Dec 25

The Christmas Carol That Demands Liberty and Justice for All!

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Living Nativity Manger
Living Nativity

Do you know which Christmas Carol demands liberty and justice for all? I’m sure you’ve sung it 100 times or more. This carol was so controversial when written that it was once banned in churches in the country in which it was written.

O’ Holy Night was written in 1847 by Placide Cappeau as a Christmas Poem at the request of his parish priest in Paris France. Cappeau wrote it at a time when slavery was universally practiced throughout the world. The poem was later put to music by Adolphe Adam. This carol asserts the effects of the finished work of Christ on the slave trade. Verse 3 sings as follows:

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

O Holy Night was actually banned in French Churches but was adopted by abolitionists in the United States, and thanks to the tireless work of abolitionists in the U.S. and England, slavery was abolished except for in Muslim countries where it is still practiced today.

Today we look back on slavery with disdain. One day we will look back on abortion as we now look back on slavery. No one today would say I wouldn’t personally own a slave, but I wouldn’t stop someone else from owning one; however, pro-choice advocates and politicians make this very argument when they say I wouldn’t personally have an abortion, but I wouldn’t stop anyone else from having one!

When we talk about slavery, we’re talking about believing that some humans have less value and can be owned by other humans. When we talk about abortion, we’re talking about believing that some humans can be legally killed by other humans. We’re talking about killing preborn baby girls and boys and wounding their mothers and fathers. May we have the same resolve that William Wilberforce, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, and other abolitionists had to pray and work until all innocent human life is protected and oppression ceases!

Watch Pastor Bryan Longworth’s Sermon, The Christmas Carol That Demands Liberty and Justice for All!

Oct 24

Applying Biblical Principles to the Proposed Florida Constitutional Amendments and County Referendums


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This week, we begin looking at the proposed amendments to the Florida constitution. In today’s sermon, we look at Amendment 1, 2, and 5 and St Lucie County Ballot Issue 14. Amendments 1 and 2 deal with property tax exemptions for homestead and non-homestead properties. Amendment 5 would require a supermajority of both houses of the Florida Legislatures to raise taxes and/or fees, and the St Lucie County Ballot Issue 14 would raise the sales tax rate in Saint Lucie County by a half-cent.

In this sermon, we examine what God says about taxes, property rights, and we show the level of taxation that God defines as tyranny and that the founding fathers thought was ludicrous.

In next week’s sermon, we will discuss the remaining constitutional amendments.

Applying Biblical Principles to the Proposed Constitutional Amendments and County Referendums

Read Pastor Bryan Longworth’s Constitutional Amendment Voter Guide and other Voter Guides here.

Opening Passage – Psalm 149.

AMENDMENT 1 – Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Ballot Language: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to increase the homestead exemption by exempting the assessed valuation of homestead property greater than $100,000 and up to $125,000 for all levies other than school district levies. The amendment shall take effect January 1, 2019.

How The Amendment Reached The Ballot: Florida State Legislature

What Your Vote Means:

  • A Yes vote on this measure: exempts home values between $100,000 through $125,000 from property taxes—other than school taxes—which increases the maximum homestead exemption to $75,000.
  • A No vote on this measure: keeps the current homestead exemption structure and retains the $50,000 exemption rather than raising it to $75,000.

AMENDMENT 2 – Limitations on Property Tax Assessments

Ballot Language: Proposing an amendment to the state constitution to permanently retain provisions currently in effect which limit property tax assessment increases on specified non-homestead real property, except for school district taxes, to 10 percent each year. If approved, the amendment removes the scheduled repeal of such provisions in 2019 and shall take effect January 1, 2019.

How The Amendment Reached The Ballot: Florida State Legislature

What Your Vote Means:

  • A Yes vote on this measure: removes the January 1, 2019 sunset provision on the property tax assessment limitation of 10 percent each year for real property.
  • A No vote on this measure: maintains the January 1, 2019 expiration date for the 10 percent property tax limitation.

Biblical Principles:

1 Samuel 8:15 & 17 – “He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants… He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants.” (NKJV)

Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac

“It would be a hard government that should tax its people one-tenth part of their income.”

Rulers Must Live Within Their Means – 1 Samuel 8:9-18 & 6th, 8th, and 10th Commandments.

Rulers Must Protect Property Rights – Deuteronomy 19:14 – “You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.”

AMENDMENT 5 – Supermajority Vote Required to Impose, Authorize, or Raise State Taxes or Fees

Ballot Language: Prohibits the legislature from imposing, authorizing, or raising a state tax or fee except through legislation approved by a two-thirds vote of each house of the legislature in a bill containing no other subject. This proposal does not authorize a state tax or fee otherwise prohibited by the Constitution and does not apply to fees or taxes imposed or authorized to be imposed by a county, municipality, school board, or special district.

How The Amendment Reached The Ballot: Florida State Legislature

What Your Vote Means:

  • A Yes vote on this measure: mandates a two-thirds vote by each chamber of the legislature in order to enact new taxes or raise an existing tax/fee.
  • A No vote on this measure: retains the current simple majority required to enact new taxes or raise existing ones.

St Lucie County Ballot Issue No. 14: Half-Cent Local Government Surtax

Ballot Language: To fund projects to improve local roads, reduce traffic congestion, add sidewalks, improve local water quality, including the Lagoon, reduce neighborhood flooding and similar uses under Florida law and seek matching funds for these purposes, shall St. Lucie County levy a half-cent sales tax, for ten years, with expenditures reviewed by an independent citizens committee ensuring dollars are spent fairly throughout Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, St. Lucie Village and St. Lucie County?

What Your Vote Means:

  • A Yes vote on this measure: establishes an additional .5% sales tax in St Lucie County, making the sales tax rate in St Lucie County 7%.
  • A No vote on this measure: Keeps the current sales tax rate at 6.5%.
Pastor Bryan Longworth

Pastor Bryan Longworth

Feb 13

Sermon, Will Abortion Ever End? No America is Too Divided on This Issue!


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I'm a Woman and I Reject Abortion - Keep Abortion Safe and Legal

America Divided

I was recently speaking with someone who said that abortion will never end because America is too divided on this issue. Is this true? Is America too divided on abortion?

If we were to roll the clock back 160 years, wouldn’t we have found America deeply divided on another issue, slavery? I’m sure that some back then felt the same way about slavery. But brave men and women refused to believe that slavery would never end, tirelessly worked to see it end, and in fact, were blessed to see slavery abolished not only in their country but also throughout much of the world.

Is it possible that men and women today can make an impact on our nation to end the shedding of innocent human blood and protect women from the horrors of abortion? Could we actually see an end to abortion in our lifetime?

Opening Passage – Psalm 106.

Will abortion ever end?

Answer 2: No! America is too divided on this issue!

Slavery in America

The Bible on Slavery

Abortion in America

The Sanctity of Human Life — Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (NKJV)

Blood Guilt

“The Voice of Your Brother’s Blood Cries Out to Me from the Ground” – “… The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.’” (Genesis 4:8-10 NKJV)

The Death Penalty Instituted to Protect Life – “Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.” (Genesis 9:5-6 NKJV)

Cities of Refuge Created for Manslaughter and The Death Penalty for Murder – Numbers 35:30-34.

Cities of Refuge to be Expanded and The Death Penalty Confirmed for Murder – Deuteronomy 19:8-13.

Israel Defiled the Land and Was Judged – Psalms 106:35-42.

Manasseh Filled Jerusalem with Innocent Blood – 2 Kings 21:1-16.

The Righteous Reign of Josiah

  • Hilkiah Finds the Law of God
  • Josiah Repents Before God
  • Judgment is Prophesied, Josiah’s Heart for God Rewarded
  • Josiah Made a Covenant with God
  • Josiah Ended Baal Worship and Put the Priests of Baal to Death
  • Yet, The LORD Would Not Pardon!

Which the LORD Would Not Pardon – “And the LORD sent against him raiding bands of Chaldeans, bands of Syrians, bands of Moabites, and bands of the people of Ammon; He sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken by His servants the prophets. Surely at the commandment of the LORD this came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also because of the innocent blood that he had shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the LORD would not pardon.” (2 Kings 24:2-4 NKJV)

Forgiveness for the Shedding of Innocent Blood – Deuteronomy 21:1-9.

We Must Rescue Those Unjustly Sentenced to Death – Proverbs 24:11-12 – “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ Does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?” (NIV)

It’s Time for America and the Church to Return to God

2 Chronicles 7:13 ‑14 — “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  (NKJV)

Feb 04

A Tribute to Lexi Etheridge, 11/9/1994 – 1/20/2018


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Family Picture with Lexi EtheridgeEarly Saturday, January 20, my cousin, Lexi Etheridge, was struck by a car traveling at a speed of 85-90 miles per hour! She did not survive the crash.

There are many questions that run through our minds in times like these. Why did God take Lexi? Is Lexi in a better place (Heaven)? Do all go to heaven when they die? Am I good enough to go to heaven? Should we pray for Lexi? What good can possibly come from Lexi’s death?
Today, we look to the Bible for answers to these questions.

Opening Passage – Psalm 23.

Should we pray for Lexi?

Hebrews 9:27-28 —“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”  (NKJV)

Is Lexi in a better place (heaven)?

Do all go to heaven?

Luke 16:23 – “And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”  (NKJV)

Matthew 5:20-22 – “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. ”  (NKJV)

Is it possible to be good enough to enter heaven?

Romans 3:9-26 –

Do Christians who die go to heaven?

2 Corinthians 5:6-11 – “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” (NKJV) (Reference 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.)

Is Lexi in heaven today?

 

Why did God take Lexi?

Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

1 Kings 14:10-13 – “‘therefore behold! I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every male in Israel, bond and free; I will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as one takes away refuse until it is all gone. 11 The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Jeroboam and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field; for the LORD has spoken!’ 12 Arise therefore, go to your own house. When your feet enter the city, the child shall die. 13 And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he is the only one of Jeroboam who shall come to the grave, because in him there is found something good toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.” (NKJV)

Unless a grain of whet falls into the ground, it remains alone…

John 12:23-24 – “But Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.’” (NKJV)

Jan 20

Don’t Miss The Upcoming Sanctity of Human Life Week Events in Your Area


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January 22, 2018, marks the 45th anniversary of the dreadful Roe v Wade decision that has resulted in the slaughter of over 65,000,000 preborn baby girls and boys in America. Many Floridians will take part in the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. There are several events throughout Florida though where prolifers will gather to remember the babies who have been lost and stand for life. We encourage you to make plans to attend one of these events near you in Broward, Charlotte, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, and St. Lucie Counties as well as events for the entire state.

 

Entire State
Enjoy and Defend Life Days
Florida State Capitol
400 S Monroe St
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Start Date: Jan. 22nd, 2018 – End Date: Jan. 23rd, 2018.

Please join Personhood FL and Florida Family Policy Council for Enjoy and Defend Life Days at the Capitol! Every year we get feedback about how our Pro-Family Days at the Capitol has changed people’s perspectives and lives, which is why we confidently call this year’s event a life-changing one. It’s also why we want you to come join us in Tallahassee on January 22nd and 23rd. This year’s theme is “A Celebration of Life”. We are honoring pregnancy center directors from around the state as our special guests.
Register with Florida Family Policy: https://flfamily.org/profamilydays.
Register with Personhood FL: 772-873-7187.

9 Days for Life:
January 18-26, 2018
9 Days for Life is a “digital pilgrimage” of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person’s life. A multi-faceted novena highlighting a different intention each day provides reflections, bonus information, and suggested actions.
Join to receive the novena through the 9 Days for Life app, daily emails, or daily texts. See below for information on how else you can get involved!
http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/nine-days-of-prayer-penance-and-pilgrimage.cfm.

Broward County
Walk for Life at St. Clement
St. Clement Catholic Church
2975 North Andrews Avenue
Wilton Manors, Florida 33311
Start Date: Jan. 20th, 2018 Timezone: Eastern
Start Time: 9:00am – End Time: 12:00pm
Description: Please join us at St. Clement Church for the annual Walk for Life event. Mass will begin at 8 a.m., and the walk from 9 a.m.-noon.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 9 a.m. until Benediction at 11:30 a.m.
Please walk or sponsor a walker as you pray for our ministry. For more information on this event, please call 954-565-0229.
Website: https://www.miamiarch.org/CatholicDiocese.php?op=Upcoming_Events_Respect_Life.

Charlotte County
Life Chain will be held Sunday, January 21 between 2-3 p.m. at corner of Highway 776 and Tamiami Trail. Signs are provided!
Call Bob McDuffie: 941-769-6291.

Duvall County
March for Life Jacksonville will be held noon Monday, January 22 in front of the U.S. Federal Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. Signs will be provided across the street in Hemming Plaza. Weather permitting, free Precious Feet pins, bumper Pro-Life bumper stickers and 2018 wall calendars, while supplies last. Parking at meters and hourly lots. Give yourself extra time to find a spot. More info call 904-318-3517

Sanctity of Human Life, Monday, January 29 at 6:30pm will be held at Ancient Baptist Church in St. Augustine. Featured speaker is Jerry Hendrix from Save One More Now Inc. More info call 904-429-0159

Prayer Vigils
Women’s Choice of Jacksonville, formerly known as AJAX – A Jacksonville Women’s Health Center, 4131 University Blvd S.
Monday 8:30am – 9:30am
Tuesday 8:30am – 9:30am
Wednesday 8:30am – 9:30am
Thursday 8:30am – 9:30am
Friday 8:30am – 9:30am
Saturday 8:00am – 10:00am

Prayer Vigils
Planned Parenthood, 5978 Powers Ave
Tuesday 8:30am – 4:30pm

Hillsborough County
6th Annual Tampa Bay Pro-Life Youth Rally
Start: Friday, February 23 at 9:00am
End: Saturday, February 24 at 2:00pm
Where: Mary Help of Christians Center
6400 East Chelsea Street
Tampa, FL 33610
Description: Tampa Bay Pro-Life Youth Rally provides an opportunity for youth from around the bay to come together and learn more about being pro-life. The youth hear from keynote speaker, attend break out sessions, have an opportunity for Mass and Confessions, and visit pro-life vendors. Cost is $10 per person with lunch included. Participant must be in 8th grade or older to attend, families are welcome! Please register for the event by January 26th, 2018. February 23rd of the event is for school groups and February 24th is open to youth groups, parish groups, and families.
Price: $10 per person with lunch included
Phone: 5732255381
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/121983745166515/.

Orange County
A Time of Public Witness, Remembrance & Prayer
January 22, 2018
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Orlando City Hall
400 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL
Description: Join us as we gather together for a time to remember those little ones who have lost their lives through the horrific act of abortion made legal in 1973 by Roe v Wade.
https://www.facebook.com/plamcentralflorida
Contact: Michele Herzog
Phone: 407-230-2557

St. Lucie County
Treasure Coast March for Life
Saturday, January 20, 2018
11:30 – 2:00

* A peaceful March (less than 1 mile) from “A Woman’s World Medical Center” (503 S. 12th St. Fort Pierce 34952) (the only abortion clinic on Treasure Coast) to Fort Pierce City Hall (100 N. US1)
* Pro-Life Leaders, including Pastor Bryan Longworth, President of Personhood FL, will speak at the Rally at Fort Pierce City Hall and have information about their ministries.
* Participants are encouraged to bring signs that proclaim the sanctity of human life. Churches/Groups are encouraged to bring signs mentioning their organization. A limited # of loaner signs (100) will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Itinerary
11:30 a.m. – Meet at the corner of Delaware Avenue and 12th Street in Fort Pierce in front of the Abortion Clinic. (parallel parking available on Delaware Avenue and in the empty lot at N.E. corner of Delaware Avenue and 13th Street)
12:00 p.m. – Peaceful March on sidewalks from Abortion Clinic to Ft. Pierce City Hall (only 8/10 of a mile) followed by Rally at City Hall.
12:45 p.m. Rally: Leaders of local pro-life ministries and Clergy will speak about their ministries.
1:30-2:00 p.m. – Marchers will be shuttled back to vehicles

**Those who don’t want to March can park in the parking garage at City Hall and attend the Rally.

Jan 19

2018 Treasure Coast March for Life


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8th Annual Treasure Coast March for Life
Saturday, January 20, 2018
(45th Anniversary of Roe v Wade)

Treasure Coast March for Life 2011

Treasure Coast March for Life

Treasure Coast March for Life
Saturday, January 20, 2018
(45th anniversary of Roe v Wade)

* A peaceful March (less than 1 mile) from “A Woman’s World Medical Center” (503 S. 12th St. Fort Pierce 34952) (the only abortion clinic on Treasure Coast) to Fort Pierce City Hall (100 N. US1)

* Pro-Life Leaders, including Pastor Bryan Longworth, President of Personhood FL, will speak at the Rally at Fort Pierce City Hall and have information about their ministries.

* Participants are encouraged to bring signs that proclaim the sanctity of human life. Churches/Groups are encouraged to bring signs mentioning their organization. A limited # of loaner signs (100) will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Itinerary
11:30 a.m. – Meet at the corner of Delaware Avenue and 12th Street in Fort Pierce in front of the Abortion Clinic. (parallel parking available on Delaware Avenue and in the empty lot at N.E. corner of Delaware Avenue and 13th Street)

12:00 p.m. – Peaceful March on sidewalks from Abortion Clinic to Ft. Pierce City Hall (only 8/10 of a mile) followed by Rally at City Hall.

12:45 p.m. Rally: Leaders of local pro-life ministries and Clergy will speak about their ministries.

1:30-2:00 p.m. – Marchers will be shuttled back to vehicles

**Those who don’t want to March can park in the parking garage at City Hall and attend the Rally.

***The goal of this year’s march is to raise awareness that preborn children are being aborted in Fort Pierce and to get more people involved in local Pro-Life Ministries on a regular basis including the local younger generation.

Jan 14

Sermon, It’s Time for Your Examination, New Year’s Resolution


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This time of year, many examine themselves to determine where they need to change and make New Year’s resolutions. Some may even have already broken their resolutions.
Should we examine ourselves at this time of the year, and if so, in what ways? Should we ask God to examine us? In what ways do you need to change this year?

It’s Time for Your Examination

Body Network Personhood Florida Bryan Longworth

Pastor Bryan Longworth

Opening Passage  – Psalm 139.

It’s Time for Your Physical Examination

1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (NKJV)

It’s Time to Examine Your Priorities

1 Timothy 4:8 – “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (NKJV)

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (NKJV)

It’s Time for Your Spiritual Examination

Psalms 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.” (NKJV)

2 Peter 1:10-12 – “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.” (NKJV)

Philippians 2:12-13 – “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (NKJV)

Galatians 6:4 – “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” (NKJV)

Psalm 19:7-14.

Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (NKJV)

Psalm 119:9, 104-106 – “How can a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed according to Your word… Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.” (NKJV)

It’s Time to Develop a Biblical Worldview

Romans 12:1‑2 — “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  (NKJV)

Ephesians 5:26 — “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,” (NKJV)

It’s Time for Your Relational Examination

John 13:34-35 NKJV – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 13.

It’s Time for Your Financial Examination

1 Timothy 6:6-10 – “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (NKJV)

Deuteronomy 8:18 – “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (NKJV)

Proverbs 27:23-27 – “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field; You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.” (NKJV)

It’s Time for Our Civil Government’s Examination

Psalms 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” (NKJV)

Deuteronomy 8:19-20 – “Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God.” (NKJV)

Jan 09

Sermon, The Goodness of God


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If we were able to live thousands of years, here on earth, we could never even come close to understanding or fully appreciating the love and the goodness of Almighty God! Everything that God does for mankind is good and He is the Only one who can take the worst things in our lives and turn them around to make something good out of them! His ways are far above ours and are unsearchable!

Pastor Chuck Longworth

Pastor Chuck Longworth

Title: The Goodness of God

Opening Passage: Psalm 27

Other passages: Ps 118: 1 – 14, Ps 124, Ps 138: 7 – 8, Ps 139, Ps 61, Ps 63, Ps 71: 1 – 9, Ps 89: 1 – 2, Ps 91.

Psalms 138:7-8 NKJV 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. 8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Psalms 89:1-2 NKJV 1 <> I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

Dec 25

Sermon, Should We Celebrate Christmas December 25 Even Though Jesus Probably Wasn’t Born Then?


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Living Nativity 2016

Living Nativity 2016

This time of year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s common to see Christmas lights and trees. It’s common to see living nativities, but was Jesus really born on Christmas Day? While we can’t really know exactly when Jesus was born, the Bible does give clues that can help us determine when Jesus was born. This week we ask the question, should we celebrate the birth of Christ December the 25th even if Jesus wasn’t born on Christmas Day?

During the first part of this week’s sermon, Pastor Bryan Longworth mistakenly said that the Jewish calendar is only 51 days. He meant to say that it is only 51 weeks long and has an extra month every third year.

Should We Celebrate Christmas December 25 Even Though Jesus May Not Have Been Born Then?

Opening Passage — Isaiah 9.

Luke 1:1-2:17

Vs. 7 – They were advanced in years and Elizabeth was barren

Clue Number 1 – Luke 1:10 – When would the whole multitude of the people be praying at the hour of incense in Jerusalem?

Clue Number 2 – Luke 1:23-25 – What was the timing of the conception of John the Baptist?

Clue Number 3 – Luke 1:26-38 – What was the timing of the conception of Jesus?

Clue Number 4 – Luke 1:56-57 – What was the timing of the birth of John the Baptist?

Clue Number 5 – Luke 2:8-16 – Would shepherds have been in the field in the latter part of December?

Christ Came to Rule the World

Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (NKJV)

The Bible Contains Many Unfulfilled Prophesies Concerning the Universal Reign of Christ – Psalm 93; 95-100.

When Christ is Coming Back – Psalms 110:1 – “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’”  (NKJV)

The Progressive Reign of Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:25‑26 – “For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  (NKJV)

We Are Called to Disciple the Nations

Matthew 28:18‑20 – “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”  (NKJV)

We Are Called to Take the Gospel to the World – Acts 1:8 – “. . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  (NKJV)

Dec 18

Sermon, Was Jesus Born December 25 – If Not, Should We Celebrate Christmas December 25 – Part 2


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Living Nativity 2016

Living Nativity 2016

This time of year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s common to see Christmas lights and trees. It’s common to see living nativities, but was Jesus really born on Christmas Day? While we can’t really know exactly when Jesus was born, the Bible does give clues that can help us determine when Jesus was born. This week we continue looking for those clues as we seek to answer this question.

Was Jesus Born December 25? If Not, Should We Celebrate Christmas December 25?

Opening Passage — Psalm 89.

Luke 1:1-2:17

Vs. 7 – They were advanced in years and Elizabeth was barren

Clue Number 1 – Luke 1:10 – When would the whole multitude of the people be praying at the hour of incense in Jerusalem?

Clue Number 2 – Luke 1:23-25 – What was the timing of the conception of John the Baptist?

Clue Number 3 – Luke 1:26-38 – What was the timing of the conception of Jesus?

Clue Number 4 – Luke 1:56-57 – What was the timing of the birth of John the Baptist?

Clue Number 5 – Luke 2:8-16 – Would shepherds have been in the field in the latter part of December?