Enjoy some of our posts from 22 years ago, which were lost during a website upgrade.

Enjoy some of our posts from 22 years ago, which were lost during a website upgrade.

The plan would organize UMC churches in four global regions, with each given more leeway around same-sex marriage and other theological issues.The top legislative body of the United Methodist Church passed a series of measures Thursday to restructure the worldwide denomination to give each region greater equity in tailoring church life to its own customs and traditions.The primary measure, voted on as the UMC General Conference met at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina, was an amendment to the church’s constitution to divide the denomination into four equal regions—Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and the United States.According to the plan, each region would be able to customize part of the denomination’s rulebook, the Book of Discipline, to fit local needs. While church regions in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe have already enjoyed some leeway in customizing church life, the United States has not.The vote on the constitutional amendment passed 586–164, or by 78 percent, which means it surpassed the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. It must now go before each smaller church region, called an annual conference, for ratification by the end of 2025.If ratified by two-thirds of delegates to the annual conferences, the restructuring would allow the four regions to set their own qualifications for ordaining clergy and lay leaders; publish their own hymnal and rituals, including rites for marriage; and establish its own judicial courts. A new Book of Discipline would have one section that could be revised and tailored for each of the four regional conferences.The two-week worldwide meeting is the first meeting of the General Conference in five years, due mostly to delays associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows a painful schism that has split some 7,600 US-based churches from the denomination—a ...Continue reading...

The plan would organize UMC churches in four global regions, with each given more leeway around same-sex marriage and other theological issues.The top legislative body of the United Methodist Church passed a series of measures Thursday to restructure the worldwide denomination to give each region greater equity in tailoring church life to its own customs and traditions.The primary measure, voted on as the UMC General Conference met at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina, was an amendment to the church’s constitution to divide the denomination into four equal regions—Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and the United States.According to the plan, each region would be able to customize part of the denomination’s rulebook, the Book of Discipline, to fit local needs. While church regions in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe have already enjoyed some leeway in customizing church life, the United States has not.The vote on the constitutional amendment passed 586–164, or by 78 percent, which means it surpassed the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. It must now go before each smaller church region, called an annual conference, for ratification by the end of 2025.If ratified by two-thirds of delegates to the annual conferences, the restructuring would allow the four regions to set their own qualifications for ordaining clergy and lay leaders; publish their own hymnal and rituals, including rites for marriage; and establish its own judicial courts. A new Book of Discipline would have one section that could be revised and tailored for each of the four regional conferences.The two-week worldwide meeting is the first meeting of the General Conference in five years, due mostly to delays associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows a painful schism that has split some 7,600 US-based churches from the denomination—a ...Continue reading...

The plan would organize UMC churches in four global regions, with each given more leeway around same-sex marriage and other theological issues.The top legislative body of the United Methodist Church passed a series of measures Thursday to restructure the worldwide denomination to give each region greater equity in tailoring church life to its own customs and traditions.The primary measure, voted on as the UMC General Conference met at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina, was an amendment to the church’s constitution to divide the denomination into four equal regions—Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and the United States.According to the plan, each region would be able to customize part of the denomination’s rulebook, the Book of Discipline, to fit local needs. While church regions in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe have already enjoyed some leeway in customizing church life, the United States has not.The vote on the constitutional amendment passed 586–164, or by 78 percent, which means it surpassed the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. It must now go before each smaller church region, called an annual conference, for ratification by the end of 2025.If ratified by two-thirds of delegates to the annual conferences, the restructuring would allow the four regions to set their own qualifications for ordaining clergy and lay leaders; publish their own hymnal and rituals, including rites for marriage; and establish its own judicial courts. A new Book of Discipline would have one section that could be revised and tailored for each of the four regional conferences.The two-week worldwide meeting is the first meeting of the General Conference in five years, due mostly to delays associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows a painful schism that has split some 7,600 US-based churches from the denomination—a ...Continue reading...

? Temple Baptist Church - 4-17-2024John 15:11? Introduction:? A.? In verse 11, we find two kinds of “Joy.”? ? 1.? My Joy.? “remain in you”? A Joy that is found ONLY in Jesus Christ!? ? a)? The Joy of Salvation.? The Joy of Sanctification.? The Joy of Security.? The Joy of Serving.? ? b)? The Key words are “remain in” which implies that the joy of God is given to every believer and can be removed by the believer.? ? ? ? c)? “Living for Jesus” is a song that describes our Joy that is found in abiding in Jesus Christ:? Living for Jesus, a life that is true,Striving to please Him in all that I do;Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,This is the pathway of blessing for me.Refrain:O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.Living for Jesus Who died in my place,Bearing on Calv'ry my sin and disgrace;Such love constrains me to answer His call,Follow His leading and give Him my all.Living for Jesus, wherever I am,Doing each duty in His holy Name;Willing to suffer affliction and loss,Deeming each trial a part of my cross.Living for Jesus through earth's little while,My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.2.? Your Joy.? The key words here are “be full.”? The implication here is that the believer can have Joy to some degree and still not have fulness of Joy.? To have fulness of Joy is totally tied to the “My Joy” that is found only in our abiding in Christ.? “I had rather be an old time Christian that anything I know!”? Nehemiah 8:10? Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.? 3.? “Your Joy!”? I hear so much “Woe is me” preaching in our day.? People live lives of quiet desperation because of circumstances while God wants His people to enjoy life!? He wants them to enjoy His creation!? Proverbs 15:13? A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.? Proverbs 17:22? A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.? Ecclesiastes 2:24? There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.? Ecclesiastes 3:10-13? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.? (11)? He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.? (12)? I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.? (13)? And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.? Ecclesiastes 3:22? Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?? Ecclesiastes 5:18-19? Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.? (19)? Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.? Ecclesiastes 8:15? Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.? Ecclesiastes 9:7-9? Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.? (8)? Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.? (9)? Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.? B.? What is this joy of Christ?? I want to look at the best definition that I have ever seen, and it comes from your Bible because “My Joy” is not found in our circumstances which are subject to change.? It is completely found in the “God of my salvation” and the “God … my strength!”? *** Habakkuk 3:17-19? Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: ? (18)? Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. ? (19)? The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.? 1.? In these verses, we find both the “Cause” and “Effect” of the Christian's Joy.? The cause and effect is certainly not found in our circumstances as our days are so full for sin and sorrow!? Noah's Day, Lot's Day, Falling Away Days, Laodicean Days, Perilous Times all work together in our day to cause God's people to fret and fear.? Habakkuk used the word “Yet” to introduce “I will rejoice” and “I will joy!”? 2.? In Verses 18-19, we find the Cause of Joy:? a)? The God of my Salvation.? True Christian Joy comes from God in the form of Eternal Salvation.? John 15:13? Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.? b)? The LORD God, my Strength.? True Christian Joy is maintained in the spiritual Strength that comes from God, not circumstances.? John 15:5? 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.? 4.? In Verses 17-18, we find the Effect of Joy:? a)? Though things go wrong, and they do; though life is hard, and it is:? b)? Rejoicing comes from our inner fountain of Joy.? ? ? ? ? ? ? 5.? There was a day when praise and rejoicing were spontaneous, not something “worked up” by emotion.? “Popcorn Testimonies” have become a thing of the past.? We need to get our Joy back and Rejoicing will follow without having to be stirred or worked up.? Rejoicing is more than an emotion; it is a realization brought about by relationship and remembrance!? 6.? We live in days when pastors feel the necessity to stir our emotions with fleshly music and preaching as to produce rejoicing.? Thus, they become Promoters—not Pastors, Entertainers—not Preachers.? ? a.? A Pastor is none of these things.? He is to feed the flock of God, not stir them up.? Churches now have “Praise Leaders!”? ? b.? I find that preaching the Word is a divider because the Word brings about the knowledge of sin, the need for repentance, and division from the world.? c.? Rejoicing should be a spontaneous result of an inner Joy found in the Lord.? Rejoicing is a product of that inward Joy, not the cause of Joy.? Romans 12:12? ? Rejoicing in hope;? patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;? Philippians 3:1? ? Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.? To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.? Philippians 4:4? ? Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.? 7.? The hymns of the Faith no longer cause Rejoicing, so the modern day “church” is now in the “Entertainment Business” instead of reproving, rebuking, and Exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine.? Modern day preaching and music reflect the world because most professing “Christians” are more worldly than spiritual.? C.? Both rejoicing and joy are to be despite our circumstances, not because of them!? Most Christians live in discouragement with little joy.? ? Why?? The answer is simple.? 1.? Because Of Sinfulness - Matthew 24:12? And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.? ? (God's people are not drunks and harlots, but sin creeps in and we now walk at a guilty distance from God and the joy is gone.)? 2.? Because Of Our Situations - Matthew 14:30? But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.? ? (God's people have their eyes upon the “wind and waves” of circumstance and not upon Christ.? When Peter looked up instead of looking down, he saw the Lord of the “wind and waves” and once again walked on the water.)? D.? Many Christians live in defeat with no joy at all.? 1.? For The World, Joy Is Found In Circumstances – Luke 12:16-21? And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:? And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.? ? And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.? But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.? 2.? For The Christian, Joy Is Found Despite Circumstances - 2 Corinthians 7:4? Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.? 2 Corinthians 8:2? How that? in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty? abounded unto the riches of their liberality.Colossians 1:11? Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power,? unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;? 1 Thessalonians 1:6? And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord,? having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:? E.? Loss of joy comes through:? 1.? Losing the freshness of our salvation.? 2.? Losing the burning love for our Saviour.? 3.? Losing the excitement of our service.? WHERE THE CHRISTIAN FINDS HIS JOY? 1.? Christian Joy Is Found In Salvation - Luke 10:20? Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.? Psalms 35:9? And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall? rejoice in his salvation.? Psalms 51:12? Restore unto me? the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.? Psalms 132:16? I will also clothe her priests? with? salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.? Isaiah 12:3? Therefore? with joy? shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.? 2.? Christian Joy Is Found In The Holy Ghost - Romans 15:13? Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,? that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.? Joy Is Not Found In The Things Of The World - Romans 14:17? For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;? but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.? 3.? Christian Joy Is Found In God's Word - Nehemiah 8:9-12? And Nehemia

Have you ever asked yourself why you go to church? There are plenty of scriptures about meeting together, so, maybe it's out of obedience. Or maybe it's tradition, or maybe it's the fear of being accused of not being a good Christian. Maybe you go to church because it's something to do or it feels like a good thing to have some sort of faith-based support. Maybe you've formed good friendships, or you enjoy the programs churches have to offer. Maybe you like being part of a community of like-minded people. Maybe you've just always gone and so you continue to go out of habit or routine.? Everyone has their opinions about church, but does God have an opinion?Today, when churches almost everywhere are broadcasting online, does it really matter if you actually get dressed and head out on a Sunday morning or a Wednesday night? What about a Bible study, does that count? You can read the Bible alone and grow in your faith and you can pray alone and grow in your faith, and you can worship alone and grow in your faith. Yet each one of these faith actions has two sides: personal and inter-personal.? Most people are comfortable with reading the Bible and praying together, but worship is different. Why is that? People are sometimes less comfortable expressing themselves in worship when others are around than they are worshipping alone. But is one “better” or more spiritually beneficial than the other? Photo Credit:©GettyImages/CreativaImages

? ? ? ? ? We hope you have been enjoying our member spotlights and have been able to better get to know our members. This month we are spotlighting Dan and Shannon Penrod. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Dan grew up in a godly Christian home where his dad was a lay pastor. From birth to graduation he […]The post Member Spotlight—The Penrods? appeared first on Vision Baptist Church of South Forsyth.

The students of Answers Academy are really enjoying the newly renovated facilities they recently moved into, and the school continues to grow rapidly.

Enjoy a beautiful new video for Easter from Illustra Media.

Enjoy a beautiful new video for Easter from Illustra Media.

Today's category: LawyersYou Can't Take It With You? ? ? ? ? ? A dying man gathered his lawyer, doctor and clergyman at his bed side and handed each of them an envelope containing $25,000 in cash. He made them each promise that after his death and during his repose, they would place the three envelopes in his coffin. He told them that he wanted to have enough money to enjoy the next life.? ? ? ? ? ? A week later the man died. At the Wake, the Lawyer and Doctor and Clergyman, each concealed an envelope in the coffin and bid their old client and friend farewell. By chance, these three met several months later. Soon the Clergyman, feeling guilty, blurted out a confession saying that there was only $10,000 in the envelope he placed in the coffin. He felt, rather than waste all the money, he would send it to a Mission in South America. He asked for their forgiveness. The Doctor, moved by the gentle Clergymans sincerity, confessed that he too had kept some of the money for a worthy medical charity. The envelope, he admitted, had only $8000 in it. He said, he too could not bring himself to waste the money so frivolously when it could be used to benefit others.? ? ? ? ? ? By this time the Lawyer was seething with self-righteous outrage. He expressed his deep disappointment in the felonious behavior of two of his oldest and most trusted friends. "I am the only one who kept his promise to our dying friend. I want you both to know that the envelope I placed in the coffin contained the full amount. Indeed, my envelope contained my personal check for the entire $25,000."View hundreds more jokes online.Email this joke to a friend

Christian faith was integral to so many classic authors' writings. Deep and abiding faith can be seen in writers of both poetry and prose, and this list includes just a few of them. We hope it will inspire you to appreciate the writings of these authors to an even greater extend or maybe to pick up their works for the very first time!Although some may think that it is difficult to connect with authors and writings from previous centuries, perhaps the connection of shared faith may serve to bridge that gap and help you see these writers in new ways. The famous Christian father Augustine said that "All truth is God's truth," and while the works of these authors are fiction, it holds true that we can glean insights into God's character, faith, and human nature by reading their portrayal of these things. We hope you enjoy reading this list.Main image credit: ©Chris Bair/Unsplash

Today's category: DeathBumping the Wall? ? ? ? ? ? A funeral service was being held in a small town funeral parlor for a woman who has just passed away. At the end of the service the pallbearers are carrying the casket out, when they accidentally bumped into a wall and shook the casket. Hearing a faint moan, they open the casket and found out that the woman was actually alive!? ? ? ? ? ? For ten more years, the women enjoyed good health and then suddenly died. A ceremony is again held at the same funeral parlor. At the end of the ceremony the pallbearers are again carrying out the casket.? ? ? ? ? ? As they make their way toward the door, the husband cries out, "Watch out for the wall!"View hundreds more jokes online.Email this joke to a friend

You Can Trust God with Your MoneyAlan FongThu, 02/15/2024 - 02:00 Wise Financial Practices for Every Christian Is it not one of the great contradictions of the Christian life that we who have trusted Christ with our eternity sometimes struggle to trust Him with our money? God promises to meet our needs, and we all have testimonies of specific times and ways that He has done so. Yet, we still sometimes find a gap between wanting to trust Him with our finances and actually doing so.So what are some of the regular financial practices that help us exercise trust in God?Understand the biblical principle of stewardship? Everything we have—including our earning power and income—is a stewardship from God. Deuteronomy? 8:18 teaches us to “. . . remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth . . . .” It is God who blesses us with jobs and the health to work them. It is the Lord who blesses us with wise choices, good timing, and profitable return on our investments. Everything we have comes from God and belongs to God. He has entrusted us to manage His resources for Him.? Honor God by tithing? The Bible instructs us, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Proverbs 3:9). We are to set aside the first 10 percent (tithe) of our income and financial increase (passive income and capital gains) to give to the Lord. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord (Leviticus? 27:30). Giving it back to God allows us to see His continued blessing in our lives in a way we would not otherwise see. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachai 3:10).Give generously to God's work? Be ready to give an offering to the Lord over and above your tithe as the Lord impresses upon you to give. This would include participating in special offerings at church as well as regular giving to missions and other special funds through your church. We should “be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (1? Timothy 6:18).Create and live within a balanced budget? We must live within our means as well as planning for the future. One of the best ways to do this is to create a budget that takes into account our current income and regular expenditures. Our budget should include categories for both present and reoccurring needs. (For instance, some bills come only once per year, but you can set aside money toward the upcoming bill each month. Additional reoccurring needs that may not be present in every pay check include activities for your children, clothing, etc.) Creating and living within a budget helps guard against impulsive or excessive spending.? Save diligently for the future? Be sure to include savings in your budget. It is wise to save a minimum of 20 percent of your take home pay for emergencies and long-term investments. (Of this 20 percent, many people find it helpful to save up to a certain amount for an emergency fund and then redirect that part of their budget to investments until they need to use their emergency fund.) Any gifts and inheritances you receive can also be saved and invested. If available to you, it's good to participate in your employer-sponsored pretax retirement 401(k) or 403(b) plans, especially when they include matching funds.Do some research on investing basics to learn how to grow your money, and seek counsel for these decisions. Hard earned money is what we are paid for our labor. Smart money is when we have our money work for us. It's a good plan to use hard earned money to create smart money. It is important that you establish predetermined checkpoints to see how well you are on track in accumulating money for your future retirement needs.Pray over every financial decision? One of the great indicators of our faith is our prayer life. Part of trusting the Lord with our finances is seeking His direction in them. When it comes to creating a budget, determining your giving, setting up investments, and making large purchases, be sure to seek God's face and ask Him for? wisdom.Establish a will? It's important that you establish a will and trust for the proper distribution of your assets in the event of your death for the care of your survivors. You should also invest in adequate life and disability insurance to fill in shortfalls in your savings and accumulation goals.Live for eternal goals? Be careful that you don't fall into the trap of living for money and riches. First Timothy 6:9 warns, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”Trust in God? It's all too easy to begin trusting in our budget or our income to meet our needs rather than trusting in the Lord. But riches are uncertain. Instead of trusting in “uncertain riches,” we should “trust . . . in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).And you can trust God. You can be faithful in your tithes and offerings, trusting God to provide for your needs. You can trust Him when you are called upon to make financial sacrifices for the Lord's work or to help someone in need. You can trust God when you have a job layoff. You can trust God when the economy is in a recession. You can trust Him when unexpected expenses arise or when your children go to college. You can trust Him if you are called upon to help take care of your parents. You can trust Him to help you make wise choices. You can trust Him in helping you to manage and steward your finances well. Category Christian Living Tags Finances Christian Living

A prisoner in Texas writes: I enjoy doing these lessons. They help me get to know my Lord and help me to do my time.The post From a Prisoner in Texas appeared first on Missionaries to Cyberspace.

You Can Trust God with Your MoneyAlan FongThu, 02/15/2024 - 02:00 Wise Financial Practices for Every Christian Is it not one of the great contradictions of the Christian life that we who have trusted Christ with our eternity sometimes struggle to trust Him with our money? God promises to meet our needs, and we all have testimonies of specific times and ways that He has done so. Yet, we still sometimes find a gap between wanting to trust Him with our finances and actually doing so.So what are some of the regular financial practices that help us exercise trust in God?Understand the biblical principle of stewardship? Everything we have—including our earning power and income—is a stewardship from God. Deuteronomy? 8:18 teaches us to “. . . remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth . . . .” It is God who blesses us with jobs and the health to work them. It is the Lord who blesses us with wise choices, good timing, and profitable return on our investments. Everything we have comes from God and belongs to God. He has entrusted us to manage His resources for Him.? Honor God by tithing? The Bible instructs us, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Proverbs 3:9). We are to set aside the first 10 percent (tithe) of our income and financial increase (passive income and capital gains) to give to the Lord. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord (Leviticus? 27:30). Giving it back to God allows us to see His continued blessing in our lives in a way we would not otherwise see. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachai 3:10).Give generously to God's work? Be ready to give an offering to the Lord over and above your tithe as the Lord impresses upon you to give. This would include participating in special offerings at church as well as regular giving to missions and other special funds through your church. We should “be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (1? Timothy 6:18).Create and live within a balanced budget? We must live within our means as well as planning for the future. One of the best ways to do this is to create a budget that takes into account our current income and regular expenditures. Our budget should include categories for both present and reoccurring needs. (For instance, some bills come only once per year, but you can set aside money toward the upcoming bill each month. Additional reoccurring needs that may not be present in every pay check include activities for your children, clothing, etc.) Creating and living within a budget helps guard against impulsive or excessive spending.? Save diligently for the future? Be sure to include savings in your budget. It is wise to save a minimum of 20 percent of your take home pay for emergencies and long-term investments. (Of this 20 percent, many people find it helpful to save up to a certain amount for an emergency fund and then redirect that part of their budget to investments until they need to use their emergency fund.) Any gifts and inheritances you receive can also be saved and invested. If available to you, it's good to participate in your employer-sponsored pretax retirement 401(k) or 403(b) plans, especially when they include matching funds.Do some research on investing basics to learn how to grow your money, and seek counsel for these decisions. Hard earned money is what we are paid for our labor. Smart money is when we have our money work for us. It's a good plan to use hard earned money to create smart money. It is important that you establish predetermined checkpoints to see how well you are on track in accumulating money for your future retirement needs.Pray over every financial decision? One of the great indicators of our faith is our prayer life. Part of trusting the Lord with our finances is seeking His direction in them. When it comes to creating a budget, determining your giving, setting up investments, and making large purchases, be sure to seek God's face and ask Him for? wisdom.Establish a will? It's important that you establish a will and trust for the proper distribution of your assets in the event of your death for the care of your survivors. You should also invest in adequate life and disability insurance to fill in shortfalls in your savings and accumulation goals.Live for eternal goals? Be careful that you don't fall into the trap of living for money and riches. First Timothy 6:9 warns, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”Trust in God? It's all too easy to begin trusting in our budget or our income to meet our needs rather than trusting in the Lord. But riches are uncertain. Instead of trusting in “uncertain riches,” we should “trust . . . in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).And you can trust God. You can be faithful in your tithes and offerings, trusting God to provide for your needs. You can trust Him when you are called upon to make financial sacrifices for the Lord's work or to help someone in need. You can trust God when you have a job layoff. You can trust God when the economy is in a recession. You can trust Him when unexpected expenses arise or when your children go to college. You can trust Him if you are called upon to help take care of your parents. You can trust Him to help you make wise choices. You can trust Him in helping you to manage and steward your finances well. Category Christian Living Tags Finances Christian Living

These entries from February 2022 are still worth reading. Enjoy!

Church Planting in a Metro AreaChris ChadwickFri, 05/19/2023 - 17:08 “You want me to go where?” Who says that—a rebellious teenager? a timid employee? How about a young man from Amarillo, Texas, who God is calling to plant a church in San Diego, California?Yes, those were my words in December of 2001, as I was overwhelmed that God would allow my family and me the privilege of starting a church in San Diego. But it wasn't all about the joy of the opportunity—I also knew my weaknesses, and that knowledge frightened me.San Diego is the eighth largest city in the nation, with 1.4 million people. In 2001, there were two independent Baptist churches and few non-Baptist, gospel-preaching churches in the entire city. And, although more conservative than Los Angeles or San Francisco, San Diego isn't exactly a bastion of Christendom.By God's grace, we followed His call. Fast-forward more than twenty years: I'm overwhelmed to say God has built and sustained Canyon Ridge Baptist Church. He's done more than I ever thought He would and grown us in ways I never thought possible. We're blessed with a fantastic team of servants dedicated to sharing the gospel in our city. God has blessed us with a permanent location in the heart of San Diego.Through my office window, I can see low-income, transient, and primarily immigrant housing. Our neighborhood is a thriving international community with over seventeen mother tongues spoken. It's a community where you can rent a 350-square-foot studio for $1,950.00 a month and find yourself serenaded every night by a chorus of homeless folks singing. I wouldn't trade it for the world.I want to share five simple thoughts that have helped me over the past two decades of church planting in a metropolitan/urban area. If you are a church planter or praying about planting a church in one of the needy cities of our nation, I pray these will help you as well. People Come FirstPersonal evangelism is a must when building a church in an urban environment. Guests won't run through your doors because you put up a sign and design a snazzy website. In the early days of Canyon Ridge, I spent a minimum of twenty-five hours a week knocking doors, meeting people, and participating in outreach and community events. Why? People only came to church after I engaged, encouraged, and shared the gospel. Over twenty years later, we still have an aggressive outreach plan. This year, we will hand-deliver through door-knocking and canvassing over 250,000 invitations to church—all to meet more people and introduce them to Jesus.Commit to Learning a New CultureAs I've mentioned, I came to San Diego from Texas. Texans drive differently, dress differently, eat differently, enjoy different hobbies, and think differently from San Diegans. Are there similarities? Sure! But my family and I still had to make a huge adjustment when we moved here. The more you're with the folks of your community, the more you will understand the culture. Learn and embrace the culture; it's a worthy pursuit that will help you build gospel influence. Understand You Will Say “Goodbye” RegularlyOf the many things metropolitan areas are known for, longevity is not one of them. You'll say “goodbye” to folks who change jobs, college students who graduate and move away, people who leave for a more comfortable community, and interns who get full-time jobs elsewhere. If you live in a military city like ours, you'll have the added burden and blessing of service members joining and moving.Church planter, I pray that God will bring people who will live as “missionaries” in your area—folks who will serve in your church not because it is home or comfortable but because God has called them. They'll give up the American dream of a house and being close to family for an eternal reward. They, like you, will live in a smaller house or apartment and pay exorbitant prices for the privilege of ministering in your community. And they will encourage you more than words can say.In reality, you'll say goodbye a lot, but you'll also be constantly surprised by all the hellos and by how the Lord encourages and sustains you and His church.Accept That Your Church May Never Own a BuildingFor the first five years of Canyon Ridge, we met in a 1,200-square-foot community center. We spent the next two years in a school auditorium on Sundays and the next year and a half in the multi-purpose room at our current location. We've met in hotels, Navy chapels, literally under a tree, and in our house.In 2009, the Lord miraculously provided a building. It was in disrepair, a blight in our community, and looked like a cross between a bundt cake pan and a spaceship, but it was ours! Even after extensive remodeling, it doesn't look like a “normal church.” But to me, it's cooler! I'm thankful for God's provision.My point is this: People might visit your church because of a cool or permanent building; but it won't be enough to keep them there. People came to both a recreation center and a school cafeteria and planted their lives in this local church because they were loved, discipled, and encouraged to walk with Jesus. A building is a means to an end, not the sign of success or failure. Your church may never own a building—that's okay! You may never have a permanent location—that's okay! You're not called into the commercial real estate business; you're called to reach people with the gospel. Don't make excuses. Simply do your best with what you have, and trust Christ to build His church.You Can Trust HimPastoring in a metropolitan/urban area is fantastic. It's electric when people from different parts of the country and world gather in the church they were saved in for one purpose: to glorify God and be edified for the work to which God has called them. I think back to when I asked God, “You want me to go where?” I'm so glad God called me, and I'm glad I went. Could it be that God wants you to go there? If God is calling, go. For Christ has promised, “. . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). You can trust in Him! Category Church Planting Tags Church Planting

Join us for engaging, hands-on science programs during your visit. Finding the perfect educational opportunities for your family just got a little easier!

What a great fellowship we had celebrating our great countries Declaration of Independence. We enjoyed the fellowship of one another with a cookout right in front of the church followed by some sporting activities. We ended the night with a firework show that everyone enjoyed.

We're excited to share that TrueSong has released their second album, Tell Someone, featuring the single “Army of Love”—which now has its very own music video.

This is a serious and difficult time. Quarantines are hard. But we can do more than endure, we can step up and be strong.Over the next few weeks there will be a lot of people quarantined in their homes in an all-out attempt to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).This is cause for concern, but it need not be a cause for fear. Especially if we prepare well for it.But what exactly can we do while isolated – either alone or with family – for days or weeks at a time?A lot of people are already adding to their TV-watching queues. That’s not wrong – I plan to watch some TV and movies myself. But if that’s all we do, we will have added to the problem by squandering our time.Fighting Fear By Fighting BoredomStaving off boredom may seem like a trivial issue. And it is certainly not as severe as the medical and financial challenges many are facing. But it is not trivial.Fear is a very real issue right now. And fears tend to grow when we’re passive, but diminish when we’re active.So let’s keep busy. But not just for the sake of busyness. Let’s use this as an opportunity to do activities that add value to our lives and the lives of others.Here are a few ideas:1. ReadStart with the Bible. Depending how long this goes, you might cover a lot of territory, or go really deep into a book that touches your heart.Also, you can catch up on books that can teach you something new.Enjoy a novel or biography.Join an online book club with friends, or join an existing site like Goodreads.2. WriteProcess your thoughts, feelings and ideas in a journal or diary. This is a greatBlog.Write a book that someone else might want to read. I can tell you from personal experience, there are more people who want to read what you have to say than you might think.Send cards or letters to friends.3. CreateThis would be ...Continue reading...

Spring is my favorite season, so I was very happy that it came early to Ohio this year. I've been enjoying all the flowers blooming and the warmer weather. At

I have been at the museum the last two weeks, enjoying warmer weather and seeing some signs of spring such as flowering bushes and spring flowers. We have had