September 12^th – “Sponsorship Luncheon” – Information pertaining to Elder Lumpkin’s Unrestrained Worship Conference that will be held in Atlanta, Georgia in November.  Time – 12:30 at the Temple.  Food is free.  Please let our secretary Sister Williams know if you plan to attend.

September 27^th – (4^th Sunday / 4:00)  TEMPLE OF MIRACLES MUSICAL

Bring your family and friends to this Uplifting Event.  This is our very first musical with various genres of music.

Be prepared for a great time of enjoyment of praise, worship, dancing, singing or just sitting back and enjoying the talents of others.  We will have our own singers, musicians as well as guests from different parts of the Middle Georgia Region. 

Thank you Temple for your sacrificial seed offering:  Because of your giving our church was able to pay off the security system that cost over $5,000.  God bless you and continue to bless you even more abundantly when you take care of and bless your church.  May God’s LOVE shower you and His truth gird you with strength.

Teaching:

Overcoming Jealousy - A Daily Challenge
Overcoming jealousy is easier said than done! Whether it is a conscious word or a thought in the back-of-your-mind, jealousy is something we all struggle with daily. Sometimes those little thoughts that creep into our minds don't seem like jealousy… but are they?

"It's not fair that Steve gets more vacation time than I do."
"Kelly's children are so well behaved. I wish mine were obedient, so I'd look like a better parent."
"Derek just got a new SUV. I wish I could have one!"
"Meredith got that promotion at work when I deserved it!"
"Daren's biceps are perfect. I'm going to work out until mine look just like his."

What is jealousy? According to Webster, the word jealous means "resentful and envious, as of someone's success, achievements, advantages…"

Overcoming Jealousy - A Personal Story
I had been working at the same business for several years and was used to people asking me computer questions. I didn't exactly enjoy the interruptions, but I did my best to be helpful. Then Kelly joined my department. I enjoyed Kelly's company and thought she was a good addition to our office staff. Before long, I noticed people started flocking to Kelly with their computer questions. At first I was relieved to be rid of the interruptions. But then it hit me. No one needs me anymore. I'm just another office staff. I did not like that! Jealous thoughts raged through my head. Why is she suddenly the expert? What makes her better than me? I can answer their questions better!

Overcoming Jealousy -- What's the Big Deal?
You may be like me - overcoming jealousy is a constant challenge. However, I know firsthand that when jealousy is not overcome, it leads to bitterness. The Bible addresses jealousy. James 3:16 says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing." From this wisdom, we learn that wrong thinking produces wrong living. When we have thoughts of jealousy or feelings of envy, our lives will be characterized by confusion, disorder, and worthlessness. Nothing good comes from an evil and jealous spirit. Dealing with jealousy is essential!

You may be thinking: "Surely overcoming jealousy is not always necessary!" You're right. There is a place for "good jealousy." However, very few of our jealous moments are justified. "True love is never envious, but it has a right to be jealous over those who are loved," says author Warren Wiersbe. For example, parents have the right to be jealous over their children and over anything that will harm their children's well-being. If jealousy was always evil, why would the Bible refer to God as being jealous? Deuteronomy 32:16 refers to God when it says, "They made him [God] jealous with their foreign gods and angered him with their detestable idols." God is characterized as jealous when we worship other gods. He is worthy of all honor and praise!

Overcoming Jealousy - The Remedy
What is the answer to overcoming jealousy? Is it possible? If I had not corrected my emotions and encouraged Kelly to be helpful to others, I'd still be upset about an insignificant issue. I would still hold bitterness in my heart toward her. Instead, I saw jealousy was quickly destroying my spirit and I needed to learn how to overcome jealousy.

If you are currently struggling with jealousy, I recommend you search your heart. There is a reason why jealousy is plaguing you. Most likely, something underlies your jealousy. For me, it was fear. I wanted to be needed and I feared that Kelly would take that away! My survival was threatened! I understood God was not pleased with my jealous spirit and He wanted to help me. I asked God to remove my envious thoughts toward Kelly and fill me with feelings of friendship for her.

Why not ask God to remove your jealous feelings? He is there to help you.

What Does The Bible Say About Overcoming Jealousy?

Some people may wonder: 'What does the Bible say about overcoming jealousy?' Let us explore the answer to this pressing question. In order to battle jealousy, the root causes must be discerned. Jealousy typically grows out of insecurity, fear, deception, or covetousness. The Bible addresses these roots of jealousy several times.

Personal insecurity can breed a host of jealous strife. Often times, we base our security on the opinion, affirmation, and acceptance of other people. When we feel rejected or unloved we become dangerously insecure leading us to perceive the strengths of other people as threats to our own well being.

To biblically battle the impediment of insecurity we must turn to God through His Word to tell us once again of His unfailing love and acceptance. Completing this task will take active engagement in the battle through research, reflection, and prayer. Start by looking up all the verses in the Bible related to God's love and acceptance. Here are some passages to get you started:

• But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me (Psalm 13:5-6).

• Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9).

• Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul (Psalm 143:8).

• For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own (1 Samuel 12:22).

• Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me (Psalm 27:10).

• But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

Fear can be another instigator of jealousy. A life of fear is just as devastating to relationships as insecurity. Controlling through fear will not help you maintain the relationships or positions you desire. There is nothing we can hang on to that is worth what we are giving up. This cryptic statement refers to the peace we can know through Jesus Christ when we give Him free reign over our lives. In the end, jealousy does not keep, it pushes away!

To overcome fear you need to first recognize what you fear, confess before God, and then transform your thoughts through God's Word. Here are some verses to ponder:

• There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

• For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15).

• It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).

• To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy (Jude 24).

Deception can also play a role in cultivating jealousy in your heart. You may perceive a threat that in reality does not exist. Your perception of life is distorted due to lies you believe about others and yourself. The following Scriptures can help you battle the lies.

• You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:4-5).

• Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws (Psalm 119:43).

• I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, "Seek me in vain." I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right (Isaiah 45:19).

• The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18).

• But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come (John16:13).

Covetousness is a deep desire to obtain a possession of another person. This leads to aggressive jealousy that is often spoken against in the Bible. The Ten Commandments address the issue: "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). Covetousness invades when you are not satisfied with the blessings God has bestowed upon you. Dissatisfaction is only a terrible thing when we don't let it lead us to Christ. Listen to the refreshing truth of Scripture regarding satisfaction in God:

• Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load (Galatians 6:4-5).

• This is what the Lord says -- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea (Isaiah 48:17-18).

• Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you (Isaiah 46:4).

• Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (Matthew 6:25)

• You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing (Psalm 145:16).

The key to biblically overcoming jealousy is to discern the roots of your jealousy and then battle them with the truth of God's Word. Put into practice the challenge in Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will."

For the spirit of jealousy – we ask God to release brotherly love, kindness, meekness, respect,celebrationand satisfaction.

Congratulations to Temple's own Dr. Cynthia Hammond! She has been selected as the State Outstanding Assistant Principal.  Congratulations Sister Hammond.

TEMPLE OF MIRACLES GLOBAL WORSHIP CENTER

Elder John Alexander Simpson, III – Pastor & Founder

 IT’S PRAYING TIME Jesus watches over us during surgery   

MAN OUGHT TO ALWAYS PRAY

 Jesus Embraces during prayer  Where two or three are gathered together, Jesus is there. 
 Tuesday 5:00 a.m. Morning Glory Prayer

Everyone is invited to join us at the Temple for prayer each Tuesday at 5:00 A.M. / TEMPLE – RETURN TO PRAYER .

The bible tells us in Luke, Chapter 1, that Zacharias had been praying to God for a long time about a certan situation in his life. He was always faithful in his service to God and performing his duties in the Temple. The bible tells us that when it was his turn to serve in the temple – he was there on time and in place. It was at this time, when he was in service to God, and others were gathered outside praying, that he received the answer to his long awaited prayer – a word of promise from the Lord by way of an angel. Had he not been in place or in position, he would not have received his blessings. The answer to his prayer came while he was serving .

Leaders: It is time for us to sacrifice and position ourselves to receive what God has for us. We will miss it if we are not in place; if we are not in position.

I would like to encourage you to get in position this season. For this is the last season of the year. We are in the last quarter of 2008.

Attending 5:00 a.m. prayer shows God that you are willing to sacrifice of yourself for him;and his service. You are willing to pray for others also and gather with other belivers, while being mindful of those things that are requred of us as leaders. Sometimes our blessings fall in obedience.

 Everyone : You are invited to oru dynamic Sunday School .

Peter 2:2-3 says, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” God offers “pure spiritual milk” through many different avenues to include His word (the Bible) and His people (fellowship). These are just two important ways that a person experiences God, and two ways that Sunday school study feeds the Christian soul.

Many times throughout the Bible, God has commanded His people to study His word and learn more about whom He is and what He has done throughout history. In order for a person to know God, they must know about God. At the Temple, we provide many opportunities for this to happen outside of a once per week sermon on Sunday morning.

Growing in Spirit and Truth

Growing in Christ and developing a deeper knowledge and understanding of God and His decrees (truth), are inseparable elements in Sunday school and bible study. Through personal preparation and group discussion, individuals are able to get a better grasp of the teachings of the Bible and are also able to figure out application in their everyday lives. Often, individuals will study their Bibles with very little direction and limited discussion, leading them to a development of unchallenged thought, and usually many other elements of error. Talking about what the Bible teaches helps to ensure that everyone has the same understanding of what the text actually says and offers a mixture of ideas as to how the practical teaching can be implemented.

Fellowship

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone, yet many Christians have chosen to be uninvolved in the lives of other believers. Sunday school classes are usually a great means of establishing very close knit friends that share life together, typically revolving around similar interests and/or age. These groups are able to encourage one another, pray together, study together, hang out on a regular basis, hold each other accountable, and become a community of believers that are trying their best to fulfill the commands of Jesus. If believers are not living in fellowship with others, they fall flat on their face with nobody to pick them up. In fact, the Bible commands community: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Learning to Teach and Lead

God calls individuals to be teachers because every Sunday school class needs a leader! As a Christian matures in their faith, opportunities will inevitably become available for teaching. There are different styles, and some people are more comfortable than others in a teaching situation, but when God calls and His people respond, the blessing of sound words and confident abilities are provided. As Christians grow in their faith and understanding, they ought never to stop looking for opportunities to share with others all that they understand about God and His word. Commit to teach and learn to lead – the blessings involved are countless.

Sunday school and/or small group studies and communities are very important for every Christian to be involved in. It’s crucial for the Church to know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to apply those beliefs to their everyday life. Study God’s word and allow Him to transform your heart and mind!

I challenge you –get involved in Sunday school – learn, grow, and be on time. J !!

Rejecting Fellowship Leads away from God

How much love do you have for your brethren? The Bible says that we’re supposed to be ready to lay down our life for our brothers. But do you suppose you would really lay down your life for them if you’re not willing to even come together with them a few times a week for worship? “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).

Jesus expressed that we must be committed to the love of the brethren in the same way that He was. He stated that this love toward the brethren was the necessary evidence to prove our authenticity as Christians to the world. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

It is essential for every believer to be an active part of a Christian fellowship. Willful rejection of fellowship is evidence of not walking in the light. A famous preacher once said “show me a professing Christian who seldom attends Church, and I’ll show you a backslider who needs to get their heart right before God.”

All through the New Testament, Jesus shows us that He takes personally, how we relate to His body. Our love, expressions of kindness, and ministry to any of our brothers and sisters in Christ are received as though they were done unto the Lord, Himself. “...inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40). Therefore, would we refuse to gather with Jesus when the opportunity is given? If we refuse to gather with our brethren, we have, in reality, refused to gather with Jesus. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

Fellowship with the body of Christ is not just an option, but is critical to our continued survival as Christians. We need the preaching and teaching from God’s Word, the atmosphere of worship and praise, the encouragement which we draw from our brethren, the opportunities of Christian service, and we need the opportunity to practice love toward other Christians.

Get involved and stay in faithful fellowship with the body of Christ! Don’t run off if something disappoints you or you get your feelings hurt — this only demonstrates immaturity and places you in further danger of losing out with God.

If you alienate yourself from fellowship, you will restrict the life-giving blood flow of the body of Christ, and will be regressing down a path that leads away from God.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Heb. 10:24-26).

Accountability is Essential

We cannot genuinely be under the authority of spiritual leadership without being committed to a Church (Heb. 10:25). How can we be accountable to spiritual supervision if we excuse ourselves from Church fellowship, or just sit at home and watch TV ministries, or merely drift from one Church to another, week after week? Being accountable to a continuity of ministry and leadership is vital to God’s plan of providing the necessary “checks and balances” to produce solid spiritual growth.

One of the common reasons that some Christians “hop” from Church to Church, or detach themselves entirely from Church participation, is that inwardly they foster an “independent spirit” which resists authority. They don’t wish to be corrected or to confront truths they would prefer to avoid. Without accountability to authority, a believer will often develop “itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3), which seeks after teachings that validate self-conceived opinions, instead of “objective” teaching which compels us to face truths that may conflict with our self-willed inclinations and desires.

Every believer has the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit to guide them (1 John 2:27), but this does not discharge them from the Biblical counsel and ministry of the Church (Heb. 13:7,17). The Church is Christ’s plan for His followers. He is the head (Eph. 5:23), and commissioned it to represent Him and His authority in the world (2 Cor. 5:20, Matt. 18:17-20, John 14:12). He ordained elders, deacons, and pastors to supervise and manage the affairs of His Church (Acts 14:23, 1 Tim. 3:10-13), and additional ministries to teach, train, and spiritually equip the saints for service (Eph. 4:11-16). Ministers are also accountable to the authority of overseers, who may offer counsel, reproof, or discipline when necessary (Acts 21:18-24).

 Bible Study is held each Wednesday at 700P.M. Dynamic Teachings on Faith are being taught by our very own, Pastor John A. Simpson . We also have bible study for our Children .