From the Heart of the Senior Pastor

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - June 29, 2010

The Day of Christ

This is a long post to Paul's short text, but there are several bases to cover:

In 2 Thess. chapter 2 verse 1, Paul states the subject as “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” and the whole chapter must be seen in the light of this subject.

Paul wanted them to understand that the “day of Christ” (His coming) was not immediately “at hand” as some had assumed from bogus information alleged to be from Paul (2:2). There is an important reason given in this significant passage, giving the reason for Paul to enlarge a prophetic pattern of the future.

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition” vs. 3. Paul states there is a very good reason for the delay of the day of Christ's coming. Two important factors are presented: first, that day will not come except first there come a “falling away”; and second, the “man of sin” must be revealed. “who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” vs. 4.

“And now you know what is restraining, that He (the Lord Jesus, not the man of sin) may be revealed in his own time” vs. 6. This becomes a key to the understanding of the progression of thought, keeping in mind the subject introduced at the beginning of the passage: the coming of Christ. In verse 6, Paul reintroduces that subject by saying, “and now you know what withholds (holds back or impedes) that He (Christ) might be revealed in his time.” The subject is the “revelation of Jesus Christ,” and Paul is wanting them to understand why the day of His revealing or coming was not at that time near at hand: the “falling away” had to come first (impeding or holding back the revelation of Christ), that He (Christ) might then be revealed in His appointed time. And also, the “falling away” would prepare the way for the revealing of the “man of sin”, an individual who must be on the world stage to be destroyed by “the brightness of His (Christ's) coming” (2:8).

This has been misunderstood and many have failed to see the continuity of Paul's subject right through and have switched in verse 6 to make the “he” to be revealed in his time the “man of sin” rather than Jesus. This is confusing the whole train of thought and manufactures theology completely unknown to end-time events. Again, the subject is the coming of Christ and why His day of revelation is to be “held back” or impeded.

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. He (Satan) restrains (to hinder or impede)” vs. 7. This is further indicated here in verse 7 where Paul explains the reason in these words: “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.” The “mystery of lawlessness” (or hidden principle of lawlessness) which had already started to work in Paul's day in the Church would have to run its course. It was this “mystery of iniquity” which caused the “falling away” (or apostasy) in the church, and it was that same “mystery of iniquity” which would continue to hold back the revelation of Jesus Christ until His appointed time (verse 6).

Also in verse 7, Paul introduces the force behind the “mystery of iniquity” by saying, “only he (Satan) who now restrains will do so until he (Satan) is taken out of the way.” The Greek word translated “restrains” in this verse actually means “to hinder” or impede.” Scripture shows us that Satan is the hinderer (Zech. 3:1, 1 Thess. 2:18), and Paul was showing that he (Satan) would continue to hinder or hold back the day of the revelation of Jesus Christ through the “mystery of iniquity” working in the church, causing a great apostasy to take place. When seen in this light, it is evident that the theology which makes the Holy Spirit the hinderer, holding back the revelation of the “man of sin,” is without foundation in scripture and completely out of agreement with Paul's progression of thought in this passage.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - June 16, 2010

The Importance of Vision

Here are some thoughts I’ve gathered regarding vision and its critical place:

Vision provides the church with clear direction. It answers the question “where is this church going?” It brings the future into focus and motivates all to become involved. If we, as God’s people, are to accomplish great things for God, we must know what it is we are trying to accomplish.

A clear vision provides perspective. Vision helps us to see through God’s eyes to perceive His purposes and possibilities. It strengthens us with the conviction that with God all things are possible.

A clear vision enables the church to move together in unity of mind, spirit and purpose. As vision is regularly communicated, it serves as a constant reminder to what we as a team have agreed on to pursue.

A clear vision motivates. It is the life blood and the driving force behind the church. It is the fuel that lights a fire in the hearts of people. It motivates people to give their life, time and finances.

We appeal to you to become involved in giving every area of your life, not just because of the needs, but because of the vision. We want to build a 21st century local church community that influences our region, state, nation and our world.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - May 25, 2010

The Earth’s Baptism of Fire

There are several places other than Paul's writing in the New Testament that add puzzle pieces to the end time picture. I will share primarily about the writing of Peter.

The apostle saw through prophetic revelation the earth being renovated by fire (2 Pet. 3:10-13). It is my personal thought that what Peter actually saw comes in two phases. Many times those given prophetic revelations of the future did not discern the time elements involved, or it was not their purpose at the time to make known such time elements. These time factors were revealed to others at a later time. For example, Jesus said, as recorded in John 5:28-29, that “all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” It sounds from His statement that both the resurrection to life and the resurrection to judgment takes place at the same time. But the later revelation was given to John which separates these two resurrections by one thousand years (Rev. 20:4-5). I could give some further illustrations, but this is enough to make the point.

Peter gives us the picture of the earth’s renovation by fire as follows: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up … looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.”

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - May 5, 2010

The Mystery of the End

The book of Revelation has themes and encouragements that apply to Christians of all times. The archetypes and symbolism show repeated motifs that can cycle throughout our age. There is a final fulfillment of this book though at the end and we are told this regarding the seven thunders. “Seal up the thing which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them . . . but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel . . . the mystery of God would be finished.” (Rev. 10:4, 7)

It is important to understand that the book of Revelation contains “divine mysteries” which had not been previously unveiled, either by Jesus Himself, or anyone else. Further, to make the matter emphatic, the glorified Christ characterizes Himself in this final revelation as the “Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last” (Rev. 1:11). “Alpha” is the first letter in the Greek alphabet and “Omega” is the last. Letters make up syllables and words:  Words communicate ideas.  Jesus was emphatically declaring that He alone (as THE WORD - John 1:1, 11, Rev. 19:11) has the first and the last “word” on matters of Divine Revelation.

This is important. Many Bible students seek to find in the prophets, epistles of Paul, Peter, John, etc. the “final word” on various aspects of Christian end time truth. The prophets and apostles have certainly made a contribution to our understanding, but only in the words of Jesus in the Gospels and the book of Revelation do we have the first and last authoritative “word” on all spiritual truth. All the revelations of Jesus are founded in what the mighty Lord had made known to Moses and the other prophets in the Old Testament. “To the law (Moses) and to the testimony (of the other prophets)!  If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Is. 8:20).

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - April 28, 2010

What about the Last Days?

I get discouraged by Bible students who never study or investigate prophecy and end time events. The claim of “we can’t know anyway” does not follow Paul’s admonition to “study to show yourself approved” in these areas. Yes, it will all “pan out in the end” but I would rather be a participant than a spectator. We may not know all of the application, but we should be familiar with the scriptures so we at least say “this is what the Lord meant” when it is fulfilled. I want to study, still knowing that what I arrive at must be held loosely, and might be awaiting more insight or events that will bring greater clarity. It is my best guess at the time. I don’t mind moving from the big picture to honing in on details, but we must keep the big picture.

I do have a framework for the events leading up to and including the second coming of Jesus. I think I have some great insights in the book of Revelation regarding the structure and a contemporary application toward the last times focused on the last century or so. Some of the details I might think are right or possible should be carefully shared in appropriate settings. Sometimes it is just an idea that needs to settle in myself. Other times it is strong meat and others need a level of understanding or maturity to process. I don’t mind others feeling they have details as long as they aren’t trying to be right and force it on others. We need to be learners with true humility. One of the problems of putting details in print is that everyone sees your errors. (like Hal Lindsey’s time predictions, or the book “88 Reasons why Jesus will come in 1988”).

If you have a question on the Last Days and related events, let me know.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - April 21, 2010

What about Jews and Gentiles?

Romans chapters 9-11 give us Paul’s present and future perspective on natural Israel. He gives his overview of this present age dealing with the Jews and Gentiles. This is very helpful in providing foundational concepts for our eschatology. Chapters nine and ten are context material for his argument.

Paul is grieved that natural Israel has not accepted Jesus as their Messiah as he has. The natural nation had been custodians of God’s gifts: the calling, the glory, the covenants, giving of the law, the service, the promises, they were descended from the fathers and they were of whom Christ was born in the natural.

He separates natural Israel and spiritual Israel in 9:6 and tells us that the true Israel (spiritual) is those who are the children of the promise. His choice is based on His mercy. He points out that Gentiles who did not seek righteousness have come to receive it and those of natural Israel who did seek it, did not do it by faith, but by human works and stumbled at Christ.

Paul greatly desires that natural Israel be saved knowing that they have a passion for God but not with knowledge, having not submitted to God. He explains the process of salvation by faith as being a confession of our mouth and a believing in our heart regarding the work of Jesus including His resurrection. He shows that both Jew and Greek (Gentile) must come in the same way, calling on the name of the Lord in His grace.

Paul tells that God is not finished with natural Israel and that a portion or remnant has come to believe. Natural Israel is blinded at this time and has stumbled. One of the reasons of this is to allow Gentiles to come to Christ. As natural Israel sees the blessing of the Lord on Christian Gentiles, they are to jealously desire the return of His blessings on them. When they receive this as a nation it will be like a resurrection from the dead. The natural nation of Israel, as decided by their leaders at the time, rejected the kingdom offered by Jesus and these riches were given to all New Covenant believers; spiritual Israel. The natural nation had grown like branches on the root of the faith covenant with Abraham, but was now broken off because they did not adopt faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The Gentiles who did believe are grafted in to this faith root and are not to be prideful in this.

God has had His purpose from the beginning that all nations would be in relationship with Him and receive His blessing. When the time of the full harvest of Gentiles has come, there will be an awakening in greater measure among natural Israel and many will come to the Lord. This based on God’s mercy to them as it was His mercy, and still is, that opened salvation to the Gentiles. (When Paul says “all Israel will be saved” he is referring to a majority. A careful study of the use of the word “all” in scripture reveals it is “all, as in most of” rather than “all, meaning entirety”). At this time, natural Israel is the "beloved enemy" (Ro. 11:28). But the time will come when they understand the truth and become desperate for the Lord saying “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” referring to His second coming.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - April 15, 2010

Jesus is the Messiah and He brought the Kingdom

The Gospels and the book of Acts can be used as first century reliable documents that explain the ministry of Jesus and the early church. They are historically correct and should be examined. Jesus claimed to be the Jewish Messiah, the son of man, as well as a bigger claim: The Son of God. He either spoke the truth or he was a pretender and liar or he was crazy. We should dismiss him and his following unless there is truth here. How did he accomplish such miraculous signs? Why was what he did cause such controversy? Why would those who followed him, after the disheartening death on a cross, live their lives with passion for someone who was dead unless he had been resurrected? His life and principles changed the known world and are still viable today.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - April 7, 2010

The Last Days

Jesus said that the “harvest was the end of the age (Mat. 13:39).” I am thankful for the response of people to the Lord during the early church era and the centuries since. Many have put their trust in the Lord and have reaped eternal life and the benefit of knowing Him.

But the seeds of the gospel will produce an even greater crop the closer we come to the Lord’s second coming. I don’t believe that the devil will have more in his grasp than those in the kingdom of God. Some have taught “a great falling away” and applied it to a scarcity of Christians in the last days. Although we don’t see the full effects in the United States, there is a current ingathering going on around the world which I believe will only increase.

I see many turning to the Lord, personally asking for and receiving His life, so that a great majority of this world will be Christians at the Lord’s coming while the devil will only have a few that have refused the grace of God for their lives.

The prophets saw this “multitude in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14) and promise a restoration and blessing upon those who turn to the Lord (Joel 2:18-32). Many other promises are found in the prophets that indicate that “the glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14).

Jesus gave the commission to disciple the nations (Mat. 28:18-20) and that a witness of Him would go to them all (Mk.13:10). He will return and embrace a “multitude which no one could number of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues” (Rev. 7:9).

During this time between the first and second coming of Jesus is the restoration of all things (Acts 2:21). The church will arise as the bride of Christ ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - March 29, 2010

The Hope of the Gentiles (Part 3)

Throughout the Old Testament era there was always the intent that what God had given to the forefathers, the nation of Israel and the returned remnant of Jews (from the southern Kingdom of Judah) from the captivity was to herald to the Gentiles the way of truth so that they too could have life. The process whereby a stranger or foreigner (non Israelite) could come into the covenant was written into the law. Some Gentiles were brought into the nation such as Rahab and Ruth.

God sent the prophet Jonah to a Gentile nation to preach repentance so that they could avoid the judgment of God. He did not want to go but ran away to avoid having gentiles hear God’s word. After his experience in the great fish, he did go and preach which resulted in the repentance of the people of Nineveh. This is the sign (of Jonah) that Jesus gave to the Jews during his ministry. “But He answered and said to them, 'An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah'” (Matthew 12:39).

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - March 23, 2010

The Hope of the Gentiles (Part 2)

The name Israel was given to Jacob not based on natural conditions or lineage but as a title of perseverance with God given in the morning after he had wrestled all night with an angel, possibly God himself. This name represented a spiritual impartation from God. His wrestling depicts a spiritual experience by choosing the will of God. He said, “Don’t go unless you bless me.” He had replaced Esau as the holder of the birthright previously. This pressing on to victory brought the name Israel which means “the one who strives with God” or “prince with God.” “Israel [IS ray ell] (he strives with God) — the name given to JACOB after his great struggle with God at Peniel near the brook Jabbok (Genesis 32:28; 35:10). The name Israel has been interpreted by different scholars as “prince with God,” “he strives with God,” “let God rule,” or “God strives.” The name was later applied to the descendants of Jacob. The twelve tribes were called “Israelites,” “children of Israel,” and “house of Israel,” identifying them as the descendants of Israel through his sons and grandsons.” Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. (Nashville: T. Nelson.)

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - March 16, 2010

The Hope of the Gentiles (Part 1)

Adam and Eve were the parents of the entire human race. As such, when they disobeyed the Lord’s command in the garden, they brought themselves and all their natural descendants into the curse of sin. God gave a word of prophecy that a promised one to come would reverse that curse and win the complete victory over the devil, that is Satan. The human race increased in wickedness and was destroyed by the flood except for Noah and his family. His three sons and their wives became the basis for the continuance of families and ultimately all the nations of the earth.

These nations are also called Gentiles. “This was originally a general term for ‘nations’, but acquired a restricted sense by usage. In the OT the affinity of all nations is stressed in the tradition of Noah’s descendants (Genesis 10). In God’s covenant with Abraham his descendants are distinguished from other nations, but not in any narrowly exclusive sense (Genesis 12:2; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4). Israel became conscious of being a nation uniquely distinct from others by being separated to God after the Exodus (Deuteronomy 26:5), and the covenant of Sinai (Exodus 19:6). From then on this dedication dominated all her relations with other nations (Exodus 34:10; Leviticus 18:24–25; Deuteronomy 15:6).” (Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (405). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press)

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - March 11, 2010

Was Abraham Jewish?

Sometimes the concept of a “Jewish root” in Romans chapter 11 to which the church was grafted into is somewhat misleading. This “root” of faith refers to God’s interaction with Abram, with his response of faith resulting in a covenant God made between them that included his descendants.

Abram was not Jewish or Arab, but Semite, and was called a Hebrew after his relative “Eber.” Abraham, as renamed by God, became the father of many nations including the Jewish people and some Arab peoples. Neither the terms “Israelite” nor “Jewish” were in use at that time. The term “Jew” did not come into use until sometime after the Southern Kingdom of Judah was established.

As Paul discusses in this letter to the Romans, there were Jewish branches that grew from this “root of faith” that were broken off because of unbelief while Gentile branches were grafted into this root because of faith. The law given through Moses was not a part of that original covenant. The church acts accordingly when it follows the teaching and example of Jesus Christ (Christ, Greek, is the same word as Messiah, Hebrew, and means the anointed one).

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - March 1, 2010

Ten Reasons to Rejoice!

Jesus is building His Church. How is the house of Jesus doing? The global Church is on track to win one billion first-time converts to Christ.  Let’s each support our church. Encourage congregation members to win one soul.  Pray for the billion. We can’t do it alone, but we can do it together! Recently, Dr. James Davis, the co-chair of Global Networking and co-founder of the Billion Soul movement, shared ten reasons to rejoice in 2010. I am excited to share these with you:

Africa’s 600 million Christians makes it what missiologist Philip Jenkins calls, the single greatest religious shift in world history!

China has 45,000 new converts every day totaling more than 130 million Christians. Nearly 16 million came to Christ in 2009!

United States pastors have had made startling advances in an increasingly hostile culture. The signs of the next spiritual awakening are dawning. Jonathan Falwell from Thomas Road Baptist Church baptized 1300 people last year alone!

Indian leaders see nearly 15,000 make making first-time decisions for Christ every day. More than 5 million in 2009!

Indonesia, a Muslim nation (largest), boasts some of the largest churches in the world, and has mushroomed from 1.3 million to 11 million believers in 40 years!

In Vietnam, Protestant Christianity grew 600 percent this last decade!

In the small island nation of Fiji, church planters yielded 200 new churches this year alone, with hundreds baptized every Sunday!

In just one district in Uganda, leaders planted more than 1200 churches last year using the Filipino model, and as a nation they are targeting one million new believers in 2010!

Korea sends more missionaries than any nation on earth!

Nigeria hosts the largest prayer meeting in the world with 2 million each December!

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - February 23, 2010

Builders with God 

“I will build my Church”  Mt. 16:18 - Spoken by the Carpenter.

Ordinarily when Christians read this statement they think only on terms of the Lord's purpose in evangelism and multiplying converts during the course of this age; but something more than this was envisioned by Jesus when He declared His purpose to build. Let me illustrate. Supposing you were going to build a house out of stones. First you would have to gather the stones, but this would be only preliminary to the actual building. Evangelism corresponds to the gathering of the stones. But a pile of stones is not a building. When Jesus said He would BUILD His church, He used the Greek word oikokomeo, which means “to build” as you would a house or a building. Stones must be cut and shaped and fit together, each in its own place, before it can be said that something has been “built.”

In the book of Acts, whenever the church is pictured as evangelizing (gathering stones), the word “build” is not used, but rather the words “add” or “multiply.”  Acts 6:1 speaks of the number of disciples being “multiplied.”  Multiplying is not building, though it is a necessary preliminary step. You must have gathered material before you can build a house. In Acts 9:31 we have both thoughts of multiplying and building presented together. “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified (built up); and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied.” Obviously there must be some people before the Lord can start building. But you will notice in the above scripture that the church was able to multiply because it was built up in the Lord. If our emphasis is on just multiplying, we will eventually end in confusion. But if God has given us some people, and we will concentrate on building (spiritual edification) and letting Him build us together as His spiritual house (or temple), then we will also multiply, in God's time. Whenever you come across this word “edify” in the King James version of the Bible it means to “build up,” or “build together.” 

Jesus is the builder, but He is also a part of the building. And the same is true of Christians. We are co-laborers with Him, but we are also a part of the building (see 1 Cor. 3:9).  Let's take a closer look at Jesus' words in Mt. 6:17-18 to see this. Jesus speaks to Simon, whom He renamed Peter, and says, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah.” Simon means “hearing,” and Bar-Jonah means “son of a dove.” Once we are willing to hear (Simon) what the Lord is saying as He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, then we are fulfilling the “son of a dove” meaning of Bar-Jonah, for the Holy Spirit is pictured as a dove in the Scriptures. Then we can become as a “Peter” which means “a stone,” and as “living stones” so the Lord can shape us and build us together in His spiritual house (see 1 Pe. 2:5). The name “Peter” is a translation of the Greek word petros, which means a moveable stone or rock. But when Jesus uses the word “rock” in Mt. 16:18, declaring that “on this rock I will build my church,” He used the Greek word petra which means a massive bed-rock, the unmovable rock of the confession which Peter made: “You are the Christ the Son of the living God” Mt. 16:16. But Peter would be a “petros”; a “living stone” which would be a part of the spiritual house Jesus would build.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - February 15, 2010

The Marriage Doctor

Ned glanced nervously out the front window and down the street. “He’s here!” he called as he saw the white van pull up to the curb. His wife, Jan, came into the living room. “I sure hope he can help us,” she said. Ned hoped so too. It was hard to find a good marriage doctor they’d been told, and here was one that made house calls.

“Good afternoon, Doctor, come in and have a seat.” Here they were, sitting in their own house talking with a man they just met about their marriage. It had been several years since they wondered if there might be something wrong. They never thought things could have gotten this bad.

They spent the first hour discussing the symptoms they had come to live with; as well as several more they hadn’t realized were related. Finally, looking at his watch, Ned spoke up, “Well, Doc, what do you think?”

“From listening to you it seems that you have all the signs of a deteriorating marriage.”
“Well, can you give us something for it?” Ned nervously asked.
The Doctor leaned forward and looked at Ned seriously, “I’m afraid it’s not that simple.”
Jan leaned forward also, “Tell us what we need to do?”

“I’ll try not to just deal with symptoms but identify the core causes. Jan, the problem with your marriage to Ned is you. And the problem, Ned, in your relationship to Jan, is you. Jan is in the shape she is today because of you. When you first met each other, you were captivated by her charm, wisdom, perspective on just about everything. You could hardly stand to be apart. Everything you did was to include and please the other. Now, everything is done to please you. You have made her this way! And Jan, you have made Ned this way; maybe by doing wrong things or by not doing the right things. My prescription is this: Act like you're in love with each other like you were at the beginning. Go back to the little things you did. Remember the first things that you enjoyed about each other. The only difference from then to now is that you both have let go of those things and shaped each other into what you are now.”

The doctor looked at Ned and Jan. “Well, what will you do?”

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - February 10, 2010

The Ideal Spouse

This title is one that probably caught your attention. Even before you read this entire article you’ll be tempted to think, “I hope I can get my spouse to read this.” This is because, in our selfish approach to life, we hope that somehow (or someone) changes will occur that will make our spouse become more like what we would desire them to be.

I want to tell you from the start that the spouse you have is your ideal!

 “Wait,” you say, “we were married before we were Christians.” I believe, and want you to consider, that God in His sovereignty could have arranged your marriage partner. Then He watched over you in His love to bring the both of you together. Now, this person is God’s will for your life.

In the Bible, many marriages were arranged by the parents of the bride and groom. The bride and groom trusted their families in the choice and that spouse was theirs for life. They could choose, and most did, to receive this person and make that person an “ideal spouse” for them.

“Wait,” you say, “My spouse isn’t all that ideal; they aren’t even close!” That’s where we’ve missed the point. An ideal spouse isn’t the perfect person the world tells us that we should have. The ideal spouse is the one that God has given you to love. In our consistent application of acceptance, affection, assertiveness, advice, and our attitude of advancement we arrive at "agape" love with our spouse.  It is God's love which will help us to be the ideal.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - February 1, 2010

Heart Health

We all must be vigilant to not develop a “hard heart” toward the Lord or others. 

Here are some helps that we can utilize every day to enhance our relationship with Jesus: 

1.  Daily Offerings
     Offering ourselves as a living sacrifice daily, every morning and every evening. Ex 29:38-40, Ro. 12:1

2.  Daily Cleansing
     Letting the Lord cleanse us by His word.  Eph. 5:26-28

3.  Daily Manna
     Feeding on God’s word daily.  Jn. 6:48-52

4.  Daily Obedience
     Walking in faith response to the Lord rather that doubt and stubbornness.  Heb. 3:15

5.  Daily Deliverance
     Looking for greater freedom in Jesus every day.  1 Cor. 10:13-15, Rev. 12:10-11

6.  Daily “Practicing the Presence of God”
     Acknowledging the nearness of God to us every day.  Mt. 28:18-20

7.  Daily Accepting His Will
     We take up our cross and follow Him.  There are no difficulties to God.

8.  Daily Directing Your Thoughts
     We think on the things that are pleasing to God and let those thoughts rise as incense to Him.

9.  Daily Specific Prayers
     We pray primarily for the items of that day.  Mt. 6

The Account that we must give:

"But all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."  Heb. 4:13

The Affirmation we must hold:

"Let us hold fast our confession."  Heb. 4:14, 15

The Access we now have:

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy."  Heb. 4:16

Great quote on our attitude:

“This may shock you but, but I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude.  It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my success or failures, fame or pain, what other people may think of me or say about me, my circumstances or position.  Attitude is that 'single string' that keeps me going or cripples my progress.”     ~  Chuck Swindoll

 

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - January 19, 2010

Christians and Crisis

Our hearts go out to the people in Haiti as we have watched and heard about the tragedy and their plight. We pray that in all God will be glorified. There is a feeling of helplessness as we contemplate this situation. But we can pray, we can give and most of all we can be the type of Christians that have compassion towards others where we live. All things will pass away or change at some point expect people. Peter writes about this in his second letter, chapter 3 verse 9 saying “God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” And “Therefore, . . . what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness . . . be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless . . . grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

When crisis comes, it reminds us to cry out to the Lord as to what kind of Christians we should be. I offer the following thoughts to consider.

As Christians, serving together on the same team, there needs to be a lot of give and take. We all must listen to input received from the Lord and others, processing it with consideration and prayer. When we have listened and maybe don’t act on a suggestion, there may be a reason and where possible do try to share that reason. When an answer isn’t there yet, we continue to hold up each other’s hands in prayer and support, trusting the Lord in all things.

We believe in people and are willing to give opportunity in ministry at levels and with guidelines. When people are headed in the right direction with good attitudes there is a process of learning and growing along the way. All around us is a mission field and God gathers people to Himself and His church settling them into congregational life. Part of the settling is help in their personal growth issues as well as letting their lives knit with the body. Deployment into areas of service and ministry will follow based on their gifting, motivation and supervision.

We think that what the Lord asks of us is faithfulness to His word and the calling given to us. We do want to do our best in all of His assignments but realize that our best will not please everyone. This is why we need God’s grace for each other with a willingness to pursue excellence as much as possible using the available knowledge, tools and ministry partners as the Lord has provided, and above all, maintaining a positive faith attitude with support for each other.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - January 14, 2010

Location

Those in the real estate business know that it’s all about one thing: location, location, location. Where are you living today?

The Bible talks about two different kinds of Christians. There are wilderness Christians and Promised Land Christians. Both types have had real experiences with Jesus, making Him Savior and Lord. But each is living a very different life.

Wilderness Christians live in tents and have a temporary, transient existence. They live in constant fear. Harassed by the enemy, they strive to be worthy of God’s love and blessings. God provides food and clothing for them; their basic needs are met. They are mere infants in the kingdom of God, unable to progress and walk in their baby-faith. Too weak to trust completely, they are like the ten spies who returned from viewing the Promised Land: “We can’t take it! Giants rule the land!” (Numbers 13).

Promised Land Christians live in houses and are settled. They are conquering the land. They live in faith by the promise of God. They harass the enemy and take his territory. Instead of striving, they abide. God provides more than basic necessities – “milk and honey” flow there. They are God’s sons, apprenticed into the business. They were like the two spies, Joshua and Caleb, who upon viewing the Promised Land said, “We are more than able with God to take this land. It is fertile and ready!” (Numbers 13). They have a can-do spirit.

Let’s live in the promised land of all God’s best, trusting and obeying, seeking and following all His ways. With Him, nothing is impossible.

Pastor Kevin’s Blog - January 5, 2010

Positive Change

The new year is upon us. How do you make a difference, where do you start? You start with you and God. Suddenly, you’re a majority!

First, lose the plank. Jesus spoke several parables to his disciples. One of the most famous is that of the judgmental person who sees the speck in his brother’s eye while completely ignoring the plank in his own. Let’s deal with our “planks” first – unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, etc. – so we can help our brother with his “speck”.

It’s not about me. Change takes willingness, a readiness to lay down resistance to new ways and ideas, giving up our routines and traditions. In order to become different – thinner, wiser, kinder – we need to rethink our old ways of relating to the world. And if Jesus is our Lord, His ways need to dominate our lives. Jesus asked His disciples to look at the spirit of the law, not just the letter.

Let go of fear. We can’t worry about failing. I’ve heard someone once describe failing as “falling forward”. You have no momentum standing still. You learn more from failures than successes. You may have failed miserably in the past. God makes all things new. Seek His will and pursue it.

Get a new definition of success. Everyone has room to improve, to grow stronger in talents they already possess or discover new ones. As I grow older, I find new challenges provide great stimulus for growth. New opportunities open up as I try new things. You’re never too old to learn something.

Put on boldness. You may feel as bold as a mouse. We can’t live in our feelings. Choose to put your best foot forward in your endeavor. Trust that your good effort will be rewarded. God will meet you there. "But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”  Heb. 3:13