Scripture – NKJV
Romans 8:1 –
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:17 –
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Romans 12:2 –
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
John 3:16 –
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Luke 15:11 –
Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. ’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’
“But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’
“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”
1 John 2:1 –
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Bob’s thoughts:
We were warmly welcomed by many people, offered coffee and snacks, and given directions to the restrooms. I wish there had been a sign on the unlocked door stating it was occupied if the door was closed, since visitors would not know this.
In the worship area, the back of the platform is covered with wooden pallets with a cross wrapped in blue lights above “Jesus Saves.”
I was welcomed by a Marine and thanked for my service by others.
A highlight for me was the countdown to the service start time on the projection screen. It may be a first, I can’t recall when the countdown ended at any church and it got quiet. But the small church was quiet and then the pastor’s granddaughter let out a yell. The timing was perfect and enjoyed.
The five praise team instruments blended well and the vocals were pleasing.
The sermon was posted to Facebook live, delivered by a son of the church. He delivered a good response to the devil’s “you are who you were.” He used appropriate Scripture to support his message urging the renewal of the mind, and spoke with passion from his personal journey to Christ.
We were admonished that the battle continues and we need to be on guard.
We were thankful for the time with the pastor and others after the service.
Jan’s thoughts:
Our last visit here was in 2011, and as the church has since changed its name, we decided to see what else might have changed.
We parked in the visitor spot and received a warm greeting before we entered the building and then almost continually thereafter. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly. and hospitable. The pastor’s mother sat next to us during worship and we found we had things in common, especially grandchildren.
I watched the countdown on the screen and was impressed when it reached zero and everyone was seated and prepared to begin the service. Just as the voices quieted though, a tiny voice from the back of the room (she looked to be maybe 18 months) squealed, “Yay!” and the room burst into laughter!
The music was led by an excellent praise band, and the song choices made me emotional, specifically Whom Shall I Fear and Cornerstone. The volume was perfect and I appreciated the song titles displayed in the corner of each slide; it has been a while since I heard/sang these songs and wasn’t sure I had the titles correct.
It turned out that one member of the praise band was given the opportunity to preach today, so we’ll have to visit another time to hear the pastor as we still have not heard him preach.
Brian Schwartz is a member and son of this church and, like many other churches now, he livestreamed the message on Facebook. Brian pointed out the title of the song played during the offering: The Cross Changes Everything, and spoke about the truth of that. He referred to the tormenting thoughts of guilt, shame, and condemnation that regularly haunt believers, stating these are strongholds of Satan but we have the power to choose what we will believe. We must stop identifying with our sin and fight for the truth of our identity in Christ.
There were several lines in this message that specifically caught my ear:
“When we are in Jesus there are no bad days, only options to shine.” I hope to remember this on my next “bad day.”
“All of heaven went bankrupt to purchase you.” This is a powerful reminder of the value God places on each soul and that bankruptcy is reversible.
“God is asking you to give up what you were never meant to be.” I heard this as a reminder to surrender to His good plans.
I was deeply encouraged by this heartfelt message and truly blessed by this visit.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You will continue to bless and grow Your church. Give them a clear vision of Your mission for them. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment