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The "Playing on the Radio" posts in July will be songs that we sang at Jr. Kids Camp at Tabor College.  Enjoy! I have posted this song before, but it wraps up our Jr. Kids Camp songs for this year.  I'm thankful that God is on the move all around us!

Pressing On.....Together-Ephesians 4:14-16-Matt Heard Ephesians 2:10-we are God's handiwork The work of art is not just the work itself but the people of God working together. Six Essentials of Pressing On Together: Compass -Where are we going? -Vision, USMB Future Story, Alignment Map -How are we going to get there? - 3 Core Commitments, Strategy, Goals Multitool -Do we understand our roles? - Awareness of each other's gifts and roles; Appreciation of mutual value Rope- Are we cooperating? - Collaboration, Trust, Communication, Leadership, Fun & Gratitude First Aid Kit -Can we fix what's holding us back? - Problem-solving skills, Conflict Resolution, Accountability, Affirmation, Commitment to the Vision Cake -Are we celebrating our progress? - Community, Synergy, Results, Worship

Pressing On-Philippians 3:12-14-Matt Heard We have never met someone who is not worshiping. The question is what are we worshiping. Four Pitfalls To Avoid: 1. Thinking too Highly of Present Position (vs. 12a, 13a) 2. Thinking too Lowly of Present Purpose (vs. 12b) 3. Thinking too Much About Our Past Track Record (vs. 13b) 4. Thinking too Little about Future Reward (vs. 14) When the church gets together it is a preview of the restoration that is to come.

Session 4-Matt Heard-Experiencing Eternal Life Do human beings ever realize life while they are living it? From Emily in Our Town We all have a longing to "realize life while we live it" Matthew 7:13-14-Our longings are ultimately for restoration Proverbs 13:12 (tree of life-mentioned 3 times in Scripture) John 4:13 Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Timothy 6:12 John 14:6-way-doing; truth-thinking; life-being (Part A & B)-Jesus didn't say pick two of three Way without Life-suffocating legalism, sub-cultural behavioral codes, works-based action, empty ritual (Matthew 23:27-28) Truth without Life-meaningless talk, foolish, unprofitable arguments, quarreling about words, judgmental tool (John 5:39-40) Way with Life-biblical obedience, healthy, God-glorifying action, Life-demonstrating & life-giving behavior Truth with Life-doctrine that illuminates and liberates, written word that leads to life Eternal Life is Not synonymous with heave...

Session 3-Matt Heard-The Life of the Gospel Why did the disciples give their lives? It wasn't for an ideology or a list of rules. Life with a Capital L-not just breathing here on earth, not just heaven, not a positive outlook--it is gospel 1 John 1:1-2 & 1 John 5:11-13 John 1:1-4 & John 20:31 Gospel/Salvation--Fall to Redemption-this is not complete but how we typically view salvation Gospel/Salvation--Creation to Fall to Redemption to Restoration-Part A & B The gospel is both proposition and plot. It's not either or. Genesis 3:4 Ezekiel 37:1-6 Isaiah 9:2 John 1:4 John 10:10 John 3:3 John 3:14-16 Colossians 1:18 Hebrews 12:23 1 Timothy 6:12 Ephesians 2:4-5 Ephesians 4:1

Session 2 with Matt Heard-Longing for Life Jeremiah 2:13--My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. John Calvin referred to us as idol factories. We are prone to wander. I'm thankful that the Living Water never leaves or forsakes us. The starting point of the gospel is God. We are created in His image. Our longings central to being human engaged and discerned rooted in eternity John 4:13-eternal life is not a synonym for heaven Isaiah 26:7-9-every person on earth has a longing for God; they just don't know it. We all have an eternal plug that we try to plug into temporal outlets. Psalm 63:1-when our fervency goes down, it is because we choose a broken cistern instead of turning to the only Fountain, the Living Water. There is Life Everywhere Painting based on short story by Leo Tolstoy The gospel comes to me to bring me to life. In the ...

Our pastor's gathering began with introductions from Don Morris followed by praise and worship. Pastor Brad Burkholder, lead pastor at Hesston MB Church, shared about ministry to the community following the Feb. 25th shooting at Excel Industries. Matt Heard, author of Life with A Capital L, is our speaker for the week. Session 1: The Gospel and Our Longing Philippians 3:12 USMB's Future Story Three core commitments: church multiplication/planting/evangelism Intentional disciple-making Developing leaders 1 Timothy 6:12 John 20:31 Do we understand the so what of the gospel? Part A-that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God Part B-and that by believing you may have life in his name. We proclaim part A but we don't live part B so people don't care about part A Sehnsucht-longing, deep desire, why am I here? Our Longings... Central To Being Human Engaged And Discerned Under the Direction of Christ's Spirit ...

My family is on the road today headed to Denver for the USMB Pastors' Conference and National Convention. We are looking forward to all of the activities as well as having some fun as a family.  We are planning to connect with friends from when we lived in Denver, headed to Winter Park to ride the Alpine Slide and more and an afternoon at Water World.  Pray for the USMB family, for safety in travel, and for a great vacation for us. I will also be posting here on the blog quotes and thoughts from the workshops as well as from our speaker, Matt Heard over the next several days.  Check back over the next few days!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have chosen the word, gospel, to think about and meditate on in 2016.  Gospel in the Greek literally means, "good news."  My best definition of gospel is the "life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." I hope to have a deeper understanding of the word and definition at the end of 2016. Check out previous posts on this topic. 8  And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” (Galatians 3:8) 13  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.  (Ephesians 1:13-14)

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. This is a new feature on the blog on the names of God.  Why?  Because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Logos   Logos means word. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) What it reminds me?  Jesus was present at creation.  Jesus is God.  Jesus has unity with the Father and Holy Spirit.  The Bible teaches us about who God is.  We need to be careful to not let our belief in the Bible replace the Trinity.  As J.D. Greear has said, many "believe (functionally speaking) in "Father, Son, and Holy Bible." We do not worship the Bible, but instead God the Fath...

The "Playing on the Radio" posts in July will be songs that we sang at Jr. Kids Camp at Tabor College.  Enjoy! This song has not been playing on K-Love, but it should be.  I am thankful for my Shepherd!

This is a now a regular feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts and this usually results in a lot of tweeting on that day.  However, if you are at work and not checking Twitter during that time, you might miss some of the great truth being shared by others.  So, I am sharing some of best tweets from the previous week which include great wisdom and truth. Jesus, who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it. Take heart! @scottsauls "I'm not right w God because the HS is in me. The HS is in me because I am right w God by grace through faith." @RScottClark via @Byronyawn know our love for God flows from a response to the love that God has freely given & reconciliation we have w/Him thru Christ @mockingbirdnyc Is #church a safe place? @JL_Martin @1C13P We realize that our righteousness is found in Christ alone. @JL_Martin

Next week July 27-30, the USMB Convention will be meeting in Denver, Colorado.  Our speaker for both the pastor's conference and convention is Matt Heard.  I sent Matt some questions and below you will find his responses.  As I have read part one of this book, I believe Matt's keynotes will be a message that is very timely for our USMB family.  I hope this brief interview will whet your appetite for hearing more from Matt next week. If you are unable to be at the convention next week, I will be tweeting quotes @JL_Martin as well as posting on this blog what is going on.  Check back next week Thursday, Friday and Saturday for my thoughts from the convention. Why did you want to write Life with a Capital L: Embracing Your God-Given Humanity ?   I think many of us in churches are tragically less fluent than we should be regarding the grand “why” of the Gospel. Other than the forgiveness of sins and admission into heaven (both of whi...

Today's New Book Friday is from the author who will be speaking at the USMB Convention in Denver, CO next week.  I look forward to hearing Matt share about life.

Here are pictures from Park & Pool Day tonight:

One of the highlights of my summer is Park and Pool Day.  Below you will see pictures from previous years.  This year's Park and Pool Day is a big group activity and all of the big groups have been invited.  We will meet at King Park. Here is the schedule for the night: 6:00 p.m.-Picnic at King Park-Bring food for your own family 6:45 p.m.-Family Kickball 7:30 p.m.-Pool Party. Hope to see you there!

Today is Molly's birthday.  She is 9 years old.  As you will see in the pictures, she has an infectious smile and her personality is full of joy. Happy Birthday, Molly!

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. This is a new feature on the blog on the names of God.  Why?  Because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Bread of Life 35   Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35) What it reminds me?  Bread was nourishment for the people.  Jesus is the nourishment we need in life.  Jesus not only meets physical needs but other needs as well.  He wants us to have abundant life not just in heaven but now as well.  We find that life in Him. Bread is also used in communion to remind us of Jesus' body given for us.  He is our substitute and...

The "Playing on the Radio" posts in July will be songs that we sang at Jr. Kids Camp at Tabor College.  Enjoy! I had heard this song on the radio, but it was not until I listened more to the words that I began to like it more. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have chosen the word, gospel, to think about and meditate on in 2016.  Gospel in the Greek literally means, "good news."  My best definition of gospel is the "life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." I hope to have a deeper understanding of the word and definition at the end of 2016. Check out previous posts on this topic. 7  On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8  (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), (Galatians 2:7-8)   14  But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15  We ourselves are ...

Today's new book is one I have not purchased yet. I have heard a few podcasts with the author so I plan to purchase soon.  Check it out!

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13)

Today is my wife's birthday.  Stop by Faith and Life Bookstore in Newton and tell her "Happy Birthday!" I am thankful for the day of her birth because it means that one day I would meet her and have the opportunity to date and eventually marry her.  I love you.  I hope you have a great day, Bethany!

This is a now a regular feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts and this usually results in a lot of tweeting on that day.  However, if you are at work and not checking Twitter during that time, you might miss some of the great truth being shared by others.  So, I am sharing some of best tweets from the previous week which include great wisdom and truth. You Are Not Condemned: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1) @JL_Martin  Yesterday at @SDYCJKC a few mods chanted "SC Warriors" for me on Tabor campus to go to lunch quicker. :) @SterlingCLife @TaborCollege If Jesus drank down the cup of God's wrath for sin on the cross, there is no wrath left to pour on sinners who are in Christ. You are free! @ZackJamesCole The gospel is not about what we have done or are called to do, but the announcement of God’s saving work in Jesus Christ. @MichaelHorton_ Will I see...

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. This is a new feature on the blog on the names of God.  Why?  Because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Master 24   And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. (Luke 8:24) What it reminds me?  Jesus is a good friend and teacher and He is also our Master.  This reminds me that God is God and I am not.  I may not understand everything going on in my life, but I know God is good and He is all powerful and on the throne.

The "Playing on the Radio" posts in July will be songs that we sang at Jr. Kids Camp at Tabor College.  Enjoy! Today's song was our theme for the week, "Christ in me."

Have you registered to attend the USMB National Convention and Pastor's Convention?  If not, there is still time.  Dates are July 27-30 in Denver, CO. The theme for the convention is Press On and our speaker will be Matt Heard. Here are the reasons why I am attending: I love to learn!  I look forward to the workshops and sessions led by Matt Heard. Hearing more about the Future Story of the Mennonite Brethren conference. It sounds like some great changes are being made and I look forward to learning more about how we can work together as churches for local, national, and global multiplication, intentional disciple-making and developing leaders. Networking with other church leaders-Each time I attend I meet someone new and reconnect with someone I had met at previous conventions. Special opportunities for children's ministry leaders-There will be a workshop on Friday morning during the pastor's gathering and a meet and greet on Friday afternoon just to chat and ge...

I am saving this new book for 2017.  It is a 60 day devotional by some of my favorite authors. Check it out!

Today I am posting over at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting.  Check it out here I am writing about how the gospel impacts the church.  Read more about what a safe church looks like.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have chosen the word, gospel, to think about and meditate on in 2016.  Gospel in the Greek literally means, "good news."  My best definition of gospel is the "life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." I hope to have a deeper understanding of the word and definition at the end of 2016. Check out previous posts on this topic. 2  I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. (Galatians 2:2)   5  to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. (Galatians 2:5)

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Happy Independence Day from my firecrackers to yours! I'm thankful for the freedoms we have in our country and those who secured them.  Stay safe and enjoy time with friends and family.

Our anniversary often falls in the middle of VBS, softball & basketball games, and sidewalk sale.  Therefore, we went out on a date closer to our anniversary (June 13), but we are officially celebrating with a weekend away now.  I look forward to our time together.  I am thankful she said yes.

This is a now a regular feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts and this usually results in a lot of tweeting on that day.  However, if you are at work and not checking Twitter during that time, you might miss some of the great truth being shared by others.  So, I am sharing some of best tweets from the previous week which include great wisdom and truth. Grace frees us from operating out of "have to" at a flesh level and allows us to operate out of "want to" at a heart level. @JeremyG220  A low view of the Law leads you to think if you try harder you can keep it. A high view of the Law leads you to trust Jesus 4 daily living. @ZachMaldo While we finger point & blame shift, Jesus says the only direction a finger rightly points is toward the self. @mockingbirdnyc Christian, you do not have to "prove yourself" to Jesus. Justified by faith and sealed by his Spirit, there is nothing left to prove. @jaredcwil...

Today's New Book Friday is available for free from the author, R.J. Grunewald on his website  . I wrote a review on Amazon about a week ago. It is a great book to help people understand law and gospel.  For the beginner, R.J. does a great job introducing the topic.  For those familiar with the terms, he helps us think deeper about the topic.  Check it out!