If I were to ask you your favorite all-time meal, what would it be? Well, mine is fried chicken (in an iron skillet), fried potatoes, pinto beans, a vadalia onion, cornbread (with white cornmeal), and sweet tea to drink. For dessert it's banana pudding with lots of vanilla wafers. And, with all my heart I believe that's what we are going to eat and drink in heaven.
Seriously, I don't know what we are going to eat or drink in heaven but I know we will not be disappointed. As a matter of fact, we will not be disappointed in anything. We will be perfectly satisfied with everything. Doesn't that sound great? No complaints, no grudges, no heartaches, no headaches. Nothing bad at all! And most of all it will be eternity with God, our saved family and friends, and all those bible people we have read about for years. And we owe it all to Jesus.
Don't neglect to share God's gift of His Son before you open Christmas presents. He came wrapped in strips of cloth and slept in a feed bin. But I promise you, He is the most precious gift you will ever receive.
Have a wonderful Christmas,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Eight to ten inches. That's what we got where I live in southeast Michigan. Church was cancelled and it was time to just stay home and cope. Well, we almost got to do that. My daughter fell down her basement steps so Kathy and I spent some time over there (she's going to be okay).
What do you do when you are snowed in? Read, watch television or movies, sleep? It's a time to do some things you normally might not be able to do. Maybe call someone you haven't talked to in a while. Turn the TV off and read. Take a pad of paper and a pen and write down all the blessings you have. Why not write a letter to a friend instead of emailing him/her. Do some things the old fashioned way. Pretend you don't have a computer or television. You may re-discover some things about yourself, your family, and your friends.
Have a blessed day.
Pastor Gary
What do you do when you are snowed in? Read, watch television or movies, sleep? It's a time to do some things you normally might not be able to do. Maybe call someone you haven't talked to in a while. Turn the TV off and read. Take a pad of paper and a pen and write down all the blessings you have. Why not write a letter to a friend instead of emailing him/her. Do some things the old fashioned way. Pretend you don't have a computer or television. You may re-discover some things about yourself, your family, and your friends.
Have a blessed day.
Pastor Gary
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Today's The Day
Once a year the guys in my family get together for our Christmas shopping trip. It's really more of an eating trip and if time permits we'll do some shopping. One of the reasons we go is we like to be together. It's a time of laughing and talking about past trips, like the time my brother-in-law took coupons to the dollar store.
Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus but it's also a time of picking a date where most of the guys can hang out with each other for a day. The ladies are doing the same thing today.
My grandson, who is 7, is buying his mom a ring. His heart is set on it so we are gong to help him do that. Angie, my daughter, said she would wear it proudly even if it makes her finger turn green. This is what's going to make today so special for him. For me, it's watching him pick out the ring, hanging with the guys, laughing, talking, people watching, eating, and maybe do a little shopping.
Don't let the time get away from you before it's too late to "spend time with the guys".
Have a good day,
Pastor Gary
Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus but it's also a time of picking a date where most of the guys can hang out with each other for a day. The ladies are doing the same thing today.
My grandson, who is 7, is buying his mom a ring. His heart is set on it so we are gong to help him do that. Angie, my daughter, said she would wear it proudly even if it makes her finger turn green. This is what's going to make today so special for him. For me, it's watching him pick out the ring, hanging with the guys, laughing, talking, people watching, eating, and maybe do a little shopping.
Don't let the time get away from you before it's too late to "spend time with the guys".
Have a good day,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, December 08, 2007
As I Sit Here
Hey everyone. Hope everything is well at your house. I'm writing this while listening to some of my favorite music - Christmas. It's just feel good music, and I love to feel good.
I've got a lot of things going on in my mind. For example, church. I've got such a desire for CrossPoint to be a witness and an honest to goodness local church ambassador for Christ. I don't want us to be phony, gossipy(?), unfriendly or any of those kind of things. I'm sure we may have a little bit of that but I don't want us too. The fact is, we are just like everyone else - humans with faults. But we're working on it.
I want to make sure the gospel is taught and lived to the best of our abilities. I want visitors not only to feel welcome but at home. When they leave the service they can say I felt God's presence.
My family - I've got a great family. A wonderful wife who I have been blessed to be married to for 36 years. She is such a godly person that has gone through a lot of trials but has remained faithful to God. My children Marty and Angie who I adore. They love the Lord and serve Him faithfully. My grandchildren Makayla and Caleb. I can't get over them. I get concerned about all of my families needs, their safety, their well-being. Pastor's families are like everyone else's.
My health - I'm in pretty good health but I'm overweight. I'm not as big as a ship but I do come close to a tugboat (230 pounds). That may not seem like a lot to some but it's a lot for me. I've had about 5 pairs of suit pants let out so I can wear them.
My friends - I'm got lots of them and appreciate them so much. I include my church family as my friends. I never want to let them down.
My hair - I'm losing it.
Okay, this blog is getting too long. I'll write more later.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
I've got a lot of things going on in my mind. For example, church. I've got such a desire for CrossPoint to be a witness and an honest to goodness local church ambassador for Christ. I don't want us to be phony, gossipy(?), unfriendly or any of those kind of things. I'm sure we may have a little bit of that but I don't want us too. The fact is, we are just like everyone else - humans with faults. But we're working on it.
I want to make sure the gospel is taught and lived to the best of our abilities. I want visitors not only to feel welcome but at home. When they leave the service they can say I felt God's presence.
My family - I've got a great family. A wonderful wife who I have been blessed to be married to for 36 years. She is such a godly person that has gone through a lot of trials but has remained faithful to God. My children Marty and Angie who I adore. They love the Lord and serve Him faithfully. My grandchildren Makayla and Caleb. I can't get over them. I get concerned about all of my families needs, their safety, their well-being. Pastor's families are like everyone else's.
My health - I'm in pretty good health but I'm overweight. I'm not as big as a ship but I do come close to a tugboat (230 pounds). That may not seem like a lot to some but it's a lot for me. I've had about 5 pairs of suit pants let out so I can wear them.
My friends - I'm got lots of them and appreciate them so much. I include my church family as my friends. I never want to let them down.
My hair - I'm losing it.
Okay, this blog is getting too long. I'll write more later.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Friday, December 07, 2007
What A Difference A Letter Makes
The Bible Society of South Africa reports that in an early draft of their translation of the Bible into Southern Sotho (one of many South African dialects), the typesetter typed "jwala" (which means "beer") instead of "jwalo" (which is translated "so"). The result of Genesis 1:9 was, "And God said: 'Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place....And it was beer.'"
One little letter changes the whole meaning. This can be a gentle reminder of how important it is to get things right the first time. A lot of people's feelings are hurt and relationships destroyed because something was presented the wrong way or misunderstood.
Don't let your temper or emotions speak for you. The Apostle James says, "Be swift to hear and slow to speak." Maybe that's why God gave us two ears and only one mouth.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
One little letter changes the whole meaning. This can be a gentle reminder of how important it is to get things right the first time. A lot of people's feelings are hurt and relationships destroyed because something was presented the wrong way or misunderstood.
Don't let your temper or emotions speak for you. The Apostle James says, "Be swift to hear and slow to speak." Maybe that's why God gave us two ears and only one mouth.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
If I Could Go Back
If I had the opportunity I would go back in time and change a few things. I would study harder in school (I failed Auto Shop. Nobody fails Auto Shop.) I would spend more time with my parents, take better care of my health, and so on. However, unless there is a time machine somewhere like the one Rod Taylor used in the movie, "Time Machine", that's not going to happen.
There is an old Chinese proverb that says, "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today." This means it's not too late to make some changes. Renew those broken relationships, read and learn new things, take a walk or jump rope to get that heart going, smile more, become a generous tipper, let kids play on your grass, cut down on your "TV" watching and go visit someone. You can plant a whole forest if you just take the time.
'Til next time, in Christian love,
Pastor Gary
There is an old Chinese proverb that says, "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today." This means it's not too late to make some changes. Renew those broken relationships, read and learn new things, take a walk or jump rope to get that heart going, smile more, become a generous tipper, let kids play on your grass, cut down on your "TV" watching and go visit someone. You can plant a whole forest if you just take the time.
'Til next time, in Christian love,
Pastor Gary
Friday, November 30, 2007
What Do You Long For?
The song lyric's say,"'Tis the season to be jolly." For many, there is no way this is going to happen. Sickness, broken home, financial struggles. It's difficult to be jolly in situations like these.
I am reminded by God's Word what this time of year is truly about. It's so much more than gifts, food, parties, getting together with family, even more than celebrating the birth of Christ. It goes back to the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned against God. Because of their disobedience they would eventually die. Until then, there would be pain for childbirth for Eve, Adam would have to plow the ground and separate the weeds from the vegetables, they and their children would experience pain physically and emotionally. They would even experience murder.
God told Satan that Jesus would bruise his head and that he would bruise Jesus' heel. This meant that Jesus would defeat Satan and the cross and death would only be temporary suffering for Jesus. At the moment Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead Satan was defeated and Genesis 3:14-15 was fulfilled. Restoration was established and God's longing for a relationship with mankind was made possible.
So you see, Christmas is not only a time of celebration of the birth of Christ but a time of rejoicing in knowing that because of His birth, death, and resurrection, you and I have what we have longed for - peace with God and the promise of spending eternity with Him.
Thanks for reading,
Pastor Gary
I am reminded by God's Word what this time of year is truly about. It's so much more than gifts, food, parties, getting together with family, even more than celebrating the birth of Christ. It goes back to the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned against God. Because of their disobedience they would eventually die. Until then, there would be pain for childbirth for Eve, Adam would have to plow the ground and separate the weeds from the vegetables, they and their children would experience pain physically and emotionally. They would even experience murder.
God told Satan that Jesus would bruise his head and that he would bruise Jesus' heel. This meant that Jesus would defeat Satan and the cross and death would only be temporary suffering for Jesus. At the moment Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead Satan was defeated and Genesis 3:14-15 was fulfilled. Restoration was established and God's longing for a relationship with mankind was made possible.
So you see, Christmas is not only a time of celebration of the birth of Christ but a time of rejoicing in knowing that because of His birth, death, and resurrection, you and I have what we have longed for - peace with God and the promise of spending eternity with Him.
Thanks for reading,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, November 24, 2007
What's In A Name?
We are now into the Christmas season. A time for Christmas music, shopping, protests against stores that say "holiday" instead of Christmas, parties, church Christmas programs. It seems like it's the same thing over and over again. Every year going through the same things. Now don't get me wrong, I love all those things except the protests. But the name Christmas seems to have lost its "luster." It's been fought over and commercialized so much that the name isn't carrying the meaning that the Christian world has come to love. Christ-mas! Christ is Christmas.
Let's quit protesting and getting caught up in all the material things and get back to Christ-mas. If you are a born again Christian (there is no other kind), don't forget where that name came from - CHRIST! This year, light up your house for Christ. The lights and decorations are for Him.
We at CrossPoint have four very large trees in our front yard. We have decorated (still two to go) each tree a different color. The first is in white lights to signify Christ as the light of the world. The second has green lights to represent Him coming to earth. The third, red lights to show the great price, His blood, to paid for our sins. And the fourth, blue, to represent the place He promised that we would go if we accepted Him as our Savior - Heaven!
May this Christmas season change the way you view this wonderful time of year.
Much love during this Holy time of year,
Pastor Gary
Let's quit protesting and getting caught up in all the material things and get back to Christ-mas. If you are a born again Christian (there is no other kind), don't forget where that name came from - CHRIST! This year, light up your house for Christ. The lights and decorations are for Him.
We at CrossPoint have four very large trees in our front yard. We have decorated (still two to go) each tree a different color. The first is in white lights to signify Christ as the light of the world. The second has green lights to represent Him coming to earth. The third, red lights to show the great price, His blood, to paid for our sins. And the fourth, blue, to represent the place He promised that we would go if we accepted Him as our Savior - Heaven!
May this Christmas season change the way you view this wonderful time of year.
Much love during this Holy time of year,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Our Many Blessings
We have been blessed with many wonderful gifts from God. Our families, friends, full cupboards, and so on. However, many do not have these blessings. Consider sharing your blessings with others for as you share with others, you are sharing with Jesus.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary Hill
CrossPoint Free Will Baptist Church
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary Hill
CrossPoint Free Will Baptist Church
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Nicknames and Pastor Appreciation Day
Hi all,
I didn't get many interesting husband/wife nicknames from spouses in my church. I received names such as honey, babe, etc. One name I did get that was confirmed by his wife this morning was "jerk". She was pretty adament about him being one ever once in a while.
Today was pastor appreciation at CrossPoint. I am priviliged to serve wonderful people and am blessed by their support.
Husbands, remember this: "The secret to being a great dad is for a man to always love and serve his wife - his children's mother -first."
Have a blessed Monday,
Pastor Gary
I didn't get many interesting husband/wife nicknames from spouses in my church. I received names such as honey, babe, etc. One name I did get that was confirmed by his wife this morning was "jerk". She was pretty adament about him being one ever once in a while.
Today was pastor appreciation at CrossPoint. I am priviliged to serve wonderful people and am blessed by their support.
Husbands, remember this: "The secret to being a great dad is for a man to always love and serve his wife - his children's mother -first."
Have a blessed Monday,
Pastor Gary
Monday, November 12, 2007
What Do You Call Your Spouse (keep it clean)?
I do quite a few weddings as pastor of CrossPoint and one of my favorite parts of the ceremony is when I get to introduce the couple, for the very first time anywhere in the world, as Mr. and Mrs. I just think it's cool that I can be the first one to do that (okay, enough of that).
Speaking of names, I got to thinking about what spouses call each other after they have been married for a while. Here's a short list I came up with (these are real). Let me know what you call your spouse.
Snugglepuppy, Lovemuffin, Smooshy Poo, Hunny Bunches of Oats, Sugarlips, Jellybean, Doodlebug. I call my wife Beautiful, Sweetie, Baby, but my favorite is Hunka Hunka Burning Love (pronounced Luv)). I have asked couples in my church to share their nicknames for each other. If they are brave enough to do it, I'll share them with you later this week.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Speaking of names, I got to thinking about what spouses call each other after they have been married for a while. Here's a short list I came up with (these are real). Let me know what you call your spouse.
Snugglepuppy, Lovemuffin, Smooshy Poo, Hunny Bunches of Oats, Sugarlips, Jellybean, Doodlebug. I call my wife Beautiful, Sweetie, Baby, but my favorite is Hunka Hunka Burning Love (pronounced Luv)). I have asked couples in my church to share their nicknames for each other. If they are brave enough to do it, I'll share them with you later this week.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Not Just Another Day
Tomorrow (Sunday) is the day that protestants gather together to celebrate the Lord. It's a time of worship, praise, fellowship, and for many a time to reflect. There's something about being in church that settles the mind and puts things into perspective. We come to church with a load of hurt, worry, discouragement, and doubt. But sometimes what goes on in the service opens our hearts to what God wants to do in our lives. There's hope instilled as we hear the songs and the message that God has given to the pastor. You see, God knows what we need to hear. It's a time where God shares with us that He wants to heal our hearts from all the clutter of doubt, disbelief, hurt, etc. And, if we open our hearts to His promises and really trust that He knows what He is doing in our lives, and that all that He does is because He loves us, miracles can happen.
You see, Sunday is not just another day. It's a day of hope. Take advantage of Sunday morning and Sunday night services. Don't look at it as an inconvenience for you to go to church twice a day. Look at it as an opportunity for two doses of hope.
Have a blessed day in church,
Pastor Gary
You see, Sunday is not just another day. It's a day of hope. Take advantage of Sunday morning and Sunday night services. Don't look at it as an inconvenience for you to go to church twice a day. Look at it as an opportunity for two doses of hope.
Have a blessed day in church,
Pastor Gary
Monday, October 29, 2007
'Tis the Season
I'm not a big fan of Halloween. As a kid I would get all kinds of candy and loved it. I admit, I like passing out candy to the kids, especially the cute and polite ones. But, the scary, spooky stuff I can do without. Since so many businesses have gotten away from using the name Christmas perhaps we should change the name of Halloween. Maybe to something like "Candy Night" or "Kids Night Out." Get rid of the costumes and the ugly decorations in the yards and celebrate our children. Make it a national "I love kids" night.
On another note, if you like Christmas music like me you probably get an early start to listening to it. Here's an excellent website that lets you pick the music you like. You have to ignore some of the ads on the webpage. It's called www.pandora.com and it's free.
By the way, we had an excellent gospel singing last night at CrossPoint with Courtney Lynn and The Wilson Sisters. Next Sunday night (Nov. 4 at 6pm) we have another singing with Tribute Quartet from Nashville, TN. Hope you can come.
Talk with you soon,
Pastor Gary
On another note, if you like Christmas music like me you probably get an early start to listening to it. Here's an excellent website that lets you pick the music you like. You have to ignore some of the ads on the webpage. It's called www.pandora.com and it's free.
By the way, we had an excellent gospel singing last night at CrossPoint with Courtney Lynn and The Wilson Sisters. Next Sunday night (Nov. 4 at 6pm) we have another singing with Tribute Quartet from Nashville, TN. Hope you can come.
Talk with you soon,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, October 25, 2007
What Will Fame Get You Anyway?
Walt Disney said, "As far as I can remember, being a celebrity has never helped me make a good picture .. or command the obedience of my daughter or impress my wife. It doesn't even seem to help keep fleas off our dog, and if being a celebrity won't give one an advantage over a couple fleas, then I guess there can't be that much in being a celebrity after all."
If you take all the "fame"ous (I know it's spelled wrong) people you've ever known of and put them in a room (assuming they are alive) and if they were totally honest, they would tell you exactly what Walt Disney said. Their dogs still have fleas, they still have family concerns, they still put their pants on one leg at a time. It's fun to know many of them, but they can't do a thing for you.
Hebrews 11 tells us of God's "fame"ous (I know, I know) people and how they are right now "a great cloud of witnesses." That means we can look back at their faith and how they trusted God and how He came through for them. He will do the same thing for you. The only famous Person to put your trust in is Jesus, our Lord and our Savior.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
If you take all the "fame"ous (I know it's spelled wrong) people you've ever known of and put them in a room (assuming they are alive) and if they were totally honest, they would tell you exactly what Walt Disney said. Their dogs still have fleas, they still have family concerns, they still put their pants on one leg at a time. It's fun to know many of them, but they can't do a thing for you.
Hebrews 11 tells us of God's "fame"ous (I know, I know) people and how they are right now "a great cloud of witnesses." That means we can look back at their faith and how they trusted God and how He came through for them. He will do the same thing for you. The only famous Person to put your trust in is Jesus, our Lord and our Savior.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Only 61 Days To Go
As I write this blog I am listening to Peggy Lee sing The Christmas Song. I know, it's still over 60 days until Christmas but there's just something special about Christmas music that makes me feel good, especially some of the older songs that still talk about the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of our Savior. This year, enjoy the true spirit of Christmas as the onslaught of commercials, crowds, and sales fill our lives.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Wonder Of It All
It does not cease to amaze me how God works. He sometimes works through people. Sometimes through events. Sometimes through nature. Sometimes through His Word. However He chooses, it's a wonder.
My wife mentioned one time that the word "awesome" is supposed to be used only when describing God (she said something like that anyway). He certainly is awesome but I don't think we have the words to describe Him. And just think, He's on your side.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
My wife mentioned one time that the word "awesome" is supposed to be used only when describing God (she said something like that anyway). He certainly is awesome but I don't think we have the words to describe Him. And just think, He's on your side.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Just Whose Is It Anyway
Have you ever thought about all that you have? Not only your "things" like car, house, clothes, food, boat, etc. but your eyes, feet, hands, heart, lung, ears; every breath, every smell. These sometimes are the things we think we have earned, deserve, or where born with, so they must be ours. Well, the fact is they are not ours. Hosea chapter 2 teaches that God can take away food, possessions, etc. because He is the one who gave them in the first place.
It's time we understand who owns everything. It is God's and it will always be God's. Just try picking up some dirt and making another one of you. Have your air supply cut off and try to get some on your own. Close your eyes and run a race. Then see what you can do without God's provision.
Talk with you soon.
Pastor Gary
It's time we understand who owns everything. It is God's and it will always be God's. Just try picking up some dirt and making another one of you. Have your air supply cut off and try to get some on your own. Close your eyes and run a race. Then see what you can do without God's provision.
Talk with you soon.
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
On The Way Home
Well, the commercial shoot is over and all went well. They should be ready for airing in about six weeks. I'm looking forward to how God will use this to reach people. Now it's up to us at CrossPoint to do our part. Be a warm and friendly church that reaches out to our community with the love of Christ.
Have a blessed day.
Pastor Gary
Have a blessed day.
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Shooting Day
I am writing this blog from my motel room in Tulsa, OK waiting to depart for the shooting of our church commercials. As I write I think about many things. How my wife is doing (she had a serious head injury a couple of weeks ago), what God is doing through our church, my message for Sunday. My mind is always going 100 mph.
Last night I was reading an article on Adrian Rogerisms, thought-provoking quotes from Glenn Brooke's blog from the late Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. I want to share a few with you ...
Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
If you have a Bible that's falling apart you'll have a life that's not.
You can save a lot of time waiting on God.
Just because it doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it doesn't make sense.
On gossips: don't let them use your ears for garbage cans.
It's what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.
There was a time when you were not. There never will be a time when you will not be.
We live in a day where a hero is a sandwich, life is a magazine, power is a candy bar, joy is a detergent, sin is a perfume, a star is an actress who's been married three times, and the real thing is a soft drink.
On salvation by works: I wouldn't trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Last night I was reading an article on Adrian Rogerisms, thought-provoking quotes from Glenn Brooke's blog from the late Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. I want to share a few with you ...
Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
If you have a Bible that's falling apart you'll have a life that's not.
You can save a lot of time waiting on God.
Just because it doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it doesn't make sense.
On gossips: don't let them use your ears for garbage cans.
It's what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.
There was a time when you were not. There never will be a time when you will not be.
We live in a day where a hero is a sandwich, life is a magazine, power is a candy bar, joy is a detergent, sin is a perfume, a star is an actress who's been married three times, and the real thing is a soft drink.
On salvation by works: I wouldn't trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Gary
Sunday, September 16, 2007
A New Beginning
Today was a change of sorts for Emmanuel. We changed our church name to CrossPoint Free Will Baptist. The idea behind the name change is that the cross points to Christ. That's what we want people to see. We are a church that points people to Christ.
Tomorrow I leave for Tulsa, OK to film six television commercials that will begin showing in the downriver area in early December. Our goal is to let the unchurched and people looking for a church know we are here, a place for families, for the hurting, for the lonely.
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
Tomorrow I leave for Tulsa, OK to film six television commercials that will begin showing in the downriver area in early December. Our goal is to let the unchurched and people looking for a church know we are here, a place for families, for the hurting, for the lonely.
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
Monday, August 27, 2007
It's Monday
The day after! The day after a wonderful day at church. It's a time to look back at God's blessings and thank Him for being with us again. Today, Monday, I am a little under the weather. Sore throat, the general feel bads, but looking forward to getting to the office tomorrow.
I just finished watching the Tigers beat the Yankees 16 - 0. Excellent game, good hitting and good pitching. Ther're still 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians. Hopefully they are out of their slump for good.
I trust your day was good. Look forward to tomorrow because God has some exciting things planned.
Talk with you soon.
Pastor Gary
I just finished watching the Tigers beat the Yankees 16 - 0. Excellent game, good hitting and good pitching. Ther're still 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians. Hopefully they are out of their slump for good.
I trust your day was good. Look forward to tomorrow because God has some exciting things planned.
Talk with you soon.
Pastor Gary
Saturday, August 25, 2007
What A Day
It is 12:40 AM on Saturday and Kathy (my wife) and I are watching the Tigers and Yankees game. The start of the game was delayed by 4 hours and 1 minute (Hey, I'm trying to be more precise). I love my Detroit Tigers. It is a feel good game and I need help feeling good sometimes.
How was your day? Mine was good. I started out going to the church and taking a shower. Kathy is caulking ours. Thank God for His "shower" of blessing (sorry). Curtis Granderson just got his second triple of the game (he also has a double). Tigers 6, Yankees 3. We had some work done on our sound system and had a problem fixed that affects our live service on the internet. Went to visit a dear lady in the hospital and came back to the church to get some work done.
Not a bad day but kind of a busy one. God numbers our days and knows what each one holds. He knew mine and He knew yours for Friday, August 24th. Today is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I hope your Saturday is a good one.
God bless,
Pastor Gary
How was your day? Mine was good. I started out going to the church and taking a shower. Kathy is caulking ours. Thank God for His "shower" of blessing (sorry). Curtis Granderson just got his second triple of the game (he also has a double). Tigers 6, Yankees 3. We had some work done on our sound system and had a problem fixed that affects our live service on the internet. Went to visit a dear lady in the hospital and came back to the church to get some work done.
Not a bad day but kind of a busy one. God numbers our days and knows what each one holds. He knew mine and He knew yours for Friday, August 24th. Today is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I hope your Saturday is a good one.
God bless,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, August 16, 2007
How Dare He!
Scripture teaches us that Jesus claimed to be many things:
a. The fullfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Matt. 5:17)
b. The Son of Man ( Mark 8:31)
c. The Son of God (Luke 8:28)
d. The Messiah/the Christ (John 4:25)
e. Teacher/Master ( Matt. 26:18)
f. One with authority to forgive (Luke 7: 48,49)
g. Savior (Luke 19:10)
In John 5, Jesus claims to be the Son of God. This got under the skin of the Jewish leaders. How dare this man say He was God's Son. Oh, if they only knew that this was just the beginning of a changing world because of this Man, this Savior, this Forgiver, this Teacher.
How precious He is to each one who will trust Him to be their Savior. It's at that time He becomes your very best Friend.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Gary
a. The fullfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Matt. 5:17)
b. The Son of Man ( Mark 8:31)
c. The Son of God (Luke 8:28)
d. The Messiah/the Christ (John 4:25)
e. Teacher/Master ( Matt. 26:18)
f. One with authority to forgive (Luke 7: 48,49)
g. Savior (Luke 19:10)
In John 5, Jesus claims to be the Son of God. This got under the skin of the Jewish leaders. How dare this man say He was God's Son. Oh, if they only knew that this was just the beginning of a changing world because of this Man, this Savior, this Forgiver, this Teacher.
How precious He is to each one who will trust Him to be their Savior. It's at that time He becomes your very best Friend.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Coming Out of Nazareth
Have you ever felt like Nazareth (John 1:46)? Something that nobody expects any good to come out of? We probably have felt that way some time in our life. We have bad circumstances hit our familes, our personal lives, etc. and we get to the point that we wonder why we are even here.
Nazareth had established a poor reputation in morals and religion. Thus, Nathaniel's question in John 1:46. When we are associated with something or someone that has a bad reputation that same label can be put on us.
The devil will attempt to use our past or our associations to discredit us. He's very good at it. Don't let your past be a weapon in his hand. When you were saved Jesus rescued you from your past. Paul said in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind [his past whether good or bad] and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus [one day spend eternity with Christ in heaven]." Paul was explaining how important it is for us to not live on our past spiritual accomplishments or failures but to press forward today in serving Christ to our fullest.
May God's blessings (and there are many) lift you out of the miry clay.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Nazareth had established a poor reputation in morals and religion. Thus, Nathaniel's question in John 1:46. When we are associated with something or someone that has a bad reputation that same label can be put on us.
The devil will attempt to use our past or our associations to discredit us. He's very good at it. Don't let your past be a weapon in his hand. When you were saved Jesus rescued you from your past. Paul said in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind [his past whether good or bad] and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus [one day spend eternity with Christ in heaven]." Paul was explaining how important it is for us to not live on our past spiritual accomplishments or failures but to press forward today in serving Christ to our fullest.
May God's blessings (and there are many) lift you out of the miry clay.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Monday, April 30, 2007
Each Day
It's quiet. It's early. The coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I am free to choose. And so I choose.
I Choose Love ... No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I Choose Joy ... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical ... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I Choose Peace ... I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I Choose Patience ... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I Choose Kindness ... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I Choose Goodness ... I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I Choose Faithfulness ... Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I Choose Gentleness ... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I Choose Self-Control ... I am a spiritual being ... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Max Lucado
When God Whispers Your Name
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I am free to choose. And so I choose.
I Choose Love ... No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I Choose Joy ... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical ... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I Choose Peace ... I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I Choose Patience ... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I Choose Kindness ... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I Choose Goodness ... I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I Choose Faithfulness ... Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I Choose Gentleness ... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I Choose Self-Control ... I am a spiritual being ... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Max Lucado
When God Whispers Your Name
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Resurrection Sunday
What If It Had Never Happened?
1 Corinthians 15:12-19
Resurrection Sunday, April 8, 2007 (AM)
As we think of the Resurrection of our Lord, let’s look at magnitude of this great event.
• The Wonder of the Resurrection – The stone was rolled away.
• The Power of the Resurrection – The Dead coming to life.
• The Impact of the Resurrection – God the Father accepted Jesus as the Sacrifice for sin.
But what if Jesus had not come out of the grave. Let’s suppose the stone was rolled back and Christ was still in the tomb. The grave clothes were still around Him, the napkin still across His face, and He still lay among the dead.
What If Jesus Did Not Come Out Of The Grave?
1. The Preaching of the Gospel Would Be In Vain. “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” – vv. 3,4
If Jesus did not come out of the grave…
• He did not conquer death, hell, and sin. They would still be mankind’s conquerors.
o The Good News would be Bad News. Instead of the news reading “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23 it would read, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is just an empty promise.”
• There would be nothing worth preaching. Preaching would be a “no hope” message.
• The Gospel would be meaningless. “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” – v. 17
2. The “Hall of Fame” Would Be the “Hall of Shame”. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” – Hebrews 11:13-16
Those who “were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” – vv. 35b-40 went through all of this in vain if there is no Resurrection of Christ. The faith of Old Testament saints looked forward to the promised salvation, whereas the faith of those after Christ look forward to the fulfillment of the promise. Both groups are characterized by genuine faith and are saved by Christ’s work on the cross and the Resurrection.
Paul could not have said, “And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16b-17
3. Hell Would Be the Final Home of the Believer. “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” – 1 Corinthians 15:16-18
This is a picture of those who have no hope. For if the Resurrection of Christ did not take place, all of our loved ones who were “saved” were not really saved at all but believed a lie. As a result, they have perished.
4. Thanks Be Unto God, He Was Resurrected. “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” – vv. 20-22 Christ did die on the cross and God did raise Him from the dead. The stone was rolled back, the tomb was empty, only the grave clothes were there, and He was not among the dead. He truly did finish the work His Father sent Him to do. (Play “Further Still” by the Pfeifers)
Twelve ordinary men were witnesses to the Resurrected Savior.
Twelve ordinary men, along with the Apostle Paul and Stephen, carried the message of a Resurrected Savior to the lost. Many of these trusted men gave their life for their witness…
Andrew – Died on a cross
Mark – Dragged to death
Peter – Crucified upside down
Paul – Was beheaded
Jude – Was crucified
Stephen – Was stoned to death
Phillip – Was crucified
Matthew – Slain with a sword
James the Less – Beaten to death
Thomas – Was killed with a spear
John – Died of old age but suffered while the others were already in glory.
James - Was beheaded
Bartholomew - Was crucified
On this glorious day, we have a hope beyond this world because of our Resurrected Savior. He alone is the Christian’s hope. He can be yours also.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
1 Corinthians 15:12-19
Resurrection Sunday, April 8, 2007 (AM)
As we think of the Resurrection of our Lord, let’s look at magnitude of this great event.
• The Wonder of the Resurrection – The stone was rolled away.
• The Power of the Resurrection – The Dead coming to life.
• The Impact of the Resurrection – God the Father accepted Jesus as the Sacrifice for sin.
But what if Jesus had not come out of the grave. Let’s suppose the stone was rolled back and Christ was still in the tomb. The grave clothes were still around Him, the napkin still across His face, and He still lay among the dead.
What If Jesus Did Not Come Out Of The Grave?
1. The Preaching of the Gospel Would Be In Vain. “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” – vv. 3,4
If Jesus did not come out of the grave…
• He did not conquer death, hell, and sin. They would still be mankind’s conquerors.
o The Good News would be Bad News. Instead of the news reading “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23 it would read, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is just an empty promise.”
• There would be nothing worth preaching. Preaching would be a “no hope” message.
• The Gospel would be meaningless. “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” – v. 17
2. The “Hall of Fame” Would Be the “Hall of Shame”. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” – Hebrews 11:13-16
Those who “were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” – vv. 35b-40 went through all of this in vain if there is no Resurrection of Christ. The faith of Old Testament saints looked forward to the promised salvation, whereas the faith of those after Christ look forward to the fulfillment of the promise. Both groups are characterized by genuine faith and are saved by Christ’s work on the cross and the Resurrection.
Paul could not have said, “And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16b-17
3. Hell Would Be the Final Home of the Believer. “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” – 1 Corinthians 15:16-18
This is a picture of those who have no hope. For if the Resurrection of Christ did not take place, all of our loved ones who were “saved” were not really saved at all but believed a lie. As a result, they have perished.
4. Thanks Be Unto God, He Was Resurrected. “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” – vv. 20-22 Christ did die on the cross and God did raise Him from the dead. The stone was rolled back, the tomb was empty, only the grave clothes were there, and He was not among the dead. He truly did finish the work His Father sent Him to do. (Play “Further Still” by the Pfeifers)
Twelve ordinary men were witnesses to the Resurrected Savior.
Twelve ordinary men, along with the Apostle Paul and Stephen, carried the message of a Resurrected Savior to the lost. Many of these trusted men gave their life for their witness…
Andrew – Died on a cross
Mark – Dragged to death
Peter – Crucified upside down
Paul – Was beheaded
Jude – Was crucified
Stephen – Was stoned to death
Phillip – Was crucified
Matthew – Slain with a sword
James the Less – Beaten to death
Thomas – Was killed with a spear
John – Died of old age but suffered while the others were already in glory.
James - Was beheaded
Bartholomew - Was crucified
On this glorious day, we have a hope beyond this world because of our Resurrected Savior. He alone is the Christian’s hope. He can be yours also.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Monday, April 02, 2007
King Jesus
CONSIDER THIS KING
John 12:12-19
Sunday, April 1, 2007 (AM)
The stage is set – The curtain rises – The last act of the drama begins. Here comes Jesus into the city of Jerusalem.
Jesus is beginning the last week of His earthly ministry. Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem takes place on Sunday – on Friday of this week He will be crucified – a week from this event He will rise from the dead.
"The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
" Hosanna!
' Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!"
14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:
" Fear not, daughter of Zion;
Behold, your King is coming,
Sitting on a donkey's colt."
His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!"– John 12:12-19
Many thousands of people crowded the narrow streets approaching this holy city at Passover time. Garments and palm branches were spread on the road. People were shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!."
Jesus, the King of Glory, the Holy Son of God, the Creator of the universe was coming. A short time later Jesus laments over Jerusalem, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'" – Matthew 23:37-39
Now, in the year 2007, the story is still the same, "Your King is Coming".
Let's take some time to consider this King.
1. THIS KING IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF KING
We Americans aren't too familiar kings. We have never had one. We watch a coronation of a king in another country and marvel at the splendor that is put into it. The Old Testament speaks of the many kings of Israel but the top two were David and his son Solomon. But we have never personally experienced what it is like to have a king rule over us.
I remember watching a movie starring John Goodman of Rosanne fame who played a king in "King Ralph." He was an American who was a long lost relative of royalty and was next in line to be King of England. Now, this was not a typical king. He did not know how to be one or act like one. No matter the title he had, he was not cut out to be a king.
When Lady Diana married Charles, heir to the throne of England, much of the world watched as this magnificent wedding took place. I'm sure there was envy from many wishing they could experience such a moment. To be married to the heir to the throne of England.
But we know how long this storybook marriage lasted. A very short time. Divorce and adultery became the talk of the town. Tabloids spreading the news about the marriage falling apart and how would this affect Charles' chances of fulfilling his claim to the throne. What A Mess!
There is something about royalty that seems to draw our attention, a certain fascination that comes with the lives of those who are crowned King – the power, the glory. The same is true of those in power such as presidents, prime ministers, and dictators.
But, there is one exception – that being an encounter with the Kingdom of the Christians' King – King Jesus.
Jesus is a different kind of King.
0 While most royalty comes determined to rule, He comes determined to serve.
0 While many rulers spend time building their egos and flexing their muscles, He comes with a totally disarming humility.
0 While most kings ride white stallions or majestic Boeing 747s, King Jesus rides a donkey.
He knew what He was doing. The King chose His vehicle of transportation. The horse stands for war and that's what the people wanted. They longed for a leader who would set them free from the yoke of Rome. But Jesus rode a donkey, a symbol of meekness, a symbol of peace.
The Pharaoh's of Egypt prepared great monuments for themselves long before they died. Today, grand funerals have leaders of nations standing in silent tribute and the world paying honor to all their accomplishments.
Jesus was different – He prepared for the cross. His was an undignified kind of death. "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame [disregarding its shame], and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 His fellow rulers didn't fly in from around the world to pay Him honor.
No, for your King is a different kind of King.
2. THIS KING KNOWS PRECISELY WHO HE WAS AND WHO HE IS
Most Kings have inherited their position. Most have probably entered into their reign with uncertainty.
But Jesus knew precisely who He was.
0 He knew He was the Messiah spoken of by the Old Testament scriptures.
0 He had prepared Himself for the kind of entrance into Jerusalem described by Isaiah and Zechariah.
0 This One would be humble, making His entrance on a donkey.
0 His whole style of ministry and life was one of shying away from publicity.
0 He avoided large crowds when He could.
0 He refused to take the power-oriented stance of other leaders.
His triumphant entry into Jerusalem was designed to seal His doom. It was the catalyst which would stir the anger and arouse the jealousy of the religious establishment, setting the stage for the greatest event in all of human history.
Not only did your King know precisely who He was when He entered Jerusalem: right now He knows who He is as He desires to rule and reign in your life.
3. THIS KING COMES WITH A COMPASSION FOR SOULS AND BODIES
Only hours after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus wept. Have you ever seen a King weep? Have you ever watched a President shed tears? After President George W. Bush was elected there were several events when he got a little teary-eyed. These moments were caught on camera and became a subject of debate for the talking heads on TV. They wondered aloud if a man who showed emotion publicly was qualified for office. We don't want to see our rulers weep; we see it as a sign of weakness.
Jesus was different: He stopped and wept for Jerusalem. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'" – Matthew 23:37-39-
Jesus healed broken bodies as the blind and lame freely approached Him. He didn't keep them waiting – He didn't flaunt His rank in their faces. The simple people; the people with broken bodies and shattered dreams; the people who hurt in the soul where you can really feel hurt; these are the people He drew to Himself.
He did it then, He still does it now – That's the kind of Lord He is. He wants to transform your life today through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.
Once a mentally impaired young boy seated himself on the floor in a drugstore and began to play with some bottles he had taken from the shelves. The druggist ordered him to stop, then scolded him with an even sharper tone. Just then the boy's sister came up, put her arms around him, and whispered something in his ear.
Right away, he put the bottles back in place.
"You see," his sister explained, "he doesn't understand when you talk to him like that. I just love it into him."
This King Jesus we're talking about today – He wants to love it into you.
Jesus' compassion for you is real – it is available – and He is ready to bring deliverance to you today if you'll just let Him break down the walls of resistance and let Him gain entrance to your heart.
4. This King Comes With Trust And Truth
Jesus is a King who brings compassion, but He also brings truth. He tells you what you need instead of what you want. He tells you that the wages of sin is death.
He tells you that someday you will stand before God, accountable for all that you have done in this life if you reject Him. He warns of judgment. He warns of eternal hell, total alienation and separation from Himself.
Your King goes to the Garden of Gethsemane and falls on His face before His Father and pleads His case. "Father, if there be any other way, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not My will but Your will be done." If there is some other way. But Father, I know you love Me and I know you love the world. I am willing to bare this cup of shame, disgrace, filth, the most disgusting of all things, the very vomit of Satan, so that Bob, Shirley, Penny, Mary and Ray, Gail, Doris, John, Laurie, Edna, Cindy, Martha, Dorothy, Don, Barb, Phil, Richard, Peggy, Jack, Vicky, Pete, Virginia, Art, Marlo, MaKayla, Mona, Otis, Truly, Ken, Stacy, Preston, Anna, Sheryli, Harland, Carol, Zella, Jeanne, Loretta, Brenda, Linda, Jeff, Angie, Caleb, MaKayla, Ron, Lisa, Melvin, Ed, Laura, Joyce, Dale, Ruby, Andrew, Lynn, Heather, Jenna, Joe, Misty, Brittany, Whitney, Ernie, Peggy, Chris, Alisha, Danny, Marty, Joan, Bill, Barbara, Vanessa, Rich, Max, Sheria, Delah, Roy, Anna, Jennifer, Allie, John, Judy, Shelley, Kyle, Steven, Rachel, Theresia, Elsie, Hugo, Teresa, Ken, Michelle, Abigail, Flora, Curtis, Roma, Gail, Kevin, Cheryl, Samantha, Pat, Linda, Anna, Dusty, Rusty, Jeremy, Sharinna, Cheyenne, Ray, Debbie, Jackie, Carl, Debbie, Ashley, Ron, Tracy, Emily, Andrew, Mark, Margaret, Michael, Shurae, Stephanie, Nikki, Ken, Joyce, Dave, Angel, Wade, Brian, Andrea, Emma, Terry, Frances, Ken, Cindy, Caroline, Angelina, Levi, Craig, Judy, Josh, Cody, Dayton, Martha, Syble, Linda, Dan, Charlotte, Jeff, Charlotte, Carl, Sue, Kim, Dan, Becky, William, Reba, Herb, Hazel, Ruby, Vern, Sue, Audrey, Amanda, Molly, Emily, Bob, Carol, Ollie, Lorraine, Shirley, Gary, Kathy, Alex, Tim, Stormie, Willie, Rodney, Rita, Ruth , Robert, Rudy, Carol and you would not have to go to hell.
That's the kind of King He is.
He talks about more than positive thinking. He talks about more than getting a grip on your life. He tells you that ultimately you cannot succeed in your own strength. He warns you to face up to it now and to come to Him while you can.
His approach demands your response – Either you are with Him or you are not – There is no neutral ground.
John 12:12-19
Sunday, April 1, 2007 (AM)
The stage is set – The curtain rises – The last act of the drama begins. Here comes Jesus into the city of Jerusalem.
Jesus is beginning the last week of His earthly ministry. Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem takes place on Sunday – on Friday of this week He will be crucified – a week from this event He will rise from the dead.
"The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
" Hosanna!
' Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!"
14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:
" Fear not, daughter of Zion;
Behold, your King is coming,
Sitting on a donkey's colt."
His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!"– John 12:12-19
Many thousands of people crowded the narrow streets approaching this holy city at Passover time. Garments and palm branches were spread on the road. People were shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!."
Jesus, the King of Glory, the Holy Son of God, the Creator of the universe was coming. A short time later Jesus laments over Jerusalem, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'" – Matthew 23:37-39
Now, in the year 2007, the story is still the same, "Your King is Coming".
Let's take some time to consider this King.
1. THIS KING IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF KING
We Americans aren't too familiar kings. We have never had one. We watch a coronation of a king in another country and marvel at the splendor that is put into it. The Old Testament speaks of the many kings of Israel but the top two were David and his son Solomon. But we have never personally experienced what it is like to have a king rule over us.
I remember watching a movie starring John Goodman of Rosanne fame who played a king in "King Ralph." He was an American who was a long lost relative of royalty and was next in line to be King of England. Now, this was not a typical king. He did not know how to be one or act like one. No matter the title he had, he was not cut out to be a king.
When Lady Diana married Charles, heir to the throne of England, much of the world watched as this magnificent wedding took place. I'm sure there was envy from many wishing they could experience such a moment. To be married to the heir to the throne of England.
But we know how long this storybook marriage lasted. A very short time. Divorce and adultery became the talk of the town. Tabloids spreading the news about the marriage falling apart and how would this affect Charles' chances of fulfilling his claim to the throne. What A Mess!
There is something about royalty that seems to draw our attention, a certain fascination that comes with the lives of those who are crowned King – the power, the glory. The same is true of those in power such as presidents, prime ministers, and dictators.
But, there is one exception – that being an encounter with the Kingdom of the Christians' King – King Jesus.
Jesus is a different kind of King.
0 While most royalty comes determined to rule, He comes determined to serve.
0 While many rulers spend time building their egos and flexing their muscles, He comes with a totally disarming humility.
0 While most kings ride white stallions or majestic Boeing 747s, King Jesus rides a donkey.
He knew what He was doing. The King chose His vehicle of transportation. The horse stands for war and that's what the people wanted. They longed for a leader who would set them free from the yoke of Rome. But Jesus rode a donkey, a symbol of meekness, a symbol of peace.
The Pharaoh's of Egypt prepared great monuments for themselves long before they died. Today, grand funerals have leaders of nations standing in silent tribute and the world paying honor to all their accomplishments.
Jesus was different – He prepared for the cross. His was an undignified kind of death. "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame [disregarding its shame], and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 His fellow rulers didn't fly in from around the world to pay Him honor.
No, for your King is a different kind of King.
2. THIS KING KNOWS PRECISELY WHO HE WAS AND WHO HE IS
Most Kings have inherited their position. Most have probably entered into their reign with uncertainty.
But Jesus knew precisely who He was.
0 He knew He was the Messiah spoken of by the Old Testament scriptures.
0 He had prepared Himself for the kind of entrance into Jerusalem described by Isaiah and Zechariah.
0 This One would be humble, making His entrance on a donkey.
0 His whole style of ministry and life was one of shying away from publicity.
0 He avoided large crowds when He could.
0 He refused to take the power-oriented stance of other leaders.
His triumphant entry into Jerusalem was designed to seal His doom. It was the catalyst which would stir the anger and arouse the jealousy of the religious establishment, setting the stage for the greatest event in all of human history.
Not only did your King know precisely who He was when He entered Jerusalem: right now He knows who He is as He desires to rule and reign in your life.
3. THIS KING COMES WITH A COMPASSION FOR SOULS AND BODIES
Only hours after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus wept. Have you ever seen a King weep? Have you ever watched a President shed tears? After President George W. Bush was elected there were several events when he got a little teary-eyed. These moments were caught on camera and became a subject of debate for the talking heads on TV. They wondered aloud if a man who showed emotion publicly was qualified for office. We don't want to see our rulers weep; we see it as a sign of weakness.
Jesus was different: He stopped and wept for Jerusalem. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'" – Matthew 23:37-39-
Jesus healed broken bodies as the blind and lame freely approached Him. He didn't keep them waiting – He didn't flaunt His rank in their faces. The simple people; the people with broken bodies and shattered dreams; the people who hurt in the soul where you can really feel hurt; these are the people He drew to Himself.
He did it then, He still does it now – That's the kind of Lord He is. He wants to transform your life today through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.
Once a mentally impaired young boy seated himself on the floor in a drugstore and began to play with some bottles he had taken from the shelves. The druggist ordered him to stop, then scolded him with an even sharper tone. Just then the boy's sister came up, put her arms around him, and whispered something in his ear.
Right away, he put the bottles back in place.
"You see," his sister explained, "he doesn't understand when you talk to him like that. I just love it into him."
This King Jesus we're talking about today – He wants to love it into you.
Jesus' compassion for you is real – it is available – and He is ready to bring deliverance to you today if you'll just let Him break down the walls of resistance and let Him gain entrance to your heart.
4. This King Comes With Trust And Truth
Jesus is a King who brings compassion, but He also brings truth. He tells you what you need instead of what you want. He tells you that the wages of sin is death.
He tells you that someday you will stand before God, accountable for all that you have done in this life if you reject Him. He warns of judgment. He warns of eternal hell, total alienation and separation from Himself.
Your King goes to the Garden of Gethsemane and falls on His face before His Father and pleads His case. "Father, if there be any other way, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not My will but Your will be done." If there is some other way. But Father, I know you love Me and I know you love the world. I am willing to bare this cup of shame, disgrace, filth, the most disgusting of all things, the very vomit of Satan, so that Bob, Shirley, Penny, Mary and Ray, Gail, Doris, John, Laurie, Edna, Cindy, Martha, Dorothy, Don, Barb, Phil, Richard, Peggy, Jack, Vicky, Pete, Virginia, Art, Marlo, MaKayla, Mona, Otis, Truly, Ken, Stacy, Preston, Anna, Sheryli, Harland, Carol, Zella, Jeanne, Loretta, Brenda, Linda, Jeff, Angie, Caleb, MaKayla, Ron, Lisa, Melvin, Ed, Laura, Joyce, Dale, Ruby, Andrew, Lynn, Heather, Jenna, Joe, Misty, Brittany, Whitney, Ernie, Peggy, Chris, Alisha, Danny, Marty, Joan, Bill, Barbara, Vanessa, Rich, Max, Sheria, Delah, Roy, Anna, Jennifer, Allie, John, Judy, Shelley, Kyle, Steven, Rachel, Theresia, Elsie, Hugo, Teresa, Ken, Michelle, Abigail, Flora, Curtis, Roma, Gail, Kevin, Cheryl, Samantha, Pat, Linda, Anna, Dusty, Rusty, Jeremy, Sharinna, Cheyenne, Ray, Debbie, Jackie, Carl, Debbie, Ashley, Ron, Tracy, Emily, Andrew, Mark, Margaret, Michael, Shurae, Stephanie, Nikki, Ken, Joyce, Dave, Angel, Wade, Brian, Andrea, Emma, Terry, Frances, Ken, Cindy, Caroline, Angelina, Levi, Craig, Judy, Josh, Cody, Dayton, Martha, Syble, Linda, Dan, Charlotte, Jeff, Charlotte, Carl, Sue, Kim, Dan, Becky, William, Reba, Herb, Hazel, Ruby, Vern, Sue, Audrey, Amanda, Molly, Emily, Bob, Carol, Ollie, Lorraine, Shirley, Gary, Kathy, Alex, Tim, Stormie, Willie, Rodney, Rita, Ruth , Robert, Rudy, Carol and you would not have to go to hell.
That's the kind of King He is.
He talks about more than positive thinking. He talks about more than getting a grip on your life. He tells you that ultimately you cannot succeed in your own strength. He warns you to face up to it now and to come to Him while you can.
His approach demands your response – Either you are with Him or you are not – There is no neutral ground.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Two Approaches to God - Luke 18:9-14
The parable Jesus talks about in Luke 18:9-14 shows us that there are two approaches to God but only one of those ways is acceptable. This parable is about the Pharisee and the publican (tax collector). Each approach God in a particular way. Now, the prayer is not the key to unlocking this story, the attitude toward approaching God is.
Approach #1 - There are at least four methods that the Pharisee uses in his approach to God - each of them are equally detestable in God's eyes.
1. Pride (Luke 18:11) - The Pharisee was addressing his prayer to God, but he was actually talking to himself. His main focus was on what he perceived to be his own greatness. He was assuming he could walk into the presence of the Creator of the universe and share all the good things he had done and God would be impressed (Proverbs 8:13).
2. Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:11) - We cannot come into God's presence assuming we are without sin. Scripture teaches us that we were sinners but are saved by God's grace. This man had a legalistic mindset. He believes he is saved by his good works and when they are piled up they can be laid before God as proof that he should be able to approach Him (1 John 1:8).
3. Looking Down On Others (Luke 18:11) - The Pharisee thinks that putting this man down somehow lifts himself up. Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of people that who wanting to know more about God and they present themselves before Him just the way they are. They don't know all the proper forms, procedures and protocol, but they want to know more about God and see if He is the One they've been searching for. But sometimes Christians look at them like this Pharisee looked at this tax collector and instead of saying "I praise you God for this person who is seeking," we say "Father, I thank you that I am not like that person." Rather than embracing them with the love of God we place them below us as if we had something more to offer to God than they do.
4. Religious Activity (Luke 18:12) - Being religious and doing all the right religious things will not bring us one step closer to God. While we are to be active for Christ, it does not bring us closer to Him.
Approach #2 - Indeed, this tax collector was about as low as you could get. He turned on his own people to work for Rome. Rome required that taxes be collected and the "collector" could collect some for himself as well. This did not set well with the people.
But he had come to a point in his life that he knew he had to change. He goes to the one place where he knows he is supposed to find God - the Temple (Luke 18:13). He approaches God with ...
1. Reverence. This man will not even lift his eyes toward heaven - he has recognition of Who it is that he is talking to as he opens his mouth in prayer. He knew he was approaching a Holy God (Ephesians 3:12).
2. Humility. The tax collector is not bragging about what he has, or does, or has accomplished. He brings only himself and the great debt of his rebellion against a Holy God.
3. Repentance. He knew that he had wronged God and he wanted to change that. The literal meaning that he prayed was "O God, be merciful to me - the sinner." Unlike the Pharisee who looked upon everyone else's sin but ignored his own, this man paid no attention to anyone's transgressions but his own.
When approacing God, the issue is not status, religion, or sinfulness. God accepts those who recognize Him for Who He is! And that's what this parable is all about - approaching God on the basis of Who He is, not on who we are. It is being able to come to the point in our lives where we can say, "God, this isn't about me, it's about You, and I'm ready to give myself over to You wholly and completely."
Approach #1 - There are at least four methods that the Pharisee uses in his approach to God - each of them are equally detestable in God's eyes.
1. Pride (Luke 18:11) - The Pharisee was addressing his prayer to God, but he was actually talking to himself. His main focus was on what he perceived to be his own greatness. He was assuming he could walk into the presence of the Creator of the universe and share all the good things he had done and God would be impressed (Proverbs 8:13).
2. Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:11) - We cannot come into God's presence assuming we are without sin. Scripture teaches us that we were sinners but are saved by God's grace. This man had a legalistic mindset. He believes he is saved by his good works and when they are piled up they can be laid before God as proof that he should be able to approach Him (1 John 1:8).
3. Looking Down On Others (Luke 18:11) - The Pharisee thinks that putting this man down somehow lifts himself up. Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of people that who wanting to know more about God and they present themselves before Him just the way they are. They don't know all the proper forms, procedures and protocol, but they want to know more about God and see if He is the One they've been searching for. But sometimes Christians look at them like this Pharisee looked at this tax collector and instead of saying "I praise you God for this person who is seeking," we say "Father, I thank you that I am not like that person." Rather than embracing them with the love of God we place them below us as if we had something more to offer to God than they do.
4. Religious Activity (Luke 18:12) - Being religious and doing all the right religious things will not bring us one step closer to God. While we are to be active for Christ, it does not bring us closer to Him.
Approach #2 - Indeed, this tax collector was about as low as you could get. He turned on his own people to work for Rome. Rome required that taxes be collected and the "collector" could collect some for himself as well. This did not set well with the people.
But he had come to a point in his life that he knew he had to change. He goes to the one place where he knows he is supposed to find God - the Temple (Luke 18:13). He approaches God with ...
1. Reverence. This man will not even lift his eyes toward heaven - he has recognition of Who it is that he is talking to as he opens his mouth in prayer. He knew he was approaching a Holy God (Ephesians 3:12).
2. Humility. The tax collector is not bragging about what he has, or does, or has accomplished. He brings only himself and the great debt of his rebellion against a Holy God.
3. Repentance. He knew that he had wronged God and he wanted to change that. The literal meaning that he prayed was "O God, be merciful to me - the sinner." Unlike the Pharisee who looked upon everyone else's sin but ignored his own, this man paid no attention to anyone's transgressions but his own.
When approacing God, the issue is not status, religion, or sinfulness. God accepts those who recognize Him for Who He is! And that's what this parable is all about - approaching God on the basis of Who He is, not on who we are. It is being able to come to the point in our lives where we can say, "God, this isn't about me, it's about You, and I'm ready to give myself over to You wholly and completely."
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
A Firm Foundation
A Firm Foundation
Luke 6:46-49
Has anyone ever asked you this question..."What is your life based upon? Who or what is your hope in? If this where your last day on earth, where would you spend eternity?"
Two Different Types of People...
In this parable, Jesus speaks of two different kinds of people - those that listened to what He said and changed their lives and those that listened and went on with life as if they hadn't heart anything at all. The first group built their lives upon the solid foundation (Him); the second had no solid substance to build their lives on at all.
1. Those who have no foundation...
A. My free choice is not challenged. Each of us is given the ability to choose for or against Jesus. To choose for Jesus is to make Him Lord and Savior of our life. To not choose for Jesus isn't really making much of a choice at all for since we are born into sin we are already destined for hell.
B. My focus is on the present. Tom Friends of the New york Times asked Coach Jimmy Johnson what he told his players before leading the Dallas cowboys onto the field for the 1993 Super Bowl. "I told them that if I laid a 2 x 4 across the floor, everybody there would walk across it and not fall because our focus would be on walking the length of that board. But if I put that same board 10 stories high between two buildings, only a few would make it, because the focus would be on falling."
As long as circumstances are well, we don't have to worry about falling. But when the storms come and our 2 x 4 becomes airborne, our focus changes. We become more concerned about falling than anything else. But, if our focus is on Jesus, no matter what comes, our 2 x 4 is solidly anchored to Him.
C. My future is unsure. The manager and one of his salesmen stood before a map on which colored pins indicated the sales rep in each area. "I'm not going to fire you, Cartwright," the manager said, "but just to emphasize the insecurity of your position, I'm loosening your pin a little."
That's similiar to what the person faces each day that does not build their life upon Christ. The problem is that there is no promise of tomorrow - we don't know what the future holds, so why risk putting such an important decision off until an unpredictable future?
D. My fate is decided. Not choosing is making a choice. All of us are going to face judgment some day. We will receive the "wages" (Romans 6:23) for the choices we make in this life (Luke 6:49 and 1 Corinthians 3:11).
2. If I Have Christ As My Foundation...
A. My decision is to obey. When I confess that Jesus is Lord and Savior of my life, I am accepting the gift of eternal life that God gives me by His grace through faith - my sins are forgiven (Luke 6:47,48).
B. My direction is clear. The person who has Christ as Lord of their life has a clear direction. They know exactly where they are headed (Romans 8:28,29).
C. My destiny is secure. In various points of our lives, problems abound. Our temptation is to panic because we feel things are out of control. Yet, the truth is we've never been in control over the most important things of life. We've always been held up by the grace of God. Nothing happens without His say so.
In Jesus' parable, the storm came agains both houses. Neither was spared from the same exact storm (and it must have been a doozy). But only one was standing after the storm. The one with the solid foundation.
Where is your house (life) standing today? On shaky ground or on solid (Jesus)? It's not about your denomination, the church you go too, or even that you are a good person. It's all about who you know. And by that I mean Jesus. Please take the time to read Romans 10:9,10 for the answer to eternal life. It's time to trust Him!!!!!
Luke 6:46-49
Has anyone ever asked you this question..."What is your life based upon? Who or what is your hope in? If this where your last day on earth, where would you spend eternity?"
Two Different Types of People...
In this parable, Jesus speaks of two different kinds of people - those that listened to what He said and changed their lives and those that listened and went on with life as if they hadn't heart anything at all. The first group built their lives upon the solid foundation (Him); the second had no solid substance to build their lives on at all.
1. Those who have no foundation...
A. My free choice is not challenged. Each of us is given the ability to choose for or against Jesus. To choose for Jesus is to make Him Lord and Savior of our life. To not choose for Jesus isn't really making much of a choice at all for since we are born into sin we are already destined for hell.
B. My focus is on the present. Tom Friends of the New york Times asked Coach Jimmy Johnson what he told his players before leading the Dallas cowboys onto the field for the 1993 Super Bowl. "I told them that if I laid a 2 x 4 across the floor, everybody there would walk across it and not fall because our focus would be on walking the length of that board. But if I put that same board 10 stories high between two buildings, only a few would make it, because the focus would be on falling."
As long as circumstances are well, we don't have to worry about falling. But when the storms come and our 2 x 4 becomes airborne, our focus changes. We become more concerned about falling than anything else. But, if our focus is on Jesus, no matter what comes, our 2 x 4 is solidly anchored to Him.
C. My future is unsure. The manager and one of his salesmen stood before a map on which colored pins indicated the sales rep in each area. "I'm not going to fire you, Cartwright," the manager said, "but just to emphasize the insecurity of your position, I'm loosening your pin a little."
That's similiar to what the person faces each day that does not build their life upon Christ. The problem is that there is no promise of tomorrow - we don't know what the future holds, so why risk putting such an important decision off until an unpredictable future?
D. My fate is decided. Not choosing is making a choice. All of us are going to face judgment some day. We will receive the "wages" (Romans 6:23) for the choices we make in this life (Luke 6:49 and 1 Corinthians 3:11).
2. If I Have Christ As My Foundation...
A. My decision is to obey. When I confess that Jesus is Lord and Savior of my life, I am accepting the gift of eternal life that God gives me by His grace through faith - my sins are forgiven (Luke 6:47,48).
B. My direction is clear. The person who has Christ as Lord of their life has a clear direction. They know exactly where they are headed (Romans 8:28,29).
C. My destiny is secure. In various points of our lives, problems abound. Our temptation is to panic because we feel things are out of control. Yet, the truth is we've never been in control over the most important things of life. We've always been held up by the grace of God. Nothing happens without His say so.
In Jesus' parable, the storm came agains both houses. Neither was spared from the same exact storm (and it must have been a doozy). But only one was standing after the storm. The one with the solid foundation.
Where is your house (life) standing today? On shaky ground or on solid (Jesus)? It's not about your denomination, the church you go too, or even that you are a good person. It's all about who you know. And by that I mean Jesus. Please take the time to read Romans 10:9,10 for the answer to eternal life. It's time to trust Him!!!!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Four Things to Remember
In the book of Matthew, several life principles are given to us (from Charles Stanley's Life Principle's Bible)....
1. Prayer is life's greatest time saver. Matthew 6:5-9
2. God blesses us so that we might bless others. Matthew 10:8
3. Obedience always brings blessing. Matthew 14:17-21
4. An eager anticipation of the Lord's return keeps us living productively. Matthew 24:36-44
There are many more promises in this book but these four are key in that they emphasize essentials that we must cling too in our walk for Christ - pray, love and help others, obey Him, look forward to His return which will be at any time.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
1. Prayer is life's greatest time saver. Matthew 6:5-9
2. God blesses us so that we might bless others. Matthew 10:8
3. Obedience always brings blessing. Matthew 14:17-21
4. An eager anticipation of the Lord's return keeps us living productively. Matthew 24:36-44
There are many more promises in this book but these four are key in that they emphasize essentials that we must cling too in our walk for Christ - pray, love and help others, obey Him, look forward to His return which will be at any time.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Which Heart Is Yours?
Which Heart Is Yours?
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Throughout much of Jesus' ministry, He used parables to teach a truth. In the parable of the Seed and the Sower, we learn about our "heart" condition.
Our goal is to have the kind of heart that accepts the Word of God and begin to reproduce our hearts in the lives of other people.
So let's get started...
1. The Hard Heart - (vv.4,19)
Jesus is talking about the person who has been exposed to the Gospel but doesn't
fully comprehend what is being said. It has had some level of impact upon him,
but not enough to really sink in. This is a person who is not saved.
This kind of heart is influenced by Satan.
2. The Shallow Heart - (vv.5,6,20,21)
This person hears the gospel and about God's grace and says "Sign me up!" but
when they find out that the Christian life is not all roses they say, "Count me
out!" Their commitment is on the surface, and when trouble comes their way they
are quick to renege on the commitment they have made.
This heart is influenced by the flesh.
3. The Crowded Heart - (vv.7,22)
This person has so much going on in his life that he has very little time for
God. His concern is on the "cares of this life" and the "lure of material
things" that in time Christ is left out of the picture.
This heart is influenced by the world.
In these three types of hearts we find three influences - the world, the flesh,
and the devil. These are the same influences that we are warned against
(1 John 2:15-17).
4. The Fertile Heart - (vv.8,9,23)
How do we have a fertile heart? First, we have to hear the Word of God before
we can accept it. Sit down and study the Bible daily. Second, accept God's
Word into your heart (ask the Holy Spirit to commune with your innermost man)
and mind.
The result of this kind of heart is a harvest.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Gary
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Throughout much of Jesus' ministry, He used parables to teach a truth. In the parable of the Seed and the Sower, we learn about our "heart" condition.
Our goal is to have the kind of heart that accepts the Word of God and begin to reproduce our hearts in the lives of other people.
So let's get started...
1. The Hard Heart - (vv.4,19)
Jesus is talking about the person who has been exposed to the Gospel but doesn't
fully comprehend what is being said. It has had some level of impact upon him,
but not enough to really sink in. This is a person who is not saved.
This kind of heart is influenced by Satan.
2. The Shallow Heart - (vv.5,6,20,21)
This person hears the gospel and about God's grace and says "Sign me up!" but
when they find out that the Christian life is not all roses they say, "Count me
out!" Their commitment is on the surface, and when trouble comes their way they
are quick to renege on the commitment they have made.
This heart is influenced by the flesh.
3. The Crowded Heart - (vv.7,22)
This person has so much going on in his life that he has very little time for
God. His concern is on the "cares of this life" and the "lure of material
things" that in time Christ is left out of the picture.
This heart is influenced by the world.
In these three types of hearts we find three influences - the world, the flesh,
and the devil. These are the same influences that we are warned against
(1 John 2:15-17).
4. The Fertile Heart - (vv.8,9,23)
How do we have a fertile heart? First, we have to hear the Word of God before
we can accept it. Sit down and study the Bible daily. Second, accept God's
Word into your heart (ask the Holy Spirit to commune with your innermost man)
and mind.
The result of this kind of heart is a harvest.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
A New Life Begins
I'm sitting in the waiting room at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI waiting for a baby girl to be born (it's 8:10 PM). Her name is Emma and she is almost here. Her mom, Andrea, is working hard to bring her into this world. She's going through a lot of pain but I'm sure when Emma gets here she will say it was worth it all.
When Jesus went to the cross he was abused, ridiculed, made ashamed, and killed for our sins. But when someone is born anew (accepts Christ as their Savior), I'm sure Christ says it was worth all He had to go through.
He made you, loved you (and still does), and died for you. Are you worth all that He went through? Christ thinks you are.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
When Jesus went to the cross he was abused, ridiculed, made ashamed, and killed for our sins. But when someone is born anew (accepts Christ as their Savior), I'm sure Christ says it was worth all He had to go through.
He made you, loved you (and still does), and died for you. Are you worth all that He went through? Christ thinks you are.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, February 15, 2007
T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men
Greetings,
I have made a commitment to read a minimum of five books in 2007. My first one is T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men. Now, you may not be a T.D. Jake's fan but he does have some good stuff to say. During the next few blogs I will share some insight from his book.
Chapter One talks about the Apostle Paul's statement to the Corinthian church: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11)
o I spoke as a child. We all need to be able to communicate our thoughts and express how we feel. Many young men have lost the ability to communicate, depending on how they were brought up. Some were raised in good, sound homes and taught how to respond to criticizm, treat women, respect elders, etc. But others were raised in broken homes or homes where parents did not take the time to "train up a child in the way they should go." As a result, they are influenced by what they see today.
o I understood as a child. Our understanding is the stage in which we come to a resolve and draw conclusions. Paul said that when he was a child he understood as a child. If as adults our understanding is still childish and elementary, we may
come to immature conclusions. Childish wisdom can be the most dangerous of all -- especially in the mind of a wounded adult.
o I thought as a child. Never in history have we been so afraid of our own children. Grown men are afraid to walk through crowds of pre-teen and young teenage boys in the city. Young men have become so angry that adult men are intimidated by them. And the story goes on and on and on.
The mind of a child should not be stressed with harsh issues like molestation, abuse, or domestic violence. Many young men have followed their fathers' footsteps into promiscuity, thinking it natural to define their masculinity by extreme sexuality. "Isn't that what dad did?"
The above thoughts are from T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men. Get the book. It will open your eyes to some pretty obvious reasons why young boys and young men are living the lives they are.
Next blog we will share more from T.D. Jakes' book.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
I have made a commitment to read a minimum of five books in 2007. My first one is T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men. Now, you may not be a T.D. Jake's fan but he does have some good stuff to say. During the next few blogs I will share some insight from his book.
Chapter One talks about the Apostle Paul's statement to the Corinthian church: "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11)
o I spoke as a child. We all need to be able to communicate our thoughts and express how we feel. Many young men have lost the ability to communicate, depending on how they were brought up. Some were raised in good, sound homes and taught how to respond to criticizm, treat women, respect elders, etc. But others were raised in broken homes or homes where parents did not take the time to "train up a child in the way they should go." As a result, they are influenced by what they see today.
o I understood as a child. Our understanding is the stage in which we come to a resolve and draw conclusions. Paul said that when he was a child he understood as a child. If as adults our understanding is still childish and elementary, we may
come to immature conclusions. Childish wisdom can be the most dangerous of all -- especially in the mind of a wounded adult.
o I thought as a child. Never in history have we been so afraid of our own children. Grown men are afraid to walk through crowds of pre-teen and young teenage boys in the city. Young men have become so angry that adult men are intimidated by them. And the story goes on and on and on.
The mind of a child should not be stressed with harsh issues like molestation, abuse, or domestic violence. Many young men have followed their fathers' footsteps into promiscuity, thinking it natural to define their masculinity by extreme sexuality. "Isn't that what dad did?"
The above thoughts are from T.D. Jakes Speaks To Men. Get the book. It will open your eyes to some pretty obvious reasons why young boys and young men are living the lives they are.
Next blog we will share more from T.D. Jakes' book.
'Til the storm passes,
Pastor Gary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)