NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible.

I'll be honest I'm not a Big NKJV fan. Never really was. I was given this book from Thomas Nelson to review and was like why would I want that?

The more I read the more intrigued I was though. You see this isn't a Bible. They even say that "This is not a Bible." on their first page. I appreciate that. What it is really is a collection of stories that are cherished and can be told time and time again about God's story interacting with His people.

These stories can be told time and time again to small groups, children etc. It is done in such a way it wants people to actually read the Word to see what the Word says about God.

In some ways I can almost see this as a Narrator telling the story and people acting it out in front of the whole congregation on a Sunday morning. (It might take some prep but the script seems to be set) A good example is seen through the chapter on Moses and the Burning Bush on page 80. A dialogue of God and Moses, with a Narrator to do the commentation.

The NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible is a good resource to help those who need a Simple way to be reminded of how Great our God is in interacting with His people. might pick up your copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

IDES, Haiti and You!

This past Sunday we gave out tons of these banks for people to collect $$$ for Haiti.

Here is IDES' site


If you know of a local ministry or need more banks - let us know. We have several hundred of them here.

Feb. 7th is when we're collecting the banks and sending the money to IDES.

Thanks.

Books on my "To READ shelf"

Here they are in order:

There are 3 Types of Church Libraries.

I. Those that get used.

II. Those that are abused.

III. And those that aren't used at all.

I've been in ministries that had all 3 types.

I was in one ministry that the library barely got used, and for space issues and lack of volunteers - we did away with it - but donated the resources and revenue from it back to missions.

In one ministry, people were like, you have a library? (Fact was I had more books than the church library did at that time) And seemed some abused the room and yet it was in memory of someone.

And there are ones that have the latest resources, someone is staffing it, and there is also a classroom that meets in there.

So what type of library does your church have? Or does your church even have one?

Why I'm Not going to Haiti!!

Seems I'm hearing lots of "Famous" Christian celebrities talking about going to Haiti. They want to experience it. It seems to be the cool thing to do.

It is all over the news.

It would help them embrace short term missions and be out of their comfort zone.

God has told them to go.

In light of that fact ... Here are some reasons I'm Not Going to Haiti.

I. God hasn't told me to go.

II. I don't want to be on the whole "Look at me" Fame.

III. I think my own time and resources can be spent better here and sending the money there. Afterall, Haitians live off less than 730 dollars US
a year or $2 a day.

IV. My connections with some of the missions there - they are doing a good job. Missions like IDES, and Lifeline still need help.

V. There will be opportunity in the future to go - just not now for me. The rebuilding in Haiti will take years.

VI. There seems to be need be intentional about how to rebuild there.

VII. Maybe the best thing to do is adopt or sponsor a child.

VIII. Know that JUST because EVERYONE ELSE is Helping Haiti ... doesn't mean God has called you to specifically be in that work. You can donate, you can pray, but not everyone is called to go. (See #1)

IX. We, (as a Church) are committed to that Island though. We sponsor work through Hope Missions in the Dominican Republic. As the future rebuilding begins ... I'm sure there will be opportunites to minister to all the peoples on that island.

X. Continue to pray. Not everyone can Go, but everyone can pray. Not everyone will be called to go ..but everyone must bloom where they are planted and make an impact around the world.

Robbing God? Malachi 3 -4

This week's sermon looks at Malachi and are we robbing God of His House and His Service.

The Fess Family Heritage

I always Found this site
Interesting. Back in the 80s (And Special Thanks to My Aunt Marion) I did alot of work and history of the Fess family and all the various links of Hoovers, Houses, Schweyers, Hares etc. Here is a Brief History from my DAD. (Which I was always told there was a Family Bible with the History in it and the story of the 3 brothers before I found this website - and both from the same area.)

So here is the History I gather. (And interesting enough is the American History and American connection as well) My relatives came over from Alsace-Lorraine to land in Phillie, PA and migrated to Rainham Twpship in Southern Ontario in 1847.

Solomon Fess (1804 - 1848)


His Son

Peter Fess 1832 - 1911

His son

Henry Fess 1857 - 1932

His son

Walter Leslie 1894 - 1970

Then My Dad

Sheldon Fess

Then me.

Anyone else know their family History? I don't know why my family left. Might be interesting to learn that and any connections back in Europe. I know I have alot of the other variables filled in as well but this is a very simple overview. You can make it as complex or as simple as you need it to be. My assumptions is that Solomon was either one of the brothers or relative of the brothers .... and went further North from NY.

R U SAVD?

Saw the "RUSAVD" on the back of a personalized license plate from WVA around my home.

I'm like "Really?" "How cute, you really think someone is going to ask you about Jesus because you have that on your license plate?" Fact is that license plate similar to the tracts above ask the wrong questions. They speak Christianese rather than taking people from where they are to where they need to be.

R U SAVD? Come on. Will those that don't know Jesus, really know they need to be saved? Saved from what? Show me one scripture ... just one .... where someone asked someone who didn't know Jesus "Are you saved?" Come on. Let's get real. It isn't even about saving or presenting the gospel message, is it?! It is about being arrogant, and rubbing in ...what you would called Lost people that you know Jesus and they don't. SAD thing is, this person probably thinks that is all they have to do is just have this license plate and pray that someone asks what it means.

(NOTE: I don't know this person and am not in no way criticism them as a person just this method).

So what is One to do? If you are to present the good news of Jesus. Be Jesus. Be the Church to others. It isn't about saving or not. It is about presenting that we are saved by Grace ... because of what Jesus done for us, we might have a relationship with God. That we put our faith in Him. (Believe) We repent (A Change in mind that leads to a change in action. One can say they want to quit smoking but until they start doing it - they haven't quit) confess, and are baptized and start living the Christian life.

Now is there some formula like the 4 laws or "If you were to die tonite ..."

I don't think so. I think it is about being a part of God's story. Asking questions like, Do you know Jesus, Here is how Jesus changed my life rather than R U Saved?

The Justice Project - A Review.

I received this book via Baker Books from a recommendation of a friend. I would be the first that I had a misconception of what the word and meaning of Justice was. Especially Social Justice. At first glimpse I thought "oh, great another liberal book to try to swallow" But as I was reading it it gave a different glimpse.

This book is a collection of writings of a variety of different authors, backgrounds etc. on asking the Bigger questions such as what is Justice? How does it impact me etc. The book is broken into 5 sections.

I. The God of Justice.

II. The Book of Justice.

III. Justice in the USA

IV. A Just World.

V. A Just Church.

And then ends with the conclusions.

One of the chapters I keep coming back to is early in the book, Chapter 4. The Chapter is entitled: "A Tradition of Justice"- Snapshots of the the church pursuing justice across the major periods of church history. The author is Jenell Williams Paris. It is an interesting insight to where we have come and where we have to go in the interests of justice through the ages of early church, the middle ages, reformation, modern and postmodern ages. The one quote that hits home for me is found on pg 57. "There's nothing new about Christian concern for justice, but it's a new day in which we may carry forward the cause." Thus we can be the hands and feet of Jesus because faith without works is dead.

Other reviews can be seen here


Might want to pick up your copy of this book.

I am a Chair!

I am a chair from buckheadchurch on Vimeo.

Thinking of starting a business: International Falling star Registry.

What do you think?

afterall, they have the ads for Star Registry
who cares about naming a star after someone? why not name a rock after someone? Afterall, stars stay longer meteors disappear.

Here is the definition


I need to patent this. Just send me $19.95 and I'll make sure to send you a piece of paper with a picture of a meteor on it.

Then there is the whole glow in the dark Toilet
idea I have. There are seats and other gimmicks for the toilet but I'm taking the whole John glowing which I haven't seen being promoted.

Just Bigger Kids.

People been asking how I like being the preacher, as opposed to the Youth Minister. Sometimes it comes across as "so, how do you like having your own church?" My response usually is: "Oh, the church really isn't mine and I don't have my own church ...it is Jesus'"

And then it turns to the changes in my role. Then my response is that the ministry is different. I just work with Bigger Kids. That isn't a bad thing. We have all sorts of people. I love the congregation I serve. Every church has its own unique challenges and ministries and little personalities.

The congregation I serve has come through some much pain and hurt. Their journey in a lot of ways reflects my own life. The church had started off good, then one of their leaders passed away and they went through their own periods of UPs and DOWNS, and learning things the hard way. I've been there. Experiencing my own Father's death and others changed my life and thus learning through the school of hard knocks. (Fact is the church and I are both learning through that school even now)

One thing I can honestly say is I love the ministry. I love these people. I hurt for them. I pray for them. I see Great potential. I see God working. I so appreciate that they trust and honor to have me as their preacher. I'm just a jerk, whose trying to be Jesus' Hands and feet and so often fall short. I'm so glad for this church to allow me to experience failure, to get up off my hands and feet and try things again. My prayer is that I live up not to Their expectations ... but the expectations that God would have me do and for the people here to be living for Jesus as well.

Won't you Join me?

Selkirk, Ontario

Selkirk, Ontario


I grew up in Selkirk. Was born in Hamilton, but raised in Selkirk. Fact is my one brother, Mike, still loves in the home I grew up in.

I call where I grew up the Florida of Canada. It is about as south as you can go until you hit the border. Fact was growing up we can pick up both Buffalo, NY and Erie, PA stations.

I loved Selkirk. Great people. Not too many famous things happened there. I know the history of the churches. Fact is the only famous "Residents" from Selkirk (Other than the family connections like Hoover, Kindy, Cooper) had some connections to church.Jim Johnson (Now a famous preacher in the midwest once Interned at the Selkirk Church of Christ Christian Chapel - my home church). Terry Tanner is listed as my mentor but interesting his wife is mentioned more and quoted in a Restoration history book about the Restoration Movement in Ontario.

I do love Selkirk. I'm one of the few that left and haven't been back that much. I know have several publications, but don't think of myself as that famous of a resident of Selkirk. (Though I know some of the older people who impacted my life from that little brick church might argue otherwise)

If you need a break or ever visiting near Niagara Falls or want a scenic route from Buffalo to Detroit ... might consider visiting my home town of Selkirk. It has some great moments. Great camps like the provincial camp, Camp Selkirk. It is the place I love and sometimes hurt for some of the people there. Continue to pray for them as well. Thanks.

An Open Letter to some Thieves.

Jan. 16, 2010.


(Back story our church was broken into Sunday Jan. 10th early Monday morning sometime. Also found out a former attender to our church was arrested Thursday, January 7 for robbing a local bank the day before)

Dear Thieves,

I want to applaud you for breaking into our church building this past Sunday night. As you can see we don’t keep much cash around. Fact is you did more damage than the loose change you got. We, (The Church) purposely don’t know keep lots of funds in our building for a reason. Why? Because we believe that the operating expenses of the church isn’t to be sitting around but to be used for the Kingdom of God. As you can tell we’re a simple, poor congregation that wants to serve Jesus. Yet we are rich. (But that’s a sermon in and of itself if you attend I might explain more)

If you needed food, clothes or even money – odds are you could ask.(And probably would of gotten something for your troubles) Your breaking in our congregation did remind us that we are in a Spiritual battle. Thanks for that reminder. You did break an older lady’s heart though by taking some loose change from the Holy Land. It might not mean anything to you or be worth anything … but to her it was one of the last times she went over to the Holy Land with her husband. (Who happens to be one of the first preachers of the church and is now present with the Lord.) Anyways, know we are praying for you. We’re not upset. We had really hoped you took a Bible, but if you need one – let us know …we’ll be glad to give you one.

Thanks.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Bank Robber,

I don’t even know what to say. It was shocking but not surprising to see your name in the paper. Since I’ve been here at this congregation, you only showed up when you needed something. We helped you out. We had food, clothes, and even in the past helped with your bills. You move. I, even was there in the last moments of when your father-in-law was on his death bed, was at the funeral home. Prayed you come more often, be more faithful. But in over a year, you were gone. I always wondered whatever happened. Now I know. You were so desperate, so addicted, so wanting to be valued, loved and accepted.
You attended our services. Our people loved you, prayed for you, hurt for you, and still do. We tried to call, yet you disconnected your number.We tried to visit but you left no address. And now I know where to find you: IN JAIL. My prayer is that this is a wake-up call, that this might be the beginning of you saying “what was I think?” (Because apparently you were not). Know this: Our church still loves you. We’re praying for you. We hurt for you. We want to be Jesus’ hands and feet. My prayer is in the next few days as I visit you … you might know this and Repent and come to know the love of Jesus as I have.

I, too, once was a robber. Maybe didn’t rob a bank but did sin. Robbed sometimes people of their joy. I looked out only for my own interests rather than the interests of others. I’m willing to help you find the Grace that was given for you and to me.
Your Brother,

Gman

(In another note: this is only the second time I've been robbed in almost 15yrs of ministry - the last time was at Cary though there were some amusing moments when I was at Liberty and Corner House)

Haitian Earthquake Response

Haitian Earthquake Response From Christian Standard Email I got.

Sketchy reports are available from Christian church mission works in Haiti in the wake of the severe earthquake whose epicenter was southwest of Port-au-Prince yesterday at 4:53 p.m.

Larry Sims, field services manager with International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES) in Kempton, Indiana, reported on contacts already made with Lifeline Christian Mission
in Grand Goave, Living Water Christian Mission in Gonaives, and Christian Mission of South Haiti.

The Lifeline mission's Web site includes updates from a team of 58 women who were on a mission trip there when the quake happened. The report includes news of medical emergencies, a sleepless night, and unstable food and water supplies. "We don't have supplies to treat all the people here. They are coming in large numbers with broken limbs and severe wounds. The Grand Goave Hospital collapsed."

IDES had previously shipped two food containers to Lifeline (each container loaded with 260,000 meals). Although these were designated for general hunger relief, now they will provide emergency food for those suffering from the disaster.

According to Sims, reports from the Living Water mission indicate that many houses have been destroyed, but the situation is not as dire as at Lifeline. The same is true with the Christian Mission of South Haiti, although they have not been able to reach anyone from a satellite church in Port-au-Prince.

Gary Finley, IDES director of development, said, "We anticipate we'll be working with multiple partners in Haiti."

Gifts designated "Haiti" will be used 100 percent to bring relief wherever possible in this crisis.

BTW Here is IDES'site

Random Quotes from our Fusion Meeting!

Here are some random but great quotes from our last preachers' meeting that were kind of random but was told to write some of them down.

"Vision has to take in account context and established culture and change it"

"Know the Shepherd's Voice"

Stay Tender without Surrender"

"Meekness does not equal weakness"

"Half the people in 30 years are going to be going to churches that have not been established (started) yet"

"Easier to give birth than raise the dead"

Read Turnaround Churches.

"We can shout on the streets but not vote in Congress."

"Be quick to listen"

Establish a SWAT mentality in your objectives. - Strength, Weaknesses, Accomplishments and Threats to the Programs.

"Never seen a church that doesn't say it isn't a friendly church"

The Climate Change Religion Formerly the 'Church' of Global Warming!

Here is a quote I had seen by F. Graham on the Climate Change gathering in Copenhagen.

"What is happening, however, in gatherings like this is frightening to me. A legitimate concern for the stewardship of our resources has been replaced by a radical, godless worldview that elevates the creation to idolatrous status."

I think in some ways he is right. We've replaced the concern for "Mother Earth" and the whole man-made global warming religion ...rather than Worshipping the CREATOR, people worship creation.

IT isn't new. As Solomon reminds us, "There is nothing new under the sun."

We are suppose to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. We are not to abuse nor misuse what God has given us. What I think is we need a balance - people take it too far or not far enough.

What do you think?

BTW Climate Change is listed as an religion

Our Church Breakin!

Here is the note I wrote our Church Family, after the church breakin last nite and informing them of such.

Jan. 11, 2010


Dear Church Family,

I want you to pray. Pray for our Church and our leaders. If you can do that RIGHT now that would be GREAT!!! It seems sometimes when we take 2 steps forward - Satan wants to throw a WRENCH into the plans. In the Spiritual Warfare that is going on (READ Ephesians 6:10-20) there are things that might discourage us. But TAKE courage God is with us; who can be against us?!

Now for the Spiritual battle or rather the Minor Wrench that Satan tried to discourage us today. You see last nite our building was broken into. The police were called this morning. There is some damage. Doors - locks etc. It looks like someone tried to get some loose change and was looking for the offering $$$. The good news is nothing of value (Sound System, laptops, computers, TVs, Equipment etc is missing) A few doors were damaged and a few cabinets. Whoever did it was through all the offices and ramaged through the whole building from the attic to the food pantry to the clothes closet. The Good news is there wasn't much of a mess. There was a few missing coins from the coin jar & from Naomi and I's caffeine addiction but other than that God really protected.

We're looking into getting estimates to what it would be to repair/replace the doors etc and work through our insurance company and the leaders here. One of the things I want to let you know about this is because sometimes people misunderstand or see the police at our building or rumours get started etc. We had a minor breakin. God really protected. A few of us are shaked about it. Please pray for the young person or person(s) who did this. Pray not just for justice; but they would come to know Jesus. (In some ways I wish they took one of our Bibles). Pray that God continually protects as HE always does. Also PRAISE GOD that we have this tool of a building to come to. PRAISE God for our GREAT services yesterday. And in all things, PRAISE HIM, through the good times and the bad.

Thanks for listening. Keep faithful for our King, after all, Woohoo ... Jesus Loves You!!

In Him,


Gerrard R. Fess
http://www.cchmd.com
Lead Minister

MY BFF: Susan Boyle

I just love Susan's story. I have her CD. Love her music. I do find it interesting in the whole Contemporary versus Hymns debate that the Number one Album this past Fall featured 3 hymns. Weird!

Tri-State Christian Service Camp Slideshow

Top 10 Canada vs USA Rivalry Moments

The Space Time Continum.

God created Time. God interacts with Time though isn't bound by it in and of itself though he operates by the rules of time is above it as well. I would think God has this own space time continum. (Pardon the Star Trek Theology interaction)

Therefore since God created Time; knows the time - and interacts with it - He may know what happens in the End of Time but ultimately allows things to play out within Time but may interrupt it as it accomplishes His Will. God's Foreknowledge is He knows all things - is involved with Things but allows Time to be tested as well.

Example: No One But the Father Knows when the Son is to Return. God gives us FREE Will; but also knowing WHO God is .... predestination is a Biblical Term - though differently understood than that of the Calvinism theology. Anyways I'm rambling.

As this deals with prayer - I think there are times when God interacts and can change His mind in answer to prayer. There seems to be some scriptural examples of this. Jonah. Abraham dealing with God in saving Lot. And then there seems to be hardening of hearts as well Example: Pharoah.

Prayer in its simple form is communication with God. The Holy Spirit seems to groan on our behalf. And with this communication comes God communicating with us as well.

Is it ok to Doubt?

I think Doubt is OK. We like to think certain emotions or feelings are wrong; but God created them. It is what you do as a result of them that makes you. Doubt is ok and is from God ...but what you do with the result of that doubt whether it is right or wrong. To doubt and continue in it and to lead down to a path of destruction isn't healthy but to doubt and explore helps. I don't know if it makes sense but there are several characters throughout the Bible that get their fair share of criticism but never were really rebuked for doubting but God helped enhance their beliefs.

Example: Thomas - was never rebuked for doubting.

Job questioned God and God answers - not His doubts, but Says He is God ... in the end of Job.


Abraham trusts God yet doubts as time where God is; or rather what He is doing. (Thus takes matters into His own hands at times - example: Hagar)

Jonah doubted and thought God needed to destroy Ninevah. etc.


It isn't the feelings that lead to sin but letting the devil get a foothold into your doubt that leads to it.

The same thing can be said of hate or being angry. People are quick to say "You shouldn't hate; you shouldn't be angry" But this is to deny feelings and that God created feelings. It is what you do as a result of those feelings that that whether or not you choose to sin or not.

Questions to ponder:

1. Do you think it is ok to doubt?

2. In doubting, can it help you explore answers for the faith (Thus apologetics) or allow mystery ot to deny God?

3. Is it ok to be angry?

4. How do you deal with James 1:13-15?

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Other Scriptures to consider:

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)

Romans 12:9

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good

A Man Named Bible!

So Yesterday during my sermon I mentioned about a man named Bible. You see, I was visiting a family last week, and an 18 mth old boy was trying to grasp people's name. One such young man, (Jake is His real name) tried to teach the boy the name the item He was holding was a Bible. The boy thought Jake was pointing to himself and thus assumed the man's name was Bible. And so the name stuck.

I got to see this young man call his new friend, Bible. He was like, "Where's Bible?" "I want Bible." And would get upset when he didn't see his friend.

Which I brought up this in my sermon. How would you like to be named by someone: "God's Word." Talk about living up to high standards. To be Holy. To be living, active, breathing, walking scriptures and sermons in Shoes. In other Words; being the Hands and Feet of Jesus to others. Just like, Jake, who is the Bible to this 18mth old young child; so shall we be living and active Sermons and "Bibles" to the people around us.

Let's start be Going out and making Disciples. Let's Go and do the Work God has called us to.

A Sermon Series Idea: What would God say to (Insert Person's Name)

So I've been thinking about a Sermon Series on what would God say to (Blank)

Here is an example:


What would God say to President Barak Obama? (Romans 13 Church & Government)

What would God say to Tiger Woods? (Purity and Marriage)

What would God say to Oprah? (Advice - Proverbs)

What would God say to Taylor Swift? (The use of music and Worship)or Susan Boyle?

What would God say to Donald Trump? (Money Management)

What would God say to Simon Cowell? (The book of James and the Tongue)

What would God say to Jack Bauer? (A look into the life of David and His Men)

What would God say to the latest Survivor or Reality Show winner?
(The idea of compassion, justice -looking after those less fortunate rather than just #1)

What would God say to You? (Following Jesus everyday)

Other suggestions?

The Theology of McDonalds.

"Good Time Great Taste"

"I'm loving it!"

"You Deserve a break today"

So yesterday we went to the Fancy Golden Arches Restaurant for my son's birthday.

What if church were more like McDonalds?

Treating people like they were First?

The problem with Church, is we do a lot of comparisons to it being a Business.

We, (Myself included), treat church as Consumers, rather than Contributers.

We want it our way, right away rather than viewing church as something we give ourselves to.

The congregation I serve is currently "Too big to be small, but too small to be big." We're at the point where we can't do everything (Nor should we) yet people complain and compare us to MR.MEGA Walmart Church. (I tend to and am hard on myself and sometimes my own strongest critic)

Back to McDonalds, It seems to me that this restaurant puts on a good front. A good face, and sometimes a good product. The problem is it isn't really of substance. It gets old fast. People goto McDonalds because they want fast food. (Notice I didn't say good food) It lacks sometimes in the overall. People go to McDonalds because they want that type of food (which isn't bad but have it everyday and it gets old fast).

I, almost, see this with churches too. They may serve a good front. Put on a good product. But ultimately lack in the quality. They may do everything. But in order to do everything they forget the main thing. Sometimes I think the better churches don't do so many programs but focus on what they do well .... to do that better. Having Vision. Having Focus.

McDonalds tends to do that. They need to get back to that. They serve hamburger and fries and a coke well. These other items get them "Beyond" what they do well.

We, as the church, need to be in Discipleship making. Focusing on loving God and loving others. All the other stuff is just fluff.

Bumper Sticker Theology?

HT to Teri C.

Welcome to 2010

Well it is official. 2010 is here! Been pretty busy week.

Running to the hospital. Planning a birthday party. For one week, I have a 7,6 and 5 year old. And somewhere in there fit ministry.

So far 2010 looks good. That is like as in 2009, God is still in control.

(BTW the pic here is from a friend of mine who just a few days ago took this of the Grand Canyon)

The Winter Classic was great only downfall was announcing the USA team ... during the Winter Classic when the NHL isn't a primarily US market nor American % made up of players anyways . ... that rant will be later.