http://www.cfcadel.com/index.htmlA weekly word from Pastor Ted Brancheaueninfo@yourministrymatters.comCopyright 2006 Your Ministry Matters2007-02-13T21:06:05-06:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:11:50 -0500Pastor Ted BrancheauCelebration Family Churchinfo@yourministrymatters.comYour Ministry Matters Helps Churchinfo@yourministrymatters.comHome2007-02-13T21:06:05-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-27http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-27
Done so far…

#1 Personal daily devotion.
#2 Personal prayer.
#3 Personal evangelism.
#4 Personal touch.

This Week…

#5 Personal faith. “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:17) How many times have I quoted this without living it. Living by faith is a life beyond the edge of human reason. When human reason says out of the question, faith says with God nothing is impossible. When common sense says the end has been reached, faith says step into the second mile. When the overwhelming need says hold tight to what you have, faith says liberally loose your loaves and fishes. I am challenged to live beyond the stretch.

Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Rom 13:11]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2007-02-13T21:04:49-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-26http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-26
Done so far…

#1 Personal daily devotion.
#2 Personal prayer.
#3 Personal evangelism.

This Week…

#4 Personal touch. “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matt 25:40) The reality that we are the daily, practical touch of God in our generation is a bit overwhelming. There is not a day, or moment for that matter, that we are not His touch. I am challenged to see ministry at arms length and not as a “someday” opportunity. He has paced us each in the Body just as it pleased Him. Therefore, I am in the right place, at the right time, with the right opportunities, to be His touch… right where I am. I am challenged to live thus.

Coming…

#5 Personal faith.

Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Rom 13:11]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2007-02-13T21:03:59-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-25http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-25
Done so far…

#1 Personal daily devotion.
#2 Personal prayer.

This Week…

#3 Personal evangelism. “Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” (2 Cor 5:11) The end is just that, the end. There is no second chance or ‘do over’. When I consider the many I know without Christ, and their end, it weighs on my heart. I am challenged to be the minister of reconciliation and epistle known and read by all men I am called to be.

Coming…

#4 Personal touch.
#5 Personal faith.

Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Rom 13:11]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2007-02-13T21:03:00-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-24
Here’s what we’ve done so far…

#1 Personal daily devotion.

This Week…

#2 Personal prayer. “…what He sees the Father do; the Son also does in like manner. (John 5:19) Herein lies the key to the earthly ministry of our Savior that brought the Father such glory. In the presence of God the plans and purposes of the Son’s earthly days and ministry were clearly laid out. If this was the way of the King, is it not also the way for those who are His? I am challenged to be in His presence and in prayer.

Coming…

#3 Personal evangelism.
#4 Personal touch.
#5 Personal faith.

Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Rom 13:11]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2007-02-13T21:02:08-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-23http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-23
This Week…

#1 Personal daily devotion. “When He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (I Jn 3:2-3) Anticipating the moment of seeing the Redeemer face-to-face makes me shudder. That expectation of His appearing leads me onward toward fulfilling the “purifies himself” part of John’s verse. With the help of the Holy Ghost, I am challenged to purify myself. To walk closer and nearer is my heart’s cry. Not occasionally, but consistently and constantly.

Coming…

#2 Personal prayer.
#3 Personal evangelism.
#4 Personal touch.
#5 Personal faith.

Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Rom 13:11]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2007-02-13T21:01:08-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-22http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-22
Over the next several weeks I will be sharing a little more in depth the 5 areas the Lord challenged me on for the New-Year. Let them move you along in your relationship as well. Here are the topics:

#1 Personal daily devotion.
#2 Personal prayer.
#3 Personal evangelism.
#4 Personal touch.
#5 Personal faith.

Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Rom 13:1]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2007-02-13T20:59:24-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-21http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/index.html#unique-entry-id-21
Pastor TED

 
Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true.
Many if not most people believe that:
 
• There is a hell but nobody except possibly Adolph Hitler will go there.

• Children need a mom and a dad but even if they don’t have both everything will probably be okay.

• Marriage is the glue that holds society together but living together is okay.

• Going to church is very important but missing church really won’t hurt.

• The church needs its members to be faithful in their giving but the church will never miss my tithe.

• A kind word will go a long way in helping others but not if I’m having a bad day.

• People who don’t hear the gospel will die in their sins and go to hell but that doesn’t mean I have to support missions.  Someone else will do it and if they don’t God has another plan.

• I know God says to honor those who minister among us with a double portion but as I always say, “Lord, you keep ‘em humble and we’ll keep ‘em poor”

Did I say that last one?  I guess I did. In fact I said ‘em all.  You think about it.  I hope you don’t think that way. Believe what is true not what you want to be true.
 
Lord, help me to believe not only what is true but to act on it.  Thanks!
 
Copyright 2006 Robert A. Moody ]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-12-24T13:52:17-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-20http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-20
We’ve been looking at this verse for the last few weeks. It seems so difficult to grasp that what lays before us is by the supernatural, God ordained, hand and plan of the Almighty. So… we’re working on four principles to settle this within us.

So far we’ve covered…

#1 You are, where you are by God's design.

1 Cor 12:18-“ God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased”.

Today let’s move on to number two.

#2 You have what you have at your disposal, by God's design.

Matt 25:15-“ And to one he gave… to each according to his own ability;”

God has set each where He wanted AND God has given to each what He has determined and they are able to handle. God does this. This is a reality many believers miss. This doesn’t mean you will be where you are and only have what you currently have forever. Yet, to recognize that it was not fate, chance, or simply the result of your poor decisions that brought you to this place in life is vital. It was God. He wastes nothing. It is important to see, you are where you are, with what you have, by the will and grace of God.
]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-12-24T13:50:06-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-19http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-19
We’ve been looking at this verse for the last few weeks. (Well, not the whole verse, just the word “Whatever”.) It seems to be such a simple word and truth but so easily missed. We’re always looking for what’s around the corner, just over the rainbow, or in the elusive tomorrow. In doing so we miss the miracle called today and the “whatever’s” that are at hand. So… let me give you four principles that will settle you down, clear your vision, and set your course for the miracles, yes miracles, that are right before your eyes and at the end of your wrist!

#1 You are, where you are by God's design.

1 Cor 12:18-“ God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased”.

God is not lax or powerless. His arm is not too short to reach you where you’re at and move you to someplace different in geography, status, or function. Settle it, you are where you are by His design. God is not wasteful. He set you where you are with a purpose. You may ask what that purpose is? For today, right now, (and really forever,) it is the “whatever” before you. Be FAITHFUL there!
]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-12-05T09:14:54-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-17http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-17
I believe there is a very genuine longing in the heart of true believers to do great things “some day” on behalf of the Savior. Hope deferred can result in dissatisfaction with what is at hand “today”. Our responsibility as willing workmen, whether wealthy in this world’s goods or poor, is to be faithful with what the Lord has entrusted to us.

Take stock of where you are and what is at hand. Whether you have much or little, ask the Lord to help you faithfully use what you have for His glory!
]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-12-05T09:13:51-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-16http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-16
Many get caught in the dream of what will be “some day”. In doing so they miss the “whatever” God has lain before them. This is an all too common and perplexing struggle among many believers today. When I say believer, I’m not talking about the casual attendee who hopes to make it to heaven by doing what they see are the minimum duties of Christianity. No, I am talking about the one who has been eternally and radically touched by the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Men and who have a heart alive with thankfulness and service, like the man from the Gadarenes who was delivered of demons. He begged Jesus for an opportunity to be with Him and serve Him. These are they who long to do all the more for the Master. In their hearts they are convinced of greater depths of relationship with Christ, and greater works on behalf of His Kingdom.

Ask the Lord to fill you with a fire and passion for Him. With that passion will come a thankful heart that declares, “Lord let me do “whatever” as unto you!
]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-12-05T09:12:20-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-15http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-15
That sounds easy enough doesn’t it? Yet, I have discovered that for most, and at times myself included, this is not the case. Many in the church live under a malaise. This feeling of discontent and dissatisfaction hangs over the lives of many members. There is a longing to do all the more for the Lord. But, if we don’t live and teach the need to be satisfied doing “whatever” is at hand, where we are, with what we have, there may never be more.

Ask the Lord to fill you with a sense of purpose, peace, and satisfaction as you do “whatever” is before you!
]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-12-05T09:10:07-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-14http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/dec-2006#unique-entry-id-1416 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Most of the time that we hear this verse it is being read at a funeral. In that setting it is very comforting for two reasons.

#1 If the deceased knew the Lord it helps us to know that they are with Him.

#2 If you’re hearing this at someone else’s funeral, it’s not you FACING the Lord.

Most people seem to harbor some secret sin that if they had to meet the Lord face to face this instant would leave them blushing. But Num 32:23 Says, ”Be sure your sin WILL find you out.” This, friend, is guaranteed and inevitable. One day, whatever you may be hiding will be brought to the light.

Matt 10:26 There is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

I’ve got to believe it would be better to confess these secret sins to the Lord here and get them under the blood rather than have them plastered across the heavens when we see Him face to face. The Truth sets us free. Why not walk in the freedom God has for you today? If there is something the Holy Spirit has brought to your attention, confess it now and experience the Lord’s forgiveness and freedom.
]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-11-12T18:08:53-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/nov-2006#unique-entry-id-13http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/nov-2006#unique-entry-id-13
I was a bit overwhelmed as I milled about with such great leaders. I questioned the value of the teaching I came to pass along to such a distinguished group. As we visited together Thimothi shared some thoughts on these teachings. He commented on the value of doing evangelistic work in India and how encouraged he was with the crusades. He went on to say, “Pastor Ted, if we don’t instruct the pastors with these teachings you have on “Helps” we will not be able to keep the newly converted AND we will loose the Pastors as well.” We were awed and humbled by his remarks.

The blessing of the time spent goes even farther. We came with what we had, our loaves and fishes. God blessed our efforts and multiplied them further. Thimothi has graciously offered to duplicate and mail these teaching in India. He will handle getting these teachings to those pastors who will benefit the most. He knows the needs, has the contacts, and can duplicate and mail the material much cheaper than we can. God is good. Thanks for your part!

Pastor TED]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-11-02T20:34:08-06:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/nov-2006#unique-entry-id-12http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/nov-2006#unique-entry-id-12
God in His Wisdom helps Joshua by putting the past deeds and ministry of Moses, and Joshua’s coming deeds and ministry in perspective.   Josh 1:5 As I WAS WITH Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you nor forsake you.  As I WAS WITH Moses, what liberating words!  God was saying to Joshua that the victories of Moses weren’t because of Moses, but because He, (God) was WITH him. The Lord assures Joshua then with the promise of His presence. With that presence comes the promise of success. As He was Moses’ God, now He wanted to be Joshua’s God.

God then gave Joshua a key to victory that would see him through the toughest of times and the greatest of challenges.  That key belongs to us as well.  Josh 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your MOUTH, but you shall MEDITATE in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  That instruction comes with a great promise: For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  There is great power in God’s Word.  In studying this verse you’ll find that God’s instruction to Joshua was to speak God’s Word and promises from his mouth and mutter them in his heart.  (Even I can do that!)

How does this apply to us? You may not be Billy Graham, but you serve Billy’s God!  As God was with Billy, God is with you!  Success in Christ isn’t based on status, education, or finances.  It is based on Christ alone and His gift of Grace.  Our part is to walk with this Great and Sovereign God, and as He speaks, say what He says and keep those Words in our hearts!]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-07-23T14:24:59-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-9http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-9
Well, here I am in Iowa. (Over 10 years now.) We brought our distinctive Michigan “speak” to Iowa and had to learn some Iowa “terms” as well. In Michigan it’s not K-Mart or Wal-Mart, it’s K-marts and Wal-Marts with a distinctive S. What a hoot! The term “you’s” is normal there as in you’s guys. We didn’t go to the timber, we went to the woods. As kids, we played in the crick, not the creek. The champion county fair confection was an elephant ear. To my shame I didn’t even know what a funnel cake was. In Michigan, we deep-fry food as opposed to deep FAT fry. We go on Hay Rides verses Hay RACK rides. My concern with a Guinea Grinder was that it might be a ground up Guinea Hen. A “loose meat” sandwich is unknown there but appears to be a distant relative of what we called “sloppy joes”. Pork chops on a stick? And, believe it or not, not many people east and north of the Mississippi know the delight of a breaded pork loin sandwich! Then, there is RAGBRAI. I am just now able to tell people what it means without doing an internet search. Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. How’s that!

It’s too bad that sometimes our speech, customs, and borders are used to keep us apart. Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, they are all still a part of something bigger that we all belong to, the United States. This same separation happens among churches and believers as well. It’s not new. It happened during the times of the Apostle Paul.
1 Cor 1:12-13 "Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? I am of Methodist, Lutheran, Assembly Of God, etc. Is Christ divided?" Our focus isn’t to be promoting organizations or doctrines, but the Righteousness of Christ by the gift of God’s Grace. All we do, whether going to K-mart or K-marts, eating an elephant ears or a funnel cake should have the common goal of bringing Glory to our King. Col 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Even RAGBRAI!

Therefore, (tongue in cheek) I’ve decided to try to bring greater unity and purpose to the exclusively Iowa tradition of RAGBRAI by reassigning the initials. Instead of Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, how about “Really About God Bringing Righteousness Across Iowa”? OK, maybe that won’t fly with the Register but it ought to be the heart of why we do it and everything else in this life as believers!
]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-07-16T21:03:40-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-8http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-8
In the midst of enjoying the sun, please don’t forget to enjoy the SON. Jesus is to be the focal point of our lives, not an afterthought that we toss our leftover time at. Part of enjoying the SON is taking joy in His Body, the Church. If you are missing time with Him you are missing the blessing and joy He has for you that comes while in His presence. If you are missing time with the rest of His Body, you are robbing yourself of the blessing He commands in the midst of Them.

Ps 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 3 for THERE the Lord commanded the blessing-- life forevermore.]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-07-09T19:34:28-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-7http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jul-2006#unique-entry-id-7
“Don't you see that children are God's best gift?
The fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!
our enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.

How are you caring for your inheritance? Does your inheritance know how special it is? Do you show great interest in your inheritance? I spoke with a woman recently that told me she loves to send her kids away to daycare or a friends home because she just can't handle having them around all the time. I was shocked and saddened, not because this woman needed some alone time, but that she "loves" to send her kids away. It amazed me that she wanted to send her heritage away. Being a new father myself, it makes me sad to have to leave my son with someone else or even to be away from him. I am learning more and more about "The Father" by being one myself. How his love is never ending, He sees what we don’t, He looks ahead and keeps things from us that would harm us no matter how big of a fit we throw demanding it.

As you may already know, I have the privilege and honor to help/teach your kids in Children's Church and I have been tagged as "Fun Jeremy". As a product of Children's Church myself, I can tell you that Children's workers are invaluable and they can have a great impact on your kids life. We, in Children's Ministry, take the responsibility very seriously and take great pride in what we do. We spend hours in prayer and planning meetings making sure that we are presenting the gospel in a way that is alive and tangible to your children.

I wanted to take just a minute and explain the current curriculum that is being used. We using a curriculum called "Camp Iwilligoaway” It chronicles the life of David and his heart for God. Each week a new attribute of the Lord is introduced and we relate that attribute to an animal so the kids can draw a parallel. An example is how an Eagle can spot things from far away and Jesus saw you from a far off and he never loses sight of you.

I encourage all of you with kids to really take an interest in what your
kids are learning. You may be surprised at the insight and feedback you receive. Your children are very bright and love the Lord.

Thank you on behalf of all the children's workers for entrusting your
children with us.

- Jeremy T. Brancheau]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-06-18T16:04:13-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-6http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-6
Even though I had been there previously, I was still coming home in a fog of stunned disbelief. The contrast between cultures could not be father apart. Hindu is the predominate religion there. They worship 30 million gods. Shrines to their gods abound. Every house, business and street corner seems to have one. There is not only abundant idol worship, but also witchcraft there is real and quite oppressive. It is not a Halloween decoration or a Hollywood storyline. It is life.

Simply saying poverty is a way of life does not begin to describe conditions. Begging is a lifestyle for those in this area not fortunate enough to eek out a living doing fieldwork by hand or tending sheep. The average wage is 30 to 90 dollars a month. Living conditions are unbelievable, the land suffers from severe drought, and 75% of the people in this area do not have suitable water to drink. Starting to get the picture? On top of this we spent the last day and a half dedicating wells that the ministry I was with bored for the survivors of the tsunami on the coast. You heard the stories. Thousands were killed. It made me shudder to know that EVERY person we saw had a story of loss and devastation.

I titled this, “God Blessed America”. It is easy to automatically think after reading this discourse so far that the “blessing” is our land and economy. We are blessed. (I told my wife upon my return that Iowa was the Garden of Eden compared to there!) But, that “blessing” is fleeting and will blow away with the generations. Our riches blessing friend is our Godly heritage and accessibility to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember what I said earlier? Many, many of these people have NEVER even heard of Jesus Christ. How many times have you heard the Gospel? Have you ever done anything about what you heard? I’ve heard this query posed in the past, “What right to we have to hear the Gospel more than once when half the world has never heard it the first time?” I agree. Friend, we are blessed! ]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-06-18T13:33:17-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-5http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/jun-2006#unique-entry-id-5info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-05-05T13:31:02-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-4http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-4
PT

Hey Dad,

I am sitting here at work and I have my iPod on. A song came on and the lyrics of the song didn’t make me think of this, but the energy of the music did. When I was in Texas, a few interns and I drove to Dallas to see a concert. We drove for 2 hours packed into a car like sardines. We had to wait in line for 90+ minutes to get the opportunity to spend $25.00 and see a few bands. Once inside we were passionate about the music. There was moshing and we put everything we had into these bands. We were passionate. People had a reckless abandon when it came to these bands: They bought the music. They wore the clothes. They waited in line for hours on end to get in with no guarantee that they would even make into the building because space was limited. They spent their limited funds for an experience. They waited around after the show to get just a glimpse of the bands, hoping the whole time that maybe one of the band members would stop and talk to them.

I looked up passion this morning: (Read the whole definition.)

A powerful emotion, such as love, joy, hatred, or anger. Ardent (Displaying or characterized by strong enthusiasm or devotion; fervent, burning; fiery) Love. The object of such love or desire. Boundless enthusiasm. The object of such enthusiasm. An abandoned display of emotion. The sufferings of Jesus in the period following the Last Supper and including the Crucifixion, as related in the New Testament.

It makes me wonder…what am I passionate about? If people don't know your passion then you don’t really have one! People know that you are passionate about Helps and equipping Pastors. Am I passionate about the Lord? Am I passionate about his presence? Do I have an "Ardent Love" for the Word? People know my interest but do they know my passion.

I would spend $500.00+ to go to Canada and go on a fly in fishing trip. I would drive 4-5 hours for a drum festival. I would get up at 3 am to go fishing, but I have a hard time getting up 20 minutes early to read my bible or pray…to start my day off right. It's sad...

Jeremy Brancheau
]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-05-01T21:08:22-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-3http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-3
We don’t like dead. Dead people frighten us because they remind us of our future. Dead animals disgust us. When we think of dead it conjures up all sorts of terrible thoughts and sights. We think of cold, stiff, lifeless, breathless creatures. Then there’s that odor. It is unique to all other smells. There is none like it. Always identifiable and always disgusting. A stench to top all stenches!

Believe it or not the Bible mentions three types of death. Two are unavoidable and one should be avoided at all cost. It is possible that right now, even as you read this, you are experiencing one of these deaths. But, we will get to that one in a moment. The “death” we are most familiar with is physical death. James 2:26 says, “The body without the spirit is dead”. (If you’re reading this you’re safe… for now.)

The next death described in the Bible is spiritual death. As “sons and daughters” of Adam we are all born into this type of death. It’s our inheritance from him so to speak. Col 2:13 says, “You are dead in your sins”. Those outside of Christ may be alive physically but they’re spiritually dead. They are dead in trespasses and sins. If you’ve received Jesus Christ as Savior this death has been conquered! If not, this death leads to a death more gruesome than any road kill scene and more horrific than any murder scene imaginable.

The Bible calls it the “second death”! It is an eternal or everlasting death. Those who remain in their unbelief remain forever in spiritual death. It’s end is eternal separation from God and so much more. Rev 21:8 says this “second death” is reserved for the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars. They shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the “second death”.

Eph 2:1 says that through Jesus, “You He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins. That’s Good News! That, my fellow Son or Daughter of Adam, is the Gospel.
Jesus stood in our place and took upon Himself the death that should have been ours. Ours is to receive that Good News and confess His Lordship as His precious Holy Spirit makes this knowledge real to us. Rom 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”. ]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-05-01T21:07:44-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-2http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-2
When God establishes a plan of action and man follows that plan IT WORKS. Noah’s boat floated, Gideon’s small army defeated the Midianites, and the Red Sea parted for Moses. Our problem is that many times, even in a good church, we function by tradition and not by the Word. Prov 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way of death. Human reasoning takes over. We think we know what’s right. The end is frustration and destruction.

Now catch this because it’s God’s plan: From the measure of Christ's gift, He gave gifts, Pastors, who give gifts called equipping. Eph 4:11-13 As the weather warms and the days lengthen, don’t miss out on the times of equipping and the blessing of the Lord in our services. You have questions? He has answers. We need one another. See you in church! ]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-05-01T21:06:54-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-1http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-1
Many of us would say we don’t hear God voice clear enough for that. Well, unless God is a liar, that’s just not true. John 10:27 My sheep HEAR My voice. That’s pretty clear. I wonder if we aren’t over complicating hearing. Becoming familiar with and hearing God’s voice comes by practice. It comes by relationship. That comes day by day in things like worship, prayer, and Bible reading. Be a SHEEP!]]>info@yourministrymatters.comHome2006-05-01T21:06:35-05:00http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-0http://www.cfcadel.com/resources/blogs/files/may-2006#unique-entry-id-0
Jesus is that meaning and purpose. You and I are not some sort of unknown celestial seed sown into the garden of God. We didn’t come out of some mixed bag that God now curiously watches over to see what we will become. We were and are deliberately placed in Christ with purpose. Eph 2:10 We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance (beforehand), that we should walk in them. Let us LIVE in such a way!]]>