The Promise of God

Did you know that God promises to bless us beyond our wildest dream? Read this: As it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has con­ceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” - but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10. It’s a real comfort to know that God has blessings in store for us be­yond even our wildest dreams; and if I walk in the Spirit, He will reveal these things to us. I want to share some thoughts on the Holy Spirit and how we can tap into His power and presence. I want to know the deep things of God. I want to know about the things “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived.”

I want us to be an empowered church, one ready to move for the Lord, one ready to do powerful things for Jesus. Remember Jesus’ words in John 14:14; I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. I want Mt. Oak doing even greater things than these, because the Spirit empowers us to do them.

God has blessed Mt. Oak. We have seen His hand upon us. Yet if there is more, don’t we want that too? John 1:16 reads; From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. There’s more...

The Word says that there are dif­ferent kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:6-7 The Word goes on to describe the Spiritual Gifts that God has manifested in the Body of Christ for our own good. Aren’t you ready for that next step in Mt. Oak’s develop­ment? Aren’t you ready to learn what God has prepared for us?

I don’t want Mt. Oak to stay where we are in our relationship to God. I want us to be the best church, the best representation of the body of Christ we can possibly be. I don’t want God to say about us what Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth... Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly-- mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.

Are you interested? Do you desire the things that God has in store for Mt. Oak? The author of Hebrews was disgusted with the believers he wrote to because they had gone to a level and hadn’t grown in their faith. Hear what he wrote... though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need some­one to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about bap­tisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. Hebrews 5:12-6:3.

The time has come. We must divorce ourselves from the world and center our lives on Christ. Remember Romans 12:2... Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will. Pray with me that God will lead us in our studies and in our searching.

Hypocrisy & Integrity

Hypocrisy & Integrity

A few years ago I drove a bus for a local contractor at my former church as a sub driver. During an extended time of being a replacement on one bus I came upon a Middle High girl on the bus. She would wave to her mom who yelled I love you to this fresh faced young girl. The mom drove away toward the house from the end of the driveway. Each morning the same scene happened. Each morning as I closed the bus door and drove away from the stop, the girl began to put on her makeup. As I drove the rest of the run and glanced back from time to time, I saw her transformed. The fresh faced young girl soon had heavy dark eye shadow, deep red lipstick and blush on her cheeks. I think I even saw lime colored finger nails one day.

This transformation called into question the integrity of the young lady. Why was she being one way at home and another away? One could question the relationship between mom and daughter, yet I saw a caring mom who drove her daughter to the stop each day and always seemed to send her off with a smile and an audible I love you.

I might suggest that each of us should drop in on our kids at school one day unexpected. Pick them up one day unannounced. Come home from work early if they come home alone. It would be worth the time taken to see the world they live in after they leave your arms. I have watched children change clothes on the bus, pulling off sweatshirts they left home wearing, revealing skimpy tops. It does happen. Even in the best homes as it were.

What about you and me? Do we transform ourselves? Are we hypocritical in our faith or our daily walk? Is our integrity in question?

Many might wear the robes of high Christianity on Sunday mornings only to put on the bathrobe of sin and worldliness Sunday afternoon and through the week. Do we walk the walk or just talk the talk? Are we one way in front of the church and another way in the world? Do our children learn lessons of hypocrisy or integrity from watching us?

Just a few thoughts to think about as you walk this journey of faith.

Finding Jesus

Read this passage with me…

John 1:40-42

40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Have you found the Christ? The Messiah? Is Jesus Lord of your life? If so, who will you go and tell? Who will you go and compel to come to worship with you to hear about this Jesus? Who will you witness to that Jesus is Lord of your life? Think about it. Being a witness is not optional! Tell someone today about Jesus.

Sunday, September 30^th is Friend’s Sunday at Mt. Oak. 10:30 worship that morning will be very seeker friendly and loaded with special items like a children’s message and more. Invite someone this coming week to join you for worship at either service. We’ll be doing something special at both!

From the Senior Pastor 9/14

Hello all. May the bless­ing of God the Fa­ther, Son and Holy Spirit be upon each of you this week and upon your families. If I haven’t said it recen­tly, may I say it again here, I am honored to be your pastor and to be in the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you. Mt. Oak has been and I pray will continue to be a blessing to my family and me.

Someone somewhere said that time seems to fly by when you get older. I believe that statement. It seemed just like yesterday that summer began. Now, here we are facing fall square in the jaw. It has been a hot and dry sum­mer, so I guess the fall will be a wel­come time for our lawns and plants.

The fall always brings excitement. School starts back-up for the public, private and home schoolers. Our Sun­day School even gets a fresh start. Have you been out to get the kids their school supplies?

Mt. Oak has many exciting minis­tries returning and refreshing them­selves this fall. The children’s church, the Sunday School program for all ages, Men’s Bible Study, Wednesday night family night, discipleship programs, small groups, accountability groups, home groups, young adults, youth program and more. Other ministries, some that have continued all summer, will refresh themselves.

Along with all of these ministries we need to keep in focus what is impor­tant. All of these ministries at Mt. Oak are to be centered on the Word of God. The Bible, not our thoughts or ideas, are at the center of our faith. The warning is clear in Scripture; See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and decep­tive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic princi­ples of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8 We want all of our ministries to be set upon the Word of God. It may sound like a great idea, but, if it isn’t grounded in the Word, we don’t want to be about it at Mt. Oak.

Scripture came not by man’s thought or will but by God’s inspira­tion. Listen to how Scripture puts it; Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21

Scripture is our primary source for teaching and training in the Body of Christ. Scripture puts it this way; All Scripture is God-breathed and is use­ful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim­othy 3:16-17 The ministries at Mt. Oak are designed to equip us, the Body of Christ, to be better disciples and thus draw others to Christ themselves. We can only do this effectively, if the Word of God is the center of each ministry.

Jesus said; These are the Scriptures that testify about me, John 5:39. If you want to know about Jesus, read the Word.

God’s will is revealed in Scripture; beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concern­ing Himself. Luke 24:27 All that God has in store for us is revealed in His Word. We should study it daily. We should study it to test what we hear and believe. The Bereans received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 We should examine all that we hear and all that we’re exposed to in light of the Word.

Our United Methodist Discipline states; The biblical authors, illumined by the Holy Spirit, bear witness that in Christ the world is reconciled to God. The Bible bears authentic testimony to God's self disclo­sure in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as in God's work of creation, in the pilgrimage of Israel, and in the Holy Spirit's ongoing activity in human history.... Our standards affirm the Bible as the source of all that is "necessary" and "sufficient" unto salvation (Articles of Religion) and "is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice" (Confession of Faith).

Pray with me that all ministries at Mt. Oak will have as its center the Word of God. And, if we find any that do not, help me to correct that situation.

AWESOME WORSHIP

What can I say, worship just gets better and better and better...

I personally could have stayed in worship all afternoon. The Spirit was moving and touching so many. We had two persons come forth with prophetic words and two persons came forth with words of wisdom from God's Word. We need to continue to develop an atmosphere where folks not only feel the Spirit's presence and leading but feel free to share what God shares with them.

In the spirit of trying to improve and wanting to know what impacts you in worship; how about some open conversation around our worship service today? Give feedback concerning the following for the 10:30 worship service this morning - 9/9/07;

1. Our Order of Worship today
2. Communion offered every week
3. Our music ministry this morning
4. Our media presentation during worship and the sermon
5. Our sharing of the Word (sermon)
6. General comments

Please leave your name - anonymous comments will not be listed for this post. These comments will be used by a 10:30 worship team as we seek ways to improve and continue was has impacted us in worship.

From the Senior Pastor 9/7

Recently I was awakened in the middle of the night. I stayed up and began to work in my office at home. I sent out a few e-mails and read a few news reports on CNN and ESPN (sports news – lol).

What I am about to say is not meant either to scare us or to make us panic. It is merely a reminder of what Jesus told us during His earthly ministry and was recorded by His followers in the Bible. I will make sure we hear the Good News that we have victory in Jesus throughout this article!

More and more I see Scripture being fulfilled as I live my life of 52+ years. The Body of Christ is under attack as Satan tries to gather his forces of evil for the battle at hand. Keep in mind that the war has already been won (Good News), but battles rage on all around us every day. Even after the war was over between the states, battles and skirmishes continued. As we read the news, more and more there are reports of the Christian church coming under fire. One news cast will talk about the Ten Commandments coming down. Another will talk about nativity scenes being outlawed in public places. Still another report will say that you can no longer say Merry Christmas but must say Happy Holidays. In other reports Christmas decorations are forbidden in the schools while Druid symbols are all over the schools (during Halloween) (so the Christian holiday of Christmas is turned into just another holiday without Christ and Satanic worship symbols abound in the name of Halloween).

Jesus said in John 15:18 – If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. We shouldn’t expect to get a fair shake from the world or even from the American government. Our right to worship God has long been protected by our government; it was actually established for that very reason. But our rights are slowly being removed by a government that protects the perpetrators of crimes better than law abiding Christians. Jesus warned us; Matthew 28:9-14 – 9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. We must stand firm in our faith in Christ. We don’t have an option folks if we are to remain faithful to the One who gave His life for ours.

I’m convinced that the Bible and history show us that Satan will do whatever he can to misdirect the church, to persecute her, to convince her to give up the fight. Mt. Oak is trying to reach out to others with the Gospel story. We are striving to grow and expand our outreach and influence for Jesus. Much is in the works and Satan will not stay idle. He will lie in wait to attack our pastors, our leaders and our members. 1 Peter 5:8 - Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Satan will not allow us to DO for Jesus without a fight. But fight we must, for Jesus’ sake.

A friend recently sent me a link that represents what I am talking about so clearly. Ultra liberal personality Rosie O’Donnell recently attacked the Body of Christ on one of her show aired on ABC. She clearly equated the conservative Christian circle, which she equates with President Bush, to the terrorists of 911. You can listen to a clip of her show by hitting this link http://www.afa.net/Petitions/Issuedetail.asp?id=214. Such attacks, if perpetrated against many other groups in our society would have forced her firing and an immediate apology from the broadcast company the show aired on. But the media and society does nothing when she and others attack the Body of Christ. Christians have a target on their backs and it is open season. In the media, in the workplace, in the schools, in society, attacks are made and supported by many in power. This is what Jesus said would happen. Don’t be surprised brothers and sisters. It seems that even those in the church are leaving the truth.

The Episcopal Church for example has been in the news in recent years for their acceptance of the sinful homosexual lifestyle. They have ordained self-proclaimed, practicing gays and have even elected a practicing gay as a Bishop. And now this Bishop wants his homosexual relationship honored and supported by the church. The Bible warns us that some may go astray and begin to believe what they want, to please themselves. 2 Timothy 4:3 – For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. We cannot get caught up in the small battles that rage around us. As the storms rage, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, like Peter did at first and he walked on water (Matthew 14:25-33). When he took his eyes off of Jesus and put them on the storm around him he began to sink. Focus on Jesus who has given us the victory over Satan and the grave already at the cross of Calvary.

The Good News is that Satan can do nothing to us that God doesn’t allow (see story of Job in the Bible). God is in control and knows all. Nothing catches our God off guard. When God is fooling around, He is still smarter than the wisest among us. His weakness is stronger than our strongest! 1 Corinthians 1:25 – For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. We will not find fairness in the world; only in Christ will justice be found. Set your eyes on Jesus and help Mt. Oak do the same. And God will lead us to everlasting life.

Giving Satan a Foothold

Sunday we will look at Giving Satan a Foothold and we will use Ephesians 4:25-5:2 as the base scripture. We will ask three questions: What is giving Satan a foothold? How can we resist Satan? How can we walk rightly? I hope you can come and eat the meal prepared for the Body and worship God with us.

Two Month Grade

Well, two months have past and I'm curious how you are feeling about our time together?

Grade the first two months on the poll and leave some comments on this post about what we are doing well and where we need to improve. Communication is very important and allowing the congregation to give feedback - throughout our time together - is what I plan!

I tell SPRC all the time - I would rather deal with a spark before it becomes a flame. Tell me the areas that need attention and improvement. If you would rather tell me personally instead of on the blog page - send me an e-mail at ray@mtoak.org. Leave some good comments too so we can know what we are doing well as well! Thanks.

Spiritual Maturity

I greet you in the name of Jesus, my Lord, my Savior and my dear friend. I write to encourage you this afternoon in your walk with Jesus. This morning (in the sermon) we talked about building our spiritual lives. We encouraged those who would hear to take the time to build their spiritual lives and to develop a deeper walk with Jesus. We urged people to take advantage of the many opportunities to eat spiritual food and to grow stronger.

I write this afternoon to encourage you to NOT rely on your pastors to have knowledge of the Word and a relationship with Jesus! I write to encourage you to regularly search the Word and to pray on every occasion. Your faith cannot be based on your parent’s, your grandparent’s, your pastor’s or anyone else’s faith. Each of us must develop our own walk with Jesus. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians that we are to always have joy.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 – 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.

Remember the saying I use to use so much? Happiness is circumstantially driven but Joy is spiritually derived.

Joy comes from our relationship with Jesus. That relationship must be the foundation in our daily lives. Our joy is not driven or changed by the circumstances of the day. It is derived from our relationship with the One who is consistent (Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever). It is from this consistent growing relationship that we find joy and peace. Philippians 4:4-7 – 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We can have joy and rejoice in the Lord and receive a peace that transcends human understanding if we develop our relationship with Jesus!

In an ever changing world, if our foundation is our emotions, our happiness or sadness, we will be ever changing with the wind of circumstance. We will have highs and lows in our emotions (extreme at times) if our foundation is how we feel. Happiness is driven by the circumstances of the day.

The world thrives on and measures success by how much happiness you have in your life. The belief is that the more toys, the bigger your home, the more expensive your vehicle, the fancier your clothes or the bigger your diamond ring, the happier you will be! Yet I know many rich people who are miserable in life.

On the other hand, some of the people with the greatest joy or peace in life are those Christians I have met with very little of life’s toys. When I go to Appalachia and see believers with very little and see the joy in their lives I am blessed. I am not suggesting that we need to sell everything in order to have joy. But, we might have a harder road to hoe because of the wealth of the western civilization we live in today.

Read the following scripture story and hear the truth from God’s Word.

Matthew 19:16-24 – 16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" 20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Even though the rich young man had done many good things his love for the circumstances, his wealth, was more important than his relationship with God. I urge you to set your eyes on Jesus and keep them fixed there no matter the winds that blow and you will be saved!

Matthew 14:25-33 – 25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water ." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

We can have joy and rejoice in the Lord and receive a peace that transcends human understanding if we develop our relationship with Jesus! I could spend another two pages suggesting ways to develop your relationship with Jesus such as reading the Bible, joining study groups, being regular in worship and so many more ways. The following Scripture sums it up.

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

As you develop your relationship with Jesus by keeping your eyes on Him rather than the winds of circumstance around you, may you have joy today that overflows in your life so that others see Jesus in you!