Ministry Partners

Why should I join?  What do I get if I am a member?  What will you do for me?  These questions make sense for members of a club.  

 But, The church should be different.  This is not quite the same as a club member.  

But the church calls those who are followers of Christ to take on the mission of Jesus Christ.  They take on the character and priorities that God wants for his people.  Who wants to team up with others?  Who wants to share in the mission of God's church?  

We ask that ministry partners take on the values of Give, Regularly attend, outreach and Words.  

     G.ive- by helping somewhere at church and by giving money in tithes and offerings.

     R.egularly Attend- Sunday morning worship and a small group discussion.

     O.utreach- Using hands to help and words to share with those who are outside of the church.

     W.ords- Speak to build up and not tear down what God is doing.  

A Church that makes disciples who make disciples will work together to serve the mission of Christ.  

communityatcornerstone.com

Intentional- To Follow Christ

How do I get eternal life?  How does a person make it to heaven?  If I died today and stood before God and he asked my why I should get in, what would I say?

It all comes down to putting my trust in Christ as my Leader and Forgiver.  My ways that go against God, do not work.  It makes sense that the one who made me and the one who knows me can show me how to live.  I trust him.  I surrender my ways to him.  God is my Lord and Savior, Leader and Forgiver.  See Romans 10:9-13.

The rich religious ruler was better than most.  He would have memorized the entire old testament. He held a position of leadership in the religious system of the day. Yet he did not trust the instruction of Jesus.  He rejected Christ as Lord and Savior.  See Luke 18:18-23.

Following Jesus is different than following the rules, traditions and practices of religious organizations.

I have no hope if I knowingly and willingly live my life in ways that are against God.  Intentional sin is a deal breaker.  I cannot follow Christ and intentionally live in opposition to what Christ wants me to do.  See Hebrews 10:26.  Yet there are Christians who live in sin and still make it to heaven.  See I Corinthians 3:3, 15.  Only God knows if Christians living in sin are carnal Christians or not even Christians.  

I will sin and confess everyday of my life.  But I intend to live my life as a follower of Christ.  Jesus is my Leader.  

Daniel is likable and respectable

Daniel is a leader with great character.  Even at a young age he is resolved to do what is right.  He knows what is right or wrong.  He understands who he is and what he should do.  

But, there are some other words used to describe Daniel that are much needed in my life.  Daniel asks permission to not eat the kings food.  Daniel shows himself as kind and respectful to those who do not share his faith.  He seems to realize that they can make decisions with little consideration to what matters to him.  

He asks again and says please test us.  He asks for a 10 day trial of eating a diet of vegetables.  Actually he requests to eat only what comes from the ground.  

The staff accepts and agrees to Daniels suggestions.  They like Daniel and show him respect.  Maybe he was likable and respectable.  

Daniel was in a foreign land.  A place where most did not know or follow his God.  Sometimes I feel the place where I live is more like what Daniel faced.  Today it seems most will claim faith in God and then do what is right in their own eyes.  Daniel knew the teachings of the Bible as well as the God of the Bible.  I want to be more like Daniel is how he is kind to all kinds of people.  I agree with his resolve to do what is right.  I want more of his example of kindness to show through in my life.  

For more info see the Book of Daniel from the Bible.  

a person after God's own heart

Is there a new song that expresses a heart for God.  I especially like how Keith says it's so hard to see when my eyes are on me.  Or, I wanna die and let you live.  

I really am looking for a current song that expresses a heart for God.  I want to use it in church this Sunday.  Church is for this generation.  I want to be a pastor to this generation.  Help me to not use this old song from when I was a teen.  

Trying to go after the character of David this week.  What does it mean for people to call David a man after God's own heart.

David was not perfect.  But he would become broken over his sin.

David could have killed Saul when Saul was going to the bathroom in that cave.  David did not do what so many thought would be totally acceptable.

David could have killed people as the king.  Like those related to king Saul.  But he honored them.  

David could have honored those who said they killed his enemies.  But, you know what he did to them.  

What is a man after God's own heart?  How can I be a man after God's own heart?

Make my life a prayer- Keith Green

Make my life a prayer to you 
I wanna do what you want me to 
No empty words and no white lies 
No token prayers no compromise 

I wanna shine the light you gave 
Thru your son you sent to save us 
From ourselves and our despair 
It comforts me to know you're really there 

Chorus 
Well I wanna thank you know 
For being patient with me 
Oh it's so hard to see 
When my eyes are on me 
I guess I'll have to trus 
And just believe what you say 
Oh you're coming again 
Coming to take me away 

I wanna die and let you give 
Your life to me so I might live 
And share the hope you gave me 
The love that set me free 

I wanna tell the world out there 
You're not some fable or fairy tale 
That I've made up inside my head 
You're God the son and you've risen from the dead 

This generation

2 young ladies came to visit our youth meeting last week.  I feel this.  Those who are creative.  Young adults with piercings or tattoos feel condemnation from some churches today.  I am so thankful that the church has moved past enforcing rules that are not in the Bible.  

But I wonder are young people wondering if they will receive condemnation from people who claim to know God.  

The Bible has enough rules, guidelines and teachings.  We are not better if we make up more rules.  People are not better if we expect them to keep extra guidelines.  

I am thankful for churches that are growing to love all kinds of people.  The church can again be known for it's love.  The church can help people get to know God.  The God of the Bible.  

What About the Religious

On Mondays I seem to find myself with more important thoughts on the sermon I already gave.  

A week from this past Sunday was on those who God calls sinful.  In Paul's writing he uses the word "They".

In Chapter 2 Paul addresses his writings to "You".  Those who know they are sinful are not in good standing with God.  Those who think they are better are in a little worse standing with God.  

Those who hold the scriptures and judge the sinful are without excuse.  They even show contempt for the mercy, tolerance and patience of God.  

Good people do not make it to heaven.  Only perfect people make it to heaven.  Sadly good people often think they are better than others.  

Romans 3 is coming in about 3 weeks.  After Easter.  We will look at how NO person is righteous.  The answer is in Romans 3.