Deep Roots - Community Part 3

Good Morning Riverbank,

It is a glorious morning in Nelson County.  

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosityt—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

As you read this passage and think through the ones I have shared over the last couple of days, keep in mind that the early Church did not make two distinctions that we often make in our thinking.  First, is the distinction between what is spiritual and what is secular.  For them everything was a spiritual activity because they were filled with the Holy Spirit wherever they went.  Second, there was not a clear distinction between who was "in the church" and who was not.  These activities were taking place with believers and non-believers present and this is why so many were being saved.

Allow, the Holy Spirit to shine a fresh light these passages as you read knowing that this was a lifestyle, not just something they participated in.

Have a Wonderful Day,

Pastor Brian

Deep Roots - Community Part 2

Good Morning Riverbank,

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 

Acts 2:43-45

So as the new church formed and met together in homes and the temple courts what was happening among them?  There was a "sense of awe."  Do you have that same attitude of worship in your life?   They performed and experienced miracles that gave evidence to the power of their message about Jesus and brought healing and life to many people.  They gathered together for worship, and they had an incredible spirit of generosity.  

Wow, what a powerful, God breathed life.  As we form this church in Nelson Co.  we want to have deep roots of community and experience the power of God working in our lives just like the early believers.  Pray for God to pour out His Spirit and for us see this vision fulfilled in Riverbank.

Living abundantly in Him Today,

Pastor Brian

Deep Roots - Community Part 1

Good Morning Riverbank,

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 2:42

As the early believers formed community after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost they were very intentional about how they lived their lives.  In the verse above we see that they were committed to learning about how to live a godly life, to growing in relationships with each other, and growing in their relationship with God through prayer.  

Sometimes we make the community that Jesus created for believers (The Church) so complicated, when right here in Acts we see the simplicity of living a life of relationship with God and others.  

In the next couple of days we will see the results of this life.  As you pray today ask yourselves, "Am I committed to living my life in community with others just like the early believers did?"

Be Blessed,

Pastor Brian

Be Content With Who You Are

Be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you, he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God, He is most careful with you.

1 Peter 5:6-7 The Message

Why is it so hard for us to be honest with who we are are the good, the bad, and the ugly?  Sometimes, "church" is where we put on the biggest front and then we wonder why people say that the church is full of hypocrites?  We men may be the greatest offenders in this area.  In the book Wild at Heart, John Eldridge calls this front that we put on "the poser."  People ask us, "How are you?" and we answer with spiritual language that hides the struggles of our lives.

So there is the problem... we all have done it.  How do we break free into honest living that is healthy for us and our relationships?  I think the key is in the first part of this verse, "Be content with who you are."  We all are not perfect, we make mistakes and we sin. But, we have been set free from the power of sin through Jesus death on the cross, we love Him, we hunger for the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and we are growing to be more like Jesus.  Along the way we have victories and defeats, joys and heartaches, strength and struggles.  

Let us be content with who we are and God's strong hand will be on us to promote us at the right time.  As we live in authenticity our relationships will grow and those that are hurting around us will be drawn to the power of Jesus that they can see at work in our lives.

Live under God's Strong Hand today,

Pastor Brian

Change the Atmosphere Wherever You Go

Romans 15:13

 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What a powerful promise.  I have been reflecting this week on the fact that because the Holy Spirit fills me as a believer in Christ then everywhere I go brings the Spirit of God into that place.  It doesn't matter whether or not that place is a church worship service or a gas station.  That is exactly what happened Sunday evening when we went to Lovingston to bless our community.  Because, we were there and filled with the Holy Spirit, the atmosphere of the grassy area besides Blossom's Florist was changed.  I could sense it and I believe our guests could sense it as they came are were blessed.

This Sunday afternoon we will get the same opportunity.  Due to the fact that about 90% of our families are involved in the Rec. Dept. Youth soccer tournament Sunday afternoon, we will have our gathering at the soccer field to cheer on the Riverbank kids.  We won't meet at the Shipman Legion Hall.  And, remember that as you are there the Holy Spirit filling you is changing the atmosphere around you.  Be a blessing, reach out, share a word of encouragement, and invite someone into relationship with God's people.

Take Care,

Pastor Brian