Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5 NIV
We are definitely not living in ordinary times. If you have been watching the news or listening to the chatter on the streets, you will certainly realize that much of what we know is in a “state of change”. In fact there is a great amount of uncertainty about our economy or our standard of living right now. Many pundits are referring us to an event which happened eighty-years ago as the only benchmark which comes close to what we are facing today—the Great Depression.
Now there is no way to know what tomorrow brings or whether we are truly on the edge of this crucible. I am not here this morning to take up this debate. But I believe it is no coincidence why we find ourselves talking about the one institution which has existed throughout every difficult question or uncertainty—the Church.
Therefore I believe it has been by God’s providence why in this forum we have been discussing the meaning of the Church these past few weeks. For we could be entering difficult and dangerous times as a country and once again God may be asking the Church to stand strong in the midst of this storm. Yet we should not fear because God has made clear to each one of us that when we rest our foundation on Jesus, we can withstand any trial or difficulty (Matthew 11:28-30).
Which is why I believe this passage from 1st Peter is very relevant to our discussion today because we are the living stones of this Word. We are the spiritual house and the holy priesthood to this generation. Everything else may collapse and fall into oblivion, but we the Church will ultimately survive all difficulties and trials because we are of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11) and have built ourselves upon the one true foundation.
It was very interesting to recently read a secular book titled “The God that Did Not Fail” about the history of God in Western culture and all the changes which have occurred these past two thousand years. I would not recommend it to someone who was looking for a light read; but it was a very interesting book because the premise is about how God has remained a major part of the Western culture regardless to all the changes which have occurred.
The book points out how people have attempted to remove God from society. How people have attempted to set up false religions. How people have even tried to say God does not even play a significant part of daily life. Yet God continues to stand the test of time through the revelation of himself in our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we have secular books out there recognizing the impact God has had on society even during monumental changes throughout history, people must therefore be recognizing that God is in control. People must be saying that even though changes have occurred, there is a truth that cannot be changed. There is some standard that we all live by.
Which leads us to where we find the Church today because we are not in a position of weakness, we are in a glorious position. We can answer these questions for those who are seeking the truth. We can offer reasons why God has never failed. We can show others the Word and why God is our strength.
Acts 2:42 is widely noted as the blueprint of the Christian Church; yet what is significant about the beginning of the Church is not the blueprint, but the raw-material of a saved congregation. Read the few verses prior in Acts when Luke wrote:
“With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:40-41 NIV
If we are to carry on the Church through the difficult storms of today, let us start by telling people how to save themselves from the corrupt generation of today. Let us bring people to a saving relationship with Christ and call them into the family of saints. If the church is to be built Christ's way, it will be redeemed and therefore empowered by the Holy Spirit.
When the Church is built upon the rock of the gospel, nothing in this world can shake it from its foundation. Even the gates of Hades will not even be able to prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). This should give all of us the confidence to get through the shaking of today’s uncertain times.
Let us build…
Prayer requests
Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a new job
Bill M – pray that all of us here in the Church will be able to witness effectively, pray that his surgery will go well tomorrow, pray for his wife will be given peace and comfort during this time
Stephen G – pray for strength in teaching kids at school this week so they may learn and become better students
Greg – pray for a lady whose young son has been hospitalized with some serious medical conditions involving his pancreas, pray that the sleep apnea machine will help give him rest
Richard – pray for the health of his wife who is having some unknown skin problems
Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry, pray that he will be able to listen to God and follow His will
Tim W – pray for structural changes at work and that everything will go smooth
Steve – pray that this group will grow to affect others and make a larger impact on the church
Vince – pray for financial support in paying medical bills, pray that he will be able to get some help with insurance
Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for financial discernment and the difficulties we are going through, pray for the health of this country and that God may bring forth strong Christian leaders
***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God
Continued prayer needs
Kevin – pray for his youngest daughter and her boyfriend that they make smart choices, pray for exwife
David – pray that he will be able to serve in the children’s ministry and make a difference in the lives of kids
Ernie – pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer in the mouth and 16 hour surgery which is scheduled for September 30th
Ralph – pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything
Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will make an impact on the couples who attend Northshore
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife
Sky – pray for some financial help and that he can help make some additional income for the family
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness
Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return
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, October 1st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
**** Wednesday, October 8th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 22nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 29th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
I want to thank Tim Dresler for leading the group while I am leading CTL. Therefore we are able to meet every Wednesday night to go further in our study of the Word, fellowship with one another, and prayer… Join us when you can!!
In the coming weeks we are going to lay out the topics a little more in advance. Both Tim and I agree that we need to stay far enough ahead to give all of us the opportunity to dig deep into the word so that all of us may be transformed…
Always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…
Please keep October 9th open for the Prayer Connect event which is taking place at Northshore. It would be a great opportunity for all of us to come together and pray for the Church. More details will be coming soon…
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, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” Acts 9:31 NIV
This past weekend I went over to a friend’s house to pick up some furniture he was giving us for our son Matteo. When I spoke with his wife on the phone, she said it would be helpful if I came over before five o’clock. So like usual, I was running a little behind and arrived just before five. When I walked into the house I asked, ‘Are you guys going anywhere this evening?’ thinking there was a possibility we could get together for dinner. He said, ‘No… but we are having our ‘house church’ over for dinner. The pastor should be here any minute…’
I know they were looking at other churches, but I was still momentarily disappointed because I have been inviting them to come to Northshore for some time now. They came a few times, but they never really connected because I believe they were looking for something else…
My disappointment stemmed from the fact that it would be awesome to share fellowship together at Northshore and through some of the ministries here. My friend is a very knowledgeable guy on the scriptures and has an awesome heart. He has so many gifts that would benefit Northshore…
Then I remembered this verse from the book of Acts where it said ‘the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace’. They were not mentioned as a group of churches, but instead mentioned as the church. The entire region of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was looked upon by God as one universal church singular, not plural.
This is very exciting news and what a powerful message for all of us today. We are all connected as one universal church through our Lord Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection has united us as one family with those who believe in Marysville, Everett, and beyond. So instead of being disappointed, I should be excited to know that my friend is actually part of the same family, the same church…
Yet this did not happen initially when I heard about my friend attending a ‘house church’. Which brings me to the question—do we look at what unites or what divides the church? Because I really believe my reaction is not that different to how many people look at the church at times.
Just examine my disappointment. My view about my friend’s choice to join a ‘house church’ was almost initially looked upon as a decision to join another team. It was looked upon through my own ‘selfish’ lens about how this affects me. This happens every day to each one of us in and outside of the church. We have this ingrained tendency to look out for ourselves first, not how it plays into the larger picture.
But then five o’clock came and my friend’s pastor and his family arrived. A few minutes later a few other people showed up with all of them carrying this feeling of excitement and energy about what it means to be a part of this ‘house church’.
As I introduced myself and began to greet them, I realized that in a way I was carrying forth a similar message the Apostle Paul wrote to the people of Romans when he said:
“Greet also the church that meets at their house…” Romans 16:5a NIV
Which is what I believe is the truth—authentic relationships with others matter. This is where the church exists. When we connect with others, we live out the true meaning of the church. When we do not connect with others, the church cannot exist regardless to its size or programs. And this may become a higher priority as times become more difficult…
I believe the ‘house church’ my friend is attending exists because it is a place where real relationships have begun. You can just feel that type of connection when you meet this group of people…
Now I know life will always cause strain in relationships within any church because we are all different. All of us have different interests and see things sometimes very differently from one another.
But we should put our relationships with others as the very top priority outside of our relationship with Christ, because love is at the center. If we truly put this as our focus; real relationships will begin; friendships will develop; caring will happen. Then Northshore will have the same type of excitement of any ‘house church’ and therefore connect people to Christ…
Let us look at what unites, and pray about everything which divides…
Prayer requests
Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a job
Bill M – pray that the treatment will go as planned and will successfully remove the cancer
Stephen G – pray for strength in teaching kids at school this week so they may learn and become better students
Greg – pray for hearing from the doctor regarding his sleep apnea, pray for the leadership of Northshore
Richard – pray for the health of his wife who is having some unknown skin problems
Kevin – pray for his youngest daughter and her boyfriend that they make smart choices, pray for exwife
Ralph – pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything
David – pray that he will be able to serve in the children’s ministry and make a difference in the lives of kids
Ernie – pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer in the mouth and 16 hour surgery which is scheduled for September 30th
Tim W – pray for structural changes at work and that everything will go smooth
Steve – pray that this group will grow to affect others and make a larger impact on the church
Vince – pray for financial support in paying medical bills, pray for Destiny who was running a high fever
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for financial discernment and the difficulties we are going through, pray for the health of this country
***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God
Continued prayer needs
Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry
Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will make an impact on the couples who attend Northshore
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife
Sky – pray for some financial help and that he can help make some additional income for the family
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness
Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return
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, September 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
Wednesday, October 1st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 8th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 22nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
Remember, our focus is going to be on an every-other week schedule for those who wish to attend CTL. But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. Therefore please consider this as an option if you wish to continue meeting in fellowship with others and continuing in your growth in the Word…
Always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…
Please keep October 9th open for the Prayer Connect event which is taking place at Northshore. It would be a great opportunity for all of us to come together and pray for the Church. More details will be coming soon…
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
“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” Acts 9:31 NIV
This past weekend I went over to a friend’s house to pick up some furniture he was giving us for our son Matteo. When I spoke with his wife on the phone, she said it would be helpful if I came over before five o’clock. So like usual, I was running a little behind and arrived just before five. When I walked into the house I asked, ‘Are you guys going anywhere this evening?’ thinking there was a possibility we could get together for dinner. He said, ‘No… but we are having our ‘house church’ over for dinner. The pastor should be here any minute…’
I know they were looking at other churches, but I was still momentarily disappointed because I have been inviting them to come to Northshore for some time now. They came a few times, but they never really connected because I believe they were looking for something else…
My disappointment stemmed from the fact that it would be awesome to share fellowship together at Northshore and through some of the ministries here. My friend is a very knowledgeable guy on the scriptures and has an awesome heart. He has so many gifts that would benefit Northshore…
Then I remembered this verse from the book of Acts where it said ‘the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace’. They were not mentioned as a group of churches, but instead mentioned as the church. The entire region of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was looked upon by God as one universal church singular, not plural.
This is very exciting news and what a powerful message for all of us today. We are all connected as one universal church through our Lord Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection has united us as one family with those who believe in Marysville, Everett, and beyond. So instead of being disappointed, I should be excited to know that my friend is actually part of the same family, the same church…
Yet this did not happen initially when I heard about my friend attending a ‘house church’. Which brings me to the question—do we look at what unites or what divides the church? Because I really believe my reaction is not that different to how many people look at the church at times.
Just examine my disappointment. My view about my friend’s choice to join a ‘house church’ was almost initially looked upon as a decision to join another team. It was looked upon through my own ‘selfish’ lens about how this affects me. This happens every day to each one of us in and outside of the church. We have this ingrained tendency to look out for ourselves first, not how it plays into the larger picture.
But then five o’clock came and my friend’s pastor and his family arrived. A few minutes later a few other people showed up with all of them carrying this feeling of excitement and energy about what it means to be a part of this ‘house church’.
As I introduced myself and began to greet them, I realized that in a way I was carrying forth a similar message the Apostle Paul wrote to the people of Romans when he said:
“Greet also the church that meets at their house…” Romans 16:5a NIV
Which is what I believe is the truth—authentic relationships with others matter. This is where the church exists. When we connect with others, we live out the true meaning of the church. When we do not connect with others, the church cannot exist regardless to its size or programs. And this may become a higher priority as times become more difficult…
I believe the ‘house church’ my friend is attending exists because it is a place where real relationships have begun. You can just feel that type of connection when you meet this group of people…
Now I know life will always cause strain in relationships within any church because we are all different. All of us have different interests and see things sometimes very differently from one another.
But we should put our relationships with others as the very top priority outside of our relationship with Christ, because love is at the center. If we truly put this as our focus; real relationships will begin; friendships will develop; caring will happen. Then Northshore will have the same type of excitement of any ‘house church’ and therefore connect people to Christ…
Let us look at what unites, and pray about everything which divides…
Prayer requests
Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a job
Bill M – pray that the treatment will go as planned and will successfully remove the cancer
Stephen G – pray for strength in teaching kids at school this week so they may learn and become better students
Greg – pray for hearing from the doctor regarding his sleep apnea, pray for the leadership of Northshore
Richard – pray for the health of his wife who is having some unknown skin problems
Kevin – pray for his youngest daughter and her boyfriend that they make smart choices, pray for exwife
Ralph – pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything
David – pray that he will be able to serve in the children’s ministry and make a difference in the lives of kids
Ernie – pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer in the mouth and 16 hour surgery which is scheduled for September 30th
Tim W – pray for structural changes at work and that everything will go smooth
Steve – pray that this group will grow to affect others and make a larger impact on the church
Vince – pray for financial support in paying medical bills, pray for Destiny who was running a high fever
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for financial discernment and the difficulties we are going through, pray for the health of this country
***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God
Continued prayer needs
Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry
Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will make an impact on the couples who attend Northshore
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife
Sky – pray for some financial help and that he can help make some additional income for the family
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness
Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return
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, September 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
Wednesday, October 1st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 8th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 22nd, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
Remember, our focus is going to be on an every-other week schedule for those who wish to attend CTL. But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. Therefore please consider this as an option if you wish to continue meeting in fellowship with others and continuing in your growth in the Word…
Always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…
Please keep October 9th open for the Prayer Connect event which is taking place at Northshore. It would be a great opportunity for all of us to come together and pray for the Church. More details will be coming soon…
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, September 15, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV
Last week in this forum I began a conversation considering the meaning of the Church. It is nothing new, for over the past two thousand years the Church as we know it today has been having this discussion with a variety of results.
We should understand that in every place the Word goes forth into a culture, even one that may be radically different than ours, the result will be the same—God will save His people. But the instrument God uses to share this Word may be very different from one place to the next. For different cultural languages requires very different ways to communicate.
Many have discovered this as they have taken the good news into places afar, translating the Scripture into numerous languages. The modern evangelical church has discovered this by using contemporary music to worship the Lord. And today with the invention of the internet, churches have even moved into this venue by webcasting or sending messages via email.
Regardless to the means, the core message remains the same—Jesus Christ died on the cross to save all of us from our sins, resurrected on the third day, and ascended into to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father.
But the question still lingers, what is the meaning of the Church to us? What is the best way we can share this message of good news? What is the instrument we call Church here in Snohomish County to look like, so that we may truly reach the unreached?
These questions may be all one in the same, but all of them I believe lead us back to the passage at the beginning of this email from the book of Ephesians. For the church is not some fancy building or any one particular ministry. The church is not based upon size or the amount of people it touches on a weekly basis. Instead the church is you and I… the Church is people.
Therefore I truly believe none of us ever go to Church. Let me repeat this so you know it is not a typo, I believe none of us ever go to Church because we are the Church… Wherever we are, the Church is there. When we go home, the Church is there. When we go to work, the Church is there. When we come together in fellowship with one another, the Church is certainly there.
Whoever has accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior has become ‘a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit’. We have in essence become the holy temple of the Lord and therefore the Church. The Church is not only visible through the work of the saints, but the Church is also invisible through the lives of those who have been saved.
For the Apostle Paul understood the nature of the invisible Church when he wrote Timothy saying:
“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’…” 2 Timothy 2:19a NKJV
Many of us subconsciously when we are asked about our plans on Sunday morning will simply answer, ‘I am going to Church…’ I have made this comment numerous times in passing conversations with non-believers.
The reality is that we are the Church whenever and wherever, and God will use our testimony as proof of His work in this world. We become the hands and feet of the good news in order that it may be carried out into the hearts of men.
So do not consider yourself outside of the decision making process within the Church, for every decision you make is a decision of the Church. When you strengthen your relationship with Christ, the Church is strengthened as a result. When you make a decision to help the needy, the Church has made a decision to help the needy. When you pray, the Church therefore prays.
We could go on, but may we all know today that the Church exists within the hearts and minds of all who believe… you are the Church!
Prayer requests
Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a job
Bill M – pray that the treatment will go as planned and will successfully remove the cancer
Stephen G – pray for strength in teaching kids at school this week so they may learn and become better students
Greg – pray for wisdom and discernment
Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry
Kevin – pray for a couple of people in church who needs strength, pray for ex-wife that she may come back to the Lord, pray for country, pray for CTL that it will impact the lives of men
Ralph – pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will make an impact on the couples who attend Northshore
David – pray that he will be able to serve in the children’s ministry and make a difference in the lives of kids
Ernie – pray for his brother’s health, pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer and may he find the best treatment possible
Tim W – pray for continued spiritual growth
Steve – pray for the forgiveness of his sins, pray for the cleansing of his mind
Vince – pray for financial support in paying bills and working with social security
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for Church leadership, pray for my family, pray for financial discernment, pray for the health of this country
***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God
Continued prayer needs
Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness
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
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, September 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
**** Wednesday, September 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 1st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 8th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
Remember, our focus is going to be on an every-other week schedule for those who wish to attend CTL. But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. Therefore please consider this as an option if you wish to continue meeting with all of us and continuing in your growth in the Word…
Always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…
Please keep October 9th open for the Prayer Connect event which is taking place at Northshore. It would be a great opportunity for all of us to come together and pray for the Church. More details will be coming soon…
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
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV
Last week in this forum I began a conversation considering the meaning of the Church. It is nothing new, for over the past two thousand years the Church as we know it today has been having this discussion with a variety of results.
We should understand that in every place the Word goes forth into a culture, even one that may be radically different than ours, the result will be the same—God will save His people. But the instrument God uses to share this Word may be very different from one place to the next. For different cultural languages requires very different ways to communicate.
Many have discovered this as they have taken the good news into places afar, translating the Scripture into numerous languages. The modern evangelical church has discovered this by using contemporary music to worship the Lord. And today with the invention of the internet, churches have even moved into this venue by webcasting or sending messages via email.
Regardless to the means, the core message remains the same—Jesus Christ died on the cross to save all of us from our sins, resurrected on the third day, and ascended into to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father.
But the question still lingers, what is the meaning of the Church to us? What is the best way we can share this message of good news? What is the instrument we call Church here in Snohomish County to look like, so that we may truly reach the unreached?
These questions may be all one in the same, but all of them I believe lead us back to the passage at the beginning of this email from the book of Ephesians. For the church is not some fancy building or any one particular ministry. The church is not based upon size or the amount of people it touches on a weekly basis. Instead the church is you and I… the Church is people.
Therefore I truly believe none of us ever go to Church. Let me repeat this so you know it is not a typo, I believe none of us ever go to Church because we are the Church… Wherever we are, the Church is there. When we go home, the Church is there. When we go to work, the Church is there. When we come together in fellowship with one another, the Church is certainly there.
Whoever has accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior has become ‘a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit’. We have in essence become the holy temple of the Lord and therefore the Church. The Church is not only visible through the work of the saints, but the Church is also invisible through the lives of those who have been saved.
For the Apostle Paul understood the nature of the invisible Church when he wrote Timothy saying:
“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’…” 2 Timothy 2:19a NKJV
Many of us subconsciously when we are asked about our plans on Sunday morning will simply answer, ‘I am going to Church…’ I have made this comment numerous times in passing conversations with non-believers.
The reality is that we are the Church whenever and wherever, and God will use our testimony as proof of His work in this world. We become the hands and feet of the good news in order that it may be carried out into the hearts of men.
So do not consider yourself outside of the decision making process within the Church, for every decision you make is a decision of the Church. When you strengthen your relationship with Christ, the Church is strengthened as a result. When you make a decision to help the needy, the Church has made a decision to help the needy. When you pray, the Church therefore prays.
We could go on, but may we all know today that the Church exists within the hearts and minds of all who believe… you are the Church!
Prayer requests
Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a job
Bill M – pray that the treatment will go as planned and will successfully remove the cancer
Stephen G – pray for strength in teaching kids at school this week so they may learn and become better students
Greg – pray for wisdom and discernment
Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry
Kevin – pray for a couple of people in church who needs strength, pray for ex-wife that she may come back to the Lord, pray for country, pray for CTL that it will impact the lives of men
Ralph – pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
Larry Miller – pray that the marriage ministry will make an impact on the couples who attend Northshore
David – pray that he will be able to serve in the children’s ministry and make a difference in the lives of kids
Ernie – pray for his brother’s health, pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer and may he find the best treatment possible
Tim W – pray for continued spiritual growth
Steve – pray for the forgiveness of his sins, pray for the cleansing of his mind
Vince – pray for financial support in paying bills and working with social security
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for Church leadership, pray for my family, pray for financial discernment, pray for the health of this country
***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God
Continued prayer needs
Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness
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
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, September 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
**** Wednesday, September 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 1st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 8th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
Remember, our focus is going to be on an every-other week schedule for those who wish to attend CTL. But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. Therefore please consider this as an option if you wish to continue meeting with all of us and continuing in your growth in the Word…
Always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…
Please keep October 9th open for the Prayer Connect event which is taking place at Northshore. It would be a great opportunity for all of us to come together and pray for the Church. More details will be coming soon…
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, September 8, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when He said to me, ‘Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.’” Deuteronomy 4:10 NIV
Each week, I have been blessed with opportunity to meet amazing people right here within the midst of Northshore Christian Church before and after each service.
Yesterday was no different when I had the opportunity to meet someone who was at Northshore for approximately five minutes ‘church shopping’, looking for a church home. Or when I had the opportunity to meet someone from Oklahoma who is here visiting some friends, stopping by to worship the Lord. Or when I was able to spend time with the faces I know and take time with them on the journey…
Each one of these opportunities, even though they are quite different from one another, are moments I believe that God has designed for the same reason—to connect with others for His glory. Because when we connect with others, we connect our lives with theirs in a way that is relational; so that God may use us to encourage or love others to build a stronger ‘body of Christ’.
And what happens each week when I seek out others in the lobby (a.k.a. lobby rat) is that the meaning of Church becomes rich, full of context. We were all called for one reason or another by God’s providence to meet together each Sunday morning (or Saturday night for some of you) and come together as one body. Sometimes the reason is obvious; sometimes the reason may only be known months or years from now.
Yet, I truly believe by how God describes the Church, He was never in the business of creating just a social club. His vision of the Church is something much more, something much deeper then just a simple gathering of like-minded folk.
In the opening passage shared from the book of Deuteronomy, Moses spoke about how he assembled the people of Israel together to hear God’s word. It was not just a casual calling of people together, because the Hebrew word used for ‘assemble’ in this passage when translated from Hebrew to Greek is the same word used for church ‘ekklesia’ in the Greek New Testament.
Therefore what I believe God had in mind for the purpose of the Church dates back to the beginning. Church is not just a New Testament idea that was brought about by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So I believe the discussion should begin in earnest because all of us (including me) have not come to a complete understanding of the meaning of church. Why does the Church exist? What has God called our church to do? What is the ultimate goal of the Church? There are numerous other questions one could ask, but the main point is that I believe God wants us to ask them as a congregation so we can discover His purpose in what we call the church…
The writer of Hebrews said something very subtle and even probably overlooked because we focus on the intent of the statement. He said:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 NIV
What I believe the key words today from the writer of Hebrews is ‘let us consider how’…
He was saying that all of us should consider how to spur one another to living out love, not just doing so. I believe we are called to consider the strategy, the planning, and the reason for doing so. It is not just a simple action, it is an examination to how we are to spur on others.
I believe the same type of reasoning should be applied to how we understand the meaning of Church. We need to consider how the church we are all part of is continuing the great commission which has been set before us by the Lord. We need to seek out the meaning of the church God has ordained in all of us.
Ultimately everything rest in the gospel, for the Church has been built on the foundation of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). Without Jesus, the Church would be meaningless. But each one of us can ensure our connection with this truth and that it truly exists in our church membership…
This is just the beginning to what I truly pray will be an exciting discovery in each of our lives. I call on each one of you to join me on this discussion in prayer. We are all part of the church, therefore are all part of the conversation.
If this happens and each one of us seek out the meaning of the Church in our lives, then I believe the Church will live out the purpose which it has been called…
Prayer requests
Bill M – pray for grandson’s brain tumor MRI that it will bring positive results, pray for the prostate scan and that he will be able to come to an educated decision about what course to take
Ralph – pray for mother in San Diego who has Alzheimer’s, pray for children to come back to the church, pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything
Greg – pray for wisdom and discernment
Kevin – pray for a couple of people in church who needs strength, pray for ex-wife that she may come back to the Lord, pray for country, pray for CTL that it will impact the lives of men
Ernie – pray for his brother’s health, pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer and may he find the best treatment possible
Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a job
Tim W – pray for continued spiritual growth
Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry
Vince – pray for financial support in paying bills and working with social security
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness
Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for Church leadership, pray for my family, pray for financial discernment, pray for the health of this country
***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God
Continued prayer needs
Steve – pray for the forgiveness of his sins, pray for the cleansing of his mind
Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
David – pray that he will be able to witness in Phoenix to others when he is there visiting
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 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, September 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
**** Wednesday, September 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 1st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 8th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
September 10th is going to be a kickoff barbecue for the Men’s Ministry starting at 6:30pm. 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…
But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. So we are going to continue to meet each week if you are interested in order to keep some continuity for those who desire and need fellowship with others in the Word. Pray about this opportunity…
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
“Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when He said to me, ‘Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.’” Deuteronomy 4:10 NIV
Each week, I have been blessed with opportunity to meet amazing people right here within the midst of Northshore Christian Church before and after each service.
Yesterday was no different when I had the opportunity to meet someone who was at Northshore for approximately five minutes ‘church shopping’, looking for a church home. Or when I had the opportunity to meet someone from Oklahoma who is here visiting some friends, stopping by to worship the Lord. Or when I was able to spend time with the faces I know and take time with them on the journey…
Each one of these opportunities, even though they are quite different from one another, are moments I believe that God has designed for the same reason—to connect with others for His glory. Because when we connect with others, we connect our lives with theirs in a way that is relational; so that God may use us to encourage or love others to build a stronger ‘body of Christ’.
And what happens each week when I seek out others in the lobby (a.k.a. lobby rat) is that the meaning of Church becomes rich, full of context. We were all called for one reason or another by God’s providence to meet together each Sunday morning (or Saturday night for some of you) and come together as one body. Sometimes the reason is obvious; sometimes the reason may only be known months or years from now.
Yet, I truly believe by how God describes the Church, He was never in the business of creating just a social club. His vision of the Church is something much more, something much deeper then just a simple gathering of like-minded folk.
In the opening passage shared from the book of Deuteronomy, Moses spoke about how he assembled the people of Israel together to hear God’s word. It was not just a casual calling of people together, because the Hebrew word used for ‘assemble’ in this passage when translated from Hebrew to Greek is the same word used for church ‘ekklesia’ in the Greek New Testament.
Therefore what I believe God had in mind for the purpose of the Church dates back to the beginning. Church is not just a New Testament idea that was brought about by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So I believe the discussion should begin in earnest because all of us (including me) have not come to a complete understanding of the meaning of church. Why does the Church exist? What has God called our church to do? What is the ultimate goal of the Church? There are numerous other questions one could ask, but the main point is that I believe God wants us to ask them as a congregation so we can discover His purpose in what we call the church…
The writer of Hebrews said something very subtle and even probably overlooked because we focus on the intent of the statement. He said:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 NIV
What I believe the key words today from the writer of Hebrews is ‘let us consider how’…
He was saying that all of us should consider how to spur one another to living out love, not just doing so. I believe we are called to consider the strategy, the planning, and the reason for doing so. It is not just a simple action, it is an examination to how we are to spur on others.
I believe the same type of reasoning should be applied to how we understand the meaning of Church. We need to consider how the church we are all part of is continuing the great commission which has been set before us by the Lord. We need to seek out the meaning of the church God has ordained in all of us.
Ultimately everything rest in the gospel, for the Church has been built on the foundation of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). Without Jesus, the Church would be meaningless. But each one of us can ensure our connection with this truth and that it truly exists in our church membership…
This is just the beginning to what I truly pray will be an exciting discovery in each of our lives. I call on each one of you to join me on this discussion in prayer. We are all part of the church, therefore are all part of the conversation.
If this happens and each one of us seek out the meaning of the Church in our lives, then I believe the Church will live out the purpose which it has been called…
Prayer requests
Bill M – pray for grandson’s brain tumor MRI that it will bring positive results, pray for the prostate scan and that he will be able to come to an educated decision about what course to take
Ralph – pray for mother in San Diego who has Alzheimer’s, pray for children to come back to the church, pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything
Greg – pray for wisdom and discernment
Kevin – pray for a couple of people in church who needs strength, pray for ex-wife that she may come back to the Lord, pray for country, pray for CTL that it will impact the lives of men
Ernie – pray for his brother’s health, pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer and may he find the best treatment possible
Tim D – pray that he will be able to find a job
Tim W – pray for continued spiritual growth
Paul – pray for the Northshore bookstore ministry
Vince – pray for financial support in paying bills and working with social security
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness
Mark – pray for this group that it will continue to impact people for Him, pray for Church leadership, pray for my family, pray for financial discernment, pray for the health of this country
***Pray as Northshore begins new ministries this fall to help encourage others grow in their relationship with God
Continued prayer needs
Steve – pray for the forgiveness of his sins, pray for the cleansing of his mind
Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
David – pray that he will be able to witness in Phoenix to others when he is there visiting
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 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, September 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
**** Wednesday, September 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 1st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
**** Wednesday, October 8th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 15th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
September 10th is going to be a kickoff barbecue for the Men’s Ministry starting at 6:30pm. 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…
But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. So we are going to continue to meet each week if you are interested in order to keep some continuity for those who desire and need fellowship with others in the Word. Pray about this opportunity…
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
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Weekly Message / Prayer Request
Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship
“Because God has loosed my cord and humbled me, they have cast off restraint in my presence. On my right hand the rabble rise; they push away my feet, they cast up against me their ways of destruction. They break up my path; they promote my calamity; they need no one to help them. As through a wide breach they come; amid the crash they roll on.” Job 30:11-14 ESV
Much of our life exists within the “background noise” of this world. It is sometimes very hard to distinguish which is the voice of the Lord when we live within a very crowded room. We hear people talking about the latest “new” thing. We hear people talking about the latest complaint. We even hear people talking just so their voice may be heard…
In this crowded room of ours, there are even people there to remove us from the path of righteousness. They push our feet, bring forth devastation, and promote catastrophe causing us to fall away from the mission God has given us. It has happened in my life, because I have lived within this crowded room at times with work, hobbies, relationships, idleness, ect. allowing my ears to be filled with mindless rabble.
Paul gave instructions to Timothy to “avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene…” (2 Timothy 2:16-17 NIV). Essentially, I believe that Paul was warning Timothy to stay away from the crowded room so that he may not fall prey to such deception.
So this morning, we find ourselves within the book of Job. A book which has more “background noise” than any other book of the Bible and describes what it is like to live in a crowded room better then what I can even put into words. For the life of Job is filled with more catastrophe then anyone of us has ever experienced. He lost everything, including his entire family.
Here in the opening passage (Job 30) of this message, Job found himself going through mental conflict over the difficulties of his present losses and circumstances. He found himself complaining about the great disgrace he has fallen into, from a place of high honor to a place of lowly repute. Instead of words about how great God was in His providence, Job was filling his words with moaning over the people who were causing strife in his life.
And what I always find difficult about the book of Job is that it correctly describes my life as a sinner. It reminds me of my past in great detail when I would fill my ears with mindless rabble and carry on the complaint of the day. The crowded room became my focus, not God.
Paul gave the people of Colossae some words of instruction on how to focus through the crowded room toward God when he said:
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
“Background noise” is something which can never be eliminated because it involves everything within our everyday life. The crowded room is just part of the world we live in. Changing our circumstances and the culture we live in is not the answer because God has always said we are to be in the world, just not of the world.
Therefore our focus must be how to live in Christ, how to be rooted and built up in Him, and how to keep our faith as we were taught. This is how we remain on mission for the Lord even while the crowded room is trying to push us off course.
That is why I believe our focus in Acts 2:42 over the next year should be the gospel. That is why I believe we should spend every meeting taking our time to understand how everything we study in the Scriptures relates to the gospel—because the gospel changes everything to everyone.
And I believe if we do this and understand how every topic, how every Scripture verse, how our fellowship, how our prayers, are all rooted in the message of good news for everyone; then I truly believe our rudder will be so deep that no “background noise” within the crowded room will be able to detract us from serving Him…
Join me on this journey. Join me in prayer as we begin to set forth a course which will take us straight into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ…
Prayer requests
Bill M – pray for his treatment of cancer with his final doctor appointment and that he may come to a final decision about what direction he should take
Ralph – pray for his youngest brother who is paraplegic and his having trouble with his wife
Ernie – pray for his brother’s health, pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer and may he find the best treatment possible
Tim D – pray that God’s will can take place in his life and His will be done
Steve – pray for the forgiveness of his sins, pray for the cleansing of his mind
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 mother in assisted living in Everett who has been sick recently
Paul – pray for guidance at home, pray for an open heart, pray for safety during travel this week
Vince – pray that God can protect him financially and through his health problems
Greg – pray for Timothy Nelson who is continuing to have some heart trouble
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
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 he will be able to witness in Phoenix to others when he is there visiting
Mark – pray for the health of family, 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
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, September 3rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
Wednesday, September 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 1, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
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…
But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. So we are going to discuss this on Wednesday to see how many men are interested in CTL and see who would be interested in meeting every week. Pray about this opportunity…
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
“Because God has loosed my cord and humbled me, they have cast off restraint in my presence. On my right hand the rabble rise; they push away my feet, they cast up against me their ways of destruction. They break up my path; they promote my calamity; they need no one to help them. As through a wide breach they come; amid the crash they roll on.” Job 30:11-14 ESV
Much of our life exists within the “background noise” of this world. It is sometimes very hard to distinguish which is the voice of the Lord when we live within a very crowded room. We hear people talking about the latest “new” thing. We hear people talking about the latest complaint. We even hear people talking just so their voice may be heard…
In this crowded room of ours, there are even people there to remove us from the path of righteousness. They push our feet, bring forth devastation, and promote catastrophe causing us to fall away from the mission God has given us. It has happened in my life, because I have lived within this crowded room at times with work, hobbies, relationships, idleness, ect. allowing my ears to be filled with mindless rabble.
Paul gave instructions to Timothy to “avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene…” (2 Timothy 2:16-17 NIV). Essentially, I believe that Paul was warning Timothy to stay away from the crowded room so that he may not fall prey to such deception.
So this morning, we find ourselves within the book of Job. A book which has more “background noise” than any other book of the Bible and describes what it is like to live in a crowded room better then what I can even put into words. For the life of Job is filled with more catastrophe then anyone of us has ever experienced. He lost everything, including his entire family.
Here in the opening passage (Job 30) of this message, Job found himself going through mental conflict over the difficulties of his present losses and circumstances. He found himself complaining about the great disgrace he has fallen into, from a place of high honor to a place of lowly repute. Instead of words about how great God was in His providence, Job was filling his words with moaning over the people who were causing strife in his life.
And what I always find difficult about the book of Job is that it correctly describes my life as a sinner. It reminds me of my past in great detail when I would fill my ears with mindless rabble and carry on the complaint of the day. The crowded room became my focus, not God.
Paul gave the people of Colossae some words of instruction on how to focus through the crowded room toward God when he said:
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
“Background noise” is something which can never be eliminated because it involves everything within our everyday life. The crowded room is just part of the world we live in. Changing our circumstances and the culture we live in is not the answer because God has always said we are to be in the world, just not of the world.
Therefore our focus must be how to live in Christ, how to be rooted and built up in Him, and how to keep our faith as we were taught. This is how we remain on mission for the Lord even while the crowded room is trying to push us off course.
That is why I believe our focus in Acts 2:42 over the next year should be the gospel. That is why I believe we should spend every meeting taking our time to understand how everything we study in the Scriptures relates to the gospel—because the gospel changes everything to everyone.
And I believe if we do this and understand how every topic, how every Scripture verse, how our fellowship, how our prayers, are all rooted in the message of good news for everyone; then I truly believe our rudder will be so deep that no “background noise” within the crowded room will be able to detract us from serving Him…
Join me on this journey. Join me in prayer as we begin to set forth a course which will take us straight into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ…
Prayer requests
Bill M – pray for his treatment of cancer with his final doctor appointment and that he may come to a final decision about what direction he should take
Ralph – pray for his youngest brother who is paraplegic and his having trouble with his wife
Ernie – pray for his brother’s health, pray for his 21 year old grandson who has cancer and may he find the best treatment possible
Tim D – pray that God’s will can take place in his life and His will be done
Steve – pray for the forgiveness of his sins, pray for the cleansing of his mind
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 mother in assisted living in Everett who has been sick recently
Paul – pray for guidance at home, pray for an open heart, pray for safety during travel this week
Vince – pray that God can protect him financially and through his health problems
Greg – pray for Timothy Nelson who is continuing to have some heart trouble
Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength
Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry
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 he will be able to witness in Phoenix to others when he is there visiting
Mark – pray for the health of family, 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
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, September 3rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in Room C214 on the Academy side of the Church.
Wednesday, September 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Wednesday, October 1, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church
Group Happenings
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…
But, there has been a call by a few brothers to meet every week. Tim Dressler has volunteered to come lead a group of men on the same night as CTL. So we are going to discuss this on Wednesday to see how many men are interested in CTL and see who would be interested in meeting every week. Pray about this opportunity…
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
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