Saturday, December 27, 2008
December 21st Services
Praise God!!! We had 36 in attendance for Sunday Services. Our Speakers Gordon Taylor and John Miller were a blessing indeed. We also had Tim Pauley present his work with Capitol Ministries at our state capitol.
Our church looked great and our lunch was wonderful, but the messages were food for our souls!
At the right side of the photo, note our new Yamaha Electric Grand Piano. This was an anonymous gift from one of our core members. What a blessing as well as an answer to prayer. Reagan ministered to us with this beautiful piano during both services on Sunday.
Our lunch was delicious and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The fellowship was great and the little church was filled with laughter and good conversation!
Gordon Taylor was a joy to have as our keynote speaker for the Building Dedication Service.
Local Talk Radio Highlights our Ministry
Listen to Jim's interview with Tom Roten, host of The Tom Roten Morning Show here.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Local Newspapers Share Our Story in the Community
Sunday, December 14th Service
We had 8 in our service today! On Saturday, the 13th, Reagan and I passed out over 100 packets of information about our church with an invitation to our December 21st services and lunch. Forest and Margie passed out another 100 that afternoon. We had been praying for a good day, and the Lord blessed us with abundant sunshine. The temperature was around 30, but walking briskly kept us warm!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
How to Become a Disciple
This is the sermon that Jim preached on Sunday morning and I was extremely convicted by his message.
Over 30 years ago Elvis Presley passed away. Yet, just a few days ago, Elvis came to town. That was what was reported on a local TV station. As it turns out, it was yet another Elvis impersonator. There seems to be many of those nowadays.
There are internet sites for Elvis fan clubs and even Elvis baby food. Wine can be found called "Always Elvis Wine." A former NFL coach often left two tickets for Elvis at the will-call window on game days. There is even a "First Presleyterian Church."
"I can get so depressed," admitted a Texas woman, "Anytime I've got anything bothering me, I can get in my car and turn the stereo on and listen to Elvis and just go into a world of my own. . . . It's like he's right there singing directly to me. . . . It's like he's always there to solve everything."
"I sit and talk to him," claimed a New Jersey follower. "I feel he hears what I say to him and he gives me the will to go on when things are really bad. . . . Somehow you talk to Elvis. . . . I know if anybody ever saw me, they would probably tell me that I was crazy, but I do . . . I love him, I talk to him and I know he understands and I feel so much better after. I think I always will."
What is all this about, really? Why the obsession with a dead rock and roll star? You might think that Elvis fans are crazy! You may, but do you have your own obsession? I suspect that you do in some way. I don’t want to talk about if these people are crazy or not. I will leave that up to you.
I want to address the devotion they have. The obsession they have. Although many would deny it, many take it to a level of discipleship. On the other hand, some people would have no problem saying they worship the rock and roll singer.
What makes a disciple?
35Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
And what did John do with this information?
1) A disciple looks to Jesus.
Notice that John looked to Jesus. John looked to Jesus for everything. Like the Elvis devotees, whereas Elvis became a life style, John saw Jesus in all of life.
Do you see God in all of life? Do you pray to him for parking spaces? Do you really mean what you say as you say "grace" before eating or is it just the thing to do? Do you really think God gave you your meal? Your good health..do you see it as a gift from God?
I saw a man that collected Mr. Peanut stuff. He had Mr. Peanut on everything. I cannot begin to tell you the list of stuff he had. Rooms full of it.
Look to Christ in all things.
2) A true disciple of Christ causes others to look…to behold Christ.
This is what true disciples do. They point others to the one they follow. John didn’t want others to follow him, he wanted those that followed him to follow the Christ. BEHOLD! LOOK! There he is!! That’s the guy I’m talking about. He is the Christ, not me. Christ is the one that can deliver you.
Do others around you know you follow Christ? If you shared the gospel with them, would they say, "well I had no idea you even went to church?" If you were put on trial for your faith, would you be found guilty?
A true Elvis lover does not keep his love from the world as we have seen. They proudly wear their white jumpsuits even though they know others think they look ridiculous.
37And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
3) A true disciple listens and follows Christ
A disciple is willing to do what God leads them to do at all times.
Now wait a minute. Now you’re getting a little bit legalistic. We live in Grace. We need not work to please God. To say we must obey the laws of God is just plain legalistic.
Well, maybe. But that depends on you. The point of grace is not antinomian (lawless living) in nature, nor is it legalistic. If you obey God out of duty, you maybe living a legalistic life. We should desire to serve God for we would have it no other way. To follow in love.
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
I’m not sure if the two that followed Jesus knew when they spoke these words how profound they were. They were asked, "What seek ye?" And the answer is Rabbi, or Master, or Master Teacher. It’s like their reply was orchestrated by God.
What are you seeking? I’m seeking a teacher. I want to learn.
Listen to Christ and follow Him.
4) Disciples want to learn and want to know all they can about the one they worship.
When you become obsessed with something you can’t get enough of it.
Are you like me? When I’m in need of a product, I become obsessed with it. I read every review I can and spend hours online seeing what the best product for the money is. I want to know all I can about the product in hopes that I make the right purchase.
The desire to know Him in the greatest manner in which we can, fills the heart of a disciple. Those that never read the Bible, and hardly come to church show no desire to know him.
A disciple of Christ desires to know all about him. Its like when we are dating. When we find the one we love we desire to know what they like and what they dislike. What music they listen to. What food they like. We like to know what their plans are. What they plan on doing the next day, and the day after. The more we get to know them, the more the love grows.
The more we know God the more we fall in love with God. We, too, want to know what He likes and dislikes. We also want to know His will and His plan.
39He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
5) Disciples spend time with or abide with Christ.
To know Christ you must spend time with Christ.. Abide with him.
We abide in Christ when we stay with Him and stay in Him. I’m not talking about salvation here. I’m talking about fellowship. Do you talk with God each day? Do you allow Him to speak with you each day?
How do you do this? Read His Holy Word. Abiding in Jesus Christ is a supernatural experience. The Bible has no secret power that comes alive to fight off evil spirits by only having it in your home. It’s not a magic wand that impacts your life by placing it on the coffee table. The Bible is only another book on the self, if you leave it on the shelf. The power of the Bible comes as we read it's words.
Luke 24:32
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?
Men wrote as they were moved. Holy Spirit still moves in people's hearts. The inspiration of the scripture comes when you read it. It does no good sitting on the shelf.
Daily we need to read the Bible. Christian books should never replace God's Word. I love great writers and I will keep learning from others that came before me. But God needs to speak to us one on one. This is abiding in Christ. This is what a disciple does.
40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Two things I want to point out here in our study of discipleship.
7) Disciples let the Holy Spirit guide them.
Have you noticed the words over and over. In this text, "being interpreted" is a good point to bring out. How to read the Bible. Some think that the more verses read, the better. This is not always the case. If you run to get to the end, you may miss the message. I suggest this idea:
As you read the Bible in your quiet time with God and as God works in your heart and speaks to you STOP. You may have read the passage 100 times before but this time something you have never seen pops out of the pages and hits you like you have been awakened to a new truth. This is Holy Spirit working in your heart. Do not miss this moment. Take your time and read that passage again. Stop and pray, keep your eyes closed after you pray and think about the truth. Bask in the blessing or in the rebuke God has given you. Spend time and allow God to work deeper with you on this truth. Pray again if you need to. Spend time with God and learn of Him and by Him.
My point is this, if you read through the Bible just to say you have read the Bible, it does very little. Be still and know that He is God. Read and let Him work in your life. Look for and expect a message from God each time you read.
8) Disciples become Bold.
42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
We are told in the text the meaning of Cephas. Kephas (kay-fas') is an Aramaic name corresponding to the Greek "Petros," as it says in the text, it means rock. What is also interesting is the word Simon, who was a fishermen, and it's meaning. It means Jellyfish.
From the moment Christ saw Simon Peter, he know he would be a Petros. A weak jellyfish made into a rock. God took a mere fisherman and made him into a great leader. Once Peter denied even knowing the Lord as he shook in fear, as a jellyfish. Then God changed him and Peter had great boldness to stand and proclaim the truth of the gospel.
And this is how you become that disciple.
How to Become a Disciple
Over 30 years ago Elvis Presley passed away. Yet, just a few days ago, Elvis came to town. That was what was reported on a local TV station. As it turns out, it was yet another Elvis impersonator. There seems to be many of those nowadays.
There are internet sites for Elvis fan clubs and even Elvis baby food. Wine can be found called "Always Elvis Wine." A former NFL coach often left two tickets for Elvis at the will-call window on game days. There is even a "First Presleyterian Church."
"I can get so depressed," admitted a Texas woman, "Anytime I've got anything bothering me, I can get in my car and turn the stereo on and listen to Elvis and just go into a world of my own. . . . It's like he's right there singing directly to me. . . . It's like he's always there to solve everything."
"I sit and talk to him," claimed a New Jersey follower. "I feel he hears what I say to him and he gives me the will to go on when things are really bad. . . . Somehow you talk to Elvis. . . . I know if anybody ever saw me, they would probably tell me that I was crazy, but I do . . . I love him, I talk to him and I know he understands and I feel so much better after. I think I always will."
What is all this about, really? Why the obsession with a dead rock and roll star? You might think that Elvis fans are crazy! You may, but do you have your own obsession? I suspect that you do in some way. I don’t want to talk about if these people are crazy or not. I will leave that up to you.
I want to address the devotion they have. The obsession they have. Although many would deny it, many take it to a level of discipleship. On the other hand, some people would have no problem saying they worship the rock and roll singer.
What makes a disciple?
I think John 1 35-42 tells us.
35Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
And what did John do with this information?
Look to Jesus
1) A disciple looks to Jesus.
Notice that John looked to Jesus. John looked to Jesus for everything. Like the Elvis devotees, whereas Elvis became a life style, John saw Jesus in all of life.
Do you see God in all of life? Do you pray to him for parking spaces? Do you really mean what you say as you say "grace" before eating or is it just the thing to do? Do you really think God gave you your meal? Your good health..do you see it as a gift from God?
I saw a man that collected Mr. Peanut stuff. He had Mr. Peanut on everything. I cannot begin to tell you the list of stuff he had. Rooms full of it.
Look to Christ in all things.
2) A true disciple of Christ causes others to look…to behold Christ.
This is what true disciples do. They point others to the one they follow. John didn’t want others to follow him, he wanted those that followed him to follow the Christ. BEHOLD! LOOK! There he is!! That’s the guy I’m talking about. He is the Christ, not me. Christ is the one that can deliver you.
Do others around you know you follow Christ? If you shared the gospel with them, would they say, "well I had no idea you even went to church?" If you were put on trial for your faith, would you be found guilty?
A true Elvis lover does not keep his love from the world as we have seen. They proudly wear their white jumpsuits even though they know others think they look ridiculous.
37And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
3) A true disciple listens and follows Christ
A disciple is willing to do what God leads them to do at all times.
Now wait a minute. Now you’re getting a little bit legalistic. We live in Grace. We need not work to please God. To say we must obey the laws of God is just plain legalistic.
Well, maybe. But that depends on you. The point of grace is not antinomian (lawless living) in nature, nor is it legalistic. If you obey God out of duty, you maybe living a legalistic life. We should desire to serve God for we would have it no other way. To follow in love.
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
I’m not sure if the two that followed Jesus knew when they spoke these words how profound they were. They were asked, "What seek ye?" And the answer is Rabbi, or Master, or Master Teacher. It’s like their reply was orchestrated by God.
What are you seeking? I’m seeking a teacher. I want to learn.
Listen to Christ and follow Him.
4) Disciples want to learn and want to know all they can about the one they worship.
When you become obsessed with something you can’t get enough of it.
Are you like me? When I’m in need of a product, I become obsessed with it. I read every review I can and spend hours online seeing what the best product for the money is. I want to know all I can about the product in hopes that I make the right purchase.
The desire to know Him in the greatest manner in which we can, fills the heart of a disciple. Those that never read the Bible, and hardly come to church show no desire to know him.
A disciple of Christ desires to know all about him. Its like when we are dating. When we find the one we love we desire to know what they like and what they dislike. What music they listen to. What food they like. We like to know what their plans are. What they plan on doing the next day, and the day after. The more we get to know them, the more the love grows.
The more we know God the more we fall in love with God. We, too, want to know what He likes and dislikes. We also want to know His will and His plan.
39He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
Abide with Christ
5) Disciples spend time with or abide with Christ.
To know Christ you must spend time with Christ.. Abide with him.
John 15:4-5
4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
We abide in Christ when we stay with Him and stay in Him. I’m not talking about salvation here. I’m talking about fellowship. Do you talk with God each day? Do you allow Him to speak with you each day?
How do you do this? Read His Holy Word. Abiding in Jesus Christ is a supernatural experience. The Bible has no secret power that comes alive to fight off evil spirits by only having it in your home. It’s not a magic wand that impacts your life by placing it on the coffee table. The Bible is only another book on the self, if you leave it on the shelf. The power of the Bible comes as we read it's words.
Luke 24:32
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?
Men wrote as they were moved. Holy Spirit still moves in people's hearts. The inspiration of the scripture comes when you read it. It does no good sitting on the shelf.
Daily we need to read the Bible. Christian books should never replace God's Word. I love great writers and I will keep learning from others that came before me. But God needs to speak to us one on one. This is abiding in Christ. This is what a disciple does.
40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Two things I want to point out here in our study of discipleship.
Seek to share the Gospel
6) Disciples seek out people to share the Gospel with.
You may think this is the same point as made in point number 1, from verse 36. But it is not. You see, we are not just to tell others that we come across about Christ, but we are to seek out others to share the Gospel with. People that we may not know and may not ever see again. In ways it is easier to share with others you don’t know, than sharing alongside others at work. But it will cost you, and that is the hard part. You will need to take time.
You may think this is the same point as made in point number 1, from verse 36. But it is not. You see, we are not just to tell others that we come across about Christ, but we are to seek out others to share the Gospel with. People that we may not know and may not ever see again. In ways it is easier to share with others you don’t know, than sharing alongside others at work. But it will cost you, and that is the hard part. You will need to take time.
Be guided by the Holy Spirit
7) Disciples let the Holy Spirit guide them.
Have you noticed the words over and over. In this text, "being interpreted" is a good point to bring out. How to read the Bible. Some think that the more verses read, the better. This is not always the case. If you run to get to the end, you may miss the message. I suggest this idea:
As you read the Bible in your quiet time with God and as God works in your heart and speaks to you STOP. You may have read the passage 100 times before but this time something you have never seen pops out of the pages and hits you like you have been awakened to a new truth. This is Holy Spirit working in your heart. Do not miss this moment. Take your time and read that passage again. Stop and pray, keep your eyes closed after you pray and think about the truth. Bask in the blessing or in the rebuke God has given you. Spend time and allow God to work deeper with you on this truth. Pray again if you need to. Spend time with God and learn of Him and by Him.
My point is this, if you read through the Bible just to say you have read the Bible, it does very little. Be still and know that He is God. Read and let Him work in your life. Look for and expect a message from God each time you read.
Be Bold for Christ
8) Disciples become Bold.
42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
We are told in the text the meaning of Cephas. Kephas (kay-fas') is an Aramaic name corresponding to the Greek "Petros," as it says in the text, it means rock. What is also interesting is the word Simon, who was a fishermen, and it's meaning. It means Jellyfish.
From the moment Christ saw Simon Peter, he know he would be a Petros. A weak jellyfish made into a rock. God took a mere fisherman and made him into a great leader. Once Peter denied even knowing the Lord as he shook in fear, as a jellyfish. Then God changed him and Peter had great boldness to stand and proclaim the truth of the gospel.
And this is how you become that disciple.
November 30th Service
We had 7 people in our Thanksgiving service on Sunday. We had one visitor from the community, Ashley our daughter was in from South Carolina and she blessed our small congregation with the hymn "Come Thou Fount", she was accompanied by her sister, Reagan. We are still in John 1. Jim's message was very good, and I'll post it later. We were very blessed to have had sweet fellowship with the others. Please pray that we will know what the Lord has for our struggling church.
November 23 Service
Praise God, we had 7 in attendance at our service today. 3 of our core families have not been attending the past few weeks. It saddens our hearts that there is just no committment from them. They are currently attending another fellowship. Please pray for direction for our very small congregation. God will surely bless in ways we have no way of knowing.
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