With the colors beginning to turn, it would be nice to spend some time as a church family enjoy New England and giving thanks and glory to God.
Next Saturday, Oct. 7 @ 11:00 a.am. we will meet to travel up to Mt Kearsarge and have a picnic and a time of sharing. After our sharing time, we will hike to the peak (which is not too far) and spent some time enjoying the colors and spending some time in prayer in small groups. The 360 view is spectular and with the colors at its peak it should be amazing.
We will conclude this extended time on Sunday after the worship service with a luncheon.
We hope to see you there!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Reformation of New England (the beginning)
This will be some what of a tease, but I wanted to mention a project that a number of us in the Presbytery are working on in the hope of better defining our purpose and vision for New England. QUESTION: Are we here to plant churches or are we here to bring the gospel to New England? We define our purpose as bringing reformation (the gospel) to every corner and aspect of society.
So far the discussion has been very interesting and already we are seeing some fruit in this area. I have written a paper on the subject entitled, "A Biblical & Historical Foundation for the Reformation of New England" It is currently being proofread by a number of colleagues and when it is updated, I will share some parts of it here on the blog.
A number of guys believe we are on the verge of something here, and I think they are right. As we have shared with some folks about this purpose and vision for NE, we see excitement and agreement that this makes sense.
God is a God of reformation, just examine the scriptures for yourself and you will see.
So far the discussion has been very interesting and already we are seeing some fruit in this area. I have written a paper on the subject entitled, "A Biblical & Historical Foundation for the Reformation of New England" It is currently being proofread by a number of colleagues and when it is updated, I will share some parts of it here on the blog.
A number of guys believe we are on the verge of something here, and I think they are right. As we have shared with some folks about this purpose and vision for NE, we see excitement and agreement that this makes sense.
God is a God of reformation, just examine the scriptures for yourself and you will see.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Sermon: Who are you following?
Our sermon text is from 1 Corinthians 3:1-9....
1Cor. 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
1Cor. 3:2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,
1Cor. 3:3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
1Cor. 3:4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?
1Cor. 3:5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.
1Cor. 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.
1Cor. 3:7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.
1Cor. 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
1Cor. 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
We will be looking at Paul's reason for correcting the Corinthian Church in the issue of spiritual maturity and the overall methodology of how a church functions. Churches are unique institutions that are set up differently in comparison to businesses or schools. I think it will be worth while for us to explore this as a church and see how it applies to us.
1Cor. 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
1Cor. 3:2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,
1Cor. 3:3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
1Cor. 3:4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?
1Cor. 3:5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.
1Cor. 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.
1Cor. 3:7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.
1Cor. 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
1Cor. 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
We will be looking at Paul's reason for correcting the Corinthian Church in the issue of spiritual maturity and the overall methodology of how a church functions. Churches are unique institutions that are set up differently in comparison to businesses or schools. I think it will be worth while for us to explore this as a church and see how it applies to us.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
14 Day Reformation Tour
I got an email the other day with special offers on "Christian Tours". Normally something like this gets deleted but for some reason I decided to read on.
One tour in particular got my attention, the 14 Day Reformation Tour. This will give you an idea what type of nerd I am when it comes to church history. Honestly, I would do a trip like this in a heartbeat. This sounds so interesting to me seeing where Luther, Zwingli & Calvin began the reformation of Western Europe.
One tour in particular got my attention, the 14 Day Reformation Tour. This will give you an idea what type of nerd I am when it comes to church history. Honestly, I would do a trip like this in a heartbeat. This sounds so interesting to me seeing where Luther, Zwingli & Calvin began the reformation of Western Europe.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Fall Colors Update
I meant to do this earlier today......I wanted to give an update on the colors.
When I was flying over New England last Weds you could see a lot of sugar maples that had turned red. So the landscape was red and green. It looked like there were fires dotted everywhere.
As of this weekend, we are moving into full swing color changes. Lots of colors are showing in my neighborhood and leaves are falling. Yellow, red, orange can be spotted here and there. Not a lot of colors, but you can tell we are getting close to the peak season.
When I was flying over New England last Weds you could see a lot of sugar maples that had turned red. So the landscape was red and green. It looked like there were fires dotted everywhere.
As of this weekend, we are moving into full swing color changes. Lots of colors are showing in my neighborhood and leaves are falling. Yellow, red, orange can be spotted here and there. Not a lot of colors, but you can tell we are getting close to the peak season.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
More from Philly
I admit that when I was getting for the overnight trip to Philly, I was wondering if it would be worth the time and effort. I was not disappointed and I walked away with a lot of useful ideas.
I was reminded how critical prayer is to a church planter. Bruce Finn, the coordinator for the Philadelphia Church Planting Network stated that at the begining all they had was prayer. No sugar daddies, no large sums of money laying around. Vision & Prayer were it.
You know, it is so easy to think that if I just had a million dollars, or if just the right church got involved, or if just the right person stepped in we would be accomplishing our goals. Those are good things, but they DO NOT replace God and our need to pray.
Vision & Prayer comes from the top down. The PCA men in Philadelphia were able to talk to elders and congregations about the importance of reaching lost people. Once the Presbytery, congregations and sessions were on board, that was when things got interesting.
It has reminded me of the importance of being on my knees and praying for the ministry in Northern New England. It also has reminded me of the importance of vision. I need to be constantly talking to people about reaching lost people and a vision for NE. With vision and prayer, things can indeed get interesting.
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply" -- Hudson Taylor
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God" -- William Carey, who is called the father of modern missions
I was reminded how critical prayer is to a church planter. Bruce Finn, the coordinator for the Philadelphia Church Planting Network stated that at the begining all they had was prayer. No sugar daddies, no large sums of money laying around. Vision & Prayer were it.
You know, it is so easy to think that if I just had a million dollars, or if just the right church got involved, or if just the right person stepped in we would be accomplishing our goals. Those are good things, but they DO NOT replace God and our need to pray.
Vision & Prayer comes from the top down. The PCA men in Philadelphia were able to talk to elders and congregations about the importance of reaching lost people. Once the Presbytery, congregations and sessions were on board, that was when things got interesting.
It has reminded me of the importance of being on my knees and praying for the ministry in Northern New England. It also has reminded me of the importance of vision. I need to be constantly talking to people about reaching lost people and a vision for NE. With vision and prayer, things can indeed get interesting.
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply" -- Hudson Taylor
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God" -- William Carey, who is called the father of modern missions
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
blogging from Philly
Yesterday I traveled to Philadelphia for an overnight trip to meet with some PCA ministers who are apart of the Metro Philadelphia Church Planting Network. In 10 years, they have nearly doubled the amount of churches in the Metro area and things seem to be only intesifiying as God has been calling more men to plant churches.
What was encouraging is that these guys are just ordinary fellows who have been committed to seeing change in Philly. It has taken 10 years, but their persistance is paying off. There were a number of ideas I walked away with that I think can be transfered to New England. I will blog about this some more in the future. Right now I need to catch a flight to Manchester!
What was encouraging is that these guys are just ordinary fellows who have been committed to seeing change in Philly. It has taken 10 years, but their persistance is paying off. There were a number of ideas I walked away with that I think can be transfered to New England. I will blog about this some more in the future. Right now I need to catch a flight to Manchester!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Sermon: Division in the Church
1Cor. 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1Cor. 1:11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.
1Cor. 1:12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”
1Cor. 1:13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
1Cor. 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
1Cor. 1:15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.
1Cor. 1:16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
1Cor. 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.
The Apostle Paul was outraged that the church in Corinth had become so fragmented that he urges them in the beginning of the letter to be unified around the gospel. I wonder what Paul would think of the church of North America in the 21st Century? One website that tracts Christian denominations suggests that there are over 635 different denominations in the US alone.
It would not suprise me that Paul would have strong rhetoric for us today. We need to take seriously this warning from Paul not to be divided.
1Cor. 1:11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.
1Cor. 1:12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”
1Cor. 1:13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
1Cor. 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
1Cor. 1:15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.
1Cor. 1:16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
1Cor. 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.
The Apostle Paul was outraged that the church in Corinth had become so fragmented that he urges them in the beginning of the letter to be unified around the gospel. I wonder what Paul would think of the church of North America in the 21st Century? One website that tracts Christian denominations suggests that there are over 635 different denominations in the US alone.
It would not suprise me that Paul would have strong rhetoric for us today. We need to take seriously this warning from Paul not to be divided.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Busy Busy Busy
Yep, with the Fall here I have too many things to do and not enough time. But I am very exicted about a number of things we got cooking.....
Christianity Explored (CE)- Allison and I are looking forward to hosting a group in our home this fall. CE is a great tool for explaining Christianity. Should be time well spent.
Fall Retreat - still working on this, but hoping to put something together for Oct. 7/8 I need to get on this ASAP
Small Groups - People are signing up and we hope to have 2 groups meeting.
Monthly Prayer Meetings - 2nd Sunday of the month during the Sunday School hour. A great way to start the week and focus on prayer.
Thats just a snapshot, but that will give you an idea what is happening.
Christianity Explored (CE)- Allison and I are looking forward to hosting a group in our home this fall. CE is a great tool for explaining Christianity. Should be time well spent.
Fall Retreat - still working on this, but hoping to put something together for Oct. 7/8 I need to get on this ASAP
Small Groups - People are signing up and we hope to have 2 groups meeting.
Monthly Prayer Meetings - 2nd Sunday of the month during the Sunday School hour. A great way to start the week and focus on prayer.
Thats just a snapshot, but that will give you an idea what is happening.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Fall Foilage Report
Living in New England, my favorite part of the year is the fall. Spring use to be my favorite, but after moving to NE I was "converted". Colors are just starting to pop up around Nashua, a few trees here and there are turning colors.
The Weather Channel has a helpful map to figure out the peak time if that interests you. I will use the blog to keep you folks from outside the region updated on the colors.
The Weather Channel has a helpful map to figure out the peak time if that interests you. I will use the blog to keep you folks from outside the region updated on the colors.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Time Magazine Article on the Church in North America
There is an article in Time magazine this week entitled "Does God want me to be rich?" Sadly, 10 milllion Americans will tell you yes with great enthusiasm.
In a Time poll, 17 percent of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61 percent believed that God wants people to be prosperous.
I could really go off on this but I will resist. It really makes me sad and frustrated that gospel beleiving people feel that God should bless them in this way. The article mentions Joel Osteen's Lakewood in Houston; T.D. Jakes' Potter's House in south Dallas; and Creflo Dollar's World Changers in Atlanta -- are Prosperity or Prosperity Lite pulpits.
My favorite quote comes from Rick Warren......
Fellow megapastor Rick Warren, whose book The Purpose Driven Life has outsold Osteen's by a ratio of 7 to 1, finds the very basis of Prosperity laughable. "This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy?" he snorts. "There is a word for that: baloney. It's creating a false idol. You don't measure your self-worth by your net worth. I can show you millions of faithful followers of Christ who live in poverty.
In a Time poll, 17 percent of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61 percent believed that God wants people to be prosperous.
I could really go off on this but I will resist. It really makes me sad and frustrated that gospel beleiving people feel that God should bless them in this way. The article mentions Joel Osteen's Lakewood in Houston; T.D. Jakes' Potter's House in south Dallas; and Creflo Dollar's World Changers in Atlanta -- are Prosperity or Prosperity Lite pulpits.
My favorite quote comes from Rick Warren......
Fellow megapastor Rick Warren, whose book The Purpose Driven Life has outsold Osteen's by a ratio of 7 to 1, finds the very basis of Prosperity laughable. "This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy?" he snorts. "There is a word for that: baloney. It's creating a false idol. You don't measure your self-worth by your net worth. I can show you millions of faithful followers of Christ who live in poverty.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Sermon: Intro to 1 Corinthians (Part 2)
Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you - 1 Corinthians 1:1-6
This Sunday we will finish our intro to 1 Corinthians and I think this past Sunday was very useful. My goal was to establish the setting of the letter. I think I was able to do it and so this Sunday we will look at the reasons for the letter, the structure as well as the topics that are covered in Paul's letter.
If you missed the first part, don't worry, we are working on getting sermons online.
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you - 1 Corinthians 1:1-6
This Sunday we will finish our intro to 1 Corinthians and I think this past Sunday was very useful. My goal was to establish the setting of the letter. I think I was able to do it and so this Sunday we will look at the reasons for the letter, the structure as well as the topics that are covered in Paul's letter.
If you missed the first part, don't worry, we are working on getting sermons online.
Monday, September 11, 2006
9/11
Since every news source today is talking about the events of 9/11 today, I thought I would just make two comments.
First, like most Americans, I remember exactly what I was doing that day. We were in Vancouver waking up to the news and shocked by what we saw. It was also my first day of class at Regent, and it made for a very surreal experience. I really appreciate my profs that night who prayed for the Americans and offered words of comfort and hope.
Secondly, 9/11 started in Nashua in one respect. Not more than a mile from my house is Boston Center, FAA control building that monitors flights over the Northeast portion of our country. It was in that building that ATC realized that there were planes flying overhead that were not responding to calls and that turned the transponders off. Nothing like this had happened before and I am sure they never expected what was going to happen next.
A very very sad day indeed.
First, like most Americans, I remember exactly what I was doing that day. We were in Vancouver waking up to the news and shocked by what we saw. It was also my first day of class at Regent, and it made for a very surreal experience. I really appreciate my profs that night who prayed for the Americans and offered words of comfort and hope.
Secondly, 9/11 started in Nashua in one respect. Not more than a mile from my house is Boston Center, FAA control building that monitors flights over the Northeast portion of our country. It was in that building that ATC realized that there were planes flying overhead that were not responding to calls and that turned the transponders off. Nothing like this had happened before and I am sure they never expected what was going to happen next.
A very very sad day indeed.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Informational Meeting
After the worship service this Sunday we are an information meeting to discuss our fall plans and encourage folks to sign up and participate. If you want to know about Small Groups, Outreach, worship, etc.... this would be the perfect time to find out more.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Sermon: Intro to 1 Corinthians
Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
This Sunday we are beginning a new series in the book 1 Corinthians. There is so much to cover that we will be doing this introduction over 2 Sundays. I promise, this should be very educational as well as useful. This Sunday we will cover the Apostle Paul, the City of Corinth and the church in Corinth.
This Sunday we are beginning a new series in the book 1 Corinthians. There is so much to cover that we will be doing this introduction over 2 Sundays. I promise, this should be very educational as well as useful. This Sunday we will cover the Apostle Paul, the City of Corinth and the church in Corinth.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Day Trip to Washington DC
So as many of you know, Allison works for an airline and one of the perks is travel benefits. So yesterday, somewhat last minute, we jumped on a plane to DC and spent the day there with my brother Ryan and his fiance Christina. We had a great time and in a few hours we saw.....
Jefferson Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
WW2 Memorial
White House
Air & Space Museum out near Dulles Airport
One of the highlights was watching the President leave the White House on Marine One. Very cool.
To say we are all exhausted is an understatement. but I am sure this will be a Labor Day that we will not soon forget.
Friday, September 01, 2006
thought provoking
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies."
- J. Hudson Taylor
The message is clear, God's work is done by God, not by me. He is looking for servants willing to submit to His will. If we follow God, we will lack for nothing.
Jesus said to his disciples....
“When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” - Luke 22:35
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