tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72156005449005955472024-03-13T00:19:21.855-07:00a Sip from the Wella Weekly Thought by Pastor TedPastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-36604476885502843372017-09-18T09:01:00.004-07:002017-09-18T09:01:31.239-07:00Be Rather than Do"<strong><em>Esse quam videri</em></strong>"... To be rather than to seem. To actually live out what you profess rather than just trying to act the part. That is the state motto of North Carolina. Being from North Carolina has always been a source of pride for me. You can see the motto on the state seal. I was shaped by the people and culture of that state and felt like I was given a foundation for adulthood and life. The state motto summarizes a great philosophy of life. It may not be as catchy as some other state mottos, like "I Lead", "Manly deeds, womanly words", "We dare defend our rights", "The people rule" or "Ever upward", but it encapsulates an idea sorely lacking today.<br />
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When I look at the church, our challenge is to BE the church rather than DO church. Today, it's not easy being the church. So many who claim to be followers of Christ spend lots of time broadcasting the faults of the church. Their time is often spent critiquing the church rather than being the church. They don't participate in the church and have a multitude of reasons why they are not being the church. They can tell you things that happened years ago and sound so very intellectual in why the church is no longer a place for them. It seems the church just doesn't measure up to their high standard that their Jesus has set. Yet these same people have never planted a church that would show us what this standard looks like. Many in our culture also like to evaluate a church by her ability to entertain. If the church doesn't thrill their senses, then they move on until they find one that can give them what they are looking for. Others have been going to the same church for years and years and are opposed to the church ever changing. When you walk into the church, you feel as if you are in a different world, and not an inviting one. So it's not easy being the church because the church is constantly critiqued by those who aren't saved and those who claim to be saved.<br />
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The problem boils down to this: We are trying to DO church rather than BE the church. When we do church, program and activities become the driving power. When we are the church, ministering to others is more important than the size and scope of a ministry. When we do church, we become stagnant and structured. When we are the church, we are flexible and are led to do the unexpected. When we do church, the sermon and the worship service is most important. So the sermons, pastor, music and flow of the service become focal points. When we are the church, the Holy Spirit leading us to support, encourage, pray for and minister to each other is more important. When we do church,, survival of the church becomes paramount. When we are the church, reaching the lost world becomes paramount. When we do church, our own priorities become more important. When we are the church, the priorities of Jesus overwhelm our own needs and desires. The church need to be rather than to seem.<br />
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A great example of that was this past Sunday at the El Sobrante Stroll. With 10,000 people at an event half a mile from our church, we had the opportunity to be the church rather than do church. Many of you did the unthinkable - You skipped church so you could minister at our booth. Hillcrest did an unchurch thing by having a booth open while our worship service was taking place. Many of you wore your Hillcrest T-shirts to church because you were going to minister at the Stroll once church was over. You donated your time and candy to connect with our community. Being the church means we go out into the community with the love of Christ. We don't go because we will have tangible results. We go because we are called to be the church. Jesus told us in Matthew 28 that being the church meant going out into the world to make disciples. Rather than expecting the world to come to us, we engaged the world on their terms. How exciting was it to have our booth set up just a few booths away from Satan's Sons and Hells Angels? Rather than being afraid of the culture, we embraced the opportunity to be light in darkness. The smiles on the faces of the people who played our games, received New Testaments or tracts was a reminder that being the church is more important than doing church.<br />
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So this week, as you are out in your world - Be the church. Live Jesus and preach Jesus. Take a moment to listen to those around you, to encourage them and give them hope. Invite them to church. Invite them to Jesus. Go out and actually be the church. Be rather than seem!<br />
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<br />Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-66282231605688363782017-05-15T08:13:00.001-07:002017-05-15T08:13:57.479-07:00Message to a Younger Me<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday was Mother's Day, a day to celebrate the impact our mothers have had on our lives. The sermon I preached was about Samson's Mom (A woman whose name is not even recorded in the Bible but who gave her son all he needed to succeed). The focus of that sermon was to learn the lessons God is trying to teach us through out mothers. Even in Sunday School, we had a mother tell our class that when we please our mothers we are also pleasing God. No Mom is perfect, but in trying to honor them in how we live, we honor God with our lives. There is a lot of truth in that, but it isn't always easy to obey our mothers. When we reach those teenage years, we want to spread our wings and make our own way in life. Moms are gifted by God to see the possible mistakes and bad choices, so they let us know these things. It can feel like Mom is trying to keep us from growing up or even nagging us. That is never an easy place to be.</div>
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As I finished the preparation for that sermon, I thought back to the struggles I had in listening to my Mom. If you were to ask her, she would tell you that she talked more to the back on my head than my face because I was always heading out the door. She would be right. Looking back now, I should have stopped and listened to the wise counsel of my Mom, but I thought I had heard it all from her. I would tell my younger self to not be in such a hurry to get away from home and to pay more attention to the counsel God was giving me through my Mom. I would tell my younger self to remember the love, care and passion Mom had put into raising me. I would tell my self of all the sacrifices I now see that she made and tell my younger self to show more appreciation and gratitude. Had my younger self done a better job with listening, my life would have been more productive and filled with less unnecessary drama.</div>
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This reminded me of an article I read written by David Robinson, NBA Hall of Famer. The article was focused on what he would have said to his younger self. Here is the link to that article. I would suggest you read it before you go any farther:</div>
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<a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/letter-to-my-younger-self-david-robinson/">https://www.theplayerstribune.com/letter-to-my-younger-self-david-robinson/</a></div>
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Now, what would you say to your younger self? What changes would you have made in your younger days so that you would have been more productive and successful. Unfortunately, that information won't help us, but we can learn from the past and let God change our future. Paul gives us directions for this in Philippians 2:13-14: "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." As followers of Christ, today is always a new day. We need to move beyond the accolades of the past, the failures of last week and the sin that keeps us beaten down. We can't change the past, but God has a better future in store for us. So heed the wisdom from God's Word and let God help you be the man or woman He desires you to be. Then your future self won't have to write a letter to your today self!</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-64195079465352616682017-04-24T10:01:00.002-07:002017-04-24T10:01:29.267-07:00One More TimeDwight L. Moody as known as one of America's greatest evangelists, but he didn't start out that way. His father died when he was four years old in 1841. his mother was left as the sole supporter of nine children. So at a young age, he was sent off to work for room and board. In the mid 1800's this was quite common, so when he turned 17, he moved to Boston to work with his uncle selling shoes. He began to attend church and was led to Christ by his Sunday School teacher. He then moved to Chicago to start a church in the slums, but that church burned during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Most in his congregation lost everything and he was only able to get away from the flames carrying his Bible and his reputation. This was a turning point for him as he realized he should be preaching on a wider scope, so he moved back to Massachusetts and began a career as an evangelist. He preached throughout Europe and America, preaching to more than 100 million people in his lifetime. What if Moody had given up as child because of the intense poverty? What is he continued to chase his dreams of amassing a fortune selling shoes? What is he had given up on ministry after the fire? Fortunately for many in eternity, he was willing to follow Christ one more time.<br />
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Life will always place obstacles in our path. Even as followers of Jesus, we will have obstacles. We should be prepared to even face more obstacles because we have chosen the path of most resistance. We will face the unseen pressure from the spiritual world because the enemy wants to keep us silent. If he can keep us discouraged, he can keep us silent. If he can keep us busy with earthly activity, he can keep us quiet. If he can keep us upset or frustrated, he can keep us quiet. If he can keep us disconnected from our church family, he can keep us quiet. Though the enemy wants those obstacles to distract us, God wants to utilize those obstacles to build our faith. He wants us to trust Him in the midst of chaos and confusion. <br />
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In Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible reminds us to "trust in the Lord with all our heart and do not lean on our own understanding. In all our ways, acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight". Notice, He doesn't promised to make our path smooth, easy or down hill. He promises to make it straight. A straight path allows us to see the hazards of that path, it doesn't remove those obstacles. God will not only let us see those obstacles, He will give us the strength to endure and overcome them. Jesus even promises to be with us until the end of the ages. So we will have company on our journey, not matter how difficult the journey.<br />
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God also provides us with a support team, much like getting tech support for our computers. This support is known as the Church. He established the church as His body in which He is the boss and in which He will move. The strength to go "one more time" is found in the support of our church family. We share our struggles in Sunday School and are surrounded by friends who love us and want us to be successful. We share a prayer request via e-mail and get the unseen support of the power of prayer. We can actually have a human set of eyes and ears to listen to our struggle as we share with a brother or sister in Christ. Sometimes, we just need an embrace without words to strengthen us to get up just "one more time". So make sure you are involved in the body of Christ consistently so you can give and receive support.<br />
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If Moody can continue after losing everything in a fire, we can continue. All God wants us to do is to try one more time! Just for one more day, get up and go at it again. Keep loving that spouse that is distant or angry. Keep caring for that child who is stubborn or bitter. Keep studying Algebra, even though it doesn't always make sense right now. Keep working hard at that job that seems like a drain and a waste of time. You can do it, with God's help. Just one more time!Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-36045693213765676302017-03-27T08:32:00.004-07:002017-03-27T08:32:54.358-07:00Consistency and Calm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Only the hardcore baseball fans will be familiar with the name "Steve Dalkowski" because he never made it to the major leagues, even though he threw the baseball faster than any other human. He pitched in the minor leagues from 1957 until 1966 before the advent of radar guns to measure pitch velocity. However, best estimates are that he could throw at least 110 miles per hour, maybe even as fast as 125. As a measure, only 11 players in the major leagues last year could throw the ball 100 MPHs +. The fastest pitcher in 2016, was Aroldis Chapman who amazingly threw the ball 105 MPHs. Chapman can't even come close to throwing with the same velocity as "White Lightning", Steve Dalkowski, but Chapman is an All-star making millions of dollars. Why did Dalkowski never make it to the big leagues? There is a one word answer: Control. He was also one of the wildest pitchers ever with pitches so erratic they could end up in the stands. Over his minor league career, he average 13 strike out per nine innings, but he also averaged 13 walks per nine innings. Today, a pitcher is considered wild if he averages 4 walks per nine innings. Dalkowski had a game in which he struck out 20 batters, but he also walked 18 batters. Without control, all the speed in the world won't matter. A pitcher must consistently find the strike zone or he will not be successful. So after nine years in the minor leagues, his baseball career was over due to this lack of consistency.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUQXdqBapMJYiTbV-EiAcn9I21bp2a1NU-26OrBqS45gnk7qhgOMk8POhlS81LJukjcDJnmGmZz2_rKtva-g_Hd6IAOPUEPfuiLMx9TSJfKu2ebpQBxBjpItaOEOoBohuNuOLG6KAM9I/s1600/Dalkowski.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUQXdqBapMJYiTbV-EiAcn9I21bp2a1NU-26OrBqS45gnk7qhgOMk8POhlS81LJukjcDJnmGmZz2_rKtva-g_Hd6IAOPUEPfuiLMx9TSJfKu2ebpQBxBjpItaOEOoBohuNuOLG6KAM9I/s1600/Dalkowski.png" /></a></div>
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In all of life, consistency is a key to success. Our culture value lots of flash, but flash never lasts. I remember a singing group back in 1979 called "The Knack". They recorded the song "My Sharona" which was the number one song of that year. Critics were saying they would be more popular than the Beatles had ever been and were preparing us for the fan-mania which would go along with this musical group. Alas, it was never to be. The groups second album made a reasonable number of sales, but the third album was a bust. Most of you born after 1980 have never heard of this group because they never had lasting fame. We see musicians and actors like this come and go. We see fads that are all the rage, then fade away quickly. We call it having your 15 minutes of fame. The Internet and YouTube have made it easy for someone to rise in popularity and fall just as quickly. What is trending today will be history tomorrow. Consistency is difficult to maintain in today's every-changing market.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wzL9Hw1fFqz0_rXMZUtVRErNQ90O8U-bnwTR46SPQccIyFnfPvK5AFO4ttu4tA0v1GvmdIDVdkT2KSwmZf1W4TJ039b07eE4obaWSlD-HeTIcSyM8YlFV6UmUDgoGisHrRqUwCrQffc/s1600/get-the-knack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wzL9Hw1fFqz0_rXMZUtVRErNQ90O8U-bnwTR46SPQccIyFnfPvK5AFO4ttu4tA0v1GvmdIDVdkT2KSwmZf1W4TJ039b07eE4obaWSlD-HeTIcSyM8YlFV6UmUDgoGisHrRqUwCrQffc/s320/get-the-knack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a pastor for over 25 years, I have seen it in the church. I have seen church growth fads that are encouraged as the answer to what ails your church. Your church needs to be seeker-sensitive. No, your church needs to be purpose driven. No, your church needs to be a Simple Church. Every week, I get phone calls from Christian telemarketers telling me about the latest training series which is endorsed by this famous Christian and will instantly transform our congregation into more devoted followers of Jesus and will increase attendance dramatically. At every conference, there is a speaker who can tell us how to grow a church into a large church if we just follow a certain program. Churches become divided because they aren't sure which direction they should take.<br />
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I have also seen it with church members. They first come to Christ and they are on fire. They have magnificent growth and then they flame out. They fall back into the same life from which Jesus rescued them. They realize that being consistent isn't always a pleasure and takes energy and discipline. Or someone goes through a traumatic event and they recommit themselves to Christ. They tell everyone they are coming back and want to find a place to serve. But once the pressure is off, they go back to the same old ways. If everyone came to church who told me at a funeral that they were coming to church, Hillcrest would have three services every Sunday morning. Consistency is difficult to maintain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfGY-GuaZnRb58zPD5MyLrFXZzAU4rHacYWtobUVUISzRqtv-IGZcNFzKLgBpPen58yPY8DJ3mluzxkPPi-k19jtQwulwjPYskSk5rbFz_vYWdH1Q13cALmxCw8-cEZ6aqCt6fcjUhoQ/s1600/funeral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfGY-GuaZnRb58zPD5MyLrFXZzAU4rHacYWtobUVUISzRqtv-IGZcNFzKLgBpPen58yPY8DJ3mluzxkPPi-k19jtQwulwjPYskSk5rbFz_vYWdH1Q13cALmxCw8-cEZ6aqCt6fcjUhoQ/s320/funeral.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two keys to consistency are found in the Bible which will help us be more consistent. The first is found in 1 Corinthians 1:7-9, which says, "Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28371A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28371A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28371B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28371B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> <span class="text 1Cor-1-8" id="en-NIV-28372"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28372C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28372C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28372D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28372D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Cor-1-9" id="en-NIV-28373"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>God is faithful,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28373E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28373E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> who has called you<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28373F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28373F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." Jesus makes a promise to us that He will keep us firm till the end. We simply need to walk with Him every day. We can't let our focus drift to all of these other distractions. Moment by moment, we trust Jesus in each detail of life. We pray over those details and put our future in His hands. </span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-1-9"><img alt="Image result for walk with Jesus" class="mainImage accessible nofocus" data-bm="71" height="500" src="https://www.joyfultimestoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/walk-with-Jesus-Joyfultimestoday.jpg" title="View source image" width="324" /></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-1-9">A second key is discipline. I Timothy 4:7 tells us "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; father train yourself to be godly." The decision to be disciplined in our lives is our decision. The Holy Spirit will give us self-discipline, but we must take the first steps. There will always be an excuse...to miss church...to not pray...to neglect daily study of God's Word...to not pray...to fall back into old patterns. So we have to make the decision to start and complete our journey of life with Jesus. no one else can force us to be disciplined. No one can beg or cajole us into being disciplined. God certainly won't force us, but He will give us the strength. We have to evaluate where we are headed and where we would rather be. Then we must make the choices that will allow this to happen.</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-1-9">Consistency is a key to keeping calm no matter what comes our way. What is your stumbling block to consistency? Go after that stumbling block in the days, weeks and months ahead. You will look back with a grateful heart and mind if you do!</span>Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-42564406384982483592017-03-20T10:52:00.001-07:002017-03-20T10:52:36.099-07:00Are Your Recognized?Below are a few famous logos. Do you know the company just by looking at the logo?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoWxU4Z7hqOHzzW0uoHFOVTaLErCVu3OwdtTTgA96J1YjKDZ3azyCKBRFYHVG7abU64D8kKomjJc1De2QI52lhQuKwAExbN8cYfAJqFIzLvhsT-ge9qU2Rg07_PU8WBJQ2SQWkshIEzA/s1600/Mcdonalds+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoWxU4Z7hqOHzzW0uoHFOVTaLErCVu3OwdtTTgA96J1YjKDZ3azyCKBRFYHVG7abU64D8kKomjJc1De2QI52lhQuKwAExbN8cYfAJqFIzLvhsT-ge9qU2Rg07_PU8WBJQ2SQWkshIEzA/s400/Mcdonalds+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCskm9Fbt4M7eLcaiv217LfJOTNNgvdJCR9nd_K1YLiw_EZn3FZpphZuB1X3-osqNOtBHhXdzqBcHYWWs7yAEGw0blNN_t9dToNuMJICUN5cfHWIwZ3-HGCjuTm6TdR3x57dd6S2cbra0/s1600/Toyota+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCskm9Fbt4M7eLcaiv217LfJOTNNgvdJCR9nd_K1YLiw_EZn3FZpphZuB1X3-osqNOtBHhXdzqBcHYWWs7yAEGw0blNN_t9dToNuMJICUN5cfHWIwZ3-HGCjuTm6TdR3x57dd6S2cbra0/s320/Toyota+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J4hbecAZV2oWH79Nmi5CwaRfR6bgd3YFBLDlcFw_U5AKbf5BaMvJfvBog51zJ8BczAl2NYYt9Jqzf7OoLoB0UyR39TmA2yfbTEXlV34OgIOpknEYHmVCZJErURq1aWRLwRISARnBaNo/s1600/Apple+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J4hbecAZV2oWH79Nmi5CwaRfR6bgd3YFBLDlcFw_U5AKbf5BaMvJfvBog51zJ8BczAl2NYYt9Jqzf7OoLoB0UyR39TmA2yfbTEXlV34OgIOpknEYHmVCZJErURq1aWRLwRISARnBaNo/s400/Apple+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnbZZ0UcT-EokFwQXdlMvHzwRtRnTkF5QnhBa1b9-1Wj9e4stgap0KogbwJMpCN9x2SOps6LXtT9WD2XWLUsph_V3SfdHmGQo-lGRzWuP46VSMtF71t_LtfAmx3U2lw3JF8U-14bVIps/s1600/Zambia+airlines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnbZZ0UcT-EokFwQXdlMvHzwRtRnTkF5QnhBa1b9-1Wj9e4stgap0KogbwJMpCN9x2SOps6LXtT9WD2XWLUsph_V3SfdHmGQo-lGRzWuP46VSMtF71t_LtfAmx3U2lw3JF8U-14bVIps/s400/Zambia+airlines.jpg" width="399" /></a></div>
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The answer to our quiz on logos is this:</div>
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Top logo - McDonald's</div>
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Next - Toyota</div>
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Next - Apple</div>
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Last - Zambia Airlines</div>
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You probably had very little trouble with the top logo because McDonald's restaurants are all over America and the world. They also have commercials and advertisements. McDonald's has done a fantastic job in branding themselves so people know the brand. Most of you probably were able to guess the Toyota logo and Apple logo, although Apple has done better in branding their name (Like in the iPad, the iPod, the iMac or the iPhone). Very few of you were able to guess Zambia Airlines unless you have actually flown on that airline. It's just not a famous brand and Americans would not be as familiar with Zambia Air as with United or American Airlines. For a company to survive, the more well-known their brand is, the better their sales should be. </div>
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For the past thirty years, I have had the same vehicle. Many of you have ridden in it. Those of you in Hawaii may have ridden it, maybe even when it was brand new. It now has almost 290,000 miles on it and tons more memory. Even though I live in the crowded Bay Area, there aren't many of these classics on the road, so people know me by my truck. When I lived in the small town of Kamuela on the Big Island, I was known by the truck I drove. My goal is to continue to drive this truck until I can no longer get parts to fix it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDZW67Xx5DJF70B5HtiwB6g_c_AcYmifSDjE2BtPAaR9efKfV8BsOqgGxA1U7AYTTJmmsQj-9IGk7Adm8uyLh4w9p4unlkw8QbAp6urtUQWW94GTwFBDCxhv81302azd74LHxgfNUnkk/s1600/IMG_9999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDZW67Xx5DJF70B5HtiwB6g_c_AcYmifSDjE2BtPAaR9efKfV8BsOqgGxA1U7AYTTJmmsQj-9IGk7Adm8uyLh4w9p4unlkw8QbAp6urtUQWW94GTwFBDCxhv81302azd74LHxgfNUnkk/s640/IMG_9999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Having said all that, how does our told recognize followers of Jesus? I guess we could all get the same tattoos or wear clothes with Christian symbols or verses on them. We could all wear crosses around our necks, but that is common among so many in our culture. When I see someone wearing a turban, I know they belong to the Sikh religion. When I see a woman in a burkha or a head scarf, I know she is a Muslim. But there really isn't any specific clothing that allows people to recognize us as Christians. We certainly pray that the way we live our lives helps people know we are followers of Christ, but even moral people may have stronger values than we have. </div>
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Today, the United States has become a pagan country, one in which Christians have very limited influence and power. The more secular our country becomes, the more marginalized followers of Christ become. Yet, the greater opportunity we will have to be a light to the world. The greatest way to be recognized as a Christian today is to faithfully participate in church. I know that sounds archaic and 1950's ish, but it really is true. Sunday has been overtaken by our secular world. Kids play sports on Sunday mornings, families have gatherings, kids are expected to do their homework then and staying up late on Saturday night will all cut into the sacredness of Sundays. The greatest testimony in our world is to let nothing come between us and our participation in church. When we tell sports teams or family members we will be at church instead of with them, get ready to some stunned looks. There are so few followers of Christ who have made church a top priority that you may get looks that are akin to seeing a unicorn. What kind of look will you get when you tell them that you also go to Sunday evening ministries? In this way, we are recognizing that our Lord is more important than overtime, travel teams, family gatherings and late nights.</div>
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I know, someone is going to bring up the "hypocrite card" because it is true, you can come to church every Sunday and still live like the world. however, I believe if you are reading this post, you are wise enough to not fall into that trap. </div>
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The book of Hebrews 10 puts it this way: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30157AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30157AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> we profess,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30157AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30157AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> for he who promised is faithful.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30157AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30157AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> <span class="text Heb-10-24" id="en-NIV-30158"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30158AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30158AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Heb-10-25" id="en-NIV-30159"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>not giving up meeting together,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30159AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30159AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30159AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30159AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>—and all the more as you see the Day approaching".</span></div>
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<span class="text Heb-10-25">Be committed to your Savior by being committed to your church. Be recognized as someone who values the body of Christ more than a short-lived rush. Get involved in your church, serving and loving. Once you make Sundays a sacred day, you will never want to compromise again. This type of faithfulness can help keep us from becoming secular Christians and develop into faithful followers of Jesus. See you on Sunday, if not before!</span></div>
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<br />Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-34882074981325316962017-03-02T12:45:00.000-08:002017-03-02T12:45:19.178-08:00Yes, you are an expert!Last week, our church had to have several trees removed which were dead and posing a threat to our building and folks who came to church. We contacted Hercules Tree Service to come and remove the trees. The owner, Rich Cabrera, had his son play on my soccer team, so I had confidence in his expertise. However, I was a little worried when they showed up without a crane. One of the trees split at the base into two trees, with one side growing above our playground. We have a fence around the playground and we have the play structures under the tree. I asked him if he has going to need his crane and he confidently told me to not worry that he had things under control. So they got busy cutting the tree. Rich climber to the top of the tree, secured his lines and began to remove limbs on the easy portion of the tree. So I went to my office and came back when it was time for his to cut the branches over the play structure. I watched as he carried up some straps with him into the tree. He fastened a rope around the tree, then attached one strap to each branch he was going to cut. The other end of the strap he attached to the rope. Then he cut the limbs, one at a time. Each limb would simply slide down the rope into the parking lot, away from the play structure. He knew his job and he did it in such a smooth and precise manner. I was definitely impressed and recommend them if you live in the area and need tree work done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWrunMZMf2Do9S1_kkid5XVNQlm7AYaeXROLI0cy2bpPkIbJn00woLf43SQJTTwKYt06O2F8IUE-ll7HwQk0PAdotJQXWWC418GvshzguRzvhkt5nQzPTo0j5ccz-8rm28_Fkm-YKH8c/s1600/IMG_9846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWrunMZMf2Do9S1_kkid5XVNQlm7AYaeXROLI0cy2bpPkIbJn00woLf43SQJTTwKYt06O2F8IUE-ll7HwQk0PAdotJQXWWC418GvshzguRzvhkt5nQzPTo0j5ccz-8rm28_Fkm-YKH8c/s400/IMG_9846.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimrPkuJGnjygIN0ykapwV6pTrYuoE8ldegqBynUUab8gVlBK9KFYQuqSLfyDP53wpvgtZEUx5v5XxeayxdP1wnHcDHH7c4dJ4K164RZD8ZSbHyxBWCJgeMCd94p-NtBIezyYNTEKVzlA/s1600/IMG_9850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimrPkuJGnjygIN0ykapwV6pTrYuoE8ldegqBynUUab8gVlBK9KFYQuqSLfyDP53wpvgtZEUx5v5XxeayxdP1wnHcDHH7c4dJ4K164RZD8ZSbHyxBWCJgeMCd94p-NtBIezyYNTEKVzlA/s400/IMG_9850.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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As I watched his expertise, my mind wandered (As it often does) to what this says to us as followers of Christ. It hit me that we are experts in eternal life. Let me explain: I was clueless in trying to figure out how Rich would remove the tree without damaging our property. I don't do tree work, so how could I possibly know about those straps. BUT Rich has been doing this for almost twenty years, so he knows all the tricks of the trade. As followers of Christ, we forget that most people in our sphere of influence have no idea about salvation and eternal life. Most of them probably think if they do enough good works, they will get to Heaven. most Americans feel that if the good they do out weighs the bad, then they will gain admittance to Heaven (If they even believe in Heaven). However, you and I know that our works only earn us death. Romans 6:23 tell us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus. We turned from self and turned to God's grace. We knew Heaven was unattainable on our own merit, so we became covered in the righteousness of Jesus. We received the greatest gift of all - Salvation. We made that life-changing decision and it has affected everything in our lives: Our jobs, our schoolwork, our marriages, our parenting, our sports, our free time, our money, etc. We have become experts because of the experience we have over the years in following Jesus. So, you are an expert. We have the confidence from a life that has been transformed by Jesus! <br />
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The world is waiting to hear from you. Like we talked about on Sunday, we need to interject God's Word into our conversations. We need to give people an opportunity to hear about eternal life. So stop using excuses to keep quiet, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to tell others about Jesus.Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-37387890625021303642017-02-13T08:16:00.000-08:002017-02-13T08:17:29.874-08:00Socialization<div style="text-align: justify;">
My wife and I have two children: a 7th grader and a 1st grader. For a multitude of reasons, we have chosen to homeschool our sons. Most of the time, when we tell someone we homeschool, we get the same incredulous look. It's the look that says, "You seem so normal, I didn't know you were one of THOSE kinds of people." You see, most people have bought into the greatest myth of homeschool misunderstanding - Homeschool kids are not socialized. I used to get upset at that look, but now I have to keep from laughing because most homeschool kids have much higher socializer skills than public school kids. Almost all homeschoolers are involved in some type of co-op, which serves as a wonderful support for the parents. Our co-op has a class day every Monday from 9:00 until 3:00 with over 60 kids ranging from three years old to seniors in high school. So our boys are learning to socialize with and relate to kids who are younger and older. They have wonderful role models in how to study, treat others and live. They also get to be role models for those who are younger. We go on field trips with families from our co-op, have parties, Have play dates, etc. Because we homeschool, our kids can finish their work by 1:00 and have the afternoon to get together with their homeschool friends. (If you would like to know more about our co-op, you can go to: <a href="https://www.homeschool-life.com/1417/contactinfo/contactinfo">https://www.homeschool-life.com/1417/contactinfo/contactinfo</a>) My sons are also involved in sports, church and clubs, so they are socialized with a variety of kids and adults. Most homeschool parents I know do not have to search for socialization opportunities, but have to limit the amount of socialization activities because their kids have so many opportunities. In contrast, most public school kids spend their days with their own peer group, rarely interacting with kids who are several years younger or older. They leave home early in the morning, get home in the afternoon and then have homework to complete before they can go and spend time with friends. So their socialization is focused on just one age group rather than a wider variety. So when people ask me about the socialization my homeschool sons get, I have to keep from laughing because of this marked contrast.</div>
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I wish followers of Christ were as concerned about their "socialization" with the church as people are amount my homeschooled kids. I see too many Christians who have found too many ways to compromise Sunday mornings. Our culture certainly doesn't help this because Sunday mornings have lost their place of value as a time of worship. Youth sports now play their games on Sunday mornings. Families plan gatherings on Sunday mornings or want to meet for brunch because their schedules are so busy during the rest of the week. Professional sports have begun to impact Sunday mornings, unless you live on the East Coast. And even now, the pregame shows start on Sunday mornings. Employers no longer see Sunday mornings as time to protect, but will schedule their businesses to be open. Many Christians live such busy lives that Sunday morning is their "only day to sleep in and get rest". The pressures in our culture to avoid church and do something different on Sunday mornings has become intense and will only increase. Yet, rarely do we hear Christians talking about the connectedness they need with their church families. Church has become a convenience rather than a necessity in the American Christian circles. Rarely do we even talk about having to tell an employer "No" or not play on a travel team or not attend a family function because we want to be in church. I have found that church participation becomes the first thing many Christians will sacrifice. Trust me, I have heard every excuse in the book. "I don't need to be in church to worship God". "I meet with a group of Christians during the week and that is my church." "I got burned by the church and got sick of all the hypocrites." "I missed a couple of weeks and didn't hear from anyone in my church." "I don't need someone telling me how to be a Christian." "God knows I really want to be there, but if my kid is going to get a college scholarship, he has to be at..." It's too bad we don't have the same burden for the socialization in our faith. I just find it sad to hear people so concerned about my homeschooled kids, but so inattentive to the same issue in the church. We cut ourselves off from the very people who want to pray for us, encourage us and see us do well. We also cut ourselves off from being able to pray for the church family, encourage them and see them do well. We almost become a visitor to our own church.</div>
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I am very aware that church participation does not necessitate faith in Christ or growth in our faith. However, I also know that in our culture, people equate our salvation with our church participation. When we compromise Sunday mornings, we tell those around us that our salvation isn't such a big deal. If we don't value church participation, they won't think we value Jesus. Our co-workers, families, classmates, teammates and neighbors <strong>ARE</strong> watching. They are evaluating our priorities to see if Jesus is something worth investigating. Church participation becomes the stepping stone to discuss salvation with them. They will test us, but once they see our resolve, they will have a respect for us and the church (Even if they are antagonistic). The moment we compromise church participation and then justify it, we have lost the opportunity and privilege of sharing Christ with those who are aware of our decision. However, when we are resolved to have a high priority on church participation, our lives get easier. We are no longer pressured by others because they know we won't be coming until after church. The key, then, is to make this decision <strong>BEFORE</strong> the pressure arrives. If we have already made a decision about church participation, then when the temptation arises, we already have our answer. It's tough....at first, but gets so much easier. God wants us to be "socialized" spiritually - To meet with fellow pilgrims for worship, Bible study, prayer, accountability and encouragement.</div>
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Hebrews 10 puts it better than me: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." So reevaluate your priorities and make your connectedness with the family of God on Sunday mornings a top priority. When the Day arrives, you will be glad you did.</div>
<br />Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-87765687480527009152015-10-28T10:43:00.002-07:002015-10-28T10:45:21.952-07:00"I'm Just Kidding"<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why is it that we have to learn lessons painfully for them to make an impact on us? I like to kid and joke with people. If you give me a hard time, then I'm going to give it right back. I often find that this allows us to be more human and then talk about more important things. But many people are hurting by that kind of joking, even though they don't show it. I had a friend confront me about this very thing many years ago. He was hurt by the things I had said to him in jest, even though he was doing the same with me. His heart was much more tender than mine and while he didn't show it, my words were serving to make him feel betrayed and broken by me. I was stunned and had to face the reality that my joking was a source of pain or irritation to others. That is a painful lesson for me and one that I have to have repeated to me.</div>
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I know I am not the only one who does this. We often say hurtful things, then mask it with, "I'm only kidding" or "bless his heart" or a multitude of other phrases. Most of the time, we don't really mean to hurt anyone, we are simply enjoying the moment. We find something that seems humorous and we bring it up. While others may be laughing, we don't think about the person who may be crying on the inside. We never think that we might just have broken the heart or the spirit of someone who was struggling with a damaged soul. Maybe they grew up in a home where they were never encouraged and never knew if their parents were ever proud of them. Maybe this person just experienced some painful rejection this week and our words sound like more rejection. Maybe this person has always battled having a low self-image and has masked it behind humor. Maybe this person is afraid of emotional/spiritual intimacy, so they keep others at a distance. The bottom line is, we never really know what someone is going through in their personal lives. If our conversations simply stay on a surface level, we will do more harm than good. We forget that sticks and stones do break our bones, but words destroy our spirit. And once those words are out, they can never be taken back. We will never see the tears we cause, but those tears are real.</div>
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Ephesians 5:3-5 puts is this way: "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29308A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29308A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29308B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29308B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> because these are improper for God’s holy people. <span class="text Eph-5-4" id="en-NIV-29309"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Nor should there be obscenity, <strong><em><u>foolish talk<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29309C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29309C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> or coarse joking</u></em></strong>, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29309D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29309D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Eph-5-5" id="en-NIV-29310"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29310E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29310E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>—has any inheritance<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29310F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29310F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> in the kingdom of Christ and of God." Those are extremely strong words written to those of us who claim to be followers of Christ. </span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-5-5">James 3:5-6 reminds us, "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by Hell."</span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-5-5">Technology has made it easier for us to be critical with our words. We send out a scathing tweet about an anonymous category of people because someone just did something we didn't like. We posts messages of Facebook that seek to run down and find fault with those who hold a different view than our own. We deride people who have taken an oppositional position from us without caring about the demeaning words we use to describe them. We send a text that we think is humorous to someone, but it is really hurtful to them.</span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-5-5">This morning, the group of pastors I pray with weekly were discussing this. One of the pastors had a parishioner leave church vowing never to return because of this joking and jesting. Something was said to this person as a joke, but it was hurtful. I wonder how many more people have left the church because something was said to them in just, but the words broke their hearts. They probably never said anything to anyone. They just left and never came back and now will never go to any church again because they don't want to be hurt.</span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-5-5">Would you begin to examine the words and you say and the manner in which you say them? Would you vow to have deeper discussions with people, rather than just talk about surface stuff? Would you seek to make amends to anyone you may have offended? Would you be the one to use your words to build up people rather than find fault and tear them down? This is a much more difficult road because we would rather feed the flesh than put ourselves at risk. But our desire should be for our words to bring healing and encouragement.</span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-5-5">Perhaps we can allows Psalm 19:14 to be our guide: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."</span></div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-20801810315689803312015-10-05T10:07:00.001-07:002015-10-05T10:07:38.148-07:00Underdogs<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been almost a year since I last posted on a "Sip from the Well" and did not plan to write another blog for a while, but this past week a handful of people asked me why I don't post any more. So after praying about it, I decided it might be time to write again. However, I make this caveat: The "Sip from the Well" is intended for the members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. This doesn't mean it may not benefit anyone who wants to read it, but it is geared towards a specific audience. On Sunday, we may have something happen in church or during the sermon or in the life of one of our members. I may devote one blog to an issue that those not attending Hillcrest may find confusing or offensive. Just remember the context of this blog is to help benefit the faith of those involved at Hillcrest Baptist church. How, having given the appropriate disclaimer, on with this week's Sip.</div>
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I grew up in a household where there was only one college for which your could cheer: Wake Forest. Growing up as a die hard Wake Forest fan, I have a soft spot in my heart for the underdog. So two weeks ago, when Wake played the University of Indiana (Another college with a lackluster football history), I held out hope that we would come away with a victory. Alas, it was not meant to be as the Demon Deacons fell to the Hoosiers. So this past weekend, these two underdogs took on two top dogs: Indiana played #1 Ohio State and Wake played #5 Florida State. Indiana came within a few plays of upsetting the nations top ranked team. Wake came within a pass of tying Florida State, but the pass was intercepted in the end zone with 20 seconds to play. Valiant efforts were put forward by two overmatched teams.</div>
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For the past four hundred years, the Church in America has enjoyed status as a top dog. The American experiment has been predicated of people of faith in Christ and the laws of the land have reflected this. The Church has had favor in the eyes of the law and our government to a very great degree. Churches have been protected and had favored status when it came to property and tax decisions. This has actually been a huge anomaly for the Christian faith because throughout most of her history, the Church has been persecuted and maligned. In most of the world today, being a Christian makes you a minority and can cost you your life. Muslim countries and countries with dominant Catholic populations have consistently tried to silence New Testament Churches. Most Americans in my generation have no idea what true persecutions looks like because the authority the Church has held in our history.</div>
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What a difference ten or twenty years can make?! We now see the pendulum begin to swing away from the Church being a protected entity to the Church being a persecuted entity. Most people who live in the South would strongly disagree with me on this point because churches are in abundance. However, where we live in California, the local governments have turned antagonistic towards the Church. There are not churches on every street corner and many churches what used to be on street corners have found their properties taken by local governments using eminent domain. Churches do not generate tax revenue and in these trying financial times, tax revenue drives local municipalities. Only one church I know of in the area has been able to construct a new building and that was done after exorbitant "fees" were paid at every juncture of the construction project. In our area, only 4% of the population goes to church on a Sunday morning. So the Church has become an underdog in our area. It's just a matter of time until this flows to the rest of the country.</div>
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Before you think I am whining or complaining, I am actually celebrating. For far too long, the Church in America has been an impotent messenger of the Gospel. With our declining influence, we have utilized the latest trends and tried all types of methods to make our church services more inviting to those who are not "regular attenders". We have researched methods of church growth, which usually just shuffle the deck and bring Christians from other churches to our church. The numeric growth of the Church has been stagnant and in decline for many years. I don't think having better programs will end the decline. I don't think trying to adjust our standards to the standards of the culture will end the decline. I don't think lower the Biblical views on life will end the decline. I don't think using slick marketing strategies will end the decline. I don't think starting new small groups will end the decline.</div>
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So what will end the decline? This is the reason we are studying the book of Acts on Sunday evenings because the keys are found in simply imitating the early church. Throughout the book of Acts, there are two factors which increased the growth of the church. Those two facts are really not programs and can't be programmed by the church. They are not slick, marketing tools. They are simply the keys the Holy Spirit brought about in the body of Christ. Those two keys are needed today, if our church is to make a difference in the world. Here are the two keys: (1) Prayer and (2) witnessing. See? I told you they weren't slick and definitely not earth shattering. They cost no money, but involved dedication, passion and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. I know, prayer and witnessing don't really grab our attention. There must be something else we can do. The book of Acts gives us prayer and witnessing as the foundational pillar that God gives the Church to affect change and impact the world.</div>
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Can Hillcrest implement this strategy? That has been my fervent prayer for the past few weeks. The underdog church in America needs to reevaluate the vision and strategies she has been using for the past few decades. Our culture is looking for something real and genuine. The upbeat music, light shows and talks by styling pastors are not fooling anyone. Our culture wants to see lives that are changed. They want to see people with peace, joy and faith that sustains them in trying times. God is moving us to underdog status so we will stop relying on the weapons of the world and begin to rely on God Himself. The ancient world was impacted by the power of God released through His people praying. That world was impacted by uneducated people sharing how Jesus had changed their lives. The same can happen in our communities and neighborhoods if the Church will embrace her underdog status and begin to truth the One who is greater in us than the one who is in the world. Will you become devoted to prayer and witnessing, trusting in the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do? The world is waiting to see it!</div>
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<br />Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-15062156620814759522014-11-17T10:17:00.003-08:002014-11-17T10:17:45.013-08:00That's What Service Looks Like<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><strong>"Then the righteous will answers him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me."</strong></em></div>
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-Jesus of Nazareth in Matthew 25</div>
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This same Jesus who said the above also told us that the greatest in His Kingdom would be the servant of all. He then set the example as He served His followers by washing their dirty feet after a long day on the road. Ultimately, He set the example of service as He died on the cross for the sins of humanity - Even those who would deny His existence or warp what He said to fit their own agenda and even those of us who have received that gift of grace. The essence of the Christian life is found in a deeply planted passion to serve others. When we experience regeneration, we now have a heart which is thrilled to serve others...not because we HAVE to but because we are compelled to. We find our greatest joy and satisfaction in life when we see others touched by the love of Jesus through our service.<br />
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We live in a self-centered world. People have become takers, whiners and complainers. Just read most Facebook posts and you will see people venting, pointing out the flaws of others and posting articles which slam other people with a different world view. We live in a country which has become deeply divided by race, region, politics and so many other ways. The one place where this doesn't happen is in the church. Each Sunday, it is refreshing to see an incredible mix of people coming together to worship Jesus and minister to each other. So what does service look like? Here are a few glimpses I have seen in the past few weeks:<br />
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-Service looks like followers of Jesus filling shoe boxes with toys, supplies and gifts for children all over the world whom they will never meet. A church of only 75 on a Sunday morning collected 80 shoe boxes to give to Samaritan's Purse so that unknown kids in unknown corners of the world could know the joy of receiving an unexpected gift - And maybe the gift of salvation.<br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10346532_10152881110472590_2412308971922581671_n.jpg?oh=a484ab1e57b7e3737161f558c0eaada1&oe=54DFFA93&__gda__=1424495094_e4065bf26e350acd678bfd514c4bf2b0" style="height: 327px; width: 582px;" /></div>
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-Service looks like followers of Jesus bringing boxes of pie crust mix to give to the Telegraph Center in Oakland so those who are need could have a dessert on Thanksgiving. If not for Hillcrest Baptist Church, the Telegraph Center would only have food for a meal and not for dessert. The East Bay Baptist Association has over 140 churches/missions, but Hillcrest is the only one who gives food to this outreach. Service is a desire to help people in need, even if we will not see or meet those people.</div>
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-Service looks like followers of Jesus getting together to go and visit those in our church. They are attempting to visit all of our church members and see what needs there may be and how we can meet them. They want everyone in our church family to know they are loved and deeply cared for. <br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/7114_10152785618942649_24303985458672492_n.jpg?oh=b9a770c22d3edd69244d57d8b87cf26f&oe=54D46926&__gda__=1427777791_694709fb17f4991563d762f5153e8e39" style="height: 437px; width: 582px;" /></div>
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-Service looks like children who are so excited about coming to church that they invite and bring their friends. This past Sunday evening at TeamKid, we had sixteen children in grades 1-6. Seven of those kids have no family at our church, but they come and learn about Jesus. One of those was being brought by her neighbor (Who is a member of our church) and this young girl said, "I love this church".<br />
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-Service looks like followers of Jesus caring so much about the witness of the church that they clean the church every week. These members give up their time to sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, empty trash and do so much more. No one thanks them and most people don't know they are cleaning, but they serve Jesus.<br />
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There are many more examples from Hillcrest Baptist Church that help us understand what service looks like, but there is not enough room in this blog. As Pastor of this church, I want to thank you for your service. I know if many churches, a small number of people do most of the service, but that isn't the case here. Thank you for all the ways you serve in Jesus' name and the way you touch lives each day with the love of Jesus. One day, you will hear from THE King, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world."</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-38703893832706935182014-08-11T10:25:00.001-07:002014-08-11T10:25:26.912-07:00The Strength of the Kingdom<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past Sunday, we had the wonderful opportunity to honor a woman who is faithfully serving the Lord at Hillcrest. Doris Hurst turned 80 and we celebrated her birthday. Unlike many people in her age category, she is still going strong. She is still teaching the children in our preschool Sunday School class. Each week, she comes up on Thursday to prepare her classroom and then shows up 30 minutes before Sunday School to welcome every child. She has ministered to so many families over the past several decades and is still making an impact. At the end of the service, we called forward everyone who has been taught by her or whose children have been taught by her: Over 90% of the congregation came forward. As we laid hands on her and prayed for her, I was thrilled to see how one life can impact so many others.</div>
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This is the model Jesus set for us while He was on the earth. He simply invested in twelve men and those men invested in others. The Kingdom of God has grown and grown until it has reached us. I know many people who like to discuss and argue great theological questions. They enjoy finding fault with those who theology doesn't quite measure up and nit pick on them. However, the strength of THE church is not found in these Wannabe Church Guardians. The strength of the Church is found in servants like Doris. The servants who humbly going about investing the basic truth that Jesus loves us and is our Savior are the ones who are changing eternity. There are countless and unnamed millions of saints faithfully serving the Lord as best they can. They won't get notoriety on this earth and they don't have the theological pedigree to argue with the Wannabes. These humble saints really are the ones on whom the Kingdom is built.</div>
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I am grateful that we had the opportunity to thank Doris Hurst for being such a Godly example for us to follow. I am thrilled that my sons have had their first taste of God's love at the hands or Doris Hurst. I pray that you will be a servant like Doris. Remember that you are the ones who have an impact on the Kingdom, so keep grinding.</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-6003848296899770192014-08-04T09:42:00.002-07:002014-08-04T09:42:13.455-07:00Getting Called Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
In professional baseball, players who are drafted have to prove themselves and earn their way on to a major league team. Only one player has ever been drafted and gone straight to the major league team without spending time in the minors. His name is Bob Horner and it happened for the Atlanta Braves back in the 1970's. All other players have to prove themselves at each level before they can advance, so by the time they make it to the major league team they have already played years of baseball for their organization.<br />
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Here is an example from the San Francisco Giants of those steps a player must take:</div>
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A Short-Season: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes </div>
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Low A: Augusta Green Jackets</div>
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Advanced A: San Jose Giants</div>
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AA: Richmond Flying Squirrels</div>
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AAA: Fresno Grizzlies</div>
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<em><strong>Elliot Blair speaking with Thaddeus before a San Jose Giants' game</strong></em></div>
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So a player may take as many as five or six years to advance from Salem-Keizer to San Francisco and the majority of minor leaguers will never play an inning for the major league team.<br />
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Three weeks ago, we had a player from the San Jose Giants share his testimony during Sunday School. Elliott Blair is a 46th round draft choice of the Giants who had spent most of last season and all of this season at San Jose. He shared about his walk of faith with us and it was an honor to hear how this man of God is following the Lord. Well, last week, Elliott got called up to AA Richmond. We actually saw him play at Stockton on Monday and he gave one of his broken bats to Thaddeus. Two days later, he was on his way to Richmond and played his first game on Sunday. He also go his first hit on Sunday and we pray that he will advance to San Francisco so he can be a witness for Christ. But now he has to prove himself at Richmond before he can advance to Fresno. He is still a long way off from the majors, but he is getting closer.</div>
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10488011_10152582171747590_1224447495096724963_n.jpg?oh=754971124391f602b4436dfce6fe575e&oe=5448F9F9" style="height: 354px; width: 533px;" /></div>
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<em><strong>Elliot at Hillcrest Baptist Church</strong></em></div>
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I wish we would take the same view of our maturity in Christ. Unfortunately, we just presume that if someone has been coming to church for a certain amount of years then they must have grown in their faith. So we then give them ministry assignments and hope that it sticks. Many of us even think that God should see us as faithful, even though we have never proved our faith or our steadfastness. Unfortunately, I know many Christians who have been coming to church for years but still are immature in their faith. They have not grown, but feel like they are mature.<br />
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Here are what I have seen are the marks of a maturing saint, one who is trying to advance from Low A to Advanced A or from AA to AAA in their faith. you probably have other marks, but these are mind:</div>
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-He is faithful in small group participation (Whether that is Sunday School or weekday small groups)</div>
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-He is in God's Word every day. He has a devotion time or quiet time (Whichever phrase works for you)</div>
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-He is accountable to others who are walking with the Lord. He has invited them into his life to check on him or call him on things. He doesn't get upset when lovingly confronted by one of these mentors.</div>
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-He is pouring himself into the lives of others. It may only be one person, but he is helping others grow in their faith. We always grow more when we are leading than when we are being led.</div>
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-He is sharing His faith.<br />
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So how are you doing? Baseball calls the minor league system "Player development". Maybe we should call discipleship "Saint Development". The Church is dependent on raising up new leaders and we must continually be developing stronger disciples. Those disciples are the one who build up the next generation of followers. All of us should desire and aim towards making it to the majors and our church should help us in that development. If you are a member or attend Hillcrest Baptist Church and would like to develop as a saint, give me a call and let's start you on that journey.</div>
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Let's let you get that call up to the majors!</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-40394213676169782032014-06-30T08:06:00.000-07:002014-06-30T08:06:55.061-07:00The Call to Serve<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past Sunday, Hillcrest Baptist church enjoyed a milestone event as Herbert Aromin was ordained into the deacon ministry. Why would anyone want to be a deacon? Well, if the truth be known, the ones who deac well don't really want to be deacons. They haven't gone looking for this office. They have simply been faithful servants in the church who are growing in their faith. The church recognized this and felt led by God to ask them to serve as deacon. Herbert didn't ask to be made a deacon and he actually declined serving as a deacon for a couple of years. Finally, he felt like he had been using excuses rather than stepping up as a deacon. So, he left it in God's hands and allowed himself to be nominated. He went through a process of being questioned by our active deacons and then was brought before an ordination council made up of many different ordained men. This council felt he was qualified and recommended him to be ordained as a deacon. So on Sunday, we had the privilege of ordaining Herbert Aromin into the deacon ministry. This doesn't change who he is or what he does: He will still serve as he has been doing ever since he joined the church. however, he will now have added responsibility in that service.<br />
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Hillcrest expects her deacons to serve. They do such important functions as opening/closing the church for ministries and events, opening/closing the gates to our parking lots, coming to the church if the alarm company calls, visiting with the pastor, staying in contact with our church members, preparing the Lord's Supper, preparing and cleaning the baptistery and are always the first ones I call when a thankless job needs to be done. They even have to miss some of the worship service to patrol the parking lot, making sure that our vehicles are safe and sound. Deacon is not a position of authority but one of service. We expect our deacons to set the example for the rest of the church. So after every fellowship or meal we have in the church, the deacons are the ones who sweep, mop and lock up after the event. They serve in a multitude of ways that most folks in the church never see or notice, unless the deacons forget to do it.<br />
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Jesus has an expectation of His followers: He expects us to be servants. Matthew 20 says, "<span class="text Matt-20-24" id="en-NIV-23817"><sup class="versenum">24<em><strong> </strong></em></sup><em><strong>When the ten heard about this, they were indignant<sup class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23817W" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23817W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> with the two brothers.</strong></em></span><em><strong> <span class="text Matt-20-25" id="en-NIV-23818"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Jesus called them together and said, <span class="woj">“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-20-26" id="en-NIV-23819"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,<sup class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23819X" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23819X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-20-27" id="en-NIV-23820"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—</span></span> </strong></em><span class="text Matt-20-28" id="en-NIV-23821"><span class="woj"><em><strong><sup class="versenum">28 </sup>just as the Son of Man<sup class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23821Y" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23821Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> did not come to be served, but to serve,<sup class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23821Z" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23821Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> and to give his life as a ransom<sup class="crossref" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23821AA" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23821AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> for many</strong></em>.” Jesus has never measured greatness by a bank account, political power, popularity or possessions. He has measured greatness by service without seeking recognition. He set the example for us on the cross as He gave His life as a ransom for us. So He has every right to expect service from His followers.</span></span></div>
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<a class="iol_imc" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" idx="51" style="height: 444px; left: 42px; top: 0px; visibility: visible; width: 600px;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://photographsandimages.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/jesus-on-the-cross1.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 444px; width: 600px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="text Matt-20-28"><span class="woj">I am constantly amazed at people who want to meet Jesus on their own terms, not on His. They want the benefits of following Jesus without the costs of following Jesus. They have a convenient faith. They are all about Jesus when they need Him, but they don't want to hear about service, sacrifice and dedication. They want the church to meet their needs, but they never serve anyone in the church. They rarely come to church, but when they are in the hospital, they expect the church leaders to know and show up to visit them. They get bent out of shape when the church doesn't meet their needs. They come every Sunday, asking for help with something else in their lives, yet rarely have they ever come to church and asked others how they could help them. They have an immature and self-centered faith and view of the church. They become more of a burden to the church than an asset to the church. I have little time or use for those who have this attitude, but I love being around people who enjoy serving. I like hanging out with them because I know I will get the opportunity to serve with them. They push me out of my comfort zone in asking me to help meet the needs of others. They never drain me, but they enthuse me. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-20-28"><span class="woj">I am grateful to serve in a church with a lot of servants, whether they are officially deacons or not. As example of that attitude is the fellowship after Herbert's ordination: The people of Hillcrest provided a feast, even though we talked about having a light snack. One of our members even brought his own fryer so he could fry these incredible treats. Another member rolled and cooked lumpia. All of the food tables showed the love and service of the Hillcrest members. I love being a part of a church with servants. Even as I write this on Monday morning at 7:45, one of our members has been here since 7:00 repairing some dry wall in one of our classrooms. Thanks for living out the call of Jesus to serve.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-20-28"><span class="woj">For those of you not involved in Hillcrest: How's your service? In your church, have you found a place to serve and been one of the unseen servants or are you sitting back and letting others do the work? Follow the example of Herbert and Jesus....Serve!!</span></span></div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-63142346067981558562014-06-23T12:30:00.000-07:002014-06-23T12:30:14.949-07:00Try to Hide It<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many people have heard about Watergate, but many have no idea what Watergate really was. The Watergate was a hotel and office complex that housed the Democratic National Convention during the 1972 election. Then President Richard Nixon was seeking re-election against George McGovern. Nixon ordered that wire taps be placed into the DNC offices and so G. Gordon Liddy and John Dean orchestrated the break-in. During the Watergate hearings, it was revealed that President Nixon had recordings of all White House conversations, something many presidents had done. However, he did not manually control the recordings like other presidents had done. His recordings were voice activated, so he did not have control. Most White House staff members and the general public had no idea that this had been happening. These tapes could hold recordings as to whether Nixon ordered the Watergate break-ins or not. However, the most critical tape had 18 1/2 minutes erased from it. This gap was during a meeting of Nixon and his chief of staff, H. R. Haldeman. Haldeman's own notes from the meeting mentioned discussing the Watergate affair, but the tapes had been erased. So the hearing were never able to produce a connection of Nixon to the ordering of the break-ins. With many calls for impeachment, Richard Nixon resigned from the Presidency in August of 1974. The irony of Watergate is that Nixon soundly defeated McGovern and had nothing to fear in regards to the election. Trying to hide his bad choices led to his downfall and disgrace.</div>
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Fast forward to the election of 2012 and the targeting of conservative groups by the IRS. President Barak Obama stated when the story first broke that it was simply a rogue agent in Ohio who had done this. However, as more facts have come out, it is obvious that this was a much wider plan to target critics of the President. Enter Lois Lerner, a Director of the IRS, who was brought before a hearing of Congress to determine what had happened and who was responsible. During the hearings, she invoked the 5th Amendments and refused to answer any questions. However, e-mails have been subpoenaed by Congress and guess what? Most of her e-mails cannot be found, have been deleted and are missing. Sound familiar? Perhaps the proof showing the President not only know about, but ordered these actions has been "lost". What will happen with this drama and how will it play out? I doubt it will lead to impeachment hearings nor Obama's resignation because the standard of honesty and integrity is so low for our leaders today. However, Obama's legacy will always be surrounded by this scandal, much as Nixon's legacy is surrounded by Watergate.</div>
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Why do we try to hide our sins and shortcomings? Any parent can list the numerous occasions in which they caught their children red-handed and their children vehemently denied any wrong doing. The more the children lied and tried to cover things up, the more upset parents became. It hurts to see our children lie and then try to hide what they have done. We would much rather have our kids own up to it and take responsibility.</div>
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I guess this is just part of our fallen nature. Remember Adam and Eve? When they disobeyed God, what did they do? They hid themselves from God. A relationship that once had been so pure and right, had now been corrupted by bad choices. Okay, it was corrupted by sin. It's been happening ever since because we all sin. Some people try to avoid the consequences by denying there is a God or by thinking a loving God would never punish His creation. But deep down, we know something is wrong in our lives. Some people try to avoid the consequences by blaming others. Some people try to avoid the consequences by avoiding the topic. Some people try to avoid the consequences by numbing themselves through alcohol, pot, drugs or anti-depressants. But none of that works. The pain just eats away at us from the inside out.</div>
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Our model needs to be David. David was far from perfect and he sinned by sleeping with a married woman and then having her husband conveniently die in battle. He thought he had gotten away with it and he had hidden his sin until Nathan confronts him. When David realizes that no sin is ever hidden from God, he is broken and driven to his knees in pain and repentance. It is out of this anguish that he prays Psalm 51. In verse 3, he says this incredible message of responsibility, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me." He takes responsibility for his sin and then asks for God's forgiveness.</div>
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God doesn't want us to pretend we are perfect people. He doesn't want us to deny or minimize our sin. He wants us to be honest about our choices, our lies, our sins and own up to what we have done. He waits with forgiveness, grace and cleansing, although we will still have to face the consequences of our sin. So today, rather than try to hide what is wrong, how about some deep, gut-wrenching honesty before God. I promise, you will experience and joy and peace more profound than any you have ever had before!</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-70194977869491305222014-06-16T09:34:00.000-07:002014-06-16T09:34:30.761-07:00The Big Fundamental<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last night, the San Antonio Spurs dismantled the Miami Heat to win a fifth NBA championship since Tim Duncan was drafter by them in 1998. The teamwork of San Antonio was too much for the talent of South Beach, leading to blow outs in the four games the Spurs won. Tim Duncan (From Wake Forest, of course) is the cornerstone of that team. He has even taken less pay so the management could keep the team in tact and add better players. His nickname is "The Big Fundamental" because his basic skills are solid. What sets Duncan apart from many other outstanding players in the NBA today is that he stayed four years at Wake Forest rather than turning pro early. Since his Sophomore year at Wake Forest, he was pressured to turn professional because he would have been a high draft pick. However, Duncan stayed in school, graduated from Wake Forest and was the number 1 pick in the 1998 draft. He wanted to stay at Wake Forest to earn a degree and because he felt like he still needed to learn more basketball before going to the NBA. It seems to have worked: He has been an All-Star fourteen years, Rookie of the Year, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and the only player to be named to the All-NBA teams and All-Defensive team in his first thirteen seasons. He has created the Tim Duncan Foundation to raise general health awareness and fund education and youth sports in various parts of the United States. His personal motto is a nursery rhyme his mother taught him, "Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest / Until your Good is Better, and your Better is your Best." </div>
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Most of you probably know of Tim Duncan, even if you are not a sports fan. Do you know any of the names on this list? Larry Hughes, Ricky Davis, Al Harrington, Rashard Lewis, Korleone Young, Lamar Odom, Jonathan Bender, Corey Maggette, Leon smith, Darious Miles, DerMarr Johnson, Jamal Crawford, Donnell Harvey, DeShawn Stevenson, Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Eddie Griffin, DeSagna Diop, Rodney White, Gerald Wallace, Omar Cook, Ousmane Cisse, Alston Ford, Dajuan Wagner, Amare Stoudamire, Qyntel Woods and Jamal Sampson. Do you know what all of these people share in common. These are all basketball players who were drafted between the years 1998 through 2001 who either were drafted in the NBA right our of high school or only played one year of college. A couple of these have been NBA All-stars, but none has had a career that comes remotely close to matching Tim Duncan. Can you imagine how much better these men would have been had they gone to college for four years? They could have walked away with college degrees, which would have provided opportunities beyond basketball. They could have refined their skills under a much less glaring light in college. They could have naturally matured into young men rather than having the pressure of notoriety and money thrown at them too early in life. I just wonder how much better their NBA and post-NBA careers would have been had they approached college the same way as Tim Duncan. Unfortunately, we will never know. We also will never hear about or see the vast number of young men who declare for the NBA straight out of high school or after their freshman year of college who never get drafted or play a minute in an NBA game. All of these players are good enough to have earned a college scholarship, but none of them took total advantage of that opportunity.</div>
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(Qyntel Woods on draft day 2002)</div>
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Learning fundamentals is the key to being successful in life. Rarely do we stumble upon something in our foolishness and it bring success in our lives. This applies to sports, finances, a career and even our faith in Christ. If we look at Saul (Who later changed his name to Paul), we see how this plays out in our faith. In Acts 9:19-26, we see that immediately after his conversion, the disciples in Damascus disciple and trained him, even though he was already a very learned man. Then he went to Jerusalem where he joined the Apostles after Barnabas intervened, when he received even more training. Before moving on to do any mission work, he developed the fundamentals of his faith. Because of that solid foundation, he became a powerful instrument of God's Spirit in the early years of the Church.</div>
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So how are you doing with learning the fundamentals of our faith? I don't mean showing up to church because showing up for church does not insure maturity and growth. It actually can lead to a false sense of security which will falter when put to the test. Who has disciple you? Who has taken you under his/her wing to insure that you learned the basics of the Christian faith? Have you been walked through understanding the joy and discipline of studying the Bible? Have you learned to pray? Have you been challenged to tithe? Has any trained, modeled and prepared you to share your faith? The list goes on and on? The Church in America is weak because she lacks fundamentals. We buy into every lie our culture throws at us or pseudo-churches throw at us because we do not understand and apply the truth. We don't not memorize Scripture. We do not spend time in God's Word every day. We do not approach life through the lens of prayer. We do not have anyone in our lives who holds us accountable for our walk with Christ. So we easily fall for many of the deceptions Satan throws at us. The word we often use is "discipleship", which means we are more than an observer, but we become a participant by learning from others who are more mature in the faith. Being a disciple takes hard work and an attitude of humility, but the pay-off is well worth it.</div>
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For those who are a part of Hillcrest Baptist Church, we can offer you the opportunity to have this happen. We have a six month ministry designed to move someone from young in the faith (No matter how long they have been a Christian) onto a path of maturity in their faith. Six months will not make you mature, but it will give you the tools and the opportunity to begin that journey. If you will enter into this journey and complete it, I guarantee you will never be the same. You will become a much more effective instrument of God's plan than you ever thought you could be. Six month may seem like a long time, but what you learn in those six months will propel you beyond where you would have been in six years doing what you are doing now. So give me a call and let's get started on the journey of a life-time so you can become the Big Fundamental in your faith!</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-4089760791927839732014-05-05T08:02:00.003-07:002014-05-05T08:02:56.746-07:00The Shrinking Standard of Righteousness<div style="text-align: justify;">
Much has been made lately about Noah because of the movie which stars Russell Crowe. The movie itself is far from being Biblically accurate, but the account of Noah is definitely pertinent for our day. A quick reading of Genesis 6-9 shows that God considered the people of Noah's day as wicked and evil. But it is evident from this account that the people didn't think they were evil or wicked. By God's standard they were violent and perverse, but their standards they were moral and good. They had developed a shrinking standard of righteousness and have even applied that standard to God. So when destruction came, it was obvious that they were caught unaware that God would hold them accountable or that they even had anything God would consider wicked or evil. The account of Noah is a reminder that in a culture filled with a shrinking standard of righteousness, God still holds mankind accountable by HIS standard.</div>
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The same thing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah: The city was evil with grievous sin, but the residents thought they were fine. It was normal for them to injure, molest and abuse anyone who was out after the sun went down. It was normal for men to lust for men and even rape the men for which they lusted. They had an incredible shrinking standard of righteousness. We know this is true because we see it with Lot. Though Lot knew God's standard of righteousness, as he spent more time with the residents of Sodom, he adopted their standards. His wife had become so much a part of the culture that she didn't want to leave and couldn't help but longingly look back as they fled the city. The account of Sodom and Gomorrah is a reminder that in a culture filled with a shrinking standard of righteousness, God still holds mankind accountable by HIS standard.</div>
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We see it in the lives of the Old Testament prophets. They live in a culture with a shrinking standard of righteousness, people who should know better. And yet, they worship idols, chase after pagan women, elevate divorce, indulge in drunkenness and a multitude of other compromises. Each compromise is justified by the culture until it becomes the cultural norm. They have a shrinking standard of righteousness and so mock the prophet who calls them back to God's standard. Read the account of Isaiah or Jeremiah and your heart will be broken by people who should know the true love of God, but have substituted their own view of God and morality. The account of the prophets are a reminder that in a culture filled with a shrinking standard of righteousness, God still holds mankind accountable by HIS standard.</div>
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Even Jesus saw this problem in His day: Divorce was common, adultery was overlooked, revenge was the norm and even religious activity had become a show rather than worship. So at the end of the sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:21, He warns, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord Lord" will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven." Jesus reminds us that God's standard of morality and righteousness is not manipulated by the dictates of culture or the politically expedient moment. The account of Jesus is a reminder that in a culture filled with a shrinking standard of righteousness, God still holds mankind accountable by HIS standard.</div>
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" 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Do we live in a culture today with a shrinking standard of righteousness? It's hard to deny. Though several studies say that over 60% of Americans claim to be Christians, we have a divorce rate of about 47%, we have more people living together than chose to get married last year, we have over 40% of babies being born out of wedlock, we see mammoth and crushing personal debt, We see millions of unborn children put to death. we see cities going bankrupt because they have overspent and misused monies they took from working citizens, we se perversion being normalized and justified, we see violence become an acceptable part of daily life and the list goes on. Our standard of righteousness is shrinking faster than California's water supply.</div>
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So what do we do about it? Well, we don't look to the legislators for a reverse. Elected officials can never change the moral tide of a culture. All they can do is pass laws that will slow down the decline. An evil heart will move towards evil regardless of the laws. We can't look to the media to change the tide because the media is in it to make money. If immorality makes money, then they will give us more immorality. They will even seek to justify this lack of righteousness in any way that is possible.</div>
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We have to be Noahs of our day. We have to Jeremiahs in our day. We have to be Isaiahs and John the Baptists is our day. We must be willing to live the standard God says is righteous rather than living down to our culture's standard. We have to be willing to repent from our sin and sinful lifestyle choices and let the Holy Spirit guide our living. Without repentance their is now regeneration and there are plenty in America claiming to be born again who are unwilling to repent. We can't change our culture, we can only live the call of Joshua - "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." We must be willing to be hated, marginalized and persecuted for following God's standard of righteousness. Unless there is a massive revival in America, our culture will become more antagonistic towards those who uphold God's standard of righteousness. Just look at who is called "haters" today and who has become the politically correct targets of ostracism and hatred. We will either have to choose to shrink our standard of righteousness to fit in and be accepted or we will adhere to God's unshrinking standard and face persecution. Soon there will be no room for middle ground and we will have to choose.</div>
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Once a culture develops a shrinking standard of righteousness, it is almost impossible to stop this without a cataclysmic event. Just read the Kings and Chronicles for confirmation of this fact. Most of those around us have already accepted the shrinking standard. Churches now advertise the fact that they adhere to the shrinking standard and you can attend their church without any fear of hearing a message of condemnation or of God's full standard. I have friends who will read this and bristle at what I have just written. They have a litany of names by which they will refer to me so they can categorize me and then demonize me. That's what happens to those who profess God's standard in a culture of shrinking standards. Most Americans consider themselves good, moral people. According to their standard, they measure up and are doing just fine.</div>
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Now before you think I am getting all holier-than-thou, please let me finish. The prophets preached God's standard even though they were aware they didn't measure up to that standard. They were reluctant to preach because they could be labeled hypocrites. They didn't want to face the abuse and pain...BUT they realized that someone needed to speak. They understood God's standard, even though they didn't always measure up to that standard. Isaiah in chapter 6 of is book is acutely aware of his sin when he has a vision of seeing the Lord in His throne room. We don't speak as preachers of righteousness (As Noah did) because are perfect. We do it because in our sin, we have seen how we don't measure up. We know what will happen if we continue to lower the standard and do not repent. Those who are aware of the lowering standard of righteousness have a God-given obligation to live up to God's standard and let others know of the coming judgment.</div>
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My heart breaks to see the culture in which my sons are being raised because of how much more immoral it is than the culture of my childhood. I long for them to have the same opportunities I had, but I know that probably won't happen. So we try to live God's righteousness in a culture where we have become freaks and oddballs. We pray that our children will see the joy and peace of following Christ and choose to make that their standard rather than the cultural standard which bombards them. You know how I feel because you have the same prayer about your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. May God give us the courage to uphold his standard in a culture with a shrinking standard of righteousness.</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-26963688700137089102014-04-14T08:14:00.003-07:002014-04-14T08:14:52.193-07:00How's the Body?<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week is what we refer to as Passion Week. This is the final week of Jesus' life on earth before His resurrection. The Church in America will utilize this week to reach out to the lost in our communities. Some may have Maundy Thursday service. Others may have a Good Friday Service. Others may have an egg hunt and others may have a Sunrise Service. Still others may have a musical or dramatic presentation and some churches may utilize all of the above. There is a concerted attempt to allow the lost in America to hear the good news of the resurrection. Easter is an incredible reminder that Jesus makes all things new. He gives us the gift of eternal life and He brings the blessing of abundant life, both are greatly in need in our pagan culture.</div>
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" 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At Hillcrest Baptist Church, we will have a solemn Good Friday Service on Friday evening at 7:00 and then have an Easter Eggstravaganza for the kids on Saturday morning, followed by a Sonrise Service on Sunday morning with several other churches in the community at the Rollings Hills Cemetery mausoleum. So there are wonderful opportunities ahead for you to invite family, friends and neighbors to hear the good news about Jesus and His resurrection.</div>
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<img src2="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608027460666656164&w=181&h=164&c=7&rs=1&cb=7&pid=1.7" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608027460666656164&w=181&h=164&c=7&rs=1&cb=7&pid=1.7" style="height: 164px;" /></div>
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So may ask why we would utilize eggs to reach out to the community since this is a pagan tradition. Definitely a valid and fair question, one which I continually struggle with in my own life. We are trying to follow the Biblical mindset Paul tells us we must have when he says in I Corinthians 9, "<span class="text 1Cor-9-19"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>Though I am free<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28560C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28560D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> to win as many as possible.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28560E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-20" id="en-NIV-28561"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28561F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28561G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> so as to win those under the law.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-21" id="en-NIV-28562"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>To those not having the law I became like one not having the law<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28562H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28562I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> so as to win those not having the law.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-22" id="en-NIV-28563"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28563J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> I have become all things to all people<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28563K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> so that by all possible means I might save some.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28563L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-23" id="en-NIV-28564"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." However, we still have struggled with the use of eggs for this outreach, so we have chosen to utilize Resurrection Eggs, which tell the story of the resurrection of Jesus. The kids will find the eggs and then redeem them for prizes. As we tell the story of the resurrection, each child will take their egg with its contents to an adult to get a prize at the appropriate time. In this way, we get to share the message of the resurrection with an opportunity for them to receive Jesus as Savior. </span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-9-23"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><img class="mainImage" src="http://therealhousewife.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Resurrection-Eggs-063.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 380px; width: 570px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-9-23">Is this a perfect way to reach out? Of course not. There are no perfect methods, just a perfect message. Some churches would find this type of outreach offensive and degrading to the cause of Christ. They would not compromise the message of Easter with the pagan rituals so entrenched in our society. other churches would think we were going to far to push the message of Jesus on people with the use of Resurrection Eggs. They see any cultural opportunity to share the love of Christ as the perfect opportunity. They aren't bound by the customs of the culture because they have been set free by Jesus.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-9-23">I don't know where you fall on this spectrum, but here is what I do know: Don't let your choice become a hammer you utilize to beat up other churches. We are THE body of Christ. Trust the each church has prayed, sought God's direction and is trying to fulfill the Great Commission. Don't fall into the terrible trap of arguing with or berating other churches. The Body of Christ does more to damage itself than the gates of Hell ever does. It is sad to see well-meaning Christians who utilize social media to find fault with other churches or pastors. When our lost friends see and hear our comments, they view us as hypocrites. Just because we don't agree does not mean we should run another ministry down. The world will do a good enough job of that. Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one as He and the Father are One. Where we live, there are plenty of lost people around. If all of our churches were filled ten times on a Sunday, we still would only be reaching about 1/3 of the population. So why fight over the method of trying to reach a lost and dying world? Why not support and celebrate what God is doing in another church? Why not let the unifying power of the resurrection draw us together rather than using our own wisdom to push us apart? May this Resurrection weekend be one where the Body of Christ truly supports each other and make a concerted effort to share the ultimate message of hope and grace.</span></div>
<span class="text 1Cor-9-23"><br /></span>Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-86929372138951029032014-04-07T09:26:00.001-07:002014-04-07T09:51:55.273-07:00Entice Me to Watch Your Team<div style="text-align: justify;">
Growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, we didn't have many opportunities to see professional sports. Okay, we did have a minor league hockey team, the Greensboro Generals. It was always fun to watch them play, especially when they played their hated rivals the Charlotte Checkers. Then there was the Carolina Cougars, who played in the American Basketball Association, but they were based in Charlotte and had only a few games per year in Greensboro. We had minor league baseball and got to see a few players who would eventually be in the majors. But we had no NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB team within several hundred miles. Then I move to Louisville, Kentucky where once again there was no professional sports franchise. We could drive up to Cincinnati to watch the Reds or the Bengals play and there was the minor league Louisville Redbirds, but not many choices. Then I move to Honolulu where professional sports could only been seen on the TV and the biggest draw in town was the UH football team. Then I moved to the Big Island where we even had trouble finding professional sports on the TV.</div>
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Now I live in the Bay area and have a plethora of choices. We have the San Jose Sharks, the Golden State Warriors, the 49ers and the Raiders (If you still consider the Raiders to be a professional franchise). But the best season is baseball season because we have the Giants and the A's. We also can got to San Jose to watch the Giants A team, or drive to Modesto to watch the A's A team or to Sacramento to watch the A's AAA affiliate. So this past Friday, with all of these teams, the only one in town was the Oakland A's. So I took Thaddeus and two of his friends to watch them play. We got a little wet waiting for the park to open because of some rain and then got to watch players warm up. Then the players went inside the clubhouse while the grounds crew tried to prepare the infield. The PA announcer told us the game would be delayed and then fifteen minutes after the game was scheduled to begin, the PA announcer told us the game was cancelled. Our tickets would be good, but only for the make-up game. Our parking pass would also be good, but only for that game. What a let down. The A's did absolutely nothing to entice me to come back and watch them play. Why not make our tickets good for ANY A's home game, if there were seats available? Why not give us a coupon good for a free hot dog at the next game we attended? Why not have your players come out and sign autographs for thirty minutes for the fans who had braved the weather? Why not do something that would make me want to come back? It made the A's organization appear to be "bush league" at best. With the many baseball options available in the Bay area, the A's have now become my last resort. The Giants cost more money, but their organization does a much better job. Of course, the minor league teams cater to the paying public and allow you to be more personal with the players. Why would I go back to the A's when they did such a shoddy job with this last game? There are so many choices that I don't have to be limited to only one team. What will you do to entice me to spend my money and watch your team?</div>
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It reminded me of a search I did back when I was a teenager. I grew up in the church and so giving my life to Christ at age 10 was a very natural thing for me. There was an emptiness in my life and Jesus was the one who could fill that emptiness. However, when I got into high school, I began to wonder if there wasn't more out there and if I could be wrong about Jesus. So I went on a search of other major religions to shop around and see what they had to offer me. I didn't tell anyone in my family or any of my friends and definitely not my Youth Pastor and others in the church. I wanted to see if another religion might be more attractive to me. So my search began with a religion in which a few of my friends were involved, Mormonism. I read and asked questions, deciding that this was definitely a religion for males. I could eventually be god of my own planet if I just followed all of the correct teachings and dictates of the church. However, there was just some theology that was out of whack with reality: Dark skinned people were cursed by God, women would be eternally pregnant, Jesus and Satan are brothers, there are three different heavens and the "lost tribe" of Israel being the inhabitants of the Americas. Plus, I didn't know if I could follow all of the rules. Next I researched Catholicism and even went to mass. However the mass was in Latin, which I don't speak or understand, but everyone else there knew when to stand, sit and kneel. I left feeling like I had been to a meeting where everyone is an insider and the outsiders just have to figure it out. I also wasn't sure I wanted to be involved in a religion that could excommunicate me and then I would lose heaven. I also wasn't sold on the infallibility of Pope and knowing I would have to do whatever he said. My next attempt was Islam, which definitely was another male dominated religion. Several professional athletes had become Muslims and changed their names, like Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. This religion had these five pillars of their faith that you had to practice consistently. I asked a friend of mine who was Muslim if I could check it out and he told me that if I ever converted to Islam, I could be killed if I didn't faithfully follow the teachings. Man, that sounded a little intimidating and I wasn't sure fear was the best motivator for faith. I also began to research and see what countries which were Muslim were like and how they treated people. I didn't see much freedom, but a lot of power, destruction and intimidation. I researched Buddhism and Hinduism, but never took them seriously because I didn't know anyone who actually practice the religion. Plus, I was sold on reincarnation because I didn't think it would be fair if I were reincarnated, but wasn't allowed to remember whether I was stepping up or stepping down. Shouldn't I be allowed to remember every one of my previous lives so I wouldn't make the same mistakes? I also wasn't sold on a plethora of gods everywhere and having to appease each one of these gods. That seemed a little primitive for me, so I didn't choose them.</div>
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Now before you think I decided to follow Christ because I had no other good options, please know that there were two factors I could never shake as I investigated the claims of other religions. The first factor was the religion factor. Religion is man's way to explain God or make a way to God. All of the other religions I had studied gave a set of tenets which if I followed correctly would lead to Heaven the Celestial Kingdom, Nirvana, enlightenment or whatever the pay off was. It seemed like they all put man in charge rather than God being in charge. They came across as very self-centered and not very God-centered. I kept coming back to Ephesians 2:8-9, which says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, though faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Christianity didn't give me a list of rules to follow or a way to earn Heaven. It came from the perspective of my sin keeping me from God, so God came to me. I could fool people and follow the teachings/rules of a religion, but in my soul, I knew I had evil in me. Even if the actions were proper, I had thoughts that weren't very proper. Christianity was the only religion that offered a satisfying solution for my soul. When I had received Jesus as my Savior, there had always been a peace given to me when I prayed and confessed my sins to God. It was like God was always giving me another chance because He knew I would never make it on my own.</div>
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The other factor I could never shake was the resurrection factor. Each of these other religions had human leaders and each of these leaders had died. Of course, Jesus had died too. But He didn't stay dead. He rose and then ascended to Heaven. I just could never shake the fact that Christianity was based on this incredible truth. When Jesus died, Pilate, the Romans, the Jewish leaders, the disciples, the women and a host of others knew where His body was buried. All the opponents of Jesus had to do was produce His body to disprove Christianity, but they never could. The best they could come up with was the explanation that the disciples had stolen His body. That doesn't seem very plausible because the disciples were hiding out, in fear they would be the next ones put to death. Why would they risk going out into public, taking on some guards at the tomb, rolling a huge stone away to steal the body of Jesus? We also know that these men would end up dying because they taught and preached that Jesus had risen from the grave. Would they really die for a lie? I figure one of them, in the midst of being tortured and threatened with death would have given up the hiding place for Jesus' body. But they didn't. Why did this not happen? There was only one explanation: There was no body because Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven. I just couldn't get past this fact about Jesus, even as I was on my quest. The resurrection is proof that Jesus conquered sin, death, Satan and Hell. I would never be able to do all that through pious observance of religious tenets and good works. Jesus offered me what no other religion could offer me. He offered me forgiveness for my lack of goodness and a free pass into a Heaven I could never earn. With all the other religion choices I had around me, only one made sense. Only one was focused on God's activity rather than man's activity. Only one was God-centered rather than me-centered. Only one offered peace by receiving a gift rather than works to earn peace. My private search had come to an end and I decided to live my life as an offering of thanks to the God who had given me more than I ever deserved. that one decision has had a profound impact on my life and made me the man I am today. I shudder to think what I would be like today without the guidance and forgiveness of Jesus.</div>
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How about you? There's a plethora of choices in front of you. Examine the life and claims of Jesus in light of the claims of other religions. Jesus said that He is the way, the truth and the life, so as you examine His claims, You will be led to the same conclusion I reached: Jesus is truly the Savior of the world. As we approach the Easter season, may you receive the grace and peace available from God through Jesus to anyone who will receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-1081468939697278142014-03-31T09:27:00.003-07:002014-03-31T09:27:21.985-07:00What Grace Looks like<div style="text-align: justify;">
The culture in which we live has turned cruel and calloused, often glorifying sarcasm and celebrating failures. We would rather laugh at people when they fall and video it on our cameras than reach down and help them out. We continue to draw into more selfish circles, refusing to extend our arms to those who are in need.</div>
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However, because of Jesus, this is different for the Church. The rest of culture may be moving in this direction, but we understand the power of grace. As we read the bible, we see grace extended in so many ways.</div>
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-The world becomes corrupt and evil which leads to their destruction, but God saves humanity through one family...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A city becomes so hedonistic that it is destroyed, but God saves the only family willing to leave...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man refuses to wait on God's promise and births a child out of wedlock. This child and his mother are run off from the family, but God protects that mother and child and allows them to become a nation...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A wife laughs at God's promise, but God still delivers on His promise anyway...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A brother cheats his brother, then flees for his life. After many years, God reunites the brothers and there is peace between them...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man is sold into slavery then thrown in prison for being righteous, but God brings his release and promotion to a place of prominence...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-This same man forgives, feeds and cares for the very family members who sold him into slavery...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man commits murder and flees for his life, but God restores him and sends him back to the very same country he fled...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A poor shepherd speaks to the most powerful ruler on earth and God brings about the miraculous release of slaves...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man with incredible strength given by God misuses this strength, but cries out to God asking for this strength to be restored. God restores his strength so he can bring judgment...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man with no courage and little training is utilized by God to defeat an enemy of over 20,000 with just 300 men...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A ruler who commits adultery and murder to hide his adultery experiences conviction and forgiveness by God...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man with leprosy kneels before Jesus asking to be healed and Jesus heals him...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A large group listening to Jesus is fed with only a few fish and loaves...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-Some women who stay close to Jesus are the first to see Him after His resurrection...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man who denies Jesus three times is restored by Jesus...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man who refuses to believe his friends about the resurrection gets to see and touch the risen Savior...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A man who enjoys persecuting and killing followers of Jesus becomes a follower of Jesus...That is what grace looks like.</div>
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-A young man who drops out on a mission trip is restored and given another opportunity...That is what grace looks like.<br />
-Humanity was plunging headlong into Hell until Jesus became the perfect sacrifice on the cross for all of the sins of humanity...That is what grace looks like.<br />
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The Bible is a book of grace - God redeeming that which our world thinks is beyond help and hope. But grace is not just something that happened thousands of years ago. Grace is something that happened back in 1971 when as a ten year old boy in the woods of North Carolina at a Royal Ambassador Camp, I realize a profound emptiness in my life that could only be filled by Jesus. In that moment as I received Jesus as my Savior, I was given a lifetime of purposefulness that has taken me to Kentucky, Hawaii, California, the Philippines, Korea, Hong Kong and next door. That is what grace looks like.<br />
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BUT grace is happening every day around us, in ways we often do not see because of our busyness. He is offering multiple second chances to blow it again to so many of us. Many who have rejected His grace continue to be shown grace in the hopes that they will respond and receive this incredible gift. As the Church, we are entrusted with God's grace. We are to be instruments of God's forgiveness and second chances. Who do you know who needs another chance? Who do you know what needs some grace. In an angry and bitter world, we become the seeds of peace and joy as we share God's grace found only in Jesus.</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-65097977711420248352014-03-24T09:47:00.001-07:002014-03-24T09:47:30.189-07:00This Is Madness<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past week marked the beginning of "March Madness", when the NCAA basketball tournament begins. The madness was heightened this year when there was a $1 billion offer for anyone who could correctly fill out the entire tournament brackets. After the first day of the tournament, 98.3% of all brackets had been busted. By the third day of games, no one had an intact bracket. This just shows how tenuous a hold can be in basketball.</div>
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However, I harken back to the madness of my childhood and youth in watching a basketball tournament. It was not the NCAA tournament which caused the frenzy, but the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. This was back in the 70's, long before the super conferences of today and back when only one team would make the NCAA tournament from each conference. The ACC was the first conference to determine its representative via a tournament. This meant the winning team went to the NCAA tournament and the other teams either played in the National Invitational Tournament or stayed home. The NCAA tournament only had sixteen teams in it. This made for some incredible basketball with tickets almost impossible to purchase for the games. In school, we would beg out teachers to let us listen to the ACC tournament games on the radio (This was long before cable TV). Some teachers would realize they wouldn't have our attention and so would relent to let us listen. The teachers who tried to carry on business as usual had to deal with student sneaking radios into class with the ear plug. They also had to battle the constant distraction from students as we talked about what happened in the games that had taken place already. We all knew who was a Carolina fan, Duke fan, State fan, Clemson fan or a Virginia fan. Of course, I was and still am a Wake Forest fan, which meant my team never won the ACC tournament in this old school format. It truly was madness during the ACC tournament. Then there was always the lucky student whose parents would keep them out of school so they could listen to the games or even go to the tournament. The first two days of the tournament were on school days and the final two days were on the weekend, so we could watch the semi-finals and finals.</div>
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The greatest game I have ever seen played happened at the 1974 ACC tournament championship, which pitted the University of Maryland against NC State. There were some great players in that game like John Lucas, Tom McMillen, Len Elmore, Monte Towe, Tom Burleson and David Thompson. This game would propel these men to legendary status in ACC lore. Of the fourteen players who played in that game, eight would be drafted by the NBA. This was the clash of two great teams and only one would be allowed to compete in the NCAA tournament. State won the game by a score of 103-100 in overtime. State would go on to beat an incredible UCLA team in the NCAA semi-finals, in another classic game. But this Maryland-State game was just an incredible game from start to finish, a game you didn't want to miss. There was madness in the air. Amazingly, after 40 years, I can still remember that game, which shows the power of March Madness.</div>
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On Sunday, we looked at another madness. I Peter 3:13 tells us, "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?". The word for eager could easily be translated as "zealous", kind of like madness. This passage reminds the follower of Christ that we should be zealous to do what is good and right in God's eyes. Certainly, we live in a pagan culture with morals which have become relative and slowly degrading. However, we are not to do what is right with the standard of our culture, but with the standard of the Bible. March Madness should pale in comparison to our passion in doing what is right. We do what is right whether that is honored in our culture or whether it sends us to jail. As our culture continues to compromise and become more evil, this will be a bigger challenge. Doing right in God's eyes will quickly fall out of favor and will become costly for us. It is already happening around us, so we must be zealous in doing good. This is our goal, not because our culture will affirm us or celebrate us. This is our goal because we have a different mindset and a different heart. We had heart surgery when we came to Christ and He has given us a passion to do the right thing.</div>
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Please, don't read this as some wayward desire to harken back to the "good ol' days". The good ol days weren't all that good and God has now given us an opportunity to let our light shine brightly. Never before in my lifetime has it been as exciting to be a follower of Jesus. Obeying Him and doing what He says is right, now makes us stand out from our culture. We become rebels and a prime target for persecution. I think it's great that we can now allow our friends and neighbors to see the difference Jesus makes. We don't have ben able to spout the proper theology, we simply have to honor God in what we do. Our friends and neighbors will be shocked by what they see. They will see people who care about those in need, marriages that not only stay together but thrive, children who are loved and disciplined, generosity, patience and an incredible peace. So how about making a decision to get more fired up about doing the right thing than by some basketball tournament which will end in a few weeks? Let's have right-living madness!</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-49007182226155948472014-03-17T08:10:00.001-07:002014-03-17T08:10:32.007-07:00Are You Ready to Go Underground?<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Wednesday mornings, I meet with a group of pastors from a variety of denominations to pray together and entreat God to move in a powerful way in the Bay area. Our goals are to encourage each other in ministry and pray. I have been praying with this crew for over twelve years now and they have become dear co-laborers with me. Last week, one of the pastors asked what we thought the future of the church in America would be. We shared a variety of outlooks and responses to that questions, but it would behoove all of us to think about the future of the church in America.</div>
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Before I shared my thoughts, I will preface my comments by stating that I am NOT a prophet, nor is this a prophecy. I have not heard some direct word from the Lord to pass on to you. As I look at what is happening in our culture, this is my assessment of where the church is heading. Please feel free to disagree, but don't discount what you read in this post.</div>
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The ultimate realization the church in America must make is that we live in a pagan culture. No longer does out culture reinforce the values of the church, but it is moving in quite the opposite direction. The things that we value because of our faith in Christ are now becoming ridiculed and marginalized. Time and again, we see cultural shifts in morality that are not only against the truth of Scripture, but are labeled as "evil" in the Bible. However, the pagan culture embraces those evil values and is seeking to normalize those values. This spiral simply continues to keep increasing with each proclivity that is normalized and glorified in our culture.</div>
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I believe one of two directions will take place for the church in our culture. Direction #1 appears to be the most likely to happen. As our government continues to remove liberties and freedoms in America, they will begin to try to control the message of the church. They will begin to pass laws as to what can and cannot be said in public and private settings. There will be guidelines that churches must follow if they are to continue to have any standing in the culture. The progression look something like this: The IRS/Federal government will have to be given a list of the "board of directors" of the church. The church will not be allowed to discuss or support political causes or candidates. The church will have to sign a document pledging to not discuss certain topics or only discuss them in the culturally accepted terms. Any church which refuses to do this will: Have their tax exempt status removed. If they continue, the church will be fined. If they continue, the board of directors will be fined. If they continue, they will have their property taken. If they continue, their pastor will face criminal or civil charges. Does that sound possible? So this will lead to two churches in America. One option will be the church which has government approval: This church will maintain tax exempt status along with other benefits, but they will be very restricted in what can be preached from the pulpit with scrutiny and oversight by the government. The second option will be the underground church: This church will meet in homes and in clandestine settings, know they will face repraisels for these meetings. However, they will freely preach and teach the Word. They will see this church grow in strength, even if she drops in number. They will see powerful movements of the Holy Spirit. As you can probably tell, I will be a part of the underground church.</div>
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The second directions seems less likely, but it is still possible. America is headed for a massive economic collapse. The continual over-printing of money along with a huge debt will cause a major economic upheaval. Right now, the US dollar is the international currency of trade. Other countries have had a vested interest in keeping the dollar strong, even though this is a shell game. If the other countries decide to make China's currency or the Euro or the Russians currency the international currency, the collapse of America's economy will be quick and total. Whenever countries begin to lose power, they look for scapegoats. In the past, two groups have always been looked at as scapegoats: The Church and the Jewish people. So as America degenerates from being a world power to a country on the brink of collapse, the church will become the focus of persecution. The membership roles of churches will be utilized to round up Christians and systematically force them into labor camps or internment camps. Once again, the church will have to move underground. It will be a death sentence to go to church buildings, so the church will meet in homes and be clandestine in her activities. She won't become quiet, but will become less institutional. .</div>
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Please understand, I am not discounting an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and revival breaking out in America. That is truly our only hope for America to remain a force in the modern world. Already, other countries are minimizing and marginalizing America. Russia is ready to invade Crimea with no fear of what America will do. Iran continues to ramp up their nuclear activity with no concern about the impact of America or the UN. World events show a remarkably quick fall America is having from the world stage. So politicians cannot change this fall. Financial institutions can't change this fall. Even the church cannot change this fall. Only a movement of God that brings revival and purity to the church can change this fall. </div>
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You may think this sounds pessimistic, but it really isn't. For the past 275 years, the church in America has had it relatively easy. The culture has been supportive of the church and the church actually gave leadership and wisdom to our country. But the church has become complacent and too immersed in the culture. We have forgotten to be salt and light, instead becoming enablers of sin and entertainment. The church tries to put on a good show each Sunday morning to draw in the "unchurched", but there is little depth and devotion. God has always allowed persecution to purify the church. That is why we have been going through the book of I Peter, in preparation for the purification God has in mind for His church in America. Persecution and suffering are often the greatest tools of revival in the life of the Church. Jesus told us in John 15:18, "If the world hates you, keep in my that it hated me first", and in Matthew 10:22, "You will be <b>hate</b>d by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."</div>
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So are you ready to go underground? Are you ready to face persecution without compromising your faith? Are you ready to never let your faith go underground as you look at a new paradigm of church in America? Maybe I am totally wrong and off-base with this look at the future. I pray that I am wrong...but what..if..I...am...right? Are you ready?</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-65804371585671951832014-03-10T10:05:00.002-07:002014-03-10T10:05:15.655-07:00Courage<div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border-image: none; border: currentColor; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left;">
<span class="bqQuoteLink"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nelsonmand178789.html" title="view quote">I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/nelson_mandela.html" title="view author">Nelson Mandela</a></div>
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<u>Read more at </u><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_courage.html#KWrimDHETtrkYQj6.99" style="color: #003399;">http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_courage.html#KWrimDHETtrkYQj6.99</a></div>
<div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border-image: none; border: currentColor; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left;">
<span class="bqQuoteLink"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nelsonmand178789.html" title="view quote">I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/nelson_mandela.html" title="view author">Nelson Mandela</a></div>
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<u>Read more at </u><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_courage.html#KWrimDHETtrkYQj6.99" style="color: #003399;">http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_courage.html#KWrimDHETtrkYQj6.99</a></div>
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After preaching Sunday's sermon, I found these quotes, which I wanted to pass on to you:</div>
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“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” <br />
―<u> </u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7393166.Ambrose_Redmoon">Ambrose Redmoon</a> </div>
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“A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4668883.William_G_T_Shedd">William G.T. Shedd</a> </div>
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“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1244.Mark_Twain">Mark Twain</a></div>
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“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1265.Jane_Austen">Jane Austen</a>, <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3060926">Pride and Prejudice</a></i><em><br /></em></div>
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“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12080.Ralph_Waldo_Emerson">Ralph Waldo Emerson</a> </div>
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“Courage is grace under pressure.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1455.Ernest_Hemingway">Ernest Hemingway</a> </div>
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“Courage isn't having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don't have strength.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/210910.Napoleon">Napoleon</a></div>
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“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7617.Andr_Gide">André Gide</a> </div>
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“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/656983.J_R_R_Tolkien">J.R.R. Tolkien</a></div>
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“Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/854076.Robert_Louis_Stevenson">Robert Louis Stevenson</a> </div>
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“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45481.John_Wayne">John Wayne</a> </div>
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There are a lot of wonderful quotes about courage, but we often think courage is exhibited only in rare instances when our lives are on the line. The past few weeks, I have preached sermons which require daily courage. Living in a pagan, morally-disintegrating culture can take away our daily courage. The bar of moral excellence has been lowered greatly in the past twenty years and the Church has fallen in step with our culture. Rather than abstaining from the moral relativity of our age, the Church has sought to embrace it and be more acceptable to the lost in our culture. Jesus reminded us that we really on have two choices: (1) the wide path that leads to destruction, upon which most of the people we know are traveling or (2) the narrow way that leads to life, but only has a few on it. As we see the zenith of American's goodness in the rear view mirror, what choice will the Church make? Even more personal than that, what choice will you make.<br />
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The sermons of the past few weeks have centered on God's expectations for those who are married. We all know that marriage has dropped out of vogue (As more couples choose to live together rather than get married) or been hijacked away from God's original purpose for giving us this wonderful gift of marriage. So those of us in the Church have to decide what we truly believe about marriage. This has nothing to do with our politics, but our actions. What do our marriages look like? Is our marriage inviting and presenting a testimony of Jesus and His Church to our community? We know that those involved in church only have a divorce rate of 7% as opposed to 48% for the rest of our culture. But that is lowering the bar of excellence. Is the goal of our marriages just to avoid divorce? Shouldn't the purpose of marriages be to prepare each other for Heaven and lead others to saving faith in Christ? What have you been doing to assist your spouse in growing in his/her faith in Christ? What have you been doing to make sure your spouse is utilizing his/her spiritual gifts? How have you been praying for your spouse and praying with your spouse? Who are the two of you inviting into your lives so they could see your passionate love for each other and Jesus? Have you been forgiving your spouse in the same way Christ forgave you? Have you been playing with your spouse lately? </div>
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Ultimately, do you treat your spouse as a brother or sister in Christ? It takes courage to have a thriving marriage which is a testimony to our world. It takes courage to love you spouse with the love Christ showed to you. It takes courage to put his/her needs above your own. It takes courage to make her/him your best friend and take the ridicule which inevitably comes from our pagan friends, co-workers and neighbors who don't value marriage. Live, today, with courage and express that courage in the way you treat your spouse. One of the greatest testimonies we can share with the world is the testimony of our marriage. So invest your energy in that which truly matters, your marriage and allow the love of Christ to permeate it entirely. If so, you will be an example of courage to all those around you!</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-45024953735618614282014-03-03T09:11:00.000-08:002014-03-03T09:11:49.305-08:00Style Over Substance<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last night, Hollywood had its annual self-love fest with the Academy Awards/Oscars. The only reason I know this is because I saw it on one of the TVs at the gym while I was working out this morning. I have really never understood the fascination Americans have with this "Awards" show. Spending three hours watching and listening to actors act surprised, trying to out-dress and out-shine others, just doesn't seem like a fun night for me. But you may be one of the ones who hosts or attends an Oscar Party and it may truly be a festive night for you. The word we used to use for Hollywood was "Plastic" because the actors and actresses were simply playing roles, looking good on the outside but hollow on the inside. Unfortunately, our culture has devolved into a cult of personality cult. We spend time, effort, energy and money following these "stars" who often have personal lives filled with divorce, drug use, alcoholism, addiction, eating disorders and a host of other issues. Oscar Night is often a celebration of style over substance.</div>
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This "style over substance" can be seen vividly in what is happening in the Ukraine. Russia is threatening to invade and take over the Ukraine. Our State Department and President are using tough language in an attempt to keep this from happening. The truth of the matter is this: Putin has no respect and no fear of the leadership in America nor her allies. He knows that we can only make hollow gestures by trying to get the United Nations to enact some type of sanctions. He knows that our leadership cannot and will not be able to do anything to prevent an invasion, so he is emboldened to act without any fear of reprisal. America's International leadership is simply style over substance. The world no longer respects the power and authority of the United States because we will never back up any threat we make. The red line in the sand of Syria put the final nail in that coffin. Our International policy is style over substance.</div>
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Unfortunately, this love of style over substance has impacted the church in America. The church feels like she must have the nicest buildings, a large assortment of ministries, a welcome center, an expresso machine, a well-prepared band, multi-media, sermons from a hip pastor and a fantastic logo. If we can just do all of the right things, the church feels that people will flock to her. And often they do...for a time. But after a while, the concert atmosphere of our worship services no longer excites like it used to. Or there is another church down the street with an even more hip pastor and even better give-aways. So the crowd moves to the next big thing. Some churches try to stay up on the trends and keep ahead of the curve to make sure the crow coming to their church is engaged and fully devoted to the church. We now celebrate style over substance.</div>
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I look back at Jesus and He appears to be substance over style. He didn't have the nicest clothes, the best advertising or speak with the latest slogans. He was Old Skool. He would teach about the Law, but spoke about the heart of the Law, not just the actions. He talked about the substance of our lives and often condemned the style of our lives. He didn't have time for those who wanted to act a certain way, appearing to be righteous, while all the time, they were devoid of faith, dedication and humility. He called them white washed walls. He didn't spend His time trying to draw a large crowd. When He became popular, He would either get away from the crowd or teach about commitment and sacrifice, so the crowd would dissipate. He spent his three years of ministry investing in just twelve men, and those men often wanted style over substance. They argued over who would be the greatest, got upset when things didn't go their way, were impatient with Jesus' timing and rarely understood who Jesus really was. Yet Jesus would always call them back to substance over style. The Style crowd hated Him, especially when He would point out their hypocrisy, like when He cleared the Temple. They wanted Him dead and quiet, which is often how the crowd will treat followers of Jesus who have substance.</div>
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Today, we need a breath of the Holy Spirit to lead us to true substance over style. Hey, it's a battle because our pagan culture spends all their energy on style. We are going to be radicals and misunderstood if we seek to have the substance Jesus talked about. He wants us to be servants of us. He wants us to be humble in how we live our lives. He wants us to be generous to those who can give us nothing. He wants us to have faith in Him rather than in what we can accomplish. He wants us to live a morally pure life, according to His standard not the vacillating standard of the pagans around us. He wants our light to shine in our neighborhoods, homes, jobs, schools and communities. He is looking for men and women who will be wholly dedicated to Him and solid in their faith. Of course, this type of foundation doesn't get the hype nor the applause. So without the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, this will never happen in our own lives. </div>
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Be honest about your life: Are you investing more time in style over substance? Did spend more time preparing your body (Shower, dressing, make-up, hair, breakfast, etc.) this morning or your soul (Prayer, meditation, Bible study) this morning? Are you more concerned about making your house payment than the eternal destiny of your neighbor? Have you spent more time chatting about the Oscars or about Jesus today? Let's aim to be people of Christ, people of substance over style.</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-70746225459405969602014-02-24T09:28:00.000-08:002014-02-24T09:28:00.721-08:00Blame It On...<div style="text-align: justify;">
America has turned from being the "Land of Opportunity" to the "Land of Blaming others." We have moved a far distance away from President Harry Truman's slogan of "the Bucks Stops Here". He had a plaque with these words sitting on his desk in the Oval Office as a reminder that the final decision was his. We have moved through the days of Richard Nixon famously saying, "I am not a crook to the spin of our latest politicians. President Obama recently blamed Fox news for the problems in his presidency and blamed racism for his low approval ratings. Vice-President Joe Biden blamed George Bush for the nine trillions dollars in deficit the United States government has incurred since he was elected Vice-President. John Boehner blames the president for the immigration reform impasse. Alec Baldwin blames the media for his messed up personal life. Piers Morgan blames American culture for his low ratings when he quits his show. The Chicago police blame gangs for the increased violence in the city. Everyone in Detroit is blaming each other for the financial Armageddon they are facing. Mayor Ray Nagin famously blamed George Bush for the tragic consequences of hurricane Katrina, while at the same time, syphoning off federal money for his own purposes. Closer to home, Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin is blaming the banks for having to foreclose on homes bought by people who could not afford those homes. Don't even try to discuss the embarrassing status of our public school system because blame is thrown in every direction while we continue to pore tax money into an institution failing miserably in its purpose to educate American children. I could go on for hours, but you get the point. Blame has become a national pastime in America.</div>
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This problem is as old as sin. When Adam and Eve sinned, do you remember their responses? Adam who was given charge of the Garden and supposed to be responsible for his wife blames his wife. Eve then blames the serpent. They follow the sin of disobedience with the sin of failing to take responsibility. In Genesis 3, God doesn't buy the excuses and holds them accountable for what has happened. God is fairly consistent in holding mankind accountable for what they do. Moses is held accountable for letting his anger get the best of him and he is not allowed to enter the Promises Land. Achan is held responsible for his sin of keeping plunder when he wasn't supposed to do that. Samson is held accountable for giving away the secret of his strength. Elijah is held accountable for running and hiding, having a pit party because he thinks he is the only one in Israel still following the Lord. Peter is held accountable for denying Jesus. Ananias and Sapphira are held accountable for lying to God and the church. Peter is held accountable for his hypocrisy in dealing with the Gentile Christians when Jews were around. John Mark is held accountable for his failure on the missionary journey with Paul. Their is an accountability for those of us who claim to follow Christ that is not leveled on those who have not chosen to follow Him.</div>
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I Peter 2:11 reminds us, "Dear friends, I urge you as alien and strangers in the world to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." This is a stark reminder for out day that even though the pagan culture of America embraces blame, we are to take responsibility. Yes, taking responsibility will cause us pain in the immediate future. Yes, we will probably have to make restitution and amends for what we have done. Yes, we will disappoint some people when they hear the truth. Yes, we will make mistakes and need to take full responsibility for those mistakes. We don't try to spin the truth so we won't look so bad. If we are wrong, we are wrong. Quite blaming other people or circumstances for your misery and pain. We are not the first followers of Christ to be persecuted for our faith and we won't be the last. God's goal for His Church is not her comfort, but her holiness. Being accountable and responsible builds holiness in our lives.</div>
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So today, rather than looking for an easy out, will you take responsibility for the decisions you have made and the consequences that come with those choices?</div>
Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215600544900595547.post-67361209565380041142014-02-10T08:03:00.002-08:002014-02-10T08:03:35.740-08:00Let It Rain<div style="text-align: justify;">
For those of you who don't live in the Bay Area of California, you may not be aware that we are in a drought. We have a rainy season which lasts from November through April and after that, rain is very scarce. We have been experiencing the driest winter on record. We would need twenty one inches of rain before June to get back to normal levels of rainfall. There is a lot of concern because there isn't a big snow pack yet in the Sierra mountains, which affects the water available for the valley and Los Angeles. The governor declared an emergency, people prayed for rain and others said the drought was punishment from God. Well, this past weekend, the rains came. God sent wonderful rain that came down at a gentle pace and soaked into the ground. Some areas received as many as eleven inches of rain in the past five days. This doesn't end our need for more rain, but it does alleviate some of the fears of a prolonged drought.</div>
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This made me think about what the Bible says about rain, so I looked up a few passages that I want to share with you. So here they are:</div>
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Job 5:10 - "He bestows rain on the earth; He sends water upon the country side." God does control the weather. He can bring rain or He can make the rain stop. He is still the Sustainer of the universe.</div>
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In God's response to Job, He says this in 38:25: "Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain and a path for the thunderstorm?" God confronts Job with the knowledge that God alone can bring rain.</div>
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Psalm 147:8 - "He covers the sky with clouds; He supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills." This is a beautiful picture of God's provision. He brings the rains that bring the crops which feed us.</div>
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Jeremiah 14:22 asks this wonderful question: "Do any worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers?" And then the passage gives this response: "No, it is you, O Lord our God. therefore our hope is in you, for you are the One who does all this" Rain is a reminder to trust God and put your hope in Him.</div>
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Jesus speaks of rain in His sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:45: "He causes His sun to rise of the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous." Jesus is telling us to love all people, even our enemies. God shows His love by allowing the rain to fall on all people, even those who despise or deny God. If God is so loving and generous, then we should also. There is only one instance in the Bible of the lack of rain being a judgment by God and that was foretold by Elijah. So we must be careful in placing blame on God's judgment for natural events (Unless we have had word from Him that this is what He has done).</div>
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Isaiah 45:8 takes this idea of rain and transmits a different thought about rain. "You heavens above, rain down righteousness; Let the clouds shower it down Let the earth open wide and let salvation spring up, let the righteous grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it." The call is for the followers of </div>
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God to live such righteous lives that righteousness is all around like the rain. God desires His people to be beacons of hope and grace in a world of selfishness and sin. He wants the world to see that the hope of the nations is not found in a government or riches or technology, but is found in the grace of God. So let Christ shine through your choices today in such a way that others will be drawn to Him.</div>
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One of my favorite passages about rain is found in Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus ends His sermon on the Mount by talking about two builders in the same storm. That storm has rain, winds and floods which affect both builders. One builder chooses to build on sand...bad choice. The other builder chooses to build on THE rock...great choice. The home on the sand is destroyed. The home of THE rock stands through the storm. Of course, Jesus is the rock. What we do in His name and led by His Spirit will last. What we do for ourselves (Even churchy stuff and spiritual stuff) won't last because we are only temporary. So today, make the choice to build your life on the solid rock because all other ground is sinking sand.</div>
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Pastor Tedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09565368122472404621noreply@blogger.com1