This Day In The Life Of Your Pastor – February 8th, 2010

1. Myrtle Beach Marathon had a humble start – Myrtle Beach Marathon Newsletter – TheSunNews.com: http://bit.ly/9w63pX via @addthis about 9 hours ago from web
2. The first Myrtle Beach Marathon in 1998 had 2,400 participants, and this year’s event has about 11,000 participants about 9 hours ago from web

3. I hear the salt trucks loading up, the snow has arrived! about 10 hours ago from web

4. A FREE BEER to the runners! Just bring in your race number! NO THANKS, I GET MY HIGH FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT about 10 hours ago from web

5. Course Map for the Myrtle Beach Marathon february 13th, 2010 « Imagebearer’s Weblog: http://bit.ly/aF1mJP via @addthis about 10 hours ago from web

6. Marathon, 1/2 marathon are SOLD OUT!!!! No race transfers, bib transfers or deferments. this means I am in the Marathon and I can’t stop it! about 10 hours ago from web

7. Marathon and Half Marathon- Saturday, February 13th, 6:30am can you say “Ouch” I can’t wait! about 10 hours ago from web

8. The weather looks good for this weekend’s 2010 BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon presented by Chick-fil-A and the Dasani Half Marathon. about 10 hours ago from web

9. 50 Golden Days of Evangelism « Imagebearer’s Weblog: http://bit.ly/b0tq9Q via @addthis about 11 hours ago from web

10. Foundation Celebrates Youth Leadership in Ministry |  The Foundation For Evangelism: http://bit.ly/9RXrUh via @addthis about 11 hours ago from web

11. The Harry Denman Evangelism Award |  The Foundation For Evangelism: http://bit.ly/cBdSbk via @addthis about 11 hours ago from web

12. 50 Golden Days of Evangelism |  The Foundation For Evangelism: http://bit.ly/9yiXnM via @addthis about 11 hours ago from web

13. Wesley Report: The Extremism of the RCRC: http://bit.ly/c9UJyx via @addthis about 11 hours ago from web

14. @jonathan_snow14 you go man! http://myloc.me/3DC2D about 11 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to jonathan_snow14

15. who needs sleep? about 12 hours ago from web

16. @Sharritta I know but I just accept it as a gift from God. He is sending it to us for some reason. Praying you stay safe. about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to Sharritta

17. Another Winter Storm is on the way, snow, sleet, and freezing rain http://myloc.me/3Dq74 about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter

18. We are about making Connections http://myloc.me/3Doqy about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter

19. My eyesight is really going down or maybe I am just tired. Going to ask God to heal that while fasting http://myloc.me/3DnPN about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

20. RT @RevMSlaughter: Jesus’ death on the cross tells me that God would rather go to hell for me than go to heaven without me–and you. about 15 hours ago from UberTwitter

21. great Council Meeting, headed home to the best wife and kids in the world about 12 hours ago from web

22. Council Meeting http://myloc.me/3D5wO about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

23. @faithengineer I need to sit down with you and get explination. I don’t like it at all. I am sure I will get use to it. about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to faithengineer

24. got to spend time this afternoon with some youth at Out Of The Box who have a vision for a band. Awesome young folks about 15 hours ago from web

25. @keithmusser521 not nice http://myloc.me/3CXRU about 17 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to keithmusser521

26. Meeting with Rev Terry Gregory to plan Youth Lay Speaker Training http://myloc.me/3CJYC about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter

27. I am immersed in work this morning and I feel the presence of God so present, so amazing, God is alive about 22 hours ago from web

28. Anyone who would still like to sign up for Experiencing God @ Out of the Box, let me know ASAP about 23 hours ago from web

29. Experiencing God Bible Study is starting 1 wk late due 2 weather forecast & the current conditions downtown. We wil start Wed 10am Feb 17th about 23 hours ago from web

30. http://foundationforevangelism.org/ Foundation for Evangelism, check out their resources 6:41 AM Feb 8th from web

31. Day after day, n the temple courts & from house 2 house, they never stopped teaching & proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. 6:00 AM Feb 8th from web

32. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 5:59 AM Feb 8th from web

33. “We gave U strict orders not 2 teach N this name,” he said. “Yet U have filled Jerusalem with your teaching.” We need 2 fill our Jerusalem 5:56 AM Feb 8th from web

34. more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. Acts 5:14 5:53 AM Feb 8th from web

35. reading God’s text message in Acts 5-8 this morning 5:51 AM Feb 8th from web

36. Clergy Land http://holston.org/about/communications/the-call/volEE/num1/new/ 5:48 AM Feb 8th from web

37. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs017/1101843652827/archive/1103010720918.html The Call 2 5:47 AM Feb 8th from web

38. RT @shawnlovejoy: “Sin is like mold. It grows best in the dark.” -Tim Chester (see Jn 3:20-21) 5:11 AM Feb 8th from UberTwitter

39. @Sharritta praying for you 5:09 AM Feb 8th from UberTwitter in reply to Sharritta

Day 40-90 Days to read the New Testament (TNIV)

Acts 9

Saul’s Conversion

¹ Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest ² and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

⁵ “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. ⁶ “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

⁷ The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

¹⁰ In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

¹⁷ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, ¹⁹ and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. ²⁰ At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. ²¹ All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” ²² Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

²³ After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, ²⁴ but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. ²⁵ But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, ^[a] but they tried to kill him. ³⁰ When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

³¹ Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Aeneas and Dorcas

³² As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. ³³ There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. ³⁴ “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. ³⁵ All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

³⁶ In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. ³⁷ About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ³⁸ Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

³⁹ Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

⁴⁰ Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. ⁴² This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. ⁴³ Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Acts 10

Cornelius Calls for Peter

¹ At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. ² He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. ³ One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

⁴ Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.

The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. ⁵ Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. ⁸ He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Peter’s Vision

⁹ About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. ¹⁰ He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. ¹¹ He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. ¹² It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. ¹³ Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

¹⁴ “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

¹⁵ The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

¹⁶ This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

¹⁷ While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. ¹⁸ They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

¹⁹ While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three ^[b] men are looking for you. ²⁰ So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

²¹ Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”

²² The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” ²³ Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.

Peter at Cornelius’s House

The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. ²⁴ The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. ²⁶ But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only human myself.”

²⁷ While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. ²⁸ He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with Gentiles or visit them. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

³⁰ Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. ³² Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

³⁴ Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism ³⁵ but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right. ³⁶ You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷ You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

³⁹ “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, ⁴⁰ but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. ⁴¹ He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴² He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in tongues ^[c] and praising God.

Then Peter said, ⁴⁷ “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” ⁴⁸ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts 11

Peter Explains His Actions

¹ The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. ² So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him ³ and said, “You went into the house of the uncircumcised and ate with them.”

⁴ Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: ⁵ “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. ⁶ I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. ⁷ Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’

⁸ “I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

⁹ “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ ¹⁰ This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

¹¹ “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. ¹² The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. ¹³ He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. ¹⁴ He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’

¹⁵ “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with ^[d] water, but you will be baptized with ^[e] the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷ So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

¹⁸ When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

The Church in Antioch

¹⁹ Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. ²⁰ Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹ The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

²² News of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³ When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. ²⁴ He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

²⁵ Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶ and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

²⁷ During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) ²⁹ The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the believers living in Judea. ³⁰ This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 12

Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison

¹ It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. ² He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. ³ When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. ⁴ After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

⁵ So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

⁶ The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. ⁷ Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

⁸ Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. ⁹ Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

¹¹ Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

¹² When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. ¹³ Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”

¹⁵ “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”

¹⁶ But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷ Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.

¹⁸ In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.

Herod’s Death

Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. ²⁰ He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.

²¹ On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. ²² They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a mere mortal.” ²³ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

²⁴ But the word of God continued to increase and spread.

Barnabas and Saul Sent Off

²⁵ When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from ^[f] Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Course Map for the Myrtle Beach Marathon february 13th, 2010

I still can’t believe that February 13th is right on top of us. It seemed like a great idea to sign up for this race back in December. It seemed like just the motivation to keep us training through the winter months. We never dreamed we would have 3 weeks of bitter cold and wind. We never imagined we would have 3 major snow and ice events. However, we ran the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day and Kenneth says there is no way we have lost all of our conditioning in this short period of time. lol

We  are going to run, have a great time, and enjoy the Ocean in the background. We also desire your fervent prayers.

Ronnie

50 Golden Days of Evangelism

50 Golden Days of Evangelism

Source: Foundation for Evangelism

01/26/10 10:40 Age: 13 days

Category: Evangelism, News

In May of 1949, Dr. Harry Denman wrote a letter to “Shepherds”, a journal published between the years of 1944 to 1956. In this letter, Dr. Denman asked every pastor only not to observe Pentecost on June 5th, but to “meet the conditions so that every church will have a Pentecost on that day”. From Easter to Pentecost, Dr. Denman wanted to have “50 Golden Days of Evangelism”.

Dr. Harry Denman’s goal was two-fold.

First, from Easter until Pentecost, he wanted “every church [to] organize visitation teams to visit one night each week during that period and secure thousands of first commitments to Christ and his church on June 5th”. Next, Dr. Denman asked that during Family Week, May 1st through 8th, the teams would visit young families and secure their first commitment to Christ. A daunting task indeed. There is no record of how this was completed, but the goal was quite clear.

60 years later, the 2004 recipient of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award and a student of Dr. Denman’s approach to evangelism, Rev. Ronnie Collins, feels that this message is still important today. But, he also believes that thanks to new ways to communicate to the masses, that the completion of such a task is more easily accomplished. As Ronnie states “I have wanted for some time now to put this together and challenge the churches of Holston Conference with ‘50 Golden Days of Evangelism.’”

Rev. Collins has taken that initiative. Using the latest tools at his church’s disposal to do this work, from Facebook and Twitter, to Youtube and Blogging, Rev. Collins has been spreading the gospel in new ways. Ronnie is also sharing various resources which you may also access via his website at Imagebearer to learn what methods could work for you to join in such a commitment.

Rev. Collins has been true to his understanding of Dr. Denman’s vision. A vision reflected in The Foundation for Evangelism’s passion statement; “helping all persons experience God’s transforming love through Jesus Christ”.  Rev. Collins has a logo for his commitment on his website.  The commitment states he wants to have a “90 day investment in 3000 lives” saved, 40 Days of Preparation, fasting and prayer leading to 50 Golden Days of Evangelism. The commitment even rings true for The Holston Conference who have taken up the mantle of this monumental task. This year’s theme for their 2010 conference will be “Offer Them Christ” and follows the theme of the 50 Golden Days of Evangelism.

If you wish to do the same for your church or within your conference, click these links to find out more.

Holston “Offer Them Christ” page

Reverend Ronnie G. Collins homepage

Evangelism Resources - providing responsible evangelism resources

Day 39-90 Days to read the New Testament (TNIV)

Acts 5

Ananias and Sapphira

¹ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ² With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ⁴ Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

⁵ When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. ⁶ Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

⁷ About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

⁹ Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

¹⁰ At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

The Apostles Heal Many

¹² The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹³ No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ¹⁵ As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ¹⁶ Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil ^[a] spirits, and all of them were healed.

The Apostles Persecuted

¹⁷ Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. ¹⁸ They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. ¹⁹ But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

²¹ At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. ²² But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, ²³ “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” ²⁴ On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what this might lead to.

²⁵ Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” ²⁶ At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

²⁷ The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. ²⁸ “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

²⁹ Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! ³⁰ The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. ³¹ God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. ³² We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

³³ When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. ³⁴ But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. ³⁵ Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. ³⁶ Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. ³⁷ After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. ³⁸ Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. ³⁹ But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

⁴⁰ His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ⁴² Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 6

The Choosing of the Seven

¹ In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews ^[b] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ² So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³ Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴ and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

⁵ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶ They presented them to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

⁷ So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized

⁸ Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. ¹⁰ But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

¹¹ Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

¹² So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. ¹³ They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. ¹⁴ For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

¹⁵ All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts 7

Stephen’s Speech to the Sanhedrin

¹ Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?”

² To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. ³ ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’ ^[c]

⁴ “So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Harran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. ⁵ He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. ⁶ God spoke to him in this way: ‘For four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated. ⁷ But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.’ ^{[d] 8} Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.

⁹ “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

¹¹ “Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our people could not find food. ¹² When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors on their first visit. ¹³ On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family. ¹⁴ After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all. ¹⁵ Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our ancestors died. ¹⁶ Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.

¹⁷ “As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. ¹⁸ Then ‘a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.’ ^{[e] 19} He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.

²⁰ “At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. ^[f] For three months he was cared for in his parents’ home. ²¹ When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. ²² Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

²³ “When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. ²⁴ He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. ²⁵ Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. ²⁶ The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’

²⁷ “But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? ²⁸ Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ ^{[g] 29} When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.

³⁰ “After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. ³¹ When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say: ³² ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ ^[h] Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

³³ “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. ³⁴ I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’ ^[i]

³⁵ “This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. ³⁶ He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness.

³⁷ “This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.’ ^{[j] 38} He was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living words to pass on to us.

³⁹ “But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. ⁴⁰ They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’ ^{[k] 41} That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in what their own hands had made. ⁴² But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets:
” ‘Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings
forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel?

⁴³ You have taken up the tabernacle of Molek
and the star of your god Rephan,
the idols you made to worship.
Therefore I will send you into exile’ ^[l] beyond Babylon.

⁴⁴ “Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. ⁴⁵ Having received the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, ⁴⁶ who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. ^{[m] 47} But it was Solomon who built a house for him.

⁴⁸ “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:

⁴⁹ ” ‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me?
says the Lord.
Or where will my resting place be?

⁵⁰ Has not my hand made all these things?’ ^[n]

⁵¹ “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— ⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

⁵⁴ When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶ “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

⁵⁷ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, ⁵⁸ dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8

¹ And Saul approved of their killing him.

The Church Persecuted and Scattered

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. ² Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. ³ But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

Philip in Samaria

⁴ Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. ⁵ Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. ⁶ When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. ⁷ With shrieks, evil ^[o] spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. ⁸ So there was great joy in that city.

Simon the Sorcerer

⁹ Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, ¹⁰ and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” ¹¹ They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³ Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

¹⁴ When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. ¹⁵ When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized into ^[p] the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

¹⁸ When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money ¹⁹ and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

²⁰ Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! ²¹ You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. ²² Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. ²³ For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

²⁴ Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

²⁵ After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

Philip and the Ethiopian

²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” ²⁷ So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian ^[q] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, ²⁸ and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. ²⁹ The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

³⁰ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

³¹ “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

³² This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

³³ In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.” ^[r]

³⁴ The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” ³⁵ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

^36-37 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” ^{[s] 38} And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. ³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

This Day In The Life Of Your Pastor – February 7th, 2010

1. still working but it is time to go to bed, I am not a night owl about 3 hours ago from web
2. Just beat Misty and Sussie @ Scrabble Slam http://myloc.me/3Bpli about 6 hours ago from UberTwitter

3. Dinner with the family and our long lost neighbor http://myloc.me/3BjiK about 7 hours ago from UberTwitter

4. Every person is made in the image of God and they are precious to Him. Treat them that way. http://myloc.me/3Bcpw about 9 hours ago from UberTwitter

5. Sometimes we seek power more than we seek truth. http://myloc.me/3Bcdd about 9 hours ago from UberTwitter

6. Often we find it easier 2 forgive others than to 4give ourselves. Say 2 yourself “in the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven” U really are about 9 hours ago from UberTwitter

7. working, working, working, sermon prep, devotional work, study, study, study, I love it! about 9 hours ago from web

8. Lunch @ Rio w family & friends, great fellowship http://myloc.me/3AZwE about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter

9. 3 flat tires on cars within a mile on 77 the roads are horrible http://myloc.me/3AFBr about 17 hours ago from UberTwitter

10. If you travel 77 be very careful, the road is horrible with holes, looks like a bomb went off http://myloc.me/3AFrh about 17 hours ago from UberTwitter

11. If you travel 77 be very careful, the road is horrible with holes, looks like a bomb went off http://myloc.me/3AFqF about 17 hours ago from UberTwitter

12. Reading Gods Welcome by Amy G Oden, pretty good book http://myloc.me/3AB2i about 17 hours ago from UberTwitter

13. Forgiveness is a journey, you can forgive today and still feel the pain tomorrow http://myloc.me/3AzQj about 18 hours ago from UberTwitter

14. Church is what’s left when the building burns down http://myloc.me/3Ayw9 about 18 hours ago from UberTwitter

15. RT @jonathanfalwell: Spiritual lust makes me demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Who gives the answer – Oswald Chambers. about 18 hours ago from UberTwitter

16. Breakfast then worship this morning http://myloc.me/3ApBR about 19 hours ago from UberTwitter

17. Myrtle Beach Forecast for Saturday’s Marathon Saturday Mostly sunny. Highs around 50. about 19 hours ago from web

18. RT @johncmaxwell: 90% of those who fail are not actually defeated. They simply quit. -Paul J Meyer #failingforward about 19 hours ago from UberTwitter

19. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29 about 19 hours ago from web

20. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Jesus) about 19 hours ago from web

21. the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. about 17 hours ago from web

22. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 about 17 hours ago from web

23. Wow, awesome day, our lives are so full, by that I mean full of blessing! about 17 hours ago from web

24. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41 about 17 hours ago from web

25. U will receive power when Holy Spirit comes on U; & U will be my witnesses N Jerusalem, & N all Judea & Samaria, & 2 the ends of the earth.” about 17 hours ago from web

26. just heard on the news, this is the biggest beer sales day of the year, how sad. Fill up on The Holy Spirit and no one gets killed! about 17 hours ago from web

27. reading God’s text message in Acts this morning about 17 hours ago from web

28. 4 DAYS | 22 HRS | 59 MINS | 43 SECONDS Myrtle Beach Marathon about 17 hours ago from web

29. Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the livesof his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Ps 97:10

Happy Birthday Jason

Happy Birthday Jason, great to see you guys today. Your family is missed at 1st Hillsville.

Ronnie

This Day In The Life Of Your Pastor – February 6th, 2010

2. Praying 4 a good week. I am on call for emergencies 4 Gladeville Lutheran this next week http://myloc.me/3zyJu about 11 hours ago from UberTwitter

3. Possibility of 2 more snow storms this next week, just heard http://myloc.me/3zwUX about 11 hours ago from UberTwitter

4. Kenneth & Teresa booked us N the Palace @ Myrtle Beach 4 Marathon. We will suffer together Kenneth & thanks 4 the room, you’re a true friend about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

5. Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. http://read.ly/2Cor6.11.MSG about 12 hours ago from API

6. God has called us N2 Radical Ministry & every day I meet those who R disolusioned & now they R just going through the motions, we have won! about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

7. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! http://read.ly/Ps66.20.TNIV about 12 hours ago from API

8. but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. http://read.ly/Ps66.19.TNIV about 12 hours ago from API

9. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; http://read.ly/Ps66.18.TNIV about 12 hours ago from API

10. Reading Psalm 66 http://myloc.me/3zr7X about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

11. Kris Musser has arrived on facebook, the world will never be the same http://myloc.me/3zqFM about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

12. Praying for those out driving, some real slick spots even here in Cana http://myloc.me/3zkOj about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter

13. Thanks Michael, praying the same for you my brother about 14 hours ago from txt

14. Now I have the boys with the addition of Victoria. No sweat, lol http://myloc.me/3zcvv about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

15. I have Kyle, Alex, Christopher, and Samuel all in Wal Mart by myself. I am the man http://myloc.me/3z9Zf about 15 hours ago from UberTwitter

16. Dinner with family and friends @ Coppolas http://myloc.me/3z6Fw about 16 hours ago from UberTwitter

17. headed to dinner soon with the family about 18 hours ago from web

18. Super Bowl Part @ Out of the Box has been Canceled for tomorrow night, check the blog for details www.imagebearer.wordpress.com about 19 hours ago from web

19. working on the web site again, its addictive about 19 hours ago from web

20. Is there a way to make facebook work like it did berore the changes about 19 hours ago from web

21. try 1st Hillsville again www.hillsvillefumc.com share your suggestions about 20 hours ago from web

22. check out 1st Hillsville’s New Web Site, still adding content hillsvillefumc.com about 20 hours ago from web

23. working on sermons about 20 hours ago from web

24. In Gospel hospitality, meager resources bravely shared turn scarcity into abundance http://myloc.me/3yNzi about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

25. In Gospel hospitality, strangers often bear God’s welcome about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

26. conference call just ended, good 2 hour Holston Discipleship Team Meeting about 22 hours ago from web

27. I am proud to be part of Holston Conference, lots of ministry happening about 22 hours ago from web

28. Join Wytheville Dist Page http://www.facebook.com/ronnie24317#!/pages/Wytheville-District-of-the-Holston-Conference-UMC/292873550565?ref=nf about 23 hours ago from web

29. http://www.ourchurchvideos.com/37701/holston/view_video.php?viewkey=7f89ddbebc2ac9128303 about 23 hours ago from web

30. EWTN.com – New Survey Shows Youth Becoming More Pro-life: http://bit.ly/7jsD1B via @addthis about 24 hours ago from web

31. James 3: the theme for our Discipleship Team Meeting happening right now via Conference Call about 21 hours ago from web

32. Hijacking the Brain — How Pornography Works: http://bit.ly/94hdTF via @addthis about 22 hours ago from web

33. He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor. — Proverbs 21:21 about 22 hours ago from web

34. Judah just took his first crawl http://myloc.me/3yqzv about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

35. Youth 2011 http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/youth-2011-we-need-to-keep-this-in-mind/ about 23 hours ago from web

36. Myrtle Beach Marathon, here we come http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/myrtle-beach-marathon-is-one-week-from-today-wow/ about 23 hours ago from web

37. 5 DAYS | 22 HRS | 4 MINS | 28 SECONDS Myrtle Beach Marathon, how can this be? I am not ready!!!! about 23 hours ago from web

38. snowing again in Cana about 24 hours ago from web

39. working from home again this morning, thankful for the technology that allows me to have this ability about 24 hours ago from web

40. reading God’s text message in Jude this morning and having coffee 4:59 AM Feb 6th from web

Day 38-90 Days to read the New Testament (TNIV)

Acts 1

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

¹ In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ² until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³ After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. ⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with ^[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with ^[b] the Holy Spirit.”

⁶ So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

¹² Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk ^[c] from the city. ¹³ When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ¹⁴ They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

¹⁵ In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) ¹⁶ and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷ He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

¹⁸ (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹ Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:
” ‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’ ^[d]
and,
” ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ ^[e]

²¹ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²² beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

²³ So they proposed the names of two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵ to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Acts 2

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

¹ When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues ^[f] as the Spirit enabled them.

⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. ⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ^{[g] 10} Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome ¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” ¹² Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

¹³ Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Peter Addresses the Crowd

¹⁴ Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. ¹⁵ These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! ¹⁶ No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ ” ‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.

¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.

¹⁹ I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.

²⁰ The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

²¹ And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ ^[h]

²² “People of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. ²³ This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, ^[i] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. ²⁴ But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. ²⁵ David said about him:
” ‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

²⁶ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,

²⁷ because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.

²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ ^[j]

²⁹ “Brothers and sisters, we all know that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. ³⁰ But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. ³¹ Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. ³² God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. ³³ Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. ³⁴ For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
” ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand

³⁵ until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.” ‘ ^[k]

³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

³⁸ 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. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 3

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

¹ One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ² Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴ Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹ When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

¹¹ While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹² When Peter saw this, he said to them: “People of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴ You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵ You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶ By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

¹⁷ “Now, brothers and sisters, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸ But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. ¹⁹ Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰ and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. ²¹ Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. ²² For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ²³ Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ ^[l]

²⁴ “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. ²⁵ And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ ^{[m] 26} When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Acts 4

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

¹ The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. ² They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. ³ They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. ⁴ But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

⁵ The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁶ Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. ⁷ They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is
” ‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’ ^[n]

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved.”

¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵ So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ¹⁶ “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

²¹ After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. ²² For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers’ Prayer

²³ On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵ You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
” ‘Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?

²⁶ The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one. ^[o]‘ ^[p]

²⁷ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. ²⁸ They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. ²⁹ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions

³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷ sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Christopher had control of the camera tonight

Judah is playing the drums

Church Service Schedule for 1st Hillsville Tomorrow – Sunday February 7th, 2010

First of all let me say that of all people Pastor Ty and I both dis-like canceling any church service. However in light of the dangerous travel conditions due to snow and Ice, we will have the 11am service of worship tomorrow on Sunday February 7th. All other services are canceled.

We have made this decision after much prayer and talking with representatives of the community and the state. With melting snow tomorrow during the day will come re-freezing tomorrow evening and we are not comfortable with having people risk their lives to get to the Super Bowl Party @ Out Of The Box.

Again, we would not choose to cancel if we were not convinced that it is in your best interest of safety and the safety of youth who might choose to come out tomorrow night anyway.

Please use your discretion about whether or not you should venture out to the 11am service.

Again the following are canceled tomorrow at 1st Hillsville UMC

There will be no 8:30am Service

There will be no Sunday School

There will not be a Super Bowl Party at Out of the Box tomorrow evening and no SNL Service at the Main Campus.

The only service will be the 11am service for those who feel it is safe to drive.

On behalf of Pastor Ty and myself,

Ronnie

Youth 2011 – We need to keep this in mind

Myrtle Beach Marathon is one week from today, wow

Well folks the time is near and I am not ready. The fact is I am more ready that I was a couple of years ago when I ran this one but I have been busy and the weather has not been very conducive to running the past several week. Excuses, excuses, excuses…..

I will go, along with my friend Kenneth and we will Run the Race. We may be in some pain at the end or before it ends but pain often comes with accomplishment.

Through it all, I am excited to be going to Myrtle Beach and I am excited to be running, walking, or crawling, a Marathon but I di desire your prayers for Kenneth and myself.

5  DAYS | 21 HRS | 59 MINS | 39 SECONDS

Ronnie

This Day In The Life Of Your Pastor – February 5th, 2010

1. OK the kids are not going to sleep tonight, I think they are going to have to just stay up, I must go to bed about 10 hours ago from web
2. Just hangin out, whipping up on Misty @ Scrabble Slam http://myloc.me/3xfT7 about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter

3. working on web page for the church about 14 hours ago from web

4. working by phone with Ed and June on 1st Hillsville UMC New Web Site Coming Soon about 17 hours ago from web

5. @michaelharrison just something on 10 news about a refund http://myloc.me/3wTis about 19 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to michaelharrison

6. RT @wsls: 3,000+ without power in SWVA: Appalachian Power’s website shows Carroll County hit the hardest http://bit.ly/dyCRUo about 19 hours ago from UberTwitter

7. As Christians we have Spiritual Food to share with a world that is hungry, even famished. about 20 hours ago from web

8. power is out at the Collins household about 21 hours ago from web

9. don’t stop b-leeding you gotta see this, then give http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/dont-stop-b-leeding/ about 23 hours ago from web

10. The word of the Lord is right&true; he is faithful,The Lord loves righteousness & justice; earth is full of his unfailing love. Ps 33:4-5 about 24 hours ago from web

11. working from home this morning, coffee, the kids, the snow, God is so good. Praying for those who have to be out there working and driving about 21 hours ago from web

12. RT @wsls: Major traffic back-up on I-77 in Wythe Co.: There’s a nearly ten-mile back-up at I-77/I-81 interchange at Fort Chiswell about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter

13. Denman Evangelism Nomination form http://foundationforevangelism.org/what_we_fund/leadershiprecognition/the_harry_denman_evangelism_award/ about 21 hours ago from web

14. is reading “God’s Welcome” bt Amy G. Oden about 21 hours ago from web

15. just finished reading “The Gift of Presence” great book about 21 hours ago from web

16. there is a disease more devastating than suffering. It is hopelessness. about 22 hours ago from web

17. It is better to be a good listener than to offer wishful advise about 22 hours ago from web

18. the gift of presence http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/book-review-the-gift-of-presence/ about 23 hours ago from web

19. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Rom 13:11 about 23 hours ago from web

20. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Rom 12 about 23 hours ago from web

21. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 about 23 hours ago from web

22. reading God’s text message in Romans again this morning, absolutely beautiful morning about 23 hours ago from web

Day 37-90 Days to read the New Testament (TNIV)

Jude 1

¹ Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for ^[a] Jesus Christ:

² Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

The Sin and Doom of Ungodly People

³ Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that the Lord has once for all entrusted to us, his people. ⁴ For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about ^[b] long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

⁵ Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord ^[c] at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. ⁶ And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. ⁷ In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

⁸ In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. ⁹ But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” ^{[d] 10} Yet these people speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals—these are the very things that destroy them.

¹¹ Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.

¹² These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. ¹³ They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

¹⁴ Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones ¹⁵ to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” ^{[e] 16} These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

A Call to Persevere

¹⁷ But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. ¹⁸ They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” ¹⁹ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

²⁰ But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

²² Be merciful to those who doubt; ²³ save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. ^[f]

Doxology

²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Don’t stop b-leeding

This is absolutely one of the best video’s of 2010 and straight from our Holston Conference. Everyone should use this for your blood drives. Hilarious but awesome!

Ronnie

Young clergy evangelize in cyberspace

United Methodist News Service

Young clergy evangelize in cyberspace

The United Methodist Young Clergy network is taking up the challenge of recruiting younger clergy and members through social media. UMNS photos courtesy of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

A UMNS Report
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
Aug. 28, 2009

Young United Methodist clergy see the elephant in the sanctuary – the fact more ministers are headed for retirement than the pulpits – and they are grabbing the mops.

The concerned under-35 crowd is doing what comes naturally. It is using social media – Facebook, Twitter and blogs – to form an online community to search for ways to draw more young people into ministry and into the pews.

Jenny Smith

A core group of 10 young clergy met with the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry in February. As a result, hundreds of young clergy are now talking and creating relationships in cyberspace through their own Web site, www.umcyoungclergy.com.

Throughout the denomination, young adults are responding to the evangelism challenge in several ways, from sharing their own stories about the ordination process to creating campaigns such as “40 Days of Prayer,” and “6 Questions for The United Methodist Church.”

The need is critical, research shows. The number of people under 35 ordained or on the track to be ordained dropped from 3,210 in 1985 to 910 in 2008, according to a study by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington. The average age of elders is 52; for ordained deacons it is 51.

“I decided I owed it to the church that raised me, paid for my college and seminary to ask the tough questions,” blogged Jenny Smith, a 26-year-old master of divinity student at United Theological Seminary who took part in the February meeting. “We decided it was time to name the elephants in the room for young clergy. When you know where the elephant is, it’s easier to clean up after it.”

Prayer first

The idea of calling young leaders to pray for 40 days for The United Methodist Church came from something God placed on the heart of Ben Simpson, 29, an ordained Baptist minister married to the Rev. Molly Simpson, an associate pastor at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan.

Ben Simpson

“God took me by surprise,” said Simpson, also a member of Resurrection Church. “I was responding in obedience. I didn’t have any grand or lofty expectations when I put that project out there.”

He e-mailed 17 friends and colleagues and posted a blog spelling out his vision. In two weeks, Simpson had 30 volunteers to write prayers, and at the end of six weeks he had more than enough to complete the campaign.

“40 Days of Prayer for the United Methodist Church” began May 18. Prayers were posted every day through June 25. An average of 550 people visited the Web site during the first several days. A prayer guide was published.

The prayers are deeply personal, and from day one, there was no mincing of words.

“Today we confess our sins as a denomination,” wrote the Rev. Andrew Conard, associate pastor at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, on the first day. “We confess that some of what we have done and some of what we have left undone has contributed to the mess in which we find ourselves and our denomination today. The United Methodist Church in North America has become a shell of what was once a vibrant movement spreading scriptural holiness across the land.”

The 40 days ended with hope.

“We’ve laid everything out before you,” Smith concluded on day 40. “It’s not pretty. We’re broken. But hopeful.”

Asking the right questions

The next inspiration came to Conard, who wondered: What are the right questions?

“6 Questions for The United Methodist Church” was inspired by a quote from the Rev. Lovett Weems, author of “The Crisis of Younger Clergy.” He said, “Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.”

A 44-second YouTube video explains: “Our church has one mission, 3 simple rules, 4 areas of focus, 5 practices and now 6 questions.”

Conard said the purpose of the campaign is to raise important questions for next steps in the life of the church, provide guidance for future gatherings and shape the discourse across the denomination.

The campaign started June 25 and will end Sept. 30. He said the project “seeks to shape a conversation, not produce immediate action steps.”

So far, some of the top questions include: In what ways do you feel responsible for the ministry that happens through your church? How are you equipping the members of the church to live more faithfully, integrating their faith into their daily lives and work? How can we help (eliminate diseases of poverty) in this area in a way that is more than just giving money?”

More than 200 people have submitted more than 500 questions and cast 11,000 votes for their top questions.

Signs of encouragement

And the effort keeps expanding.

Smith has launched a project to help young people interested in ministry discern their calling. She has asked bloggers to publish a post on what it feels like to have a call into ministry.

The Rev. Andrew Conard

One of the contributors is the Rev. Becca Clark, an ordained elder in the Troy Annual Conference and pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church and Grace United Methodist Church in Vermont.

“The hardest part of discerning a call to ministry for me was believing it was possible,” she wrote. “I really didn’t think I was a good candidate, spiritually speaking. At the time I heard my call, I’d never read the whole Bible. I wasn’t much of a churchgoer. I was pretty new to that whole taking-religion-seriously thing, and I had a lot of doubts about a lot of the things I thought Christians Are Supposed to Believe.”

For his part, Simpson is working with the United Methodist Publishing House on a new book on “Becoming a Praying Congregation,” a collection of inspiration and ideas for encouraging prayer throughout a congregation.

“Historically, the prayers of the church have been formed by our worship, through times of private devotion and in consultation with trusty printed resources,” Simpson said. “But with recent advances in Web technology and social media tools, new forms have become available to us that enable us to come together in prayer in new and innovative ways.”

One of the images on the young clergy Web site seems to sum up the conversation among young leaders. It depicts a young man on the side of the road, holding up a sign: “Hope ahead.”

*Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

Church, Please Read

United Methodist News Service

(Not) talkin’ ‘bout my g-g-generation

Melissa Wheatley (right) helps with Sunday school classes at Trinity Church in Spring Hill, Tenn. UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

By Joey Butler*

Members of the Auburn Wesley Foundation take a backpacking trip. Photo courtesy of John Carl Hastings.

When the original “Star Wars” trilogy was re-released to theaters in the late 1990s, I took my cousin, 10 years my junior, to experience those films on the big screen.

I told her how, when I was a little kid, I made my dad take me to see “Star Wars” eight times, and “The Empire Strikes Back” six times. Puzzled, she asked, “Why did you go to the theater that many times?”

“Because,” I replied, “we didn’t have VCRs back then.”

She looked at me like I’d said we didn’t have electricity. Or possibly fire. Now she has a sister, 10 years younger, who is dumbfounded that she survived a childhood without the Internet.

Younger generations live in a radically different world than previous generations did at that age. They have different beliefs, different concerns and different perspectives.

The United Methodist Council of Bishops has launched a plan intended to lower the average age of United Methodist membership 10 years by 2019. To attract younger generations, churches must understand who they are, what they like and how best to reach them.

Meet the Millenials

“M*A*S*H*” was going off the air, MTV was launching, “Thriller” was in cassette decks and Generation Y was in its infancy.

Generation Y was born between 1982 and 1995. It is the most “wired” generation yet. Unlike their more self-absorbed Generation X predecessors, “millennials” are very team and community oriented, and more optimistic. They are the most tolerant of any generation on social issues such as immigration, race and homosexuality.

And they don’t seem to like the church much.

According to research by both Pew Research Center and the Barna Group, Generation Y has little trust in the institutional church.

Pew reports 18- to 25-year-olds are among the least likely to attend church regularly: 32 percent attend at least once a week compared with 40 percent of those over age 25. Sixteen percent say they never attend.

Even young Christians are wary. A 2007 Barna study reports half of young churchgoers perceive Christianity to be judgmental, hypocritical and too political. One-third called it old-fashioned and out of touch with reality.

When Barna asked young people to identify their impressions of Christianity, one common theme was “Christianity is changed from what it used to be” and “Christianity in today’s society no longer looks like Jesus.”

The findings led Barna president David Kinnaman to write unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity.

“Young people are very candid,” Kinnaman writes. “In our interviews, we kept encountering young people – both those inside the church and outside of it – who said that something was broken in the present-day expression of Christianity.”

Depressed yet?

It’s not easy to hear such criticism about the church, but this generation isn’t a lost cause. It may just be what the church needs.

Jamie Dunham

“People in that age group have not rejected spirituality. What they’ve rejected is the tradition and what they perceive to be the hypocrisy of the church,” says Jamie Dunham, chief planning officer at Bohan Advertising, which works with United Methodist Communications on The United Methodist Church’s “Rethink Church” campaign.

For many years, Dunham says the dialogue has been about “what type of music was played in the worship service and what type of clothes you wore. The real discussion is what place does church have in our culture and community. This younger generation is looking for things that allow them to get outside the church to do things.”

Don’t say … do!

“The churches that I think have the healthiest approach today put emphasis on the actions that show they are people trying to solve problems in the community rather than trying to insulate themselves,” Dunham says.

Morley Winograd and Michael Hais, co-authors of Millennial Makeover: MySpace, YouTube, and the Future of American Politics, call Generation Y “the most civic-minded since the generation of the 1930s and 1940s. … This is a generation of activist doers.”

The more opportunities Millennials have to get their hands dirty, the better. Churches need to look into their communities and see what needs are there – perhaps a pancake breakfast for the homeless, a Habitat build or a community cleanup.

When designing ministries, remember young people in entry-level jobs and paying college loans often don’t have as much money to contribute as older members.

In a 2008 interview with “Church Solutions,” the Rev. Justin Anderson, lead pastor of the nondenominational Praxis Church in Tempe, Ariz., points out that young adults often have more energy and can give more time than older adults. Opportunities to share time and energy might overcome insecurity about small donations, a barrier that can keep them out of church.

Churches also can offer training or educational  opportunities that will directly benefit young adults. Kinnaman wrote in unChristian that while this age group is better educated than previous generations, they lack certain life skills.

“Coming alongside (young people) as they’re launching their life is important,” Dunham says. “Churches can succeed in offering classes like learning how to financially organize your life or job skills. Churches that embrace young people and what their needs are are going to be part of the solution.”

Get ‘wired’

All but the oldest members of Generation Y have had the Internet and mobile phone technology their entire lives. This is how they communicate and build community. Churches must adapt.

The Rev. Andrew Thompson, pastor of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, Henderson, N.C., and author of the blog “Gen-X Rising,” writes, “Most young folks … aren’t going to read the church newsletter … But they will gather around online content that looks sharp, reads smart and invites them into cyber-community.”

Dunham agrees. “They’re so wired. Generation X had that technology, too, but they use it more as a tool; for Generation Y, it’s part of their lifestyle.”

That doesn’t mean churches can just toss up a Facebook page and wait on the masses to show up.

The Rev. Alan Rudnick pastor of First Baptist Church, Ballston Spa, N.Y., blogs at blog.timesunion.com/Rudnick, “(This generation needs) more relationships, less programs. Everything behind Twitter, MySpace and Facebook is people. Those things are just about a faster way to share information, but if the people are not there on the other end, then those technologies do not work.”

Reports saying young people mistrust the church are scary, but there is hope – if churches will be creative and find new ways to do ministry that appeal to this skeptical group.

“Generation X suffered from breakdown of the traditional household, and grew up in a time where they’re more pessimistic and fearful about the world,” says Dunham. “But Generation Y is hugely optimistic. They want to make changes for the better, and make the world better than what they grew up in.”

*Butler is editor of content for 18- to 34-year-olds at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn. This article is featured in the January/February 2010 issue of Interpreter Magazine.

News media contact: Joey Butler, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

Book Review: The Gift of Presence

Suffering is inseparable from the life of humanity. We have a responsibility to better understand it and make a difference.

The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us the Gospel does not give us permission to pass by on the other side as the religious folks did.

I am always looking for tools that will help me when it comes to ministry with those who are in the midst of suffering. This is a quick read and packed full of great and helpful information. The writer is a long time pastor who has been in the midst of suffering many times, he has also experienced suffering through the heart attack of his wife.

The book is a guide of things you should and should not do when visiting with those who are suffering, from death to cancer, divorce, suicide, loss of a job, whatever the situation may be where people are suffering, this book will help you to know what may work best and what may inflict more pain.

“The Gift of Presence” The main focus and message of the book is that our presence in the midst of suffering is the most important ministry we can have. Words are not always necessary. “Reflective silence is the soil out of which helpful words can grow”.

Your presence with those who are suffering is ministry, it means they are not alone.

The author allows room for the use of notes, letters, e-mail and even social networking sites to practice presence. He believes as do I that in many cases your physical presence is best, but there are those times when you just cannot be there and it is important for the person to know that you are there for them and that you are willing to help carry the burden.

When it comes to sinning, we seem to know more about others than ourselves.

It is very important to understand when a person is suffering that we are not there to be the judge of the situation in which they find themselves, rather we are there to offer forgiveness and healing.

To be a good Samaritan carries with it a price tag. We don’t just feel sorry for the injured, we take action!

To be a Good Samaritan it will require much from us. It is easy to pass by on the other side of the road when we see someone in need and we have trained ourselves to do just that. It will cost us financially to be involved in the problems of people, it will cost us emotionally, and it will cost us out valuable time.

Are you willing to pay the price?

Ronnie

PS – I highly recommend this book. It is a quick read and helpful not only to pastor’s but laity as well as we are all called to be ministers and many of us do not know what to say or do in these situations. This book will give you confidence to minister to those who are hurting.

This Day In The Life Of Your Pastor – February 4th, 2010

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1. The ground is freshly white with new snow and its time for bed http://myloc.me/3vC16 about 10 hours ago from UberTwitter

2. When it comes to sinning, we seem to know more about others than ourselves http://myloc.me/3vB72 about 10 hours ago from UberTwitter

3. Every day is a rare & special gift http://myloc.me/3vAO5 about 10 hours ago from UberTwitter

4. Praise the Lord I’m home and snowing in cana http://myloc.me/3vtGm about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

5. Snowing N Dobson http://myloc.me/3vt50 about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

6. Snowing n Elkin NC http://myloc.me/3vrXq about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

7. On the road home and it is a winter wonderland http://myloc.me/3vcUZ about 15 hours ago from UberTwitter

8. I am going home not with a prayer and plan for the church but with a prayer and plan for God to change me, do it Lord Jesus about 15 hours ago from UberTwitter

9. it is Communion time with Bishop Swanson http://myloc.me/3vaT7 about 15 hours ago from UberTwitter

10. The Bishop is preaching from Jeremiah 18: 1-4 the Potter http://myloc.me/3v9RQ about 16 hours ago from UberTwitter

11. Had a great meal with John Crabtree tonight, made a new clergy friend http://myloc.me/3v8yW about 16 hours ago from UberTwitter

12. Headed to the final worship service of convocation 2010 then home, the ground is white http://myloc.me/3v73q about 16 hours ago from UberTwitter

13. It is snowing @ the Lake http://myloc.me/3v4v2 about 17 hours ago from UberTwitter

14. “Holy Scripture is a stream of running water, where alike the elephant may swim, and the lamb walk without losing its feet.” Pope Gregory about 18 hours ago from UberTwitter

15. Reflective silence is the soil out of which helpful words can grow. http://myloc.me/3v1kP about 19 hours ago from UberTwitter

16. Practicing silence in our own lives results in a quietness that flows from our interior life http://myloc.me/3v0Gy about 19 hours ago from UberTwitter

17. Take time Today to seek The life that offers life ~ Jesus http://myloc.me/3uXNw about 20 hours ago from UberTwitter

18. Reaching out to others in Christ does not always require many words but Presence http://myloc.me/3uXG2 about 20 hours ago from UberTwitter

19. Every time we show love to a neighbor we open the possibility of giving birth to a civilization of love. http://myloc.me/3uXsR about 20 hours ago from UberTwitter

20. To B a good samaritan carries with it a price tag. We don’t just feel sorry for the injured, we take action http://myloc.me/3uXeK about 20 hours ago from UberTwitter

21. What is it that is essential in our church to do church and what can we change to reach people? http://myloc.me/3uWLz about 20 hours ago from UberTwitter

22. When R we going to start reaching people who haven’t been reached? http://myloc.me/3uWHo about 20 hours ago from UberTwitter

23. Jeremy is doing a great job urging us 2 share the love of Christ & 2 do it well. Almost preached. Don’t let failure or fear of stop u about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter

24. In a session with Jeremy LaDuke @ Convocation http://myloc.me/3uTHz about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter

25. Lunch w Dennis Ford, John Ousley, Richarf Gregory, and Kevin Fiorini, great conversation http://myloc.me/3uSvc about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

26. @faithengineer let’s just sell one building and pool together and give the money away http://myloc.me/3uSek about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to faithengineer

27. Funny 2 watch people in food lines, grab trays soon as possible, get to hold it longer, lol http://myloc.me/3uQJ1 about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

28. Decision has been made, all services have been scrunched up, last service starts @ 6pm tonight then home. Running from the snow and ice about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

29. Waiting in line for lunch http://myloc.me/3uQdM about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

30. Encouraging my fb friends 2 create a twitter Its not xtra work. It connects 2 your facebook and updates both and much easier 4 me 2 keep up about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

31. RT @RevMSlaughter: Sometimes problem w/ Christians is we manage 2 stay awake 4 the ch service but sleep while God is working thru the week. about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

32. @faithengineer love it, forces us to slow down http://myloc.me/3uOZ9 about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to faithengineer

33. Romans 12: 3-8 and Out of the Box http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/romans-12-3-8-and-out-of-the-box/ about 22 hours ago from web

34. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 about 23 hours ago from web

35. I urge U, N view of God’s mercy, 2 offer yor bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, this is true worship. Rom 12:1 about 23 hours ago from web

36. The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us the Gospel does not give us permission to pass by on the other side as the religious folks did. about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

37. Christ is already present within you, just bear witness to Him. Be an Imagebearer http://myloc.me/3uMEn about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

38. Your presence with those who are suffering is ministry, it means they are not alone. http://myloc.me/3uMmm about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

39. Suffering is inseparable from the life of humanity. We have a responsibility to better understand it & make a difference. about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

40. Laura, I just pickrd up “Irrestible Revolution” can’t wait to read it http://myloc.me/3uLea about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

41. Reading “The Gift of Presence” by Joe E. Pennel Jr. http://myloc.me/3uG8t about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter

42. Instead of you ought, lead by “I Wil“ http://myloc.me/3uDaq about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter

43. @michaelharrison blessings to you Michael, we need to have lunch soon. God is @ work http://myloc.me/3uCCw about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to michaelharrison

44. 8 days until Marathon #9 and 18 days until Fasting begins http://myloc.me/3uBMA about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter

45. Out of the Box is growing because we practice Radical Hospitity. Anyone agree? http://myloc.me/3uxNd about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

46. Bishop Schnase “we are going to have to break out of the boxes of how we have always done church” how about Out Of The Box? about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

47. “As Methodists we were born with “go to” instincts and we have become a “come to” church” Bishop Robert Schnase http://myloc.me/3uuzT about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

48. Church is not for unbelievers, we are to go to those who do not believe and share the faith we have, then they will come to church about 22 hours ago from UberTwitter

49. Interesting, the 5 Practices Book was written from a lifetime of experience but with only 3 devoted weeks & 5 weeks on the job, intertesting about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

50. Just learned that Bishop Schnase was elected from a congregation. He never served as a DS, that is cool. Maybe a useless trivia question? about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

51. Many it appears will be fleeing the impending weather. I am going to stay and soak up the Word being shared & pray for Snow only about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

52. Have I told you that I miss the Pearl, it was so much easier to type with Suretype, “whine” http://myloc.me/3uozw about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

53. How is your church doing with Hospitality? Is it Radical? http://myloc.me/3uo58 about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

54. Laura Blair is doing the morning devotion @ Convocationn, Radical Hospitity http://myloc.me/3un6s about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

55. I hear talk that lots of people are leaving today, running from the snow http://myloc.me/3ulLi about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

56. Great breakfast with 3 comedians led by Curt McKee http://myloc.me/3ul2h about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

57. Looks like it could snow right now @ Junaluska http://myloc.me/3ugle about 24 hours ago from UberTwitter

58. looks like more winter weather tonight, praying for just snow so I can make it home tomorrow about 24 hours ago from web

Day 36-90 Days to read the New Testament (TNIV)

Romans 14

The Weak and the Strong

¹ Accept those whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. ² One person’s faith allows them to eat everything, but another person, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. ³ The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted that person. ⁴ Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master they stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

⁵ Some consider one day more sacred than another; others consider every day alike. Everyone should be fully convinced in their own mind. ⁶ Those who regard one day as special do so to the Lord. Those who eat meat do so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and those who abstain do so to the Lord and give thanks to God. ⁷ For we do not live to ourselves alone and we do not die to ourselves alone. ⁸ If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ⁹ For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

¹⁰ You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. ¹¹ It is written:
” ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.’ ” ^[a]

¹² So then, we will all give an account of ourselves to God.

¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. ¹⁴ I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ¹⁵ If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother or sister for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. ¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

¹⁹ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ²⁰ Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. ²¹ It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

²² So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves by what they approve. ²³ But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Romans 15

¹ We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ² We should all please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. ³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” ^{[b] 4} For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁷ Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. ⁸ For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews ^[c] on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed ⁹ and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.” ^[d]

¹⁰ Again, it says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” ^[e]

¹¹ And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.” ^[f]

¹² And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.” ^[g]

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

¹⁴ I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. ¹⁵ Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me ¹⁶ to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

¹⁷ Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. ¹⁸ I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— ¹⁹ by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. ²⁰ It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. ²¹ Rather, as it is written:
“Those who were not told about him will see,
and those who have not heard will understand.” ^[h]

²² This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

²³ But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, ²⁴ I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. ²⁵ Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. ²⁶ For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. ²⁷ They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. ²⁸ So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. ²⁹ I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

³⁰ I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. ³¹ Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, ³² so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. ³³ The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Romans 16

Personal Greetings

¹ I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon ^[i] of the church in Cenchreae. ² I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

³ Greet Priscilla ^[j] and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. ⁴ They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

⁵ Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

⁶ Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

⁷ Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

⁸ Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

⁹ Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

¹⁰ Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.
Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

¹¹ Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.
Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

¹² Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

¹³ Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

¹⁴ Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

¹⁵ Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.

¹⁶ Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the churches of Christ send greetings.

¹⁷ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸ For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. ¹⁹ Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

²⁰ The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

²¹ Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

²² I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

^23-24 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.
Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. ^[k]

²⁵ Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, ²⁶ but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to faith and obedience— ²⁷ to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

The Cross @ Lake Junaluska

This is the Cross at Lake Junaluska. As I was headed to the final worship service with the Bishop last night it caught my eye. I wish the picture could show the snow that was falling.

Ronnie

Romans 12: 3-8 and Out of the Box

I was reading the scripture today on my journey to read the New Testament through every 90 days and this was in today’s reading. Romans chapter 12, I looked and I thought, wow this relates well to what the Youth are experiencing at Out of the Box right now.

We recently went to Resurrection in Pigeon Forge and we came away with a group of young adults (teens) that understand that God has called us to work together as a body. Each one has a place to operate at Out of the Box. Operate in Ministry that is.

Romans 12: 3-8

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. ⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

We came away with youth who told me they believe they are supposed to be part of a Praise Band that needs to be formed at Out of the Box.

There are those who told me prayer was the ministry God has called them to and they are going to spend more time praying for the people and ministries of Out of the Box.

There are those who believe that God is calling them into a ministry of Drama for Out of the Box.

There are those who feel they have been called into the ministry of Speaking (Preaching) and teaching.

There are still others that are searching to discover exactly what it is God wants them to do.

God is at work in the people of Out of the Box, where does He want you to serve?

Ronnie

Day 35-90 Days to read the New Testament (TNIV)

Romans 12

A Living Sacrifice

¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. ⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your ^[a] faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, ^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. ^[c] Do not think you are superior.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” ^[d] says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” ^[e]

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13

Submission to Governing Authorities

¹ Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love Fulfills the Law

⁸ Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. ⁹ The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” ^[f] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ^{[g] 10} Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

The Day Is Near

¹¹ And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

This Day In The Life Of Your Pastor – February 3rd, 2010

1. prayer and fasting starts February 23 http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/prayer-and-fasting-starts-february-23rd/ about 3 hours ago from web
2. sign up now, starts next wednesday http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/bible-study-out-of-the-box-begins-februarl-10th/ about 4 hours ago from web

3. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100123/ap_on_re_eu/eu_pope_cyberpriests about 4 hours ago from web

4. RT @wsls: Governor McDonnell declares State of Emergency before weekend storm: Gov. Bob McDonnell http://myloc.me/3tqwA about 5 hours ago from UberTwitter

5. On Skype with Mike and Christopher http://myloc.me/3tqrv about 6 hours ago from UberTwitter

6. Gas is way too expensive in Waynesville 275 regular .25 higher than home http://myloc.me/3toKS about 6 hours ago from UberTwitter

7. Left my reading glasses at home, searching 4 a cheap pair http://myloc.me/3toCR about 6 hours ago from UberTwitter

8. @ Foundation For Evangelism, awesome place http://myloc.me/3tl01 about 7 hours ago from UberTwitter

9. Accomplished 2.5 miles and it was refreshing http://myloc.me/3tdTt about 9 hours ago from UberTwitter

10. @WDBJ7 does this mean we will get a refund for december http://myloc.me/3td1W about 9 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to WDBJ7

11. February 3, 2010Appalachian Power prepared to suspend interim rate increase that took effect in December http://myloc.me/3tcY2 about 9 hours ago from UberTwitter

12. Going for a prayer walk around the lake http://myloc.me/3tc4H about 10 hours ago from UberTwitter

13. God wants us to b at peace with all people. Don’t miss your opportunity to offer peace to those who have hurt you. Do it now! about 10 hours ago from UberTwitter

14. God opens opportunities each day for us to be His people 4 the world. Please take your opportunity, the world needs Jesus about 10 hours ago from UberTwitter

15. “Worry is like a rocking chair — it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” (Dorothy Galyean) about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

16. Kris Musser is finally creating a facebook http://myloc.me/3t6hy about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

17. @ Keith Musser, encourage your brother “Kris” to create a facebook account so we can communicate better about 13 hours ago from web

18. Pray Fast– Holston -God – 3000 http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/prayer-and-fasting-holston-evangelism-god-3000-souls-4-christ/ about 13 hours ago from web

19. of course I picked up books @ the book store, it is what I grow from, it is much of my spiritual growth, I love to read about 13 hours ago from web

20. Great lunch @ the terrace http://myloc.me/3t3kv about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter

21. Hearing some great ideas @ convocation, worship ideas and good ones http://myloc.me/3sXUj about 11 hours ago from UberTwitter

22. Enjoying Dr Tom Long speaking @ Convocation, great speaker http://myloc.me/3sXve about 11 hours ago from UberTwitter

23. @michaelharrison praying 4 you Michael http://myloc.me/3sWpx about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to michaelharrison

24. Oh yeah, book store break http://myloc.me/3sQI0 about 12 hours ago from UberTwitter

25. 5 Practices of Fruitful Living is Bishop Schnase’ new book, can’t wait to read it, comes out in April http://myloc.me/3sQob about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter

26. @ Foundation 4 Evangelism 630 fellowship time this evening, hope to see U @ the Lake http://myloc.me/3sLDQ about 13 hours ago from UberTwitter

27. Live your theogy or live what you say you believe, Bishop Robert Schnase, Radical Hospitality http://myloc.me/3sEJ9 about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

28. Radical Hospitality ~ Invite People ~ then make them a part of the family http://myloc.me/3sEm3 about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

29. When is the last time you invited an unchurched person to church? http://myloc.me/3sDEH about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

30. Very few of the unchurched have had someone share with them how to become a Christian. http://myloc.me/3sDw5 about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

31. Only 2 percent of church members invite an unchurched person to church http://myloc.me/3sDnr about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

32. Only 21 percent of active churchgoers invite anyone to church in the course of a year. http://myloc.me/3sDgZ about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

33. 8 out of 10 unchurched persons said they would come to church if they were invited. http://myloc.me/3sD7g about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

34. 82 percent of the unchurched are at least “somewhat likely” to attend church if they are invited. http://myloc.me/3sCZe about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

35. Just made an announcement at Convocation about 50 Golden Days, God is at work! http://myloc.me/3sCSF about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

36. RT @johncmaxwell: Failure isn’t so bad if it doesn’t attack the heart. Success is all right if it doesn’t go to the head. -Grantland Rice about 15 hours ago from UberTwitter

Prayer and Fasting starts February 23rd

I plan to start my 40 Day Fast on February 23rd. My main purpose is to ask God for 3000 Souls on Pentecost Sunday 2010. However there are other things I will be praying about and seeking guidance for during these 40 days.

Here is one resource I am using to work through the 40 Days.

Ronnie

Bible Study @ Out of the Box Begins February 10th

Experiencing God Bible Study Starts February 10^th @ Out of the Box, for Adults and will be taught by Pastor Ronnie

I have had a great response of people who expressed interest in a bible study, downtown @ Out Of The Box. Due to the great response, the Experiencing God Bible Study will start the second week of February. We will meet on Wednesday from 10am to Noon, starting February 10th, 2010.

If  you are interested, the study books are $14.95 each. Send me an e-mail and let me know you are in and I will get the books ordered. I will need to know for sure no later than February 5th.

By the way, you do not have to be a member of 1st Hillsville to be involved with this bible study. Join us!

Ronnie

Study Information

While many people ask God to bless their plans, Experiencing God helps lead believers into a deeper love relationship, teaching them to pray to and hear from God, and to join with God in accomplishing what He purposes to do.

This classic study is now revised and offers many new features, such as DVD messages from authors Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King, as well as new applications and stories. The testimonies, some of which are featured on this site, are truly inspiring, but God has more work to do. Will you join Him?

A Day At The Lake

It has been a great day at the Lake. We have been spiritually fed the Word and we have been physically fed, wow. the food at the Terrace Hotel is very good but the preaching is better. I had the opportunity to walk 2.5 miles around the Lake this afternoon and boy did it feel good to get out there. The marathon in Myrtle Beach is one week from Saturday and it is going to hurt. Just not enough training going on these days.

We spend some time at The Foundation for Evangelism this evening and had a great time of fellowship. I am excited about the work they are doing to spread the Gospel. Harry Denman was the founder of the Foundation and several from the Hillsville congregation have been honored with the Denman Evangelism Award and I am among those who have been honored. We also have Ashton Huff, and Laura Holderfield from the Hillsville congregation.

My hat is off to those who take the command to share the gospel to heart and then put legs on it.

God’s richest blessings to you.

Ronnie

Prayer and Fasting – Holston Evangelism -God – 3000 Souls 4 Christ

Witness Team Challenge 2010

The following is a letter written by Harry Denman in 1949

Dear Friend:

This letter is to ask every pastor not to observe Pentecost on June 5, but to meet the conditions so that every church will have a Pentecost on that day. It can be done if we will organize our church to witness to the fact that Jesus is Christ and that he is alive and can save persons from sin and death.

Easter to Pentecost

Fifty Golden Days of Evangelism

EASTER, We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Redeemer. We have a living Christ. This is the beginning of evangelism. Why shouldn’t every church organize visitation teams to visit one night each week during this period and secure thousands of first commitments for Christ and his church, to be received on Pentecost Sunday, June 5?

FAMILY WEEK. May 1-8, This is a splendid time to visit young families and secure their first commitment for Christ and his church and establish a Christian home. What holy days they are, Easter to Pentecost, Including Family Week!

There were One-hundred-twenty in the Upper Room. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Three thousand were baptized that first Pentecost. How many will be baptized in our churches on Pentecost Sunday 1949?

Let us pray and work daily that every church will have a Pentecost.

Your Friend, Harry Denman

Shepherds, May 1949

Source: The Prophetic Evangelist

In memory of Evangelist Harry Denman, the Witness Team is presenting a challenge to all United Methodist Churches in the Holston Conference.

Easter Sunday is April 4th, 2010 and Pentecost Sunday is May 23. There are 50 days between Easter and Pentecost. We are presenting the challenge to each church to organize visitation teams to visit and knock on doors in your community one night each week during these 50 days with the intentional purpose of inviting people to church.

In his book “The Unchurched Next Door”, Thom Rainer and his group conducted a scientific survey and found the following results.

• 82 percent of the unchurched are at least “somewhat likely” to attend church if they are invited.
• 8 out of 10 unchurched persons said they would come to church if they were invited.
• Only 21 percent of active churchgoers invite anyone to church in the course of a year.
• Only 2 percent of church members invite an unchurched person to church.
• Very few of the unchurched have had someone share with them how to become a Christian.
• The unchurched would like to develop a real and sincere relationship with a Christian.

“For years I have been asked how churches can grow. I have consulted with hundreds of church leaders across America, leaders who sincerely desire that their churches reach people. “Why aren’t we reaching people?” I am often asked. “Why is our society so resistant to the gospel?” many inquire.

“After nearly a decade of research and almost fifteen years of consulting with churches, I am becoming more and more convinced that the answers to most of these questions can be found in the mirror. Nearly 130 million people in the United States alone would come to church if they were invited. And if they came, many would hear about the Savior who offers the only way of salvation.”

Thom S. Rainer, The Unchurched Next Door

When is the last time you invited an unchurched person to church?

The Witness Team will offer suggestions for the teams of people in your church who will be visiting the homes in your community.

We will provide you with computer models of door knockers to leave at the homes where no one is available, post cards to make follow-up contacts and many other tools for reaching your community for Christ. We will make these tools available on the Holston Conference web site in the near future.

There will be a reporting tool on the web site as well as a phone number that you can call to report the number of visits made by your church as well as the visitors who attend your services.

Please e-mail us to let us know that your church will participate in “50 Golden Days of Evangelism 2008”. Someone will then contact you with further information.

Let us pray and work daily that each of our churches will have a Pentecost Sunday on May 23, 2010.

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Ronnie Collins of The Holston Conference Witness Team 276-728-2434 or ronnie24317@yahoo.com

There are more posts where you can read details of this event included here.

Ronnie

holston-challenge-2010

This Day In The Life Of Your Pastor – February 2nd, 2010

1. time for bed, so much to do about 10 hours ago from web
2. texting and facebooking with friends and church folk, skype with the family, God is awesome. about 10 hours ago from web

3. Just got off Skype with our oldest son, technology is rockin about 11 hours ago from web

4. Great Events Happening in Holston http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/great-events-happening-in-holston/ about 11 hours ago from web

5. I am receiving approximately 900 messages in a combination of e-mail, facebook, and phone text, every 7 days. This doesn’t include calls about 12 hours ago from web

6. I am skyping with Misty and the kids about 12 hours ago from web

7. Absolutely hate 2 do it but Out Of The Box is canceled Wed. youth leaders have met & feel it is best. We will see u all @ the Super Bowl Pty about 13 hours ago from web

8. Lord, may we hear what u want us 2 hear, so we can B who u want us 2 B, so we can do what u want us to do http://myloc.me/3rxYj about 14 hours ago from UberTwitter

9. Convocation 2010 begins http://myloc.me/3ruFA about 15 hours ago from UberTwitter

10. Dinner was good, now worship http://myloc.me/3rtrM about 16 hours ago from UberTwitter

11. Lake Junaluska/Clergy Convocation/Five Practices http://imagebearer.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/img00091/ about 16 hours ago from web

12. @ the Lake http://myloc.me/3roy9 about 17 hours ago from UberTwitter

13. On the road again, Lake Junaluska http://myloc.me/3rgI7 about 21 hours ago from UberTwitter

14. Visiting with Kevin, Natasha, and little Emmie “Emberlyn Ann” she is a doll baby http://myloc.me/3r4PV about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

15. RT @RevMSlaughter: In our TGIF, “can’t wait until I retire” culture, God reminds me that I was created to seek engagement, not escape. about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter

16. fixing breakfast for Misty, Mike, Caitlin, and all the kids, I love my family and my favorite things is being with them about 23 hours ago from web

17. chatting with a friend I haven’t seen since high school, fb is a great tool about 23 hours ago from web

18. I always thank my God as I remember U N my prayers,because I hear about yor love 4 all his people & yor faith N the Lord Jesus. Philemon 1:4 about 23 hours ago from web

19. reading God’s text message this morning, the Book of Philemon about 23 hours ago from web

20. What if today really mattered? IT DOES!! So….Bless people by the way you live it. about 23 hours ago from web

21. Thank God for a Great night sleep, big day ahead, convocation later