August 31st, 2010 by DavidC

Evangelism…seeking to bring those outside of the faith to a point that they put their sole faith and trust for eternity in Jesus Christ resulting in conversion.

Evangelism is a biblical mandate and was a key component of the early church and it is a key component of churches today that exhibit any life at all.  What has changed, however, is the methodology of how people participate in evangelism.  Cultures around the world vary, so the methods around the world will also vary.  The times that we live in are also continually changing at a rapid rate, so the methods also need to change with the times in order to be relevant in carrying out the task.

However, I jut read about a new method that I am not sure is very sound.  The Washington Post carried a story this last Sunday entitled “Gadhafi gives lesson on Islam to young Italians”.  This evil leader from Libya was in Rome for a 2-day visit, and while he was there he held a session about Islam.  He gave everyone in attendance a copy of the Quran.  There were over 200 WOMEN at this meeting where he promoted the religion of Islam.  He had a most interesting method of recruiting the women to come to the seminar – he paid them to come!  Each one in attendance was given an “undisclosed sum of money to attend”. 

SO…a new method is to pay people to listen to you share the gospel…WRONG!  Paul said the gospel (the gospel story of Jesus) is the POWER of God, bringing salvation.  How sad, however, to see that people are actually this gullible…or maybe it even represents the emptiness that many people are feeling spiritually…and some are not necessarily gullible, they are just that desperate for something or someone to meet their spiritual void.  It affirms again that the need around us is great.

August 31st, 2010 by Admin

Biggest Loser #4 – Romans 3:19-26 – Sermon Podcast

Biggest Loser #4 – Romans 3:19-26 – Sermon Podcast from 8/29/2010 – Download Here

August 25th, 2010 by DavidC

On August 22, 2010 the New York Times carried an article entitled “What is it About 20-somethings?”   The author, Robin Marantz describes a big change taking place in those who enter “young adulthood”.  She shares how people in “their 20′s” are not reaching maturity and real adulthood until much later than young singles in the past.  She tells how these new characteristics of young single adults will bring various ramifications.   If you want to read the article itself, click this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22Adulthood-t.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=what%20is%20it%20about%2020-somethings&st=cse  She writes about how this group of young single adults are becoming increasingly irresponsible, taking longer to grow up and mature, and that they depend upon their parents far more than generations of the past. 

Before I ever read this article, I was troubled by some of my own observations, but I was essentially burying them, thinking that “I am getting older and I don’t want to become a judgmental, crotchety old man…so accept it as a sign of the times!”  THEN…I became aware of this article published in this leading newspaper by a secular writer!  NOW…I feel I have more reason to be legitimately concerned!

I have observed many (certainly not all…thank God for the great single young adults who are striving towards goals and Christian maturity!) are taking their spiritual walk much less seriously, fail in following through on commitments they make (secular or spiritual), do not want REAL responsibility in relationships (thus the huge increase in those who choose to just live together).  They also feel that it is their “right” to take life easy – “take advantage of this time” and change jobs frequently (when suddenly they realize they have to really “work”), travel, party and depend upon parents for meeting their needs (money, laundry, food…to name a few).  They question many core values and beliefs, even though they have been shown biblical foundations for such values and beliefs. 

MY CONCERN…it impacts the church as well.  Their expectations are the same at church.  Once out of high school…they don’t want to move on and enter the next corridor of life.  They want a ministry in church that makes them very comfortable.  They often accept responsibility…but often de-fault in various ways without flinching!  They have grown up being entertained by the media and have similar expectations when it comes to spiritual issues and the church. 

I am still re-reading this article (it took 18 pages for the content to be printed!) and trying to come to some conclusions.  I need to prayerfully consider how we as a church can minister effectively to this group in helping them “step up to the plate”, without ignoring the importance of understanding their culture and therefore our need to be culturally relevant.

As I come to more conclusions, I will continue to share my thoughts with you.

August 23rd, 2010 by Admin

Take Care of the Sheep – Sermon Podcast

Take Care of the Sheep – Sermon Podcast from 8/21/2010 – Download Here

August 23rd, 2010 by Admin

Tony Beckett from ABWE – Sermon Podcast

Tony Beckett from ABWE – Sermon Podcast from 8/15/2010 – Download Here

August 15th, 2010 by Admin

Biggest Loser #3 – Sermon Podcast

Biggest Loser #3 – Sermon Podcast from 8/8/2010 – Download Here

August 3rd, 2010 by Admin

Click the iPod above if you are interested in subscribing to Pastor Dave’s Weekly Sermon Podcast via iTunes. Once you subscribe to his Sermon Podcast in iTunes, they will automatically download to your computer’s iTunes whenever you are online. Then, when you sync up your iPod, you will be good to go with the latest Sermon Podcast from Pastor Dave!

August 3rd, 2010 by Admin

Biggest Loser #2 – Genesis 4:4-8 & 1 Timothy 6:6-8 – Sermon Podcast

Biggest Loser #2 – Genesis 4:4-8 & 1 Timothy 6:6-8 – Sermon Podcast from 8/1/2010 – Download Here

August 1st, 2010 by DavidC

We understand that the church is not a building.  Instead, it is the group of believers who fellowship together, serve together, hold each other accountable, encourage each other, and meet together in that building (and other places as well!) for teaching, prayer, fellowship with one another, and worship. 

BUT…we do meet in a building on property.  It is an important aspect of the “church”.  I am extremely grateful today for people who care about not just the people (so important), but also the buildings and the grounds.  Last night I thought about people who have given time and money and energy to specific aspects of our “building and property”.  In just that last two weeks, I have noticed so much that people are doing. 

I am excited as I look back on the building committee meeting this last week and the vote of our congregation last week to move ahead with our property renovations.  This has been talked about for so long…NOW, it will become action! 

In addition, I am amazed as I look at:

• Yard work in detail being done, consuming hours of time and work (much in very hot weather!)
• Rooms being cleaned out that have contained a lot of “stuff” that is not really of value anymore (dumpsters are overflowing!)
• Space being shifted around so we have better use of our space and can work together more efficiently
• The completion of our Resource Room off of the lobby – a great place for small meetings, times of prayer, individual counseling and discipleship.
• The mission’s house getting some excellent maintenance and improvements – needed for a long time. 
• Because of these things, better use of space by staff, children’s ministry, music & worship (including sound) ministry.

I am very thankful today for many who have put in sacrificial hours to make all of this possible.

July 25th, 2010 by Admin

Biggest Loser #1 – Hebrews 10:19-25 – Sermon Podcast

Biggest Loser #1 – Hebrews 10:19-25 – Sermon Podcast from 7/25/2010 – Download Here