The following article was written in Lee Grady's monthly column in Charisma magazine "Fire in My Bones." Pastor Stocksdale and his Bethany church serve as a discipleship model for Kings Point.
Larry Stockstill’s Urgent Plea: “We Have a Window of Time for Repentance”
The Louisiana pastor is mobilizing American church leaders for a new movement of holiness and integrity.
Louisiana pastor Larry Stockstill had a disturbing dream last week [February 2008]. He saw military trucks and armored vehicles getting in formation for a surprise strike on an American city. Stockstill felt alarmed, but when he tried to warn a pastor in his dream, the man ignored him.
“I knew in my dream that a siege was going to happen the next day,” Stockstill says. “The enemy was being positioned. But no one would listen to me.”
Stockstill, pastor of the 10,000-member Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, believes his dream was a prophetic warning about the spiritual condition of our nation. While America teeters near an economic and political precipice, many American church leaders are going on with their business as usual—without realizing that the church is in a state of serious moral crisis.
“Unless the pastors wake up to avert judgment, there will be judgment on America. If we don’t respond we are going to lose this nation.”—Larry Stockstill
“I believe we are facing a window of opportunity for repentance,” Stockstill says. “Unless the pastors wake up to avert judgment, there will be judgment on America. If we don’t respond we are going to lose this nation.”
Stockstill became alarmed about the anemic condition of American churches in 2006, when he had to step in and help bring discipline to Ted Haggard, the Colorado pastor who was removed as senior leader of New Life Church because of a moral failure. Stockstill offered correction and oversight to Haggard and his family and helped the leaders of New Life pick up the pieces after the scandal. Many observers praised Stockstill for his level-headed leadership and compassionate but strict adherence to biblical principles during the crisis.
What Stockstill learned during that painful process became the basis of a new book, The Remnant: Restoring Integrity to American Ministry. He hopes the message will trigger a movement of holiness and integrity in the American church, which has suffered a long string of embarrassing sexual and financial failures since Haggard’s fall 15 months ago.
“We look like a sleaze bucket in the eyes of the nation,” says the 54-year-old pastor, who has avoided the national spotlight during most of his 33 years in ministry. Once a missionary in Africa, Stockstill has focused most of his ministry on church planting and missions. Bethany has helped start more than 17,000 churches worldwide since 2000.
Stockstill says the level of dysfunction among American ministers concerns him because their unhealthiness is then passed down to their congregations. He sees five types of common dysfunction among ministers today, especially in the independent charismatic movement:
Lack of fathering (no affirmation, encouragement or spiritual covering)
Lack of correction (no accountability, resulting in pride and moral failure)
Lack of fruitfulness (no training in evangelism and discipleship, preventing churches from multiplying as they should)
Lack of healing (many pastors suffer silently because of sins and addictions)
Lack of teaching (many in ministry today are untaught, resulting in biblically illiterate churches).
“We really have to relay the foundations of ministry in this country,” Stocksdale says. “Many pastors have not been fathered, so they become ‘posers’—they are just looking to impress people.’”
Pride, Stockstill says, is a primary reason why so many leaders in the American church have fallen in recent years—including mature spiritual fathers who had years of successful ministry behind them but stumbled in their later years. “You look at leaders in the Bible like Solomon, or like Samson, and you find that years of success can lead a person into pride. And when pride comes, it brings a lack of accountability,” he explains.
“We don’t have a lot of time,” Stockstill says, recalling again his dream about impending danger. “We need a quick work of the Holy Spirit.”
___________________________________
Please remember Pastor Stocksdale and his vision to see American Pastors return to holiness and integrity. I have been asked by Pastor Stocksdale to come to Bethany in October along with some other pastors for a time of prayer, worship, and strategy-planning. Please join us in prayer for our pastors.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
More Thoughts on Oprah...
I wanted to take some time to elaborate on yesterday's blog, God is Not Worried About Oprah. Here are a few clarifying thoughts...
1. Oprah's not a threat to the church of Jesus Christ - Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." If you are a part of Jesus' church than you have your eyes on Christ and your ears turned into His voice...not Oprah Winfrey. Oprah's beliefs and teachings can only mislead someone as long as they choose to hear what she is saying. As followers of Christ, we are to told that "...faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17 KJV. Only God's Word can increase our faith. As we grow in God's Word, we are feeding on what the Hebrews writer calls "...strong meat[that]belongeth to them that are of full age [mature]..." The writer under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost concludes "...those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." [Hebrews 5:12, KJV]
The holy scriptures teach us that it is the Word of God that gives us the ability to discern what is good and what is evil. This is why followers of Christ must hear what God has to say in His Word daily instead of Oprah. Again, Oprah is not a threat to the church of Jesus Christ, but her beliefs can and is misleading to those that choose not to have their senses sharpened by the Word of God.
2. We need to pray for Oprah and those that choose to hear her - How? As I pointed out yesterday in 2 Corinthians 4: 14 "...the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." It is our responsibility as believers in Christ to pray that the Holy Spirit open their blinded eyes as He convicts (persuades) of the precious truth of the gospel. Prayer and fasting are powerful weapons of the believer. God can and will "open the sinner's blinded eyes" as we love the sinner enough to bombard heaven with prayer, fasting, and obedience.
3. Finally, let ME make this point a little stronger and clearer than I did yesterday: WE AS PREACHERS AND ALL FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST ARE CALLED to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world" [Mattew 28:19,20). Listen...we are greater than Oprah and her followers in number, and in might, and we as the church of Christ wield more influence and power than she does (I know for some of you thats hard to believe). Matthew 29:18 says our leader, Jesus Christ, as been given all authority in heaven and earth. He gives that authority to us, His church, to go preach, make disciples, and do His works. If we the church will simply cary out the great commission, Oprah, the media, or the "gates of hell" itself will not be able to hold back the kingdom of God.
Come'on, share Christ with someone today! Pray for the lost, the spiritually blind, the sick, and especially your enemies. Do good to them today! Ask God to give you His love for them. Love and practice God's Word! Lets be on the offense as believers in Christ today instead of on the defense. Go and make disciples!
-Pastor
1. Oprah's not a threat to the church of Jesus Christ - Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." If you are a part of Jesus' church than you have your eyes on Christ and your ears turned into His voice...not Oprah Winfrey. Oprah's beliefs and teachings can only mislead someone as long as they choose to hear what she is saying. As followers of Christ, we are to told that "...faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17 KJV. Only God's Word can increase our faith. As we grow in God's Word, we are feeding on what the Hebrews writer calls "...strong meat[that]belongeth to them that are of full age [mature]..." The writer under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost concludes "...those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." [Hebrews 5:12, KJV]
The holy scriptures teach us that it is the Word of God that gives us the ability to discern what is good and what is evil. This is why followers of Christ must hear what God has to say in His Word daily instead of Oprah. Again, Oprah is not a threat to the church of Jesus Christ, but her beliefs can and is misleading to those that choose not to have their senses sharpened by the Word of God.
2. We need to pray for Oprah and those that choose to hear her - How? As I pointed out yesterday in 2 Corinthians 4: 14 "...the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." It is our responsibility as believers in Christ to pray that the Holy Spirit open their blinded eyes as He convicts (persuades) of the precious truth of the gospel. Prayer and fasting are powerful weapons of the believer. God can and will "open the sinner's blinded eyes" as we love the sinner enough to bombard heaven with prayer, fasting, and obedience.
3. Finally, let ME make this point a little stronger and clearer than I did yesterday: WE AS PREACHERS AND ALL FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST ARE CALLED to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world" [Mattew 28:19,20). Listen...we are greater than Oprah and her followers in number, and in might, and we as the church of Christ wield more influence and power than she does (I know for some of you thats hard to believe). Matthew 29:18 says our leader, Jesus Christ, as been given all authority in heaven and earth. He gives that authority to us, His church, to go preach, make disciples, and do His works. If we the church will simply cary out the great commission, Oprah, the media, or the "gates of hell" itself will not be able to hold back the kingdom of God.
Come'on, share Christ with someone today! Pray for the lost, the spiritually blind, the sick, and especially your enemies. Do good to them today! Ask God to give you His love for them. Love and practice God's Word! Lets be on the offense as believers in Christ today instead of on the defense. Go and make disciples!
-Pastor
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Is God worried about Oprah?
After reading the following article, please note my brief comments at the end.
Recently a Christian author has written that media icon Oprah Winfrey has become a false prophet for a false Jesus. Warren Smith, author of Reinventing Jesus Christ: The New Gospel, is a Christian who was saved from the new age movement. He says Oprah's search led her to Marianne Williamson and the new age teachings of A Course in Miracles.
Oprah told her audience that she has no problem reconciling the differences between the new age religion she is now promoting and the Christian faith she claims. "I reconciled it because I was able to open my mind about the, um, the absolute, indescribable hugeness of that which we call 'God,'" Oprah said. "I took God out of the box."
But Smith, appearing on the March 11 edition of the AFA Report, said the false teachings of A Course in Miracles should be obvious to any Christian. "Here are some of the lessons: Lesson 29, 'God is in everything I see.' Lesson 186, 'The salvation of the world depends on me.' 253, 'My self is the ruler of the universe.' 337, 'My sinless-ness protects me from all harm,'" Smith said, quoting from the lessons. "This is the Bible upside-down."
Smith also criticized Oprah for the selection of Eckhart Tolle's new age book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose as her book of the month.
"It reminds me of Jeremiah 5 where he says, 'A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land, the prophets prophesy falsely and my people love to have it so,'" Smith explained. "What is more wonderful these days than Oprah? A wonderful and horrible thing is happening in the land, the prophets prophesy falsely. Oprah -- by now teaching this class with Eckhart Tolle -- is no longer a pointer to deception. She is a false prophet and part of it herself."
Christians have an obligation, Smith concluded, to point out the error of Oprah's new age "christianity," even if doing so means risking public ridicule.
"Unfortunately, Oprah does so many things that are really good [that] people make the mistake of thinking that she's on to something with this whole spiritual deal," Smith argued. "What she's doing is, she's creating a new worldview. They're calling it a 'shift' that will prepare people for when the next shoe drops.
"And this will be the way that world peace would be achieved," he said, explaining the new age philosophy behind A Course in Miracles, "by everybody adopting this view that 'we're all one because we're all god, we need to come together, we need to be in unity.'
"And the only people who are going to hinder that are the people who are saying, 'No, we're not God. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.'
Internet evangelist Bill Keller, appearing on Fox News Channel's Cavuto Report, echoed Smith's warnings, calling Oprah the queen of the new age gurus. "These new age teachings are really sucking in millions of people to these false philosophies, these false theologies, and they're literally leading people to Hell," Keller said. "Oprah, whether she knows it or not, is really being a conduit to lead people to Hell."
First of all, I think its obvious that Oprah Winfrey is using her influence to seduce people to believe in false teachings and beliefs. But I would also add that many in the media are doing this today and have been for awhile through movies, music, news programs, sitcoms, etc. So what Oprah's doing is nothing knew. The Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." I wrote a book a few years called "The Culture Crafters" that exposes all kinds of ways that different media seduces people toward false philosphies and beliefs.
If you are a Christian, I would encourage you to pray for Oprah. Jesus said there would be false prophets and teachers in the last days. The Apostle Paul tells us that the "...the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" [2 Cor. 4:4]. As followers of Christ, we really should be less concerned with Oprah and more concerned that we are stedfast in our own faith in Christ. Paul writes, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6,7
What about all of those that she is misleading? Shouldn't we expose her false teachings? Absolutely, but as followers of Christ, lets not demonize her and those that hang on every word she says or promotes. Again, we must love them and pray for them that their eyes be open to the preaching of the gospel, that the Holy Spirit go before us and convict (persuade) of the Truth. I really don't think God is as worried about Oprah as is a lot of today's preachers and Christians. But I do believe He is more concerned with you and I letting the glorious light of the gospel shine forth through our words, deeds, and life in general.
Recently a Christian author has written that media icon Oprah Winfrey has become a false prophet for a false Jesus. Warren Smith, author of Reinventing Jesus Christ: The New Gospel, is a Christian who was saved from the new age movement. He says Oprah's search led her to Marianne Williamson and the new age teachings of A Course in Miracles.
Oprah told her audience that she has no problem reconciling the differences between the new age religion she is now promoting and the Christian faith she claims. "I reconciled it because I was able to open my mind about the, um, the absolute, indescribable hugeness of that which we call 'God,'" Oprah said. "I took God out of the box."
But Smith, appearing on the March 11 edition of the AFA Report, said the false teachings of A Course in Miracles should be obvious to any Christian. "Here are some of the lessons: Lesson 29, 'God is in everything I see.' Lesson 186, 'The salvation of the world depends on me.' 253, 'My self is the ruler of the universe.' 337, 'My sinless-ness protects me from all harm,'" Smith said, quoting from the lessons. "This is the Bible upside-down."
Smith also criticized Oprah for the selection of Eckhart Tolle's new age book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose as her book of the month.
"It reminds me of Jeremiah 5 where he says, 'A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land, the prophets prophesy falsely and my people love to have it so,'" Smith explained. "What is more wonderful these days than Oprah? A wonderful and horrible thing is happening in the land, the prophets prophesy falsely. Oprah -- by now teaching this class with Eckhart Tolle -- is no longer a pointer to deception. She is a false prophet and part of it herself."
Christians have an obligation, Smith concluded, to point out the error of Oprah's new age "christianity," even if doing so means risking public ridicule.
"Unfortunately, Oprah does so many things that are really good [that] people make the mistake of thinking that she's on to something with this whole spiritual deal," Smith argued. "What she's doing is, she's creating a new worldview. They're calling it a 'shift' that will prepare people for when the next shoe drops.
"And this will be the way that world peace would be achieved," he said, explaining the new age philosophy behind A Course in Miracles, "by everybody adopting this view that 'we're all one because we're all god, we need to come together, we need to be in unity.'
"And the only people who are going to hinder that are the people who are saying, 'No, we're not God. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.'
Internet evangelist Bill Keller, appearing on Fox News Channel's Cavuto Report, echoed Smith's warnings, calling Oprah the queen of the new age gurus. "These new age teachings are really sucking in millions of people to these false philosophies, these false theologies, and they're literally leading people to Hell," Keller said. "Oprah, whether she knows it or not, is really being a conduit to lead people to Hell."
First of all, I think its obvious that Oprah Winfrey is using her influence to seduce people to believe in false teachings and beliefs. But I would also add that many in the media are doing this today and have been for awhile through movies, music, news programs, sitcoms, etc. So what Oprah's doing is nothing knew. The Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." I wrote a book a few years called "The Culture Crafters" that exposes all kinds of ways that different media seduces people toward false philosphies and beliefs.
If you are a Christian, I would encourage you to pray for Oprah. Jesus said there would be false prophets and teachers in the last days. The Apostle Paul tells us that the "...the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" [2 Cor. 4:4]. As followers of Christ, we really should be less concerned with Oprah and more concerned that we are stedfast in our own faith in Christ. Paul writes, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6,7
What about all of those that she is misleading? Shouldn't we expose her false teachings? Absolutely, but as followers of Christ, lets not demonize her and those that hang on every word she says or promotes. Again, we must love them and pray for them that their eyes be open to the preaching of the gospel, that the Holy Spirit go before us and convict (persuade) of the Truth. I really don't think God is as worried about Oprah as is a lot of today's preachers and Christians. But I do believe He is more concerned with you and I letting the glorious light of the gospel shine forth through our words, deeds, and life in general.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday Morning Funnies
Instead of a few jokes, I've downloaded a funny video piece that I think will put a smile on your face this morning. Make it a great Monday!
-Pastor Randy
The video expired on Tuesday, 7/29/08. Sorry!
-Pastor Randy
The video expired on Tuesday, 7/29/08. Sorry!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday Wrap Up
Well, it was nice to be back at KP today. I couldn't believe how weak my voice was. I guess I need to raise my voice more while on vacation so it doesn't get out of shape. But seriously, I thought we had two wonderful services today. The AM message "Don't Hang Up Your Harp" ministered to me as I prepared it and then delivered it. Tonight's message "Lessons in Water-Walking" was a fun message to preach. Sunday night services are always laid back and enjoyable. I would encourage you that don't attend KP to download these messages...I think you will be fed.
I appreciate everyone that went to the mission Saturday. I heard they had a wonderful time while ministering and feeding over 100 homeless people in Cincinnati. May God bless each of you that went!
Well, I'm pretty tired and its been a long day! I am going make this one a short one! Have a great week! May the Song of Your Heart be pleasing unto your Lord, your Rock and Redeemer.
In His Love,
-Pastor Randy
I appreciate everyone that went to the mission Saturday. I heard they had a wonderful time while ministering and feeding over 100 homeless people in Cincinnati. May God bless each of you that went!
Well, I'm pretty tired and its been a long day! I am going make this one a short one! Have a great week! May the Song of Your Heart be pleasing unto your Lord, your Rock and Redeemer.
In His Love,
-Pastor Randy
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday Insights
I will have been in pastoral ministry 27 years this coming September. The following list is some "core values" that I have developed over that period. What I mean by "core values" is that these for me are beliefs about pastoring and ministry in general that have served as guidelines over the years. They are in no particular order of importance.
~ Be honest and transparent with people
I probably do this to a fault. But it keeps everything simple. I absolutely hate not being myself or trying to be what people expect me to be. I started out in pastoral ministry very young and it seemed like people were always trying to lay their expectations on me..."this is what I think a pentecostal preacher must look like, act like, and sound like." Even to this day, I detest that. However, I will say that my Heavenly Father is teaching me to be patient when people do this and love them anyway.
~ After people come to Christ, the real work of the church begins (discipleship)
I don't like to admit this, but when I first entered the ministry I was a big numbers guy. It was all about how many we had in Sunday School or Morning Worship. "I was addicted to counting heads." I read every church growth book that was ever written my first 15 years in ministry. I went to every church growth conference. I wanted to have the biggest church in the state and the biggest in the Church of God.
It really does pain me to talk about this. Over the years, the Lord has taught me that "its not about numbers but people." Jesus left the ninety-nine and went after the one. He carefully nurtured and loved the one. The Lord has taught me to minister and love the one. This is why I believe so strongly in one-on-one discipleship and mentoring. This is why we train cell leaders to do...to disciple "the one." This I believe is the greatest ministry of the church with the end result being "mature believers."
~ My Greatest Responsibility as a Pastor is to be a Godly Example 1 Peter 5:3 "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock."
I will admit, I have to work at this hard and often fail. I know a lot of people are watching me so they must see Christ in me. God help me!
~ Love People Unconditionally
Again, this is easier said than done. Sometimes I have to exercise "tough love" which some people don't see as love at all. The hardest part of loving people is loving God...thats right, you heard me right. As I love God, He gives me the capacity to love people...no matter what they do or say. You KP people have heard me say often, if you want to love someone start by praying for them. As you pray for them, God will enable you to love them...show them acts of love.
~Try to Be Disciplined...in all areas of Life
This too, is a tough one. My daily disciplines sometimes can get in my way of obeying the voice of God. However, the apostle Paul aid that dsicipline leads to godliness, so discipline is imperative.
My daily disciplines include prayer; the reading and studying of God's Word; finances (recording every penny spent); and exercise and nutrition. I have attempted for 25 years now to pray at least an hour a day. Do I sometimes fail...absolutely. But I also have larned the importance of praying without ceasing throughout my day.
Secondly, I try to study the Word of God daily. I am very weak in this area...not because I don't want too study. I love to study God's Word. But just making the time with ministry and family demands is tough. Thirdly, being disciplined in our finances has brought great freedom to Annette and I in our ability to give. We literally watch every penny we spend and everything is recorded and evaluated. This takes a lot of work but it is worth it. As we have proven ourselves to be good stewards of what God has given us, He has given us wisdom along the way. I am thankful for God's grace in this area.
And finally, in spite of my aches and pains, ruptures, spasms, heart and back issues, and too much fatty tissue...I put a great value on exercise and eating right. I also believe in regular fasting and prayer which not only helps me spiritually but cleanses my body of toxins.
Well, thats enough. You are probably bored stiff by now. But hopefully something I wrote down will inspire or inform you in some way. See you in worship tomorrow!
-Pastor Randy
~ Be honest and transparent with people
I probably do this to a fault. But it keeps everything simple. I absolutely hate not being myself or trying to be what people expect me to be. I started out in pastoral ministry very young and it seemed like people were always trying to lay their expectations on me..."this is what I think a pentecostal preacher must look like, act like, and sound like." Even to this day, I detest that. However, I will say that my Heavenly Father is teaching me to be patient when people do this and love them anyway.
~ After people come to Christ, the real work of the church begins (discipleship)
I don't like to admit this, but when I first entered the ministry I was a big numbers guy. It was all about how many we had in Sunday School or Morning Worship. "I was addicted to counting heads." I read every church growth book that was ever written my first 15 years in ministry. I went to every church growth conference. I wanted to have the biggest church in the state and the biggest in the Church of God.
It really does pain me to talk about this. Over the years, the Lord has taught me that "its not about numbers but people." Jesus left the ninety-nine and went after the one. He carefully nurtured and loved the one. The Lord has taught me to minister and love the one. This is why I believe so strongly in one-on-one discipleship and mentoring. This is why we train cell leaders to do...to disciple "the one." This I believe is the greatest ministry of the church with the end result being "mature believers."
~ My Greatest Responsibility as a Pastor is to be a Godly Example 1 Peter 5:3 "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock."
I will admit, I have to work at this hard and often fail. I know a lot of people are watching me so they must see Christ in me. God help me!
~ Love People Unconditionally
Again, this is easier said than done. Sometimes I have to exercise "tough love" which some people don't see as love at all. The hardest part of loving people is loving God...thats right, you heard me right. As I love God, He gives me the capacity to love people...no matter what they do or say. You KP people have heard me say often, if you want to love someone start by praying for them. As you pray for them, God will enable you to love them...show them acts of love.
~Try to Be Disciplined...in all areas of Life
This too, is a tough one. My daily disciplines sometimes can get in my way of obeying the voice of God. However, the apostle Paul aid that dsicipline leads to godliness, so discipline is imperative.
My daily disciplines include prayer; the reading and studying of God's Word; finances (recording every penny spent); and exercise and nutrition. I have attempted for 25 years now to pray at least an hour a day. Do I sometimes fail...absolutely. But I also have larned the importance of praying without ceasing throughout my day.
Secondly, I try to study the Word of God daily. I am very weak in this area...not because I don't want too study. I love to study God's Word. But just making the time with ministry and family demands is tough. Thirdly, being disciplined in our finances has brought great freedom to Annette and I in our ability to give. We literally watch every penny we spend and everything is recorded and evaluated. This takes a lot of work but it is worth it. As we have proven ourselves to be good stewards of what God has given us, He has given us wisdom along the way. I am thankful for God's grace in this area.
And finally, in spite of my aches and pains, ruptures, spasms, heart and back issues, and too much fatty tissue...I put a great value on exercise and eating right. I also believe in regular fasting and prayer which not only helps me spiritually but cleanses my body of toxins.
Well, thats enough. You are probably bored stiff by now. But hopefully something I wrote down will inspire or inform you in some way. See you in worship tomorrow!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday Countdown
Hello everyone...its good to be back. Actually, I have used this week to get some stuff done around the house and Annette went back to work this week. It felt good to have two weeks off. It really takes a good five days to begin to relax and get a clear mind. Over to the left of the blog I downloaded a few vacation pictures for anyone that might be interested.
Well, I know many of you are glad the week is over and the weekend is here. It is my prayer that God will renew your strength (physically and spiritually)this weekend. I really appreciate the men that ministered in my place while I was gone. They each did wonderful jobs. I appreciate them all...Reverend Tim Orr, Reverend James Garrett, Reverend Ron Smith, and Adam Johnson. You can listen to their messages on our web site (click on sermon downloads on the home page) or you can download them on your ipod (see podcast on home page).
This weekend is the last weekend to give to the Missions team for their El Salvador trip. I know I will be giving my final offering this Sunday. Also, Wendys is once more giving 15% of all their proceeds to the missions team after church this Sunday fom 12 to 4 pm. Also, tomorrow morning (Saturday) we will be leaving from the church at 4:45 am to feed the homeless at City Gospel. I know John Bauer and his team could always use your help. I hope you can go! I know you will be greatly blessed by feeding and ministering to "the least of these."
Please be praying with me about something. At the end of June, I shared a vision with the congregation of beginning now to put back food and funds to help people in the months and years ahead. As you know, the scriptures clearly teach that the church is to take care of the widows and orphans. The church of Acts brought their goods together and made sure everyone's needs were met. There is no doubt that food prices are going to continue to rise along with oil, electricity, and gas in the years to come. We will see more of our people in need and no doubt many people outside the church will turn to the church for help as well. So we got to be ready! Over the few months, we will be appointing a committee to help put together some plans and policy for what I am calling the "Joseph Project." Please pray with me that God will provide for us the people, materials, and finances needed.
Have a great weekend!
-Psstor Randy
Well, I know many of you are glad the week is over and the weekend is here. It is my prayer that God will renew your strength (physically and spiritually)this weekend. I really appreciate the men that ministered in my place while I was gone. They each did wonderful jobs. I appreciate them all...Reverend Tim Orr, Reverend James Garrett, Reverend Ron Smith, and Adam Johnson. You can listen to their messages on our web site (click on sermon downloads on the home page) or you can download them on your ipod (see podcast on home page).
This weekend is the last weekend to give to the Missions team for their El Salvador trip. I know I will be giving my final offering this Sunday. Also, Wendys is once more giving 15% of all their proceeds to the missions team after church this Sunday fom 12 to 4 pm. Also, tomorrow morning (Saturday) we will be leaving from the church at 4:45 am to feed the homeless at City Gospel. I know John Bauer and his team could always use your help. I hope you can go! I know you will be greatly blessed by feeding and ministering to "the least of these."
Please be praying with me about something. At the end of June, I shared a vision with the congregation of beginning now to put back food and funds to help people in the months and years ahead. As you know, the scriptures clearly teach that the church is to take care of the widows and orphans. The church of Acts brought their goods together and made sure everyone's needs were met. There is no doubt that food prices are going to continue to rise along with oil, electricity, and gas in the years to come. We will see more of our people in need and no doubt many people outside the church will turn to the church for help as well. So we got to be ready! Over the few months, we will be appointing a committee to help put together some plans and policy for what I am calling the "Joseph Project." Please pray with me that God will provide for us the people, materials, and finances needed.
Have a great weekend!
-Psstor Randy
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A VACATION RANT...NOT REALLY
HELLO EVERYONE!
Please check out the podcasts! Brian Griffin has been working real hard and has done great job making podcast available. Of course, if you don't have an IPOD you can still do it the old fashion way by downloading. Thanks Brian!
This is th first time I have had access to the internet...I FOUND THE INTERNET! Anyway, we are having a great time. Annette is in heaven...she has plenty of time to crosstich and relax. Gabe and I actually played some tennis yesterday. First time I have played in 15 years approx. He was pumped. He had taken a high school class and was taught by a good high school friend of his who is one of the best in our area. Gabe's favorite player is Nedal ( the men's champion at Wimbeldon...I don't know if I spelled it right or not...maybe its Knee'Doll...maybe not). But anyway, Old School prevailed 6 to 3.
It has rained here a lot. All day Sunday. Yesterday was very nice. Today, so far is cloudy and rainy.
One of my vacation rituals is getting my Fantasy Football picks prepared. I'm almost ready. I always do well in the regular season and one of the first out in the playoffs. But I'm getting excited about football starting up..NFL and college. GO COLTS!!!
The economy is pretty bad down here (Florida). I think there are more Euros here than Americans. I watch CNBC a lot and ready my Bible afterwards. There is no doubt in mind why America doesn't play a prominent role in prophecy...we are being bought up by the world. Our very sovereignty as a nation is up for sale to the greatest bidders. What's happening right now is very sad if you love this country. What are parents and grandparents have worked so hard for is disappearing before our very eyes. BUT...as Christians we have to keep reminding ourselves that this world is not our home. We are just visitors and GOD HAS PREPARED SO MUCH MORE FOR US THAN WHAT EVEN "THE GOOD OLE USA" CAN PROVIDE! I don't know about you but "the worse it gets down here, the more homesick I get for up there."
I appreciate Tim Orr, James Garret, and Ken, and of course, the great KP staff and leaders who I am sure did a wonderful job this weekend. It's nice to be able to get away and know everything is in good hands!
Make it a great week. Love you all!Please remember Alvin Money, Travis Daniel, Phyllis Titus, and Arlene Miller in your prayers.
Pastor Randy & Annette, and Gabe
Please check out the podcasts! Brian Griffin has been working real hard and has done great job making podcast available. Of course, if you don't have an IPOD you can still do it the old fashion way by downloading. Thanks Brian!
This is th first time I have had access to the internet...I FOUND THE INTERNET! Anyway, we are having a great time. Annette is in heaven...she has plenty of time to crosstich and relax. Gabe and I actually played some tennis yesterday. First time I have played in 15 years approx. He was pumped. He had taken a high school class and was taught by a good high school friend of his who is one of the best in our area. Gabe's favorite player is Nedal ( the men's champion at Wimbeldon...I don't know if I spelled it right or not...maybe its Knee'Doll...maybe not). But anyway, Old School prevailed 6 to 3.
It has rained here a lot. All day Sunday. Yesterday was very nice. Today, so far is cloudy and rainy.
One of my vacation rituals is getting my Fantasy Football picks prepared. I'm almost ready. I always do well in the regular season and one of the first out in the playoffs. But I'm getting excited about football starting up..NFL and college. GO COLTS!!!
The economy is pretty bad down here (Florida). I think there are more Euros here than Americans. I watch CNBC a lot and ready my Bible afterwards. There is no doubt in mind why America doesn't play a prominent role in prophecy...we are being bought up by the world. Our very sovereignty as a nation is up for sale to the greatest bidders. What's happening right now is very sad if you love this country. What are parents and grandparents have worked so hard for is disappearing before our very eyes. BUT...as Christians we have to keep reminding ourselves that this world is not our home. We are just visitors and GOD HAS PREPARED SO MUCH MORE FOR US THAN WHAT EVEN "THE GOOD OLE USA" CAN PROVIDE! I don't know about you but "the worse it gets down here, the more homesick I get for up there."
I appreciate Tim Orr, James Garret, and Ken, and of course, the great KP staff and leaders who I am sure did a wonderful job this weekend. It's nice to be able to get away and know everything is in good hands!
Make it a great week. Love you all!Please remember Alvin Money, Travis Daniel, Phyllis Titus, and Arlene Miller in your prayers.
Pastor Randy & Annette, and Gabe
Friday, July 11, 2008
Friday Countdown
Well, the week is almost over and the weekend will soon be here. This will probably be the last blog I will be be doing for a few weeks. As some of you know, I'll be taking some time off and I don't think I will have access to high-speed there.
Usually, when we take time away from the ministry and the church; we park ourselves somewhere, we read, we eat, we sleep, and we stare...usually at water. Then, we go to bed and get up and do it again the next day. Thats our idea of relaxation. And thats what we do when we take a vacation - relax. I know some people like to sightsee and thats fine. But when I take those kinds of vacations, I am worn out when I get back. Then I need a vacation after my vacation.
Please be sure to join us this week at KP. For the next two to three weeks we will have nothing but pure Word, praise, and worship. It ought to be great! After the AM service, the mission team will be preparing hamburgers and some other stuff in the fellowship hall for their El Salvador trip. Thank you so much for your support.
Make it a great weekend. Worship like crazy, rest, and let your light shine for Christ! You will be in my prayers and I mean that. Love you all!
-Pastor Randy
Usually, when we take time away from the ministry and the church; we park ourselves somewhere, we read, we eat, we sleep, and we stare...usually at water. Then, we go to bed and get up and do it again the next day. Thats our idea of relaxation. And thats what we do when we take a vacation - relax. I know some people like to sightsee and thats fine. But when I take those kinds of vacations, I am worn out when I get back. Then I need a vacation after my vacation.
Please be sure to join us this week at KP. For the next two to three weeks we will have nothing but pure Word, praise, and worship. It ought to be great! After the AM service, the mission team will be preparing hamburgers and some other stuff in the fellowship hall for their El Salvador trip. Thank you so much for your support.
Make it a great weekend. Worship like crazy, rest, and let your light shine for Christ! You will be in my prayers and I mean that. Love you all!
-Pastor Randy
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Why I Do What I Do
Good morning everyone!
This morning, Dale Boegeman came by to do some tile work. Dale was telling me that he is celebrating a little over one year now walking with Christ. He shared with me that before he got saved he would hear me talk about praying throughout the day or "praying without ceasing." He said he would lean over to his wife, Rachael, and say "How can anybody do that?" "Now", Dale says, "Since I have gotten saved, I cannot imagine going through a day not talking to God. I praise him and thank him constantly, and I pray in my van as I go from job to job. I really enjoy my life as a Christian."
As a pastor, I do what I do to see God change people like Dale. It's a joy to see the power of the Word of God transform lives and see people discover their new life in Christ. Dale is truly living out 2Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." I hope you are too!
Please remember Arlene Miller as your pray. Her condition is very, very critical. She continues to lose weight and grow weak and the doctors cannot find out why. Please join with me in prayers and fastings for her. Please pray that God give the doctors knowledge or she be healed totally without a medical breakthrough. As I have said before, this is an attack of the enemy on her body. She needs intercessors right now to stand in the gap for her. Please join us!
Also, remember Alvin Money and Travis Daniel in prayer. They both are in the hospital.
Finally, I just want to thank the great people at KP for giving to assist the churches in Indiana that incurred flood damage. You gave right at $600. Your giving lately has been amazing! Thank you so much for your faithfulness.
I love and appreciate you all! Have a great day.
-Pastor Randy
This morning, Dale Boegeman came by to do some tile work. Dale was telling me that he is celebrating a little over one year now walking with Christ. He shared with me that before he got saved he would hear me talk about praying throughout the day or "praying without ceasing." He said he would lean over to his wife, Rachael, and say "How can anybody do that?" "Now", Dale says, "Since I have gotten saved, I cannot imagine going through a day not talking to God. I praise him and thank him constantly, and I pray in my van as I go from job to job. I really enjoy my life as a Christian."
As a pastor, I do what I do to see God change people like Dale. It's a joy to see the power of the Word of God transform lives and see people discover their new life in Christ. Dale is truly living out 2Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." I hope you are too!
Please remember Arlene Miller as your pray. Her condition is very, very critical. She continues to lose weight and grow weak and the doctors cannot find out why. Please join with me in prayers and fastings for her. Please pray that God give the doctors knowledge or she be healed totally without a medical breakthrough. As I have said before, this is an attack of the enemy on her body. She needs intercessors right now to stand in the gap for her. Please join us!
Also, remember Alvin Money and Travis Daniel in prayer. They both are in the hospital.
Finally, I just want to thank the great people at KP for giving to assist the churches in Indiana that incurred flood damage. You gave right at $600. Your giving lately has been amazing! Thank you so much for your faithfulness.
I love and appreciate you all! Have a great day.
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
It's About Your Spirit, Not the Gift, Part II
Mark 12:42 "Then a poor widow came along and dropped in two little copper coins, worth about a penny." GNB
We call this, mite, from the French word, miete, which signifies a crumb, or very small morsel. The prutah was the smallest coin in use among the Jews: and there is a canon among the rabbins that no person shall put less than two prutahs into the treasury. This poor widow would not give less, and her poverty prevented her from giving more. And whereas it is said that many rich persons cast in Much, πολλα, (many), this may only refer to the number of the prutahs which they threw in, and not to the value.
Mark 12:43,44, reads, "And He called His disciples and said to them, Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all those who have cast into the treasury.For all cast in from their abundance. But she, out of her poverty, has cast in all that she had, all her livelihood." KJV
Christ saw her…
1.piety (integrity, goodness, kindness), how rare it is to find so much "poverty in spirit" in this poor widow.
2. spirit….not her appearance. She did this in a better spirit, having a simple desire to please God. God looks upon the heart, and the poorest person has it in his power to make his mite as acceptable to the Lord, by simplicity of intention, and purity of affection, as the millions given by the affluent.
3.liberality in her giving. He shows that men should judge impartially in cases of this kind, and not permit themselves to be carried away to decide for a person by the largeness of the gift on the one hand, or against him by the smallness of the bounty on the other. Of the poor widow it is said, She has cast in more than all the rich. She gave more; she gave her all, and they gave only a part.
4. her total dependence upon God by her giving!
We call this, mite, from the French word, miete, which signifies a crumb, or very small morsel. The prutah was the smallest coin in use among the Jews: and there is a canon among the rabbins that no person shall put less than two prutahs into the treasury. This poor widow would not give less, and her poverty prevented her from giving more. And whereas it is said that many rich persons cast in Much, πολλα, (many), this may only refer to the number of the prutahs which they threw in, and not to the value.
Mark 12:43,44, reads, "And He called His disciples and said to them, Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all those who have cast into the treasury.For all cast in from their abundance. But she, out of her poverty, has cast in all that she had, all her livelihood." KJV
Christ saw her…
1.piety (integrity, goodness, kindness), how rare it is to find so much "poverty in spirit" in this poor widow.
2. spirit….not her appearance. She did this in a better spirit, having a simple desire to please God. God looks upon the heart, and the poorest person has it in his power to make his mite as acceptable to the Lord, by simplicity of intention, and purity of affection, as the millions given by the affluent.
3.liberality in her giving. He shows that men should judge impartially in cases of this kind, and not permit themselves to be carried away to decide for a person by the largeness of the gift on the one hand, or against him by the smallness of the bounty on the other. Of the poor widow it is said, She has cast in more than all the rich. She gave more; she gave her all, and they gave only a part.
4. her total dependence upon God by her giving!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Its About Your Spirit, Not Your Gift
Since 2005, Americans have been spending more than they have been saving for the first time in history. What are we buying?
You name it...we have been eating out and drinking out more with the growth of Starbucks and other specialty coffee stores, buying big screen TV’s, borrowing more and building bigger houses, putting more on credit cards, spending more on lotteries, movies, sporting events, phones, and video games. Bankrupties and foreclosures are up! And Americans are putting back less and less for retirement and giving less to charity and churches. Indeed, as a nation we are in a drunken stupor of spending.
Question: Do you think it is God's will that His followers (born-again Christians) waste their resources like people who do not follow after Christ? Does God have a better plan for His people...a better program with a better outcome?
The essence of God's plan is DEPENDENCE UPON HIM, not our job, or our investments, or stocks, inheritances, etc. GOD WANTS YOU AND I TO GET TO THE PLACE WHERE WE GIVE HIM TOTAL CONTROL EVERYTHING WE OWN EVERYDAY.
In Mark 12:38-41, Jesus one day while teaching says, "Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preening in the radiance of public flattery, basking in prominent positions, sitting at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they'll pay for it in the end. And sitting down opposite the treasury, Jesus watched how the people threw copper coins into the treasury."[THE MESSAGE]
And then Jesus said, "And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing." [Mark 12:42, KJV]
I find it interesting here that we see Christ observing all men and all things: all our actions are before his eyes, what we do in public and what we do in private are equally known unto him. He observes the state and situation we are in: his eye was upon the abundance of the rich who had given much; and he was well acquainted with the poverty and desolate state of the widow who had given her all, though that was but little in itself. What an awful thought for the rich!
If I can, let me point out a few things:
1. “God sees every penny I possess, and constantly observes how I spend it.”
2. Christ sees all the motives which lead men to perform their respective actions; and the different motives which lead them to perform the same action: he knows whether they act through vanity, self-love, interest, ambition, hypocrisy, or whether through love, charity, zeal for his glory, and a hearty desire to please him.
3. He observes the circumstances which accompany our actions; whether we act with care or negligence, with a ready mind or with reluctance.
4. He observes the judgment which we form of that which we do in his name; whether we esteem ourselves more on account of what we have done, speak of it to others, dwell on our labors, sufferings, expenses, success, etc., or whether we humble ourselves because we have done so little good, and even that little in so imperfect a way. And many rich ones threw in much.
Can we pose a pointed question or two to ourselves as followers of Christ? Have we too become like the world irresponsible and self-centered with our possessions? When we consider our actions, our motives, our circumstances, our individual indulgences; what would Christ think as he looks at our heart as we give our offerings to Him?
Tomorrow, we will see what Christ saw in a little widow lady as she put her offering into the church treasury. Not what she gave, but the spirit of which she gave with.
You name it...we have been eating out and drinking out more with the growth of Starbucks and other specialty coffee stores, buying big screen TV’s, borrowing more and building bigger houses, putting more on credit cards, spending more on lotteries, movies, sporting events, phones, and video games. Bankrupties and foreclosures are up! And Americans are putting back less and less for retirement and giving less to charity and churches. Indeed, as a nation we are in a drunken stupor of spending.
Question: Do you think it is God's will that His followers (born-again Christians) waste their resources like people who do not follow after Christ? Does God have a better plan for His people...a better program with a better outcome?
The essence of God's plan is DEPENDENCE UPON HIM, not our job, or our investments, or stocks, inheritances, etc. GOD WANTS YOU AND I TO GET TO THE PLACE WHERE WE GIVE HIM TOTAL CONTROL EVERYTHING WE OWN EVERYDAY.
In Mark 12:38-41, Jesus one day while teaching says, "Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preening in the radiance of public flattery, basking in prominent positions, sitting at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they'll pay for it in the end. And sitting down opposite the treasury, Jesus watched how the people threw copper coins into the treasury."[THE MESSAGE]
And then Jesus said, "And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing." [Mark 12:42, KJV]
I find it interesting here that we see Christ observing all men and all things: all our actions are before his eyes, what we do in public and what we do in private are equally known unto him. He observes the state and situation we are in: his eye was upon the abundance of the rich who had given much; and he was well acquainted with the poverty and desolate state of the widow who had given her all, though that was but little in itself. What an awful thought for the rich!
If I can, let me point out a few things:
1. “God sees every penny I possess, and constantly observes how I spend it.”
2. Christ sees all the motives which lead men to perform their respective actions; and the different motives which lead them to perform the same action: he knows whether they act through vanity, self-love, interest, ambition, hypocrisy, or whether through love, charity, zeal for his glory, and a hearty desire to please him.
3. He observes the circumstances which accompany our actions; whether we act with care or negligence, with a ready mind or with reluctance.
4. He observes the judgment which we form of that which we do in his name; whether we esteem ourselves more on account of what we have done, speak of it to others, dwell on our labors, sufferings, expenses, success, etc., or whether we humble ourselves because we have done so little good, and even that little in so imperfect a way. And many rich ones threw in much.
Can we pose a pointed question or two to ourselves as followers of Christ? Have we too become like the world irresponsible and self-centered with our possessions? When we consider our actions, our motives, our circumstances, our individual indulgences; what would Christ think as he looks at our heart as we give our offerings to Him?
Tomorrow, we will see what Christ saw in a little widow lady as she put her offering into the church treasury. Not what she gave, but the spirit of which she gave with.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Monday Morning Funnies
Good morning everyone! I have a few good jokes below. Make it a great week!
-Pastor Randy
A couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively mischievous. They were always getting into trouble and their parents knew that, if any mischief occurred in their town, their sons were probably involved.They boys' mother heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The clergyman agreed, but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent her 8-year-old first, in the morning, with the older boy to see the clergyman in the afternoon.The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, "Where is God?”They boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God!!?" Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD!?"The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?"The youngest brother gasped for breath and replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time dude. God is missing and they think WE did it!"
A new pastor was visiting the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door. When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, Genesis 3:10." Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid, for I was naked."
3 kids are sitting on the curb, the first one says" guess what? my dad is so talented he writes stuff down on paper calls it a poem and they send him $100 for it!" the second kid says "oh yeah? my dad is so talented he draws squiggly lines on a notebook calls it art and they give $300 for it!" "that's nothin" the 3rd kid says," my dad writes some words down calls it a sermon,and it takes five guys to collect all the money!"
-Pastor Randy
A couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively mischievous. They were always getting into trouble and their parents knew that, if any mischief occurred in their town, their sons were probably involved.They boys' mother heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The clergyman agreed, but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent her 8-year-old first, in the morning, with the older boy to see the clergyman in the afternoon.The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, "Where is God?”They boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God!!?" Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD!?"The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?"The youngest brother gasped for breath and replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time dude. God is missing and they think WE did it!"
A new pastor was visiting the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door. When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, Genesis 3:10." Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid, for I was naked."
3 kids are sitting on the curb, the first one says" guess what? my dad is so talented he writes stuff down on paper calls it a poem and they send him $100 for it!" the second kid says "oh yeah? my dad is so talented he draws squiggly lines on a notebook calls it art and they give $300 for it!" "that's nothin" the 3rd kid says," my dad writes some words down calls it a sermon,and it takes five guys to collect all the money!"
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Sunday Wrap Up
Hello everyone! What a great, great day we had today together in worship! This is one of those Sundays that I feel sorry for people that did not attend our services...both services! The Sunday morning service was just a beautiful time of worship in celebration of the freedom we enjoy as American citizens and believers in Christ. Our veterans really blessed us all with the color guard, the pledge of allegiance to the flag, and their pictures in the background. And then the children's choir, the videos, and the praise & worship was wonderful! And wow, I really appreciate the church giving to the churches in Indiana that incurred flood damage. I haven't seen the total but the response was beyond my expectations. Thank you so much!
Speaking of the churches in Indiana...check out the picture below. After flood waters had totally destroyed the inside of my uncle's (Pastor Jerry Ballard) church in Columbus, Indiana, this is what they found as they went into the building to look at the damage. The table in the center of the picture was originally in the foyer but was found in the sanctuary with everything in place. Only God could have done that! Just a reminder that He truly is there in the midst of our storms.
The prayer and praise service was wonderful tonight. God honors it when we join together in unity and intercede for our nation. Tonight, great things were accomplished in the spiritual realm that we will never know until we get to heaven. Again, I appreciate all the KP people that showed up and especially James Garrett, Richard Aker, Adam Johnson, and Revelee Beavers; all whom led us in prayers tonight. Great job! And thank you Brian and the choir ensemble., as always you did a beautiful job!
It was just a great day of fellowship, worship, and ministry. And I am not exaggerating. I am glad I was privileged to worship my God today!
-Pastor Randy
Speaking of the churches in Indiana...check out the picture below. After flood waters had totally destroyed the inside of my uncle's (Pastor Jerry Ballard) church in Columbus, Indiana, this is what they found as they went into the building to look at the damage. The table in the center of the picture was originally in the foyer but was found in the sanctuary with everything in place. Only God could have done that! Just a reminder that He truly is there in the midst of our storms.
The prayer and praise service was wonderful tonight. God honors it when we join together in unity and intercede for our nation. Tonight, great things were accomplished in the spiritual realm that we will never know until we get to heaven. Again, I appreciate all the KP people that showed up and especially James Garrett, Richard Aker, Adam Johnson, and Revelee Beavers; all whom led us in prayers tonight. Great job! And thank you Brian and the choir ensemble., as always you did a beautiful job!
It was just a great day of fellowship, worship, and ministry. And I am not exaggerating. I am glad I was privileged to worship my God today!
-Pastor Randy
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Saturday Insights
Good morning! I hope you enjoyed your July 4th! We had a wonderful day. Gabe end up working six hours while Annette and I rested and did some stuff around the house. In the evening, we went to a holiday party and had a wonderful time with lots of precious folks, most of them church family. And that was our 4th!
Enjoy the following inspirational patriotic video entitled "Remember the Sacrifice." Have a great day. Come ready to worship tomorrow. See ya in God's house!
-Pastor
Enjoy the following inspirational patriotic video entitled "Remember the Sacrifice." Have a great day. Come ready to worship tomorrow. See ya in God's house!
-Pastor
Friday, July 4, 2008
Friday Countdown...Happy July 4th!
[see the powerful video following the blog article]
Good morning everyone! I hope that you have a wonderful July 4th today. Please remember to thank God for the freedom that we enjoy in America today. Furthermore, let's also remember to pray for our great nation today as well.
Gabe and I went up to my brother's Wednesday evening for his citywide block party in downtown Marion, Indiana. It can be classified as an inner-city church even though Marion is not a big city. The police had blocked off the street in front of their church for the block party. They enticed and encouraged people to come with lots of free food, games giving as much as $100 to the winners, children's bouncy games, music, a martial arts ministry, a dunking booth, drawings giving away four bicycles and a car, and a big fireworks show to conclude the night.
My brother did not think anyone would show, but only over 1,000 people came. People were everywhere. I got in on helping with the basketball shooting contest and I had children and teens hanging all over me anxious to participate. Anyway, the evening closed with the sharing of the gospel. Nearly 25 people came and received Christ and repented of their sins. Hundreds of others heard the gospel presented in a powerful way and many seeds were planted in lives. I praised the Lord that I was able to be a part of such a powerful ministry. Whether we live in a rural area, or the suburbs, or in urban areas of cities; we must do whatever is necessary to reach people with the gospel!
By the way, you know that car that my brother's church (Downtown Tabernacle) gave away? That next morning he was called to a little elderly lady's house who gave him the keys to a one-owner Buick Roadmaster with only 88,000 miles on it. She freely gave it to the church to do whatever they wanted to do with it.
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Well, I could share a lot of other great things with you but I will reserve the rest for Sunday morning. Again, don't miss our great Independence Day celebration this Sunday at 10:35 am. Invite your friends and family. They will thoroughly enjoy it!
Hey, enjoy the video below. It's pretty powerful! God bless you!
-Pastor Randy
Good morning everyone! I hope that you have a wonderful July 4th today. Please remember to thank God for the freedom that we enjoy in America today. Furthermore, let's also remember to pray for our great nation today as well.
Gabe and I went up to my brother's Wednesday evening for his citywide block party in downtown Marion, Indiana. It can be classified as an inner-city church even though Marion is not a big city. The police had blocked off the street in front of their church for the block party. They enticed and encouraged people to come with lots of free food, games giving as much as $100 to the winners, children's bouncy games, music, a martial arts ministry, a dunking booth, drawings giving away four bicycles and a car, and a big fireworks show to conclude the night.
My brother did not think anyone would show, but only over 1,000 people came. People were everywhere. I got in on helping with the basketball shooting contest and I had children and teens hanging all over me anxious to participate. Anyway, the evening closed with the sharing of the gospel. Nearly 25 people came and received Christ and repented of their sins. Hundreds of others heard the gospel presented in a powerful way and many seeds were planted in lives. I praised the Lord that I was able to be a part of such a powerful ministry. Whether we live in a rural area, or the suburbs, or in urban areas of cities; we must do whatever is necessary to reach people with the gospel!
By the way, you know that car that my brother's church (Downtown Tabernacle) gave away? That next morning he was called to a little elderly lady's house who gave him the keys to a one-owner Buick Roadmaster with only 88,000 miles on it. She freely gave it to the church to do whatever they wanted to do with it.
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Well, I could share a lot of other great things with you but I will reserve the rest for Sunday morning. Again, don't miss our great Independence Day celebration this Sunday at 10:35 am. Invite your friends and family. They will thoroughly enjoy it!
Hey, enjoy the video below. It's pretty powerful! God bless you!
-Pastor Randy
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Our American Legacy, Part III
Yesterday, I introduced at the very end of my blog another group like the Puritans that infiltrated America around 1650, slightly after the Puritans – the German Pietists known as Pietism. This was a renewal movement in German-Lutheran churches led by Jacob Spener.
Pietism had become an ordthodox religion and had lost “Its heart religion” (the love for God has declined). God used Jacob Spener mighly. It was said of Spener, “His words were like thunder, because his life was like lightning.” A preacher named John Wesley came out of Pietism. He called for “churches within churches.” They were small groups within the church to encourage devotion and discipleship.
From 1703 thru 1758, the First Great Awakening in America occurred led by Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, and others. Whitfield alone was called the most single influential person in America before the Revolution. He is believed to have preached 18,000 times to possibly 100 million people throughout Europe and the New World. It was said that his meetings were full of “great conviction.” The conviction was so great that he could say “Mespotamia” and people would begin to shed tears. His meetings were known for bold responses, people fainting, and great wailing in prayer.
The Puritan and Pietist movements helped form the foundation for the vast Christian influence upon the founding of America that shaped its government, commerce, morals and values, families, and how individuals viewed and interacted with Almighty God. This was not just some short-lived revival or effect upon a mass group of people. Listen to what the Supreme Court said about Christianity’s influence upon the USA in the last part of the 19th century:
For decades, members of the U.S. Supreme Court openly embraced our nations Biblical foundations. In an 1892 decision, the Court stated, “Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian. This is a religious people. This is historically true. . . . This is a Christian nation”(Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States, 1892).
President Calvin Coolidge acknowledged, “The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.” Coolidge understood that if the foundations are destroyed, our nation won’t just cease to be moral, it could very well cease being a nation at all.
The two quotes above came from the Supreme Court and a former U.S. president who recognized that the framers of the Constitution believed that religious freedom was supremely important. Any true study of colonial history shows that the primary reason English settlers came to America was for freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.
The assurance of religious liberty was the very intent of the two separation clauses placed back to back in the First Amendment of the Constitution known as the “Establishment Clause” and the “Free Exercise Clause.” The Establishment Clause states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. . . .” The “Free Exercise Clause” reads, “…or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
America’s forefathers adopted the separation clauses for the clear purpose of promoting religious freedoms. Most Americans today have been indoctrinated with the idea that the First Amendment contains language requiring a wall of separation between church and state, when, in reality, such language cannot be found anywhere in the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights or the Federalist Papers. The language of a wall of separation between church and state was taken from a letter penned by Thomas Jefferson several years after the Constitution was written. Sadly, Jefferson’s phrase has been distorted and taken out of context by those advocating a rigid separation between church and state.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Our American Legacy, Part II
[Hey check out our new sermons by clicking on "sermon downloads." Tell others!]
From 1959-1603, Queen Elizabeth occupied the throne in England. The King before her, King Edward was a devout Calvinist. His sister, Mary, was a devout Catholic. Queen Elizabeth established a “middle of the road” faith. She was self-described Protestant with a Catholic view, but did not buy into radical Calvinism. THIS CAME TO BE KNOWN AS ANGLICANISM. IT WAS KNOWN AS A MORE MODERATE TYPE OF PROTESTANTISM.
So this is where the PURITAN PROTEST began. Who were the Puritans? They were made up of men and women in English churches who believed that Elizabeth’s Anglicanism were not pure enough.
They did not think she conformed the church enough….still clinging to too many Catholic practices (i.e. – the set prayers, Apocrypha books, the prohibitions). The Puritans did not think the Anglicans’ preaching was scriptural enough. They said the Anglican preachers were “illiterate.” They pointed to the immoral condition of the Anglican clergy. They complained that there was an increased importance on sacraments and garments (on the outside look).
WHAT DID THE PURITANS WANT TO SEE HAPPEN?
1. They wanted the church to have a Calvinistic doctrine influence
2. They wanted a Sabbath observed
3. They wanted a return to biblical standards in the church away from catholic
tradition.
4. They called for education of clergy and laity
5. They believed in a “Covenant with God.” They believed that both tables of
Law should be obeyed 1) Love God 2) Love one another.
But of course, the Anglican church refused to be influenced by the Puritans. The division became worse and in 1620 the first group of Puritans (called Separatists), known as Pilgrims landed at PLYMOUTH ROCK. They separated themselves from the Church of England.
They went to Holland for 12 years before 101 pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower which was a 65 day journey (56 adults, 14 servants, 31 children). They originally intended to go to Virginia. The first winter, one-half of them died. William Bradford was the first Governor of Plymouth Rock and served for 30 years. IN 1691, Plymouth was assimilated into the Mass. Bay Colony first founded in 1621. By 1643, some 20,000 Puritans had settled in Mass Bay.
When the Puritans came to the new world, they believed that England was modern day Babylon. They saw themselves as the New Israel. A city on a hill. Their vision was to be the model Christian society. They were going to complete the reformation that Martin Luther started. The Puritans theology centered upon the following:
#1 – Christ is universally Lord. Christ is King.
#2 – Christ is prophet. His was the true doctrine.
#3 – Christ is Priest – they practice the Sacraments.
The Puritans believed in a strong work ethnic. Max Weber wrote, “The Puritan – Protestant work ethic is the 'spirit of capitalism.'” How did they worship?
1) They worshiped as a family.
2) The practiced devotions with their children.
3) Their church buildings were very simple…usually contained one wooden pulpit
and some benches.
4) The father would read scripture to the children on Saturday evening in
preparation for Sunday worship.
5) The church sang Psalms.
6) Every preacher preached an hour…expository sermons only, no application.
In 1701, the Puritans founded Yale University which was committed to provide for its students a rigorous education of Calvinism. They also established it as a protest against Harvard University which they considered a liberal college founded by New England church for the purpose of training pastors.
Briefly, let me mention another group like the Puritans that infiltrated America around 1650, slightly after the Puritans – the German Pietists known as Pietism. This was a renewal movement in German-Lutheran churches led by Jacob Spener.
More tomorrow...make it a great day!
- Pastor Randy
From 1959-1603, Queen Elizabeth occupied the throne in England. The King before her, King Edward was a devout Calvinist. His sister, Mary, was a devout Catholic. Queen Elizabeth established a “middle of the road” faith. She was self-described Protestant with a Catholic view, but did not buy into radical Calvinism. THIS CAME TO BE KNOWN AS ANGLICANISM. IT WAS KNOWN AS A MORE MODERATE TYPE OF PROTESTANTISM.
So this is where the PURITAN PROTEST began. Who were the Puritans? They were made up of men and women in English churches who believed that Elizabeth’s Anglicanism were not pure enough.
They did not think she conformed the church enough….still clinging to too many Catholic practices (i.e. – the set prayers, Apocrypha books, the prohibitions). The Puritans did not think the Anglicans’ preaching was scriptural enough. They said the Anglican preachers were “illiterate.” They pointed to the immoral condition of the Anglican clergy. They complained that there was an increased importance on sacraments and garments (on the outside look).
WHAT DID THE PURITANS WANT TO SEE HAPPEN?
1. They wanted the church to have a Calvinistic doctrine influence
2. They wanted a Sabbath observed
3. They wanted a return to biblical standards in the church away from catholic
tradition.
4. They called for education of clergy and laity
5. They believed in a “Covenant with God.” They believed that both tables of
Law should be obeyed 1) Love God 2) Love one another.
But of course, the Anglican church refused to be influenced by the Puritans. The division became worse and in 1620 the first group of Puritans (called Separatists), known as Pilgrims landed at PLYMOUTH ROCK. They separated themselves from the Church of England.
They went to Holland for 12 years before 101 pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower which was a 65 day journey (56 adults, 14 servants, 31 children). They originally intended to go to Virginia. The first winter, one-half of them died. William Bradford was the first Governor of Plymouth Rock and served for 30 years. IN 1691, Plymouth was assimilated into the Mass. Bay Colony first founded in 1621. By 1643, some 20,000 Puritans had settled in Mass Bay.
When the Puritans came to the new world, they believed that England was modern day Babylon. They saw themselves as the New Israel. A city on a hill. Their vision was to be the model Christian society. They were going to complete the reformation that Martin Luther started. The Puritans theology centered upon the following:
#1 – Christ is universally Lord. Christ is King.
#2 – Christ is prophet. His was the true doctrine.
#3 – Christ is Priest – they practice the Sacraments.
The Puritans believed in a strong work ethnic. Max Weber wrote, “The Puritan – Protestant work ethic is the 'spirit of capitalism.'” How did they worship?
1) They worshiped as a family.
2) The practiced devotions with their children.
3) Their church buildings were very simple…usually contained one wooden pulpit
and some benches.
4) The father would read scripture to the children on Saturday evening in
preparation for Sunday worship.
5) The church sang Psalms.
6) Every preacher preached an hour…expository sermons only, no application.
In 1701, the Puritans founded Yale University which was committed to provide for its students a rigorous education of Calvinism. They also established it as a protest against Harvard University which they considered a liberal college founded by New England church for the purpose of training pastors.
Briefly, let me mention another group like the Puritans that infiltrated America around 1650, slightly after the Puritans – the German Pietists known as Pietism. This was a renewal movement in German-Lutheran churches led by Jacob Spener.
More tomorrow...make it a great day!
- Pastor Randy
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Our American Legacy, Part I
The purpose of my series "Our American Legacy" is because so many today in our culture have become ignorant of who we are as a nation and where we came from. Why are these things important to know and to remember?
The apostle Paul wrote, “For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid” (1 Corinthians 3:11,GNB).
_________________________________
In his recent book, David Aikman, a former Time magazine Beijing bureau chief, begins the first chapter by quoting a scholar from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), one of China’s premier academic research institutes. This particular scholar was the evening guest lecturer speaking to a group of American tourists as they were concluding a long day of touring Beijing.
“One of the things we were asked to look into was what accounted for the success, in fact, the preeminence of the West all over the world,” he said. “We studied everything we could from the historical, political, economic and cultural perspective. At first, we thought it was because you had more powerful guns than we had. Then we thought it was because you had the best political system. Next we focused on your economic system. But in the past twenty years, we have realized that the heart of your culture is your religion: Christianity. That is why the West has been so powerful. The Christian moral foundation of social and cultural life was what made possible the emergence of capitalism and then the successful transition to democratic politics. We don’t have any doubt about this.”
The apostle Paul wrote, “For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid” (1 Corinthians 3:11,GNB).
If you would ask most people what do you know about America’s Christian heritage? Or if you would ask them to explain to you where our Christian heritage came from? Some might point you to George Washington and how he was a praying man. Some might mention that our founding fathers, those that signed the Constitution took time to pray and how some were known as deeply religious men. But really this is not the beginning of Christian heritage at all. These men were products of a Christian legacy that began 150 years before what they did made them famous.
America’s Christian heritage actually began in Europe in the middle part of the 1500’s which was comprised of five main Christian movements.
1) THE CATHOLIC FAITH – was the majority faith (Italy, Spain,
Austria, and Portugal)
2) LUTHERANISM – Germany, Norway, Sweden, Prussia
3) CALVINISM (REFORMED) – Switzerland, France, Poland, Scotland
4) ANGLICANISM – England (English Protestanism)
5) ANABAPTISTISM – Netherlands, Bavaria, Bohemia (opponents of infant baptism)
WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROTESTANTS AND CATHOLICS THEN?
1) Doctrine of “Sola Scriptura” – scripture alone is the highest or supreme
authority.
2) Doctrine of “Sola Fide” – faith alone (without cooperating good works)
3) Doctrine of “Sola Gratia” – we are saved by “grace alone.”
4) Priesthood of all Believers – protestants said all Christians are called serve as priests to one another (pray and minister to one another)
...continued tomorrow. Go out and make it a great day in Christ today!
- Pastor Randy
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