Service Times
Worship Service
Sun. 9:30am – 10:30am
Sunday School
Sun. 10:45am – 11:20am
Prayer Meeting & Bible Study
Wed. 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Crusaders Club (Seasonal)
Thurs. 3:00pm – 5:30pm
Crusaders Teens (Seasonal)
Thurs. 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:12 — 53.3MB) Subscribe: This week, we invited guest speaker John Tierney back to our pulpit. He gave us this sermon on 1 Chronicles 17:1-15 and 1 Chronicles 29:1-22.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:17 — 45.1MB) Subscribe: Exodus 20:18-21
You are invited to join us Sunday mornings at 9:30 for worship. Accept our invitation and you will be glad you came! The answer to the title would seem to be “yes” for many Christians today. Jot down three adjectives you would use to describe God to someone who doesn’t have a spiritual background. Did adjectives like terrible, awful, fearsome, angry, consuming, earthshaking, and blazing fire come to mind? Or did you write down loving, gracious, merciful, forgiving, even gentle? Someone might say “all those first ones are OT characteristics of God, but we live in the age of grace where God is not like that!” That thought is exactly why Satan is so effective in making Christians weak, ineffective, and powerless as disciples and ambassadors for Christ. All those “OT” words for God also appear in The Gospels, Acts, Hebrews and The Revelation – NT books! Let’s notice from our passage
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- THE TERROR IN THE PRESENCE OF A HOLY GOD! Read Exodus 19:16-19 and 20:18. In general the sad truth is that as 21st Century Christians we have lost that terror of God. We have distorted the grace of God that brings salvations so it hides the wrath of God that hates all that’s sin and sinful! As I read and understand Scripture, The God of the NT is exactly as the same God as the One described here! Want to see that in the NT? Read Matt. 27:50-54. In America today vicious and heinous crimes fill the new reports and are the very topics of many TV shows. Dysfunctional families, role reversals in marriage, and sin are so common place that we have become a nation desensitized to sin, no matter what sin it is. That problem is even more serious because it has anesthetized Christians to the sinfulness of sin to the point the only difference between many so-called Christians and the unsaved is the unsaved don’t try to hide their sin. What fools we are to think we can hide our sin in the first place. Read Heb. 4:13. All this is reality in the Universal Church because we have lost the terror of THE ALMIGHTY! Notice also
- THE TEST FOR THE PURITY OF THE HOLY NATION! Read Exodus 19:20-22. Even though the people crowded around the mountain to see God, when He confronted them as God Himself, they were so terrified they fled from the mountain! The important thing is to see what God is doing and teaching here. It is the presence of the fear of God that keeps sin at bay. Heb. 10:19-39 teaches this same principle Moses is teaching here. There is a fear that brings terror, confusion to the soul. It is a dread fear that renders us helpless and causes us to act irrationally, carelessly, and dangerously! Moses is focusing on a different fear that is borne out of deep reverence; inspired by filial love toward God as Maker, Sovereign, and Ruler. Such fear loves so sincerely, so deeply, so completely it is repulsed by and shrinks from any thought of causing hurt or sadness to the heart of our Heavenly Father. A Christian’s love for God is to so supersede all other things in life that even the thought of sin is fearsome! It is the very grace and mercy of God that cleansed us from the eternal damnation of our sins that should strike such fear of hurting or disappointing God’s heart that any thought of sin should drive us as far from it as fear of God drove Israel from Sinai! May our hearts be stirred to immediately dismiss any thought of sin, because the idea of bringing sadness to the heart of our Great God and Savior is unthinkable to us as His redeemed children.
If we can help you with this or any other spiritual matter call us at (574) 643-9419.
Mark your calendars now for Vacation Bible School, July 5-9 @ 6:00-8:00 p.m.!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:49 — 42.9MB) Subscribe: 2 Cor. 1-:15, 16
Please accept our invitation to join us Sunday mornings at 9:30 for worship. All are invited and we know you will feel welcomed. Since January, we studied that the NT teaches us to focus on seeking God righteousness and His Kingdom-Matt. 6:33. We have learned it is the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit that is to be demonstrated daily in our lives. That power is the visible witness of life and lifestyle changes because of our salvation. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians we see his heart’s desire for all Christians was to have a dynamic philosophy that continued to grow. Let’s consider three points of growth in these verses.
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- FAITH MUST CONTINUE TO GROW! Ever wonder what Paul means by his statement in verse 15 “…as your faith continues to grow?” Do you ever think of your faith as a “growing thing?” Everywhere in God’s creation some parts of every living thing grows until the thing dies. If something isn’t or doesn’t grow it is dying or dead! Read Matt. 17:14-21; Luke 17:1-6; 13:18-19; Jas. 2:14-26 and 1Co. 3:1-9. Notice in the Matt. 17 passage the disciples asked Jesus why they failed. Note first, they didn’t just give up, sulk, or walk away. They wanted to know why they failed. Is that the attitude you have about your faith? Second, the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus told them to start with whatever amount of faith they had and build on that! No matter how small our faith, God can grow it beyond all we can imagine. Notice that in order to grow your “seed faith” it must be planted. How? James says “DO” something. Instead of just sitting by and complaining about how you can’t do things for the Lord, do what you can and let GOD grow your faith by HIS power. As we learn to trust Him, our faith increases.
- MINISTRY MUST CONTINUE TO GROW. Like all other living things the ministry of a NT local church is either growing or dying. The ministry of the church to the community is proportional to the depth and strength of the faith of the people in that church. The faith of the people is what they know and believe in their hearts about Scripture. The ministry of those people is how they show what they believe to those around them. Faith is private, ministry is public. The two are vitally joined to one another. The greater one’s faith, the greater one’s ministry. The NT teaches that every part of a person and a church must continue to grow.
- AREA OF IMPACT MUST CONTINUE TO GROW! Read verse 16. Notice that as personal faith grows, ministry grows. As ministry grows, the area of impact grows. The converse is also true, if one is dying, they are all dying. As we continue to reach out to those in our personal circles of influence and lead those folks to Christ – we disciple them and through them the area of impact continues to expand. Someone might ask, “if that really happens doesn’t a super-church result?” Only if self-centeredness overshadows the church. The NT teaches that new churches are established as numbers increase. The only “super-church” is the True Church the Universal Body of Christ. All other churches are local churches that are able to minister to ALL its people. The NT is very clear in its approach to discipleship and ministry. Growth from a NT perspective isn’t just numbers. The far more important growth is the spiritual growth of individual members who continue to grow until Christ calls them home or comes to get them.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:27 — 52.6MB) Subscribe: Rev. 7:9-17
You are invited to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 9:30. We think you’ll be glad you came! It is never wrong to remember those brave men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom. Scripture tells us God will momentarily stop His severe judgment on earth to recognize and celebrate His servants on earth and those saints in heaven who also gave their lives because of the greatest freedom – the freedom from eternal punishment in a Christ-less hell! This event will take place between the sixth and seventh Seal judgment during the Great Tribulation. Notice in Rev. 7:1
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- A RESTRAINT! These angels are sent to restrain/control the winds of the earth. One writer suggests that without them the airborne plagues from the previous seals would spread around the world. Our Great, Omnipotent God intervenes in judgment until His faithful servants are sanctified and safe. God has been restraining evil from delivering its full force against mankind since Eden. He gives example after example throughout both Testaments. Only God knows how many times He has withheld evil from your or your loved ones through the ministry of intervening angels. Did you ever thank God for His restraining power on your behalf making your life quiet, so the effect of life’s plagues didn’t harm them? You should you know – often! Notice also God’s restraint brings about
- A RECOGNITION! In verses 3-13 the recognition is threefold. First is the 144,000 Jews saved during the Tribulation and protected by God’s grace from the Antichrist. Their primary purpose is to preach the Gospel causing multitudes to repent and be cleansed in the redeeming blood of Christ. Notice God’s divine protection at work again? The second recognition (vss. 9-10) is the innumerable group of people from every place on earth. These people are very special people because they are people who were saved because a Jew told them about God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ The Messiah. Think about that! The third recognition is to God Himself! Read verses 11-12. One writer says this may be the greatest worship service ever! Focus especially verse 12. These are seven attributes of worship to God. How many of these heavenly virtues do people see in your Christian life every day? Second question – how many of these attributes does GOD see in your life every day? All seven should be seen above and below every day all day! Then there is
- A REWARD! Read verses 15-17. These saints are rewarded for their great courage, suffering, perseverance and loyalty as Christians during the Tribulation. Look at how God is going to reward them! These are the true war heroes who will receive God highest honor for their valor. The difference between these Christians and us is like the difference between those men and women who went to the front lines to fight for freedom and those who were stateside working in offices. When you think about our lives as Christians compared to those who will become Christians during the Great Tribulation, we are the ones who have it soft. When you think about our lives as Christians in America in the age of grace our witness, testimony, and sharing the gospel in light of these Tribulation Christians and their witness, testimony and outreach – who are the real heroes and who are the real cowards?
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419and let us show you truth answers from God’s Holy Word.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:50 — 50.2MB) Subscribe: Luke 9:61-62
Please accept our invitation to worship with us every Sunday morning at 9:30. We think you will be pleased and find the answer to your spiritual needs. In our current study we have learned there is danger in being a rash or reckless disciple as in verses 57, 58. We also learned there is a difference between being ready and being real in service to Christ. Today we look at a man who deals with the most serious and dangerous consequences of following Christ. Look first at
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- THE MAN’S NEGATIVE VIEW OF DISCIPLESHIP. There are two revelations here that tell us this man is neither rash, ready, nor respectable toward Christ or His ministry. Notice first his allegiance to Christ is both insincere an conditional. This man says what so many weak and insincere “Christians” say to Christ when they say, “I’ll follow You, but first let me…” Such an attitude is why so many Christians have trouble in their walk with Christ from the get-go! They want the best God has to offer without doing much to change their life from being like it was before they were saved. From a theological viewpoint that means people want salvation without sanctification. Whenever we say to God “but first let me” we are telling Him our allegiance and commitment to Him is secondary to US! The man’s mistake was that he wanted to return and consult with his family about following Christ. Another way of saying it is he wasn’t ready to leave the world behind. He wanted to do like so many people today and “blend” the world into following Christ. That just can’t be done! Now consider
- THE MASTER’S NEGATIVE VIEW OF DISCIPLESHIP! The NIV adds the words “for service in.” It is the only version of 16 of the most reliable translations of the Greek text that does so. Those words help us understand the whole purpose of discipleship. Read Mark 10:42-45. Jesus is saying that discipleship equals service. By the very fact we are Christians we are now members and messengers of The Kingdom of God and that is always through our service to Christ. Christ’s statement about looking back is a solemn warning that one can’t follow Christ looking back and longing for the life of sin from which they were saved. I wonder if Jesus’ response to this man would have been different had the man said, “Master let me go get my family and bring them to You so they can follow You as well.” If a person is lost and experiences the grace and mercy of God’s salvation, wouldn’t it be right for them to want their entire family to experience that same grace and mercy? Here are three reasons we should not teach someone to “plow” with one hand on the plow while looking back at life before salvation. 1 = we break the first commandment by putting ourselves before God. When we say “but let me” we are establishing ourselves as higher than God. Is that what we want to teach others. 2 = We teach a person they can “serve two masters.” We don’t need to teach confusion, there’s enough of that available from the lost. 3 = We are teaching that it is okay to deny the doctrine of sanctification. Christians have a tendency to think separation means don’t be involved in violent crimes. Separation as God teaches it total separation from all ungodliness all the time. We need to be teaching our disciples true, pure, Biblical doctrine that will draw them into the Word purifying their hearts and lives so they begin to disciple others themselves.
Call us at (574) 643-9419 if we can help you with your spiritual questions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:19 — 49.7MB) Subscribe: Luke 9:59-60
We invite you to worship with us each Sunday morning at 9:30. Last time we considered that true discipleship is extremely expensive endeavor. People often ask, “How do I know when I am ready to disciple?” Often we don’t think or know we are ready, but our Lord does and He always tells exactly when to begin. Read in our text today verses 57-59 then see if you notice the difference in these two men. The first volunteered and this man was called. The first felt he was ready, but he spoke quickly and without thoughtful consideration of the consequences. This man was willing but not ready. Jesus called this man to do two things; 1) follow Him and 2) preach the kingdom. Looking at this matter of discipleship from Christ’s perspective let’s ask ourselves some “ready” questions.
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- ARE YOU READY TO PUT CHRIST’S WILL FIRST? On the surface this man’s request seems to be reasonable. It was the son’s responsibility then to make sure the parents were cared for even in the matters of their death and burial. This man’s father may not have been dead yet, but the man being called was using the situation as a reason to delay following Christ. Go back and read Luke 14:25. Jesus is not promoting parental hatred because that would contradict the very nature of Christ. He is making the point that our allegiance to God must supersede even that to our parents. What this man is actually saying to Christ is: “I’ll follow you BUT…” This is a very practical example of how Matt. 6:24 shows itself in our life. The “but” often gets in our way when it comes to serving God FIRST. In order follow Christ and disciple others properly we must decide to follow Jesus without the “buts” so we don’t teach others divided loyalty.
- ARE YOU READY TO BE INVOLVED IN PEOPLE’S LIVES? Many Christians will say, “I want to help others come to repentance and be cleansed from their sins by the blood of Christ, but I’m too busy trying to keep up with my own life.” The issue is not helping someone become saved—that doesn’t take long. The issue is discipling them after salvation that involves a lifetime of commitment to them to help them grow into “disciple-makers” themselves. A true follower of Christ understands that helping a person become an adopted child of God involves far more than just sharing with them some nifty little “plan of salvation” pamphlet and moving on. Which brings us to the question:
- ARE YOU READY TO ANNOUNCE THE KINGDOM OF GOD? This is one of those conditional statements Jesus often makes. If we are going to follow Him, then there can be nothing in this world in any way that is more important to us than announcing the Kingdom of God! Pastors and preachers are not the only ones “called” to let people know God has taken up residence among His people in the Person of the Indwelling Holy Spirit. The same commission is given to every Christian to tell all others the good news! Such a statement as this, helps us see the impact of Matt. 6:33. Every part of a Christian’s life is to be focused on showing and telling others that now is the time to be part of God’s Kingdom. Every Christian must ask “am I ready to leave all and follow Christ or not?” After all, why would we call ourselves a Christian and not follow Christ? You are a “Christian” or you are not!! It is as simple as that!!!
If we can answer your spiritual questions or help you in spiritual matters call us at (574) 643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:09 — 48.7MB) Subscribe: 1 Samuel 30:21-25
You are invited to worship with us each Sunday morning at 9:30. Come check us out! Our lesson this week focuses on Mom and the special ministry she has to her family. One might think I’m going to talk about war on Mother’s Day. Someone else might think “is he going to tell Mom to stay home with the kids while Dad goes to war?” I would like to use this passage to address some things godly moms have been doing for a long time. Notice
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- A GODLY MOTHER IS STILL ONLY HUMAN! This whole situation began when David suffered temporary amnesia. See chapter 27:1-4. David got caught up in the immediate events of his life and took his eyes off God focusing on the storm around him. Sort of like Peter did when he got out of the boat! Today we might say he tried to hide among the lost so his loved ones wouldn’t hurt him anymore. Is there a Christian mom anywhere who hasn’t felt the ones most bent on destroying her are her own family? Some- times even a godly husband can seem like the enemy. There are times when moms have thought the kids are intentionally plotting against her just to watch her snap! Notice that when David was greatly distressed he found His strength in the Lord! Read Ps. 18 as an example. In the pressure of our society for moms to be “supermoms” you should know it’s still okay to be human! God still takes a great interest in people and that would be YOU, Mom. Then,
- A GODLY MOTHER IS SENSITIVE TO OTHER’S HURTS. Read verses 9 and 10. The 600 men with David were “discontents” that David trained in the Green Berets and Special Forces of the day. The 200 that were left behind were just as much a part of David’s army as the 400 who went with him into battle. I wonder how many moms have thought they are working with an army of “discontents” in her family. Dads have a wonderful way of seeing what his children and grandchildren can be what he would like for them to be. Godly moms look through eyes that see individuals—then helps them focus on reaching their potential—and at the same time influence Dad to let the children be what they want to be. All of this seems to work with a reasonable amount of harmony because God gives mom X-ray eyes that see into hearts. Finally, notice
- A GODLY MOTHER STAYS WITH THE LUGGAGE! Read verses 18-25. David demonstrated the character that made him a man after God’s heart. He told the 400 who went to war they were part of one family of 600 and all would share equally. That’s where the “mother’s piece” comes in. The mother’s piece is the piece of pie that’s all messed up, or the broken cookie, or the piece of chicken that’s burnt, or the piece of cake that’s smaller and crushed. It’s the heel of the loaf of bread that no one wants or that corner piece of cake that gets slighted. (Have you noticed that many people like to take their piece of cake from the middle of the cake pan? What’s with that?) A mother always makes sure the family gets its share before she takes hers. She is the one that stays home from that special once-in-a-life-time event because someone is sick, or hurt. She is the one who gets up at night to care for a sick child or husband; she eats the cold meal because she has fed a little one first while everyone else is eating. Do you know why she does all that? Because the mother’s piece is good enough for her! Just like those warriors that stayed back and guarded the luggage, Mom is there in the background ministering, nurturing, loving, caring for her family. Moms often do that not because someone tells them to, but because God gave them a heart that says “you first.” Thank God for such moms!! If we can help you with your spiritual questions call us at (574) 643-9419 and let us help you.
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