Thoughts from Pastor Steve

Discipleship

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just finished a book a week or so ago called Simple Church by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger.

The premise of this book is that church has become too complicated, we need to simplify. Specifically, we need to simplify our process for making disciples.

In most American churches today, and I'm afraid Almond Union can be included in this, if it happens at all, it kind of happens by accident. We don't really have a clear and concise process in place. We have Bible Study and Sunday Schools, and we certainly hope people will grow into disciples, we even pray for them, but is that enough? Are we willing to risk not doing all we can to intentionally grow people into the people God created them to be?

Since finishing the book, I've doing a lot of thinking about what would a fully committed disciple of Christ look like at Almond Union. What would a fully committed disciple of Christ do differently? How can we become more intentional about growing fully committed disciples of Christ here?

I'm going to be sharing some of my thoughts on this, and my idea of a new process for making fully committed disciples, at the annual meeting on January 29.

In the meantime, I would love to hear your ideas on this. What does it mean to you to be a fully committed disciple of Christ? What does it look like in 21st Century America? I encourage your comments...

Missionary Visit

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Marty and Sue Fuller, missionaries with CSI Ministries, were our guests yesterday in worship.

The Fullers joined CSI several years ago, and felt called to go to Africa as missionaries. CSI sent them to eastern Kentucky for an internship before sending them overseas, and while there, they felt their heart break for the things that break God's heart. The need is great, and they felt clearly that God was calling them to help meet that need.

Marty, Sue, and their son Cameron, currently live in Watkins Glen, so their local folks. They now serve in Lawrenceville, KY. Sue will be working on a project to help people learn to read (literacy rate is now only about 50.2 percent). Marty helps with construction projects, helping people build ramps for accessibility, and helping them stay in their homes, many need much restoration.

Pray for the Fullers, that God may truly bless their ministry there. Pray for those they serve, that they may truly feel God's blessings. Pray that God is glorified in all they do.

The Importance of Community

2012-01-13T12:01:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday, our local clergy got together for a time of lunch, discussion, and prayer.

One of the things that came out of this time together, and there were a lot, was a passing comment as we were closing our time together. Pastor Ken of the Alfred Station 7th Day Baptist Church was talking about how we are very independent in our thinking of salvation. We go to heaven, or not go heaven, based on our individual relationship with Christ. That's the evangelical thinking.

Pastor Ken spoke of the Anabaptists in the 16th century and their view that we all go to heaven together. They believed that as we have a desire that all go with us, we also have a responsibility to help those around us. You could almost say, we go to heaven, or we don't go to heaven, as a community of faith.

The Anabaptists were the forerunners of the Amish and Mennonites today, and let's face it, when we think of the Amish or Mennonites, we think of their community, don't we. They live in true community with one another. Their firm belief that when one is down, they are all down, and all must work together to get back up. The commands to "Love One Another" are taken very seriously and lived out in daily life.

As I was thinking about this, a verse in Hebrews was in my morning devotional reading...

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. (Hebrews 3:12-14)

In other words, we share in Christ as a community, as we encourage each other daily in our spiritual walk. Is that a good understanding of the text? Is that what you see? Let me know - feel free to comment.

Let's walk together. Let's go to heaven together. And let's take as many others with us as we can - living in a true community of believers until that time comes.

The Real Cost of Christmas

2011-12-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

Wow! Can you believe that Christmas is over already. Time to prepare ourselves for the credit card bills in January. Time to try to figure out how to pay for it all. The financial costs of Christmas can be almost staggering.

But Christmas isn't about the gifts. Jesus didn't come to earth so we could exchange gifts. Jesus came to earth so we could reconnect to a God that loves us. What if we followed Jesus' example this year - what if we committed to reconnecting with a loved one who has become distant.

Our Christmas message looks at that subject. How do we reconnect? What might that cost us?

To read the message, click on the title below.

December 25 - The Real Cost of Christmas

Thanks for reading!

What Not to Miss this Christmas

2011-12-24T21:00:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Eve already!

Did you get done what you needed to get done? Cards mailed? Family and friends invited? Presents all wrapped? Dinner items for tomorrow's big dinner all purchased? House clean? Kids in bed? There is so much to it, isn't there.

It seems that societies demands this time of year keep increasing. There is more to it every year. Have you ever felt that way? Yet as we get busier and busier, something is missing. do you feel that, too.

With all that there is, how do know what's most important. How do we know what key message from Christmas is so important, we can't miss it?

At our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, I'll be sharing a message that looks at that very question. If there so much that we can't possibly do it all, see it all, or understand it all, that what do we choose? What part of the Christmas Story might really speak to us this year?

To read the message, click on the title below.

December 24 - What Not to Miss this Christmas

Thanks for reading.

Restore Us, O God Series

2011-12-22T16:10:00.001-05:00

I've just noticed I've been remiss in giving you the copies of the sermon series for Advent. This can such a busy time of year, and for me, it certainly was.

Our Advent Series is based on the Psalm readings for the weeks of Advent, and share the theme (which is the title of the series), Restore Us, O God. Each week we looked at the themes from our lighting of the Advent Wreath: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

I have previously given you the first two messages in the series, here are links to the last two, if you are interested... (just click on the title)

December 11 - Restore Us, O God: Joy
December 18 - Restore Us, O God: Love

Thanks for reading!

December 4 - Restore Us, O God: Peace

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

This weeks message continues our Advent Sermon Series on the four themes of the Advent Season: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Starting in Psalm 85, we look at peace.

We know what it is to be at peace, but how do we get there? Is there a secret? Can we find peace?

If you would like to read the message, click on the link below:

Dec 4 - Restore Us, O God: Peace

Thank you for reading!

Restore Us, O God: Hope

2011-11-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

Last week's Sermon message was titled Restore Us, O God: Hope. It's the first of a four week series during the season of lent, and will follow the four Advent themes of hope, joy, peace, and love.

This week was hope. Where do we find our hope? On what do base our hope on? Using Psalm 80 as a backdrop, we explored the need for hope, and the source of our hope.

If you would like to read that message, click on the title below and you will be redirected to the message:

November 27 - Restore Us, O God: Hope

Thanks for reading!

Ringing the Bell...

2011-11-25T15:52:00.001-05:00

Today I spent an hour in front of Wal Mart ringing the bell for Salvation Army. I helped through our local Christian Motorcyclist Association chapter, who rings the bell on Black Friday every year. But even if they were to stop for a year, I would still help. I love it. It's a great cause and I'm glad to be a part of it.

When you walk by a red kettle, please donate. And better yet, when you get some time, give Salvation Army a call and volunteer for an hour.

You'll be glad you did. I know I was.

Operation Christmas Child

2011-11-23T10:29:00.001-05:00

Almond Union of Churches was a relay center for Operation Christmas Child again this year, and had set a new record for the number of shoeboxes collected at our church.

As a Relay Center, we collect shoeboxes from area churches, groups such as boy scouts or girl scouts, junior grange groups, even businesses and individuals. As we receive them, we carton them up and transport them to the collection center in Big Flats (Big Flats Wesleyan Church). When we drop them in Big Flats, we put them onto the big Roadway semi-trucks and they go to Boone, North Carolina. From Boone they are processed then distributed to some of the neediest children in the world.

But before they get distributed, each shoebox gets a gospel story book, so that as children get a shoebox gift (for many, it might be the first gift they've ever received), they will also learn of the greatest gift of all, Christ's gift of salvation.

This is an incredible ministry, and I'm proud that Almond Union has embraced it and works so hard every year to make it a success.

This year, we collected 774 shoeboxes. Perhaps just as impressive is the fact that we had 24 volunteers working 121 hours. Yet I don't think anyone thought it was work. We have fun serving together. And we made a difference! Thank you to everyone who helped, who donated a shoebox, and who prayed over the shoeboxes that were collected. Your efforts are appreciated.

On the Churches FaceBook page, we have pictures of the event. Feel free to check them out at Almond Union of Churches FB.

2011-11-22T17:30:00.001-05:00

Last week's Sermon message was titled Sheep & Goats. We looked at the lectionary reading last week from Matthew 25:31-46. This is the passage where Jesus promises that at the end, He will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep will come with him into the kingdom of heaven, while the goats will go into the lake of fire.

What was the difference between the two? Was it faith? No. Both groups had faith. It was works. The people who made a difference in the lives of others were counted as sheep. The ones who helped others meet their basic needs were the ones counted as sheep.

The message looked at this. Paul says we are saved by faith and faith alone. What then is the lesson here?

If you would like to read that message, click on the title below and you will be redirected to the message:

November 20 - Sheep & Goats

Thanks for reading!

From Our Daily Journey...

2011-11-17T14:03:00.001-05:00

I don't usually do this, but this post was something that made sense to me, so I wanted to share it with you, and maybe get your comments on it. It's from Our Daily Journal, a daily devotion from RBC Ministries.

According to a study conducted by a local newspaper in Singapore, 97 out of 100 students polled have private tutors or receive supplemental training at academic centers. So common are these practices that Singapore has been called the “tuition nation.”

Academic education is important, but I wonder, Is equal—if not greater—attention given to instructing our children to become men and women of high moral character? People imbued with a clear purpose and mission in life?

In Deuteronomy 11, we’re reminded that God is interested in our children’s education (Deuteronomy 11:18-19). He wants us to teach them His Word, ways, and values. In Psalm 78:7-8, we’re told the purpose of this instruction. It’s so that “each generation [will] set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors—stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.”

And God is the best teacher with the best lesson plan for us to follow. First, we teach by example. Parents must “commit [themselves] wholeheartedly to these words” of God (Deuteronomy 11:18). He states, “Lay up these words of Mine in your heart and soul” (ESV). Yes, God’s Word must personally shape our heart, mind, and will. Second, the place of education is not in the classroom, but in the situations of life (Deuteronomy 11:19-20). So it’s good for us to ask: Are we seizing opportunities to turn life experiences into teaching moments? Are we freeing up the quality time that’s required?

Whether you’re a parent or perhaps—like me—you’re an aunt (or uncle) to some precious children, let’s take their education seriously. We must instruct them to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [their] God” (Micah 6:8 NIV).

Love to hear your comments! Thanks for reading.

The State of the Church

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Rick Warren had posted on Twitter about a Wall Street Journal article published on August 26.

It was written by Rodney Stark and Byron Johnson, and it was titled Religion and the Bad News Bearers. The story is primarily concerned with how the news media tends to pick up on trends and surveys that are negative to the church, but don't seem to notice those that are positive for the church. I guess we all know that unless it's bad news, it doesn't get covered, but I guess I didn't realize how much so.

For example, here is an excerpt I found really interesting...

The national news media yawned over the Baylor Survey's findings that the number of American atheists has remained steady at 4% since 1944, and that church membership has reached an all-time high. But when a study by the Barna Research Group claimed that young people under 30 are deserting the church in droves, it made headlines and newscasts across the nation—even though it was a false alarm.

The article also spoke of women in the church, young evangelicals remaining conservative like their parents, and other trends in the church that were reported in negative terms. In reading this, perhaps the church is doing better than I feared.

There are so many conflicting stories out there, it's hard to know what to believe. But you can believe this: Remain faithful, stay in the Word, pray daily, be an active part of the church, and the rest will work itself out.

Last Week's Message

2011-11-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last week's Sermon message was on How Not to Shorten Your Life. We talked a little about those people that irritate us, that annoy us and get under our skin. We even saw some evidence that people that that high strung personality don't live as long. But then we see in Scripture that we have nothing to fear - niether about not living long, or about those people who take everything so serious ruining our day. There are three tips from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 that can help us with that.

If you would like to read that message, click on the title below and you will be redirected to the message:

November 13 - How Not to Shorten Your Life

Thanks for reading!

Living by the standard's of this world...

2011-11-11T07:45:00.000-05:00

By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you - I Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.

2 Corinthians 10:1-2

Have you seen this verse before? Have you considered it? I'm thinking of the last part of it. To put it in context, Paul is writing the Corinthians, and is nearly at the end of his letter, telling them he is planning to come back to Corinth a third time. But it's not all good news. He's coming back because he's heard of things that are happening in the church in Corinth that are not good things.

And we can see in this passage that one of the things is that the people in the church, at least some people, are living by the standards of this world, and not the standards of the church.

There should be different standards. We, as followers of Christ, seek to imitate Christ. He is our standard. That's a much higher standard than the world.

If we can be successful in living to that standard, we will be different. We will stand out. We will have something unique that those living to the standard of the world will want. We will have the power of God.

Unfortunately, we don't always do too good at living to that standard. Is it because it's too hard? Is it because we don't see the value? Is it because we have lost our first love? Is it because our faith is weak?

Whatever it is, we can do better. We can be people of faith. We can cling to Jesus our Master. We can follow His example. We can live His life. We can experience His peace. We can be comfort and compassion and love in the world around us. Not in ourselves, but in Christ.

Don't live by the standards of this world. There is something so much better within your grasp.

Last Week's Message...

2011-11-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last week's Sermon message was on Murphy's Law. We talked a little about what it is and how we've all seen it lived out in our lives, then we looked at an example from Scripture, and how we can learn from that.

If you would like to read that message, click on the title below and you will be redirected to the message:

November 6 - Murphy's Law

Thanks for reading!

Faithful and fruitful, or ready for destruction...

2011-11-09T17:15:00.000-05:00

My loved onehad a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicestvines. He built a watchtower in itand cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only badfruit.

Isaiah 5:1b-2

In thispassage, Isaiah is telling a story to the people of Israel and Judah. He later explains that the people ofIsrael and Judah are the vineyard. The Lord planted the vineyard, but the vineyard didn’t produce any goodfruit. Hear this as, “The peopleof Israel and Judah didn’t produce any good fruit.”

At the end ofthis story, he told what he was going to do. He (the Lord) was going to send people in to trample on anddestroy the vineyard, to make it an utter wasteland. Starting in verse 8 there are a series of woes to the peopleof Israel and Judah, six of them in all. Then begin prophesies of Assyria descending on Israel and Judah. We know that happened. Israel and Judah were invaded, many ofthe people taken back in exile. All this because the Lord found them unfaithful and unfruitful.

In the midst ofthese verses, we see Isaiah 6:13a, "And though a tenth remains in the land, itwill again be laid waste."

Here’s myconcern: In Romans 11:17-20b, wesee..

If some of the branches have been broken off,and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others andnow share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over thosebranches. If you do, considerthis: You do not support the root,but the root supports you. Youwill say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you standby faith.

As I read this,has the Church of Christ become the vineyard of Isaiah 5? If so, are we doing any better in the21^st century American Church then Israel and Judah did? I read that only about 15% ofAmerican’s attend church, and I know that in my community, that’s aboutright. But though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. How do we stand? How secure is the church we love?

In the end, itdepends on each of us. The churchis as strong as it’s members. Thewhole is equal to the sum of its parts. When God looks at us, will he find us faithful and fruitful, or ready tobe trampled on and destroyed?

Of Demons, Pigs, and Fearful Men

2011-10-05T09:54:00.000-05:00

When he arrived at the other side inthe region of the Gaderenses, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs methim. They were so violent that noone could pass that way. “What doyou want with us, Son of God?” they shouted… The demons begged Jesus, “if you drive us out, send us intothe heard of pigs.” He said tothem, “Go!” So they came out andwent into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lakeand died in the water… Then thewhole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
- Matthew 8:28-29a, 30-32, 34

This was a passage I shared at theCouncil Meeting at Almond Union of Churches on Monday. A brief look showed two thoughts worthy of our reflection.

First, the demons that possessed thetwo men in the story immediately recognized Jesus as the Son of God. They were powerful demons, the men theypossessed were so violent that no one could pass that way. Yet, they seem to be afraid ofJesus. Asking if He was going totorture them, then finally begging to be sent into the pigs. The demons recognized and feared theSon of God.

But the second thought I had wasthat the townspeople didn’t. Whenthe townspeople heard what happened and came out to see Jesus, they didn’t seemto immediately recognize Jesus. Infact, they asked him to leave their region.

They must have acknowledged hispower, they surely heard of the demon-possessed men that lived by the tombs,and most certainly feared them greatly; these were very violent demons. Yet with one word, Jesus cast themout. They must have recognized Hispower.

Were they feeling convicted and unworthy? Is that why they asked Him toleave? Or was more a matter ofinconvenience? Jesus’ presence hadalready cost them an entire herd of pigs. What more was he going to do?

Aren’t there times when we strugglewith the same issues? We know ofJesus’ power to transform our lives. But we are pretty comfortable where we are. Beside, a radical life of faith will cost us a lot. Are we prepared to give up those thingsthat get in the way of a relationship with Jesus? Or will we ignore him. Or worse yet, ask him to leave.

We’ve seen His power. We know He can do amazing things in ourlives. Will we choose to followHim?

See You at the Pole

2011-09-28T11:55:00.000-05:00

Today, September 28, was the National See You At the Pole.

See You at the Pole is a student-initiated and student-led movement that started in Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1990. Since then, it has grown by leaps and bounds. The following year, 1991, an estimated one million people gathered at flag poles outside schools to lift up the students, teachers, and administrators, to God. Some sang, some read Scripture, but most importantly, they prayed. Like those first students the year before, they prayed for their schools, for their friends, for their leaders, and for their country.

Today you can find See You At the Pole in schools in every state in the US, and in more than 20 other countries. In places like Canada, Korea, Japan, Turkey, and the Ivory Coast, students are responding to God and taking seriously the challenge to pray.

It is estimated over three million students gathered this morning at their schools. I was at Alfred Almond this morning, and was a part of about 20 people who had gathered. Let's get behind our students and support them as they try to live a life of faith in sometimes harsh surroundings.

Doing the Master's Will

2011-09-28T11:37:00.000-05:00

Have you, like me, struggled at times to know what God's will is for your life.

I know that I am saved by God's grace, not by anything I do, because of my faith in Jesus Christ. I know I'm not saved by works. But what is the proper relationship between my faith and my works. Does my salvation seal my status and a child of God? Is there something else I should be doing?

Sunday's message dealt with some of these questions. If you've struggled with these questions, I invite you to read it. Just click the link below:

September 25 - Doing the Master's Will

Be the Church!

2011-09-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

I was watching a video of Dr. Tony Evans on the Role of the Church. It was an excellent video, and I'll share some interesting and challenging thoughts from it later, as I've had a chance to digest them a little more.

But for now, I wanted to share some of his closing words:

It is my hope that God would enable you in whatever ministry He has called you to, to not simply go to church, or grow a church, but to be the church...

Ministry at School alive and well!

2011-09-23T16:07:00.001-05:00

There are two things happening at the Alfred Almond schoolthat you should be aware of, and pass along if you have children orgrandchildren in the school

First is happening this Wednesday, September 28, at 7:15 am,and it’s the National See You at the Pole event. This is a national ministry, yet student led activity. It will be held all over the country,and students at Alfred Almond will be involved as well. They will meet around the flagpole forsome singing, a short time of devotion, and most of all, for prayer.

Everyone is inivited to attend, and I encourage you to stopby Wednesday, 7:15 am, and show your support to the students, take a fewminutes to pray with the students, and encourage them as they seek God beforestarting their day at school.

The second thing at the school is that Bible Club isstarting up again. It will meetevery Thursday morning, at 7:15, in Mr. Vance’s room. The Bible club again is a student led ministry open to anystudents from 7^th to 12^th grades.

Again if you have children or grandchildren, mention theBible club!

How Can I Help?

2011-09-13T11:09:00.001-05:00

Pastor Ben was working in his study when the newly ordained deacon, Don, knocked at the open door with a question, "Pastor, how can I help the church? I don't have special gifts."

Pastor Ben paused for a moment and replied, "Each of us is a witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives and we can each send that message to others."

Pastor continued talking, "We may not be able to serve as a missionary in a foreign country or preach or sing in the choir but our lives send little words and deeds of encouragement to another who is struggling with some problem or crisis. What we become is important to God more than what we think we can do. I remember when I was younger that a woman in my home church encouraged me to become a minister of the Gospel. She wrote me while I was in seminary and sought me for conversation when I was home on holiday. Her life was a living testimony to Christ and inspired me when I was going through a period of doubting. I learned that encouragement of another doesn't require a talent, only a dedication and commitment to Christ.

Pastor Ben leaned backward in his chair and asked Deacon Don what were his thoughts on helping.

Don thoughtfully responded, "Pastor, I thought you might help me learn how to visit members with needs. I'm not confident enough to say the right word or do the right thing."

Pastor Ben suggested that Don might wish to accompany one of the experienced deacons in hospital or home visits. Pastor continued relating a personal experience. "In an early church where I was pastor the choir director wanted to produce a Resurrection Cantata. He recruited a church member to sing the part of Christ. This member had initially declined saying he had no musical talent. It seems this church member denied he had the talent to sing other than hymns in worship. The choir director assured the reluctant member that he had the voice and that the choir director, who had a trained tenor voice, would sing with the member during practices. Practice after practice they sang together. This director arranged special coaching sessions and extra practice for the doubting singer. Always the choir director encouraged the novice singer as he struggled.

"At the reception following the evening performance, which was open to the public, a neighborhood woman approached the church member with a question, 'were you the Irish tenor who sang the part of Christ?'"

Pastor Ben said to Deacon Don, "You and I hope that when our concert of life is over, someone will say, "Were you the one who lived for Jesus Christ?"

Rev. Dr. Ernest Bee
from the QUEST, the Newsletter of the
Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church.

Last weeks message...

2011-08-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

Last week's Sermon message was on using the God given gifts to serve others.

If you would like to read that message, click on the title below and you will be redirected to the message:

August 18 - Don't Quit Your God Job!

Thanks for reading!

We're back in Almond!

2011-08-24T10:55:00.000-05:00

The Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways!

After ten months in Florida taking care of my father, we are back in Almond.

My dad is now in an assisted living facility, still in Florida, and he has a guardian that is taking care of him, which allowed us to return.

We've been back for nearly a month, and still very busy getting unpacked and planning out the preaching calendar and all the other things that go with a new ministry. I hope to have a chance to visit with you and talk and see how you've been the last ten months.

It's an exciting time - I hope you share my enthusiasm for the church and the work God is doing in Almond! Together we can do great things.

Message shared at Brooksville Presbyterian Church

2011-01-03T12:23:00.000-05:00

On November 28, I was invited to the Brooksville Presbyterian Church to share a message. This was the first Sunday of Advent (now that Christmas is over, that sounds like it was so long ago). Here is the message from that Sunday...

When O Lord?

Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44

Have you gone shopping for Christmas yet? Did you fight the crowds at the stores on Friday? We didn’t go out this year. Last year, my wife Sandy went out on Friday, she was one of the early risers last year. That’s one day of the year I avoid shopping for anything. I know how hectic things can get. It seems every year, somewhere there is some ordeal over some little thing, pushing and shoving to get the last of a super deal.

On Thanksgiving morning, we went through the papers, looking through the store ads to see what might be really good deals. I know that a lot of people were up extra early, and it keeps getting earlier every year. One store was open at 3:00 am this year. Several were open with special deals good on Thanksgiving day only. That seems crazy to me, I remember a few years ago Computer City had a really nice laptop computer on sale for half off - it was a really great price, and my niece was planning on getting there at 4:00 am to try to get some deals. She was after the computer and a digital camera. But even if she got there at 4:00, she knew there would be a line, and that she probably had very little chance of getting either one. But she figured it was worth a shot.

I can understand why tempers get a little short, getting up hours before the sun to stand in line for hours more, waiting for the store to open, being one of the first ten or fifteen people in the store, and still not getting that item that you so badly wanted. When stores do things like this, advertising so heavily for something they only have a couple of, it’s little wonder that people get frustrated and a little angry when they miss out on that one thing they really wanted.

Like it or not, a lot of people participate in this yearly ritual. Pushing and shoving for the years most popular gifts, always stocked in very limited quantities. And the saddest part is, this is what the Christmas Holiday has become to many people, isn’t it. At least for some, consumer driven, materialistic people that see Christmas as just a retail holiday, rather than the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior.

I hope that we, as believers, have not lost track of that true meaning of Christmas. I hope that we don’t get sucked into that game. I hope that our faith makes a difference in the way that we live our lives, and most of all, in the way that we approach our shopping this time of year.

This is, as you know, the first week of Advent, and while the retail world has been preparing their store displays for Christmas for several weeks now, pretty much since Halloween, and the retail season began in earnest on Friday, we see the Christmas season as officially beginning today. And as they see it as a chance to dramatically increase sales before the year-end, we see it as a chance to prepare ourselves again for the coming of the Messiah.

I love Advent. It is a holy time of year for me. A chance to reflect on God himself becoming human, being born in the most unholy of circumstances. Truly becoming one of us, even one of the least of us. Yet inside, he was still God. Living on the outside just as you or I might have, yet, pure and holy. Our divine Lord.

So in the season of advent, we remember His coming, and we prepare our hearts and our minds for His coming again. Especially today, on the first Sunday of Advent, when we emphasize his promised coming again. What does that mean for you? Does the promise of his second coming influence your attitudes this time of year? Does the knowledge that when the time is right, he will come back, change your outlook? I hope that you are filled with an inner peace knowing that. I hope that it not only affects who you are, but that it actually defines who you are. That you are truly one that lives for the day he will come back, just as he said he would.

Our reading in Isaiah gives us a glimpse of what it will be like when he gets here. The mountain of the Lord’s temple, which is Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, will be established as the chief among mountains, all nations will stream to it – they will look to it as the center of power in all the world. Revelation 21 talks about the New Jerusalem, God himself will live there and will rule the nations. And as we heard this morning, swords will be beat into plow shares and spears into pruning hooks, because swords and spears will no longer be needed. The world will be at peace. My friends, I don’t believe the world will ever truly be at peace until this day comes. But this day will come!

In fact, I think that it will more than likely come in my lifetime. If not, then at least in the lifetime of our kids. I have a couple of reasons for believing that, maybe someday I’ll share them with you. But we can certainly echo the idea that Paul wrote to the Romans, that that time is nearer now than when we first believed. Surely the day is almost here, the hour has come for us to wake up from our slumber.

If they felt that the time was that close 2000 years ago, then certainly it is much closer now. He talked about the night being almost over, that refers to the evil times they lived in. Those evil times are not yet gone, are they. We live in evil times today, don’t we? If you watch the news, you know that. Last year, a hunter shot six people dead because one of them told him to get out of their tree-stand. This guy was hunting on posted property without permission, climbed up into somebody else’s tree stand, and when the owner of the property told him to leave, he got into an argument and wound up killing six and injuring at least two others.

If that’s not enough proof of the evil around us, how about this one. A soldier from Iraq had to fly home to be with his wife, who was in intensive care in the hospital after being shot in the head while going to a shopping mall. The fellow that did it didn’t know her, it was a drive by shooting, and the police said he was just out looking for someone to kill, it didn’t matter who. This guy spent a year in a war zone, only to find out that the home he left was just as dangerous. We don’t need any more proof that we live in evil days, do we? The media wants to convince us that Iraq was a big failure. We heard of names of every soldier that died there. And each was a tragedy

But we don’t often hear how many thousands are killed here in our own country each day by the evil around us. We don’t often hear how many young women are shot down trying to get into the shopping mall. Or how many hunters shot down while trying to enjoy their own property, and maybe even bring home some dinner. Innocent people that just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and fall victim to the same evil Paul wrote about 2000 years ago.

But the Bible tells us that daylight is coming. The day is almost here. The time to behave decently is here. The time to clothe yourselves with our Lord Jesus Christ has come. Three quick ways to do this: first, we identify with Christ by getting baptized and becoming a member of his church. This shows that we are a part of His body, the church family. We need to commit to him, and to his family. Second, we live by the qualities Jesus lived by while he was here on earth; these are love, humility, truth, and service to others. In other words, we sort of role-play what Jesus would do if he were in our situation. We try to become imitators of Christ. And thirdly, we watch ourselves carefully, so we don’t fall into any sin. We need to monitor this carefully, because sin starts with such a tiny temptation. We need to make sure we avoid any opportunity to fall victim. When we work on these three things, we will be ready for his return.

Our final reading in Matthew reminds us that while the time is near, we won’t know the exact time of his return. Therefore, we need to be ready all the time.

I guess it’s probably good that we don’t know the exact time of his return. If we did, we would probably be tempted to live for ourselves right up to the last minute, being lazy in our faith, not doing the work Christ would have us do. But we must live our lives of faith here on earth. We have work to do here. Christ put us where we are for a reason, he has work for us to do. And we must keep doing it, working on, until he determines the time is ready.

One final thought, the way that Matthew words this, ‘the Lord will come at an hour when you don’t expect him.’ This sounds to me like there won’t be any chance for last minute confessions, no opportunities for last minute repentance or bargaining. We must be found living a life of faith. We must be ready before that time comes. For there will be a day when it’s too late.

William Coffin once said, “We have learned to soar through the air like birds, to swim through the seas like fish, to soar through space like comets. Now it is high time we learned to walk the earth as the children of our God.” This advent season, make sure your ready for his return. Make sure you’re walking as one of his children.

I'm still here...

2011-01-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

Last September, I moved from Almond to Brooksville, FL.

We are now living with my Dad and helping him get by. As such, my ministry at Almond Union of Churches has ended. I am now looking for another ministry in Florida, and as such, have had a few great times providing pulpit supply for a couple of churches.

My thanks to First Baptist Church of Sumterville, FL, for having me come out two weeks. I love the church, and enjoyed with time with all the great folks in Sumterville.

A couple of weeks before that, I was able to fill in for Pastor Andrew Berry (who also went to Northeastern Seminary). I performed a wedding for a great couple, and then covered two services on Sunday. Thanks to the folks at Brooksville Presbyterian Church for welcoming us so heartily.

I'm going to publish a the messages that I shared in both Brooksville and Sumterville in the next couple of days. If you're interested, please read, and I pray that the Lord may work through these messages and the Holy Spirit reveals His truth.

2010-06-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

Don't judge too quickly...

2010-06-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

I came across this story and thought it was an excellent reminder that we can be very quick to judge...

There was an old man in a village, very poor, but even the kings were jealous of him because he had a beautiful white horse. Kings offered fabulous prices for the horse, but the man would say, “This horse is not a horse to me, he is a person. And how can you sell a person, a friend?” The man was very poor, but he never sold the horse. One morning, he found that the horse was not in the stable. The whole village gathered and said, “You foolish old man! We knew that someday the horse would be stolen. It would have been better to sell it. What a misfortune!”

The old man said, “Don’t go so far as to say that. Simply say that the horse is not in the stable. This is the fact; everything else is a judgment. Whether it is a misfortune or a blessing I do not know, because this is just a fragment. Who knows what is going to follow it?”

People laughed at the old man. They had always known that he was a little crazy. But after fifteen days, suddenly one night the horse returned. He had not been stolen, he had escaped into the wild. And not only that, he brought a dozen wild horses back with him. Again the people gathered and they said, “Old man, you were right. This was not a misfortune, it has indeed proved to be a blessing.” The old man said, “Again you are going to far. Just say the horse is back, who knows whether it is a blessing or not? It is only a fragment. You read a single word in a sentence – how can you judge the whole book?”

This time the people did not say much, but inside they knew that he was wrong. Twelve beautiful horses had come… Of course it was a blessing!

The old man had an only son who started to train the wild horses. Just a week later he fell from a horse and both his legs were broken. The people gathered again and again they judged. They said, “Again, you proved right! It was a misfortune. You only son has lost the use of his legs, and in your old age he was your only support. Now you are poorer than ever.”

The old man said, “You are obsessed with judgment. Don’t go that far. Say only that my son has broken his legs. Nobody knows whether this is a misfortune or a blessing. Life comes in fragments and more is never given to you.”

It happened that after a few weeks the country went to war, and all the young men of the town were forcibly taken for the military. Only the old man’s son was left, because he was crippled. The whole town was crying and weeping, because it was a losing fight, and they knew most of the young people would never come back. They came to the old man and they said, “You were right, old man, this has proved to be a blessing. Maybe your son is crippled, but he is still with you. Our sons are gone forever.”

The man said again, “You go on and on judging. Nobody knows! Only say this, that your sons have been forced to enter into the army, and my son has not been forced. But only God knows whether it is a blessing or a misfortune.”

“Judge ye not” – otherwise you will never become one with God. With fragments you will be obsessed, with small things you jump to conclusions. Once you judge you have stopped growing.

Judgment means a stale state of mind. And mind always wants judgment, because to be in process is always hazardous and uncomfortable. In fact, the journey never ends. One path ends, another begins. One door closes, another opens. You reach a peak, a higher peak is always there. God is an endless journey. Only those who are so courageous that they don’t bother about the goal but are content with the journey, content just to live the moment and grow into it, only those are able to walk with God.

What's really important?

2010-06-21T15:22:00.001-05:00

But whatever was my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Philippians 3:7-8

We often have trouble prioritizing the things in our life. Most people I talk to have more things to do than they have time to do them, so prioritizing is necessary so you know what to do first. The problem is, everything seems important! How do know what is most important?

For the Apostle Paul, that was easy. The things that led him to knowing Jesus better were the most important! He was convinced that Jesus was more important than anything else in his life, and that anything that drew him to Jesus was of ultimate importance.

We might object today, saying that we need to provide for our families so our work is our highest priority. Paul would tell you that God can and will provide any need you have.

We might object that we will be with our families for the rest of our lives, certainly families are the most important thing. Paul would tell you that you that your family relationships would be infinitely better if Jesus were included, if devotions were shared, if Christ were honored in your family.

We might object saying that we’re getting older, our health is certainly what we should be placing importance on. Paul would tell you that Jesus can heal you just as healed so many before you.

We might have lots of important things in our lives, but until we place Jesus in that top position of importance, we will be missing out on all that He has to offer.

ASAP

2010-06-18T14:34:00.001-05:00

I think we all know that ASAP means “As soon as possible.” It means that whatever the subject is, is very important. We need to do it right away. Or we need to contact someone about it right away.

Sometimes, it refers to an invitation, we want others to let us know if they can come, but we need to know soon. Sometimes it can refer to a sales offer, it might be a great deal, but time is limited, they have to act fast.

But sometimes ASAP is used for an emergency. We need to do something ASAP or something terrible will happen. The health care profession uses the term “stat” which is an abbreviation of the Latin term “statim”. Perhaps that doesn’t sound so alarming.

There is another acronym that we should remember when things are urgent. Still using the ASAP initials, remember to “Always Say A Prayer.” Whatever we do when an emergency comes along, prayer is a very important step.

So the next time you hear the word ASAP, remember to “always say a prayer.”

The fruit of our lips...

2010-06-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

Proverbs 12:4

I remember hearing a story about a little girl who wanted to build a new dollhouse. Her father was going to help her, and they decided that they could use some of the wood from an old fence that he had taken down earlier that year.

The little girl was a little bothered by the old nail holes in the wood, but instead of offering to fill them, or let her know that when they were painted they might not show quite as much, he decided to use them as a teaching lesson.

He knew that sometimes she said things about others that was very unkind, and he was concerned that quite often, they weren’t even true things. So he told her that every unkind word we speak is a little like one of those nail holes.

Sometimes what we say can cause hurts in others that leave scars, not unlike the holes in the wood from the old fence. And once said, our words can’t be taken back. We can apologize, and we certainly should apologize, and even when we are forgiven, those hurtful things can be difficult to forget.

On the other side, saying good things that help others and encourage others to get through their struggles, and strengthen them on their Spiritual Journey, can do a world of good. In fact, the verse above indicates that what we say can bring as many rewards as what we do. Feeding those who are hungry, clothing the poor, visiting the sick, providing transportation to someone without a car, are all great things, and Scripture promises a reward for those who do them.

Our words will also bring spiritual rewards, if we use them wisely!

Songs of praise...

2010-06-16T14:06:00.000-05:00

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.”

Psalm 66:1-4

What a great song of praise! As I was reading this for my devotion the other day, I couldn’t help but think how great it would be to start everyday singing songs of praise like this. To start everyday with God’s praise on your lips!

In our daily devotions, everyday should contain a time of praise, very much like this. Including a time like this let God know that you acknowledge His greatness and His power in your life. It keeps you in awe of the things of God. And it helps keep you from thinking too much of yourself, humble, reciting daily God’s great power and might.

So every day, remember God’s greatness, and praise Him!

Justified by Faith

2010-06-14T11:07:00.002-05:00

What do we really have to do to be right with God?

That's a question I hear fairly often, and it's surprisingly a question that people argue about. There isn't a lot of agreement on exactly what God expects.

The Sermon Message this week looks at that subject, and my answer to that question.

In the churches in Galatia, Paul had visited in an early missionary trip and help organize and strengthen the believers that were there. But then, after he left, others came in and told them that they needed to follow the Jewish Law, essentially becoming Jews before they could become Christians. Do we have to follow the Jewish commands? How do we become Christians? How are we made right with God (Justified)? These are the questions we try to answer this week. If you would like to read the message, click the title below. There should be an audio link by Monday afternoon.

June 13, 2010 - Justified by Faith

Thanks for reading.

Are we basically good people?

2010-06-10T08:12:00.001-05:00

When I have opportunities to share my faith, one objection I often hear is that a loving God would never sentence a good person to an eternity in Hell. And it might sound a little harsh on the surface. But I think that reasoning is flawed. Here’s why:

First, thinking that we are basically good people and that we should get into heaven suggests that we can save ourselves by our good deeds. But the Apostle Paul is very clear that we are “saved by faith, not by works.” We are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ - nothing else.

Second, it isn’t really God that is sentencing us to Hell. He has done everything he could to keep us out. Again and again, He has responded in grace when we have wandered away, doing our thing. If we wind up in Hell, it’s because we didn’t accept the grace poured out on us.

And finally, how good do you suppose you would have to be to be “good”? Would “basically good” be enough to offset a lifetime of disobedience to God? Probably not. I suppose the standard would have to be set pretty high, if in fact you could be good enough on your own.

In fact, to get an idea how high, in Mark 10:17-18, a rich young man runs up to Jesus and asks, “‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good – except God alone.’” Is Jesus saying that he is not good? That perhaps not even Jesus is good enough on His own to inherit eternal life? Is the standard so high that even the One that never sinned still wasn’t good enough? Would any of us measure up?

That’s why the Apostle Paul wrote, in Romans 3:23, “for we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But Paul doesn’t stop there, he continues, “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Many think that we are born good, and it is life’s experiences that harden us. But then why would we call that early stage in the development of our children the “terrible twos”? Shouldn’t that be the best time in their development? They are starting to freely interact with others, and they haven’t had any of the life experiences that would harden them yet. They haven’t learned evil yet, having been sheltered by their parents up to this point. The fact that almost every child goes through this stage might suggest that perhaps we aren’t born good. Rather, we learn good from the rules established at home, beginning in this stage, but lasting throughout our lives. Not that any of our kids are terrors, but perhaps they suffer the effects of sin from a very young age.

In our Bible Study yesterday, we looked at Deuteronomy, and in chapter 11, we studied the freedom to choose either a blessing or a curse. In verse 11:26 we read, “I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse – the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey”. The choice is ours. We can follow God, obey His commands, trust Him in all things, or we can walk away and do our own thing.

What we can’t do is blame Him for the consequences if we disobey. He warned us long ago. He even sent His Son to open the door for us. We have to believe.

God is not evil or hard toward us. Just the opposite. God loves us so much he sent his own Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. God didn’t just meet us half way, He came the entire way, He did it all. All we have to do is believe!

It doesn't matter who you were...

2010-06-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

In our message last Sunday, we looked at a passage in Galatians, looking at chapter 1, verses 11-25.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul is telling us briefly about his conversion on the road to Damascus. He was a very devout Jew, higher in the ranks than many of his peers. He thought he knew what God wanted, and was very zealous in his faith. But it turns out, he didn't know what God really wanted. He had it wrong. And it took a miraculous vision to straighten him out.

Sometimes, we think we understand our faith. We think we know what it takes to please God. We think we've got it right. But sometimes, we can be wrong...

If you would like to read the message, click on the title below. There is also a link to listen to the audio recording of the message.

June 6, 2010 - It Doesn't Matter Who You Were

Thanks for reading...

Is He Your Messiah?

2010-04-26T16:09:00.000-05:00

This week's message examines the question, "Are you really the Messiah?"

These people saw the miracles, they saw people healed, they saw so many incredible things, they even heard teachings that no man could know - teaching with authority! How can they doubt.

One reason they questioned Jesus as Messiah is because Jesus was so different from their perspective of what the Messiah would be like, and what he would do.

We examine these expectation, what they saw in Jesus, and perhaps more importantly, what they didn't see that they expected to see. These expectations affect us, too. We dismiss miracles everyday, we miss God's work, we miss exciting things happening, we don't expect to see them there.

To read the message, click here.

Thanks for reading!

Do You Love Me?

2010-04-23T08:52:00.000-05:00

The message for this week follows the lectionary reading from John 21:1-19. It's the story of Jesus' third visit, at least His third visit, to the disciples. He had instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for gift the Father had promised them (Acts 1:4). This promise was probably made in one of His two previous visits, in the locked room, either the one Thomas missed, or when Jesus came back to see Thomas.

Although Jesus had told them previously about the Holy Spirit that would come and be their guide and their counselor, I'm not sure they really knew what to expect. They were waiting, but I'm not sure they knew what they were waiting for. And after three weeks, they were getting pretty bored of that locked room.

Suddenly, without warning, Peter jumps up and says, "I'm going fishing!" The rest, without missing a beat, all jumped as well, and said, "We'll go with you!" And so they went.

When they got back, Jesus was waiting on the shore, with fire going. He asked for a couple of the fish they caught, and prepared a meal for them. After the meal, he pulled Peter aside. He pulls all of us aside at one point in our lives. And He asks us the same question: "Do you love me?"

This was a very short summery of the message. If you would like to read the entire message, click here. There is also an audio link to listen to the recording of the message, though this week the quality isn't the greatest.

The Main Point of the Gospel Message...

2010-04-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

This week is Easter Week - the day the church remembers the resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

Easter is a great time to look at not just the resurrection of Jesus - but the life of Jesus as well. So this year on Easter Sunday we looked at the message that Jesus proclaimed. The gospel message - the good news. What is the good news? What is the main message? What is the most important part of the message that Jesus spread?

That's the question we try to answer this week. As you read the message, or listen to the audio link, I invite your comments. What do you think is the most essential part of the Jesus' message...

If you would like to read, click here...

Thanks for reading.

Preparing for Easter...

2010-04-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

How do you prepare for Easter?

Easter is the biggest day of the Christian year. How do you prepare for it?

We have made Lenten Devotionals available here the Almond Union Church. Do you have a devotion that read during Lent? Any special disciplines that you might follow during Lent (fasting, mediation, prayer...)

How have they been going for you? Have you found quiet time with God to be easy? If you don't practice year round, it may be difficult to start for a fairly short period.

If you have started a new discipline and it has one well, I encourage you to continue it. If it has brought you closer to God during Lent, continue it. We need to be closer to God all year around.

Let me know how things are going. I love to hear from you...

Jesus wept

2010-03-28T17:11:00.000-05:00

This last Sunday was Palm Sunday, and churches everywhere looked at the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

We did, too. That was the topic. Yet the sermon title was, "Jesus Wept." Does it seem odd that on the day that the whole city seemed to come out and celebrate Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, shouting "Hosanna" and "Blessed be the King," that we would talk about Jesus weeping?

Yet in Luke 19:41, it says, "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes.'"
In this weeks message, we look at this passage from Jesus' standpoint. We've talked about the shouting crowds, the expectations, the joy in the hearts of the people in the crowd. But while they were joyful, Jesus cried. Why did he cry?

To read this message, or to hear the audio recording, click here.

Thanks for reading!

Parental Rights vs. Godly Marriage

2010-03-26T17:11:00.001-05:00

I was reading in Reader’s Digest the other night – you can’t beat the jokes, and April’s edition has some great pranks in it to get people ready for April Fool’s Day.

Every issue also has an article on a recent court case. You read about the case and try to guess what the verdict was. Some of them are difficult to guess, and I probably get as many wrong as I get right. Which is a difficult situation for people today. We try to do what’s right, but we don’t always know what’s right.

In this case, a man had a female friend who wanted a baby. He donated sperm so she could be artificially inseminated. It was successful, and a she became pregnant. But after the baby was born, she refused to let the man have anything to do with the child.

According to Kansas law, men who donate sperm have no parental rights, and he pursued it all the way to the State Supreme Court, but lost. He even appealed to the US Supreme Court, but they refused to hear the case, cementing the decision of the Kansas Supreme Court.

Most people agree that the way God determined that children be born was in a committed and monogamous relationship He ordained. That relationship is the “institution” of marriage. Marriage has been under attack for some time now. People seem to want all the benefits – children, health insurance, relationship – without making the commitment.

Biblically, what they did goes against the Word of God. Too many people pursue other ways to get what they want. I would much see them go without and be with God, then get what they want without God.

We need to get serious about our level of commitment to God. What God gives is all we need. Trust in God.

Resisting Evil...

2010-03-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I have been helped; Therefore my heart dances for joy, and in my song will I praise him.

Psalm 28: 8-11

Last night we had an ALPHA Course that talked about How to Resist Evil. The discussion talked a lot about how we know that there is evil in the world. We see it in murders, abduction, bombings, school shootings. Over and over we see things that only a man possessed by evil could do. Unspeakable things.

Of course we talked about God, the source of goodness and mercy, and how the only explanation for the evil around us is the Judeo-Christian understanding of the Devil. I don’t know how else you can explain the evil around us.

Many religions teach that man is basically good, and if he does enough good, he will be rewarded with some type of heaven, paradise, or whatever end might be fitting. But if man is basically good, how does this evil happen?

The understanding of a Devil trying to lure mankind away from God may sound a little strange, certainly the image of the devil is not very beleivable, with the red skin, horns, tail, and pitchfork. But I have yet to hear an explanation that makes better sense than an evil spiitual being, given what we see in the world around us.

One thing that was interesting in the ALPHA Course last night, did you know that if you add just one letter to the word “good” you get God. If you add just one letter to the word “evil” you get Devil.

I think the verse above is the answer. To resist evil, cling to God. The Lord is your strength and your shield. Trust in Him alone.

O Lord, have pity on me...

2010-03-24T09:14:00.000-05:00

As for me, I will live with integrity; redeem me, O LORD, and have pity on me.

Psalm 26:11

As Easter is approaching quickly, I hope that you have the opportunity to do some daily devotions. We’ve again been blessed at Almond Union of Churches to offer a booklet of Lenten Devotions by Richard Rusbuldt. These are great devotions, I hope you have something similar that you’re reading through this season.

For me, Lent is a time of year when I am reminded of my never ending need for a Savior. I sometimes think that when I get to stand before God, I’ll probably be cowering behind Jesus. Fearful of the power and might of loving, yet just, God. In awe over His majesty, yet fully aware that I don’t deserve to be there.

Lent is time to reflect on that. Because in recognizing our unworthiness, we recognize Jesus’ worthiness. Only by recognizing our sin, can we recognize Jesus’ purity and lack of sin. And only by recognizing how our need for a Savior is, can we really appreciate our Savior.

We tend to think the best. Things will work out. We’re basically good people. We try our best. But especially during Lent, reflect on the fact that as good as we think we are, we still fall short. Things work out, we’re basically good people, able to try our best, because of the saving work of Christ on the Cross.

Without Jesus, none of us would be able to stand (or even cower) before God.

Carrying Your Cross...

2010-03-23T17:12:00.000-05:00

Our message for Sunday, March 21, looked at Jesus' last day, leading up to the cross. While we don't actually look at the crucifixion here, we do look a little at the punishment He received at the hands of Pilate, and at the events leading up to the crucifixion.

We see that because Jesus was so weak after the flogging and the beatings, that He stumbled trying to carry His cross. The Roman Soldiers grabbed an innocent bystander, Simon, to carry the cross for Him.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus tells us that "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Understanding the floggings, the beatings, and being forced to carry His cross to the hilltop, what does it mean for us to carry our crosses. We know what Jesus went through. What must we go through?

To read the message, or hear the audio recording, click here.

Thanks for reading.

Feel the Burn...

2010-03-23T17:03:00.000-05:00

It's been a little while since I've posted anything here. I was unexpectadly out of town for a couple weeks due a death in the family, then I started having some difficulties with the audio sermons. Those difficulties have been resolved, and I think I'm ready to move forward again.

On March 14, our message at Almond Union was Feel the Burn. We looked at 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 as our Scripture reading for the day. The emphasis in this reading is that we are new creations in Christ Jesus.

To read the message, or hear the audio recording, click here.

Thanks for reading.

Some thoughts on Britains pending Equality Laws...

2010-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just came across this from an article in Christian Today. Pope Benedict has spoken out against pending equality legislation in Britain. The legislation would guarantee equal rights to homosexuals. A reason the church is so against this legislation is that it would make it illegal for a church to discriminate in its hiring practices. While the Catholic Church deems homosexual activity as a sin, they would be unable to use that as a reason to not hire an individual that came looking for work. To take that a step further, refusing to ordain an individual because of sexual orientation would also be illegal.

The Pope had spoken out against this legislation. In the article quoted above, Chief Rabbi Jonathon Sacks supports the Pope's condemnation of the legislation. He writes, “We may not agree with the Vatican line on homosexuality. But the State is trampling on our rights as individuals.”

Here is an excerpt from the article...

There are times when human rights become human wrongs. This happens when rights become more than a defence of human dignity, which is their proper sphere, and become instead a political ideology, relentlessly trampling down everything in their path,” he said.

“This is happening increasingly in Britain, and it is why the Pope’s protest against the Equality Bill, whether we agree with it or not, should be taken seriously.”

He said the dismissal of a nurse for offering to pray for a patient, the closure of Roman Catholic adoption agencies for refusing to place children with same-sex couples, and the branding of a Jewish school’s admissions policy as racist were evidence that Britain was entering “dangerous territory” over human rights.

“When Christians, Jews and others feel that the ideology of human rights is threatening their freedoms of association and religious practice, a tension is set in motion that is not healthy for society, freedom or Britain,” he said.

“Rather than regard the Pope’s remarks as an inappropriate intervention, we should use them to launch an honest debate on where to draw the line between our freedom as individuals and our freedom as members of communities of faith. One should not be purchased at the cost of the other.”

Something to think about...

Some thoughts on suffering...

2010-02-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

I may have shared this before, but it's been a while. So here it is again!

I’ve just finished reading a book called Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. I highly recommend it, if you haven’t read it. Brother Lawrence was a monk living in a monastery in France in the mid to late 1600’s. It’s a short book, easy to read, but speaks volumes.

One of the things that really caught my attention was the different view of suffering that was prevalent in the 1600’s in the church. Nobody wants to suffer. No one wants to suffer. In fact, today, we are quick to ask for prayers to relieve our suffering and make us well again.

Yet, Brother Lawrence wrote a letter, essentially congratulating a Reverend Mother when she became very ill, because he knew that God allowed that suffering, that he had a purpose for that suffering, and that it would bring her even closer to God by strengthening her faith.

I would never congratulate someone for becoming seriously ill, or experiencing other types of pain and suffering in their lives, and I certainly hope you wouldn’t either! But Scripture is clear about the role of suffering in the life of one who trusts in their Lord.

As we ride down the road, we will meet people who are suffering. Many today are. We may even be asked to pray for healing. As we do, let’s remember the role of suffering. Let’s remember that God is good and doesn’t allow suffering without a reason.

If a believer suffers, it’s because God allowed it, and because He has a plan for it. Often that plan is to steer people back to a closer relationship with Him. We can be a part of that.

By sharing and praying with people, we are directing their attention to God. Many of them might not have thought much about God in a long time. Look for suffering, and be ready…

He must increase, I must decrease...

2010-02-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

Wow, time really flies!

I can't beleive it's Thursday already, and I haven't passed along the info from last weeks sermon message. It's been a busy week, but not a bad week.

This weeks message talked about Jesus' baptism, specifically why Jesus came to John the Baptist along the shores of the Jordan River to be baptized. If you think about, John's baptism, according to Luke 3:3, was a "baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."

But, Jesus never sinned. Why did He feel the need for this kind of baptism? Has that ever bothered you? I think it bothered John the Baptist. In Matthew 3:14 we see John's response when Jesus comes to him, "John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?'"

In the message we look at some possible reasons why Jesus came to John. And why John consented, and led Jesus into the waters of the Jordan.

Ir you would like to read the message, or listen to the audio recording, click the link below.

Feb. 4 - He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

Thanks for reading!

All Things Work Out...

2010-01-26T14:33:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday's message was titled All Things Work Out.

Most likely you are familiar with Romans 8:28, which states, "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those that love the lord, and are called according to his purpose."

Most likely you also know some situations that have happened, or perhaps you are going through right now, that don't seem to good.

How do we reconcile these two? How do we explain the trouble in life, if we understand that God works for the good in our life? These are some difficult questions, and we try to answer them in this weeks message.

If you would like to read the entire message, or hear the audio recording (not the best quality this week, sorry), click the link below.

1-24 All Things Work Out

Thanks for reading!

Casual Words...

2010-01-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

Curtis Corkey was our guest speaker at church this week as I am still in Florida with my parents.

His message was titled, "Why do the Lives of So Many Christians Look No Different Than the Lives of Those Around Them Living Secular Lives." Now that's a mouthful, and Curtis readily recognizes that, and has come up with a short working title, "Casual Words." Because that's the key - we as Christians let our words become too casual. To the point that we no longer sound like Christians. We sound like everyone else.

To hear the audio recording of the message, and I encourage you do, click below and follow the links...

Jan 17, 2010 - Curtis Corkey

Helping out in Haiti...

2010-01-17T15:02:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that you're email boxes are filling as fast as mine with requests for donations for the people of Haiti, and for those organizations that are helping, or will soon be helping.

In an effort to help you cut through the complex maze of offers, may I suggest that you donate to Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief.

When Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita hit the Lousianna and Texas coasts, it was Samaritan's Purse that we as a chruch donated to. I had the opportunity to serve side by side with Samaritan's Purse work crews in Texas and I do not hesitate to say that they are tops. They are proficient and Christ-centered in the work they do. I also had an opportunity to serve with them in the Elmira area after serious flooding there.

The morning after the earthquake, when the rest was world was promising to help, Samaritan's Purse arrived on the ground in Haiti. If you're looking for a way to help, if you're looking for an organization that is there working to bring relief, use the link above and support Samaritan's Purse.

Do you hear His voice?

2010-01-16T14:59:00.001-05:00

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

Hebrews 4:7b

I came across this reading today, and tended to stick with them for a few minutes. My mom just got out of the hospital yesterday. She has cancer. I’ve been struggling with the questions so many have already asked, many of them starting with the word, “Why?

This verse pulled me back a minute. Yet as I looked at it, there is nothing there that probably should have pulled at me. Yet…

As I reflected on it, it occurred to me that, perhaps, some of those “why” questions were causing my heart to be a little hardened. Perhaps because the focus on a “why” question is what you want, not what God wants. We may ask God why he doesn’t want something, but it’s only because we really want, and therefore, we want to want it, too. But that’s backwards. We should want what God wants. Not want God to want what we want. I don’t know if you followed that, it sounds a little confusing, but God is God, and if we’re on the same page as God, we want what God wants. Having that backwards is an indication that we’re not on the same page as God.

So, I don’t know why my mom has cancer. I don’t know why it wasn’t contained so the surgery would have been successful. I don’t know why she will have to go through the sometimes difficult treatments that are sure to follow.

But I do know God. And I know His voice. And I am listening to His voice. And in the end, He will lead us through…

Rev. Ken Chroniger was our Guest Speaker on Sunday

2010-01-11T10:56:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, Jan 10, Rev. Ken Chrongier was the guest speaker as Pastor Steve is out of town.

He gave an excellent message on persecution. More accurately, about holding onto our faith in the midst of the troubles that come our way. The question to consider is this: What in your faith are you willing to hold on to, no matter what. Or perhaps, a better way to phrase it: What in your faith are you willing to die for?

God doesn't promise to keep us out of trouble, but he does promise to be with us in the midst of those troubles. Our role is to hang on to Christ, rely on our faith, no matter what the troubles are.

There is no written manuscript, but there is a recording of the message. To hear his message, click below...

Jan 10 - Rev. Ken Chroniger

Thanks for reading...

PS - I wasn't there Sunday as i was in Florida spending time with my mom as she undergoes cancer surgery. I'll keep you up to date, please pray for her. Pastor Steve.

Jesus as a child...

2010-01-03T13:19:00.001-05:00

Has it ever occurred to you how little we know about Jesus' life? What was he like as a child? What games did he play? Did he play well with the other kids? How was he at school? Did he like it? Did the other kids tease him? Did he tease them? What was he like?

We really don't know. There is only story that covers Jesus' life from his birth to his baptism nearly thirty years later. It's amazing that we really only know about his birth, and then his last three years. This is the only story that covers the time in between.

This week's message looks at that story to see if we can figure out a little about what he was like, and we might learn from this time in his life...

To read the message, or to hear an audio recording of it, click the link below...

January 3, 2010 - Being About the Father's Business

Reflections on Christmas

2009-12-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

I sincerely hope and pray that you have had a good Christmas. What makes a good Christmas? Ideally, taking the time during the Advent Season to reflect on the Christmas Story, and how the events of Jesus' birth affect your life in the 21st century.

That was the topic of Sunday's message, Reflections on Christmas. There were two specific things in the story of Luke that we reflected on. If you would like to read the message, or hear the audio recording, click the link below.

12-27 - Reflections on Christmas

Thanks for reading. May your reflections bring you closer to your God.

The Favored One!

2009-12-20T17:19:00.001-05:00

In Sunday's message, we looked at Mary.

Mary is a very interesting character in the Christmas Story. She is certainly a very important character, after all, she gave birth to God's Son, our Messiah. But what do we know about her? What did all this mean to her?

I think that Mary is a model of faith in the early pages of the New Testament. In fact, I think we're pretty hard pressed to find anyone who trusts God as much as Mary did. To see why I feel this way, feel free to read the message. There will also be an audio link to hear the message.

The Favored One!

Shout for Joy

2009-12-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

This Sunday in the Advent Calendar is the Sunday of Joy, and our worship service seemed to be filled with joy.

From having twice as many praises as prayer requests, to celebrating a very busy Saturday, in which there were three big ministry events going on at the same time, and enough volunteers to pull it all off, to a coffee fellowship, to the Mission's Committee receiving our White Gifts for the sponsored families we will be helping this year, and on and on....

There is so much be thankful for, and that thankfulness and gratitude fills us with joy. God is so good.

The message on Sunday was from Zephaniah. There is a lot going on in Israel at the time the prophet Zephaniah was prophesying and writing. It was also an important time for the people of Israel. I know when things are important in the Bible because they're mentioned more often. The more often something is mentioned, the more important it should be. And the events leading up to and immediately following this time are recorded here in Zephaniah, in Jeremiah, in Habakuk, in Daniel, and in 2nd Kings and 2nd Chronicles.

With this much attention, it must be an important time. Indeed, history shows it, as within twenty years after his prophecies, Babylon comes in it's first attack and carries away a number of exiles. With it came the end of Israelite sovereignty until the 1940's. Surely this is important in the history of God's people. Is there anything we might learn from it? What can we understand? What lessons are there?

To read this message, 12-3 Shout for Joy

A Spiritual Trip to Bethlehem...

2009-12-07T07:09:00.001-05:00

Our Sermon Message for this week looked at the practice of the Season of Advent, a time of preparation for Christmas. A time of reflecting on Jesus' first coming, and looking forward to His next coming.

The message explored a spiritual pilgrimage to a Bethlehem of sorts, a spiritual place, the starting place for our spiritual journey, the birthplace of all faith. How do we get there? What would be important to reflect on in this journey? If you are interested in reading hte full text of the message, or listening to the audio recording of the message when it's available, click the link below.

Sermon - So, You Want To Go To Bethlehem?

Thanks for reading.

God is waiting for us...

2009-12-04T12:17:00.000-05:00

Advent is a time of preparing ourselves for Christmas. Both in preparing ourselves for the holiday of Christmas, and, even more importantly, in preparing ourselves for the next Christmas, if you will. Jesus said He will come again, and we, as Christians, believe that, and look forward to that. Advent is a time for making sure we're ready when He does come back.

I received this email recently that suggests that we don't have to wait. God is here now, actually waiting for us. Something to think about in this Advent Season...

The mention of Advent always stirs thoughts of waiting. . .
waiting for Christmas.
We Theologians always speak of reflecting on the three ways of Christ's coming: in history in Bethlehem,
in the daily events of our lives, and the second coming in the future.

I've been thinking that we've got it all wrong. We need not wait for God. God is always present, always with us. That's what the name Emmanuel means: God-with-us.   And, that's the primary truth we hear in the Scriptures. God created us, and calls us into relationship. God is indeed present with us, and especially in the person of Jesus the Christ.

No, this Advent, I've come to see that it's GOD who waits for US. . .

. . .waits for us to notice that we are indeed created by God.
We are born with unique gifts and qualities
as well as deficiencies and lack of qualities.
God only sees our goodness, and waits for us to notice too.

. . .waits for us to notice the myriad ways
in which God is with us, always.
We know the Creator in the beauty and amazing capacities of creation, both earth and human.   We know the Creator when we experience love. We know the Creator when we can not explain or understand mystery.

. . .waits for us to notice when we observe people acting in the image of God: in covenant with one another, both those known and unknown, both those alike and those very different.

. . .waits for us to notice the emptiness in our hearts
that can only be filled by God's own Self.

. . .in the season of Advent, as Christmas approaches, God waits for us to notice the wonder and innocence of little children. How God must long for us grownups to be more like them, without guile.

It is true that in Advent we wait; but really, it is God who waits for us.
May we savor and revel in that reality.

                                                              Sallie Latkovich, CSJ

Growing in grace and knowledge...

2009-11-07T13:52:00.000-05:00

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forevermore. - II Peter 3:18

This is how Paul ends his second letter. Much of this letter is spent telling the believers to watch out for false leaders and false prophets. There are people that will come, and perhaps were even there then, that will try to lead believers astray.

One of the chief ways to prevent that from happening, from being led astray, is to be constantly growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. When we know His voice, when we know His commands, and when we are intimately connected to His Spirit, we will know when someone tries to mislead us in issues of faith.

We need to be always looking for opportunities to grow in our faith, to understand our faith better, to know Jesus better and better. This is the most important step you can take in being able to identify false teachers.
No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world will always try to challenge our beliefs. There is always room for growth. If every day brings new opportunities to draw nearer to Christ, we will be prepared to stand firm in all circumstances.

So, if you don’t already, begin a reading program to spend a little time each day in reading the Scriptures. Set aside time everyday for prayer. And join others in a Bible Study. You would be surprised how much you learn by discussing Bible passages with others.

The Alpha course is also a great way to grow. The talks each week in the Alpha course can help us to see things in a little different light. They can challenge us and help us as we grasp at the meaning of our faith.

The Prayer Group that meets each week is a great way to be challenged in your prayer life. Whether you feel good about praying out loud or not, being together with others who are praying is extremely fulfilling.

Sometimes we need to step outside our comfort zone. That’s how we grow, and growth is what living a life of faith is all about. Seek growth, and you will find Jesus.

What is really important

2009-11-02T13:09:00.000-05:00

The topic of Sunday's sermon message was the idea of identifying those things that are ultimately important in our lives. We are bombarded in news broadcasts with things that many feel are very important, but in the long run, not the most important. How do you tell? Is there a guide? What is really important. Here is an excerpt from the message...

What is important? I mean really important? I suspect that for most of us the answer to that question might depend the situation. It might depend on where we are at the time, or what we’re doing. Let’s face, there are times that it’s really important to get dinner on the table at a certain time because you have a meeting that night. Or if the kids are running late, it might be really important to get them going and off to school. If we’ve lost our jobs, and have been looking for while, it might be really important to find something, anything, to bring in some money and put food on the table. All those things are important. And they all seem really important at the time, but in retrospect, I wonder if they are the most important.

When you listen to the news, you might hear of things that they tell you are really important. Currently, we are hearing about the H1N1 Virus, the Swine Flu. We’re being told daily how serious this is, and how important it is to take precautions to limit our exposure and reduce our risk of getting infected. And I suppose this is important. But is this really important?

If you would like to read more, or listen to the audio recording of the message, click here.

Where are you, God?

2009-10-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

This week has been a week full of suffering. Members of our church have some loved ones who are battling cancer, unemployed, and seriously struggling.

In our message yesterday, I looked at struggling. First, from our perspective, how do we typically respond to suffering? From God's perspective, how does God respond to our suffering? And finally, what comfort can find in our suffering?

To read the message, or to hear the audio recording, click here.

The Bread of Life...

2009-10-04T15:28:00.003-05:00

This Sunday is World Communion Sunday. The neat thing about this is that congregations all over the world will be celebrating communion, or the Lord's Supper, together. In a very real way, when we partake this Sunday, we will be united around the Table with Brothers and Sisters in Christ all over the world. Christian Unity takes on a whole new meaning.

The message for Sunday is a communion message, looking at one of John's "I am" passages. In John 6:35, Jesus says, "I am the bread of life." From there, he explains what that means. To read the message, click here.

Thanks for reading...

We do need God...

2009-09-30T10:30:00.000-05:00

I was reading some of the Christian news stories on Crosswalk.com, the Religion Today Summaries, and I came across this one from Reuters (full story)...

Pope: Fall of Communism Proved Man Needs God
Ending his first trip to the Czech Republic, Pope Benedict XVI declared Monday that communism's end was "proof that God cannot be excluded from public life," Reuters reports. The country celebrated the 20th anniversary of Velvet Revolution, which ended decades of communist rule, during the pope's visit. The pope reminded the crowd of 50,000 young people "of powerful figures who had apparently risen to almost unattainable heights" but suddenly "found themselves stripped of their power." Speaking on St. Wenceslas's feast day, a national holiday, he continued, "Today there is a need for believers with credibility, who are ready to spread in every area of society the Christian principles and ideals by which their action is inspired." The country has one of the lowest proportions of religious people in the world, according to Reuters.

I personally like this story. Communism created a system where the people worshiped they're leaders, and tried to purge any other religious pursuits from its people. Religion was seen as a "crutch for weak people." That concept failed, because man was created for a relationship with God. We cannot reach our fullest potential without that relationship, and more importantly, without the God who created us.

More and more, I see America drifting further away from God. In fact, industrial countries all over the globe are drifting away from God. The concern is, if communism proved that trying to exist without God will fail, why are so many "intelligent" countries trying it?

See You At The Pole

2009-09-23T09:51:00.000-05:00

This morning, all across America, and even internationally, students met at the school flagpoles for a time of prayer before school started.

I joined about 28 others this morning on the front lawn of Alfred-Almond Central School for a time of singing and prayer. It was great to see so many kids come out. And there were a fair number of adult supporters as well.

The time was student initiated and student led, which made it even more special. Whether you were there or not, please take a few minutes during the course of the day today to pray especially for our students and our schools. Prayer is invaluable, it opens doors that are otherwise closed; it opens hearts that are otherwise closed as well...

Thanks to all who were there, and remember, if you couldn't make it out, you can still join them by praying now.

The trip is done, it's back to work...

2009-09-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

What a great trip!

Isn't it good to get away once in a while? Overall, we saw about twenty-two lighthouses, an Antique Boat Museum, two forts, lots of history on the War of 1918, the Vietnam Vets Moving Wall Memorial, and Presque Isle, a Pensylvania State Park that I've wanted to see for years - it was worth the wait!

The picture here is a picture that my son, Stewart, took of the 30 mile point lighthouse in Barker, NY. This is thirty miles east of where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario. I think it was my favorite - at least right up there with many favorites...

Anyway, we're back, I'm rested from the trip, and I promise to do better at updating this blog.

As always, thanks for reading...

Lighthouses

2009-09-08T10:07:00.002-05:00

I've always been a big fan of lighthouses!

I don't know if has to do with the historical significance of lighthouses, the natural beauty, set on the shore, towering over everything else around them, or the marvel of building such structures long before cranes and power tools.

I like to think it has something to do with the image of Jesus being the light of the world, guiding us in our spiritual pilgrimage safely to our final destination, much as the lighthouses were the lights of the shore, guiding ships in their voyages safely to port.

My son Stewart and I will be taking a lighthouse tour this week. We leave today, Tuesday, and will be gone for a week. We will be seeing twenty-eight lighthouses and traveling over 900 miles.

Pray for us as we travel. Pray for the bonding time, father and son, and times of shared spiritual insight. Pray for refreshment that time away can often bring. And pray that the light of the world will be our guide.

See you next week!

Faithfulness...

2009-09-06T14:23:00.000-05:00

Faithfulness was the topic of Sunday's message.

Have you ever met someone with incredible faith? Someone you really admired because of their level of faith and understanding? This week we looked at how we might achieve that level of faith, by looking at the faith of someone who wasn't expected to have any faith - a Greek Gentile born in Syrian Phoenicia. Can we learn from her faith?

To read the message, click here.

Thanks for reading.

Pastor Steve

This month's Pastor's Pen...

2009-09-05T09:59:00.001-05:00

Each month, in our church newsletter, I write a short devotional for the front page. It's called The Pastor's Pen, but maybe it should be Steve's Scribblings or something like that. If you read these posts, you'll see that they sometimes wander...

Here is this month's Pastor's Pen...

...Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” -John 8:6-7
Are you one that likes to doodle? If you have a blank sheet of paper in front of you, do you like to draw pictures or shapes or lines or circles? I know some people who seem to have more doodles than notes following a lecture. It doesn’t look like they got anything out of the talk when they’re done.
In a sense, that’s what Jesus is doing in this passage. A woman was caught in adultery, the men who presented her wanted to stone her to death. And they were well within their rights. The law was very clear, and it called for stoning.
I wonder what Jesus was drawing with his fingers as they were presenting their case. His presence and His silence seemed to make the men very uncomfortable. So much so that when He got up and suggested anyone who had never sinned might throw the first stone, they didn’t argue, though I would think that might be human nature. They didn’t defend themselves. They quietly gave up, dropping their stones and walking away.
I’m really intrigued that Jesus would just sit there and doodle in the sand, while those around him were so angry they wanted to kill someone. This picture of Jesus writing in the sand is an image of almost childlike innocence, seen at a time of intense anger and even hatred in those around him.
He didn’t buy into the emotions of those around him. He remained calm and in control, while so many around him were pushing Him to be angry as they were. This is a model for us. We see so many around us who are angry, and sometimes fighting to make us angry. People who are out of control, trying to push our buttons so we, too, may loose control.
The image of Jesus quietly writing in the sand is an image that can help us remember that our Christian faith allows for a very different response. Can we respond in love when those around us a filled with hate? Can we keep innocence when others want to destroy? Can we offer forgiveness in a culture that has already condemned?

Changing a favorite Bible Translation...

2009-09-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, the local Christian radio station had people call in to share their views on the report that the familiar NIV translation will be undergoing a slight change to make it more gender nutral. The spokespeople at NIV claim it will correct some errors in the translation, and that the intent is not to make it more palatable. They claim their emphasis is on preserving as true a translation as possible.

It always bothers me when radio stations and news sources ask for the opinions of people who don't know any more than the news source has told them. The people of Christ shouldn't be judging or jumping to conclusions without knowing a lot more information than we've been given.

It surprised me that nearly all of the callers were against the change, nearly all stating that it's another example of the church catering to secular interests. While I am as against watering down the gospel as anybody, and I certainly don't want to see another translation that caters to the secular interests, I readily admit that I don't have enough information to comment on this story.

If the good folks at NIV have found some errors in the translation, it seems to me that those errors should be corrected. I personally want to have as accurate a translation as I can possibly have. And if that means changing some of my favorite verses, then maybe I need to learn them over again, the correct way this time. Let's make sure the translation is accurate, then face the consequences if it requires change to make it right.

I was thinking as I was listening that the only really truly inspired text was the one that the authors wrote. God spoke through the authors. For well over a thousand years, people had hand copied that inspired text. Did errors occur? Most likely. I believe that the Spirit of God was involved in the copying as well, and that the errors are minimul, but I suspect there are some there.

As we pursue our life of faith, we should study for ourselves. You're Pastor might be a good source for more information if you have questions. Many people read the same translation all their lives, swearing that it's the best, without ever comparing. I suggest that you find a couple of good translations (not paraphrases) to base your understanding on. Compare them, note where they differ, and consider why another translation might use a different word in a favorite verse.

Paraphrases are helpful in understanding text from a different viewpoint. Don't use them to form your foundation, but it's interesting to see how they may differ.

And above all, don't judge. Not about your favorite Bible translation, and not about new stories that you're invited to comment on, even though you don't know both sides of the story.

Our Christian faith is about understanding and forgiveness, so be slow to judge and quick to forgive. As always, your comments are welcome...

Fred & Paula Boley

2009-08-20T08:35:00.003-05:00

We have just received a letter from Fred & Paula Boley. Fred and Paula are missionaries that some of our members support, so I wanted to give an update...

What a joy there is in serving our great and awesome master and savior Jesus Christ. We see the power in your prayers as you faithfully go to the Lord on our behalf and the ministry among the Deni. We will be flying August 6th and arrive in Porto Velho the following day at 1:15 AM. Here are the PRAYER AREAS and we thank the Lord in advance for the answers to your prayers for us.

PERSONAL PRAYER NEEDS
our family as we separate
strength and health
Language and climate adjustment
a car
trip to our church in Curitiba

DENI PRAYER NEEDS
a great spiritual breakthrough
a flight in to the village to see the Deni
wisdom in working with them
facility in the language
Indians will be able to come out to the ranch

RANCH PRAYER NEEDS
Work teams to build the base
Land keeper will leave satisfied with his pay
equipment for the ranch

PARTNER PRAYER NEEDS
full time coworkers called of God to the Deni
financial support partners
prayer partners that will pray daily for the work and for us

We feel so privileged to have you as friends, for your love, interest and desire to share in the work of reaching the lost Deni for Jesus. If the Lord speaks to you about partnering with us you can send tax deductible gifts to the address below. Make checks out to "Missionary Companion Ministries", with a note saying it is for Fred and Paula Boley and the Deni work. If any of you are interested in coming down on a work team please let us know. Write us by e-mail at: fcboley@sbcglobal.net. We will let you know our mailing address as soon as we get a PO Box. We are so grateful for all of the many things you do for us. thank you for your part in reaching the Deni with the Gospel. The Lord's blessings be on you all,

Fred and Paula
Missionary Companion Ministries
PO Box 26237
Fayetteville, NC 28314

Indescretion, Forgiveness, Reconciliation...

2009-08-10T01:37:00.000-05:00

Sundays sermon message looks at things we don't understand. Specifically things that cause hurt in our lives. We see how can prevent doing them, but perhaps even more importantly, how we can be forgiven and reconciled to God, despite them.

If you would like to read the entire message, click here...

Thanks.

Pastor Steve

Carrying our own load...

2009-08-06T09:36:00.002-05:00

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
- Galatians 6:4,5

This passage comes out of a directive to help reach out to others who are caught in sin. We should gently reach out to them and help restore them to a right relationship with Christ.

But these two verses speak to us a little differently. They speak of the importance of maintaining our walk with Jesus. They speak of our own responsibility for this walk. It's not up to anyone else. If my walk with Jesus isn't what it should be, it's my fault. I can't blame anyone else.

More and more we are becoming victims of society. We hurt and we struggle and we blame others. If only he did this, then I could do that. If only so and so didn't do this to me, I wouldn't be where I am.

Truth is, people do things we wish they wouldn't do, and we are affected by those actions. But how we respond to what they do is far more important than what they do. Paul's direction in this verse is for us to test ourselves. Don't compare ourselves to others, and don't blame others for our struggles. We need to carry our own load.

That load, at times, can be a heavy load. We will need Jesus to come by and support us, to help us. Praise God He promises to do just that.

Finding happiness

2009-08-05T15:22:00.000-05:00

...his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning...

This passage is from Lamentations 3:22b-23a. As the title suggests, Lamentations is a book of laments, the Israelites are crying out to God following the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians (approx 587 B.C.). The chapters in Lamentations are like the Psalms, and in their original language, Hebrew, they are very poetic.

They were recited publicly on the special fast days and days of mourning. While much of the Lamentations speaks of the abandonment by God of the Hebrew people, and are therefore filled with grief and mourning, yet in this passage we get a glimpse of the hope that they cling to.

While they were in their deepest despair, they knew that God’s compassions never fail, they are new every morning. It is that understanding of God that makes their exile in Babylon bearable. No matter how bad it gets, God will one day hear their pleas, and in compassion, restore their great nation.

People today often feel abandoned by God. We live in a time where there is great wealth, whether compared to other nations or to previous generations. Yet at the same time, there is great despair and a sense of hopelessness.

The old saying, money can’t buy happiness, is apparently very true. Never before have we had so much, yet felt so bad about it.

What does buy happiness? If money doesn’t, what does? We all have an inner longing to be happy, to be fulfilled, and many spend their lives trying to find it. What is it that would bring us true happiness and fulfillment?

Solomon, the son of King David, King of Israel himself for some 40 years, searched extensively for the answer to this question. We read his findings in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone.” The book finds that everything else is “meaningless.”

How do we live a life of happiness and fulfillment? We live it in relationship to God, our creator, redeemer, and friend. In Christ, we find fulfillment, peace , comfort, joy—all the things we need to be truly happy.

Being worthy of God's Calling...

2009-08-05T15:18:00.003-05:00

Here is a link to the sermon I preached on Sunday, August 2. Here you find the message in it's manuscript form, along with a link to listen to the audio recording.

Worthy of God's Calling

Thanks for reading.

Pastor Steve

Forgetting God...

2009-07-31T15:13:00.003-05:00

Here is a link to last week's message.

I got a lot of comments on it, so thought you might be interested in reading it, too!

We tend to get wrapped up in our daily lives, busy, and we run the risk of forgetting God and His place in our lives. That's when temptation can lead to sin, and when we can fall into a trap. It happened to King David, it happened to the Disciples, it can easily happen to anyone of us.

Here is the link... Forgetting God's Place

Thanks for reading,

Pastor Steve

The Body of Christ is...

2009-07-08T11:04:00.001-05:00

John Calvin is celebrating his 500th birthday this year. At least some are celebrating John Calvin’s birthday this year.

A quote from John Calvin came up in my reading this morning. I was reading the Layman, a publication of the Presbyterian Lay Committee, where they quoted that Calvin stated that the true church is a church where “we see the Word of God sincerely preached and heard, and where we see the sacraments administered according to the institution of Christ.”

The church, the “true church”, is the Body of Christ, and the two indicators of whether a church body is truly part of the Body of Christ is the Word of God preached and heard, and the Sacraments of Christ followed.

But we can make this more personal as well. Calvin said the Word of God was preached and heard. Are we hearing the Word of God? Are we paying attention to the preaching and applying what we hear? Are we studying the Word of God on our own, expanding our knowledge of the Word of God, so when it is preached, it will be better understood? Are we open to opportunities to hear the Word of God?

And how about the Sacraments? Are we present when the Lord’s Supper is administered? Do we celebrate with those who are baptized? Are we baptized? Do we ever remember our baptism and God’s grace that led to our baptism?

We are part of the Body of Christ when we commit to the preaching and hearing of God’s Word, and when we commit to the Sacraments as given by Jesus himself.

New definitions to words of adversity...

2009-06-19T07:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I shared some thoughts from Bob Buford that were passed along by Chip Ingram. Today, I want to pass along some others comments on adversity that Chip passed along on the most recent Coffee Break CD.

He took three words dealing with adversity, and suggested that we consider new definitions for them…

Crisis – God’s opportunity to redirect your life in positive pathways you would never have chosen for yourself. Perhaps you can think of a time you had to make a decision or respond to something that was out of your control, but it turned out to be a great move and made a positive change in your life.

Chaos – External Circumstances God uses to refocus our attention on Him and His Will for our lives. There is a quote that was passed along that says, “We only really get to know God when we’re desperate.”

Confusion – Temporary suspension of the status quo designed by God to help us clarify our gifts and our calling.

We’ll never welcome adversity. But we can better manage it when we know that God works through it to bring us to a better place.

Some benefits of our adversity???

2009-06-18T10:17:00.001-05:00

I receive the Coffee Break CD’s by Chip Ingram, and he gives a short message and some insights on each CD. This month, he had two insights that I want to pass along. Today, I’ll share the first, and tomorrow you’ll hear the other.

The first is actually from Bob Buford, who passed this along to Chip Ingram, who shared them on this Coffee Break CD. Bob works with people in their 40’ and 50’s and helps them transition into different stages in their life, and he wrote five reasons why he believes that what is happening today with the economy and the various problems we’re facing, is a good thing for people in this stage of their lives.

1) Adversity causes people to reevaluate what’s really important in their lives.

2) Distress re-centers people on issues of the heart. Rather than issues of rationality. When your in the deep weeds, your mind goes back to the basics.

3) Sustaining a big loss causes people to deal with reality, especially the reality that we are not in control.

4) Where this is abundance, there is a lack of discipline. When we have a lot we don’t have to have a tight budget, when we have a lot we get lazy and undisciplined. God uses times like to this to begin to bring some correction.

5) Thee is a revolution among 20-somethings. They look at us and realize that where we are is not where they want to go. They want to make a great difference, especially a great difference for God, and they don’t see us making a difference.

I know that adversity is hard. But it could be the start of great growth process, if we remain open to God, and get really serious about making sure God is at the center of our life.

I’d love to hear your comments…

New Creations...

2009-06-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, we looked at our normal greeting: How are you folks doing?

I know we always say we’re doing good, but really, our bones are a little achy, our finances might be a little tight, our health is undergoing some minor issues, we really aren’t doing great, are we? We say we are, maybe because we can always think of someone who has it worse than we do.

I’m noticing that when I sit for several minutes, I’m a bit stiff when I get up. I notice that my back or my knees or my hips need a bit of time. Maybe you go through the same thing.

Couple that with the idea that, and I almost hate to say this, but we’re getting older, not younger, so more and more things may come up to challenge us. What’s our attitude in light of this? What’s our attitude knowing that we’re stiff, we’re struggling, and things may or may not get much better, at least with some of our stiffness and some of our health issues?

What was Paul's attitude. He has been through more than any of us, his stiffness, his soreness, his failing vision, what was his attitude through this.

To read the full message, click here.

Drinking in God's blessings...

2009-06-12T07:42:00.000-05:00

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. (Hebrews 6:7-8)

I came across this illustration of God’s blessing in this mornings reading. It’s straight forward, we know that land that isn’t full of thorns and thistles, but rather drinks in the rain, is capable of producing a great harvest.

There are two things that I wonder about. Can we be seen as the land in the illustration? Can our drinking in the gifts and blessings of God be like the land that drinks in the rain? Producing things contrary to God’s will and desire for our lives could produce the curse mentioned? What do you think?

The other thing, in the case of land, it isn’t up to the land so much as it is up to the people who farm the land. The same land can produce thorns and thistles, or corn or wheat, the land really doesn’t care. It depends on what the farmers may plant, how they may care for the land, etc, that determines the whether the crop is useful or not.

Can illustrate our need to work with others, to encourage and comfort and share so they may grow into the rolls that God has for them, so they may live their faith and trust in their God?

What do you think it means, do you have another interpretation? I’d love to hear your comments…

Following the greatest...

2009-06-11T07:37:00.001-05:00

I’ve been reading in the book of Hebrews lately. Perhaps the two deepest books in the Bible are Romans and Hebrews. If you concentrated just on these two books, and understood the teachings and based your entire theology and faith and practice on just these two books, you would still have the basics down pretty well. They are full of God’s wisdom and as applicable to us today as they were to those they were written for nearly 2,000 years ago. The Bible is such a timeless book.

The author of the book of Hebrews is writing to the Jewish people, trying to convince them that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and that they are saved, not by following the Law of Moses, but by faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

His audience knew their lineage well, and knew that they were descendants of Abraham. Abraham was their patriarch, the father of their people, and also the father of their faith. The Jewish people believed that there was no one above Abraham.

Hebrews points out to them that there is one that was greater than Abraham. Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, a “King of Salem and priest of God Most High.” If Abraham gives his tithes to Melchizedek, than Melchizedek must be greater than Abraham.

He then points to Psalm 110:4, quoting, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” The psalmist was referring to the Messiah to come. Jesus was not a priest in the Jewish religion of the day, a priest in the order of Levi. Hebrews argues that He was a priest in the order of Melchizedek, which is greater.

For the Israelites, the greatest was Abraham. Who is your greatest? If he isn’t Jesus, He isn’t THE greatest.

Investing in the present age...

2009-06-10T07:12:00.000-05:00

Many people today have found out how fragile the economy can be.

Paul’s letter to Timothy contains some great wisdom for us in the light of an economy that’s barely staggering to stay upright. He wrote…

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

If you’ve lost 40% of your wealth in the stock market, perhaps you were investing it in the wrong things…

Put your hope in God, do good, and be willing to share. These are the investments that will outlast the present age, and bring eternal returns.

Godliness with contentment...

2009-06-09T07:08:00.001-05:00

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

There sure seems to be a lot of complaining these days. People are backbiting, gossiping, complaining, and arguing a lot.

I’m not sure why. I have a strong suspicion that it’s because there is a real lack of contentment in our lives. Commercialism has taught us not to be content, but to get better and better stuff all the time. Our economy only thrives when we purchase, so this lack of contentment is good.

Or is it? Perhaps our economy has slipped and fallen recently as a lesson that it’s foundations are a little skewed. Contentment is a good thing. We don’t constantly need better and better.

We need God. We were created to be with God, and we need Him in our lives today as much as we’ve ever needed Him. And we need to be content with God. I have a quote on my wall in the office that says, “Your too greedy if God is not enough for you.”

Can we return to being godly people who are content to know that God is in control, He has a plan, and that His plan is good. We can find deep peace in that. We can find great hope in that.

There is no peace or hope in running the rat race without God. Yet, though it is infinitely better to trust with contentment, God’s love doesn’t force, the choice is still ours…

Praising God with Music

2009-06-08T18:09:00.001-05:00

It sure was great to have Touch of Brass visit with us on Sunday!

Their music is lively and fun to listen to, and it picks us up. Music does that, doesn’t it? I think that different types of music, different musical styles, can do that. When we listen to a different style of music than what we usually listen to, it causes us to listen a little deeper, a little more appreciative, maybe even with a little more awe of the gifts and talents of the performers who are playing.

When we listen to the music we always listen to, we’re used to it, and that newness is worn off. We don’t see it with that awe, and while we still enjoy it, we may even begin to take it for granted.

I think that our praise can be the same way. I’m not talking about praise music, though the same might hold true if we’re not careful. I’m talking about praising God. When we praise God the same way all the time, we get used to it; we might even begin to take it for granted. It becomes a routine, something we do. We even begin to find value in the doing, rather than the praising itself. We lose the awe of God.

To read the rest of this message, click here.

All made known...

2009-06-05T08:05:00.000-05:00

“The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.” 1 Timothy 5:24-25

This short and sweet little passage says a lot.

In part, it’s a reminder that our sins will be found out. Whether they arrive in the place of judgment ahead of us, or trail behind us. I’m not exactly sure what Paul is saying here, but the implication is certainly that all of our sin will eventually be known.

But the reverse is also true! All of our good deeds will also be known! Even the good we do that’s not so obvious, cannot be hidden. God will know.

So taken together, the sins of men will be known, and the good deeds of men will be known. The question is, which will you be known for?

Perhaps today...

2009-06-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

It’s too bad it’s been 2,000 years since Christ.

The Bible says that God is not slow in keeping His promises, but that He is patient in not wanting any to perish.

Unfortunately, we’ve taken it the wrong way. Too many people today think that because He hasn’t returned in 2,000 years, He isn’t going to. Paul must have got it wrong. Or we think that if it’s been this long, we must still have a long time. “Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of time.”

But what if we don’t? What if what Paul wrote about happened today? What if the death bed confession many are hoping to be able to make, isn’t possible, because He comes back before then? Will you be ready? Will your family be ready? Your relations? Your work associates? Your neighbors? Those you know from the golf course, or the lodge, or whatever else you might be involved in? Will they be ready? What if Christ brought them into your life so you could share the Good News with them? Will they ready?

He will come back. Perhaps today… Will you be ready?

Christ is coming soon....

2009-06-03T08:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I talked about Paul’s urging the Thessalonians to live in order to please God more and more, to love each other more and more. The reason was that Christ was coming soon.

We don’t know when Christ will return, but we do know that we are 2,000 years closer than Paul was. If it was important to be right with God in Paul’s day, it’s that much more important to be right with God today.

What exactly did Paul teach about that time? Most people today know more about the “rapture” from movies and the Left Behind series of novels than from Scripture. So today, I’m going to share exactly what Paul wrote…

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep (die), or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

That’s Paul’s teaching on the rapture. We can be sure it will happen. We just can’t be sure when it will happen. So live to please God more and more, and love each other more and more. Because you don’t want to miss this!

More and more...

2009-06-02T08:52:00.000-05:00

In my devotions, I was reading in 1 Thessalonians, when I came across something interesting. At least interesting to me. Paul used the words “more and more” a couple of times…

Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. (1 Thess 4:1)

Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, bothers, to do so more and more. (1 Thess 4:9-10)

Why more and more? They are already living to please God. They are already doing the things that they were taught. They were already loving. Paul had no problems with anything they were doing! So why more and more? Why did he urge them in the Lord Jesus to keep doing more and more?

In the next chapter, he tells us. I’m going to show you what exactly he said in tomorrow’s post, but he tells them that Christ is coming. It’s “more and more” important now, because it’s closer.

I believe in my heart that Christ’s coming is closer now than ever before. We are seeing things that are happening that can only be interpreted as the “birth pains” from Jesus’ signs of the end of the age in Matthew 24:8.

In light of this, I urge you to love more and more. I urge you to read God’s Word more and more. I urge you to love more and more. I urge you to come to the community of believers that is the church more and more.

It’s just more and more important than it’s ever been.

The Roles of the Holy Spirit

2009-06-01T08:52:00.000-05:00

This Sunday was Pentecost Sunday, the day we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The Pentecost came forty days after Passover, during the Festival of Weeks. People were in Jerusalem for the Festival, so there were people from all over gathered in the city.

This week, we looked at a passage from John, where Jesus told His disciples that he would be sending a counselor, a guide. Of course, He was talking about the Holy Spirit.

What was the role of the Holy Spirit? What did He do for the disciples? What is role in our lives of faith. These are the questions we looked at in my message Sunday. If you would like to read the message, or listen to the audio recording, click here.

Thanks for reading...