What Do You Think...

It has been a powerful time in the Spirit here at the New Life Center. So excited to see what God is doing in my life and in the lives of all the people. I'm also looking forward to seeing all of the fruit of what God is doing in people, as we are revived and renewed by the Holy Spirit to carry the Gospel to the world in power. Look out Ford City and Kittanning!

I wanted to share some thoughts that have been on my heart. They deal with who we are and what we do as Christians. Here is a quote by Francis Chan, pg. 32-33, from his book "Forgotten God":
"Churchgoers all across the nation say the Holy Spirit has entered them. They claim that God has given them a supernatural ability to follow Christ, put their sin to death, and serve the church. Christians talk about being born again and say that were dead but now have come to life. We have become hardened to those words, but they are powerful words that have significant meaning. Yet when those outside the church see no difference in our lives, they begin to question our integrity, our sanity, or even worse, our God. And can you blame them?"

I believe as Christians, what we watch on television and movies, how we act, and what we listen to are very important, because the world is watching us. We need to quite being a little less carnal than the world and begin living by the Holy Spirit.

I recently heard this testimony from two Christians and their non-Christian friend. The one Christian is careful in what they say, do, listen to, and watch on television or movies. They live that out in front of their non-Christian friend which has brought about great conversations and witnessing opportunities. The other Christian is careful in some areas but very carefree in others even in front of their non-Christian friend. Do you know what? The non-Christian watches what they say and how they act around the first Christian, in a comfortable way, not in a wierd way (if you know what I'm saying). But the non-Christian could care less how they act around the second Christian. Why? Because there is a Holy Spirit change going on in the first Christian that intrigues the non-Christian. The first Christian is still having fun, joking and goofiing around, but when it comes to the things of this world, they are truly dying to it to live for Someone greater, Jesus Christ. The other Christian not so much.

As Christians, it's not about what I think or what I want to watch or listen to, or even why I think I can. The more important point is everyone around us. We forget about those around us who are looking to overcome the world and the movies and television that is harmful and music that tears down. People are coming to church looking for answers from people who have found the answers in Jesus Christ. No they don't want to be told what to watch, listen to, etc. They want to see it lived out in all of our lives.

So instead of thinking about what "I" can watch, listen to, do, etc., let's think about those around us who struggle with those very things. The church is supposed to have found freedom from all of that in Jesus Christ. Why bog ourselves down again with all of that garbage?

Where Does the Time Go...

I always seem to have something to say, but I never sit down to type it out. Not that you all need to hear what I have to say, especially since you get to hear me Wednesday night and Sunday morning.

God is doing amazing things here at the New Life Center. This past Sunday we started our new sermon series (pictured above) to a great response from the people. What great expectation that everyone had for this series and what great things God began to do in the NLC. This series has been a while in the making and finally came into being for such a time as this.

To help me in this series, I've read a couple books. First, "Living in the Spirit," by George O. Wood. Second, "Forgotten God," by Francis Chan. Third, was a book written by a few different authors on how to help others recieve the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I've listened to some CD's from Tim Enloe on the baptism in the Spirit. Plus, reading and studying the scriptures.

I'm looking forward to the payoff from the study and prayer that have gone into this series, not just in others but myself. You see, I've had a fear of praying for people to recieve the baptism in the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I have never lead someone into this great experience, which has developed fear in me, but I believe that is about to change. I believe that God is about to do a great work in the hearts of the people who make up NLC. And that many are going to be baptised in the Holy Spirit for the first time and others refilled with a greater understanding of what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Join me in praying throughout this series and for the rest of 2009 and what God wants to accomplish here in individuals.