Ok, well my plan for this week’s entry was to really talk up our new sermon series coming this week, which I am really excited about. But while checking a blog from another church planter earlier I came across a great video clip that he just posted. His name is Bob and he’s done a lot of great things both here and around the world. But check out his site here and scroll down to the You-Tube video on his Sept. 1st posting. It totally made me beyond thankful for my wife. Read the complete Post.
Well Ryan Lundquist hit the nail on the head again in his short article in the Rancho Cordova Post regarding community building. Lundquist has done a great job in tapping into a real need not only here in Rancho, but everywhere. That’s the need for community with each other. So many people are isolated today from each other and the negative effects can be long term. I think one thing that I have appreciated about Ryan’s articles is that they remind me so much of the local church in its truest form. They remind me of what we’re experiencing here in NHCC. Read the complete Post.
It’s been said that when we work; we work. But when we pray, God works. I believe that there is some truth to that little cliché. As we finish up our study through the book of James this week we will be examining the subject of prayer and practical Christianity. While I strongly believe in the power of prayer, which is actually the sermon title for Sunday, I also know that real authentic prayer is not something of consumerism. Read the complete Post.
I came across an interesting article from a guy who helped us out a bit when we were just fresh as a church. His name is Ryan and he has done a great job building community in his Rancho neighborhood. I like what he had to say and it really reminded me of what authentic Christian community is like, or can be like. What we find from the bible is a called out community of believers who were not only sold out to Christ, but to each other. Ryan is sharing some excellent ideas in this series of articles that you can read at The Rancho Cordova Post. All of this reminds me so much of what the world around us needs and the church can provide. The world needs the grace of Jesus Christ. But they also need community and that is what the church is. I’ve talked to so many people who have said things like: “Wow, I can’t believe all the love that I’ve received in the church’ and “The church is the family that I never had.” A classic book on this subject is Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. But on your end Ryan, keep up the good work. On our end, how would you engage your community with the love of Christ? How would you build up the community of Christ?
Over the weekend I was asked a number of times if I saw the opening ceremony or any of the events in the Olympics. Well, I have to confess that I hadn’t seen anything yet or read much either. Guess I’ve just been too busy. Honestly, I think I like the winter Olympics better anyway, especially the snow skiing and the ice hockey. In fact, I still remember when the US beat the Soviet Union in Lake Placid back in 1980. But a big discussion about these games is China’s track record on human rights; or lack there off. Read the complete Post.
With the kids starting back to school in a week summer is drawing to a close and so is our study through the book of James. On our end, the Hinton summer has been busy and at least one of my kids is ready to start back to school. (Yes, my kids are a lot smarter than I was) Wow, the past two months have gone fast. What were some of your favorite memories of the summer? Yesterday we finished up James chapter four where we were challenged to daily chose to follow Christ. “A Faith That Works” has been the theme for this series and we have been challenged by it. Read the complete Post.
