Mill Pond Church

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2011-07-26T13:22:00.012-04:00

This Week's Blog - February 5, 2012

2011-07-21T22:55:00.018-04:00

Christians, Voting & Morality

OK, so I try to stay out of the political fray. Intentionally, Mill Pond is apolitical--that is, we don't endorse parties or candidates. Personally, I'm an Independent anyway, so this is somewhat easy. I honestly have grown weary of party politics on both sides and see them as two sides of the same corrupt coin--all too often. I hold no ill will to folks who join or even run for office from either party. I have great Christian friends who've do just that. Still, for me, I try to stay independent and for the Church, we must focus on the Kingdom of God over the Kingdom of men.

Having said all that, I want to stress that I DO believe in voting. I think Christians have an obligation to vote for and support candidates which best represent the Kingdom values we all embrace. While that's "easier said than done" and "nobody's perfect," there are primary issues where a single candidate--especially a presidential candidate--can do great harm or good toward the cause of Christ. We, as Christ-followers, should thus vote for those who will create the least amount of hindrance to the gospel and those who pursue it.

How do we do that?

How do we vote for those who will create the least hindrance and what are the primary issues where a candidate can do damage or give support to our cause--the cause of the gospel?

I think there are several areas where Christians need to be informed and thus help choose leaders who have a correct/biblical posture. Here are a few:

* Abortion. God loves people and wants more and more of them in his Kingdom. Killing the innocent is never an option. Thus, candidates who support killing innocent babies under the guise of a "woman's right to choose," should never be on our list of potential leaders. Further, candidates which support organizations that attack and limit the work of ministries such as the ABC Women's Center should never be supported. Planned Parenthood is one such organization--support abortion and attempting to blacklist groups which discuss abstinence and adoption.

* Freedom of religion. This one is a bit tricky since all candidates say they believe in this, but a closer look at their past voting records and decisions they made in other leadership roles often shows a level of bias or even discrimination--often towards Christianity. I believe it is God's will that the church be encouraged and allowed to "rise to the occasion" helping the sick, poor, and destitute. Government should not usurp this role or make it legally impossible for the church to do so.

* Freedom of speech. This is similar, but speaks to a broader view such as the right to share the truth in order to preach the gospel without hindrance.

* Individual rights--especially those which support financial freedom. As popular as it is to promote class envy and he redistribution of wealth from those "evil rich men" to the rest of us, Robin Hood would be a criminal, not a hero, in God's economy. Rather than "stealing from the rich to give to the poor," we need men who will lead by example toward free generosity and policies which promote financial growth, employment, and opportunity for all people. Enabling and promoting laziness or dependency and poverty will NEVER help people. Taking money from the rich by force will never help them either. Instead, Godly leaders model and promote generosity while passing laws that make it easier for the poor to work hard and get ahead. The Bible, in Proverbs, speaks to these principles versus a socialist republic where government tries to force some kind of artificial equality. Historically, these efforts ALWAYS lead to abuse and dictatorships such as in China, Russia, Eastern Europe, North Korea, North Vietnam, Cambodia, or Germany during WWII. Why? Man without God is evil. So if we give government leaders that much power apart from Christ, they will ALWAYS abuse it. I always say that there has never been an example of a local, State, or Federal government agency which ran efficiently and would thus survive in the real, private sector world. Smaller government which protect its people and the freedoms of its people will ALWAYS be a better platform for the Church.

* Honor in foreign relationships/policy. Our commitments to Israel and other allies is critical. If we as a nation, blessed by God, are to continue being blessed, we must honor our historic commitments to other historically Christians and Jewish nations. We cannot turn our backs. Leaders who do not see this will not lead us in a direction Christians can/should support. Also, while we're not the "world's policeman," any righteous nation should stand with the oppressed and be willing to fight for human rights, dignity, and freedom anywhere. A leader who thinks we should stand back and watch abuse isn't a true leader--any more than a man who watches an innocent person being mugged without taking action could be considered a good man. I believe a Christian should vote for someone who will stand by our allies--plain and simple.

* Marriage. A Biblical definition of marriage is one man, one woman--period. Candidates who will support laws which protect the sanctity of marriage should be chosen over those who will not.

These are just a few of the important issues Christians should evaluate and uphold when voting for presidential as well as other candidates. Prayerfully and carefully we should exorcize our right to vote in a way that honors God.

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

One Man or Two?

2011-07-14T13:08:00.000-04:00

This week at MPC, we'll look at the story of the two demon-possessed men from Matthew chapter 8. Many will note that the other gospel writers only describe one man in their accounts (Mark 5 for instance). For some, this seems to be a contradiction. "Was it one or two?" they ask, "Can't these authors get their story straight?"

This may seem like a picky question, but it's relevant. After all, if the gospel writers can't agree on something THIS basic, how do we know they got other things right? If they're wrong about something simple like this, couldn't they be wrong about something life-changing--say, like the resurrection of Jesus for instance?!

Other "synoptic problems" occur in the gospels as well. Normally, it's little things like the order of events or the name of a city/town. Still, the same question comes-up a lot--if we can't "count on" Matthew, Mark, Luke or John for the little details, how can we count on their written record at all?

There's a foundational principle of biblical interpretation that not only answers these questions, but helps us understand and apply other scriptural passages as well. It's the principle of context and perspective. If we start with the premise that the Bible IS inspired and thus infallible (a perspective we at Mill Pond embrace), then the seeming contradictions like how many demoniacs did Jesus encounter in the region of the Gadarenes, becomes clear.

For example, let's consider Matthew, the only author who mentions both men in his account. Who was Matthew and who was he writing to? Matthew was a Jew and a tax collector. He wrote primarily to a Jewish audience. While the other authors wrote from different perspectives and different audiences, their common goal in telling this particular story was to focus on the MOST oppressed man, the one with a legion of demons (at least 6,000). That man was obviously, the one who spoke and was clearly the lead in the destruction that took place. The other man was, to most gospel writers, almost invisible and inconsequential in terms of the outcome of the account.

So why did Matthew mention him?

We can only speculate, but let me give it a try. First, the Jewish people knew that the law required two witnesses to give credibility to an account (Deut 19:15, etc.). Mark makes it clear that many heard about Jesus and presumably came to believe in Him as a result of the testimony of the most afflicted man (Mark 5:20). Jewish readers would discount the claims of one man...but Matthew is sure to point out that there were two. Also, while most of Jesus' ministry was to Jews, the region of the Gadarenes was populated by Gentiles. This is clear from the fact that they were keeping a herd of 2,000 pigs--something Jews were forbidden to do. Yet, Jesus goes there and heals these two men. Is it possible that one was Jewish and the other was not? We don't know...but it's an interesting possibility since Jesus is hereby "bridging the gap" and showing his Messianic role over all men. Finally, there's just the fact of Matthew's occupation--he was a tax collector. He was a man of numbers. Who more likely to "be precise" in terms of mentioning the other man--making sure to point out that there wasn't only the one--more oppressed and vocal man--but actually, two.

The bottom line is that the Bible IS reliable. It is accurate and flawless in its original form. The differences sometimes seen are simply different perspective, not contradictions. One more reason to read it--all of it--as often as possible!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

How Should We Respond to God’s Love?

2011-07-05T12:38:00.000-04:00

Greetings! Pastor Joel has been encouraging me to submit an article in the Mill Ponder so here goes my first attempt.

One of my favorite passages in the bible is Romans 12:1-2, in fact, I consider it one of my life verses. In it, Paul tells us essentially two things; offer our bodies as living sacrifices and not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. The first verse tells me to put Christ first in my life and to serve Him sacrificially. Simply put, serving God, according to Jesus Himself, is to love God with everything within us and to love each other. To do so sacrificially means to do so ahead of our personal desires or even needs. It could cost us time, money, opportunities, even friendships, but it is what we are called to do.

The second verse is about repentance. One of my favorite books is a little book written by Buddy Owens, titled “The Way of a Worshipper”. In it, he says a few things about repentance that I’d like to share with you; “Repentance is a whole new lifestyle. Repentance is a determination to change the way we live. Repentance is cooperating with God in the transformation of our character. Repentance is a heart posture reflected in the choices we make. Repentance is an act of worship. We do not repent to earn forgiveness; we repent as a response to having already been forgiven… When we discover that forgiveness is God’s gift to us, it makes us want to change the way we live…Repentance, then ceases to be an occasional act of desperation and instead becomes a continual expression of love and gratitude.”

You see, Christ died for us while we were still sinners (Rom 5:8). We didn’t have to change before He died. He bore our sins, He BECAME sin and died in payment of our sins, once for all of us, for all time. If you have accepted this free gift of God’s immeasurable love, then your response, my response HAS to be repentance and service; turning our lives around and spending the rest of our lives wholeheartedly loving God and sacrificially loving each other.

God bless you all,

Pastor Dennis

Interdependence Day

2011-06-29T16:11:00.000-04:00

July 4th is fast approaching and it's one of my favorite times of year. Much of that is probably due to memories I have as a child. I remember going to my Grandmother's home and getting her annual $20 gift (seemed like $1,000 to us then) so we could attend the infamous, world-renowned, Warsaw Carnival. Vendors would come from all over the country to set up rides, games, fun houses, even a Ferris wheel in our little town. At night, they had fireworks and we got to bypass our normal bedtime, staying up all the way till 11 PM so we could watch them!

It was a Big Fat Hairy Deal--Baby! My cousins and I would wait all year for this and relish every moment for the few days it lasted.

Looking back, it almost seems silly--the rides were tiny and the food was bad. What seemed to us then as a HUGE set-up actually covered a space smaller than Mill Pond Park. I now realize that $20 wasn't a small fortune and going to bed by 11 is a rare blessing, not something I look forward to surpassing!

Still, as I look back, one thing stands out as priceless. It wasn't the cheap cotton candy or the Tilt-A-Whirl. No, the thing that stands out is the sense of community. Now that I'm older, I realize that what made these events special was, more than anything else, the time I spent with my family. All the cousins would stay overnight at my Grandmothers and hang-out together for the day every day that that Carnival was open. My parents, uncles and aunts, and both grandparents would all be together for picnics and meals. It was fun--but largely it was fun because we had people to share it with--people we loved.

How sad that Independence Day for most people isn't like that. It really is INDEPENDENCE day, but not in the political or civic sense--it's independent because they are, in fact, alone. They, we, most Americans--have been taught that we are to stand alone, be our own person, do our own thing, exercise our own will, be wild and free...in essence...hyper-independent to the point of isolation. No longer do families gather like they used to. In fact, rarely are even nuclear families intact, let alone extended families. We're independent all right--to a fault. And the fruits of this are...well they're numerous and negative.

Isolation, depression, confusion, and irrational behavior are just a few of the effects of our narcissistic independent state as human beings. We sing that "No man is an island," but then we attempt to deny this via our lifestyle. And the church is no exception here, unfortunately! All the time, we witness folks who come in to church, connect at a superficial level, maybe even make a membership or other relational commitment, and then--as quickly as they came--disappear! It's as if we're afraid to get "too close." Subtly, subconsciously, it's as if we've swallowed the mental cool aid by believing that community and relationships that go beyond "Howya doin?" are dangerous, etc.

This is SO contrary to the way of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. In the first century church, the entire church lived in community (See Acts 2:41-44, 4:32). People even made faith decisions as a group (Acts 10). Their bond was deeper than that of their blood relatives and they saw themselves as connected for eternity. If someone got upset with someone else in the church, they worked it out because, well, the alternative was isolation. There weren't "other churches" to run to to avoid conflict or challenge. They had to use Matthew 18:15-19 to deal with stuff because none of them wanted to be a "lone ranger Christian," so-to-speak. Some days, I wish we could go back in time...

So, I'm calling for a new celebration this year. This year, I say we have a new holiday. We can keep Independence Day for civic celebration of national freedom--that's a good thing. But in addition, why can't we also have INTER-Dependence Day: a day dedicated to community and family bonds? Why can't we proclaim a day where we celebrate spirit-based relationships that can't be easily broken and commit ourselves to building those up? We can even have picnics and carnivals and campouts and more--all centered around community and togetherness, not selfish, self-reliance.

Are you in?

If so, I say we wait no longer--let's make today...tomorrow...and every day, Interdependence Day. I suspect our God and Father would be proud!

IN Jesus,

Pastor Joel

The End of the Book

2011-06-25T22:38:00.000-04:00

Did you ever "cheat" when reading a book or novel? Maybe you've done it with a movie or video. You're in a hurry or your just too excited about the outcome of the story, so you skip to the end and read the last chapter or watch the last 15 minutes. If you have a DVD, you may look at alternate endings to get the "gist" of how the directors planned for the plot to end.

In one sense, we can do that with the Bible and see the end of world history--God's master novel or story for humanity. Just this morning, I read the end of the book of Revelation and thought of how blessed we are to know the positive outcome of all we see around us in this world. Despite the evil, the hatred, the cruelty, the injustice, the turmoil and chaos of this world, God promises to bring it all under His control and usher in peace and beauty.

Notice just part of what's promised:

Rev 22:3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (NIV)

Sounds great huh!

Knowing that God can't lie and thus His promises are certain, hang on to this when things go crazy. This is the future--this is how the story ends. No matter what challenges you face today--I guarantee this is what we'll enjoy tomorrow!

Think about that will ya?

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

The Congressman Weiner Scandal--Should Leaders Be Held to a High Standard?

2011-06-08T16:24:00.000-04:00

OK, so we've all heard about it and probably, c'mon admit it, laughed at some of the off-color jokes too. But the current "sexting" scandal and obsessive media focus on the sins of Congressman Weiner of NY forces the issue on a major question--a question to which the Church of Jesus Christ needs to consistently respond.

The question is whether or not leaders are or should be held to a high standard of morality. A secondary issue is whether or not leaders deserve respect or at least their offices do such that we treat them with dignity--as hard as that may sometimes be. Now I should say that this question isn't really new. In fact, it's as old as time. In recent history, we've seen it again and again since the wake-up call given us by the Watergate scandal of the 70's. We faced it again in earnest during the Clinton Presidency's Monica Lewinsky incident...and, once again, we face it today with a congressman who finds joy in sending lewd pictures of his body to young women.

What does God say about leaders? Men have various opinions on this. Many wonder, "What's the big deal? It's not like he broke the law or did it on government time or with government money?" Some say, "Hey...it's not for me to judge. Nobody's perfect you know." On the other hand, some are ready to execute the Congressman--acting as if he was guilty of murder, etc.

Notice the principle found in James 3:1-2, "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (KJV)."

James is clear that rulers need to recognize that with greater authority, there comes greater responsibility--especially regarding our words/communication. True, there also is greater opportunity at times, but you can't have one without the other.

In the church, we MUST be examples of this both in terms of respecting leaders and regarding those leaders acting as examples to both the flock and the world at large. Notice Hebrews 13:17-18, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. 18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way (NIV)."

So while our culture wants to tear leaders down, yet expect them to live by high standard OR, expect little of them in terms of moral example, but give them status or authority above the law--we must adopt NEITHER of these flawed perspectives. Rather, we should expect leaders to live at the HIGHEST standards, and then treat them with the respect their office implies/demands. That's the Christlike response and, a good lesson to be reminded of when things like this happen. And, as a spiritual leader, I like Paul respond to this challenge in my own life and the lives of our elders by saying, "Pray for us (Heb. 13:18)."

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

End of the World Video Series

2011-06-03T06:09:00.001-04:00

Part 1 from Mill Pond Church on Vimeo.

Part 2 from Mill Pond Church on Vimeo.

Part 3 from Mill Pond Church on Vimeo.

Part 4 from Mill Pond Church on Vimeo.

The "Connection"

2011-06-03T05:55:00.000-04:00

Recently, I bought a new Bible. I got a HCSB, Holman Christian Standard. I really like it for reading and light study. As with all translations, the publishers and editors have inserted subtitles throughout the text to help the reader process each section read. What caught my attention this morning was Matthew 7:7-11 was grouped with verse 12 under the same subtitle. Most other translations have a new subtitle before verse 12, commonly listed as "The Golden Rule."

Now right or wrong, what struck me was the "connection" between the Golden Rule and the verses about "Ask(ing), seek(ing), and knock(ing)" in prayer. Verse 12 reads, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." What does that have to do with asking God for things in prayer?

A lot!

What occurred to me was two possibilities:

1. That if I want God to take my requests seriously, I need to be taking His command to love others seriously. The Golden Rule would be a "golden" start. I tell others about Jesus because I'd want them to tell me (if I didn't already know). I pray for the hurting and feed the hungry because that's how I'd want to be treated, etc. If I'm ignoring the needs of people near me--not showing love to anyone unless I get something in return, how CAN I expect answers to my prayers?

2. (And this is the most shocking), Do I treat God the way I want Him to treat me? I mean, do I show love to Him in praise and worship...or is my prayer time all about getting what I want? Do I ever just "hang out" with God or is there always an ulterior motive? Is it possible that my prayers would be more powerful if I sought God--not just "stuff" FROM God? I think so.

So while the subtitles aren't divinely "inspired" with any translation, I have to say, I'm glad for the shift the HCSB editors made...it made me think. In a larger sense, it was a reminder that the whole counsel of God's Word fits together and is seamless! Praise God for his perfect Word!!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Have You Talked to God Today?

2011-05-08T17:47:00.002-04:00

OK, so we all know we're supposed to pray. We have instruction as to the importance of it and even the "how to" of it throughout the Bible. Still...we struggle, often skipping it altogether or just "phoning it in," in a half-hearted attempt.

Why?

I think sometimes, we fail to sense the reality of the conversation. We're so caught-up in the physical, here-and-now, that we can't see the spiritual reality. We really can't see that we're being given the opportunity to crawl up into our heavenly Father's lap and chat. We forget that He loves us and has all the power and resources of the entire universe at his disposal. And, for whatever reason, He actually LIKES hearing from and talking to...us--to YOU and even me....

Can you picture it?

The God who spoke and created everything that is wants to talk with you today. He tells you--challenges you--almost begs you to speak and listen in a quiet time in His presence. He looks forward to spending time with His kids.

Is that so surprising?

Notice: Prov 8:17, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me." NIV

John 4:23, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks ." NIV

Maybe knowing this can help some of us. I mean, do you stress-out over spending time with someone you love? If your favorite Uncle or your best friend wanted to hand-out with you for an afternoon, would you panic about what to say or what to do or what he/she would say? Of course not!

So why do we worry so much and stress so much about prayer and quiet time with God?

I think part of it is a paradigm shift that has to take place--and my prayer is that we make it--fast. You see we need prayer, more and more prayer, today! I hope we can come to a place where prayer is as natural as breathing. And as much as I know I want us to "live there" as a church, as much as I want it for myself and our leaders and every visitor that walks through our door...

I know God wants it even more...

And maybe that's the key--for us to see that God desires this, not just demands it.

Let's think that over...shall we?

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Turning the Hearts

2011-04-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

Malachi 4:6 says of the one coming in the power of Elijah, "And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."

Over the centuries, much has been written and said about who this prophet is/was. Some think this promise was totally fulfilled via. John the Baptist's ministry since Jesus referred to John as at least a partial (if not total) completion of what Malachi wrote (see Mark 9:11-13). Others think that there will yet be a future prophet who will complete what John started in preparation for Jesus' second coming.

Both have valid arguments to consider, but for the sake of this article, I don't care.

Don't get me wrong, it's interesting to consider how prophesy has been or will be fulfilled--but can't we forget the "Who" for a minute and focus on the "What?" What is it this prophet will do? He turns father's hearts to their children and vise-versa. Whether we're talking spiritual fathers and spiritual children, (as in teachers or the fathers of the faith like Abraham, the Apostles, etc.), or--if we're discussing physical fathers and children, this is critical. Frankly, I would argue, it's more critical and necessary now than at any point in modern history.

We live in an age where we've ignored the spiritual fathers as in the writings of scripture. Ironically...(or is it?)...we've also seen physical fathers demeaned and/or separated from their natural children. Many of the kids in our youth group don't have a healthy relationship with their physical father. Also, prior to coming to us at least, they couldn't tell you the difference between Abraham and Moses, nor would they have been able to name more than one or two of the original 12 Apostles.

The fruit of this ignorance and separation?

In a word, DISASTROUS!

Contrary to our culture's full-court-press pressure against it, our kids need Fathers. They need loving, yet firm leadership. They need boundaries and people tough, yet concerned enough to enforce those boundaries. The boundaries need to be based on what the spiritual fathers wrote and lived. Kids need to be told, "No," more when it comes to things that can ruin them and "Yes" more to time spent with "Dad," especially their spiritual Abba--Daddy--God. Do you know that some of our kids are punished by having parents tell them they CAN'T go to church or Connect?

Are we nuts?

I'm praying for two things when I think of our teens and college students:

1. That they'll develop a hunger for God's Word and their Heavenly Father.

and,

2. That someone will "step-up" to provide fathering in the natural/physical sense.

Regardless of who the prophetic "Elijah to come" may be, can our church step forward to help "turn the hearts" of our kids?

I believe we can...we should...we must!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

The Power of Suffering

2011-04-21T21:21:00.000-04:00

As human beings, we suffer...and we suffer for many reasons. Sometimes our suffering is self-inflicted. Sometimes, other people do things that hurt us. Sometimes, it's just "time and chance" which Solomon wrote, "happens to (us) all (Eccl. 9:11)."

Regardless of the cause, nobody likes suffering. Furthermore, I'm convinced that God doesn't like it when it happens to us either. Rarely, if ever, is He the cause and certainly not in some sadistic way. Normally, we do enough "causing" without His help. Still, He'll use it...always working for the good of His people (Rom. 8:28).

And that brings me to this. What' is the greatest benefit of suffering? What is the thing God wants most and will use suffering to produce if possible? Is it obedience? How about faith? Maybe it's a deeper sense of truth or doctrine?

I think none of the above.

Don't get me wrong--all of these things are valuable and important. Still, the greatest thing is love...the relationship we have with God and others. Suffering, unlike anything else we experience on this planet, has the potential to produce or deepen love and relationships we might have otherwise overlooked.

Notice what Paul wrote in Phil. 3:10-11, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead (KJV)." Paul said that all the grief he had endured was a blessing to this end--that he might better know Jesus. He talked about a bond--a "fellowship" in suffering. He also made a connection between that bond and the bond of the resurrection--something we'll explore more this Sunday.

So whatever you're enduring and whatever the cause...let me encourage you this week to look at the brutal suffering of Jesus and, once more, draw close to Him. Identify with Him and bond. That's His will...and, if you embrace it, it's a source of blessing for you!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

New Video on Building

2011-04-19T18:18:00.000-04:00

Untitled from Mill Pond Church on Vimeo.

The Power of "Showing-Up!"

2011-04-12T18:29:00.000-04:00

Between 7 and 7:30 AM every Sunday morning for the last four years, a rag-tag group of people has stumbled into buildings like the Hartford Saengerbund, John Wallace Middle School, or the Newington Children's Theater to spend the next 5-6 hours setting up, tuning-up, cooking-up, presenting...and then, tearing-down, putting-away, cleaning-up, and packing-up so that 100 or so people could be present for an hour and a half to worship God together.

I love those folks.

Some have become weary...some have left...some have even passed-away like Mike Owens and recently, Kay Perry. But others are still there--every week...like clockwork. What's amazing is that some of them can barely walk due to severe arthritic and/or back conditions. One even has cancer. (I've got tears in my eyes now, so typing has just become really tough.) Despite all this, they lift, carry, plug-in, and push things around so that the rest of us can come to church (if we "find the time") and enjoy the music, message, etc.

From time-to-time I get suggestions from well-meaning folks who want to change or improve what we do. "Have you tried..?" or, "Couldn't we start something over there...?" or, "Why don't you change the order so that..?" or, "How come the music isn't...?" Now don't get me wrong--we welcome suggestions and feedback from everyone. That's how we grow. And, I always listen to these things with interest and honest, open concern toward healthy change.

But you know what? I'm honestly much MORE open to input from those early morning warriors--the faithful few--who not only show up for church once a month like most others--but come HOURS early and are there EVERY week to do what's necessary so that everyone else can have the luxury of observing and sometimes, critiquing in comfort.My hat's off to you "MPC Roadies!" And you know what? The time of carrying your burden is almost over. When we move into the Kidco Building--you won't have to set-up--it will be set-up from the week before. You won't have to carry boxes of Bibles or put-out signs or string miles of cable. You can sleep-in and just come and worship. More than anyone else--you deserve that and I can't WAIT to see you rested and at peace with the fruit of your labor of love!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THE LAST 4 YEARS POSSIBLE!!! Karen and I KNOW and will carry with us the rest of our lives--the reality that Mill Pond Church would be little more than an idea if it weren't for the back-breaking, time-consuming, gut-busting hard work you all have done. I know you've done it for Jesus--but we appreciate it too!

So here's my question for everyone else. What power is there in just being present? What value is there in "just showing up?"

Actually...perhaps surprisingly...quite a lot...more than most of us realize....

I'm reminded of the story I told last Sunday of the little girl who "Just need(ed) Jesus with skin on." When we're there--present and accounted for--we bring Jesus...we ARE "Jesus with skin on" to others. Even if our contribution IS just being at church for a couple hours and we can't be one of those working behind the scenes to pull off the services--we are ALWAYS valuable as part of the body of Christ, added to the power of collective worship, lending a shoulder to someone who needs it, hugging folks whom we greet, smiling at someone who hasn't been smiled at for a week, etc.

Do you get that? Do you SEE the "POWER of Showing-up?"

As Mill Pond Church moves forward into our new place we believe God will bring many new people into fellowship with us. Most of these people won't know Jesus in an intimate, personal way. Most will have needs and hurts, just as we do--but they won't know who to turn to. Folks we DO know where our help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). But we won't be able to share that unless we get out of bed, get dressed and come to church to greet these folks.

We won't be connected unless we believe in and exercise...the power of showing up.

Will you join me in praying for our church that we will exercise a little more diligence--a bit more effort in being present for worship, connection, and ministry? The new start and blessed future God is offering us can ONLY be realized if we commit to grab on and take advantage of it. Staying home, rolling over and slapping the snooze button, or booking ourselves so full with weekend events that Sunday morning becomes impossible--these things will never result in growth, personally or collectively.

Let's decide right now that we're going to "be there" for one another--and for what I'm believing will be hundreds of others who need Jesus, now more than ever! Even more so, let's be there to show love for our God who says He loves it when his house if full (Luke 14:23)!

Amen?

In Him, On Purpose,

Pastor Joel

New Building - We're In!

2011-04-11T10:34:00.000-04:00

Mill Pond Church is very excited to announce that over the weekend, we received the building permit to begin construction on the New Building - 2175 Berlin Turnpike!

Construction will being right away, please pray for a successful inspection so that we can meet there for Easter!

Why Do We Pray?

2011-04-08T07:54:00.000-04:00

Pastor Patrick and I were talking this morning about our motivation for prayer. Some believe that the primary reason we pray is to change our own hearts--as if God really doesn't listen or use our prayers to change anything. To read some authors or listen to some preachers, you would think that prayer amounts to little more than a personal "pep talk" where we talk to God, but we're really just talking to ourselves to encourage a better attitude or something.

I call it the "Fatalistic Prayer Paradigm (FPP)."

The logic goes something like this:

1. God is sovereign.

2. Therefore, He doesn't change, nor does He need to change anything.

3. Thus, God has everything all mapped out and handled with or without our prayers.

4. So, when we ask for something or suggest something or intercede for someone, it's moot in terms of changing the foreordained outcome.

5. Thus, we pray simply because we're told to...and maybe because doing so will help "mold our own hearts" or bring us into "synch" with God's will, put in essence prayer changes nothing except...us.

Really?

Now, don't mishear/misread me, I KNOW that prayer can help change our heart or attitude. I also know that God is sovereignly in charge of the entire universe. I also know that he has already lived the future because He is above time and space. Thus, he has complete foreknowledge of the future. But to think that our prayers don't affect change in the "hear and now" UNDER God's sovereign foreknowledge and power is a gross misreading of scripture.

For example, how would one explain the following texts in light of this FPP?

Ex 32:12-14

12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. 14 And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. KJV

Ps 135:14

14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

KJV

Jer 26:2-3

2 "This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the LORD's house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. 3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.

NIV

Jer 42:10-12

10'If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I am grieved over the disaster I have inflicted on you. 11 Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands. 12 I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land.'

NIV

Jonah 3:10

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

NIV

Now to clarify, the word translated "repent," doesn't imply that God sinned and changed his character or unhealthy behavior. It simply means that he relented or changed course based on man's faith as expressed through prayer and action. Did God know before man prayed that he would pray? Of course. Still, would things have ended differently/badly had man NOT prayed--absolutely! Without confusing ourselves with metaphysics, let's just say in brief, these verses and many others tell us that prayer changes things.

Theologians wrangle over this and have for centuries. But for you and I, day-to-day, this means that our prayers have impact and we should use this powerful weapon daily! Are you? How bout trying it right now? I could sure use some prayers from some spirit-led, faith-filled people! Bring 'em on! Thanks!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Kay's Funeral Arrangements

2011-03-28T20:55:00.000-04:00

Calling hours for Valda Kay Perry will be on Thursday night from 6 - 8 pm at Brooklawn Funeral Home, 511 Brook Street in Rocky Hill, CT.

Memorial service will be on Friday morning at 11am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 371 Woolcott Hill Rd in Wethersfield, CT. Reception following the service will be held at the church.

Who's the Enemy?

2011-03-24T17:59:00.000-04:00

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul wrote, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Really?

I would argue that most people I know absolutely do NOT believe this scripture. You don't...and if I'm honest, I don't either. The conflicts we have, the stress we feel, the anger that rises up in us due to massive, if not suppressed FRUSTRATION is almost ALWAYS due to "flesh and blood." In other words, it's people that drive us nuts! Human beings make us mad--hold us back--block our goals--and push our blood pressure to gieser-like levels such that we just want to...EXPLODE!

Most people I counsel with don't say, "Pastor Joel, I'm here to talk to you about how the Devil and his Demons are trashing my marriage." Rarely does someone say, "I know it's a spiritual attack I'm under that's creating friction with my boss and coworkers." I almost NEVER hear someone complain, "I wish the spiritual dark forces would leave our home alone such that my kids and I could stop battling every day after school." When someone says something rude or fails to return a call or drags their feet in response to a real or perceived need--our response is normally to look at them, "flesh and blood" humans, and get ticked-off.

Now, I can hear the objections. "What are you saying? Should we blame the Devil for things and avoid personal responsibility" Nope! People, (including you and me both) do stupid things all the time. But just as God dealt with Adam, Even, AND Satan in Genesis 3, we should be willing to do that as well. Furthermore, we need to note that the PRIMARY culprit is often a demonic influence making our problems less than a fair fight. We in the West often ignore the Enemy completely when Paul says He's the PRIMARY problem.

How often do we consider that just maybe...Paul was right? What would be different if we DID believe Ephesians 6:12?

Let's say someone at church really gets under my skin. They make a comment about my jokes and interrupt my sermon with loud, rude booing (clearly this would never happen). What would be different about my response if I thought, "I'll bet both the inspiration for that rudeness and my emotions in reaction to it are a result of, and/or at least fueled by Satan?" How much less angry would I be at my rude friend if I know that both his behavior and my emotional response were being fostered and "fanned into flame" by the Enemy? It might not solve everything, but I'll bet it would at least take the emotional level "down a notch."

Who's your Enemy? It's not your brother or sister in Christ...it's the Devil!

Beyond that, even in the natural or physical realm, let's not forget that our society serves the Evil One. We're at war with spiritual forces of evil that our world thinks are wonderful and worthy of pursuit. Can we afford to be mad at and avoid each other? If you were in a foxhole with bombs exploding all around you and bullets whizzing by your little head, how much energy would you focus on what you don't like about the guy/gal next to you? If he/she didn't say "Hi" when you dove into the hole barely avoiding shrapnel which would have torn your limbs off, would you waste time being offended? Angry? Hurt? "Put-out?"

I don't think so...

But that's the EXACT situation we're in. The bullets and bombs are spiritual, but therefore they do even MORE damage. We can't afford trivial, childish, little tiffs about who pushed who or who took the last cookie or who didn't say Hi or who called too many times or who's dating a guy we liked or whatever! (And lest you think I'm talking about kids--I'm NOT! Believe it or not, their conflicts are over more mature issues than the adults often times.)

Who's the Enemy?

The Enemy is Satan, the one behind the fights we all succumb to daily...so don't let Him have any ground or victory. He doesn't deserve it and our God deserves the love and unity we all need! Let's renounce and resist him, all the while drawing closer to Almighty God...and each other (James 4:7-10)!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Though the Earth Be Moved...

2011-03-16T10:38:00.000-04:00

Psalm 46 says, "God is our refuge and strength,an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall;God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress.Selah 8 Come and see the works of the LORD,the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress Selah NIV."

In light of the recent disaster in Japan, doesn't this Psalm grab you and scream of relevance? When, not if, the earth gives way and mountains crumble...WHEN the waters roar and foam as with Tsunami, there IS a river whose streams "make glad." What an awesome word picture. There IS a place of peace. It's the place "where the Most High dwells."

And where is that?

Notice verse 7 again..."The LORD Almighty is with us!" We can rejoice and take comfort and share that comfort with others. It's our job to exalt and praise God, "among the nations," (verse 10). What better time than a time like this? Our reaction to this or the earthquake in Haiti or any other disasters we see looming in the near future is to pray, love, reach-out and share the peace and strength of God. It is to use these situations as platforms for sharing truth, love, giving, and service. It's the gospel--full gospel--healing the hurt, feeding the hungry, and preaching the good news of salvation--as a package deal. We are to be calm and "still" based on our confidence in God's power and faithfulness...while doing the Great Commission work He has given us to do.

Are we? Are you?

I'm praying the answer to that for all Christians at this time is, "Yes!"

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Sneak Peak of New Building!

2011-03-13T00:03:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our New Mill Pond Church Home from Mill Pond Church on Vimeo.

Are You a "Radical Extremist"?

2011-03-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

I love how our media latches on to a phrase or a word and then overuses it again and again...and again. Recently, the phrase, "radical extremist" has become one of those $5 phrases (one you WISH you had $5 for, every time it's used). Normally, the "radicals" or "extremists" are the bad guys and usually, it's attached to a faith group such as Muslims or Christians. It's a politically-correct way of isolating or segmenting a group of people so you can still be loved by the rest of them even though you're criticizing part of their population.

But is is BAD to be a "radical?" Would you be offended if I called you an "extremist" Christian?

The honest answer is, "it depends." It depends on what your faith is based on. If you faith is based on something good and true, being a radical can be great. If, on the other hand, your faith is based on something evil and/or untrue, being a radical can be destructive.

According to Wickipedia, "Radical is derived from the Latin word radix meaning "root...." So a radical goes to the "root" of his/her beliefs and trys to live it out. In the case of Muslims, this means Jihad. In the case of Christianity, Wickipedia says that "radical" is "...referring to the need for perpetual re-orientation towards the root truths of Christian discipleship. One way Christians achieve this is to revisit the Sermon on the Mount or the Gospel of Mark, the earliest of the canonical gospels...."

Is that bad?

Some would say so...but I hope that doesn't include you. In our current sermon series, we're working through the gospel of Matthew and are currently studying the sermon on the mount. We TRULY intend to encourage people to live this stuff. Does that make us evil? Actually, as God empowers us to obey, the result is just the opposite! It's loving God and loving others--even your enemies and doing good, not evil to them in Jesus' name!

Here's the thing, if you follow someone, you typically do what they do and say what they say. You probably wear what they wear. We see this all the time with sports teams and rock stars. People who are radical fans of a team will often wear their jerseys or hats. Sometimes they even paint themselves using the team colors. People who like a certain band or singer will buy clothes and do their hair in ways that suggest allegiance. Right? Of course--we see it all the time!

So...how can anyone claim to be a "Christian" or "little Christ" (that's literally what the word means), and yet reject the ONLY record we have of his life and teachings? How can you be a supposed Christ-follower, yet never do or say what he did or said? You can't! People try to live out a fantasy of what I call "smorgasbord Christianity" where they "pick-and-choose" from various ideas and do PART of what Jesus did or believe SOME of what he said in the gospels, but this is a facade and will ALWAYS fail them at some point.

In truth, the ONLY way to follow Jesus is to be a radical. To make every effort to do, say, believe, model, and teach all that Jesus is, was, and forever will be. Knowing and living-out the gospels is the best way to accomplish this. Is that bad? If so, I pray I'll be "bad to the bone." My prayer for all of us is that we'd become radical extremist Christians such that our lives, the lives of those we love, our community, and our world would be blessed and, most of all, that the name of Jesus would be honored.

So, contrary to contemporary usage, here's to our ongoing quest--the quest to become TRUE "Christian radical extremists!"

In Him,

Pastor Joel

Do YOU Believe It?

2011-03-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you,

for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (NIV)

Can I confess something?

I don't (always) believe this verse. Oh, intellectually, I'd certainly argue that it's true because it's part of the inspired, infallible Word of God. Still...if I'm honest...in my darkest moments, I'm not so certain.

Recently, I was reminded of this when I struggled over the Town of Newington's requirement that we spend added money and time to submit construction plans, building permits, etc., for our new facility. I had a "flash-back" to the fiasco with Day Street and honestly, I panicked. I got angry, worried, frustrated, and distracted all at once. For a moment, I forgot that God truly IS in charge and, that He won't forsake us if we trust in Him.

How 'bout you?

Do you trust in Him? Do you believe that God has "never forsaken those who seek (Him)?" Or, are there times when you, maybe even for just a minute, forget....?

I'm convinced that one of the keys to survival as a Christian is to come to a place where we totally believe this and base our decisions on it. Furthermore, I think the more we remember and trust, the better our lives will be. We'll touch more people, see more change, and thus bring more honor to the name of Jesus.

So how can we do this?

Perhaps the key is the beginning of verse 10. The psalmist says, "Those who know your name...." The names of God reveal His character, His nature, His priorities, basically, they tell us who He is. Both the Old and New Testament names of God help us understand that He is faithful, trustworthy, loving, powerful, a healer, a warrior who defends his people, and more.

I wonder sometimes if it's our ignorance of God's name and thus His nature that makes us vulnerable to worry, fear, doubt, and worse. And, even when we KNOW these things, if we stop reading and studying them...we forget or at least need a memory jog when times are tough.

So here's a challenge for you. If you took CLASS 201, this is easy since some of this is in your notebook, but what I want to suggest is that you do a study of the names of God. Look up and list as many as you can find. Then, on your knees, ask Him to brand these names and their meanings on your mind so you'll always remember them.

I suspect this will keep us positive and focused. I bet we'll be MUCH more likely to stay confident in the midst of trials. I'll bet we'll be even more sensitive to His presence when times are tough. We'll be more likely to seek Him and remember that He has "never forsaken" those who do!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You... Ignorance ISN'T Always Bliss!

2011-02-22T17:20:00.000-05:00

You've heard the old adage, "What you don't know won't hurt you." This is commonly used to justify "need to know" decisions regarding what we tell our children, friends, spouses, boss, etc. At times, the principle is true--if I don't know about something negative or scary, it won't/can't bother me. To be fair, there are times when this is OK and relatively harmless. There are some things I don't have to tell everyone--especially if they may not be confirmed and thus, nothing to worry about--yet anyway. I always use a similar cliche--"Ignorance is bliss...and THAT'S why I'm so happy all the time!" (LOL)

Still, I think our culture has gone overboard on this idea. That is, we knowingly and willfully remain ignorant of things beyond a very surface-level, shallow understanding so that we won't be hurt, angry, or "ad odds" with others. My recent blogs about Catholicism and Islam touch on this idea in that many people--even many Christians--want to ignore or deny the differences between faiths so as to keep peace or seem to be united with others. On the one hand, I applaud their desire to be non-confrontational and kind. On the other hand, as I hope I pointed-out in those videos, just because I'm ignorant of what someone believes--it doesn't mean I agree with them or vise versa. In fact, SOME ideas/teachings can harm or kill spiritually. Being ignorant of those doesn't help those who hold those ideas and...it really CAN sometimes hurt us as well.

For example, I recently saw a news story about Christians and Churches who invite Muslims to use their churches for prayer. "We're just showing the love of Christ to them" they say. On the surface, this seems good and right and loving. But what WOULD Jesus do? Knowing that Muslims worship a false god (and they do), WOULD he invite them to do so in the temple for instance? Would he be willfully ignorant of the fact that Muhammad believed that he (Jesus) was NOT God and that anyone who said He was God was evil and worthy of death? And if Jesus DID know this, would He then give it tacit approval by inviting Muslims to pray and use the Koran in a Christian place of worship?

Never.

More importantly, if Jesus knew that Muslims believed that obeying the commands of Allah, (including the command to Jihad), would allow them to be saved, would He pretend to agree with them or just be silent about the truth regarding salvation via. faith in Himself? Do you think for a minute that Jesus would have avoided saying, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life...no man comes to (God) except by me (John 14:6)?" After all, this would be very offensive to a Muslim. Would Jesus have avoided saying it and pretended that they were just practicing "another path, another way--truth--life?"

Not on your life...or theirs!

You see, Jesus knew more than any of us that what people don't know and believe can hurt them. In fact, it can kill them--physically and spiritually. Note Paul's take on this in Romans 10:12-15, "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" NIV

Pretty clear isn't it? People need to hear the message...why? Because NOT knowing about the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior isn't "OK," or just an inconvenience--it's a matter of spiritual life and death. Yes friends, what you/I/we don't know CAN hurt us.

So why not learn it? Why not dig deeper into God's Word? Why not "think things through" instead of swallowing the sound bites from the news media and assuming we understand what's happening in our world? Why not read something a bit meatier then the latest romance novel, video game journal, or comic book? Why not talk to people who know more about things than we do and try to grow?

Jesus said it this way, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32 NIV)."

Yet, I'm shocked at how little Christians know their Bible. Basic stuff...things that could "make or break" your day stuff. I'm not talking about Bible trivia, but truths that transform which are never reviewed or considered or understood. For example, I've had people argue with me that the Catholic view of salvation is the same as ours. Really? If you think ours is that in addition to believing that Jesus is God, you do certain rituals and are affirmed by the church in order to be approved for heaven--then I guess it's true. But that's NOT what we believe! So, to suggest that two things are the same or that the distinction is irrelevant or that we don't need to discuss it means one of a few optional things:

1. We don't know what we believe.
2. We don't know that others believe.
3. Both.
or, Sadly,
4. We know, but we just don't care.

I think it's time we know and it's time we care. I think the love of God compels us to this. It honors him, it helps others, and it will of course richly bless us as well.

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

REAL MEN & THE REAL JESUS

2011-02-17T20:38:00.001-05:00

OK, so let me just say right up front that this blog will probably make some of the ladies mad at me...guys too, but for different reasons. I know we live in a politically correct, egalitarian culture where men and women are supposed to be exactly the same in every way, (except for reproductive biology...although that's debatable I suppose lately as well). In fact, if we're honest, we would say we live in a world where women are superior and men are--well--irrelevant, at least that's what filmmakers seem to be communicating.
I mean, c'mon...think about the popular action films produced over the past 2-3 years. Often, it's the women "kicking butt and taking names." I watched a movie recently where one small, somewhat skinny little lady took out over 40 burly men with her bare hands and feet (she won too). I watch the news and reality shows and movies et al and somet
imes think of that old song, "Anything you can do, I can do better...." Women, not men, are the ones saving the day, protecting the innocent, making all the hard decisions, showing affection, pursuing relationships, etc. According to the National Organization of Woman (NOW), men are irrelevant (or worse) in every way--even sexually. Our culture preaches this daily.

And from their perspective, I suppose it makes sense--if there IS no difference between the two and women are superior at filling the roles of men--why not just get rid of the men altogether?

And so we have.
Fathers have become a rare entity. Most of our youth have never known a strong, committed, loving, stable Father. Why? We've killed them all. They've learned that to be a big, little boy whose only distinction from children is "the cost of his toys." They've learned that to be financially, sexually, motivationally, and ethically irresponsible is OK since men are irrelevant anyway. After all, all of us are nothing more than just highly evolved pond scum--and men are the worst of the species. So why not fool around? Why not sire children with multiple women and then leave them for others? Why not ignore spiritual headship in the home and community? We're pretty much the same as women--only less capable and thus understandably irresponsible...right?

Wrong! At least it should be wrong....

Even in church, we've tried to remove the men. Again, this may be due to our view of Jesus. Still, we sit, sing, preach, socialize, and organize in ways that are much more comfortable for women than men. The message is--"no boys allowed." And the fruits are--well, obvious. Watch Christian TV or listen to much of what we might call Christian radio and you'll see what I mean. We've relegated men to irrelevancy by making male and female genders virtually identical and indistinguishable....

But folks...Isn't it obvious--here it comes---that, while we're equal in the sight of God (Gal. 3:28), men and women are...well, we're actually...different?! I mean, physically, emotionally, psychologically--chemically (estrogen and testosterone are NOT the same hormone are they?)...we're not exactly the same. I know how shocking that sounds in today's world...but really folks?! And...I would argue, that's God's will (Gen. 1:26-27). Why is the complimentary nature of men and women SOOOOO offensive?

Well, the answer to that would take several blogs, but let me just point-out an irony and then address the guys for a moment. The irony of this is that while we want to pretend that men are lesser creatures and women are tougher, smarter, faster, etc.; women STILL go for the tough, strong, somewhat emotionally distant, macho men. So--we feminize men when its convenient to downplay the masculine gender and thus promote the feminine--yet, we want masculine men when it comes to dating, relationships, sex, certain sporting events, and (sometimes) marriage.

Ironic? Yes...yes it is.

So ladies...I love you...but you may want to stop reading here. I'm going to talk to the guys and tell them some things that you really DO want them to hear. You might not like what I'm saying at first, but IF they listen and respond--trust me--you'll love the results. How do I know? I've been doing marriage and relationship counseling for nearly 20 years...trust me...you'll like the results of real men living out life like the REAL Jesus.

OK guys...fasten your seatbelts....

I for one am tired of seeing my Lord and Master portrayed as a wimp. Can I say that? I just did. I'm sick of the air-brushed, blond-haired, blue-eyed, wispy, soft-spoken Jesus with a British accent who stares off into space and says, "Thus saith the Lord Thy Goooodddd."

Yuck!

How many carpenters do you know? How many hammer-slammin, sun-drenched, muscle-ripping, nail-pulling, lumber- pressing carpenters do you know who look like they just left the salon after having a good manicure? Jesus spent more than 15 years as a carpenter before entering ministry...can you imagine ANY scenario where he'd look like he hadn't eaten a piece of beef in his entire life or lifted anything heavier than a pencil?

Hmmmm?

No!

Yet, almost every picture, every movie, every description of Jesus suggests a metrosexual, feminine weirdo who woudn't know a hammer if you handed him one. Sorry--but you KNOW I'm right guys. Even the portrayals of the crucifixion in most churches or the classic crucifix, show a skinny, frigntened-looking little man with a tiny trickle of blood running down his forehead and side.

Are you kidding me?

Ever heard about Jesus flipping the money changers tables (which was likely like lifting and tossing boulders) or whipping the sacrificial bulls and goats as he drove them out of the temple area? What about the physical strength and emotional courage he displayed as he carried his own cross after having most of his skin ripped off and his face punched-in? How about the way he addressed the leading religious gurus of his day, openly calling them snakes and hypocrites when they had already threatened to have him killed?

A wimp? Not on your life!

I could go on and on about the strength, masculinity, power, and justice of our King. Read the book of Revelation and see the sheer POWER of his second coming and tell me he's a skinny little flower-child begging people to listen to his soft pretty voice...NO WAY! Was he gentle too? Yes. Loving? All the time! Spiritual? He was God and he prayed more in one day than most of us will in a month!

But wimpy and/or feminine? Absolutely NEVER!

But what's the point? Why do I bring this up? Where are we going with this?

I think it's time to reinvent, recall, and retrain a generation of REAL men. I'm tired of watching women carry all the load. I'm tired of seeing our ladies always have to be the spiritual and physical leaders in their homes, the church, and our culture. Why is it on Sundays, the women come in early and stay late when the men are often absent entirely from most churches? Where ARE the real men? Where ARE the men who will take charge and pray with their families. Men who will show up and work for the Kingdom of God instead of leaving it to their wives and/or girlfriends. Men who will read the Bible and share it without hesitation. Why do our women have to take the lead in caring for and disciplining children?

Guys? Where are they/we/you???? Are there any men still out there????

Maybe the fact that we've feminized Jesus along with an entire generation of metrosexual men has something to do with it! As Christians, knowing that Jesus WAS a real man with actual strength and leadership capacity can help us follow him and thus bless our families, our communities, our church and our world! I'm convinced of this!

It's time gentlemen. It's time to recognize that to love and emulate the real Jesus IS to love and lead. It's OK to be a man. It's OK to be strong and take the lead. Despite cultures emasculation of men and Fathers in particular, your ladies need you to be what God made you to be. Start with Eph. 5 and add to it the consistent role modeling of Jesus in all you do.

Why not be the first to:

* Pray daily
* Say, "I'm sorry."
* Read scripture
* Take the lead in sexual purity before marriage and faithfulness in mind, heart, eyes, and focus afterwards!
* Fast
* Initiate! Be the one who takes the lead to show concern for those you love instead of waiting for someone else to act
* Speak up when somethings wrong and it needs to be confronted
* Man-up to take the heat when things aren't as they should be.
* Show affection.
* Protect
* Share a Bible Study in your home
* Get up early to make coffee and take care of stuff so your wife doesn't always have to
* Help with and love the kids--disciplining and rewarding--loving as Jesus does.
* Bust your butt to earn a living to provide instead of sleeping in and playing video games and then whining about the economy
* Prove that chivalry really ISN'T dead...would it kill us to hold a door open, walk closest to the street, or stand when a lady enters the room?
* And more...

Why not?

WWJD? All of this and more without one word of complaint to boot! Jesus isn't a wimp--He's the King, Lord, Master, and Provider of all. He's our model, not Justin Timerlake, Prince, Justin Bieber or anyone else for that matter!!

I say...let's follow Jesus and rediscover true masculinity! What might that mean to our world? What kind of blessings would follow?

OK, I'm done..for now...(more to come)...

In Jesus, To become more LIKE Jesus,

Pastor Joel

TRUTH---THE BEDROCK PREREQUISITE TO PEACE

2011-02-09T21:30:00.002-05:00

In John 17:17, Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (NIV)." In this passage, Jesus gives us the key to true peace, unity, and success in life!

Our world desperately seeks peace. People plan for it, study it, spend money to obtain it...and ironically, even fight for it. Often however, we are little more than dramatic fulfillments of Jeremiah 6:14 which talks of people who say, "...peace, peace, when there is no peace." That is, even when we THINK we've found it, it's often a mirage or a weak facsimile. At peace, our human attempts lead to a temporary lull in fighting which, ultimately, seems to make matters worse when the battles resume.

I believe that the reason for this is that often, our peace is build on lies or half-truths. For example, we pretend to agree with people or we pretend that differences don't exist. We may even go so far as to deny them and hope they'll go away. This approach NEVER works in friendship, in marriage, or in international relations between countries. Even the modern Ecumenical movement between religious faiths--a place where truth should be valued--often sacrifices the truth in lieu of a pretend unity. A false agreement based on sand...

Enter Jesus' teaching and prayer. What "sanctifies?" That is, what makes us special to God and one another? Jesus says,it's the truth. It's not a facade or half-truth. It's not marketing hype or a unity based on a mystical oneness which practical experience denies. No...brutal as it may be at times, TRUTH is what "sets us apart as special" to one another.

We know this when it comes to romantic relationships don't we? As Valentines Day approaches, don't we all realize that open intimate sharing between two people is the very ESSENCE of a healthy relationship. If I lie or shade the truth with Karen, eventually She'll be hurt. Even is I was lying to "protect her," ultimately, whatever would have been hard to hear will be worsened by the fact that I lied to her as well.

Jesus also tells us what the ultimate source of truth is. It's the Word of God. The Bible, which contains written words or thoughts from God Himself, gives us the ultimate paradigm and filter for truth in life. Knowing it and living it provides a basis for unity and love. So, to TRULY unite people, we need the Word. Jesus also said HE was that Word (John 14:6, John 1:26, etc.). He is the foundation for unity. So when countries or religious organizations deny Him, they have rejected the very basis for being sanctified and thus unified. How ironic! Some ignore or downplay Jesus in the hopes of creating unity with other faiths. Yet, the very foundation of unity is Jesus Himself and the salvation he provides. This is true for religious groups, nations, and individuals as well.

So, if you want TRUE unity and peace my friends, start with scripture and draw close to Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace...the truth...the Word which Sanctifies....always!

In Him,

Pastor Joel

Islam Part II

2011-02-06T20:53:00.001-05:00

Islam Part I

2011-02-06T20:50:00.001-05:00

Catholicism Part II

2011-02-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

Truth Over Tradition...The Saga Continues

2011-02-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

OK, so in my seemingly constant attempt to be politically incorrect, I'm continuing to develop blogs and podcasts where we look at other religious ideas and show where they've "gone awry." Now again, I know it's considered intolerant and evil to admit that you think another faith tradition is wrong. I realize that we're all supposed to pretend (and make no mistake--everyone who plays this game IS pretending) that we all agree and that nobody is any more right or wrong than we are and blah, blah, blaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh.

But can't we just have an honest discussion about truth, tradition, fact, and fiction?

I think so. in fact, I think Jesus commands that we do this and then "take the heat" when folks become offended by our honesty.

Now I'll reiterate that you can be honest, without being mean. You can and should as Paul said, "speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15)." Still, we must speak up. It's time to be heard. Letting people run glibly off a cliff like a herd of lemmings just so we don't offend them by telling them they're about to plunge to their deaths--well, that's just not loving is it?

Along these lines, I published my first pastorpod video this week on Catholicism. In the video, we take a hard, historical look at the Catholic concept of grace and salvation being passed on by sacramentalism and sacerdotalism. We talk about the Mass and the evolution of this doctrine over time. We then compare it to the Bible's clear teaching and ask the question of whether we wish to embrace the truth of God's Word (John 17:17) or the traditions of men (Mark 7:7). We'll continue this with another Catholic video and then a series on Islam.

My question to you and to myself frankly, is this, "How willing am I to continue questioning my own commitment to truth over tradition?" I mean, let's not assume that Catholics are the only ones who let the teachings of men and their own historical comfort zone become more important than what God clearly has revealed. I want to believe that I am always ready to reject tradition if it contradicts scripture and the revealed will of God. But am I? What if God asked me to give up my job as a pastor? Would I? What if He wanted us to meet on Monday instead of Sunday? Would we? I'm not saying that any of this is needed--in fact, I'm convinced it isn't, but WHAT IF? How important are my habits over God's will and call?

As our world is in turmoil and our nation is on the verge of economic collapse, these are good questions to ask. How willing are we to surrender all to Jesus? How opposed ARE we to change--whether globally unsettling or just mildly uncomfortable? More than ever, we need to trust in Jesus and not add to nor take away from what He teaches us.

In His Love,

Pastor Joel

Catholicism

2011-02-01T21:23:00.000-05:00

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS & FAITH

2011-01-26T19:52:00.000-05:00

In this age of political correctness, Christians have been subtly influenced and sensitized such that we "play nice" when it comes to doctrinal differences. That is to say, we find it uncomfortable, maybe even inappropriate to talk about differences in belief or practice. This is true of conversations re. other, non-Christian faiths such as Islam or Hinduism for instance.

Sadly, it has also become true of Christian or pseudo-Christian traditions as well. Anyone who would dare disagree or call a certain "Christian" teaching "false" is immediately flagged as "intolerant," "mean," "divisive," or even "dangerous." Even civil, humble, calm and rational discussion has been outlawed. This is especially true if that discussion involves stating that one thinks, "I'm right...but they're wrong." In one sense, this is silly since EVERYONE believes, "I'm right...but they're wrong." Political correctness just teaches us not to admit it, much less argue the point in detail.

One of many ways this PC-run-amuck thinking has hurt us is with regard to our ability to exercise James 5:19-20. James writes, "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." How can this verse be applied if we can't even point-out someone's doctrinal error?

Truth is...we can't!

Now let me say that I'm NOT promoting abusive, mean-spirited bashing of people who disagree with us. I'm not suggesting we be rude or closed-minded. I don't think we should call names or make the arguments personal. None of these things exemplify a Christ-like attitude.

Still, can we disagree and point-out error WITHOUT being rude? Some think that just the IDEA of disagreement or apologetics is rude. Some think that saying, "That doctrine is unbiblical and unsupportable," is an intolerant or nasty position. I disagree. Saying, "People who believe that are idiots," WOULD be offensive. But can't we find a balance? IS there a balance?

I say, "Yes there is a balance and YES we can find it!"

You see, one of the mistake we make is that either:

1. We inadvertently condone false teaching by avoiding discussions which could point-out those teachings.

OR,

2. We attack the person(s) involved and make it rude and unnecessarily offensive.

It's kind of like the old "love the sinner, hate the sin," discussion where we wrestle with the balance between caring for people even though we hate some of the things they do. Our culture tells us that unless we LOVE what they do, we must hate them. But this is false. I would argue that hating what they do is THE ONLY WAY to truly love them in some cases. If I repeatedly hit myself in the head with a hammer, it's not loving to ignore it. No, love would involve TELLING me and maybe even holding my arm such that I must stop! In the case of discussing error, the balance is to talk about the teaching/ideas without attacking people personally or resorting to name-calling, etc.

We see this tension in the political realm too. Can't politicians respect one another, yet still disagree? Often, No...it seems they can't. But, shouldn't they be able to? Of course!

Where am I going with this?

I think it's time to "take the gloves off," but do it respectfully. That is, when we look at Islam, Catholicism, Hinduism, or other faiths--it's time for Evangelical Christians to stand-up and explain the truth behind the biblical worldview we cherish. It's time to stop as many people as we can from "hitting themselves in the head" doctrinally instead of watching them speed toward a Christ-less eternity. It's time to have an open, honest, respectful debate on issues of faith. The days of pretending that we're all the same in some mystical way or that the differences are inconsequential or harmless--when we know they are CRITICAL to someone's eternal state--are over!

So...what's our part in this?

Over the next several weeks, I'm going to be posting blog articles which will no-doubt "ruffle some feathers." My intent isn't to upset anyone, but rather to honestly address some critical issues and differences between what we believe and what may seem popular in Catholic, Muslim, or other settings. My goal is to challenge such that an open review of the facts can result. And maybe...just maybe, someone will be freed from confusion and spiritual darkness. I know that my even suggesting that others are in "darkness" will offend some, but as someone who lived in that darkness myself for many years, I don't mean it condescendingly. No, I'm talking about an actual state of deception that Jesus himself discussed many times. If God has revealed "A," and I believe "B," I'm in darkness and need help. My goal is to logically, historically, rationally, and Biblically show where true Christianity differs from some increasingly popular religious views in our world today.

Please pray that it will help those holding those views as well as helping the rest of us approach them in love....

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

So What's The Point?

2011-01-18T19:32:00.000-05:00

As a follow-up to last week's sermon and videos, I want to ask the question, '''So What's the Point?" Scripture tells us to be aware of and wise concerning the Devil's schemes (Eph 4:11), but why? How does knowing some of his tactics help us? I mean, just because I know a kick boxer may hit me with either his left or right hand or foot, it doesn't mean I'll be able to stop him does it?

Well...yes and no.

Using my analogy, just knowing a few things about kick boxing as in having read about it or having watched videos wouldn't be enough. Knowing would be useless without doing. That is, I'd have to practice and practice and practice. It would be the combination of knowledge and experience that would allow me to survive in the ring...and I think that's true in the case of spiritual battles as well.

You see, Ephesians 4 doesn't just tell us about the Devil. In fact, there's very little about him in the chapter. Paul tells us about his "day(s) of evil" and "fiery darts," but that's about it. Most of the chapter tells us about our armor and about doing things like "proclaiming the mystery of the gospel" and "praying at all times in the spirit," and "having done all," and "stand(ing) firm." I would argue that it's using the Word of God as a sword and sharing the good news that best prepares folks for warfare. True, they MUST know that the Devil will attack and not be shocked by his "schemes." True, knowing that Pride, Passion, and Power are the "big 3" of temptations is important! Still, to win, you must know and DO the work of implementing the weapons of our warfare...which, as Paul writes, "are spiritual (2 Cor. 10:4)."

So...as with all of our studies and messages...let's live it Mill Ponders! It's in the application of God's Word that our faith becomes strong and the victory is won!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Triumph Over Temptation

2011-01-16T06:38:00.000-05:00

See the full message live at Mill Pond Church on Jan 16 at the Hartford Saengerbund, 719 N Mountain Rd, Newington, CT, at 9:30 AM.

24 hours is not enough...

2011-01-15T13:45:00.000-05:00

The household of God

2011-01-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

WHEN WILL WE EVER LEARN?

2011-01-12T06:31:00.001-05:00

Many of us have been captivated by the news coverage of the tragic shooting of several innocent people in AZ this week. The death of innocent people and the wounding of Senator Giffords is sad enough, but we've also been shocked at how many media outlets have tried to use this event to make political hay and false accusations. It is sick, sad, and depressing. All of it makes us pray, "Thy Kingdom Come," even more fervently.

And maybe, it has made you question, "Why God doesn't do something?"

I mean, can't he just stop all the violence along with the lies and division? Since he's all powerful, why doesn't he just do some dramatic thing and make everyone look up and see Him? Wouldn't they all just repent and behave if He did?

Actually, no...they wouldn't. History, present experience, and prophesy as in the book of Revelation prove it.

I'm reading through he Old Testament again and am struck by how amazingly stupid human beings can be. I know, I know, that's judgmental, blah, blah, blahh...but c'mon--it's true! And I don't just mean "those people" in the Bible--I mean us--I mean ME! Despite God's numerous interventions, people just don't want to follow Him...they just don't, and frankly, often, they just won't! You see there's a false paradigm out there that I have found myself "swallowing" at times. It goes something like this--"Well, if God would just do some amazing miracle and show up in some dramatic way, then people would follow Him and everything would be great."

Really?

This seems to make sense until you read about Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and most of all Jesus. Miracle after miracle after miracle and while sometimes, (not always either), people are awestruck for a moment, INEVITABLY and PREDICTABLY they turn back to worshipping Baal, sinning sexually, killing each other, etc. I think this is just part of who we are. We really DON'T want to obey. So, we look for ways to explain away, discredit, or even ignore God's intervention in life. Sure, He could do more miracles and stop all the violence, but why? If He knows that we'll ignore them and disobey Him anyway, why SHOULD He?

Would YOU if you were God? (Now there's a scary thought!)

Thankfully, God is still merciful, gracious, and amazing. Thus, he still DOES do miracles (see the video recently posted at our Mill Pond Church Facebook page if you doubt me). My question is, will we respond? Will you and I be different than the vast majority of human beings who wouldn't follow God if he paid us to? (Which He has in one sense already, by the way.)

I hope so...I believe so...When WILL We Ever Learn? I hope it's today!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Are you busy?

2011-01-10T21:29:00.004-05:00

It's All About Balance

2011-01-04T21:00:00.001-05:00

I've noticed that whenever we talk about obedience, there's "push-back." As I said in last week's sermon, even I bristle at the idea of being told what to do. American Christians immediately push the "flack button" when this topic comes-up because we want to be free, unhindered, unfettered, etc. To be fair, many of us (self included) have come from backgrounds where legalism and a rules-based salvation message were used to manipulate and hurt. "Been there, done that," we say, "and don't want to do it again!"

I get it.

But when it comes to obedience, or any other topic for that matter, is it always an "all or nothing" proposition? In other words, do we either have no rules OR, we have abusive control? Is there no "middle ground?" Is human existence a matter of bouncing from extreme to extreme with no balance?

Sometimes it is...but I'm CONVINCED it doesn't have to be.

Over the years, I've often said that if you find the extremes on an issue of Theology, you can normally draw a line in the middle and find Jesus standing on the line. He IS balance. He is perfection. He is not a twisted, even sinful extreme of rules-based salvation or lawless hedonism. He saves by grace alone, but empowers us to change and obey so we're better-off as is the world around us.

We can't honestly expect that God would save us to leave us in our sin. If I'm an alcoholic you wouldn't take me to detox SO THAT I can live to drink more. No, you might take me to detox, but then get me into a program or counseling so that I would STOP drinking to excess. Why? Because you wouldn't want me to get sick, lose my family, lose my job, or God forbid--drink and drive such that I take someone's life on the highway. Love would be to help me stop doing what's damaging. So, since God is love, his program is obedience--for our sake, for others' sake, and for the sake of God's glory! But the fact that he demands and deserves obedience doesn't take away from the grace that actually forgives and saves us. Not at all. In fact, when properly understood, it makes us appreciate His grace all the more!

You see, using my alcoholism example, neither hedonistic "drink and be merry" encouragement, NOR legalistic condemnation plus control would help me. For example, you could react to my indulgence by locking me up in a padded room for the rest of my life. You could make it illegal for me to hear the word 'alcohol" or the name of any adult beverage. You could tell everyone else that drinking beer is a sin punishable in Hell fire, so they'd never drink and I 'd never see it again or be tempted. Etc. But, as we can see by the examples of those who have tried some of these very tactics, this wouldn't work either. In fact, since this kind of legalistic control takes away personal responsibility, it might even make my situation worse. I might just trade one addiction for another to avoid the rules. Maybe all the focus on "not drinking" would make me obsessive to the point of an even bigger "fall off the wagon."

God's way works. It's perfect. His solution is to forgive sin via the shed blood of Jesus, empower change through the presence of the Holy Spirit and the truth of his Word, and expect us to choose change. Obedience comes, but only to what He has said, not to human additions. Further, if sin occurs, there's forgiveness and help to move forward such that it doesn't continue to control our lives. It's grace and mercy plus change that's healthy. Perfect! It's absolutely the perfect balance!

Again, the balance of obedience for New Testament Christians is simple. We're saved by grace through faith--period. BUT, because of what he's done and the commitment true faith entails, obedience is the natural response. And we obey God, not man's added rules/rituals. We stumble at times, for sure, but that's the exception, not the rule (I John 3:4-10). As with so many areas of life--it's all about balance. Neither legalism nor liberalism works--only God's perfect plan and balance can set us free.

To that end,

Pastor Joel

2011 The Year of Obedience

2011-01-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

A Resolution...Not to Make Resolutions

2010-12-28T20:21:00.001-05:00

OK, so you already know what I'm going to write...just based on the title--right? Maybe...or, maybe not.... Yes, I'm sick of resolutions...like losing 30 pounds only to OD on cheesecake the next day, etc. But what I'm not sick of is obedience...determining to follow Jesus, wherever he goes.

And where DOES he go?

Notice just a sampling of "follow me" statements by Jesus himself:

Matt 4:19-20
19 "Come, follow me ," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. NIV

Matt 16:24-25
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. NIV

Matt 19:21
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." NIV

John 10:26-27
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. NIV

John 12:25-26
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. NIV

My question for 2011 isn't what resolutions you'll make. Rather, it's which of these "follow me" verses speak most directly to you--challenging you to obedience? Which one makes you tingle inside--knowing that you need to make some changes in your "following?" Answer these questions, commit to letting the Holy Spirit change you, and you'll be on track for the best year you could imagine!

Here's to 2011: "The Year of Obedience!"

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

WHAT ABOUT BOB?

2010-12-21T20:01:00.000-05:00

Jennie Leightsinger's baptism was remarkable in many ways. She was so excited to commit her life to Christ. She fasted for 4 days prior to the baptism. She made scrolls of remembrance for all who attended. The joy on her face coming up out of the water was electric...in so many ways, it was simply glorious!

Still, the thing that stands out the most in my mind was, well...it was Bob.

Bob was sitting at the end of the whirlpool far from our ceremony which took place at the other end of the room, in the shallow end of the Healthtrax pool. Honestly, I wasn't even sure he saw the whole ceremony and I didn't really notice him until it was all over. Our people were leaving the pool area and I had climbed out to towel off. I decided to take a quick dip in the hot tub before heading to the locker room and that's when I saw him. He was in the tub all by himself, leaning back with a smile on his face. I said hello and we exchanged pleasantries and then he asked, "So you did a baptism ceremony today eh?" "Yes," I said, "We love doing it here." Bob commented that he liked the idea of us doing it in the public pool instead of in private. We agreed that this approach was more like what Jesus did.

Turns out that Bob is what I call a "Laodicean Catholic." He was born and raised in the Catholic Church, but has stopped attending due to some personal conflicts with the Church's teaching and practices. He told me he knows he should be more involved, but isn't. We talked about Mill Pond and I explained that we're a church full of people just like him. I invited him to come and visit some Sunday and gave him our website address so he could check us out. He seemed genuinely interested and time will tell whether or not he decides to take the next step.

My point?

Jennie's public profession of faith includes her willingness to invite family and friends to her baptism. It includes her enthusiasm and prayer...even fasting. It impacted those present who received written testimony from her. But, perhaps without her even realizing it, it impacted Bob. Just a guy sitting in the hot tub relaxing at the right time to witness Jennie's act of commitment to Jesus.

My question is, how many Bob's are there out there? How many regular guys chillin' in hot tubs or saunas or at the bar or in the movie theater--how many just need a witness and an invite? Nothing complicated--no big speech or threatening tract--just a simple example and invitation to "come and see?" I don't know how many there are, but I suspect thousands. The real challenge is whether or not we will let God use us to seek, find, and invite those Bob's to come. Will you? Will I?

What about Bob?

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Merry Christmas

2010-12-19T07:04:00.000-05:00

Will Our Christmas Be Different?

2010-12-15T05:27:00.000-05:00

Many families are facing a "different" Christmas this year. In the news, it's tagged as different because almost 10% of Americans are unemployed and countless others are under employed. The economy is still struggling, so even those with secure jobs are "feeling the pinch." So financially, Christmas may be different in that we may not consume or purchase as much stuff.

And I think that's good.

I mean, we preachers ALWAYS talk about keeping Christmas about Christ and not materialism...so having less may be more--or will it? I mean, the OPPORTUNITY to focus on Jesus is there...but even with less to spend--will we? And, even if we DO focus on Him, my question is--what version of Him. Will we choose to see Him as He is--fully? Or, will we get "stuck" on the innocent, helpless, harmless Jesus in the manger and forget that He is now KING of ALL KINGS!?

Then there's the question of Lordship. Will we follow Him? Will THIS Christmas be different in that we'll start the new year with one major resolution--a TRUE commitment--to follow Jesus wherever He takes us. Will we give our time, our money, our thought life, our energy, everything to Him first? Or, will 2011 be another year where Jesus and His Bride the Church take a back seat to everything from basketball to basket-weaving?

I can't answer these questions...at least not for everyone. But I can answer them for myself, and so can you. So, again, will YOUR Christmas be different?

I pray the answer is, "Yes!"

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

What IS Faith--REALLY!

2010-12-07T22:21:00.001-05:00

Most American/Western Christians think of faith as an intellectual thing. It's an assent, an agreement with some idea or concept. It's belief--something we've chosen to accept as "true" instead of "false."

But how does this definition "square" with the examples and definitions of scripture?

To answer that, let's turn to what is commonly called "The Faith Chapter," Hebrews 11. Notice,

Heb 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. 5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." NIV

So, according to this, faith is being "sure" and "certain" of what is unseen. Also, faith DOES contain understanding (verse 3a). But the examples given in verses 3-the end of the chapter all involve ACTION too don't they? Faith, real faith, enables action like better sacrifices, good speech, and more. Then in verse 6, the author says that faith is imperative if we want to please God. Further, he says, we must "believe that (God) exists and that he rewards those WHO EARNESTLY SEEK HIM (emphasis mine)." Does this not show an extension of our definition--that faith goes FAR beyond just intellectual agreement with the accuracy of a truth claim?

Oh yes it does! It involves and earnest seeking of God. A commitment to follow Him and search after him no matter what!

Think about it. James says that the demons believe--in that they mentally concur that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of men, God and Man, Lord, King, etc. (See James 2:19). What they do NOT believe is that Jesus is THEIR Lord and Savior. Nor do they have a commitment to follow him. WE MUST have that kind of faith to be saved and transformed. James makes that clear as well (James 2:14-18). The works of obedience don't save us--but they do indicate that salvation has (or has not) occured in us!

This faith grows and pushes-out lies that nullify or strangle faith. It's experiential since we're living-it-out and come to a point where God's love, power, faithfulness, etc., become undeniable in our minds. This kind of faith is not the mamby-pamby faith of the world, ("What's true for you is true for you and what's true for me is true for me and...bla, bla, blaaaa..."). No, it's based on FACTS and it is a commitment to face failure, ridicule, loss, and even death to follow the one we've entrusted our eternity to--JESUS!

So as we celebrate the advent of Jesus, this is a great time of year to do a "faith check." How's yours? DO you have faith that starts with mental agreement, but then adds a passion for seeking him, a commitment to his lordship, and thus the production of fruits of sacrifice, giving, obedience, etc.? If not, you won't enter heaven without it. That's the bad news. The good news is, you CAN have that faith. How? By leaning to listen to God (Rom. 10:17) and put into practice what he says such that your faith is built. What better time of year to pursue and experience that?!

If you need help along these lines, we invite you to join one of our small groups and let the leader/coach pray for and assist you on your journey. Faith is necessary for salvation and growth--but it's a living, fruit-producing faith--NOT just a personal agreement with what the Bible says is true. Let's find THAT kind of faith together!

In Jesus,
PJ

When God Speaks....

2010-11-30T05:21:00.000-05:00

Remember the old E. F. Hutton commercial? There would be a bunch of people talking away in a large conference room. Off to the side, one person would lean over to his friend and say, "Well, my broker is E. F. Hutton, and he says..." and then BAM! Everything would stop cold. There wouldn't be a sound in the room and everyone had turned to look and focus intensely on what this man was about to whisper. Then, the announcer would come on and say, "When E. F. Hutton speaks, everyone listens."

OK, so here's my question...what about when God speaks? Does everyone listen then?

History suggests that the answer to that question is, sadly, "No." I believe God speaks in two ways primarily--through the Bible and through the person of the Holy Spirit. Now the Holy Spirit will usually use the Bible, so when He speaks directly to us, he often leads us to the Bible, but with specific application to our lives/circumstances. I think God speaks all the time and has, through scripture, spoken for all time! The problem is, his kids are distracted and thus, not listening.

So how do we change that?

I believe there are a few things every Christian can do to improve our hearing and listen better for God's voice. Here's just a partial list:

* Have "quiet time" daily. Fight, claw, scratch and scramble--but get 15-30 minutes a day when you can "...be still and know that (God is) God (Psalm 46:10)."
* Fast regularly. Nothing quiets the soul like a good dose of starvation. When you get weak, you begin to depend on God...and your ears open.
* Attend worship services weekly. This isn't a "plug," it's just a fact that when we gather with others, Jesus shows up (Matt. 18:20). If He wants to speak to you or confirm something you've already heard from him...church will often be the place Baby--that's just the way it is.
* Be more diligent to screen what you take in. We are inundated with data every day. Music, lights, noise, advertisements, the news, people, text messages, emails, ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Just turn it all off sometimes. Maybe on the way home from work--sometime when you can listen to nothing, yet, hear from the one who created EVERYTHING.

There's much more to say, but this is a good start. Ask God to help you listen. Ask him for what Jesus called "ears to hear," too. I believe you'll be blessed by His response!

IN Jesus,

Pastor Joel

THANKSGIVING--Going Deeper!

2010-11-25T09:50:00.003-05:00

In Col 2:6-7, Paul writes, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (NIV)." At first, this passage seems pretty straight-forward. We're supposed to be all these things right--"rooted," "strengthened," and thankful. So do it! End of story...right?

Not really....

Americans love speed and simplicity. We long for the Staples "Easy Button" in all areas of life. We love fast food. We want sound bites for news and we make most of our decisions on a cursory reading from the internet and the advice of one or two good friends. During elections, we vote "along party lines" following blindly in the footsteps of those who seem to agree with us on the big issues--at least according to their 30 second commercials. Scary really...we're often a mile wide and about a millimeter deep.

Thanksgiving can be like this too, if we're not careful. We can take the holiday "on the surface." We focus on the turkey, gravy, stuffing (I LOVE STUFFING), cranberry sauce, and those awesome green beans with the mushroom sauce and the crunch onion thingeys on top (Oh my...I'm starving now). We think about football, time off work/school, and turkey-induced coma naps after dinner. If we're a bit less shallow, we focus on family and how glad we are for those relationships too...and that's good...

But can we go deeper?

If so, maybe we can start with Colossians 2. You see, Paul isn't just giving them a list of "to dos" here. He's actually showing them where REAL thanksgiving comes from, what will keep it flowing, and what can kill it too. Following Paul's inspired logic, REAL thankfulness comes from:

1. Receiving Christ as Lord and Savior (both by the way). Verse 6a
2. Walking with and in him (doing what He did--helping poor, serving/praying over the sick, sharing the good news). Verse 6b
3. Being personally rooted AND built-up in Him, thus established in the faith. Verse 7

The thankfulness that "abounds" or "overflows" in verse 7 is a natural outcome of these three things. Furthermore, the next several verses (8-23) show that replacing this with anything else--manmade rules, legalisms from the Jewish law, chasing culturally hip spirituality, whatever--will DESTROY our thankfulness. Chasing physical pleasure or denying all physical pleasure result in the same thing--emptiness and a lack of thanksgiving. So chasing the very things Americans THINK will make them thankful, leads to the lack of thankfulness.

Wow...Satan has really created some intriguing Catch-22's, but this one "takes the cake (or pumpkin pie in this case)."

So as you approach Thanksgiving--go deep. Think about your relationship with Jesus. Think about how well you're doing in "walking the walk" in following him. Ask him to help you become more deeply "rooted and built-up" in Him. And, if we can help--give us a call!

Happy Thanksgiving All!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Blessed Assurance!

2010-11-20T21:50:00.001-05:00

"Blessed Assurance" from Mill Pond Church on Vimeo.

Love Letters: “Blessed Assurance!”

Knowing for sure…that you’re God’s Child.

REVIEW: Last week, Pastor Dennis showed us the amazing benefits of having Jesus as our mediator. Today, we’ll talk about how that can help us know…and KNOW that we know…that we’re saved! (Click Read More)

READING: Heb 10:19-25

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching NIV.

BIG IDEA: Christ gives you confidence, so hold on to hope!

Remember, “where there is forgiveness…there is no longer any offering(s) for sin.” Verse 18-19a. *Lots of people try different ways to make-up for their sin—churches even contribute to this…but why?
Know…that because of the blood, the new curtain, the greater High Priest, and the washing of our hearts and bodies, we can enter God’s presence with confidence! Verse 19b-22
You can’t “hold unswervingly” to something you don’t have…but you do have it—so don’t let go! Verse 23, Romans 10:9-13.
Use your security to focus on encouraging others. Meet together more—not less and foster good deeds done out of gratitude. Verses 24-25, Eph. 2:8-10.

CALL: Be sure…be faithful…be fruitful….

VISION: That MPC would be a church where people are secure in their salvation so they can help others experience the same thing!

“Jesus-Our Eternal Mediator”

2010-11-17T05:41:00.000-05:00

Click read more to see sermon notes
Love Letters: “Jesus-Our Eternal Mediator”

REVIEW: Last week, Pastor Joel talked about the importance of maturing in our faith. We learned that a major key to that is building the right foundation. Repentance, faith and understanding basic doctrines are all essential elements of a rock solid foundation.

Today we are going to focus on the cornerstone of that foundation, Jesus Christ!

READING: Heb 8:1-6

1 The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. 3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 6 But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

BIG IDEA: As your high priest, Jesus is your mediator, with God.

Jesus serves in heaven. V2
Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice, His life! V4 1John3:16
Jesus ministry is founded on better promises. V6 (the new covenant)
The New Covenant V10-12 (Jer31:31-34)

God’s laws will become inner principles
Intimate fellowship with God
Sinful ignorance of God will be removed forever
Forgiveness of sins will be an everlasting reality

ALL CAME TO FRUITION IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST!

CALL: To truly understand and then live under the freedom that the new covenant in the person of Jesus Christ has to offer.

VISION: MPC as a body of believers making a real impact in our community because of the impact that Jesus is having on us!

Attempting The Impossible

2010-11-17T05:31:00.000-05:00

You've heard the old saying, "The difficult we handle right away, but the impossible may take a bit longer." Actually, one of the greatest sources of stress, discouragement, and depression is when we actually expect the impossible to BE possible. When something we THINK should be easy is not and our goal is blocked or obliterated--we're vulnerable to emotional distress...or worse!

At the same time, scripture tells us that, "With God, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26, NIV)." So how do we put this together with our daily experiences--especially the ones that fail and lead to frustration? I think the key is that we know the difference between what WE are attempting and what God is ordaining. Attempting the impossible without God is GUARANTEED to produce failure and hurt. But, if God has called you to it and empowers it--the impossible isn't...impossible--it's probable!

That brings me to what is the most common source of spiritual hurt and loss: people attempting to earn their way to heaven. I talked with someone earlier today who said, "Yes, I'm working my way to heaven piece by piece." My heart sank when she said this because I know--based on our good deeds--"earning" heaven is TRULY impossible. It won't just take "a bit longer," it will take eternity. In other words, you CAN'T work your way to heaven for several reasons:

1. God is just and perfect--His standard is Himself and cannot be anything less or He'd cease to be God (Matt. 5:48).
2. All of us sin or fall short of God's standard, and the wages we've earned for that sin is death or permanent separation from God (Rom. 3:23 and 6:23).
3. Therefore, paying our own penalty would guarantee we go to Hell. That's the penalty...period.
4. We can't undo the past...it is what it is. Therefore, not only are we guaranteed Hell, we can't go back in time to "un-earn" it.
5. The Bible is clear that works--even ceremonies, rituals, INCLUDING CHRISTIAN RITUALS like Mass or confession or any sacrament--cannot save us (Eph. 2:8-9, Heb. 10:1, etc.).
6. And even if we were perfect up to this point in our lives, there is no guarantee we won't mess-up tomorrow, thus earning death as a penalty.

So people like the lady I spoke with--people trying to "work their way to heaven," are destined to experience failure, loss, frustration, fear, and worse...eternal suffering. Sadly, some Christian denominations as well as every major world religion is based on what I call "Attempting the Impossible." All of them expect that you can work your way into God's pleasure and do rituals or obey rules that will pay off in eternal paradise.

How sad....

But here's the good news--our God DOES the impossible! Notice what Jesus told his disciples after explaining a particularly difficult teaching, "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God (Mark 10:27, NIV)." We can't earn our way to heaven, but God already HAS paid the penalty for us and given it to us by His grace. All we need to do is accept it by faith--putting our trust in Him!

Now there are two edges to the sword of faith. On the one hand, putting our trust in Jesus and letting His sacrifice for our sin pay our penalty is a good thing. It's good news! It's a relief. On the other hand, once we've done this, we have NO RIGHT to brag or compare ourselves favorably to others since accepting Jesus' work on the cross means we have ZERO credit for our own salvation. As I like to say, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. Once convicted of our sin, this is a huge blessing. Jesus died so I don't have to. Jesus obeyed and lived a perfect, sinless life since I cannot. And God will credit me with HIS righteous perfection--even though I can't earn it (Gal 3:6, Romans 4, etc.)!

Now that's worth singing about! The impossible is POSSIBLE, but only by God's grace. So put your faith/trust in THAT and watch what happens!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

To Do...Or Not To Do...THAT is the (REAL) Question!

2010-11-10T05:18:00.000-05:00

Busy?

Our culture is insane! I remember as a kid being asked to read the book, "Future Shock." Little did we know that slowly, like the proverbial frog in the pot of hot water, we'd be inching our way to time management chaos. But here we are.

Daily, we're presented with challenges and scheduling conflicts of what we should, want, and/or have to do. Constantly, we're having to find new strategies to stay on task, on time, and on target. And even with the fanciest of hi-tech gadgets at our disposal, our "to do" lists get longer and longer.

The Bible speaks of this you know. Notice Psalm 39:6, "Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it (NIV). Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said, "So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless (Eccl. 2:19-23, NIV)."

Pretty depressing huh?

So who's behind all this craziness anyway? Who wound us up and turned us loose, spinning like battling tops bashing against one another till we wobble and crash? Once again, God's Word has an answer. First, it tells us who is NOT behind it. Paul writes in 1 Cor 14:33, "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (NKJV)." Next, the Bible tells us who's temporarily in charge here below in 2 Cor 4:3-4. Paul writes, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (KJV)."
Who is that God of this world? Further, how do we respond to his push toward chaos? Jesus showed us the answer in Matt 4:8-10. Notice, "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.(NIV).'"

So Satan, the "god of this world," pushes us toward crazy, business. We worship our wallets or just his agenda of "I owe, I owe...so off to work I go." But Jesus says, "Away from me Satan...Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only!"

Good advice.

Worship. Service to God, not just our own desires. Letting the "author of peace," give us that awesome fruit of his Holy Spirit (See Gal. 5:22-23). Whatever else falls off the calendar, time with God CANNOT--IF we desire a life of peace.

Furthermore, maintaining certain "sacred time" to pray daily and worship with other believers weekly may be "just the thing" to cure our insanity and push away some of the trivial, unnecessary things which are KILLING us or our families today. Each of us has to decide whether or not soccer, home repairs, football, boy scouts, the gym, girl scouts, this club, that club, this meeting, that meeting, overtime, or downtime in front of the TV--has to go! Still, as a starting point, worship Him only...and I suspect He'll help you sort-out the rest...so you CAN rest...:).

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

“On to Maturity!” (Streamed live on Nov 6, 2010)

2010-11-07T05:18:00.001-05:00

Love Letters: “On to Maturity!”

READING: Heb. 6:1-3

“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, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so (Heb 6:1-3, NIV).”

BIG IDEA: Grow in God and don't go away from God!

1. Lay the right foundation. Heb 5:11-14 and 6:1-2. This includes:

• Repentance, based on knowing God’s holiness and your sinfulness.
• Faith, which essentially involves trusting God (see Hebrews 11).
• Understanding basic doctrines like baptism, laying-on of hands, the resurrection, heaven and hell, etc.

--These things are the basis of our pre-membership tools as managed by our small group leader coaches. We'd especially encourage our new 'Chronological Study of the Bible' starting in two weeks.

2. Next, we seek God’s help to grow in knowledge of Him and experience in Him. But He will only move us forward when we’re ready. Verse 3 plus Eph 4:15 and 2 Peter 3:18.

Remember, stagnating can lead to spiritual death due to a lack of faith. See verses 4-8.

3. Call: Verses 9-11. To grow in God, be transformed, and help others do the same for God’s glory.

Vision: A church that takes spiritual growth seriously and experiences it daily!

Don’t Reject His Rest! (Originally streamed live on Oct 30, 2010)

2010-10-31T20:20:00.000-04:00

“Don’t Reject His Rest!”

READING: Matt. 11:28 & Heb 4:1

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28, NIV).

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it (Heb 4:1, NIV)

So Why DON’T we rest? What prevents it and how can we receive it?

BIG IDEA: Strive for and stay in the true Sabbath!

Hard-heartedness prevents rest. So pray for a soft heart. Heb 3:7-11

Believe! Unbelief leads to falling-away, sin, deceit, and disobedience—never peace and rest! Heb 3:12-19

Remember, Jesus IS your Sabbath—a rest from your works. Receive Him and you’ll have true rest! Heb 4:1-10, Matt. 11:29-12:8

The rest takes work…ironic as that sounds. So commit to and make that effort—it’s worth it!

Call: To rest…and keep resting.

Vision: A church that takes its rest seriously and experiences it daily!

The Crucified Church

2010-10-26T13:29:00.002-04:00

The Crucified Church

Leading Your Church through Death & Rebirth

Pastor Joel L. Rissinger

Warning: The Church is Dying...and She Should!

The Church is losing ground in America. In The Crucified Church: Leading Your Church through Death & Rebirth, seasoned pastor and church planting expert, Joel Rissinger insightfully and candidly shows that revival or renewal of an impotent, biblically deprived church are simply not enough. With great love for the Bride of Christ, Rissinger shows why the death of a church is often its biblical pathway to life.

In The Crucified Church! you will be equipped to:
•    Explore the biblical foundation for church death and rebirth
•    Crucify unbiblical doctrine, to ensure our gospel is everything Jesus is, was, taught, lived, did, and will do in the future.
•    Crucify church structure, to ensure our churches are led more as a theocracy than a democracy.
•    Crucify church vision, to ensure it is based on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
•    Crucify missions, to ensure they center on church planting and multiplication.

And much more!

“Wow! With fearless wisdom earned through years of experience, Joel Rissinger has boldly tackled a tough issue head on. This is a very important book that church leaders in the United States need to read.”
Dr. Dave Earley, Director and Chair,
Pastoral Leadership and Church Planting,
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

Weekly Message (Streamed live on Oct 23rd)

2010-10-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

Click read more for message notes. Catch Pastor Joel live here. Love Letters: “Reflect, but don’t Neglect!”

REVIEW: Last week, we looked at being ready to do good works. In truth, serving God is a major part of staying on track. The danger is that we may drift away from Christ. Hebrews warns against this…and that’s our focus this week.

** The fact is that most people devalue what God has done for them. This is why they don’t receive salvation nor will many keep it. It’s a matter of taking it for granted…don’t let this be you!

READING: Heb 2:1-4

2:1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will (NIV).

BIG IDEA: Dig-in, don’t drift-away!

1. Remember who Jesus is and what He’s provided! Verse 1a and Chapter 1:1-14.

2. Pay close attention to what’s being taught from God’s Word. Verse 1b

3. Don’t take salvation for granted! Verses 2-3a

4. Be open to and aware of attestations, signs and wonders. Verse 3b-4

CALL: Value what God has done, hold fast to it, and spread it!

VISION: That MPC would be a church where people experience God, and then never let go of Him!

Chronological Study of the Bible

2010-10-23T13:18:00.000-04:00

CHRONOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE BIBLE--Wow! This is so exciting, we hesitate to print it! Pastor Joel will be offering a weekly, one hour Bible Study every Sunday from noon-1PM at the Saengerbund starting Sunday, November 14th.

This study, "Firm Foundations, From Creation to Christ," will help you understand the Bible like never before--from Genesis to the New Testament gospel record. If you've ever wondered about why God did certain things in the Old Testament and how this helps us appreciate and live-out a successful Christian life--THIS IS THE STUDY FOR YOU! We'll share a pot-luck lunch each week, so don't worry about starving. The notebooks for the class are $7 and you should plan on paying for this at the first meeting. It will be fun and should last almost a year (48 lessons)!

If you're interested, please check the box on your weekly connection card (on Sunday) or call 860-436-9216 right away. We enthusiastically recommend this class for all MPC attendees and members! Hope you can make it!

The End of Your Rope = The Beginning of Faith

2010-10-20T05:17:00.000-04:00

Ever come to the end of your rope? I mean, a place where you've thought of, tried, failed, and then retried EVERYTHING you could look-up, hook-up, or toss-up and STILL, you get nowhere? I'm talking about a place so dark and hopeless that you feel there is no way out...you know the feeling?

Sometimes..that's the best place you can be.

I know, I know--you're thinking I'm just playing Pollyanna here, but I'm not really. Remember Pastor Mark Fuller's favorite prayer, "Oh God...Oh God...Please help!?" Well, that's what I'm talking about. The reason the end of your rope is often the beginning of faith is that you're often not ready to truly trust God and risk a commitment to Him until you've hit bottom and run out of options. It shouldn't have to be that way, but human nature being what it is, we often need to run out of rabbits in our hat before we'll look at God and His power for answers.

What makes this such a sweet spot is that we're ready to see God's power when we're at end. We're also open to whatever He does or doesn't do. That is, we're not dictating HOW He must answer our prayers...we're beyond that kind of controlling behavior. We just want God to show-up and do whatever He wants because we're out of options and we need help NOW!

Are you with me yet?

Maybe you're doing a little rope dangling right now. I know I am. Let's approach him together and follow Pastor Mark's example, "Oh God...oh God...Please Help." I believe He'll hear and we'll be blessed!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

A Lesson from Surgery: An Easy Choice....

2010-10-15T16:35:00.003-04:00

Surgery is a funny thing. We actually pay someone to starve us for at least a day, take away all our belongings, strip us naked except for a flimsy gown that exposes us in ways we'd never consider appropriate, insert plastic tubes in our veins, and then inject us with drugs that either knock us out or make us feel like we're living in someone else's body. Then, (as if THAT wasn't enough), we let them take a knife and slice us open so they can insert even more instruments into us and cut off pieces of our insides and suck them out through a tube!

Are we NUTS?!

Afterwards, we get wrapped up, bandaged up, and talked up so we know what we can't do for the next several days/weeks and hobble home to wait for a bill that, were it paid in full, could finance the national debt!! Wow! Insanity!

And yet, thousands do it every day!

Why?

Actually it's an easy choice. For me, if I didn't do it, I would have eventually been unable to walk or bend my knee without severe pain. I might have lost the use of my right leg altogether if arthritis or other conditions set-in and things deteriorated. Now I'm told, I'll be pain free and able to do things I haven't done without discomfort for years. One or two days of inconvenience and a silly hospital gown isn't that big a deal in contrast to years of normal, pain-free walking. I willingly made the trade--and so would most people if given this alternative.
So, I'll trade a few moments of discomfort for years of health. I'll sacrifice for the greater good and value. It's an easy choice to make.

God made a similar choice didn't he?

Oh, don't misunderstand, I'm not minimizing his pain and anguish on the cross or trying to suggest that my drug-aided surgical procedure comes anywhere NEAR to the torture Jesus endured. All I'm saying is that He considered his pain and loss a small price to pay so he could spend eternity with you and me. In His mind, the benefit of our relationship and His glory being demonstrated through it, was well worth the price.

And, if you accept his offer of forgiveness and leadership, you can fulfill your true destiny as a child of God. Truly understanding this makes the "after care" a joy as well. If you REALLY understand what Jesus did, spending a few minutes reading your Bible and talking to him each day will be a pleasure, not a burden. Fellowshipping with others who can help your grow and be transformed to honor Jesus will be a natural and wonderful part of this as well. When and if you grasp this, you'll never consider walking away from these things or from having an ever-increasing commitment to learning of Him via. His Word and experiencing him via. the Holy Spirit! How could you--look what he's done for you. Rather than fighting it, you'd actually begin to pursue more time with Him and more understanding of His instruction manual for life--the Bible! You need to understand how much He loves you! You and I need to know that for Him, having his flesh torn off and his life stolen from him was nothing in comparison to the opportunity to bond with us forever.

And, like surgery, God's Word can cut, but always for the purpose of healing. Notice, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 4:12, NIV)." Just like the doctor's knife, the scripture cuts to the cause--revealing the sin at the root of our problems, hurts, and hang-ups. Showing what's good and what's sick and helping us remove the stuff that's killing us--literally! It may be a challenge to read and study at times. It may challenge us to hear things that we don't want to hear--but the outcome is spiritual and physical healing. It's worth it--and it doesn't cost us a small fortune either.

Have you seen your spiritual doctor today (Luke 5:31)? Why don't you say hello to him right now. It's a simple choice--with an awesome blessing attached!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Waiting on God's Promise

2010-10-05T05:33:00.003-04:00

Genesis 4:1 says, "Adam lay with his wife Eve and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, 'With the help of the Lord, I have brought forth a man." What's significant about this and the way Eve expresses her gratitude is that it follows God's prophesy to Eve in chapter 3. Notice Genesis 3:15, where God promises Eve that her "seed" would "crush" the serpent. Many scholars believe that Eve saw the birth of her firstborn son as the fulfillment of that promise.

But, if so, how wrong she was!

Cain turned out in many ways to be the antithesis of God's promise. Not only did he not defeat Satan, he actually service him by becoming the first murderer. He killed his brother in a fit of jealous rage, leaving his family in shambles--devastated by sin. Imagine the discouragement and pain of Adam and Eve as their firstborn--so filled with hope and promise--tore their hearts out! They thought Cain was to be the Messiah...yet Jesus, the actual fulfillment of Gen. 3:15, wouldn't arrive on the scene for centuries.

My point?

Sometimes what we THINK is from God is not. Sometimes, the way we THINK God should or will answer our prayers or fulfill his own Word differs from the reality. Sometimes we want an answer so badly, we get impatient and force it--putting words in God's mouth or trying to make something happen. Abraham's decision to sleep with Hagar, David's treatment of Bathsheba and her husband, Peter's desire to fight soldiers during Jesus' arrest--all of these are examples.

I above all people am guilty of this one. I constantly have to battle my driving, impatient nature--wanting to make something happen--instead of waiting on God to move. Now don't get me wrong, I would NEVER suggest we be lazy or use prayer/waiting as an excuse for not doing what God has already told us to do. That is sin! But when God hasn't moved yet or shown us the direction we seek, forcing His hand will only lead to disappointment...or worse.

So what have you asked God for lately? Are you waiting for direction or help from Him on an issue right now? If so, be patient--trust not only God's power, but his timing too. This can help you avoid having your hope dashed like Eve's. Instead, you'll be ready when God does move and you can respond and celebrate!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Titus 2

2010-09-30T19:36:00.000-04:00

Questions:

What are some examples of crazy/false doctrines you've heard? What is the best way to be protected from and aware of these?
Why are leaders held to a higher standard? Can you think of examples of where this is true? Examples where it hasn't been true? What are the results of each approach?
When you think of young men, older men, young women, older women, etc.--how do the spiritual needs of each group differ? Does "younger" necessarily mean age or could it refer to spiritual maturity? Why or why not?
As parents, how do you find a balance between being tough and merciful--avoiding the extremes of permissiveness or legalism/harshness? How does this relate to the job of elders, pastors, and/or ministry leaders?

Next Steps:

* I will commit to a spiritual growth path, not accepting "status quo Christianity."
* I will support my leaders in trying to help myself and others grow spiritually.
* I will pray and try to discern where I am on my spiritual journey.
* I will start mentoring someone else in the basics (prayer, study, fasting, small group fellowship, etc.).

Will you let him in?

2010-09-22T20:09:00.000-04:00

QUESTIONS:

Why don't most people accept Jesus and "let Him in?" Why is it a daily need and what happens when we don't?
Do you think people are afraid to be "filled" with the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?
Whether it's angels or people who see our example and hear our words--what do you think is the desired result? What prevents or in some way corrupts this process?

"Radical Christianity"

2010-09-22T20:02:00.003-04:00

There's a lot of noise in the media today about "radicals" and "extremists." From "radical Muslims" to "tea party extremists," our whole country is all a buzz regarding who these people are and what they say. There are normally two camps: Those for the radicals, and those against the radicals. People quickly identify themselves as one way or the other. And, quite frankly, most would say, "I'm NOT a radical extremist or anything..."

But are we?

Just what is a "radical" or "extremist" Christian? Most people wouldn't want to be anything with that label attached, but let's exegete that phrase and question ourselves regarding how appropriate it might be to be labeled a "radical Christian."

First, let's summarize what we know. A radical Muslim is one who would kill or die for Allah and thus takes his command to kill unbelievers ("infidels"), literally. We know this primarily from the events of 9/11/01 and the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. We also know that, according to popular culture, a "tea party extremist" is one who takes the U.S. Constitution literally and will fight to maintain it, march on Washington, go to rallies at their own expense, etc. Both groups are willing to hold to their source material (the Koran or the Constitution) and apply it. Both groups will fight, sacrifice, and perhaps even die to uphold the principles in that source material. Both groups are seemingly unafraid or disinterested in what pop culture, the media, or any other group thinks...they're on a mission and "come hell or high water," they'll complete the mission.

Hmmm....

So can we say that a radical Christian is one who loves, serves, and follows Jesus Christ and his teachings--radically? Could a radical or extremist Christian be one who takes the Bible and tries to actually live it no matter what anyone else thinks or says? Maybe a radical believer would do things like:

* Do acts of kindness and love for an enemy.
* Sacrifice material possessions to help others.
* Risk his/her reputation by sharing Jesus and the gospel with other people.
* Give a minimum of 10% of his/her income to the mission of the Church.
* Actually go to church every week and serve faithfully in ministry.
* Read the Bible and Pray daily.
* And even be willing to go to jail or die for what he believed.....

Yep...sorry to break it to ya Mill Ponders, but you're radicals. At least I pray that you are. You see, fortunately or unfortunately, Jesus didn't give us much choice. By making crazy statements like, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me . 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it, (Mark 8:34-35, NIV)," The difference between this statement and that of other religious teachers (such as Mohammed for instance), is that Jesus meant we would die by laying down our own lives, not trying to take the lives of others. Jesus told us to be radically sacrificial and self-less.

And, make no mistake--Jesus left us no other alternative. Being a "Moderate" Christian just won't cut it and being "Liberal" in the sense of ruling-out what his Word plainly says won't either. So embrace your radical extremism my friends...it's quite liberating! More importantly, it's what honors your Lord!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Children & family ministry

2010-09-18T21:23:00.000-04:00

"Ducks in a Row"

2010-09-17T07:35:00.000-04:00

Acts 2:38 says, "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (NIV)."

During the sermon last week, I shared how God had led us to this passage. I was thinking of it all morning and then had a text from Pastor Patrick saying he'd been led to it in prayer at the same time. Coincidence? I don't think so...

You see, we've been wrestling in prayer and in conversation about the order of events for spiritual growth--both for individuals and whole church bodies as well. Many think, "Well, it's all up to God as the scriptures say, so until He moves and gives the power of the Holy Spirit, we can't do anything." This results in a kind of spiritualized defeatism. We're left treading water, (or more often, sinking), with no growth or change until God "decides that He's ready" to help us overcome.

My Bible begs to differ...God has already "decided" to help His people grow.

Others say, "Well, we need to act in faith, but the way we act is in prayer and fasting and spiritual waiting/worship. Then, in HIS timing, God will act to empower change." This approach is a bit closer to the biblical mark...but it sometimes ignores the fact that God has already given instructions to His people...instructions that we're sometimes ignoring or just ignorant of all together. So, while we're praying and asking God to "Show us what to do Lord!," He's in essence saying, "I already DID, so what are you asking for now?!"

Acts 2:38 is a passage that gives us a "ducks in a row" illustration of the proper order/balance for Christian growth and church health "to boot." Notice Peter's direct (you gotta love Peter for this), and simple instruction...he says that if we want to respond to God and walk with God, we simply:

1. Repent.
2. Obey (in this case get baptized as a first act of obedience).
3. Receive God's free gift of the Holy Spirit.
4. (Implied). Then we'll have what's needed to go from there....

Can we break these down and illustrate from the context how this works...?

The word "repent," simply means "to turn." It's a conscious change in thinking where you choose to think God's way and will, not yours. It starts with the mind. Notice what Paul says in Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (KJV)." While it's true that God must open your mind and you must see that there's a need to change, your first step is to choose to repent or turn. Frankly, the Bible is God's METHOD of changing your mind. So, if you refuse to read and study it, you've already become stuck in a spiritual stalemate.

Next, you act. James says that faith without works isn't real saving faith (James 2:17). You can be a Theological guru and think godly thoughts all day long, but until you decide to respond and take a step in the direction God's given you, you don't really have faith and you'll never grow, change, and be blessed. As blunt and harsh as that sounds, it's true and thus important to understand. Millions SAY they believe, but will be shocked to find that they don't belong to Christ at all when He returns (see Matt. 7:22 for example). Don't be one of those. Instead, act and watch how God shows-up to allow you to do FAR more than you thought possible!

Then, after turning and acting on what God has said, the Holy Spirit springs into action. The people of God were living examples of this process in the context of Acts chapter two. In chapter one, we see that Jesus had told the disciples what to do--to stay in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4). They did, praying and waiting for his next step. They also knew that they had to keep the Feast of Pentecost (since its fulfillment hadn't been made clear to them yet). So they did and then, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered them to do miraculous things...awesome stuff eh?!!

The move and miracles of the Holy Spirit throughout the book of acts repeat this pattern again and again. Yet, in once sense, they all stem from the original hearing, thinking, and obedience of the Apostles in response to their Lord. God continued to give direction, they continued to respond, the Spirit continued to do miracles, etc...etc...etc....

The problem comes-in when we refuse to think and act on what God has already said, expecting the Holy Spirit to sort-of force us to do that or something new altogether. Again it's a kind of spiritual stalemate. God has spoken, we've refused to listen, but we're calling on Him to speak and empower us anew.

So how does this apply to you?

That's a question you should ask God today. Ask Him to show you what He's already given you, but you've refused to accept or act on it. If you're truly open to seeing and changing this, He WILL show you and help you walk it out after you take the first step.

As a church, we know that God is calling us to get our "ducks in a row." To do things and do them in the right order as well. God is saying that we need to first refocus on taking His Word seriously and requiring our members to do the same. We know that he's also saying that prayer and openness to His Spirit moving will result in miraculous results. Finally, we believe our collective worship will be "off the charts" when this has happened on a large scale in many individual households at MPC.

And that my friends, REALLY excites this old pastor-dude!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

2010-09-11T21:16:00.000-04:00

"The Crucified Christian"

2010-09-08T20:13:00.000-04:00

The Apostle Paul wrote,

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20, NIV)."

This was one of the first verses I ever memorized and thus, I've known it for years. Still, if I'm honest, I'd have to admit that I didn't understand it until just recently. I used to think of it in some esoteric, metaphysically spiritualized fashion...that somehow, mystically, Jesus would swoop into me and sort-of make me do the right thing...most of the time.

But is that it?

I think part of the problem with understanding this verse is that we pluck it out of context. Notice the things that precede it and follow it. First, let's consider verses 17-19:

17 "If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.

In this passage, Paul makes it clear that we cannot remain in sin. Obedience is part of our call and our commitment when we're saved. John says in his first epistle that a true convert will not "continue in sin (1 John 3:9)." This doesn't mean we're perfect (see 1 John 1:8-9), but that we are committed to change and repentance WHEN we stumble and sin.

Furthermore, to in essence "promote sin" or give the impression that Jesus does because I say, "Nobody's perfect" or "Hey--stuff happens ya know?," is just wrong! We have responsibility to renounce and reject sin whenever we find it in our lives. Not doing so brings disrespect on the name of Christ, hurts us spiritually, and sets the wrong example for others.

So, to take a back seat, sort-of passing off responsibility to God when I blow it instead of taking the blame and repenting, that is one extreme to avoid! What about dying to the law? Paul contrasts living under the law of Moses with living under Christ and His law...obviously, Christ's is better. We strive to obey and follow Him!

Now let's look at the verses directly AFTER Gal. 2:20:

(20 I have been crucified with Christ...).

21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing" (Gal 2:17-21, NIV)!

Grace--it's amazing. It's not an excuse for sinning more, but it is a needed cushion for our need to often pick-up, dust-off, and start over. It's awesome to know that even though we slip, God catches us and puts us back on track. We're saved not by our ability to be perfect, but by God's unmerited pardon and mercy...period! So anyone claiming to be building the character or human will power to be "good enough" for heaven is deceived.

So when we read Galatians 2:20 in context, we see both obedience to God's Word and grace for forgiveness and mercy all in perspective. Our call is to pick up our cross, trust in God's grace to save and then work like crazy to follow and obey in every area of life. We're dead--that's what Gal. 2:20 tells us. There are lots of things dead men don't do...

Dead men tell no tales (OK, you know I had to use the Pirates of the Caribbean thing here right?)"
Dead men don't pursue selfish gain.
Dead men don't hurt others.
etc....

But yet, even though dead to self, we're alive in Christ. Living "little Christs" (the literal meaning of "Christian") do lots of good things...and when they make a mistake (the exception), they repent and are forgiven and go back to obeying Jesus. They know they're clean in Him despite their mistakes, but they also know they have to change.

It's a perfect, balanced system. Take away the law/Word and obedience and you have liberalism. Take away the grace and you have legalism. Add it all up, you have true, biblical, blessed Christianity.

That's where I want to live...how 'bout you?!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Labor, Love & Your Lord

2010-09-05T21:44:00.000-04:00

Work--Service--How important is this to God? This video shares Paul's encouragement in 2 Thess. 3:7-16 and challenges us to commit to being counter-culture when it comes to hard work.

Discussion Questions:

What areas of service need to you see in our church today? What about in the community at large?
What is it that keeps churches from being tougher on idleness? How can we change that?
What good examples to you have in your life/experience for work and/or service? How has that affected you?

Follow along with Pastor Joel's notes (click read more)

Love Letters: “Love, Labor & Your Lord!”

READING: 2 Thess 3:7-16

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you (NIV).

BIG IDEA: There ain’t no free lunch!

If you love Jesus, follow the example of work & service set by leaders past and present. Verses 7-9, Eccl. 3:22.

Churches and communities need to remember this rule: “If you won’t work, you shouldn’t eat” and hold folks to it. Verse 10, 14-15, & 1 Tim. 5:8-16.
Obiously, this applies to employment, but also to service/ministry too—especially, when someone can’t find employment! Thus, as members of MPC, you must serve—“sit and soak” isn’t an option because it’s not healthy for individuals or the church body as a whole.
Idleness leads to gossip…work or service helps cure gossip and leads to doing the right things for God. Verses 11-13 & above.

CALL: To be people of peace, service, & love. Verse 16.

"If He Sins, Rebuke Him..."

2010-08-30T14:13:00.001-04:00

Jesus said to his disciples: "So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him...." 5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith (Luke 17:3,5 NIV)!"

I'll say! Increase our faith indeed! Think about it--Jesus is saying that we are responsible for someone else's sin if we refuse to deal with it when we see it. What? What ever happened to "live and let live?" What about tolerance? What about...well, what about what 95% of modern evangelicals do when they witness a brother or sister in sin--NOTHING!?"

I'm reminded of Tina Turner's hit "What's Love Got to Do With It," because if I said that love IS to rebuke, someone would no doubt ask that question. The answer is that love has EVERYTHING to do with not leaving a brother in sin, since sin kills. Hatred is to leave someone doing something that God condemns and that will hurt them and others.

Now a lot could be said about technique for rebuking. Matthew 7:1-8 is a teaching that would ensure a humble approach. Matthew 18:19-20 gives us a systematic strategy. Sometimes we encounter someone who "LOVES" to rebuke over every little thing because they are just mean. Clearly that person needs to recognize that restoration is the goal, not pickiness or abuse. We're doing it for restoration, especially from chronic sin--that's why Jesus quickly adds the part about forgiveness.

But still, at the end of the day, most of us get "stuck" on the first part--"If he sins, rebuke him."

Why?

I think there are several reasons:

1. We don't like others telling US what we're doing wrong. That's where we misquote the golden rule..."do unto others..." so as to avoid having to approach someone about something destructive in their life. If we thought this through however, we'd realize that we don't want to stay in sin ourselves so having someone help us out of it IS EXACTLY what we'd want from them. Thus, loving rebuke is "doing unto others" appropriately.

2. We want everyone to like us so we don't want to risk them being mad because we are the bearers of unpleasant news. In other words, we'd rather be liked than to see our brother or sister reconciled to God and others...(Wow!).

3. We're embarrassed by our own sin...thus we say, "who am I to judge" thus misunderstanding what "judging" really is (notice for example John 7:24 in the KJV). Somehow in our warped thinking, we think it's OK to leave a brother stuck in a sinful lifestyle since we too are sinners.... That's like saying, "I ate poison and almost died so who am I to tell my kids not to eat poison and die?" Foolishness!

4. We don't know how to do it with grace and love. The answer is to confess all the feelings from 1-3 above and then TELL the person we love them and that's why we've approached them. This isn't rocket science folks--just something we MUST learn to do, like eating, walking, and brushing our teeth before bedtime. Ignoring it isn't an option if we expect to grow in Christ.

5. Sometimes, like Jonah with Ninevah, we don't really want our brother to be restored! That's right--I said it. We would rather see a brother stay in sin and suffer the wrath of God than to repent and be forgiven and restored. Internally, we know that if we go to him, he might respond and we don't want to reconcile. So...we leave him there in the hopes that God will strike him down. This one's tricky because we don't usually admit it--even to ourselves. Still, we need to be honest enough and transparent enough to recognize the Jonah in our own heart. And I don't need to tell you that God isn't beyond having you swallowed by a great slimy fish if that's what it takes to get you to love your brother (read the book of Jonah)....

So our challenge is to jump these hurtles and obey Jesus--if our brother sins, lovingly rebuke him. Given the option of a millstone-laden plunge (verse 2) versus facing my brother with his weakness--I'll take the later...

How bout you?

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Are you a naturalist believer?

2010-08-29T19:32:00.001-04:00

As Western believers, we see everything through the lens of the physical, rational, and natural. does this prevent us from seeing God's move and supernatural power?

Discussion Questions:

Do you see things primarily through natural/physical eyes or spiritual/supernatural eyes? Why?
How can we begin to see things as God does--what PJ calls, "supernaturally naturalistic."
What difference do you think this paradigm shift, becoming "supernaturally naturalistic," would make in our church, our families, our personal ministries, etc.?

YOU'LL PROBABLY HATE MILL POND CHURCH IF...

2010-08-24T21:23:00.000-04:00

Remember the movie, "A Few Good Men" with Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise? There's an awesome scene in the movie where Jack, playing the part of an overly tough General looks Cruise's character, a young lawyer questioning him on the stand, straight in the eye and shouts..."You Want the TRUTH? You can't HANDLE the TRUTH!" It's awesome...it's also pretty axiomatic for the human condition.

What I mean is, as human beings, we often DON'T want the truth. We want to be lied to or schmoozed a bit at least. When a wife asks, "Does this make me look fat?," she probably doesn't want the truth. When a guy seeks counseling, (a rarity), and asks, "So the fact that I flirt with my secretary isn't really a sin is it," he doesn't want to hear the truth. We want to be sold--hoodwinked--bamboozled--etc....we really "can't handle the truth." Jesus said, "I am...the truth (John 14:6c)." Fact is, we often can't handle Him as he really is.

So that brings me to this. In the past, I, like so many church planting pastors, have been guilty of "selling" people on Mill Pond Church. I've talked about all the cool or unique features of our body. All the "church for people who don't like church" pitches and videos and posters and mailings. Some of that is fine, but much is marketing hype. People sometimes come to the "Casual, contemporary, coffee-house-style worship setting," not because they want Jesus, but because they want something cool or different or easy. Sometimes, like some of the townspeople of Jesus time, people just come because they want the food (see John 6:26).

But true Christianity isn't "easy" nor is it about just having physical needs met. People seeking that "can't handle the truth" and will ultimately be disappointed and leave....

So, I'm turning over a new leaf here. Instead of promotion, I'm using a Jack Nicholson-like methodology now. Here's a sample of perhaps what our new flyers could say:

YOU'll PROBABLY HATE MILL POND CHURCH IF...(Alternate title could be, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH IF...")

* You mistake casual dress and atmosphere for taking God and the Bible "casually."
* You want a church of good looking, rich, well-adjusted, people who "have it together" and never struggle.
* You want a church where people are never challenged to rise above and gain victory over their struggles.
* You prefer a church to hate sinners and/or love sin, (instead of the other way around)...
* You love churches to "welcome and affirm" sinful lifestyles...instead of helping people change.
* You like it when churches bash and toss aside people who make mistakes or get caught-up on a sinful lifestyle, instead of helping them overcome.
* You prefer the cafateria approach to religion--you go to this church for one ministry, another for Sunday AM, a third one for youth events, or just shift with the wind "picking and choosing" churches who will "meet your needs" at that moment....
* You want a nice building (we don't have one yet), a massive crowd (we're about 100 on Sunday), sexy graphics (we can't afford 'em) and a worship team that just returned from a world tour (ours is good, but Hillsongs is in Australia, not Newington, CT FYI).
* You're looking for perfect people who don't make mistakes, say dumb things sometimes, or sin. (PS if you find a perfect church like that, don't join it or it won't be perfect anymore).
* You want mushy emotionalism every Sunday and would really like it if Jesus was always presented as the lamb of God, but never the "Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)."
* You want "fire and brimstone" every Sunday and hate it if a preacher cries or tells you he struggles like you do.
* You want people falling on the floor, barking like dogs, or doing cartwheels in the isles.
* You would bolt for the door if the spirit moved and someone cried, lay down on the floor, or felt God speaking to them during the service.
* You want a church that says you have to pray in tongues to be "spirit-filled."
* You want a church that says you can't pray in tongues or that it's impossible or unimportant to be "spirit-filled."
* You want a church to preach the 4-points-and-a-prayer version of the gospel with a quickie prayer at the end guaranteeing salvation for life.
* You want a church that doesn't challenge people to be saved and stay that way.
* You want pastors who are intellectual in their preaching quoting volumes of Greek and Hebrew terms instead of sharing personal struggles and Biblical answers.
* You want pastors who don't preach line-by-line through the scripture instead of quoting poetry and telling funny stories.
* You want pastors who speak in flowery language and a "stage voice" instead of telling jokes once in a while.
* You want legalistic additions to the Bible like "don't drink, don't dance, and don't go to movies."
* You want a liberal smorgasbord approach to the Bible where you toss out the parts that make you feel uncomfortable or challenged to change.
* You judge a church's success based on whether they have children's ministry, men's ministry, women's ministry, short people's ministry, skinny people's ministry, choir, recovery ministry, av ministry, ministry to people with dogs, ministry to people without dogs, and a whole host of others on a menu/bulletin...(we have a few of these...but we focus on people over programs anyway).
* You don't want to give money or serve actively. (We have this bizarre idea that real Christians do both)....
* You wouldn't share your faith or even invite a friend to church if we paid you to do so. We think Jesus meant it when he said, "Go make disciples...(Matt. 28:19-20)."
*...etc....

() If one or more of those ideas applies, you probably should keep looking--you really won't like MPC, in fact, you'll hate it!

But here's the deal...

If you want a community of faith that seeks to passionately love God in everything, doing, saying, and living all He has for us based on God's Word but loving and living under His grace plus the power of the Holy Spirit when we fall and then need to get up and keep going...if you want a church that actively loves people by telling them when they're right AND wrong, good AND bad--a church interested in meeting needs, but "speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15),"...if THAT'S what you're looking for...

...You'll fit right in and probably stick around a long, long time. I know I plan to....

In His Love,

Pastor Joel

How to be a God Pleaser

2010-08-23T19:40:00.001-04:00

REVIEW: Last week, Pastor Joel, talked to us about the importance of living in the Word and being in discipleship. He told us that the leadership needs to shoot straight with the right motives, that the church has to give more than it takes,
and that your leaders are your spiritual parents.

INTRO: We can do our best, as your spiritual leaders, but unless you, we all, take responsibility for our own spiritual growth and walk with God, it just isn’t going to make much of a difference. You have all heard the old saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” Your pastors and elders and small group leaders can literally take you by the hand and spoon feed you all you need to know about the foundational truths of the bible. We can encourage you to read, study, fast, pray, memorize scripture, live according to what you claim to believe, serve, but we can’t be with you 24/7 so, ultimately, it comes down to you. Are you really serious about being a Christian or is it just something to do on Sunday mornings? This morning we are going to talk about living to please God. We are going to focus on sexual purity, loving each other, and keeping busy. We will see that these are things that God desires for us and so we had better take them seriously.

READING: 1Thess 4:1-12

1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 9 Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. 11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

BIG IDEA: Since, as Christians, we are set apart by God, let’s BE set apart!

It all comes down to this!

2010-08-16T19:25:00.000-04:00

Love Letters: “It all comes down to this!”

READING: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used lattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9 Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. (NIV)

BIG IDEA: It’s God’s Word…so live it!

The church must shoot straight, telling the truth with the right motives. The right motive is pleasing God, not men. Verses 1-4
The church should give more than it takes— having leaders who serve and are not greedy for financial gain. But this is a model—not an enabling tactic. Verses 5-9, 2 Cor. 12:13
The church leaders are like parents…lovingly disciplining and encouraging the members, holding them accountable for change. Verses 10-12

** Intro to new discipleship/spiritual formation process at MPC.**
CALL: To be people who live the Big Idea. Your response to this kind of leadership via the Church should be to trust in and apply the Bible because it REALLY IS the Word of God! Verse 13.

Are You a TRUE Disciple?

2010-08-16T18:50:00.000-04:00

Best Of Series: Originally posted here on Friday, January 29, 2010

Most teachers and scholars agree that the model for modern discipleship is Jesus and his interaction with the 12 original disciples. But what did he tell them, "right off the bat?" In Matthew 4:19, he tells them, "Follow me and I'll make you fishers of men." Jesus fished for men by drawing them to himself and the Father. He told His disciples to follow or mimic or learn and model their lives after his. So, originally, a disciple was one who reached and taught others.

Are you a disciple?

It's interesting that today, 2000+ years later, discipleship in most churches simply means transferring information. In some few, it might go one step further to mean that the disciples/students/apprentices actually DO what they've learned such that their lives are transformed. But where do we find churches or leaders defining a disciple ONLY as one who actually teaches and helps others to walk the walk of faith? Almost nowhere...yet isn't that what Jesus did/taught?

Let's take this down to the practical level. What if, we didn't define someone as a member/disciple unless they were sharing the faith and the habits of Christian life with at least one other person. So if I lead Shelly to faith, she's not a disciple until she's either led someone else or is in an intentional relationship with someone she's trying to strengthen spiritually. That could be a friend, co-worker, fellow Christian, family member, etc.--anyone, but she's not yet a disciple/follower of Jesus until she's mentoring or helping someone else grow.

Wow--would THAT change the face of Christianity or what?!

The leaders of MPC are prayerfully considering this. While it's hard, the powerful implications of each person helping someone else spiritually excite us. What if everyone had a prayer partner and someone they were helping learn to pray, study the Bible, fast, hear from God, etc.? What if everyone saw it as his/her responsibility to reach others and help them be transformed by God? Can you imagine?

I can...please pray that God will help us make it a reality....

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Best Of Series: Originally posted here on Friday, January 29, 2010

The high pursuit of the Christian

2010-08-12T05:21:00.001-04:00

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways has my life shown that I have died to this world and live for Heavenly things?
2. What changes have you made in your life to this affect and what has that felt like?
3. What still needs to change?
Love Letters: “The high pursuit of the Christian”

REVIEW: Last week, Pastor Joel talked about three things God wants for every Christian. He wants us to know and understand God and His will for us, to be acting in that knowledge and to persevere with His power.

READING: Colossians 3:1-11

1If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (ESV)

BIG IDEA: Live like you are Dead

We have been raised with Christ so our lives should reflect death to this world and our worldly interests Vss. 1-4
Be radical in how you pursue virtuous living. Take the necessary precautions (now!) to live rightly. Vss. 5-7
When we pursue worldly things, people become a means to the end of getting what we want. When we pursue Heavenly things the people are the end. Vss. 8-11

CALL: Be radical, pursue Heavenly things i.e. the King and His Kingdom. count the costs and abandon the things that ties us to this world

VISION: Experience God in surreal, amazing ways because we live like the Gospel is true

So You Want a Healthy Church?

2010-08-04T05:04:00.000-04:00

So often, we make a distinction between church growth and church health, yet I'm not sure they are different things. In fact, I'm convinced they're not! Now don't get me wrong, growth isn't just in numbers of people (although how can we argue with God's desire that his house would be full--see Matt 22:9). Growth INCLUDES growth in spiritual maturity--the result of disciplines like prayer, Bible Study, fasting, small group participation, etc. Growth includes obedience, overcoming sin, and--the ability to share your faith with others.

And that, my friends, brings back to the point--since TRUE growth includes maturity which generates outreach and evangelism, there IS no distinction between church health and church growth. In other words, a truly healthy church grows and a truly growing church is healthy.

So how do you/we all do our part in that?

Notice Paul's instruction in Colossians 4:2-6...

Col 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone, (NIV)."

Outreach and evangelism don't have to be scary, nor do they have to be activities reserved for the "gifted" such as Billy Graham. If we consider carefully Paul's words here, we have a very natural, blessed approach that EVERYONE can be a part of. Here's what I see him teaching:

Pray. Can anyone pray for others--especially those who don't know Christ and need him desperately? Yes. That doesn't take a special gift or calling (verse 2).
Pray for clarity in presenting the gospel when the opportunity arises (verses 3-4).
Be wise in how you treat and reach out to non-Christians--be intentional and use every opportunity to connect (verse 5). Can anyone do that? Of course!
Whatever you say, use grace and "season it with salt."

Let me explain the salt reference and then we'll look at the awesome conclusion/promise here. First, salt. Salt does two things as I understand it. First, it prolongs life or preserves and second, it enhances flavor. So our words need to provide life and be pleasant to the ear. If we're sharing Christ with people, we're giving them eternal life (THAT'S salty) and then if we use encouragement and positive terms we uplift them (that's Salty too).

And what's the result of all this? The promise is, "...that you may know how to answer everyone (verse 6)." Isn't that cool? God promises to give you the answers to questions that come-up. That's the number one fear of people re. outreach--"What if they ask me something and I don't know how to answer it?" The promise here is that if we pray for them, pray for clarity, are wise and gentle in what we share, and focus on the gospel--we WILL know how to answer!

So what's to fear?

Let's commit to sharing our faith and seeing our church grow and become even more healthy!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

PJ Live! Saturday (July 31st) at 9:30 PM

2010-07-31T08:12:00.007-04:00

Hey Gang!

I'll be trying something unique this Saturday (July 31st) at 9:30 PM. I'll be broadcasting live from the internet and sharing the sermon for the next day. Why? Well, some people can't come Sunday AM so we're trying to reach the "night hawks" who aren't able to get up that early. Also, we're recording it for use later in the week at our Tuesday night group in Meriden, etc. At any rate--y'all come and hear it OK? Here's the direct link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/pj-live2

Or just refresh the video player below around 9:30 PM (Saturday July, 31)

Blessings,
PJ

Webcam chat at Ustream

Chat with other viewers!

Nothing Is More Important

2010-07-29T20:09:00.000-04:00

In our culture today, nobody is more controversial than Jesus. Ironically, our culture considers everything more important that what Jesus stood for and taught. I mean, Christianity is to many, at best, just another way to pursue God. Jesus is just an option or a footnote. Other philosophers or spiritual counselors are considered critical to success--be they Confucius, Tom Cruise, or Oprah!

Still, mention Jesus and you'll have controversy. If you pray and mention him, you're intolerant and narrow-minded. If you speak of Him (other than as a curse), you're ignorant and perhaps hateful. If you teach, it's OK to reference Him, but you'd better mention other religious leaders as well if you want to be taken seriously.

How interesting! If Christ and Christianity are so insignificant, why would the mention of Jesus be such a big deal? Hmmm?

Oh, but Jesus is NOT insignificant and our faith in him is the BIGGEST deal of all. Notice what Paul wrote to the church at Colossae:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross (Col 1:15-20, NIV)."

Paul dispenses with any doubt about whether or not Jesus is God. He also clarifies once-and-for-all whether Jesus is to be the priority of focus for God's people. Jesus is over all and the Father's will is, "that in everything (Jesus) might be preeminent." In other words, NOTHING and NOBODY is more important. Keeping this focus makes all the difference....

So how 'bout it? Is Jesus top priority in your life today?

In Him,

Pastor Joel

Hidden Keys for Maintaining Unity

2010-07-25T20:26:00.000-04:00

Questions for discussion:

1. Why is it that unity is such an elusive thing? What are the contributing factors to disunity and strife?
2. How is it that we are REALLY already unified in Christ, even when we don't feel like it? What does this truth DO for the cause of unity?
3. How can your brothers and sisters in the Church pray for you to have or maintain unity in your family, on the job, or in the church?

Love Letters: “Hidden Keys for Maintaining Unity”

REVIEW: Last week, we took a look at “God’s Recipe for Humble Pie.” Humility is a key to Unity. Today, we’ll look at several more keys to maintaining unity….

READING: Philippians 4:2-9
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 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. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

BIG IDEA: Plead for, pursue, and pray for Peace!

The first key to reconciliation is to recognize that you are, (whether you know it or not), already united in Christ! He’s done the hard work—you just have to maintain it. Verse 2 & Eph. 4:3 & 5:21.
Next, you’ve got to focus on God’s work and the rest of the team doing that work! Verse 3
Then, choose to rejoice more than you gripe, and be gentle, thinking about the positive aspects of circumstances and people. Verse 4-5, 8
Pray! It’s the cure for anxiety, stress, and anger. Verse 6-7

CALL: Verse 9--Practice what we preach and try to model…this brings God’s peace!

VISION: At least two hundred people who love God passionately and then love others actively, maintaining unity no matter what comes our way!

What Won't You Give Up for Jesus?

2010-07-21T20:11:00.000-04:00

Many times, pastors will talk about being crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) or carrying our cross, etc. We have people "count the cost" and consider that we must all lay down our lives for Jesus. It's popular for people to share their testimonies and talk about what they turned from or gave up for our Lord.

But I don't want to talk about what you gave up or would be willing to give up...I'd like to consider what you WON'T give up.

You see, the blind spot for most Christians is the issue of what we wouldn't turn-over to Jesus even if he asked us to. While hard and scary, it's GOOD to pray and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance as to what we'd be unlikely or flat-out unwilling to EVER give-up or give-over to God. That's the real challenge in the story of the rich young ruler. Notice:

"As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good — except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 At this the man's face fell. He went away sad , because he had great wealth (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

It's common for us to focus on the wealth/money issue here, but the main point is that we ALL have some things we don't want to surrender to God. Jesus wasn't interested in what the young man did or gave necessarily, he was focused on what he was holding back. You see, it's the hidden strongholds that often kill us spiritually. It's the stuff we'd NEVER give up that will kill us from within, like a rotting cancer in our bones.

So what's your issue? What is it that you'd NEVER give up or give over to Jesus? Have you ever thought about it? Maybe you should! Is it your time? Your tithe/money? Maybe it's your testimony since you haven't shared it with a non-Christian--EVER! Maybe its your pride--a stubborn refusal to admit wrong and seek reconciliation with a brother/sister in Christ?What are you holding on to with a death grip because you really don't trust Jesus enough to surrender it and know you'll be better off? Whatever it is...let go of it today will you? I promise you'll be better off and, unlike the Rich Young Ruler, you'll go away happy...not sad!

As I conclude, let me give a quick plug for fasting here. Nothing will humble you faster and show you where your "Achilles heel" is than fasting. Most Christians won't even give up a couple meals for Jesus, let alone surrender their lives in commitment. Still, when you find one who will, I promise you'll find someone "in touch" with their blind spots and willing to "surrender all." I pray that describes or will describe you too!

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Jesus' Recipe for Humble Pie

2010-07-21T06:16:00.000-04:00

Click read more for notes and follow along...

Love Letters From God: Jesus’ Recipe For Humble Pie

REVIEW: Last week, we talked about putting on the full armor of God. We learned that our focus should not be on Satan but always on God when facing spiritual conflict
and that God’s armor is really a lifestyle of Godly living.

Scripture Reading: Phil 2:1-11
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with His Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests but to the interests of others. 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9Therefor God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

BIG IDEA: Jesus is our perfect model for humility!

If we are united with Christ, we must be united with each other. V1,2
In humility, we must not consider ourselves better
In humility we should put others needs before our
Jesus showed us how to be humble:

Chose to make himself nothing V7a
Came to serve us as a man V7b

CHALLENGE: To live our lives with the same attitude as Jesus Christ.

VISION: That humble unity becomes a major characteristic of MPC so much so that it spills out into

2010-07-18T14:04:00.001-04:00

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Newington Extravaganza 2010
Mill Pond Church hosted a booth at the Newington Extravaganza, this past Saturday, July 17th at Mill Pond Park. As you can see from these photos, we had a blast! Don't worry if you missed it, there's always next year...

2010 Praise God Fest - July 17, 2010

2010-07-14T20:25:00.000-04:00

Freedom Hills Christian Center, our worship center in Torrington, CT is having the 2010 Praise God Fest (PGF) at 1701 East Main Street in Torrington this Saturday. A Thursday night PGF event will be happening at the Church of Christ in Winsted, CT to promote the Saturday event.

The purpose of PGF is to bring the Good news outside the church building and into the streets. We are asking for prayer that people come to the Lord's calling and commit themselves to a life in Christ during these event. Also if you enjoy Contemporary worship and rock style Christian bands bring friends for a free event with free food. We are looking especially for all those friends who are not committed to Christ. Everyone is welcome. Check out our site www.praisegodfest.org for all the details. Check out the lineup section.

Thanks for your prayers

The Ugly Truth About Sin & Baby Sheep

2010-07-14T20:11:00.000-04:00

My Bible reading plan called for me to finish the book of Ezekiel this week. As such, yesterday, I read Ezekiel 46:13 and randomly, in the midst of all the other deails about priests, the temple, festivals, and numerous other sacrifices, my eyes filled with tears as I read, "Every day you are to provide a year-old lamb without defect for a burnt offering to the LORD; morning by morning you shall provide it (Ezek 46:13, NIV)."

Why did it impact me emotionally?

I started thinking about Jesus as the lamb of God. John clearly called him that (John 1:29, 36). I remembered that Jesus went to the slaughter to cover sin (Isa. 53:4-7). Then, I started thinking about how I, as a Pastor/spiritual leader, could have been a Levite Priest in the Old Testament instead of a New Testament Shepherd. What would it be like to have to kill an innocent baby sheep EVERY morning for 8 days?

I began to imagine myself every morning, coming outside to collect the innocent, playful lamb from the pen. I pictured myself holding it and petting it--maybe scratching behind its ears like I often do my dog Misty. Then, as horrible as it sounds, I imagined having to take a sharp knife and, as it innocently stared up at me, slitting it's little throat ear-to-ear. I cried as I thought about the blood gushing forth as it struggled and collapsed bleeting or attempting to cry for its mother. I thought about how I would have to grow cold--almost emotionless to it's pain and death in order to pull this off and then burn it in ritual offering day after day....

But, as horrible an image as this is, I realized that it is NOTHING compared to the image of my God and Savior bleading out on the cross. I also realized that as repugnant as it is for me to consider killing a baby lamb EVERY morning, my daily sins cause an even more disgusting event: The death of THE (REAL) LAMB OF GOD. He is/was more innocent and immeasurably more valuable than 8 lambs and his dealth was far more painful and inhumane...for me and for all of you too!

Are you crying with me yet?

My point isn't to make you feel bad so you can wallow in your guilt or shame. I don't think that's the point of Ezekiel's prophesy either, by the way. Instead, I think these reminders are there to increase our appreciation for the ugly truth about sin and its penalty so that we'll love and worship and follow Jesus with more passion! We like to sanitize it. We see the little Jesus figurine on the crucifix and a little trickle of blood on his cheek and we think, "Aww...that's so nice. Thank you little Jesus." Yet, the horror and ugliness of sin and the death it causes never seems to sink in. We still think our sins are "no biggie" and we're so much less guilty than the next guy (or gal). It's GOOD for us to stare into the eyes of that innocent little lamb and picture ourselves pulling the knife through it's throat. THAT'S just a SMALL taste of the cost of our sin and the powerful grace of a God who would put himself in our place.

Remembering this fosters worship and obedience...I know it worked for me this week...

...How 'bout you?

IN Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Spiritual Warfare...What's The Focus?

2010-07-11T19:53:00.000-04:00

Do we focus on Satan or Jesus when fighting a spiritual battle? Also, what are the weapons we use?

Questions:

1. Why do many people focus on Satan and not God when dealing with spiritual attack? Why do others flat-out ignore spiritual warfare altogether?

2. What are some areas of life where the spiritual battle intensifies? How have you dealt with this in the past?

3. How is Jesus "the prize?" How is His message "the prize?" Do you think most people see it that way? Why or why not?

Click read more for sermon notes...

Love Letters: “Spiritual Warfare—What’s the Focus?”

REVIEW: Last week, we talked about prayer and how to reenergize your prayer life. Today, we’ll look at an element of prayer, spiritual warfare and the Biblical focus that makes us

READING: Eph. 6:10-20
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

BIG IDEA: The Focus is not Satan, but rather, Christ and His Message!

Our source is God, our Enemy is not human. Vs. 10-12
The “Whole Armor” is a lifestyle of devotion. Vs. 13-18a.
Stand Firm! This is a constant defensive fight. Vs 11, 14, 18

CALL: To focus on the prize, which is Christ and advancing his message! Vs. 18-20

VISION: A church spiritually free that helps every member and regular attendee find and keep that freedom!

The Lynch Pin of Ephesians

2010-07-06T19:52:00.003-04:00

Ok, so it's an obscure, rarely quoted verse, but I think it's the lynch pin of Paul's epistle. Ephesians 5:21 simply says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Everything Paul has written regarding relationships up to that point and all he will write about marriage, parenting, work/employment, and even spiritual warfare flows from a perspective of submission.

But do we do it?

I'm constantly amazed at how self-centered and frankly, narcissistic human beings are. What's even more astounding is that we can be as selfish as the day is long and yet still THINK we're giving, serving, caring for others more than ourselves. I've seen people gossiping about their problems with others, greedily absorbing whatever anyone within a 10 mile radius will give them, yet all the while bragging about how much they give to and care about other people. If it weren't so sad, it would actually be funny.

WOW!

But I'm just as guilty...are you?

I may not be as blatant or obvious about it, but truth-be-told, I'm as greedy and selfish as the next guy. That's why Eph. 5:21 is for me. I need to submit--surrendering my own desires and supposed "needs" (which are actually wants anyway) to the real needs of others. But how do I do THAT? Paul answers, "...out of reverence for Christ." The key is worship. If I see Jesus as He is and fall down before him in awe, I'm in a great place to serve instead of selfishly taking and hoarding time, treasure, or material things.

This is why prayer and the ministry of the church is so critical. In the book of Acts, the Apostles recognized that they had to have help so they could dedicate themselves to this and not get caught up in meeting all the needs of people who, frankly, sometimes fought for themselves more than they grasped the kingdom vision (Acts 6). But ministry and prayer isn't just for the apostles or pastors or elders or worship leaders folks. It's a lifeline for all of us. Reverence for Christ is the key to change that enables marriage, parenting, employment and more to go well.

Put a different way, keep chasing your personal fulfillment and you'll be empty, frustrated, and alone. Chase God and sacrifice yourself to others--ESPECIALLY those who annoy the living crud out of you--and you'll find life and peace and success.

Learn it, love it, live it...it works! "Submit to one another...out of reverence for Christ!"

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Our Prayer Life

2010-07-04T08:39:00.000-04:00

1. Why do you think most people struggle with prayer? What steps could be taken to deal with this?

2. What is the primary difference between Paul's prayers in Ephesians and our typical prayers today?

3. What role does Bible Reading play in prayer...if any?
2010—Love Letters: “Reenergizing Your Prayer Life”

REVIEW: Last week, we talked about the relevance and priority of the Church, both locally and globally. To Jesus, it is everything! But for her to reach her potential, she must communicate with her Lord and Master. This is why each of us must reenergize our prayer life!

READING: Eph. 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Eph3:14-21, NIV)

BIG IDEA: Powerful prayer comes from prayer for power!

Start on your knees, showing and talking about your respect for the Father and His creative power.Vs 14-15
Then ask for power and strength through the Holy Spirit Vs 16.
Next, ask to be rooted and established in faith and in love.Vs 17-19
Finally, close with praise and prayer for the Church that she would be used for God’s glory! Vs. 20-21

CALL: To pray for and in power so we’ll see our church impact the world for God’s glory!

VISION: At least two hundred people who love God passionately and then love others actively through the power of prayer!

Is the Church Irrelevant?

2010-06-30T05:55:00.002-04:00

We often devalue the local church and sometimes the universal Body of Christ as well. But how does Jesus see her and what would happened if we adopted the same view?

Questions:

Why do you think most people think of the church as a nice addition to life as opposed to "the fullness of (Jesus)?"
Looking at Eph. 1:16-19, what is different about this prayer--what does Paul focus on? How is this different from most 21st Century Christian prayers?
What do you think would happen if every Christian made his local church the priority instead of an optional activity?

God's Wisdom: “Is the Church Irrelevant?”

REVIEW: Last week, Pastor Jeremy talked about what it means to be a disciple. Today, we want to consider why disciples should bother coming together to make a church. What’s the point? Is the church really necessary?

READING: Eph. 1:15-23
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills
everything in every way (NIV).

BIG IDEA: To Jesus, the church is everything…nothing is more important!
( ) But is that how you see it?

Jesus is in ruling the universe for the benefit of the church. Vs. 22
The church is the continuation of Jesus’ life and ministry on this planet. Vs. 23a.
The church, as she comes together in unity, is the fullness of Jesus! She shows him to the world and is a foundation on which, all can grow. Vs 23b & I Tim. 3:15

CALL: To pray for and then choose to see the Church as a top priority, not a nice option for life…to see the church as Jesus does!

VISION: At least two hundred people who love God passionately and then love others actively because they’ve adopted Jesus’ priorities!

The Church: What is it and Who Needs it?

2010-06-24T20:13:00.000-04:00

OK, so let's be blunt--it's "hip" today to define the church as only the greater spiritual worldwide group of 2 Billion people who have agreed that Jesus is Savior and Lord. Thus, it's also in vogue to suggest that the local church is irrelevant and perhaps even evil or unbiblical. After all, if the "real" church is this metaphysical mysterious mass of saints--the local church is a mere imposter or just a cheap shadow of the greater reality.

The result of our adoption of these two ideas is simple: The local church is, at best, an optional entity to take advantage of if you ever need to, or if you're bored some Sunday morning. At worst, the local church is a distraction or a miscarriage of God's Will on earth--something to be avoided at all costs. In fact, if you fully adopt these paradigms, any physical group of people organized in any fashion is inherently bad because it distracts from what some call, "the greater spiritual reality of the universal, heavenly church."

And even if you don't fully embrace these ideas, you ARE influenced subconsciously by them. That is why so many of us choose to work, play sports, sleep-in, or do virtually ANYTHING else rather than attend church faithfully each week. After all, why should we attend? It doesn't really matter--right? "I'm part of the spiritual Church by faith," we reason, "so if I skip local services--what does it matter?"

But ARE these assumptions correct? I know, I'm old fashioned--a lame, crusty dinosaur of theological antiquity...but can't we ask, "What does God say about all this in his Word, the Bible?"

Even a cursory reading of the New Testament tells us two things:

1. The local church was the primary focus of virtually every epistle and even Jesus own revelatory words in Revelation chapters 2-3. God used local groups like Antioch in Acts 13 for instance, to do extraordinary things (Like commission the Apostle Paul who would plant more than 20 churches and write more than 70% of the New Testament for instance)! He also gives specific messages to churches large and small, RARELY ignoring them to address the larger, global body of believers.

2. The Church, local and global, was commanded to be a community of faith living out the lifestyle of love Jesus taught and modeled. Thus, to ignore her using the metaphysical confusion of a spritualized connection without personal action--is a direct act of disobedience! In other words, you don't automatically join the "invisible church" by professing faith and then have no responsibility or relationship with actual human beings thereafter! The invisible pastor doesn't disciple you and the invisible saints don't cut your grass if you're sick. You don't give food to the invisible widows who have invisible financial needs. NO! You join a local body and connect just like you become part of and thus more accountable to a nuclear family after being brought into the human family at birth.

So biblically, (not culturally) speaking, what IS the church? She is the body of all true believers who have put their trust in Jesus for salvation and transformation by the Holy Spirit. But that body is made up of parts and systems, just like the human body. So, she has local church components/systems made up of individual parts or members. They work together and are mutually-responsible for each other in close proximity to build the kingdom of God. And, because of the Acts 1:8 "inside-out" nature of God's strategy, the local church is normally the focal point of all God's attention and work on this planet!

Notice Paul's instruction to his apprentice Timothy on this topic:

"15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15, NIV)."

Paul is giving instruction to Timothy in this letter about how to pastor a specific local body in Ephesis, (see 1 Timothy 1:3). Despite the focused, local emphasis of this epistle, he calls her, "...God's household...the pillar and foundation of the truth." Wow! Do we have ANY idea of how powerful and challenging that title is? Our job is to be the outward beauty or revelation of, and the basic support for, the truth of Almighty God in our community!

Stay with me here--so if Newington, Torrington, Meriden, Hartford, East Hartford--Central CT is to be shown the truth and if the truth of God is to be maintained and promoted here--IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY! Oh, I know my reformed pals are now jumping to the old, "Well, but if we don't, God's Sovereignty will prevail...blah, blah, blah." But folks--hear this--Jesus has already revealed His Will. And HIS WILL IS THAT WE, MILL POND CHURCH, DEMONSTRATE AND SHARE THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS TO OUR WORLD! We can't pass it back to God or to some mysterious global body in a parallel universe--it's OUR JOB!

So what do we do with this?

Well, for starters, the church and our involvement needs to be a bit higher on the priority list. If the local church IS the focus of God's work on earth, the pillar and foundation of truth, the Body and much-adored Bride of Christ, etc...., WE NEED TO TAKE HER SERIOUSLY IF WE CLAIM TO LOVE GOD!

So instead of seeing church involvement and worship service attendance as somewhere just below soccer games or watching old Jerry Springer reruns on our "to do list," we need to focus our week around worship and ministry within the local church. Is that self-serving of me? Nope--Mill Pond is NOT my church--it's His. And, at any point, he can remove me--I'm one missed heartbeat away from heaven, but Jesus said His Church will prevail forever (Read Matt. 16:18). Don't hate me--Jesus said it folks!

Here are some practical changes each of us need to consider:

* Making Sunday AM (or whenever our primary worship services are held locally) "sacred time" in our lives so that we don't work, play sports, sleep in, hang out with friends, etc., until we've come to worship and served Jesus first!

* Seeing our personal ministry for God during the week as our primary role over that of engineer, painter, baker or proverbial candlestick maker! That doesn't mean we quit our jobs, but it does mean that we see our jobs as a means to an end, not the end. The goal is being an Ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20), not just paying the bills.

* Making sacrificial giving our financial focus, where 10% of gross income is a "bare minimum" we donate to the building of the Kingdom starting with the local church and expanding outward from there.

* Making prayer and personal Bible study a daily habit for the purpose of preparing for ministry in the community and fuller, more spirit-empowered worship each Sunday.

And that would be a great start...but to do even these basics, we've got to believe that God values our church as the primary focus of local work and promotion of His Great Commission (Matt. 28:19). How can we adopt so bold an idea? Look around you! How many churches in Newington are preaching the gospel--not adding to it or taking from it? And, even when we look around at Central CT in general, and consider the many wonderful church partners we have--are YOU called to be in one of those churches? If so, go there! If not, then serve here! It really is that simple--if you're called here--you need to serve here and see your calling as that of promoting community transformation by the truth of God!

The Bottom Line is this--we need to take the church seriously if we want to belong to a serious church!

Will you?

In His Love,

Pastor Joel

Father's Day Message

2010-06-21T13:19:00.000-04:00

What is the criteria set forth in God's word to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? How has this criteria been diluted by men over the past 2000 years? This message takes a look at these questions and reminds us that regardless of how diluted our critieria has become, God's criteria has never changed. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ requires acceptance of the teaching of Christ, not only in belief but in lifestyle!

Review: Last week we talked about the Great Commission and the importance of sharing God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. We saw through examples that no one is beyond hope or too deep in sin, to be touched and transformed by the Holy Spirit.

***Today, we’re going to focus on what it means to be a disciple!***

The Big Idea: (A special message from our heavenly Father on Father’s Day)
We were called to be disciples!

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Luke 14:25
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters– yes, even his own life–he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 7:21
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Luke 6:46
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

Truth #1: Being a disciple requires a personal commitment.

Luke 9:57-62
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good–by to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Truth #2: That personal commitment will result in a deeper relationship with God.

Luke 14:33
33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 19:21
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.”

John 15:7
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Jeremiah 29:13
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Matthew 7:7-8
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self–control….

Truth #3: That relationship must be constantly nourished with sacrifices.

Challenge: Make a commitment today to whole-heartedly accept and fulfill the requirements Jesus Christ set for being His disciple.

Vision: A church that is blessed with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a result of its members obedience and commitment to discipleship.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

2010-06-16T19:47:00.000-04:00

Knowing how we received the Holy Spirit and choosing to follow His lead is important for Christians. We need to avoid using human effort to be saved or to change. On the other hand, we should always avoid coasting in the flesh. How does this work?

1. Looking at Galatians 5:16-26, what are examples of chosing the spirit over the flesh? Why is this so hard for us?

2. Even though we choose to follow the spirit, why does scripture say it's really not our work or to our credit when we obey?

3. What does it mean to "believe?" Do you think this happens in stages? Why or why not?
Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:1-5 (Jesse using ESV, NLT for me)

Theme/Big Idea: You didn't earn the Spirit; He's a gift.

Thoughts/Notes:
1) We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from believing the message.
3) You have indeed received Him! (So walk in Him!)
2) You keep on track the same way you started running--by the Spirit!

Thrust/Challenge: To put away works of the flesh and continue to walk in Him and His message.

Vision: For the MPC network of churches and small groups to be a community imbued with the Spirit and His message, never our own works.

Disciples Wanted: “Converts Need Not Apply”

2010-06-14T20:21:00.001-04:00

So here’s the question—can you convert to Christianity and not be a disciple?

First let’s define terms. For most preachers or church leaders, a “convert” is someone who is saved. He/she has accepted Jesus as personal Lord and Savior via what we often call, “the sinners prayer.” Thus, by faith, he/she is guaranteed forgiveness and entrance into heaven. A disciple, on the other hand, is a follower. He/she is one who is saved, but also growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18), becoming more like Jesus every day.

Jesus said,

“19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt 28:19-20, NIV).”

So we KNOW we’re supposed to make disciples. But is there a difference between a convert and one who is disciplined in the way of Christ and the apostles (i.e. a disciple)?

If you read modern evangelical literature, you would conclude that the answer is, “Yes.” That is, that you can be converted and then never change or grow. This seems to happen all the time. Looking for explanations, we often blame the church or the leaders working with those stalled “converts.” After all, if they were doing a good job, the people would grow-- right? Sometimes, we blame the “converts” themselves. If they’d just get off their butts and study or pray or fast or something, they’d grow—right? Maybe both the converts and the leaders are to blame? Sometimes, people even blame God. If He just did more miracles, you know, parting the Red Sea or something, people would grow and change—nobody would stagnate or backslide, etc.—right? Or maybe God just doesn’t want all of His children to grow and transform into the image of Christ—maybe he wants just some of them to change…right?

Actually, we just keep guessing because it’s impossible for us to tell who’s to blame. But maybe the problem isn’t who to blame. Maybe the problem is the premise. Maybe, just maybe, there is NO such thing as a convert who is not a disciple. Maybe in the truest sense, they are one and the same! Maybe, if this is true, (and I believe it IS), people who are truly saved, grow continually, even in seemingly unnoticeable ways, because they choose to let the Holy Spirit transform them daily into the image of Jesus (Ephesians 4:8-32, Galatians 5:16-26, etc.)!

Does the Bible ever give us the idea that one is converted without growth? Well, yes and no. It DOES suggest that some stop growing and are in danger of being lost. This seems to be based on their own will (see Heb 6:4-6 or James 5:19-20, for example). But the idea that one would be saved and then have no change in their life and then still sort-of coast into heaven based on a profession with no fruit? It’s not in there. Not at all!

Now I know that some of our Bible scholars will quickly turn to I Corinthians chapter three here and tell me that some will have their “works burned up,” thus get into heaven with no fruit. I’ve even quoted this passage to prove the same point in the past. But here’s the interesting thing—this scripture never tells us that these folks had NO work or fruit, it simply says that the quality was “wood, hay or stubble,” not “gold, silver,” etc. Thus, they WERE producing, just not using the best materials. My point still stands—they had fruit, even if it wasn’t the best.

Jesus explained it best (that’s no surprise!). He said,

“2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (John 15:2-6 KJV).”

Now to be clear, I’m not preaching salvation by works. Instead, I’m preaching salvation DEMONSTRATED by works. There’s a big difference. For example, I wear a wedding ring, sleep in the same bed as Karen, and call her “Mrs. Rissinger.” These deeds don’t make me married. I’m married, so these deeds are a natural result. It would highly unusual for me to avoid wearing a ring, sleeping in the same bed, or calling Karen my wife if I WAS still married to her. If I tried to stop these things, I probably wouldn’t REMAIN married for long would I?! My experience tells me that when people DO stop these things, the marriage is already ending, whether they admit it or not.

So. when it comes to salvation, here’s what I see in scripture. A true convert is ALWAYS a disciple because to be a convert, he had to surrender to the Lordship of Christ (See Romans 10:9). Lordship means that Jesus is boss. Thus I’m following Him and He’s disciplining me (the same root word gives us the word “disciple). If I have never followed, I’m not a convert because a convert is a follower. If I’m not a follower, I’m not a disciple and thus, if I’m not a disciple, I’m not a true convert.

Why am I making such a big deal of this? Does it matter?

At Mill Pond Church, we’ve put our emphasis on making disciples. This means we want followers and we see no point in making a distinction between converts and disciples, except to confuse and perhaps even deceive people. For some people, the idea that you can pray the prayer and get into heaven even though you have no intention of changing or growing, is attractive. It’s sort of “the evangelical economy plan”--all the eternal assurance, but no effort or stress. The reality is, that anyone who tries to enter the faith with this idea—that you can just mouth words and then stay embroiled in your sins—is not saved to begin with! This person is in for a rude awakening when Jesus returns and says, “Depart from me…(Matt 25:41).”

I don’t want any of you to hear those words!

Instead, I want you to hear Jesus praise your ministry to Him as in the rest of the parable in Matthew 25. I want you to receive eternal life and all the rewards it brings. I want you to be blessed in this life too and I KNOW that spiritual riches are promised to all who put God first today. I know that in my own life, the miraculous power of God has encouraged me numerous times and that it’s worth more than all the money in the world. I also know, that my surrender to Him is a foundation for all of it—I had to live by faith/trust, not by sight and be willing to pick up my cross and die. Is it easy? Nope! But is it worth it? A trillion times over Baby!

Now maybe you’re reading this and you’ve sort-of stalled in your spiritual journey. Maybe you don’t see any fruit or at least you haven’t for a long time. Am I saying you’re “doomed?” Nope. First, remember that God is the one who sees and measures fruit—in fact he produces it in your life as you choose to surrender to Him daily. So whether you see it or not, He does and will work it out as you draw close and stay connected to the vine—Jesus. Second, remember that maintaining that connection so growth can occur is simple. It’s like any relationship—you need to talk to God and listen to Him each day. You talk through prayer. You listen through Bible Study and meditation through His Spirit. Sometimes, to jump start things, you fast. That’s it—it’s not “rocket science,” you CAN do it, but it is critical so that the growth can and will continue.

If you’re not yet ready to call yourself a Christian disciple, that’s OK, please continue to come to Mill Pond Church. Enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship. Learn what you can and smile along the way. But at some point, you MUST decide, “Do I want to be a disciple of Jesus or just a churchgoer?” This is one reason we require baptism for membership. How could someone read Acts 2:38 or Matt. 28:19-20, see a clear command to be baptized, claim to be saved, (and thus going to heaven), and then REFUSE to be baptized in obedience to Jesus? It’s a first step in a lifetime of discipleship—a daily surrender to God’s will, over our own. So this is why, if you choose to become a member of MPC, we will never give you the false option of being a convert—it’s either discipleship or nothing. As we’ve titled this blog, “Disciples wanted: “Converts need not apply.”

In Christ,
Pastor Joel

The Source of Boldness & Hope

2010-06-11T20:29:00.001-04:00

How do we have confidence and boldness or hope when life stinks? This passage give us a foundation. See 2Cor. 5:1-10.

Why are Christians so Exclusive?

2010-06-09T06:09:00.000-04:00

From time-to-time, we'll be asked a variation of this question, "Why are Christians so intolerant or exclusive?" Let's face it, the reason evangelical Christians in particular are so unpopular is that we seem so close-minded about our faith being right or true. This is especially applicable here in New England where everyone prides himself on being open and intellectually post-modern.

And, honestly, these folks have reason to wonder. We love to quote John 14:6 where Jesus clearly says that he's the only way to God the Father. By believing this and stating it, we sound pretty--well, pretty exclusive! So how should we respond the question? Is it just a simple, "Jesus said it and I believe it and that settles it!" Or, is there more to present in response to those who approach us? Yes! I believe there are at least three points we should always make....

I think the first point is the fallacy of the idea that only evangelical Christians are exclusive. This is often the unspoken supposition of the question. People assume that Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Satanists or Hindus are NOT exclusive in their faith claims or positions. In truth, this is just wrong. Ask a Muslim Cleric whether or not Christians are right when they say Jesus is God. He'll have no problem telling you that his position about the nature of Christ is correct and the Christian's is mistaken! Ask a Jew about the Trinity doctrine or the idea that there are millions of Gods as many Hindus believe. Most Rabbis will have no problem explaining that their version of monotheism is exclusively correct. All religions are exclusive--not just our "brand" of Christianity.

In fact, atheists and agnostics are exclusive too! People are exclusive in their convictions about all kinds of things. Ask a "pro-choice" feminist whether she believes that the "pro-life" position is of equal value and you'll have your head handed to you in a "New York minute!" Everyone is exclusive or "intolerant" about something! But this shouldn't surprise us though. Frankly, we'd question the sanity of someone who said, "I think water is healthy to drink and gasoline is not. Still, those who believe gas is OK to drink are equally as correct as I am." We EXPECT people to believe that what they believe is true--otherwise why would they believe it? This is so silly, yet, the concept of relativistic truth ("What's true for you is true for you and what's true for me is true for me") is everywhere throughout our culture! Sometimes we have to cut through the politically-correct silliness before we can have a productive conversation.

Secondly, if someone asks about the exclusivity of Christianity, we need to point out that while all religions believe they are correct while others are in error, we have historical, rational, and experiential REASONS to believe what Jesus said in John 14 (that nobody comes to the Father except through Jesus). We don't just decide to believe it like we might decide to prefer Pepsi over Coke because our friends like Pepsi. It's not just a preference, it's based on fact. We should be prepared to explain some of the facts which support our faith (the resurrection of Jesus, historical support from non-Christian scholars, unique inspiration of the Bible, etc.).

Finally, we may need to redefine tolerance. According to the dictionary, tolerance is a matter of not preventing others from holding different views than we do. This is tolerance--something we must uphold. According to our culture however, you aren't tolerant unless you say that the views of others are the same as or perhaps even superior to your own. Not only is this dishonest (as demonstrated above), its almost insane. Should we uphold freedom of religion? Of course! But should we pretend to agree with people who contradict most of what we believe just to appear "tolerant?" Of course not.

I have found that a calm, rational approach to this topic usually defuses the argument and opens the door to further conversation. We don't always agree, but we can often move past the road block that perceptions about exclusivity present.

Hope this helps you!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Examine Yourself

2010-06-02T19:53:00.001-04:00

The Bible is bold in asking Christians to examine themselves--even to question whether or not we're "in the faith." Are you? Pastor Joel looks at 2 Cor. 13 and the question of what fruits exist for truly "mature" Christians.
EXAMINE YOURSELF

Reading: 2 Cor. 13:1-10

1This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."[a] 2I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, 3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.

5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. 10This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Big Idea-- Examine Yourself--To be sure you're saved!

1. To God, "going deeper" means self-sacrifice!

2. God's power produces a change of behavior.

3. Verse 11 tells us to aim for perfection.

CALL: To be fully surrendered to God.

VISION: A church filled with truly mature believers.

Discussion Questions:

* How does this passage tie-in to the book of James, especially regarding faith? What will faith always produce in our lives?
* Why do you think we search for other things beyond behavior change and self-sacrifice? Why are we so intrigued with supernatural events over practical transformation?
* What can we do to impact our community and help see it change? How can we love our town more and show it?

How deep do you really want to go?

2010-06-02T19:44:00.001-04:00

Sometimes a new church like MPC will hear established Christians say, "This is great and all, but I want to go deeper. I'm looking for more than 'Church-Lite" ya know? After all, I need to be fed." Now when we hear this, it's easy to get mad or defensive or hurt or whatever, but honestly, I don't anymore.

Why?

Because I realize that what most people call "deep" is not deep at all. In fact, what Jesus and the apostles taught as "meat" (see 1 Cor. 3:1-3), is rarely understood and practiced. Thus, we turn to other things to tweak our interest and make us feel like we're "going deeper." These include everything from spiritual "power encounters" to analysis of complex theological constructs or the parsing of Greek and Hebrew verbs. Still, at the end of the day, our lives don't change nor do the lives of anyone around us. We feel "more spiritual," but are we really?

My question is "How deep do you REALLY Want to Go?"

It all comes down to the question of spiritual maturity. What IS spiritual maturity and where do we find it? Is it a mystical experience? Is it the use of some spiritual gift that manifests in a clearly supernatural way? Is it a warm feeling when we sing or pray? Maybe its knowledge--a deep understanding of certain biblical passages, having a unique spin on their meaning that others don't have?

I would argue, it's none of the above.

When the other MPC pastors and I study the life and teachings of Christ, we see a different definition of "deep." We see themes and truths that cut to the heart of who we are and challenge everything about our modern materialistic western Christian lifestyle. Biblically, going "deep" has little to do with original language studies, slaying people in the spirit, or debates over reformed theology. Just survey one of the gospels for example. To Jesus, going "deep" involves things like:

* Total repentance and surrender
* Fishing for men
* Selling all our possessions to follow Him and see Him as sufficient.
* Becoming poor in spirit, meek, hungering for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker, etc.
* Being insulted and persecuted for Christ
* Being salt and light by serving the lost even if it's dangerous or damaging to our reputation
* Loving without writing people off.
* Reconciling with others before we approach God
* Cleansing our hearts of lustful thoughts
* Perfecting our marriages or living celibate lives
* Rejecting worry
* Fasting extensively
* Praying over the sick
* Restoring people in sin
* Loving God with all we are
* Loving our neighbors as much as we already do ourselves (That's a lot by the way)
* Rejecting legalism
* Reaching all people groups with the good news...

And much, much more.

In summary, going deep involved living out a lifestyle of other-centeredness and Christ-centeredness that BLOWS away the comfort zone of most "mature" Christians. It has nothing to do with knowing more theology or experiencing some kind of spiritual or emotional sensation in worship. It is completely disconnected from intellectual intrigue about Aramaic texts. But the good news is, THIS spiritual depth will change your life for eternity!

Maturity to God is self-sacrifice. It is NOT pursuing what makes the self feel good. Throughout scripture, you'll won't find a single example of God telling us to pursue these things over love and selflessness (Read 1 Corinthians 13 for example). In most cases, He doesn't mention pursuing them at all! So when we chase the next worship high or intellectual stimulus somewhere, we've proven by our actions that we're not chasing God's will and maturity as He defines it. No, in those cases, we're simply pursuing self--the essence of immaturity.

Having said this, is it bad to feel God's presence in worship or use powerful spiritual gifts or learn to understand original languages or study Theology? Absolutely not! I'd be a hypocrite if I said they were. I pray in tongues and sometimes receive prophetic words from God. I have three Theology degrees and am pursuing a fourth. I love to worship and weep--I've even led worship and had people overwhelmed in the spirit when I prayed for them. These things are all fine and good...as long as we don't put them ahead of the TRULY deeper things of God and redefine what matters most to Him. The pursuit of them is even OK unless we use them as an excuse to leave our church family or reject God's call to ministry somewhere. It's a question of priorities.

Over the years, I've served with many fine people. I've also served in places where certain spiritual experiences or intellectualism became way too important. Know what I've noticed? Often the leaders and members who put their emphasis on these things end-up leading lives that are more of a mess than those they would have labeled, "spiritually weak." Sure, they pray in spiritual languages, slay others in the spirit, and worship like a house afire. You bet they can argue doctrine with the best of them and they dream in Hebrew! But are their marriages or their families or their finances or their relationships with church staff HEALTHY? Oh my--what a nightmare! Have they reached a lost person or helped the homeless? Would they give away their best suit or sacrifice their reputation by doing outreach at a bar? Not on your life Baby!

So again, "How deep do you REALLY want to go?" I pray the answer is--to the core--to the marrow of the bone--as deep as our Lord will take us! As Paul wrote, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Eph 4:13 KJV)!"

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

“Leading in Love!”

2010-05-30T07:26:00.000-04:00

What does it mean to be a godly leader? How should we respond to godly leaders in our lives?

Discussion Questions:

1. While the church isn't a business, does the church need to concern itself with budgets, finances, etc? If so, how can it maintain a balance in terms of never forgetting that it's a family first? How do families do budgets and finances while remaining in close relationship with one another?

2. Why is the Apostle Paul defending his ministry here? What were people saying? What is his justification for the decisions he's made? As leaders, how can we each be sure to have the same motive and exactly what IS that motive?

3. Paul says he wants transformation. What does that look like in individuals? In Families? In communities? How does supporting leaders like Paul help create transformation? How does resisting or judging them hold back that transformation?

Click "read more" to follow along with sermon notes...

Love Letters: “Leading in Love!”

REVIEW: Last week, we talked about “Giving When it Hurts!” Today, we’ll look “behind the scenes" at the motives guiding decisions made in a biblical, Christ-centered Church.

READING: 2 Cor. 12:11 I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing. 12 The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles--were done among you with great perseverance. 13 How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! 14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? …19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. 20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. (NIV)

BIG IDEA: Love those who love you and let them lead!

Godly leaders ____ _____ with ________. Vs 11-12 These signs can be healings, financial blessing, or more importantly—spiritual changes! (See Php 4:1)
Godly leaders _________ for the_____. Vs 13-15
Godly leaders make hard or unpopular _________ for the good of the ______. Their goal is ________________________! Vs.16-22

CALL: To support the leaders of our church by seeking to understand them and their love for you. To pray for them daily!

VISION: To grow to 200, then more members such that we can have the momentum needed to transform our community for Christ!

ANSWERS: 1. bear fruit, patience - 2. sacrifice, cause - 3. decisions, church, change—transformation

Q&A with PJ

2010-05-30T06:34:00.000-04:00

From time-to-time, we'll use our blog and newsletter article space to answer questions that come in at our services. This week, I have one question. If you want/need more detail this or any other topic, please call or email office@millpondchurch.org. Thanks!

Q. WHY 200? In the sermon notes, etc., PJ often lists 200 people in attendance as a goal. Why? Is he planning to leave after we hit 200? Is it just about numbers or money so we want to hit some arbitrary income level or size like a sales goal or something? Are we running the church like a business?

A. First, I'll apologize for not being more intentional about explaining this in the past. Right now, MPC's combined attendance at all of our public worship gatherings (Sunday, Wednesday, and Sat in Torrington) is about 140-150 unique attendees each week. By unique attendees, we mean that we don't count anyone twice, even if they attend more than one event. Most church health and growth experts would say that our next growth benchmark (or some call them "barriers") is 200. So, we've targeted that number as a goal to encourage people to invite friends, serve in the community, etc.

We know that studies have proven that once a new church hits 200, it's financial, manpower, and structure needs are normally stable and it is likely to survive and be independent. We also know, more importantly, that at 200, the church has momentum such that it can start to have a real, lasting impact on its community. Our prayer and call has always been to see Newington and surrounding towns transformed by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The 200 number, having a building, or other goals are only a means to that end, not an end in themselves. And, from my perspective, I have no plans to leave MPC at 200, 400, 1,000, or 80 for that matter. Sure, God could call me somewhere, but I'll probably be pastor emeritus here long after I'm physically able to be productive. You'll have to feed me baby food and carry me around the building...but I'll probably still be hanging around with this as my "home base" even if someone else takes the lead role at some point.

So, is there a plan to move on at 200? Absolutely not!

Finally, re. running the church like a business, the church is an organism--the body of Christ, not a business. We say that repeatedly in our membership class (CLASS 101) and we mean it. Having said that, it's way to easy to spiritualize away the real, practical needs of the church and not discuss them until crisis hits. The church has bills to pay and maintenance to do and space to rent/maintain. That costs money and involves business principles and practices to run--whether we like it or not. So we use those realities, while not forgetting the HIGHER reality that the church is first a spiritual family.

So, what should you do with goals like 200 in attendance, etc.? Pray. We know that there is a spiritual stronghold that often holds churches below this number so that they don't become too influential in their communities. We need to pray against that and invite friends to break the barrier and move on to the next one (300 or more). And, by God's grace, we will!

When Your Back's Against The Wall

2010-05-25T21:23:00.000-04:00

In Isaiah 36-37, there's an amazing story of God's grace and power. The King Hezekiah and the people of Judah are under seize by the King of Assyria who is threatening to wipe them out unless they surrender. He sends one of his generals, a powerful, fear-inducing "Rabshakeh" to oversee this military campaign against God's people. Rabshakeh's had a reputation of "kicking butt and taking names," so-to-speak. So just his presence alone made the people shake with fear.

After surrounding the city of Jerusalem, the Rabshakeh says, "Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours? do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust that you have rebelled against me? (Isa 36:4-5)" He goes on to show the futility of trusting in Egypt as an ally to defend them. Then, in verse 7 he asks, "But if you say to me 'We trust in the Lord our God,' is it not he whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed...?"

The Assyrians knew that the Jews had turned their backs on God and his laws. They assumed that would mean God would turn His back on them. They expected surrender, or at least an easy victory in battle. The Rabshakeh continues, yelling loud and close enough so that the people can hear him behind the walls of the city, "...Beware lest Hezekiah mislead you by saying, 'The Lord will deliver us.' Has any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? ...Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?"

Things looked pretty bleak. But in chapter 37, Hezekiah turns to God. After receiving another threatening letter from the King of Assyria, he takes it to the temple, spreads it open before the Lord and prays, "O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone of all the kingdoms of the earth: you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear O Lord and hear: open your eyes O Lord, and see and hear all the words of Sennacherib which he has sent to mock the living God. Truly O lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore, they were destroyed. So now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord."

How does God respond?

Despite years of rejection and the people's constant turning to pagan idols, even sacrificing their own children to some of those false gods, God hears Hezekiah's prayer. Through Isaiah the prophet, he tells Sennacherib the king of Assyria that his days are numbered. He promises to cause confusion and destruction to fall on the Assyrian army. He says, "(Sennacherib) shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city declares the Lord. For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David (Isa 37:33-35). At the end of chapter 37, we're told that God sent an angel who came at night and killed 185,000 soldiers so that when everyone work up the next morning, they were surrounded by dead bodies. The armies flee, Sennacherib goes home and as he's worshiping His pagan god, Nisroch, his own sons sneak into the temple and murder him (verses 36-38).

Even though they'd sinned against Him and were arguably receiving their "just desserts," God heard the prayers of his people and POWERFULLY responded. Even when their backs were literally against the wall--surrounded by an army ten times more powerful with nowhere to run, God heard. Sadly, it often takes this kind of "nowhere else to turn" circumstance to bring us to our knees, but when we respond in heartfelt repentance and surrender to God--he listens. This is true again and again...and again!

I don't know what you're going through today or whether or not you are personally in a "back against the wall" situation. I DO know that our church has faced this collectively. We are surrounded and under seize by an enemy who hates everything we stand for. There are false gods being worshiped throughout our community and we are out-gunned financially, materially (in terms of our property), and clearly numerically. We've been thwarted in attempts to build our youth center and have a church building in which to do ministry. We've been called names and our God has been mocked. There are powerful rulers who would like nothing more than to see our little church disappear. Further, like Israel, we KNOW we haven't always prayed, listened to God via. His Word, or worshiped consistently as we should. Idols of materialism, sex, and even false spirituality have tempted us. Will we turn to God for help? And if we do, why should God hear? Will He help us?

My Bible says, "Yes...Yes God WILL hear." He listens and responds when His kids turn to him as Hezekiah did. Mill Ponders--NOW is the time to turn to Him and throw ourselves at the mercy of the King of Heaven. I'm confident that, just as He did in Isaiah's day, God will hear and respond with power. Our enemy will be vanquished and our community will be set free. All we need to do is pray in faith and stand fast together.

Will we?

In Jesus,

Pastor Joel

Giving When It Hurts

2010-05-23T15:03:00.001-04:00

We know were' supposed to be "Cheerful Givers," but how do we do this when times are hard? How do we avoid giving because we "have to" or feel guilty? How do we avoid giving just to get something back from God? What does it mean to give by grace?

Love Letters: “Grace: Giving When it Hurts!”

REVIEW: Last week, we talked about “Accepting ‘Faithful Wounds.” Today, we’ll look at an area which produces some of the greatest blessings! Today, we’ll learn about generosity and God’s grace, especially, when it’s hardest to give!

READING: 2 Cor. 8:1-8

8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. NIV

BIG IDEA: Don’t give-up on giving!

Understand that God’s grace produces giving! So when we’re hardest hit, Christians give more, not less! They see it as a privilege because we see it as giving to God first, then to others. It’s a way of saying “thank you” to Jesus. Vs 1-5 & Vs. 9
Generosity will almost ALWAYS include money. We must avoid “stopping short” by giving everything else, but not cash. Vs 6-7 & Luke 12:34
While it’s done by choice, real generosity is more reliable. We follow through on it because it’s done for love, not law. Vs.8-15

CALL: 2 Cor. 9:6-7 To give cheerfully and generously, even when it’s hard!

VISION: A church multiplying and transforming communities, one life at a time. To TRULY have the resources to make a difference by helping people “passionately love God, then actively love others!”

Bike Blessing in Newington

2010-05-20T14:16:00.001-04:00

NEWINGTON, CT--Mill Pond Church in conjunction with the CT Christian Motorcycle Association's Beacon Bikers, will host a Bike Blessing from 12:30 to 2:30 PM, Sunday, June 27th in the parking lot across from the Newington Conference Center, 705 N. Mountain Rd., in Newington. All motorcycles and riders are welcome! Music, refreshments, and most importantly prayer for safety are all free. According to Lead Pastor Joel Rissinger, "Due to the recent surge in accidents involving bikes, MPC is interested in asking God for protection and inviting bikers to join us as we do so. I ride and will definitely be adding mine to the list!" Those with questions can call (860) 436-9216 or email office@millpondchurch.org.

http://www.bikerplaza.com

"We Need More Cowbell!"

2010-05-20T13:57:00.002-04:00

One of the funniest SNL Skits of all time was the "I want more cowbell" skit involving Will Ferrell and other actors in a band. The point of the skit was that a fan was disinterested in virtually everything else the band had to offer, but he LOVED the cowbell. Normally and instrument nobody notices, it was the cowbell that made THIS band his favorite.

What does that have to do with Mill Pond Church?

Sometimes MPC, like many churches, receives criticism about its worship services or other ministries. That's good. Its good because sometimes the criticism gives us a means of improvement, feedback that's helpful. Still, the challenge we face as leaders is that sometimes the requests/concerns/complaints aren't clear or don't seem to make sense to us. Like the cowbell, some requests are the last thing we'd think of or work on, yet it seems to be what folks are asking for.

What we've learned is that sometimes, people ask for cowbell, but they mean something else. That is, they're not sure what's missing or what they want/need/sense. So they say, "I want more cowbell," because they're really not sure how to verbalize the real issue. Often, our leaders feel that what they're seeking is more of the Holy Spirit and what only He can provide. It's not cowbell, its God's power...they/we just don't know that for sure or how to experience it.

So assuming we really want and need the power of the Holy Spirit in our worship services and ministries, let's consider HOW we can experience more of Him. Rather than try to answer that fully, (something I'm not really sure I CAN do), let me just point-out a few biblical examples of when the Holy Spirit moved and what preceded it. Perhaps there are things we can learn from these narratives--things that can help MPC grow and mature.

1. The Day of Pentecost, 33 AD. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit "showed up" in what is still perhaps the most dramatic way in human history. Tongues of fire fell, the earth shook, there was a sound like a hurricane, people spoke in tongues, and all were given a gift of interpretation (Acts 2:1-13). Still, what came before this? Was it just a random event, sort of an arbitrary miracle God just impulsively decided to drop on the church to help her get started? No! In Acts 1:4-5 they were told to wait in Jerusalem until this miracle came. They obeyed and waited for days. There were 120 praying and waiting on God when all heaven broke loose that day (Acts 1:15, 2:1, etc.).

2. The sending of Paul and Barnabas. The Holy Spirit moved to send Paul and Barnabas out of the Antioch church. Paul wrote most of the New Testament and between them, thousands if not millions have been saved. God did many mighty miracles through these men--but was it just a random act of grace? Or, was there something that preceded the Holy Spirit's power? Note Acts 13:1-2 which tells us many holy prophets and teachers were praying, worshipping and fasting when the Holy Spirit spoke.

3. Peter's miraculous release from Prison in Acts 12. I wont repeat the story, but Peter is released from prison by an angel. But what happened first? Verse 5 says that, "earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church."

I could go on and on...

If we want and need the Holy Spirit to do miracles in our midst, we need to approach him individually in prayer, study, and fasting. If we want POWER on Sunday, we need to be on our knees Monday-Saturday. If we want more passion in our worship, potency in our preaching, and purpose in our prayer--then church--we need to go to him NOW and ask.

Will you?

I pray the answer to that is...Yes!

IN Jesus,
Pastor Joel