FROM THE PASTOR'S HEART MARCH 30 2009

Though snow kept us from having church Sunday morning, we had a great evening service.

We had a very good number in attendance and a marvelous time of praise and worship under the direction of our new praise and worship leader Heather Stukey.

We started the study of the Book of Ruth. We learned how to stop taking spiritual shortcuts and get off dead end roads. Our service closed with a wonderful refreshing time at our altars.

Palm Sunday April 5th, I will be continuing our series "Living Life Wisely". Hope to see you there.

From the Pastor's Heart

These last several weeks we have been examining how to have a God-centered 2009. To begin with, try not to look at 2009 as, “What can I accomplish this year?” But rather, “Who can I serve and minister to this year?” Jesus gave us this example in John 13:12-17. As He finished washing the feet of His disciples, He asked them if they understood what He had done for them. To truly grasp the concept Christ was teaching, imagine Jesus finished washing your feet and asked you the same thing. We are never to big, or important, to serve one another. The same truths of His earthly time are viable during our time. He lived this to the extreme when He hung on a rough, splintered cross with His life slowly draining from His flesh. It wasn’t for His salvation that He died and rose from the grave; it was for our salvation that He endured excruciating pain, shame, and separation from God, the Father. This is true servant hood; to lose your life for one who hates and despises you.

Further ways to have a happier new year include a belief in Jesus’ power to save and strengthen us. We must trust in Jesus to save us from our own sin and destruction—He is continually interceding for us to the Father. And during those times when we feel like we are going to be washed away by the onslaught of the world, overtaken by our sinful desires, or just plain tired of everything, Jesus is there to stand beside us and to keep us safe. Contemplate this! You’re standing on a small rock in the middle of the ocean and a 140 foot swell is rapidly coming toward you with the expressed intent of not just drowning you, but crushing you. Next to you is a calm and authoritative Jesus. With a simple phrase, “Peace, be still,” the wave freezes and collapses in on itself in response to the regal voice. That is the strength of Jesus!

Finally, if we abide by “The Four B’s”, we will have a happier new year. If we BELIEVE in Jesus Christ and repent of our sins, the Lord will be with us every step of the way (Joshua 1:9). If we BEHAVE in a way that exemplifies Jesus Christ, the glory of the Lord will be displayed—our actions speak louder than our words (remember Christ’s example at the beginning of this post). If we BEWARE of the deceptions of men (Colossians 2:8) and the snares of the devil (1 Peter 5:8), we will live longer, healthier lives and have an effective testimony to share with our family, friends, and neighbors. Lastly, if we realize and remember that we BELONG to Jesus Christ, we will live a happier and healthier eternity with Him. These “B’s” are the basis for a new beginning. But it starts with forgiveness of your sins. Take a look at the section on the right entitled, “A Life-Changing Prayer”. Go through this with a sincere heart and Jesus will forgive you of your sins and help you with the beginning of your new life. Still not convinced? Hold onto this earth-shaking truth, God gave up that which He most valued—His son Jesus Christ (a part of Himself). Jesus was perfect, eternal, and kingly; and now, is scarred, resurrected, and a brother to us. That is how much God values you as an individual. Now read that section on the right of this post and allow the Lord to be the center of your 2009.

From the Pastor's Heart

Another year is before us, and now is the time for the annual making of “New Year Resolutions”. Unfortunately, the rest of the year is usually dedicated to the breaking of those same resolutions. This past Sunday, we studied 10 New Year’s resolutions from the wisest man who ever lived (and “No”, not Jesus—He was both God and man). In Proverbs, chapter 3, Solomon gives 10 fundamental truths that will provide clarity for our unique life pathways. By listing them here (with additional commentary in parentheses), it is my desire for you to apply these to the many different decisions you may come across in your life’s pathway. In addition, the corresponding verses of chapter 31 will follow each resolution.

Res. 1: Let love and faithfulness never leave you (you will win favor in God’s eyes)-v. 3-4
Res. 2: Trust in the Lord with all your heart (place a firm and confident belief in God’s plan for your life)-v. 5-6
Res. 3: Do not be wise in your own eyes (instead, live dependently upon God)-v. 7-8
Res. 4: Honor the Lord with your wealth (God will see that your every need will be met)-v. 9-10
Res. 5: Do not despise the Lord’s discipline (He disciplines those He loves; it is a good thing)-v. 11-12
Res. 6: Search diligently for wisdom and find it (as we get older, we need more wisdom)-v. 13-24
Res. 7: Have no fear (remember, God is ALWAYS in control)-v. 25-26
Res. 8: Do not withhold good from those who deserve it (take care of your “business” [bills, utilities, etc.])-v. 27-28
Res. 9: Do not plot harm against your neighbor (don’t be a quarrelsome people; God does not like complainers or “pot-stirrers”)-v. 29-30
Res. 10: Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways (God will not share of Himself with individuals of this sort)-v. 31-32
(Verses 33-35 continue with more of the promises of God, if we stay true to these commands.)

To fully appreciate and follow these resolutions, we have to take one important step—we have to be adopted sons or daughters of God. This is accomplished by asking Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life. If you would like to experience life in a whole new way, now is the time. The beginning of the year is perfect for breaking free from the bondage that sin has placed upon you and resolving to live for God in the upcoming 50 weeks, and beyond. Turn your attention to the section on the right entitled, “A Life-Changing Prayer”. Go through it and sincerely resolve to live by its premise. A resolution of this magnitude now will result in an unimaginable hereafter.

Have a blessed week,
Pastor Claude

Peace on Earth?

“’Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:14). Peace on earth. We’ve all sang about it, signed cards with it flashed across the front, even watched holiday television specials with a blanket-carrying shepherd reciting the meaning of Christmas to us. But is the way we so cavalierly use the phrase the way God intended it when He sent the heavenly host to the shepherds in their field. In today’s society, we believe this phrase to mean that we are to seek peace with our fellow human beings because Jesus came to live among us and died for us. Yes, we are to seek peace with each other (God desires this), but this is not His plan.

The peace God designed for us to embrace is the peace that only a resurrected Savior can give. This peace is an individual-spiritual peace, not a global-societal peace. Through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will have certainty of your ultimate eternal residence. When everything you know is lying around at your feet in a pile of rubble, seemingly destroyed, you can rest in the fact that you belong to Jesus Christ and no earthly or spiritual beings will ever be able to destroy that relationship. The only one who can damage that loving rapport with the Son of God is….you! If you withdraw yourself away from His love and commandments, you open yourself up to whatever snares that lay in your path. Look at the “Life-Changing Prayer” on the right side of this blog, and sincerely ask Jesus Christ into your heart. You won’t regret your decision, nor will you erroneously question your walk with the Lord.

From the Pastor's Heart

I love this time of the year; rejoicing with fellow believers in the praise of our most holy Creator and in the earthly arrival of His Son, Jesus Christ! I enjoy presenting the birth of Jesus to those who don’t have a full knowledge of Jesus as their Savior, of worshipping a God who loved us so much that He gave His most prized possession to us for our salvation, and reflecting back on past generations who have recognized the significance of this precious gift and committed their Godly encounters with pen to paper. Yes, it is Christmas, again. This week at Eastpoint, we celebrated our Lord’s birth with carols of old, a message that points men toward God, and the recognition of Jesus’ death and resurrection (His defeat of death and sin) through communion.

After a beautiful time of praising the Lord through carols expressing the wondrous love of God, we explored the distance from Bethlehem to Jerusalem—or more appropriately, from Bethlehem to Calvary. Not the usual correlation you would expect during Christmas, but still a very important relationship to examine. Geographically speaking, Bethlehem is approximately 5 miles from Calvary. In literacy, it is 22 chapters and 30 verses (give or take a verse or two—Luke 2:16 to 23:46). Chronologically, it is 33 ½ years. Spiritually speaking, it is the short distance from the manager to the cross with an infinite journey ahead of you once you reach the cross. We don’t like to equate a holy baby with that of a bloodied, bruised, and unrecognizable man; however, it is this latter image that gives you a much clearer picture of the love stored up in a small infant. Jesus didn’t come to this planet with a desire to be included in incredible works of art depicting Him as an angelic child who had peace daintily painted into His face. He came to earth to teach us of God’s passion for us as individuals, and to destroy the grip that sin and death had on mankind through His crucifixion and resurrection. His death was not angelic, it was not peaceful, it was not glorious, but it was followed by a powerful resurrection, it was for the deliverance of man, and it was for you. Jesus went through all of this, knowing full well that in 2000 years, you would be reading this. He was man, but He was also God (Emmanuel: God with us). He endured unbelievable pain, anguish, shame, and separation from God, the Father—something He had never experienced until His earthly death—all, so that you could experience eternal life in heaven with Him. Look to the right of this web page; there is a section titled “A Life-Changing Prayer”. Read that section right now, I’ll wait for you to finish it (you are well worth the wait).

Did you finish it? Great! Congratulations on the new life you are about to embark on. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we are new creations in Jesus Christ — this is referred to as being “born again”. So in addition to “Merry Christmas”, I wish you a “Happy Birthday”, as well. Continue to read the Word of God (bible) and talk to Him daily—He is so excited that you have decided to allow the Lord Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of your life. All of Calvary was worth the agony since YOU have decided to make Jesus your Lord. See, I told you it was a short trip from an animal’s feed box to your eternal life with God (not bad for a newborn baby with peace on His face). I love you and look forward to meeting you here or in heaven, as the Lord wills it.

Have a blessed week,
Pastor Claude

From the Pastor's Heart

As we approach yet another wonderful Sunday, I think back on this past Sunday’s services; along with the past week. After spending a marvelous time in the sweet presence of the Lord during praise and worship, we had our first baby dedication at Eastpoint Family Church. Keagan Hays Schneider was presented and dedicated to God. As his parents offered him to the Lord, they vowed to raise him to love the Lord Jesus Christ. After which, the congregation promised to support his parents by example and through acts of service.

After introducing little Keagan to the church body, we watched a skit by our own drama ministry. The thematic message of the production involved becoming so busy by the world’s idea of Christmas, that the “actual” celebration for the holiday is forgotten and pushed off to the side. That “actual” foundation for Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ here on earth. His life, death, and resurrection ensure eternal life for those who believe in Him and have asked Him into their hearts (see “A Life-Changing Prayer” on the right side of this page). If we keep Christ first in our daily lives, then every day can be a Christmas celebration. Interesting side note, the song that went along with the skit was written by our own Mark Williams.

Our morning service sermon was entitled, “Angels Out In The Field”. The angel that appeared to the shepherds that glorious night brought a message of peace to mankind. But not peace as the world would know it, peace that can only exist in knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This is the only true peace that can thrive on earth—until Christ’s millennial reign. Again, I direct you to the right side of this page for the section titled “A Life-Changing Prayer”. Asking Jesus Christ into your heart will give you a peace that transcends all understanding—even when you don’t know why you’re going through a living nightmare, you can be content in the fact that you belong to Jesus and nothing can ever change that decree unless you allow it to. Reread Luke chapter 2 with this knowledge in your heart and mind; the words literally carry the joy and glee of God, the Father, as the angel gives the pronouncement of Christ’s birth.

On Sunday evening we enjoyed another magnificent time in congregational praise and worship of the almighty God. My evening sermon continued on the subject of “Peace”. Many years ago, the countries of Argentina and Chile were on the verge of an ugly war stemming from a border dispute. Instead of going to war, both governments decided to construct a monument to forge a peaceful relationship—“Christ, the Redeemer of the Andes”. Through this symbol of peace (Jesus Christ), both peoples have kept relations civil. As we studied this further, we found that this follows true in our own lives, as well. We have to allow peace into our lives in four different areas: 1) Peace with ourselves, 2) Peace within our families, 3) Peace with others, and 4) Peace with God. The last one is the most important; without peace with God, the other three areas of peace will not survive. This peace, or reconciliation, with God occurs with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This beginning step may seem difficult to take, but the journey is well worth the effort. We followed this again on Thursday night as we concluded our study of the John Bevere book, Drawing Near. God desires to have a relationship with you. He loves you and is calling out for you to respond back to Him. Don’t let another minute go by without asking Jesus into your heart; the destination at the end of the road is an eternity spent in the presence of an infinitely-loving God. He loves you, as do I.

Have a blessed week,
Pastor Claude

The Giving of Gifts

Remember getting a gift so precious, so special, that you kept playing the unwrapping of your gift over and over in your mind. The unexpected surprise followed by the joy of receiving something you had longed for for weeks, months, maybe even for years. Now you have your gift and you begin to take it out of its package. You play with it, work with it; basically, you use it for what it was designed for.

Let’s say you didn’t take it out of the packaging, but left it in its wrapper. A year or two has passed, and your gift-giver has decided to pay a special visit; carrying another gift. He sees the unwrapped present from past times, and develops a disappointed look upon his face. When you ask him why he is so disheartened, his reply is such, “I was hoping you would have used your gift and become accustomed to the way it works. I have brought you another gift today; unfortunately, in order to use it properly, you need to know how to use the first gift correctly. I guess I can bring it back another time, once you have learned and understood the first gift. WOW! You just missed out on something that could have been incredible. Another gift that used the first gift and actually expanded upon its use.

This scenario is very similar to the gift of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This incredible gift has been given to us by God. The first time you experience it, you are completely overwhelmed and blown away—you have just been given a glimpse into The Throne Room. The next question is simple, but extremely noteworthy—“What do you plan to do with your gift?” Are you going to savor the first time you received it and remember the experience only? Or are you going to use your gift daily, study it, and learn how it works? Ultimately, developing your gift as best as possible, so that God is glorified and further blessings handed down by Him flow seamlessly together.

If you have decided to use your gift, then you will please the heart of God. Early development of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit involves daily praying in your prayer language (speaking in tongues) by submission to the Holy Spirit, and studying about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Bible (Acts chp. 2; I Corinthians chps. 12 and 14). It also involves giving your gift back to God for Him to use through you. It is your gift, but it is His Holy Spirit. If we allow ourselves to be used by God for His divine will, in regards to the gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:4-11), there is nothing that we cannot accomplish for God. So, take your gift, rip the packaging open, and start using it. After all, it is what God wants.

However, to receive this gift there is one necessary prerequisite—you must be saved. You must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died and rose from the grave. If you believe this, refer to the section on the right-hand side of the blog entitled “A Life-Changing Prayer”. Once you have given your heart over to Jesus Christ, you are free to ask God for the Baptist in the Holy Spirit. In order to receive the Holy Spirit Baptism, you must let God have control of you. Use your gift wisely, and use it for the Kingdom of God.