Pastor’s Ponderings: Part Time Christians?
The following thoughts were submitted by Pastor Jim on January 16, 2015… Greetings Friends: PLEASE READ: Mark 12:28-31 One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?” Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you...
read morePastor’s Ponderings: The Scriptures
The following thoughts were submitted by Pastor Jim on January 15, 2015… Greetings Friends: PLEASE READ: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds” (CEV) PLEASE READ: Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then...
read moreFully Alive (1/18/15)
The sermon on January 18 was given by Marcus Bell, who is the director of the Spirit Camp after school program at Urban Promise. (Camden, NJ). Marcus shared his experience and challenged us to gain a fuller life by giving and serving. His scripture was on James 1:26-27. Click the “Play” button to begin listening to the sermon, then scroll down to follow along… (Note: The scripture was read by Pastor Jim) James 1:26-27 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his...
read morePastor’s Ponderings: What Makes One Weak?
The following thoughts were submitted by Pastor Jim on 1/15/15… Greetings Friends: PLEASE READ: Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (NIV). PLEASE READ: Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (NIV). PLEASE READ: Acts 1:14 “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the...
read morePastor’s Ponderings: Who is John Wesley?
Pastor Jim submitted the following thoughts about John Wesley and the persecutions Wesley endured in order to spread the Gospel. PLEASE READ: Matthew 5:11-12 (Jesus said) “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (see other cross references below which may have been an encouragement to Wesley and can be an encouragement to us)...
read morePastor’s Ponderings: Who is Francis Asbury?
Pastor Jim submitted the following thoughts about Francis Asbury on 1/11/15… Our Methodist tradition is filled with many wonderful men and women who served God faithfully. They leave a legacy of faith and we certainly owe our ancestors a great deal of thanks for what they have preserved and passed along to us. One such great saint of the Methodist Church is Frances Asbury. Asbury traveled thousands of miles by horseback and was a true circuit riding Methodist preacher. Asbury spent a great deal of time preaching right here in South...
read moreAll in All (1/11/15)
The sermon on January 11, 2015 was given by Lay Speaker Larry Bakely. His message included a personal testimony and a look at Hosea 11:1-11. Click the below “play” button to hear the recording, then scroll down to follow along. Hosea 11:1-11 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that...
read moreYouth Set to Take a Mid-Winter “Advance” (1/16/15)
How many of us have been on a retreat? Retreats- it’s great to get away from the normal routines and the distractions they cause, and then to focus your thoughts on God. But RETREAT?!? We want move forward- to grow. So instead of having a “Retreat,” our youth are attending an “Advance!” This year’s “Mid-Winter Advance” will be held at America’s Keswick in Whiting, NJ, on the weekend of January 16-18. The weekend will be hosted by a group of college students who will present a program which...
read moreNew Members Class to Begin (1/20/15)
Are you interested in “officially” joining our church? This year’s “New Members” class will start on Tuesday January 20. It will meet with Pastor Jim at 7:00 PM after the Tuesday Night dinner. Five sessions are planned: Jan. 20, Jan 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, and Feb 17. If you’re interested, contact Pastor Jim or the church office.
read moreCaptain’s Log: Stardate Bethlehem (1/4/15)
Pastor Jim’s sermon on January 4 looked forward to the day of Epiphany, which technically occurs on January 6. How do the star and the search for the Messiah speak to us today? Our scripture reading was Matthew 2:1-12. Click the “Play” button to listen to the recording of the sermon and then scroll down and follow along… Matthew 2:1-12 Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. At about that time some astrologers from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ...
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