Sunday was very busy. Today we moved from the loving God portion of Love University to the loving our neighbor part of the series. It never ceases to amaze me how difficult it is to love our neighbor. Whenever I preach on forgiveness or loving our neighbor I always hear numerous stories and difficulties from people about their struggles. I think people truly want to please God and truly want peaceful relations wit people. Its just never that easy. Loving God is easy, he is perfect. Loving our neighbor is hard, they mess up all the time. Just remember, your somebodies neighbor too.
We had a great time of prayer in the 10:15 service. I think that God wanted to do some work in people's lives. People had a lot of prayer requests. It is amazing to me this year how much larger the load of needs are in a church when the attendance is raised by just 15-20 people. After praying we sang some upbeat songs and you could just hear the relief in people's voices because they had faith that God was helping them.
In the afternoon I went to new Haven Assembly of God to lead worship. I felt horrible leaving after worship, but I needed to get back to Washington so that we could leave for my father-In-Law's birthday party. There is a lot of responsibility that can be delegated in ministry, but family can never be delegated. I need my family and my family need me. There is just no substitute.
I had a great time with Stephanie's family.
Monday John and I leave early for District Council.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Busy Saturday
Today has been very busy!
Stephanie left early to lead a Women's Ministry Picnic. I love to hear good reports about events like this one where people got to know each other and talk a lot. I had the three kids and then one of the boys form church so his mother could attend the picnic. We went to Big Rig Day in the morning. the School has all kinds of big equipment on display. The kids loved it. Then we did an hour at the park, an hour at Burger King (fast food?) and then a few hours at a birthday party for one of the boys friends.
Tonight the kids need to go to bed early and then I will get some slow down time.
Stephanie left early to lead a Women's Ministry Picnic. I love to hear good reports about events like this one where people got to know each other and talk a lot. I had the three kids and then one of the boys form church so his mother could attend the picnic. We went to Big Rig Day in the morning. the School has all kinds of big equipment on display. The kids loved it. Then we did an hour at the park, an hour at Burger King (fast food?) and then a few hours at a birthday party for one of the boys friends.
Tonight the kids need to go to bed early and then I will get some slow down time.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Let's Surf!
Today I want to highlight some links for your surfing.
First, I have posted the first three messages in the Love U series. You can get the audio and put it on your computer or MP3 player from the First AG website. Check out the audio player at the bottom of the home page. Older messages are available on the audio sermons page.
Second, Charles Lewis posted some new pictures of the Royal Ranger camp out and the subsequent fish fry Last night. Check it out at the Royal Ranger Site. You will also find pictures from some other activities. At the last lock-in the boys received a great visit from a state trooper who described his work to them. It was a great opportunity for the boys to have friendly and positive contact with law enforcement, particularly officer Baughman, who came to visit our church on his own time.
First, I have posted the first three messages in the Love U series. You can get the audio and put it on your computer or MP3 player from the First AG website. Check out the audio player at the bottom of the home page. Older messages are available on the audio sermons page.
Second, Charles Lewis posted some new pictures of the Royal Ranger camp out and the subsequent fish fry Last night. Check it out at the Royal Ranger Site. You will also find pictures from some other activities. At the last lock-in the boys received a great visit from a state trooper who described his work to them. It was a great opportunity for the boys to have friendly and positive contact with law enforcement, particularly officer Baughman, who came to visit our church on his own time.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Weekend Rewind
Sunday was a beautiful day. It was sun-shiny and we had a great morning at church. Worship was great. After church I said to my wife, "Now that's the kind of church I want to pastor." I want to encourage and commend our church for their worship. Often people come into the church service with problems or bad feelings. A great time of worship like we had in both of the services Sunday helps to minister to people. When we all worship together we all get more from God.
The message on Sunday was good for me personally. It was one of those messages that impacted me on several levels as I was preparing it. It was great to see so many people respond to the message at the end.
Sunday afternoon I went to New Haven, MO to lead worship at the Assembly of God church there. I will be going again this coming Sunday. If you attend First AG in Washington, are musically inclined, and would like to help in the next few weeks let me know.
Finally, our Small Group met on Sunday night this week instead of Friday. So, by the end of the day I was very tired. I left my house at 7:00 a.m. and returned again at 8:something p.m.
The message on Sunday was good for me personally. It was one of those messages that impacted me on several levels as I was preparing it. It was great to see so many people respond to the message at the end.
Sunday afternoon I went to New Haven, MO to lead worship at the Assembly of God church there. I will be going again this coming Sunday. If you attend First AG in Washington, are musically inclined, and would like to help in the next few weeks let me know.
Finally, our Small Group met on Sunday night this week instead of Friday. So, by the end of the day I was very tired. I left my house at 7:00 a.m. and returned again at 8:something p.m.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Shake Shake Shake
We woke up Thursday at about 4:30 a.m. to an earthquake! That is strange for Missouri. Then I was awake till 7:00 a.m. The weather was great Thursday so I switched my day off and planted grass seed. I worked Friday when it was raining. It was a perfect rain to follow grass planting. Most of my landscaping folows the words of 1 Peter 1:4-5, "...the grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord stands forever."
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Love University
I thought I would post the outline from Sunday's message (4-13-08) today.
Is Jesus a Good Hobby?
Luke14:25-34
“Large Crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said…”
At this point in his ministry Jesus was becoming extremely popular. Look at these indicators:
In Luke 11:29 crowds were increasing and they were looking for miraculous signs.
In Luke 12:1 a crowd of many thousands gathered to hear Jesus, nearly trampling one another.
In Luke 12:13 and 54 Jesus is said to be addressing a crowd.
Now a great crowd again surrounds Jesus. There is a reason Jesus gave these five illustrations.
He saw the crowd leisurely following him looking for a thrill, and missing the message of salvation.
Jesus gives five illustrations to show us the extremity of our devotion that is absolutely required.
#1 The Illustration of Preference (26)
The cost of discipleship is placing Jesus above all other things.
#2 The Illustration of the Cross (27)
The cross is excruciatingly heavy if we carry it out of compulsion. His yoke is easy and his burden is light when we are passionately in love with Jesus.
#3 The Illustration of a Builder (28-30)
Salvation is more than a leisure walk to the altar. It is a commitment to forsake all else for eternal life that is promised to those who love the Lord.
#4 The Illustration of a King (31-33)
If we are willing to give everything to follow, then we will always be able to follow.
#5 The Illustration of Salt (34-35)
The truth of the parable is this: being a disciple is not just an important thing - it is the only thing!
“Large Crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said…”
At this point in his ministry Jesus was becoming extremely popular. Look at these indicators:
In Luke 11:29 crowds were increasing and they were looking for miraculous signs.
In Luke 12:1 a crowd of many thousands gathered to hear Jesus, nearly trampling one another.
In Luke 12:13 and 54 Jesus is said to be addressing a crowd.
Now a great crowd again surrounds Jesus. There is a reason Jesus gave these five illustrations.
He saw the crowd leisurely following him looking for a thrill, and missing the message of salvation.
Jesus gives five illustrations to show us the extremity of our devotion that is absolutely required.
#1 The Illustration of Preference (26)
The cost of discipleship is placing Jesus above all other things.
#2 The Illustration of the Cross (27)
The cross is excruciatingly heavy if we carry it out of compulsion. His yoke is easy and his burden is light when we are passionately in love with Jesus.
#3 The Illustration of a Builder (28-30)
Salvation is more than a leisure walk to the altar. It is a commitment to forsake all else for eternal life that is promised to those who love the Lord.
#4 The Illustration of a King (31-33)
If we are willing to give everything to follow, then we will always be able to follow.
#5 The Illustration of Salt (34-35)
The truth of the parable is this: being a disciple is not just an important thing - it is the only thing!
This Sunday (4-20-08) the message is going to be, "Do You Love Me?"
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Right Pastor
Went to a pastor's forum today and got one really encouraging thought.
One pastor asked about knowing when to call it quits at a certain location after having been there for a long time. Much longer than my tenure at First AG. There was some discussion and then this thought.
"God loves his people. In God's view you are the best pastor for that church out of all the pastors in the entire world. Furthermore, of all the churches in the world, that church is the best church for you as a pastor."
If God did not care about his people, then any person would do for any church. If God was not concerned about the growth and good of every pastor than any church would do. But God is concerned and he puts the right people with the right pastor.
Here are some thoughts I have added as I have mused over this encouraging thought. First, it is good to think about how concerned God is about each believer and each church on an individual basis. Second, there are perhaps times when God puts a pastor in place to change a group of people, and other times the opposite is true. Most often both are true at the same time. Third, if a pastor and congregation seem to be at odds, might it be the case that God put them together for some purpose, even if accomplishing the purpose is difficult? Just a thought.
When I think about the church in Washington and the town of Washington I think God had a plan for the church, the community, and me when he brought me here.
One pastor asked about knowing when to call it quits at a certain location after having been there for a long time. Much longer than my tenure at First AG. There was some discussion and then this thought.
"God loves his people. In God's view you are the best pastor for that church out of all the pastors in the entire world. Furthermore, of all the churches in the world, that church is the best church for you as a pastor."
If God did not care about his people, then any person would do for any church. If God was not concerned about the growth and good of every pastor than any church would do. But God is concerned and he puts the right people with the right pastor.
Here are some thoughts I have added as I have mused over this encouraging thought. First, it is good to think about how concerned God is about each believer and each church on an individual basis. Second, there are perhaps times when God puts a pastor in place to change a group of people, and other times the opposite is true. Most often both are true at the same time. Third, if a pastor and congregation seem to be at odds, might it be the case that God put them together for some purpose, even if accomplishing the purpose is difficult? Just a thought.
When I think about the church in Washington and the town of Washington I think God had a plan for the church, the community, and me when he brought me here.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Weekend Rewind
This weekend was crazy.
Thursday I went to New Haven to help the former Pastor move out. Chris is heading back to Oklahoma, but I am sure we will stay in touch. We have had some great conversations. Thursday night was the leadership council meeting and then I went to Rich Langenberg's to work on some video stuff. Long day.
Friday we did the donut shop with the kids. Rested a bit in the day and looked at a house that we considered putting an offer on, but didn't. It looked better on the outside than the inside.
Friday night we went to Small Group and left there about 9:45 for my parents and arrived there at midnight. Spent Saturday with mom and dad and then attended anniversary gathering for my uncle and aunt. Arrived back in Washington late Saturday night.
Sunday was great. Good worship. Good message. Good people. Good visitors. Sunday afternoon I went with Dave and Nancy McKim and Rich Langenberg to New Haven to help out with worship. Drove back after that service and went straight to church for the 50+ Gospel Sing. (By the way, that is correct, it is called a "Sing," or "Singing," or "singin' " in the country.) It was great to get so many people from our church together. The best part for me was having some of our younger families serve the 50+ group dinner! People made some great connections and new friendships and we even had first time visitors.
Thursday I went to New Haven to help the former Pastor move out. Chris is heading back to Oklahoma, but I am sure we will stay in touch. We have had some great conversations. Thursday night was the leadership council meeting and then I went to Rich Langenberg's to work on some video stuff. Long day.
Friday we did the donut shop with the kids. Rested a bit in the day and looked at a house that we considered putting an offer on, but didn't. It looked better on the outside than the inside.
Friday night we went to Small Group and left there about 9:45 for my parents and arrived there at midnight. Spent Saturday with mom and dad and then attended anniversary gathering for my uncle and aunt. Arrived back in Washington late Saturday night.
Sunday was great. Good worship. Good message. Good people. Good visitors. Sunday afternoon I went with Dave and Nancy McKim and Rich Langenberg to New Haven to help out with worship. Drove back after that service and went straight to church for the 50+ Gospel Sing. (By the way, that is correct, it is called a "Sing," or "Singing," or "singin' " in the country.) It was great to get so many people from our church together. The best part for me was having some of our younger families serve the 50+ group dinner! People made some great connections and new friendships and we even had first time visitors.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Love University
I am very excited about this series exploring love. Love is the them of Christianity. God is love. The greatest commandments are love God, and love your neighbor. There is so much to say I don't really know how to end the series.
Here are the five topics.
1. The Greatest Commandment - April 6
2. Is Jesus a Good Hobby? - April 13
3. Do You Love Me? - April 20
4. Love Your Neighbor - April 27
5. Love Your Enemies - May 4
Please feel free to email this post to a friend and invite them to be a part!
Click on the post title and you will be able to e-mail the post rather than the entire blog page.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Membership Class
Tonight we start membership class. We will meet at church at 7:00 as usual and then those who wish to attend membership class will break off with me. We will attempt to finish the class in three weeks. Kaler Carpenter will be sharing in the adult Bible study tonight. We look at membership as a way to fully belong and commit to each other in the body of Christ.
Our desire is that every person who attends First Assembly of God for at least one year will have developed the following:
A forgiven relationship with Jesus (including a public confession and H2O baptism)
A daily personal devotional time
A Small Group to call their own
A place of service in the church
Experience in sharing their faith with friends
A better understanding of the Spirit filled life and
A desire to be a member
Our desire is that every person who attends First Assembly of God for at least one year will have developed the following:
A forgiven relationship with Jesus (including a public confession and H2O baptism)
A daily personal devotional time
A Small Group to call their own
A place of service in the church
Experience in sharing their faith with friends
A better understanding of the Spirit filled life and
A desire to be a member
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Regain the Gospel
I just read an article in the Enrichment Journal by Ed Stetzer about the Future of the Church and its mission. The church in North America is in decline, though the church in the southern half of the globe is increasing. There are two things that jumped out at me in the article.
First, Stetzer places the blame for church decline on the trend that, "Christianity is repelling people from the church." This statement struck me.
How can the church that I chose to attend and love so much repel people? Here is what I am thinking. If church is a social club, or a list of rules (often broken by the members who claim to adhere to them) then people are repelled. People need to, and want to encounter God. People need to see and experience Jesus at church. They see Jesus when they see his love in us. They experience Jesus when they are contacted by the Holy Spirit. We must love people and pray that they experience Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit through worship, preaching and fellowship.
Second, Stetzer says we need to "regain the gospel." Our message is Jesus dying on the cross in our place and rising from the dead for our victory! Our message is not a self-help message. Our message is not simply a message of hope and optimism in each other. Our message is that Jesus Christ is God's Son and paid for my forgiveness on the cross. He offers us new life, eternal life!
What should you do? First, love people when they deserve it the least. Second, never back away from the gospel. People need Jesus. They need to choose him. Don't be afraid to tell people about Jesus. They will thank you for it later. If we love people unconditionally and hold out the gospel unswervingly God will use us to build his church.
First, Stetzer places the blame for church decline on the trend that, "Christianity is repelling people from the church." This statement struck me.
How can the church that I chose to attend and love so much repel people? Here is what I am thinking. If church is a social club, or a list of rules (often broken by the members who claim to adhere to them) then people are repelled. People need to, and want to encounter God. People need to see and experience Jesus at church. They see Jesus when they see his love in us. They experience Jesus when they are contacted by the Holy Spirit. We must love people and pray that they experience Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit through worship, preaching and fellowship.
Second, Stetzer says we need to "regain the gospel." Our message is Jesus dying on the cross in our place and rising from the dead for our victory! Our message is not a self-help message. Our message is not simply a message of hope and optimism in each other. Our message is that Jesus Christ is God's Son and paid for my forgiveness on the cross. He offers us new life, eternal life!
What should you do? First, love people when they deserve it the least. Second, never back away from the gospel. People need Jesus. They need to choose him. Don't be afraid to tell people about Jesus. They will thank you for it later. If we love people unconditionally and hold out the gospel unswervingly God will use us to build his church.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Precious Blood
Reading the title of this entry, if you have been a Christian for any length of time, makes you think about Jesus' blood. There are songs and poems about the precious blood of Jesus, and lots of them. Jesus' blood is precious because it was the means for our forgiveness.
Jesus laid his life down willingly (John 10:18), no one had the authority to take Jesus' life from him. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23), but Jesus never sinned, so how did he die? Jesus died by willingly shedding his blood! That is why his blood is so precious.
In Psalm 72:14 there is a great verse about the preciousness of blood. It says, "He [God] will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight." We think of Jesus' blood as precious, but God thinks your blood is precious!
You are immensely important to God. He is a rescuing God who is compassionate to those who will cry out to him with a humble and willing heart. Call out to Jesus today with whatever stresses you out. Then, look for his answer. It may be, that when you call out to God for help he may show you some needed change that you need to make for the answer to be received by you. Be humble enough, willing enough to follow his instructions.
P.S.
If you are cutting yourself or mutilating your body, I hope that this verse really encourages you. Your blood is precious, don't waste it! God made your body. He really likes you the way you are. You may think you are ugly, God thinks you are beautiful. Your body is not only a "house" for your spirit to live in, it is a house for the Spirit of God to live in as well (look up 1 Corinthians 6:19). Don't vandalize the "house," the "temple," that God gave you, invite God to live in you. If you need help with this, please talk to someone who loves you and can help.
You have precious blood!
Jesus laid his life down willingly (John 10:18), no one had the authority to take Jesus' life from him. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23), but Jesus never sinned, so how did he die? Jesus died by willingly shedding his blood! That is why his blood is so precious.
In Psalm 72:14 there is a great verse about the preciousness of blood. It says, "He [God] will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight." We think of Jesus' blood as precious, but God thinks your blood is precious!
You are immensely important to God. He is a rescuing God who is compassionate to those who will cry out to him with a humble and willing heart. Call out to Jesus today with whatever stresses you out. Then, look for his answer. It may be, that when you call out to God for help he may show you some needed change that you need to make for the answer to be received by you. Be humble enough, willing enough to follow his instructions.
P.S.
If you are cutting yourself or mutilating your body, I hope that this verse really encourages you. Your blood is precious, don't waste it! God made your body. He really likes you the way you are. You may think you are ugly, God thinks you are beautiful. Your body is not only a "house" for your spirit to live in, it is a house for the Spirit of God to live in as well (look up 1 Corinthians 6:19). Don't vandalize the "house," the "temple," that God gave you, invite God to live in you. If you need help with this, please talk to someone who loves you and can help.
You have precious blood!
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