Hebrews 12:25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."[e] 27The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our "God is a consuming fire."
I am so glad that I am a part of a kingdom, a government, that cannot be shaken. As I see governments, corporations, communities, and kingdoms shaken around the world. It really does cause me to be thankful for the unshakable kingdom of God. In others words, I can count on Him. I can depend on His word, His unchangeable character, His promises, His blessings, etc. In contrast, there's nothing in this world I can trust in. Everything changes, everything is fleeting, everything will pass away...but the word of God.
So God says, "Worship Me with reverence and awe. I am a consuming fire." [paraphrase] I encourage you today to do just that. Because you serve a God who is unshakable and His government is unshakable, worship Him today with a great reverence and awe. He will one day burn up all of our works that are shakeable...or outside His kingdom. Our worship of Him today will last, so lets worship our awesome God today!
-Pastor
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Yeah, its late, and I really should be getting ready for bed. But I'm watching the Colts and the Patriots. Unfortunately, for my Colts, its not looking too good right now. Oh well, you can't win them all.
Great services today...both of them. Tonight's worship was off the charts! People really got in tonight and a good crowd as well. Brother Pendley did a masterful job on the Great White Throne Judgement from Revelation 20. It was really good! Congratulations to Chris who was saved this morning. Please remember him in prayer this week.
Just a reminder, if you know someone that needs help with food or you need help with food, please be at the church this Saturday at 8:30 am. Also, we need donations for Thanksgiving baskets. A list of needed goods was in the bulletin today. Please try to help us out.
Well, the Colts are coming back now. Its a close game with two minutes to go. I better call it a night. I can't believe Belichek went for it on 4th and 2 at their on 27 yard line. I can't believe it! Oh well. Have a great week!
-Pastor
Great services today...both of them. Tonight's worship was off the charts! People really got in tonight and a good crowd as well. Brother Pendley did a masterful job on the Great White Throne Judgement from Revelation 20. It was really good! Congratulations to Chris who was saved this morning. Please remember him in prayer this week.
Just a reminder, if you know someone that needs help with food or you need help with food, please be at the church this Saturday at 8:30 am. Also, we need donations for Thanksgiving baskets. A list of needed goods was in the bulletin today. Please try to help us out.
Well, the Colts are coming back now. Its a close game with two minutes to go. I better call it a night. I can't believe Belichek went for it on 4th and 2 at their on 27 yard line. I can't believe it! Oh well. Have a great week!
-Pastor
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday Countdown to Sunday...the Calcified Heart
"This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Good morning everyone! It's Friday and Sunday's coming. I know for a lot of you Sunday means the end of the weekend and the next day you got to go back to work. So lets focus on today...Friday. And celebrate the beginning of a few days off for most of you. Praise the Lord!
While pastoring in Terre Haute, I knew a woman that was diagnosed with FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva). It's a cryptic disease that slowly, irreversibly turns its victim into a mass of solid bone. It hardens the soft tissues, like muscles and tendons, rendering an ossified suit of armor. As tragic as this disease is, Scripture describes one even worse. The calcification of the will.
Today, I just want encourage you from Hebrews to keep your heart soft and pliable, and not to "harden your hearts"(Hebrews 3:8, 15; 4:7). In the Old and News Testaments, there are many example of God's people hardening their hearts no matter what God did. God would send plagues, war, blessings, prophets to warn them, etc., but the result was often the same. God says to us in His word, "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." [Hebrews 4:7 NKJV] Notice, He says, "Today, if you will hear His voice..." In other words, don't wait until tomorrow or the next day...hear His voice now, today. What is implied is the necessity of hearing His voice. When we fail to hear Him...when we get so busy and we refuse to discipline ourselves to hear the voice of God the result is the hardening of the heart...spiritual stiffness...that immobilizes and eventually destroys you.
How do you keep your heart soft? The hearing and doing of God's Word. God's Spirit in the book of James says "Be hearers of the Word, and not doers only." (James 1:22) So hear His voice today...so your heart doesn't slowly calcify. It can happen...it does happen...it will happen if we don't obey His voice.
-Pastor
Good morning everyone! It's Friday and Sunday's coming. I know for a lot of you Sunday means the end of the weekend and the next day you got to go back to work. So lets focus on today...Friday. And celebrate the beginning of a few days off for most of you. Praise the Lord!
While pastoring in Terre Haute, I knew a woman that was diagnosed with FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva). It's a cryptic disease that slowly, irreversibly turns its victim into a mass of solid bone. It hardens the soft tissues, like muscles and tendons, rendering an ossified suit of armor. As tragic as this disease is, Scripture describes one even worse. The calcification of the will.
Today, I just want encourage you from Hebrews to keep your heart soft and pliable, and not to "harden your hearts"(Hebrews 3:8, 15; 4:7). In the Old and News Testaments, there are many example of God's people hardening their hearts no matter what God did. God would send plagues, war, blessings, prophets to warn them, etc., but the result was often the same. God says to us in His word, "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." [Hebrews 4:7 NKJV] Notice, He says, "Today, if you will hear His voice..." In other words, don't wait until tomorrow or the next day...hear His voice now, today. What is implied is the necessity of hearing His voice. When we fail to hear Him...when we get so busy and we refuse to discipline ourselves to hear the voice of God the result is the hardening of the heart...spiritual stiffness...that immobilizes and eventually destroys you.
How do you keep your heart soft? The hearing and doing of God's Word. God's Spirit in the book of James says "Be hearers of the Word, and not doers only." (James 1:22) So hear His voice today...so your heart doesn't slowly calcify. It can happen...it does happen...it will happen if we don't obey His voice.
-Pastor
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Lifter Up of My Soul
I usually don't post twice in a day. But in my studies today, I found this and wanted to share it with you. May it bless you as it did me.
I am the real vine and my Father is the gardener (John 15:1).
In the above Scripture, Jesus draws on vine imagery familiar to his hearers, and incorporates agricultural principles common to their experience. He does this to teach us the necessity of being fruitful followers. The "fruit" He has in mind is the same as the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23), and that which Jesus himself describes in Matthew 7:16-20. Jesus wants each of us to bear spiritual fruit.
Because fertile soil and adequate water were scarce in Israel, the gardener had to ensure that every part of his land, and every plant, was as productive as possible. He made every effort to make sure that each vine would produce as much fruit as it could. Branches bearing fruit were pruned (cut back) to produce even more fruit. The branches not producing fruit were not cut off, for this would have ended their "fruit-bearing lives" and would have undercut the gardener's ultimate purpose to do everything possible to increase his yield. Rather, the gardener would lift up the unproductive branches ("lift up" is the other common meaning of the Greek term usually translated "cut off" in John 15:2). This would better expose them to the beneficial effects of light and rain, and would give them a better opportunity to grow. Lifting up the unproductive branches was yet another part of the gardener's unceasing and tireless efforts to improve productivity.
Similarly, God will do everything possible to help us grow and be fruitful. He tenderly brings some of us to the sun and rain, to give us opportunities to be productive. However, God prunes those of us who are growing and producing well, for even greater fruitfulness. While the pruning is not always pleasant, the results are beneficial. Let us welcome whatever God does to help us grow.
I am the real vine and my Father is the gardener (John 15:1).
In the above Scripture, Jesus draws on vine imagery familiar to his hearers, and incorporates agricultural principles common to their experience. He does this to teach us the necessity of being fruitful followers. The "fruit" He has in mind is the same as the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23), and that which Jesus himself describes in Matthew 7:16-20. Jesus wants each of us to bear spiritual fruit.
Because fertile soil and adequate water were scarce in Israel, the gardener had to ensure that every part of his land, and every plant, was as productive as possible. He made every effort to make sure that each vine would produce as much fruit as it could. Branches bearing fruit were pruned (cut back) to produce even more fruit. The branches not producing fruit were not cut off, for this would have ended their "fruit-bearing lives" and would have undercut the gardener's ultimate purpose to do everything possible to increase his yield. Rather, the gardener would lift up the unproductive branches ("lift up" is the other common meaning of the Greek term usually translated "cut off" in John 15:2). This would better expose them to the beneficial effects of light and rain, and would give them a better opportunity to grow. Lifting up the unproductive branches was yet another part of the gardener's unceasing and tireless efforts to improve productivity.
Similarly, God will do everything possible to help us grow and be fruitful. He tenderly brings some of us to the sun and rain, to give us opportunities to be productive. However, God prunes those of us who are growing and producing well, for even greater fruitfulness. While the pruning is not always pleasant, the results are beneficial. Let us welcome whatever God does to help us grow.
U.S. Congregational Giving During the Recession
I thought I would share with you today the following article about congregational giving in 2009 vs 2008. At Kings Point, we were a part of the percentage of churches across the U.S. that saw an increase in our giving. We give God the glory and are grateful for His bountiful blessings. May we be good stewards of what He gives to us. Have a great day! -Pastor
INDIANAPOLIS -- More than two-thirds of congregations in a new study on congregational finances in the current recession reported that their fundraising receipts increased or remained the same in the first half of 2009 compared to 2008, even as the recession was worsening.
The findings are part of the 2009 Congregational Economic Impact Study, a joint project of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and the Alban Institute, based in the Washington, DC area. The study was based on more than 1,500 responses, nearly all from the membership of the Alban Institute.
Almost 37 percent of congregations reported an increase in fundraising for the first half of 2009 over 2008. Another 34 percent reported that fundraising receipts stayed the same between 2008 and the first half of 2009.
Nevertheless, nearly 30 percent of congregations experienced a decrease in giving in 2009. This is 8.1 percentage points more than reported a decline in 2008.
"The recession has affected many congregations throughout the United States," said Una Osili, research director at the Center on Philanthropy. "One-third of responding congregations reported making budget cuts in 2009 and another quarter kept their operational budget the same, not allowing for any increases in the cost of living."
Just 6.8 percent of congregations reduced the number of full-time staff in response to the recession. Slightly more, 10.7 percent, laid off part-time staff. Nearly 16 percent did not increase staff salaries, while almost 15 percent cut utility costs and 13.6 percent reduced program costs.
"While many congregations have been hit hard by the recession, this study underscores the remarkable resilience of congregations, as evidenced in the extraordinary and imaginative ways they are reaching out to meet the needs of their parishioners and people in their community," said William Enright, director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Center. "We frequently hear about the experiences of larger congregations and how they are coping with economic challenges, while the story of average and smaller congregations often has been wrapped in silence. This study breaks that silence."
Congregations responded to the recession in a wide variety of ways, from feeding the homeless and providing emergency cash assistance to those in need to hosting community gardens, offering support groups and networking events for the unemployed, helping with financial planning, and increasing partnerships with other community groups.
Some congregations fared better than others. "Growth congregations," those where attendance and finances have been growing over the past five years, were more likely to report positive fundraising results. Congregations with $600,000 to $999,999 in revenue, weekly attendance of more than 300 people, younger congregants (average age under 50), and those reporting a higher average income of congregants (greater than $60,000) were more likely to report an increase in fundraising receipts.
"Survival congregations," those where attendance and finances have dropped by more than 10 percent over the past five years, were more likely to report a decline in fundraising. Other congregations that were more likely to report a decrease included those with annual revenue of less than $150,000, weekly attendance of less than 100 people, older congregants (average age 61 or older), and those where the average income of congregants was less than $40,000.
"This is one of the first looks we have had into the economic realities faced by American congregations during a time of global financial crisis," said Dr. James Wind, president of the Alban Institute. "We are pleased to have partnered in opening up a fascinating and complex story of national significance. The survey results demonstrate that local congregations, which we often take for granted and treat with misleading conventional wisdom, are much more dynamic, creative, and strong than many people think. Clearly, not all congregations are alike -- that is one of the major discoveries of the survey. Some are clearly struggling to make ends meet. But many more - and this will be a surprise to many -- are holding their own and growing during one of the toughest seasons in our national history. More than that, the survey reveals the great variety of ways they are ministering to an overextended nation."
The 2009 Congregational Economic Impact Study, with 1,540 respondents, is not a nationally representative study of all congregations in the U.S., but rather is drawn primarily from the Alban Institute's membership. More than three-fourths of respondents were from Protestant denominations.
INDIANAPOLIS -- More than two-thirds of congregations in a new study on congregational finances in the current recession reported that their fundraising receipts increased or remained the same in the first half of 2009 compared to 2008, even as the recession was worsening.
The findings are part of the 2009 Congregational Economic Impact Study, a joint project of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and the Alban Institute, based in the Washington, DC area. The study was based on more than 1,500 responses, nearly all from the membership of the Alban Institute.
Almost 37 percent of congregations reported an increase in fundraising for the first half of 2009 over 2008. Another 34 percent reported that fundraising receipts stayed the same between 2008 and the first half of 2009.
Nevertheless, nearly 30 percent of congregations experienced a decrease in giving in 2009. This is 8.1 percentage points more than reported a decline in 2008.
"The recession has affected many congregations throughout the United States," said Una Osili, research director at the Center on Philanthropy. "One-third of responding congregations reported making budget cuts in 2009 and another quarter kept their operational budget the same, not allowing for any increases in the cost of living."
Just 6.8 percent of congregations reduced the number of full-time staff in response to the recession. Slightly more, 10.7 percent, laid off part-time staff. Nearly 16 percent did not increase staff salaries, while almost 15 percent cut utility costs and 13.6 percent reduced program costs.
"While many congregations have been hit hard by the recession, this study underscores the remarkable resilience of congregations, as evidenced in the extraordinary and imaginative ways they are reaching out to meet the needs of their parishioners and people in their community," said William Enright, director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Center. "We frequently hear about the experiences of larger congregations and how they are coping with economic challenges, while the story of average and smaller congregations often has been wrapped in silence. This study breaks that silence."
Congregations responded to the recession in a wide variety of ways, from feeding the homeless and providing emergency cash assistance to those in need to hosting community gardens, offering support groups and networking events for the unemployed, helping with financial planning, and increasing partnerships with other community groups.
Some congregations fared better than others. "Growth congregations," those where attendance and finances have been growing over the past five years, were more likely to report positive fundraising results. Congregations with $600,000 to $999,999 in revenue, weekly attendance of more than 300 people, younger congregants (average age under 50), and those reporting a higher average income of congregants (greater than $60,000) were more likely to report an increase in fundraising receipts.
"Survival congregations," those where attendance and finances have dropped by more than 10 percent over the past five years, were more likely to report a decline in fundraising. Other congregations that were more likely to report a decrease included those with annual revenue of less than $150,000, weekly attendance of less than 100 people, older congregants (average age 61 or older), and those where the average income of congregants was less than $40,000.
"This is one of the first looks we have had into the economic realities faced by American congregations during a time of global financial crisis," said Dr. James Wind, president of the Alban Institute. "We are pleased to have partnered in opening up a fascinating and complex story of national significance. The survey results demonstrate that local congregations, which we often take for granted and treat with misleading conventional wisdom, are much more dynamic, creative, and strong than many people think. Clearly, not all congregations are alike -- that is one of the major discoveries of the survey. Some are clearly struggling to make ends meet. But many more - and this will be a surprise to many -- are holding their own and growing during one of the toughest seasons in our national history. More than that, the survey reveals the great variety of ways they are ministering to an overextended nation."
The 2009 Congregational Economic Impact Study, with 1,540 respondents, is not a nationally representative study of all congregations in the U.S., but rather is drawn primarily from the Alban Institute's membership. More than three-fourths of respondents were from Protestant denominations.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Super weekend! Another great Women's Encounter. The testimonies were awesome. Many women were delivered and set free. Many were filled with the Holy Spirit.
KP services were good yesterday. We had a young man come back to Christ yesterday morning. Last night, we continued our series on the "The Mark." I think we all came away seeing how our children our being conditioned to accept the system and practices that will one day lead to the taking of the Mark of the Beast. The masses will gladly take it one day and worship the Beast (Revelation 13). We're getting close! One more message in the series next Sunday evening. Join us!
We welcome Tom Ball to our worship band. Tom and Trish and their beautiful girls are relatively new to our church. I encourage you to get to know them. They will soon be opening up a new Insurance office in Maineville. Check them out if you have a need in that area. If not, please pray for their new business.
Everyone have a wonderful week!
-Pastor
KP services were good yesterday. We had a young man come back to Christ yesterday morning. Last night, we continued our series on the "The Mark." I think we all came away seeing how our children our being conditioned to accept the system and practices that will one day lead to the taking of the Mark of the Beast. The masses will gladly take it one day and worship the Beast (Revelation 13). We're getting close! One more message in the series next Sunday evening. Join us!
We welcome Tom Ball to our worship band. Tom and Trish and their beautiful girls are relatively new to our church. I encourage you to get to know them. They will soon be opening up a new Insurance office in Maineville. Check them out if you have a need in that area. If not, please pray for their new business.
Everyone have a wonderful week!
-Pastor
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday Countdown to Sunday
Hello everyone. Kind of late getting it in, but I'm here and ready to roll.
This is the Women's Encounter weekend. I'm sure they are ready to go. They have experienced some great times of prayer and unity this week. I'm looking forward to lives being changed. Remember to come join them at Higher Ground for their celebration service Sunday at about 2:15.
Today, Gabe and I toured Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Where's Upland? Right smack dab in the middle of a cornfield. Its crazy! But they've been there since 1846. I was really impressed with their sincerity about preparing kids to change a world for Christ. It looks like it permeates everything they do. The chapel service was great. Great praise and worship with most the kids lifting and clapping their hands without being cheerled to do so. They also had a choir (the Gospel choir) with flag dancers (I don't know what else to call them). Nevertheless, it was worship unto the Lord...pentecostal-charismatic style. Pretty cool!
KP folks...please come ready to worship Sunday! Come prepared to give it your best! Sunday night I will be continuing a series on the Mark of the Beast. We will be showing a pretty enlightening video called "The Microchip" and we will look at the second half of Revelation 13. If you will come out and join us, I promise you will be amazed at just how close this thing is (planet earth) to coming apart at the seems (the Tribulation period). Who knows...I might get it going Sunday AM. I'm still hearing from God about the AM. But be there! Don't miss it.
Love you all!
-Pastor
This is the Women's Encounter weekend. I'm sure they are ready to go. They have experienced some great times of prayer and unity this week. I'm looking forward to lives being changed. Remember to come join them at Higher Ground for their celebration service Sunday at about 2:15.
Today, Gabe and I toured Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Where's Upland? Right smack dab in the middle of a cornfield. Its crazy! But they've been there since 1846. I was really impressed with their sincerity about preparing kids to change a world for Christ. It looks like it permeates everything they do. The chapel service was great. Great praise and worship with most the kids lifting and clapping their hands without being cheerled to do so. They also had a choir (the Gospel choir) with flag dancers (I don't know what else to call them). Nevertheless, it was worship unto the Lord...pentecostal-charismatic style. Pretty cool!
KP folks...please come ready to worship Sunday! Come prepared to give it your best! Sunday night I will be continuing a series on the Mark of the Beast. We will be showing a pretty enlightening video called "The Microchip" and we will look at the second half of Revelation 13. If you will come out and join us, I promise you will be amazed at just how close this thing is (planet earth) to coming apart at the seems (the Tribulation period). Who knows...I might get it going Sunday AM. I'm still hearing from God about the AM. But be there! Don't miss it.
Love you all!
-Pastor
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