“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” ~Acts 20:28 (NKJV)
There are times when I could just kick myself for not taking better notes. If I would have known that September 14, 2014 was the last time I was gonna hear Pastor John Hibbard preach my note taking would have been a little more detailed. As some of you know Pastor Hibbard (someone I consider a Keswick Titan) went home to be with our LORD and Savior. There was this one phrase he used that I really liked and kinda thought had some truth to it. He would say, “If you can get your mind around that you’ll have it all in nutshell.” I think he was conveying to us that we are a little nuts at times. Anyway…on this particular Sunday morning he started his sermon with what we read in Acts 20:28. I know this because I wrote it down but the rest of my notes are from the 14th chapter of the Book of Romans. So I’ll take it from there…
What we can glean from Romans 14:8-12 are three things but they are centered around one central theme and that is Christ alone has the right to purchase us. We see this reinforced from what is written in verse 7, “For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.” Basically this comes in two positions, one that as we live we are under the influence of the grace of God and secondly in our death we will be taken into the presence and glory of Christ. Now apparently according the notes I took we can now look at those three things as they pertain to Divine Lordship. You may want some A-1 steak sauce to go with this…just sayin’.
1. “For both if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore both if we live, and if we die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8) This speaks to realms of Divine Lordship. Weather it’s natural or spiritual, all life is derived from the LORD. We live by faith and do His will and when it’s our time we will live with Him forever. This is life in the realm of Divine Lordship.
2. “For this Christ both died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living.” (Romans 14:9) This speaks to the rights of Divine Lordship. By doing the will of The Father Christ rightly deserves His spot on the right hand seat. All creation is under His subjugation, He has defeated death and beat the Devil. This is life of deserved rights
3. “But why do you judge your brother? Or also why do you despise your brother? For all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Romans 14:10) This speaks to the rules of Divine Lordship. Like it or not you are gonna give an account for what you’ve done here and just to put it in Jesus’ words, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 14:11) I once heard a Pastor say, “You can bow now or you can bow later but in the end you’re gonna bow.” This is life under the rules of Divine Lordship.
Then I come to end the end of my note taking and Pastor Hibbard gave two things that should be taken into account when we have an understanding of Divine Lordship. If we have an unconditional submission to all aspects of life THEN we can express an unashamed confession of Christ in all aspects of life! That got kinda deep and it still raises a “hmm” as I look at it. So what’s this got to do with Acts 20:28? Here’s my guess…
Many men out there think that they can’t be a spiritual leader even though they have a deep love for our Lord and Savior. Hogwash I say!! If you are married with children, then you’re the pastor in your home. Many single guys out there think because they it’s just them they can’t be spiritual leaders. Again I say hogwash! Anywhere you are you can share the Gospel Good News…you can do all things through Him who gives you strength. Even those ladies out there (who are rumored to read the Freedom Fighter blog) are spiritual leaders and need to impart encouragement to those around them.
As we accept those things that are of Jesus Christ, we truly become ambassadors of The One who has Divine Lordship in our lives and the joy of living in that needs to penetrate and encourage the hearts of those who are weaker among us. As Paul would put it, “Then let us not judge one another anymore, but rather judge this, not to put a stumbling-block or an offense toward his brother.” (Romans 14:13) Nicely put don’t ya think?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy 11-2003 and serves on the Deacon Board at Trinity Alliance Church in Cologne NJ.
Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan
Daily Quote: “Those living the crucified life do not seek place or wealth, fame or high positions. Rather, they want to know God and to be where Jesus is. Only to know Christ—that is all.” ~A.W. Tozer
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: In the fear of the Lordthere is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. ~Proverbs 14:26 (NKJV)
Wonderful place to go meeting Christians and fellowshipping very clean place highly recommended
Roxana Reilly
1725202550
Great place for family gatherings and for me, My own spiritual retreat to renew my faith on the Lord.
Paul Vanderstar
1724964916
this is where you go to refresh yourself and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Their addiction programs are available to those ready to change their lives
Lori Gaeta
1724259466
I recently went on a christian retreat at Americas Keswick. The speakers were amazing especially Pastor Lloyd Pulley and his lovely and wise wife Karen. The food was delicious 😋. The accommodations were OK very simple I was in Victory... hall.I met some of the men from the colony they all speak of having a wonderful recovery. Praise God!. The grounds are spectacular!!!I only had 1 negative experience. There is a lifeguard there by the name of Jason who was extremely rude and disrespectful not only to me but to a sweet elderly man. I spoke to that man who has been going there for years and said Jason is that way to a alot of the people. I was surprised to find out Keswick would hire such a person. When I went to go into the main building , I was confronted by Ruth, who works there, before she heard my side of the story she had a bad and condemning attitude and spoke down to me. After I explained what happened, she apologized. You would think the staff would be vetted well before being hired, especially at a Christian facility that has been around for close to 130 years.I have forgiven both individuals in my prayers, but I have to say it was very hurtful and made me cry. That said. I would still recommend Keswick as you will be blessed by the speakers and the many beautiful Christians that attend the meeting. I especially was moved by the testimonies of the men from the colony. Don't miss those devotionals at 7 am.read more
Katherine Abreu
1722634543
This place has been a blessing to my family and I.
Michelle Thompson
1722547535
I stayed in the older facility so I was not comfortable with my arrangements. However, the service received in effort to make things better and more pleasant was exceptional! My family and I enjoyed the many activities and services available to... us, even though the sessions for toddlers was merely babysitting.This center would be great for a family reunion, Looking forward to coming again.read more
Karen Occhiogrosso
1720052800
I attend the Hymn Sing every month. Today was an inspirational patriotic program. It was amazing to sing songs of our country with 500 other people!! Keswick never disappoints, and many men and women have overcome addictions through the ministries... of the Colony and Barbara's Place.read more
PETER CACCIOPPOLI
1719525196
Gods rest area.
Jessica Olivo
1718500236
Very VERYY lovely experience. I love every piece of land here. I love connecting with nature from time to time. I have being to other retrieve camps but this one is from now in my favorite! Amazing service. The people here are very pleasant. Such an... amazing service to our people. God bless the staff! Very clean! Well organized! We are looking forward to come back! Very peaceful place. ♥️♥️read more
Jeremiah & Julie Diedrich
1717118012
Amazing! Lives are transformed here.
Angel
1716676537
It's a blessing to be here with other Christians Praying together and Praising God 🙌. Took a helicopter ride with Jaars who went far and beyond with God's Grace.
J Staples Mcormick
1716470098
Annual fund raiser at this magnificent establishment to help raise funds for addiction recovery
donna mclaughlin
1716155842
Wonderful place. Staff and the men serving always go above and beyond to be kind and helpful.
Wilbert Mesta
1715569664
Un excelente lugar para descansar en familia.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 455 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
Wonderful place to go meeting Christians and fellowshipping very clean place highly recommended
Roxana Reilly
1725202550
Great place for family gatherings and for me, My own spiritual retreat to renew my faith on the Lord.
Paul Vanderstar
1724964916
this is where you go to refresh yourself and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Their addiction programs are available to those ready to change their lives
Lori Gaeta
1724259466
I recently went on a christian retreat at Americas Keswick. The speakers were amazing especially Pastor Lloyd Pulley and his lovely and wise wife Karen. The food was delicious 😋. The accommodations were OK very simple I was in Victory... hall.I met some of the men from the colony they all speak of having a wonderful recovery. Praise God!. The grounds are spectacular!!!I only had 1 negative experience. There is a lifeguard there by the name of Jason who was extremely rude and disrespectful not only to me but to a sweet elderly man. I spoke to that man who has been going there for years and said Jason is that way to a alot of the people. I was surprised to find out Keswick would hire such a person. When I went to go into the main building , I was confronted by Ruth, who works there, before she heard my side of the story she had a bad and condemning attitude and spoke down to me. After I explained what happened, she apologized. You would think the staff would be vetted well before being hired, especially at a Christian facility that has been around for close to 130 years.I have forgiven both individuals in my prayers, but I have to say it was very hurtful and made me cry. That said. I would still recommend Keswick as you will be blessed by the speakers and the many beautiful Christians that attend the meeting. I especially was moved by the testimonies of the men from the colony. Don't miss those devotionals at 7 am.read more
Katherine Abreu
1722634543
This place has been a blessing to my family and I.
Michelle Thompson
1722547535
I stayed in the older facility so I was not comfortable with my arrangements. However, the service received in effort to make things better and more pleasant was exceptional! My family and I enjoyed the many activities and services available to... us, even though the sessions for toddlers was merely babysitting.This center would be great for a family reunion, Looking forward to coming again.read more
Karen Occhiogrosso
1720052800
I attend the Hymn Sing every month. Today was an inspirational patriotic program. It was amazing to sing songs of our country with 500 other people!! Keswick never disappoints, and many men and women have overcome addictions through the ministries... of the Colony and Barbara's Place.read more
PETER CACCIOPPOLI
1719525196
Gods rest area.
Jessica Olivo
1718500236
Very VERYY lovely experience. I love every piece of land here. I love connecting with nature from time to time. I have being to other retrieve camps but this one is from now in my favorite! Amazing service. The people here are very pleasant. Such an... amazing service to our people. God bless the staff! Very clean! Well organized! We are looking forward to come back! Very peaceful place. ♥️♥️read more
Jeremiah & Julie Diedrich
1717118012
Amazing! Lives are transformed here.
Angel
1716676537
It's a blessing to be here with other Christians Praying together and Praising God 🙌. Took a helicopter ride with Jaars who went far and beyond with God's Grace.
J Staples Mcormick
1716470098
Annual fund raiser at this magnificent establishment to help raise funds for addiction recovery
donna mclaughlin
1716155842
Wonderful place. Staff and the men serving always go above and beyond to be kind and helpful.
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” ~Acts 20:28 (NKJV)
