 Several lessons in these past weeks have led up to this one. I did not even know it was where God was taking me. Even when realized, I was very slow to go in this direction. Today's lesson is 100% Scriptural, and 100% needed. Though I have never taught it as honestly and raw as we will hear it today—going to take a big chance here today, because it's not about making more false converts, it's about making less, but real converts (According to Christ Himself). When I tell you that I love you, I'm not just saying it jokingly today; you need to know this lesson comes from love and obedience, not anger, frustration, or anything else you may consider when we're done. And know this one more thing, before we begin, for a number of you, God will be calling you to a point of decision and change today.
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 Within this crowd, there are several groups of people, spiritually speaking. Some of you know Christ as your Savior; some of you do not know Him; some of you only think you know Him; and some of you, have known Him—but not anymore.
 This is our twelve-year anniversary! The number "12" is one of the most significant and used numbers of Scripture: How many disciples were with Jesus? How many Tribes of Israel were there? New Jerusalem will have a foundation inlaid with 12 precious stones, it will have 12 gates, manned by 12 angels, with a measured length of 12,000 furlongs square. 12,000 from each Tribe of Israel will spread the Gospel in the Tribulation. Christ's Bride (Revelation 12:1) wears a crown containing 12 stars. [We could make an entire sermon out of how many times this number is used, but this gives an idea of how special it is in Scriptures.]
 Twelve years ago a small group of people, hurt and broken by previous church experiences, that had joined together for a small group Bible study decided to step out in faith and start a church with the mission of reaching out to others that felt the same way and Word of Light Community Church was born. Today Pastor Doss takes a look at where we are in that mission and encourages us to take the next step. Listen below to find out what that is.
 Titus 2:3-5, Proverbs 31: 25-31. Not every woman is called to be a mother; but if you have received the calling, according to His Word, what makes Him most pleased? Moms have to be so many things today. They are expected to be everything in the home, and everything in the workforce, and everything to their husbands. Women have such a pressure on them to meet certain goals, live at a certain status, to be strong and independent, and yet, most of you here still make your families your priorities—as a matter of fact, many of you not only play mommy, but you make up for absent, lame and lazy husbands.
We want to say thank you for caring for our families, and often for keeping our faith alive in those families. Men—how often do you make your wife feel cherished and amazing for all she brings to the family? Children, how about you? And moms, when you are tired, and doubting, and frustrated, remember God created you in the most unique and unimaginable way—to be the precious place where life is knitted together in unfathomable wonder; to be the only one that can literally bring nourishment, comfort and security to that helpless life given to you; even after birth. Recognize this in thanksgiving and awe. Be what you were called to in Glory. Way beyond even that, ladies, you were given the instinct, the passion, the gentleness, the determination, and a love like no other to care for and hold your family together through anything. In our world, that is the one thing more important than anything else you could be called to do. If not for the way God has worked through the passion of our Christian mothers today, we may already have become extinct as believers. In all the craziness being taught in schools, and colleges; in all the influence of internet, TV, media, and peers, you are the main line of defense, maybe the only line—take it seriously—realize your eternal importance. Please be encouraged in the dire role you fulfill; and please, no matter how busy, or successful, or pressured you feel by the structure of this society, remember and trust God's plan, God's purpose, for your life above this crazy world's ideas. CALL TO PRAYER BY MEN OF CHURCH!  Today Elder Don Kinser speaks to encourage all of us to discover our purpose and let our light shine in a world of darkness.
 How many people in our lives are already destined to be destroyed in Hell fire? More than ever in history (population counts and lack of faith considered). Why are so many around us trapped in their own private hells, dying in their misery and sins, only to end up in a Hell far worse when they are dead? And yet we never even show up to save them? When we do, it's how and when we want to help out? We don't even come to the training sessions, and yet we use unpreparedness as an excuse. The answer is simple—and you will resist it at first, until you realize it is the undeniable truth: somewhere, somehow, we have gotten the notion that Christianity is a, "Privatized Religion"; to be practiced on my own, between me and my God. It has become all about my growth, my troubles, even my ministry. Our "Christianity", has become completely based on what it brings to my life—nothing outside my bubble—it's not even politically correct to ask others of their beliefs, or share ours; and most of us are glad, because we'd just assume keep to ourselves in spiritual matter. News Flash: never, ever has this been the case in the history of Scriptures; never, ever has belief in Christ been a private matter, and yet we still have the same problem, 2000 years and billions of believers later, that the first small band of disciples had in Christ's time: Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus said to pray, not for people to be willing to come to Him, but that enough believers would go out to reach the huge number of hurting, lost people who are ignorant of what can help them.
 It's not often that you are told to go out and share a secret. And yet, today that is exactly what Pastor Doss is asking you to do!
 Psalm 84:1-4: this author (probably David) has an overwhelming desire to be at the Tabernacle, and in the intimate Presence of God. God dwells inside of us today—we don’t have to go to the Tabernacle/Temple to experience Him—He is always with us. Yet, most of us spend less time with Him now; most of us crave and desire to be with Him less now, than David ever did, when he had to go to the Tabernacle to be in God’s Presence. How many relationships suffer, become stagnant and unfulfilling (even die), because the couple just coexist—never communicating, having intimate moments, connecting? That is how the vast majority of Christians live their lives with Jesus Christ—many for their entire lives. He is with you daily, yet you take His Presence for granted; you never actually spend quality time with Him alone. If you don’t meet with God in conviction, there will be things from Him that you miss.
Getting Alone with God  Ever feel like God is sooo far away? Wonder why others seem to have a close, intimate relationship with Jesus and you don't? What are you missing?
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