Mt. Zion Bulletin Volume 1 Issue 3

Volume 1 Issue 3 MT. ZION Monthly Matters \"JOURNAL OF FAITH\" MONTHLY MATTERS BULLETIN Soar above the storm Father's Day (June 18) Inside this Issue Significance The significance of Father's Day is to honor fathers and father Sermons figures for their love, support, and guidance. Fathers play a vital role in the development of their children. They teach their children important values, such as hard work, responsibility, and respect. Have you ever wondered about your purpose in life? Know that Questionnaire you have been called by God to teach others about who He is and Treasure Hunt what it means to follow Him. God gave you the authority to do so and has promised to not leave you on your own, but to be with you IBMU Anniversary always (see Matt 28:18-20). Ask God to show you where he wants you to go so that you can help others follow Him. When the storms of life comes upon us we can rise above by setting our trust towards God. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10. PAGE 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION 3 4  Pastor's Desk Editor's Notes II. SERMONS 6 7 Communion Sunday 10 Questionnaire (Q&A) 11 Comfort through trying times Father's Day Sermon 14 III. IBMU I33RD ANNIVERSARY 12 16 Research Design 17 18 IV. INSPIRATION The Importance of Prayer Treasure Hunt Question Page Verse for the Month PAGE 2

Volume 1 Issue 3 Pastor's Desk A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER IN CHARGE REVEREND WARREN SIMON SPEAK THE WORD Help me Lord to be merciful- sympathetic, tender, responsive and compassionate to others, even as you are all of these to me - ADAPTED FROM LUKE 6:36 FURTHER THAN FORGIVENESS It is not enough to merely say we forgive others; we must be careful not to curse them In Luke 6:27,28 teaches how to deal with our or speak evil of them even if we think they enemies. Something is missing when we say deserved it. Instead we must do as Jesus did we forgive those that have hurt or offended and pray for them, bless them, speak well of us and go no further. them. You see, though God tells us in His word to Why? because by doing so, we bless not only forgive others, however He does not stop them but ourselves too. Hating those that there. He goes on to instruct us to BLESS hurt you is like taking poison and hoping our them. In this context, the word \"bless\" means enemy will die. Obviously, anyone who did that \"to speak well of.\" So one of our problems is would be hurting himself. Why spend your life though we pray and try to forgive those who angry at people who probably do not even offend us, we turn right around and curse know or care that you are angry? These them with our tongues or we rehash the people are thoroughly enjoying their lives offense again and again with others. while you are miserable. THIS WILL NOT WORK! Release them, let the offense go, drop it, and To work through the process of forgiveness have that same attitude towards them as and enjoy the peace we seek, we must do Jesus had towards His enemies. By doing this, what God tells us to do, which is not only to you will experience wonderful freedom and forgive but also to bless. God will show Himself strong as your vindicator. One reason we find it so hard to pray for those who hurt us and mistreat us is that we tend to think we are asking God to bless them physically or materially. The truth is that we are not praying for them to make more money or to have more possessions; we are praying for them to be blessed spiritually. What we are doing is asking God to bring truth and revelation to them about their attitude and behaviour so they will be willing to repent and be freed from their sins. PAGE 3

Volume 1 Issue 3 Editor's Notes TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO: AND Contributor: WHEN HE IS OLD, HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT. - Sister Susan Simon Glory to God, thank you to everyone that contributed to CONTACT: our last issue by way of the Word, health tips and testimonials. These valuable nuggets help us to grow 354-4704 - Reverend Warren Simon and prosper; which ultimately makes us stronger in the Minister in charge of Mt. Zion Lord. Independent Baptist Missionary Union (I.B.M.U) Church JUNE HONORS 466-7349 - Secretary of Mt. Zion June is set aside to honor Fathers' around the world. I.B.M.U Church We at Mt. Zion ask God to continue blessings the Fathers that is in our midst, though few in numbers they make themselves available to teach and guide the younger generation by way of the Word or through music. [email protected] Sister Marlene Joachim. Editor. FOLLOW OUR CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE. PAGE 4

MT. ZION IBMU CHURCH UPCOMING EVENTS. MEMBERS PLEASE TAKE NOTE! Sunday Service @9:00am Bible Studies Wednesday @6:30pm Via zoom Meeting ID: 219 479 9255 Passcode: M3g5h6 Prayer and Fasting Thursday @9:00am LITTLE BETHLEHEM PRE- BAPTISM REVIVAL: WEDNESDAY 12TH AND THURSDAY 13TH JULY, 7:00PM NIGHTLY. Little Bethlehem Baptism - Gathering at the church for Pastor Kester Simon Robing from 8:00am then to Flowerpot Beach. IBMU Prayer Breakfast @Bethany IBMU Church from 6:00am, Ticket $50.00.

Volume 1 Issue 3 Communion Sunday \"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me....\" By: Reverend Warren Simon Minister of the Gospel SERMON: 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-25 In order to be like Jesus Christ, it requires a our way God allows the devil to test our faith. sacrifice, it requires us to change our mindset. God knows our limit; if He gives the devil 40% to In verse 23, he gave bread to the same individual test us, the devil cannot go 41% because God that was going to betray him, Peter denied him, knows our breaking point, however you will Thomas doubted him and the disciples forsook come out stronger. When taking the Lord's him. Supper, you are downloading attributes that will cause you to overcome because it has been When Jesus said \"One of you is going to betray blessed (1 Cor 5:7). When it comes to the Lord's me,\" Judas looked Jesus in his eyes and asked \" Supper we ought not to let situations keep us is it me Lord? \" It happened in the Church, we as back. believers in Christ must learn to love across the board. In this walk some will love you and some In the book of Matt hew 5:24 it reads \"Leave your will hate you but we ought to learn to adapt. If gift there in front of the altar. First go and be you would like to grow spiritually, you must grow reconciled to them; then come and offer your under criticism, as it tends to bring the best out gift.\" Although you may not be in the wrong, we of an individual; it will either build you or break ought to stoop and reconcile with our brothers you. \"For the sake of Christ, then, I am content and sisters, the word of God said to \"examine with weaknesses, insults, hardships, ourselves\" (2 Cor 13:5) don't let anything hinder persecutions, and calamities. For when I am our growth. weak, then I am strong.......\" 2 Corinthians 12:9– 10 Peter asked “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against It's only the grace of God that can keep you, me? Up to seven times?” \" Jesus answered, “I Sometimes for our good God allows certain tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven situations to happen, he doesn't give us more times.\" We ought to live like Jesus, while the than we can bear. world may say \" an eye for an eye\" we ought to forgive. Jesus told Peter that the devil wants to sift you as wheat (Luke 22:31-32), Jesus prayed for him How do we live like Jesus? - Meditate on the that when he comes out he will be able Word day and night (Psalm 1 :2) and Rom 12:1; strengthen the brethren. The devil received going to the Lord's table will either bring permission to test Job, sometimes when life success or damnation. hardship comes PAGE 6

Volume 1 Issue 3 Questionnaire This Questionnaire was Prepared by our very own Reverend Warren Simon for members to research the assessment in depth as means to grow Spiritually. 1) Give two (2) scriptures that clearly show that man cannot save himself. A: Romans 5:8- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Ephesians 2:8-9 : For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. 2) James chapter 2 vs 19 says, \"The Devil believes and trembles” will they be saved? Explain the above. Romans 10:9 says that If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. John 14:6 - the devil believes and trembles, but they never confess, they tremble cause they are afraid of him. 3) What is one of the works or functions of the Holy Spirit in the Church today? The Holy Spirit Guides Us to the Truth.... When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:12-13a). If the Holy Spirit is truly working in your life, you will be driven to study the Scriptures. The Spirit will reveal His Word to us. 4) What does the word Apostle mean? A person who is sent forth, representative, ambassador, king or country commission to be sent out, all the authority and power of the person who sends him out. 5) What are Three (3) things that are true of the apostle? Signs, wonders and miracles . An \"apostle\" is one who has a call to plant and oversee churches, has verifiable church plants and spiritual sons in the ministry, who is recognized and meets the biblical qualifications of an elder. 6) Paul was an apostle by the command of God, what was Paul's name before? Acts 13:9 - Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit,........ 7) Was Paul always an apostle? 1 Timothy 1:13- Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 1 timothy 1:1, (Paul at first was a persecutor of the Saints of God and he then became an Apostle for Jesus Christ. PAGE 7

Volume 1 Issue 3 Questionnaire This Questionnaire was Prepared by our very own Reverend Warren Simon for members to research the assessment in depth as means to grow Spiritually. 8) If so, when did he become an Apostle? He became an apostle Acts 9:18, it reads- And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. vs 26+27- And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Acts 13:1-3 - Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 9) Where was his Birthplace? birthplace and tribe - Philippians 3:4-6- .....circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin....... Acts 21:39- Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 10) When did Paul preach his first sermon? Acts 9:18-20. - Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem, Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 11) In Acts chapter vs 13 vs 1-3, what did the Holy Spirit wanted the Apostles to do? Give scripture reference to support your answer. 46-47 - Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. '” 12)Who was Paul’s first convert in Europe. Give scripture reference to support your answer. Acts 16 - Lydia - whose heart the Lord opened to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul. PAGE 8

Volume 1 Issue 3 Questionnaire This Questionnaire was Prepared by our very own Reverend Warren Simon for members to research the assessment in depth as means to grow Spiritually. 13) Where did Paul find Timothy? According to Acts 16:1-3 - Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who 14) When did Barnabas and Paul separated? Barnabas and Paul separated over the role Mark should play when they decided to return to the places where they had preached the gospel (Acts 15:36). 15) Give two reasons why you think Paul and Silas were imprisoned? Give a reference to support your answer. Two reasons Paul and Silas were thrown into prison - For casting out a Divination Spirit from the fortune telling girl, and they were in prison for a divine appointment so the jailor can obtain salvation. Acts 16:25-40. 16) 1 Timothy chapter 1 vs 3-11 Paul writing to Timothy, \"Love comes from three sources” please name them. But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. (Vs 5). PAGE 9

Volume 1 Issue 3 Comfort through trying times Sermon But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. By: Reverend Warren Simon Minister of the Gospel SERMON: ISAIAH 40: 1- 31. As we read in the scriptures we can see that As believers in Christ, we ought to take a Judah was captured by the Babylonians, page of how the eagle operates, An eagle God through the Prophet Isaiah was telling knows when a storm is approaching long the people of Israel that even though they before it breaks. The eagle will fly to a high had fallen short, He will comfort them and spot and wait for the winds to come, when give them a double portion for their trouble the storm hits, it sets it's wings for the wind (verse 1 and 2). to pick it up and set it above the storm. The eagle does not escape the storm, it simply In vs 28-31 - In the midst of worship we uses the storm to lift him higher, he rises on ought to tell God \" Father, I am weak\" the the wind that bring the storm. scriptures said in 2 Corinthians 12:9- 10:...\"For the sake of Christ, then I am When the storms of life come upon us we content with weakness, insults, hardships, can rise above by setting our trust towards persecutions and calamities. For when I am God, The storms do not have to overcome weak, then I am strong.\" When we learn to us, God will strengthen us, His power will lift wait on the Lord, he's able to give you an us above the dark clouds so we can rise the anointing from weakness to strength. Take winds of the storm in our lives. We ought to for instance an eagle, now he's the King in wait on the Lord and be of good courage. the world of birds; he determine what he wants to eat, and he doesn't eat anything that comes to him. The eagle is a boss, he can be miles away and with his extraordinary sight he can see a rat trying to get from point A to point B; He accumulates a certain amount of speed in order to pick up the rat before it reaches to point B, now this takes a certain level of concentration and he always comes out victorious. PAGE 10

Volume 1 Issue 3 Father's Day Sermon I will arise and go to my Father, and I will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you....... By: First Lady Susan Simon Minister of the Gospel SERMON: LUKE 15:11-19 In this passage 4 things was observed: In the book of Job 1:5 - Job made sacrifices on 1.THE SON ASKED THE FATHER FOR HIS SHARE behalf of his children just in case they had sin - now Prodigal means to be wasteful, or an against God unintentionally. As parents let us individual that likes to spend. The young man not wait for things to happen, if they have never even waited for his father to pass away exams we ought to pray in advance. Job as a to receive his share. Although he never work man took the frontline. for it, his focus was to live his life to the fullest while he is young. In the book of Joshua 24:15 - Joshua said 2.HE WASN'T MATURE ENOUGH TO HANDLE \"....As for me and my house we will serve the SUCH RESPONSIBILITY - Instead of using his Lord.\" He made a statement, we ought to inheritance to party with associates, he could remember who woke us up this morning, who have invested his share. kept us through the week? Today children are 3.REALITY HIT HIM - When he had a lot of money not too young to die. Therefore, they are not to he had plenty friends, however due to his young to serve the Lord, the bible says \"Train a money running out, his friends abandoned child in the way that he should go that when he him, and he had to work with the pigs. His is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) father knew that he was going to crash as everyday he patiently waited for his son's Ladies if your husbands are not in church, pray return. When the son came back he looked as for him, don't give up, work with your a Begger as his condition became worse when husbands. There are too many young men he first left his father's house. Sometimes dying out here, we ought to pray for our men. situations like that happen when you leave the The harvest is ripe and the laborer's are few... presence of God. (Matt 9:35-38). Find your purpose and fulfill 4.THIS CHILD REPENTED THROUGH your purpose. CONFESSION: In verse 21 it reads \"Father I have sinned against heaven and against you.....\" here it shows TRUE CONFESSION. The question we as parents ought to ask ourselves is HOW ARE YOU LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR CHILDREN? PAGE 11

Volume 1 Issue 3 The Importance of Prayer Prayer is important to the Believer of God, it is expected of us by God as the Bible often said \" “when you pray,” not “if you pray,” because of it's importance and power. These are some importance of prayer. PRAYER MAKES US MORE LIKE JESUS. If we look at the life of Jesus, we see that he prayed—with others (Luke 9:28), for others (Matthew 19:13-14), and on his own (Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12). It was a fundamental part of how he approached each day and every decision, retreating faithfully to spend time with his Father. Clearly prayer was important to Jesus—it was his lifeline and his connection to the Heavenly Father. It equipped him for the battles he was about to face. It kept alive the intimate relationship that sustained him. And it revealed to him God’s desires and direction. If the goal of a Christian is to become more like Jesus, that process should include imitating his actions and living out his words. As we pray, we will become more like Jesus, and we will find that prayer changes us. PRAYER SHOWS US THE HEART OF GOD. When Jesus prayed for his disciples in John 17, he prayed for those who would believe in him, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:21). Prayer helps us become one with the Father and have the kind of relationship Jesus had with him. The Bible is filled with stories illustrating God’s desire to have an intimate relationship with his people, and any close relationship involves communication. When two people have no contact with each other, their relationship will never advance. And since prayer is, quite simply a conversation with God, it is how we get to know him. When we come into his presence, all pretense is gone—there is no longer anything to hide because he sees all and knows all. Prayer humbles us because as we spend time with him, we realize how powerful, able and good God is and how much we need him, and yet, God accepts us as we are—not because he wants us to stay that way, but because he knows that the relationship comes first. As we grow to love him, we will want to become more like him. When we find forgiveness through prayer, God softens our heart and allows us to forgive others. When we experience God’s compassion and mercy, we will share that with others. When we understand that God’s grace is freely given, we recognize that no one is any more or less deserving of God’s love than we are, and it transforms our hearts and our actions, helping us reveal God’s generous love to others. PAGE 12

Volume 1 Issue 3 The Importance of Prayer Prayer is important to the Believer of God, it is expected of us by God as the Bible often said \" “when you pray,” not “if you pray,” because of it's importance and power. These are some importance of prayer. PRAYER REVEALS THE WISDOM OF GOD. The best part about prayer is that it’s a conversation that goes both directions. Yes, we will talk to God, but when we spend time with him and are willing to receive, we will also hear from him. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Jesus prayed all night before selecting the 12 apostles (Luke 6:12-16), and he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane to try to ascertain God’s will regarding what God was asking him to do. His time in prayer helped align his will with that of the Father, just as our time with God will do for us. After getting in touch with the heart of God and realizing how much he loves us, we will learn to trust him and value his insight and guidance. As we spend time talking to God, he aligns our will with his, changing the way we experience a situation and respond to a problem. Sometimes we miss his answers (because we’re not listening or we’re expecting a different answer so we don’t recognize it when it comes), and other times the answer comes through reading the Bible or talking to others, but God will answer. His wisdom far exceeds our own because he sees farther and loves deeper and has his sights set on an eternity with those he loves, not just gratification in the immediate moment. There is no one else who can see and know what he does, and he delights to share his wisdom with us in prayer. PAGE 13

Volume 1 Issue 3 IBMU 133RD ANNIVERSARY The Independent Baptist Missionary 133rd Anniversary Although this denomination has been established in the year 1890, the growth that took place in this denomination has been incredible as the Union consists of 13 churches throughout Trinidad. With each passing year the union seems not only to grow older but to be more dedication in it's missions. With 3 nights of Revival, were meant to strengthen or revive us for the work ahead as Jesus said \" The harvest is ripe and the Labourers are few (Matt 9:35-38) In the book of Matthew 16:18 it says - And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Although the work has not been easy our faithfulness and integrity has truly been a blessing. We hope and pray that God will continue to strategically use this denomination for the spread of His Kingdom. Congratulations on another anniversary. He is for us! Highlights from the Union's Anniversary Our very own Reverend Warren Simon Chairperson for the Youths Segment, who lead in worship Sis Chriselle Sampson IBMU Media/Communications team Leader PAGE 14

Volume 1 Issue 3 IBMU 133RD ANNIVERSARY The Independent Baptist Missionary 133rd Anniversary Highlights from the Union's Anniversary Prayer by Sis Khedija Simon for the The Independent Baptist Missionary Youths Segment Union Worship Team March by members of the IBMU in celebration of the Union's 133rd Anniversary For more highlights on the IBMU Anniversary and updates, follow the IBMU Newsletter \"FOLLOWING OUR FAITH\" and scan the QR Code to keep up to date with the Union's Facebook page. Independent Baptist Missionary Union PAGE 15

Volume 1 Issue 3 Treasure Hunt Use the Secret Code to find the Discovered Treasure A KS D LV E MW GN HO To become a Child of God, SOMETHING TO BELIEVE SOMEONE TO RECEIVE there is I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, I receive (take) the Lord Jesus into that He died on the cross for my sins, my heart as my Savior. The Bible SOMETHING TO and that He rose again on the third says, \"As many as receive Him, to BELIEVE AND day to be my living Savior. them gave He power to become the SOMEONE TO RECEIVE Sons of God...\" (John 1:12) PAGE 16

Volume 1 Issue 3 Question Page INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the correct answer A or B. Write it in the box provided 1.The Bible tells us that God is a. One God in three Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit b. Three diffrent persons. 2. God can be everywhere at the same time because a. He can travel so fast b. He is God and because He is a Spirit 3. Because God is all - wise, a. He knows almost everything b. He knows everything, even our thoughts. 4. Because God is Holy and righteous, a. He must punish all sin b. He can overlook our sins 5. Because God is faithful. a. He keeps His word most of the time b. He keeps His word all of the time. A FUN BIBLE TRIVIA PAGE 17

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.