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Introduction: This morning, we continue in 1 Corinthians 12.  We are going to see how Satan, the father of lies, tries to keep the Church from being what Christ intended it to be with two lies.  Paul uses a great analogy for us.  So, before I review previous weeks and we get into these lies, we are going to read together as one voice the first few verses of the passage for today.  So, that we are all using the same translation, I have the words up on the screen.  Please read with me 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. Review : Varieties of gifts, service, activities but same Spirit, Lord, and God who EMPOWERS them all in EVERYONE. Manifestation gifts are for common good.    ...

This post was originally posted at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting.  I wanted to share it since my daughter's birthday was last week. The month of March brings back many memories including the birth of my oldest daughter, Mackenzie. At 32 weeks, Bethany (my wife) began having contractions. The doctor was able to get the contractions stopped and immediately put her on bed rest. Since our first child Mitchell was 2 and would not be helpful to a mom on bed rest, he left for Kansas (we lived in Colorado) for the rest of the pregnancy. Bed rest went well for the next 3 weeks, but after an appointment, Bethany was released for limited activity. Since we were not ready at all for this baby, we needed to do some necessary errands. Following this day of errands, Bethany began having contractions again. This time the doctors could not get labor stopped. Mackenzie was born via C-section at 35 weeks. Immediately after birth she was taken to the NICU where she spent the nex...

“ Now you are the body of Christ and in dividually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

“ Now you are the body of Christ and in dividually members of it.   (1 Corinthians 12:27)

“ Now you are the body of Christ and in dividually members of it.   (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Here is my final post from Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke.  His final chapters focus on our future and why we need the be participants in the church. We are to created, cultivate, and redeem while we're here. . .The fact that we can create is a sign we are created in his image. Since everyone is made in the image of God, everyone has worth and everyone has dignity. Faith is no longer wrapped up in a building; it's wrapped up in every soul who loves Jesus. When the people of God move, the church moves. It's not brick and mortar; it's skin and bone. We are called to redeem this earth--everything, not just the spiritual part. Jesus is Lord of all of it, even the mundane Mondays through Saturdays. He's not just in charge of Sundays. I saw the church wasn't a museum for good people; it was a hospital for the broken. Jesus wasn't trying to create a place to show off his shiny employees; he wanted a place where his children could be healed. Fo...

This week, we have Promotion Sunday at Hesston MB. It is one of my favorite Sundays.  I loved this day before I even came on staff.  When we interviewed for this job, we came on Promotion Sunday and were blessed by that time together. Anyway, it is a great kickoff to the new school year.  All ages gather in the sanctuary.  We then introduce teachers and send children out to their new classes.  We also give Hesston MB bags to 1st graders which include lots of fun stuff.  They receive this because they are now moving out of Children's Church and expected to stay in sanctuary for entire service.  We also present Bibles to 3rd graders.  This is followed by introduction of youth and adult teachers.  I am busy today getting ready for Sunday, but it is always worth it!

Here are a few notes from my sermon this morning on the "one anothers" of Scripture: Love One Another - John 13:34-35 ; 15:12, 17; Hebrews 13:1, 1 Peter 1:22; 3:8; 1 John 3:11,14, 23; 1 John 4:7,11-12, 2 John 1:5 Agape-unconditional love §   New?   This is not a new command as they had been told to love one another in the OT.   According to Believer’s Bible Commentary, it is new because Holy Spirit would empower believers to obey it. It was superior to the old (not just love neighbor, but also your enemies. It is new because our standard is Jesus. §   God loves us so we should love others.   Reminds us of the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-40 §   the way the world will know if we follow Christ is how we love one another. §   Are we loving in our own strength?   Or are we loving supernaturally? What does our way of loving inside church walls say to the world? Encourage One Another -(NIV) 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11;...

The church sometimes gets a bad rap these days.  People complaining about hypocrites, always asking for money, blah, blah, blah.  But I would like those complainers to have been present over the last week in Hesston, KS.  I am proud to be on staff at Hesston MB as our church body has stepped up in a big way during the recent tragedy that took the life of Garrett Spencer.  I have seen God use people to comfort, pray for, provide food, set up the church, put away tables and chairs, send cards/emails, make phone calls, provide music, do dishes, vacuum, clean windows--to name a few.  What a good testimony to what Pastor Brad has been preaching over this past month regarding transparent relationships.  I know you don't want to take credit for it, but thank you!  To God Be the Glory!

Today has been one packed today. But even though it was very busy, it has been a blessed day too. This morning, I had a meeting at Tabor College to discuss Junior Camp activities. I went to my closet and the only long sleeve shirt I had was a Sterling College shirt. I proudly wore my Sterling shirt to my meeting and laughed to myself while on campus. It was a good meeting and a good reminder about how the Body of Christ must work together and use the gifts God has given us. We made a lot of progress and I left blessed. Another part of the blessing is the prayers that I was able to pray as I drive. I must focus better as I drive because I have some of my best conversations with God while in the car. I was able to get back to Hesston in time to get some exercise to play noon basketball. Busy day, but so far so good. Then I had the opportunity to head to the elementary school to see Mackenzie's Shop. For those not from Hesston , the 3rd graders do a unit on money and get to...

Obviously, I am an advocate for the church. I work for one and have been involved in one through most of my life. The longer I am in the church, the more I realize both the wonderful ways God is using the church in our world and unfortunately also the ways the church has failed. Let me begin by saying just because you go to church does not make you a Christian. Your salvation is not determined by church activity or attendance. However, the church is Jesus plan for reaching the world. Here are some lies that Satan tells us in regards to the church as well as lies we tell ourselves: You don't have to go to church, you can can worship at home. The church is full of hypocrites so I should not go. I am a Christian because I go to church. If someone hurts your feelings, just find another church. I must have my life together to go to church. I can pick and choose what I like about several churches and get what I need from them (i.e. children's, youth, adult, prayer, men's/women...