Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

This week's sermon we learn about Jesus' I. Glory II. Zeal and III. Knowledge.

Our Congregation's Wednesday nite teacher has been going over the Spiritual gifts. We looked at 1 Corinthians, and Romans for the list. (I had given the teacher, Jim, a few resources to look at.) Here is what he cited that I thought was a very good reminder for everyone. I. We don't all receive the same Gift. II. God gives gifts and measure of them as He would will. III. God wants us to use our gifts. So how are you using your gifts for the Kingdom of God? Afterall, the Kingdom is bigger than any one congregation. We are members of but One Body.

Recently, our church has had several family members whose family have since passed away. A year ago today I did a funeral of a young man who took his own life. This past weekend, a 43yr old man while shoveling his driveway just fell and was gone with one teen boy mere feet away. And then one of my college friends' sister (also a facebook friend) passed away at 35. Here are some insights I have. First is I don't have all the answers, only God does. And that in such times I just listen, and be there. Here are the 4Rs. I. Reality. We are all going to die. When is the question. But we're all going to die. Death is an enemy. II. Reason. Death was alien to God's plan. We were never intended to die - but due to sin. III. Realm. There is a realm of separation of the soul from the body. IV. Readiness of Death. Live your life in such a way that speaks of eternity. I do not like Death. In fact as I'm writing this - today I have to go to 2 different funeral homes for funerals.

So this has been an intense time. Here is what I think. I. The Women's Rematch tomorrow US vs. CANADA for the Gold is going to be an amazing game and probably Better than the Men's match on Sunday. II. The officiating has been horrible. Really, it has. Crosby earlier in the tourney been cut 2 times and no calls. There has been slashing, diving, and yet the "Favourites" are being pushed around. III. The US - Canada game was Great. The "Wrong" team won .... but was rather intense. Being outshoot and outplayed wasn't what happened. The US just had a "Hot" hand Goaltender in Miller. Miller is the star of the US team. IV. I seen Brodeur play better. A Puck to the head? Several goals in with only 20+ shots? I'm Brodeur - I think because of your dual citizenship you're playing for the wrong side. V. The line changes have been amazing. To see players play together is awesome - that you might not otherwise. VI. Anyone else see that Ovechkin hit

This Sunday starts our sermon series in the Gospel of John. We're looking at Chapter 1. Jesus is: I. The Word II. The Light III. The Son of God.

Neal Alligood and Les Averman I've known Neal for years. When he was first started college - both Valerie and I thought he looked like Averman. Fact is He is funnier, smarter, and a Church leader. Might want to check out his His Blog Neal is probably one of the Greatest men of God out there. I'm not just saying that because I know Neal but He speaks from the heart, and has a passion to do what is right. Check out Neal "Averman" Alligood.

This week's sermon focuses on Love. I. God is Love. II. God Sent His Son. III. God abides in Us.

Well the Olympics open Tonite And here are some of my own insights. I. Curling will be Big. II. Expect alot of talk about Calgary '88 and names like the Jamaican Bob Sledding team and Eddie the Eagle who made it big by stating it was just good to be there and represent one's country. III. Expect not to dwell too much on past Olympics but on the Games themselves. Montreal won't be mentioned too much and highlights cannot be compared to that of China expect there to be lots of Canadian culture though some don't think such a thing exists. IV. Canada will dominate. I'm not saying that lightly nor arrogant - but as a fact. A country the 10% the size of the US - to win. V. Expect Hockey to Be BIG. If Canada-US meet expect Ratings whether women or men. Don't discount Russia. VI. Snowboarding will be Big - only due to Shaun White. VII. There will be many familiar Canadian names - which people will be like, Oh, I didn't realize he or she was Canadian. Top 20 Canadia

Below is an email I received today and my response. Dear Mr. Figure it all Guy. I'm writing you because I think you should not be concerned. I am already involved in a network that also has its own level of impact and growth. They have done everything to get me involved and to grow and the church as well. In fact they have a 100% Money back guarantee too. You see it doesn't cost me anything but everything. They invest time and energy and as well as we live life together and meet face to face monthly. Frankly, I'm puzzled that you cannot take NO, or that not everyone can or is willing to be coached just by you. I'm probably not being that Hard on you, but should be. You see I don't believe on just marketing tools or someone who has it all figured out but depending more and more on God. The Kingdom of God is bigger than anyone person. For that I appreciate your prayers. Serving Jesus, Gerrard R. Fess ----------------------------------------- Dear Gerrard, I'm writ

The older I get - the more conservative theologically I'm becoming. There is this whole debate within the brotherhood of our churches of who do you fellowship with? In other words, who do you consider Brothers in Christ, or Christians and why? I'm reminded that we are Christians Only, but not the Only Christians. The objective of such a question is almost to divide rather than unite. Are there churches and denominations of which I disagree with? YES. Interesting is how people can connect one because you attended such a meeting and So-so was there makes you like that person. Fact is just because I attended a meeting where a Republican or Democrat was - doesn't make me a democrat or republican any more than going to McDonalds makes me a Cheeseburger. I've been to my fair share of meetings, conferences, conventions, camps. Not every one did I agree with. Fact was one of the best Church Leaders' Meetings I went to (Besides the current Fusion one I'm in now)was mostl

We've all made mistakes. I've made a lot. I'm so thankful for forgiveness and Grace. Here are a Highlight of some I remember: I. Not knowing about permission forms and liability. In one of my ministries I just thought it was ok to take students out and hang out. Fact is I need to let the parents know where their child is at all times. It wasn't good to get a speeding ticket with a student while getting materials for V.B.S. II. Checking the Church Van. Make sure the vehicle is always kept up and have some one check if in good condition and running order. I think the 2 times of being stranded - this might of helped. One on a trip to Milligan College, TN and the other with flat ties on I-295 on the way home from King's Dominion. Fortunately I had gotten the vehicle over in time. III. Counseling resources. I had a young man - I'll call him: Fred. Fred caused many an issue in one of my ministries. He was kicked out, was going to sleep in his car etc. (And that was j

Earlier in my ministries - I use to love visiting students on their turf - during their lunch time, except it caused some issues. What issues? Well some students thought I might embarrass them. Principals and educators were leary of a "Minister" being on their campus etc. And then there were those "Super Mage Youth Pastor Ego types" who thought it was their right to be on campus and tell everyone about How great of a church they had compared to all the "little people." (Seriously - I ran into one of these guys who yelled at a Middle School principal and then the Principal closed their campus due to this one jerk.) So what is the solution? Here is my suggestion. Don't do lunch visits. Don't do it. Why? You ask. There is plenty of other time to build relationships on the school campus ... Let me suggest some: 1. Coach. Volunteer to coach or help with extra curricular activities. 2. Substitute teach. Sure the pay might not be great, but gives you an o

This is getting ridiculous. The Canadian in me is loving this snow, but why on the weekends! Driving the minister in me crazy! Here's our snow plan at CCHMD: we don't cancel church. Even if it's the worst storm in history! We're gonna have church no matter the snow total. Obviously, we don't want anybody to endanger themselves. But we're planning on holding services unless the roads are closed. Stay tuned and spread the word. Check our Facebook Fan page for updates (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Church-of-Christ-at-Hagerstown/86047452244?ref=ts ) or email for updates!

This week's sermon focuses on why do we have church? What is the Church etc. We look at that we are to be devoted to: I. The Apostle's Teaching. II. Fellowship. III. The Breaking of Bread. and to IV. Prayer.

Aaron Saufley has had a great bunch of blog posts lately on the new trend of Internet Churches. I think he makes some good points about the Pros and Cons. I like the idea of ministering to the shut-in, and those that might not be able to make church but much like some TV Evangelism I think Internet Church can be used for a copout. Here are some reasons I have for not using Internet Church. I. It loses community. Sure, you can build some community online but where's the accountability? II. It can make us lazy. We can depend on those who do the "Internet Church" to put ona good show, to entertain us, rather than asking How can I serve in my community and be more like Jesus? III. It loses the fellowship. The connection. (See Number 1). IV. The discipleship process is lost. Sure you can start the process but discipleship requires time, energy, money and face to face meetings. Living life together. V. Worship can be lost. People use it as an excuse - So what do you do on Sun

In a recent letter to the editor, a woman stated the disrespect young people had for the flag by not removing their hats during the national anthem. In her letter, she stated: "Most Americans know that behind this red, white, and blue piece of material that hangs on the wall there is blood and great sacrifice. Old Glory is the symbol of our unity, our power. It is up to the parents and teachers to teach our young people about the men and women who went before this." An analogy can be drawn from this. If blood and great sacrifice were given for the flag, how about the Church? Christ is our sacrifice, our unity, our power. Yet in a place of worship, people don't recognize this. The people are the church, yet treat one another with little or no respect at all. Church leaders, parents, youth leaders must be willing to teach young people about the people of the faith who went before us. Start with the biblical characters, such as the ones cited in the faith chapter in Hebrews

I'm so surprised at the arrogance and pride of Certain Church leaders. Really I am. In just the last week, I've gotten the following messages (Just from one) I. You Can Grow Your Church and overcoming the 3 barriers to do it. II. You've been lied to. Here is a quote: "I'm sick and tired of hearing everyone tell me why right now is such a bad season for the local church." Maybe he should tell that to the churches that I know of because of budget had to let go of several youthworkers I know just this past week. Or had we had to cut $40 000 from our budget or ... I know he is trying to encourage but this is the wrong way to do it. There has to be a step of faith taken along with realistic expectations as well. God gave us brains, and who goes building a tower without first considering the cost? Blind Vision is No vision at all. III. Then there is this one: "You know the type...always waiting until the last minute to plan their worship service." (I agre

I'm learning more and more that ministry is about learning from the school of hard knocks rather than what you get in Seminary or Bible College/ Christian University. I. Conflict Resolution. There will be conflict. I'm thankful for the exposure I had with Peacemaker Ministries and the training. Great resource by Ken Sande. II. Financial Management. Not just personal but church budgets. With thousands and thousands of dollars coming in ... it is good to know the variety line items and how to allocate wisely and be a manager of the money God has entrusted. It isn't an easy task to work with a non-profit organization and keep all the budget items straight. III. Mentoring. I wish as I began ministry there was more mentors for those in ministry. Have an ongoing mentorship peer to peer. This is what I think the Fusion Groups from VEF are turning into. wish I had them earlier in my ministry and every preacher/ youth minister would have one. IV. Counseling resources. As to a databa