On Sunday my wife Tammy shared with the congregation that several childen's ministry teachers were stepping down in this spring to move into other areas of ministry. We applaud these teachers, as several have served in Kingdom Kids for several years. Tammy challenged some of the '30-something' members to pray about serving in the CM, and I am pleased to note that on Sunday morning alone five people came forward to answer the call!
One thing about our church - our congregation has a heart to serve: to serve God, and serve His people! I am blessed to be a part of such an awesome fellowship!
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Cor 15:58
Pastor Clay
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
End Times Update - Sovereign Danger
"Watching Greece and now Portugal verge on financial default due to fiscal profligacy should send a chill up every American's spine. This is our fate, too, if we don't change course — and soon."
March 24, 2010 Investors Business Daily.
End times teaching in the bible tells us that there will be an alignment of nations into a one-world government. Many people thing this could never happen, but things are moving in that direction, and the catalyst will be the financial systems of the world. When things get bad, people talk 'consolidation'. Corporations do it all the time.
Our nation is heading towards a financial cliff, and we're not alone. European nations are finding that the model of giving people cradle-to-grave entitlements cannot be sustained, and it is bankrupting one country after another. The US is heading down the same path.
When everyone is bankrupt, who do we turn to? China?
(to read the full article click here)
March 24, 2010 Investors Business Daily.
End times teaching in the bible tells us that there will be an alignment of nations into a one-world government. Many people thing this could never happen, but things are moving in that direction, and the catalyst will be the financial systems of the world. When things get bad, people talk 'consolidation'. Corporations do it all the time.
Our nation is heading towards a financial cliff, and we're not alone. European nations are finding that the model of giving people cradle-to-grave entitlements cannot be sustained, and it is bankrupting one country after another. The US is heading down the same path.
When everyone is bankrupt, who do we turn to? China?
(to read the full article click here)
End Times Update - Texas Town Cross Over Play's 'Gay' Christ
Just in time for Easter, Tarleton State University is playing host to a student performance of Terrence McNally's 1998 play, "Corpus Christi," which depicts a gay Jesus performing a same-sex wedding for two of his apostles. (read the entire story here)
What does it say about our times where not only is immorality is displayed, but our Lord Jesus Christ is blasphemed in the same event? and its called 'art'.
PC
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Faithful or Foolish?
This has been quite a week for our country. After a full year of health care debate (or at least it being in the news constantly), our nation has passed a “health care reform” law. I know that many of you are waiting to see what comment I might have about this event, being the outspoken person that I am.
To be honest I have been a little distracted for the past week or so, as I am working on an “extreme deck makeover” for my beautiful wife. But I have been watching, and praying, and contemplating the events of the last few days. Truthfully, I am saddened.
Today, I read from Deuteronomy 4:
"Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren… Deut 4:5-9
It really struck me that God told the nation of Israel that the reason they were to obey His laws and statutes was so that the people of other nations would look upon Israel and be amazed at their closeness to God. In other words, they would be a witness to the other nations around them.
Now I know that God is speaking to Israel, and America has not replaced Israel in God’s eyes. But I find the parallels interesting. You see since her birth, America has been “One nation, under God”. We have always been a country that was founded on Gods word, His law, and we declared that our basic human rights were given to us by our Creator. We were seen by all others as a country that stood for and practiced Christianity, while at the same time we allowed all people to freely practice the religion of their choice. Whether people agreed with our beliefs or not, other nations knew America was by and large a Christian nation. We have truly been a witness to the nations.
Well my friends, that reality is changing. Our president declared it in a speech in Turkey, when he said “we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation”. Yes, a majority of people in our country consider themselves Christian, but our government and our institutions are rapidly turning away from our Christian heritage. I am saddened by this. Not because I think our government should preach the gospel (heaven forbid), but because as a whole our country seems ready to discard the principles and values that have made us great. I believe that just as Israel paid a price for moving away from God, so will America.
But on the other hand, these are exiting times. As we have been going through Jesus teaching of the “end of the age”, I can see that the time of the return of our Lord is coming soon! The events of the world are aligning with bible prophecy. And while the politicians of our day can pass laws, and declare great victories, all of their efforts to create a just and right world will fail, because the heart of man is desperately wicked. Mankind is simply not capable of ruling this world.
But one day our King will return, and He will rule and reign. The church will rule and reign with Him. Where will He find you on that day?
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. Matt 24:45-47
Join us Sunday for the 5th installment of our “Olivet Discourse” series: The Contrast: Faithful vs Foolish
Living to tell what He died to say
Pastor Clay
To be honest I have been a little distracted for the past week or so, as I am working on an “extreme deck makeover” for my beautiful wife. But I have been watching, and praying, and contemplating the events of the last few days. Truthfully, I am saddened.
Today, I read from Deuteronomy 4:
"Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren… Deut 4:5-9
It really struck me that God told the nation of Israel that the reason they were to obey His laws and statutes was so that the people of other nations would look upon Israel and be amazed at their closeness to God. In other words, they would be a witness to the other nations around them.
Now I know that God is speaking to Israel, and America has not replaced Israel in God’s eyes. But I find the parallels interesting. You see since her birth, America has been “One nation, under God”. We have always been a country that was founded on Gods word, His law, and we declared that our basic human rights were given to us by our Creator. We were seen by all others as a country that stood for and practiced Christianity, while at the same time we allowed all people to freely practice the religion of their choice. Whether people agreed with our beliefs or not, other nations knew America was by and large a Christian nation. We have truly been a witness to the nations.
Well my friends, that reality is changing. Our president declared it in a speech in Turkey, when he said “we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation”. Yes, a majority of people in our country consider themselves Christian, but our government and our institutions are rapidly turning away from our Christian heritage. I am saddened by this. Not because I think our government should preach the gospel (heaven forbid), but because as a whole our country seems ready to discard the principles and values that have made us great. I believe that just as Israel paid a price for moving away from God, so will America.
But on the other hand, these are exiting times. As we have been going through Jesus teaching of the “end of the age”, I can see that the time of the return of our Lord is coming soon! The events of the world are aligning with bible prophecy. And while the politicians of our day can pass laws, and declare great victories, all of their efforts to create a just and right world will fail, because the heart of man is desperately wicked. Mankind is simply not capable of ruling this world.
But one day our King will return, and He will rule and reign. The church will rule and reign with Him. Where will He find you on that day?
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. Matt 24:45-47
Join us Sunday for the 5th installment of our “Olivet Discourse” series: The Contrast: Faithful vs Foolish
Living to tell what He died to say
Pastor Clay
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Coming King
Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near -- at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. (Matt 24:32-34)
Jesus was known for making some pretty radical statements, but the ones He made in Matthew 24 are still rattling people even to this day! Jesus talked about His return, and then he gave a prediction that “this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” Ever since that statement Christians have been trying to figure out “are we that generation?”
Then in the 20th century an interesting even took place: The nation of
So, are we in the final season?
Join us Sunday, March 21, as we explore “The Rapture, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ”.
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
The Great Tribulation
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matt 24:29-31
Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth -- to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people -- saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water." Rev 14:6-7
One of the most misunderstood aspects of Christianity is probably the teaching of Jesus and the prophets concerning the time called “The Great Tribulation.” One the one hand, the bible makes it pretty clear that this world-wide event will come to pass. On the other hand, many Christians have a hard time grasping the severity of death, disaster, and suffering that is described in the book of Revelation. As a result, some people explain away the event, saying that it is only ‘figurative’ and it will never come to pass literally. Others dismiss it as colorful fiction that the biblical writers made up. Some simply put it out of their minds and go about living their lives.
But I look at the teaching from a different perspective. If a hurricane were coming towards our beach town, I would want to know about it. I would be able to take action if I knew in advance. If a category 5 storm were approaching, I would gather my family, but them in the car, and move them inland to safety. But what would we think if the weather service knew a category 5 was approaching, and didn’t tell us? How could we prepare? Wouldn’t we be caught unprepared?
Well a category 100 event is approaching this world. Think Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, Mt St Helens, and Oklahoma tornado’s all rolled into one! What would we think about God if He didn’t tell us that this event was coming? Who wouldn’t want to know? Unlike our hurricanes, there is no place on earth to hide from God’s judgment during the Great Tribulation. But there is a safe place away from earth; Heaven! We can’t run away from the Great Tribulation, but we can tell everyone we know that God has an escape route – Salvation through Jesus Christ! In other words, knowing that something is coming allows us to prepare. We can’t stop it, but we can be ready!
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matt 24:44
Join us Sunday for our study “The Last Days – Part 3: The Great Tribulation”
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
A Greater Song
Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations,His wonders among all peoples. Ps 96:1-3
This past Sunday we learned a new song - A Greater Song by Paul Baloche and Matt Redman. The song really struck a chord in my heart, especially the second chorus line:
"Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher."
It was a powerful moment, standing in the sanctuary of God's house, in unison with God's people, singing out to our Lord ... "we wanna lift you higher!" It made me think of Psalm 96, a picture of God's people singing out and proclaiming to all the earth the greatness of His glory, and the blessing of His salvation!
I thought you might enjoy having the words to meditate on today.
PC
-------------------
A Greater Song
Paul Baloche and Matt Redman
Who could imagine a melody, true enough to tell of Your Mercy
Who could imagine a harmony, sweet enough to tell of Your love.
I see the heavens proclaining You day after day,
And I know in my heart that there must be a way.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to You on the earth.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to you on the earth.
Who can imagine a symphony, grand enough to tell of Your glory.
Our highest praise but a feeble breath, a whisper of Your thunderous worth
I see the heavens proclaiming You day after day,
And I know in my heart that there must be a way.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to You on the earth.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to you on the earth.
Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher.
Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yez8mNzQW08
This past Sunday we learned a new song - A Greater Song by Paul Baloche and Matt Redman. The song really struck a chord in my heart, especially the second chorus line:
"Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher."
It was a powerful moment, standing in the sanctuary of God's house, in unison with God's people, singing out to our Lord ... "we wanna lift you higher!" It made me think of Psalm 96, a picture of God's people singing out and proclaiming to all the earth the greatness of His glory, and the blessing of His salvation!
I thought you might enjoy having the words to meditate on today.
PC
-------------------
A Greater Song
Paul Baloche and Matt Redman
Who could imagine a melody, true enough to tell of Your Mercy
Who could imagine a harmony, sweet enough to tell of Your love.
I see the heavens proclaining You day after day,
And I know in my heart that there must be a way.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to You on the earth.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to you on the earth.
Who can imagine a symphony, grand enough to tell of Your glory.
Our highest praise but a feeble breath, a whisper of Your thunderous worth
I see the heavens proclaiming You day after day,
And I know in my heart that there must be a way.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to You on the earth.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to you on the earth.
Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher.
Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yez8mNzQW08
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