a trial is appointed or unnecessary?
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
John 16:33 AMPC
For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 AMPC
*- We will have trials, guaranteed. We will also have power over the trial with added joy!

27 And just as it is appointed for [all] men once to die, and after that the [certain] judgment,
28 Even so it is that Christ, having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many once and once for all, will appear a second time, not to carry any burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who are [eagerly, constantly, and patiently] waiting for and expecting Him.
Hebrews 9:27-28 AMPC
*- appointed: [the time of death is] awaiting him or her [to arrive there]

Lifework Assignment:
1. Time belongs to God, not Jesus, the angels, or us. Therefore, never pray according to time because God appoints the time for all we receive, whether a blessing or death.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to appropriately respond to God during each of your appointments in life.

Here are the message notes for this sermon:

Are we fully aware of what angers God?
*- Demons using us to undo what God has done.
*- Why do we think Jesus came to Earth and performed miracles?
[But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].
1 John 3:8 AMPC
*- Jesus’ reason for performing miracles is the same for us performing them — to undo devils’ works.

6 For a [heathen and hostile] nation [of locusts, illustrative of a human foe] has invaded My land, mighty and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and it has the jaw teeth of a lioness.
7 It has laid waste My vine [symbol of God’s people] and barked and broken My fig tree; it has made them completely bare and thrown them down; their branches are made white.
Joel 1:6-7 AMPC
*- The vine in this verse represents God’s people, and the fig tree represents Israel.
I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
Hosea 9:10 KJV

30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Matthew 24:30-33 KJV
*- Jesus referred to the fig tree in reference to His return because the fig tree represents Israel.

1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
2 Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write all the words that I have spoken to you in a book.
3 For, note well, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will release from captivity My people Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they will possess it.
Jeremiah 30:1-3 AMPC

*- God promised Israel that they would be their own state, but HAMAS continues fighting to overtake Israel to join the two states as one, with HAMAS controlling Israel. That’s not what God promised

*- What does the acronym H.A.M.A.S. mean? Ḥarakah al-Muqāwamah al-ʾIslāmiyyah, meaning “Islamic Resistance Movement”
*- H.A.M.A.S. was founded in 1987. The ancient Hebrew word, ḥă·mas, means: cruelty, damage, false, injustice, oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done)
*- When we see evil happening to Israel, that’s when Jesus said He’ll be at the door of His return.

Lifework Assignment:
Stay tuned to News Channels about Israel to become more aware of how close we are to Jesus’ return, and pray for Israel.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they prosper who love you [the Holy City]!
7 May peace be within your walls and prosperity within your palaces!
Psalm 122:6-7 AMPC

Here are the messages notes for this sermon:

*- Why are so many evil actions done on Earth, and why won’t God exterminate wicked ways?
God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth.
Genesis 1:26 AMPC
*- God gave us free will to choose whatever we want to do because He wants us to freely and wholeheartedly choose to love and obey Him.

*- What does God plan to do about all of the evil and sin in the world because it’s getting worse?!
*- Why are virtually all the events Jesus said would occur before He returns of a negative nature?

When Are We Leaving?

*- The negative nature is prophetic, noting how unrestrained sin will look and how nature will respond to God’s dissatisfaction. God, our loving Father, plans to rescue us from Earth’s increasing evil as sin becomes more normalized and legalized. Also, the approaching gloomy events are prophetic judgments on sin. Hopefully, people will now return to God. Jesus’ teachings about the end times serve as warnings and preparation to strengthen our faith, encourage us to persevere, and prepare to be ready for His return.

*- Since God won’t stop evil on the earth, how does He plan to rescue us?
51 Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed)
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed).
53 For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death).
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 AMPC

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!
18 Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 AMPC

*- When will God reach His limit of tolerating sin on Earth and instruct Jesus to return for us?
And He [that same Jesus Himself] is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours alone but also for [the sins of] the whole world
1 John 2:2 AMPC
*- propitiation: the means of appeasing (calming God’s anger) which restored (and still restores) man’s relationship back to God.

Lifework Assignment:
Make a list of ten people who you’ll commit to share this message with.
Go to youtube.com/TheFeastoftheLord to copy today’s link after 5:00 PM today.
Be brief and persuasive, explaining why they should engage with this message.
Also, share this message in conversation with people in your life because we want people to go to Heaven.