From the Pastor’s Heart…
(June 20, 2010)
We are all to grow in grace!
I believe that this truth is often brushed aside with the idea that because of my profession of faith at some point in my life, there is no need for a lot of growth. I am safe.
But scripture teaches us that this is an important aspect of a true believer. 2 Peter 3:18 tells us that we are to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’
The truth is that God loves us and that love is based not upon what we do, but solely upon the fact that we are in union with His Son through His sacrifice for us. Our sins were laid upon Him, and the penalty for them was fully paid by Him on the cross. That is God’s wonderful grace. His unmerited favor is never conditioned on our behavior, but is always conditioned on the unchanging merit of the Lord Jesus Christ. To that we say, “Amen!”.
But our progress in the pursuit of holiness IS conditioned on the practice of the disciplines that God commands us to follow. It is through Bible study and church attendance; memorization and meditation; application of scripture and prayer… that we are increasingly transformed into the likeness of Christ by the Spirit. This is the way He renews our mind, which Paul says in Romans 12:2 is so important in our walk with Christ.
Shall we endeavor to dedicate ourselves to ‘grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ’?
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
(May 16, 2010)
1 Samuel 23:16 reads, “Saul’s son, Jonathan, went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in the Lord.”
Saul was the King of Israel. Jonathan was Saul’s son and David’s friend. David was God’s choice for king; a man after God’s own heart. Saul increasingly felt threatened by David’s popularity and his own unpopularity. He was consumed by jealousy and looked for opportunities to kill David. So David is hiding in the desert of Horesh and Jonathan comes to help David ‘find strength in the Lord.’
David already knew (of course) about the strength of the Lord, but in the middle of tough times, he (like you and me) sometimes doesn’t necessarily feel the large doses of His strength that He offers.
Scripture teaches us that we must ‘strengthen ourselves in the Lord.’ Several times it tells us of accounts (like 1 Samuel 30:1-6) where even though we are deeply distressed, we should find strength (or strengthen ourselves) in the Lord. We must pray, read His Word and remember His control and love.
But then scripture also teaches us that we are to be a strength to one another in the Lord. David was hurting and God sent Jonathan to minister to him and help him find ‘strength in the Lord.’
I have had many Jonathans in my life who have come to give help and strengthen me. I thank God for every Jonathan that has touched me. I thank God for every Jonathan opportunity that I have had to be there for someone else.
We can’t all be everywhere, so the body of Christ is encouraged to be that Jonathan to each other.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
(April 18, 2010)
Galatians 6:10 teaches us, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
A few months ago, Tricia Seaman and I both received calls from Pastor Joe Samples. Pastor Samples is a former pastor at Thompsontown Baptist and is now a pastor at a church in North Carolina. Joyce and I have had the privilege of singing and speaking in his church for a revival a couple of years ago. His phone call was a request for Niemonds to provide a praise and worship team and speaker for a deeper life conference on Grace that they are having in June. He wanted as many people as possible to come down and minister for a week of meetings and special events.
After much prayer, Tricia and Dan took the leadership position on this trip and began formulating a plan. While we wish we could take everyone that sings or plays an instrument with us, there is limited housing space available. It was a very difficult responsibility to make a list of folks and start going down it to see who would be available and who would not be.
After several weeks of organization, the team is set. Pastor will be the speaker and the praise team from Niemonds as well as a representation of the youth praise team and a few others will be going to minister from June 5th through June 11th.
Just like any missions or ministry opportunity, we would ask the church to be in prayer for this team. The church that Pastor Joe serves has had its share of difficulties. Pastor Art has been an advisor to Pastor Joe throughout the process, and we are praying that this time will be a time of seeing the healing grace of God in this church family.
Pray that we will be an effective witness, a Godly example and an encouragement to Pastor Joe and Mirela, their family, and the Salem Baptist church family throughout this week.
On a personal note, this trip was not a ministry or missions trip that we could open up to volunteers from the congregation. It is an opportunity for a specific ministry which many in our congregation could have fulfilled, but do to space and limitations we could not take everyone. Please do not feel ‘slighted’ if you were not asked, but please pray for this trip and for future ‘opportunities’.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
(February 7, 2010)
Whether we like it or not, we live in a culture that has overwhelmed us with sexual images. As a result of that, there is a tendency for people to compare themselves to the ‘air-brushed’ models and Hollywood stars. There is also a great temptation to sexual activity.
A recent study has determined that well over 64% of all sites on the internet have some degree of pornography, if not being outright pornographic. It is a multi-billion dollar industry in today’s society.
Even Christian men and teens are so exposed to the filth of immorality. A recent anonymous Barna Survey determined that over 50% of men and teens in the church have an addiction or the possibility of an addiction to pornography, meaning that they either view it daily, or they allow themselves to be exposed to it without turning it off.
It is a drastic but needed challenge in today’s society for men and women to commit to a life of sexual purity. Of course, that starts in the home, with education and care… but it is also the responsibility of every church body to make absolutely sure that the Biblical truths concerning sexuality, temptation and the willful act of guarding our mind, hearts and body in a world of sex be taught.
Because of this truth, a two month, Biblically-based Sunday School class will be taught to the Sr. High teens of Niemonds Independent Church starting next Sunday, February 14th. The guys and the gals will be separated for this class time. The gals will meet in the regular youth room and the guys will meet in the green room beside the platform off the sanctuary.
The material being used will be “Every Young Man’s Battle” and “Every Young Woman’s Battle.” These are excellent resource books to win the victory through Christ over sexual compromise. The guys will be taught by Pastor Mott and Steve Ehrenzeller. The gals will be taught by Penny Ehrenzeller and Joyce Mott.
The Pastoral leadership of Niemonds believes that this is a vital teaching tool, and a great teaching opportunity for the young people of our church. If you would like to have more information regarding the lessons, or if you have any questions, you can get in touch with one of the Pastors.
Remember Ephesians 5:3… “But among you there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity.”
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart
(January 24, 2010)
The tragedy in Haiti is all over the news, and it is a stark reminder that life is paper-tissue thin. The worst thing that can happen is to spend an eternity separated from the love and grace of Jesus Christ. There are only two kinds of people in the world: those who will spend an eternity separated from the love grace and goodness of God, and those who will forever fellowship with the One who knit them together in their mothers’ wombs.
I’m also reminded of the fact that whenever these kinds of tragedies strike, it seems that that Christian world once again receives a black eye, and often times this is a self-inflicted wound. I was absolutely chagrined when I walked into the studio just a few moments ago and saw the words of Pat Robertson. He is talking on his Christian Broadcasting Network 700 Club about something that happened a long time ago in Haiti, and he says: “People might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French… you know, Napoleon the 3rd… and they got together and swore a pact to the Devil. They said, ‘We will serve you if you’ll get us free from the French.’” And then says Pat Robertson, “True story. And so the Devil said, ‘Okay, it’s a deal’… but ever since they have been cursed by… one thing after another, desperately poor.”
Of course, that’s the Word of Faith mantra that if you suffer poverty, you’re under a curse. And Pat Robertson then goes on to talk about the Dominican Republic, which is prosperous. He contrasts between the part of the island of Hispaniola that is the Dominican Republic, which is the prosperous side, and Haiti, which is in desperate poverty, and reiterates it is the ‘same island.’ The conclusion being that because the Dominican Republic didn’t make this past with the Devil and Haiti did – allegedly at least according to legend – you have Haiti today suffering for the sins of their forefathers, who made a pact with the devil. Again this is a self-inflicted black eye on Christianity, because here is a prominent Christian leader communicating legendary information, and I might add, this is the same guy who said Ariel Sharon’s stroke was divine retribution for dividing God’s land, and Yitzhak Rabin’s murder was God’s retribution for signing the Oslo Peace Accords.
I can’t help it when I hear these Christian leaders pontificate in startling fashion of the words of Jesus Christ, who had a completely different take on things. For example, when speaking about those who perished when the tower of Siloam crashed down on them Jesus said, “Do you think that they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you no.” I would much rather heed the words of Jesus Christ than the words of Pat Robertson. And this is a warning to all Christians. Don’t simply believe what the leaders are telling you. Test what they say in light of Scripture, and hold fast to that which is good.
We have no warrant whatsoever to suggest that the Haitians today dying in an earthquake are dying because of a pact that their forefathers made with the devil. This is not only absurd, it is deflective to the Gospel! It is much better that we get on our knees and pray for the Haitians and recognize that our lives are temporary. We live in a cursed creation, a fallen world, that one day will give way to the best of all worlds, a new Heaven and a new Earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
Forwarded to you from your Pastor.
Original author – Hank Hanagraaf
From the Pastor’s Heart…
(January 10, 2010)
Are you ready for this?
Our bodies are made up of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, iron, iodine, zinc, copper, aluminum and arsenic. The total cost for all of that? About $1.00. Oh, and then there is our skin. If we were to stretch it out, the average person has between 15 to 18 feet of it (sorry, but I have a little bit more than that). Based on the value of cow hide, it would go for about $3.50.
And then there are our organs. Gary Becker, an economist and Nobel prize winner, said that if our organs were allowed to be sold, a kidney would be worth about $15,000.00 and a liver about $35,000.00.
But God says that man is a creation of His (Genesis 2:7). He determines our worth and He breathed into us a living soul that will last for eternity.
So what are we worth, really? And what should our response be to our worth?
Well, we are worth more than sparrows (Hebrew 10:29-31).
We are worth more than sheep (Matthew 12:10-13).
We are worth more than an ox (Luke 13:11-17)
We are worth more than the combined wealth of the world (Matthew 16:24-26).
But God truly declared the exact worth of man (His creation) at a place called Calvary. We were so valuable that He was willing to let His own Son die for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8-10). God’s own Son was the price He was willing to give (Acts 20:28).
Economists tell us that the value of something is based upon what someone is willing to pay. What should our response be to what God was willing to pay and how far He was willing to go?
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
November 22, 2009
I will bless the LORD at all times:
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD…
O magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt His name together.
- Psalm 34:1-3 (AMP)
As we approach our Church Thanksgiving Dinner this evening with the concert by the Wehry’s… and as we approach our own Thanksgiving Day family times or ministries that we may be involved in, we are reminded that no matter the season, God has given you something worthy of praise.
In the winter, the earth is clothed in pure white and icicles glimmer off of rooftops. In the spring, the flowers and trees are in bloom for you. The beauty of the summer is self-evident. And the autumn harvest brings trees in the most wondrous colors.
The same is true in our lives. Throughout life we all travel through many seasons (Eccl 3:1-8). No matter how cold a winter or how scorching a summer, if we look closely, we can always find rays of God’s provision shining through… a reason to praise Him… a reason to give Him thanks.
The Psalmist said, “I will praise the Lord at all times.” Having this kind of thankful attitude is always a choice. There will be seasons in your life when saying a hearty “Amen” or “Praise God” feels like the hardest thing to do. It’s almost like it physically hurts.
But it is still something that we must do as true believers.
We honor God when we decide, that no matter what the circumstance, God is still worthy of thanks and praise.
Here is a Thanksgiving Day Challenge:
While you’re sitting around the Thanksgiving table this year, take some time to put this into practice: “I will recount and tell aloud all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds!” Have everyone go around the table and talk about the goodness of the Lord! It is a topic of which the reservoir is always full.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
(October 4, 2009)
Good morning.
Today is the last day for you to contact one of the Elders of Niemonds, listed on the front of the bulletin, with any nominations for any of the leadership positions here at the church. Our annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 7:00 pm.
It is also important to note that according to our constitution there must be at least 50% of the active membership present to conduct a meeting. Please make sure that you have put this date down as a priority. All those that attend Niemonds are certainly invited to attend as well.
Please review the scripture references that I have listed over the last several weeks on the “Pastor’s Heart” page and be in prayer. If you do not have those articles, they can be read online at www.niemonds.org.
Praying with you for the future, filled with edification and evangelism.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
September 27, 2009
During the history of Niemonds Independent Church, a small number of women have been elected to the council of leadership each year. That decision is based upon a verse in 1Timothy. It is in the context of the qualifications listed for service as a deacon (diakonos = service). Verse 11 reads, “Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.” Then the context returns to the qualifications of Deacons.
The word “their” in that passage is not in the original language which makes this verse very difficult for translators. Some believe that it is talking (in context) about another qualification of a Deacon… that they should have wives that are reverent, temperate, etc. Others believe that this is a verse that states that there should be women in this level of leadership because of the evidence in other areas of scripture where service-oriented spiritual gifts are very evident in women.
Niemonds has taken the biblical position that men are to be the head of the household (righteously, not dictatorially) and that they are to be deferred to as leadership in the local body of Christ. Having said that, we have continued to place women with the characteristics described in verse 11 into “deaconess” positions so that they can be of overwhelming help and support in this area of ministry.
Because of that, we encourage you to take a very good look at verse 11 and feel free to nominate qualified women for this position on our church council.
Reminder: All nominations for any office must be given to an Elder (listed on the front of the bulletin) by Sunday, October 11th.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
(September 20, 2009)
When you think about the fact that the congregation will be nominating men for the position of deacon, you must begin with a simple definition. Deacon is from the Greek word ‘diakonos’ which means ‘service.’
In God’s plan, every person in the church is to be equipped ‘for works of service (diakonia) [Ephesians 4:12], but there are certain men that are called to serve the church in a special way, participating in the building up of the body of Christ.
The first illustration of this was at the founding of the church in Acts 6, where men of good report and godly character were selected to ‘serve’ in the church in Jerusalem so that the Elders (Pastors) could take the necessary time for the study and preparation from God’s Word.
I would ask that you read that passage as well as the qualifications listed in 1Timothy 3:8-13. These passages will lead you to understand not only the importance of the position, but also the qualifications of those that would be placed in them.
Qualifications like dignity, sincerity, honesty, founded in God’s Word, clearly focused on God, trustworthiness, husband of one wife, faithfully a husband and father.
Paul is outlining qualities that reflect maturity in Christ… Traits that every believer should strive for, but that Deacons (in serving) should demonstrate readily.
If you would like to read all of the Pastor’s Heart articles, you may do so online at Niemonds.org. Please contact any Elder to nominate someone for any position as we pray and await our annual meeting in November. Nominations must be given to an elder by the first Sunday of October.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
September 13, 2009
(Church Leadership/Preparation for the Annual Meeting/Article Two.)
Over the years the most common question that I receive with regards to the annual meeting and election of officers is, “How do I nominate someone?”
Each Sunday I have been giving you the Biblical qualifications concerning the positions of leadership at Niemonds Independent Church. Please do not hesitate to read the constitution with regards to the process. Any member may nominate someone that they feel has Biblical qualifications and that they feel will represent Christ and the church in leadership.
You may approach any Elder (listed on the front of your bulletin) and give them the name.
The process then involves that name being brought before the council for review. The council will determine the Biblical qualifications and credibility of the candidate. If the name passes the council at 100%, that person is notified as to their willingness to serve. If they are willing, their name is placed on the ballot.
Please do not hesitate to bring a qualified name to any Elder.
May I encourage you again to read the qualifications for an Elder? (The Deacon position will be addressed next Sunday.)
1 Peter 5, Acts 20, 1 Timothy 5 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ) and Titus 1.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
September 6, 2009
(Church Leadership/Preparation for the Annual Meeting/Article One.)
Some of the worst havoc upon the Christian faith has been a direct result of unscriptural church government. So often church fractures come due to putting power struggles and church structure over scripture.
All through the New Testament we are given instruction concerning the installation of Elders that would oversee the spiritual aspects and lead in the promotion of God’s Word.
As we approach the annual meeting, where the congregation will make nominations of men who will spiritually assist the Pastor and lead in the ongoing ministry of the Word, please (please) read the following passages and ask God to provide direction with regards to the nomination process. All nominees will be evaluated in the light of Scripture by the Council of Niemonds and those who are approved will be contacted as to their willingness to serve. If they are willing, their name will be added to the ballot for the congregational meeting on November 11th.
Please pray and read the following:
Exhortations given directly to men that would desire the position of Elder:
To spiritually oversee the local congregation (1 Peter 5:1-2)
To not ‘lord’ over the people (dictatorial) (1 Peter 5:3)
To be clothed in humility (1 Peter 5:5)
To guard the church from false teachers (Acts 20:28)
To work hard, help the needy and be generous (Acts 20:35)
Exhortations given directly to the church with regards to Elders:
Financial support for preaching Elders (Pastors) (1 Tim. 5:17-18)
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
Proper qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
The desire of Elders to be seen (1 Timothy 3:1)
The call to obey and submit to biblical Elders (Hebrew 13:17)
To acknowledge, love and live at peace with your Elders
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
August 16, 2009
(Copies of Niemonds Independent Church constitution are available on the back table.)
In the revised constitution of Niemonds Independent Church that was adopted in 2002, Article V states that “throughout September, the congregation will be faithfully given the biblical qualifications of all elected officers of the church body. They will be given instructions on how to make nominations to those offices. At the regular monthly meeting of the general council in October (acting as the nominating committee), the number of needed Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses will be decided and the nominations will be reviewed as to their spiritual qualifications. A list of potential officers will be made. Each will be contacted as to their willingness to serve. A final list, each nomination recognized and approved by 100% of the general council, will be presented to the congregation at the November Annual Meeting. (This year it is scheduled for November 11th at 7:00 PM), where a majority vote of those members 16 and older will be needed for a two year term.” (secret ballot)
As we approach September, I have chosen to use the ‘pastor’s heart’ area on the back of the bulletin for the instruction concerning the biblical qualifications of the elected officers. Please take the time each Sunday to read carefully and pray concerning nominations for the available positions of leadership here at Niemonds.
During the month of September and up until October 13th, any member of Niemonds may nominate someone who is biblically qualified to the position of Elders, Deacon or Deaconess, by contacting one of the Elders. The Elders names and numbers are on the front of the bulletin.
Thank you for your prayers and support of the leadership of Niemonds.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
June 21, 2009
A few weeks ago in a message, I made the statement that I hoped that when I’m with the Lord my children or grandchildren don’t remember me as the dad who had a lot of fun, but rather the dad who stood for the things of Christ without compromise; and had a lot of fun.
Those two ideas are not incompatible.
Standing for the things of Christ in life and teaching are essentials to parenting. They are demands of a father. Psalm 78 tells us that fathers should not ‘hide the truth from their children, telling [that truth] to the generation to come.’ It goes on to tell of the benefits of doing that… ‘that they may set their hope in God and forget not the works of God, but keep His commandments.’
Now when we don’t do that… or should I say, when we put ‘the fun of life’ before the things of Christ, the results are in the same chapter. We ‘turn out like our rebellious fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.’
You see, there is nothing wrong with fun… in fact, you have heard me say from the pulpit many times that we ought to be the most ‘partying’ people on the planet [in a righteous way]… but it must be surrounded on all sides with Godliness.
Dad… no matter how much fun you are, or how many gifts you buy your children, or how much of a ‘cool dad’ you want to be; it is all vanity unless it is found within the obedience that we are to have with Christ.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
May 31, 2009
Why do we go through the trouble of updating and printing a prayer sheet each Sunday for our bulletin? I was asked that question several weeks ago.
I answered it by stating that back in 2000 when I had major back surgery; I had the opportunity on several occasions to share my testimony and faith with my surgeon. Joyce settled in as the surgery went forward. Surprisingly, the surgeon came out much before expected and told Joyce that the surgery was complete and that everything had gone wonderfully. In fact, he told Joyce what he shared with me later that day… the fact that he had never gotten the titanium spacers (I had two ‘installed’) in exactly the place where they needed to be on the first try, but this time he did.
Later that day when he related the story to me he said, “You must have a wonderful prayer support.” This from a man who was indifferent to the testimony of faith I had given him to that point.
No one can ever convince me that prayer is not important… so I have a couple of questions for you.
Do you pray regularly? Do you pray selflessly for others as in intercessor? Do you pray for God’s will?
Paul, in Colossians 4, calls us to be people of prayer. He says, “Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God will open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.”
Are you an intercessor?
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From Your Pastor’s Heart…
April 12, 2009
As a pastor I often wonder what the most convincing motivation for responding to the gospel might be. Could it be our eternal destiny? Could it be the Biblical proofs and prophecy of the Old Testament completely fulfilled in the New? Could it be the void that people feel when trying to make sense of their lives? Maybe it is the joy that true believers know and SHOW, no matter what the circumstance.
While all of these are important, it truly boils down to Matthew 12:40. “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
And 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to Scripture, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to Scripture.”
When we believe the facts of the gospel story, our new life begins. Yes, it has all of the benefits listed above, but all of them pale in comparison to the priceless relationship that the Creator of the universe wants to have with you. He wants it so much that He sent His only Son to die for you so that you could live eternally. He wants it so much that He empowered His Son to conquer death, so that you could be free from eternal death.
Time is short. Fleeting.
The gospel is not something to be whispered, but shouted.
Without embarrassment.
Without compromise.
Without pause.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From The Pastor’s Heart…
March 29, 2009
Recently I found myself in a situation where there was total darkness. There was no little glimmer of light at all. Alone in the darkness, I thought immediately of the little glow of light that comes from my cell phone. I flipped it open and found my way in the dark to where I needed to be. As I sat in the darkness and looked at the small light from my phone, I thought about how even a little flicker of light can dispel the darkness.
We live in a dark world and Jesus said to His disciples and to us, “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come may see the light.” (Luke 11:33)
This week we have the opportunity to hear testimony from four missionaries who are giving their lives to share that glimmer of light, who is Jesus. We should feel blessed…. Not only to come and hear these testimonies… Not only to be able to pray for these new friends as they serve… Not only to be able to hear about the cultures, areas and countries in which they serve… But also to be reminded that we, too, have that same light to share with our family, friends, co-workers… and the world.
Please make every effort to be in attendance this week as we share in this year’s missions conference.
The schedule is in your bulletin.
It is a joy to be your pastor
From The Pastor’s Heart…
March 15, 2009
When I was growing up with my father as a pastor and heard the word “fellowship,” I associated it with a get-together or a meal. Folks, Biblical fellowship goes beyond a ‘once a month’ meal.
The word ‘koinonia’ at its center means ‘commonness.’… so where are we ‘common’ in things?
Well, we are common in our Christian inheritance. If we truly have a relationship with Christ, we share in the saving grace that He has provided. Our true ‘fellowship’ with each other is completely dependent upon our true ‘fellowship’ with Him.
We also share a common service or bond. We are part of the family of God, adopted into that family through the grace and mercy of a wonderful Savior. So, our service, spiritual gifts, dedication, prayer, concern, giving, edification, exhortation… all is shared. Remember, when one rejoices, all rejoice.
One of the great blessings of ‘fellowship’ is the fact that we share our walk with Christ together. Paul taught that God ‘comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.’ (2 Corinthians 1:4)
What a great thought! God is honored when we rejoice and fellowship in our common inheritance; when we rejoice and fellowship in our common bond and when we rejoice and fellowship in our common walk.
Oh… and the meals aren’t bad either!
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From The Pastor’s Heart…
February 15, 2009
The first stanza of the song, “If We Could See Beyond Today” says:
“If we could see beyond today as God can see;
If all the clouds would rollaway, the shadows flee.
O’er present griefs we would not fret,
Each sorrow we would soon forget.
For many joys are waiting yet,
For you and me.”
How many times have we said, “if only.” We would make such great choices and decisions, “if only.”
Think about these men and all of their unseen tomorrows.
Job, who in the middle of all his pain and loss said, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see Him with my own eyes.” (Job 19:25-27)
Paul, who often spoke of this theme said, “I consider our present sufferings are not worthy comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
Peter, in both of his letters expressed a joy in service and an eagerness to see what God had in store for him in the future, no matter what was ‘happening’ today.
It is so important that we CHOOSE to trust and obey. It will be trust and obey today. It will be trust and obey tomorrow. It will be trust and obey this year. It will be trust and obey next year.
Why? “For many things are waiting yet, for you and me.”
Trusting with you… it is a joy to be your pastor.
From Your Pastor’s Heart…
1-11-09
Have you trusted in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for you, personally?
God brings about changes in us when He saves us. He gives us a new heart. He puts a new spirit within us. That Spirit of God that begins to dwell in us at the moment of salvation is God Himself, who loves righteousness and hates sin. He gives us a growing desire to know about Him and to obey Him. He gives us a love for Him and not an aversion to Him. David said in Psalm 40:8, “I delight to do your will, O my God. Your law is written in my heart.” You see, when you truly know Christ, your heart’s delight will agree with God’s perfect will and Word.
I would encourage you to read Ezekiel 36:26-27. It is a beautiful description of what happens to a person when they become a believer. Oh… read 2 Corinthians 5:17. Memorize it. It is a truth for your personal life if you have trusted in Jesus Christ.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart
12-21-08
When you think about the spiritual consequences of the sin of Adam and Eve, you cannot come to any other conclusion than the ultimate course of our existence is spiritual death (Genesis 2:17). We also know that the only way that we will ever be right with God and have a relationship with Him is to have that curse removed. It is the only way that the penalty of sin could ever be paid.
What an amazing thing that we celebrate – not only at Christmas, but every day of our lives as believers. Jesus Christ became a man. Hebrews 2:9 says, “We… see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” He tasted death for each of us. He came to die for us because in His dying, He conquered spiritual death.
But remember that even though He was born to die… that death would have been useless without His resurrection. Physical death and spiritual death had no mastery over Emmanuel (God with us!)
When you trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior… when you ask for forgiveness and understand and accept His provision for something you could not undo… when all of that happens, you are identified with the babe in the manger; the pre-teen talking to the Jewish leadership; the healer; the provider; the sustainer; the Savior; the Redeemer.
Christ was born to taste death… so that we might have life. What a reason to celebrate.
May you have a Blessed Christmas.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From The Pastor’s Heart…
11/2/08
While it is impossible for me to endorse a candidate from the pulpit for this year’s election and remain within the laws of our country, I am able to provide handouts for you so that you can be better informed as to the candidates’ stands on the issues that should be very important to we who are believers – issues like Abortion, the Supreme Court, Traditional Marriage, Cloning and Parental and Family Rights.
Because of this, I would like to make available to you three tools:
1. A voter’s guide is available to you as you leave this morning that will outline the exact positions of the candidates with regards to many issues that should be vitally important to us.
2. A duplicated letter from James Dobson, Founder and President of Focus on the Family. This letter outlines the reason this election is one of the most important in our nation’s history.
3. A time of prayer. Tomorrow night, November 3rd the sanctuary will be open from 5:00 pm through 8:30 pm for prayer. Even though there will be a ladies fellowship meeting and an Elders meeting, the sanctuary will be free for you to come and pray for this important event in the life of our country.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From The Pastor’s Heart…
10/19/08
Last Sunday we looked at 1 Corinthians 6 and saw that we as believers should not think that the wisdom of this world outweighs the wisdom found in the Word of God. Nor should we think that the wisdom of this world is greater than what the Spirit of God can do in our lives.
Of course, the key to that understanding is that we find ourselves sifting everything through God’s Word and we commit ourselves to obedience. There are a lot of things that a true servant of Christ is: Humble, Repentant, Receptive to God’s Word, a Servant, Patient, Gentle, etc. We could go on and on with the list of how the Spirit has changed us and that we are no longer the same in redemption and reformation as we were prior to coming to Christ. One of the most important characteristics that we can commit to in our walk with Christ as a disciple (which is a ‘learner,’ not a ‘master’) is obedience. It is the heart of servanthood.
Let your mind dwell on these important scriptures:
“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, I have come to know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected” 1 John 2:3-5
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” John 14:15
Your ability to understand the Word is a priceless gift. Take advantage of it daily by expanding your Bible knowledge and increasing your obedience. As you read, thank God for the truth and ask Him to open your mind to the truth. Commit yourself to discovering at least one additional truth from Scripture every day.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From the Pastor’s Heart…
9/28/08
ARE YOU READY TO VOTE?
If you would like to register so that you will be able to vote on November 4th, you need to do so by October 6th. It is a civic obligation that we should not deny.
You may register to vote online (see website below), but be sure that you download a printout of the form, sign it, and send it to the County Bureau of Elections where you reside.
All voter registrations need to be postmarked by October 6th.
I would encourage you to exercise one of the most important privileges and responsibilities we have, voting. It is incumbent on us as Christians to be salt and light in our civic duties (Proverbs 29:2).
As November 4th approaches, I will have a handout as to where the candidates stand on important issues.
Pastor Art
Voter information website:
http://www.votespa.com/RegistertoVote/tabid/68/language/en-US/Default.aspx
From the Pastor’s Heart…
9/14/08
John MacArthur tells the story of two men going opposite directions on a mountain trail. They meet each other head on with a steep cliff on one side and sheer rock on the other. They were completely unable to pass. The harder they tried, the more frustrated they became. Finally, without saying a word, one man simply laid down and let the other man walk on top of him. MacArthur says that that illustrates kindness – that one doesn’t mind getting walked on if it benefits someone else.
Well, in truth, the biblical word ‘kind’ means ‘useful’ or ‘serving.’ It has the idea of sacrificing yourself so that you might be useful to others. Christ was the perfect example of that when He told each of us to ‘take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for My yoke is easy and My burden (load) is light’ (Matthew 11:29-30).
Paul tells us that when we taste the kindness of others it should spur us on to be kind ourselves.
Joyce and I want you as a congregation to know how very blessed we were at the ‘pastor appreciation’ dinner on Sunday night. Your gracious kindness to us through cards, letters, poems, etc. were so very much appreciated. While it is impossible to thank everyone for each individual act, or to thank everyone involved in the dinner or the ‘inspired’ program, we pray that this ‘thank you’ and our heartfelt recognition of your kindness will express to you our love for each of you.
It is a joy to be your pastor,
From The Pastor’s Heart
8/24/08
Joyce and I would like to sincerely thank you for the time of spiritual renewal that you have provided me during the sabbatical. This time allowed me to get off the treadmill for a few weeks… something that I don’t even do during vacations.
It created an opportunity for me to prayerfully recapture an even larger sense of vision. I was able to read and write without thought of the next thing I had to do, so I was nurtured. Joyce and I were able to worship together and even share in communion together. I was able to refocus some priorities, and truly reflect on the call that God has put on my life. It was a remarkable time of restful and spiritual preparation for the journey ahead… and we sincerely thank you.
Just before it was time for me to return, I was listening to a new CD that I had received. It is Steve Green’s CD called “The Letter.” In it was a song entitled “Oh, I Want To Know You More” (I will be ordering the background tape). The words to that song truly capture the biggest part of what God did in the Mott’s life over the last month.
“Just the time I feel that I’ve been caught in the mire of self… Just the time I feel my mind’s been bought by worldly wealth. That’s when the breeze begins to blow and I know the Spirit’s call. And all my worldly wanderings just melt into His love. When my daily deeds ordinarily lose life and song, my heart begins to bleed – Sensitivity to Him is gone. I’ve run the race, but set my own pace and face a shattered soul. Now the gentle arms of Jesus warm my hunger to be whole.”
Chorus: “Oh, I want to know You more. Deep within my soul I want to know You. Oh, I want to know You, to feel Your heart and know Your mind. Looking in Your eyes stirs up within me cries that say I want to know You. Oh, I want to know You more.”
Joyce and I sincerely thank you for your love, for your care, for this time… and for the remarkable words on cards and emails that we received from so many of you during this time. We love you dearly.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From your Pastor’s Heart
7/13/08
The latest statistics reveal that pastors are leaving the ministry in epidemic proportions. If you remove retirement and death from the equation, 33% of evangelical pastors have left the pastoral ministry in the last five years. Focus on the Family research indicates that over 40% of evangelical pastors consider leaving the ministry every month.
They leave for a number of reasons. Some have left because they realize that they never had a call. Others when they are convicted that their ministry has been all about them and not God. (Hebrews 5:4 is important here with regards to a true call to the ministry. It says “No one takes the spiritual leadership to himself, but receives it when he is called by God.”) Some leave and say, “My call changed”. So they go on to another type of ministry that does not involve the pastorate. And some leave because of economic stress, marriage or family issues or catastrophic circumstances. But most leave because of internal, political strife and because of power struggles as well as a lack of understanding among the congregation with regards to the pastoral position and demands. They are forced by a congregation into survival mode and then the time bomb explodes.
Joyce and I are doubly blessed. First, we have known and endured (only by God’s grace) the devastating effects of most of what I have described above. Secondly, we have been so privileged to be a part of Niemonds for the last ten years; a church family who has a heart for its pastor, a congregation who (for the most part) tries to ‘get it’ when it comes to understanding the spiritual warfare and constant battle of the ministry that directly impacts the physical, mental and spiritual health of a pastor and his family.
We are humbled to begin a sabbatical tomorrow morning. While I would never equate myself with Moses, I am reminded of what Jethro said to him, “The things you are doing are good. But you will surely wear out, both you and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy, you cannot do it alone.”
The very things that the apostles organized in the first church, where people of the church took responsibilities so that the apostles could devote themselves to God’s word, is true today as well.
I must tell you that I have wrestled with guilt in accepting this time when I think about all of the things that have eternal significance that are waiting. The ministry task list swells weekly. But the Lord and the Elders have impressed upon me that the Messiah who desires to use me cannot use an exhausted servant. My goal is to finish well. Thank you for this time. Pray that I will come back strong and prepared for all that God has in store for us as a body of Christ. We love each of you dearly.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
From your Pastor’s Heart
5/4/08
Today we come to the end of our chapter by chapter study of Genesis. What a joyous and applicable ride this has been. For far too many believers, the Old Testament is ignored, neglected and misunderstood. That is a shame to evangelical Christianity. WE must know the ‘story’ which is the ‘whole counsel of God’ in order to formulate a proper perspective on this brief span of existence we call life; and the importance of sharing the truth with others.
I personally thank you for your faithfulness through this long, exciting study. WE have mined many of the riches, its wisdom and its prophecy that points to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that the book of beginnings has come to life during this study and that you have been (as I have been) greatly blessed, challenged and spiritually nourished.
Please pray for me as I have already begun the study of the book of 1 Corinthians which we will begin on June 8th, which is also Graduation Sunday. Your prayers that I would be led by the Spirit with regard to the expositional preaching of God’ Word are beyond value to me as your undershepherd.
It is a joy to be your Pastor.
From your Pastor’s Heart
4/6/08
In his letters, Paul often uses a metaphor of Christians being slaves. Of course, the metaphor is one that was completely understood in the culture of the day because of the overwhelming use of slavery in the Roman Empire.
But Paul, along with Peter, James, John and Jude; all use the same metaphor when they speak about their own service to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But of course, they were not the first to do this. Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Throughout the New Testament, the slavery metaphor uses the term ‘serve’ or the term ‘bond-servant’ to describe our relationship to Christ. “Bond Servant” is a word that means to be completely devoted to a master. Who, when even given the opportunity to depart, chooses to stay out of love, not compulsion.
What a glorious picture of we who know Christ, having been ‘freed from sin and enslaved to God’ (Romans 6:22).
Please remember as we continue here at Niemonds that a self-willed slave was of no use to his master, but a true ‘bond-servant’ will set aside his will, and his desire and his interests to accomplish the will of the master.
It is a joy to be your Pastor
From your Pastor’s Heart
3/16/08
Although many teach today that going through trials robs you of your joy, and that it is your fault for having trials because of your lack of faith; scripture teaches just the opposite. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, Peter says, “In this you greatly rejoice, even through now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Every trial we face is designed to test us and ‘grow us up’ in the faith. Scripture says that the testings are temporary, necessary and distressing but that they should never diminish our joy.
Remember that 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that God will not allow us to undergo more than we can bear. So, my dear Saints, do not fear trials when they come; or blame our own faith when they come; but rather, welcome the opportunity to prove that your trust in our Sovereign God is real.
Ask God for grace and thank Him in advance for the joy and confidence that you have in Him, no matter what the circumstance.
It is a joy to be your pastor.
Further reading: 2 Corinthians 11.
From your Pastor’s Heart
2/17/08
Niemonds Giving.
We praise God for our church and the abilities that each of us have to minister and help as God provides.
When giving to the Lord, you may choose to give a portion of your giving to the following:
- Missions: Either to a specific missionary that Niemonds supports or to missions in general—to be divided equally among missionaries. Any gifts increases the amount that missionary receives that month.
- Youth Ministry—either to the LifeSavers or Jr. Mints.
- Vision Fund: This is a separate account that is earmarked for capital improvements i.e.: new sanctuary, landscaping, paving, etc. as opposed to general expenses. The Vision Fund weekly total is put in the bulletin each week and the grand total at the end of each month.
- Please Note that if you as still giving money toward the “Building Fund” that this money is being put in our general fund to help pay down the mortgage.
Praise God for His faithfulness.
It is a joy to be your Pastor
Pastor Art
From your Pastor’s Heart
Joyce and I want to sincerely thank you all.
Most of you know about the background in ministry that we have had. It was a background in fractured, selfish churches where we would strive to bring about a grounding in the word and a change to the attitude. Much of those 20 years were spent with little to no encouragement and a tremendous amount of criticism.
As we are in the midst of our tenth year as your Pastor, it is with tremendously humble hearts that we say thank you. We were astounded at the amount of cards and calls, gifts and encouragements that we received from all of you this year. We are truly humbled to be used of God in this place.
Our prayer is, and has always been, that we would be used to the best of our ability to minister to you in whatever ways that we can, especially in the Word of God. As that happens, and as we grow together, may it be to God’s glory completely.
It is a joy to be your Pastor (and Pastor’s wife)
We love you,
Pastor Art (and Joyce, too)
