Stepping Forward. 

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Mark 6:2-4 NKJV — And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”

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Sometimes it’s hard to believe what we see. Observing today’s events can almost border on the unbelievable. The 24/7 news cycle bombards us with video, analysis and information, fake or real, that makes the average citizen unsure if what they are witnessing can be true. Questioning everything can be a good thing even the Word of God tells us to verify;

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1 John 4:1 NKJV — Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

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Maybe the biggest test we face is when we hear the calling to follow Jesus and preach the Gospel. All of sudden we have the hardest audience to convince. That audience usually starts with the person standing next to you. In the Gospels of Mark, John and Matthew, Jesus emphasizes the fact that at home or in our home base (country) we face tremendous scrutiny from the ones that we hold so dearly. Why is this so? Why can’t they believe that the commitment you have made to serve the Lord is sincere?

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James 1:5-8 NKJV — If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

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Doubt and unbelief is all around us. Taking the first steps into ministry can be very challenging not to mention as equally stressful. Jesus asked Peter a very important question that can also apply to those who choose to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ;

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John 21:15-17 NKJV — So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

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People around the world are in desperate need of salvation. The Lord is at the door of their hearts ready to come in and restore their lives and give the peace they are looking for.

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Vizianagaram, India – Courtesy of JenRose Properties

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The Lord has commissioned us to spread the Gospel in all the world. Many have and many have been led to Jesus. Let’s look at the efforts of someone close to home, someone some of you might know, Lana Infante. Her continuing outreach ministry in the country of India has grown and blessed many.

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Courtesy of Jen Rose Properties

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Lana was blessed to have the opportunity to share the Word of God in the country of India. By invitation she was asked to give a message about evangelism to a Bible college class in Vizianagaram, India. Where students walk 8 to 12 kilometers or 7 to 10 miles everyday just to attend the college. Without leaving the comfort of her home, technology has given her the opportunity to travel halfway around the world by video. In a brief statement when asked about the experience she replied,

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Vizianagaram, India – Courtesy of JenRose Properties

“It was exciting! I never thought it was possible but God has opened a door and I am truly blessed to be a witness for the Lord.”

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Being a business owner in the south metro area of Atlanta, Georgia, managing 2 non-profit organizations, Administration Coordinator for TopicalWave.Com as well as being a devoted loving daughter and mom, she has devoted time, effort and most importantly prayer in complying with the Lord’s Great Commission. It has required a lot of energy and we must pray that the Lord will give her the strength and guidance while she’s juggling so many responsibilities all for the glory of God. Evidence of someone who took a step in faith and put her trust in God.

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Lana, Her Son Zachary and Daughter Jennifer

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What began as a small class with a handful of students has now grown to over 50 students and continues to expand. The Lord opened a door for her to walk through but she did have her detractors. Friends and associates had their doubts and expressed their skepticism but she sought out guidance and prayer and is now a part of a ministry that has reached 90 countries.

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Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV — And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

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“Can I really do this?” It’s a question we all ask ourselves every time we face a new challenge. We may think that the timing isn’t right but we must have faith. One important key is trust. We must put our trust in the Lord and pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to the right resources that we will need to reach the world. God has called all of us to preach and teach the Gospel and to be a living witness of the Lord’s loving grace and compassion. Doubt and unbelief will be around us but we have victory in Jesus and there is power in His blood that was shed for the remission of our sins on the cross at Calvary. Taking the first step is challenging but the Lord is there to guide you. Let Him take your hand. – It’s time to step forward.

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Matthew 4:19 NKJV — Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

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