Return of Christ

We finished our series iValue this past Sunday by talking about the 2nd coming of Christ. The theme from this last Sunday was "passion for today & hope for tomorrow." You can listen to the message on our website www.wyandottefamily.com and go to the media tab and/or subscribe to podcast on iTunes...just type in Wyandotte Family!!


I value the truth and reality of the 2nd coming of Christ. It's exciting because we don't know the exact day or time. God's word says in Matthew 24:36-42...

³⁶ “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.^[a] Only the Father knows.

³⁷ “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. ³⁸ In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. ³⁹ People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

⁴⁰ “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

⁴² “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

It also says in Luke 17:26-37...

²⁶ “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. ²⁷ In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.
²⁸ “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building— ²⁹ until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. ³⁰ Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed. ³¹ On that day a person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return home. ³² Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! ³³ If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. ³⁴ That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. ³⁵ Two women will be grinding flour together at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.^[h]”
³⁷ “Where will this happen, Lord?”^[i] the disciples asked.
Jesus replied, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.”<sup>[j]


We are striving to develop passionate followers of Christ that daily live out faith, family & fun. Whether Jesus returns tomorrow or in 10 years I want to be found loving Him with all my heat, mind, soul & strength!!</sup>


As we finished up our series iValue...this Sunday is our new series Upick :) 

What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit?

There was a woman who crossed the line into a relationship with Jesus and became a Christian. She was at a church that didn’t believe you show any kind of emotion or excitement. However, during the message she was so filled with joy she yelled “Hallelujah.” An usher came over to her and tapped her on the shoulder and said, “mam, you can’t say that here.” She responded, “but I’m so excited I got Jesus.” He said, “well you didn’t get it here.”

*What in the world is the role of the Holy Spirit? What in the world does “baptism of the Holy Spirit mean? When you experience the Holy Spirit does that mean you won’t sin any more? Does that mean you have arrived?

Is there more to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit than what previous generations of Pentecostals have portrayed? Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit all about speaking in a prayer language? Is it possible to be filled (baptized) in the Holy Spirit today? What if I’m not quite sure about all of this? Will God be mad at me? What if I’m skeptical and not sure after reading this?

Every one of us have come from different backgrounds and experiences. Some messages seem to resonate in your hearts more than others. If you are skeptical and not sure after this message, that is ok. Keeping seeking God and desiring to put Him first in your life!!

Most of us reading this blog will fall into one of the following categories. 

1. Those who are longing to be filled (Acts 2:1-4)

You have a relationship with Jesus Christ but something inside of you says You can go deeper and walk in greater freedom. In Acts 2:1-4 the disciples were waiting, praying for the Holy Spirit. They were longing to be filled with the Holy Spirit even though they didn’t know what that meant. They were filled…all of them. If that is you, so will you.

2. Those who were receptive (Bible say’s they received) When the Holy Spirit came in power they were open and receptive to what God was doing. 

3. Those who were hostile—They are only drunk. There were those in Acts 2 who were making fun of the disciples and didn't understand what was going on so they just dismissed it.

4. Uninformed—I kind of believe in God. I was baptized as a baby and even was confirmed. I go to church but am not sure much about the Baptism Holy Spirit. I would like to learn more. 

5. Unlikely—Those who say I’m not very religious…it’s probably not for me.

Let's look throughout the Bible and see that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for everyone and that it's #1 purpose is to bring power into your life. 

Let's take a look at someone's first experience/encounter with the Holy Spirit.

Every person who puts their faith & trust in Jesus Christ has the Holy Spirit living in them. Every person who crosses that line into a relationship with Him literally has the Spirit of God RESIDING in them. THE BIBLE SAYS says that when you put your trust in God, He puts His Spirit inside of you like a deposit…guarantee.

Ephesians 1:13-15— And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own^[a] by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. ¹⁴ The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

*We see the Disciples receive the Holy Spirit.

John 20:21-23— ²¹ Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” ²² Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit

We see that when you put your faith & trust in Jesus Christ you have the 100% assurance that the Holy Spirit is living inside of you. (That is why in the New Testament we are called the Temple of God. He no longer lives in brick & mortar but now resides in the hearts of those who trust Him. (To learn more about Salvation, listen to the podcast from May 6^th)

Even though the Disciples have the Holy Spirit inside of them JESUS ASKS THEM TO DO SOMETHING INTERESTING.

Luke 22:49—And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.

Jesus tells them to wait in Jerusalem and not leave until they have received the POWER (DUNAMIS) of the Holy Spirit. “The Purpose is Power.”

Like a pilot light in a boiler/hot water tank—every one of us has that pilot light when we confess our need for God and begin a relationship with Him. Yet there is a time when the heat gets turned up. Some are pilot light Christians and others are (DUNAMIS, DYNAMITE) Christians. Firing on all 4 cylinders…filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. That is why we use the term “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” The Greek Word for Baptism is BAPTISMO which means to submerge, drench, sink in water. “The Purpose is Power.”

So we see that Jesus is commanded them to be filled/baptized completely with the Holy Spirit. Then we see Paul give us another imperative. be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 5:18—Do not be drunk with wine but be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is a present tense VERB which indicates an ongoing filling, over and over again. The GREEK WORD methyskō (MA-THOOS-KO) actually means to get drunk, become intoxicated. If we were filled with the Holy Spirit at crossing the line, he wouldn’t have to commanded us to be filled with the Spirit! It is being completed INTOXICATED with His spirit. THAT PILOT LIGHT HAS TURNED INTO A BRIGHT FLAME BURNING ON THE INSIDE OF OUR LIVES. 
“The Purpose is Power.”

Acts 2:1-4—On the day of Pentecost^[a] all the believers were meeting together in one place. ² Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. ³ Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. ⁴ And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,^[b] as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

The Disciples obeyed Jesus and waiting and prayed for 40 days asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. They didn’t know what that meant until all of a sudden it happened. Why did Jesus say He would send the Holy Spirit. To give them the DUNAMIS/DYNAMITE power!! If you follow the Disciples from that moment forward they are never the same again. They went from being scared cats hiding behind closed doors to bold, tenacious followers of Christ going everywhere telling people about Him. To the point where out of the remaining 11 of them, 10 died for their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. 

So now let's look at the 2nd encounter with the Holy Spirit. We will also see here how the Holy Spirit is for everyone!!

Acts 10:24-46— ²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

The Gentiles Hear the Good News

³⁴ Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. ³⁵ In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. ³⁶ This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷ You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. ³⁸ And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power The Purpose is Power.”

⁴⁴ Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. ⁴⁵ The Jewish believers^[e] who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too.⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in other tongues^[f] and praising God.

Then Peter asked, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?”

We see here in this passage of Scripture that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for everyone. Not just for certain or special people. God’s gift is for all who are hungry for Him.

SO, at a practical level how does the baptism of the Holy Spirit change us, or affect us? The Purpose is Power.”

#1—Brings power into our prayer life

*When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit our prayer life goes to a whole new dimension and effectiveness.

Romans 8:26-27—And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. ²⁷ And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers^[a] in harmony with God’s own will.

As we receive our prayer language, we are able to pray through the Holy Spirit a prayer in perfect harmony with the WILL OF GOD!!

1 Corinthians 14:2—For if you have the ability to speak in tongues,^[a] you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit,^[b] but it will all be mysterious.

We see that tongues is speaking to God (which is prayer)…a form of prayer. Speaking in tongues transcends language limitation. It bypasses our normal system of thought and speaks directly to God. The Purpose is Power

#2—Brings power & strength into our lives (Supplement B12)

1 Corinthians 14:4— A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.

Your prayer language will build your spirit up as you follow God's call and direction in  your life. When you pray in your prayer language it is like taking a spiritual B12. You are encouraged and built up to remain faithful and to follow Him completely. The Purpose is Power

#3—Brings power into our relationships

Acts 1:8—You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

The purpose of the Baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT is POWER. Receiving a supernatural prayer language is a part of it but it is not the focus. The transforming power that fills our life to impact the world around us is!!

No matter where you are today, God say’s anyone who asks will receive. I pray that you will open up your hearts to experiencing the power and infilling of the Holy Spirit. I pray that you will receive this wonderful gift of a new prayer language. I pray that all of us will understand that it the purpose is power.

If you feel like your relationship with God needs to go from a pilot light to a full flame then this blog was for you. If you feel like you need power in your prayer life than this blog was for you. If you feel like you need power & strength this blog is for you. If you need power in relationships this blog is for you.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit part 1


This past Sunday we continued our series "iValue: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit." You can listen to the message on our website (media tab) or at iTunes. 


Talking about the Holy Spirit in one Sunday morning gathering, just isn't enough. I will post several times this weeks different studies and thoughts on the Holy Spirit. I pray that as you learn more from Scripture, the Holy Spirit becomes more real and tangible in your life and relationship with God!!


Below is Who is the Holy Spirit? 
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The Holy Spirit has been around since the beginning of time. Get ready to look at the history of the Holy Spirit from Genesis to Revelation (leaving out a few verses in between LOL)

Genesis 1:1-2— In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  ² Now the earth was ^[a] formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

1.     The Holy Spirit was involved in creation

Like a bird, hovering over her nest, the Holy Spirit hovered over his creation, just like he does today. The Holy Spirit always brings newness. He still does that today. Brings new attitudes, thoughts, and relationships.

2. In the O.T. the Holy Spirit came to particular people at particular times for a particular task

Exodus 31:1-5— Then the LORD said to Moses, ² "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³ and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- ⁴ to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ⁵ to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship

I love this verse because not everyone is called to full-time Christian work but everyone is called to be filled with the Spirit at work. When we are filled with the Spirit of God, it changes everything.

Judges 16—Samson—received power and strength when the Holy Spirit came on Him. It says several times he was bound but when the Spirit of God came on Him he broke loose and broke free.

Many times in scripture when something happens physically it also correlates spiritually. Many of us have been or are currently bound by habits, patterns of thoughts, attitudes, or addictions. Some are obvious but others are more under the radar like jealousy, bitterness,  worry, inappropriate anger.

The Holy Spirit comes in strength and power enabling us to live the life we truly long for deep down. Every time in Scripture the Holy Spirit comes, something happens. But at this point in history, He is still coming to particular people at particular times for a particular task.

3. Then in the O.T. you have the promise of the Father: The anticipation (to summarize the O.T. it is PROMISE.)

Jeremiah 31:33— This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people

God’s promise is to place His law, not on tablets of stone but in our hearts.

Ezekial 36:26-27— I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. ²⁷ And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

He promises by His love to live within us.

4. To whom does the promise apply & in who is it fulfilled?

Joel 2:28— And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

All people, regardless of sex, age, background, race or rank.The Spirit of God was promised to be poured out on all mankind!

Nicky Gumball the creator of Alpha was preaching at a Baptist Church about the Holy Spirit. He gave an invitation for those who haven’t received the Holy Spirit to do so. There were two who responded. One older grey hair lady (she can be described as old because her daughter was 75) and one 8 year old boy. The 8 year boy was just laying on his back laughing down front having a good time with God. A few weeks later he got a letter from the boy’s mom. It read…

He had been quite naughty, bad tempered and difficult on occasion. Since he has received the Holy Spirit he has become a very different person. He has been sunnier, more hopeful and with it. Obviously he still has his moments but he’s different. Nothing an 8 year old child could sustain in his own strength for any amount of time. It was a powerful night.

This promise is for all people. However, the promise was still unfulfilled and they waited for 100 of years. 

Then the birth of Jesus Christ. Everyone connected to the birth of Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:15—(John the Baptist)— for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.^[a]
Luke 1:35—(Mary the mother of Jesus)— The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[a] the Son of God.

Luke 1:41—(Elizabeth)— When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:67—(Zacheriah)— His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied

*However, it’s still particular people, at particular times for particular tasks.

4. John Links the Promise of the Holy Spirit with Jesus Christ

Luke 3:16— John answered them all, "I baptize you with^[a] water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Jesus is the Baptizer..it means to plunge, to drench, the picture of a sunken ship. The Holy Spirit wants to do the same thing in our lives.

If you have ever seen a dry, old sponge. It’s doesn’t work very well. However, when you put it in water and the edges begin to soften it starts to soak up the water. When you lift it out is dripping wet. (That is a picture of what the promise is)

We see that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit

Luke 3:22— and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Luke 4:1, 14, 18— Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor

5. Jesus, predicts the coming of the Spirit

John 7:37-38— On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. ³⁸Whoever believes in me, as^[a] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him

Thirst—this thirst is in every human heart. It’s something we all identity with. I know I do.

End of Luke 24:49—Jesus says I going to send You what My father Has promised. SO WAIT!

So the disciples and 120 total waited. Over 10 days later we see the fulfillment of the promise Like shaking a bottle of Champagne. The fulfillment in Acts 2:2-4 is like the cork popping off

Acts 2:2-4— Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues^[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

Who got filled with the Holy Spirit? ALL OF THEM (all 120)

We see mixed reactions after this happened (There was amazement—V7, Confusion V12, and making fun of them V13) They were trying to explain a supernatural thing in a natural way.

Peter stands up and explains what is happening in v15..this is the promise.

VERSE 37-39—THIS IS FOR YOU…and for future generations to come

The amazing promise of the Holy Spirit. No longer for particular people at particular times for particular tasks but for EVERYONE…FOR YOU!

Now we live in the age of the Holy Spirit. More on the Holy Spirit to come this week! Check back!

Can God really heal?

We took a break from our series for Mother's Day as special guest Mary Beth Bradshaw shared with WFC. Check out the message on-line or on iTunes. 


Because of the break we didn't cover the topic of Divine Healing. We truly believe that the Bible gives us a clear picture that God is our healer and still heals supernaturally today. 


Check out this link http://ag.org/top/beliefs/our_core_doctrines/healing/ 


There are short teaching videos, scripture verses, messages, book recommendations and more. May your faith stir and stretch as you see what God can do!!!

Today we kicked off our NEW series with Salvation. The theme this morning was "Salvation is not behavior modification but heart transformation."--Christine Cain.


You can listen to the message on-line at our website www.wyandottefamily.com or you can listen to it on iTunes. Just search Wyandotte Family Church in your iTunes store. 


Here is a great video about the power of Jesus Christ and how He can change our lives :) Enjoy!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K48-Li7lIfA