ChurchApplied

Amazing Grace

Have you ever owed more debt than you could possibly pay? Perhaps not. But when it comes to spiritual things we are all way in over our heads. We can never atone for our sins or make ourselves good enough to deserve God's forgiveness.

Singer, songwriter Chris Tomlin, uses the story from the film, "Amazing Grace" (about William Wilberforce's efforts to abolish slavery in England) to illustrate our need for deliverance from the bondage of sin.

Here's another video link that tells the story. Google Video - Amazing Grace

AMC Held in South Carolina

Last week I attended the Adventist Ministries Convention in Myrtle Beach, SC. Some 600+ leaders from all over North America came together to share ideas, inspiration and resource information. It was a great opportunity to network with colleagues, hear God anointed speakers and participate in times of worship. 

The location was great with accommodations right on the beach, but it was cold most of the time. On the second day we even had a few snow flurries.

The music was worshipful. I was truly blessed by the songs, graphics and joyful attitudes of those leading out.

Evangelism for Today's World

Yes, the world still needs Jesus, and yes they still need to know what's coming on the earth and where to find refuge. But they need to hear it in their language, within the context of loving, caring relationships. Learn how you can partner with God to be a light to your world.

This event is coming to the Los Angeles area March 20-22, 2009. Watch this blog for location and registration info.

Looking Through God's Window

Dear God: Thank you for your Word--which is a window into your mind and will. I need to keep looking through it for more insight. Looking through it, I see you put people before your own ease and comfort (for you gave your Son to die for us). I see that you are passionate about being with those you call "family," which includes anyone who responds to your goodness.

Once again, I find myself amazed with how merciful you are. And once again, I am moved by your undeserved kindness and grace! I want to be like that--today!

Alive With Flavor

Oranges are one of my favorite winter foods. I look forward to January when they become ripe enough to eat. For 12 years we lived in a coastal region of southern California and had a naval orange tree in our backyard. Nothing compares to being able to walk over to a tree to personally harvest part of your breakfast. The flavor of the tree-ripened fruit explodes in your mouth! It's wonderful!

Oranges - Photo by Barbara Helgason

Buying oranges in the store is risky. Some are so tasteless I throw them away. They are either picked too early, or have sat on the shelf too long. Once an orange loses its flavor, there is nothing left to enjoy!

Jesus said, "Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear let him hear" ( Luke 14:35).

Again Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" (Matthew 5:13).

If our lives lose their God-flavor, how can we bring enjoyment and blessing to those around us? We are like tasteless food that nobody wants.

Spending time with God in Bible study and prayer fills us with rich flavorful qualities that brighten and bless everyone we touch.

People Are Like Trees

"People and their lives are like trees. Good trees bear beautiful, tasty fruit, but bad trees bear ugly, bitter fruit. A good tree cannot bear ugly, bitter fruit; nor can a bad tree bear fruit that is beautiful and tasty."

Ripe Apricots - Studiomill 2009

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven. Simply calling Me, 'Lord' when you reach heaven will not be enough. Only those who do the will of My Father who is in heaven will join Me in heaven." (Matthew 7:17-18;21) The Voice

Free Image - Download this image for use in your sermon and worship presentations.

What Do You Believe?

This excerpt is from a recent article by Betty Cooney in the Pacific Union Recorder.

"Our congregation had been reflecting on the Apostles' Creed in a series of sermons" said Ryan Bell, pastor of the Hollywood Church. "throughout this series we challenged people to think about one question: 'What do you believe?' While many Christians repeat the creed weekly in worship, it is quite foreign to most Adventists. I felt it would be a fresh way to approach the subject of "belief."

Read full Recorder article.

Susan Nwankpa designed "Unity" with her computer.
Photographer: C. Elwyn Platner

Life Is Short

When we are young and just starting out, life seems eternal. Remember what is was like when school ended for the year and summer vacation began? Those long carefree summer days seemed endless! At six or seven years-old, fifteen years seems like a long time. Seventy years is forever!

Turn Back the Clock

As we age, it's funny how being "old" seems to take legs and move a little further down the road from where we are. Every kid wants to be "older," but no one wants to be "old."

Each year we spend millions of dollars on medical procedures and products that are designed to make us look and feel younger. Promoters of these products promise their creams, pills and potions will turn back the clock, restore youthful vigor, and improve our lives. Intuitively, we know this isn't true, but we use them anyway because we don't like the alternative.

Our lives don't last very long. The Bible says, "You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). It's over before we know it!

Psalm 90 contains a prayer Moses prayed as he stood on the shores of the Jordan River looking toward the Promised Land:

"As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away" (Psalm 90:10).

Wherever you are in life's journey, you can make a positive impact on the people you know and love. Ask God today to make your life a blessings instead of a curse!