Good Monday to you all.
Let me start by saying the last blog entry was good information, but when I read it again this morning I felt I needed to apologize for lots of writing errors! I have made changes.
Personal Stuff:
This last weekend was great. I went mushroom hunting with the kids and they were excellent. All three of my kids were successful at identifying and finding mushrooms (We found 94). On Saturday we immunized the cows at the farm (50 cows, 48 calves). After the cattle were taken care of we cut down several cedar trees that my dad wanted to remove. We were tired!
Church Stuff:
Sunday was very enjoyable because I was able to hang out with Duane Danielsen. Duane is a missionary to Bangladesh's youth and children. Duane lived next door to me in college. Thanks to everyone who gave in the offering for missionary work Sunday. All of the offering went to support Duane and Lori’s missionary work.
Here is the basic outline from Duane's message.
The message was based on the stories found in Luke 18:35-19:9.
A different Person - Jesus ministers to unexpected people.
A different Place - Jesus ministers in unexpected places.
A Different Plan - Jesus has what seems to be an unexpected plan.
A different Participation - Jesus is unexpectedly participating personally.
Have a blessed day,
Paul
Monday, April 30, 2007
Good Monday!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Our Methods Continued
Since our message never changes and the messenger must change the big question for our day is, what method may we use to spread the gospel?
The fighting in churches today is not about doctrine, but methods. The style of building, the style of music, the format for services, the location for discipleship and preferences like these which pertain to the methods of spreading the Gospel and helping people worship God. Most of the fighting about methods can be evaded by setting forth some principles that guide the decision making process of the church.
Every local church needs a doctrinal statement that encapsulates what they believe, teach and practice. Every local church needs a set of goals. Every local church needs a set of core values. These goals and core values must be based on the Scriptures and mindful of the local culture the church is called by God to reach for Jesus. These act as a compass to guide the church in the direction it must go with ministry. If a ministry idea arises that is not within these guiding principles then that ministry idea is rejected for something more suitable.
Here are some areas where I am growing in the principles that guide our methods.
1. We must be creative.
I have been working to make my preaching more creative. This means using tools that make the message more fun, memorable, inspiring, and thought provoking. Messages must speak to people in the language of their culture. The reason I don't use the KJV (though in some instances I like it better than NIV) is because it is a language that we don't speak any longer. What languages do people receive info through today, how about video, e-mail, Internet, and through close friendships?
2. We must be serving.
People communicate (speaking and receiving love) through acts of service. We can spread the Gospel through acts of service. I am interested in helping people in our church serve Washington. We need to be the church that people love to love, because we are giving more to Washington than we are taking.
3. We must be in the marketplace.
George Fredrick Handel's Hallelujah Chorus says, "The kingdoms of this world is become, the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ!" (This is from Rev. 11:15) The Church is not made to exist in a building with a steeple, but to exist in the community! The church's compass is so building oriented that we have lost sight of true north! Let's get the gospel into homes, classrooms, college campuses, workplaces, county fairs, parades, and on the street.
In the next several years First Assembly is going to be able to do these things in greater ways than we ever have in the history of this local church. Let's get creative, work together and follow the Lord's vision to reach the lost.
Paul
The fighting in churches today is not about doctrine, but methods. The style of building, the style of music, the format for services, the location for discipleship and preferences like these which pertain to the methods of spreading the Gospel and helping people worship God. Most of the fighting about methods can be evaded by setting forth some principles that guide the decision making process of the church.
Every local church needs a doctrinal statement that encapsulates what they believe, teach and practice. Every local church needs a set of goals. Every local church needs a set of core values. These goals and core values must be based on the Scriptures and mindful of the local culture the church is called by God to reach for Jesus. These act as a compass to guide the church in the direction it must go with ministry. If a ministry idea arises that is not within these guiding principles then that ministry idea is rejected for something more suitable.
Here are some areas where I am growing in the principles that guide our methods.
1. We must be creative.
I have been working to make my preaching more creative. This means using tools that make the message more fun, memorable, inspiring, and thought provoking. Messages must speak to people in the language of their culture. The reason I don't use the KJV (though in some instances I like it better than NIV) is because it is a language that we don't speak any longer. What languages do people receive info through today, how about video, e-mail, Internet, and through close friendships?
2. We must be serving.
People communicate (speaking and receiving love) through acts of service. We can spread the Gospel through acts of service. I am interested in helping people in our church serve Washington. We need to be the church that people love to love, because we are giving more to Washington than we are taking.
3. We must be in the marketplace.
George Fredrick Handel's Hallelujah Chorus says, "The kingdoms of this world is become, the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ!" (This is from Rev. 11:15) The Church is not made to exist in a building with a steeple, but to exist in the community! The church's compass is so building oriented that we have lost sight of true north! Let's get the gospel into homes, classrooms, college campuses, workplaces, county fairs, parades, and on the street.
In the next several years First Assembly is going to be able to do these things in greater ways than we ever have in the history of this local church. Let's get creative, work together and follow the Lord's vision to reach the lost.
Paul
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Our Methods
In the message this last Sunday I talked about our methods being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The message must never change. The messenger must change. The methods may change.
The methods that worked in the 1800's were circuit riding preachers, preaching in open fields, and preaching on street corners. These methods worked because they concurred with the cultural trends of the day. People lived on horseback. People were primarily agrarian, and People did not drive cars or use mass transit and so most people walked through town and a crowd could be formed at any street corner.
The methods that worked in the 20th century were camp meetings, tent crusades, and large stadium events. Those types of events worked well because they were concurrent with the culture of those days. Camp meetings were still popular as a form of spiritual emphasis that was started in the 1800's and continued to hold a type of nostalgia. Tent crusades were popular just as traveling forms of entertainment were popular such as the circus, which also met in tents. Large stadium events became popular as more and more cities gained large stadiums and sporting events were attended by a larger percentage of the population.
The emerging methods of the 21st century include the use of the Internet and the re-emergence of close personal relationships in place of large events. We live in a culture where it is easy to hide in a crowd and personal relationships are often shallow if they exist at all. The thrill of attending a church with thousands in attendance soon fades when the worshiper realizes that they are a stranger to everyone in their church. People long for community. When they can't find it in their actual community they find it in a virtual community, or online community. Just think how different the lives of some of the perpetrators of violent school shootings would have been if they were invited into a community of friends that valued them rather than ridicule them. People long for a community where unconditional love is evident.
As we move into the 21st century we must preach the gospel in the regions (places) where Christ is not yet named. Let's get the name of Jesus all over the Internet! Let's get the name of Jesus in every home in our neighbor hood and in the home of every friend.
I have more to say on this, I'll save it for tomorrow.
Paul
The message must never change. The messenger must change. The methods may change.
The methods that worked in the 1800's were circuit riding preachers, preaching in open fields, and preaching on street corners. These methods worked because they concurred with the cultural trends of the day. People lived on horseback. People were primarily agrarian, and People did not drive cars or use mass transit and so most people walked through town and a crowd could be formed at any street corner.
The methods that worked in the 20th century were camp meetings, tent crusades, and large stadium events. Those types of events worked well because they were concurrent with the culture of those days. Camp meetings were still popular as a form of spiritual emphasis that was started in the 1800's and continued to hold a type of nostalgia. Tent crusades were popular just as traveling forms of entertainment were popular such as the circus, which also met in tents. Large stadium events became popular as more and more cities gained large stadiums and sporting events were attended by a larger percentage of the population.
The emerging methods of the 21st century include the use of the Internet and the re-emergence of close personal relationships in place of large events. We live in a culture where it is easy to hide in a crowd and personal relationships are often shallow if they exist at all. The thrill of attending a church with thousands in attendance soon fades when the worshiper realizes that they are a stranger to everyone in their church. People long for community. When they can't find it in their actual community they find it in a virtual community, or online community. Just think how different the lives of some of the perpetrators of violent school shootings would have been if they were invited into a community of friends that valued them rather than ridicule them. People long for a community where unconditional love is evident.
As we move into the 21st century we must preach the gospel in the regions (places) where Christ is not yet named. Let's get the name of Jesus all over the Internet! Let's get the name of Jesus in every home in our neighbor hood and in the home of every friend.
I have more to say on this, I'll save it for tomorrow.
Paul
Monday, April 23, 2007
A Big Thank You to Dylan G.!
Yesterday the A.t.t.i.c. Youth arrived back in Washington from Acquire the Fire in Kansas City. I want to thank Dylan and Laura Glastetter, and so should you, for all the work they have put into the ministry this year. Twelve students attended the conference and Dylan said it was very good and that everyone participated well. I am glad to hear that our students are worshiping and responding at these events.
Now, let's all get on board with Dylan and start connecting with the youth that are attending our church. Most of them are from non-churched homes and their parents do not yet attend. They need the influence and friendship of our older folks desperately. We really do want them to learn from you, but you have to go after them.
When I was 16, back in the 20th century, a retired man at the church where I came to know Jesus started talking to me every week in the foyer. When I went to college I saw him less, but when we talked during visits to my home church I could tell he was praying for me by hints in his conversation.
When I went back to my home church to join the staff as an Associate Pastor, I told the Pastor that I thought Herb had been praying for me all these years. He asked Herb the next week and Herb responded, "I have prayed for Paul every day."
In ten years First Assembly of God can have that kind of testimony too! But that kind of testimony is not easily earned. It is not some easy miracle that God does for us in an instant or a single service. It is earned through constant love, prayer, and relationship with people who are outside our little circle of cultural comfort! It is a testimony that is earned by consistent effort mixed with faith.
Thanks Dylan,
Paul Scheperle
Now, let's all get on board with Dylan and start connecting with the youth that are attending our church. Most of them are from non-churched homes and their parents do not yet attend. They need the influence and friendship of our older folks desperately. We really do want them to learn from you, but you have to go after them.
When I was 16, back in the 20th century, a retired man at the church where I came to know Jesus started talking to me every week in the foyer. When I went to college I saw him less, but when we talked during visits to my home church I could tell he was praying for me by hints in his conversation.
When I went back to my home church to join the staff as an Associate Pastor, I told the Pastor that I thought Herb had been praying for me all these years. He asked Herb the next week and Herb responded, "I have prayed for Paul every day."
In ten years First Assembly of God can have that kind of testimony too! But that kind of testimony is not easily earned. It is not some easy miracle that God does for us in an instant or a single service. It is earned through constant love, prayer, and relationship with people who are outside our little circle of cultural comfort! It is a testimony that is earned by consistent effort mixed with faith.
Thanks Dylan,
Paul Scheperle
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The Purpose of Power
This morning we discussed the purpose of the holy Spirit's power in the believer's life. Remember, last week we learned that the power of God is worked out in the believers life through the person of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person and the prerequisite for power is a relationship with God through Jesus.
Here are two important things to help us understand the Holy Spirit's work in us.
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit is private in nature and obedience in purpose.
John 14:15-16
15“If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
The Immersion in the Holy Spirit is public in nature and witness in purpose.
15“If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
The Immersion in the Holy Spirit is public in nature and witness in purpose.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit enables us to know that we are saved, hear the direction of the Holy Spirit and discern right and wrong with God's standards.
The immersion (baptism) in the Holy Spirit empowers our witness. All Christian's are called to and can witness. The purpose of Holy Spirit Baptism is to empower that witness. Jesus said we would be witnesses. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to be, not do witnessing. God is more concerned with what you are becoming than what you are doing for him. Character is always the first priority, then ministry.
Paul Scheperle
Saturday, April 21, 2007
The Rest of My Week
The church business meeting I mentioned earlier went unusually well. All the business was finished in about two hours! It is usually a two day affair. Pastor John and I went out and played a 9 hole par three with his uncle Wayne who lives in Springfield. It was a beautiful day and we had about three hours to kill and another meeting Thursday morning that I was committed to help with.
This year at council I chose to wear what I normally wear on Sunday morning (Jeans). So, for the first time I did not take a suit or a tie to council. I feel called to reach those who are my age and younger. If I fail to reach this segment of society, I will be obsolete, useless and irrelevant in my older years. I am planning now to be relevant to the generation that is younger than me so that I will be effective till the day I die. For me to reach those who are younger than me I have to think like a missionary. The missionary to China had on Chinese attire. The missionary to Germany had German attire. I had on my missionary clothes.
Well, here was the great thing. In all the years of wearing the best suits and ties that I could buy I never had anyone complement me on my clothing. On Tuesday night we went to a restaurant and the young waiter complemented me on my clothing. He was obviously not saved and about ten years younger than me. As we prayed for our dinner we prayed that for our waiter, a part of my mission field in life. I don't care any more what other ministers at council think of my clothing. I care about the young man who served us dinner, who needs Jesus, and who we connected with by what we wore.
Paul
This year at council I chose to wear what I normally wear on Sunday morning (Jeans). So, for the first time I did not take a suit or a tie to council. I feel called to reach those who are my age and younger. If I fail to reach this segment of society, I will be obsolete, useless and irrelevant in my older years. I am planning now to be relevant to the generation that is younger than me so that I will be effective till the day I die. For me to reach those who are younger than me I have to think like a missionary. The missionary to China had on Chinese attire. The missionary to Germany had German attire. I had on my missionary clothes.
Well, here was the great thing. In all the years of wearing the best suits and ties that I could buy I never had anyone complement me on my clothing. On Tuesday night we went to a restaurant and the young waiter complemented me on my clothing. He was obviously not saved and about ten years younger than me. As we prayed for our dinner we prayed that for our waiter, a part of my mission field in life. I don't care any more what other ministers at council think of my clothing. I care about the young man who served us dinner, who needs Jesus, and who we connected with by what we wore.
Paul
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Out of Town
Today pastor John and I are at our District council. It is basically a business meeting for all the churches in the southern half of Missouri.
Last night we heard a great message from Dr. George Wood titled, "The Beaches of Paul." It is based on four of the various beaches that Paul encountered in his missionary work. Dr. Wood is such a great thinker and does such complete research even for his illustrations.
We were also introduced to seven new missionaries. I was stunned to see that one of the missionaries going to Nicaragua, Steve Sobey, was a Jr. Higher in the youth group I used to pastor. Boy did I feel proud and old! It was great to connect with him again.
Please remember to pray for the campus of Virginia Tech this week. Also pray for the Chi Alpha ministry of the A/G that is at VT. As you pray, pray that our schools will be places of learning, not terror. Our schools, primary, secondary and at higher level es need the presence of Christians to be what Jesus called "salt" and "light." Pray for the Lord to do the healing that is necessary for those impacted by the shooting. Also, pray that God will take this tragedy motivated by evil and use its horrible effects to make many people better people.
Gotta' go,
Paul
Last night we heard a great message from Dr. George Wood titled, "The Beaches of Paul." It is based on four of the various beaches that Paul encountered in his missionary work. Dr. Wood is such a great thinker and does such complete research even for his illustrations.
We were also introduced to seven new missionaries. I was stunned to see that one of the missionaries going to Nicaragua, Steve Sobey, was a Jr. Higher in the youth group I used to pastor. Boy did I feel proud and old! It was great to connect with him again.
Please remember to pray for the campus of Virginia Tech this week. Also pray for the Chi Alpha ministry of the A/G that is at VT. As you pray, pray that our schools will be places of learning, not terror. Our schools, primary, secondary and at higher level es need the presence of Christians to be what Jesus called "salt" and "light." Pray for the Lord to do the healing that is necessary for those impacted by the shooting. Also, pray that God will take this tragedy motivated by evil and use its horrible effects to make many people better people.
Gotta' go,
Paul
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Promise is a Person
What a great day with the Lord we had this Sunday. We started a cool new series and had a wonderful Water Baptism service in the afternoon. We had the largest regular Sunday morning attendance since I became the Pastor four years ago. Easter was our largest Easter, then Sunday was the largest regular Sunday attendance.
Just so you know, the early service lost the offering competition yesterday according to Bill and LeRoy. However, per-capita giving was WAY higher in the early service.
I personally enjoyed the message Sunday more than usual. I think that most people think of the Holy Spirit as a power or force rather than a person. People seek power from God, but not the God who supplies and creates all power! Relationship is the portal to all God's blessings. After the services I thought people would like to study and read this segment of the message that hit on some of the things that the Holy Spirit does in our lives. He really is working on you all the time!
We are dependant on the Person of the Holy Spirit. Why?
-When I was a sinner, I did not know it,
until the Spirit of God convicted me. (John 16:8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: .)
-When I was introduced to Jesus I did not believe,
until he convinced me. (1 Corinthians 2:4-54My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.)
-When I was contemplating Jesus, I wavered,
Until he cleared my questions. (1 Cor. 12:3 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.)
-When I was saved and forgiven I was not sure,
until he assured me. (Romans 8:16 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.)
-When I was bound by a sin, I was trapped in it,
Until he set me free. (Rom 8:1-2 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. )
-When I was tempted to desert the Lord I struggled,
Until he led me. (Romans 8:14 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.)
-When I was confused, I did not know what to pray,
Until he prayed for me in ways that word can not express. (Romans 8:26 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.)
-When I was depressed, I had no joy,
Until he filled me with hope. (Romans 15:13 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.)
-When I struggled with God’s will, I worried,
Until he made it clear to me. (1 Cor. 2:11 11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.)
-When I thought God could not accept me, I feared,
Until he put a down payment on my life. (2 Cor. 1:21-22 21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.)
-When I was nervous and timid,
he removed my fear. (Romans 8:15 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”, 1 Tim. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV)
-When I witnessed to my friends they all mocked me,
Until the Holy Spirit of God proved them all wrong! (Romans 15:18-19 18I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—19by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.)
-When I was a sinner, I did not know it,
until the Spirit of God convicted me. (John 16:8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: .)
-When I was introduced to Jesus I did not believe,
until he convinced me. (1 Corinthians 2:4-54My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.)
-When I was contemplating Jesus, I wavered,
Until he cleared my questions. (1 Cor. 12:3 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.)
-When I was saved and forgiven I was not sure,
until he assured me. (Romans 8:16 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.)
-When I was bound by a sin, I was trapped in it,
Until he set me free. (Rom 8:1-2 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. )
-When I was tempted to desert the Lord I struggled,
Until he led me. (Romans 8:14 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.)
-When I was confused, I did not know what to pray,
Until he prayed for me in ways that word can not express. (Romans 8:26 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.)
-When I was depressed, I had no joy,
Until he filled me with hope. (Romans 15:13 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.)
-When I struggled with God’s will, I worried,
Until he made it clear to me. (1 Cor. 2:11 11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.)
-When I thought God could not accept me, I feared,
Until he put a down payment on my life. (2 Cor. 1:21-22 21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.)
-When I was nervous and timid,
he removed my fear. (Romans 8:15 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”, 1 Tim. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV)
-When I witnessed to my friends they all mocked me,
Until the Holy Spirit of God proved them all wrong! (Romans 15:18-19 18I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—19by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.)
All Scripture quotes from the New International Version, unless noted.
Have a blessed day.
Friday, April 13, 2007
New Revelation
This morning I was reading Revelation (the last book in the Bible). I was amazed by some things.
First, having read through the New Testament a bit quickly, I was getting large chunks of the text in my head at a time. So, after spending a whole lot of time reading Paul's writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit I got used to Paul. Then I read Peter and John. For the first time I really think I noticed the stylistic differences in the writers. There is just a different feel.
Second, reading Revelation I learned some new things. Jesus was unhappy with some of the churches eating food sacrificed to idols. Paul left it as a matter of conscience, but Jesus simple said he was not pleased. I think there are some things that the church does today that Jesus would jump up and say, "Hey, I am not honored by your actions!"
Third, I love reading about John's description of Jesus! Hair like wool, eyes like fire, face like the sun, a voice like many waters, feet like brass from a furnace, and a sword coming out of his mouth. We (humanity) were so struck with Jesus' first appearance that we enshrine those humble physical images in art and imagination. It is our nature. But, if we could only see him NOW! he is not humble, but exalted. He is not meek and mild, but mighty and masterful. He is not quiet, but conquering. He is resurrected and glorified and he is praying for me!
Want Jesus to be praying for you? Call on him (Just start talking to the Lord and you will be praying.) and he will lovingly receive you, forgive you for any fault, and begin praying for you too. The Bible says he is interceding for the saints. Become a saint today!
Paul
First, having read through the New Testament a bit quickly, I was getting large chunks of the text in my head at a time. So, after spending a whole lot of time reading Paul's writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit I got used to Paul. Then I read Peter and John. For the first time I really think I noticed the stylistic differences in the writers. There is just a different feel.
Second, reading Revelation I learned some new things. Jesus was unhappy with some of the churches eating food sacrificed to idols. Paul left it as a matter of conscience, but Jesus simple said he was not pleased. I think there are some things that the church does today that Jesus would jump up and say, "Hey, I am not honored by your actions!"
Third, I love reading about John's description of Jesus! Hair like wool, eyes like fire, face like the sun, a voice like many waters, feet like brass from a furnace, and a sword coming out of his mouth. We (humanity) were so struck with Jesus' first appearance that we enshrine those humble physical images in art and imagination. It is our nature. But, if we could only see him NOW! he is not humble, but exalted. He is not meek and mild, but mighty and masterful. He is not quiet, but conquering. He is resurrected and glorified and he is praying for me!
Want Jesus to be praying for you? Call on him (Just start talking to the Lord and you will be praying.) and he will lovingly receive you, forgive you for any fault, and begin praying for you too. The Bible says he is interceding for the saints. Become a saint today!
Paul
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Cold Thursday
Today is ugly cold! The weather man said we might even see some snow flakes! Like the freeze didn't kill our gardens and landscaping already.
Well the count is in, Easter Sunday we had 163 people in attendance! That is the largest Sunday morning attendance in the four years I have been the Pastor. Let's keep up the momentum. Jesus says, "He who has will be given more!"
John and I are making plans for being gone next week for District Council. I will be available on my cell phone.
I am very excited about the message for Sunday as we begin The Helper series of sermons. This series will be different from the Wednesday night series on the baptism in the Holy Spirit that we finished earlier this year. Remember that we want to strongly encourage everyone to get into a small group for this series. Send me a comment if you need some assistance in finding a group.
Gotta' go, lot to do today.
Paul
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Sanjaya
I love to watch Idol when the season is new and the singers are bold, starstruck and HORRIBLE! It always amazes me that there are so many people who can't sing, then apparently have friends who don't have the guts to tell them, and then encourage or allow them to try out!
Once Idol is in full swing it is a couple great singers and a bunch of pretty good singers. This year is different! We have Sanjaya!
In all this a great devotional came to mind. The goal this year on Idol is to see how bad you can sing and still remain on the show. Much like a lot of Christians who want to see how sinful they can live and still go to heaven. I am a Pastor. My job is not to help people sin as much as possible and still go to Heaven, but to help people get free from sin. Sin is not going to make your life better. Instead it will kill your joy, steal your blessings and destroy your opportunities. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I (Jesus) have come that you may have life and have it to the full." Sanjaya is in a singing competition. If he gains anything out of this experience it may not be a singing career, but some other avenue of fame and notoriety that will serve him well.
Here is the difference. In "Idol life" it often pays just to get some face time on TV even if it is to get ridiculed by Simon in the first round and kicked out the door in shame. You may go from there straight to David Letterman and commercial spots while others still have to keep singing. On Idol there are a lot of ways to come out ahead.
In "real life" there is only one way to come out a winner, die to sin and live for Christ and you will live forever.
By the way, I think Sanjaya sang very well this week with the Latin theme. When I heard the them was Latin I thought cool, we get to hear rocker girl sing The Magnificat form the Coronation Mass or short skirt girl sing Ave Maria. Ha Ha, just my high school vocal competitions coming back to mind.
Paul
Once Idol is in full swing it is a couple great singers and a bunch of pretty good singers. This year is different! We have Sanjaya!
In all this a great devotional came to mind. The goal this year on Idol is to see how bad you can sing and still remain on the show. Much like a lot of Christians who want to see how sinful they can live and still go to heaven. I am a Pastor. My job is not to help people sin as much as possible and still go to Heaven, but to help people get free from sin. Sin is not going to make your life better. Instead it will kill your joy, steal your blessings and destroy your opportunities. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I (Jesus) have come that you may have life and have it to the full." Sanjaya is in a singing competition. If he gains anything out of this experience it may not be a singing career, but some other avenue of fame and notoriety that will serve him well.
Here is the difference. In "Idol life" it often pays just to get some face time on TV even if it is to get ridiculed by Simon in the first round and kicked out the door in shame. You may go from there straight to David Letterman and commercial spots while others still have to keep singing. On Idol there are a lot of ways to come out ahead.
In "real life" there is only one way to come out a winner, die to sin and live for Christ and you will live forever.
By the way, I think Sanjaya sang very well this week with the Latin theme. When I heard the them was Latin I thought cool, we get to hear rocker girl sing The Magnificat form the Coronation Mass or short skirt girl sing Ave Maria. Ha Ha, just my high school vocal competitions coming back to mind.
Paul
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Meet My Perfect Priest
Perhapse you are visiting Pastor With Coffee for the first time this week because you saw the web address on the bottom of the sermon outline Easter Sunday. If you are here for the first time let me say welcome and I hope you will click by and say hello often. I hope that through this blog I can inspire and inform you on a more daily basis. (Also check out First Assembly of God online.) I often post the outline for the Sunday Sermon and then through the week make additions and expansions. I only get so much time with you on Sunday, but sermon study time usually produces more good stuff than can be shared in 35 to 40 minutes of sermon.
As a prtestant pastor one of the funniest things is how often I am called things like "Father" and "Priest." I think a lot o people refer to me that way out of habbit more than anything. I have been making friends with a catholic Priest and it has been interesting to see how many church situations we find ourselves in that are so similar. I have know a lot of Pastors and Priests, but I have yet to find one as perfect at our Great High Priest, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus is so great, it is fun to just talk about how good he is.
Hebrews 8:1-2
1The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
1 Timothy 2:5
5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
My Priest is:
My Perfect Priest is:
My Confessor (7:25, 27)
25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
27Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
My Confidant (Heb 8:11-12)
11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
My Covenant Maker (Heb. 7:22 ;8:6)
22Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.
My Intercessor (Heb 7:25)
25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
My Constant Priest (Heb. 7:21)
21but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’
My Complete Priest (Heb. 7:25, 26; 9:28)
25Therefore he is able to save completely
26Such a high priest meets our need.
28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
My Choice Priest (Heb 8:6)
6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.
My Conscience Cleanser (Heb 9:14)
14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
My Conquering King (Heb. 7:1)
1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him. (Jesus is our Priest and King!)
Talk to Jesus today! We are all imperfect and need forgiveness. Stop rejecting God’s blessings, when you can have Jesus as your personal priest!
As a prtestant pastor one of the funniest things is how often I am called things like "Father" and "Priest." I think a lot o people refer to me that way out of habbit more than anything. I have been making friends with a catholic Priest and it has been interesting to see how many church situations we find ourselves in that are so similar. I have know a lot of Pastors and Priests, but I have yet to find one as perfect at our Great High Priest, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus is so great, it is fun to just talk about how good he is.
Hebrews 8:1-2
1The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
1 Timothy 2:5
5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
My Priest is:
My Perfect Priest is:
My Confessor (7:25, 27)
25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
27Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
My Confidant (Heb 8:11-12)
11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
My Covenant Maker (Heb. 7:22 ;8:6)
22Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.
My Intercessor (Heb 7:25)
25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
My Constant Priest (Heb. 7:21)
21but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’
My Complete Priest (Heb. 7:25, 26; 9:28)
25Therefore he is able to save completely
26Such a high priest meets our need.
28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
My Choice Priest (Heb 8:6)
6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.
My Conscience Cleanser (Heb 9:14)
14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
My Conquering King (Heb. 7:1)
1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him. (Jesus is our Priest and King!)
Talk to Jesus today! We are all imperfect and need forgiveness. Stop rejecting God’s blessings, when you can have Jesus as your personal priest!
Bad News then Good News
Bad news. I have been so sick lately that I have not been able to post on the blog. Friday night I started a fever. Saturday was really bad. Sunday I took so much ibuprofen that I was OK for Easter Sunday morning. By Sunday night I felt bad again. I have an appointment with an ENT on Wednesday. My trouble always starts with sinus problems. Well, no photo to post with the bad news, sorry.
Well, that is the bad news.
Here is the Good news.
We have not formally totaled up our Easter Sunday attendance but it was around 150-160 people! At the Easter egg hunt on Palm Sunday we had about 110 children register and others who attended that did not register because they showed up late. Bit by bit we are gaining more momentum and making precious connections with people who are looking for God.
This coming Sunday we start "The Helper" series, focusing on the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's life. If you are not in a Small Group this is the time to get in one. LISTEN! If you don't like the options now for Small Groups, just pick the best option for you now and we will be working to start more groups during this campaign. Maybe the group you choose is too old or too young for you, but we will soon have more to choose from. The main thing is not having a perfect group to go to, it is having the habit of going to a group.
Last bit of good news. We now have an audio player on the website and will be able to put sermons on the website for listening. The next step is to verify that they can be downloaded. We are working on it. The first one sounds funny and we will be updating it this week and fixing the problem. Check it out at First Assembly's web site.
God Bless You,
Paul
Well, that is the bad news.
Here is the Good news.
We have not formally totaled up our Easter Sunday attendance but it was around 150-160 people! At the Easter egg hunt on Palm Sunday we had about 110 children register and others who attended that did not register because they showed up late. Bit by bit we are gaining more momentum and making precious connections with people who are looking for God.
This coming Sunday we start "The Helper" series, focusing on the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's life. If you are not in a Small Group this is the time to get in one. LISTEN! If you don't like the options now for Small Groups, just pick the best option for you now and we will be working to start more groups during this campaign. Maybe the group you choose is too old or too young for you, but we will soon have more to choose from. The main thing is not having a perfect group to go to, it is having the habit of going to a group.
Last bit of good news. We now have an audio player on the website and will be able to put sermons on the website for listening. The next step is to verify that they can be downloaded. We are working on it. The first one sounds funny and we will be updating it this week and fixing the problem. Check it out at First Assembly's web site.
God Bless You,
Paul
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Day of Prayer
Monday I worked all day with a man that is absolutely perfect to work with! It was the best day of ministry for me in a while.
I set Monday aside, the whole day, to pray for people who need Jesus. Thanks to everyone who turned in a card with names for me to pray for yesterday.
Here are some interesting findings:
1. I was able to pray through the stack of names three times.
2. One name was on three different cards, so I prayed for that person 9 times.
3. 10 names appeared on two different cards and those 10 names were prayed for 6 times.
4. The third time through the stack a thought dawned on me that raised my faith. God has heard me pray at least twice today and now a third time for every person. Since he responds when we pray, I believe that these individuals have had three encounters with the Holy Spirit in one day. Three calls from the Holy Spirit in one day. This is more useful than 100 phone calls from the pastor.
Side note: I found three white mushrooms while I hiked and prayed in the woods. Nice treat with dinner Monday night.
Paul
I set Monday aside, the whole day, to pray for people who need Jesus. Thanks to everyone who turned in a card with names for me to pray for yesterday.
Here are some interesting findings:
1. I was able to pray through the stack of names three times.
2. One name was on three different cards, so I prayed for that person 9 times.
3. 10 names appeared on two different cards and those 10 names were prayed for 6 times.
4. The third time through the stack a thought dawned on me that raised my faith. God has heard me pray at least twice today and now a third time for every person. Since he responds when we pray, I believe that these individuals have had three encounters with the Holy Spirit in one day. Three calls from the Holy Spirit in one day. This is more useful than 100 phone calls from the pastor.
Side note: I found three white mushrooms while I hiked and prayed in the woods. Nice treat with dinner Monday night.
Paul
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