Ragamuffin

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” ~Romans 7:15-19

This is the verse that comes to my mind as I sit in Reardon Auditorium at Anderson University with my family and some friends watching Ragamuffin - The True Story of Rich Mullins. My wife, Anita, knew Rich personally. He used to stay at their home in Vestaburg, Michigan when we would volunteer at the local Rock Lake Christian Assembly down the road. She’d always told me Rich was different, but Rich was real. Now seeing his story on the big screen, I knew what she meant.

Rich Mullins was taken from this life way too early in my opinion. He was a gifted song-writer, singer, and musician. His songs were sung by the likes of Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, and many others. His most familiar song is Awesome God. Rich had taken a vow of poverty and his lifestyle showed it. He took no more salary than what the average person in America would earn. The rest of his earnings went to his church and to charity. He died tragically in an auto accident on September 19, 1997.

Rich Mullins was far from the traditional, contemporary Christian Musician. While his heart was totally devoted to the Lord, his earthly struggles remained. After the film, I overheard someone say, “Wow. I didn’t realize he struggled so much.”

What strikes me is that we all struggle with our faith. We struggle with our sins. We fight to do what is right, but often fail. It’s not just Rich who struggles in his faith, but if we’re honest, it’s every one of us.

After the film, there was a Q & A with the director and actors. One of the questionnaires said, “Thank you for the most REAL Christian movie ever made.”

Ragamuffin is a gritty, real, honest film depicting the life of a man who wrestled with temptation, sin, and culture. It’s coming to KCC Friday, March 28 at 7:00 PM.

Tickets are avaiable for $10 online at itickets.com or in the church office.

Apps to assist your Christian Walk

Here is a list of my personal Top Ten must-have apps for your iPad or tablet. These apps have been
compiled with the purpose of helping you grow in your Christian faith through Bible reading, Prayer, and Study. They are all free and all are available in the Apple app store. Many are also available on other platforms such as the Google Play Store.

1. Bible - Youversion's Bible app can't be beat. It includes every English translation you can think of and over 100 languages. Read or listen to the Bible. Make a reading plan. Keep notes, highlight, and share directly to social media sites like Facebook. 
2. Bible for Kids - Youversion just came out with a new version of their amazing Bible app for kids. Hear, watch, and interact with this fun, interactive Bible Story book for young children.  
3. Prayer Notes - If you are like me, you may not remember everyone time you tell someone you'll pray for them. The app I use to keep my prayer list up to date is called PrayerNotes. This app allows you to keep a list of those you are praying for right on your tablet. Keep track of requests and answers to prayer. Categorize your prayers by topic and add in the details of each request. 
4. Memorize Anything - The Bible says, "Your Word have I hidden in my heart so that I might not sin against you." Memorize scripture using this simple app. Read it once and then the app will play your verse back to you over and over. Repetition is the key to memorization. Memorize has 4 settings to change the playback so that it fades out from time to time allowing you to fill in the missing words and phrase. 
5. Evernote - Evernote is your virtual filing cabinet accessible from all your devices. I use Evernote to save articles, emails, and all my electronic notes. Search inside all your documents, even PDF files. Make Notebooks to keep everything organized. It's the last note-taking app you'll need. 
6. Facebook - It's no longer easy to knock on doors and show up unannounced at a strangers home. The new living room is online. And one of the best ways to join in a conversation is through Facebook. Pray for someone, discuss theology, or encourage a lonely single. 
7. Podcasts - Listen and watch sermons and leadership podcasts right from your device. Some of my favorites include Perry Noble from NewSpring Church, Andy Stanley from Northpoint Church, and Rick Warren of Saddleback. 
8. Kindle Reader - You don't need a Kindle from Amazon to read ebooks. Just download the Kindle reader app and you can read your books from your smart phone, table, or computer! Plus, most books are cheaper on the Kindle app than in paper copy. 
9. Spotify - Music on demand. No more are you confined to just a radio station. Formally a subscription service on tablets, Spotify is now offers free and unlimited listening on mobile devices. Thirsty for some classic Petra or Imperials? Want to know what's new in Christian music? This is the place! It's the songs you want, when you want them. 
10. Todo - Life is so busy, you need to keep on top of appointments, tasks, and projects. Todo is what I use daily to keep me on track. Separate Home, Work, and Other tasks. Set up due dates and times, repeat tasks, and so much more. 

What apps to you use that help you in your Christian walk? Drop me an email or send a Facebook message, and I'll share them in next week's KCC E-News. 

Tim Severance, Associate Minister at KCC

Habits for the New Year

Welcome to 2014! Happy New Year!

This is the time of year people make New Year's Resolutions for the coming months. A resolution is a "firm determination" to do something. Once you begin doing it, and practicing it over and over, it will become a habit. I've put together a list of habits I hope are on your radar for 2014. These may begin as resolutions, but with repetition, they will become good habits. Here's my list:

• Pray Perpetually - Keep a prayer list on paper or electronically. Make notes as God responds to your prayers. Drop the prayers for safety, an easy life, and material blessings. No one prayed like that in the Bible. At least not in the context we Americans pray. Instead pray for boldness, contentment, and the Lost to come to Christ.  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
• Read the Bible - Pick a plan and read DAILY. You eat every day, don't you? This is spiritual food for your soul. You need a steady diet of God's Word. (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:105)
• Give to God - Give first to God. Make it a priority. Don't give God your leftovers. A good guideline is 10% of your income. Then save some money, pay off debt, pay bills, and if any is left, you can spend it. Remember, we are stewards, not owners. (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38)
• Volunteer - We have to be reminded that life isn't "all about us." The best way to remember that is to serve someone else. It takes the focus off of us and ironically makes us feel good ourselves! Those who fall into the trap of self-pity rarely see beyond their own needs and wants. It's a dangerous spiral, but with service to others it can be escaped. (Mark 10:45; Matthew 20:28)
• Worship Weekly - Join other Christians in worshipping the God we serve each week. Even on vacation, I would bet you can find a church where a group of Christians meet on Sunday mornings. You need the fellowship, the teaching, the communion, and encouragement the large group of believers provides. (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 20:7)

As you practice these habits in 2014, remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson and know you are paving the way for a heavenly destiny that can never be taken away from you.

“Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thankful in 2013

God is good! He has given me much to be thankful for this year. Here's what comes to mind today.

I am thankful for Small Group leaders! As we wrap up Fall KCC Small Groups this week, I pray you have enjoyed reading through The Story this year. For some it was a long journey. For others, it was an introduction to God's wonderful Story and how it fits together over the history of mankind. Either way, you should have grown to have a better grasp on both God's upper and lower story. Thanks to those Small Group leaders in 2013 who have helped you dig in deeper to The Story. 

I am thankful for KCC volunteers! We are currently interviewing to fill the position of Children's Minister at KCC. In the interim, I have been working closely with our Children and Tiny Tot volunteers. I've been privy to see these people in action. They are committed, Christ-like people who love our kids and serve them selflessly. Thanks to everyone, not just those in the children's areas, who volunteer their time and talents at KCC.

I am thankful for my church! I hear again and again from people who have either moved away or have come back that KCC is a unique church. Our fellowship is close and personal. Our reputation is one of generosity and genuine concern for the community. Our praise is heartfelt. Our doors are open and welcoming as are our lives. Our unity is Biblical and rare. People are real and transparent sharing struggles, pain, and loss with one another. Thanks for the Bride of Christ in Kalkaska.

I am thankful for my family! God has given me a wonderful, wise wife. She is beautiful inside and out, filled with compassion and love for everyone. It was God orchestrating in the lower story that brought her and I together at just the right time. My two children are amazing. They bring joy to my life every single day with their wit, humor, and wisdom. They both serve in the church weekly and love Jesus with all their hearts. Who could ask for more?!

Most of all, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I recognize that I am a flawed individual with need of someone to make up for my shortcomings. Praise to God for his mercy and plan of salvation to save me from my sins.

Praying you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. 

Thanking my God for You!

Paul said in Philippians 1:3-5, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."  

Paul begins many of his New Testament epistles with this attitude of joyful thankfulness. Gratitude goes a long way. To show we appreciate one another is so easy to do, yet is often neglected. Here's a list of those who deserve thanks and appreciation at KCC.

• Cleaning & Upkeep Teams - These volunteers work behind the scenes when others are absent. They wash windows, vacuum carpets, take out the trash, mop floors, clean toilets, mow grass, make repairs and much more. Thank you for keeping our "house" clean and welcoming!
• Worship Team - Do you realize everyone who leads in worship on Sunday mornings is a volunteer?! They give of their time and talents every Wednesday evening at practice for 3 hours and then show up at 7:15 AM each Sunday morning to practice prior to leading two services in worship. Thank you to the KCC worship team! Thanks to our Sunday Secretaries, Servers, and those who prepare the Lord's Supper for us each week! 
• Tiny Tots Ministry - Thanks to our volunteers who work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers doing an excellent job while parents can either serve in other areas or enjoy a peaceful worship time. 
• Family Stuff Ministry - Thanks to everyone on the Family Stuff team! This is a special group of uninhibited servants devoid of pride and concerned for nothing except sharing the love of Christ with your children. 
• Teachers & Leaders - Thanks to our teachers who prepare, teach, and set a loving example for our children and youth both on Wednesdays and Sundays. Thanks to adult leaders both on Sunday mornings and during the week.
• Technical Team - Thanks to the volunteers who operate the computers, soundboards, and light boards creating 21st Century "Stained Glass" windows.
• First Impressions Team - Thanks to those with friendly faces, warm hugs, and welcoming handshakes serving with joy at KCC. 
• Compassion Team - Thanks to those who spend time on their knees interceding for the saints and to those who make tasty meals for funerals and shut-ins. 
• Adult Connections - Thanks to the selfless Men's Ministry volunteers, Women's Ministry volunteers, and those laboring in the library. 

As Paul said in Romans 1:8, "...I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you..." The Kalkaska Church of Christ is impacting its community with the saving message of Jesus Christ through your faithful, selfless commitment to His church. Thank you for serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Thanks for being the hands and feet of Jesus in serving one another at KCC!

The Cross of Christ

The Cross is central to our faith. When you stop and look at it closely, it is just a couple pieces of wood nailed together, yet this crucifixion device has become for us the most important part of our faith. For without the cross, we can no longer boast any distinction from the myriad of world religions. Paul says it this way, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Galatians 6:14. The Cross was the boarding gate through which Jesus entered as He began the mission to restore mankind to His Father. That mission was culminated with the resurrection of Jesus three days later. Christianity is the only religion that can claim they follow a living leader!

My son asked me recently, “Why did God demand blood?” I explained to him that man is so sinful, we deserve punishment. Since God is just, a price must be paid for our iniquity. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death. Something must die. In the Old Testament it was a sheep or a lamb without defect or blemish. In losing a life, blood is shed. As sinners, we also deserve death. However, Jesus took our place in dying on the cross. Blood was demanded to pay the severe price of our depravity.

If we are being honest, the Cross doesn’t make any sense. Who in their right mind would allow themselves crucified or killed? If they had the power to stop it, wouldn’t they do it?! 1 Corinthians 1:18 admits, “For the message of the cross is foolishness…” However, it goes on to say, “...to those who are perishing…” It doesn’t make any sense if you don’t see the Big Picture or The Upper Story. Unless you realize there is something more going on in the crucifixion of Jesus than what you can see, you could attribute the story to insanity.

To those of us who DO believe Jesus was God’s son, the Messiah, the Christ, the Promised One to come and save us from our sins, we see the Cross as “the power of God.” We see, as it were, “behind the curtain.” Looking back, we can see what God was doing all along throughout history to redeem mankind back to Him. It’s clear to us now, that Jesus had to die the substitutionary death to meet the demands of a loving, but also just God. And that death occurred on the Cross. Thank God for the Cross!

Take a Reading Break

Turn off the Tech and Pick up a Good Book!

by Tim Severance, Associate Minister

In the KCC church lobby is a current selection of good, quality reads. Among those books are, of course, the Bible. You’ll find the new NIV version of the Bible (2011) in normal and large print in our book carousel. If you’ve ever wondered why when you hear the NIV read, it doesn’t match with your version, it is because the 2011 version of the NIV is being used. And you thought upgrades were only for software! Some of the Bibles available include: NIV Study Bible, The Life Recovery Bible (NLT), Life Application Bible, Teen Study Bible, and many more.

Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson has been #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list and it currently still in the top ten. Phil is the patriarch of the Robertson family seen weekly on A&E’s Duck Dynasty. He’s the creator of Duck Commander duck calls. But most importantly, Phil is a follower of God and a man of faith. “In the pages of this book, you’ll learn of Phil’s colorful past and his wild road to the ‘happy, happy, happy’ life he leads today. In this eye-opening and rousing book, you’ll find stories that will shock you, as well as those that will inspire you. You’ll get to know the man behind the legend, and you’ll come away better for it.”

No More Perfect Moms by Jill Savage is a transparent confession of the reality that all moms struggle with the idea of perfection. They struggle to be the perfect woman, perfect wife, perfect mom, with perfect children, and a perfect husband. Jill hopes this book will help every mom change her unrealistic expectations to realistic hope, give grace to her family members, and find freedom from disappointment.  

The Sunday Small Group “No More Perfect Moms” meets every week in the Green Room at 10:00 AM led by Emily Paulus.  “I love this book...but I hate it...because it’s convicting!” confessed Emily in talking about the book used in conjunction with the group. Pick up your copy in the church lobby and check out the group this week!

The Story is the complement book to our current Sermon Series at KCC - The Story. The Story includes excerpts from the NIV (2011) version of the Bible with occasional transitional remarks from Randy Franzee, Senior Minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. The Story streamlines the Bible reading like a novel covering Genesis to Revelation in 31 condensed chapters. The Story is still available at a 75% discount, or $5.00, in our church lobby. Makes a great Christmas gift!

The prices for these and all other books in the church lobby are marked on the bottom of the back cover. You’ll find that these prices are the lowest anywhere. The church makes no profit from the sale of these books but provides them as a benefit to you as you take steps in your Christian walk.