Writer's Block

Discipline of Writing

2012-02-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

Wow. Away too long. 1 follower. Probably wasn't missed much then. Blogging is a means of discipline to take the time to put thoughts on "paper." What beautiful templates Blogger has now. It was hard to choose a new one. Well, we'll see how it goes.

Faith Journey

2009-10-05T22:53:00.003-04:00

We shared our Faith Journey's tonight during our KCC Small Group. I asked everyone to share how they came to faith in Jesus. Interesting couple things stood out.

First, everyone began their spiritual journey when someone invited them to either church or spoke with them about faith. The testimony of another believer played a huge role in bringing them to Christ. Never underestimate the power of relationship in bringing people to Jesus.

The second thing that stood out as we shared our testimonies was that it was during times of illness, struggle, or turmoil that people turned to God. We discussed this and concluded that it's more difficult to look to God's help during the "good times" of life than during the difficult times. People reach out and look up when problems come their way. They are receptive to the Spirit of God when they are weakest and fail to have the strength to solve their own problems.

Share your faith. Invite people to worship with you. Recommend your church. Be ready to listen and care when people are hurting. They'll listen to you and respond to God.

In love with facts or people?

2009-05-14T10:12:00.003-04:00

God's people have been persecuted since time began. Reading today in Acts 12 Herod the king decides to win a popularity contest when he figures out that "laying violent hands on some who belonged to the church" "pleased the jews."

Why didn't the resurrection of Jesus validate all Christian's witness post-cross? Could it be that just the facts aren't enough to turn people to God? Despite the facts, despite the truth, despite the evidence, man still chooses to turn away from God and go his own way.

How do we reason with people like that? People who won't stop and examine the evidence for our faith? We don't. They won't be won over by our persuasive arguments. They won't be convinced by "Evidence that demands a Verdict" or "I don't have enough Faith to be an Athiest." Both great books by the way!

People who won't give in to reason must be touched by love. That's why Jesus spend more time talking about loving one another rather than debating the scriptures. As it is written, "...if I...understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing"

The facts of our faith will be real to people when we act out towards others in love. They may not see the reasoning, the rationale, or the evidence of our faith initially. But that's okay. Let them see our love. Unconditionally love. Loving first because He first loved us.

With a wave of my magic wand

2009-05-04T09:49:00.003-04:00

"Amazed them with his magic" could be said about many people in our day. David Copperfield. David Blaine. Chris Angel. They are tremendous showmen, trained in the art of misdirection and mystery. Their acts of illusion baffle the common viewer making the impossible seem possible and the extraordinary appear ordinary.

However, this phrase wasn't spoken about any of them. This statement was made about Simon the Sorcerer from Acts chapter 8. Simon was a skilled showman in his day amazing the crowds with his acts of prestidigitation. It's debatable whether Simon's magic was in the vein of magicians in our day or if he practiced darker arts & magick.

What is known is that as Philip preached the Good News about the kingdom of God, Simon believed and was baptized (Acts 8:13). So whether you teach faith alone saves you or a plan of salvation including baptism saves you, Simon is a new Christian. His sins are washed away and his hope is in Jesus Christ.

Sadly, we learn that Simon's heart is not right with God (vs. 21). He is immediately told to repent. Repentance is part of God's plan for our salvaiton, and is taught as a step to new life in Christ (See II Cor. 7:10). However, just because someone is a new Christian doesn't mean they won't sin. They will. We're like new babies in our faith. We're bound to fail. In case of sinning after becoming a Christian John writes to Christians in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins adn to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Simon is told to repent from thinking he could purchase the power to lay his hands on people and heal them. It is a free gift from God and not to be confused with some magical art.

Some believe Simon never became a Christian. I disagree. I believe we see here a process that all new Christian deal with. After accepting Christ through faith, repentance, and baptism, we must still deal with short-comings and sin. Our spiritual journey involves replacing our old, sinful habits with God's grace and forgiveness. It's a process, not a wave of the magic wand. Step by step, by confessing and repenting of sins committed after our salvation, we walk closer to Jesus our Savior.

Persecution & Worship

2009-04-30T10:13:00.002-04:00

Stephen's speech in Acts chapter 7 is eye-opening! Stephen retells the patriarch's history emphasizing the numerous times they rejected, persecuted & murdered the prophets and men of God.

Rhetorically, Stephen says, "Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?"

Not only did they persecute the prophets, but they also went after and worship other gods.

I wonder today, have we ceased? Do religious people still persecute men of God? Do religious people who confess to follow God, worship other gods instead?

A bike ride through the cemetary

2009-04-29T09:08:00.002-04:00

My children enjoy riding their bikes in the spring and since we live close to the town cemetary, I took them there to ride. Now I don't know what the policy is in having people riding bikes in the cemetary, but we do try to stay low-key whenever someone is around.

You can't help read the tombstones while you are riding on the paths around the cemetary. I'm struck by the brevity of our lives. As I calculate birth and death dates written in stone, I realize many who have passed on are my age or younger. It's a sobering thought. One that causes at the same time joy and sadness in my heart. Joy for what I know is awaiting me; Sadness for those I would have to leave behind.

In my reading for today, I'm reading the account of Stephen in Acts 6. I stopped prior to his speech to the Sanhedrin, because I know the story. I know what happens in the end. I'm not going to read any more today. Time has frozen for Stephen in my Bible. He gets to live another day. I leave him with his face "like the face of an angel."

Stephen didn't know his future. Surely he thought he would be sharing the Gospel, feeding the widows, and working in the church for years to come. Other plans were in order for him. He wouldn't see the sun set that day.

I noticed one of the cemetary plots was marked by the obituary submitted to the local newspaper. I stooped to see who it was. To my surprise it was a man from our church who I had recently visited in the hospital. He had passed away only months earlier. I can still see his face.

"God, may I live every day to it's fullest not knowing if it might be my last. Amen"

Should I Speak Up?

2009-04-22T10:21:00.003-04:00

Recently a man mentioned to me that his girlfriend is moving in with him. As a Christian, I have serious moral issues with this arrangement, but I didn't say anything. A preacher friend of mine asked if I told him that was wrong? I said, No, that I didn't want to pass judgment on him. We debated the issue of confronting people for their moral shortcomings. I feel it's a sensitive issue.

I recall a quote from Mother Teresa,

"The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts.
God is the One who judges.
We are only called to love."

I know some churches seriously proclaim, "No Perfect People Allowed!" I also know their byline is - "Come as you are, but don't stay that way."

The scriptures teach the leaders of the church should know how to manage their family well in order to "shepherd" the church. We discipline our children, setting up boundaries for them to grow and mature morally and spiritually. One who successfully raises their own child is qualified to speak to God's "children."

The key here is that the individual has turned his or her life over to the Lordship of Christ. Prior to that we reach out in love and compassion, as Jesus did time and time again throughout the New Testament.

As it's written in Romans 14:4 "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand."

They will know we are His followers if we love one another. Once they know how much we care, they will open up to listening to us. Through prayer and love, God's spirit will permeate their hearts and new lifestyles can begin.

Invitation

2009-04-09T09:55:00.003-04:00

I'm often saddened when I hear the invitation to follow Jesus at many churches. It usually goes something like this, "Ask Jesus into your heart by repeating this simple prayer with me." I know the Pastor means well, but that invitation is so far from what we see in scripture it makes me cringe.

I just finished reading Acts chapter 2 where Peter and the first followers of Jesus shared the very first Gospel message with a crowd of over 3000 people. It was a powerful, motivating message "cutting people to the heart." You could have told those people to drink the Kool-Aid afterwards and they would have done it!

The invitation given by Peter in response to the sermon, and note that the people actually begged for instruction of what to do next, was to "repent," "be baptized," and "save yourselves from this crooked generation." How did they respond? They were baptized, 3000 in all. Right then, at the end of the sermon.

Interesting what the invitation didn't involve. No prayer. No "asking Jesus into your heart." No "sinner's prayer." None of the traditional catch phrases we hear so often.

I appeal to Pastors everywhere to use this same invitation after your sermons. Let's get back to the Bible using the example of sharing the Gospel message including repentance and baptism.

Feeding Myself

2009-04-06T14:28:00.002-04:00

Since I am on staff at a church, I find it difficult to relax on Sunday morning and take in the worship service. For me, it's another day of work. I believe it's important to worship the Lord and to get fed by his word, so I love the fact that churches now make their morning services available on the Internet. Here are a few that I follow on a regular basis to keep me fed!

Newspring Community Church - Perry Noble speaks from his heart to a younger generation. He is sold out for Jesus and makes no bones about it.

Granger Community Church - Great speakers with relevant, Biblical topics.

Lifechurch.tv - Craig Groschel is out front with Lifechurch paving the way to do "Church" on the Internet.

Time to just "be"

2009-04-01T08:50:00.002-04:00

I woke this morning with the thought, "what if I could still time?" I would go and spend time (which wouldn't really exist) visiting with people I've wanted to spend time (there's that word again!) with.

Like my parents. Just go and sit and "be" with them, talking and sipping on coffee. With no concern of having to go "do" something else.

Or my wife. Just take her away from the mundane duties of life and family. Drive for days. Take walks. Sit and talk. Just "be" together as long as (subtle reference) we want.

If I could stop time, I would spend the un-time just "being" and not "doing."

Sadly, I can't. Gotta go answer email now!

Class 101 Tonight

2009-03-29T15:17:00.002-04:00

What a great opportunity to learn about KCC! Class 101 is an introduction to our church family. Learn about our vision, our mission, our core values and beliefs. What do we believe? How do you become a Christian and a member?

Dinner and all materials provided free of charge. www.kccwired.com for more info!

All Fall Down

2009-03-19T08:48:00.002-04:00

When Jesus identified Himself as "I am he" in the garden at his arrest, Judas and the soilders all fell to the ground. Falling to the ground was a common reaction to divine revelation. Can you picture a band of soilders all falling down? Somewhat comical to say the least.

Revelation 20:12 says there will come a day when we all will stand before the great throne of God. Standing of falling will depend if our name is written in the Book of Life.

Where do you stand?

AIG: Shame on You

2009-03-17T11:16:00.002-04:00

Are there any ethical, logical, moral corporate leaders out there?! All the debate and news coverage on the AIG bonuses is saddening and discouraging.

I hear peoples stories on a daily basis of not being able to pay their monthly mortgage, their utility bills, and back taxes. People are out of work and more are losing their jobs or being downsized weekly. If they are working, they are working all hours of the day (and night) to get by or they are working more than one job.

AIG employees are taking an extra 165 Million dollars in bonuses in the midst of our economic problems. One Senator jokingly suggested some involved either resign or commit suicide.

Why haven't I heard this solution? Give the money back! Anyone receiving a bonus, tear up the check. Don't cash it. Give it back. Do they have no conscience? Who are these men? Women?

Take a cue from Zacchaeus and give back to the American people the money you are "cheating" them out of.

Baptizing Children

2009-03-16T08:48:00.003-04:00

"I invite you today to become a witness for Christ." That was my invitation at the end of my message yesterday morning.

We began singing a song of invitation giving people the opportunity to move forward and come to Jesus.

Now I don't know how you view the Bible in terms of salvation, but I believe it's modeled when people came to Jesus they were baptized into him for the forgiveness of their sins. So that is what we teach and practice here at KCC.

My 6-year old son was sitting in the second pew row and began waving me over to ask me something. At first I just waved back at him and politely smiled, hoping he would take the hint that daddy was busy right at the moment.

But he continued to beckon me. Unable to put off his pleading any longer, I stepped over to him and leaned down, just to hear him whisper, "Daddy, can I get baptized?"

Understand, there is nothing I want more in this world is to see my children come to faith in Jesus Christ. I pray fervently that they commit their lives to Him. But 6 years old seems quite young for a person to be baptized. We like to make sure they know what they are doing before they make this life-altering decision.

My wife and I have been putting our son off now for almost a year on his quest to be baptized, but the time my be drawing near for the step to be taken.

I often question myself, what gives me the right to make the decision for him? I'm secretly envious of other believers who recite "the sinner's prayer" with children, although I can't seem to find it in the Bible. But that makes it so simple. The child can be "saved" and our conscience is clear.

My prayer today is for my son, my wife, and myself. May we understand God's timing for my son's salvation!

Unleash 09

2009-03-12T14:29:00.004-04:00

Great Conference today. Unleash 2009 hosted by Newspring in South Carolina. Perry Noble is the lead Pastor there. You can view it online live or probably catch it later by streaming it.

Doubts

2009-03-11T08:56:00.002-04:00

Do you ever have doubts? The older I get the more skeptical I become. I've just seen so many promises not kept. So many commitments broke. It makes me question everything. I suppose that skepticism shouldn't creep over into my faith, but it does.

Sunday's message at KCC will be from John chapter 9 and the healing of the man born blind. The Pharisees wanted an explanation for what happened, but the man could give none. Instead he gave his testimony. I was blind but now I see. They had doubts and wanted explanations. None were given.

We get so caught up in the unexplainable instead of focusing on the undeniable. You can have doubts because you can't explain everything. It's okay. Just remember the undeniable. It's rock solid.

Faith of a Child

2009-03-09T09:15:00.002-04:00

Children are not limited by age. They have the vision of Bill Gates!

Children are not limited by ability. They have the mind of Einstein!

Children are not limited by money. They have the riches of Solomon!

Children are not limited by power. They have the potential of Donald Trump!

Children are not limited by faith. They have the beliefs of Abraham!

Become as a child!

Was that God?!

2009-03-05T08:37:00.000-05:00

How could I have missed it?! There was a third time in the scriptures that the voice of God spoke to attest to Jesus' identity. The first was at His baptism. The second was on the mount of Transfiguration. And here buried in John 12:28 is a third occurrence. And I never realized it was there!

Of course, I'm not alone in missing the voice of God. In fact, the crowd standing around Jesus in that moment didn't recognize that it was the voice of God. They thought it was thunder (vs. 29). How could they miss it!? Maybe they weren't listening.

I wonder how many times I miss God's voice in my day to day life. Or how many times do I mistake God's voice for some natural event. Am I listening? Do I expect God to speak to me? Are you?

Inflation at Burger King

2009-03-04T11:30:00.002-05:00

I've decided I can't resist it any longer. The signs I see around my area amaze me. Sometimes letter fall off and change their meaning. Sometimes someone just isn't thinking when they write the sign. Sometimes people just don't have all the symbols or letters needed to convey their message.

This sign is from my local Burger King. We live in a good fishing area, so I think $200 per fish seems a little steep to me!

Excessive Waste

2009-03-02T08:31:00.002-05:00

Mary anoints Jesus feet with expensive ointment in John 12. She is accused by Judas for wasting the valuable perfume. Apart from the fact that this comes from a thief and one who would soon betray the whole movement, was this a waste or are there actually times when giving the best and most expensive is not only okay, but natural?

You have to remember that just days earlier Jesus raised Lazarus, Mary's brother, from the dead! How grateful would one be after that?! What price could you put on a person's life?

However, this isn't really about paying Jesus back for a good deed. This is done in preparation for a burial. Mary, and family members & friends, have concluded this is the Messiah, the veritable Son of God. What limit would you put on giving to the Son of God?

Are there times in your life when you should give without holding back? Give excessively? I challenge you to consider the value of the life Jesus has given to you. Raising you from death. What can you do for Him to show your appreciation?

Exceptional Volunteers

2009-02-26T09:40:00.002-05:00

We have exceptional volunteers here at KCC! They continually go above and beyond what is expected of them in serving others.

John McColley has been volunteering at KCC for years, but recently he worked 3 straight weeks at the church building! 4 of those days (8 hours each) he spent removing ice from the church roof in temperatures hovoring in single digits!

John is on to another project now, but still laboring away for the Lord. Thanks John! I appreciate you and all you do for God's Kingdom!

Jesus Gives Life

2009-02-25T10:13:00.002-05:00

Jesus gives man a new lease on life. He did it long ago, He does it today, and He'll do it in the future.

Well-known phrases:

"I was blind, but now I see."

"I was dead, but now I live."

"I was lost, but now am found."

"I was in chains, but now I am free!"

What has God done for you?!

Do you pray with your children at night?

2009-02-24T09:20:00.002-05:00

Do you pray with your children at night before they go to sleep? We've practiced this discipline every since our children were born. We pray and sing every night without fail by their bedside. I'm sure most of you do the same.

Last night after I prayed and sang with my daughter, she startled me with a question. "Daddy," she said. "Why don't big people pray and sing?" Immediately I thought the message my daughters is getting is that praying and singing is just for kids and once she grows up she'll no longer practice it.

I told her I prayed in my mind before I went to sleep at night, but I prefered to listen to music rather than sing it. But I am making plans to pray with my wife before bedtime and even make sure my children are aware of it.

What about you? Do you pray and sing before bed each night? It might not be a bad idea. Especially if you have children.

Through Sorrow and Death

2009-02-23T07:21:00.002-05:00

Wow! I just read John 11:1-16 where Lazarus dies with Jesus' full knowledge and ability to spare his passing. Jesus loved this family, but yet allowed this tragedy to befall them. He allowed them to go through the mourning and suffering before demonstrating the wonderful power of God.

How often do we see God in this way? Simply allowing sickness, or accident, or even death to disrupt our lives in such a devastating manner? There is something to going through the valley that prepares us to climb the mountain of victorious life.

I think of movies and how their plots develop. You can almost know there will be a crisis or tragedy that will occur within the film and then after that the resolve.

I believe God does this to develop in us a deeper faith. A depth that cannot be obtained any other way except through terrible circumstances beyond our control.

Class 101

2008-10-27T08:27:00.002-04:00

KCC held Class 101 last night with 11 in attendance. This is the first time we've tried offering the class on a Sunday evening. It went very well. In the past we've stretched the class over a 5 week period during our Faith Training hour. The major problem with that is that people can't always attend 5 straight weeks in a row for one reason or another. We also had a wonderful chili dinner prepared by my wonderful wife, Anita.

Next Class 101 is slated for January.

Random Thoughts from Luke

2008-10-20T09:09:00.002-04:00

"The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John." Luke 16:16

It never occured to me Jesus was so clear on when the OT law ceased and the NT teachings of Jesus, or the new covenant, began!

"If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." Luke 16:31

Face it. Some people aren't going to respond to the gospel message either. Let's spend our efforts on telling those who haven't heard.

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:14b

God isn't in the celebrity business; He's looking for those with humility to represent Him.

The Lost Coin

2008-09-18T08:21:00.002-04:00

When I read the parable about the woman who lost a coin in Luke 15, I immediately think of the window's mite. I don't know why. Maybe it's just because these are two incidents in the New Testament where a woman and a coin are involved. The parable doesn't say this woman was a widow, but since there was no one to help her search the house for the coin, I guess I just assumed she was.

While the one story reminds me of the other, there is one significant difference between the two. The value of the coin.

In the story of the widow's mite the coin was worth about 2 cents. Most people no longer even take the time to pick a penny up these days. In fact, there is talk of discontinueing production of the penny because it costs more to make than it is worth!

In the parable of the lost coin, the woman lost a drachma, which the Bible says is a day's wage. Wikianswers.com says that today the average American makes $105.57 a day. So it's as if this woman lost a hundred dollar bill! I don't know about you, but I would hunt for it until I found it too!

The point here is that what was lost had great value. Yes, the woman, like our heavenly Father, never gives up. But we each have great value in God's sight. He loves us, believes in us, and values us more than we'll ever know. How cool is that?!

Who is the Lost Sheep?

2008-09-17T08:43:00.002-04:00

Luke 15:1-7 tells the parable of the Lost Sheep. Some church goers have told me the sheep who wonders away and is lost is one of their own believers. In essence saying we need to close the back door of the church and keep people from leaving our gathering. Go after them if they don't attend for a period of time. Encourage them to return and take back up their place in the fold.

Verse 7 would lead us to think differently. It states that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who do not need to repent. I believe the key phrase here is "one sinner who repents." A sinner who repents is a new believer in Jesus Christ. They've moved from darkness to light. They have been found, saved, washed in the blood, whatever you want to call it. This phrase is not referring to a believer who is currently attending church and stops coming for awhile. This person is the new Christian that was not in the church prior to his salvation.

Some would say that since the parable refers to the "flock" and a "shepherd" it must be talking about Jesus and his church. But again I would refer back to that key phrase, "one sinner who repents." This parable is not talking about believers, but unbelievers. Also look at verse 2 where the Pharisees were muttering about Jesus welcoming and eating with well-known sinners of the day. Context both at the beginning of the passage and in the conclusion doesn't allow this interpretation.

Every one of us have been created in the image of God. We were all lost at one point or another. Thank God that someone cared enough to come after us and bring us back to our Shepherd. Let's go out and find others who need to return to the fold. The angels will rejoice.

Salt is Good

2008-09-16T08:32:00.002-04:00

Luke 14:34 says, "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soild nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out."

There are many things you can lose and yet find again. Most material goods can be replaced. Even those hit hard by hurricanes in the south can replace their homes and belongings eventually. Older people lose their glasses. Young people lose their cell phones. By searching these things can be found again.

On the contrary, there are priceless virtues that can never be found again. A young woman's innocence cannot be restored. Once its lost, it is lost forever. I applaud the Jonas Brothers for taking a stance in waiting to give themselves away in marriage. A reputation cannot be restored. It's value is beyond wealth. Once your reputation is tarnished, dented, or corroded, it cannot be returned to it's former state. Everyone knows.

Guard your reputation carefully. It's the only one you'll ever have. And if you lose it, it cannot be replaced.

Wear Him out!

2008-04-24T08:23:00.005-04:00

"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" My wife and I have a 4 and a 6 year old. We love them with all our hearts, but sometimes they just wear us out! They have so many questions, so many needs, so many wants. It can be overwhelming on some days. I thought of my innocent children and their incessant banter as I read today's devotion.

Luke 18:1-8 is the parable of the Persistent Widow. She keeps bothering the judge in order to get justice. He actually fears that she will wear him out, and so gives in to her request!

Jesus seems to be saying, "talk to God so much, that you think you'll wear Him out." You can't wear God out, by the way. Talk to Him with childlike abandon. Tell him about the details of your day. Ask Him to meet your needs and your wants. According to verse 8, our pleas demonstrate our faith. Makes sense. My child keeps coming to me because I meet his needs. God wants to do the same for us. Wear Him out!

What's your "measure?"

2008-02-29T08:26:00.002-05:00

Luke 6: 38 is a beautiful illustration of God's willingness to give to His children. But you may miss the nuances if you're not familiar with open market commerce.

The majority of the world does not buy their groceries from Grocery stores, but rather open, outdoor markets where people bring their goods to a central gathering place to buy, sell, barter, and trade.

One merchant may be selling out of a large 100# bag of flour; another out of a bag of sugar; ;yet another out of rice. The seller uses a measuring containter (many times an old metal can or jar) to maintain consistency of the amount sold. The measure could be as small as a little mushroom can or as large as a gallon fruit can.

This measure used to sell goods in the marketplace is what Jesus is speaking of here in Luke 6. Your choice of measure to give to others will be taken and used to measure back to you God's gifts.

A "good measure" would imply using a large container rather than a small one. "Pressing" that measure down would imply maxing out the amount of space available. This is common when selling sugar. "Shaken together" would also be a way of using all the area in the container. Shaking rice down would allow more to be put in the can. "Running over" happens when the merchant continues to pour the goods on again and again until the product actually forms a peak and the container cannot hold one more speck. "Poured into your lap" actually happens when a woman is wearing an apron and uses it as her bag.

Perspective

2008-02-18T10:12:00.004-05:00

Luke records the Sermon on the Mount quite differently than Matthew did. Matthew 5:3-12 and Luke 6:20-26 both contain the words of Jesus from the same message, but note these differences.

Luke - "Blessed are the poor"
Matthew - "Blessed are the poor in spirit"

Luke - "Blessed are you who hunger now"
Matthew - "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness"

Luke - "Blessed are you who weep now"
Matthew - "Blessed are those who mourn"

On the flip side...

Luke - "But woe to you who are rich"
Matthew - N/A

Luke - "But woe to you who are well fed now"
Matthew - N/A

Luke - "But woe to you who laugh now"
Matthew - N/A

Did Matthew just spiritualize Jesus' words? Or did Luke elaborate with the "woes" on what Jesus really meant?

Can we say that in church!?

2008-02-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

Luke 5:33-39 includes the parable about new and old wineskins. Now, I've read this illustration many times before. I have always thought 'Yes, it's difficult to put new ideas into old structures. I get it.' But this time in reading it, what caught me is the fact that Jesus used alcohol as an illustration.

Jesus had the habit of tying in modern day activities (farming, fishing, buidling) and objects (seeds, lamps, money) when teaching. Wine was the common drink of the day and so fair game for Jesus to use in an illustration.

Today, Christians may have the habit of drinking, smoking, or gambling. I'm not encouraging the practice of any of them, but are they fair game for use as illustrations in our churches today?

Modern Day Leprosy

2008-01-29T08:33:00.001-05:00

I've not written here for quite awhile! I'm now in Luke chapter 5. Wow. Sorry about the gap.

Luke 5:12-16 is the story of Jesus cleaning the man with leprosy. Lepers in Jesus day were considered the outcasts, the untouchables. People went out of their way to avoid them. Lepers were rejected and shunned by society.

Jesus treated the leper in this story with love, compassion, and acceptance.

Who are the lepers today? Who do we avoid? Who do we consider as outcasts in our day?

As Christians, we ought to reach out to these modern day "lepers" with love and acceptance. They value to God as much as you and me.

Matt Parkman Moment

2007-11-27T10:25:00.001-05:00

We recently wrapped up a series at KCC based on the hit TV show Heroes.

In my daily Bible reading I am reading the story of Jesus healing the paralytic from Mark 2:1-12. After the paralytic's friends literally tear the roof off of the house where Jesus is teaching, He does something astounding. He reads the teachers of the law's thoughts! I immediately had a Matt Parkman moment! For those of you who may not follow the show, Matt Parkman is the character who has the heroic gift of reading other people's thoughts.

I guess I shouldn't act so surprised, I mean after all, we are teaching our children in our childrens program, Caraway Street, that God is omniscient. So logically, Jesus knowing all, would be able to hear someone's thoughts. Yet the passage hit home after watching Parkman use his gift on TV. Jesus knows all our thoughts...

Simon Peter was Married

2007-11-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

Interesting fact here. From Mark 1:29-31 we learn that Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law who was suffering with a fever. She got up and begin to wait on her guests.

First thought: Jesus heals or saves us to serve. It's not all about us, it's about expanding the kingdom of God here and earth and ministering to others, meeting their needs.

Second thought: The Catholic church holds Peter up as the first Pope. They also teach that a Pope cannot be married. Here scripture tells us he had a mother-in-law, implying he also had a wife.

Bad Witness

2007-11-06T09:21:00.000-05:00

Mark 1:21-28 tells the story of Jesus teaching in the synagogue on a Sabbath. A very common occurrence in the adult ministry of Jesus. His teaching was amazing, authoritative, and unlike what they were used to hearing from their own teachers of the law.

What was uncommon about this Sabbath was the undesired testimony of an evil or unclean spirit. After making himself known by crying out in the middle of the message, the bad witness confessed, "I know who you are-the Holy One of God!"

Jesus sternly silenced him with the words, "Be Quiet!"

We're currently in the middle of a sermon series called "Heroes" and next Sunday we will be listening to first hand accounts of what Jesus has done in people's lives here at KCC. They will testify how their lives have changed since meeting Jesus.

The witness of an evil spirit is not needed by Jesus. However, our confession is! We're told as Christians to go and make known the good news of Jesus. Can people see your story in the way you live?

Mark 1:14-20

2007-10-23T08:24:00.000-04:00

The first thing that hit me after reading this passage is that John the Baptist ended up in prison. Now I don't know about you, but I haven't heard any preaching that indicated to me if I follow Jesus Christ I may end up in prison, yet this is exactly what happened to John! Wow! And of course at the end of the story his head was cut off.

After that Jesus calls Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John to follow him. And the kicker...they agreed! Didn't they see what happened to John! Wow!

Jesus never promised a life of weath, health, or ease. In fact he will begin His 3-year ministry in which He speaks candidly about persecution, rejection, and even death.

What Jesus are you following?

Mark 1:1-13

2007-10-19T10:16:00.000-04:00

John preached a "baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Interesting that people were "Confessing thier sins" when they were baptized.

John's Baptism vs. Jesus' Baptism

The Baptism of John

Hear
Believe [in the one coming] (Acts 19:4)
Confess Sins

The Baptism of Jesus

Hear
Believe
Confess Jesus as Lord

Confession is so important to the salvation process (if I can call it a process). Confession is the key point when someone admits they can't make it alone. They are not self-sufficient in and of themselves. They need help. Upon Confession Jesus can offer mercy - not punishing one as they deserve; and grace - giving them what they don't deserve.

Second Saturday

2007-03-23T09:52:00.000-04:00

A small team of KCC members are planning to launch the most creative, daring, innovative outreach ministry KCC has ever seen! We're calling it Second Saturday.

Plans to overhaul the face of our worship are in the making. I'm envisioning "new wineskins" that will reach those in our community who do not yet know Jesus.

The first second Saturday is Saturday, April 20th, 2007! You won't want to miss it! It's going to "Wow!" your socks off!!!

Interruptions

2007-03-21T16:51:00.000-04:00

Matthew 9:18-26

Wow! Are there interruptions in life or what?! My wife tells me "interruptions are the ministry." I'm not always certain. What about the dozens of projects on my desk? When will I get to those? It appears Jesus dealt with the same issue. Today I read about the ruler asking Jesus to touch his dead daughter in order to bring her back to life. As he was going, he was interrupted with yet another need. How tempted he must have been to say, "I'm busy. I have priorities. And a dead girl is before a bleeding woman." He didn't. Jesus didn't seem inconvenienced at all. He simply allowed the power to flow out of him and healed to woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years.

"Lord, make me more patient. Help me to prioritize people over projects." Amen

Did Jesus have a chip on his shoulder?

2007-02-12T10:25:00.000-05:00

Matthew 8:18-22

The Cost of Following Jesus

Jesus was tough with the Pharisees, Sadducee's, and Teachers of the Law. He spoke rigidly to them. Almost as if he had a chip on his shoulder. We see this again in this text. When the Teacher of the Law came to Jesus declaring he would follow Jesus, Jesus did not make it seem easy, but difficult. He talked about "no place to lay his head." Basically saying by following me you'll have no shelter, possibly little food, and long periods of wandering. Your body will become weary, your feet may swell, and you'll probably miss your family.

Contrast this type of response to when Jesus encounters a tax collector or "sinner." He lovingly invites them to follow Him.

What examples do you see in the Bible where Jesus dealt harshly with the "religious people" and more compassionately with the "sinners?"

Children's Christmas Program

2006-12-17T20:33:00.000-05:00

Wow! Thankful it's over, but thankful we did it too. The church was full for our first Children's Christmas program in years. The S.W.A.T. team, our Jr. High puppet ministry, performed several numbers in between our Sunday school and JAM - Diggin' In Bell Choir.

My favorite part though was the Bob Snook Christmas parody of the Family Feud. It pitted "Traditional Christmas characters" vs. "Non-Traditional Christmas characters. " The question was "What do you think about when you think about Christmas?" The 4 answers on the board were Santa, Shopping, Stockings, and Toys. Needless to say the Non-Traditional Christmas characters guessed all the answers. But the final poignant question to the audience was "What do YOU think about when you think about Christmas?!"

Anita, my wife and Children's Director, put in countless hours making costumes, writing the script, coordinating the teachers, setting up props, and so much more. Kudos to her for a great job!

The program went well, but there were minor glitches. Most could have been avoided or dealt with if only two things had happened: 1) Attend the practice. I know we lead busy lives, but if something is important to you, you must make time to practice it. 2) Show up early. We asked teachers to arrive 30 minutes early to help dress the children in their costumes and get ready. How some people think they can show up 5 minutes before the program and expect everything to run smoothly and everyone to be happy, is beyond me.

Final thought: We should have served some coffee and donuts after the program. So many of the parents and grandparents who came tonight don't attend church regularly or at all. Providing a time for volunteers in our ministries to mingle with those guests would have been a wise move.

A Guide for Giving this Christmas

2006-12-01T10:59:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the Bible speaks more about money than any other subject? It’s true! One of Jesus’ main teachings concerning money is that we are stewards of all God has entrusted to us. Ironically during the season celebrating Jesus we have the most difficult time keeping our wallet in check. Below are a few tips to help you out this year as you plan your giving.

Budget – Plan ahead and write down what your family will spend this year on Christmas. Break your list down into categories: gifts, food, cookies & desserts, travel, miscellaneous. Our family even broke down how much we planned to spend on each person on our gift list.

Only Pay Cash – Don’t use credit cards. It’s too easy to spend much more than you intended when you use credit cards. Use your budget and pay cash this Christmas. If you don’t have the money in hand, don’t buy it. It’s that simple. The Bible says, “the borrower is slave to the lender” and again, “You cannot serve both God and money.” Using cash protects against becoming a slave to MasterCard or Visa.

Give Creatively – Buying something for everyone is not your only gift giving option. Handmade crafts often mean much more to people and can save you money. Time has become a precious commodity in our culture. Give homemade coupons to loved ones that they can redeem for special times with you. Use your imagination to come up with unique gifts. Go to http://www.familyfun.com/ for more ideas!

Send Ecards – The cost of Christmas cards combined with postage adds up quickly. Using the Internet you can send out ecards to your friends and family and it won’t cost you a cent! Customize the ecard with your family photo, favorite Bible verse, and your own message to make it personal. Go to www.dayspring.com/ecards/ or http://www.crossdaily.com/cards to start.

Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing

2006-11-29T08:16:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a Sunday! Our total attendance was 370! I'll have to check the records but we haven't seen that high a number for a long time! Traditionally the Thanksgiving weekend is one of churches (not just our church but all churches) lowest attended Sundays. God was in this because we bucked the trend big-time!!

Thanks so much to Catherine Belcher for singing "Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood and to Dylan Frashier for singing "Watching You" by Trace Atkins. You guys rock!

In both services I failed to mention the "Crazy thing" from the title of my message (and Keith Urban's album). The Craziest Thing I know of is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The fact that God would make himself a little, helpless infant and entrust himself to human hands blows my mind! Then as a man Jesus would teach a message that goes against everything the world pushes on us.

The world screams, "More!" Jesus whispers, "Less."
The world shouts, "Me!" Jesus says, "You."
The world cries, "First!" Jesus states, "Last."

It's all CRAZY!

The Gospel is a backwards, upside-down, inside-out message the world has a hard time understanding. It's not natural. It can only be understood as supernatural. It's a of God. Human nature bucks against it with every fiber in our being.

It's all CRAZY!

God reached out to a lost world. He made Himself like us in order to speak to us, tell us who He is, show us how to live. He was rejected, beaten, and killed. He came back to life and taught his disciples, "That's how it's going to be. You can expect the same." No apologies. No regrets.

Paul wrote, and I paraphrase, "We're living like Jesus and people are treating us just like they treated Him. If this isn't the way to life, we are really losers!" (1 Cor. 15:14-19)

It's all CRAZY! And my life is based on it.

There has been discussion of a Saturday night worship service with a praise band and a more formal atmosphere than what you experience on Sunday mornings. We're looking for committed, Christ following musicians right now. I know you are out there. I'm just waiting for God to prod you into serving Him with your musical talents!

Dumping our Debts

2006-03-21T22:34:00.000-05:00

Our church is in the middle of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Dave Ramsey is a Christian financial counselor who teaches common sense about money. Several of us recently cut up our credit cards making the commitment to get and stay out of financial debt. It took a lot of willpower and much faith. I was thrilled to see about a dozen families take this huge step in erasing their debt.
As sinners we have all incurred spiritual debt. That spiritual debt is known Biblically as sin. If we don’t somehow pay off that debt of sin, only death awaits us. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) However, God offers to pay that spiritual debt through the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus will take your debt of sin and zero out your account, if you only let Him!
To learn more about being debt-free in God’s kingdom, don’t hesitate to contact me at www.kalkaskachurchofchrist.com.

A Thousand Years

2006-02-14T14:57:00.000-05:00

Time is crazy these days. I mean the rate at which it seems to be moving! Wise Solomon wrote, “There is a time for everything.” Boy, I know he didn’t live in 21st century America! I have difficulty finding time to put gas in my car or to even open my mail! With so little time, I feel like I’m living life in Fast Forward. My “to do” list runneth over! There seems to be no end to the emails, articles, events, and meetings that beg for my attention. My days fly by. The weekends are a blur. I get home just in time to put my kids to bed. Where is all the time going?

I have to point my finger at our culture. It continually soaks up our precious time. From family to community to church, there’s always something goin’ on. Expectations of our presence are high too. And we over commit ourselves to everything under the sun. Now don’t get me wrong, I am BIG on commitment. But when we spread ourselves so thin by saying, “yes” to everything, we don’t end up doing anything very well. In addition we find ourselves so fatigued that we can’t fully enjoy what we are doing at the time. Other times we attend the event, but our mind is thinking about what we ought to be doing instead. We’re physically present, but mentally somewhere else.

Funny, but Jesus never seemed rushed or in a hurry. Crowds huddled around him and many clamored for his time, but it never seemed to bother Him. We never see Jesus stopping anyone mid-sentence to say, “I’m sorry, but I have to get to my nephew’s soccer game by 5:00.” And when it comes to our Lord’s view of time, what do we find?
2 Peter 3:8 says, “...with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” Jesus didn’t seem confined by the dimension of time.

I’ve always thought that verse only applied to the Jesus in the sky, the one who will return someday. And since He lives in heaven now, time is just irrelevant to Him. But who is to say He didn’t have that mentality while here on earth? Jesus was always patient. He never hurried or pushed people. He wouldn’t be the driver in that car cutting you off in traffic nor the shopper staring and tapping His foot while waiting for the new cashier to figure out how to ring up a tax-exempt purchase. His perspective was that he had a thousand years to talk to the woman at the well or to a smelly fisherman. His perspective was one of eternity and not just the here and now.

We have been promised the same eternal life Jesus enjoys. I pray that we as Christians can somehow regain the perspective of Jesus. How can we do that? Here’s a short list to help.
Stop adding to your “to do” list. Finish open items first.
Do one thing at a time. Stop multi-tasking.
Be mentally present. Focus your mind and thoughts to where you are.
Think in terms of eternity. Today is only temporary.

“Everything’s got its time.” (Ecc. 3:1 The Word on the Street) It’s up to us to slow down, step back, and just figure out what comes first.

Podcasting Craze

2006-01-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

For my birthday in December my parents gave me the new 5th generation video ipod. Now I'm a PC guy so I was a little hesitant to use anything Mac related, but I must say this little multimedia device has broadened my world! Everyone knows you can listen to music with an MP3 player like an ipod, but what is cutting edge technology are the podcasts and video podcasts now available via the Internet.

Don't stop reading yet! Because here is the coolest part. You don't need an ipod to download and listen or watch these podcasts! Simply download itunes (http://www.itunes.com), a free program, and play them right on your computer! There is a charge for music on itunes, but the podcasts are all free! I expect this to change in the near future. Simply because there is so much valuable content out there.

Here's a list of some of my favorites. Find the podcast link from these sites to get started.
Dave Ramsey - http://www.daveramsey.com
Wayne Cordeiro - http://www.enewhope.org
Simply Strategic Guys - http://simplystrategicshow.blogspot.com/
Rene Schlaepfer - http://www.tlc.org/sermons/index.php

January 2006

2005-12-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

Associate’s Angle
by Tim Severance

Did you know that 70 percent of all consumers live paycheck to paycheck? And that 37 percent of marital problems stem from financial situations? You may be suffering from a financial hangover right now. The month of December tends to hit us hard in the pocketbook. How are your finances? Are you in debt? Do you have an emergency fund set up? Are you saving for retirement? Kid’s college? Do you live on a budget or just wing it? Are you giving all you would like to the church?

The Bible has a lot to say about the subject of money. In fact it is mentioned over 800 times! We must remember that “the earth is the Lords and everything in it,” and that we have been entrusted as faithful stewards to manage His resources and His money. If you are looking for assistance in this area, we would like to help.

In February the church will be offering Financial Peace University, a Biblically based 13-week program on personal finance taught by Dave Ramsey. It is designed to empower people to manage their money better, eliminate debt and build wealth. Previews of this class will be given on Sunday, January 29th & Sunday, February 5th immediately following worship service. Learn more about this exciting, life-changing class from http://www.daveramsey.com. It’s time to stop floundering financially and make your money work for you instead of the other way around!

Watering Down the Word of God

2005-11-22T23:09:00.000-05:00

My wife teaches a preschool class on Wednesday nights at our church. And this year we're progressing through the Old Testament chronologically. Recently the lesson was on Abraham and God's call for him to sacrifice his long awaited only son, Isaac, on an altar. She discussed with me that she considered skipping the part about God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and rather focus on the substitutionary ram that God provided in the thicket. She didn't believe children that young would understand a Father being asked to kill his own son. The lesson for the night could be that God provides.

Eliminating a portion of a Bible story bothers me. It seems we frequently do that when scripture makes us feel uncomfortable. Or when we don't understand something. Let's just skip it. Focus on what we know and like. Hmmmm. For preschoolers it might make sense to eliminate the sacrifice part of Abraham's story. I think the real problem arises when we as adults forget to put it back in! Of course, we still believe God provides. In fact if you look around you, it is evident God provides bountifully for us. But where is the sacrifice part? Doesn't God ever test our obedience today? Doesn't he still ask us to give up something or even everything for Him? I think He does. I believe Romans 12:1 is still true today. We are still called to be "living sacrifices." Sacrifice is as much a part of the Christian life as blessing.

This Christmas season we might do well to keep in mind the beautiful story of Christ's birth ended with a Father sacrificing His only Son.

Associates Angle

2005-10-26T21:25:00.000-04:00

Last month marks Caraway Street's 2-year anniversary at the Kalkaska Church of Christ. This successful children's ministry has taught and entertained over 250 different children involving over 100 different volunteers serving as actors, stage managers, directors, cue card makers, seamstresses, woodworkers, painters, block parents, song leaders, prop makers, sound board operators, and advertisers. Caraway has been seen everywhere from the Trout Festival parade to Wilderness camp to the Christmas Eve church service. It's been an incredible outreach for our church.

Special thanks are in order for three talented ladies who have directed Caraway to the summit it enjoys today. They are Sabra Dessauer, Carol Badgero, and Jan Aten. These committed women have sacrificed family, work, and leisure time in order to give at least 10 hours every other week consistently for the past 2 years in this ministry! Thanks also goes out to their husbands who have allowed them to serve their church and their God in this manner. They aren't paid for this; it's a labor of love. And I'm sure one day each will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your rest."

If you want to know more about Caraway Street, check out our new website: http://www.carawaystreet.org.

April 2005

2005-04-25T14:17:00.000-04:00

The 3rd Annual Ministry Fair will be held in May this year; I am both excited and pessimistic. I am excited because I see the fantastic potential of new volunteers working together for Christ’s church. Those who would commit to serving in ministry over the next 12 months. I am convinced that by exercising your faith in service to others your faith will grow like no other time. No steroids necessary! You will be stretched, challenged and strengthened. You will learn that in losing yourself in service to others, you experience joy and contentment and that you are the one who is ultimately blessed. “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

I am also pessimistic. Last year the Ministry Fair was just a blip on the radar. And I believe we have some weak ministries that attest to the fact. Ministry Fair may not sound too appealing to some. Perhaps they don’t like the name. Maybe the thought of “Ministry” sounds dull or toilsome or clergy-like. It could be that people are already burned out from church work and hate the thought of committing to do even more. So I feel somewhat apprehensive as our fair approaches.

Here’s what I would like to see. I would like you to discover your passion, harness it, and use it for God in Christ’s church right in Kalkaska. Do what excites you! Allow God to use you. We’re not looking to just fill holes here; Peter says that we’re building “a spiritual house” using “living stones.” Come be a “bricklayer” with us. Find what interests you. See where your spiritual gifts lie. (There’s a test on the church website) Do what you love to do – just do it for God!

Contentment

2005-01-04T09:25:00.000-05:00

It's days after Christmas and there are still unopened gifts under our Christmas tree! My 2-year old son is in no hurry to unwrap them. Once he opens a present, he is content to play with that gift for hours, even days. My 1-year old daughter is happy just playing with the wrapping paper or the box the gift came in. The present could be a rock! It wouldn't matter to her. Meanwhile the colorfully wrapped gifts sit untouched under the tree as I excitedly try to entirce my children to open them.

Why do American Christians spend so much on Christmas? Why do we persist on possessing more and more things? If you are like me, you are looking over your credit card statement from your Christmas spending. You may be asking yourself, "Where did I spend all that money?!" I know it's cliche, but "we spend money we don't have to buy things for people who have everything." Is that good stewardship according to scripture?

My children demonstrated contentment to me this past holiday season. I pray I am not found guilty of taking that God given peace away from them by my endless spending. As a wise man once said, "The secret to contentment isn't having what you love, but loving what you have." The apostle Paul wrote, "...I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation..."

Discontented? Observe a toddler with a gift. Their contentment is pure and unspoiled.