Kerry's Komments

Get Reading!

2011-12-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

In the early part of 2000, I committed myself to reading through the entire Bible in one year, every year, for the rest of my life. I had read through it twice prior to that, but I wanted to be more consistent. So, if you are keeping track, this will be the twelfth consecutive year that I've read through the Bible. It takes approximately ten minutes every day to do so. I can't usually tell you what I read yesterday, or sometimes what I read earlier today. Likewise, I'll bet you can't tell me what you ate yesterday, or maybe even what you ate earlier today. But, all of us would agree that whether we remember what we ate yesterday, last week, or last year, our bodies must have received nourishment from our consumption of food or we wouldn't still be here.
Similarly, even though we can't remember word for word what we read from the Bible last week, last month, or last year; the fact is, our soul was nourished by what our mind took in and our character grows as a result of doing so. My attitude and my view of people, my relationship with God and my relationships with others, have all grown IMMENSELY during the past twelve years. We are what we think. And what we think is determined by the information we feed our mind. We can either take in the garbage and lies we are so often fed through the secular world's music, television, news, etc., OR we can take in the eternal truths we receive from God's Word. But, our worldview WILL be shaped by what we continually program into our mind (Philippians 4:8&9; Colossians 3:1-3). Our primary source of spiritual sustenance should not be from a Bible class or even a small group that we attend with others our age. It should come from our quiet time we each spend with God in His Word.
Lamar Vest is president and CEO of the American Bible Society. He says, "We buy the Bible in increasing volume, we revere the Bible, we give the Bible as gifts, but we Americans do everything with the Bible except read it. And we find that only about 20% of Americans are actually engaged with scripture on a regular basis." Gleaning spiritual truth from another, including a preacher, is not intended to be the only time we receive spiritual nourishment. It should, instead, challenge us to read and study the Bible for ourselves.
If you are not already doing so, might I challenge you to begin reading through the Bible for the rest of your life, beginning in 2012? For those who are older, it is never too late to begin. But, the younger a person begins that habit, the more they will understand God's plan for their lives and truly live His eternal principles on a daily basis.
We have hardbound copies of the Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation at the church for $20. Buy one for yourself. Buy one for someone else as a Christmas gift. Reading God's Word for yourself is one of the best gifts you can give another person. "For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innner thoughts and desires." (Hebrews 4:12)

Patience

2011-11-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

The theme for so many of us might well be, "I want what I want, and I want it right now!" I remember how impatient I was as a kid, waiting for a cupcake to bake in my sister's Easy Bake Oven. Even today, I find myself wondering why God doesn't see life the way I do and give me what I want and when I want it.
When Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, was sick and needed Jesus' attention immediately, Jesus delayed going to see his friend (John 11:1-7). In the meantime, Lazarus died. His sisters couldn't understand why Jesus didn't come sooner. They firmly believed Jesus could have prevented Lazarus from dying. But, Jesus had something grander in mind. He would raise Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the grave four days. God's timing, especially His delays, may leave us thinking He doesn't care for us, but in reality, His delays are always for a very good reason.
When Jesus visited in his hometown synagogue, he dared to suggest that God loves Gentiles as much as He loves Jews (Luke 4:25-30). And even though they wanted to kill Jesus for making such a suggestion, the Bible says he pushed through the crowd and went on his way in spite of their efforts to kill him. We see the same thing happening on other occasions (John 7:30; 8:20, 58&59; 10:39). God has a plan for everything that happens in our lives. It wasn't time for Jesus to die so God didn't allow Him to die. Faith is trusting God, even when things don't go our way. Faith is believing that God always knows what He is doing and God will use our situation, whatever it is and however bad it may be, to bring about good in our lives and glory to Him (Romans 8:28). You see, God's timing is ALWAYS the right time (Galatians 4:4). "There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Trust Him in all things and at all times. God knows what He is doing and we often don't see His wisdom until much later (Isaiah 55:8&9).

Extreme Family Makeover

2011-10-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

After God completed His creative work in six days, including the formation of man and woman, it is interesting to note that the very first institution God brought into existence was not government. God did not envision government as being the central and primary tool for keeping peace between people, or regulating how people conduct themselves with one another. But, then, neither was the church the first institution God brought into existence after creating human beings. The first institution God gave to mankind was marriage, and with it, the family. In God's plans, it would be the family responsible for insuring that children learned how to relate to one another and ultimately, to others. Parents would be entrusted with the responsibility of teaching their children God's laws because following God's laws would best result in a society all could peaceably live in. Any time we separate ourselves from obedience to God's Laws, we receive the due consequences of our actions with chaos; either in our marriage, our family, or our society (Colossians 1:17).
Quite frankly, the family unit is under attack in America. A boat dock is built on many large, round, wooden posts that are sunk deep into the river, lake, or ocean bottom upon which the dock sits. Someone told me many years ago that we could safely remove one of those posts from underneath the dock and the dock itself would still stand. In fact, we could even remove many of those posts and the dock would still be usable, though not as safe. But, there does reach a point at which the removal of too many posts will result in the dock falling apart. As tragic as the demise of one family unit is to the members in that family, society itself will survive that tragedy. In fact, society will even withstand several family units that are not healthy or that fall apart. But, there is a point at which too many dysfunctional family units will cause the society to crumble. We are quickly approaching that Point of No Return in America.
America needs an "Extreme Makeover" in our families. Over the next five weeks, we will explore some ways that we can restore health and vitality to our specific families at New Hope. We pray that as these families, which are the building blocks or the foundational pillars of our society, are strengthened, that our society as a whole will also be strengthened. We invite you to join us. Here are the topics for each weekend:
October 8/9 - - "The Necessity of a Family Makeover" ( Joshua 24)
15/16 - - "The Foundation of a Family Makeover" (Psalm 127)
22/23 - - "The Keys to a Family Makeover" (Deuteronomy 6)
29/30 - - "The Role of Mentors in a Family Makeover" (I & II Timothy)
November 5/6- - "The Role of the Church in a Family Makeover" (Psalm 78)

Life Chain

2011-09-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

Of the hundreds of laws given to the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant, here was Jesus' answer to a question as to which was the greatest commandment, "Love God with ALL your heart, and love your fellow human beings AS you love yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). In fact, Jesus said that ALL of the laws given by Moses and ALL of the teachings given by the Prophets in the Old Testament were summarized in those two commandments. But, he simplified even more how we should live in Matt.7:12, "do to others what you would have them do to you, for this one command summarizes everything else you've been taught in the Law and by the Prophets."
I've read through the entire Bible thirteen times and it's very obvious that God values ALL life. It matters not the circumstances behind our conception, where we were born, the condition of the environment into which we were born, or whether we are of a sound mind or totally normal physically (Psalm 139:13-16). God is able to use EVERY situation and circumstance, and every person regardless of their social standing, their abilities, their family name, and more for His glory (Romans 8:28). It's hard for me to understand how anyone could knowingly take the life of another human being; unless it is to defend one's self, their family, someone else, or their country. I know this is hard for some people to understand, but God loves life so much, He commands that those responsible for murdering another human being must forfeit their own right to live (Gen.9:5&6; Exodus 21:12-14; Leviticus 24:17; Numbers 35:16-31).
The idea that someone can personally be opposed to abortion (which is the taking of innocent human life in what should be the safest of sanctuaries), but not be opposed to someone else taking a human life by abortion, is a position based more on being politically correct than it is based on moral and biblical truth. It is one thing to be personally opposed to wearing make-up or hairspray, or to personally be opposed to dancing, or to be personally opposed to taking vitamins and not be opposed to others who want to. But, there are some absolutes that are always wrong or always right. And God's view of life is absolute. He values life highly. God expects us to do the same.
October is "Respect Life" month. This Sunday, Christians from many churches will be uniting to silently pray for the unborn in cities all across the United States. In Marshalltown, registration begins at 1:00pm either at St. Henry's Church, the Church of the Nazarene, or the Redeemer Lutheran Church. At 2:00pm, we will form a chain starting at Center Street and Olive Street that stretches as far north on Center Street as we have people. For ONE hour, we will pray that our society sees the truth of this unconscienable murder, that women who have had abortions would find forgiveness and emotional healing in Jesus Christ, and that God would bring an end to abortion in America and around the world. Bring a lawn chair if you can't stand for an hour. Some who drive by honk their horns in support. Others share obscene gestures. Still others will change their minds because of our peaceful, prayerful, and silent witness. I hope you care enough about life to join me and other Christians this Sunday (October 2nd) in our Life Chain Prayer Vigil from 2-3pm.

Courageous

2011-09-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

Did You Know?
---63% of all teen suicides come from homes without fathers.
---90% of all runaways and homeless children come from homes without fathers.
---85% of children with behavioral problems come from homes without fathers.
---71% of all high school dropouts come from homes without fathers.
---85% of all youths in prison come from homes without fathers.
27% of all caucasian children in America live apart from their dads, as do 36% of Hispanic children and 65% of African American children. In a survey taken by the University of Texas at Austin, 91% of the 701 fathers questioned, agreed there is a "father-absence crisis in America." In many more homes where the dad is physically present, he is often not actively engaged in the lives of his children. Children with fathers who are involved in their lives are much more likely to enjoy school and extracurricular activities, get good grades in school, be involved in church, and overall have fewer problems than are those with dads not actively engaged in their children's lives.
Dads, moms, and kids alike need to see the movie, "Courageous." Four police officers attempt to put their faith in God after a sudden and unexpected tragedy transforms their lives. Their conviction and determination will have an infectious impact on all who see this movie! Google, "Courageous, the movie" and you will find many trailers from this Christian film that are a foretaste of how powerful the movie is.
"Courageous" opens September 30 at the Plaza 9 Theaters here in Marshalltown and discount tickets for $5.50 can be purchased by calling New Hope Christian Church (752-1612). Why not consider purchasing enough tickets not just for your family, but also for others whom you know need to see and hear this message? In the meantime, pray that those who need to see "Courageous" are made aware it is here by some form of advertisement, or they are personally invited by someone else to attend. Pray that hearts, lives, and families will be changed!

10 Year Anniversary of 9/11

2011-09-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

We all remember what we were doing and where we were, when we heard the news 10 years ago about the attack on America by Islamic Jihadists. I want to share with you some thoughts from a video by, The Skit Guys, that you can watch on God Tube at the following address: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KKLW6GNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=09/08/2011
"I Corinthians 13 says, 'now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror' (v.12). It goes on to assure us that one day, 'we will see everything with perfect clarity.' Until that day comes, we have three things that will enable us to not just deal with the problems and issues of life, but actually help us overcome and conquer those problems (Rom.8:37): faith in God, unswerving hope, and love (v.13). Through our shock and horror from the events of that day, something else happened ten years ago. Although evil intentions appeared to be a success, our country embraced the complete opposite of what was intended. Instead of division, there was unity. Instead of confusion, there was clarity. Instead of falling apart, we banded together. But then again, that's the way one nation under GOD, will always respond."
The Proverb writer reminds us that, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of true knowledge" (1:7). That verse infuriates our increasingly secular society. When the U.S. Supreme Court banned the Bible from public schools in 1963, Justice Potter Stewart blasted the ruling with his dissenting remarks. "It led not to true neutrality with respect to religion, but to the establishment of a religion of secularism." Sadly, we often see this religion of secularism disguised with Christian clothing.
I say all that because much has been made about New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to forbid the saying of prayers from the upcoming ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. His actions, and the ones of many others who continue to assault our Christian heritage should not surprise us. Satan has always incited rage against God and those who follow Him (Psalm 2). (refer to our podcast of my sermon on Psalm 2 from August 14, 2011) On Sunday night, September 11, 2011 at 6:45pm, New Hope Christian Church will remember and reflect upon the happenings ten years ago that would have crumbled any other nation, but instead turned our nation to the Lord. And yes, we will pray, repent, and seek the blessings of the only God who created us, saves us, redeems us, and continues to sustain us. We invite and encourage you to attend.

2011-07-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

From July 14th through July 30th, I conducted or officiated at three funerals and two weddings. One of the funerals was for a tiny baby that died when she was only two days old. Another funeral was for an older man who lived two days shy of 91 years. And the third was for a gentleman whose life was pretty wild when he was younger, but who dramatically changed once he found Jesus. In addition, I remember when both the brides in the weddings were born and I watched them grow from cute, little girls into beautiful, young women. In fact, I did the wedding for the one bride's parents 32 years ago.
Birth, marriage, and death. The Psalmist hit the nail on the head when he said that our lifetime is but a moment to God (39:5). James describes our life as a fog (mist) that is here but a short while before quickly leaving (4:14). We spend far too much time living in the moment, and not enough time living in the future. Should we be mindful of how we spend our time in the here and now? Of course! Most definitely! God has given each of us the precious gift of life, and each of us will be accountable as to how wisely we utilized the lives, the talents, the friends, the jobs, the opportunities, and more that God placed before us with which to bring Him glory. But, I believe that if we focused more on the future, it would have a huge impact on how we live in the present. I believe that if we were living with an eye on eternity, it would greatly enhance our lives on earth. This world is not our home. Death reminds us of that truth. We can ignore that reality in our lives and pretend it won't happen to us, but the funeral of someone we know and love, reminds us that we are all mortal. So, "fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (II Cor. 4:18). Moses knew that truth and it greatly affected his daily life and his walk with the Lord (Hebrews 11:25-27; Numbers 12:3; Exodus 33:11).
I'm not sure who first said this, but it is very true for all of us: "Every person God puts into our lives, and every experience He gives us is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." With every conversation we are involved in, every decision we make, and every action we choose to do, we are building a legacy. God uses the good people AND the bad people, the wonderful experiences AND the not-so-wonderful experiences to shape us and mold us into a vessel that can be used for His glory. We must decide whether we will be a vessel God can use, or whether we will waste and squander the opportunities He has placed before us. Choose wisely! Life goes by rather quickly!

Are You Ready?

2011-06-06T04:08:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day is a national holiday set aside for the purpose of honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives while serving in the United States Military. I strongly believe we owe these brave and unselfish warriors the respect of setting aside a portion of that day each year to remember what our freedom cost them and their families.
After attending two different Memorial Day services on May 30th, I came home after lunch and listened to the messages on my home voice mail. Someone from the hospital left a message that one of our church members had been taken to the Emergency Room, "and did not make it." When I heard the name, I thought it surely must be a mistake. This man was the picture of health and only 51 years old. He was engaged to be married in September, had a strong faith, and was liked by all who knew him. But, physical death happens to us all (Hebrews 9:27). At no time are we made more aware of that truth than when someone we knew and loved, someone we spent a lot of time with, is suddenly no longer with us. The writer of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, reminds us, there is "a time to be born and a time to die"
(3:2). We greet the birth of a baby with celebration and the death of a loved one with sorrow. Both life and death are a reality of the human experience.
Because this individual had a relationship with Jesus Christ as a result of his commitment to Jesus Christ, I am confident he is present with the Lord right now (II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21). Some people have a warning that death is imminent. Most don't. When that day and moment comes that we take our last breath, will we be ready? Will we be prepared to meet our Lord? Everyone will someday see him. And when we do, we will either see him as our Savior, or as our judge. What we choose to do with Jesus while we still live in the flesh, will determine how we see him when we leave this flesh.
Don't wait until later to put your life in order. There may not be a later (James 4:13-17). If we know what we should do, let's do it now! For scripture is clear, "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of (our) salvation" (II Corinthians 6:2). If you are not sure what steps to take in order to be ready to see Jesus now, please give me a call. God loves you and so do I!
Kerry

Discovering God in America

2011-03-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

Faith in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ, has played an integral role in the formation and the continuation of the United States of America. To believe otherwise, is to be ignorant of the historical facts. One small example is our representative form of government. Knowing how evil the human heart can be (Jeremiah 17:9), our forefathers chose to give different responsibilities to three separate branches of government, rather than trusting any one human being or any one group of people with all the power. Isaiah 33:22 reads, "For the Lord is our judge (judicial branch), our lawgiver (legislative branch), and our king (executive branch). He will care for us and save us." Our nation's founders wisely delegated governmental responsibility to many different people with the understanding that all of us are ultimately dependent upon God for being our judge, lawgiver, and king.
That dependence upon God has worked well during times when America truly trusted Him to lead and guide us; whether it was through war, natural disasters, economic collapse, and more. There is currently a war of values and ideas taking place in our country. On the one side are those who believe "God is still involved in human affairs" (Benjamin Franklin), and on the other side are those who do not believe in God, period. Secularists have diligently, methodically, and passionately been trying to remove God from our history books, our government, our courtrooms, our education, and more, with great success. Rather than blaming Christians for the problems plaguing our country, intelligent people recognize our problems are a direct consequence of ridding ourselves of God (John 15:5).
The time has come to bring God back to the CENTER of American life. Join with us as as New Hope Christian Church (3901 South Center in Marshalltown) and 200 other churches host a live simulcast event called, "Rediscover God in America." The speakers include; George Barna, David Barton, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee, Michelle Bachman, Haley Barbour, and more. The event is on Saturday, March 26th, lasts from 9am to 3pm and is free, although a donation will be received. There will be a break for lunch and attendees may enjoy any one of several restaurants, fast food, etc. within blocks of the church. Join us for this eye-opening event and make an impact on the future of our nation!
For more information you can check out our church web-site at www.newhopechristianchurch.net or www.rediscovergodinamerica.com

God is Good!

2011-02-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

We have been blessed to have a college student from South Korea living with us since the beginning of January. His name is Jun-sik, but his grandfather gave him a biblical name of Samuel. I like using Samuel. This has required an adjustment on our part in terms of schedules (he needs rides to and from everywhere), language (sometimes I'm not sure Samuel's "yes" really means "yes"), sharing the bathroom, etc. Probably the hardest adjustment for both of us is in the area of food. When you become used to certain foods, spices, smells, and more, it is hard to get used to anything else. Many years ago, I did a short-term missions trip to Russia and that was a definite culinary experience. McDonald's in Moscow was a welcome and temporary relief from cow tongue and gelatin.
So far, Korean candy and rice are about all my American nose and taste buds can take. "Taste, food? Good?" he asks. More often than not, I have to say "no." Or, would that really be "yes"? One major thing Samuel and I both have in common is our love for the Lord Jesus Christ. His father is a preacher. The church meets on the main floor of their home in Korea and his family lives on the second floor. For his part, Samuel would love to be a youth minister (maybe a preacher) some day.
The Psalmist presents this invitation to all who don't know the Lord. "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need" (34:8&9). I can't begin to tell you the number of times I've had a financial need, a need for clarity on something I didn't understand, a need for guidance in what I should write and say, a need for quietness and rest, and EVERYTIME God has been faithful in providing me with exactly what I need. I know beyond a doubt that I didn't evolve from apes or amoeba. There is too much evidence for me to think I'm just the product of accidents that occurred over millions and billions of years. God manifests His existence to me through His creation, through His Word, and through my everyday experiences. I don't know where you are at in your life. I don't know what issues you may be dealing with at this very moment. What I do know is this; that if you taste of the Lord, if you open up His Word and read it, if you open up your heart and mind and pray to Him, you WILL see that He is good! Count on it!

Just Do It!

2011-01-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Grandpa would get up early every morning to read from the pages of his worn-out Bible. Wanting to imitate his grandfather, the boy also tried reading the Bible every day, but didn't feel he was remembering much or getting anything out of it. "Grandpa, no matter how much I read the Bible, I still feel there is so much I don't understand. It seems like I forget what I read as soon as I close it. What good does reading the Bible do?"
The grandfather had been putting coal in the stove so he said to his grandson, "Take this basket that normally holds coal, go down to the river and bring me back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told and the water all leaked out of the basket before he could get it back to the house. Laughing, the grandfather said, "you are going to have to move faster the next time." Even though he did run faster, the boy still couldn't return before the water all ran out of the basket. When the boy went to get a bucket, the grandfather said, "I don't want a bucket of water. I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough."
Knowing the task was impossible, the boy wanted to show his grandpa that it just couldn't be done so he ran as fast as he could. By the time he got back, the basket was empty and he was out of breath. "See Papa, it's useless!"
The grandfather said, "Tell me what you see when you look in the basket." When he looked in the basket, the boy saw that the basket which had been dirty from holding coal, was now clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read the Bible, it will cleanse you and change you from the inside out."
Because the Bible is not just a compilation of writings from human beings, but rather comes from the heart and mind of God, it reveals us and speaks to us in super human ways (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:10&11). There is no logical or rational way to describe how God is able to speak to us with such great timing and power the way He does in His Word. It can only be His Holy Spirit who leads us to find what we need to hear in this big book, at precisely the exact time we need to hear it.
Regardless of what time of year it is, accept the challenge of reading through God's Word every year for the rest of your life. You can either call the church office and order a chronological Bible which puts our reading in the order events actually occurred. Or, you can look online and order one, simply by typing in, "Chronological Bible" in your Search space.
You will not always remember everything you read, but I can promise you after being through it eleven straight years that my thinking about many topics has changed and my life has changed with it, for the positive. Quit making up excuses and JUST DO IT!

Rachel's Weeping?

2010-12-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

When the evil King Herod sent soldiers to kill all the male boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years of age and younger, the Bible says his brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet, Jeremiah. "A cry was heard in Ramah - - weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead" (Matthew 2:18; Jeremiah 31:15). Have you ever wondered what that verse meant?
If you recall, Rachel was the wife of Jacob (Genesis 29:14-30), and Jacob was the grandson of Abraham. Jacob was the father of twelve sons who would make up the twelve tribes of Israel. Ramah is fairly close to Bethlehem and was the place where Rachel (who is the symbolic mother of Israel), was buried around the year 1,600 B.C. (Gen.35:16-20). Approximately 1,000 years after Rachel's death (587 B.C.), Ramah became the gathering place where the Babylonian soldiers rounded up the Jews, chained them, and deported them to Babylon (II Kings 24:10-16; 25:11&12; II Chronicles 36:17-21).
Jeremiah, the prophet, was alive at the time so many Jews were chained and scattered throughout the Babylonian Empire. He witnessed this event and he noted (Jer.31:15) how the mother of Israel (Rachel) had to be figuratively weeping from her grave as her children were being led away from the land of Promise. And now, as the child of Promise is exiled to a far away land (Egypt), Matthew connects the story of Rachel's figurative sorrow in the Old Testament as her children were led away to Babylon, with the sorrow of the mothers in Bethlehem who have just lost their sons.
700 years before the birth of the Messiah, Isaiah wrote, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine" (9:2). The apostle John wrote about Jesus, "The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it" (John 1:4&5). It is important that we note what neither Isaiah or John said. Neither of them indicated the darkness disappeared with the coming of the Light. We all know that. We are confronted by evil all too often. The weeping was real that night in Bethlehem when the Devil used Herod to carry out his dark deed. Herod may have had his way for a day, but every Herod is eventually doomed. With the coming of the Light, God sent a message. Evil is defeated. It has yet to be totally eliminated, but it will. Regardless of how the world attempts to remove Christ from Christmas and put out his light, the days of evil's reign are limited. God's entrance to earth in a manger was a spiritual invasion of the darkness far greater than the Allies invasion of Normandy in World War II. The prophecies are true! The Savior is real! The King will return! And when he does; EVERY knee will bow, some in worship and some in fear. When he does; EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, some in praise and others by force (Philippians 2:9-11). No wonder the angels were commissioned by God to sing that news to the shepherds. And now, God has commissioned you and I to share that news with the whole world. Will we?

Did You Know?

2010-09-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

During the third and fourth centuries, it became customary for men living in the area we now know as Germany, to disarm themselves before entering a church building and worshipping the Lord. Most of these weapons were simple, wooden clubs which were effective as protection against robbers or wild animals. In time, the Christ-followers developed a game using these wooden clubs. After corporate worship was over, the clubs standing at the back of the sanctuary would be taken outside and placed together in a rectangle. Round stones would then be used to roll at the clubs and the more pins one knocked over, the more sins a person supposedly left behind during worship. This game eventually became more organized and intentional. In time, knocking down sins became a favorite past-time on Sunday afternoons. By the early 1500's, nine-pin bowling had become so popular that it grew beyond the church "parking lot" and found it's way into taverns and inns as a sport people would bet upon. Many say that this fun activity became Martin Luther's favorite sport and he loved the symbolism associated with Christians becoming "holy bowlers."
By the time bowling made it's way to the United States, it lost all it's association with Christianity and became a favorite sport for gamblers to bet upon. As a result, many local and state legislatures passed laws outlawing 'nine pin' bowling as a sport. But, some bright entrepeneur circumvented that legislation by replacing nine-pin bowling in a rectangle, with ten-pin bowling using a triangle. And now, you know, "the rest of the story."
Of course, we also know that sins can never be symbolically "bowled over" by knocking some wooden pins down with a bowling ball. Sins are forgotten and forgiven by a gracious God who knocked our sins over when He accepted the blood of His Son as a substitute for the sins we've committed (Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; Psalm 103:11&12). Are there sins we need to confess to the Lord and turn our hearts, minds, and lives away from so that we can be more in favor with God (I John 1:9)? It's really not a game to do so. It's a blessing made possible only by God's grace. What's keeping you from God's forgiveness?

I Was Blessed!

2010-06-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

The assignment was fairly easy. A number of Sudanese Christians from Kansas City and Rochester, Minnesota were using our church building to support and pray for a Sudanese family that has been worshipping with us in Marshalltown, Iowa. I was asked to say a prayer at the beginning of their program. No problem! The program started at 7pm on a Saturday night, after our regular worship service was already completed. I said my prayer and then they asked me to say one at the end also. I was wondering how long the program would last, but okay, I can do that.
The program consisted of a number of these friends, who had all once lived in the same tribe in Sudan and who now all lived in the United States for several years; speaking in support of Mameer and Anna (the people in our congregation) who had purchased a house in the last year and suffered through a couple of recent, physical accidents. About 30% of them spoke in English and the others spoke in their native language, requiring someone to translate into English. After the program, which lasted nearly 2 hours, they insisted I come eat with them (at 9:00pm ?). So I did, and I discovered that becoming a missionary in Sudan would require me getting used to food that I'm not sure I want to get used to.
I came that night to be a blessing and as is so often the case, it was I who was blessed. Here are just a few of the lessons I learned that night:
1. There is a reason the apostle Paul said that someone speaking in tongues required someone else having the spiritual gift to interpet what was being said (I Cor.14). I still could have nodded and smiled without an interpreter telling me in English what the speaker had said, but how would I have known that I was nodding and smiling for the right reasons?
2. I have brothers and sisters in Christ anywhere and everywhere that I find people (regardless of their skin color, the language they speak, the food they eat, or the customs of their culture)who love Jesus Christ (John 1:12&13; Galatians 3:26-28). These members of my spiritual family probably had a deeper faith in God than I did, because of the many hardships they have seen God bring them through.
3. These individuals are probably a whole lot more grateful for the blessings of living in America than most of us Americans. They prayed for our country with a fervor that many Christians in America don't even do. They remember what they didn't have in Sudan and the possibilities they do have in America (Luke 7:40-50).
4. We are all nothing more than nomads passing through this life. This world is not our permanent home (Philippians 1:27; 3:20&21; Hebrews 11:13-16; 13:14; I Peter 2:11) because God has something even better prepared for us.
I look forward to that day when all my brothers and sisters in Christ from various tribes and tongues, can gather in our permanent homeland where we will all praise our God in the same language. I look forward to that day when there will no longer be any barriers between us because we are in the presence of the lamb of God. Until that day, may ALL God's people live, labor, and love in such a way as to be an answer to Jesus' prayer, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, ON EARTH as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).

Oops!

2010-05-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

It was a long day at work. I was tired and anxious to see my wife. I called her on her cell phone. No response so I left a message. A few minutes later, I texted her. Still no response. By the time I got home, she was nowhere to be found and I started talking to my neighbor. I was a little upset, wondering why in the world, she doesn't answer her phone. "What good is it to have a phone if you don't listen to it, check it, etc.?"
When she did call me, well after 6pm, I was obviously distant. "Have you had supper, yet?" she asked. "I'm eating now. I tried calling you and when you didn't answer, I decided not to wait." "I called you twice and you didn't answer," she said in her defense. Sure enough, when I checked my call log, she was right. It was I who was guilty of not hearing her call me. Ouch! "Those who walk in pride, God is able to humble" (Daniel 4:37).
Over the years, I've had many people tell me that when they prayed and lifted up requests to God, He just wasn't listening. Oftentimes, this means they didn't get the answer they wanted. Could it be that God is talking to us on a regular basis and we're the ones not listening to Him? Is it possible that God has already communicated exactly what we need to hear, in His Word, and we selfishly and stubbornly haven't made the time to read it?
Maybe, when it comes to our relationship with God, we need to heed the advice of the Psalmist: "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Or, maybe James was referring to our relationship with God, as well as our relationships with other people when he wrote, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry"
(1:19). From my experience that day with Jane, I can verify there is a direct correlation between being "slow to anger" and being "quick to listen", and vice versa. It was precisely because I wasn't listening that I got angry. Maybe, if we were listening more and speaking less to God, we would also get angry less often with Him. Maybe, the truth really does set us free (John 8:32). Just a thought! Blessings! (I Corinthians 15:58)

Christ's Resurrection Matters!

2010-04-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

What if, four days after your loved one died; what if, after he/she had already been prepared for the burial; and what if, before the funeral service, your loved one came back to life? Now I know that's not likely, but what if, it happened? What kind of reaction would you have?
That's probably somewhat how Martha and Mary reacted when their brother, Lazarus, walked out of his tomb, after being dead for four days. It's probably a small glimpse of the reaction of Jesus' disciples when they saw their Lord alive again.
Twenty-three years ago, my father called me with the news that my brother and his wife, and their two infant sons had been in a car accident and that both my brother and his wife lost their lives. Dad knew nothing about the boys' condition or how the accident happened. I spent the next hour contemplating my relationship with my brother, remembering events from growing up, pondering things I could have/ should have done differently, etc. I still remember that time twenty-three years later. But, dad called me back a little over an hour later and said that my brother was still in fact, alive, barely. Again, he did not know any more information beyond that. But, my attitude changed immediately. Wouldn't yours?
Nearly 2,000 years ago some women returned from the empty tomb of Jesus and announced, "He's alive! He's alive! He's no longer in the grave!" (John 20:18) That is GREAT News! Jesus had promised that because he lives, we would live also (John 14:19). He had promised that "those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life" (John 5:24). IF the news that Jesus is alive doesn't change our attitude and outlook on life, then nothing else will because nothing is better news than that.
How excited are YOU about that news? How many people have you talked with about that news? How many people have found their way to life because you had the boldness to share this Good News with them? May the God who has changed our lives because of the message of Easter, also change other lives because we have dared to share that message with them (II Corinthians 5:14).

God Answers Prayers

2010-03-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

I've always enjoyed playing basketball ever since I grew up in Wayne, Nebraska. I tore an ACL in my right knee while playing basketball for Nebraska Christian College. I won't tell you how long ago that was. In those days, doctors didn't diagnose ACL tears so I lived with it for many years. There were occasional surgeries with a scope to clean out cartilage here and there until a Dr. Davick diagnosed the ACL tear a few years ago and reconstructed it. A short while later I tore the ACL on my left knee and the same doctor reconstructed it. A short time later I tore the ACL on my right knee again. But, this time Dr. Davick recommended that I get a knee replacement on my right knee. He referred me to a colleague who specializes in these things, Dr. Vittetoe. Sounds more like a foot doctor than a knee doctor, but it's in the general vicinity.
By that time, we had changed insurance carriers and the request was denied based on pre-existing conditions. That was about seven years ago and I figured that was the end of it. But, my wife (Jane) wrote a very nice appeal to Dr. Vittetoe asking if anything more could be done on it. We went for an appointment and he showed me how the knee had deteriorated from seven years ago. We scheduled a surgery for March 16th and waited for the insurance to make their decision. Fully expecting a denial, I was utterly astonished when they told me on Friday (12th) that it had been approved. I had asked several people to pray that some individual in the home office would review this case with favor. And God answered in a BIG WAY! When the Bible says, "nothing is impossible with God" (Matthew 19:26), it means exactly that. Whatever your concern, your request, your need, don't ever give up on your prayers and your dreams. God may not always answer in the way that we want or on our timetable, but He always knows what He is doing (Isaiah 55:8&9). Since we are told in scripture that we, "have not because we ask not," (James 4:2), I want to selfishly ask that you would pray for unbelievable results and that my interactions with everyone I come in contact with, would bring honor and glory to God.

Self-Examination

2010-01-22T06:09:00.000-08:00

It is a wise person who periodically examines their lives to make sure their words, actions, and motives reflect the person of Jesus Christ. There are many references in the Bible for such self-examination. When we come to participate in the Lord's Supper, the apostle Paul tells us we ought to examine ourselves before we eat of the bread and drink of the cup (I Corinthians 11:28). Other Bible references telling us to take a look at ourselves include: II Cor.13:5; Lamentations 3:40; Psalm 119:59; 139:23&24; Romans 12:3. Even Michael Jackson got it right when he said that making a difference in the world begins by taking "a look at yourself" ("Man in the Mirror"). But, it does us no good to examine ourselves if we aren't honest about what we see and disciplined in what we do, as a result.
A severe rash prompted a farmer from a very rural area to get an examination from a doctor. After taking the usual tests, the physician advised the patient that his dog was causing an allergic reaction and he would have to get rid of it. As the farmer was leaving the office, the doctor asked him whether he planned to sell the animal or give it away. "Neither," the man replied. "I'm going to get me one of them second opinions I been reading about. It's a lot easier to find a good doctor than it is to find a good bird dog."
Over the next two weeks, New Hope Christian Church is undergoing a self-examination and we need your help. Included in the bulletin is a website where you can take a test that lasts anywhere from 25-40 minutes. It's not a Bible quiz. It's more like a spiritual inventory. No one will know who gave what answers so we need you to be totally honest. Whether you attend New Hope irregularly or regularly,and whether you are a member or not, we need you to help us determine how well we are doing in making disciples of Jesus Christ and fulfilling our mission. If you don't have access to a computer or the Internet, call the office (752-1612) and we'll set up a time for you to come in and take it at the church. We'll share the overall results with you at a later time. As we continue with our sermon series for the year, entitled, "I Am Responsible.....", it is important that our church family take inventory so we know where we need to improve. In advance, thanks for your help!

Legal Hypocrisy

2010-01-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

A young woman boarded an airplane in Pittsburgh and flew to Youngstown, Ohio, a flight of thirty-two minutes. During that time, she delivered a baby in the restroom of the airplane and left it there. She was arrested on two charges; child abandonment and attempted murder. While her action was obviously a crime worthy of prosecution, what seems hypocritical is that Planned Parenthood would have been happy to assist her in murdering the unborn baby with an abortion and she would not have been arrested or charged with any crime. What's even more schizophrenic is knowing that in some states a teenage girl does not need her parent's permission to abort a baby, but she does need her parent's permission to pierce her ears. Furthermore, an unborn baby is considered by our legal system to be a "nonperson", regardless of how developed that baby is, but when that "nonperson" is born, he/she is suddenly a person eligible for welfare benefits.
These are only a few of the dilemmas created when the U.S. Supreme Court decided on January 22, 1973 that the wording found in the United States Constitution guaranteeing every "person" the right to life, applied only to people already born. I have ministered to parents who miscarried babies after only four months of pregnancy and seen the babies. Believe me, they may be small, but they are fully developed human beings. I have seen doctors and nurses deliver a baby weighing a little over one pound after only six months of pregnancy. That little girl is still alive today! Pregnancy is a consequence of sexual intercourse. If two people do not want the responsibility of a pregnancy, then they should consider the wisdom of having sexual relations without some means of preventing that pregnancy, other than taking a human person's life after he/she has already been conceived. If Abel's blood cried out to God from the ground after Cain had murdered and buried him (Genesis 4:10), then you can be sure that every unborn baby whose life has been selfishly and senselessly murdered has the same effect on God.
Jesus Christ came to give us "life" and he demonstrated how to enjoy life "to the full" (John 10:10). God has not given us permission to play God by killing life before a baby is born. I hope you will always stand with me on the side of life. I believe that every life deserves to be born. I believe that every life which has been born deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I also believe that mothers who have already had abortions deserve to find the love and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, and God has called Christians to be that instrument. "I have set before you life and death, blessings or curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live...." (Deuteronomy 30:19).

There Is a Jesus Christ

2009-12-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

In 1897, the New York Sun received a letter from 8 year-old Virginia O'Hanlon asking if there really was a Santa Claus. Francis Church answered her question in a famous editorial that first appeared in the newspaper on September 21, 1897. I would like to adapt Virginia's question and Church's response and share it with you in this blog.
"Dear Preacher: I am 8 years old. Some of my friends say there is no Jesus. Please tell me the truth, is there really a Jesus Christ?"
"Dear Virginia,
As surely as there is you and me, there is Jesus Christ. Your friends do not believe in Jesus because they cannot see him. It is a small mind which chooses to believe only in that which it can see. For in this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him. Regardless of the amount of intelligence we have, it takes an open mind to grasp the whole of truth and knowledge that God has blessed mankind with.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Jesus Christ. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, for it is out of him from which they spring. Alas! How dark and meaningless life would be if there were no Jesus. Our existence here would be at best tolerable, our existence in the hereafter impossible.
Not believe in Jesus Christ! You might as well not believe in life, love, or in goodness. Some of the most real things in life are those that we cannot see, or define, or understand. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
No Jesus Christ! Thank God he lives and he will live forever! A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten thousand times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the hearts of children and adults alike."

My good friends, Christmas is not Christmas unless Christ is in it. May you have a blessed Christmas and a Christ-filled New Year. As you gather with family and friends, find ways to honor the Christ child whose birth we celebrate and the love of the God who sent him.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

Isn't it amazing how powerful the two little words, "thank you" are? Regardless of what we've done, how much time it took us to do it, or what it cost us financially to help someone else, a sincere and heartfelt "thank you" means more sometimes, than material reimbursement. As a husband, I love hearing those words from my wife. As a father, I love hearing those words from my kids. As a preacher, I love hearing those words from those I serve.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Pilate asked Jesus, "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus answered Pilate by saying, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above" (John 19:10&11). Moses reminded the people of God before they entered into a land of wealth they had done nothing to earn or deserve; "You may say to yourself, 'my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth" (Deut. 8:17&18). "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father...." (James 1:17). Who is the source of all we have? Who is it that blesses each of us and all of us much more than we deserve? The answer is, "God!" "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1). So, "what do you have that you did not receive (from God)? And if you did receive it (from God), why do you boast as though you did not?" (I Corinthians 4:7).

Thanksgiving is much more than simply saying "thanks" to one another. It is thanking God for one another. Thanksgiving is more than acknowledging we've been blessed. It is acknowl-edging the One who has blessed us. Thanksgiving is more than thanking God for being with us in the past. It is thanking God for being with us in our future. Don't be like the nine ungrateful lepers who failed to thank the One who healed them (Luke 17:17&18). Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. It is an attitude God desires for us to live in 24/7. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:17). You'd be surprised how blessed our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer is to hear you simply and sincerely say, "Thank you, God!"

2009-10-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I had some church leaders who accused me of having too much power in the church. After consulting a dictionary, I discovered that "power" is defined as, "the possession of control, or authority over others." Their accusation seemed odd to me since the Lord himself said, "You know that the rulers of this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28). In other words, Christ-followers are not seeking positions of power they can then use to control people's actions. But, Christ-followers should be concerned about the influence they exert because "influence" is defined as, "the capacity to effect or sway others." When Jesus said that Christ-followers are, "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:12), he was saying that true light always influences the dark (John 3:19-21). My response to them was, "all those who worship Jesus Christ should be influential. But, power is not a position Christians intentionally pursue."
Over the next three weekends, I am preaching a series of sermons entitled, "Our Amazing Influence." I don't think many of us understand just how far our influence reaches and we need to know that we are influencing other people, whether we realize it or not. The only question is, "how are we influencing people?" Are we influencing them for the good, or for the bad? Here are the titles for my sermons:
10/31 & 11/1 - - "The Amazing Influence of a Godly Man"
11/7 & 11/8 - - "The Amazing Influence of a Godly Woman"
11/14 & 11/15- - "The Amazing Influence of Godly Parents"
I hope to see you at one of our weekend worship services. For times, go to our church website at: www.newhopechristianchurch.net If you attend worship somewhere else or are unable to be present one of these weekends, you can listen to the podcast of each message by going to the same website. Let's ALL be the godly influence God has called us to be.

My Life Story

2009-10-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my sermon this past weekend (10/17&18/09), that sharing our faith with others involves knowing God's Story and knowing our story, as well (you can listen to the podcast of this message at http://www.newhopechristianchurch.net/). I Peter 3:15&16 says, "you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ." The question put to the congregation was, "How many of you know your story? How many of you can gently and respectfully share with others what your life looked like before you met Jesus Christ and what your life looks like after you met Jesus Christ?" I gave an assignment that everyone write down this week their life's story in 100 words or less and bring it next weekend to church. Our life story becomes the bridge God will use to transition from the everyday conversations we have with people, to the deeper spiritual conversations we need to have with people. If you'll also listen to the first two messages of this series (preached the first two weekends of October), you will know that we should pray and listen to God's Holy Spirit for the right time to share our life's story. Here is my life's story as an example for you in writing yours:

"I grew up with a tremendous need to please other people; to be affirmed, accepted, and appreciated by everyone. Consequently, I strove for excellence in everything I did; athletics, school, church, Boy Scouts, etc. But, no matter how many times I was affirmed by others, it never seemed to be enough. When I discovered Jesus Christ as my savior and friend, I also found the only affirmation I really need. My life now revolves around pleasing him not to earn his acceptance, but because he already loves me, forgives me, and accepts me the way I am."

I look forward to reading and hearing some of your life stories, as you prepare to always be ready to give a reason for the hope you have in Jesus Christ.

2009-10-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

"What Am I Doing Here?" That is a question we all ask ourselves at one time or another. It is also a question that has haunted Jason ever since he heard his dad utter it just prior to his death several years ago. Fresh out of law school with an upcoming bar exam to prepare for, the highly motivated and strictly disciplined Jason returns to the small southern town he grew up in, to spend the summer studying. He reconnects with Paul (a 'shoulda been' actor who has just returned from Los Angeles) and Layla (an old friend who is engaged, but whose childhood crush on Jason suddenly reappears). But, it is a chance encounter with David (a pastor at a local church) which changes his life forever. David offers Jason a part-time summer job as a youth pastor, and Jason reluctantly accepts, caving into Layla's pressure and a need for cash. But, as Jason gets to know the youth and their struggles, he discovers a passion within that he didn't know was there. "The River Within" is a family movie shot on location along the Spring River in beautiful northeast Arkansas. The movie explores the idea that each of us has a purpose for our lives whether we know it or not.
The movie will be shown at the Plaza 9 theaters here in Marshalltown from October 23-29 and it will be the only showing in Iowa. It features Craig Luttrell, who once lived here, as Paul, the 'shoulda been' actor from LA. I'm sharing this information with you because Hollywood produces so many movies filled with either immoral sexual situations, extreme violence, demonic messages, and more that when a "family friendly" movie comes out, Christians need to support it. Our attendance at wholesome movies sends a signal to Hollywood that there are many out here who appreciate and attend movies with a good message. Grab the family and tell others to see, "The River Within".

I Choose Life

2009-09-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

Life Chain was started in 1987 with over 2,000 participants in the sister towns of Yuba City and Marysville, California. By 1992, there were Life Chains held in more than 800 United States cities and towns with a participation of over 975,000 people and an additional 80,000 participants in 97 chains across Canada. In 2008, there were over 1,600 Life Chains in 1,400 cities and towns across North America.

These Life Chains are held the first Sunday in October and people are invited to stand on a designated sidewalk, holding signs such as: "Jesus Forgives and Heals," "Adoption: The Loving Option," "Abortion Hurts Women," "Life - - the First Inalienable Right," "Lord, Forgive Us and Our Nation," and more. While holding these signs, participants are encouraged to silently pray, personally repent, and carefully analyze one's level of commitment to ending abortion in our nation. It is sad to see how the Church of Jesus Christ has become so silent while over 45 million preborn Americans have been cruelly and methodically killed by mutilation, chemicals, intentional neglect, and surgery.

This year's Life Chain will be held October 4th. Locally, registration begins from 1:00-2:00pm at the First Nazarene, Redeemer Lutheran, or Saint Henry's churches. There will be signs at these churches which participants choose to hold and our prayer time will be from 2:00-3:00pm on Center Street from Olive Street to the north. Refreshments will be served at Redeemer from 3:00-4:00pm. You would be wise to bring a lawn chair and an umbrella if it looks like rain. You can park in the church lot where you register. While some cars drive by and honk in support of our cause, others drive by and passengers yell obscenities. Our response is always to silently continue praying. One year there was a young woman we know of who changed her mind and chose to give birth to her child rather than abort her child because she saw our silent protest on Center Street.

Total attendance from all churches in our Marshalltown Chain has varied between 100-150 each year. Our pro-life committee at New Hope has set as a goal 250 from our congregation alone and 50 have already signed up and committed to be there. All ages are invited to participate, but dogs will not be allowed. If you would like to sign up or have further questions, please call the New Hope Christian Church office at 752-1612.

Before he died and turned the responsibility of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land over to Joshua, Moses gave these parting remarks to the people he had led and loved for over forty years. "What I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you......This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.....For the Lord is your life....." (Deuteronomy 30:11,19&20).

Upward Basketball

2009-09-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Upward Basketball evaluations have started at New Hope, marking the tenth year of this program for boys and girls in grades 1-6. In the previous nine years, we have grown from 60 children in 2000 to over 320 children last year, on 50 different teams; including teams in the West Marshall, East Marshall, BCLUW, and South Tama, as well as Marshalltown school districts. There are many factors which make this ministry so unique; the most important of which is that Jesus Christ is the center of the program. Coaches treat every child as a special creation of God. An effort is made to insure that teams are evenly divided, even if it is not an exact science. Guidelines for equally dividing up playing time among the team members are followed by the coaches. Coaches and referees work together instead of against one another. Bible devotions are given by the coaches at practice and by volunteers at halftime of the games. Each participant is given a packet of memory verse cards, a reversible game and practice jersey, and a neat gift at the completion of the season.
The program involves over 100 coaches, 30 referees, and others from several different churches who volunteer because they love Jesus and they love children. Many are the positive comments we have received from players and parents alike. Practices begin the week of October 12th and games are on Saturdays from October 12th through December 12th. The deadline for registration is September 15th so call today (752-1612) or pass this information on to some boy or girl in the 1st through 6th grades you think would benefit from a safe, fun, and Christ-centered environment.
Kerry

Now I See

2009-04-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

When Jesus healed a man who had been born blind; a man who had never seen a human face, green grass, blue skies, a star-filled night sky, a baby, a sunrise or sunset, one would have thought that everybody would have been elated with him and for him. But, the Pharisees did not believe in Jesus so they had to offer an explanation for this miracle that didn't include Jesus. They grilled both the man and his parents. They doubted whether the man had really ever been blind. They questioned how Jesus could possibly be from God since they said he was a sinner. They cursed the formerly blind man. They said evil things about his mother. And when they pressed him to tell them the truth, this man said, "all I know is that once I was blind, and now I can see" (John 9:25).

There are living, breathing, walking miracles all around us; addicts who have been set from their addictions, once unfaithful spouses who are now madly in love with only their husband or their wife, angry skeptics who are now committed Christians, convicted criminals who have completely changed, and many more. And the secular world that doesn't believe in Jesus must try to offer up an explanation for these miracles that doesn't include Jesus. But, they can't. These are people who would say with the blind man, "once I was blind (spiritually), but now I can see." They are people who have been given a brand new heart by Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:17), and who have been set free from their old ways of thinking by the truth of Jesus Christ (John 8:32). He is the One who called himself, "THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life" (John 14:6). I believe him!

Welcome to my blog. I have found what real life is about in Jesus and it is my desire to disseminate truth through this blog that will help others find life in Jesus, as well. May the "words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).