Have you seen the new Karate Kid movie?

"Everything is kung fu."

That is my favorite line in the movie.  It helps to know the context.  First, Mr. Han said, "I will teach you real kung fu."  Then a short time later he described kung fu when he said, "Kung fu lives in how we put on the jacket, lives in how we treat people. Everything is kung fu."

The "real" kung fu that Mr. Han was trying to teach was a way of life, not just self-defense training.  Isn't that the way Christianity should be?  A way of life.  Too many people try to compartmentalize Christianity.  Christianity is everything.  It is how we live every day.  It is how we dress.  It is definitely how we treat people.

Have you separated your spirituality from the rest of your life?  Or have you integrated your faith into everything your do?  If not, start today!

"Everything is Christianity."

The Importance of Children

Matthew 19:13-15 (NIV) Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

What did Jesus say?  "Let the little children come to me."  Jesus invited the children.  Jesus welcomed children.  Jesus took time for children.  

What does this say about "little children"?  Apparently, they are important to the Son of God.  They are not secondary citizens in the kingdom of heaven.  In fact, He also said that "the kingdom of heaven belongs" to those that are like children.

I have a saying:  "Children are not the church of tomorrow. They are an important part of the church of TODAY, and they are the church leaders of tomorrow."

Whether you are a parent or not, children are important.  And not just your own children, but ALL children.  As you have the opportunity, reach out to children.  Show them God's love!

--Pastor Ken

Character Qualities for Christians

In his epistle (which is simply a letter from an apostle) to Titus, Paul writes about the character qualities of a minister. Titus is supposed appoint spiritual leaders from among the churches in Crete. These new "pastors" will be chosen from among the Christians. They did not have seminaries or Bible colleges in the first century so pastors were "home-grown".

How many people in churches today would meet the requirements that Paul gave to Titus? Do you measure up? These qualities are often required of pastors or other spiritual leaders, and right so. But all believers should make it their goal to live up to these "minimum" standards.

Titus 1:6-9 (NLT)

must be well thought of for his good life

must be faithful to his wife, 

his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious

must live a blameless life

not arrogant

not quick-tempered

not a heavy drinker

not violent

not greedy for money

must enjoy having guests in his home

must love all that is good

must live wisely

be fair

must live a devout and disciplined life

must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught

Let Jesus Christ be in control of every aspect of your life!

--Pastor Ken

Salvation and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

As I was preparing for tomorrow's Pentecost Sunday message, I developed this thought.  There are many believers in Jesus Christ today who believe that when a person receives salvation that they receive what others call the "baptism of the Holy Spirit."

In Acts 2:37-39, Peter invites the crowd to do two things: Repent and Be Baptized.  He then promises that they will receive the "gift of the Holy Spirit".  It is clear to me that there are three different spiritual experiences here: salvation, water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit.

If that brief text is not convincing enough, there is more--much more.  God uses three people in three different cities and under three different sets of circumstances to illustrate that salvation, water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism are three distinct experiences that do not always occur in a specific sequence. Study the following passages of Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

Acts 8:14-17 (NIV) – Peter and John in Samaria

¹⁴ When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. ¹⁵ When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-48 (NIV) – Simon Peter in Caesarea at Cornelius’ house

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Then Peter said, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” ⁴⁸ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts 19:1-7 (NIV) – Paul in Ephesus

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples ² and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

³ So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

⁴ Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all.

-Pastor Ken

National Day of Prayer 2010

The month of May includes the National Day of Prayer. This year's theme is: Prayer For Such A Time As This! with the key verse found in Nahum 1:7.

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."

When we look at the first chapter of Nahum, we see a warning about God's judgment. In fact, verse seven is the only positive thing said in the whole chapter. We don't have to look very far to find trouble. But in the midst of trouble, we find this verse.

God is our "refuge" in times of trouble. He is where we can go, not just to hide, but to find safety. A refuge provides safety from trouble, turmoil or natural disaster. When our circumstances seem overwhelming, God is our refuge and strength.

The second part of this verse reminds us that God cares for us. God loves and cares for YOU! We can rest in that. We can hope in that. We can trust in that. God sees what you are going through and He cares!!

Don't forget to pray for our nation on Thursday, May 6, and every day.

God bless you!

--Pastor Ken