Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:2-5 NIV
As the year comes to a close, my mind is drawn upon all the amazing things which have taken place through the divine intervention of our Lord. Many great blessings have been bestowed upon all of us through His love and mercy. It is a time to rejoice for a year full of trials, in order that we all may be refined becoming the jars of clay the potter so wishes us to become…
Therefore let our minds rest upon the hope that fills all of us as Christians. For we as Christians do not possess hope as the world obtains its meaning. The definition of hope the world uses is wishing that something would come to pass, not knowing the outcome. It is a hope which is built upon sand, sitting at the mercy of the ocean tides.
The Apostle Paul here in the book of Romans talks about a hope which contains no uncertainty. Instead it is a hope which speaks of something certain, but not yet realized. This hope is one which fills all of us as Christians. We should rejoice that we have access to this hope because everything the Word proclaims is certain. Our salvation is secure through the ‘blood of Christ’. This is a hope which is built upon a rock able to stand against the strongest ocean waves.
Brothers, this hope may come at the peril of many trials. It may require that we face sufferings and times of perseverance, but our Lord is faithful. His covenant is true and through the difficulties of life He has promised to share all of His glory with us.
For the Apostle John wrote:
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!...” 1 John 3:1 NIV
And John also shared with us the words of Christ himself during a time of prayer for all believers in the gospel he penned:
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me…” John 17:22,23 NIV
Therefore as we enter the New Year I am filled with so much hope!! I am certain the Lord will continue to bless us throughout this coming year and work through His body, the Church, to do amazing things. We should rest our thoughts and prayers within the Christian hope so proclaimed, not the hope of the world.
May we persevere as One body of Christ, standing beside one another in unity through all the trials which may come. May all of us come together with our burdens so the Lord may give us peace with His Word.
God bless, and have a wonderful New Year sharing in the glory of God…
Prayer requests
Craig – pray that he will find comfort during his recent bought of asthma, pray the Lord will give him peace
Ramon – pray that Ramon may learn to trust Him for all of his needs
Mark – pray for protection of our unborn child, pray that the Lord will teach me to be an effective shepherd
David – pray that David may become an effective witness for Christ and to learn how to pray
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Kelcy and his wife in knowing how to serve God this coming year
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray for safe travels to and from Oregon, pray that strength will be provided for new job
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… On January 16th we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, January 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”
Luke 2:8-14 NIV
Brothers, we are on the verge of celebrating one of the greatest gifts we have ever received short of the cross. Nothing on this earth can truly compare to what the birth of Christ the Lord means to us as sinners. This wondrous birth, in the lowliest of places, in the perfection of times, has given us a covenant of peace to cover the great distance that has separated us from our heavenly Father since the fall from grace.
The proclamation of this covenant was given by the Angels when they declared ‘peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ This is what we celebrate on this day. This great statement of peace is where our joy with our family rests. For God raised out His hand with this birth and has offered peace to all of us… no matter the condition we find ourselves in from the sins we may have committed.
Let no one miss the meaning of this great proclamation which was made nearly two thousand years ago!! For the Greek word used in this passage for peace is eirhnh (eirene) and it literally means ‘to join in peace by implication’.
What a great reality we are celebrating this Christmas! We find ourselves justified by God, joined once again to His righteousness, by His son here on earth in human flesh. From this birth, the path toward the cross was set into motion where the redemption of our sins would be complete.
The Apostle Paul made a powerful testimony to this truth when he wrote to the Romans:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1,2 NIV
The birth of Christ is where we have once again been joined to God’s grace. His birth here on earth made the cross possible. His birth on earth is God stretching out His hand to each one of us. His birth on earth is where we celebrate the peace given to us from our heavenly Father.
Brothers, let us celebrate this great proclamation of peace together in unity. May the Lord’s blessings continue to be found in our lives and from their revelation, may God truly transform our minds.
The joy of Christmas is the joy found in this proclamation: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’
*********************************************
I pray that all of you have a very Merry Christmas! All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
As I have said in the past, I stand beside all of you. If anyone ever has a prayer request or something they need to share in confidence, please contact me. Therefore we are continuing through the holiday season. So if anyone wishes to join us, our next meeting is going to be on Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00 pm at the Starbucks on Evergreen and 75th (call for directions if necessary).
Prayer requests
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Mark – pray for the health of Amara who has strep throat and a bladder infection, pray for Beth who was in the hospital for possible appendicitis, pray for protection to our unborn child
David – praise for daughter hearing the Word, pray that the Lord will bless others through His work in David
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Judy Sticklers mom Dorothy who has pancreatic cancer
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray for safe travels to and from Oregon, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Craig – pray that family will come to know Jesus, pray that God will appoint him where He desires, pray for people involved with recent flooding
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note of our schedule. We have two meeting scheduled back-to-back weeks after Christmas. I felt it was important to continue through the holidays because many need even more encouragement and brotherhood this time of year because of the stresses the world tries to burden us with.
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… In 2008 we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with the location to be determined at the December 26th meeting
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”
Luke 2:8-14 NIV
Brothers, we are on the verge of celebrating one of the greatest gifts we have ever received short of the cross. Nothing on this earth can truly compare to what the birth of Christ the Lord means to us as sinners. This wondrous birth, in the lowliest of places, in the perfection of times, has given us a covenant of peace to cover the great distance that has separated us from our heavenly Father since the fall from grace.
The proclamation of this covenant was given by the Angels when they declared ‘peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ This is what we celebrate on this day. This great statement of peace is where our joy with our family rests. For God raised out His hand with this birth and has offered peace to all of us… no matter the condition we find ourselves in from the sins we may have committed.
Let no one miss the meaning of this great proclamation which was made nearly two thousand years ago!! For the Greek word used in this passage for peace is eirhnh (eirene) and it literally means ‘to join in peace by implication’.
What a great reality we are celebrating this Christmas! We find ourselves justified by God, joined once again to His righteousness, by His son here on earth in human flesh. From this birth, the path toward the cross was set into motion where the redemption of our sins would be complete.
The Apostle Paul made a powerful testimony to this truth when he wrote to the Romans:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1,2 NIV
The birth of Christ is where we have once again been joined to God’s grace. His birth here on earth made the cross possible. His birth on earth is God stretching out His hand to each one of us. His birth on earth is where we celebrate the peace given to us from our heavenly Father.
Brothers, let us celebrate this great proclamation of peace together in unity. May the Lord’s blessings continue to be found in our lives and from their revelation, may God truly transform our minds.
The joy of Christmas is the joy found in this proclamation: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’
*********************************************
I pray that all of you have a very Merry Christmas! All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
As I have said in the past, I stand beside all of you. If anyone ever has a prayer request or something they need to share in confidence, please contact me. Therefore we are continuing through the holiday season. So if anyone wishes to join us, our next meeting is going to be on Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00 pm at the Starbucks on Evergreen and 75th (call for directions if necessary).
Prayer requests
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Mark – pray for the health of Amara who has strep throat and a bladder infection, pray for Beth who was in the hospital for possible appendicitis, pray for protection to our unborn child
David – praise for daughter hearing the Word, pray that the Lord will bless others through His work in David
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Judy Sticklers mom Dorothy who has pancreatic cancer
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray for safe travels to and from Oregon, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Craig – pray that family will come to know Jesus, pray that God will appoint him where He desires, pray for people involved with recent flooding
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note of our schedule. We have two meeting scheduled back-to-back weeks after Christmas. I felt it was important to continue through the holidays because many need even more encouragement and brotherhood this time of year because of the stresses the world tries to burden us with.
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… In 2008 we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with the location to be determined at the December 26th meeting
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, December 17, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
Luke 1:26-37 NIV
One of the most difficult tasks I continually struggle with as a Christian is to look upon God as a limitless, unrestricted, infinite God having control over everything which will come to pass in my life.
At times during moments of uncertainty or trouble, I fall into this mindset of fitting God into this box around my life containing set parameters, set time and space, with the week already planned out on the calendar. If God is going to do something miraculous, it will be within this box called ‘my life’ and will fit in nicely within these predetermined set parameters.
But as a Christian, I continue to find out that God is not restricted by any box. Instead the miraculous happens on a daily basis somewhere and that everything that God does is limitless, unrestricted, and infinite in His existence.
Here in the gospel of Luke is the foretelling of the birth of Jesus by the angel Gabriel. In this passage, God shares with us His infinite power by explaining that Mary is going to give birth to a child, the Son of the Most High, even though she is a virgin. This probably did not fit into any set parameters that Mary almost certainly had in mind. In fact, Mary’s first response was from a mindset of limited possibilities when she asks the angel ‘How will this be since I am a virgin?’
However, God made it clear that He is not limited by anything or restricted by any space or time. In fact, the birth of Jesus happened just as the angel Gabriel foretold. And the words the angel concluded with ‘for nothing is impossible with God’ rang forth once again in the life of a believer.
For God has shared with us His authority over all things since the beginning of time. The prophet Jeremiah heard of God’s limitless and infinite power when he purchased a field in Jeremiah chapter 32:
“Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: ‘I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:26-27 NIV
Nothing made sense to Jeremiah on why he should buy the field because everything was going to be handed over to the Babylonians. Yet God was making an everlasting covenant with His people and even though nothing made sense by human wisdom, God’s infinite power was going to use this purchase as an assurance that in due time He will bring His people back home to the land He promised.
May this Christmas season be one where we learn to see God’s limitless power in our lives. May we have faith that will allow us to say like Mary, ‘I am the Lord's servant… May it be to me as you have said’ (Luke 1:38) or to like the prophet Jeremiah, ‘I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field’ (Jer 32:8). May this be a season where we do not limit God’s potential in our lives by seeing Him through the parameters of any box.
Through prayer God will expand our knowledge of Him and will allow us to see incredible things God has done in our life and the lives of others. Then we will be able to testify His glory to a world which needs to hear the true meaning of Christmas…
Prayer requests
David – praise for daughter hearing the Word, pray that the Lord will bless others through His work in David
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Judy Sticklers mom Dorothy who has pancreatic cancer
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Mark – praise for fellowship with wife, pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray for humility with hearing the Lord’s will
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Craig – pray that family will come to know Jesus, pray that God will appoint him where He desires, pray for people involved with recent flooding
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Dick – pray for health and strength during current illness, praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note of our schedule. We have two meeting scheduled back-to-back weeks after Christmas. I felt it was important to continue through the holidays because many need even more encouragement and brotherhood this time of year because of the stresses the world tries to burden us with.
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… In 2008 we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with the location to be determined at the December 26th meeting
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
Luke 1:26-37 NIV
One of the most difficult tasks I continually struggle with as a Christian is to look upon God as a limitless, unrestricted, infinite God having control over everything which will come to pass in my life.
At times during moments of uncertainty or trouble, I fall into this mindset of fitting God into this box around my life containing set parameters, set time and space, with the week already planned out on the calendar. If God is going to do something miraculous, it will be within this box called ‘my life’ and will fit in nicely within these predetermined set parameters.
But as a Christian, I continue to find out that God is not restricted by any box. Instead the miraculous happens on a daily basis somewhere and that everything that God does is limitless, unrestricted, and infinite in His existence.
Here in the gospel of Luke is the foretelling of the birth of Jesus by the angel Gabriel. In this passage, God shares with us His infinite power by explaining that Mary is going to give birth to a child, the Son of the Most High, even though she is a virgin. This probably did not fit into any set parameters that Mary almost certainly had in mind. In fact, Mary’s first response was from a mindset of limited possibilities when she asks the angel ‘How will this be since I am a virgin?’
However, God made it clear that He is not limited by anything or restricted by any space or time. In fact, the birth of Jesus happened just as the angel Gabriel foretold. And the words the angel concluded with ‘for nothing is impossible with God’ rang forth once again in the life of a believer.
For God has shared with us His authority over all things since the beginning of time. The prophet Jeremiah heard of God’s limitless and infinite power when he purchased a field in Jeremiah chapter 32:
“Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: ‘I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:26-27 NIV
Nothing made sense to Jeremiah on why he should buy the field because everything was going to be handed over to the Babylonians. Yet God was making an everlasting covenant with His people and even though nothing made sense by human wisdom, God’s infinite power was going to use this purchase as an assurance that in due time He will bring His people back home to the land He promised.
May this Christmas season be one where we learn to see God’s limitless power in our lives. May we have faith that will allow us to say like Mary, ‘I am the Lord's servant… May it be to me as you have said’ (Luke 1:38) or to like the prophet Jeremiah, ‘I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field’ (Jer 32:8). May this be a season where we do not limit God’s potential in our lives by seeing Him through the parameters of any box.
Through prayer God will expand our knowledge of Him and will allow us to see incredible things God has done in our life and the lives of others. Then we will be able to testify His glory to a world which needs to hear the true meaning of Christmas…
Prayer requests
David – praise for daughter hearing the Word, pray that the Lord will bless others through His work in David
Ernie – praise for continued strengthening of wife during current health episode, pray for the health of wife
Kelcy – pray for Judy Sticklers mom Dorothy who has pancreatic cancer
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Mark – praise for fellowship with wife, pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray for humility with hearing the Lord’s will
Carmine – pray for a friend in Boston (Paul) who has been recently laid off
Craig – pray that family will come to know Jesus, pray that God will appoint him where He desires, pray for people involved with recent flooding
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Dick – pray for health and strength during current illness, praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Please make note of our schedule. We have two meeting scheduled back-to-back weeks after Christmas. I felt it was important to continue through the holidays because many need even more encouragement and brotherhood this time of year because of the stresses the world tries to burden us with.
Please make note that the next meeting will be at Starbucks in Everett. It is a great opportunity to take this ministry out into the world and to shine our light into the darkness… In 2008 we will return to the Fireside room. Here is the upcoming meeting schedule:
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Starbucks on Evergreen Way at the intersection of 75th in Everett (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, January 2nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with the location to be determined at the December 26th meeting
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, December 10, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11 NIV
As I was considering Christmas during my daily devotionals, my mind was drawn to the deep meaning behind this glorious day. It was the day upon where a Savior was born to rescue us from our sinful depravity. A day upon where we received a gift bestowed to all of us from our heavenly Father. A day upon where the void between us and God was covered by the cross.
This is the true meaning of Christmas…
Yet it is hard to keep this in focus at times because the world bombards us with messages about Christmas solely based upon materialism and an opportunity to get new stuff. The world has even attempted to remove any special significance to this day by wishing people ‘Happy Holidays’ and eliminating almost everything which has the word Christmas.
Nevertheless as Christians, as the Church, we are called to separate ourselves from this mentality and keep our mind focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Our actions from the heart should demonstrate to others the love of Christ and what Christmas is really about.
The passage shared from Apostle John at the beginning, about how Gaius was to imitate Demetrius as the correct role model to his actions, is a great Christmas message to all of us.
We are called to imitate Christ, not to imitate the world. And what is powerful about this message from 3rd John is that this transformation necessary to imitate Christ is not something we must do completely out of our own effort. We do not have to go through a checklist of our actions and see if this imitates God or the world. We do not have to ask ourselves every moment of the day if what we are doing is of the mind of Christ. We do not have to even ask ourselves if we are acting Christian. We only have to do one thing—see God today and allow Him to work in us!
The Apostle John makes it clear that people who does what is evil is not of Satan, but instead are people who have not seen God. They are people who are still from God, but have not seen His glory. This is how we ensure that we are imitating what is good. We constantly look to see God and fill our lives with the knowledge of Him.
Paul speaks of this alienation we experience when we do not see God and how this transformation occurs when do see Him in Colossians:
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NKJV
Brothers, the Lord has led me to share this message because of how important it is for all of us to look toward the cross and see God this time of year. The world tries to deceive all of us into believing that Christmas is nothing special and that it is really all about buying gifts. The world tries to get us so busy that we forget to slow down and look at the true meaning of this time of year.
Therefore let us pray that all of us may see God today and allow Him to work in our lives. Then all of us will be able to share the true meaning of Christmas to a world which so desperately needs to hear the message of salvation, the message of truth.
******************************************************
What a powerful message brought forth this weekend by Pastor Ken Long on this very topic. I recommend listening to the message on the website if you were not present. It will be good to see all of you on Wednesday!!
Prayer requests
David – pray that presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order to influence others toward Christ
Ernie – pray for a revival within Northshore and that the Spirit will move within the Church
Kelcy – pray for continued health of wife and continued strength throughout daily living
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray that I will have strength to follow the will of God in my life
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at a location to be determined (We will discuss this meeting time and location on Wednesday)
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11 NIV
As I was considering Christmas during my daily devotionals, my mind was drawn to the deep meaning behind this glorious day. It was the day upon where a Savior was born to rescue us from our sinful depravity. A day upon where we received a gift bestowed to all of us from our heavenly Father. A day upon where the void between us and God was covered by the cross.
This is the true meaning of Christmas…
Yet it is hard to keep this in focus at times because the world bombards us with messages about Christmas solely based upon materialism and an opportunity to get new stuff. The world has even attempted to remove any special significance to this day by wishing people ‘Happy Holidays’ and eliminating almost everything which has the word Christmas.
Nevertheless as Christians, as the Church, we are called to separate ourselves from this mentality and keep our mind focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Our actions from the heart should demonstrate to others the love of Christ and what Christmas is really about.
The passage shared from Apostle John at the beginning, about how Gaius was to imitate Demetrius as the correct role model to his actions, is a great Christmas message to all of us.
We are called to imitate Christ, not to imitate the world. And what is powerful about this message from 3rd John is that this transformation necessary to imitate Christ is not something we must do completely out of our own effort. We do not have to go through a checklist of our actions and see if this imitates God or the world. We do not have to ask ourselves every moment of the day if what we are doing is of the mind of Christ. We do not have to even ask ourselves if we are acting Christian. We only have to do one thing—see God today and allow Him to work in us!
The Apostle John makes it clear that people who does what is evil is not of Satan, but instead are people who have not seen God. They are people who are still from God, but have not seen His glory. This is how we ensure that we are imitating what is good. We constantly look to see God and fill our lives with the knowledge of Him.
Paul speaks of this alienation we experience when we do not see God and how this transformation occurs when do see Him in Colossians:
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NKJV
Brothers, the Lord has led me to share this message because of how important it is for all of us to look toward the cross and see God this time of year. The world tries to deceive all of us into believing that Christmas is nothing special and that it is really all about buying gifts. The world tries to get us so busy that we forget to slow down and look at the true meaning of this time of year.
Therefore let us pray that all of us may see God today and allow Him to work in our lives. Then all of us will be able to share the true meaning of Christmas to a world which so desperately needs to hear the message of salvation, the message of truth.
******************************************************
What a powerful message brought forth this weekend by Pastor Ken Long on this very topic. I recommend listening to the message on the website if you were not present. It will be good to see all of you on Wednesday!!
Prayer requests
David – pray that presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order to influence others toward Christ
Ernie – pray for a revival within Northshore and that the Spirit will move within the Church
Kelcy – pray for continued health of wife and continued strength throughout daily living
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray that I will have strength to follow the will of God in my life
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at a location to be determined (We will discuss this meeting time and location on Wednesday)
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, December 3, 2007
Closed doors lead to Lydia
Today, I must confess, has been a difficult one. There have been numerous distractions prying me away from the knowledge of God’s truth. It is of course no coincidence that the message which I wrote so earnestly less then twenty-four hours ago is the one I am struggling with most in my life right now. For I wrote ‘it is so powerful to know that all that we need to live exist within the knowledge of God’; yet my mind keeps pulling me away into the mind games of dejection.
For earlier today I found out that the new job opportunity I applied for about a month ago and interviewed last week for will not be a part of my future. The hiring manager called and said they decided to go with someone more qualified. It was not a complete shock because I knew my experience at Excel was lacking and the job involved the ability to write advanced Excel spreadsheets. But anytime someone hears that they were not chosen as the right person for the position, it is easy [through the flesh] to find some unease in such a circumstance.
So I find myself at the footstool of a message I shared with others this morning from 2nd Peter. ‘All we need to live exist within the knowledge of God’ I wrote last night as a winter storm was bearing down with wind and rain. A message intended to share hope for all who was dealing with moments of uncertainty, confusion, and maybe even a little dejection about circumstances. Now less then twenty-four hours later, this message I shared sounds like one intended for this afternoon—one intended for my life.
God has made some incredible promises in the Word for all who believes. He has promised to watch over His sheep in order to strengthen and protect them from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3 NIV). He has sent His Spirit to us in order to guide those who believe in all truth (John 16:13 NIV). God has promised that He has plans to prosper us while giving us a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11 NIV). The list could continue with many more examples for there are many more promises God has shared with His people; but the key point to remember is that all of them are promises directly made to us who believe. Therefore all we need to live really does exist within the knowledge of God, right?
But how does this knowledge resolve the moment of dejection when a door which seemed so wide open suddenly closes? How do we continue to find strength in this knowledge when circumstances are distracting you? I believe we must find ourselves studying the Scripture to find the answer to these two questions. Therefore I am led to Acts 16 where something interesting happened on Paul’s second missionary journey.
Just when Paul was moving through Cilicia; strengthening the churches in the region; seeing much growth in the local congregations; finding a young disciple named Timothy; a roadblock was put in his way. For Acts 16 records this of the journey:
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.” Acts 16:6-8 NIV
The Holy Spirit prevented them from moving toward Asia, even though this was Paul’s intention. In fact the Scripture records specifically that they were unable to enter Mysia or Bithynia which were two separate Roman providences. The Scriptures do not share with us what Paul’s intentions were in those two places regarding any specific cities he was hoping to travel through; but the Word is clear about one thing, there was an open door and it was suddenly closed.
My brothers and sisters, here is where the message meets everyday life. There are sometimes opportunities which seem like they are destined to take place. Success was found just yesterday and everything seems right for success to continue. We have set forth with plans and everything is coming together for one more success. This view is common and occurs everyday of our lives maybe if it only at the subliminal level of our minds.
Yet this view is worldly and is not the truth. The truth is that sometimes there is a better plan which God intends for us. This was the case for Paul as recorded in Acts 16. This is the case for us today. Sometimes there is a Lydia waiting to hear the good news and only God knows what is necessary to take us there.
The path Paul intended was the path away from Lydia, not toward her. If Paul’s choice of where to proceed on the journey would have been followed, the message may have never reached the shores of Macedonia where Lydia lived. It was through this meeting with the Apostle Paul that her whole family was baptized and the Christian faith was eventually shared into the heart of Europe. What a beautiful picture of success through the doors that God opened, not man. For God was glorified and the message of Jesus Christ was shared!
Therefore may my knowledge of God abound within this story. Though doors have been closed, may the Lord lead me to a Lydia. My heart hurts over the desires of a felt opportunity, but may my heart heal through the desires of God’s everlasting truth. For the timing of God is impeccable in all things, including my life. May the success that only God knows be found in my life, for such success is eternal.
This is the knowledge I seek, and the truth we all share. As I conclude, my life moves forward with purpose. May the dejection of a closed door be replaced with the peace of a loving, all-knowing God. May my life be led to a Lydia in order to change the lives of others who desperately needs to truth.
For earlier today I found out that the new job opportunity I applied for about a month ago and interviewed last week for will not be a part of my future. The hiring manager called and said they decided to go with someone more qualified. It was not a complete shock because I knew my experience at Excel was lacking and the job involved the ability to write advanced Excel spreadsheets. But anytime someone hears that they were not chosen as the right person for the position, it is easy [through the flesh] to find some unease in such a circumstance.
So I find myself at the footstool of a message I shared with others this morning from 2nd Peter. ‘All we need to live exist within the knowledge of God’ I wrote last night as a winter storm was bearing down with wind and rain. A message intended to share hope for all who was dealing with moments of uncertainty, confusion, and maybe even a little dejection about circumstances. Now less then twenty-four hours later, this message I shared sounds like one intended for this afternoon—one intended for my life.
God has made some incredible promises in the Word for all who believes. He has promised to watch over His sheep in order to strengthen and protect them from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3 NIV). He has sent His Spirit to us in order to guide those who believe in all truth (John 16:13 NIV). God has promised that He has plans to prosper us while giving us a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11 NIV). The list could continue with many more examples for there are many more promises God has shared with His people; but the key point to remember is that all of them are promises directly made to us who believe. Therefore all we need to live really does exist within the knowledge of God, right?
But how does this knowledge resolve the moment of dejection when a door which seemed so wide open suddenly closes? How do we continue to find strength in this knowledge when circumstances are distracting you? I believe we must find ourselves studying the Scripture to find the answer to these two questions. Therefore I am led to Acts 16 where something interesting happened on Paul’s second missionary journey.
Just when Paul was moving through Cilicia; strengthening the churches in the region; seeing much growth in the local congregations; finding a young disciple named Timothy; a roadblock was put in his way. For Acts 16 records this of the journey:
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.” Acts 16:6-8 NIV
The Holy Spirit prevented them from moving toward Asia, even though this was Paul’s intention. In fact the Scripture records specifically that they were unable to enter Mysia or Bithynia which were two separate Roman providences. The Scriptures do not share with us what Paul’s intentions were in those two places regarding any specific cities he was hoping to travel through; but the Word is clear about one thing, there was an open door and it was suddenly closed.
My brothers and sisters, here is where the message meets everyday life. There are sometimes opportunities which seem like they are destined to take place. Success was found just yesterday and everything seems right for success to continue. We have set forth with plans and everything is coming together for one more success. This view is common and occurs everyday of our lives maybe if it only at the subliminal level of our minds.
Yet this view is worldly and is not the truth. The truth is that sometimes there is a better plan which God intends for us. This was the case for Paul as recorded in Acts 16. This is the case for us today. Sometimes there is a Lydia waiting to hear the good news and only God knows what is necessary to take us there.
The path Paul intended was the path away from Lydia, not toward her. If Paul’s choice of where to proceed on the journey would have been followed, the message may have never reached the shores of Macedonia where Lydia lived. It was through this meeting with the Apostle Paul that her whole family was baptized and the Christian faith was eventually shared into the heart of Europe. What a beautiful picture of success through the doors that God opened, not man. For God was glorified and the message of Jesus Christ was shared!
Therefore may my knowledge of God abound within this story. Though doors have been closed, may the Lord lead me to a Lydia. My heart hurts over the desires of a felt opportunity, but may my heart heal through the desires of God’s everlasting truth. For the timing of God is impeccable in all things, including my life. May the success that only God knows be found in my life, for such success is eternal.
This is the knowledge I seek, and the truth we all share. As I conclude, my life moves forward with purpose. May the dejection of a closed door be replaced with the peace of a loving, all-knowing God. May my life be led to a Lydia in order to change the lives of others who desperately needs to truth.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
Brothers, this evening as I contemplate our unity with one another in the body of Christ, the voice of the Lord rings true in these two verses of 2nd Peter. It is not a truth which is easily lived out in my daily life, but instead a truth which is so foundational in providing comfort in the daily trials all of us face.
It is difficult to understand why the Lord has led me to these two verses this evening, but there is something which is so necessary in them for my living. For during times of great uncertainty over schedules and the different doors we must constantly walk through, it is so powerful to know that all that we need to live exist within the knowledge of God.
When our mind is set upon Him constantly, His glory resides in such a state of existence. When we reside in such a state of existence, a path of righteousness is set before us. And when the path of righteousness is followed, we can escape the corruption of this world and avoid the evil desires which plague us as sinners. This all begins with the knowledge of God and where the renewing of the mind starts (Romans 12:2).
The Apostle Paul shared this truth to those living in Ephesus about what we have attained in this transformation:
“Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:21-24 NIV
Yet there is nothing we can do to achieve this new self on our own. Everything in this transformation must occur by and through God in our lives. Only by faith in Christ, by His divine power, can the Spirit bring a new attitude and new self into our life. Therefore let us rejoice and let go…because such a transformation is a free gift waiting to be received.
Brothers, pray that I will be able to live completely in surrender to Him and with my mind on Him constantly. May we all be able to find this state of existence in our lives and learn to pray without ceasing during every moment throughout the day.
I continue to hold all of you in my prayers and pray for unity throughout the Church. I pray for this fellowship to continue to grow in order to glorify God. I look forward to seeing all of you soon and amongst the burdens we all share…
Prayer requests
David – pray that presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order to influence others toward Christ
Ernie – pray for a revival within Northshore and that the Spirit will move within the Church
Kelcy – pray for continued health of wife and continued strength throughout daily living
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray that I will have strength to follow the will of God in my life
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at a location to be determined
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
Brothers, this evening as I contemplate our unity with one another in the body of Christ, the voice of the Lord rings true in these two verses of 2nd Peter. It is not a truth which is easily lived out in my daily life, but instead a truth which is so foundational in providing comfort in the daily trials all of us face.
It is difficult to understand why the Lord has led me to these two verses this evening, but there is something which is so necessary in them for my living. For during times of great uncertainty over schedules and the different doors we must constantly walk through, it is so powerful to know that all that we need to live exist within the knowledge of God.
When our mind is set upon Him constantly, His glory resides in such a state of existence. When we reside in such a state of existence, a path of righteousness is set before us. And when the path of righteousness is followed, we can escape the corruption of this world and avoid the evil desires which plague us as sinners. This all begins with the knowledge of God and where the renewing of the mind starts (Romans 12:2).
The Apostle Paul shared this truth to those living in Ephesus about what we have attained in this transformation:
“Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:21-24 NIV
Yet there is nothing we can do to achieve this new self on our own. Everything in this transformation must occur by and through God in our lives. Only by faith in Christ, by His divine power, can the Spirit bring a new attitude and new self into our life. Therefore let us rejoice and let go…because such a transformation is a free gift waiting to be received.
Brothers, pray that I will be able to live completely in surrender to Him and with my mind on Him constantly. May we all be able to find this state of existence in our lives and learn to pray without ceasing during every moment throughout the day.
I continue to hold all of you in my prayers and pray for unity throughout the Church. I pray for this fellowship to continue to grow in order to glorify God. I look forward to seeing all of you soon and amongst the burdens we all share…
Prayer requests
David – pray that presence of the Lord will be visible to others in order to influence others toward Christ
Ernie – pray for a revival within Northshore and that the Spirit will move within the Church
Kelcy – pray for continued health of wife and continued strength throughout daily living
Tim – pray for health and that any medical issues be resolved in the coming weeks
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming transitional period of new addition to family, pray that I will have strength to follow the will of God in my life
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at a location to be determined
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, November 26, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Mens Fellowship
“Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
“The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
“The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.
“The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
“The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
Psalm 29
In the Epistle of James, it is written ‘Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.’ (James 3:5 NIV) For men can do great and powerful deeds through their voice. They have the ability to change history by a few powerful words. Some words can carry through the distance of time.
Yet the voice of a man is minuscule when it is compared to the voice of the Lord. For men have the tiniest of whispers when it is matched against the voice which speaks in all things of truth. We should never be fooled into believing that man has the ability to speak any truth beyond what has been given by God.
For as David wrote for us in Psalm 29, there is nothing more powerful on earth or in heaven then the voice of the Lord. For His Word rings forth with incorruptible truth and authority over all things. Nothing can stand against it. Nothing can tarnish its value. The voice of the Lord stands above all and shakes everything down to the core of its very existence. For every truth finds its place within the voice of the Lord.
Therefore may we always seek out the voice of the Lord in all things to see where the truth may lie. May we live our lives just like the Bereans written about so long ago:
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11 NIV
The Bereans searched the Word daily to see if they were really hearing the voice of the Lord. This is a great example upon how we should seek out His voice. Our lives should include a daily reading plan of the Word so we can match up what we witness about God’s glory to the truth of His glory.
My brothers, the voice of the Lord is speaking to each one of us. May we continue to seek Him out by challenging ourselves to match up what we hear with the Word. May we find ourselves daily seeking out the voice of the Lord in order to see His glory. May we stand united in this effort so that we may encourage one another to stay strong in the faith…
*************************************************************************
I continue to pray that the Lord continues to bless each one of you throughout the holiday season. May all of us continue to find strength in the Word and in the ‘body of Christ’…
Prayer requests
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Ernie – pray for continued health of wife, pray for safe travels of sister-in-law for the holiday
Tim – pray for the health of Tim and any medical issues which needs to be resolved
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming job interview, pray that I will be able to follow the will of God in my life, pray for continued strength in shepherding others
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
David – pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to learn about our heavenly Father
Kelcy – pray for family during this holiday season
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer, pray for continued seeking of purity
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, November 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Acts242mensfellowship.blogspot.com
“Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
“The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
“The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.
“The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
“The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
Psalm 29
In the Epistle of James, it is written ‘Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.’ (James 3:5 NIV) For men can do great and powerful deeds through their voice. They have the ability to change history by a few powerful words. Some words can carry through the distance of time.
Yet the voice of a man is minuscule when it is compared to the voice of the Lord. For men have the tiniest of whispers when it is matched against the voice which speaks in all things of truth. We should never be fooled into believing that man has the ability to speak any truth beyond what has been given by God.
For as David wrote for us in Psalm 29, there is nothing more powerful on earth or in heaven then the voice of the Lord. For His Word rings forth with incorruptible truth and authority over all things. Nothing can stand against it. Nothing can tarnish its value. The voice of the Lord stands above all and shakes everything down to the core of its very existence. For every truth finds its place within the voice of the Lord.
Therefore may we always seek out the voice of the Lord in all things to see where the truth may lie. May we live our lives just like the Bereans written about so long ago:
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11 NIV
The Bereans searched the Word daily to see if they were really hearing the voice of the Lord. This is a great example upon how we should seek out His voice. Our lives should include a daily reading plan of the Word so we can match up what we witness about God’s glory to the truth of His glory.
My brothers, the voice of the Lord is speaking to each one of us. May we continue to seek Him out by challenging ourselves to match up what we hear with the Word. May we find ourselves daily seeking out the voice of the Lord in order to see His glory. May we stand united in this effort so that we may encourage one another to stay strong in the faith…
*************************************************************************
I continue to pray that the Lord continues to bless each one of you throughout the holiday season. May all of us continue to find strength in the Word and in the ‘body of Christ’…
Prayer requests
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Ernie – pray for continued health of wife, pray for safe travels of sister-in-law for the holiday
Tim – pray for the health of Tim and any medical issues which needs to be resolved
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Dick – praise for job opportunity, pray that strength will be provided for new job
Mark – pray for upcoming job interview, pray that I will be able to follow the will of God in my life, pray for continued strength in shepherding others
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
David – pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to learn about our heavenly Father
Kelcy – pray for family during this holiday season
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer, pray for continued seeking of purity
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, November 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions)
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Acts242mensfellowship.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:22-25 NIV
Ever since the beginning of the year, the significance of “unity in the body of Christ” has been at the forefront of my thoughts, prayers and study of the Word. The Lord has written the desire to search out the meaning of unity in each one of us on my heart. As these posts have demonstrated throughout the year, my search has stretched all through the scripture.
Here the writer of Hebrews does not disappoint my search for he clearly focuses on where we start together as Christians. He makes these beautiful comments in the Word such as ‘spur one another on toward love and good deeds’ or ‘not give up meeting together’ or even ‘let us encourage one another’. These words press to the deepest meaning of our relationship with one another as brothers in Christ which falls clearly into the question of unity.
But I believe there is even more the writer of Hebrews desires us to see in this chapter. He did not spend chapter ten discussing unity in the body of Christ therefore making it easy to pull out a few quotes on unity. Chapter ten in the book of Hebrews is about Christ's sacrifice once for all. So I find it interesting why these few verses on unity are placed in this chapter here in the Word.
The reason why I believe the writer of Hebrews put these quotes of unity here in this chapter probably falls within verse 22 and 23 where he says comments such as ‘let us draw near to God’ or ‘let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess’.
It is sometimes very difficult to hold onto our faith when life is full of trials and tribulations. This faith is an essential part to drawing near to God and holding onto the hope we profess. When we attempt to live this faith out alone, not standing together within the body, it is nearly impossible because the world divides and conquers. Yet when we live out as the Lord desires us to live, brothers united together though the blood of Christ, our faith can be strengthened by others within the body of Christ.
This is our natural standing with one another. For Paul in the book of Romans makes is so clear when he wrote:
“…so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5 NIV
Or written also in the New King James Version:
“…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Romans 12:5 NKJV
Brothers, we are actually a part of one another. None of us stands alone through any trial if you are part of the body of Christ. We draw near to God together. We hold unswervingly to the hope we profess together. When one member of the body of Christ hurts, we all hurt. When one member of the body of Christ is raised up in praise, we are all raised up.
Therefore let us pray so that we may go deeper into this meaning of “unity in the body of Christ.” May all of us live out our lives within this undeniable truth set forth by the writer of Hebrews and the Apostle Paul. May God so graciously brings all of us to this understanding within each group at Northshore. Then may all of us attain the understanding of unity which is so hard to grasp in a world so devoted to the individual…
Prayer requests
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Ernie – pray for continued health of wife, pray for safe travels of sister-in-law for the holiday
Tim – pray for the health of Tim and any medical issues which needs to be resolved
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Dick – pray for continued strength in seeking out job opportunities
Mark – pray for the financial trouble his sister-in-law is having
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
David – pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to learn about our heavenly Father
Kelcy – pray for family during this holiday season
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer, pray for continued seeking of purity
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, November 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Original Sin”
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church Topic: “The Canon”
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church
“…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:22-25 NIV
Ever since the beginning of the year, the significance of “unity in the body of Christ” has been at the forefront of my thoughts, prayers and study of the Word. The Lord has written the desire to search out the meaning of unity in each one of us on my heart. As these posts have demonstrated throughout the year, my search has stretched all through the scripture.
Here the writer of Hebrews does not disappoint my search for he clearly focuses on where we start together as Christians. He makes these beautiful comments in the Word such as ‘spur one another on toward love and good deeds’ or ‘not give up meeting together’ or even ‘let us encourage one another’. These words press to the deepest meaning of our relationship with one another as brothers in Christ which falls clearly into the question of unity.
But I believe there is even more the writer of Hebrews desires us to see in this chapter. He did not spend chapter ten discussing unity in the body of Christ therefore making it easy to pull out a few quotes on unity. Chapter ten in the book of Hebrews is about Christ's sacrifice once for all. So I find it interesting why these few verses on unity are placed in this chapter here in the Word.
The reason why I believe the writer of Hebrews put these quotes of unity here in this chapter probably falls within verse 22 and 23 where he says comments such as ‘let us draw near to God’ or ‘let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess’.
It is sometimes very difficult to hold onto our faith when life is full of trials and tribulations. This faith is an essential part to drawing near to God and holding onto the hope we profess. When we attempt to live this faith out alone, not standing together within the body, it is nearly impossible because the world divides and conquers. Yet when we live out as the Lord desires us to live, brothers united together though the blood of Christ, our faith can be strengthened by others within the body of Christ.
This is our natural standing with one another. For Paul in the book of Romans makes is so clear when he wrote:
“…so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5 NIV
Or written also in the New King James Version:
“…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Romans 12:5 NKJV
Brothers, we are actually a part of one another. None of us stands alone through any trial if you are part of the body of Christ. We draw near to God together. We hold unswervingly to the hope we profess together. When one member of the body of Christ hurts, we all hurt. When one member of the body of Christ is raised up in praise, we are all raised up.
Therefore let us pray so that we may go deeper into this meaning of “unity in the body of Christ.” May all of us live out our lives within this undeniable truth set forth by the writer of Hebrews and the Apostle Paul. May God so graciously brings all of us to this understanding within each group at Northshore. Then may all of us attain the understanding of unity which is so hard to grasp in a world so devoted to the individual…
Prayer requests
Ramon – pray for strength in his daily life, pray for the continued healing of wife
Ernie – pray for continued health of wife, pray for safe travels of sister-in-law for the holiday
Tim – pray for the health of Tim and any medical issues which needs to be resolved
Carmine – pray for relationships with coworkers in building bridges of communication
Dick – pray for continued strength in seeking out job opportunities
Mark – pray for the financial trouble his sister-in-law is having
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staph infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
David – pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to learn about our heavenly Father
Kelcy – pray for family during this holiday season
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer, pray for continued seeking of purity
Larry – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, November 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Original Sin”
Wednesday, December 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church Topic: “The Canon”
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
ACTS 2:42 MENS FELLOWSHIP
“But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.” Luke 9:27-36 NKJV
In order to understand the magnitude of the cross in each one of our lives, we must first come to the realization of what the price of the cross was.
The crucifixion of Christ was not just about the death of a man who said good and wise things about the glory of God. The crucifixion of Christ was about the Son of God who willingly gave up His life for each one of us in order that we may have eternal life with our heavenly Father. This difference is important because within these two statements we find the difference between Jesus in human form and the deity of Christ.
In this passage from the Gospel of Luke is the moment of transfiguration, a moment upon where a taste of His glory was displayed to Peter, James, and John. It was not a moment of this world since ‘His face shone as the sun, and His garments became white as light’ (Matthew 17:2). Instead, it was a moment upon where His deity was demonstrated.
When we consider this deity upon the cross, its meaning pours into each one of our lives. The God of all things in heaven and on earth presented His beloved Son as a sacrificial Lamb upon where Christ, the second person of the Godhead, willfully gave up His earthly life in human form in order for all of us to live.
Through this depth of meaning comes the height of our brotherhood. For John, a witness to the glory of Christ’s transfiguration wrote this in the Gospel he penned after Christ’s ascension into heaven:
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” John 1:12 NIV
This fellowship only exists because and through the blood of Christ. We are united in one Spirit, one mind, and one heart by the One who united all to be called children of God. Therefore we must set our focus upon the bond which unites all of us together—the cross.
From this starting point may we begin to see the unity of the Church. All of the divisions of men can never compare to the bond which unites. Through love may the barriers of men be broken down and the glory of God be shown through what binds. From this staring point, may the Church become the blueprint set forth by God…
*****************************************************
I look forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday… May you continue to find the blessings of God in your life. They are there. They can be found in each one of us…
Prayer requests
Ernie – pray for continued health of wife, pray for continued strength and health for Ernie
Tim – pray for Tim’s mother who had a mild heart-attack and continued strengthening of her health
Carmine – pray for Sharon Hale and her recovery from brain surgery
Dick – pray for continued strength in seeking out job opportunities
David – pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to learn about our heavenly Father
Mark – pray for continual seeking of His will in daily living, pray that family in Ohio may find unity and continued strengthening by God
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Kelcy – pray for family in the sudden death of his uncle
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer, pray for continued seeking of purity
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Ramon – pray for continued healing with wife, praise for continued blessings in work opportunities
Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Tuesday, November 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Deity of Christ”
Wednesday, November 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church Topic: “Original Sin”
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
“But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.” Luke 9:27-36 NKJV
In order to understand the magnitude of the cross in each one of our lives, we must first come to the realization of what the price of the cross was.
The crucifixion of Christ was not just about the death of a man who said good and wise things about the glory of God. The crucifixion of Christ was about the Son of God who willingly gave up His life for each one of us in order that we may have eternal life with our heavenly Father. This difference is important because within these two statements we find the difference between Jesus in human form and the deity of Christ.
In this passage from the Gospel of Luke is the moment of transfiguration, a moment upon where a taste of His glory was displayed to Peter, James, and John. It was not a moment of this world since ‘His face shone as the sun, and His garments became white as light’ (Matthew 17:2). Instead, it was a moment upon where His deity was demonstrated.
When we consider this deity upon the cross, its meaning pours into each one of our lives. The God of all things in heaven and on earth presented His beloved Son as a sacrificial Lamb upon where Christ, the second person of the Godhead, willfully gave up His earthly life in human form in order for all of us to live.
Through this depth of meaning comes the height of our brotherhood. For John, a witness to the glory of Christ’s transfiguration wrote this in the Gospel he penned after Christ’s ascension into heaven:
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” John 1:12 NIV
This fellowship only exists because and through the blood of Christ. We are united in one Spirit, one mind, and one heart by the One who united all to be called children of God. Therefore we must set our focus upon the bond which unites all of us together—the cross.
From this starting point may we begin to see the unity of the Church. All of the divisions of men can never compare to the bond which unites. Through love may the barriers of men be broken down and the glory of God be shown through what binds. From this staring point, may the Church become the blueprint set forth by God…
*****************************************************
I look forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday… May you continue to find the blessings of God in your life. They are there. They can be found in each one of us…
Prayer requests
Ernie – pray for continued health of wife, pray for continued strength and health for Ernie
Tim – pray for Tim’s mother who had a mild heart-attack and continued strengthening of her health
Carmine – pray for Sharon Hale and her recovery from brain surgery
Dick – pray for continued strength in seeking out job opportunities
David – pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to learn about our heavenly Father
Mark – pray for continual seeking of His will in daily living, pray that family in Ohio may find unity and continued strengthening by God
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Kelcy – pray for family in the sudden death of his uncle
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer, pray for continued seeking of purity
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Ramon – pray for continued healing with wife, praise for continued blessings in work opportunities
Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will begin to make a larger impact on the Church
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Tuesday, November 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Deity of Christ”
Wednesday, November 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church Topic: “Original Sin”
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, November 5, 2007
A story of prayer and being released to Him
“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NKJV
Brothers,
From our session last week and from the worship service this past weekend, the Lord has put it on my heart to share this from a book I have recently read titled ‘A God Centered Church’ by Henry Blackaby.
It speaks about how much of a difference we can all make in this world when we set our sights on God and His purpose in each one of us.
“On August 13, 1727, God found another little church that He eventually used to turn the world upside down. On that day He deeply touched a group of Moravian brethren in Hernnhut, Moravia. So profound was the encounter they had during a Communion service (Lord’s Supper) that they offered their lives unreservedly to be used by God. The deep love of Christ, demonstrated on the cross, compelled them to give their lives in service to Him. Their response literally shook the world in its impact. They committed themselves to pray twenty-four hours a day, and it lasted continuously for one hundred years. More missionaries went out into the world from this church in those one hundred years than all of the combined missionaries of all other groups of that day. Their missionaries were almost found in almost every corner of the earth. Anywhere you went, it seemed as though a Moravian missionary had already been there. One of their missionaries significantly touched the life of John Wesley, whom God later used to spark probably the greatest nation-changing revival in English history…This is a taste of what God can do with any church that is released to Him.” (Blackaby, ‘A God Centered Church’, 2007, pg 276)
I do not only share this story because of my Christian heritage to this Moravian church; but I share it because of its powerful testimony about a church which was only a couple of hundred people strong when it was founded in a remote town in the mountains of Eastern Europe during the early 18th century.
At that time, who would have ever believed that a church which never had more then two hundred members would make such a worldwide impact. Yet God used this church because they committed themselves to God in prayer.
Prayer is so important to the life of a church and to its mission to reach those who need the Word in their heart. We can do nothing on our own with any success. All good work in the name of Christ can only be done with the Spirit working through us. Therefore we must continually submit ourselves to seeking God’s purpose in our life through prayer.
This past weekend we each picked up a stone. Now with His guidance and for His purpose, where are we going to use it? When we unite together in prayer and bind all of us together in unity of the Spirit, the result of our service to God may have the same impact these Moravian brethren did nearly three hundred years earlier.
Therefore join with me in prayer that all of us may find His purpose in our lives…
In Christ,
Mark
Brothers,
From our session last week and from the worship service this past weekend, the Lord has put it on my heart to share this from a book I have recently read titled ‘A God Centered Church’ by Henry Blackaby.
It speaks about how much of a difference we can all make in this world when we set our sights on God and His purpose in each one of us.
“On August 13, 1727, God found another little church that He eventually used to turn the world upside down. On that day He deeply touched a group of Moravian brethren in Hernnhut, Moravia. So profound was the encounter they had during a Communion service (Lord’s Supper) that they offered their lives unreservedly to be used by God. The deep love of Christ, demonstrated on the cross, compelled them to give their lives in service to Him. Their response literally shook the world in its impact. They committed themselves to pray twenty-four hours a day, and it lasted continuously for one hundred years. More missionaries went out into the world from this church in those one hundred years than all of the combined missionaries of all other groups of that day. Their missionaries were almost found in almost every corner of the earth. Anywhere you went, it seemed as though a Moravian missionary had already been there. One of their missionaries significantly touched the life of John Wesley, whom God later used to spark probably the greatest nation-changing revival in English history…This is a taste of what God can do with any church that is released to Him.” (Blackaby, ‘A God Centered Church’, 2007, pg 276)
I do not only share this story because of my Christian heritage to this Moravian church; but I share it because of its powerful testimony about a church which was only a couple of hundred people strong when it was founded in a remote town in the mountains of Eastern Europe during the early 18th century.
At that time, who would have ever believed that a church which never had more then two hundred members would make such a worldwide impact. Yet God used this church because they committed themselves to God in prayer.
Prayer is so important to the life of a church and to its mission to reach those who need the Word in their heart. We can do nothing on our own with any success. All good work in the name of Christ can only be done with the Spirit working through us. Therefore we must continually submit ourselves to seeking God’s purpose in our life through prayer.
This past weekend we each picked up a stone. Now with His guidance and for His purpose, where are we going to use it? When we unite together in prayer and bind all of us together in unity of the Spirit, the result of our service to God may have the same impact these Moravian brethren did nearly three hundred years earlier.
Therefore join with me in prayer that all of us may find His purpose in our lives…
In Christ,
Mark
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19
All of us in this world tend to live on the exterior, measuring everything based upon its outward appearance. Prejudices, based upon subconscious opinions, look at the surface of people and make judgment calls on superficial facts.
We live in a society which claims to have a deeper understanding of the human mind and soul, yet in reality never looks beyond visual facts of people, products, or ideals. Our eyes therefore tend to become the most corrupting part of the body, buying into the idea that it is all about image.
The Apostle Paul here speaks against this reality and type of existence by preaching that we must go beyond the exterior of people and dive into the where Christ searches the soul—our inner being. For in this passage of Ephesians, Paul’s prayer is focused on asking Christ to strengthen the inner being of those in Ephesus and that He may dwell in their hearts.
There is so much that we need to take from the Word here. Our focus in people needs to be beyond the visual. Our view of ourselves must go well beyond being skin deep. The health of our inner being is where we are rooted in unity with each other and where we are filled with the fullness of God.
It has been clear ever since the beginning of man where God has intended to do His work in all of us. For it is written:
“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the Lord. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33
God never intended to write His covenant on His people with any outward appearance. He intended from the very beginning to make His covenant with our inner being in order to let His light shine out into the world.
Therefore we must grab hold of this truth and begin to look into the hearts of men. Our love must transcend any social, cultural, or ethnic makeup of a person to share the good news in order to make disciples. May the Lord help all of us find our inner being secure in the truth…
***************************************************
It was great to see many of you this past Wednesday evening. It was a powerful study on prayer. All of you have been a tremendous blessing on my life. I pray that all of you feel the same…
Prayer request
Ernie – pray for continued health of wife, pray for continued strength and health for Ernie
Tim – pray for Tim’s mother who had a mild heart-attack this week and continued strengthening of her health
Carmine – pray for Sharon Hale and her recovery from brain surgery
Dick – pray for continued strength in seeking out job opportunities
David – pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to learn about our heavenly Father
Mark – pray for family in Ohio that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ, pray for stronger unity within family in Ohio, pray for hearing the voice of God through the daily reading of the Word
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Kelcy – pray for family in the sudden death of his uncle
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Ramon – pray for continued healing with wife, pray for sister-in-law
Larry Miller – pray for strength and guidance in leading marriage ministry at Northshore
Randy – pray for release of addictions of the flesh
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, November 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Deity of Christ”
Wednesday, November 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with topic to be determined
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
All of us in this world tend to live on the exterior, measuring everything based upon its outward appearance. Prejudices, based upon subconscious opinions, look at the surface of people and make judgment calls on superficial facts.
We live in a society which claims to have a deeper understanding of the human mind and soul, yet in reality never looks beyond visual facts of people, products, or ideals. Our eyes therefore tend to become the most corrupting part of the body, buying into the idea that it is all about image.
The Apostle Paul here speaks against this reality and type of existence by preaching that we must go beyond the exterior of people and dive into the where Christ searches the soul—our inner being. For in this passage of Ephesians, Paul’s prayer is focused on asking Christ to strengthen the inner being of those in Ephesus and that He may dwell in their hearts.
There is so much that we need to take from the Word here. Our focus in people needs to be beyond the visual. Our view of ourselves must go well beyond being skin deep. The health of our inner being is where we are rooted in unity with each other and where we are filled with the fullness of God.
It has been clear ever since the beginning of man where God has intended to do His work in all of us. For it is written:
“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the Lord. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33
God never intended to write His covenant on His people with any outward appearance. He intended from the very beginning to make His covenant with our inner being in order to let His light shine out into the world.
Therefore we must grab hold of this truth and begin to look into the hearts of men. Our love must transcend any social, cultural, or ethnic makeup of a person to share the good news in order to make disciples. May the Lord help all of us find our inner being secure in the truth…
***************************************************
It was great to see many of you this past Wednesday evening. It was a powerful study on prayer. All of you have been a tremendous blessing on my life. I pray that all of you feel the same…
Prayer request
Ernie – pray for continued health of wife, pray for continued strength and health for Ernie
Tim – pray for Tim’s mother who had a mild heart-attack this week and continued strengthening of her health
Carmine – pray for Sharon Hale and her recovery from brain surgery
Dick – pray for continued strength in seeking out job opportunities
David – pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to learn about our heavenly Father
Mark – pray for family in Ohio that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ, pray for stronger unity within family in Ohio, pray for hearing the voice of God through the daily reading of the Word
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Kelcy – pray for family in the sudden death of his uncle
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of seizures
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Ramon – pray for continued healing with wife, pray for sister-in-law
Larry Miller – pray for strength and guidance in leading marriage ministry at Northshore
Randy – pray for release of addictions of the flesh
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, November 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Deity of Christ”
Wednesday, November 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with topic to be determined
Challenge
May we find peace and power within our inner being in order to build unity throughout the Church…
Monday, October 29, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
Philippians 1:3-11 NIV
No matter where we stand together as Christians, we are bound together by one Spirit in unity. From the east to the west, there is one God; sharing His love to one people; sending His Spirit to minister for one purpose.
Those who stand before the Lord giving Him praise in a small town in Ohio stands together with those worshipping the Lord two-thousand miles away. The Church is one regardless upon denomination. The ‘blood of the Lamb’ is the essential which binds all who believe.
The Apostle Paul makes note of this when he preaches ‘partnership in the gospel’ here in this passage to the Philippians. He understood this important part of the Christian doctrine and even preached it from a prison cell in Rome. This would be the last place anyone would think unity could exist because his life was isolated, removed from society.
Yet he knew there was a bond of unity which united him with others. It was Christ which bound him with others in one God, one love, and one purpose.
The Word proclaims to each one of us: “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV
As the future becomes the present, we must not only eliminate any division which divides churches who stand united two-thousand miles apart; but we must eliminate the divisions which exist with our own Church.
Unity strengthens us as the body of Christ and allows the purpose God set forth for the Church to become a reality. Division is the barrier to the mission God has ordained each one of us to complete.
Therefore we must start unity building through love and allowing it to complete its work in each one of us.
Prayer request
Ernie – pray for continued health with wife and her difficulties of her knee, pray for dear friends facing a financial crisis, pray for his own health
Tim – pray that Tim will be able to effectively guide and talk with son Dan
Dick – pray for strength as he helps lead others through any division in the church over those ushering
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of siezures
Kelcy – pray for family in the sudden death of his uncle
David – pray for the ability to become an effective witness
Mark – pray for family in Ohio that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ, pray for stronger unity within family in Ohio, pray for finding the best healthcare for future child
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Carmine – pray for strength in working two jobs and finding time within others, pray for relationship with family
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Ramon – pray for safe travels to California, pray for continued healing with wife, pray for sister-in-law
Larry Miller – pray for strength and guidance in leading marriage ministry at Northshore
Randy – pray for release of addictions of the flesh
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
Chris – pray that he finds Christ and His purpose
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 31st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Power of Prayer”
Wednesday, November 14th , 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with site and topic to be determined (we will establish location at October 31st meeting)
Challenge
Live life in the ‘unity of the Spirit’ in our minds so it may translate out into the Church…
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
Philippians 1:3-11 NIV
No matter where we stand together as Christians, we are bound together by one Spirit in unity. From the east to the west, there is one God; sharing His love to one people; sending His Spirit to minister for one purpose.
Those who stand before the Lord giving Him praise in a small town in Ohio stands together with those worshipping the Lord two-thousand miles away. The Church is one regardless upon denomination. The ‘blood of the Lamb’ is the essential which binds all who believe.
The Apostle Paul makes note of this when he preaches ‘partnership in the gospel’ here in this passage to the Philippians. He understood this important part of the Christian doctrine and even preached it from a prison cell in Rome. This would be the last place anyone would think unity could exist because his life was isolated, removed from society.
Yet he knew there was a bond of unity which united him with others. It was Christ which bound him with others in one God, one love, and one purpose.
The Word proclaims to each one of us: “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV
As the future becomes the present, we must not only eliminate any division which divides churches who stand united two-thousand miles apart; but we must eliminate the divisions which exist with our own Church.
Unity strengthens us as the body of Christ and allows the purpose God set forth for the Church to become a reality. Division is the barrier to the mission God has ordained each one of us to complete.
Therefore we must start unity building through love and allowing it to complete its work in each one of us.
Prayer request
Ernie – pray for continued health with wife and her difficulties of her knee, pray for dear friends facing a financial crisis, pray for his own health
Tim – pray that Tim will be able to effectively guide and talk with son Dan
Dick – pray for strength as he helps lead others through any division in the church over those ushering
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of siezures
Kelcy – pray for family in the sudden death of his uncle
David – pray for the ability to become an effective witness
Mark – pray for family in Ohio that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ, pray for stronger unity within family in Ohio, pray for finding the best healthcare for future child
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Carmine – pray for strength in working two jobs and finding time within others, pray for relationship with family
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Ramon – pray for safe travels to California, pray for continued healing with wife, pray for sister-in-law
Larry Miller – pray for strength and guidance in leading marriage ministry at Northshore
Randy – pray for release of addictions of the flesh
Michael – praise for Michael finding a Church in Alabama for himself and family
Chris – pray that he finds Christ and His purpose
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 31st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Power of Prayer”
Wednesday, November 14th , 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with site and topic to be determined (we will establish location at October 31st meeting)
Challenge
Live life in the ‘unity of the Spirit’ in our minds so it may translate out into the Church…
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Alive in its beauty or alive in its reality?
I will never forget the day: a bright sunny afternoon, unseasonably warm October day, driving through an unnamed small town in the middle of Pennsylvania. On this Sabbath day as we were driving, it showed itself unexpectedly; a large stone church, magnificent in its imposing power, dated to the beginning of this country, pointing skyward to heaven.
If the strength and glory of the Church was built upon the visible beauty this church claimed in the middle of this small town, we would be close to heaven because I have never seen such a startling picture of a church. Yet the contrast to the world we live in quickly led me to this part of the Word.
For it is written:
"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” Revelation 3:1-2
It was difficult to watch person after person come out of this magnificent church who was in their sixties or older and not question: ‘Where are the youth in this church?’ Now I know I did not sit there and watch every member come out after the service was over. Nor did I ask any member in the congregation if there were any youth at the church. Maybe there was a youth service or a youth retreat happening? Maybe it is because of where the youth live?
But the picture was startling because of which generation was coming out of the church while we were passing by. There was a definite tilt on the generation gap to where it did not take long for my wife and I to strike up a conversation on the topic. All this happening while there were kids driving their parent’s car, bumping to rap music right outside of this gorgeous structure sitting there in honor of our God.
The reputation of a church such as the one I saw this morning must be about how it has survived the test of time. It is definitely a testimony to how God is glorified by beautiful houses of worship man can construct. The deeds of this church on these two facts alone represent great glory given to God. But this means nothing if this church is like the church in Sardis in the book of Revelation. For the building is just a building and can never represent the state of the church.
We must concern ourselves about the future of the Church from experiences such as these. We must wake up and become alive again for Christ. This means passing on our beliefs to our children and sharing the good news to the next generation. I am really afraid that many churches are already dead because they have failed to pass on biblical truths to the next generation and keep them from falling prey to the god of this age.
If a generation gap does exist in churches and we do not involve our youth in the church, how can we not fall into the trap the church of Sardis so warns us of? We must strengthen the Church by strengthening our youth in Christ. If we do not, churches will become museums. We will come back and look at the glory we gave God in the past and not find this worship toward our God anymore in the society around us…
We will ask of these glorious churches—are they alive in their beauty or are they alive in their reality?
If the strength and glory of the Church was built upon the visible beauty this church claimed in the middle of this small town, we would be close to heaven because I have never seen such a startling picture of a church. Yet the contrast to the world we live in quickly led me to this part of the Word.
For it is written:
"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” Revelation 3:1-2
It was difficult to watch person after person come out of this magnificent church who was in their sixties or older and not question: ‘Where are the youth in this church?’ Now I know I did not sit there and watch every member come out after the service was over. Nor did I ask any member in the congregation if there were any youth at the church. Maybe there was a youth service or a youth retreat happening? Maybe it is because of where the youth live?
But the picture was startling because of which generation was coming out of the church while we were passing by. There was a definite tilt on the generation gap to where it did not take long for my wife and I to strike up a conversation on the topic. All this happening while there were kids driving their parent’s car, bumping to rap music right outside of this gorgeous structure sitting there in honor of our God.
The reputation of a church such as the one I saw this morning must be about how it has survived the test of time. It is definitely a testimony to how God is glorified by beautiful houses of worship man can construct. The deeds of this church on these two facts alone represent great glory given to God. But this means nothing if this church is like the church in Sardis in the book of Revelation. For the building is just a building and can never represent the state of the church.
We must concern ourselves about the future of the Church from experiences such as these. We must wake up and become alive again for Christ. This means passing on our beliefs to our children and sharing the good news to the next generation. I am really afraid that many churches are already dead because they have failed to pass on biblical truths to the next generation and keep them from falling prey to the god of this age.
If a generation gap does exist in churches and we do not involve our youth in the church, how can we not fall into the trap the church of Sardis so warns us of? We must strengthen the Church by strengthening our youth in Christ. If we do not, churches will become museums. We will come back and look at the glory we gave God in the past and not find this worship toward our God anymore in the society around us…
We will ask of these glorious churches—are they alive in their beauty or are they alive in their reality?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:2-11 NIV
Getting through the flesh and considering it a loss for the sake of Christ is one of the most difficult tasks we all face. For it is the flesh which causes us to become mired in our own world, separated from all strength and purpose God intends for us.
Even Paul, a man of great heritage in worldly connections, found himself not able to boast about what the flesh could offer here in this passage to the Philippians because of its sinful nature.
Yet there are men everyday in our lives which believe it is through our strength alone that we may live a life full of purpose. They rip apart others through slander and eyes of judgment saying ‘if they only looked this way’ or ‘had this worldly trait’ then maybe they would be successful. They put full confidence on what the flesh can offer.
Nothing of this world matters. The worldly things will all be taken away at our passing; therefore should we not consider what is eternal and matters to a God full of love and grace?
Christ answered this question with a parable in the gospel of Matthew:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44,45 NIV
If we accept this teaching, and we must as followers of Christ, then we shall notice that there is nothing of value in this world. Everything of any value exists within the kingdom of heaven and we should “sell” everything if necessary to obtain this prize. Nothing of this world should burden us from obtaining this end.
But we must also know that we are not alone in this endeavor. We are brothers joined together in unity. This bond is why our fellowship exists and is the reason why any relationship exists. It living out what the Apostle Paul makes clear at the end of this passage from Philippians 3—there is power through Christ by His resurrection and ‘the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.’
Fellowship—powered by love for one another. This power, which Christ demonstrated by suffering on the cross for our sake, allows us to break free of the burden of the flesh and put our life into that which springs eternal.
May I be able to demonstrate all that is written here this week as I travel home to see family and friends…
Prayer request
Dick – pray for strength as he helps lead others through any division in the church over those ushering
Ernie – pray for continued health with wife and her difficulties of her knee, pray for dear friends facing a financial crisis, pray for his own health
Tim – pray that Tim will be able to effectively guide and talk with son Dan
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of siezures
Kelcy – pray for family in the sudden death of his uncle
David – pray for the ability to become an effective witness
Mark – praise for the trials over the health of Amara, pray for the new additional to the family and “his/her” health, pray for safe travels and that it may be a Christian visit with family and friends
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Carmine – pray for strength in working two jobs and finding time within others, pray for relationship with family
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Ramon – pray for safe travels to California, pray for continued healing with wife, pray for sister-in-law
Larry Miller – pray for strength and guidance in leading marriage ministry at Northshore
Randy – pray for release of addictions of the flesh
Michael – pray for guidance in finding a Church in Alabama
Chris – pray that he finds Christ and His purpose
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 31st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Power of Prayer”
Wednesday, November 14th , 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with site and topic to be determined (we will establish location at October 31st meeting)
Challenge
Live life in the ‘unity of the Spirit’ in our minds so it may translate out into the Church…
“Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:2-11 NIV
Getting through the flesh and considering it a loss for the sake of Christ is one of the most difficult tasks we all face. For it is the flesh which causes us to become mired in our own world, separated from all strength and purpose God intends for us.
Even Paul, a man of great heritage in worldly connections, found himself not able to boast about what the flesh could offer here in this passage to the Philippians because of its sinful nature.
Yet there are men everyday in our lives which believe it is through our strength alone that we may live a life full of purpose. They rip apart others through slander and eyes of judgment saying ‘if they only looked this way’ or ‘had this worldly trait’ then maybe they would be successful. They put full confidence on what the flesh can offer.
Nothing of this world matters. The worldly things will all be taken away at our passing; therefore should we not consider what is eternal and matters to a God full of love and grace?
Christ answered this question with a parable in the gospel of Matthew:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44,45 NIV
If we accept this teaching, and we must as followers of Christ, then we shall notice that there is nothing of value in this world. Everything of any value exists within the kingdom of heaven and we should “sell” everything if necessary to obtain this prize. Nothing of this world should burden us from obtaining this end.
But we must also know that we are not alone in this endeavor. We are brothers joined together in unity. This bond is why our fellowship exists and is the reason why any relationship exists. It living out what the Apostle Paul makes clear at the end of this passage from Philippians 3—there is power through Christ by His resurrection and ‘the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.’
Fellowship—powered by love for one another. This power, which Christ demonstrated by suffering on the cross for our sake, allows us to break free of the burden of the flesh and put our life into that which springs eternal.
May I be able to demonstrate all that is written here this week as I travel home to see family and friends…
Prayer request
Dick – pray for strength as he helps lead others through any division in the church over those ushering
Ernie – pray for continued health with wife and her difficulties of her knee, pray for dear friends facing a financial crisis, pray for his own health
Tim – pray that Tim will be able to effectively guide and talk with son Dan
Chad – pray for friend’s mother-in-law which is battling cancer
Norman – pray for daughter with clinical tests this week trying to determine cause of siezures
Kelcy – pray for family in the sudden death of his uncle
David – pray for the ability to become an effective witness
Mark – praise for the trials over the health of Amara, pray for the new additional to the family and “his/her” health, pray for safe travels and that it may be a Christian visit with family and friends
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Carmine – pray for strength in working two jobs and finding time within others, pray for relationship with family
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Ramon – pray for safe travels to California, pray for continued healing with wife, pray for sister-in-law
Larry Miller – pray for strength and guidance in leading marriage ministry at Northshore
Randy – pray for release of addictions of the flesh
Michael – pray for guidance in finding a Church in Alabama
Chris – pray that he finds Christ and His purpose
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 31st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “Power of Prayer”
Wednesday, November 14th , 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with site and topic to be determined (we will establish location at October 31st meeting)
Challenge
Live life in the ‘unity of the Spirit’ in our minds so it may translate out into the Church…
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Unity factor of the Holy Spirit
Once again it is after a Wednesday evening at the Church. Each week, I am uplifted by seeing the Spirit bring people together to seek the truth and study the Word. It is this evening each week where I am encouraged by witnessing people in the Church interested in seeking out the truths which unite all of us as Christians.
The topic this evening was no different. We had the opportunity to dig deep in the Holy Spirit and His power in each of our lives. It is amazing to see how He is the action behind the Christian doctrine. Every word which describes the Holy Spirit’s personality is a word which describes action in each of our lives as Christians. And to hear how He is a free gift given to all of us from God is so encouraging.
But the truth behind the Holy Spirit is how He unifies the body of Christ. It is through His presence that all of us is united by the blood of Christ into one body—each having different parts playing out a specific mission we have been called to achieve.
I believe we must begin to recognize this powerful truth about the Holy Spirit. We must begin to find commonality which exists between all of us as Christians and become like-minded in our thoughts. For there is so much more that unites us then there is what divides us. It is the petty worldly views which divide. Our calling is to overcome by allowing the Spirit to unite us together into the one body Christ so willingly died for.
The Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Philippians addresses this topic with heartfelt sincerity and truth. We must be likeminded and live our lives putting others before ourselves out of utmost humility. By this love, we may live out the Christ-like nature God so eagerly wants in each one of us.
Therefore as I depart for a trip back east to see family and friends, may my prayers continue to live here with all of you. May my heart rest in unity with all of you during the struggles which the Church will ultimately face. May the fellowship of this group grow and find its place in the minds of all those who wish to glorify God.
The topic this evening was no different. We had the opportunity to dig deep in the Holy Spirit and His power in each of our lives. It is amazing to see how He is the action behind the Christian doctrine. Every word which describes the Holy Spirit’s personality is a word which describes action in each of our lives as Christians. And to hear how He is a free gift given to all of us from God is so encouraging.
But the truth behind the Holy Spirit is how He unifies the body of Christ. It is through His presence that all of us is united by the blood of Christ into one body—each having different parts playing out a specific mission we have been called to achieve.
I believe we must begin to recognize this powerful truth about the Holy Spirit. We must begin to find commonality which exists between all of us as Christians and become like-minded in our thoughts. For there is so much more that unites us then there is what divides us. It is the petty worldly views which divide. Our calling is to overcome by allowing the Spirit to unite us together into the one body Christ so willingly died for.
The Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Philippians addresses this topic with heartfelt sincerity and truth. We must be likeminded and live our lives putting others before ourselves out of utmost humility. By this love, we may live out the Christ-like nature God so eagerly wants in each one of us.
Therefore as I depart for a trip back east to see family and friends, may my prayers continue to live here with all of you. May my heart rest in unity with all of you during the struggles which the Church will ultimately face. May the fellowship of this group grow and find its place in the minds of all those who wish to glorify God.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
ACTS 2:42 MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:1-11 NIV
We are united by something far greater then anything this world has to offer. There is a brotherhood which brings us together for one purpose—in order to bring glory to God the Father. And it begins with the blood of Christ which has stained us all.
But the world would rather differ and promote the individual as the highest unit in society. The belief outside of this brotherhood is that it is all about what the world can offer you. This voice says that your needs outweigh the needs of the group. Nothing matters unless the world gives you what you want.
The Apostle Paul preached something completely different by understanding the importance of unity and where it grows from. His view was not of the world, but was about unity of the blood of Christ and its binding power. This gift given to us by God changes everything and we no longer stand in this world as an individual, but as part of a body.
There is no question that our lives are intended to be lived within these connections. Our God is a relationship driven God down to His very core. One only has to look at the many passages which describe how Christ prayed to the Father, the Father exalted his Son, or how the Father sent the Holy Spirit. All of these exist in the Word because it is necessary to see how the three can become one in their relationship with one another.
And we are to become like Christ and live our lives the same way—relationship driven to our very core. We should be defined by the term ‘brother in Christ’ with other people and know of its important meaning.
About five years before the book of Philippians was written from prison by the Apostle Paul, this same message was preached to the church of Corinth regarding the importance of living your life in a relationship driven manner. It was written:
“…But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 NIV
We need to drive this home at the Church. Our heart and mind need to be transformed into the vision set forth by the Word here in 1 Corinthians 12. This humility would allow the Church to function within its highest level of efficiency and bring glory to God the Father like our lives were intended to do.
Therefore may we pray for unity and remove ourselves from the Western mindset that it is only about the individual and his needs. May we pray that we can begin to see the bonds which bind us together as ‘brothers in Christ’ and elevate that in our daily living through love and prayer. And may we stand together in unity within the Church that God has so lovingly composed…
Thanks for coming almost two weeks ago on Wednesday. Meeting with each one of you has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement on my life. I pray that each one of you feels the same and will join us this coming Wednesday…
Prayer request
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Dick – pray for continued strength in finding employment
Ernie – pray for continued health with wife and her difficulties of her knee
Tim – pray for oldest son which was discharged from the Marines early, pray for family support for Dan
Carmine – pray for strength in working two jobs and finding time within others, pray for relationship with family
Chad – pray for strength in living a Christian life
Norman – pray for the strength to focus on God (knowing who He is)
David – pray for the Lord’s guidance and to hear Him clearly
Mark – praise for the trials over the health of Amara, pray for continued discernment over the path God has set before me in doing His will, pray that I may stay focused on the task at hand with work and ministry allowing the future to come at His will
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Kelcy – pray for healing of sickness and continued strength
Ramon – pray for safe travels to California, pray for continued healing with wife, pray for sister-in-law
Larry Miller – pray for strength and guidance in leading marriage ministry at Northshore
Randy – pray for release of addictions of the flesh
Michael – pray for guidance in finding a Church in Alabama
Chris – pray that he finds Christ and His purpose
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “The doctrine of the Holy Spirit”
Wednesday, October 31st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with site and topic to be determined (we will establish location at October 17th meeting)
Challenge
Live life in the ‘unity of the Spirit’ in our minds so it may translate out into the Church…
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:1-11 NIV
We are united by something far greater then anything this world has to offer. There is a brotherhood which brings us together for one purpose—in order to bring glory to God the Father. And it begins with the blood of Christ which has stained us all.
But the world would rather differ and promote the individual as the highest unit in society. The belief outside of this brotherhood is that it is all about what the world can offer you. This voice says that your needs outweigh the needs of the group. Nothing matters unless the world gives you what you want.
The Apostle Paul preached something completely different by understanding the importance of unity and where it grows from. His view was not of the world, but was about unity of the blood of Christ and its binding power. This gift given to us by God changes everything and we no longer stand in this world as an individual, but as part of a body.
There is no question that our lives are intended to be lived within these connections. Our God is a relationship driven God down to His very core. One only has to look at the many passages which describe how Christ prayed to the Father, the Father exalted his Son, or how the Father sent the Holy Spirit. All of these exist in the Word because it is necessary to see how the three can become one in their relationship with one another.
And we are to become like Christ and live our lives the same way—relationship driven to our very core. We should be defined by the term ‘brother in Christ’ with other people and know of its important meaning.
About five years before the book of Philippians was written from prison by the Apostle Paul, this same message was preached to the church of Corinth regarding the importance of living your life in a relationship driven manner. It was written:
“…But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 NIV
We need to drive this home at the Church. Our heart and mind need to be transformed into the vision set forth by the Word here in 1 Corinthians 12. This humility would allow the Church to function within its highest level of efficiency and bring glory to God the Father like our lives were intended to do.
Therefore may we pray for unity and remove ourselves from the Western mindset that it is only about the individual and his needs. May we pray that we can begin to see the bonds which bind us together as ‘brothers in Christ’ and elevate that in our daily living through love and prayer. And may we stand together in unity within the Church that God has so lovingly composed…
Thanks for coming almost two weeks ago on Wednesday. Meeting with each one of you has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement on my life. I pray that each one of you feels the same and will join us this coming Wednesday…
Prayer request
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, praise and prayer for staff infection, pray for stepdaughters in their struggles
Dick – pray for continued strength in finding employment
Ernie – pray for continued health with wife and her difficulties of her knee
Tim – pray for oldest son which was discharged from the Marines early, pray for family support for Dan
Carmine – pray for strength in working two jobs and finding time within others, pray for relationship with family
Chad – pray for strength in living a Christian life
Norman – pray for the strength to focus on God (knowing who He is)
David – pray for the Lord’s guidance and to hear Him clearly
Mark – praise for the trials over the health of Amara, pray for continued discernment over the path God has set before me in doing His will, pray that I may stay focused on the task at hand with work and ministry allowing the future to come at His will
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Kelcy – pray for healing of sickness and continued strength
Ramon – pray for safe travels to California, pray for continued healing with wife, pray for sister-in-law
Larry Miller – pray for strength and guidance in leading marriage ministry at Northshore
Randy – pray for release of addictions of the flesh
Michael – pray for guidance in finding a Church in Alabama
Chris – pray that he finds Christ and His purpose
*** pray also for the men’s ministry in developing Godly leaders
Future Meetings
Wednesday, October 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at the Northshore Christian Church (call Mark for directions) Topic: “The doctrine of the Holy Spirit”
Wednesday, October 31st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting with site and topic to be determined (we will establish location at October 17th meeting)
Challenge
Live life in the ‘unity of the Spirit’ in our minds so it may translate out into the Church…
Monday, October 8, 2007
The beginning truth (Part 1)
“Fellowship of Men…”
Last week I mentioned that we were going to journey together into the foundational statement of this fellowship. A few things have come up this past week which has made it difficult to remain on schedule. But through prayer I have managed to make it to the weekend and find time to focus on the mission at hand.
This journey is about where we stand in awe of the glory of God. It is about where we take our first steps toward the ultimate purpose God has given each one of us. Through the unity of this group, it is the direction of the journey we have embarked on together.
God is the sole reason for our existence. Any purpose this fellowship finds worthy of following must recognize the power of God. His authority allows all things to remain in existence based upon His will for them to exist. At any moment, God by His divine authority and sole reasoning could end the existence of anything He chooses. Consequently we must come to an understanding that our ultimate purpose together is to give Him glory.
In this ultimate purpose and by His grace and mercy, He has brought us together to serve and glorify Him. It is by His design that we exist and it must always be kept on the forefront of our mind and actions. Nothing we do can outshine His glory and it must always remain grounded in this truth.
But every journey begins somewhere near the word ‘therefore.’ Something happens along the way and with the word ‘therefore’ then something beings to exist. It essentially is the reaction to a cause or the response to an earlier choice made which gives journeys their meaning.
The ‘therefore’ which occurred in this fellowship happened when the Lord called me to lead a group of men over the summer, faithfully in prayer and fellowship with one another. From this ‘therefore’ has come this group. We are established to continue down the path which God has set forth.
So we begin by addressing the first part of the foundational statement with the three words “Fellowship of Men…”
Nothing is more important in the life of a Church (outside of our relationship with God) then honest, meaningful fellowship. This group should recognize this fact and know that unity together as one body, coming together in the relationship bonds that God desires us to have, and building a community around our relationship with our heavenly Father is very important in our walk in faith. God is a relationship driven God and He has designed our lives to reflect this important quality.
There is a unifying fact about our relationship with Christ that has been written about in the Word. This unity in Spirit truly binds us to our heavenly Father and makes us all brothers in Christ.
“The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” 1 John 1:2-4 NIV
Our joy is complete with this fellowship. In essence John is saying that nothing more is required in our joy other then our relationship with Christ. But he makes it clear that each person can have such fellowship together in the previous sentence. He says that all of us can be one in this joy.
Fellowship is this unifying factor and truly important to the Christian walk of faith. We cannot experience what it is to be a true Christian unless we have encountered the true experience of fellowship. Therefore I felt it was very important to make this the very first word of the foundational statement.
Anyone who says that they can live out a true, authentic Christian life alone is erroneous in their thinking. A Christian lifestyle cannot survive alone. Why do you think God made it essential that Adam have a helper? Why did Jesus send out the disciples in two’s when He sent them to minister to others? All of this is because of the truth of fellowship. We were made for one another in order to demonstrate love. Living life alone free of any relationships is against the purpose and truth of Christian doctrine.
Therefore this group will hold this truth high and build a community of believers who know that we as Christians were intended to be relationship driven in love for thy brother.
In closing, God has a great purpose behind every fellowship which stands beside the truth in order to glorify God. It is exciting to see this fellowship make the transition into a long-standing purpose based upon the truth written about in the Word.
As leader of this fellowship, I am unashamed to say that I feel inadequate for the mission at hand. But I am relying on the strength of God to carry me through these months ahead. In every message I write, they are given as a way to provoke truth searching by all of us into the Word of God. I do not write from a perspective that I stand above anyone else or have any of these Christian doctrines mastered.
God has presented me with a mission. I am trying to answer the call in the best way possible. Therefore I would be honored to stand beside each one of you as we spread the message of light ‘far and wide’ into the darkened world which surrounds us.
Last week I mentioned that we were going to journey together into the foundational statement of this fellowship. A few things have come up this past week which has made it difficult to remain on schedule. But through prayer I have managed to make it to the weekend and find time to focus on the mission at hand.
This journey is about where we stand in awe of the glory of God. It is about where we take our first steps toward the ultimate purpose God has given each one of us. Through the unity of this group, it is the direction of the journey we have embarked on together.
God is the sole reason for our existence. Any purpose this fellowship finds worthy of following must recognize the power of God. His authority allows all things to remain in existence based upon His will for them to exist. At any moment, God by His divine authority and sole reasoning could end the existence of anything He chooses. Consequently we must come to an understanding that our ultimate purpose together is to give Him glory.
In this ultimate purpose and by His grace and mercy, He has brought us together to serve and glorify Him. It is by His design that we exist and it must always be kept on the forefront of our mind and actions. Nothing we do can outshine His glory and it must always remain grounded in this truth.
But every journey begins somewhere near the word ‘therefore.’ Something happens along the way and with the word ‘therefore’ then something beings to exist. It essentially is the reaction to a cause or the response to an earlier choice made which gives journeys their meaning.
The ‘therefore’ which occurred in this fellowship happened when the Lord called me to lead a group of men over the summer, faithfully in prayer and fellowship with one another. From this ‘therefore’ has come this group. We are established to continue down the path which God has set forth.
So we begin by addressing the first part of the foundational statement with the three words “Fellowship of Men…”
Nothing is more important in the life of a Church (outside of our relationship with God) then honest, meaningful fellowship. This group should recognize this fact and know that unity together as one body, coming together in the relationship bonds that God desires us to have, and building a community around our relationship with our heavenly Father is very important in our walk in faith. God is a relationship driven God and He has designed our lives to reflect this important quality.
There is a unifying fact about our relationship with Christ that has been written about in the Word. This unity in Spirit truly binds us to our heavenly Father and makes us all brothers in Christ.
“The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” 1 John 1:2-4 NIV
Our joy is complete with this fellowship. In essence John is saying that nothing more is required in our joy other then our relationship with Christ. But he makes it clear that each person can have such fellowship together in the previous sentence. He says that all of us can be one in this joy.
Fellowship is this unifying factor and truly important to the Christian walk of faith. We cannot experience what it is to be a true Christian unless we have encountered the true experience of fellowship. Therefore I felt it was very important to make this the very first word of the foundational statement.
Anyone who says that they can live out a true, authentic Christian life alone is erroneous in their thinking. A Christian lifestyle cannot survive alone. Why do you think God made it essential that Adam have a helper? Why did Jesus send out the disciples in two’s when He sent them to minister to others? All of this is because of the truth of fellowship. We were made for one another in order to demonstrate love. Living life alone free of any relationships is against the purpose and truth of Christian doctrine.
Therefore this group will hold this truth high and build a community of believers who know that we as Christians were intended to be relationship driven in love for thy brother.
In closing, God has a great purpose behind every fellowship which stands beside the truth in order to glorify God. It is exciting to see this fellowship make the transition into a long-standing purpose based upon the truth written about in the Word.
As leader of this fellowship, I am unashamed to say that I feel inadequate for the mission at hand. But I am relying on the strength of God to carry me through these months ahead. In every message I write, they are given as a way to provoke truth searching by all of us into the Word of God. I do not write from a perspective that I stand above anyone else or have any of these Christian doctrines mastered.
God has presented me with a mission. I am trying to answer the call in the best way possible. Therefore I would be honored to stand beside each one of you as we spread the message of light ‘far and wide’ into the darkened world which surrounds us.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
ACTS 2:42 MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:1-6 NIV
Every person has been given a purpose from God. It is an individual calling for which we are to live our life toward—proclaiming the glory of God. But the Lord never designed us to live our lives as individuals alone and isolated from one another. Instead from the very beginning He has emphasized the importance of unity.
The Apostle Paul understood this concept well when he wrote from a prison in Rome to the church of Ephesus in 60 A.D on the ‘unity of the Spirit’. This passage from Ephesians 4 clearly shows we are of one mind, one body, and one Spirit when we enter a relationship with Christ as our Savior. It is the ‘unity of the Spirit’ which binds us together.
But it will only remain a concept and never come alive in each one of us unless we put it to practice in our own life. And this is not just about acting in one Spirit; it is about believing it and putting the concept deep into your heart and mind.
For Christ spoke clearly of the concept of unity before the scribes from Jerusalem in the gospel of Luke:
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: ‘Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.’” Luke 11:17 NIV
What I find fascinating and important about this passage is the first part of the verse where it says ‘Jesus knew their thoughts…’ The scribes did not even have a chance to bring up the possibility of disunity by their actions or words. It was their thoughts which prompted a response from our Lord.
I believe there is no difference today. The Lord will measure our thoughts of unity, not any action of unity. Just coming together as the ‘body of Christ’ once a week does not represent whether we are truly a part of the ‘body of Christ’. It is whether we are each unified in our minds to the body of Christ which matters to our Lord…
If this would happen and we each come to this realization upon where unity starts in our own life (in the mind), then I truly believe the Church will be changed and it will take on the understanding of the ‘unity of the Spirit.’
Then when troubles come to each one of us, the body will be there to raise each one of us up in encouragement and love…
*********************************************************
Thanks for coming this past Wednesday. Meeting with each one of you has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement on my life. I pray that each one of you feels the same…
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:1-6 NIV
Every person has been given a purpose from God. It is an individual calling for which we are to live our life toward—proclaiming the glory of God. But the Lord never designed us to live our lives as individuals alone and isolated from one another. Instead from the very beginning He has emphasized the importance of unity.
The Apostle Paul understood this concept well when he wrote from a prison in Rome to the church of Ephesus in 60 A.D on the ‘unity of the Spirit’. This passage from Ephesians 4 clearly shows we are of one mind, one body, and one Spirit when we enter a relationship with Christ as our Savior. It is the ‘unity of the Spirit’ which binds us together.
But it will only remain a concept and never come alive in each one of us unless we put it to practice in our own life. And this is not just about acting in one Spirit; it is about believing it and putting the concept deep into your heart and mind.
For Christ spoke clearly of the concept of unity before the scribes from Jerusalem in the gospel of Luke:
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: ‘Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.’” Luke 11:17 NIV
What I find fascinating and important about this passage is the first part of the verse where it says ‘Jesus knew their thoughts…’ The scribes did not even have a chance to bring up the possibility of disunity by their actions or words. It was their thoughts which prompted a response from our Lord.
I believe there is no difference today. The Lord will measure our thoughts of unity, not any action of unity. Just coming together as the ‘body of Christ’ once a week does not represent whether we are truly a part of the ‘body of Christ’. It is whether we are each unified in our minds to the body of Christ which matters to our Lord…
If this would happen and we each come to this realization upon where unity starts in our own life (in the mind), then I truly believe the Church will be changed and it will take on the understanding of the ‘unity of the Spirit.’
Then when troubles come to each one of us, the body will be there to raise each one of us up in encouragement and love…
*********************************************************
Thanks for coming this past Wednesday. Meeting with each one of you has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement on my life. I pray that each one of you feels the same…
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
ACTS 2:42 MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 NIV
This passage in 2nd Corinthians from the Apostle Paul reveals to us the war that we find ourselves in as Christians. It is the frontline for all of human history, upon where the truth meets the forces of darkness.
For the world has been blinded by the ‘god of this age’ into not believing the truth. Worldly defined reason has veiled the message of good news and led many astray into a world of darkness and despair. The message of Galatians 5 ‘Freedom in Christ’ has been set aside by those who follow the wisdom of this world.
Therefore within this passage of 2nd Corinthians also comes our purpose, our calling from God to make His purpose our purpose.
As Christians, we will always be on the frontline defending the truth of the gospel. The battle is being raged within our workplace, circle of friends, our own family, and maybe even within our own heart. Never should we be surprised when hardship comes our way because our lives exist within the battle.
God has clearly defined our role as Christians—which is to let His light shine in our hearts in order to defend the truth. This purpose has never changed and has been set forth well before time began. Look at God’s unchanging nature in His purpose:
“Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:8-10 NIV
His purpose has been the constant truth behind all creeds since the beginning. Therefore let us learn to live on the front lines, in the heat of the battle. Let us transition our lives into a life which shines the glory of God to a veiled world even during the darkest of trials. Here is where we shall make our stand…
The ‘god of this age’ can deceive, but it can never defeat the truth, which is the glory of God.
****************************************************************************
Wednesday night at 7:00 pm we shall reconvene and discuss the topic of God’s purpose of our life and how we make the transition into that purpose… Looking forward to seeing each one of you again…
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 NIV
This passage in 2nd Corinthians from the Apostle Paul reveals to us the war that we find ourselves in as Christians. It is the frontline for all of human history, upon where the truth meets the forces of darkness.
For the world has been blinded by the ‘god of this age’ into not believing the truth. Worldly defined reason has veiled the message of good news and led many astray into a world of darkness and despair. The message of Galatians 5 ‘Freedom in Christ’ has been set aside by those who follow the wisdom of this world.
Therefore within this passage of 2nd Corinthians also comes our purpose, our calling from God to make His purpose our purpose.
As Christians, we will always be on the frontline defending the truth of the gospel. The battle is being raged within our workplace, circle of friends, our own family, and maybe even within our own heart. Never should we be surprised when hardship comes our way because our lives exist within the battle.
God has clearly defined our role as Christians—which is to let His light shine in our hearts in order to defend the truth. This purpose has never changed and has been set forth well before time began. Look at God’s unchanging nature in His purpose:
“Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:8-10 NIV
His purpose has been the constant truth behind all creeds since the beginning. Therefore let us learn to live on the front lines, in the heat of the battle. Let us transition our lives into a life which shines the glory of God to a veiled world even during the darkest of trials. Here is where we shall make our stand…
The ‘god of this age’ can deceive, but it can never defeat the truth, which is the glory of God.
****************************************************************************
Wednesday night at 7:00 pm we shall reconvene and discuss the topic of God’s purpose of our life and how we make the transition into that purpose… Looking forward to seeing each one of you again…
Monday, September 24, 2007
The beginning truth (introduction)
Over the next week, I am really hoping to dive more into the statement set forth at the beginning of this blog: “Fellowship of Men who believe that all things rest on foundational truths...”
There is so much information within that statement in which I believe must be exposited in order to have a full grasp of its meaning.
But I wrote this statement because I believe there is a truth which exists from its meaning. The Lord has foundational truths which can never be changed by time, experiences, or our existence.
It is from this truth that we can help build a Church. For nothing mankind ever achieves can occur outside the authority of God. For it is written:
“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11
Therefore let us go on this journey together and dive into the one divine truth upon where everything else exists---God, our heavenly Father.
There is so much information within that statement in which I believe must be exposited in order to have a full grasp of its meaning.
But I wrote this statement because I believe there is a truth which exists from its meaning. The Lord has foundational truths which can never be changed by time, experiences, or our existence.
It is from this truth that we can help build a Church. For nothing mankind ever achieves can occur outside the authority of God. For it is written:
“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11
Therefore let us go on this journey together and dive into the one divine truth upon where everything else exists---God, our heavenly Father.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
