A Pastor Sam 'Encouraging Word' for Oct. 13, 2020

A Word on Making Disciples / The Purpose of Christ's Church

The church is called to make disciples - pure and simple. Now with COVID, many have opined it a shame we cannot meet. Though, the truth is, in our mission of 'disciple making' we have felt little if any impact.  

In this video I share about my 'wondering over this - "how effective have we been in our past?', and the challenge i feel as I consider the church's future - whatever it looks like,  

Blessings, 

Pastor Sam

 

Where and in What is Your Hope, July 11, 2020

Mom passed from this life into life eternal on 5 July 2020. Her name is Anna Beth Sellers Dennis, born on 3 January 1931. In reflecting over this, I turn to the truth found in God's Word, for it is here that I find comfort and am reminded of where and in whom my hope lies.  

Check out my video clip below to learn why.

Blessings,

Pastor Sam

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/3091145150975795/UzpfSTE1NTc1NzA1ODc2MjY0MDQ6MzI3OTgwMzY3MjA2OTc0NQ/

A Pastor Sam Encouraging Word, "Magnificent Margins'

The prophet Jeremiah gave a word from God to the people of Israel regarding their captivity of 70 years in Babylon.  In chapter 29 we read...

'Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel:'

And later, in verse 11, we read...

'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[b] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

This verse 11 has often been taken out of context, but there is an application of principle worth bearing to any child of God, especially to we are His church in Christ. God's church will endure persecution in this world, but...we are to serve and see to the welfare by administering the gospel into every place and in every time in which we live. We are not to roll up or to hide, but rather - we are to thrive.  We are to accomplish the plans of God.  And, we are blessed to be a part of this wonderful work and journey. 

So check out his video, which is as an encouragement today in doing so.  

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/311900596840822/

Blessings, 

Pastor Sam 

Eph. 3: 20-21 

A Pastor Sam Encouraging Word for Father's Day, 2020

In these days of needing so many things to change and improve, it is easy to forget the difference that Father's can actually make one child at a time.  

My Dad was a simple man, but he taught me most of the things I know that are worth knowing.

Check this video out for a glimpse of why I might say so...

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/595135644470429/?eid=ARC38PkDni3T1jk0UTQKLqwyGjVYU65prXWwe-kMzHvseD7rmZeACXFn8EGTWIy1PVmbp3Ottk5UXE_f

God's Instruction for Justice - June 6, 2020

In a nation racked with turmoil concerning the murder of George Floyd many are crying for justice. God is just, He loves justice and He will bring it fully when He returns. In the meantime, He has left us with instruction on how to find and understand it - if... we are willing to seek after Him.

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/617406718982531/?eid=ARBKZHr_9SOHME9CAdQaz1Z1Xl68XJ09S2xYURk5C1k4jqjK8eDR4sCIm1pwBuZkvjYKrHDr1qy8rpZx

George Floyd and the Tyranny of Apathy

In Philippians 4, Paul reminds the church of having a sense of accountability regarding their prayer life, thought life and actions.  In fact, in the text Paul essentially steps up, and says, 'follow me'. However, the reason Paul could say this was because he was following Christ.

Check out my video below for a reminder of the importance of our asking the once popular question of the 80s and 90s - WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do)?  today, and always!

https://www.facebook.com/1557570587626404/videos/1186549078362755/