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?