Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Joab said, ‘If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to rescue me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will rescue you. Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight.’” 1 Chronicles 19:12-13 NIV
Factions are a very dangerous thing in society. We see it in politics where different people pledge their allegiance to different candidates. We see this type of division in our workplaces where people follow the lead of different supervisors. This even happens even within our families with relatives rallying around different parents, cousins, aunts, or uncles.
These divisions cause difficulties and even further divide people because feelings of frustration, anger, or confusion develop. Sometimes this divide is so great that divisions last for years and affect numerous people well beyond where the original divide first began.
Unfortunately the Church has not been immune to such factions and have been there since the beginning. Divisions developed because people followed the teaching of one particular leader or one particular ministry before following their allegiance in Christ. The Apostle Paul noticed this within the Corinthian people when he spoke about divisions based upon feelings of jealousy or strife (1 Corinthians 3:3-4). He said this type of behavior is being merely human, not focused on what the foundation is for each one of us who believe, our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).
This brings us to 1 Chronicles 19 where Joab said something very instructive to how we should conduct ourselves as Christians. See it would have been very easy for Joab to put his personal interest above everything else. He was surrounded on all sides by the Ammonites (v 10) and could have found it very tempting to surrender or retreat.
But instead of focusing on his own personal interest, he turned his focus on the people upon whom he was serving and reached toward the Lord for guidance. His focus went heavenly and gave his complete allegiance to the Lord when he said ‘the Lord will do what is good in his sight.’ This is the example of a godly leader and one who understood there are no factions when it comes to the Lord.
The Church needs to live by this type of example and know we are in a common battle, share a common foundation in our Lord Jesus Christ, and no matter the ministry we serve it all is for the glory of God.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians about this type of unity when he said:
“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 4:4-6 NIV
Brothers, it is very difficult to live out this type of unity because all of us have seen the Lord work in different ways. All of us have seen the Lord work in different ministries and therefore supporting one ministry over another ‘just because we believe it is the most important ministry in the Church’ is a very easy mindset to fall into. I have fallen prey to this type of mindset at times.
Yet there is one God and Father of all, and my prayer is that this reality becomes prevalent in every decision we make. May each one of us come together in Christ and ensure we are following his lead. If He calls us to serve, may we serve wherever that may be. If He calls us to follow, may we follow wherever He may lead. If He calls us to love, may we love however He desires...
Then the true revelation of his ultimate providence will be revealed in due time and His glory will be exalted forever and ever…
Prayer requests
Tim D – pray that he will be able to continually do his ministry throughout his sphere of influence
Steve – pray for his father who has a cancer screening this week and that His will be done
Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife
Tim W – pray for continued spiritual growth
Paul – pray for guidance at home, pray for an open heart, pray for safety during travel this week
Vince – pray for financial support on his medical bills and other grants
Greg – pray for Timothy Nelson who is continuing to have some heart trouble
Tim H – pray for boss Leo who has some struggles which may be coming his way at work
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness
David – pray that the Lord will guide him in his finances
Mark – pray for the health of family, pray for father-in-law Gerry who was diagnosed last week with having a mass on his adrenal gland, pray that the Lord will continue to guide and shape this group for his purpose, pray for continued strength
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Bill M – pray for the family during the loss of his father-in-law to cancer this past week, pray for the health Bill with cancer, pray for healing of a rash on his leg, pray for his neighbor who had an aneurism
Ernie – pray for sister-in-law, pray for grandson and his upcoming surgery
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return
Kevin – pray the Lord will guide him in making the right decisions on a job path, pray for the government and all of the leaders in this country
Sky – pray that he will be accepted into the RN program at college for this fall
Larry Miller – pray for wife Sandy’s mother that she continues to remain healthy, praise God for healing her of her recent illness
Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church
Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry
Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease
Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord
Carmine – pray that he can deal with the stresses of work
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, August 27th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in either the Fireside Room or Main Auditorium.
Wednesday, September 3rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, September 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
August 27th we will be having a special night of prayer. That evening we will be looking into the scriptures on the meaning of prayer during our usual time of fellowship. But we will close the meeting with a special time of prayer…
September 10th is going to be a kickoff barbecue for the Men’s Ministry. More information can be found in the bulletin. Please make sure to RSVP with EmilyV@northshorechristian.org
Remember, we are going to be going to the fall every-other week schedule starting in September. But always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…
Memory Verse
“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Acts 2:42 Men's Fellowship Schedule 2008-2009
Brothers,
I wanted to share with you the schedule for Acts 2:42 through May of next year, so that all of us can schedule other commitments in case there is a conflict.
Just like last year we will meet every other Wednesday at Northshore, continuing to study the scriptures, joining together in fellowship, and sharing a moment of prayer each meeting.
In no way will attendance be required to remain part of the group, because I believe this group stretches well beyond the two hours we meet each Wednesday evening. But I thought since other ministries will be starting up here in the next few weeks at Northshore, many of you would like to know our schedule and how this group is planning on meeting through the fall and winter months of 2008-2009.
Each one of you have become a part this group by the divine providence of God--I truly believe this to be true. Therefore continue to pray how God is calling you to be used this year for His glory. If you join us each meeting, my prayer is that you will be blessed and you will be a blessing to others in Acts 2:42, for God continues to use each one of us regularly to encourage and lift up others.
Therefore I look forward to seeing each one of you in the days and weeks ahead. May God continue to bless each one of you in your daily journey and continue to strengthen your faith in Him...
In Christ,
Mark
Acts 2:42 Meeting Schedule 2008-2009
** All meetings are Wednesday at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted
September 3, 2008
September 17, 2008
October 1, 2008
October 15, 2008
October 29, 2008
November 12, 2008
November 24, 2008 (Monday meeting)
December 10, 2008
December 29, 2008 (Monday, Christmas / New Year meeting)
January 14, 2009
January 28, 2009
February 11, 2009
February 25, 2009
March 11, 2009
March 25, 2009
April 8, 2009
April 22, 2009
May 6, 2009
May 20, 2009
(Start of Summer Schedule 2009)
I wanted to share with you the schedule for Acts 2:42 through May of next year, so that all of us can schedule other commitments in case there is a conflict.
Just like last year we will meet every other Wednesday at Northshore, continuing to study the scriptures, joining together in fellowship, and sharing a moment of prayer each meeting.
In no way will attendance be required to remain part of the group, because I believe this group stretches well beyond the two hours we meet each Wednesday evening. But I thought since other ministries will be starting up here in the next few weeks at Northshore, many of you would like to know our schedule and how this group is planning on meeting through the fall and winter months of 2008-2009.
Each one of you have become a part this group by the divine providence of God--I truly believe this to be true. Therefore continue to pray how God is calling you to be used this year for His glory. If you join us each meeting, my prayer is that you will be blessed and you will be a blessing to others in Acts 2:42, for God continues to use each one of us regularly to encourage and lift up others.
Therefore I look forward to seeing each one of you in the days and weeks ahead. May God continue to bless each one of you in your daily journey and continue to strengthen your faith in Him...
In Christ,
Mark
Acts 2:42 Meeting Schedule 2008-2009
** All meetings are Wednesday at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted
September 3, 2008
September 17, 2008
October 1, 2008
October 15, 2008
October 29, 2008
November 12, 2008
November 24, 2008 (Monday meeting)
December 10, 2008
December 29, 2008 (Monday, Christmas / New Year meeting)
January 14, 2009
January 28, 2009
February 11, 2009
February 25, 2009
March 11, 2009
March 25, 2009
April 8, 2009
April 22, 2009
May 6, 2009
May 20, 2009
(Start of Summer Schedule 2009)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7 NIV
“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Romans 15:7 NKJV
It is always very interesting to look different versions of the Scriptures in order to deepen your study of the Word. Each version uses the language a little different and I truly believe it helps all of us contextualize a little further about what God wants to teach us.
Yet let us understand that all of what is written is the divine Word of God regardless of the translation. All of us who have come on a Wednesday night have certainly seen this truth at work, because many times we will read something from two or three versions and grasp the meaning of what God is saying with even greater clarity.
So I could not help to share the passage at the beginning of this email in both the New International Version and the New King James Version with this same hope. Because I believe there is something very special about what the Apostle Paul is saying here to the Romans. This verse goes to the heart of what I believe this fellowship is about and what God’s desire is for the entire Church.
Each week all of us have the opportunity to welcome others into our homes, our fellowships, our small groups, our families, and even our Church. Many times these people who we welcome are our friends, but at times they may be a stranger or someone who we do not even know. And there may even be times when this person could even be our enemy or someone who is counter to everything we stand for or believe.
But this act of accepting others is very important because it is not just a greeting or an invitation; it is an act of love.
God wants his people to be those who see people for who they really are—a creation of Him in his very image. Everyone has been blessed with this very same trait and each person has been created for a very unique purpose. So we should never brush off anyone just because of their external image, but instead focus on the internal being of who they really are.
The Greek word used for the word welcome in the NIV and the word receive in the NKJV in this verse is the word proslambanÅ which literally means to take to, take in addition, or to take to one’s self. This is a very key understanding to seeing what God desires when we are welcoming others.
Because it is not just an opportunity you provide others in order that they may be your guest. We should not welcome others just so they can join us for the moment. This unfortunately I believe is the attitude of many churches and even many Christian people today. Many will say, “Let us welcome others for the moment so that maybe they will become part of the family.”
I believe we are to go one step further and welcome others for eternity. We are take others into us in order that they may be joined to us. By connecting others to us in a way that makes everyone one we just don’t unite with them for the moment through the front door, but unite with them for life by joining them in the living room. We are called by God to proslambanÅ others.
The Apostle Paul shared with us about how we are to live this type of life when he said:
“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:2 NKJV
When we walk in love, we welcome others. For there is nothing more welcoming then when we look at others for what God has made them for, not what they have become. When this happens, we bring others into us so that Christ may touch their lives.
Brothers, true fellowship is built around this type of love and acceptance. If we can have this occur, the Lord will truly be able to work with the lives of all of us. For granting access into your life starts with the heart and this is the meaning of fellowship…
Therefore my prayer is that we may receive others into this fellowship and into Northshore with this attitude in place. Then God will be glorified…
Prayer requests
Ernie – pray for sister-in-law, pray for grandson and his upcoming surgery
Tim D – pray that he will be able to remain focused on the Lord
Steve – pray that his mind will be cleansed by the Lord
Bill M – pray for the family during the loss of his father-in-law to cancer this past week, pray for the health Bill with cancer, pray for healing of a rash on his leg, pray for his neighbor who had an aneurism
Paul – pray for guidance at home, pray for an open heart, pray for safety during travel this week and next
Gary – pray for strength as life sometimes gets heavy
Kevin – pray the Lord will guide him in making the right decisions on a job path, pray for the government and all of the leaders in this country
Vince – pray that he can apply more of scripture in everyday life, pray that he can forgive his brother, pray for his thought life
Greg – pray for Timothy Nelson who is continuing to have some heart trouble
Tim H – pray that he will be able to be able to witness at his upcoming 30 year High School reunion
David – pray that Big Al will be able to find a new car
Mark – pray for the financial situation of family as we continue to work through maternity leave, pray that mind will be cleansed of any negative thoughts, pray that he will have strength to finish everything this week, pray for the Paul Lowell’s wife who lost her mother yesterday
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return
Sky – pray that he will be accepted into the RN program at college for this fall
Larry Miller – pray for wife Sandy’s mother that she continues to remain healthy, praise God for healing her of her recent illness
Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church
Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry
Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease
Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord
Carmine – pray that he can find ways to lower his blood pressure which was very high recently
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
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 become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, August 20th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church.
Wednesday, August 27th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, September 3rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
August 27th we will be having a special night of prayer. That evening we will be looking into the scriptures on the meaning of prayer during our usual time of fellowship. But we will close the meeting with a special time of prayer… More will be shared in the next few meetings.
September 10th is going to be a kickoff barbecue for the Men’s Ministry. More information can be found in the bulletin. Please make sure to RSVP with EmilyV@northshorechristian.org
Memory Verse
“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7 NIV
“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Romans 15:7 NKJV
It is always very interesting to look different versions of the Scriptures in order to deepen your study of the Word. Each version uses the language a little different and I truly believe it helps all of us contextualize a little further about what God wants to teach us.
Yet let us understand that all of what is written is the divine Word of God regardless of the translation. All of us who have come on a Wednesday night have certainly seen this truth at work, because many times we will read something from two or three versions and grasp the meaning of what God is saying with even greater clarity.
So I could not help to share the passage at the beginning of this email in both the New International Version and the New King James Version with this same hope. Because I believe there is something very special about what the Apostle Paul is saying here to the Romans. This verse goes to the heart of what I believe this fellowship is about and what God’s desire is for the entire Church.
Each week all of us have the opportunity to welcome others into our homes, our fellowships, our small groups, our families, and even our Church. Many times these people who we welcome are our friends, but at times they may be a stranger or someone who we do not even know. And there may even be times when this person could even be our enemy or someone who is counter to everything we stand for or believe.
But this act of accepting others is very important because it is not just a greeting or an invitation; it is an act of love.
God wants his people to be those who see people for who they really are—a creation of Him in his very image. Everyone has been blessed with this very same trait and each person has been created for a very unique purpose. So we should never brush off anyone just because of their external image, but instead focus on the internal being of who they really are.
The Greek word used for the word welcome in the NIV and the word receive in the NKJV in this verse is the word proslambanÅ which literally means to take to, take in addition, or to take to one’s self. This is a very key understanding to seeing what God desires when we are welcoming others.
Because it is not just an opportunity you provide others in order that they may be your guest. We should not welcome others just so they can join us for the moment. This unfortunately I believe is the attitude of many churches and even many Christian people today. Many will say, “Let us welcome others for the moment so that maybe they will become part of the family.”
I believe we are to go one step further and welcome others for eternity. We are take others into us in order that they may be joined to us. By connecting others to us in a way that makes everyone one we just don’t unite with them for the moment through the front door, but unite with them for life by joining them in the living room. We are called by God to proslambanÅ others.
The Apostle Paul shared with us about how we are to live this type of life when he said:
“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:2 NKJV
When we walk in love, we welcome others. For there is nothing more welcoming then when we look at others for what God has made them for, not what they have become. When this happens, we bring others into us so that Christ may touch their lives.
Brothers, true fellowship is built around this type of love and acceptance. If we can have this occur, the Lord will truly be able to work with the lives of all of us. For granting access into your life starts with the heart and this is the meaning of fellowship…
Therefore my prayer is that we may receive others into this fellowship and into Northshore with this attitude in place. Then God will be glorified…
Prayer requests
Ernie – pray for sister-in-law, pray for grandson and his upcoming surgery
Tim D – pray that he will be able to remain focused on the Lord
Steve – pray that his mind will be cleansed by the Lord
Bill M – pray for the family during the loss of his father-in-law to cancer this past week, pray for the health Bill with cancer, pray for healing of a rash on his leg, pray for his neighbor who had an aneurism
Paul – pray for guidance at home, pray for an open heart, pray for safety during travel this week and next
Gary – pray for strength as life sometimes gets heavy
Kevin – pray the Lord will guide him in making the right decisions on a job path, pray for the government and all of the leaders in this country
Vince – pray that he can apply more of scripture in everyday life, pray that he can forgive his brother, pray for his thought life
Greg – pray for Timothy Nelson who is continuing to have some heart trouble
Tim H – pray that he will be able to be able to witness at his upcoming 30 year High School reunion
David – pray that Big Al will be able to find a new car
Mark – pray for the financial situation of family as we continue to work through maternity leave, pray that mind will be cleansed of any negative thoughts, pray that he will have strength to finish everything this week, pray for the Paul Lowell’s wife who lost her mother yesterday
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return
Sky – pray that he will be accepted into the RN program at college for this fall
Larry Miller – pray for wife Sandy’s mother that she continues to remain healthy, praise God for healing her of her recent illness
Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church
Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry
Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease
Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord
Carmine – pray that he can find ways to lower his blood pressure which was very high recently
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
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 become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, August 20th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church.
Wednesday, August 27th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, September 3rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
August 27th we will be having a special night of prayer. That evening we will be looking into the scriptures on the meaning of prayer during our usual time of fellowship. But we will close the meeting with a special time of prayer… More will be shared in the next few meetings.
September 10th is going to be a kickoff barbecue for the Men’s Ministry. More information can be found in the bulletin. Please make sure to RSVP with EmilyV@northshorechristian.org
Memory Verse
“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV
Monday, August 11, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV
Every four years I find myself glued to the television, watching some sporting event that I never would find time to watch if it were not for the Olympics. There is something about the Olympics, something about the thrill of the race which keeps me up to crazy hours of the night, cheering on the “good guys” that they may once again bring home the gold medal.
Last night was one of those nights when I watched the United States swimming team defeat the favored team from France in the Men’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay. It was awesome when the last swimmer of the relay overcame his opponent in the final 50 meters to not only win the gold medal for the United States, but to break the world record. So of course it would only seem appropriate to write something about the Olympics here in this message…
But this is not too far of a stretch to consider, because this is the type of race the Apostle Paul is asking each one of us to run here in this verse written to the Corinthians. He desires all of us, even when it seems the odds in this world are stacked against us, to run the race in such a way that we aim for the prize regardless of the obstacles which may be before us.
When we consider this type of athlete Paul is referring to, I believe there are some key qualities that he is asking us to have as we run the race: commitment, confidence, integrity, passion. There are many other qualities one could think of, but all of theme is designed to help us develop into the most complete athlete we can become.
I could spend time writing about each one, giving reasons why I believe they are important to have; but I believe there is something much more important to discuss because the world is in the business training a completely different athlete.
Instead of building up an athlete that is enthusiastic about the race or emotionally involved with others in the race, the world is training people to become what I like to call—the apathetic athlete. The enthusiasm is gone; the hope has been removed; the team has been replaced by the me; and now everything has been lost to apathy. I will be the first to tell you that I also have been the apathetic athlete as well at times.
Yet we are called to a higher calling as Christians. We must combat the lack of interest in our own spiritual growth and the growth of our fellow brothers and sisters by shedding the lack of apathy we have in the Church. Maintaining the status quo is no longer an option as the world continues its increase underneath the doors of our homes, schools, and churches throughout America.
But God has given us his Son to help us find the passion to run the race enthusiastically and cheer on others to run the race as well. The prophet Hosea shared this hope over 700 years before Christ when he said:
“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 NIV
We must not only acknowledge the Lord, but we must press on to acknowledge him. When we are struggling, dealing with the challenges and hurdles of the race, we are to press on through and find Him. This is our calling as Christians.
And let us not become discouraged because as surely as the sun rises, he will appear when we seek Him out. He will be there to refresh our strength when we find Him during the race that all of us are running.
Therefore my prayer is that each one of us will fight off apathy and continue to find the passion for Him that has been given to each one of us through Christ. Let us encourage one another on this race because the race is a relay, upon where we need each other, to help carry the message of hope to the ends of the earth…
The hope that only matters… our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer requests
Ernie – pray for wife that she may be healed of her pancreas problems, pray for Joe Marine who was involved in a boating accident
Tim D – pray that he will be the salt and light at his new job
Steve – pray that the Lord will help anyone who is struggling in this group
Bill M – pray that Bill’s wife can continue to deal with stress and that she may find peace
Paul – pray for guidance in making the right bids at work
Gary – pray for wife as she has reconstructive surgery this week to help fix her medical issues she is dealing with
Kevin – pray the Lord will guide him in making the right decisions on a job path, pray for the government and all of the leaders in this country
Vince – pray that the Lord will bring him peace, joy, and wisdom during the week ahead
Greg – pray for wife and the health issues she is dealing with, pray for Church leadership that they will make the best decisions for the congregation
Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
David – pray the Holy Spirit will work through the Church and do His will
Mark – pray that family can make it through the next few weeks financially as we work with one income, pray that I may continue to be on mission, pray the Lord will continue to use me during the weeks and months ahead
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Tim H – pray that his family as a whole will become closer to one another even during the loss of a particular members of the family, pray for job change that it will go smooth
Sky – pray that he will be accepted into the RN program at college for this fall
Larry Miller – pray for wife Sandy’s mother that she continues to remain healthy, praise God for healing her of her recent illness
Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church
Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry
Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease
Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord
Carmine – pray that he can find ways to lower his blood pressure which was very high recently
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
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 become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, August 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church.
Wednesday, August 20th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, August 27th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
August 27th we will be having a special night of prayer. That evening we will be looking into the scriptures on the meaning of prayer during our usual time of fellowship. But we will close the meeting with a special time of prayer… More will be shared in the next few meetings.
Memory Verse
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4 NIV
“Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV
Every four years I find myself glued to the television, watching some sporting event that I never would find time to watch if it were not for the Olympics. There is something about the Olympics, something about the thrill of the race which keeps me up to crazy hours of the night, cheering on the “good guys” that they may once again bring home the gold medal.
Last night was one of those nights when I watched the United States swimming team defeat the favored team from France in the Men’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay. It was awesome when the last swimmer of the relay overcame his opponent in the final 50 meters to not only win the gold medal for the United States, but to break the world record. So of course it would only seem appropriate to write something about the Olympics here in this message…
But this is not too far of a stretch to consider, because this is the type of race the Apostle Paul is asking each one of us to run here in this verse written to the Corinthians. He desires all of us, even when it seems the odds in this world are stacked against us, to run the race in such a way that we aim for the prize regardless of the obstacles which may be before us.
When we consider this type of athlete Paul is referring to, I believe there are some key qualities that he is asking us to have as we run the race: commitment, confidence, integrity, passion. There are many other qualities one could think of, but all of theme is designed to help us develop into the most complete athlete we can become.
I could spend time writing about each one, giving reasons why I believe they are important to have; but I believe there is something much more important to discuss because the world is in the business training a completely different athlete.
Instead of building up an athlete that is enthusiastic about the race or emotionally involved with others in the race, the world is training people to become what I like to call—the apathetic athlete. The enthusiasm is gone; the hope has been removed; the team has been replaced by the me; and now everything has been lost to apathy. I will be the first to tell you that I also have been the apathetic athlete as well at times.
Yet we are called to a higher calling as Christians. We must combat the lack of interest in our own spiritual growth and the growth of our fellow brothers and sisters by shedding the lack of apathy we have in the Church. Maintaining the status quo is no longer an option as the world continues its increase underneath the doors of our homes, schools, and churches throughout America.
But God has given us his Son to help us find the passion to run the race enthusiastically and cheer on others to run the race as well. The prophet Hosea shared this hope over 700 years before Christ when he said:
“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 NIV
We must not only acknowledge the Lord, but we must press on to acknowledge him. When we are struggling, dealing with the challenges and hurdles of the race, we are to press on through and find Him. This is our calling as Christians.
And let us not become discouraged because as surely as the sun rises, he will appear when we seek Him out. He will be there to refresh our strength when we find Him during the race that all of us are running.
Therefore my prayer is that each one of us will fight off apathy and continue to find the passion for Him that has been given to each one of us through Christ. Let us encourage one another on this race because the race is a relay, upon where we need each other, to help carry the message of hope to the ends of the earth…
The hope that only matters… our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer requests
Ernie – pray for wife that she may be healed of her pancreas problems, pray for Joe Marine who was involved in a boating accident
Tim D – pray that he will be the salt and light at his new job
Steve – pray that the Lord will help anyone who is struggling in this group
Bill M – pray that Bill’s wife can continue to deal with stress and that she may find peace
Paul – pray for guidance in making the right bids at work
Gary – pray for wife as she has reconstructive surgery this week to help fix her medical issues she is dealing with
Kevin – pray the Lord will guide him in making the right decisions on a job path, pray for the government and all of the leaders in this country
Vince – pray that the Lord will bring him peace, joy, and wisdom during the week ahead
Greg – pray for wife and the health issues she is dealing with, pray for Church leadership that they will make the best decisions for the congregation
Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
David – pray the Holy Spirit will work through the Church and do His will
Mark – pray that family can make it through the next few weeks financially as we work with one income, pray that I may continue to be on mission, pray the Lord will continue to use me during the weeks and months ahead
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Tim H – pray that his family as a whole will become closer to one another even during the loss of a particular members of the family, pray for job change that it will go smooth
Sky – pray that he will be accepted into the RN program at college for this fall
Larry Miller – pray for wife Sandy’s mother that she continues to remain healthy, praise God for healing her of her recent illness
Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church
Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry
Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease
Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord
Carmine – pray that he can find ways to lower his blood pressure which was very high recently
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
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 become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, August 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church.
Wednesday, August 20th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, August 27th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
August 27th we will be having a special night of prayer. That evening we will be looking into the scriptures on the meaning of prayer during our usual time of fellowship. But we will close the meeting with a special time of prayer… More will be shared in the next few meetings.
Memory Verse
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4 NIV
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8 NIV
This past week I have been reading a book titled Quicknotes Christian History Guidebook by Carol and Roddy Smith. A very easy read compared to the academic books I have come across on the topic of Christian history. So I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to know how the Christian Church has developed since Christ, without having to dredge through deep academic thought.
So once again I realized that anytime someone looks at Christian history in depth, the one striking characteristic of the early Christian Church is how similar it is to the Church today. Many of the different views that persist throughout the Church today have already been addressed by the historical Church in one form or another.
We only have to consider how true Solomon was when he declared, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV)
Therefore there is great value in studying history and looking into the discussions of early Church fathers in order to see how many of the issues which exist today in the Church were worked out in years past.
Yet there must also be a word of caution, because history can be a very dangerous thing as well. The Apostle Paul understood how deceptive man can be in their rituals and traditions when they are based upon human wisdom. Over time rituals and traditions can replace the true meaning of Christ with a hollow version of who He truly was. So this morning we end up within a very powerful verse written by the Apostle Paul…
Probably no other verse in the Word takes the issue of deceptive philosophy head on like Colossians 2:8 does. In fact, the Greek word for philosophy in this verse is philosophia, which literally means “love of wisdom”. It is only used once in the entire Bible, right here in this verse.
What the Apostle Paul is therefore warning us not to do is look toward the world for wisdom and guidance. This world can offer no higher knowledge to living then what our Lord Jesus Christ offers, for we are not of this world when we have been born-again.
And the Apostle Paul even further qualified this exclusive nature of our Lord when he shared with the Galatians:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7 NIV
Brothers, I truly believe we are to rest everything on our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything which exists only exists within one dimension—the distance from our Lord. We need to ensure each day we are not turning to the gospel of men, but resting our faith on the gospel of truth.
Therefore as we continue to move forward as a group, I pray that we all can measure everything shared as a group with the only standard that matters—the Word. Nothing else matters. My opinion doesn’t matter. Instead let us live like the Bereans did so long ago by examining the Scriptures daily to see if all things were true (Acts 17:11)…
If this happens, the history of this group when it has been written will not reflect any tradition of men; but instead the history of this group will only reflect the thing that matters—our Lord working through each one of us…
Prayer requests
Ernie – pray for wife that she may be healed of her pancreas problems, pray for Joe Marine who was involved in a boating accident
Tim D – pray that he may grow closer to God
Paul – pray for guidance in making the right bids at work
Gary – pray for wife who may have to have surgery to help correct a health issue, pray that the Lord can help fill this feeling of emptiness
Kevin – pray the Lord will guide him in making the right decisions on a job path, pray for the government and all of the leaders in this country
Steve – pray that the Lord will help anyone who is struggling in this group
Bill M – pray that he will be able to lose some weight to help with the prostate condition, pray for making the best decision on treatment
Vince – pray that the Lord will look after his exwife and continue to bring her closer to Him, pray for healing in hand, pray for financial support in the bills that he is having
Greg – pray for the Men’s ministry
David – pray for teaching him to hear God’s voice more clearly
Mark – pray for financial discernment in using God’s money wisely, pray for the health of the Church
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Tim H – pray that his family as a whole will become closer to one another even during the loss of a particular members of the family, pray for job change that it will go smooth
Ramon – pray for Brett S who has a liver disease which is progressing and needs treatment or possible transplant, pray that both his wife and him will walk more in Christ each day
Sky – pray that he will be accepted into the RN program at college for this fall
Larry Miller – pray for wife Sandy’s mother who is hospitalized with a ‘mass’ found on her pancreas, pray that her father may have peace during this time
Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church
Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry
Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease
Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord
Carmine – pray that he can find ways to lower his blood pressure which was very high recently
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
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 become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, August 6th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church.
Wednesday, August 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, August 20th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
August 27th we will be having a special night of prayer. That evening we will be looking into the scriptures on the meaning of prayer during our usual time of fellowship. But we will close the meeting with a special time of prayer… More will be shared in the next few meetings.
Memory Verse
“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NKJV
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8 NIV
This past week I have been reading a book titled Quicknotes Christian History Guidebook by Carol and Roddy Smith. A very easy read compared to the academic books I have come across on the topic of Christian history. So I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to know how the Christian Church has developed since Christ, without having to dredge through deep academic thought.
So once again I realized that anytime someone looks at Christian history in depth, the one striking characteristic of the early Christian Church is how similar it is to the Church today. Many of the different views that persist throughout the Church today have already been addressed by the historical Church in one form or another.
We only have to consider how true Solomon was when he declared, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV)
Therefore there is great value in studying history and looking into the discussions of early Church fathers in order to see how many of the issues which exist today in the Church were worked out in years past.
Yet there must also be a word of caution, because history can be a very dangerous thing as well. The Apostle Paul understood how deceptive man can be in their rituals and traditions when they are based upon human wisdom. Over time rituals and traditions can replace the true meaning of Christ with a hollow version of who He truly was. So this morning we end up within a very powerful verse written by the Apostle Paul…
Probably no other verse in the Word takes the issue of deceptive philosophy head on like Colossians 2:8 does. In fact, the Greek word for philosophy in this verse is philosophia, which literally means “love of wisdom”. It is only used once in the entire Bible, right here in this verse.
What the Apostle Paul is therefore warning us not to do is look toward the world for wisdom and guidance. This world can offer no higher knowledge to living then what our Lord Jesus Christ offers, for we are not of this world when we have been born-again.
And the Apostle Paul even further qualified this exclusive nature of our Lord when he shared with the Galatians:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7 NIV
Brothers, I truly believe we are to rest everything on our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything which exists only exists within one dimension—the distance from our Lord. We need to ensure each day we are not turning to the gospel of men, but resting our faith on the gospel of truth.
Therefore as we continue to move forward as a group, I pray that we all can measure everything shared as a group with the only standard that matters—the Word. Nothing else matters. My opinion doesn’t matter. Instead let us live like the Bereans did so long ago by examining the Scriptures daily to see if all things were true (Acts 17:11)…
If this happens, the history of this group when it has been written will not reflect any tradition of men; but instead the history of this group will only reflect the thing that matters—our Lord working through each one of us…
Prayer requests
Ernie – pray for wife that she may be healed of her pancreas problems, pray for Joe Marine who was involved in a boating accident
Tim D – pray that he may grow closer to God
Paul – pray for guidance in making the right bids at work
Gary – pray for wife who may have to have surgery to help correct a health issue, pray that the Lord can help fill this feeling of emptiness
Kevin – pray the Lord will guide him in making the right decisions on a job path, pray for the government and all of the leaders in this country
Steve – pray that the Lord will help anyone who is struggling in this group
Bill M – pray that he will be able to lose some weight to help with the prostate condition, pray for making the best decision on treatment
Vince – pray that the Lord will look after his exwife and continue to bring her closer to Him, pray for healing in hand, pray for financial support in the bills that he is having
Greg – pray for the Men’s ministry
David – pray for teaching him to hear God’s voice more clearly
Mark – pray for financial discernment in using God’s money wisely, pray for the health of the Church
***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message
Continued prayer needs
Tim H – pray that his family as a whole will become closer to one another even during the loss of a particular members of the family, pray for job change that it will go smooth
Ramon – pray for Brett S who has a liver disease which is progressing and needs treatment or possible transplant, pray that both his wife and him will walk more in Christ each day
Sky – pray that he will be accepted into the RN program at college for this fall
Larry Miller – pray for wife Sandy’s mother who is hospitalized with a ‘mass’ found on her pancreas, pray that her father may have peace during this time
Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church
Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry
Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease
Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord
Carmine – pray that he can find ways to lower his blood pressure which was very high recently
Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with
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 become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body
Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life
Future Meetings
Wednesday, August 6th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church.
Wednesday, August 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, August 20th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
August 27th we will be having a special night of prayer. That evening we will be looking into the scriptures on the meaning of prayer during our usual time of fellowship. But we will close the meeting with a special time of prayer… More will be shared in the next few meetings.
Memory Verse
“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NKJV
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