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This Message Page serves as a storehouse of some helpful ministry tools. Please feel free to listen to or download the audio MP3 sermons or shared PDF messages and devotionals. Many are designed to use in an intentional or interim ministry.

The speakers in this collection of messages are Steve and Barbara Manuel. From 1986 to 2001 they served as missionaries with the International Mission Board, SBC. They served ten years with the Mexico Mission making their home in the central state of Guanajuato. Steve was an Associational Missionary with primary tasks assigned to church development. His secondary job assignment was Computer Consultant. Barbara did extensive ministry in a local prison and together they used their home to help establish a local church using computer and quilting as effective outreach tools.

In 1997 they transferred to the Casa Bautista de Publicaciones, a Baptist publishing house, located in El Paso, Texas. Steve served as Director of Communications and Public Relations working extensively to bring the enterprise into the world of the Internet, telecommunications, and computer technology. He also ministered weekly to the inmates of the area Federal Detention Center. Barbara continued her prison ministry working in the El Paso County Jail.

In 2001 Steve and Barbara resigned from the International Mission Board and moved to Virginia where Steve accepted the position of Director of Missions for the Strawberry Baptist Association, and Barbara found yet again fulfilling ministry in local prisons, particularly the city jail of Roanoke, Virginia. They both were actively involved in Spanish translation and interpreting work in the state.

In 2008 Barbara was appointed by Governor Tim Kaine to serve on the Virginia State Board of Social Services, and Steve was called to serve a church in Florida as Intentional Interim Pastor.

They are now back in Virginia where Steve is still very much involved with computer and Internet technology, and Barbara works interpreting and faithfully serving the State Board of Social Services.

We hope you find these resources useful in your life and work.

Click for LOTS of info on the Intentional Interim Ministry

How to Develop A Youth Ministry

How to Know God

"Points of Light" a Ministry of Prayer

MP3 Sermon Audio Files

We all face diffcult times in life. The emphasis and hope of these verses of Matthew is “I will give you rest”. Jesus says that He will refresh us. He will draw us unto Himself and set us in a safe and sheltered place. This is a rest that lifts the burden and removes that which doesn’t belong. Jesus promises rest and assures us that He will bear our burdens.
MP3 Audio File - For A Time Such As This - Matthew 11:27-29

Who is our God? With whom do we develop a personal and intimate relationship? The prophet Isaiah wrote his book some 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, and God reveals His identity to us in chapter 9. It is a beautiful description of the person and purpose of God in the world. This Christmas message examines Isaiah's prophecy concerning the coming Savior and the meaning of Jesus' name.
MP3 Audio File - Love Is in the Name - Isaiah 9:6

Mary listened awestruck as the shepherds told what they had seen. Their commentary added to the word that God had privately given her and Joseph. A little later she would meet another group of men from another side of life, men of wealth, influence, and education. Their story, too, agreed with all that she had seen and heard. The Christmas story as recorded by Luke makes the interesting observation that she treasured these words, and carefully weighed their worth and significance for years to come. There is hope in what she did.
MP3 Audio File - Treasured Memories Offer Hope - Luke 2:19

We desire to live in that place where we are at peace, insulated from the pain and paralysis of daily struggle and concern. This is not the same as being removed from a difficult experience; it is living through the experience with the strength and patience that God provides. There is a race before us with many fresh opportunities and challenges, but in order to reach the finish line it is important to let go of the past.
MP3 Audio File - Letting Go to Reach the Goal - Philippians 3:12-16

The church in America has descended into a place of ignorance when it comes to worship and ministry. Never did Christ instruct us to settle comfortably into padded pews an hour or two a week to be coddled and ministered to by people paid and trained to be our need providers. We have shamefully become a people who cry "Gimme, gimme, gimme, I need, I need, I need," and when we don't receive the right flavor pacifier we think we need, we move on in search of another provider. There are those sad times when our gatherings shame the Gospel and do great harm to the body of Christ.
MP3 Audio File - More Harm than Good - 1 Corinthians 11:17

Isaiah declares that our Heavenly Father is the Potter and we are the clay. He is the Master Artisan fully knowledgeable in the handling and fashioning of common soil. Unless the believer surrenders himself to the Master Potter he cannot be formed into what God intends.
MP3 Audio File - Potter's Clay - Isaiah 64:8

An intentional interim ministry is about identifying particular needs, developing specific plans to meet the needs, using the right resources, and purposefully moving to a healthy place for continued and future ministry. It is not about quick fixes or reaching a point of exclaiming “we’ve arrived”. It prepares us for a profitable journey that will continue for as long as the travelers remain focused on the destination. Jesus' plan for the faith and the Christian church was very intentional, and we do well to follow His instruction and purpose. This is expecially true for churches adrift without a pastor during an interim time.
MP3 Audio File - Being Intentional - Acts 1:3-9

The love of Jesus is incomparable. He had always loved...from before the beginning of time, when the earth was without form, void, dark, empty. He loved because the Alpha, the First, the One who is without beginning, the Word who is God, the Light that Is...He is Love. His very nature, as we small creatures are able to perceive with our finite minds, is Love.
MP3 Audio File - He Loved Them All the Way to the End - John 13:1; Matthew 26:26-30

Pressure is not pleasant. No matter what the source, good or bad, when pressures come we find it very uncomfortable and not at all desirable. We endure more easily some pressures when we have the confidence or the faith that we will come out better and stronger on the other side. The new church birthed in Acts was a group under pressure and gives us insight into handling our tough situations.
MP3 Audio File - When Pressures Mount - Acts 6:1-7

We should be humbled to know that we are far from perfect. I would venture a guess that over the course of your few years on Earth you have stumbled, tripped, or offended in many ways. This in no way should be our justification for tripping up tomorrow and failing to take notice of the seriousness of the offense. It should remind us to be on our guard and make every effort to exercise self-control and consider what is going on in our lives.
MP3 Audio File - Fountains of Blessing - James 3

To a church ripped apart by division, confusion, sinful pride, and much strife Paul uses the illustration of a house to speak of the spiritual work he has been about. Just as someone would build a house of brick, mortar, and wood, the steps for a spiritual house are similar.
MP3 Audio File - Faith's Foundation - 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

In several places in the New Testament we know that another word Jesus used of His Father was Abba, which we would translate as Daddy. John 15 contains some simple yet hard commands. It is demanded of us that we love just like Jesus loves. That we love just like His Daddy loves.
MP3 Audio File - Just Like My Daddy - John 15:9-17

Give yourself totally to God, and then experience life as He meant it to be experienced whether we are wealthy, poor, at ease, or persecuted. The man or woman found in the center of God’s hand on His altar of sacrifice enjoys His peace, joy, and comfort, something never experienced by the miserably selfish who only watches out for himself.
MP3 Audio File - But Lord, I Don't Want To Do That! - Romans 12:1-2

When you hear "house of prayer" what comes to your mind? A place set aside to worship and commune with God? A gathering of a loving family? Fiery preaching? Lots of busy ministry activities and programs? Boring and exhausting routine? High blood pressure? A den of thieves?
MP3 Audio File - My House Shall Be Called... - Mark 11:15-18

The words of Jesus that are recorded in Acts 1 are His final words before He ascended into heaven. Think about it! The very last words He will share with His beloved disciples, those most important thoughts that must be spoken before He leaves them are about to be uttered.
MP3 Audio File - Parting Words - Acts 1:8

In Luke 19 Jesus enters the gates of the great city Jericho. He is on that final earthly journey headed towards Jerusalem. Thousands of people on their way to the Passover celebration have met him along His way, some wanting to hear His teaching, others looking for a healing touch, and still many others who are curious and just want a glimpse of this strange man.
MP3 Audio File - The Road to Jerusalem - Luke 19:1-10

The great stone had been rolled away not to let Jesus out but to let the witnesses in. He is risen! He is SO risen! He is alive! He has conquered death! The Bright and Morning Star will never fade! He is Lord indeed! It’s quite alright to sing Hosanna, and our King is coming again.
MP3 Audio File - He Is SO Risen! - Luke 24:1-12
        VIDEO: Watch chalk drawing by artist Beth Shistle

One of our greatest needs as a church and as individual believers is to be able to know or discern what God’s will is. Until we are in agreement with God regarding His purpose we cannot properly serve or honor Him. How can a servant serve until he knows what the Master desires? Understanding the will of God is impossible unless we are intimately connected to God.
MP3 Audio File - Butterflies and New Minds - Romans 12:2

Barbara Manuel shares a personal testimony of God's power and provision through prison ministry and changed lives.
MP3 Audio File - Immeasurably More than All We Imagine - Ephesians 3:20

“The Jews had a saying that he who prays surrounds his house with a wall stronger than iron. They said, 'Penitence can do something; but prayer can do everything.' To them prayer was nothing less than contacting the power of God; it was the channel through which the strength and grace of God were brought to bear on the troubles and problems of life. How much more must this be so for a Christian?” - William Barclay
MP3 Audio File - Active Prayers of Faithful People - James 5:13-18

Two factors molded Timothy’s life. From early childhood his godly mother Eunice and his faithful grandmother Lois touched his life. Unknowingly, they prepared him for God’s call to salvation and then for ministry by teaching him the Word of God. Later, as an adult, he heard reaffirmed the gospel message, which was believed first by his mother Eunice and his grandmother.
MP3 Audio File - The Importance of A Mother's Faith - 2 Timothy 1:3-7

We are always anxious for God to hear, forgive, and heal, as referenced in 2 Chronicles, but it is very important that we recognize that this verse places some huge demands on His people. God requires something of us if we are to experience his fulness and pleasure.
MP3 Audio File - Bring Down the Rain - 2 Chronicles 7:11-14

As we remember those friends and family who have sacrificed their lives that we might worship as we do today, keep in mind the depth of love that was part of that gift.
MP3 Audio File - No Greater Love - John 15:9-17

Not one of the 12 explorers into the Promised Land denied the greatness and bounty of the new territory. It did flow with milk and honey, it was like nothing they had seen before, it was fantastic! BUT...,according to the ten liars, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”
MP3 Audio File - There Are Giants in the Land - Number 13:26-33

It’s been thirty-eight years since their last attempt to enter the land God promised. A total of forty years have been spent in the wilderness which turned out to be a “boots-on-the-ground” training experience where they learned about faith, obedience, dependance upon God, hope, and love. Without a doubt, an extremely difficult and uncomfortable time. The hardships were myriad, and their struggle of faith teaches us so much about our own personal relationship with God.
MP3 Audio File - Crossing the River - Joshua 3:10-17

Leaving Egypt they were caught between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. You might think, “No escape!”. Entering Canaan they were caught between mighty Jericho and the flooding Jordan. You might think, “No escape!”. In both cases, impossible by man but certain with God. As long as the people obeyed God’s instructions the people were delivered, cared for, and blessed beyond measure. Taking on the Jerichos in life is no small matter, and we must be careful not to consider the task so straightforward.
MP3 Audio File - Taking on the Jerichos - Joshua 6:15-20

“As Jesus was passing along the Sea of Galilee...” Can you see Him? It’s a warm sunny day on the Galilean Sea, boats are coming and going, and everyone is busy bringing in large loads of fish, buying and selling the catch of the day, repairing boats, and mending nets. There are people everywhere, and it is one busy scene. Jesus is about to teach a group of professional fishermen another way to fish.
MP3 Audio File - Follow Me - Mark 1:16-18; John 1:35-42

Freedom speaks of many things. It may be freedom from worry, freedom from pain, financial freedom, freedom of expression, or this week it might bring to mind freedom from tyranny and oppression as we celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s freedom.
MP3 Audio File - Let Freeedom Ring - Acts 7:34

A great number of the folks in our communities have no shepherd. They wander aimlessly and are lost. You might refer to these as unchurched, non-Christians, or unbelievers. They are all around us. Do you really see them? They long for someone who will love them, take time for them, care for them, and patiently show them a better way. Many behave badly, make poor judgements, and constantly find themselves in difficult places, because they are ignorant of the good things of God and have had no shepherd to show them safer paths. When you lovingly touch those without a shepherd (the unshepherded) you will be pleasantly surprised by the response. Be aware of your position as one of Christ’s followers sent to be a shepherd among the flock.
MP3 Audio File - Real Shepherds Will Smell Like Sheep - Matthew 9:36-38

While millions of Christ-followers around the world face the most horrific conditions and struggles of faith, as we breathe gently and take ease in our abundance, a quick inventory of our situation reveals that for the most part we are producing another generation of spiritual pygmies in the United States of America. Now if we were supposed to be of small spiritual stature, this would be no problem, but God's purpose for us is that we grow to be mighty men and women of God, even giants of faith.
MP3 Audio File - Producing Pygmies - Ephesians 4:13-16

What a home coming! What a missionary call! The King Himself has personally commissioned a man, who formerly was a prisoner of hopelessness and despair living among the tombs, to share the love of God with his own people. Can you imagine the joy that will fill the hearts of the Gadarene’s parents and family? The man walks to his town, clean and dressed, and in his right mind. His heart races as he knocks on the door of the house where he lived as a child. A woman answers and immediately recognizes the handsome young man before her. She can’t believe that her beloved son who was lost now stands at the door. She begins to cry. The son enters the house, reaches out to her, and then hugs both parents as he tells them how much he loves them.
MP3 Audio File - Going Home - Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-40

So, how are things going for you? Does anyone feel “under the gun” and pressed in from all sides? Do you ever question why you are struggling so much? Have you thought that as a Christian life should be easier than it really is and free of trials? What do trials and trouble bring you?
MP3 Audio File - What Do Trials & Trouble Bring You? - James 1:1-4

These “seminary grads”, spiritual giants who had walked the sands with the Savior, who had the ear of God and had experienced His presence in power and glory were deeply offended that the inhabitants of a humble insignificant Samaritan village would dare tell them to go away, that they were not welcome. It seems some vengeance might be a good thing.
MP3 Audio File - Calling down Fire and Lopping off Ears - Luke 9:51-56; Luke 22:47-51


Barbara Manuel shares another testimony of a changed life behind prison doors.
MP3 Audio File - María's Story - Barbara Manuel

If Jesus declared that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church, then why are we seeing churches across America failing and crumbling on every side? Thousands of congregations will go out of business this year. Tens of thousands of others will be utterly sterile when it comes to assailing the gates of hell. They will be so beaten down, distracted, and corrupt that they will be useless when it comes to fulfilling what Christ has commanded. Where is the disconnect?
MP3 Audio File - What Makes A Church Strong? - Matthew 16:17-20

It is sad to hear someone at church respond, "They never did anything for me" or “There’s nothing in it for me” when the invitation is given to become involved in a shared relationship where the top priority is to see my brother or sister encouraged and built up. How it must honor the Lord when another chooses to be helpful and supportive, even quietly sacrificial, in order to be an example of the Master Giver.
MP3 Audio File - They Never Did Anything for Me - Mark 10:32-45

This is the news a struggling people of God need to hear. Those who do not know God have plenty to fear. They have always depended on their own strength and resources. They are a people who live in an uncertain place, but God’s children are different. We have tasted His presence and provision. We understand from past relationship that He has been more than sufficient to meet our needs and carry us to the place He has prepared.
MP3 Audio File - The Battle Is Not Yours - 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

We are not to contend with each other, but for the Gospel, as we move and breathe as one body in Christ. Oneness is key. It fulfils the prayer of Jesus found in John 17:11. May we live, stand, and contend as one in Christ that the Gospel will be preached. May God be honored, Christ be glorified by our witness, and the local body be built up.
MP3 Audio File - Living, Standing, and Contending - Philippians 1:21-30

We want to be friendly with God in order to have our physical and personal needs met, whether that be food, health, money, or whatever. We are willing to do any number of things to try to make that happen. What must we do to comply with God’s expectations and good pleasure?
MP3 Audio File - The Work of God - John 6:28-40

Whatever you sow, rest assured that you will reap its fruit. It’s amazing how some folks don’t get this. We will sow all sorts of bad seed and expect something good to come out of it. We are bound by “reap what you sow” whether we like it or not.
MP3 Audio File - Sowing to Please the Spirit - Galatians 6:7-10

Our best intentions can easily blind us to the things of God. We become so fired up in our own crusade that we rush ahead into those places God would not have us. There are best intentions all around us, but if we are unable to be what God intends us to be, a loving body of humble servants eager to watch out for the interests of others instead of our own, then those intentions are poorly placed and will bring disappointment, ruin, and pain.
MP3 Audio File - The Best Intentions - 1 Chronicles 13:1-14

God doesn't care about your style of worship, the hour you meet, the place you gather, the size of your congregation, the dollars in your budget, the furniture or fixtures of your great halls, the language you speak, or the music you use. He does care about the heart you bring, the character you develop, the witness you show, the tongue you use, the depth of your love, the genuineness of your faith, and the size of your sacrifice.
MP3 Audio File - Throwing Away Gods- Joshua 24:11-24

For all the questions you may have about tomorrow and the day after, may I remind you that God never expected you to come up with all of the answers and piece this together in your own strength. He has called His servants together to place in your hands, to loan you for just a brief moment in eternity, His sufficient resources with which to honor Him. All that He requires of you is obedience to represent Him as you conduct your affairs and never forget that when He returns He is looking to find you faithful about His business, not yours.
MP3 Audio File - When I Run I Feel His Pleasure - Matthew 25:14-30