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
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Full Circle
As we approach chapter 23 of Matthew, there is a significant change in Jesus’ tone. In the sermon recorded in Matthew 23, Jesus goes from teaching to preaching. He moves from grace to judgment.
In Roman’s chapter 4 Paul tells us that it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. God’s grace and mercy are a great motivation to lead a person to receive salvation. But later Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians that some are “saved by fire”. In other words, some people have to be confronted with the sure damnation of hell and judgment in order to come to a decision about Christ. That may be why, in the last sermon that Jesus gives to the crowds in Jerusalem, just days before His death on the cross, Jesus preaches hellfire and judgment to the religious leaders.
But there is another interesting facet of this sermon; Jesus seems to be coming “full circle” in His ministry. In the beginning of His ministry, Jesus taught eight blessings on the form of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Here as He approaches the end of His ministry on earth, Jesus presents the religious leaders with a set of eight ‘woes’. Interesting how they parallel.
Join us Sunday as we dive into Matthew chapter 23!
Till the whole world hears,
Pastor Clay
In Roman’s chapter 4 Paul tells us that it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. God’s grace and mercy are a great motivation to lead a person to receive salvation. But later Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians that some are “saved by fire”. In other words, some people have to be confronted with the sure damnation of hell and judgment in order to come to a decision about Christ. That may be why, in the last sermon that Jesus gives to the crowds in Jerusalem, just days before His death on the cross, Jesus preaches hellfire and judgment to the religious leaders.
But there is another interesting facet of this sermon; Jesus seems to be coming “full circle” in His ministry. In the beginning of His ministry, Jesus taught eight blessings on the form of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Here as He approaches the end of His ministry on earth, Jesus presents the religious leaders with a set of eight ‘woes’. Interesting how they parallel.
Join us Sunday as we dive into Matthew chapter 23!
Till the whole world hears,
Pastor Clay
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Greatest Question
"What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”
After being grilled by the religious leaders, Jesus asks this question of them. It’s a simple question: Who do you say that Jesus is? Was He a prophet? A great teacher? A good man? A person who died for a cause? If you ask ten different people, you might get ten different answers.
But the answer to the question lies not in what the Pharisees held, but what do YOU say about Jesus? How you answer the question, will determine your eternal destiny.
Join us Sunday as we finish Matthew 22, and answer the question “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
After being grilled by the religious leaders, Jesus asks this question of them. It’s a simple question: Who do you say that Jesus is? Was He a prophet? A great teacher? A good man? A person who died for a cause? If you ask ten different people, you might get ten different answers.
But the answer to the question lies not in what the Pharisees held, but what do YOU say about Jesus? How you answer the question, will determine your eternal destiny.
Join us Sunday as we finish Matthew 22, and answer the question “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
The Greatest Commandment
“What is the greatest commandment?” Many have asked the question, and thought perhaps that there would be a deep theological answer. Or maybe a long list of things that we have to do to please God. But the fact is, Jesus made it really simple:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. Matt 22:36-38
Hmm… love God? So what do I do with that? How do I accomplish that? Obey all of his laws? Follow perfectly the sayings of Christ? Go to church every Sunday? Then Jesus goes on…
“And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matt 22:39-40
So how do I love my neighbor as myself? Does that mean I have to love myself first? Do I give him all my stuff? Why am I so confused? Well, let me tell you that Jesus doesn’t mean to confuse us, but He does want us to understand His meaning. Join us Sunday as we explore the greatest commandment.
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. Matt 22:36-38
Hmm… love God? So what do I do with that? How do I accomplish that? Obey all of his laws? Follow perfectly the sayings of Christ? Go to church every Sunday? Then Jesus goes on…
“And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matt 22:39-40
So how do I love my neighbor as myself? Does that mean I have to love myself first? Do I give him all my stuff? Why am I so confused? Well, let me tell you that Jesus doesn’t mean to confuse us, but He does want us to understand His meaning. Join us Sunday as we explore the greatest commandment.
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
Monday, February 01, 2010
Animals in Heaven
After Sunday's message, I received several inquiry's from people asking whether their pet will be in heaven.
Many people who love animals have wondered “will my cat/dog be with me in heaven?” Unfortunately this is one of those topics where the bible does not give us a clear answer (…thus saith the Lord, thine cat will comfort thee… !), but there are several scriptures that indicate that there will be animals in heaven:
Elijah was taken into heaven in a chariot with horses of fire…
Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 2:11
Isaiah describes heaven with animals existing without their predatory instincts…
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.
Isa 11:6-9
*Note – this verse may be referring to the 1000 year millennial reign.
Zechariah describes horses in heaven…
In that day"HOLINESS TO THE LORD" shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. Zech 14:20
And finally, John describes a white horse carrying the Lord Jesus Christ out of heaven…
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. Rev 19:11
These verses certainly indicate that some animals will be in heaven, so one could make the assumption that their pets could be in heaven also.
Psalm 37 promises us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart. Perhaps if you need for your beloved pet to be with you for heaven to be heaven, the Lord will give you the desire of your heart.
Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Ps 37:4
Hank Hanegraaff, the well known apologist for Christianity, makes in interesting case (see below).
-----------------------------
Pets in Heaven
by Hank Hanegraaff
"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than most humans." ~ James Herriot
Scripture does not exclusively tell us whether our pets will make it to heaven. However, the Bible does provide us with some significant clues that animals will inhabit the new heaven and the new earth.
First, the Garden of Eden was populated by animals, thus there is a precedent for believing that Eden restored will also be populated by animals.
Furthermore, the Scriptures --from first to last-- suggest that animals have souls. Both Moses in Genesis and John in Revelation communicate that the Creator endowed animals with souls (see Gen. 1:20, 24; Rev. 8:9). Throughout the history of the church, the classic understanding of living things has included the doctrine that animals, as well as humans, have souls.
Finally, while we cannot say for certain that the pets we enjoy today will be resurrected in eternity, I am not willing to preclude the possibility. Some of the keenest thinkers --from C.S. Lewis to Peter Kreeft--are not only convinced that animals in general, but that pets in particular, will be restored in the resurrection.
Dr. Kreeft, for example, is convinced that animals will exist throughout eternity. "Are there animals in Heaven? The simplest answer is: Why not? How irrational is the prejudice that would allow plants (green fields and flowers), but not animals into Heaven." Regarding pets, he writes: "Would the same animals be in Heaven as on earth? 'Is my dead cat in Heaven?' Again, why not? God can raise up the very grass; why not cats?
Though the blessed have better things to do than play with pets, the better does not exclude the lesser."
One thing is certain: Scripture provides us with a sufficient precedent for suggesting that animals will continue to exist after the return of our Lord. Isaiah 11:6-9 provides a particularly stirring image.
"The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different." ~ Hippocrates
"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
Many people who love animals have wondered “will my cat/dog be with me in heaven?” Unfortunately this is one of those topics where the bible does not give us a clear answer (…thus saith the Lord, thine cat will comfort thee… !), but there are several scriptures that indicate that there will be animals in heaven:
Elijah was taken into heaven in a chariot with horses of fire…
Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 2:11
Isaiah describes heaven with animals existing without their predatory instincts…
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.
Isa 11:6-9
*Note – this verse may be referring to the 1000 year millennial reign.
Zechariah describes horses in heaven…
In that day"HOLINESS TO THE LORD" shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. Zech 14:20
And finally, John describes a white horse carrying the Lord Jesus Christ out of heaven…
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. Rev 19:11
These verses certainly indicate that some animals will be in heaven, so one could make the assumption that their pets could be in heaven also.
Psalm 37 promises us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart. Perhaps if you need for your beloved pet to be with you for heaven to be heaven, the Lord will give you the desire of your heart.
Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Ps 37:4
Hank Hanegraaff, the well known apologist for Christianity, makes in interesting case (see below).
-----------------------------
Pets in Heaven
by Hank Hanegraaff
"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than most humans." ~ James Herriot
Scripture does not exclusively tell us whether our pets will make it to heaven. However, the Bible does provide us with some significant clues that animals will inhabit the new heaven and the new earth.
First, the Garden of Eden was populated by animals, thus there is a precedent for believing that Eden restored will also be populated by animals.
Furthermore, the Scriptures --from first to last-- suggest that animals have souls. Both Moses in Genesis and John in Revelation communicate that the Creator endowed animals with souls (see Gen. 1:20, 24; Rev. 8:9). Throughout the history of the church, the classic understanding of living things has included the doctrine that animals, as well as humans, have souls.
Finally, while we cannot say for certain that the pets we enjoy today will be resurrected in eternity, I am not willing to preclude the possibility. Some of the keenest thinkers --from C.S. Lewis to Peter Kreeft--are not only convinced that animals in general, but that pets in particular, will be restored in the resurrection.
Dr. Kreeft, for example, is convinced that animals will exist throughout eternity. "Are there animals in Heaven? The simplest answer is: Why not? How irrational is the prejudice that would allow plants (green fields and flowers), but not animals into Heaven." Regarding pets, he writes: "Would the same animals be in Heaven as on earth? 'Is my dead cat in Heaven?' Again, why not? God can raise up the very grass; why not cats?
Though the blessed have better things to do than play with pets, the better does not exclude the lesser."
One thing is certain: Scripture provides us with a sufficient precedent for suggesting that animals will continue to exist after the return of our Lord. Isaiah 11:6-9 provides a particularly stirring image.
"The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different." ~ Hippocrates
"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Life in Heaven
At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven Matt 22:30
So, what will life in heaven be like? Will I know my friends? Will my dog be there? What about my wife or my husband, will we still be married? We won’t know everything there is to know about heaven until we get there, but the bible gives us several glimpses into what life will be like in heaven.
Join us Sunday as we explore life in heaven!
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Give to Caesar...
Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matt 22:17-21
One of the most distasteful things that people do is pay taxes. Ugh! And if that weren’t bad enough, we can get pretty unhappy that the government often does things with our tax dollars that don't exactly approve of! But in this interesting example, Jesus tells us there are different forms of currency: Some are tangible, I.E. the US dollar, but some are spiritual. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's” . What did Jesus mean by that?
Join us Sunday as we continue our walk through Matt 22!
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
One of the most distasteful things that people do is pay taxes. Ugh! And if that weren’t bad enough, we can get pretty unhappy that the government often does things with our tax dollars that don't exactly approve of! But in this interesting example, Jesus tells us there are different forms of currency: Some are tangible, I.E. the US dollar, but some are spiritual. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's” . What did Jesus mean by that?
Join us Sunday as we continue our walk through Matt 22!
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Update - Haiti
Dear Saints, I just got off the phone with Safe Harbor/ACTs, and they have dispatched an Assessment Team to the country of Haiti, and they are on the ground now. The ACTs team is going to connect with the Calvary Chapel in Port-au-Prince to determine how to best proceed.
Please be praying for the Haitian people, and also for the relief efforts. The reality is that the country is in such a state of ruin that we need to be very focused on our assistance. The airport is slammed, and transportation is in chaos. The US military and other aid agencies are utilizing all of the airspace and ground transportation, and will better deliver "immediate aid" to the people. Giving to groups that have existing teams 'on the ground' such as the Samaritan's Purse would be wise.
Immediate Aid Donations: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/Haiti_Donation
It is also important that we focus on the needs of the next 30/60/90/120 days, which will be a crucial time for churches to help.
CCW is partnering with ACTs to help fund the "next wave" of aid; helping people put their lives back together, grieve the loss of loved ones, and sustaining their families over the next several months.
Donate to ACTs: http://actssr.webs.com
Donate to Calvary Chapel in Port-au-Prince: all donations to Calvary Chapel Port-au-Prince Aid Funds must be directed to:
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne
2955 Minton Rd
Melbourne, FL 32904
Memo: Haiti
online: http://www.calvaryccm.com/missions/missionaries/urgentneeds.aspx
Blessings,
Pastor Clay
Please be praying for the Haitian people, and also for the relief efforts. The reality is that the country is in such a state of ruin that we need to be very focused on our assistance. The airport is slammed, and transportation is in chaos. The US military and other aid agencies are utilizing all of the airspace and ground transportation, and will better deliver "immediate aid" to the people. Giving to groups that have existing teams 'on the ground' such as the Samaritan's Purse would be wise.
Immediate Aid Donations: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/Haiti_Donation
It is also important that we focus on the needs of the next 30/60/90/120 days, which will be a crucial time for churches to help.
CCW is partnering with ACTs to help fund the "next wave" of aid; helping people put their lives back together, grieve the loss of loved ones, and sustaining their families over the next several months.
Donate to ACTs: http://actssr.webs.com
Donate to Calvary Chapel in Port-au-Prince: all donations to Calvary Chapel Port-au-Prince Aid Funds must be directed to:
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne
2955 Minton Rd
Melbourne, FL 32904
Memo: Haiti
online: http://www.calvaryccm.com/missions/missionaries/urgentneeds.aspx
Blessings,
Pastor Clay
Thursday, January 14, 2010
For Haiti
We have all watched the news as the country of Haiti has been devastated by the recent earthquake. I have been praying for the Lord to show us how we can be of assistance in a way that would glorify God and be a blessing to the people of Haiti.
I feel that there are two things that we can do as a church:
#1 Pray for Haiti:
- Pray for comfort to those who are suffering
- Pray for smooth logistics for basic relief supplies to get to the people
- Pray for family’s to be reunited
- Pray that God would allow this terrible tragedy to allow His love and grace to shine forth through the various aid workers that will descend on the country.
- Pray for revival in Haiti
#2 Give:
- Times are difficult for everyone, but we can give from our hearts as the Lord leads.
- I have identified a Christian Relief Agency that is associated with Calvary Chapel, Action Crisis Teams (ACTs) that is preparing to move into Haiti as the situation allows. ACTs is a part of Safe Harbor International, a mission outreach in Rancho Santa Margarita CA.
We can give towards the Haiti Relief Find directly at the ACTs web site: http://safeharbor.us/site/home/ (click on the ACTs Icon)
Info for Safe Harbor:
Safe Harbor International
P.O. Box 80820
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Toll Free 800.797.HOPE (4673)
Office 949.858.6786
Fax 949.858.6190
http://safeharbor.us/site/home/
Email: info@safeharbor.us
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Cor 8:1-4
Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Prophecy Update notes
Sunday I had a lot of people ask for my "full report" of the 2010 Prophecy Update, so I have uploaded the notes and slides onto our server. Get the PDF's at the link below:
www.calvaryofwilmington.org/pubs/2010ProphecyUpdate.pdf
www.calvaryofwilmington.org/pubs/2010PropecyUpdateSlides.pdf
Pastor Clay
www.calvaryofwilmington.org/pubs/2010ProphecyUpdate.pdf
www.calvaryofwilmington.org/pubs/2010PropecyUpdateSlides.pdf
Pastor Clay
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Prophecy Update - January 2010
2009 has been a crazy year to say the least. So many things have happened in the political, economic, environmental, and religious arena’s this year. It has been difficult to keep track of all the events, even harder to make and sense of it all.The trends we have seen include:
- A new US President and a different direction of the political and social agenda for our country
- A rise in environmental activism
- The collapse of the US housing and credit markets, steep unemployment, and a severe case of economic uncertainty
- The continued efforts of rouge nations to acquire nuclear weapons
- The escalation of Islamic extremism and violence, increased suspicion against Christians at home, and increased persecution of the Christian faith abroad.
You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thess 5:5-6
I believe this verse encourages us to be “watchful”, discerning the times and how they relate to end-times prophecy. We are also to be “sober”, not getting swept away in the drama, but seeking to be ever more diligent in our calling and our mission as Christians.
This coming Sunday we’ll look at the events of the past year, and we’ll discern them through the teaching of the Word of God.
"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matt 24:36-44
It’s as if there is a large train coming. We cannot see it yet, but we can feel the rumbling on the tracks. Indeed.
Pastor Clay
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Unto Us...
This has been a busy week: Preparing for the Christmas fellowship at CCW (Dont miss it! Friday night at 6 pm!), preparing for Sunday, and preparing for a 2 week sabbatical with our family. Oh, and don’t worry, things are in good hands while I am gone: Pastor Mel will be teaching both Sundays, my good friends All Lines Parallel will be bringing the worship on Dec 27th, and the talented duo Josh and Tiffany Mitchell will be bringing worship on January 3rd. (If you are thinking “ALP, aren’t they a hard rock Christian band?” Answer: Yes. But they can totally bring it down and worship the Lord. If you have ever been to a Third Day concert, you know what I mean! Trust me, you will be blessed.)
But, back to Christmas. I am not a “holiday” person, and so every year Christmas seems to sneak up on me. And then I find myself thinking the same thoughts: What does Christmas mean? Is there some “special thing” that I could come up with, one of those “ah ha” moments that will be a new revelation about the birth of Christ. But I always come back to the same simple truth: Jesus Christ, the son of God, was presented to the world. His arrival was heralded as a blessing to mankind, because He was sent with a purpose: To reconcile man to his creator. Jesus Christ came with a ministry of reconciliation:
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. 2 Cor 5:18-19
His coming was promised, and it happened. Since that time, His arrival has not only changed the world, but literally changed the lives of millions – even billions – of people throughout history.
But the best is yet to come, as His second coming is also promised, and it will happen:
“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
Merry Christmas, and praise be to God for His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Pastor Clay
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Blessed is the man...
Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plantsall around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. Ps 128:1-4
I think this is one of the most beautiful and loving promises in God’s word! Think about it: Your efforts will be prosperous. You will have happiness, and be “well” or contented. Your home life will be sweet! All of this stems from one thing: “…thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.”
Remember we spoke about fear a few weeks ago: Fear of the Lord is best described as “awe” or “reverence”. When we acknowledge the might, the power, the majesty, of the Living God, who is our heavenly Father, we come to a realization that we are under His protection. We are filled with His power and might. 2 Tim 1:7 tells us: For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
So today, draw into the presence of the mighty, powerful, majestic Lord of hosts, and know that you are under His protection and filled with His power and might!
Till the whole world hears,
Pastor Clay
I think this is one of the most beautiful and loving promises in God’s word! Think about it: Your efforts will be prosperous. You will have happiness, and be “well” or contented. Your home life will be sweet! All of this stems from one thing: “…thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.”
Remember we spoke about fear a few weeks ago: Fear of the Lord is best described as “awe” or “reverence”. When we acknowledge the might, the power, the majesty, of the Living God, who is our heavenly Father, we come to a realization that we are under His protection. We are filled with His power and might. 2 Tim 1:7 tells us: For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
So today, draw into the presence of the mighty, powerful, majestic Lord of hosts, and know that you are under His protection and filled with His power and might!
Till the whole world hears,
Pastor Clay
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Houses built in vain
Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. Ps 127:1
Today's One Year Bible Psalm nails it: If God isn't in what we are doing, we build in vain. That doesn't necessarily mean that if we do something on our own, without God's leading, that it will be a complete failure. It simply means that if God is not leading, there will be no "God Fruit". Fruit maybe, but not God-fruit.
That is where I am today. I am not satisfied with real-looking plastic fruit that sits on the table. I am only interested in the real thing: Plump, juicy, life-giving fruit. I don't want to come up with things on my own. I only want to dwell in houses built by God Himself. I only want to be part of movements initiated by the Holy Spirit. Church, we don't want to settle for cheap substitutes. Let's hold out for the real thing.
Last week we talked about allowing God to search our hearts, and reveal to us any sin. This week let's ask Him for revelation regarding the house He wants to build in each of our lives. How He wants to use us, what work does He want to do through us. Ask, then LISTEN; Unless the Lord builds the house, we will labor in vain.
And don't forget the second part of that verse: Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. Ask the Lord to guard the walls and gates of our lives, and not allow anything that defiles to enter in.
Till the whole world hears,
Pastor Clay
Today's One Year Bible Psalm nails it: If God isn't in what we are doing, we build in vain. That doesn't necessarily mean that if we do something on our own, without God's leading, that it will be a complete failure. It simply means that if God is not leading, there will be no "God Fruit". Fruit maybe, but not God-fruit.
That is where I am today. I am not satisfied with real-looking plastic fruit that sits on the table. I am only interested in the real thing: Plump, juicy, life-giving fruit. I don't want to come up with things on my own. I only want to dwell in houses built by God Himself. I only want to be part of movements initiated by the Holy Spirit. Church, we don't want to settle for cheap substitutes. Let's hold out for the real thing.
Last week we talked about allowing God to search our hearts, and reveal to us any sin. This week let's ask Him for revelation regarding the house He wants to build in each of our lives. How He wants to use us, what work does He want to do through us. Ask, then LISTEN; Unless the Lord builds the house, we will labor in vain.
And don't forget the second part of that verse: Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. Ask the Lord to guard the walls and gates of our lives, and not allow anything that defiles to enter in.
Till the whole world hears,
Pastor Clay
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