I want a share a few "final impressions" regarding the election this past week.
#1 - There is a thought process going around among some Christians that it doesn't matter whether I vote or not because God places in authority who He wills. First of all, it is true God does place in authority who He wills. But we must also remember that in the scriptures we have many examples of God placing people in authority who the people wanted not so much who He wanted. Of course, King Saul, Israel's first King is probably the most well-known example that comes to mind. God wanted to continue to be Israel's King but Israel wanted a man. God warned them and gave them what they wanted. By the way, it didn't turn out very well. What God told them would happen happened.
#2 - Nationwide, the evangelical vote (KP is considered an evangelical church) went 76% for McCain, 24% for Obama. Obama received about 1% of the vote in 2008 than Kerry did in 2004. Do I have a comment on that? I don't know how a born-again Christian could vote for any political candidate who supports any kind of abortion. You say, well what about when the Mother's life is threatened. My response is, "Wake up, its the 21st century, that's unheard of today."
#3 - No matter who was elected President, if he doesn't surround himself with wise, godly people who are humble and pray, the result will be the same. AS A NATION WE ARE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT ON THE RESPIRATOR WITH NOT MUCH HOPE LEFT...OUR ONLY HOPE IS THAT GOD HAS MERCY UPON US!
#4 - The one good thing that happened in this election for the true Christian (no matter who you voted for) was that every state that put it to a referendum(including California) upheld that marriage is still between a man and a woman, not between two people of the same sex. Praise God there is evidence of a little moral sanity left.
See you in church this weekend! Please keep the Women's encounter in your prayers! Over 100 ladies will be attending.
-Pastor Randy
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thursday Lite
I trust everyone is doing well today. I met with Pastor Alan Weaver from Hamilton this morning for breakfast. We spent some time today planning a Pastor's Pastoral Covenant Group retreat that will happen in about two weeks. Alan is a Lee college roommate of mine and a godly man whose walk with God I have great confidence in.
Annette, of course, is getting ready for encounter this week. The week before the encounter is pretty hard on her. With four long days at work, preparing for worship and sessions, and the attacks from the enemy; she's pretty much "pulling it uphill" all week. My wife is pretty amazing. She squeezes all she can out of every waking hour of each day. Gabe and I are blessed to have her.
Gabe's soccer and football seasons are over now. However, he will tell you the football season ended to early. He loves kicking for the football team. He will be working with a kicking coach over the winter and through some of the spring. He also will be working some to help ole dad with car insurance, gas, and the normal teen expenses including keeping the fridge stocked.
My dad is still in the nursing home and Mom is running back and forth taking care of him. Thank you so much for your prayers. Its pretty hard on them right now, but their making it.
Well, I'm keeping it lite today. See ya Friday.
-Pastor
Annette, of course, is getting ready for encounter this week. The week before the encounter is pretty hard on her. With four long days at work, preparing for worship and sessions, and the attacks from the enemy; she's pretty much "pulling it uphill" all week. My wife is pretty amazing. She squeezes all she can out of every waking hour of each day. Gabe and I are blessed to have her.
Gabe's soccer and football seasons are over now. However, he will tell you the football season ended to early. He loves kicking for the football team. He will be working with a kicking coach over the winter and through some of the spring. He also will be working some to help ole dad with car insurance, gas, and the normal teen expenses including keeping the fridge stocked.
My dad is still in the nursing home and Mom is running back and forth taking care of him. Thank you so much for your prayers. Its pretty hard on them right now, but their making it.
Well, I'm keeping it lite today. See ya Friday.
-Pastor
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Change Has Come to the White House - Now, What About God's House?
President-Elect Obama declared last night, "Change has come to America." Obama's inference is to the American Presidency and American government, but his election underscores more than just a political change. President-Elect Obama, the person, reflects the changing ethnic makeup of the nation that he will soon lead.
It is no secret that Obama comes from a interracial family. America too has become a nation of many different ethnic makeups where people often marry or have children with someone outside their own respective ethnic culture. At one time (even in my lifetime), this was viewed as taboo. Of course now, especially with the thirty and under crowd, it is seen as very normal and universally accepted.
According to David T. Olson, author of "the American Church in Crisis," our country's changing ethnic makeup is creating three trends that every church in America needs to address.
First, America is becoming more and more multiethnic with every passing year due to immigration and birthrates. In 2005, the Hispanic birthrate(99 in 1000) almost doubled the Anglo(58 in 1000) in America. Even the African-American
(67 in 1000) and the Asian (67 in 1000) birthrates were higher than the Anglo.
Secondly, global Christianity is changing. The Christian church is growing rapidly in the Southern and Eastern hemispheres, and declining in the Northern and Western hemisphere. As the power centers move to the south and east, the multiethnic church is becoming the normal and natural place of Christianity.
Thirdly, David T. Oslon writes, "The key influence of multiethnicity is its challenge to power and privilege. In the past in America, these qualities have been the domain of Anglos. Jesus himself countered the Roman culture view of these two traits when he challenged the Roman view of power and authority with the model of servanthood. I think it is true that we as American Christians have let the world determine our view of power and authority rather than the Scriptures. The result has been a Anglo Saxon Christianity in America that is increasingly affluent, suburban, and educated. A future multiethnic church will undoubtedly bring to the Christian church a new awareness of these issues from a biblical perspective so that the new people of God, the church, may truly reflect the diversity and equality inherent in the gospel."
The acid test for every church in America is how we will choose to answer the question I asked continually in my book "The Culture Crafters," - Will we choose to engage our culture as the New Testament church did? Or, will we continue to shrink in number and influence by expecting the world and its needs to come to us within the four walls of our churches?
Rapid change is taking place in America and now we are even seeing it in politics and the White House. What about God's House? How will God's House respond to the multiethnic ever-changing face of America?
-Pastor Randy
It is no secret that Obama comes from a interracial family. America too has become a nation of many different ethnic makeups where people often marry or have children with someone outside their own respective ethnic culture. At one time (even in my lifetime), this was viewed as taboo. Of course now, especially with the thirty and under crowd, it is seen as very normal and universally accepted.
According to David T. Olson, author of "the American Church in Crisis," our country's changing ethnic makeup is creating three trends that every church in America needs to address.
First, America is becoming more and more multiethnic with every passing year due to immigration and birthrates. In 2005, the Hispanic birthrate(99 in 1000) almost doubled the Anglo(58 in 1000) in America. Even the African-American
(67 in 1000) and the Asian (67 in 1000) birthrates were higher than the Anglo.
Secondly, global Christianity is changing. The Christian church is growing rapidly in the Southern and Eastern hemispheres, and declining in the Northern and Western hemisphere. As the power centers move to the south and east, the multiethnic church is becoming the normal and natural place of Christianity.
Thirdly, David T. Oslon writes, "The key influence of multiethnicity is its challenge to power and privilege. In the past in America, these qualities have been the domain of Anglos. Jesus himself countered the Roman culture view of these two traits when he challenged the Roman view of power and authority with the model of servanthood. I think it is true that we as American Christians have let the world determine our view of power and authority rather than the Scriptures. The result has been a Anglo Saxon Christianity in America that is increasingly affluent, suburban, and educated. A future multiethnic church will undoubtedly bring to the Christian church a new awareness of these issues from a biblical perspective so that the new people of God, the church, may truly reflect the diversity and equality inherent in the gospel."
The acid test for every church in America is how we will choose to answer the question I asked continually in my book "The Culture Crafters," - Will we choose to engage our culture as the New Testament church did? Or, will we continue to shrink in number and influence by expecting the world and its needs to come to us within the four walls of our churches?
Rapid change is taking place in America and now we are even seeing it in politics and the White House. What about God's House? How will God's House respond to the multiethnic ever-changing face of America?
-Pastor Randy
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
It Looks Like President Obama at this Point
Well at 9:30 pm and all the major nextworks having already called Pennsylvania and Ohio for Obama - its beginning to look like an Obama win. If it holds, according to the media, America's government is moving more to the left or the liberal side. This really should not surprise us as Americans. With immigration, secularization, a very liberal and immoral media, and add to that a very weak, anemic church in America...our government is a reflection of the grass roots. Research shows that as a nation we are becoming less moral and more pluralistic.
What does that mean for we that are Christians? It means that we must let the light of Christ shine like never before. We must be bold for Christ and stop assuming or living like we live in a "christian" nation. We must get back to the fundamentals of the Christian faith like prayer, fasting, Bible reading, godly living, and we must see corporate revival in the American church. We have to stop the complacency and truly repent from our sins. I really believe we are in for some very difficult times in 2009 and not just because President Obama will be in power. This is truly a time "to draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to us" (James 4:8).
The election changes nothing for the true follower of Christ. Our best is yet to come! Remember, what we sang Sunday "...surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all these days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever..." (Psalm 23).
What does that mean for we that are Christians? It means that we must let the light of Christ shine like never before. We must be bold for Christ and stop assuming or living like we live in a "christian" nation. We must get back to the fundamentals of the Christian faith like prayer, fasting, Bible reading, godly living, and we must see corporate revival in the American church. We have to stop the complacency and truly repent from our sins. I really believe we are in for some very difficult times in 2009 and not just because President Obama will be in power. This is truly a time "to draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to us" (James 4:8).
The election changes nothing for the true follower of Christ. Our best is yet to come! Remember, what we sang Sunday "...surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all these days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever..." (Psalm 23).
Monday, November 3, 2008
Monday Funnies... a little political humor before Election Day
"And have you seen Sarah Palin and John McCain. I mean if you look at them, it’s kind of interesting. He looks like the elderly husband who would have her followed by a private detective. A little bit, don’t you think?" --David Letterman
"But here's what I like about John McCain. He's an optimist. Always sees the glass as half full of his teeth." --David Letterman
"Joe the plumber was supposed to appear at a John McCain rally today, but didn't show up. Yeah. So, apparently, the guy really is a plumber." --Conan O'Brien
"Well, if you've got book sales of 25 million..." --after being asked by Rev. Rick Warren, best-selling author of "The Purpose-Driven Life," to define "rich." Obama's remark drew laughter and a high-five from Warren
Be sure to vote tomorrow! Make it a great week!
-Pastor Randy
"But here's what I like about John McCain. He's an optimist. Always sees the glass as half full of his teeth." --David Letterman
"Joe the plumber was supposed to appear at a John McCain rally today, but didn't show up. Yeah. So, apparently, the guy really is a plumber." --Conan O'Brien
"Well, if you've got book sales of 25 million..." --after being asked by Rev. Rick Warren, best-selling author of "The Purpose-Driven Life," to define "rich." Obama's remark drew laughter and a high-five from Warren
Be sure to vote tomorrow! Make it a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday Wrap Up
It was another great Sunday at Kings Point. I really mean that, I'm not exaggerating. Service this morning was wonderful..."a pep session for Jesus" someone called it. I met with around 20 plus cell leaders this morning and another ten cell leaders tonight. It was great to hear the wonderful reports of what God is doing through our cell ministry. We have some dedicated cell leaders who genuinely care and love people. God has and continues to raise up a powerful army of ministers at Kings Point through the P12 Vision.
Chris McBeath did a wonderful job tonight sharing the message. It was a powerful message designed to get people ready to cast their votes Tuesday as the Word of God directs and the Holy Spirit leads. Great job, Chris!
Over one hundred ladies will attend the Encounter this weekend. Please be praying that women's lives will be radically changed for Christ. I ask that you also hold up the Women's Encounter team as they prepare to minister at the encounter.
Well, I think thats a wrap. I'm tired. The extra hour today wore me out. Have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Chris McBeath did a wonderful job tonight sharing the message. It was a powerful message designed to get people ready to cast their votes Tuesday as the Word of God directs and the Holy Spirit leads. Great job, Chris!
Over one hundred ladies will attend the Encounter this weekend. Please be praying that women's lives will be radically changed for Christ. I ask that you also hold up the Women's Encounter team as they prepare to minister at the encounter.
Well, I think thats a wrap. I'm tired. The extra hour today wore me out. Have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Some Saturday Thoughts
Are you ready to worship tomorrow? Do you put as much into preparation for worship as Bengal fans do in preparation to attend a football game?
Usually on my way to the church on Sunday mornings, I will run into some Bengal fans as early as 8 am at the UDF. Five hours before the game they are already dressed in their Bengal jerseys and buying tailgating supplies. Now remember the Bengals are 0-8which means they have no wins but eight losses. But you wouldn't know that by watching their fans before the game. Many of them will arrive two to three hours early to tailgate in the parking lot. Some don't go to the game but they will go to a local restaurant or pub to watch the game dressed in Bengal gear. Many of them paint their faces, wear masks, and spend $75 to $100 for Bengal jerseys to wear to the game. They will pay at least $15 for parking and then pay another $50 or higher for a ticket. After the kickoff, they will experience a roller coaster of emotions watching their invested team march up and down the field. During the game they will probably drop at least another $50 on drinks and food. Without fail this year, they have left the stadium frustrated after watching their team lose the game.
Now that's commitment! For many of them, it is their worship unto their god.
How does the average Christian prepare for their worship unto the real and only God? I don't even want to go there. But I doubt that most Christians are as committed more than most Bengal fans. Why is that? What makes us want to get ourselves ready to worship God? The answer: our love for God. When you truly love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind...you will prepare yourself to worship Him on Sunday.
How do we get prepared to worship on Sunday? Here are some ways...
- Have some pray and worship time on Saturday. Pray for the service, the pastor, the worship leaders, and the teachers.
- On Sunday morning, have a devotional time before you to go to worship. Let God speak to you about your upcoming corporate time of worship. Go with an EXPECTATION TO RECEIVE FROM GOD.
- Have a family prayer time Saturday night preparing your entire family for worship.
- Put some praise music on in your house as you eat breakfast and get ready to come to God's house.
- Play some praise worship in your car or truck.
- Arrive at the church ready and anxious to worship and don't let no one thing or person keep you from entering into His Holies of Holies. Open up your heart and receive!
I pray you will experience a great day of worship tomorrow!
-Pastor Randy
Usually on my way to the church on Sunday mornings, I will run into some Bengal fans as early as 8 am at the UDF. Five hours before the game they are already dressed in their Bengal jerseys and buying tailgating supplies. Now remember the Bengals are 0-8which means they have no wins but eight losses. But you wouldn't know that by watching their fans before the game. Many of them will arrive two to three hours early to tailgate in the parking lot. Some don't go to the game but they will go to a local restaurant or pub to watch the game dressed in Bengal gear. Many of them paint their faces, wear masks, and spend $75 to $100 for Bengal jerseys to wear to the game. They will pay at least $15 for parking and then pay another $50 or higher for a ticket. After the kickoff, they will experience a roller coaster of emotions watching their invested team march up and down the field. During the game they will probably drop at least another $50 on drinks and food. Without fail this year, they have left the stadium frustrated after watching their team lose the game.
Now that's commitment! For many of them, it is their worship unto their god.
How does the average Christian prepare for their worship unto the real and only God? I don't even want to go there. But I doubt that most Christians are as committed more than most Bengal fans. Why is that? What makes us want to get ourselves ready to worship God? The answer: our love for God. When you truly love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind...you will prepare yourself to worship Him on Sunday.
How do we get prepared to worship on Sunday? Here are some ways...
- Have some pray and worship time on Saturday. Pray for the service, the pastor, the worship leaders, and the teachers.
- On Sunday morning, have a devotional time before you to go to worship. Let God speak to you about your upcoming corporate time of worship. Go with an EXPECTATION TO RECEIVE FROM GOD.
- Have a family prayer time Saturday night preparing your entire family for worship.
- Put some praise music on in your house as you eat breakfast and get ready to come to God's house.
- Play some praise worship in your car or truck.
- Arrive at the church ready and anxious to worship and don't let no one thing or person keep you from entering into His Holies of Holies. Open up your heart and receive!
I pray you will experience a great day of worship tomorrow!
-Pastor Randy
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