The foundation of what we do rests on the bedrock of what Jesus did.
We believe…
God said what he meant and meant what he said. And even when we don’t understand parts of the Bible, we trust that God gave it to us complete, so we can become whole and holy.
We believe…
There is only one God who always has and always will exist as three persons: the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
We believe…
Jesus was both all man and all God; completely human, entirely divine; tempted as we are, yet never sinned.
We believe…
Jesus took our place and suffered our punishment so that we may be pardoned, not paroled.
We believe…
God wants to save everyone and that anyone who wants God’s mercy and grace can have them—free for the asking—so we can enjoy a relationship with him.
We believe…
We are God’s representatives to people everywhere; his hands and feet, his eyes and ears, his voice and his heart, authorized by him to do what he would do.
We believe…
Jesus is alive and that we will live forever with him. Because we trust that what he did was enough and that all we could do would never be sufficient.
We believe…
He’s creating a place for us in heaven and we expect he will return soon.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
God's Best
What do you want? What do you deserve? What do you expect?
The answers may not be the same. Depending on how you consider the questions, they shouldn’t be.
If you believe that what you deserve from God is judgment and punishment, then you consider yourself an unworthy sinner—even if you’ve been forgiven, pardoned by grace. But if you understand that once you accept his salvation, he adopts you, you know you are his child. You also learn that everything he has is yours; you’re a joint heir with Christ. As such, what you deserve is far different from what you once earned.
Furthermore, as a sinner, what you want from God is unattainable. Or so you think. And since you’re unredeemed you doubt you can experience God’s blessing. So you don’t expect it. But you should. And there’s a story in the Bible that illuminates this truth.
A woman, not a Jew, came to Jesus to ask for his help. Being a Greek, she wasn’t entitled to what Jesus termed the children’s bread. She answered that even dogs get fed crumbs. Now, that means neither that she saw herself as unworthy nor that she’d be content with less than what she came for. Jesus understood her intent and commended her. Because of her wisdom and her faith—that is, she expected his help—Jesus gave her what she asked for.
But how many times have you failed to ask? How many times have you expected only what you think you deserve. How many times have you walked away and didn’t get what you wanted?
Until you are pardoned—rescued from your sin, yourself, and your self—you get crumbs. Blessings, but not God’s best. Even when you don’t realize that and even though you may not be aware enough to acknowledge the truth, all that’s good in your life comes from God. You just can’t enjoy all the privileges of an heir, but he blesses you even though you’re not his.
But why would you be satisfied to lick crumbs from the floor when you could feast at his table?
That’s the question Mephibosheth had to answer. And when he did, he realized he could expect what he wanted and want what he expected—because he deserved it.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
The answers may not be the same. Depending on how you consider the questions, they shouldn’t be.
If you believe that what you deserve from God is judgment and punishment, then you consider yourself an unworthy sinner—even if you’ve been forgiven, pardoned by grace. But if you understand that once you accept his salvation, he adopts you, you know you are his child. You also learn that everything he has is yours; you’re a joint heir with Christ. As such, what you deserve is far different from what you once earned.
Furthermore, as a sinner, what you want from God is unattainable. Or so you think. And since you’re unredeemed you doubt you can experience God’s blessing. So you don’t expect it. But you should. And there’s a story in the Bible that illuminates this truth.
A woman, not a Jew, came to Jesus to ask for his help. Being a Greek, she wasn’t entitled to what Jesus termed the children’s bread. She answered that even dogs get fed crumbs. Now, that means neither that she saw herself as unworthy nor that she’d be content with less than what she came for. Jesus understood her intent and commended her. Because of her wisdom and her faith—that is, she expected his help—Jesus gave her what she asked for.
But how many times have you failed to ask? How many times have you expected only what you think you deserve. How many times have you walked away and didn’t get what you wanted?
Until you are pardoned—rescued from your sin, yourself, and your self—you get crumbs. Blessings, but not God’s best. Even when you don’t realize that and even though you may not be aware enough to acknowledge the truth, all that’s good in your life comes from God. You just can’t enjoy all the privileges of an heir, but he blesses you even though you’re not his.
But why would you be satisfied to lick crumbs from the floor when you could feast at his table?
That’s the question Mephibosheth had to answer. And when he did, he realized he could expect what he wanted and want what he expected—because he deserved it.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day
Worship leader Randy French quipped that when he woke up today, he told God, “Happy Father’s Day.”
God is the father of us all, but unfortunately we are not all his children. One common misconception in the world today is that physical birth makes us part of God’s family. But in truth we must be born again. That’s not new news.
Nicodemus, a religious ruler in Jesus’ day, didn’t understand this. Puzzled, he asked how he could renter his mother’s womb to be born a second time. Jesus explained that the physical could only birth that which exists in this realm. To experience spiritual rebirth requires an act of God. The good news is it's his will to do so.
God loves being a father. So much so that using another analogy he described how Gentiles became part of God’s family. The Jewish people are God’s chosen, but we who were not of the lineage of Abraham can still be among God's heirs.
Today, God still deliberately searches for those who are fatherless—orphans whom he can adopt. When he finds us, he makes us his own. And he treats us no differently than the children of Israel.
He clothes us in the same righteousness. We are granted the same seal of authority as those born into his heritage. And we are given shoes, a symbol that authenticates our status as his children.
He’s given us far more, but on this day we should give him what he wants most—us.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
God is the father of us all, but unfortunately we are not all his children. One common misconception in the world today is that physical birth makes us part of God’s family. But in truth we must be born again. That’s not new news.
Nicodemus, a religious ruler in Jesus’ day, didn’t understand this. Puzzled, he asked how he could renter his mother’s womb to be born a second time. Jesus explained that the physical could only birth that which exists in this realm. To experience spiritual rebirth requires an act of God. The good news is it's his will to do so.
God loves being a father. So much so that using another analogy he described how Gentiles became part of God’s family. The Jewish people are God’s chosen, but we who were not of the lineage of Abraham can still be among God's heirs.
Today, God still deliberately searches for those who are fatherless—orphans whom he can adopt. When he finds us, he makes us his own. And he treats us no differently than the children of Israel.
He clothes us in the same righteousness. We are granted the same seal of authority as those born into his heritage. And we are given shoes, a symbol that authenticates our status as his children.
He’s given us far more, but on this day we should give him what he wants most—us.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Time Is Running Out
Do you have a purpose driven life or just a driven life? What have you accomplished in the past week or month? Or does time keep on slippin’ into the future with little or no significant progress?
Maybe we should measure time in minutes so we’ll value it more by being mindful that time is finite. Otherwise, as we grow older our hope may become bankrupt. With every passing year our regrets will increase and our remorse will be insufficient to fund what little time remains.
We can’t undo the past any more than we are guaranteed a certain future. Time is running out and we’d do well to make every moment count. To cherish our families and friends more than we do material goods or accomplishments. No one is likely to wish with their last breath that they could work one more day. But many may regret they didn’t spend their time more wisely.
So, since we cannot do everything we might like, we must, as Senior Pastor Les Hughes says, “choose our guilt.”
Perhaps two questions will help. What is your life worth? And if you will later regret what you did and wish you could live that moment again, why not choose now to do what you will never regret?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Maybe we should measure time in minutes so we’ll value it more by being mindful that time is finite. Otherwise, as we grow older our hope may become bankrupt. With every passing year our regrets will increase and our remorse will be insufficient to fund what little time remains.
We can’t undo the past any more than we are guaranteed a certain future. Time is running out and we’d do well to make every moment count. To cherish our families and friends more than we do material goods or accomplishments. No one is likely to wish with their last breath that they could work one more day. But many may regret they didn’t spend their time more wisely.
So, since we cannot do everything we might like, we must, as Senior Pastor Les Hughes says, “choose our guilt.”
Perhaps two questions will help. What is your life worth? And if you will later regret what you did and wish you could live that moment again, why not choose now to do what you will never regret?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Beautiful People
Look at an ad for almost anything from cars to cola and you’ll see them. The beautiful people. The ones who live in the nicest homes, have the best jobs, drive the fanciest cars, wear the latest fashions, and have the coolest friends. But there’s a message beyond the one that promises we can be like them.
The more subtle message is that we need to be like them; we should want to be beautiful by their standards. If we buy into this idea, we’ll spend our lives trying to obtain the unreachable—perfection.
We need to be less concerned with what people think and more with how God sees us. We need to look into the mirror of the Bible and discover what he says about us.
When we do we’ll understand our value—our worth to him. Once we realize that we are priceless, that he gave all he had to redeem us, we’ll see others and ourselves differently.
We’ll become less concerned with how people view us and more with whether or not we’re blocking their view. When we become transparent—unafraid to let others see the ugliness of our sins—Christ makes us beautiful.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
The more subtle message is that we need to be like them; we should want to be beautiful by their standards. If we buy into this idea, we’ll spend our lives trying to obtain the unreachable—perfection.
We need to be less concerned with what people think and more with how God sees us. We need to look into the mirror of the Bible and discover what he says about us.
When we do we’ll understand our value—our worth to him. Once we realize that we are priceless, that he gave all he had to redeem us, we’ll see others and ourselves differently.
We’ll become less concerned with how people view us and more with whether or not we’re blocking their view. When we become transparent—unafraid to let others see the ugliness of our sins—Christ makes us beautiful.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Christianity isn’t about personalities; it’s about people. It’s not about rituals; it’s about relationships. Ours with God and with each other.
But often times we don’t like imperfection, in others or ourselves. Consequently, we tend to judge by an impossible standard. The Pharisees did this. They heaped the Law of Moses and their own regulations on the people, but failed to keep these man-made commandments. They made little or no allowance for weaknesses, much less failures.
God isn’t like that. He loves us and exhorts us to love one another in the same way. That’s why we should be patient. We need to love others—and ourselves—long enough for God to change us.
Salvation isn’t a magic wand in the sense that our lives become trouble-free overnight. Change takes time. But grace has the power to change us—when we can’t change ourselves.
Like Mephibosheth, we remain crippled, less than whole and a bit dysfunctional. Yet we are invited to always enjoy dinner with the King. When Jesus walked this earth, he ate with sinners, flawed human beings who needed a savior. He does the same today, and so should we.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
But often times we don’t like imperfection, in others or ourselves. Consequently, we tend to judge by an impossible standard. The Pharisees did this. They heaped the Law of Moses and their own regulations on the people, but failed to keep these man-made commandments. They made little or no allowance for weaknesses, much less failures.
God isn’t like that. He loves us and exhorts us to love one another in the same way. That’s why we should be patient. We need to love others—and ourselves—long enough for God to change us.
Salvation isn’t a magic wand in the sense that our lives become trouble-free overnight. Change takes time. But grace has the power to change us—when we can’t change ourselves.
Like Mephibosheth, we remain crippled, less than whole and a bit dysfunctional. Yet we are invited to always enjoy dinner with the King. When Jesus walked this earth, he ate with sinners, flawed human beings who needed a savior. He does the same today, and so should we.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Power of Choice
Not to decide is to decide. And every day, every choice we make makes us who we will be tomorrow.
Actor Don Johnson once told an interviewer two reasons his life had spiraled downward. “I not only made bad choices, I chose bad friends.”
There is truth in his words. But our choices reach beyond the friends we keep and the ones we don’t. All that we experience contributes to who we are—for good or otherwise.
Good friends—those who love as we are with no agenda to change us—hope that nevertheless we will change. And until we do, they love us.
Such friends are committed to us even when we are not committed to ourselves. They not only forgive our transgressions, our mistakes, our flaws and faults and failures, but they are considerate enough to forget what we often cannot. Likewise, they hold in trust whatever secrets of ours they know and refuse to breech our confident confessions, even when it might profit them.
Such friends tell us the truth about ourselves, as my good friend Cecil Murphey says, “no matter how beautiful it may be.” These friends by their own vulnerability beckon us to become more transparent. When possible, they construct advice that will build us up; they are never such as the critics who seek only our demolition.
Above all else good friends are consistent. They neither abandon us in bad times nor abuse us in good times. Their love for us is like God’s love—unrelated in any way to our performance. They love us regardless and that love remains constant even when our character waivers.
So it is that we have the power to choose. And for that reason we should remember that such power is the greatest of all. We cannot abdicate our authority for if we do so, we forfeit our birthright. In that process we deny who we are or at the very least we forget that we are the sum of our choices, not our experiences.
For not only what we do not do but what we do make us who we are. But what others decide should never become part of our equation. Never are we victims of the choices others make. Their choices may limit ours, but the right to choose is unalienable. No law can deprive us of it. No sovereign can deny us the power God has granted.
Even he will not dispute our free will. Yet that is contained within his sovereignty. He allows us the freedom to choose, but will at every turn, every time, in every place, and every situation do all that is within his power to persuade us that his choice, his will, is best for our lives.
That is why he calls us to make a choice. Not between right and wrong, for such choices are momentary, regarding one thought or action or habit only at the moment of temptation. No, instead God asks us to choose between death and life—and pleads that we will desire only the latter. Because he has no craving to punish us. His will is that we would have life and that in surplus.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Actor Don Johnson once told an interviewer two reasons his life had spiraled downward. “I not only made bad choices, I chose bad friends.”
There is truth in his words. But our choices reach beyond the friends we keep and the ones we don’t. All that we experience contributes to who we are—for good or otherwise.
Good friends—those who love as we are with no agenda to change us—hope that nevertheless we will change. And until we do, they love us.
Such friends are committed to us even when we are not committed to ourselves. They not only forgive our transgressions, our mistakes, our flaws and faults and failures, but they are considerate enough to forget what we often cannot. Likewise, they hold in trust whatever secrets of ours they know and refuse to breech our confident confessions, even when it might profit them.
Such friends tell us the truth about ourselves, as my good friend Cecil Murphey says, “no matter how beautiful it may be.” These friends by their own vulnerability beckon us to become more transparent. When possible, they construct advice that will build us up; they are never such as the critics who seek only our demolition.
Above all else good friends are consistent. They neither abandon us in bad times nor abuse us in good times. Their love for us is like God’s love—unrelated in any way to our performance. They love us regardless and that love remains constant even when our character waivers.
So it is that we have the power to choose. And for that reason we should remember that such power is the greatest of all. We cannot abdicate our authority for if we do so, we forfeit our birthright. In that process we deny who we are or at the very least we forget that we are the sum of our choices, not our experiences.
For not only what we do not do but what we do make us who we are. But what others decide should never become part of our equation. Never are we victims of the choices others make. Their choices may limit ours, but the right to choose is unalienable. No law can deprive us of it. No sovereign can deny us the power God has granted.
Even he will not dispute our free will. Yet that is contained within his sovereignty. He allows us the freedom to choose, but will at every turn, every time, in every place, and every situation do all that is within his power to persuade us that his choice, his will, is best for our lives.
That is why he calls us to make a choice. Not between right and wrong, for such choices are momentary, regarding one thought or action or habit only at the moment of temptation. No, instead God asks us to choose between death and life—and pleads that we will desire only the latter. Because he has no craving to punish us. His will is that we would have life and that in surplus.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Most Likely
What was the caption under your senior class yearbook photo? For many of us, we expected LEAST LIKELY TO SUCCEED. Some of us still think of ourselves in those terms.
If that describes you, you’re qualified to be one of God’s chosen people. What kind of people does God choose? Imperfect people—they’re the only kind.
Take a look in the Bible and among others you’ll find a murderer who wrote, “Don’t kill.” You’ll discover an apostolic killer who became a pillar. And if you read long enough, you’ll see cowards who became heroes, losers turned into leaders, and nobodies who became somebodies.
How? Because God turns weaknesses into strengths.
Why? So everyone knows that God is responsible for whatever good things happen.
The fact is we can’t accomplish anything without his help. But with his help, we can do everything he asks of us—far more than we can imagine.
When we don’t believe in ourselves, we need to remember that God believes in us.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
If that describes you, you’re qualified to be one of God’s chosen people. What kind of people does God choose? Imperfect people—they’re the only kind.
Take a look in the Bible and among others you’ll find a murderer who wrote, “Don’t kill.” You’ll discover an apostolic killer who became a pillar. And if you read long enough, you’ll see cowards who became heroes, losers turned into leaders, and nobodies who became somebodies.
How? Because God turns weaknesses into strengths.
Why? So everyone knows that God is responsible for whatever good things happen.
The fact is we can’t accomplish anything without his help. But with his help, we can do everything he asks of us—far more than we can imagine.
When we don’t believe in ourselves, we need to remember that God believes in us.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Right Where You Belong
Strong churches are built with strong people. But they exist for those who are weak.
Most of us have no problem identifying one of the major problems in our lives. All we have to do is look in our mirrors. But the problem goes much deeper than the image we see or the ones we portray to others.
Much of our time seems to be spent on trying to find a place where we fit, a place where we feel comfortable. We want to be part of something more than we can ever be on our own. We want to belong. We long to be applauded, even acclaimed, for our gifts and talents. But we want more than that.
We’re not content with being liked for what we do. We want to be loved for who we are.
Unfortunately, today too many people feel excluded by the church, rather than included in it. The church—that vast cross-cultural, diverse group of people, not a collection of buildings—isn’t intended to either isolate or insulate us from the world. The good news of God’s love isn’t meant to immunize us against temptation, but rather to inoculate us against sin.
Will we sin after God forgives us? Of course we will; we’re human. And when we do, we need fellowship with fellow strugglers. We need to know we’re not alone and that God isn’t mad at us. Likewise, others need to hear from us that we’ve been where they are, that God helped us, and that he doesn’t love us more—or less—than he loves them.
This is one of the primary reasons we belong in church: We need one another. And I can’t think of a better place to be than where I’m needed most.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Most of us have no problem identifying one of the major problems in our lives. All we have to do is look in our mirrors. But the problem goes much deeper than the image we see or the ones we portray to others.
Much of our time seems to be spent on trying to find a place where we fit, a place where we feel comfortable. We want to be part of something more than we can ever be on our own. We want to belong. We long to be applauded, even acclaimed, for our gifts and talents. But we want more than that.
We’re not content with being liked for what we do. We want to be loved for who we are.
Unfortunately, today too many people feel excluded by the church, rather than included in it. The church—that vast cross-cultural, diverse group of people, not a collection of buildings—isn’t intended to either isolate or insulate us from the world. The good news of God’s love isn’t meant to immunize us against temptation, but rather to inoculate us against sin.
Will we sin after God forgives us? Of course we will; we’re human. And when we do, we need fellowship with fellow strugglers. We need to know we’re not alone and that God isn’t mad at us. Likewise, others need to hear from us that we’ve been where they are, that God helped us, and that he doesn’t love us more—or less—than he loves them.
This is one of the primary reasons we belong in church: We need one another. And I can’t think of a better place to be than where I’m needed most.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
High Priority
What does spiritual wellness have to do with physical health? In his third letter, John makes a connection when he expresses hope that we will enjoy both.
So if there is a correlation, even a causative effect, how can we improve our quality of living?
There’s nothing new about our need for healthy food, regular exercise, and good rest. So, why don’t we do what we know is right?
One reason may be because we misunderstand grace. While all foods are lawful, not everything we eat is food. Sometimes we make poor choices; we neglect our physical health. Other times we wish we could be someone other than who we are; we reject what God has given us. Or worse, we blame him for our behavior. We can also go to the extreme, become obsessed with our bodies. The results can be disastrous, even deadly. We can be lured into dysfunctional lifestyles or self-worship. And when we do anything other than what God recommends, grace won’t prevent us from suffering the consequences.
God wants us to enjoy living. To get the most out of life, we need to make choices based on what God says is good for us. When we do, we can rest assured that he will keep his promises. And we’ll literally eat the fruit of our labor.
So, go ahead. Live it up. Make time for yourself to eat right, enjoy your leisure, and rest. Make healthy living a high priority. God doesn’t mind if you take a little time off. In fact, he created one day each week so you could do just that.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
So if there is a correlation, even a causative effect, how can we improve our quality of living?
There’s nothing new about our need for healthy food, regular exercise, and good rest. So, why don’t we do what we know is right?
One reason may be because we misunderstand grace. While all foods are lawful, not everything we eat is food. Sometimes we make poor choices; we neglect our physical health. Other times we wish we could be someone other than who we are; we reject what God has given us. Or worse, we blame him for our behavior. We can also go to the extreme, become obsessed with our bodies. The results can be disastrous, even deadly. We can be lured into dysfunctional lifestyles or self-worship. And when we do anything other than what God recommends, grace won’t prevent us from suffering the consequences.
God wants us to enjoy living. To get the most out of life, we need to make choices based on what God says is good for us. When we do, we can rest assured that he will keep his promises. And we’ll literally eat the fruit of our labor.
So, go ahead. Live it up. Make time for yourself to eat right, enjoy your leisure, and rest. Make healthy living a high priority. God doesn’t mind if you take a little time off. In fact, he created one day each week so you could do just that.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Refocus
Tired of where you’ve been? Not sure where you’re headed? Here are four practical tips to help you refocus your life so that in 2007 you can move in the direction you want.
1. Assume responsibility for your life. No one can make you a victim and no one will make you a victor. It’s your choice. Why not make a good one? Don’t blame others. Don’t make excuses for yourself. After all, failure is just a synonym for education.
2. Believe you can change. Quit saying, “I can’t”; start saying “I can.” Better yet, say, “I will.” That will lead to “I am”, and be followed by “I did.” You always do what you truly believe.
3. Clarify what’s important. Determine your values and value what you determine. You don’t deserve second-best, hand-me-downs, or leftovers. God gave his best so you could have his best. Don’t insult him by settling for less.
4. Do it now. You can’t change yesterday, but you can change tomorrow—today. Forget your past failures; God did.
Give God what you have, and like the loaves and fishes used to feed 5000, that will be enough—in God’s hands. He will bless whatever you give him.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
1. Assume responsibility for your life. No one can make you a victim and no one will make you a victor. It’s your choice. Why not make a good one? Don’t blame others. Don’t make excuses for yourself. After all, failure is just a synonym for education.
2. Believe you can change. Quit saying, “I can’t”; start saying “I can.” Better yet, say, “I will.” That will lead to “I am”, and be followed by “I did.” You always do what you truly believe.
3. Clarify what’s important. Determine your values and value what you determine. You don’t deserve second-best, hand-me-downs, or leftovers. God gave his best so you could have his best. Don’t insult him by settling for less.
4. Do it now. You can’t change yesterday, but you can change tomorrow—today. Forget your past failures; God did.
Give God what you have, and like the loaves and fishes used to feed 5000, that will be enough—in God’s hands. He will bless whatever you give him.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Lost & Found
Al Gore didn’t invent it, but the Internet is a wonderful tool. And with the help of some of the search engines used on the web, I found my brother.
It’s not that he was lost, but we’d lost touch with each other—for more than a decade. As life turns out, we’ve both escaped death and we’ve both enjoyed some amazing success. We’ve also both experienced our share of tragedy. And both of us have come home to God.
I’ve often seen myself in the role of the prodigal, and while I am older than my brother, I want to avoid becoming the elder brother in the familiar story that Jesus told about two brothers and their father.
In what many people consider to be a parable, but I believe is a true story, the elder brother reacts to the good news of his brother’s return with disdain. We never see him overcome his reaction though the father pleads with him to join the celebration in honor of his sibling. Instead, he charges his father with playing favorites and never giving him what he deserves.
I know better than to make that claim. Indeed, I never want God to give me what I deserve; I always want him to bestow what cannot be earned.
Regarding my brother, it seems we both identify with the prodigal son and we both love our heavenly father. I hope neither of us ever sees the other in the role of the ungrateful brother. Rather, it seems we both want to celebrate our mutual good fortune and rejoice with each other.
We were lost, but now we’re found.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
It’s not that he was lost, but we’d lost touch with each other—for more than a decade. As life turns out, we’ve both escaped death and we’ve both enjoyed some amazing success. We’ve also both experienced our share of tragedy. And both of us have come home to God.
I’ve often seen myself in the role of the prodigal, and while I am older than my brother, I want to avoid becoming the elder brother in the familiar story that Jesus told about two brothers and their father.
In what many people consider to be a parable, but I believe is a true story, the elder brother reacts to the good news of his brother’s return with disdain. We never see him overcome his reaction though the father pleads with him to join the celebration in honor of his sibling. Instead, he charges his father with playing favorites and never giving him what he deserves.
I know better than to make that claim. Indeed, I never want God to give me what I deserve; I always want him to bestow what cannot be earned.
Regarding my brother, it seems we both identify with the prodigal son and we both love our heavenly father. I hope neither of us ever sees the other in the role of the ungrateful brother. Rather, it seems we both want to celebrate our mutual good fortune and rejoice with each other.
We were lost, but now we’re found.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Priceless
Your dumpster is full. You’ve already run out of batteries. You managed to extricate various toys and accessories from adult-proof packaging. And maybe, just maybe, you paid cash for what may be broken or forgotten within the next few weeks or months. So, what value do you put on presents?
Cashmere sweaters, $258.
Parkas, $418.
Skis, $1598.
Vacation for two, $2936.
The famous MasterCard® commercials put a price tag on most products but recognize that some things—friends, family, memories, being together for the holidays—are priceless.
That doesn’t mean such gifts are without cost. But for those of us lucky enough to have such wonderful things, they are worth whatever we pay.
Unfortunately, not everyone has such blessings and others lose what is most precious when they should be enjoying them most. And too often many of us don’t appreciate what we have while we have it.
Life is shorter than we think and may change or end abruptly. Sudden unexpected tragedy can strike any of us at any time. When that happens regret and remorse sometimes become our companions rather than unwelcome visitors.
Because I know several families who are heartbroken over recent events, I’m mindful more than ever that I should act now. So here’s one of my resolutions for 2007—and the rest of my life: Become familiar with the word no.
I want to say no frequently until it becomes a word I speak on a regular basis, with ease. When people ask me if I can help them, I want to evaluate whether or not someone else could do so or if they should help themselves. I want to carefully and prayerfully consider their requests rather than saying yes in haste because I like being needed. I want to calculate the price I will pay and the cost my family will incur, before I become indebted and indenture them. As with credit cards, it’s too easy to sign your life away only to realize later that what must be sacrificed is of far greater value than what is received, by anyone.
Starting now, I encourage you to think before you speak and realize that saying no to some things means you say yes to others. And if the latter is what you value most, then no matter what the cost, some gifts—love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness—become priceless.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Cashmere sweaters, $258.
Parkas, $418.
Skis, $1598.
Vacation for two, $2936.
The famous MasterCard® commercials put a price tag on most products but recognize that some things—friends, family, memories, being together for the holidays—are priceless.
That doesn’t mean such gifts are without cost. But for those of us lucky enough to have such wonderful things, they are worth whatever we pay.
Unfortunately, not everyone has such blessings and others lose what is most precious when they should be enjoying them most. And too often many of us don’t appreciate what we have while we have it.
Life is shorter than we think and may change or end abruptly. Sudden unexpected tragedy can strike any of us at any time. When that happens regret and remorse sometimes become our companions rather than unwelcome visitors.
Because I know several families who are heartbroken over recent events, I’m mindful more than ever that I should act now. So here’s one of my resolutions for 2007—and the rest of my life: Become familiar with the word no.
I want to say no frequently until it becomes a word I speak on a regular basis, with ease. When people ask me if I can help them, I want to evaluate whether or not someone else could do so or if they should help themselves. I want to carefully and prayerfully consider their requests rather than saying yes in haste because I like being needed. I want to calculate the price I will pay and the cost my family will incur, before I become indebted and indenture them. As with credit cards, it’s too easy to sign your life away only to realize later that what must be sacrificed is of far greater value than what is received, by anyone.
Starting now, I encourage you to think before you speak and realize that saying no to some things means you say yes to others. And if the latter is what you value most, then no matter what the cost, some gifts—love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness—become priceless.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Unwrapped Presents
What if Jesus had never been born? How would our world be different?
In “It’s a Wonderful Life” George Bailey learned how friends and family would have suffered without him. His brother would have drowned. His wife, mother, and many others would have experienced a different world. Indeed the town would have borne the name Pottersville, after the greedy man who would have owned the community and fashioned it in his image.
In much the same way, if Jesus hadn’t been born we’d live in a different world. Hitler might have succeeded. Communism might never have collapsed. Liberty might have all but disappeared, because it only exists where the Lord’s spirit reigns triumphant.
In fact, if Jesus hadn’t died to redeem us from sin’s grasp, we’d still be its captives. Or at best, we’d be under the Law, the first covenant. There would be no atoning sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath so the guilty could be declared innocent.
Without Christmas, the world and our lives would be very different. Thankfully, we’ll never know what that might have been like. Then again, maybe some do.
There are those who for a variety of reasons—pride mostly—have not accepted God’s gift. And because they have not, it’s as if the greatest present ever given remains unwrapped and unused.
Until we receive a gift, it’s of no value—at least to us. An inheritance uncollected makes the heir no richer. A check uncashed is of no benefit to the payee. In the same way, if we don’t appropriate God’s salvation it is of no value to us.
Salvation will benefit others who accept God’s grace. But for those who reject Christ—and that is what we do as long as we cling to our ability to do reimburse God—grace and mercy remain unopened gifts.
This year, make it a point to open all of God’s gifts. After all, you wouldn’t leave any presents still wrapped under the Christmas tree.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
In “It’s a Wonderful Life” George Bailey learned how friends and family would have suffered without him. His brother would have drowned. His wife, mother, and many others would have experienced a different world. Indeed the town would have borne the name Pottersville, after the greedy man who would have owned the community and fashioned it in his image.
In much the same way, if Jesus hadn’t been born we’d live in a different world. Hitler might have succeeded. Communism might never have collapsed. Liberty might have all but disappeared, because it only exists where the Lord’s spirit reigns triumphant.
In fact, if Jesus hadn’t died to redeem us from sin’s grasp, we’d still be its captives. Or at best, we’d be under the Law, the first covenant. There would be no atoning sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath so the guilty could be declared innocent.
Without Christmas, the world and our lives would be very different. Thankfully, we’ll never know what that might have been like. Then again, maybe some do.
There are those who for a variety of reasons—pride mostly—have not accepted God’s gift. And because they have not, it’s as if the greatest present ever given remains unwrapped and unused.
Until we receive a gift, it’s of no value—at least to us. An inheritance uncollected makes the heir no richer. A check uncashed is of no benefit to the payee. In the same way, if we don’t appropriate God’s salvation it is of no value to us.
Salvation will benefit others who accept God’s grace. But for those who reject Christ—and that is what we do as long as we cling to our ability to do reimburse God—grace and mercy remain unopened gifts.
This year, make it a point to open all of God’s gifts. After all, you wouldn’t leave any presents still wrapped under the Christmas tree.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
How To Lose Friends Without Really Trying
If hindsight is 20/20, perhaps it’s easier to learn how not to do something.
Case in point: relationships. It’s easier to neglect friendships than it is to maintain them. And don’t think anyone is immune to destructive behavior. A pastor, perhaps suffering from compassion fatigue, once boasted that if his church got too large, he could “whittle it down in one or two services.”
Oddly enough, he’s still a pastor, though it’s doubtful his church or his people will ever grow to maturity. Because he’s chosen a pattern of behavior that is self-destructive. The problem is that what he does affects others. The same is true with each of us.
So here are a few tips on how to destroy relationships wherever they may be found—home, work, church, and throughout everyday life.
1. Sweat the small stuff; everything is important—and urgent—to you.
2. Insist on being right at all times, about everything.
3. Discount, if not disregard, the opinions and ideas and feelings of others.
4. Be inflexible, intolerant, insensitive, and inconsiderate.
5. Be steadfast, immovable, and implacable regarding your opinions.
6. Remember, rehearse, and recite your past pain.
7. Refuse to change who you are and how you act.
8. Always blame others; never accept personal responsibility.
Do these things and you will succeed in alienating people and losing friends. In the process, you will ensure that your life will remain insignificant.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Case in point: relationships. It’s easier to neglect friendships than it is to maintain them. And don’t think anyone is immune to destructive behavior. A pastor, perhaps suffering from compassion fatigue, once boasted that if his church got too large, he could “whittle it down in one or two services.”
Oddly enough, he’s still a pastor, though it’s doubtful his church or his people will ever grow to maturity. Because he’s chosen a pattern of behavior that is self-destructive. The problem is that what he does affects others. The same is true with each of us.
So here are a few tips on how to destroy relationships wherever they may be found—home, work, church, and throughout everyday life.
1. Sweat the small stuff; everything is important—and urgent—to you.
2. Insist on being right at all times, about everything.
3. Discount, if not disregard, the opinions and ideas and feelings of others.
4. Be inflexible, intolerant, insensitive, and inconsiderate.
5. Be steadfast, immovable, and implacable regarding your opinions.
6. Remember, rehearse, and recite your past pain.
7. Refuse to change who you are and how you act.
8. Always blame others; never accept personal responsibility.
Do these things and you will succeed in alienating people and losing friends. In the process, you will ensure that your life will remain insignificant.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Giant Killers
Almost everybody admires a giant-killer; almost nobody wants to fight a giant.
How you look at something makes all the difference in how you act. What you focus on also influences what you do.
Joshua & Caleb looked at the abundant life God wanted to give them. The other ten men were nearsighted. They saw the giants who stood in the way and those ten men never saw God’s promises or realized their potential.
Giants often block our view. They stand in front of us, full of bluster and bravado, and shout epithets about God, our churches, friends, and families. They talk trash about us. They remind us of our past and predict our future failure.
But what if they’re wrong? What if rather than looking at the negative and believing bad reports, we choose to look at the positive and believe what God promises rather than what others say?
When David faced Goliath, he had two choices: believe the one shouting across the valley or trust the one who’d walked through the valley with him.
Goliath wasn’t the first seemingly insurmountable problem David faced. He killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands and God’s help. Instead of worrying about defeat, David considered the possibility of victory.
We should do the same. What if God hasn’t changed? What if he still heals? What if he still forgives? What if it’s not too late? What if God restored your marriage, your dignity, your integrity? What if God gave you a second chance for the umpteenth time?
You can rest assured he can, he has, he does, and he will. But he won’t kill your giant. That’s your task. He will help you. He’ll remind you of past victories. He’ll strengthen your abilities. He’ll sharpen your aim. But you’ll have to pick up the stones he provides; you’ll have to use the weapons he makes available. When you do, you may only need one shot.
Regardless of how many times you try to kill your giant or how many giants you have to kill, with God on your side success is certain. When you see others who are enjoying the fruit of God’s promises, consider how many giants they fought. And when you defeat your enemy, you should celebrate. Carve another notch in your gun. Take time to tell others what God did. Mark the time and place in your memory. Then, when the next giant threatens you, ask yourself one question. What if God gives me the victory—again?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
How you look at something makes all the difference in how you act. What you focus on also influences what you do.
Joshua & Caleb looked at the abundant life God wanted to give them. The other ten men were nearsighted. They saw the giants who stood in the way and those ten men never saw God’s promises or realized their potential.
Giants often block our view. They stand in front of us, full of bluster and bravado, and shout epithets about God, our churches, friends, and families. They talk trash about us. They remind us of our past and predict our future failure.
But what if they’re wrong? What if rather than looking at the negative and believing bad reports, we choose to look at the positive and believe what God promises rather than what others say?
When David faced Goliath, he had two choices: believe the one shouting across the valley or trust the one who’d walked through the valley with him.
Goliath wasn’t the first seemingly insurmountable problem David faced. He killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands and God’s help. Instead of worrying about defeat, David considered the possibility of victory.
We should do the same. What if God hasn’t changed? What if he still heals? What if he still forgives? What if it’s not too late? What if God restored your marriage, your dignity, your integrity? What if God gave you a second chance for the umpteenth time?
You can rest assured he can, he has, he does, and he will. But he won’t kill your giant. That’s your task. He will help you. He’ll remind you of past victories. He’ll strengthen your abilities. He’ll sharpen your aim. But you’ll have to pick up the stones he provides; you’ll have to use the weapons he makes available. When you do, you may only need one shot.
Regardless of how many times you try to kill your giant or how many giants you have to kill, with God on your side success is certain. When you see others who are enjoying the fruit of God’s promises, consider how many giants they fought. And when you defeat your enemy, you should celebrate. Carve another notch in your gun. Take time to tell others what God did. Mark the time and place in your memory. Then, when the next giant threatens you, ask yourself one question. What if God gives me the victory—again?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Receiving Thanks
Maybe giving thanks isn’t the problem. Perhaps receiving the gratitude of others is more difficult.
After all, we’re supposed to be humble. And accepting accolades from others isn’t easy to do without appearing prideful. When someone expresses their appreciation of what you do for them it’s easy to slip into false humility. We cloak our fear so others won’t see who we are.
We know who we are and frankly many of us don’t like ourselves very much. Especially when we sin. And we do—all of us. That should be comforting, but it isn’t because in such moments when we recognize our failures and weaknesses we feel naked and, like Adam and Eve, ashamed.
We’re not supposed to sin. We know that. And so when we do, we feel guilty. That’s good. But our emotions don’t stop there. Even though God forgives us, we remember what we’ve done. In turn that produces in us a sense of unworthiness. And everyone knows that if you’re unworthy then you shouldn’t accept praise.
The truth is we all get it wrong sometimes, and other days we get it right. We fail in some areas and excel in others. The fact that we do should make accepting the gratitude of others easier.
When someone gives you a gift, writes a thank you note, recognizes your contribution publicly, calls you, or takes time to express their gratitude in person, you don’t have to say anything except, “Thank you.”
I’ve learned to accept the thanks of others for what I write. At first it was hard. But now, I can look someone in the eye and be genuinely grateful that what I write touched that person’s heart.
Whatever you do, this season, give yourself permission to open the gifts people want to give you.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
After all, we’re supposed to be humble. And accepting accolades from others isn’t easy to do without appearing prideful. When someone expresses their appreciation of what you do for them it’s easy to slip into false humility. We cloak our fear so others won’t see who we are.
We know who we are and frankly many of us don’t like ourselves very much. Especially when we sin. And we do—all of us. That should be comforting, but it isn’t because in such moments when we recognize our failures and weaknesses we feel naked and, like Adam and Eve, ashamed.
We’re not supposed to sin. We know that. And so when we do, we feel guilty. That’s good. But our emotions don’t stop there. Even though God forgives us, we remember what we’ve done. In turn that produces in us a sense of unworthiness. And everyone knows that if you’re unworthy then you shouldn’t accept praise.
The truth is we all get it wrong sometimes, and other days we get it right. We fail in some areas and excel in others. The fact that we do should make accepting the gratitude of others easier.
When someone gives you a gift, writes a thank you note, recognizes your contribution publicly, calls you, or takes time to express their gratitude in person, you don’t have to say anything except, “Thank you.”
I’ve learned to accept the thanks of others for what I write. At first it was hard. But now, I can look someone in the eye and be genuinely grateful that what I write touched that person’s heart.
Whatever you do, this season, give yourself permission to open the gifts people want to give you.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Monday, November 20, 2006
A Foundation for the Future
Most of us want to belong to a church that is thriving. We want relevant preaching and teaching that will help us apply God’s truths to our everyday lives. But not so many of us are willing to contribute to create the atmosphere we want to be part of.
Most people today are busy. Many us are too busy. But busyness isn’t the key to a successful church. It’s not a question of how much can a few people do or if some can do more. The issue is our awareness and contribution in the little things.
In almost any church or any other organization there is an endless need for people to do what they can. And that doesn’t take organization or planning or meetings or permission. In a church it simply means we are Christians 24/7. That's less about what we do and more about who we are.
The fact is “Together we can do what we could never do alone.” But the truth goes beyond our theme for 2006. Together we can be what God intends us to be. We can build the church we want to be part of. Especially if we live out our beliefs.
In the days of Nehemiah in the Old Testament, the people realized they hadn’t been doing all that they should have done. Convicted, they were on the verge of deep sorrow. Instead of beating themselves up emotionally, the prophet offered another course of action.
He suggested that they go to their homes and throw parties. He explained that they should be thankful because they got the message, accepted responsibility, and decided to change.
That's sound advice for us today. This week and the rest of this year right into 2007 we should rejoice. The choice is ours. We can be bummed out or we can enjoy a sacred celebration.
Now, to many people sacred is synonymous with stodgy, stuffy old religion. But it doesn’t have to be. We can enjoy all the traditions and music and pageantry of the holidays and yet keep our joy fresh. Because joy doesn’t really come from what we do or how much we have or who we are with. Those things add to our happiness. But joy comes from God.
Furthermore, God’s joy strengthens us year round. And that should be cause for us to encourage one another. Such encouragement is needed at all times; everyone could use a little now and then.
So the next time you see someone who is struggling because they’ve not done what they know they should have or because they’ve done what they know they shouldn’t, why not do the unexpected?
Rather than tell them how short they fall from God’s standard of perfection, show them the same compassion Jesus shows you. Like you, they’re probably aware of their shortcomings. Like King David, they probably remember their weaknesses every time they look in the mirror. Like the adulterous woman brought before Jesus to be stoned they need what they don't expect.
And so do we. And when we get what we don’t deserve—grace—it changes our attitude and our actions. We want to do better rather than quit. Instead of condemning ourselves, we can get up and purpose to change.
And if we fail again, hopefully someone will encourage us again. And again. And again. And again.
We condemn ourselves enough without getting hit by the rocks others throw. What we need—and what we need to do for one another—is speak words of encouragement. That’s the fuel that propels us to excellence. That’s the foundation for a culture—a church—that people will want to be a part of.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Most people today are busy. Many us are too busy. But busyness isn’t the key to a successful church. It’s not a question of how much can a few people do or if some can do more. The issue is our awareness and contribution in the little things.
In almost any church or any other organization there is an endless need for people to do what they can. And that doesn’t take organization or planning or meetings or permission. In a church it simply means we are Christians 24/7. That's less about what we do and more about who we are.
The fact is “Together we can do what we could never do alone.” But the truth goes beyond our theme for 2006. Together we can be what God intends us to be. We can build the church we want to be part of. Especially if we live out our beliefs.
In the days of Nehemiah in the Old Testament, the people realized they hadn’t been doing all that they should have done. Convicted, they were on the verge of deep sorrow. Instead of beating themselves up emotionally, the prophet offered another course of action.
He suggested that they go to their homes and throw parties. He explained that they should be thankful because they got the message, accepted responsibility, and decided to change.
That's sound advice for us today. This week and the rest of this year right into 2007 we should rejoice. The choice is ours. We can be bummed out or we can enjoy a sacred celebration.
Now, to many people sacred is synonymous with stodgy, stuffy old religion. But it doesn’t have to be. We can enjoy all the traditions and music and pageantry of the holidays and yet keep our joy fresh. Because joy doesn’t really come from what we do or how much we have or who we are with. Those things add to our happiness. But joy comes from God.
Furthermore, God’s joy strengthens us year round. And that should be cause for us to encourage one another. Such encouragement is needed at all times; everyone could use a little now and then.
So the next time you see someone who is struggling because they’ve not done what they know they should have or because they’ve done what they know they shouldn’t, why not do the unexpected?
Rather than tell them how short they fall from God’s standard of perfection, show them the same compassion Jesus shows you. Like you, they’re probably aware of their shortcomings. Like King David, they probably remember their weaknesses every time they look in the mirror. Like the adulterous woman brought before Jesus to be stoned they need what they don't expect.
And so do we. And when we get what we don’t deserve—grace—it changes our attitude and our actions. We want to do better rather than quit. Instead of condemning ourselves, we can get up and purpose to change.
And if we fail again, hopefully someone will encourage us again. And again. And again. And again.
We condemn ourselves enough without getting hit by the rocks others throw. What we need—and what we need to do for one another—is speak words of encouragement. That’s the fuel that propels us to excellence. That’s the foundation for a culture—a church—that people will want to be a part of.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Heaven on Earth
What if you could have a little heaven on earth?
Life would be different, better. No arguing with your teenagers. No misunderstandings with your partner. No miscommunications at work, church, home, or elsewhere. Store clerks would be cheerful all year, especially at Christmas. No one would forget to say hi to you. Your boss would praise you. Your spouse would keep you in mind when deciding where to have dinner and what movie to see.
But at times life is more complicated than easy. Today we are more harried and hurried than ever before. And too often we’re swept along by popular opinion and conventional wisdom regarding what is important.
Culture encompasses all that we do; it also includes the how and why of our decisions. Culture is a way of living, a way of thinking, which may be good or bad. For most of us, much of the time, life is a mixture. Some days we live well, others we settle for mediocrity.
We build what we want to live in and be a part of. Our relationships with others bear a striking resemblance to us. We imprint our likeness on all we touch. And again, that can be bad or good.
Just as a physical structure bears the image of its architect, a society, a church, or a family reflects the image of its members.
But how do we become who and what we are? Too often we draw our identity and values from the world around us. We are influenced rather than influencing others. But that’s not what God intends.
He expects us to emigrate into the culture of his kingdom. We are to leave what we’ve known so we can learn what we don’t know so we can become what we aren’t.
When we immigrate into God’s way of thinking and living—his culture—we change. We don’t lose our individuality, our personality, but rather we gain our identity. When we’re born-again we become citizens of heaven, foreigners to the world. We think and act less and less like we once did and more like God does.
When we change we change others. Our sphere of influence expands and enlarges as we do in order to embrace new people and new ideas. It’s not that we become tolerant or politically correct in our views. We should never lose our sense of direction, of right and wrong. But we ought to be willing to examine what we think we know and be willing to learn what we thought we did.
The problem is we want to live in communities that are kind, but we don’t always want to be kind. We want others to love us, even on our worst days, but we aren’t always quick to love others on their best days. We all have ideas of how others should act, but we generally aren’t nearly as interested in hearing what others might say regarding our behavior.
If we want to be part of a friendly church, we ought to befriend those who have no friends. It’s not enough to love those who love us. We need to love the unlovely. After all, that’s what God did when he saved us.
To have a little bit of heaven on earth, we must act like what we are—citizens of another culture. We should be inclusive not exclusive. Generous not stingy. Compassionate not cruel. Forgiving not judgmental. We should serve others and not ourselves.
What would life be like if you could offer someone a little heaven on earth?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Life would be different, better. No arguing with your teenagers. No misunderstandings with your partner. No miscommunications at work, church, home, or elsewhere. Store clerks would be cheerful all year, especially at Christmas. No one would forget to say hi to you. Your boss would praise you. Your spouse would keep you in mind when deciding where to have dinner and what movie to see.
But at times life is more complicated than easy. Today we are more harried and hurried than ever before. And too often we’re swept along by popular opinion and conventional wisdom regarding what is important.
Culture encompasses all that we do; it also includes the how and why of our decisions. Culture is a way of living, a way of thinking, which may be good or bad. For most of us, much of the time, life is a mixture. Some days we live well, others we settle for mediocrity.
We build what we want to live in and be a part of. Our relationships with others bear a striking resemblance to us. We imprint our likeness on all we touch. And again, that can be bad or good.
Just as a physical structure bears the image of its architect, a society, a church, or a family reflects the image of its members.
But how do we become who and what we are? Too often we draw our identity and values from the world around us. We are influenced rather than influencing others. But that’s not what God intends.
He expects us to emigrate into the culture of his kingdom. We are to leave what we’ve known so we can learn what we don’t know so we can become what we aren’t.
When we immigrate into God’s way of thinking and living—his culture—we change. We don’t lose our individuality, our personality, but rather we gain our identity. When we’re born-again we become citizens of heaven, foreigners to the world. We think and act less and less like we once did and more like God does.
When we change we change others. Our sphere of influence expands and enlarges as we do in order to embrace new people and new ideas. It’s not that we become tolerant or politically correct in our views. We should never lose our sense of direction, of right and wrong. But we ought to be willing to examine what we think we know and be willing to learn what we thought we did.
The problem is we want to live in communities that are kind, but we don’t always want to be kind. We want others to love us, even on our worst days, but we aren’t always quick to love others on their best days. We all have ideas of how others should act, but we generally aren’t nearly as interested in hearing what others might say regarding our behavior.
If we want to be part of a friendly church, we ought to befriend those who have no friends. It’s not enough to love those who love us. We need to love the unlovely. After all, that’s what God did when he saved us.
To have a little bit of heaven on earth, we must act like what we are—citizens of another culture. We should be inclusive not exclusive. Generous not stingy. Compassionate not cruel. Forgiving not judgmental. We should serve others and not ourselves.
What would life be like if you could offer someone a little heaven on earth?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
The Absolute Truth
Pilate asked, “What is truth?”
Jesus said, “I am the truth.” He also said that if we know the truth the truth would set us free. Yet many of us are bound to lie if necessary.
We’ll withhold the whole truth if part of it serves our purposes. We’ll add to the truth. We’ll stretch it. Twist it. Bend it. Do anything but speak it—plain and simple. Pure and unadulterated. Unvarnished. Nothing but the truth? Not on our lives.
Self-preservation drove one politician to insist he didn’t inhale and he didn’t have sex with that woman. The same force drove a minister to claim he bought drugs, but didn’t use them, and paid for a massage from a man, but didn’t have sex with him.
Hard to believe? Yes. Harder to forgive? Absolutely. And we don’t quickly or easily forget either.
Because we live with the constraints of time, we tend to remember. How many of us will ever forget these names? Jimmy Swaggart. Jim Baker. Bill Clinton. Ted Haggard.
It doesn’t matter which side of the political fence we sit on or which side of the church aisle. The truth is we’re human. That’s not an excuse; it’s an explanation.
The good news is God knows that. The bad news is we can’t change it. But that leads us back to the good news. God can. He’s offered to. He made provision for such a transformation.
You only have to answer one question: Do you want to change?
If you do, tell the truth. I lied to myself for almost three decades. When I stopped lying, I not only took responsibility for my actions, I admitted who I was. I realized it wasn’t enough to say I was sorry for what I did wrong. I had to tell the whole truth. I sinned because I was a sinner.
Now, have things changed? Yes. And no. I don’t do most of the things that I used to do, but I still struggle with some old habits. Yes, I’m a better person. No, I’m not perfect. Yes, I could give in to temptation. No, by God’s grace I won’t be what I once was.
The truth of the matter for me—and you—is this. We’re weak, flawed. We’ll never measure up to God’s standard: absolute perfection. We’ll never be sinless. But we can sin less.
Whether we do or not isn’t the point. The fall of a high profile leader changes nothing. Like it or not, the truth remains. God never changes. He tells us the rules. We break them. He loves us anyway. And when we ask him, he forgives us.
Will he restore us? Sometimes. Will we forfeit everything? Sometimes. Will we lose what he gives? Never. And that’s the absolute truth.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Jesus said, “I am the truth.” He also said that if we know the truth the truth would set us free. Yet many of us are bound to lie if necessary.
We’ll withhold the whole truth if part of it serves our purposes. We’ll add to the truth. We’ll stretch it. Twist it. Bend it. Do anything but speak it—plain and simple. Pure and unadulterated. Unvarnished. Nothing but the truth? Not on our lives.
Self-preservation drove one politician to insist he didn’t inhale and he didn’t have sex with that woman. The same force drove a minister to claim he bought drugs, but didn’t use them, and paid for a massage from a man, but didn’t have sex with him.
Hard to believe? Yes. Harder to forgive? Absolutely. And we don’t quickly or easily forget either.
Because we live with the constraints of time, we tend to remember. How many of us will ever forget these names? Jimmy Swaggart. Jim Baker. Bill Clinton. Ted Haggard.
It doesn’t matter which side of the political fence we sit on or which side of the church aisle. The truth is we’re human. That’s not an excuse; it’s an explanation.
The good news is God knows that. The bad news is we can’t change it. But that leads us back to the good news. God can. He’s offered to. He made provision for such a transformation.
You only have to answer one question: Do you want to change?
If you do, tell the truth. I lied to myself for almost three decades. When I stopped lying, I not only took responsibility for my actions, I admitted who I was. I realized it wasn’t enough to say I was sorry for what I did wrong. I had to tell the whole truth. I sinned because I was a sinner.
Now, have things changed? Yes. And no. I don’t do most of the things that I used to do, but I still struggle with some old habits. Yes, I’m a better person. No, I’m not perfect. Yes, I could give in to temptation. No, by God’s grace I won’t be what I once was.
The truth of the matter for me—and you—is this. We’re weak, flawed. We’ll never measure up to God’s standard: absolute perfection. We’ll never be sinless. But we can sin less.
Whether we do or not isn’t the point. The fall of a high profile leader changes nothing. Like it or not, the truth remains. God never changes. He tells us the rules. We break them. He loves us anyway. And when we ask him, he forgives us.
Will he restore us? Sometimes. Will we forfeit everything? Sometimes. Will we lose what he gives? Never. And that’s the absolute truth.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
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