Give God the Glory!: The Power in the Local Church

by Kevin Wayne Johnson

Overview

The "Glory" of God represents His divine qualities. They are revealed through His beauty, brightness, splendor, and radiance as well as His visible revelation of Himself.

A fundamental belief in God is manifested individually, and corporately, through the local church. The local church represents a gathering place where any number of souls are called together and united in one vow, for divine worship, where the pure Word is preached, Godly living is taught, based upon The Holy Bible, as given by the head of the church - The Lord Jesus Christ. Further, we will discover that the local church serves three primary purposes:
(1) It represents the body of believers who are saved by or because of their relationship with Jesus Christ (Body of Christ),
(2) It is comprised of those who are assembled together by their bounds of habitation (the local church), and
(3) We are the Bride of Christ (the local church is charged to teach its members how to live out the principles contained within the pages of The Holy Bible - God's Word).

Kevin Wayne Johnson continues with his simple and systematic writing style to clearly demonstrate The Power in the Local Church within three parts and nine chapters. Part I - What is the Church? - establishes that the local church is revealed in Matthew 16:18 and cannot be destroyed by anyone who chooses to come against its message or existence. Part II - What is My Role in the Local Church? - examines the critical importance of reconciling others to Christ as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). These actions are manifested through service to others and understanding our specific roles within the confines of the local church. Part III - How Do I Glorify God by Fulfilling My Role in the Local Church? - is accomplished through our good works, togetherness (unity), and by "staying in your lane" through the twenty spiritual gifts that God gives us to compliment, in lieu of compete, other gifts within the Body of Christ and in the local church.

We are instructed by God's Word to assemble ourselves together (Hebrews 10:24-25) for the purpose of comforting one another, to promote good works, and to demonstrate love and affection to everyone within our sphere of influence. It is through our good works that God is glorified (Matthew 5:16). Then, The Power in the Local Church is personified through us that represent Him in the earth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780970590251
Publisher:	Writing for the Lord Ministeries
Publication date:	08/23/2010
Pages:	210
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	17 Years

About the Author

With the fundamental belief that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, Minister Kevin Wayne Johnson lives to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. His passion is reflected through his national best-selling book series (Give God the Glory!) that earned 14 literary awards from 2001 to 2009, all published through his Christian-based publishing company, Writing for the Lord Ministries, as a former radio and television host, and in several leadership positions within the local church, the Christian publishing industry, and the National Association of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana).

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Johnson was introduced to the Bible and the Christian doctrine as a child and active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. At the age of eight, his maternal grandmother (Granny), a devout Seventh Day Adventist, prophesied that he would preach the gospel in due season. From these planted seeds, Johnson, alongside his wife, Gail, confessed Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior on May 2, 1993. This spiritual transformation occurred slightly less than two months after their marriage on March 6th.

An active member and ministry leader at Celebration Church, Columbia, Maryland, Minister Johnson serves as National Secretary - National Association of the Church of God Men's Ministry / Conference. He also serves the congregation of his local church as President of WIN (Bible) Institute, a preaching minister commissioned by the Church of God (CDP district), a teacher in the children¡¦s church ministry, visitation / telephone director for Operation Winning Community (church expansion project), facilitator for the weekly Salvation Seminar, evangelism team advisory council, and as a small group leader. Johnson was initially ordained into the Christian ministry as a deacon while at Shiloh Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, Christian Love Center, Somerville, New Jersey, with his wife, on May 21, 2000. While there, he served as Chair of the deacon board for three years and led the monthly ¡§Hour of Power¡¨ prayer service on Friday nights. His ministerial training and experience include: New Members Outreach Ministry at Full Gospel AME Zion Church (1995), Evangelical Training Association (ETA) certified instructor (2000 to present), and adjunct professor at the National Bible College & Seminary World Outreach Center, National Church of God, Fort Washington, Maryland (2004 to present).

Johnson is a professional in government as well as private industry. For 24 years, he has performed successfully in numerous middle and senior-level positions in the areas of workforce development, training, organizational change, acquisition/procurement, customer service, client relationships, and program management, to include the National Security Agency, Department of the Treasury, the Government of the District of Columbia, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Department of the Army, Defense Logistics Agency, and in the private sector at Vivendi Universal and Reuters America. He has testified before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Small Business, and has prepared testimony that was presented before the District of Columbia Committee on Government Operations. Johnson is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Graduate School¡¦s Executive Potential Program (1996). During this program, he assisted the Office of Federal Procurement Policy with several procurement reform initiatives that were tied to the National Performance Review under the Clinton Administration. In 1999, he was awarded the distinction of ¡§Fellow¡¨ by the National Contract Management Association Board of Directors.

Minister Johnson maintains an active involvement in community service and retains membership in several professional and civic organizations to include the National Contract Management Association, Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni Association and African-American Alumni Council (founding member), serving on the School of Business Board of Directors from 1994 to 1996, the African-American Federal Executives Association, the Christian Small Publishers Association, and the Autism Society of America, Howard County, Maryland Chapter.

Minister Johnson is the eldest son of Ernest and the late Adele Johnson. He attended and graduated from the Richmond Public School system and Virginia Commonwealth University earning a B.S. degree in Business Administration and Management/Economics/Finance. He also completed course work towards a MBA degree at Marymount University and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. In 2002, Johnson graduated from the True Disciple Ministries Bible Institute, Somerville, New Jersey, earning three Church Ministries Certifications through ETA, Wheaton, Illinois. Minister Johnson lives in Clarksville, Maryland, with his wife and three sons, Kevin, Christopher, and Cameron.

Read an Excerpt

Author’s Note

I love the church and what is represents. To me, the church is a place of comfort where, joy, peace, tranquility, rest, and contentment permeates the atmosphere. Over the years, the church has consistently and repeatedly provided an untarnished sense of pure power that is inconceivable to describe.

Power is referenced throughout the Scriptures 242 times! Its first reference is transcribed in Genesis 31:6 (KJV) – "And ye know that with all my power I have served your father," and concludes in Revelation 20:6 (KJV) – "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." In the former verse, ‘power’ refers to ability. In the latter verse, there is comfort in knowing that the second death, reserved for the unjust, has no power in the life of the believer.

Church is referenced throughout the Scriptures 80 times! The Greek word for ‘church’ is ekklesia, meaning "called out ones." Its first reference can be found in Matthew 16:18 (The Message) – "Jesus came back, "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. The last mention in the Scriptures is located at Revelation 3:14 (NLT) – "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning[a] of God’s new creation:" In both instances, the church represents a gathering place of believers who worship, celebrate, and praise the Lord corporately. Although I have served as an active member and ministry leader in three denominations – African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Pentecostal, and Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) - since my salvation experience in 1993, the common theme throughout each of these dynamic local churches is that Jesus is Lord! There is power in that name.

I still cherish the memories of my local church as a child. During those formative years, a solid foundation was laid based upon the center verse in the Bible: It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man (Psalm 118:8 - KJV). My parents understood, and valued, the statutes, commandments, and judgments of our Almighty God. These principles were instilled in them through their parents, also at an early age in life. Both of my grandmothers, ‘Grandma’ (paternal) and ‘Granny’ (maternal), were God-fearing women who demonstrated righteousness before God in every aspect of their respective lives. Grandma regularly attended Sunday morning worship services at Fifth Street Baptist Church, while Granny regularly attended Saturday morning worship services at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church in our hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Though each observed the Sabbath on different days of the week, I was undeniably convinced that they loved and trusted the Lord with all of their heart (Proverbs 3:6). Their mannerism, discipline, prayer life, service to others, diligence, and lifestyle was on display for all to witness. I remember our loving interactions as if it were yesterday. In fact, I still recall Granny’s prophesy that I would preach the gospel in due season. I was eight years old at the time. It was during the summer of 1968. The power of the gospel in their lives resonates perpetually because of their active involvement in the local church.

While observing their Godly lives week after week and year after year, I spent my impressionable childhood years at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia, actively engaged in Sunday school, cub scouts, music, and youth leadership programs. The experience from active engagement was powerful. I remember my scout master, Deacon Ross, and my music teacher, Sister Flowers. They are still active ministry leaders at Ebenezer and I enjoy seeing them as often as I can. I experienced water baptism at the age of nine. Although I did not quite understand the significance at the time, there was power in this ordinance. I could not explain what I felt but it was real and meaningful. Between the ages of ten and twelve, I recall leading Sunday morning worship services, along with other youth in the church, from the pulpit, reading Scripture and reciting the Lord’s Prayer. There was power in these leadership positions during our annual youth day programs.

My dad served twenty years in the United States Marine Corps. As he approached the end of his career, his love for his family compelled him to decline a promotion to the rank of captain in order to avoid another tour of duty overseas. During his illustrious career as an enlisted soldier and commissioned officer, Dad served admirably in Okinawa, Japan and Vietnam (twice). His decision not to leave us again was a sincere demonstration of love. In exchange for an overseas tour, Dad retained his rank as first lieutenant and our family relocated from Richmond to Virginia Beach in 1973. Dad would serve his final three years of military service at the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia. We would not return to Richmond until 1976. During our time in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area, and during my pivotal middle and high school years, we did not attend church services regularly. I lost my connection with God, but not my need for Him. Once my dad retired from military service in 1976, we returned home to Richmond and once again actively attended church at Ebenezer. While I temporarily strayed away from the power in the local church for a brief period of time, God’s Word kept me from falling - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6 - KJV).

As a result of the solid foundation that my grandmothers’ laid for my parents to build upon, who in turn passed their Godly love on to their children, I am able to write this next book in the award-winning Give God the Glory! series. This book series has reached a global audience in multiple languages. It is my prayer that you will experience The Power in the Local Church and pass this revelation along to the next generation as well as those within your sphere of influence. Notice the multiple references to how people across the globe are revealing the power in the local church. Their acts of service, togetherness, good works, and God’s blessings are the true manifestation of the power of God in the hearts of men and women.

Together, let’s Give God the Glory! as we journey through the power in the local church.

Kevin Wayne Johnson

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Kevin Wayne Johnson delivers another powerful glimpse into his best-selling book series: Give God the Glory! A thorough look into the power that resides inside of the local church is clearly written and revealed in this book. A must read for all who sincerely desire to Give God the Glory while understanding the role of the local church in that regard. - Willie Jolley, CSP, CPAE (Speaker Hall of Fame), Best Selling Author of "A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback" and Host of the Willie Jolley Radio Show, on CBS-TV, PBS, XM Radio & WHUR-FM www.williejolley.com (Named "One of the Outstanding 5 Speakers In The World," by Toastmasters International)

Where two or three are gathered there is power! The Power in the Local Church will teach you about the purpose of church and our roles as Christians. We must recognize that we are the church and the power is within us. Kevin Wayne Johnson has eloquently penned this book and it will help us to better understand our purpose and our power. Not only will this book inspire us, but it will allow our souls to grow. - Linda Pate, Proprietor, Precious Memories Reading and Collectibles Bookstore, Richmond, Virginia(Essence and New York Times Reporting Store),www.preciousmemories.com

A revelation is unveiled after flipping through the first ten pages of this book. Awesomely written, filled with wisdom, power, and instruction. I highly recommend this book!" - Resa Mitchell, Resa Mitchell Report Gospel Magazine

Just when I think that you have surpassed excellence in your former work, once again I am awed by the soundness, the relevance, the depth of research, and the impeccable ability demonstrated to masterfully weave the spiritual and the practical together. Being a seasoned Christian and "church-goer", did not impede my ability to learn and embrace a refreshing perspective. My love and appreciation for the Church has deepened as a result of reading this great literary work. Thank you Kevin for your obedience and for sharing your gift with the world. - Paulette C. Holloway, LICSW, LCSW-C Director, Bethany Christian Services of Maryland

This book really made me wonder how many parents, grandmothers, Sunday school teachers, pastors and evangelists today are indefatigably sowing richly in the lives of our young people so they will not only grow up in the power and wisdom of God but also write books like Give God the Glory! The Power in the Local Church to help others in their life-walk with God. - C. Paschal Eze, preacher by God's grace, and author of 11 books, including Prosperity Power Kit, and Rebranding Race

I have read "The Power in the Local Church." It is really good and really powerful from a writing man of God. For example, the motive for Ruth to have the willingness to follow Noami was derived from her love for Noami. That love motivated her to go with Noami to help or serve her until she died. This is a true act of love and service that is consistently exemplified throughout this excellent and highly recommended book. - Kap Khen Thang, World Theological College, Yangoo Myanmar (Burma)

Kevin Wayne Johnson has delivered a much needed and important look at this compelling issue. Bravo Kevin! - Marilyn White, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, Precious Times Magazine, www.precioustimesmag.com

Once again, Kevin Wayne Johnson has penned an outstanding book! It clearly explains what the Church is, its role in the Kingdom of God, and the power it has been given to operate on earth. The wisdom revealed in this book should be mandatory teaching for every person at the time or before they join a local church. It provides understanding of God's Love, purposes, and desires for the Church, thereby allowing for us to operate on a much higher level. - Stephanie L. Jones, Survivor, Speaker, Author & Sexual Abuse Victim Advocate, www.stephanieljones.com