January 2019 to April 2019 | Issue #53gardencityag.org/KingdomConnection53DigitalMagazine.pdf · 2019. 1. 12. · Through Jesus Christ Salvation is deliverance from spiritual death

Messages by Rev.Dr. Ernest V. George from The Potter’s House based on Jeremiah 18:1-6

January 2019 to April 2019 | Issue #53

Straight from my heart...

God’s Word is powerful! I have always stated that the Word of God is

like a diamond with many facets. You can look

at it from different angles and it still shines

with the great brilliance of God’s wisdom and

truth. In line with that thought I’d like to

mention about my favorite passage –

Jeremiah 18:1-6, I have preached from this

Scripture portion many times over the last 35

years of my ministry. Each time I sat to

prepare a sermon from this particular passage,

God revealed something new! It still amazes

me. So I decided to incorporate few sermons

from the Potter’s House into this issue of the

Kingdom Connection.

The message that God presents is simple. God

is the Potter and we are the clay in His Hand.

He has the right and authority to do what He

wants with us. All that we need to do is be

pliable in His Hands!

Being pliable is not easy. It calls for humility and extreme trust in God. For trust to be developed we must read and meditate on the Word of God. Faith comes from the hearing of God’s Word [Romans 10:17]. The

more of God’s Word in us, the more our faith in His goodness. God can be trusted. He has a wonderful track-

record of faithfulness!

Humility again is something that we must work on. It is so easy to fall prey to pride; We tend to trust in the

work of our hands when all along its He who has been helping, assisting and carrying us forward.

Do a check daily if your reliance is on your self or in God. If you wish to serve God,

there are four lessons that we can learn from the Potter’s House:-

January - April 2019 Kingdom Connection | 3

Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George Founder & Senior Pastor Garden City AG International Worship Centre

1. PLAN: Follow a plan. The Potter had a plan- a mental design – of the pot that he wanted to make. He did not just take the

clay and ‘go with the flow’. He already had something in His mind. Similarly God has a designer plan

for your life. It is nothing haphazard. He has a plan for every day, every moment of your life.

You too must have a plan for serving God. What do you have in mind? In a factory setup, engineers

close down sick units and work at building up units that are productive. Similarly you must let go off

things that are unproductive and drain your time and energy and focus on that which bring results.

Serving God means you will be dealing with people – lives that are far from being perfect. Planning means that you are prepared for all contingencies. If you fail to plan, you will fail.

2. PROBLEM: Face problems with courage.

The Potter struggled with the clay because it was not falling into the pattern that he had in mind.

Do not resist problems. Every plan to serve God will encounter troubles. Use every obstacle as an

opportunity to grow and move forward. God will give you the strength and wisdom to overcome every

problem. Be a problem-solver. Address the matter with the wisdom available in the Word of God. His

Spirit will guide you if you are willing to wait on God.

3. PURPOSE: Figure out the purpose of your calling.

The Potter knew what he was supposed to do. His purpose was to make clay vessels. Just because it

did not work once it didn't mean that his purpose was something else.

Every problem will drive you towards your purpose. Be sensitive and identify where the issue is

leading. Every person that God called has a specific purpose to fulfill. You will discover it as you

pursue God diligently.

4. PRODUCT: Finish the race victoriously.

The Potter did not throw away the clay even though it was marred, rather he reshaped it according to

another pattern. The pot was ready!

The ultimate result of our calling is to become more like Jesus – that’s the final product!

As you go through this Kingdom Connection, may God reveal His precious truths to you from the

Potter’s House.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year 2019! Be shaped according to the Potter’s Plan!

In His Hands,


We Believe!!

Salvation Through Jesus Christ Salvation is deliverance from spiritual death and enslavement by sin. God provides salvation for all who believe and accept His free offer of forgiveness. Mankind’s only hope of redemption from the fallen sinful state is through the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son–blood that was shed as Jesus died on the cross. [The account of the crucifixion of Jesus is recounted by four of His contemporaries: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23 ; John 19] (Luke 24:47; John 3:3,16,17; Romans 8:16; 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8,9; 4:24; Titus 2:11-12; 3:5-7)

Divine Healing Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers. (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16)

Baptism in the Holy Spirit All believers are entitled to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and therefore should expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all believers in the early Christian church. With the experience comes the provision of power for victorious Christian living and productive service. It also provides believers with specific spiritual gifts for more effective ministry. The baptism of Christians in the Holy Spirit is accompanied by the initial physical sign of speaking in other tongues (unlearned languages) as the Spirit of God gives them audible expression. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; 2:4; 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31)

The Second Coming of Christ All Christians who have died will one day rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air. Christians who have not yet died will be raptured or caught up with them, to be with the Lord. Then Christians of all ages will live with God forever. The scriptural truth of the Lord’s soon return is "the blessed hope". (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13)

Bold. Biblical. Refreshingly Practical.


Membership: We incorporate God’s family into our fellowship Maturity: We educate God’s people through discipleship Ministry: We demonstrate God’s love through service Mission: We communicate God’s Word through evangelism Magnify: We celebrate God’s Presence in worship!

All Scripture References are from the Amplified Version, unless otherwise mentioned. Prayer Guide is in the New King James Version [NKJV]

Coordinator Santosh Joseph

Photographs Freddy / Malcolm D’Souza /

Sandra Michelle Raj

Graphic Designer Gladis Anitha Joel

GodWord Videos recorded by Sandra Michelle Raj Sermon CD / DVD of Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George is edited by Joel Anand Kumar

Kingdom Connection is published by Garden City Ministries, a non-profit organisation. Reproduction of the magazine in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Kingdom Connection does not accept unsolicited manuscripts or articles as all content for the magazine is prepared well in advance with much planning. Email: [email protected] ; Website: www.gardencityag.org

Credits

There are five key words that summarize the purpose of GCAGIWC.

Editorial Team

Publisher Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George


Work Principles from the Potter’s House

Laws governing your assignment!

Jeremiah 18:1-6 – ‘1The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words. 3Then I went down to the potter’s house, and behold, he was working at the wheel. 4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. 5Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? says the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

This particular passage of Scripture has a wealth of spiritual knowledge concerning employment. One of the key lessons to learn here is the importance of WORK. WORK is a divine mandate that God has given us. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – ‘11To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, 12So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing. When you read the Scripture, you know that God calls those who are working, not lazy people who are idling away their time. Even Christians are wasting time in the context of ‘waiting on God!’ God honors WORK. And its important that we use what God has given for honest service.

Few examples of those whom that God called at their work-place:- ² Moses was shepherding his father-in-law’s flocks when God appeared to him at the Burning Bush – Exodus 3 ² Joshua served Moses diligently and God called him to be the leader of Israel after Moses – Joshua 1 ² Gideon met the angel while he was threshing the wheat – Judges 6 ² Samuel heard the voice of God in the Temple where he served – 1 Samuel 3 ² David was tending the sheep when God told Samuel to anoint him as the next king of Israel – 1 Samuel 16 ² Amos was a shepherd boy that God called out to be a prophet – Amos 1 ² The disciples- Simon Peter and Andrew were busy fishing and James and John were helping their father in the boat when Jesus called them – Matthew 4 ² Matthew became a disciple of Jesus when Jesus called him as he was working in the tax-collector’s booth – Matthew 9


1 . C r e a t e a p l a n f o r y o u r assignment! Jeremiah 18:3 – ‘3Then I went down to the potter’s house, and behold, he was working at the wheel. The Potter does not work on the clay without having a plan in mind. He visualizes the vessel even before it is created. MIND creates the MATTER! Develop a PLAN for the Vessel and decide the PURPOSE of the Vessel. Preparation and planning can mean the difference between winning and losing!

The Potter was working at the wheel and God told Jeremiah to go and WATCH him at his work! God was going to reveal some truths to him, through this enterprise.

Here are Five Laws that govern your assignment

It is better to prepare than to repair! John C Maxwell

Visualize what you desire, see it in your mind’s eye before you attempt any task. Proverbs 24:27 – ‘[Put first things first.] Prepare your work outside and get it ready f o r y o u r s e l f i n t h e f i e l d ; a n d afterward build your house and establish a home. God gave MOSES a plan and design for the Tabernacle. David gave the plan and design for the Temple to Solomon. God had in mind the Plan of Redemption and sent His only Son to the Cross of Calvary! Jeremiah 29:11 – ‘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. God has a plan for you too! It’s a plan for your good and not for evil. You must have a plan for your assignment.

2. Commence with what you already have! Jeremiah 18:4 – ‘4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; The Potter used the clay that he had with him. He used what was available. Start with what you have. It may not be the best, but a skilled Potter knows how to work around the clay. Don’t wait for the glorious day when you will HAVE plenty before you begin to work. It starts with a little. Zechariah 4:10 – ‘Who [with reason] despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice when they see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel. [These seven] are the eyes of the Lord which run to and fro throughout the whole earth. Do not despise the day of small things / beginnings! Your start may seem humble and not worth mentioning, but so did the lives of great achievers. See how a little made a difference in the lives of those in the Bible.

² Moses began as a baby abandoned in the Nile to become the leader of Israel! – Exodus 2 ² Rahab offered the Israel spies protection in her home and was saved and became part of the lineage of the Messiah! – Joshua 2 ² Ruth took care of her mother-in-law Naomi and she too joined the lineage of Jesus Christ! – Ruth ² The Widow of Zarephath gave her last portion of flour to Elijah the Prophet and was delivered from her poverty – 1 Kings 17 ² David was a mere shepherd-boy who loved God and became the 2nd King of Israel – 1 Samuel 16 ² The Shunammite woman built a room for the Prophet Elisha above her home and God blessed her with a son! – 2 Kings 4:10


²  Jesus the Son of God was born in a manger but His obedience exalted Him as Lord of lords! – Philippians 2

²  The lad gave Jesus 5 loaves and 2 fish that multiplied to feed thousands! – John 6

3. Continue despite tough times! Jeremiah 18:4a – ‘4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; Don't give up when the going gets tough. When the going gets tough, the tough get going!! The clay that the Potter was working with became SPOILED / MARRED / RUINED! It seemed to be worthless to work with. Tough times in our lives can mar us – emotionally, physically, mentally or even financially. But it is not the end! Ruined or marred – You are still in the Hands of the Master Potter! Isaiah 49:15-16 – ‘15[And the Lord answered] Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. 16Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands; [O Zion] your walls are continually before Me. 2 Timothy 2:19 – ‘But the firm foundation of (laid by) God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. The Shepherd knows the sheep; The Potter knows the clay; The Father knows the Son …… and GOD KNOWS YOU! So don’t quit when things don’t go according to plan! Stay on the wheel! 4. Changes must be made as and when necessary! Jeremiah 18:4b – ‘4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it.

Identify and use what you have and God will multiply and add to what you already have. When you make use of what you have, more will be given to you!

In the Parable of the Talents Jesus commended the servant who was faithful over LITTLE things! Because how you handle the small things determine how you will take care of big things. Luke 19:17 – ‘And he said to him, Well done, excellent bond servant! Because you have been faithful and trustworthy in a very little [thing], you shall have authority over ten cities. God has blessed EVERYONE with gifts and talents. There is an untapped resource in you! James 1:17 – ‘Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. 1 Timothy 4:14 – ‘Do not neglect the gift which is in you, [that special inward endowment] which was directly imparted to you [by the Holy Spirit] by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you [at your ordination].


Be willing to make necessary changes. The Potter did not throw away the clay, he reworked it into another shape: Ø one that suited the Potter Ø one that yielded to the Hands of the Potter. CHANGE is the ONLY constant in life! So be willing to change and adjust yourself to the circumstances. Don’t be stiff-necked, stubborn or hard-hearted wanting things to go your way. Be flexible. 2 Timothy 2:20,21 – ‘20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also [utensils] of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable and noble [use] and some for menial and ignoble [use]. 21So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work. Not all the vessels are for the same use. Similarly, believers are called as ‘vessels’ in the Word of God. If you want to be used by God for an honorable purpose – you must be holy. Life comes with interruptions and unexpected troubles. Be willing to make the changes to fall in line with God’s plan. 5.Complete the assignment diligently and always! Jeremiah 18:4c – ‘4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. The Potter completed his task of making ANOTHER VESSEL. According to how the clay was yielded and moldable in his hands, the Potter designed another vessel. Always diligently complete the assignment. Don’t leave your work half-way. Jesus completed His assignment on the Cross of Calvary!

John 19:30 – ‘When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, It is finished! And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. Paul the Apostle, towards the end of his life, as he neared his execution, stated that he had finished what he was called to do. 2 Timothy 4:7 – ‘ I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. Complete the work that is entrusted to you. Just as the Potter finished the work on the Vessel – you too must finish your assignment. Ecclesiastes 9:10 – ‘ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the place of the dead), where you are going. Give it all you’ve got – for you are serving the Master!

Don’t ever quit on God, because God never quit on you!

Joyce Meyer

Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George Founder & Senior Pastor Garden City AG International Worship Centre

Excerpts from the sermon preached at Garden City AG IWC


The Potter’s House Reflection of the Father’s Heart!

Jeremiah 18:1-6 – ‘1The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words. 3Then I went down to the potter’s house, and behold, he was working at the wheel. 4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. 5Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? says the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

There is another imagery that is depicted at the Potter’s House and that is that of the Father God and His children, those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Let us draw some lessons from here:- 1. Reminder that we are clay in the Hand of the Potter! Jeremiah 18: 4 – ‘4 And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. The Bible uses a lot of imagery to help us understand our position with God. For example, God is the Father, we are the children; God is the Vine, we are the branches; God is our Shepherd and we are the sheep….to mention a few. However, the most touching image is that of the Potter and the clay.

This passage of Scripture is a reminder that we are just clay! But we are in the Hands of the Almighty God! From Genesis we know that God created man from the dust of the earth. Genesis 2:7 – ‘7 Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being. Isaiah the Prophet cried out to the Lord acknowledging God as the Father and Potter! Isaiah 64:8 – ‘Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand.


The first lesson we learn is that we are the CLAY in the Hands of God, our Father. We have nothing to boast about, but only rest in the comfort of being in His Hands! 2. Recognize that the Father is the Designer! Jeremiah 18: 6 – ‘6 O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? says the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. God, the Father is the Master Designer. He has fashioned you while you were in your mother’s womb. Every thing in your life is planned by God. Psalm 139:13-15 – ‘13 For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You when I w a s b e i n g f o r m e d i n s e c r e t [ a n d ] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. The Father created and shaped you the way He wanted because He has a specific purpose for you to fulfill. 3. Recreating power of the Father! Jeremiah 18: 4 – ‘4 And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. The Father does not mend what man mars; but He recreates! Yes, you may feel ruined and destroyed but be sure that the Father will redesign you without a trace of the scar!

Ephesians 2:10 – ‘For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship),recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. We are born anew when we accept Jesus as our personal Savior and recreated for His purpose! 4. Receiving the prodigal child in love! Jeremiah 18: 4 – ‘4 And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. The Father accepts the prodigal, just as the Potter holds on to the marred clay. He does not throw it away and deem it worthless, rather he tries to rework on it. Luke 15:20 – ‘20 So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently]. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus clearly showed the love of the Father. The Father was waiting for the prodigal son to come back home. When He saw the son at a distance, He RAN!!! There is something that happens when you repent and return to God. He is more than willing to take you back into His arms. He is the God of a second-chance.


5. Remolding us into the Image of His Son! Jeremiah 18:3,6 – ‘ 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and behold, he was working at the wheel………………6 O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? says the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. The ultimate desire of the Father is to mold us into the Image of His Son – Jesus Christ.

So He partners with us in the transformation process. He orchestrates events in our lives that will enable us to be shaped accordingly. Romans 8:29- ‘29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. The beautiful thing about the molding is that while we are being shaped and reshaped, we are still in the Hands of the Potter – our Father! He does not let go off us! Romans 8:38,39 – ‘ 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Apostle Paul made it clear that nothing can separate us from the Love of God! As long as you are in the Hands of the Potter, you are safe! What a wonderful depiction of the love of God, the Father for His children! The Potter and the clay – the Father and His child! Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George Founder & Senior Pastor Garden City AG International Worship Centre Excerpts from the sermon preached at Garden City AG IWC

Those who leave everything in

GOD’S HAND will eventually see

GOD’S HAND in everything!


14

Kingdom Connection

MINOR PROPHETS ZECHARIAH

Introduction: Zechariah means “Yahweh Remembers”. He was one of the postexilic prophets and contemporary of Haggai. Along with Haggai he was called to arouse the returned Jews to complete the task of reconstructing the Temple. Zechariah was the son of Berechiah, grandson of Iddo. He was from the priestly families of the tribe of Levi. He was the most messianic of the Old Testament prophets, giving distinct, verifiable reference to the coming Messiah. He was a Messianic Prophet. He prophesied around 520-518 B.C. His prophecies were apocalyptic in nature; filled with symbolic visions, like Ezekiel and Daniel. His prophecy is considered by some as the most difficult to understand in the Old Testament. Zechariah’s prophetic ministry began two months after Haggai. With spectacular apocalyptic imagery and graphic detail, Zechariah told of the Messiah, the One whom God would send to rescue His people and to reign over all the earth. Zechariah details Christ’s life written 500 years before its fulfillment!

CENTRE

Key Verse:

Zechariah 4:6 – “Then he said to me, This [addition of the bowl to the candlestick, causing it to yield a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts.


The Book of Zechariah has two major themes:-

Promise of Comfort

Prophecy of Christ

Zechariah 2:5 – “For I, says the Lord, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her. Zechariah 2:8 – “For thus said the Lord of hosts, after [His] glory had sent me [His messenger] to the nations who plundered you--for he who touches you touches the apple or pupil of His eye: Zechariah 2:10,11 – “10Sing and rejoice, O Daughter of Zion; for behold, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord. 11And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day and shall be My people. And I will dwell in the midst of you, and you shall know (recognize and understand) that the Lord of hosts has sent me [His messenger] to you. Zechariah 4:6 – “Then he said to me, This [addition of the bowl to the candlestick, causing it to yield a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:10 – “Who [with reason] despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice when they see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel. [These seven] are the eyes of the Lord which run to and fro throughout the whole earth. Zechariah 6:15 – “And those who are far off shall come and help build the temple of the Lord, and you shall know (recognize and understand) that the Lord sent me [Zechariah] to you. And [your part in this] shall come to pass if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God. Zechariah 8:7,8 – “7Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save My people from the east country and from the west [the country of the going down of the sun]. 8And I will bring them [home] and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and faithfulness and in righteousness. Zechariah 9:12 – “Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], you prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you.

Zechariah 6:12, 13 – “12And say to him, Thus says the Lord of hosts: [You, Joshua] behold (look at, keep in sight, watch) the Man [the Messiah] whose name is the Branch, for He shall grow up in His place and He shall build the [true] temple of the Lord. 13Yes, [you are building a temple of the Lord, but] it is He Who shall build the [true] temple of the Lord, and He shall bear the honor and glory [as of the only begotten of the Father] and shall sit and rule upon His throne. And He shall be a Priest upon His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between the two [offices--Priest and King]. Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you; He is [uncompromisingly] just and having salvation [triumphant and victorious], patient, meek, lowly, and riding on a donkey, upon a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 10:4 – “4Out of him [Judah] shall come forth the Cornerstone, out of him the tent peg, out of him the battle bow; every ruler shall proceed from him. Zechariah 11:13 – “13And the Lord said to me, Cast it to the potter [as if He said, To the dogs!]--the munificently [miserable] sum at which I [and My shepherd] am priced by them! And I [Zechariah] took the thirty pieces of silver and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. Zechariah 12:10 –“ 10And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace or unmerited favor and supplication. And they shall look [earnestly] upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him as one who is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 14


Book Overview 1. Command to complete the Temple – 1:1-6 Rebuilding The first six verses of the first chapter, Prophet Zechariah urges the returned people to complete the reconstruction of the Temple. 2. Comfort through visions from God – 1:7 – 6:8 Reassurance God gives Zechariah 8 night-time visions which give the people of Israel hope and comfort. In these visions, Zechariah is not a passive observer, he is actively involved and is free to question the angel that God had provided as a guide.

The eight visions: The man and horses – God’s mercy [1:7-17] In the first vision, God assures the prophet that although the nations of the world seems to be at peace, they will be judged and God will return to Jerusalem with mercy and goodness will overflow. Wicked nations may prosper but not forever. God will bring upon them the judgment they deserve. The four horns and four craftsmen – God’s judgment [1:18-21] In the second vision, the 4 horns represented the world powers that will hold domination over Jerusalem. Zechariah also saw 4 craftsmen with heavy hammers or chisels who would destroy these nations. God will do what He promised. After the evil nations have carried out punishing His people, He will destroy these nations for their sin. The man with the measuring line – God’s city [2:1-13] In the third vision, Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line. He is about to survey the city of Jerusalem. But then Zechariah’s angel-guide will send another angel to convey the good news – Jerusalem will overflow beyond her walls! Walls will be unnecessary as God Himself will be a ‘wall of fire around her.’ The City of Jerusalem will be restored in God’s future Kingdom. God will keep His promise to protect His people.


The high priest – God’s cleansing [3:1-10] In the fourth vision, Zechariah sees the high priest Joshua/ Jeshua dressed in filthy clothing standing before the Angel of the Lord. Joshua’s filthy clothing is removed and is dressed in rich garments which means he is symbolically cleansed of sin and clothed by God with righteousness. The lamp-stand and olive trees – God’s Spirit [4:1-14] In the fifth vision, God promises that the work of the Temple will be completed by Zerubbabel, for the true resources to accomplish any work of God will be by His Spirit! The Spirit of God is given without measure. Human effort does not make a difference. The work of the Lord is NOT accomplished by human strength but by His Spirit. The flying scroll – God’s pronouncement [5:1-4] In the sixth vision of the open scroll, God declares His curse on those who disobey His commands. Every person will be judged according to God’s Word and His Spirit. God’s curse is symbolic of destruction – all sin will be judged and removed. The woman in a basket - God’s holiness [5:5-11] In the seventh vision, Zechariah sees wickedness personified as a woman locked in a basket and taken away to Babylon. God was going to separate evil from His people. Sin will be removed from society. Sin has to be eradicated in order to clean up the nation and the individual. The four chariots - God’s sovereignty [6:1-8] The eighth and last vision symbolizes God’s sovereignty over all the earth. Judgment will come upon those who oppress God’s people – it will come in God’s time and at His command!

3. Crowning of the High Priest – 6:9-15 Ruler-ship Zechariah is to take gold and silver and shape a royal crown. The Hebrew word for ‘crown’ is always used as a royal crown – not a priest’s headdress. In speaking of the ‘Branch’, the prophet is speaking of the union of the office of the Priest and King in a single individual. When He comes to ‘be the Priest on His throne’, the final and true Temple of the Lord will be erected! 4. Concern for God’s glory, not rituals – 7:1-14 Repentance God looks into the real reason why the people of Israel were fasting and keeping other religious rituals. What God truly wanted was a repentant heart that was compassionate towards others. His real concern was that people administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to others.

5. Contrast of the bright future with an unhappy past – 8:1-23 Restoration Zechariah makes a comparison of the unhappy past with a glorious future that God had prepared for His people! The Lord promises to bless Jerusalem. A day will come when the nations from afar will come to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. 6. Coming of the Messiah! – 9:1-14:21 Return The last portion of the Book of Zechariah focuses on the Messiah. In the 1st prophecy [9:1-11:17] – the Messiah rejected In the 2nd prophecy [12:1-14:21] – the Messiah reigns!


Lessons from Zechariah Rebuilding of the Temple to the Return of the Messiah!

1. Exhortation to repentance! Zechariah 1:1-6 – “1IN THE eighth month, in the second year [of the reign] of Darius, came the word of the Lord to Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying, 2The Lord was very angry with your fathers. 3Therefore say to them [the Jews of this day], Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you; it is the utterance of the Lord of hosts. 4Be not as your fathers to whom the former prophets cried, Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return now from your evil ways and your evil doings; but they would not hear or listen to Me, says the Lord. 5Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6But My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, did they not overtake and take hold of your fathers? So they repented and said, As the Lord of hosts planned and purposed to do to us, according to our ways and according to our doings, so has He dealt with us. Once again like all the other prophets, Zechariah too exhorts the people to turn back to God. Repentance is the key to turning back to God. He along with Haggai was instrumental in urging the people to complete the Temple of God. God is still calling His children back to Him. Time is running out. Repent and return to God!

2. Encouraged by God’s Promise! Zechariah 2:5 – “For I, says the Lord, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her. The visions and words of encouragement that God gave through Zechariah gave the people the impetus to complete the work of God. God promised to be a Wall of Fire around them! Zechariah 2:8 – “For thus said the Lord of hosts, after [His] glory had sent me [His messenger] to the nations who plundered you--for he who touches you touches the apple or pupil of His eye: God promised to deal with those that hurt His children. How wonderful to have a God that has your back! Vengeance is the Lord’s. He will fight for you. He will deliver you from your enemies; those that cause you pain and agony. He is our loving Father. Place your petitions at His feet and wait for Him to rise up on your behalf!


3. Empowered by God’s Spirit! Zechariah 4:6 – “Then he said to me, This [addition of the bowl to the candlestick, causing it to yield a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts.

God will not tell you to do something without making His resources available. His vision will not lack His provision. Ultimately it is not your efforts but the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT that will accomplish the work of God! Zechariah 4:10 – “Who [with reason] despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice when they see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel. [These seven] are the eyes of the Lord which run to and fro throughout the whole earth. Therefore do not despise the day of small beginning. What may seem small to you today will soon gain momentum and accomplish a mighty work for God! 4. Extension of God’s Kingdom! Zechariah 6:15 – “And those who are far off shall come and help build the temple of the Lord, and you shall know (recognize and understand) that the Lord sent me [Zechariah] to you. And [your part in this] shall come to pass if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God. When God’s people begin to do the work, there will be a mighty explosion of God’s Presence and the knowledge of God. People will begin to crowd into the Temple of God. In the last days, there will be a mighty harvest! Zechariah 8:13, 23 – “13And as you have been a curse and a byword among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong and hardened..................... 23Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men out of all languages of the nations shall take hold of the robe of him who is a Jew, saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. Verse 23, is the Promise that God had given GCAGIWC in 1997. Since then we have seen tremendous growth in the Church. The time is coming when people are going to openly ask you, if they can come with you to Church because there will be a visible, tangible Presence of God on your life! The glory of God will be all around you!


5. Events leading to the end-times! Zechariah 9, 10 – “9Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you; He is [uncompromisingly] just and having salvation [triumphant and victorious], patient, meek, lowly, and riding on a donkey, upon a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10And I will cut off and exterminate the war chariot from Ephraim and the [war] horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off; and He shall speak the word and peace shall come to the nations, and His dominion shall be from the [Mediterranean] Sea to [any other] sea, and from the River [Euphrates] to the ends of the earth! The First Coming of the Messiah is given in this prophecy which was fulfilled after 500 years when Jesus entered into Jerusalem and the four Gospels record it as the Triumphal Entry. These 2 verses is the prophecy concerning Jesus reveals the….. Ø The Promise of the King Ø Character of the King Ø Nature of His Kingdom Zechariah 14: 1,3,9 - " 1BEHOLD, A day of the Lord is coming when the spoil [taken from you] shall be divided [among the victors] in the midst of you....... 3Then shall the Lord go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle...........9And the Lord shall be King over all the earth; in that day the Lord shall be one [in the recognition and worship of men] and His name one.......... In chapter 14, we see the Second Coming of the Messiah. We await His return! The first time He came as a Babe in a manger, but the next time He comes, He will come as the King of kings and the Lord of lords! The KING is COMING!!! As you study the Book of Zechariah in detail, may your spirit be excited at the Second Coming of the Lord and cause you to prepare yourself for His return!

Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George Founder & Senior Pastor Garden City AG International Worship Centre Excerpts from the Bible Study at Garden City AG IWC


Changed Circumstances!

Jeremiah 18:1-6 – ‘1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words. 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and behold, he was working at the wheel.4 And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me:6 O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? says the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

Every one of us are going through situations that could be better. Most of us can say that we have not achieved our goals or reached our desired destination. However, God through this event at the Potter’s House shows that if you are Spirit-led, you are on the Spinning Wheel of the Lord! The Bible uses a lot of analogy to convey spiritual truths. God in this passage compares His people to CLAY and He as the POTTER working at it. There are so many lessons that we can glean from this passage. There are certain instructions that we can learn which will enable us to move in the direction of positive change.

Isaiah 64:8 - 8 Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand. Let me highlight few spiritual truths that relates to our circumstances from this portion of Scripture:- 1. Stay at the wheel in obedience! Jeremiah 18:3 - 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and behold, he was working at the wheel The first step to see a change in your situation is to comply with the POTTER. You need to be OBEDIENT. Everything begins with obedience.


Isaiah 29:16 – ‘16 Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; For shall the thing made say of him who made it, “He did not make me”? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”? [New King James Version NKJV] Romans 9:20,21 – ‘20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? [New King James Version NKJV] The POTTER has the right to do what He wants with the clay. He doesn’t consult with the clay before deciding what he makes of it. Similarly the Bible compares man to a vessel and every vessel has a distinctive Kingdom Purpose! When you are compliant with God, He can shape you for a higher purpose. The only way to see a changed circumstance in your life is to be obedient to God’s commands. God in speaking through the Prophet Samuel clearly stated that obedience is better than sacrifice. [1 Samuel 15:22]. Jesus gave this wonderful equation to His disciples ‘Love = obedience.’ [John 14:23] You cannot claim to love someone and choose to disobey their instructions. Love God and remain where God has placed you….at His wheel! 2. Spinning results in transformation! Jeremiah 18:3 - 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and behold, he was working at the wheel While making a vessel, the potter spins the wheel. This causes the clay to be fashioned in the design planned by the potter. The change happens while the clay is spinning.

The second truth you need to understand is that the clay transforms itself as the wheel begins to spin. Similarly, when life takes you on a spin and you feel that your life is out of control, be assured that God is in charge. You don’t need to worry as long as you are positioned at the wheel. Are you going through “OUT OF CONTROL” situations? Don’t be intimidated by the spinning. It is in the spinning that the pot gets it’s design! JOSEPH suffered at the hand of his brothers who intended to kill him but changed their mind and sold him as a slave instead. In Egypt a foreign land, he was falsely accused by his master’s wife and imprisoned. His life was spinning and he had absolutely no idea where he was headed. But God caused his situation to change and what the brothers intended for evil God turned around for good! Genesis 50:19,20 – ‘19 And Joseph said to them [his brothers], Fear not; for am I in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.] 20 As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day. Daniel, another Biblical character that had a spinning situation when he was thrown into the lion’s den. He was favored by God for his faithfulness, but his colleagues envied him and caused him to be penalized. But God shut the lions’ mouth! Daniel 6:21,22 – ‘21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever! 22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent and blameless before Him; and also before you, O king, [as you very well know] I have done no harm or wrong.


The spinning situation is a problem or trial that is required to build your character and your faith in God. 1 Peter 4:12 – ‘ 12 Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you Spinning situations TEST your quality, what you are made of! It is designed to get you into the FORM that God has for you. So don’t shun it. 3. Sovereign God of a Second-chance!! Jeremiah 18:4 - 4 And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. The Prophet Jeremiah noticed that the clay was spoiled even as the Potter was working on it. The marred clay symbolizes the Greatest Truth; that we serve a God of a Second Chance! It is a shadow of the Great Flood. God made a way to restore man using one man NOAH. In the Book of Genesis we see that God was grieved at the evil man was doing which resulted in the flood. NOAH was the only man whom God found righteous at that time. God destroyed all mankind and animals but through this man God renewed His covenant. Genesis 6:6-8 – ‘6 And the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved at heart.7 So the Lord said, I will destroy, blot out, and wipe away mankind, whom I have created from the face of the ground—not only man, [but] the beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air—for it grieves Me and makes Me regretful that I have made them.8 But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord. As we go through the history of mankind, we see how man failed God over and over again. But God did not give up on man!

Another example of God’s merciful nature is in the life of JONAH. He disobeyed God’s Word and went to Tarshish instead of going to Nineveh. God caused him to be thrown overboard the ship, and swallowed by a big fish. When Jonah repented, God caused the fish to vomit him out. Jonah got a second-chance to preach God’s message to the people of Nineveh! Jonah 2:1,2, 10 – ‘1Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly,2 And said, I cried out of my distress to the Lord, and He heard me; out of the belly of Sheol cried I, and You heard my voice………………10 And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land Jesus conveyed the lesson of God’s forgiveness through the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The PRODIGAL SON demanded his share from his father and squandered it on wasteful living. Yet, when he sought his father’s forgiveness, the father took him back!!


Luke 15:17-20 – ‘17 Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger!18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants.20 So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently]. How many times have you failed God? But when we repent and seek His forgiveness, He is ready to receive us with arms open wide! 1 John 1:9 -9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. God is the God of a second chance! If you sincerely repent, He is willing to forgive and cleanse you! When the Potter did not throw away the marred clay, God is speaking to us saying that He will not abandon us! He is a God who completes the good work that He has started in your life! [Philippians 1:6]

4. Security in the Hands of the Potter! Jeremiah 18:4 – ‘4 And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. Fourth lesson to be noted is that there is security in the Hands of the Potter. Notice the clay was in the HAND of the Potter! The POTTER never lets go off the CLAY. He is always holding onto it as it spins on the wheel. If the POTTER lets go off the clay, it will be thrown out of the wheel. You are in the HANDS of the Master POTTER! So be assured that you are in SAFE HANDS!! Jude 24 - 24 Now to Him Who is able to k e e p y o u w i t h o u t stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]— If you belong to God and you are in His Hands, He will keep you from falling. God knows who are His and He will hold you tight as long as you are yielding to His will. 2 Peter 2:9 – ‘ 9 Now if [all these things are true, then be sure] the Lord knows how to r e s c u e t h e g o d l y o u t o f temptations and trials, and how to keep the ungodly under chastisement until the day of judgment and doom, God knows how to save and deliver the godly, those who walk in His ways. He carried ISRAEL through their wanderings in the desert like an eagle carries its young. Exodus 19:4 - You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. God will carry you through even to your old age, unti l His Work in your l i fe is accomplished.


5 . S p i r i t o f G o d i s t h e transforming agent! Jeremiah 18:4 – ‘4 And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. When the Potter molds the clay, he uses water to help maneuver the clay into the desired design. Water helps in loosening the clay, thus helping the Potter to remold the clay. The clay will move smoothly on the wheel with water. WATER is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. In order for us to change and be molded into God’s design, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. Transformation is not done alone. We need the continual Presence of the Holy Spirit for change. Transformation is a PARTNERSHIP! u God the Father u God the Son u God the Holy Spirit………….with you!!! When you partner with the Holy Spirit, He will lead you and guide you along the path of life. The Holy Spirit will facilitate the process of transformation. It is those who are LED by the HOLY SPIRIT who are the sons / daughters of God. Romans 8:14 – ‘14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. If you are a child of God, you will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. You will be convicted by His voice which will cause you to change. You must note that the water is applied on the clay only while it is spinning! This means that God pours His Spirit on us only when we work for Him. If there is no transformation; there is no Holy Spirit.

6. Shaped to be the habitation of God! Jeremiah 18:4 – ‘4 And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. Every pot that the Potter makes has a specific purpose . L ikewise , the PURPOSE of th i s transformation is so that you become the Habitation of God! The water that was applied ON the outside during the formation ultimately fills the vessel. Similarly, the Holy Spirit works on us and within us and will ultimately reside in us! The Treausure in us, the earthen vessel is the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 4:7 – ‘7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. [New King James Version NKJV]


All the spinning and shaping is so that we can become carriers of the Holy Spirit! We are the House of God - His Dwelling Place!!! [1 Corinthians 6:19,20 ] 1 Corinthians 3:16,17 – ‘16 Do you not discern and understand that you [the whole church at Corinth] are God’s temple (His sanctuary), and that God’s Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]? 17 If anyone does hurt to God’s t e m p l e o r c o r r u p t s i t [ w i t h f a l s e doctrines] or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that [temple] you [the believing church and its individual believers] are. The Holy Spirit wants to inhabit you. Unless you are in the SHAPE suitable for Him, how can He reside in you? 7. Sanctified and strengthened for warfare! Jeremiah 18:6 - 6 O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? says the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. God stakes His Sovereign authority over His people. The purpose for which He molds and shapes us is that we will become vessels for warfare. Every child of God is involved in a spiritual battle. It takes brokenness to be prepared for His service. When the vessel is broken, the light of the Holy Spirit within it will shine through! In the story of GIDEON, a judge of Israel, we learn an important aspect of warfare. With just 300 men he went to war. He used a peculiar strategy in the war. He made all his men carry TRUMPET in one hand and a PITCHER with TORCH/FIREBRAND inside it. They were to blow the trumpet and break the pitchers so that the light will shine forth. The idea was to scare the enemies with the noise and the light to show the way! [Judges 7:15-22]

Unless those vessels were broken, the light would not have been seen. God is calling you into the battlefield. You are His warrior. God’s best warrior and worshipper was DAVID. He knew that God had called him to fight the Lord’s battles, so he always asked God to strengthen his hands for war! [Psalm 144:1] Psalm 18:32 - ‘32 It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. [New King James Version NKJV] You are in spiritual warfare whether you like it or not. Either you are on the Lord’s side or the devil’s side. But since you are in the WAR – you must fight! In the Armour of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18, there is no covering or protection for the back because you are not supposed to FLEE! So as His Temple, His chosen Vessel – fight the good fight of faith! It is my prayer that these spiritual truths will enable you to stay at the wheel of obedience and ultimately become an overcomer for God’s glory. Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George Founder & Senior Pastor Garden City AG International Worship Centre

Excerpts from the sermon preached at Garden City AG IWC


Prayer Guide - January 2019 Scripture

01 Genesis 32:10 - I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant.

02 1 Timothy 1:14 – “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

03 Numbers 12:7 - But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.

04 2 Thessalonians 3:3 - But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

05 Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

06 Colossians 1:5 - the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel

07 1 Samuel 12:24 - But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

08 Philippians 1:27 - Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

09 2 Samuel 22:26 - "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless,

10 Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

11 2 Kings 20:3 - Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.

12 1 Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

13 2 Chronicles 19:9 - You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.

14 Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

15 Nehemiah 13:14 - Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.

16 2 Corinthians 5:7 - We live by faith, not by sight.

17 Psalm 25:10 - All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

18 1 Corinthians 1:9 - God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

19 Proverbs 16:6 - Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

20 Romans 1:17 - For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

21 Isaiah 25:1 - O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.

22 Acts 3:16 - By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

23 Lamentations 3:23 - They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

24 John 14:12 - I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

25 Ezekiel 44:15 - But the priests, who are Levites and descendants of Zadok and who faithfully carried out the duties of my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, are to come near to minister before me; they are to stand before me to offer sacrifices of fat and blood, declares the Sovereign LORD.

26 Luke 7:50 - Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

27 Hosea 2:20 - I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD.

28 Mark 2:5 - When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

29 Zechariah 8:8 - I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God."

30 Matthew 8:26 - He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm

31 Psalm 117:2 - For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.


Prayer Guide - February 2019

Scripture 01 Exodus 34:6 - And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness 02 Matthew 9:22 - Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you."

03 Deuteronomy 32:4 - He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

04 Mark 5:34 - He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

05 Joshua 24:14 - "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

06 Luke 8:48 - Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

07 1 Corinthians 4:2 - Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

08 John 8:30 - Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.

09 Psalm 31:23 - Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.

10 Acts 15:9 - He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

11 Proverbs 2:8 - for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

12 Romans 10:17 - Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

13 Isaiah 42:3 - A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice

14 1 Samuel 2:35 - I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always.

15 Psalm 111:7 - The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

16 Galatians 3:9 - So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

17 1 Samuel 26:23 - The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness

18 Ephesians 6:16 - In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

19 Isaiah 61:8 - "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them.

20 Philippians 2:17 - But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

21 Psalm 100:5 - For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

22 Colossians 2:12 - having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

23 Psalm 57:10 - For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

24 1 Thessalonians 5:8 - But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

25 Proverbs 14:22 - Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness

26 Galatians 3:26 - You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus

27 Psalm 101:6 - My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

28 Mark 11:22 - "Have faith in God," Jesus answered.


Prayer Guide - March 2019

Scripture

01 John 15:12 – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

02 Exodus 20:6 – “but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

03 Revelation 3:19 – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.”

04 Numbers 14:18 – “The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.”

05 1 John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.”

06 Joshua 22:5 – “…to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands…..”

07 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

08 1 Kings 8:23 – “O Lord God of Israel…You who keep You covenant of love with Your servants…”

09 James 1:12 – “…he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

10 Lamentations 3:32 – “Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love.”

11 Hebrews 10:24 – “..let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.”

12 2 Samuel 7:15 – “But My love will never be taken away from him…”

13 1 Thessalonians 1:3 – “..your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

14 Deuteronomy 6:5 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

15 Colossians 1:8 – “and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.”

16 Leviticus 19:18 – “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

17 Philippians 1:9 – “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.”

18 1 Chronicles 16:34 – “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.”

19 Ephesians 1: 4,5 – “In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ…”

20 Ezra 3:11 – “He is good; His love to Israel endures for ever.”

21 Galatians 5:13 – “…rather serve one another in love.”

22 Nehemiah 9:17 – “..But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”

23 1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Do everything in love.”

24 Job 37:13 – “He brings clouds to punish men, or to water His earth and show His love.”

25 Luke 3:22 - “..You are My Son, whom I love….”

26 Psalm 18:1 – “I love You O Lord my strength.”

27 Romans 12:9 – “Love must be sincere..”

28 Isaiah 56:6 – “For I, the Lord, love justice..”

29 Philemon :5 – “because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.”

30 Hosea 2:23 – “..I will show love to the one I called…”


Prayer Guide - April 2019

Scripture 01 Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

02 2 Chronicles 20:20 –….Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld..

03 Matthew 9:29 –According to your faith it will be done to you.

04 Habakkuk 2:4 – ..the righteous will live by his faith.

05 1 Peter 5:9 – Resist him [the devil] standing firm in the faith…

06 1 Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good fight of the faith...

07 Malachi 2:16 – So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.

08 John 8:30 – Even as He [Jesus] spoke, many put their faith in Him.

09 Matthew 21:21 – Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt….

10 Titus 1:2 – faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life…

11 James 2:26 – ...faith without deeds is dead.

12 Acts 15:9 – for He purified their hearts by faith.

13 Romans 4:20 – Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief….but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.

14 Galatians 3:14 –…so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

15 Hebrews 12:2 – Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...

16 Luke 17:6 – He [Jesus] replied, If you have faith as small as a mustard seed……

17 Romans 10:17 – faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

18 Colossians 1:5 – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven…

19 1 John 5:4 – for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

20 Philemon: 6 –I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

21 Luke 17:5 – The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith!

22 2 Timothy 1:13 – What you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

23 Isaiah 7:9 – If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.

24 John 14:12 – I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.

25 Ephesians 6:16 – In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.

26 Mark 11:22 – Have faith in God, Jesus answered.

27 Galatians 2:20 – The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…

28 Acts 14:9 – ..Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed…

29 Philippians 3:9 –and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ…

30 Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please God.


Jeremiah 18:1-6 – ‘1THE WORD which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words. 3Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he was working at the wheel. 4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it. 5Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? says the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. The Prophet Jeremiah was instructed by God to go to the Potter’s House and there God was going to give him a message that he was to convey to the children of Israel. The Potter’s House is symbolic of the House of God – the Church. The story of the Potter in this chapter reveals an enormous truth of God’s love. I would like to focus on four aspects from this passage. 1. Ruined! Jeremiah 18:4a - ‘4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, Jeremiah noticed that the clay in the hands of the Potter was ruined. It was spoiled even as it was in the hands of the Potter. The word spoiled means that it was marred and of absolute no significance or worth. It was a mess. You and I are like that clay in the hands of the Potter. The decisions that we have taken has left us marred, scarred and often we think we are of no worth or value. The circumstances that we find ourselves in is the consequence of our own actions. And yet, the only confidence we have is that we are still in the Hands of the Master Potter! No matter how marred we may be, there is hope if we are in His Hands.

Wisdom Nuggets

From the Potter’s House Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George


2. Reworked! Jeremiah 18:4b – ‘4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it God has a plan and a purpose for every person He has called. Even the the worst sinner is covered in the plan of redemption. God reached down from Heaven to touch man….at the Potter’s Wheel! He knows how to rework with the marred clay! Jeremiah 29:11 – ‘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. His plans are to prosper you and not to harm you. God is good and He has no intention of causing pain to anyone. The purpose of sending His Son to save the world was to take people out of harm’s way. His plan is the the best. Isaiah 55:8,9- '8For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

We may not understand God’s plan, but God will work through the marred clay to ensure that His plan works in your life.

Romans 8:28 –‘We are assured and know that God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to redeem you! John 3:16 – ‘For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. You need to know that you are greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved by God! 3. Receive the Word! Jeremiah 18:1,2 – ‘1THE WORD which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words For any transformation to happen, you need to be where God is. The PLACE, the location is extremely important. Be at God’s appointing for His anointing. God is calling His children back to God’s House - the Church – this is the Potter’s House! This is a call to return to His presence. You will receive God’s Word in God’s House. When you are in His Temple, you will receive His instructions. God will give you His message, answers to your questions and solution to your problems. God speaks to Jeremiah during a time of spiritual decay, captivity and economic and social decline in the history of Israel. God is the Master Potter and we are the clay in His Hands who need to be guided by Him. During my childhood years, I lived near a village where POTTERY was a common trade. I have watched the potter, many times at the wheel. The effort and individual attention that the potter gave each pot was unique. It is interesting that the potter FIRST works on the inside and then on the outside of the pot!


Similarly transformation is an inside issue. Change must be from the inside out. The Church is the transforming center where lives are individually changed by the Holy Spirit. Your church is the service station, the revival center – a place of refreshing! This is where you get cleaned up and set right…and aligned with the Word of God! This is where GOD speaks to you! If you are ready to listen, God will mold you and shape you according to the intended shape of the Master Potter! 4. Restored! Jeremiah 18:4 – ‘4And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it.

At the Potter’s House you learn the lesson that the Potter has the power to restore anything! An earthly potter is restricted to a certain level, but God – our Heavenly Potter has unlimited power. Nothing is impossible for Him! He can transform and restore any broken man or woman who is willing to remain in His hands. If it wasn’t for the touch of the Master Potter, my life would have been ruined too. I stammered for eighteen years but one touch of the Master Potter and I was transformed! When I surrendered to His plans and yielded to His call to serve Him, I felt the coal of fire on my lips and I began to speak in tongues non-stop for two hours! His power cannot be fathomed! 1 Corinthians 4:20 – ‘For the kingdom of God consists of and is based on not talk but power (moral power and excellence of soul). The Kingdom of God is of POWER. God is the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent GOD! Get onto the Potter’s Wheel and let the Master Potter spin you around and transform your life! God has the power to… Ø Heal Ø Provide Ø Set you free Ø Restore Ø Reform !

Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George Founder & Senior Pastor Garden City AG International Worship Centre Excerpts from the sermon preached at Garden City AG IWC


Spiritual Stalwart!

James Hudson Taylor QUOTES:- u  When I cannot read, when I cannot think, when I cannot even pray, I can trust. u  God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply. u  There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is

difficult, then it is done. u  It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure

lies -- whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart.

u  The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed. u  God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on him.

James Hudson Taylor 1832-1905

As believers we constantly look to our Christian leaders and mentors to lead us in our walk with the Lord. Many have gone ahead of us faithfully fulfilling their call. God builds a man and then uses that man to build a work. James Hudson Taylor is a spiritual stalwart that we can follow in his deep commitment to evangelise for the Lord. Hudson Taylor was a British Protestant Christian Missionary to China and the founder of the China Inland Mission [now known as OMF International]. As a visiting missionary in Melbourne, Australia he was eloquently introduced a Presbyterian Moderator. However James Hudson Taylor’s first sentence was “Dear Friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master.” In an editorial Hudson Taylor had written: “All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them. Want of trust is at the root of almost all our sins and all our weaknesses and how shall we escape it but by looking to Him and observing His faithfulness.

The man who holds God’s faithfulness will not be foolhardy or reckless, but he will be ready for every emergency.” As he looked at himself, Taylor saw nothing but weakness, but as you study his life you understand that he was a man who dared to believe the Word of God and by faith carried the Gospel to China – and saw God work wonders. His parents had dedicated him, their firstborn to the Lord. Even as a small child, he was concerned about unbelievers or heathens in foreign nations. He told visitors at the tender age of four that he would go to China as a missionary. At the age of seventeen, he gave his heart to the Lord as he felt the call to Christian service. He was trained in medicine, and spent his early years preparing to fulfill his call to serve the Lord. His life of discipline and sacrifice distinguished him among the missionaries. Taylor spent 51 years in China doing the Lord’s work. For the Christian seeking faith in troubled times, for the servant thirsting for fresh power, for the worker longing to know how to build for God, the life of James Hudson Taylor can point the way to Christ – the final answer to every need!


HYMN STORY Have Thine own way Lord

Adelaide A. Pollard 1862-1934

The author, Adelaide A. Pollard (1862-1934) was born in Iowa. Pollard had a strong desire to be a missionary in Africa. When this plan was not fulfilled, she taught at a Missionary Training School at Nyack-on-the-Hudson. She finally made it to Africa for a brief period before World War I, but she spent the war years in Scotland. After returning to the United States, she continued her ministry even though she was in poor health. "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" was composed during a time when Pollard was trying to raise funds to make a trip to Africa. Her unsuccessful attempt to do this left her experiencing a "distress of soul." Greatly discouraged, she attended a prayer service one evening and as she sat there, she overheard an elderly woman say "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives." The elderly woman inspired Pollard and she contemplated the story of the potter from Jeremiah 18:3 and, upon her return home that evening, wrote all four stanzas before retiring for the night. Five years later George Stebbins wrote a tune titled "Adelaide" to accompany the text.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will;

While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Search me and try me, Master, today!

Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now, As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Wounded and weary, help me, I pray! Power, all power, surely is Thine!

Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Hold o’er my being absolute sway!

Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me.


Life transforming Testimonies of what God is doing at GCAGIWC! Healings, deliverances, breakthroughs..….. read about them and let your faith arise!

Dear Pastor Ernest…..

Testify!

*Names of certain individuals have been withheld to ensure confidentiality

Glory to God! During the Sunday Altar Call, Pastor Ernest mentioned that “stones’ or barriers needed to be removed from our lives. I was apprehensive about my court appearances (litigation, encroachment case) as I was the only and prime witness. Today as I entered the witness box, I felt no fear. And according to my advocate, I did excellently. I knew it was the Lord's doing, He gave me the wisdom and He saw me through, exactly like the way Pastor prophesied ' the Egyptians will flee”. The entire week, these words kept ringing in my head and I knew a miracle would happen, and it did. God bless Pastor, truly God's messenger and I thank Jesus, above all, words aren't enough to express my gratitude, praise God. Sophia Praise our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear Pastor, Pastor I have lot to say and to thank you because you always stand in the place of our need with the Word of God. Being our Spiritual father you feed our spirit with timely messages. Every time you finish preaching you say,. 'I will wrap up this message’ but in fact, the action of the Word of God you preach starts its work in us. It rebukes us, corrects us, it guides us throughout the week. If I have to write testimonies, week after week I can do it, so many testimonies are there.

Few days back my headmistress called and told me that I will be the leader for a group, she didn't ask me whether I like to do it or not, because after lot of discussions they selected me. Now my problem is, in that group seven male teachers and only three female teachers, they all are from high school and all are Hindus. I told my headmistress I cannot and I don't want to, she scolded me and said you can and you should. Pastor I was upset, I prayed and I came to church, God spoke to me through you about "Inferiority complex". Following Wednesday in our group prayer, just like you preached and told us, I walked inside the prayer hall with the confidence that "I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ, who loves me" Believe me Pastor, I was surprised that day because after discipleship program, when my headmistress visited, all the group members thanked and said that they are very happy, they understood whatever I explained them from Bible. Thank you very much Pastor. All glory to God. LL Praise God Pastor, I’ve been coming to GCAGIWC from February 2018 with my family. As a sinner I have been experienced the Power of God as you pray with burden. I have been blessed Pastor. All glory for God! Irudayaraj

All letters are current and have been edited for space


Hi Pastor. This is the first time I am attending the MENtality Conference. . Even though I wished to attend earlier, I could not make it. I truly regret it. I was in prayer before attending and expecting some deliverance and transformation. I got a different dimension how the men should be. I will try to follow the principalities of Men as King, Prophet, and Priest and execute them as a husband and father. I could connect with the Australian Pastor who said we have to live each day victoriously. I felt good and I know I should attend such program to make myself a better person and come closer to God to experience the joy of the Lord and taste the goodness of God. Apart from this, I made us some good friends too. In the next MENtality I would like to testify that I was blessed in this meeting! Joel Dear Pastor, I would like to share the impact and the result of the MANNA you shared when you preached the message “The Trouble Trail”. From the start of 2018 till September 2018, I had lost 12 employees from a total of 45 staff. Several of them had absconded. The management was looking at this with the perception that I was incompetent. In addition, the client and stakeholders were mounting pressure on me to control attrition. We were losing business to competition due to this issue of attrition. I was sorely tempted to resign but when you clearly prophesied that I was at my very end and was about to give up, I knew I was not abandoned. Week after week, God spoke to me through you, to hold on. I’m so happy to tell you that there has been a breakthrough! I was at the Famine phase, passed through the Fire phase and now about to experience the Rain phase! Last week, I was invited by the client and stakeholders to travel to their Mumbai office for two days (8th and 9th Oct) and work closely with their top management.

The c l i en t spoke to my company ’s management that I was the best operations manager to manage their account and I can even train the client’s operations personnel on how to manage the account worldwide. The client has even invited me to their Minneapolis headquarters in the next few months! All glory to the Name above all named, the Name of Lord Jesus! Thank you, Dear Pastor, for praying and interceding for us sincerely. Charles Greetings in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Pastor for being a wonderful father to me throughout my stay in India. There is nothing I will miss more than GCAGIWC and all the people who have been a blessing to me. I got to know about this wonderful Church in DOHA where I had a stopover in 2014. Daddy, you preached about love- which inspires me to break down religious fences and seek peace and the grace of God. You taught me that wisdom is the perfect weapon to defeat the devil. You beam with generosity and goodwill. You are the epitome of selfless sacrifice, kindness, genuineness and love. Infinite and overwhelming appreciation to you for preaching the Word that redeemed my soul from sin and guilt. I thank you for your selfless love and care that you shower on me and make me feel like your child. I never thought I could come this far after the painful death of my father in 2015. But glory to God I completed my course by His grace. This is just a short note to appreciate your deeds as there are incomparable and unmatched. Whenever I come to India, I will surely visit GCAGIWC and meet you. Oyekahmi Eunice Dear Pastor, Glory to Lord Jesus Christ! The Sunday Service on 30 September 2018 was a great prophetical message for my family. We were going through the 2nd phase of trouble that is FIRE. The entire service we were in tears, agony and depressed. It seemed like you were talking to my family. Counseling us, increasing our faith in God, to trust God and to hope for a great future. Reetha


Prayer Requests Prayer is THE most powerful tool we have as Christians - to seek God to change our circumstances and yet most of us fail to pray, or use prayer as our last resort when it should be our first priority. Nothing happens without God’s knowledge – He alone can help us in our time of need. Do you want us to partner with you in prayer? Send your prayer needs to [email protected] and be assured of our continual prayer.

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John 15:27 – ‘But you also will testify and be My witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.’ Testifying is proof of your gratitude towards what God has done for you. John the Apostle says in the Book of Revelation that the children of God overcame by the ‘Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony.’ Do not stay silent, but give glory to GOD! Has God been good to you at GCAGIWC? You ought to testify and let the world know of His love, power and grace! Send in your testimony to [email protected]


Death is always a source of sadness for those who are left behind, but we believe that those who die in Christ have no more pain and are with the Lord in Heaven. Here are some who have left their loved ones behind. Please pray for the bereaved family that they may be comforted by the Presence of God.

In His Arms Psalm 116:15- ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”

5 4

u  Baby of Vijaya Kumar & Rekha – 03.10.18 u Metilda Prakash mother of Rose Joshua – 24.10.18 u  Girija Solomon aunt of Julia Rohan; Ps. Lawrence – 06.12.18 u  Esther Rani mother of Lydia / Grace Mamtha / Rebecca – 23.12.18 u  Jessie Isaac wife of Isaac Ganipudi – 24.12.18

Matthew 19:13 – ‘Then little children were brought to Jesus, that He might put His hands on them and pray; Dedicating your child to the Lord is a public acknowledgement that the baby is a gift from God and you are His steward in taking care of him/her. Here are some of the beautiful children who were dedicated to the Lord at GCAGIWC.

BEN NATHAN PAUL son of Paul Thambiraj McIntyre & Dhanya - 21. October.2018 CAYDEN GERALD son of Gerald Rakesh Mohan & Nathalia Burkman Kogan - 28.October.2018

Happenings @ GCAGIWC


Pulpit Extravaganza

DATE Title of the Message Scripture Reference SEPTEMBER 02 Relationships – 2 Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 09 The obstacle of inferiority complex -1 Proverbs 23:7 16 The obstacle of inferiority complex -2 Proverbs 23:7 23 Guest Speaker 30 The Trouble Trail - 1 Psalm 34:19 OCTOBER 07 The Trouble Trail – 2 Psalm 34:19 14 Isolated for exclusivity with God! Matthew 6:6 21 Why is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit vital to a believer? [1] Acts 1:4-8

28

Why is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit vital to a believer? [2] Acts 1:4-8

NOVEMBER 04 Guest Speaker 11 Guest Speaker 18 Why is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit vital to a believer? [3] Acts 1:4-8 25 Passion-driven not Fashion-driven! DECEMBER 02 A King is Born! Isaiah 9:6,7 09 Guest Speaker 16 Significance of Christmas 23 Favor of God: The Blessing and the Burden Luke 1:28-30 25 Christmas Purpose of Christmas 30 Thank you, Lord 1 Thessalonians 5:18 31 Watch Night Overtake and Overflow! Amos 9:13

Jeremiah 26:2 “Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’s house [Jeremiah], and speak to all [the people of] the cities of Judah who have come to worship in the Lord’s house all the words that I have commanded you to speak to them. Do not omit a word!


Ministry Moments Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George


MegaCare

Flood Relief to Kerala and Kodagu. Many thanks to all members of GCAGIWC who contributed towards this effort.


Worship @ GCAGIWC

Seniors Fellowship


We are so pleased to have introduced the eMembership facility to our ONLINE viewers. eMembership gives the viewer the opportunity to join the Family of Garden City AG International Worship Centre wherever they may be located around the world! As an eMember, they will receive updates, regular newsletters, prayer support, opportunity to partner with this ministry for various ventures and will connect with thousands of other eMembers. eMembers will be enriched spiritually through the Live Streaming Network every week as they watch the preaching of God's Word. eMembership is an Affiliated Membership only and does not confer the same benefits as Regular Membership.

eMembership

Ernest George Ministries® GodThought Is a highly motivating “thought for the day” for the vibrant person that has a definite purpose to accomplish within a definite period of time – for the one that values life and productivity! It will be sent as SMS/Text from Ernest George Ministries® [EGM] to your mobile/cell number from Monday through Friday only. This service is free of cost.

Welcome to GodThought for Today from EGM!

GodWord Is a one-minute encouragement video by Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George. A WORD from God to carry you through the week. This video will be transmitted through whatsapp.

GodWord

GodQuote

GodQuote Catchy powerful maxims and sayings that God reveals to His servant will be transmitted through whatsapp. It will encourage and uplift you as you go through life’s challenges.

If you wish to avail of these services, kindly fill in the details in the form available at the Church office and submit to the GCAGIWC office. You can also mail us a request to [email protected]. Mention your full name along with your mobile/cell number. God bless you!

Daughters of Destiny Every alternate Friday from 6:30pm - 7:30pm daughters of destiny [12-30 years] meet for time of worship and fellowship


Breakthrough

Morning Prayer This prayer on the FIRST of every month sets in motion the theme, the promise and direction for the committed GCAGIWC member. God’s speaks through His servant and gives us a Word to direct our paths! September 2018– Pray persistently! – 1 Samuel 1:9 October 2018– Make it or Break it! 2 Chronicles 20:14 November 2018 – Consider your ways – Haggai 1:5-7 December 2018 – Persevere! Philippians 3:12,13

HOREB HOUR [H2]! Horeb, the Mountain of God where Moses met the Lord and spent hours communing with Him. H2 was initiated by the Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George with the same intention of experiencing God Face to face. Began on January 22, 2016 – this meeting on 1st & 3rd Friday from 6:30 -7:30 pm has been mind-blowing! Make sure you attend this meeting!

Experience the difference!

Financial Friday every second Friday of the month.

You can pay your tithes / donations / offerings online:- Name: GARDEN CITY MINISTRIES Bank: Guardian Souharda Sahakari Bank Account Number: 100203130017777 Branch: GEDDALAHALLI BRANCH, Bangalore – 560073 RTGS/NEFT/IFSC Code: SVCB0002003 Or make your cheques in favour of “Garden City Ministries”.


Television Ministry GCAGIWC has been one of the pioneering churches to be on Television since 1999. However, our television telecast was suspended for few years as all endeavors were made towards the construction of our own facility. God has been gracious to open these doors once again! You can watch Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George as he preaches the Word of God on Television.

TELEVISION PARTNERS PLEDGE CARD

Matthew 28:19 –’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.’

I am committed to being a Television Partner of GCAGIWC For a period of one year From January 2019

December 2019 with a monthly commitment of _______________________

My Details

Mr./Ms………………………………………………………………………………….. Address………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………... …………………………………………………………………………………………… Tel………………………………………………………………………………………… Mobile…………………………………………………………………………………… Email……………………………………………………………………………………. Signature :____________________________________________ Date:_________________________________________________

If you wish to partner with Garden City AG International Worship Centre as a Media Partner, please fill the form on the right and send to the address at the back of the Kingdom Connection . Cheques / Drafts should be made in favor of “Garden City Ministries’ Jesus said, ‘the harvest is plenty but the workers are few’. Therefore we request you to pray for souls as we take the message of the Gospel through Television and the Internet to the uttermost parts of the earth!

Membership ID cards!

Are available for all registered members of GCAGIWC. Collect them from the Church Office. Don’t forget to swipe your card when you come in to Church!

Sermons available on CD – ACD & DVD! Now you can order audio and video recording of sermons by Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George. Contact the Church office or the Chapter

24 Hour Prayer Contact: 9980147215


Garden City AG International

Worship Centre

Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George Founder & Senior Pastor

Pastoral Staff Asst. Ps. Rev. Peter Daniel Asst. Ps. Rev. Shantakumar Nathaniel Asst. Ps. Rev. Jayakumar M J Asst. Ps. Lawrence Albert Senior Members’ Fellowship |Logistics Coordinator Asst. Ps. Rev. Jayakumar M J Business Fellowship Santosh Joseph Aaron’s Army Ravi Leo Refiner’s Fire - Young Adults Jonathan Daniel Media Department Shiju Thomas/Glen Escotee /Abhay Krishnan / Freddy Garden City Bible College Asst. Ps. Rev. Shantakumar Nathaniel [Principal] Asst. Ps. Rev. Jayakumar MJ[Administration] Worship| Music Department| Garden City School of Music & Worship Lawrence Guna Missions Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George Hour of Power Asst. Ps. Lawrence Albert Children’s Ministry Roshini Anand R Heroes for Christ Jithin Mathew Jacob Daughters of Destiny Joanna Ernest George Prayer Force Coordinator Asst. Ps. Rev. Shantakumar Nathaniel

Church Office will be open from Tuesday – Friday

09:00 am – 5:00 pm

Meeting with the Senior Pastor only by prior appointment

MONDAY HOLIDAY

Romans 6:4 - ‘We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If you desire to obey the Lord in the water of baptism, Baptism Requisition forms are available in the Church Office. Submit the forms duly filled and we will inform you about the date of Baptism Service.


GCAGIWC Programs

Sunday

I Service: 7:00 am English/Tamil II Service: 9:00 am English

III Service: 11:30 am FireHouse Youth Service English Sunday School: 7:15 & 9:00 am

Business Men’s Fellowship :4:30 pm [3rd Sunday] GCAGIWC International Fellowship – 5:30 pm [1st

Sunday] Monday - Friday

Morning Prayer : 6:00 – 7:00 am Monday - Friday

Bible College – 6:30 – 8:00 pm Wednesday

Senior Members’ Fellowship :11:00 am [2nd Wednesday] Thursday

Hour of Power: 6:30 pm Men’s Fellowship : 6:30 pm [Last Thursday]

Friday Horeb Hour : 6:30 – 7:30 pm [1st & 3rd Friday] Financial Friday: 6:30 – 7:30 pm [ 2nd Friday] Ministry Team Meeting: 6:30 pm [4th Friday]

Daughters of Destiny: 6:30 pm Saturday

Fasting & Prayer: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm Ministry Team Prayer: 4:00 – 5:00 pm


Established 1993

Garden City AG International Worship Centre: A vibrant gathering of purpose-driven people worship together Sunday after Sunday with the focus of bringing Glory to GOD!

Children's Ministry - Through the Sunday School, children are taught the Word of God by a group of teachers and volunteers who are committed to the Lord and love children! This department is headed by Roshini Anand R.

Garden City Bible College: Another institution to the Garden City Ministries repertoire of ministries, this Bible College was inaugurated on July 24,2012. Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George is the Founder President of this institution. The importance of Bible Study has always been a priority for Dr. George who founded Discipleship Training Centre in 1991. www.gardencitybiblecollege.org

Garden City Leadership Centre: In keeping with the theme of GCAGIWC, ‘in all your getting, get understanding’ based on Proverbs 4:7, Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George is in the process of establishing the Leadership Centre that will train Christian Leaders in the way of the Lord. Drawing wisdom from the Word of God and the greatest Leader of all, Jesus Christ, Dr. George will be conducting Leadership Seminars and Conferences to equip the upcoming leaders.

Garden City School of Music & Worship: Lawrence Guna is the Director of this institution which was founded by Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George in the Year 2010. www.gardencitysmw.com

Heroes for Christ - Youngsters within 14-20 years, are eligible to be part of this new dynamic ministry. Jithin Jacob Mathew is in charge of this department. Refiners’ Fire: Young Adults [20-35 years] – this is the place to fellowship and learn the Word of God and mature in the love of God! A very active group led by Jonathan Daniel. Seniors Fellowship – Meet once a month under the leadership of Asst.Ps. Jayakumar M J Aaron’s Army – are the fine team of deacons who assist in every area of the Church to ensure everything runs smoothly! Ravi Leo heads this department. Music Department – Lawrence Guna is in charge of the music and worship of GCAGIWC. This department boasts of the best musicians and singers God ever created! Media – Fine technicians handle the acoustics, recording and telecast of the worship services. Daughters of Destiny – Girls/women aged 12-30 years meet every alternate Friday for a time of Worship and Fellowship. Spearheaded by Joanna Ernest George, this is a great place for daughters to gather! Prayer Force – the backbone and the lifeline of this ministry is headed by Asst.Pastor Santhakumar Nathaniel.


Television Ministry: began in the Year 1999, GCAGIWC was the pioneer in Bangalore to be on television with Rev. Dr. Ernest V. George preaching the Gospel on Vijay TV and Raj TV and moving onto MiracleNet till 2003. This ministry was suspended due to other commitments and resumed in the Year 2012 on LifeTV , Hope TV, etc.

Webcast: In 2012 we also launched our online telecast of our Sunday Service and other important services through www.gardencityag.org. Music: is the language of heaven! We are blessed to have a Pastor who not only preaches but sings as well! His CD In His Steps was released in 2002 ; Sheltered in His Arms in 2010; Then sings my soul in 2016 Publication : Kingdom Connection became a full-fledged magazine in 2006.

Garden City MegaCare: GCAGIWC believes in giving and caring for the community at large. Jesus Himself said that it is better to give than to receive. All of our missions support and social endeavors are now under this department that will help the underprivileged.

Garden City World Missions: GCAGIWC is a mission-oriented Church. The commission to evangelize in Matthew 28 is taken seriously. In obedience to the Great Commission, various missionary endeavours are undertaken annually. Mission endeavours are not only limited to India, but overseas as well. We praise God that the Middle East has been our chosen mission field for the past 9 years and extremely glad to report we have 5 preaching points within the UAE , with a full-time Pastor stationed there.


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The Priceless Corner

Dear Lord Jesus, I now realize that I am a sinner. I accept the fact that You died for me on the rugged Cross of Calvary. I open my heart's door and receive You as Saviour and Lord of my life. Please take full control of me and help me to be the kind of Christian You want me to be Amen. If you have prayed this prayer in all sincerity, you are now a CHILD OF GOD! So that we might rejoice with you, we invite you to get in touch with us at [email protected] or contact us at the Church office at 91 80 4212 6000

Pray this prayer and mean it with all your heart:

We have set aside this corner of The Kingdom Connection to show God's plan of Salvation. Here are some steps to being saved from sin.

Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, by faith in Jesus Christ. God's PURPOSE is that man lives a life of peace in the knowledge of His love. However sin separates us from God. Salvation is the way that God has made by sending His only Son as a Sacrifice so that man can be reconciled with God.

How to give your life to Christ: 1. Admit you are a sinner and need forgiveness. 2. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross

and rose from the grave making a way to God, the Father.

3. Commit your life to Jesus Christ in prayer and accept that Jesus is the only way to God and determine to live for the Lord, the rest of your life.

BELIEVE: "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). "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). RECEIVE: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name" (John 1:11,12). ACKNOWLEDGE: (YOUR SIN) "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13).

REPENT: (OF YOUR SIN) "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). CONFESS: (YOUR SIN) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9). FORSAKE: (YOUR SIN) "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord...for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7). WASH AWAY: (YOUR SIN) "And now why tarriest thou? (in other words why wait? It is urgent.) arise, be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)


January 2019 to April 2019 | Issue #53gardencityag.org/KingdomConnection53DigitalMagazine.pdf · 2019. 1. 12. · Through Jesus Christ Salvation is deliverance from spiritual death

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