I was thinking earlier this evening about my time in God's word. Pondering on the passages I had read last night and during my lunch break today.
Chewing. That's what I was doing.
I thought about how glad I was that I have an opportunity to do daily, something that is illegal in some parts of the world. Possess and read the Bible.
I am thankful to be able to sit, every Sunday under a pretty good group of Bible believing, Bible teaching men.
About that. Speaking of chewing. It's great to sit back and be fed the word. But, there comes a point when you have to take the spoon. You've got to learn to feed yourself.
What I mean is, after you've heard a message at Church. Go home, open your bible and feed. Chew on something until you can swallow it.
Look at is this way. What do you call someone who has to be fed every meal? Maybe a... baby?
It's simply not enough to go to church every Sunday and have someone feed you. You need time in the Word daily.
What would that look like in your life? For me it meant squeezing in several sessions a day. I think 4-5 chapters a day is decent. However, if you get on one verse and it really speaks to you, that's fine too.
Remember, it's not how many verses you read, it's how many you hear.
Thoughts and considerations from an average young American Family man. Christ Follower, Husband, Father. We're not rich, but we're not poor. We are above the below, and below the upper.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Green Beans - A short Story - Reposted from a few years ago. I love it.
The mother shouted for her young son. It was time to come to the dinner table. Mikey, the supercharged eleven year old comes to a screeching halt on his second-hand scooter near the kitchen table. “Hey mom, what’s for dinner?” The mother replies, “Chopped steak and mashed potatoes.” Mikey gets up from the table and walks to the stove. “No green beans mom?” the curious boy asks. His mother realizes that she forgot her only sons favorite dish. Green Beans. She quickly grabs a can from the cupboard and heats its’ contents.
Months go by as do many cans of green beans when Mikey comes home one day to ask his mother a question. “Mom, today at school teacher told all the students in my class that she was collecting canned goods for needy families, can I do it?” The mother nodded in approval and asked the boy what he wanted to donate. “I want to donate a can of my green beans so that someone can have them with Thanksgiving dinner!” The mother hands Mikey a can as he shuffles through a drawer and digs out a magic marker. “Mom, I am going put my name on the bottom so that someone will know I care!” The mother just smiles.
Days later the single mother and her young son are in town, making their selections, picking out everything they need for the Thanksgiving dinner to come. “Oh mom, don’t forget to get green beans, remember I donated my last can!” The mother acknowledged him as she scanned across different items. Once she saw cans of green beans she picked a can up. As she placed it into her basket, she could not hold back a tear when she noticed the bottom of the can said - “Mikey
Months go by as do many cans of green beans when Mikey comes home one day to ask his mother a question. “Mom, today at school teacher told all the students in my class that she was collecting canned goods for needy families, can I do it?” The mother nodded in approval and asked the boy what he wanted to donate. “I want to donate a can of my green beans so that someone can have them with Thanksgiving dinner!” The mother hands Mikey a can as he shuffles through a drawer and digs out a magic marker. “Mom, I am going put my name on the bottom so that someone will know I care!” The mother just smiles.
Days later the single mother and her young son are in town, making their selections, picking out everything they need for the Thanksgiving dinner to come. “Oh mom, don’t forget to get green beans, remember I donated my last can!” The mother acknowledged him as she scanned across different items. Once she saw cans of green beans she picked a can up. As she placed it into her basket, she could not hold back a tear when she noticed the bottom of the can said - “Mikey
Sunday, July 10, 2011
ALL HAVE SINNED - This is an older paper I did last month
All have sinned
Ken Mckuhen
June 8th 2011
We’re going to talk about SIN.
What is SIN
Who is guilty of SIN
What can be done about it?
The word SIN is found in the Canon of scripture we know as the bible in 394 verses starting in Genesis and spreads on from there.
Today to start, we’re going to be in the book of Romans.
(Turn in your bible to ROMANS 3:23) The text says: for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the word sin here lately. Today’s society has completely down played sin. Let’s take a look at:
What is SIN?
Here’s the definition of sin from a few different resources:
1. Any thought, word, desire, action, or omission of action, contrary to the law of God, or defective when compared with it.
2."Any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God"
I best describe sin as a failure to conform to the moral standard set by God. Whether in act, attitude, or nature.
Who is guilty of Sin?
Just recently Marianne and I with a few other couples were at Ruby Tuesday’s eating dinner. When the checks came to our table, ours appeared to be incorrect. We passed it back and forth and discussed where the error could have been. Once the waitress came back to the table, I elected to tell her I thought that it was incorrect. Had I have not said anything.... Would that have been stealing? Would it have been a sin to pay the cheaper check total? We could get legalistic and technical. Instead let us examine our own actions deeper. There are things that we do every day that can be constituted as sin.
• Have you ever made a joke at someone else’s expense Excusing it as “good clean fun”?
• Drove over the speed limit?
• Told someone you couldn't do something because you “have plans”?
• Called in sick to work when you were fine?
• Took office supplies from work?
• Spent money you knew you didn’t have?
• Told a “little white” lie?
• Lashed out at someone, maybe your spouse, kids?
• Looked another person’s life or situation and wished it for you?
What constitutes what is and what isn’t sin? Is it the Ten Commandments? Must we keep these commandments to enter Heaven? Let’s compare the BIG TEN against our daily lives. We see that the 10 Commandments not only prohibit sinful actions, but also wrong attitudes.
(Turn in your Bibles to Deuteronomy 5:1)
1. You shall have no other Gods before Me - Do you think when we focus all of our efforts something; whether it is our jobs, our hobbies, our homes, our cars, or anything else. Are we guilty of this?
2. Make no engraved images – I have a few thoughts on this one but that’s for another time.
3. Taking the Lords Name in Vain - How many times a day in public do you hear the phrase: “Oh my God”. It really tears me up when I hear someone say it. Oh and if it is a child….watch out.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, keep it Holy - This is a commandment telling us to take a day off. We are so busy in our live these days; we can’t afford to take time to rest. I mean, this is a commandment to take a break and we are too stubborn to even do that.
5. Honor thy Father and Mother – Children, disobeying your parents, watch out.
6. Thou shall not Murder - I’ve debated this many times, skeptics like to hold to the “Thou shall not KILL version. The Bible states thou shall not MURDER. This one commandment could yield an entire sermon of its own. For now let me say All Murder is Killing, Not all killing is Murder.
7. Thou shall not commit adultery. Jesus taught us to look at a woman with lustful eyes was to commit adultery in our hearts. Just think for a minute about how common has it become to see and hear seductive and suggestive posters, advertisements, billboards, television and even radio ads. Human beings are visual creatures, especially men. I feel that this sin is one of the toughest for society and men. Sexual sin will consume a good person if they let it.
8. Thou shall not steal. – Is taking
9. Thou shall not bear false witness (Lying) -
10. Thou shall not covet. - I believe this is another sin that has become prevalent in our culture. The old “Keeping up with the Joneses” It may seem harmless to see someone else’s good fortune and wish it for your own. But does it stop there?
Just remember one thing about the BIG TEN.
The world is full of “good” people who have tried to keep the Law. Everybody has tried, and nobody has made it. We’re just not that good. People who try to keep the law do well, but at the end of the day there are no good people. Besides that, God did not give the Law to provide a way to get to heaven. Of all of the books with any of the 10 commandments, “Heaven” isn’t mentioned. There is no relationship between the law and your eternity.
Back on the topic of Sin.
Sin today is not a mere violation of the law of our constitution, nor of the system of things, but an offence against a personal lawgiver. Against a moral governor who vindicates his law with penalties. The soul that sins is always conscious that his sin is (1) intrinsically vile and polluting, and (2) that it justly deserves punishment, and calls down the righteous wrath of God. Hence sin carries with it two inalienable characters, (1) guilt (reatus); and (2) pollution (macula).
All people all are equally guilty before God. When Christians sin, our legal standing before God is unchanged but our fellowship with God is disrupted and our Christian Life is damaged.
Insert here: Famous three letter word - But,
We’re Christians and we walk with Christ. Besides that, we live pretty good lives. Right? Well guess what, we’re sinners. We all are guilty of sin. As you were waking up this morning, just as you opened your eyes and before your feet even hit the floor. You were a sinner. Five minutes before that, you were a sleeping sinner.
Again, the scripture Romans 3:23 tell us that: All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
The word ALL in the original Greek is translated as the word “Pas”. It literally means ALL. It can be also be translated into all the forms of declension; it’s a primary word with many meanings not limited to; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), always, daily, every (one, way), as many as, thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
So far we've determined that....... “For all” (meaning everyone) have sinned (Failed to conform to the moral standard set by God)
Just to double check the Word of God, it also says in Ecclesiastes 7:20: For there is not a just man upon earth, which does good, and doesn’t Sin.
Another similar passage Romans 3, Look at verse 10: As it is written, there is none
righteous, no, not one.
But, I know people that are right with God. They're righteous and full of faith...........
.
The word none in the Original Greek is the word OU and is pronounced “oo”
It is a primary word; an absolute negative. None means NONE.
It is our goal daily to try not sinning. It is our human nature though. We must strive to grow closer to Christ daily. It’s like a game of tag, running behind him, chasing after him. Each time you feel you could reach out and touch him. Bam! He’s 20 feet ahead of you again!
You see, we’re human beings, born of the flesh with inherited sin; we cannot “not sin”. To be without sin is to be equal to Christ. I do not know one person that is equal to Christ. No not one. You don’t either. I heard it once said -” If someone says they are without sin, you can know for sure it is not them, because they’re lying.
There has been one man who has lived without sin. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. Therefore, he was born pure. During his life he was tempted in all ways just as man. Remember in the book of Mathew we are taught that while Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights Satan tempted him repeatedly. Jesus never waivers and absorbed the wrath of God for OUR sins. Remember in the Old Testament, you were required to sacrifice your best livestock. Not the weak or small. Only the best of what you had.
Jesus Christ was the BEST Sacrifice for our sins. He lived, He died He said in three days he would rise. He did. Today he sits at the right hand of God. Amen?
So, what can be done about sin?
This is the right time and question. Are you tired? Weary? Do you feel ready to give up? Maybe you want something more, something whole, and something that just feels right. Maybe you’ve never let go and cried out to Jesus.
Now is the time. It is clear in the word that if you confess your sins God and turn to him - He’ll move your sins as far as the east is from the west! If you know anything about the different poles of the earth then you know that is significant! The east never meets the west. If you’re going west…… you’ll always be going west. Same goes for going east. Should you decide to go north; at some point you’ll peak then be heading south…. As far as the east is from the west. You will be found blameless! God will choose to not even remember the sins you’ve committed prior to salvation. AMEN?
If you’re ready to make that decision. If your life is broken, The Lord will not begin to fix it until you give it to him. If you’ve not been as faithful as you know you should, if there are “skeletons” in your closet, if you just want to bring some things to the Lord. Let me know I’d love to pray with you.
Ken Mckuhen
June 8th 2011
We’re going to talk about SIN.
What is SIN
Who is guilty of SIN
What can be done about it?
The word SIN is found in the Canon of scripture we know as the bible in 394 verses starting in Genesis and spreads on from there.
Today to start, we’re going to be in the book of Romans.
(Turn in your bible to ROMANS 3:23) The text says: for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the word sin here lately. Today’s society has completely down played sin. Let’s take a look at:
What is SIN?
Here’s the definition of sin from a few different resources:
1. Any thought, word, desire, action, or omission of action, contrary to the law of God, or defective when compared with it.
2."Any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God"
I best describe sin as a failure to conform to the moral standard set by God. Whether in act, attitude, or nature.
Who is guilty of Sin?
Just recently Marianne and I with a few other couples were at Ruby Tuesday’s eating dinner. When the checks came to our table, ours appeared to be incorrect. We passed it back and forth and discussed where the error could have been. Once the waitress came back to the table, I elected to tell her I thought that it was incorrect. Had I have not said anything.... Would that have been stealing? Would it have been a sin to pay the cheaper check total? We could get legalistic and technical. Instead let us examine our own actions deeper. There are things that we do every day that can be constituted as sin.
• Have you ever made a joke at someone else’s expense Excusing it as “good clean fun”?
• Drove over the speed limit?
• Told someone you couldn't do something because you “have plans”?
• Called in sick to work when you were fine?
• Took office supplies from work?
• Spent money you knew you didn’t have?
• Told a “little white” lie?
• Lashed out at someone, maybe your spouse, kids?
• Looked another person’s life or situation and wished it for you?
What constitutes what is and what isn’t sin? Is it the Ten Commandments? Must we keep these commandments to enter Heaven? Let’s compare the BIG TEN against our daily lives. We see that the 10 Commandments not only prohibit sinful actions, but also wrong attitudes.
(Turn in your Bibles to Deuteronomy 5:1)
1. You shall have no other Gods before Me - Do you think when we focus all of our efforts something; whether it is our jobs, our hobbies, our homes, our cars, or anything else. Are we guilty of this?
2. Make no engraved images – I have a few thoughts on this one but that’s for another time.
3. Taking the Lords Name in Vain - How many times a day in public do you hear the phrase: “Oh my God”. It really tears me up when I hear someone say it. Oh and if it is a child….watch out.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, keep it Holy - This is a commandment telling us to take a day off. We are so busy in our live these days; we can’t afford to take time to rest. I mean, this is a commandment to take a break and we are too stubborn to even do that.
5. Honor thy Father and Mother – Children, disobeying your parents, watch out.
6. Thou shall not Murder - I’ve debated this many times, skeptics like to hold to the “Thou shall not KILL version. The Bible states thou shall not MURDER. This one commandment could yield an entire sermon of its own. For now let me say All Murder is Killing, Not all killing is Murder.
7. Thou shall not commit adultery. Jesus taught us to look at a woman with lustful eyes was to commit adultery in our hearts. Just think for a minute about how common has it become to see and hear seductive and suggestive posters, advertisements, billboards, television and even radio ads. Human beings are visual creatures, especially men. I feel that this sin is one of the toughest for society and men. Sexual sin will consume a good person if they let it.
8. Thou shall not steal. – Is taking
9. Thou shall not bear false witness (Lying) -
10. Thou shall not covet. - I believe this is another sin that has become prevalent in our culture. The old “Keeping up with the Joneses” It may seem harmless to see someone else’s good fortune and wish it for your own. But does it stop there?
Just remember one thing about the BIG TEN.
The world is full of “good” people who have tried to keep the Law. Everybody has tried, and nobody has made it. We’re just not that good. People who try to keep the law do well, but at the end of the day there are no good people. Besides that, God did not give the Law to provide a way to get to heaven. Of all of the books with any of the 10 commandments, “Heaven” isn’t mentioned. There is no relationship between the law and your eternity.
Back on the topic of Sin.
Sin today is not a mere violation of the law of our constitution, nor of the system of things, but an offence against a personal lawgiver. Against a moral governor who vindicates his law with penalties. The soul that sins is always conscious that his sin is (1) intrinsically vile and polluting, and (2) that it justly deserves punishment, and calls down the righteous wrath of God. Hence sin carries with it two inalienable characters, (1) guilt (reatus); and (2) pollution (macula).
All people all are equally guilty before God. When Christians sin, our legal standing before God is unchanged but our fellowship with God is disrupted and our Christian Life is damaged.
Insert here: Famous three letter word - But,
We’re Christians and we walk with Christ. Besides that, we live pretty good lives. Right? Well guess what, we’re sinners. We all are guilty of sin. As you were waking up this morning, just as you opened your eyes and before your feet even hit the floor. You were a sinner. Five minutes before that, you were a sleeping sinner.
Again, the scripture Romans 3:23 tell us that: All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
The word ALL in the original Greek is translated as the word “Pas”. It literally means ALL. It can be also be translated into all the forms of declension; it’s a primary word with many meanings not limited to; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), always, daily, every (one, way), as many as, thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
So far we've determined that....... “For all” (meaning everyone) have sinned (Failed to conform to the moral standard set by God)
Just to double check the Word of God, it also says in Ecclesiastes 7:20: For there is not a just man upon earth, which does good, and doesn’t Sin.
Another similar passage Romans 3, Look at verse 10: As it is written, there is none
righteous, no, not one.
But, I know people that are right with God. They're righteous and full of faith...........
.
The word none in the Original Greek is the word OU and is pronounced “oo”
It is a primary word; an absolute negative. None means NONE.
It is our goal daily to try not sinning. It is our human nature though. We must strive to grow closer to Christ daily. It’s like a game of tag, running behind him, chasing after him. Each time you feel you could reach out and touch him. Bam! He’s 20 feet ahead of you again!
You see, we’re human beings, born of the flesh with inherited sin; we cannot “not sin”. To be without sin is to be equal to Christ. I do not know one person that is equal to Christ. No not one. You don’t either. I heard it once said -” If someone says they are without sin, you can know for sure it is not them, because they’re lying.
There has been one man who has lived without sin. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. Therefore, he was born pure. During his life he was tempted in all ways just as man. Remember in the book of Mathew we are taught that while Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights Satan tempted him repeatedly. Jesus never waivers and absorbed the wrath of God for OUR sins. Remember in the Old Testament, you were required to sacrifice your best livestock. Not the weak or small. Only the best of what you had.
Jesus Christ was the BEST Sacrifice for our sins. He lived, He died He said in three days he would rise. He did. Today he sits at the right hand of God. Amen?
So, what can be done about sin?
This is the right time and question. Are you tired? Weary? Do you feel ready to give up? Maybe you want something more, something whole, and something that just feels right. Maybe you’ve never let go and cried out to Jesus.
Now is the time. It is clear in the word that if you confess your sins God and turn to him - He’ll move your sins as far as the east is from the west! If you know anything about the different poles of the earth then you know that is significant! The east never meets the west. If you’re going west…… you’ll always be going west. Same goes for going east. Should you decide to go north; at some point you’ll peak then be heading south…. As far as the east is from the west. You will be found blameless! God will choose to not even remember the sins you’ve committed prior to salvation. AMEN?
If you’re ready to make that decision. If your life is broken, The Lord will not begin to fix it until you give it to him. If you’ve not been as faithful as you know you should, if there are “skeletons” in your closet, if you just want to bring some things to the Lord. Let me know I’d love to pray with you.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
C4 Men's Ministry Breakfast and Fellowship July 2011
I would like to say THANK YOU to the men who came out and participated in our Men's breakfast this morning.
We met at Camden Crossroads Community Church at 8:00 am. There was a decent spread of morning delights including: Cup Cakes, Cinnamon Rolls, Biscuits and gravy, Bacon and cheese quiche, donuts, and a few other pastries. There were three flavors of coffee and about four different juices.
After we chowed down, we had a good time of fellowship talking about: Family matters, marital bloopers, and illegal trash dumping. lol. Men.
Our main topic of discussion was our roles as men in the Church, Society, and at Home. We talked of how Jesus was our ultimate example of who we are to be for those in our lives.
We also talked about plans for future men's ministry events including: A day at the Range, Overnight camping with the youth boys, and service ideas to help build our community and show the love of Christ to those around us.
We closed with a wonderful time of prayer where each man present had an opportunity to speak to the Lord and intercede on behalf of each other, and those who couldn't be with us.
Then, in typical male fashion, we chowed down again.
Thanks again to all who participated whether seen or not. Because behind every good man, is a great woman.
God Bless.
We met at Camden Crossroads Community Church at 8:00 am. There was a decent spread of morning delights including: Cup Cakes, Cinnamon Rolls, Biscuits and gravy, Bacon and cheese quiche, donuts, and a few other pastries. There were three flavors of coffee and about four different juices.
After we chowed down, we had a good time of fellowship talking about: Family matters, marital bloopers, and illegal trash dumping. lol. Men.
Our main topic of discussion was our roles as men in the Church, Society, and at Home. We talked of how Jesus was our ultimate example of who we are to be for those in our lives.
We also talked about plans for future men's ministry events including: A day at the Range, Overnight camping with the youth boys, and service ideas to help build our community and show the love of Christ to those around us.
We closed with a wonderful time of prayer where each man present had an opportunity to speak to the Lord and intercede on behalf of each other, and those who couldn't be with us.
Then, in typical male fashion, we chowed down again.
Thanks again to all who participated whether seen or not. Because behind every good man, is a great woman.
God Bless.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tips for washing feet.
When was the last time you washed someones feet?
Today I wanted to talk about our roles as men. Christian men within the Church.
I believe as men we're to look at the example we've been given in Jesus. I think if we're going to believe in Christ and profess a relationship with him, then we need to constantly strive to be like him.
I am sure most all of you have heard the phrase, "Lead by Example". Jesus did just that, he lead by example. This being said.
I'll read to you MARK 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
One of the most familiar stories of Jesus serving others is found in John chapter 13 where Jesus washed the feet of the 12 disciples.
The night he was betrayed, literally hours from the cross, Jesus took the place of a servant, and not just any servant. The foot washing was usually performed by the lowest of the low.
Then Jesus gave us the instruction that: "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you".
If that wasn't enough, look at it this way. It's a principle where, if something is true for a greater, how much more is it true for a lesser.
Here's what I mean by that: If Bill Gates uses virus protection on his personal computer, how much more should we? Or, If Steven Segal locks his door at night, how much more should we?
Jesus came not to be served, though he was worthy, he came and served. Shouldn't we?
A mature believer is involved at church and at home. You've got to serve. If you look at your life and can't really point out where your serving the Kingdom, then I just don't know.
And, I know we're all busy. Sometimes it can be real inconvenient. Guess what, I am sure the cross was inconvenient.
If we look at the opportunities to serve and only do what is easy and convenient, what makes us any different from the rest of the world?
We've got to do what needs to be done. There's an old saying that 20% of the people in the body do 80% of the work. Imagine what we could accomplish for the Kingdom if 100% of the people got involved.
I am realistic and know that we'll never have 100% participation, but ask yourself, if I don't serve, who will? We're disciples and servants. It's what we're told to do.
If you feel like you can't because your schedule is too full, can I challenge you to move some things around. Maybe re-prioritize. Just ask yourself, is this more important than the body of Christ or the Kingdom?
I'd like to see us reaching out to all the men in our lives. As a church, we're scattered all over and sometimes disconnected. We can fix that.
I'd love to see us getting together more often, building a strong men's ministry, and serving together so that we can strengthen each other spiritually and hold one another accountable.
There are ton's of opportunities to serve. Are you ready?
Today I wanted to talk about our roles as men. Christian men within the Church.
I believe as men we're to look at the example we've been given in Jesus. I think if we're going to believe in Christ and profess a relationship with him, then we need to constantly strive to be like him.
I am sure most all of you have heard the phrase, "Lead by Example". Jesus did just that, he lead by example. This being said.
I'll read to you MARK 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
One of the most familiar stories of Jesus serving others is found in John chapter 13 where Jesus washed the feet of the 12 disciples.
The night he was betrayed, literally hours from the cross, Jesus took the place of a servant, and not just any servant. The foot washing was usually performed by the lowest of the low.
Then Jesus gave us the instruction that: "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you".
If that wasn't enough, look at it this way. It's a principle where, if something is true for a greater, how much more is it true for a lesser.
Here's what I mean by that: If Bill Gates uses virus protection on his personal computer, how much more should we? Or, If Steven Segal locks his door at night, how much more should we?
Jesus came not to be served, though he was worthy, he came and served. Shouldn't we?
A mature believer is involved at church and at home. You've got to serve. If you look at your life and can't really point out where your serving the Kingdom, then I just don't know.
And, I know we're all busy. Sometimes it can be real inconvenient. Guess what, I am sure the cross was inconvenient.
If we look at the opportunities to serve and only do what is easy and convenient, what makes us any different from the rest of the world?
We've got to do what needs to be done. There's an old saying that 20% of the people in the body do 80% of the work. Imagine what we could accomplish for the Kingdom if 100% of the people got involved.
I am realistic and know that we'll never have 100% participation, but ask yourself, if I don't serve, who will? We're disciples and servants. It's what we're told to do.
If you feel like you can't because your schedule is too full, can I challenge you to move some things around. Maybe re-prioritize. Just ask yourself, is this more important than the body of Christ or the Kingdom?
I'd like to see us reaching out to all the men in our lives. As a church, we're scattered all over and sometimes disconnected. We can fix that.
I'd love to see us getting together more often, building a strong men's ministry, and serving together so that we can strengthen each other spiritually and hold one another accountable.
There are ton's of opportunities to serve. Are you ready?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Ads on my Site / My beliefs
I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE DOCTRINES HELD BY THE MORMON CHURCH. I AGREED TO HAVE ADs PLACED ON MY SITE. HOWEVER, I DID NOT CHOOSE THEM. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE BASED ON MY BELIEFS AS A PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN.
I have copied and pasted from www.camdencrossroads.com, the church's beliefs and doctrine. It is the most accurate compilation on my personal beliefs.
Please read and understand, that if you do not agree, I am sorry. Let my know and I will pray for you. But, I will not CHANGE.
Our Beliefs
We Believe . . .
In one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.
That God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.
That God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.
That Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus-Israel’s promised Messiah-was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
That Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.
That the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
That the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.
That God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.
In the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.
That God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace.
Amen.
I have copied and pasted from www.camdencrossroads.com, the church's beliefs and doctrine. It is the most accurate compilation on my personal beliefs.
Please read and understand, that if you do not agree, I am sorry. Let my know and I will pray for you. But, I will not CHANGE.
Our Beliefs
We Believe . . .
In one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.
That God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.
That God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.
That Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus-Israel’s promised Messiah-was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
That Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.
That the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
That the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.
That God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.
In the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.
That God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace.
Amen.
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