Pastor Matt’s Thoughts for August
Dead Men Wanted

Crucifixion back in Jesus’ day was the equivalent of being sentenced to a gallows, electric chair or the firing squad, only more painful and longer lasting. What they all have as a final result is death. The cross brought a finality to all mans life. He was dead to the world; to his family and friends, to his pride and ambitions; dead to any future plans. Yes the cross ended everything in man’s life.

Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me.” Paul went on to say, “I am crucified to the world and the world is crucified to me.”

Jesus challenged every one of His followers to take up their cross and follow Him. Let’s face it, self hates to die and lose its preeminence. We do all we can to make ourselves look good, smell good and feel good. We love it when others pamper us, coddle us and fuss over us.

We live in a selfish world where the only concern is, “What’s in it for me?” If you trace the source  of self to its beginning, you will find it started with Lucifer and his plan to take God’s place with his own.

Paul described many of today’s churches when he warned Timothy that in the last days, men would be lovers of money, lovers of pleasure, lovers of self more than lovers of God (I Timothy 3:1-5).

Obviously, self is the root problem here just as in the world.
Self is so powerful that the only way to successfully deal with it is through the cross. Only when self is dethroned can God take His rightful place as Lord and Master of a persons life. God has made it perfectly clear that those who follow Him would have to follow Him to the cross.

What we need as believers, and what we believe as a Church are not those who champion self, but living for Christ. We need believers and churches who have learned the secret of dying to self. We need believers dead to themselves and alive in Christ!

Pastor Matt's Thoughts

 Be Balanced

One of the most difficult things in life to do is to maintain balance as a believer. It requires a constant effort 24/7.

Did you ever try to balance a broom on the end of your finger? If you have, you know it requires a lot of attention. First, you must move the finger forward, then backward, then to one side, then to the other. You can’t hold your finger still and balance the broom or else it will fall off.

The same principal is true in life and in our spiritual life. If we are to maintain a balanced life, we must move quickly and constantly be making corrections. It is easy to go too far in one direction or the other. Eating too much and not enough time for exercise, or playing too much to the neglect of reading God’s Word, praying, witnessing, going to church and so on.

Life it seems, can be like the pendulum on a clock-swinging from one side to the other. If you were over disciplined as child, it is likely that you will be too easy on your children. The chances are that one who was not properly disciplined as a child will be too strict on their children. Balance, that’s the important thing in anything we do in this life and as a believer in God. Surely that‘s what the Bible means in Philippians 4:5; “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”.  God bless.

                                                         Pastor’s Thoughts for July
                                                            What am I Chasing?

Have you heard of the dog that chased a freight train and when he caught it, he didn’t know what to do with it?
I guess he had a good time while he was on the run, but all his efforts ended in disappointment. It would have been a story with a different ending had he gone after a cat or a rabbit but he spent all his energy chasing an iron horse that couldn’t reward him with a single juicy bone.
It is a good thing for us to take stock of life now and then and to ask ourselves, What am I chasing? What are the objectives of my life? I keep wondering whether that dog took a good look before he took off after that train. Maybe his blood hound nature made him chase it because it moved, he probably didn’t stop to ask whether or not the effort was worthwhile.
I am afraid that too many lives are being spent pursuing unworthy things. Having nothing to show for all our efforts when it’s all said and done. (Life is over). Only as we “set our affections on the things above” can we be certain that when this life is over, we have not been “chasing freight trains.”
There is also a story of a missionary in china who was more familiar with things Chinese than any other man at that time. Because of this an oil company sought his services. He was offered a large salary. When he refused the salary was doubled and then doubled again. Each time he refused and finally he was told just to name the amount and set his own salary. In reply, he said, “The salary you first offered was large enough. It is not your salary that is too small; it is your job. I have a bigger job than the world can even offer.” I hope we all feel the same way. “If ye then been risen with Christ, seek those things which are above… set you affections on things above, not on things on earth.” Only what’s done for Christ will last! What are you chasing? What are your priorities? Why not pursue something (things of God) that will last?

Pastor Matt’s Though April 2013
Spring Is Here!

At last spring is here! The trees are  budding and the grass is green. Everywhere you look there is new life. The sunshine and the birds singing seems to put some pep in everyone’s step. I love the spring time because in many ways it reminds me of the awesome love of our Heavenly Father. How do the trees know it’s time to bud? How is it all the babies of the forest are born at this time? Why because it’s all in the grand design of our Almighty God! As I think of spring with all its magnificent workings, I am reminded of Psalm 8:4 (Amp.) David asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of (earth born) man that you care for him?”
The truth is, God has this great big universe to take care of, but we are the crown of His creation! Life has its seasons too. Maybe you have been going through a cold, dry, seemingly dead season in your life. I certainly have had my share of them. On a spiritual level it’s hard to read the Word. It’s hard to pray, it’s hard to worship and even harder to come to church. As much as it’s hard to believe those cold, dry winter months are necessary. As a son of a farmer, I am positive that my dad did not look forward to going right back into the field after harvest to plow it under. But if he wanted the ground prepared for next spring he needed to do it regardless of how he felt. The point is, we have to continue to do what we must do knowing spring is just around the corner. When the spring time comes, reading God’s word is easy. Praying becomes easy again, etc. None of this would be possible without those dreaded winter seasons of our lives. As we embrace spring and all its blessings. Pause for a moment and think about this. This God who created all that is going on (the budding of the trees, the greening of the grass, etc.) is the God who loves  you above all. Spring is here, and new life comes with it.

Pastor Matt

Clean Up Day

Calvary Clean Up and Spruce Up Day
On Sat. May 4 men’s ministry will be sponsoring a clean up and spruce up Calvary work day, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Chef Dave at noon. The Men’s ministry is asking for as many men as possible to come out and help with the clean up and spruce up of God’s house. If any of the women of the church would like to join us we would be happy for your help. A project list and equipment needed will be posted in both foyers by next Sunday, April 28. The Men’s Ministry needs your help and prayers for good weather. Any questions see Henry Grimm and Brian Shroyer. Any amount of help and time would be appreciated.

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts Feb. 2013

John 3:16

 

This Thursday is February 14, Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget that special person with a card, flowers, candy, dinner or jewelry. God gave us a much costlier gift to prove His love for us. A young believer asked his pastor, “ I am having problems in my Christian walk. I have been saved for two years and somehow I don’t feel the same as when I first got saved. I find myself relying on what other people  tell me and not enough on the Word of God. What’s wrong with me?”

The pastor responded, “Never let your emotions be your spiritual thermostat, always keep going with what you know is right and above all stay in God’s Word.” Calvary, I truly think at times we all feel the same way (emotional roller coaster) as the young believer. Let me share what with you some spiritual and practical truths.

 

1) Faith, not feelings-helps to keep us in love with God. Eph. 2:8- “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. “ It is through faith in the Word of God, faith in Jesus Christ and by His grace we are saved.

If our feelings were connected to our salvation, probably many of us would not feel saved much of the time.

 

2) Faithfulness to the Word of God- helps keep us in God’s love. Reading God’s Word daily can only build our faith (Romans 10:17).Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

 

3) Faithfulness in our prayer life.-Paul tells us to “Pray without ceasing and pray always in everything. “Faithful prayer life will keep us in love with God. Also, attending church services on a regular basis will help. (Heb. 10:25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Sadly, but sometimes we not only forget to love those special ones here on earth but we also forget our love for God. (for many reasons). There are consequences that can happen Spiritually and here on earth when we do forget. (Rev. 24:5).

 

Don’t be that one that remembers at the last moment Thursday is Valentine’s Day and end up with a lot of explaining to do. My advice after you read this go out and buy something nice! Make dinner arrangements! (Not at Wendy’s), get a babysitter now! The reward is better than the consequence. For us as believers we need to stay faithful to God and keep falling in love with Him each day. Great things are about to happen here at Calvary and for you as well. Let’s begin to pray for God’s renewal in our lives and serve Him and each other daily.

Pastor Matt

 

 

 

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts… Jan. 2013

R. A. Torrey’s

Prescription for Revival

Prescription: Directions or instructions; a formula, as in preparing a medicine.

I can give you a prescription that will bring revival to any church or community or any city on earth. The prescription is as follows:

First, let a few Christians( they need not be many) get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is prime essential! If this is not done, the rest of what I am to say will come to nothing.

Second,let them unite themselves together to pray for a revival until God opens the heavens and comes down.

Third,let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use as He sees fit in winning others to Christ. That is all!

This is sure to bring a revival to any church or community. I have given this prescription around the world. It has been taken by many churches and many communities, and in no instance has it ever failed; and it cannot fail!

I recently came across this prescription for revival by R.A.Torry and thought why wouldn’t it work here at Calvary especially in light of the events going on in the world and in the church. 2012 is now behind us and 2013 is just getting started so what better time to start praying and expecting a revival to break out at Calvary, in us and in Connellsville!

Happy New Year, Pastor Matt

Blessed are the saints of the second fiddle.

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts

October, 2012

Blessed are the saints of the second fiddle.

1 Samuel 12:2

“And now, behold, the king walked before you; and I am old and gray headed.” Samuel was a better man than Saul, but he knew how to take a back seat graciously. Which is why I say… blessed are those who want the spotlight to be on them and them only. Saul was one of those who had no tolerance for second place. When he heard the women singing, “Saul hath slain his thousands and David his ten of thousands, he was very angry and the saying displeased him.” (1 Sam. 18:7&8)

Sadly, there are even some preachers and believers who have been known to react the same way as Saul when supersede by someone more successful. In the Word of Gods we find that eh best person is not always those who want the spotlight. Here some examples; (Eccl. 10:7) “I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.” (3 John 9 ). “…..but Diotrephes, who loved to be first, will have nothing to do with us.” (Romans 12:10) “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

John the Baptist was the foremost prophet and preacher of his time when he said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Our prayer should be in no matter what talent we possess or what we are asked to do, God grant us the beatitude of being in the background, that only Christ may be seen.

Samuel took what I call the back seat for someone lesser, John the Baptist for someone greater, the question is can we play second fiddle, whether for a lesson or for the Greatest of all?

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts Sept. 2012

Matthew 25:36- I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Jesus said this when He was explaining what it would be like for the righteous as they receive their inheritance in glory. Jesus is asking, “Did you recognize my need, in the need of the one right in front of you?” And if we did, the question is did we stop to feed the hungry, did we give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked?

I believe that those of us who live in the western world, often have a western mentality that can lead us to overlook who the least really is. I once thought that the least of these was a homeless person living on the streets somewhere addicted to drugs. Later I thought the Least of these to be a starving child or abused child in Africa or elsewhere.

In fact, both of these (homeless person/starving child) clearly have needs and could be considered the  “least of these”. But I want to suggest that “the least of these” has a different meaning to everyone. I believe that when Jesus is talking about “the least” of these, He’s talking about the one’s who are least worthy of love and compassion.

The different ones that are not just in physical need but the ones who are more difficult to love. Who are they? Maybe it’s the person who is quiet and overlooked. Maybe it’s the person who has a anger problem who will never let anyone get close. Maybe it’s the one who always wants your attention all the time.

I believe God is challenging all of us at Calvary to search our hearts and be the light of Christ even to those who are difficult to love. They may not know they are starving, thirsty, or naked but they are.  If we can redefine our definition of these who are truly in need, our eyes will start to see people with a new vision in a new way.

Of course it will be difficult and challenging to go above and beyond to love and care for those and beyond to love and care for those who are difficult to love. As the days grow closer to the end. God is asking all of us to give it all for the sake of love Calvary! Jesus said that the world will know we are His by our love (not by any other means) for one another. John 13:35-By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 

Pastor Matt

 

Get Back to Work

Get Back to Work

Sermon Series

 

In the previous weeks Pastor Matt has preached on the downfall of “Excuses” and how it affects one’s salvation and the work of God. He followed that up with the message Calvary’s Greatest Hour is Still Ahead” No matter what the excuses or the time we live in, God wants to pour out His blessing on all who believe and His Church.

This week, Pastor Matt starts a 3 week sermon series “Get Back to Work”. With summer almost behind us and fall quickly approaching it’s time to “Get Back to Work” Not just any work but God’s work. Pastor Matt is praying that this God ordained sermon series, concerning the prophet Elijah and how relevant his experience was, to ours.

Pastor Matt’s sermons are now available on both CD (due to the generosity of a family in the church) and on Cassette tape. The cost is $5.00 for CD’s and $2.00 for cassette tapes. If interested see Ray Eutsey or the church office.

Pastor Matt’s can be a great witnessing tool or gifts for shut in’s. There’s a lot of work to be done for Jesus… no excuses and it gets easier if we all work together.

Why Should I Go to Church?

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts… August 2012

Why Should I Go to Church?

Have you ever noticed how many people love to ask the question …. Why? (Including believers).It seems to be a part of our DNA. One of the questions people have often asked me is why should I go to church? As if to say what’s the point? What’s the benefit? Recently I came across an article detailing the religious practices of our early American founders. Jamestown Virginia was the first permanent settlement in the New World, and some of their religious practices were rather different than today to say the least. For example, everyday they had a two-hour church service (everyday!), and on Sunday for five hours (and you thought our services was long). Everybody was expected to attend and to miss a service was considered a sin and was dealt with severely. The penalty for missing a service was the loss of food for a whole day. A second absence resulted in a public whipping. Now that’s harsh! Of course nobody (including me) is saying we should go back to that kind of legalistic abuse. And no one is going to punish you if you miss a service. But the truth is you are important to God, and to Calvary, when you’re not here. Still not convinced attending church is important to your spiritual well being and growth? Let me give you two scripturally sound reasons.

1.)    Our Lord Commands It

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

·         If for no other reason because God said so.

2.)    Our Spiritual Life Demands It

We are living in a world that is hostile to our faith. When we gather together, we are able to encourage and help each other keeping on for Jesus. That service you attend at Calvary just might be the service where God has something He wants to say to you, bless you with a miracle, or use you to encourage or bless someone else! If you are asking the question “Why should I go to church?” it might be a symptom of a deeper problem. “The lack of spiritual desire”, a broken relationship with God. You are important and have talents God wants to use, which is why the Devil works so hard to keep you out.

Pastor Matt

Do You Need an Infusion of God’s Strength?

It seems more and more people (including believers) are feeling overwhelmed by life’s daily cares. Leaving many feeling weak and lifeless. I believe many need an infusion of strength. Not just any strength but God’s strength. Listed below are a few of God’s promises to those who need His help for strength;

Psalm 29:11 “the Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”

Psalm 84:5, 7. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them…they go from strength to strength.

Psalm 138:3, “In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Whatever the need is God has the promise of strength to help us through. We only need to believe and grab hold of His promises daily.

Pastor Matt

Hoagie Fundraiser

We would like to purchase an electric projector screen for the sanctuary. The Wm’s will be having a hoagie sale July 13. Orders will need to be in by July 8^th . For only $6.00, you will get a hoagie, dessert and drink, to be picked up here at the church all day. If you have any questions or would like to order, please see Evelyn, Patty Showman or Yvonne

The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive here at Calvary on Tuesday, July 10 from Noon-6 p.m. Many of you have volunteered in the past by giving blood, helping to register people and helping people after they give blood.

Once again, we are asking for your help to make this blood drive a success. I know some of you cannot donate blood but can you help in other areas? There is a critical shortage of blood types due to low turn outs.

Remember by donating or volunteering you could be a life saver to someone whose life hangs in the balance. It is also a wonderful witness of Christ love as we remember the blood Christ gave on our behalf to save us. If you can help, there is a sign up sheet in both foyers. If you can volunteer time see Evelyn.

Thank you. Pastor Matt

Pastor’s Thoughts for July 2012-What am I Chasing?

Have you heard of the dog that chased a freight train and when he caught it, he didn’t know what to do with it?

I guess he had a good time while he was on the run, but al his efforts ended in disappointment. It would have been a story with a different ending had he gone after a cat or a rabbit but he spent all his energy chasing an iron horse that couldn’t reward him with a single juicy bone.

It is a good thing for us to take stock of life now and then and to ask ourselves, What am I chasing? What are the objectives of my life? I keep wondering whether that dog took a good look before he took off after that train. Maybe his blood hound nature made him chase it because it moved, he probably didn’t stop to ask whether or not the effort was worthwhile.

I am afraid that too many lives are being spent pursuing unworthy things. Having nothing to show for all our efforts when it’s all said and done. (Life is over). Only as we “set our affections on the things above” can we be certain that when this life is over, we have not been “chasing freight trains.”

There is also a story of a missionary in china who was more familiar with things Chinese than any other man at that time. Because of this an oil company sought his services. He was offered a large salary. When he refused the salary was doubled and then doubled again. Each time he refused and finally he was told just to name the amount and set his own salary. In reply, he said, “The salary you first offered was large enough. It is not your salary that is too small; it is your job. I have a bigger job than the world can even offer.” I hope we all feel the same way. “If ye then been risen with Christ, seek those things which are above… set you affections on things above, not on things on earth.” Only what’s done for Christ will last! What are you chasing? What are your priorities in 2012? Why not pursue something (things of God) that will last?

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts… May 2012

Your Daily Walk

A Church sign in Palatka, Florida says, “You can’t walk with God and run with the world.” They are right on! James 4:4 “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosever therefore will be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.” Yes we do “like in the world “ but as believers of God, we are not “of the world” (John 15:19) So even through we live on this earth, we are really “strangers and pilgrims” here. (1 Peter 2:11).

As you draw closer and closer to the Lord in your daily walk, your desire for the worldly lifestyle fades and wanes. We walk “in the world” everyday, but if we walk with God, the glitz and glitter of the world will lose it’s

glow with us.

On the other hand, if we foolishly think we can “run with the world” our walk with God will disappear. The longer you walk with God, your trying to justify a worldly lifestyle will soon stop. The powerful presence of God has a way of commanding our full attention.

Your talk, your dress, your attitudes, your behavior-all will reflect His will and way…if you walk with Him. You might be surprised to learn that the world is never impressed when we adopt the worldly mind-set and lifestyle. Only when we are different from the world can we expect to

have the ear of God and even to those in the world.

Living a separated, distinct Christian life always results from a regular “walk with God.” That same lifestyle I believe will also draw attention from those out “in the world”.

If you want to have any kind of legitimate witness to those you work with, your neighbors, even family you will get it as they see your closeness to the Lord. And know nobody has ever said it would not cost you something to follow Jesus.

“Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

　

　

　

　

　

Pastor Matt’s Thoughts…. April 2012

Jesus Lives, Let us Rejoice! Resurrection Sunday

A friend of mine in ministry once wrote, “It all begins in a dark, musty tomb. Before dawn, just as the glow is beginning in the eastern sky, it starts. It is only reflected in the tiny drops of dew resting on the wet grass. No one sees it, no one is expecting it, but it happens nonetheless. It changes the tomb, changes the eastern sky, changes the darkness, changes the dew and the grass, it happens nonetheless. It needs no human hands, no fanfare or audience, no assistance from anything on this earth, God raises Jesus Christ from the dead!”

“Listen, I tell you a mystery..” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15. “We will not all die, but we will all be changed. for this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on the immortality.”

Over the many years of ministry in funeral homes and cemeteries I have read those words. A mystery. A twinkling of an eye. We will all be changed. Listen! Before, we would perish, now, we will last forever, everything a moment ago that was mortal now is eternal. And it had nothing to do with us, but it had everything to do with us. That is, we were not involved with it happening, but it involves us in its change. God raises Jesus from the dead! “God who raises Jesus Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through the Spirit that dwells in you.” Romans 8.

On this Resurrection (Easter) Sunday, we will join with the multitudes all around the world, who will gather to sing, speak and listen for the mystery. We will once again be given an opportunity to be changed forever. The tomb and the darkness, the eastern sky, the dew and the grass will be changed. Those in their Easter clothes, the family in chaos, the couple hoping for a baby, the young and the old, a world in sadness, the woman holding back tears and the man checking his watch, all will be changed.

If you listen carefully for the mystery, you will hear the stone be moved, see the resurrection reflected in the eyes of those around you and feel God raising you up.

Then the saying will be fulfilled “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55) Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Christ Service, Pastor Matt

Church Valentine Party Feb. 2012

Love to the End

Love to the End

“A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you that you also love one another. By this all men shall know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). Jesus said these words to the disciples after washing their feet and taking part in the Passover supper.

Jesus loved people. He cared for their souls enough that He left heaven

to come down here and die for all mankind, including you and me. He took time for people, healed the sick, and cast out demons. Jesus showed us how to love. Jesus spent time with the unloved, He affirmed the unlikely, and encouraged the untouchable. He loved us even though we were sinners. If only we could get hold of this love that doesn’t reject or have shallow boundaries, it would revolutionize not only the world and the church, but also us as individual believers.

We can start by choosing to love and accept people without exception, regardless of race, gender, social status, background, sickness or any other unique situation that may be in their lives. I believe this kind of love, God’s love, shinning through His people is what will draw the lost and hurting to Jesus.

Choosing to love at any cost does not mean we should just allow sin to run rampant and say nothing that’s foolish, not loving. Lets challenge ourselves to stretch our ability to love and “be imitators of God, as dearly loved children and live a life of love.” (Ephesians 5:1-2) A love that doesn’t reject and a love that doesn’t quit, is the love that works and lasts.

Pastor Matt

Valentine Party

Hi Everyone, Feb. 17th we will be hosting a Sweets for the Sweet. It starts at 7 p.m. Bring a salad, dessert or both. We will have lots for fun and games. If you have any questions or can help, please let Missy Tressler know.