In the bible that are several places where inanimate objects like trees, stones, pastures take on human characteristics. They might clap their hands, sing praise, leap for joy and the like. Today I want to tell you about a stone that speaks. It’s the stone that closed the tomb of Jesus. You see before the resurrection that stone spoke to the world that the tomb is sealed and the grave is secure. It also said it is a memorial stone as a reminder of someone that once was alive but is now dead. It reminds us of humanities mortality and that dead is final and the grave is the final resting place for us.

However, once the power of the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead that stone began to sing a different song. From then on it sings that the power of the grave has no effect on the child of God.  It shouts that death no longer has a sting and has been defeated.  It proclaims that the body of Jesus so no corruption and there is new life in Christ.

Hallelujah, all we have to do is acknowledge that Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins and was raised up by the power of the Holy Spirit and sits at the right hand of God almighty. By making this confession we become children of God and the power of the grace has been nullified, death has been defeated and there is New Life in Christ for us.

You can watch the entire message by going to the Media button and click on watch services.

Remember It’s the truth you know and walk in that sets you free.

Pastor Carl Benton

On April 17 the Christian World celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The scriptures tell us that the apostles, and then 500 believers saw Jesus in the flesh after the resurrection. Certainly we must believe this by faith. When we do believe, the resurrection has an impact on our lives.

Life is full of uncertainties, when good things happen unexpectedly we rejoice and tell everyone. However, when the negative things of life happen, we pout, cry, fret, and tell everyone. How we handle the negative unexpected things will often determine how long they last, what the final outcome will be. So when I had a negative doctor’s report about 8 years ago, I had the opportunity to practice what I have preached for the better part of 2 decades. These are the steps I took in this ordeal. I was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer with a 12cm mass in my right kidney. We have to get back to the basics of faith.

DON”T PANIC was the first thing I heard in my heart. Panic will cause hysteria, confusion and irrational behavior.

Corral your thoughts. 2 Cor 10:3-5 tells us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Part of this is being careful what and who you listen to. and what we keep in front of our eyes. Faith is your pathway to victory. Thanksgiving is the attitude of faith, Praise is the voice of faith and praying in the spirit builds your faith. Surround yourself with people of faith

Watch your mouth: Get a grip on your lip. Prov 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”  Your words will bring victory or usher in defeat. Speak God’s word over your situation.

God is still, on the throne, He is still able to take care of everything, He is till faithful to His promises, He is still on your side, He is still the comforter, Strengthener and protector.

You can watch the entire message on our website. Click on the watch services link.

Remember it’s the truth you know and walk in that sets you free.

Pastor Carl

Through out scripture starting with Lev 11:44 God calls on His people to be holy as He is holy. To understand what holy is, we must examine the actual word, holy. The Strong’s dictionary defines holy as be consecrated to God, to be separated from worldly living and to be sanctified. Interestingly Jesus Prayer for His disciples and us in John 17:17-20 to be sanctified.

What we see in the scriptures is that God pronounces an individual holy because they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Remember when we got born again it was our spirit that was recreated into the image of God. We still have to deal with our soul and body. Therefore, being holy is both a state of being by proclamation and process. God pronounces us holy then we begin the process of renewing our minds with His word and disciplining our bodies inline with God’s word.

To view the entire message go to the “watch services” link and click on “Being Human – Being Holy” Part 1 is available. Part 2 will be available next week.

Remember it is the truth you know and walk in that sets you free.

Pastor Carl Benton

The Apostle John was issued an invitation to “Come up Higher”. Regardless of how long we have been walking with God in relationship, He is always calling us to come up higher. In order to raise our spiritual standard of living, we must have proper foundation upon God’s word. Because no other foundation will do. We must be determined to grow and be willing to change. Change does not always indicate growth but there can be no growth without change. We must determine never to go back to old things. Old things will always try to resurface in our lives. Now that we are new creations in Christ we must leave the old things behind us. Often our challenge is when we are confronted with difficulties we endeavor to handle them with old solutions. Remember we can’t gain forward momentum while dragging around our past . Next be determined to live to give. Have a purpose that is greater then ourselves. Next choose your friends and your words carefully. Your friends and your words can be limiting areas in our lives. Friends can either encourage us or depress us. Your words will either put you over or put you under circumstances. Lastly, don’t be afraid to dream big, always remember we serve a big God.

Be Blessed today, Remember it’s the truth you know and walk in that sets you free. Check out the Watch Services link for recent recorded message at LGC. We would love to see you!

You can plan a visit by going to the contact link.

Pastor Carl Benton