That's right! Hold on because here we go! We invite you to come to the campus of Grace Community Church. When you do, COMING SOON, you will find some changes. Changes such as different times and types of services affording families options and worshippers a vibrant and exciting atmosphere in which to both fellowship with others and commune with God. Changes such as expansion of Sunday and Wednesday evening programs (such as adult fellowships, more youth programs, church meals, more SingFest, Christian films, and much much more).
To say the least, we are excited and encourage YOU to come over and get a feel of the reality of knowing the Lord.
"Hold On! Here We Go!" Yeah!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
"The Greatest Privilege"
The United States of America is still the greatest nation on the face of the earth. It is great for many reasons - founded by great leaders and built by great people - a foundation of Biblical concepts and defended by fearless soldiers - and, with the greatest heart for the sanctity of life for all. Even though we've experienced heartbreaking challenges to our history the USA is still the absolute leader in decency and integrity and the envy of the rest of the world.
Truly one of the great privileges we have is our direct voice in the leadership that is selected. Believe me, other nations may boast of open elections but no where does a single vote truly matter as much as it does in our great system of government. You matter.
Now as a pastor I have never made it a practice of endorsing any candidate or party. I must remember that I will still be pastor of all our congregation on November 5th. There will be a new president and vice president, congressmen and senators, but I'm still here. What I do, however, is challenge people to vote (participate) and to follow the same biblical principles in making their choices as our founding fathers did. Search out the candidates who follow the Word of God. It doesn't mean that he or she goes to the same kind of church that you do but hold to principles that are consistent with the Bible.
This year, there certainly are wide views on subjects that affect each of our lives. Thus, I encourage you, spend time researching the issues as they compare to the Word of God and make your choice accordingly.
There is one attitude that deeply concerns me as well. The attitude that says, "well, I don't care for either person so I not going to vote." No, a thousand times over! A vote not cast is a vote cast in the other direction. And, besides, this is too precious of a privilege we are afforded to take so flippantly. Go to the polls on November 4. You may vote in the opposite direction of how I may vote but after it is over, we are still Americans and citizens of the greatest county on earth.
God Bless America!
Truly one of the great privileges we have is our direct voice in the leadership that is selected. Believe me, other nations may boast of open elections but no where does a single vote truly matter as much as it does in our great system of government. You matter.
Now as a pastor I have never made it a practice of endorsing any candidate or party. I must remember that I will still be pastor of all our congregation on November 5th. There will be a new president and vice president, congressmen and senators, but I'm still here. What I do, however, is challenge people to vote (participate) and to follow the same biblical principles in making their choices as our founding fathers did. Search out the candidates who follow the Word of God. It doesn't mean that he or she goes to the same kind of church that you do but hold to principles that are consistent with the Bible.
This year, there certainly are wide views on subjects that affect each of our lives. Thus, I encourage you, spend time researching the issues as they compare to the Word of God and make your choice accordingly.
There is one attitude that deeply concerns me as well. The attitude that says, "well, I don't care for either person so I not going to vote." No, a thousand times over! A vote not cast is a vote cast in the other direction. And, besides, this is too precious of a privilege we are afforded to take so flippantly. Go to the polls on November 4. You may vote in the opposite direction of how I may vote but after it is over, we are still Americans and citizens of the greatest county on earth.
God Bless America!
Monday, October 20, 2008
"Freedom or One World Government"
Revelation 13:7; "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." This awesome verse speaks of a coming time when all nations will be ruled by an evil world dictator called "the beast" (Rev. 13:4). Since his power will be cver "all nations", and "all tongues," it seems that even all English-speaking nations will be included.
This is not what we envision for the USA is it? Our own president said, "we seek freedom for all nations from totalitarian despotism." We would like to believe that but what about the scriptures? Could they be wrong? All the politicians decry "world peace, world peace." And, yet, the Bible warns of the coming anti-God world government when all nations will be duped by the anti-Christ.
Take heart and praise our Lord, for the Bible tells us that "the Lamb shall overcome; for He is Lord of lords and King of kings."
In the meantime, that same Lamb of God has already paid the price to free us from sin and judgment. We already have freedom - the kind that will last on into eternity. WE WIN!
This is not what we envision for the USA is it? Our own president said, "we seek freedom for all nations from totalitarian despotism." We would like to believe that but what about the scriptures? Could they be wrong? All the politicians decry "world peace, world peace." And, yet, the Bible warns of the coming anti-God world government when all nations will be duped by the anti-Christ.
Take heart and praise our Lord, for the Bible tells us that "the Lamb shall overcome; for He is Lord of lords and King of kings."
In the meantime, that same Lamb of God has already paid the price to free us from sin and judgment. We already have freedom - the kind that will last on into eternity. WE WIN!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Just Like Gold
I. Peter 1:7 "....the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold ...though it be tired with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."
These words of Peter are certainly applicable today, but they have always been true. Godly character and testimony are of prime importance to God. Job recognized it in the midst of his heavy trials. He said (Job 23:10) . . ."He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold".
Just as most people do, whether Chrsitian or not, Job appealed to heaven for relief from his troubles. Job felt he was suffering unjustly and wanted to state his case before God, but more importantly, Job desired to know God's will first. He knew God well enough to know that God had a purpose in his suffering, and Job asked for knowledge of that purpose. Job knew God's goodness; that He would not punish him for his questions, and felt that greater understanding would give him strength to continue. But without God revealing the answers, Job knew he was unable to understand or even find God.
God mercifully and lovingly allows trials to discipline, guide, and develop us. And, such trials will, in the end, work to our advantage as impurities are removed, leaving behind only that which is lasting and precious.
The goal of our lives should be to bring "praise and honor and glory" unto our Lord, and if tribulation can best accomplish these goals, so be it! David said, "before I afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." (Psalm 119:67) God knows what is best for us. He knows what He is doing, and we can rest in Him. After all, the end results will make you "just like gold".
These words of Peter are certainly applicable today, but they have always been true. Godly character and testimony are of prime importance to God. Job recognized it in the midst of his heavy trials. He said (Job 23:10) . . ."He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold".
Just as most people do, whether Chrsitian or not, Job appealed to heaven for relief from his troubles. Job felt he was suffering unjustly and wanted to state his case before God, but more importantly, Job desired to know God's will first. He knew God well enough to know that God had a purpose in his suffering, and Job asked for knowledge of that purpose. Job knew God's goodness; that He would not punish him for his questions, and felt that greater understanding would give him strength to continue. But without God revealing the answers, Job knew he was unable to understand or even find God.
God mercifully and lovingly allows trials to discipline, guide, and develop us. And, such trials will, in the end, work to our advantage as impurities are removed, leaving behind only that which is lasting and precious.
The goal of our lives should be to bring "praise and honor and glory" unto our Lord, and if tribulation can best accomplish these goals, so be it! David said, "before I afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." (Psalm 119:67) God knows what is best for us. He knows what He is doing, and we can rest in Him. After all, the end results will make you "just like gold".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
