JANUARY 2014
Sundays
Worship Service (English)
9:00 am
11:00 am
6:00 pm
Worship Service (Spanish)
2:00 pm
Children’s Church
9:00 am
11:00 am
2:00 pm
4 Life Youth Service
6:00 pm
Wednesdays
EMPOWER
Discipleship Groups
7:00 pm
Adult Bible Study
Ladies Bible Study
Spanish Bible Study
Blaze Young Adults
4 Life Discipleship Classes
Girls Ministries
Royal Rangers
Website www.lifechurchsa.com
“OPEN UP THE HEAVENS!”
“. . . As I was in captivity beside the river Chebar, the heavens were opened and
I saw visions of God.” Ezekiel 1:1b
I recently saw a sign for a store advertising a grand opening. The store manager boasted of great give-a-ways and all sorts of wonderful prizes. However, none of these things compare to what God has for us as He opens up the heavens!
“Open Up the Heavens” is much more than a theme or phrase to begin a new year. God has shown us His desire is to open up the heavens and pour out His glory and presence. That is the cry of my heart! The Lord is preparing and purposing something incredible and amazing for you and Life Church in 2014. I ask you, “Are you ready for an open heaven?”
One of the blessings that come with an open heaven is a fresh vision and revelation of the Lord. In this scripture the prophet Ezekiel was in exile in Babylon. He was removed from the Promised Land, the territory the Lord promised to him and his people. The Hebrew word, “captivity” means exile, uncover, expose, stripped. His captivity left him exposed, stripped, and uncovered. He was not in desirable circumstances. In fact, things were not favorable for him at all. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil the heavens were opened and he saw a vision of God.
Friend, you do not have to wait for perfect circumstances in your life to experience God’s revelations. Regardless of where you are and what is going on in your life, God wants to reveal Himself to you in a very special way this year. He wants to open up the heavens over your life.
Ezekiel needed something new to focus on. Every where he looked he saw the Babylonians. Interestingly enough the word Babylon means confusion or to confuse. So, Ezekiel was surrounded and held captive by the kingdom of
confusion! Do you know someone in a similar situation? Are there areas in your life where clarity and understanding are foggy leaving you somewhat confused and disillusioned? Know that an open heaven over your life will bring Divine perspective into your life.
Church history records a great revival took place in Wales in the early 1900’s. All Wales was aflame. The nation had drifted far from God. Spiritual conditions were low. Church attendance was poor and sin abounded on every side. Suddenly, like an unexpected tornado, the Heavens opened and the Spirit of God swept over the land. The churches were filled to capacity and meetings ran day and night. How did it begin? Through a prayer meeting of just a few.
You see, powerful things happen when God’s people seek Him. I encourage you as we enter into this new year, join us in prayer and fasting beginning Sunday, January 5th through Sunday, January 26th. Join us for our corporate prayer services and pray individually. Resources to help you are available in the foyer and through the church’s website. Also, let us believe God to open up the heavens during our revival services with Reverend Peter De Jesus, Sunday, January 12th through Wednesday, January 15th. Throughout January I will be preaching a series on “Open Up the Heavens”. You will not want to miss these messages as God moves in our midst.
We individually and corporately need God to open the heavens in our families, workplace, communities, and church. Through this time of prayer, fasting, and special services, let us put ourselves in the position to receive an open heaven from the Lord. Ezekiel experienced an open heaven and saw visions of God. Do you want to see visions of God and experience His true nature? You will when He opens the heavens over your life!
Pastor Terry & Tina Richardson Senior Pastor
January 5th: 9 & 11 am Services
“Open Up the Heavens”
The Bible shows us that every thing God does originates from
Him through an open heaven. At Jesus’ baptism heaven opened,
the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and God’s voice was
heard. As we pray and seek God on this first Sunday of 2014, let
us believe God to open heaven and speak to us in a real, fresh
way. Let us seek Him for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit. May
the cry of our hear be “Lord, open up the heavens and show us
your glory”!
6 PM:
“Open Up the Heavens”
Encounter Prayer Service
As we begin this week of prayer and 21
days of fasting, let us join together to seek
God and His will for our lives and Life
Church. In I Kings 18, Israel faced drought
and famine, but Elijah sought God on
Mount Carmel and rebuilt the altar. As a
result of Elijah’s obedience and prayer, God
opened up the heavens, sent fire to consume
the sacrifice, and poured out fresh rain end-
ing the drought and famine. When God’s
people pray and repent, He is faithful to bring the fresh fire of
revival and rain of His Spirit upon us, our families, church and
community.
January 12th: 9 & 11 am, 2 & 6 pm Services
“Open Up the Heavens”
Through Revival
Reverend Peter De Jesus has been in
full-time ministry since 1997 in various
capacities. He and his wife, Mildred, have
worked alongside each other in ministry
since 2002, ministering in both English and
Spanish. Ultimately, their desire is to be
used by Jesus Christ in order to introduce,
advance and expand God’s heavenly
kingdom here on earth to the lives of all people of all ages all
over the world.
January 19th, 9, 11 am Services
“Open Up the Heavens”
“The Fast Pass to a Crossover
In Joshua 5, the Israelites prepared to cross over into the
Promised Land. In their preparation to cross over, God changed
their diet from manna to the fruit of the land. However, one
obstacle remained before them - Jericho. As Joshua surveyed
their “Jericho”, God came to him in the form of a “man with a
sword in His hand.” Recognizing this special appearance of
God, Joshua worshiped the Lord. Following his worship, the
Lord gave him the plan to take the city. Whatever “Jericho” you
face, understand through prayer and fasting, God opens the
heavens and sends His power and glory to defeat your enemy.
6 PM:
“Between the Water and the Wine”
Reverend Tina Richardson
For a variety of reasons, there are times in
our life when we go from full – full of life,
full of joy and full of purpose – to
empty. The first and most important
response is for us to call on Jesus, Our
Source. The next step toward our miracle is
obedience. Complete obedience. What do
we do, how do we respond, when we have
called on Jesus, and we have obeyed, but
our miracle has not come to fruition? Not only does God
Almighty have a plan for your miracle, He has provision. And,
it is more than you have asked or imagined. Go ahead, get
excited while you are between the water and the wine.
January 26th, 9 & 11 am Services
“Open Up the Heavens”
“Living Under an Open Heaven”
In II Samuel, Obed Edom lived under an open heaven as he
experienced the presence of God when King David left the Ark
of the Covenant at his house for three months. The scripture
says his whole household was blessed. Eventually, when the Art
of the Covenant moved to Jerusalem, Obed Edom moved near to
the temple to be close to God’s presence. In this message,
Pastor will share significant principles on how to live under a
open heaven of God’s glory and presence. When you live under
an open heaven, you will experience God’s blessing and favor in
your life.
6 PM:
“Open Up the Heavens”
“Touching Heaven - Changing Earth”
Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto
us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the works of
this law.” God has secrets in heaven that He wants to reveal to
you and He is looking for those He can trust with those secrets.
As we touch heaven, God will open up the heavenlies to reveal
His secrets to us in order to change our world.
“Open Up the Heavens” Through
21 Days Prayer and Fasting
January 5th - January 26, 2014
Corporate Prayer
Tuesday, January 7, 7 pm, Sanctuary
Wednesday, January 8, 7 pm, Prayer Emphasis
Thursday, January 9, 7 pm, Sanctuary
We encourage everyone to join us for corporate and
individual prayer throughout the week.
Revival Services
Guest Minister - Rev. Peter De Jesus
Sunday, January 12th - Wednesday, January 15th
(Sunday: 9:00 & 11:00 am; 2:00 & 6:00 pm
Monday - Wednesday: 7:00 pm)
Encouraging and Uplifting Messages
“Open Up the Heavens” Sunday, January 5th, 9:00 & 11:00 am
“The Fast Pass to a Crossover” Sunday, January 19th, 9:00 & 11:00 am
“Living Under an Open Heaven” Sunday, January 26th, 9 :00 & 11:00 am
“Touching Heaven - Changing Earth Sunday, January 26th, 6:00 pm
Resources
Free resources are available in the foyer and through the
church website to assist you with your fast.
Books available for purchase: “The Hidden Power of Prayer
& Fasting - Releasing the Awesome Power of the Praying
Church” by Mahesh Chavda - $12.00 each. “Oración y
Ayuno” by Dr. Kingsley A. Fletcher - $7.00 each.
A medida que entramos en una nueva temporada en la Iglesia
Vida, se le animan a formar parte de los 21 días de oración y
ayuno. Estamos creyendo que Dios "Abrirá Los Cielos" aquí
en Iglesia Vida y en cada una de nuestras vidas. Material y
recursos sobre el ayuno y oración están disponibles, así como
un libro devocional para la compra. Pase por la mesa de
exhibición en el vestíbulo de la Iglesia. Tendremos el libro
“Oración y Ayuno” by Dr. Kingsley A. Fletcher - $7.00.
Domingo, 5 de enero 2 pm
Rev. Jesse Rizo
Reverendo Jesse Rizo se salvó a la edad de
12 años y lleno del Espíritu Santo a los 14.
Ha dedicado su vida a servir a Dios en todo
lo que el Señor abre puertas para él. El deseo
de caminar en obediencia a la Palabra de
Dios por la guía del Espíritu Santo para traer
a otros al conocimiento salvador de
Jesucristo. Él y su esposa, Anna-Marie tiene una hija de 11
años de edad, Natalie.
Domingo, 12 de Enero
“Abre Los Cielos”
Servicios de Avivamiento de Domingo a Miércoles. Domingo a las 2 y 6 pm; Lunes - Miércoles 7 pm
Rev. Peter De Jesus
Reverendo Peter De Jesús ha estado en el
ministerio a tiempo completo desde 1997 en
varias capacidades. Él y su esposa, Mildred,
ha trabajado al lado de la otra en el
ministerio a tiempo completo desde 2002. En
última instancia, su deseo es ser utilizado por
Jesucristo con el fin de introducir, promover
y expandir el reino celestial de Dios aquí en la tierra para la
vida de todas las personas de todas las edades en todo el
mundo.
Domingo, 19 de Enero 2 pm
Rev. Juan Ruiz Reverendo Juan Ruiz ha dedicado su vida a
servir al Señor en el ministerio durante los
últimos 25 años, de los cuales 12 años
sirviendo como pastor y 13 años como
evangelista. Juan y su esposa, Diana, tienen 3
hijos, 11 años de edad hijas gemelas, y un hijo
de 7 años. La visión del Ruiz es extender el
reino de Dios a todo el mundo y que las almas se salvarían a
cualquier costo para la Gloria de Dios.
Servicios: Domingos a las 2 pm
Miércoles a las 7 pm (Estudio Bíblico Español)
Discipleship Classes Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
Adult Groups
Established in the Faith
Teachers: Bill and Nancy Caskey
Location: Room # 3
We will explore the fundamental truths of
Scripture from a Pentecostal perspective, which
will provide a foundation to live a life pleasing
to God, and to continue to grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Because each lesson is a stand-alone lesson,
anyone can join the class at any time and not be
behind in our study.
Faith and Finance
Teacher: Cesar Canizalez
Location: Sanctuary
This class will cover the basic biblical principles
of good stewardship, as it pertains to the gifts,
talents and resources that God has given us
(to include a lesson on tithing as well.) After
which the class will lead into the basics of
financial literacy, preparedness and well being
for everyone. This class will be a broad
educational based class. Participants will have an opportunity to
learn the basics around:
- Building a Financial Strategy - Budgeting
- Credit Management - Wills
- Disability Insurance - Life Insurance
- Retirement Planning & Investing - And Much More!
Battlefield of the Minds - Men Mentoring Men
Teacher: Tom Hlady
Location: Conference Room
If you suffer from worry, doubt, confusion,
depression, anger or condemnation, you are
experiencing an attack in your mind.
Overcoming negative thoughts that come
against your mind brings freedom and peace. In
this class, you will find out how to recognize
damaging thought patterns and to stop them
from influencing your life.
iMarriage - Young Married Couples
Teachers: Armando and Linda Saldivar
Location: Room # 1
Standing at the altar, we all had a picture of
what our marriage would look like. The
problem is this picture of marriage results in
expectations that we unload on our spouse. The
weight of these expectations will rob your
marriage of love and joy. As a spouse you may
feel like you do not you measure up or feel like
you are good enough. So what are you to do
with your expectations? You can't deny them,
because most expectations started out as
God-given desires. Couples must learn to transform your
expectations and look to God if you are to experience marriage as
it was designed.
Ladies Group
What’s In A Name? - The Names of God
Teacher: Pastor Tina Richardson
Location: Multi-purpose Chapel
What’s in a name? We all have numerous
names, each describing a different aspect of our
life, character and relationships. The more you
know someone, the more names you have and
use for them. As a relationship develops, more
names are added as depth and breadth of the
relationship brings understanding. Together, we
will explore the numerous, descriptive names of God. We will
begin to comprehend the Power and Promise of who He is to you
personally. This time of learning the Word, coupled with
practical application, will bring us to a place of encounter with
the Most High God (yes, that is one of His names.)
Spanish Group
Estudio Bíblico Españoles
Ubicación: Hispana Room Ministries
Únete con nosotros a medida que estudiamos la Palabra
de Dios.
In addition to the Adult Groups offered. We have groups for the whole family. Make a commitment in 2014 to bring the entire family to EMPOWER Discipleship Groups on Wednesday evenings.
Blaze Young Adults, ages 18 - 30 - singles/ married couples
4 Life Student Ministries, ages 13 - 18
Royal Rangers, boys ages 5 - 12
Girls Ministries, girls ages 5 - 12
Rainbows, boys and girls ages 3 - 4
Nursery, ages birth - 2
“Living a Life That is . . .
OUT OF THIS WORLD”
Series
Kids have always been curious about space and “life on
other planets.” This series capitalizes on the curiosity by
comparing the life of a Christian with the life of an alien.
I Peter 2:11 teaches us that we are “aliens in this world.”
To live a life that is out of this world, we must be careful to
“stay away from sinful things.” We need to guard our hearts
and minds from all the sinful influences of the world.
We accomplish this by following Jesus Christ, the perfect
example. Join us for these exciting lessons:
January 5th: “Aliens Are Different!”
God wants us to live our life set apart for Him!
January 12th: “Garbage In, Garbage Out”
We must be careful what we put into our hearts and minds!
January 19th: “The Power of Booster!”
God’s power working in us helps us do incredible things!
January 26th: “How to be a Peacemaker!”
God wants each of us to be peacemakers!
Laser Quest Adventure Friday, January 17th, 6:15 pm
All Spark Kidz are invited on a limited
first come, first reserve basis. Cost: $16.00
per person. Contact Brother Allen at
210-674-6784 to reserve your spot. We
will return back to the church no later than
8:30 pm.
Friday, January 10th, 7:00 pm at the Home of
David & Lyn Thomason 1339 South Flores Street # 202
210.317.3403
Designed specifically for married couples, Rated M is a
group that meets monthly to discuss the tough issues in
marriage. From communication to addictions, this study will
dive into God’s Word to see what He has to say about
marriage’s most difficult subjects. Because of the subject
matter of this study, we ask that only married couples
(without the kiddos) attend. Need childcare? Sign-up at
the Information Center.
Life Light Ministries Saturdays, 9:00 am , in the Sanctuary
As believers, we are charged with the duty
to spread the Good News in our community.
Each Saturday morning we gather to be wit-
nesses of His love and mercy. Just as Jesus
received sinners, we should receive people
as they are and invite them to know Christ.
Let’s step out of our comfort zones and
make new friends. It is through making new friends that we
will be able to lead them to Christ Jesus.
Nursing Home Ministry Fridays at 10:00 am at Lakeside Inn (Located on Lakeside Parkway off on SW Loop 410
Between Hwy 151 & Marbach Road).
If you would like to get involved in this worthwhile
ministry, or for more information, contact Eva Hizon at
210-209-1112.
Saturday, January 18th
9:00 am
Fellowship Hall
Men, join us for a time of prayer as we ask God to “Open
Up The Heavens” for us men, for our families and for Life
Church. We are believing God to pour out His Spirit in a
new and greater ways in 2014! For more information,
contact Steve Colman at 210-316-8959.
Ministry Opportunities
It’s a new year with new opportunities to serve and minister
for the Kingdom of God! The Creative Arts Ministries
invites you to be a part of an awesome ministry.
Worship Choir Practice: Thursday, January 23rd, 7:00 pm.
Musicians/FrontLine: Thursday, January 30th, 6:30 pm.
Technical Ministry: Audio, Media, Cameras, and Lighting
is growing and needs help. If you
would like to be part of the Creative
Arts Ministry Team, contact Pastor
David Holley at 210-674-6784, or
email [email protected].
Young Adults
Friday, January 24th - Saturday, January 25th
Cost:
$35.00 Registration (Plus Hotel)
Due:
January 10, 2014
The Registration includes afterglow activities on Friday and
“Main Event” on Saturday.
Worship will be led by Tido Rodriguez. Matt Rule will bring
a timely message on how we are to “Branded with Christ.”
The retreat will have a Western theme so don’t forget to bring
your western wear.
Student Ministries
Service: Sundays at 6 pm Empower Discipleship Groups:
Wednesday at 7 pm
Skate Night
Friday, January 17
Cost: $11.00 per skater
Meet at the Church at 6 pm
“Acquire the Fire” Friday, February 28th -
Saturday, March 1st
Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, TX
Registration:
$35.00 due
January 22, 2014
Worship 2014 Conference
“Fresh Start”
Friday, February 7 - Saturday, February 8, 2014
First Assembly of God, San Antonio
Cost: $30.00 per person
(Includes Workshops and Concert)
Registration Deadline:
January 15th
Fresh Start Worship Conference will be a weekend filled with
dynamic worship, insightful teaching, and a concert by One
Sonic Society. This conference is opened to anyone who
desires to take their worship to the next level!
For more information, contact Pastor Paul at 210-379-7421.
Senior Adult
Ministry
Adults ages 50 and over
Breakfast Fellowship Tuesday, January 14th, 9:00 am
IHOP Restaurant (Loop 410 at Marbach Road)
Game Day Tuesday, January 28th, 11:00 am
Save the date for a fantastic afternoon of games and fun
located at Don & Jimmie Spears’ home.
For Game Day location or if you need more information, call
the church office at 210-674-6784.
BRANDED WITH CHRIST Young Adult Retreat
Visit us
on the web at . . .
www.lifechurchsa.com
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT LIFE CHURCH
4424 SW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78227