Assignment: Discover, Restore, and Soar to Greater Spiritual Heights

By Mark C Overton

"Assignment" is a captivating exploration of Christianity's origins and enduring impact both in ancient times and today. Prepare to be mesmerized by the forgotten treasure left behind by early Christians - the profound teachings of Jesus Christ that shaped the very fabric of American history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Feb 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9781684866762

Mark C Overton

MARK C. OVERTON is a retired Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air and Space Force. As a lifelong follower of Jesus, he continued his next assignment of spreading the gospel, inspiring him to create and share twelve Christian Life Devotionals. Mark writes with a heart of compassion and service to serve his readers and instantly change lives. His message aims to refresh, encourage, empower your perspective, and draw you nearer to God. Mark actively attends and teams with the First Assembly of God in North Little Rock,Arkansas. In addition, he completed the Dallas Theological Seminary's Master ofBiblical and Theological degree program. Mark also partnered with Joel OsteenMinistries as a "Champion of Hope" and interviewed with Dr. AngelaButts Chester, "Daily Spark Radio and T.V." host.

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Assignment

Copyright © 2024 by Mark C. Overton. All rights reserved.

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The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of URLink Print and Media.

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Published in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024900864

ISBN 978-1-68486-675-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68486-676-2 (Digital)

08.01.24

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it didn’t fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

Matthew 7:24-27

I’m the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you’re clean because of the word that I’ve spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I’m the vine; you’re the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it’s that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone doesn’t abide in me, he’s thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you’ll abide in my love, just as I’ve kept my Father›s commandments and abide in his love. These things I’ve spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I’ve loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You’re my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his master is doing; but I’ve called you friends, for all that I’ve heard from my Father I’ve made known to you. You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you’ll love one another.

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, so the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant isn’t greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they’ll also persecute you. If they kept my word, they’ll also keep yours. But all these things they’ll do to you on account of my name because they don’t know him who sent me. If I’d not come and spoken to them, they’d not have been guilty of sin,[b] but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I’d not done among them the works that no one else did, they’d not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that’s written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

But when the Helper comes, whom I’ll send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness because you’ve been with me from the beginning.

John 15

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Mark16:15

CONTENTS

Introduction - Cracking the Code: Overcoming Church Challenges for Lasting Change

Chapter 1 - Rise: Unveiling the Early Church’s Extraordinary Growth Without Having to Ignore Controversial Conversations amidst Cultural Complexity

Chapter 2 - Enlarge: Cultivating Self-Controlled Growth Without Excessive Striving for More, Even if You Overlook Current Achievements

Chapter 3 - Stray: Overcoming Internal Warning Signs Without Dismissing Ambiguous Data, Even as You Embrace Accountability for Setbacks

Chapter 4 - Transform: Reestablishing a Resilient Faith Foundation Amidst Church Challenges and Decline

Conclusion - Mastering the Art of Task Completion: Strategies for Excelling in Your Assignment

References

Acknowledgments

Appendix A

Appendix B

Review Ask

Discover Bonus Book Content

Introduction

Cracking the Code: Overcoming Church Challenges for Lasting Change

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Mark C. Overton

August 21, 2023

Dear Charlie [and parents/guardians/caregivers of adolescents],

How are you doing? What’s the situation like at your church? I’m guessing that you don’t attend church services regularly anymore. You may have thought it wasn’t for you, or maybe not right now. I get it. The church has tried to communicate its message. And share its values to get people involved. However, this didn’t work out so well for you. Let’s take a closer look at the issue. And see what we can do. These kinds of problems exist in many churches everywhere. Many others feel the same as you do. They’re questioning their purpose and identity. And deciding that the church is no longer a key element in helping build faith. Or that faith is not so necessary to the church itself. It can be challenging to meet Jesus’ expectations. Thus, most people avoid doing uncomfortable things. They opt for more religious activities. For instance, they watch church services from their own homes.

Millennials (born 1981-1996) overtook Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) as the largest generation group in the U.S. in 2022. This shift lead to a decrease in church attendance. Therefore, I’m providing you with a one-of-a-kind experience. I’m giving you a seat at the table. In addition, I’m eager to include your contributions. So, we can promote growth for the faith community instead of weakening it. Every person has a role to play here. And now is the time to tackle any issues within our churches. Through self-reflection and evaluation of your beliefs, you’ll be able to discover success. You can also reinforce your faith and approach fresh heights.

Let’s start by clearing the air. A well-known motivational speaker and writer, Anthony Robbins, famously said, Every problem is a gift — without them, we’d not grow. It’s common to chat about issues too, discussing uncomfortable topics to gain clarity on them. You can take part in this process. If you had a snap of your fingers, what changes could you make to the church (see Appendix A)? Are there solutions inside this memo that are worth exploring? How can you investigate the issue if you don’t read the letter? Perhaps a Google search might offer some insights? Some people may keep silent after an argument, which might last days before one speaks up again. Would this be something you’d tolerate? We may need multiple conversations amongst church folks for them to