Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All men are like grass and their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.’” 1 Peter 1:23-25a NIV
It is encouraging to see many of you join us each week on Wednesday evenings, traveling this road together. God has called us to meet regularly in order to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25) and has always prayed that we would live together as one ‘body of Christ’ (John 17:20-25). Therefore when our lives begin to reflect what God has written in the Word, it is exciting to see. And I pray that each one of you is just as encouraged…
This fellowship which began nearly two years ago was born out of a small group of men who believed in the power of prayer, fellowship, and the Word. New men have joined us on this journey for all men are welcome, but the passion of these truths has remained. Each one of you who is a part of this group is forever a part of these truths.
Setting our minds upon this foundation keeps us focused and on mission for our Lord (which is the purpose of the title to this fellowship being Acts 2:42). But my prayer is that each one of us will realize what any man builds is only temporary because our lives is only a mist (James 4:14). Therefore as we move forward together let us set our mind upon something deeper, something established for eternity—the Word of God.
The world we live in is devoid of any absolute truth it seems. Instead, we are thrown into a culture which is based upon feelings and that each person has a truth which is relevant to them. We are at the mercy of the tossing waves of culture when we set our roots within the truths of this world. Over time, this constantly rearranges us and will eventually corrupt our most inner being unless we are rooted in an absolute truth.
This passage from the Apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:23-25a) is a clear reminder to where our foundation should rest. For we who are a part of Christ is not of a perishable seed, but one which is imperishable. We have been rooted deeply into the absolute truth of the Word of God, which is unchanging and forever standing through any trial. Our lives have been given a place within the heavenly kingdom which is already victorious.
The Apostle Paul wrote about ten years earlier then Peter a similar message on the origin of truth to the church of the Thessalonians when he said:
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
Each week as I set forth to share a message which is relevant, I always am intent on setting forth the Word of God at the beginning of the message in bold italic lettering. Because the absolute truth lies within the scripture, not upon any word I may share. My words are only intended to carry thought into the mind of us all…
Therefore let us live our lives together in this framework. May we carry the bold italic lettering of the truth into a world filled with so much darkness. Many are seeking the light, but search for it within the trappings of this world. We have the light of the world to share to those who are hurting, which is our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we root ourselves, our lives, the life of this group, and ultimately the church within the Word of God, our work is no longer set within the confines of the temporary. Instead our work when it is rooted within the Word of God will ring forever in eternity. Then by the grace of God, may each one of us stand before Him as a good and faithful servant.
Prayer requests
Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family
Monte – pray that he may find a job and hear God’s wisdom and guidance as he deals with some financial trouble
Tim – pray that he will focus time according to His will and not fall into the trappings of idleness
Steve S – pray that friend can do well with his new employment, pray for friend’s newborn child
Mark – pray for the health of our unborn child, pray for Chad who is a good friend in Ohio who is having back surgery, pray for Chad and Charity also as they lost their baby daughter six months into the pregnancy, pray for Tom Freeman who had heart surgery this past week
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue
Greg – pray for church as we begin to set forth in a new direction
Ernie – pray for his wife that she may remain healthy, pray that his daughter will be able to work with mortgage company in order to keep house
David – pray the Lord’s will can continue to have a larger impact in his life
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Carmine – pray that his cousin Benjamin will have a successful surgery and recovery
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God and find Him throughout his life
Kelcy – praise for mother who is doing very well after neck surgery earlier this year
Ramon – pray that he will have a blessed time with wife in Hawaii and a relaxing time
Bret – pray for his older estranged son who is getting married
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray for making an impact within Northshore with married couples
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“It is man’s fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, ‘Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.’ From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, ‘Save me; you are my god.’” Isaiah 44:15-17 NIV
No person, no culture, no religion, and even no church have been immune to the effects of idolatry. For throughout history man has always had the tendency to worship the creation more than worshiping the Creator. It is part of our sinful nature. Therefore it is present in almost every place throughout the known world.
The passage shared from the prophet Isaiah is a very relevant passage to all of us today. God has given each one of us who believe everything we need to live a life that is pleasing to God (2 Peter 1:3). Many blessings come in the form of everyday items necessary for living. Many blessings come in the form of people who are there to encourage and sustain us. And some blessings are gifts that have no human explanation because they are of the Holy Spirit…
Regardless, we must understand that every blessing from God is given to us for a reason—which is to glorify Him.
But many people (including myself at times) miss this in their lives and begin to elevate the blessing to a higher status then that of its maker. The object itself becomes the idol which is worshiped and then becomes the center of man’s affections.
For example the prophet Isaiah talks about the wood of cedar trees; how it is a gift of God given for warmth and food in order to bless them, then how it is misused and abused in order to become an idol used for worship. It is the same object, but the blessing is distorted by man.
We must realize the tendency is to look at idolatry as something which is created by man used specifically for the purpose of worship. This idea may stem from the story of Aaron and the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-8). But the reality is that idolatry can be anything which takes the place of God as our highest affection in life. We can idolize cars, houses, hobbies, sports, ect. and elevate them to our highest affection and then place God second.
The Apostle Paul speaks about this danger in the book of Romans when he said:
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:22-23 ESV
Brothers, we must realize how important this is in our lives. Idolatry can affect everything we do as Christians and derail us from the path of discipleship. When we consider our discussion last week on self-denial in our discipleship with the Lord, let us understand that idolatry runs counter to this aspect of our lives. Idolatry puts our interests first, and then places God second.
I know this is not an easy topic to discuss because I have fallen into this trap before. For idolatry can even show itself in places you would never expect like worship, church, discipleship, ect. This is because we will do certain things that we say are for the Lord; but actually do them with a heart that is aimed at elevating us, not Him.
Therefore let us pray that we will remove all things in our lives that take the place of His glory. Let us encourage one another to remain strong in the Word so that we may put God first in everything we do. And may we worship the Lord with a heart that thanks the maker, not a heart that elevates the blessing.
*******************************************
God bless each one of you this coming week. I look forward to seeing you Wednesday at Northshore. Please be aware of a possible room change this week. We may be in one of the classrooms over in the academy side. Regardless, let us bring our burdens before Him together and let us worship the Lord!!!
Prayer requests
Bret – pray for his older estranged son who is getting married, pray that he will come with his fiancé to Bret’s birthday party on Wednesday, pray the whole family will be there this Wednesday
Tim – pray that the Lord will help guide his future and that he may provide a direction for His life
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God and find Him throughout his life
Steve S – pray that friend can find employment and strength during tough time, pray for friend’s newborn child
Mark – pray for a healthy child coming in June, pray for our finances, pray that I will be able to minister to others in their needs
Ramon – pray that he will have a blessed time with wife in Hawaii and a relaxing time
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for father-in-law who has lost two of his closest sisters in the past month, pray that he we hear the voice of the Lord and be strengthened, pray for wife Terry who is helping family cope and provide assistance
Carmine – pray that his cousin Benjamin will have a successful surgery and recovery
Greg – pray for all the people within the Church who is having trouble and need comfort
Ernie – pray that Joe may find Christ so that he can regather his life, pray that his daughter will be able to work with mortgage company in order to keep house
Kelcy – praise for mother who is doing very well after neck surgery earlier this year
David – pray that he will have a blessed trip to Wisconsin and a safe trip home, pray that the street ministry Al is leading will be a blessing to others who need to hear the voice of the Lord
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Monte – pray for his employment situation and that he will find work soon, pray that he will find someone who can help him work on his car
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray for making an impact within Northshore with married couples
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, April 23rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
“It is man’s fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, ‘Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.’ From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, ‘Save me; you are my god.’” Isaiah 44:15-17 NIV
No person, no culture, no religion, and even no church have been immune to the effects of idolatry. For throughout history man has always had the tendency to worship the creation more than worshiping the Creator. It is part of our sinful nature. Therefore it is present in almost every place throughout the known world.
The passage shared from the prophet Isaiah is a very relevant passage to all of us today. God has given each one of us who believe everything we need to live a life that is pleasing to God (2 Peter 1:3). Many blessings come in the form of everyday items necessary for living. Many blessings come in the form of people who are there to encourage and sustain us. And some blessings are gifts that have no human explanation because they are of the Holy Spirit…
Regardless, we must understand that every blessing from God is given to us for a reason—which is to glorify Him.
But many people (including myself at times) miss this in their lives and begin to elevate the blessing to a higher status then that of its maker. The object itself becomes the idol which is worshiped and then becomes the center of man’s affections.
For example the prophet Isaiah talks about the wood of cedar trees; how it is a gift of God given for warmth and food in order to bless them, then how it is misused and abused in order to become an idol used for worship. It is the same object, but the blessing is distorted by man.
We must realize the tendency is to look at idolatry as something which is created by man used specifically for the purpose of worship. This idea may stem from the story of Aaron and the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-8). But the reality is that idolatry can be anything which takes the place of God as our highest affection in life. We can idolize cars, houses, hobbies, sports, ect. and elevate them to our highest affection and then place God second.
The Apostle Paul speaks about this danger in the book of Romans when he said:
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:22-23 ESV
Brothers, we must realize how important this is in our lives. Idolatry can affect everything we do as Christians and derail us from the path of discipleship. When we consider our discussion last week on self-denial in our discipleship with the Lord, let us understand that idolatry runs counter to this aspect of our lives. Idolatry puts our interests first, and then places God second.
I know this is not an easy topic to discuss because I have fallen into this trap before. For idolatry can even show itself in places you would never expect like worship, church, discipleship, ect. This is because we will do certain things that we say are for the Lord; but actually do them with a heart that is aimed at elevating us, not Him.
Therefore let us pray that we will remove all things in our lives that take the place of His glory. Let us encourage one another to remain strong in the Word so that we may put God first in everything we do. And may we worship the Lord with a heart that thanks the maker, not a heart that elevates the blessing.
*******************************************
God bless each one of you this coming week. I look forward to seeing you Wednesday at Northshore. Please be aware of a possible room change this week. We may be in one of the classrooms over in the academy side. Regardless, let us bring our burdens before Him together and let us worship the Lord!!!
Prayer requests
Bret – pray for his older estranged son who is getting married, pray that he will come with his fiancé to Bret’s birthday party on Wednesday, pray the whole family will be there this Wednesday
Tim – pray that the Lord will help guide his future and that he may provide a direction for His life
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God and find Him throughout his life
Steve S – pray that friend can find employment and strength during tough time, pray for friend’s newborn child
Mark – pray for a healthy child coming in June, pray for our finances, pray that I will be able to minister to others in their needs
Ramon – pray that he will have a blessed time with wife in Hawaii and a relaxing time
Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for father-in-law who has lost two of his closest sisters in the past month, pray that he we hear the voice of the Lord and be strengthened, pray for wife Terry who is helping family cope and provide assistance
Carmine – pray that his cousin Benjamin will have a successful surgery and recovery
Greg – pray for all the people within the Church who is having trouble and need comfort
Ernie – pray that Joe may find Christ so that he can regather his life, pray that his daughter will be able to work with mortgage company in order to keep house
Kelcy – praise for mother who is doing very well after neck surgery earlier this year
David – pray that he will have a blessed trip to Wisconsin and a safe trip home, pray that the street ministry Al is leading will be a blessing to others who need to hear the voice of the Lord
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Monte – pray for his employment situation and that he will find work soon, pray that he will find someone who can help him work on his car
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray for making an impact within Northshore with married couples
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, April 23rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…’” Mark 8:34 NIV
This is a very difficult passage to cover because I find myself in the midst of the battle.
Denying one’s self and taking up their cross is a very difficult thing to do at times; especially when the pride of life kicks in. Yet this is key to being a disciple of Christ. We are to surrender our pride and live a life of humility. Our life is to be marked by a submission to God’s authority.
The world lives counter to this thinking and denies His place in our life. Just look at all the “self help” products which exist today. There are books, infomercials, and internet sites dedicated to helping people fix any problem they may have. Instead of relying on others or even God to help us fix our lives, we have become our own physician. We have become the Ipod generation where everything is about me…
But the Lord has made it clear in my life that I cannot do an honest discussion about being a disciple or talking about the disciple-making process without discussing the cost (Luke 14:28). For the road may look full of joy because the Great Physician is there waiting to help you, but there are cost associated with walking this road. We must realize that denying ourselves is at that the center of this living.
Taking ourselves into the depth of this denial takes us to a place which is foreign to each one of us. For only one man has ever denied every human desire and that is Jesus Christ himself. Yet the Greek word used here is aparneomai (aparneomai) which means ‘to deny utterly, i.e. to disown or abstain’. This is a strong word because it is a call of separation from one’s self and to essentially disown ourselves from our self.
Therefore the Lord is asking each one of us to put any selfish ambition aside, anything we desire that is not of Christ, anything we feel is best based upon our own feelings, and give it all up to the Lord.
It is of no coincidence why Jesus shares this here in chapter eight of the gospel of Mark because just prior Peter rebuked Jesus for His submission to the Father’s will (Mark 8:32). Yet Christ makes it clear where the depths of pride will take any man in the following verse—it will take a man into alignment with the plans of Satan himself.
Now, knowing how difficult this is because we all have hobbies and passions which seep into our DNA, we must learn to live this life if we are to become one of His disciples. And the greatest thing is we do not live this life alone.
As the book of Proverbs shares with us:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV
This is why I am so passionate about this group. None of us are able to be our own physician and become entirely self-denying on our own. The Lord uses others to help see where pride may still reside in your life. He has done this numerous times during my study into His Word with other men.
If we immerse into the scriptures together, fellowship deeply with one another, pray with earnest to the Lord together; this group will be able to live out this verse (Proverbs 27:17). The result will be a self-denial that will lead to building a stronger disciple out of each one of us. My prayer is that all of this will be done with so much love that self-denial will be the lifestyle of all of us…
So consider joining us at our next meeting so we can live out this journey together. For all of us fit within this body, for we all have a place and a purpose within the ‘body of Christ’.
Prayer requests
Tim – pray that the Lord will help guide his future and that he may provide a direction for His life
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God and find Him throughout his life
Steve S – pray that friend can find employment and strength during tough time, pray for friend’s newborn child
Ramon – pray that he will be able to finish work prior to leaving, pray that he will have a blessed time with wife in Hawaii and a relaxing time
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, pray that he will have the strength to work extended hours as his staff is shorthanded
Carmine – pray that his cousin Benjamin will have a successful surgery and recovery
Greg – pray for all the people within the Church who is having trouble and need comfort
Ernie – pray that Joe may find Christ so that he can regather his life, pray that his daughter will be able to work with mortgage company in order to keep house
Kelcy – pray that he will be kept safe during racing opportunities and others will be kept safe as well, pray that the Church will pray
Bret – pray for faith
David – pray that he will have a blessed trip to Wisconsin and a safe trip home, pray that the street ministry Al is leading will be a blessing to others who need to hear the voice of the Lord
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Mark – pray that I will be able to deny myself in my discipleship with Christ while I continue to love others more then I love myself, pray for a healthy child coming in June, pray that I will be able to minister to others in their needs
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Monte – pray for his employment situation and that he will find work soon, pray that he will find someone who can help him work on his car
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray for making an impact within Northshore with married couples
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, April 23rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…’” Mark 8:34 NIV
This is a very difficult passage to cover because I find myself in the midst of the battle.
Denying one’s self and taking up their cross is a very difficult thing to do at times; especially when the pride of life kicks in. Yet this is key to being a disciple of Christ. We are to surrender our pride and live a life of humility. Our life is to be marked by a submission to God’s authority.
The world lives counter to this thinking and denies His place in our life. Just look at all the “self help” products which exist today. There are books, infomercials, and internet sites dedicated to helping people fix any problem they may have. Instead of relying on others or even God to help us fix our lives, we have become our own physician. We have become the Ipod generation where everything is about me…
But the Lord has made it clear in my life that I cannot do an honest discussion about being a disciple or talking about the disciple-making process without discussing the cost (Luke 14:28). For the road may look full of joy because the Great Physician is there waiting to help you, but there are cost associated with walking this road. We must realize that denying ourselves is at that the center of this living.
Taking ourselves into the depth of this denial takes us to a place which is foreign to each one of us. For only one man has ever denied every human desire and that is Jesus Christ himself. Yet the Greek word used here is aparneomai (aparneomai) which means ‘to deny utterly, i.e. to disown or abstain’. This is a strong word because it is a call of separation from one’s self and to essentially disown ourselves from our self.
Therefore the Lord is asking each one of us to put any selfish ambition aside, anything we desire that is not of Christ, anything we feel is best based upon our own feelings, and give it all up to the Lord.
It is of no coincidence why Jesus shares this here in chapter eight of the gospel of Mark because just prior Peter rebuked Jesus for His submission to the Father’s will (Mark 8:32). Yet Christ makes it clear where the depths of pride will take any man in the following verse—it will take a man into alignment with the plans of Satan himself.
Now, knowing how difficult this is because we all have hobbies and passions which seep into our DNA, we must learn to live this life if we are to become one of His disciples. And the greatest thing is we do not live this life alone.
As the book of Proverbs shares with us:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV
This is why I am so passionate about this group. None of us are able to be our own physician and become entirely self-denying on our own. The Lord uses others to help see where pride may still reside in your life. He has done this numerous times during my study into His Word with other men.
If we immerse into the scriptures together, fellowship deeply with one another, pray with earnest to the Lord together; this group will be able to live out this verse (Proverbs 27:17). The result will be a self-denial that will lead to building a stronger disciple out of each one of us. My prayer is that all of this will be done with so much love that self-denial will be the lifestyle of all of us…
So consider joining us at our next meeting so we can live out this journey together. For all of us fit within this body, for we all have a place and a purpose within the ‘body of Christ’.
Prayer requests
Tim – pray that the Lord will help guide his future and that he may provide a direction for His life
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God and find Him throughout his life
Steve S – pray that friend can find employment and strength during tough time, pray for friend’s newborn child
Ramon – pray that he will be able to finish work prior to leaving, pray that he will have a blessed time with wife in Hawaii and a relaxing time
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, pray that he will have the strength to work extended hours as his staff is shorthanded
Carmine – pray that his cousin Benjamin will have a successful surgery and recovery
Greg – pray for all the people within the Church who is having trouble and need comfort
Ernie – pray that Joe may find Christ so that he can regather his life, pray that his daughter will be able to work with mortgage company in order to keep house
Kelcy – pray that he will be kept safe during racing opportunities and others will be kept safe as well, pray that the Church will pray
Bret – pray for faith
David – pray that he will have a blessed trip to Wisconsin and a safe trip home, pray that the street ministry Al is leading will be a blessing to others who need to hear the voice of the Lord
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job
Mark – pray that I will be able to deny myself in my discipleship with Christ while I continue to love others more then I love myself, pray for a healthy child coming in June, pray that I will be able to minister to others in their needs
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Monte – pray for his employment situation and that he will find work soon, pray that he will find someone who can help him work on his car
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray for making an impact within Northshore with married couples
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, April 23rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
Friday, April 11, 2008
CELEBRATE
Brothers,
I really believe that God desires us not just to share prayer request with one another in order to bring our burdens before the Lord. I am convinced that we are to CELEBRATE what God has done in our lives.
So here is the weekly Praise Report to pass on to the body of Christ…
PRAISE REPORT
Craig – praise God for being reintroduced to a long-time friend
Greg – praise God for a great time on Easter spending time with family and others
Keith – praise God that his youngest daughter has decided to look at college
David – praise God for allowing him to make a trip to Wisconsin to visit family this week, praise God for his health
Ernie – praise God for his health, praise God for being used by Him to reach out to others for Christ
Ramon – praise God for an opportunity to go to Hawaii for a few week with his wife for R&R
Mark – praise God for a great marriage conference last weekend, praise God for His hand working through this group of men
Dick – praise God for 5 years of marriage with Kathleen
Gary – praise God for continuing to give him work and time with family
Each week we want to celebrate everything God has done in our lives and the life of the Church. Therefore join us and share with us all the amazing things He has done…
It is so exciting to see the fingerprints of God in this group. Seeing twelve of you this past week standing together as one group of men that desires to grow in their walk in faith was truly amazing. It not only encourages me, but my prayer is that it will encourage each one of you and encourage the entire Church.
Please consider joining us in this celebration at our next meeting on April 23, 2008 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the Fireside Room at Northshore. We are committed to growing the ‘body of Christ’ so that we may all glorify God…
God bless all of you as I continue to stand beside all of you…
In Christ,
Mark
I really believe that God desires us not just to share prayer request with one another in order to bring our burdens before the Lord. I am convinced that we are to CELEBRATE what God has done in our lives.
So here is the weekly Praise Report to pass on to the body of Christ…
PRAISE REPORT
Craig – praise God for being reintroduced to a long-time friend
Greg – praise God for a great time on Easter spending time with family and others
Keith – praise God that his youngest daughter has decided to look at college
David – praise God for allowing him to make a trip to Wisconsin to visit family this week, praise God for his health
Ernie – praise God for his health, praise God for being used by Him to reach out to others for Christ
Ramon – praise God for an opportunity to go to Hawaii for a few week with his wife for R&R
Mark – praise God for a great marriage conference last weekend, praise God for His hand working through this group of men
Dick – praise God for 5 years of marriage with Kathleen
Gary – praise God for continuing to give him work and time with family
Each week we want to celebrate everything God has done in our lives and the life of the Church. Therefore join us and share with us all the amazing things He has done…
It is so exciting to see the fingerprints of God in this group. Seeing twelve of you this past week standing together as one group of men that desires to grow in their walk in faith was truly amazing. It not only encourages me, but my prayer is that it will encourage each one of you and encourage the entire Church.
Please consider joining us in this celebration at our next meeting on April 23, 2008 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the Fireside Room at Northshore. We are committed to growing the ‘body of Christ’ so that we may all glorify God…
God bless all of you as I continue to stand beside all of you…
In Christ,
Mark
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:13-15 NIV
I am so thankful for my father because he was the man who introduced me to Christ.
Maybe it was not one moment upon which I can sight, where he sat me down and told me why I should believe. Instead it was the faithful Sunday mornings where he led the whole family to church. Instead it was the faithful example of serving which immersed me into the ‘body of Christ’. Instead it was the love to God he displayed which introduced me to the Creator of all things.
Then from this example, this discipleship making process my father faithfully carried out, my personal relationship with Christ was born. Not from one particular moment, but instead by walking the road with Jesus until he became my friend and my true love.
Many times we look at making disciples as this singular act we are commanded to carry out. Go out into the world, knock on someone’s door, and ask them if they know Jesus. This may be a calling for someone you know, but this is not necessarily how God desires us to make disciples. The disciple-making process may be much like what my father did—setting an example that someone can follow.
The passage that was shared at the beginning of the email has so much truth. Almost everyone that hears the gospel for the first time hears the gospel from someone else. Therefore it is from the feet of all who believe which carry the message into the world.
And there is something very important to catch within the writing of the Apostle Paul here. He clearly makes reference to our feet, not our mouth. The message Paul proclaims is that it is not the mouth which shares the good news, but it is the feet that shares the good news. It is the messenger, not necessarily the words the messenger uses.
For our walking the road with Jesus, walking to a friend in need, walking down into communities which need help, walking through the lobby in-between services at Northshore, walking to our spouse who is crying; all of this walking with our feet is setting an example for others to follow. It is the light upon where people in the darkness can see.
The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians:
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 NKJV
Once we have Christ in our life, we have a very special presence within us. We are carriers of light. We are the jars of clay upon where God has poured this light into. And when we walk throughout this world, we are noticed because our light within shines out in the sea of darkness which surrounds us.
Therefore in order to make disciples, the first thing we need to do is to live a life upon where others can use you as an example. This is because people are watching, maybe even for years like my life with my father. Then one day, maybe without you even knowing, your example of carrying the light and setting the example may make a disciple of someone you may never even meet on this side of eternity.
My prayer is that all of us may realize this type of disciple-making in our lives and live the life God so desires us to live…
God bless each one of you in the week ahead and I look forward to meeting with you soon.
Prayer requests
Monte – pray for his employment situation and that he will find work soon, pray that he will find someone who can help him work on his car
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God, pray for his parents to find God in their lives, pray for a friend Cathy who has liver cancer
Steve – pray that he will find faith in God
Ramon – pray for strength and healing of wife, pray that he will have a great time in Hawaii and a peaceful, safe vacation with his wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, pray that he will have the strength to work extended hours as his staff is shorthanded
Greg – pray for all the people within the Church who is having trouble and need comfort
Ernie – pray for the health of his wife, pray that his daughter may be able to lock in a good rate for their mortgage and people will be able to help
David – pray that the Spirit will lead him in his life and guide him in everything he needs
Mark – pray for continued financial discernment with His money, pray for this group that God may continue to shape its future and use this group of men for His purpose, pray that I may set a disciple-making example for my daughter to watch
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Tim – pray that his son will hear God and that he will be able to provide the right parenting necessary
Carmine – pray for the personal problems of a friend while she is going through a divorce
Keith – pay that Christian guidance will be brought into the life of Cory, pray for a friend Nate who continues to be without work
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray for the Marriage Seminar which is coming quickly and the leaders of this seminar in order to strengthen families
Kelcy – praise for the success of his mother’s surgery, pray for the surgery of Al Moran’s shoulder, pray for pastors and staff
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, April 9th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, April 23rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
“For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:13-15 NIV
I am so thankful for my father because he was the man who introduced me to Christ.
Maybe it was not one moment upon which I can sight, where he sat me down and told me why I should believe. Instead it was the faithful Sunday mornings where he led the whole family to church. Instead it was the faithful example of serving which immersed me into the ‘body of Christ’. Instead it was the love to God he displayed which introduced me to the Creator of all things.
Then from this example, this discipleship making process my father faithfully carried out, my personal relationship with Christ was born. Not from one particular moment, but instead by walking the road with Jesus until he became my friend and my true love.
Many times we look at making disciples as this singular act we are commanded to carry out. Go out into the world, knock on someone’s door, and ask them if they know Jesus. This may be a calling for someone you know, but this is not necessarily how God desires us to make disciples. The disciple-making process may be much like what my father did—setting an example that someone can follow.
The passage that was shared at the beginning of the email has so much truth. Almost everyone that hears the gospel for the first time hears the gospel from someone else. Therefore it is from the feet of all who believe which carry the message into the world.
And there is something very important to catch within the writing of the Apostle Paul here. He clearly makes reference to our feet, not our mouth. The message Paul proclaims is that it is not the mouth which shares the good news, but it is the feet that shares the good news. It is the messenger, not necessarily the words the messenger uses.
For our walking the road with Jesus, walking to a friend in need, walking down into communities which need help, walking through the lobby in-between services at Northshore, walking to our spouse who is crying; all of this walking with our feet is setting an example for others to follow. It is the light upon where people in the darkness can see.
The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians:
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 NKJV
Once we have Christ in our life, we have a very special presence within us. We are carriers of light. We are the jars of clay upon where God has poured this light into. And when we walk throughout this world, we are noticed because our light within shines out in the sea of darkness which surrounds us.
Therefore in order to make disciples, the first thing we need to do is to live a life upon where others can use you as an example. This is because people are watching, maybe even for years like my life with my father. Then one day, maybe without you even knowing, your example of carrying the light and setting the example may make a disciple of someone you may never even meet on this side of eternity.
My prayer is that all of us may realize this type of disciple-making in our lives and live the life God so desires us to live…
God bless each one of you in the week ahead and I look forward to meeting with you soon.
Prayer requests
Monte – pray for his employment situation and that he will find work soon, pray that he will find someone who can help him work on his car
Craig – pray that he will be able to continue to seek God, pray for his parents to find God in their lives, pray for a friend Cathy who has liver cancer
Steve – pray that he will find faith in God
Ramon – pray for strength and healing of wife, pray that he will have a great time in Hawaii and a peaceful, safe vacation with his wife
Gary – pray for strength in working with IRS, pray that he will have the strength to work extended hours as his staff is shorthanded
Greg – pray for all the people within the Church who is having trouble and need comfort
Ernie – pray for the health of his wife, pray that his daughter may be able to lock in a good rate for their mortgage and people will be able to help
David – pray that the Spirit will lead him in his life and guide him in everything he needs
Mark – pray for continued financial discernment with His money, pray for this group that God may continue to shape its future and use this group of men for His purpose, pray that I may set a disciple-making example for my daughter to watch
***Pray for relationship building throughout the Northshore Christian Church
Continued prayer needs
Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord
Tim – pray that his son will hear God and that he will be able to provide the right parenting necessary
Carmine – pray for the personal problems of a friend while she is going through a divorce
Keith – pay that Christian guidance will be brought into the life of Cory, pray for a friend Nate who continues to be without work
Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures
Larry – pray for leadership in leading group of men with CTL, pray for the Marriage Seminar which is coming quickly and the leaders of this seminar in order to strengthen families
Kelcy – praise for the success of his mother’s surgery, pray for the surgery of Al Moran’s shoulder, pray for pastors and staff
Dick – pray for strength in new employment
Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, April 9th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, April 23rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting in the Fireside room at Northshore Christian Church
Memory Verse
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV
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