Truth about Las Vegas Massacre

Dear Reader, after pondering the event of last weekend for a while, I've come to a conclusion.  While many Americans are trying to figure out what an AR-15 is, or what a "bump stock" is, or why someone would commit such atrocities, I offer the only truth that can be had about such an event.  It is similar to the truth I offered in my prayers for mercy after the Sandy Hook Massacre years ago, which I still haven't gotten over.  But I know the "answer" to it, or the "explanation" for it, and indeed the "cause" of such things, even before they might happen.  So here it is:

If this isn't enough for us, then there will never be enough.
Lord, Have Mercy on Me a Sinner!  AMEN

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

How to Handle Politics And Government

How to Handle Politics and Government

It is apparent that our fair country is nowhere near solving our national problems at either the federal, state or local level. There are so many obvious problems that to attempt to list the top ten would be an exercise in futility. This is deeply disappointing to many people, who hoped that by means of elections last fall problems would begin to be solved and positive productive action would be a reality.

You may recall this famous anecdote: A lady asked Dr. (Benjamin) Franklin after the 1787 Constitutional Convention, “Well, Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic,” replied the Doctor, “if you can keep it.”

What does this mean, to “keep” the Republic? Does it mean to adhere to it's founding documents and principles, or does it mean to continually adapt it to meet current “felt needs?” Or is it some of both? Or does it mean we need judges to make our laws from courtrooms?

The problem with politics and government is that it involves people. People tend to be sinners or saints, or by practical estimate somewhere in between the two all the time.

John Adams once told a military audience "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

So are morals important for politicians, judges, government employees, for citizens and those who vote and have opinions on how our city, county, state or nation is governed?

When we have frustrations with the words, actions, or even opinions of others, we might consider the morality of the source. And most importantly of all, we must always consider our own morality. When we are thinking, speaking, acting, or sharing an opinion or viewpoint--- are we reflecting what we believe to be moral, both within and without our own self?

Apparently many only consider others, while they exempt themselves from careful moral examination. Many of these claim to be the most moral people of all.

So what is the solution to the moral crisis in which we live?

As you might imagine, I strongly suggest repentance and faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. This requires a humility, a submission, a willing awareness of ones own need for God. It will lead to the dependence upon God for which we are created, and a reliance on the Spirit for peace, love, joy, hope and faith that no circumstance, or problem of politics or government, can take away. This love will lead us to consider other's needs as more important than our own, and will help us to see more clearly the world around us as God sees it.

While we may still be upset, irritated, or incredulous at the world in which we live, and which our children will inherit, we can still even then rely on the Spirit to lead and guide us as to how we respond.

What is God calling you to do to help “keep” the republic? How can you leave your concern and frustration behind, and help others to join you in making the world a better place?

Psalm 33:12 KJV “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

God's Word to You: A Summary of the Bible

From inside the cover of Lifeway's The Gospel Project Chronological: 

God's Word to You: A Summary of the Bible

In the beginning, the all-powerful, personal God created the universe. This God created human beings in His image to live joyfully in His presence, in humble submission to His gracious authority. But all of us have rebelled against God and, in consequence, must suffer the punishment of our rebellion: physical death and the wrath of God.

Thankfully, God initiated a rescue plan, which began with His choosing the nation of Israel to display His glory in a fallen world. The Bible describes how God acted mightily on Israel's behalf, rescuing His people from slavery and then giving them His holy law. But God's people - like all of us - failed to rightly reflect the glory of God.

Then, in the fullness of time, in the Person of Jesus Christ, God Himself came to renew the world and restore His people. Jesus perfectly obeyed the law given to Israel. Though innocent, He suffered the consequences of human rebellion by His death on a cross. But three days later, God raised Him from the dead.

Now the church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by God to take the news of Christ's work to the world. Empowered by God's Spirit, the church calls all people everywhere to repent of sin and to trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness. Repentance and faith restores our relationship with God and results in a life of ongoing transformation.

The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return to this earth as the conquering King. Only those who live in repentant faith in Christ will escape God's judgment and live joyfully in God's presence for all eternity. God's message is the same to all of us: repent and believe, before it is too late. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.

Happy b/c of Jesus,

Pastor James

The Immutable Counsel belongs to God!

"Repenting means revising one's judgment and changing one's plan of action.  God never does this; he never needs to, for his plans are made on the basis of a complete knowledge and control which extend to all things past, present and future, so that there can be no sudden emergencies or unexpected developments to take him by surprise....What God does in time, he planned from eternity.  And all that he planned in eternity he carries out in time.  And all that he has in his Word committed himself to do will infallibly be done.  Thus we read of "the immutability of his counsel" to bring believers into full enjoyment of their promised inheritance, and of the immutable oath by which he confirmed this counsel to Abraham, the archetypal believer, both for Abraham's own assurance and for ours too (Heb 6:17-18). So it is with all God's announced intentions.  They do not change.  No part of his eternal plan changes....
Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8), and his touch has still its ancient power.  It still remains true that "he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them: (Heb 7:25). He never changes. This fact is the strong consolation of all God's people."

-J. I. Packer, Knowing God, p. 80

Keeping Cool During Hot Elections

Keeping Cool During Hot Elections

Rush Limbaugh is famous for saying that “everything is political.” To this we may all say together, “Oh no!” As we begin to see hundreds of TV ads from Trump vs. Clinton, it is important for Christians to not loose composure (2 Thessalonians 2:2) and remember what is truly and eternally important.

It's important to think about the relationship between Christians and their government. We find this in God's Word. We know that God has some requirements.

First, we are to occupy positions in our government if we can do so. You will recall that Joseph was appointed to positions, and eventually was a very powerful person in Egypt (Genesis 42:6). Next, we are to pay taxes to our government. Jesus famously said, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar, and unto God the things which are God's.” (Matthew 22:18-21). Next we are to pray for our government. This means praying for people individually, even those politicians we don't like or agree with (I Timothy 2:1-3). Christians are to be promotors of a “righteous peace,” and this begins with prayer. Next, we are to obey the rules of government. The basic formulation of our obedience to law is found in Romans 13:1-7. Here Paul gives a perspective that we should cherish ourselves. We don't control everything, but we know that God does! Finally, I'll remind you that we are called to obey God first. Gov. Mike Pence famously says, “I'm a Christian first, an American second, and a Republican third- in that order.” To most Christians that sounds like good priorities. In Acts 5:29 you see that people “must obey God rather than men.” Obeying God is our first priority. This is where the idea of God-given rights comes in our Democratic Republic form of government.

Whatever your political beliefs, always remember to try and let them be influenced by God's Word. While we may be moved to tears by our nation's problems, or frustrated by the decades of social decline and injustice, we can always show others that our hope is in God and not man. Further, we must always recall that our enemy is not other people, but the evil one who wants to deceive the whole world, the enemy of God, the devil.

If you're going to watch TV or hear the news, there is really no telling what we are in for this time. With all of you, I'll be hanging in there. While everything may have a political aspect, what is most important is the mission of Jesus and of Rolling Roads Baptist Church!

Happy Because of Jesus,

Pastor James

How could Jesus be the Answer?

How could Jesus be the Answer?

After all, life is complicated. People are intertwined and connected in very sophisticated ways, and many problems that used to resolve on their own now simply multiply and grow bigger... How can Jesus be the answer? Is this merely an assertion by Christians?

Time marches on for us, and our lives are pretty short in the scheme of things. This human experience is easily understood historically by looking at politics, economics, or demographics. For many people, this is enough, and they feel “reality” is understood. But I believe we all know that there is more to life than these artificial categories of numbers and events. Just as there is a spiritual dimension to our everyday life, so there is (by necessity) as spiritual dimension to human history. It is easy to try to confine spiritual things to the realm of religion, and satisfy another “facts and figures” category. However, there are certain spiritual things that just won't fit. One of these is the phenomenon of God's revelation to us in the Bible.

Far from being an abstract muse from ancient forests, or a religious justification for previous wars, or the product of isolated groups of self-promoting clergy, the Bible emerges above human experience as something truly authored and inspired from somewhere else.

The amazing shock is how God has revealed Himself in and through history. The Bible makes it clear that God has been working all along, and remains working today to bring about the consequences of faith and doubt among us. Another amazing fact is that God spoke through people like us to bring us His message; people in circumstances often far worse than ours.

And to what does the Bible direct us? It directs us to faith in one individual, one person, the divine Son of God Jesus Christ. Christ is anticipated first and in later writings celebrated as the crux of human history. His preeminence is inescapable in the pages of God's revelation.

To deny this reality is to dive off the deep end of skepticism, and in spite of all probability to remain there. Detractors will always find excuses and temporarily convincing lines of reason. And yet the Bible exists as it is, and it says what it does, with no apology needed. God's Word points us far above the circumstances of our current despair, to salvation from God, freely available by grace through faith. If we would only read and believe.

Whatever you may be facing, ultimately Jesus is the answer.

Happy b/c of Jesus

Pastor James

Weaknesses

Weaknesses

O spirit of God,

Help my infirmities;
When I am pressed down with a load of sorrow,
perplexed and knowing not what to do,
slandered and persecuted,
made to feel the weight of the cross,
 help me, I pray thee.
If thou seest in me
any wrong thing encouraged,
any evil desire cherished,
any delight that is not thy delight,
any habit that grieves thee,
any nest of sin in my heart,
 then grant me the kiss of they forgiveness,
and teach my feet to walk the way of 
thy commandments. 
Deliver me from carking care,
 and make me a happy, holy person;
Help me to walk the separated life with
 firm and brave step,
and to wrestle successfully against weakness;
Teach me to laud, adore and magnify thee,
with the music of heaven,
And make me a perfume of praiseful gratitude 
to thee.
I do not crouch at they feet as a slave before a tyrant,
 but exult before thee as a son with a father.
Give me power to live as thy child in all my actions,
and to exercise sonship by conquering self.
Preserve me from the intoxication that comes
 of prosperity;
Sober me within I am glad with a joy that comes not from thee.
Lead me safely on to the eternal kingdom,
 not asking whether the road be rough or smooth.
I request only to see the face of him I love,
 to be content with bread to eat,
 with rainment to put on,
 if I can be brought to thy house in peace.


The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions, p.188

Samson's Challenge

In Judges 15:12 we witness one of the most disgusting circumstances in scripture.  Here the 3000 men of Judah render a predetermined verdict which they had no right to make.  It was a verdict that was a direct frontal assault on the glory of God.

They assumed that at this point in their struggle against God's enemies, the Philistine barbarians, that the issues of peace, safety, and security had centered on one person, Samson.  If Samson can finally be dealt with, then peace can be restored, the status quo can live on.

But no where in the equation is God's will considered.  When we think of the unconditional acts of provision that God has made on behalf of these 3000 men of Judah and all the children of Israel, we wonder why they wouldn't be on God's side.  After all, Samson is on God's side.  (Apparently many modern commentators/pastors don't agree, but assume Samson had "emotional problems." What do you think?)

Indeed, God was placing Samson as a judge over the people of Israel, and yet they believe they are the judges of Samson.  They evaluate his behavior, not the other way around.  They judge Samson's behavior as wrong, when in fact (even a casual reader should observe) the Philistines are wrong.  In dramatic fashion, the 3000 men of Judah bind their hero Samson and hand him over to their enemies and God's enemies, even to the point of doing the Philistine barbarian's dirty work for them.  This is disgusting by any measure.

Which side would you choose if you were there?  Again we ask, why in the world aren't these men on Samson's side?  Because they are directly disobedient to God.  They have the appearance of religion but deny it's power.  In spite of being the children of Israel, they are terrified of God's power, but they are willing to bow under the power of God's enemies.  Which would you choose?

When people want what they think is a nice enough life, and are afraid of stirring anything up, yet they believe that God's will would stir things up, which course of action do you think people will choose?

In my observation, this is why people very, very often equate their own lifestyle with the will of God.  They imagine that their particular lifestyle is the life of Christ.

Then, Christianity becomes the same as their own theological presuppositions and lifestyle. When the Bible calls their self-sufficiency into question they reject the message and kill the messenger.

See that Samson's sacrifice prefigures the sacrifice of Christ in some small way, where sinners handed over the Lamb of God so that even their sins could be taken away.  Status quo self-sufficiency that discounts the promises of God is nothing short of disobedience.  Unbelief is sin-  so don't be like the 3000 men of Judah.  Avoid Israel's mistakes.
 

Devotion

GOD OF MY END,

It is my greatest, noblest pleasure
to be acquainted with thee
and with my rational, immortal soul;

It is sweet and entertaining
to look into my being
when all my powers and passions
are united and engaged in pursuit of thee,
when my soul longs and passionately breathes
after conformity to thee
and the full enjoyment of thee;

No hours pass away with so much pleasure
as those spent in communion with thee
and with my heart.

O how desirable, how profitable to the Christian life
is a spirit of holy watchfulness
and godly jealousy over myself,
when my soul is afraid of nothing
except grieving and offending thee,
the blessed God, my Father and friend,
whom I then love and long to please,
rather than be happy in myself!

Knowing, as I do, that this is the pious temper,
worthy of the highest ambition, and closest
pursuit of intelligent creatures
and holy Christians,
may my joy derive from glorifying and
delighting thee.

I long to fill all my time for thee,
whether at home or in the way;
to place all my concerns in thy hands;
to be entirely at thy disposal,
having no will or interest of my own.

Help me to live to thee for ever,
to make thee my last and only end,
so that I may never more in one instance
love my sinful self.


The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions Aurthur Bennett, ed. (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975), p. 236-7.

With thanks to Bob Roach, in memory of Jean Roach.

Life is More than Politics

"Thanks for everything, Bernie!"

Politicians have words to thank for their positions. They are often long on promises and (somewhat short on delivery). This persistent human phenomenon leads people to think that somehow the solution to our problems is political. I mean, if the politicians would “get out of the way” then “we could really get things solved.” This is what creates the cheap theater that is politics (see photo).

I firmly believe that the root of human problems is sin. By sin I mean a broken relationship with God that one inherits because one is human. This sinful nature is a spiritual problem, meaning that one only addresses it in spiritual terms, in terms of intangible indescribable interaction with the Divine. And is there not One who is Divine?

Our counselors must point us to God, our money won't save us, our entertainment escape will fade quickly. Our relationships all ultimately drive us to the one relationship that matters, our relationship with the One who created us, and who calls us by name to return to Him.

The root of humanity's problem is sin. The solution to sin has been provided by God, who sent His only Son Jesus Christ to be the resolution for our sins. Jesus perfectly revealed the Father in heaven, the Lord of all of us. How can we hope to know our God if we won't know His Son who perfectly showed us what he is like?

One thing that Jesus showed us clearly is that He died for our sins, not for His own. Jesus was the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He taught that whoever believed in Him would not perish, but would have everlasting life.  Why would we not embrace this gift that God gives to us by His grace?

It is part of our duty as citizens to be engaged in the political process. But we are foolish if we imagine this will solve ultimate problems. People are good in many ways, but we are all dead in our sins with respect to God.  We ultimately cannot even help one another until we truly repent and believe Jesus. We then enter the life of God, as our sins are taken away, and we receive a new heart, a transformed moral disposition, that inclines us ever more towards the God who made us.

It is then that life truly is more than politics, more than success,  more than scientific materialism, more than...

Always Have Confidence in God

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
Before the Lord, for He is coming,
For He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
And the peoples in His faithfulness.

Psalm 96:11-13

 

Staying Blessed in Contentious Times

How is it possible to stay blessed in contentious times?  As we see people mocking and scoffing, and raging against God's Word, how do we respond?  It isn't by getting in the sewer with them!  The Bible has a better answer in Psalm 1.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.   He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.   The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.  For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.

Take this to heart, and may God show us the way to be more loving and helpful...

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

Jesus Pays His Taxes?

"Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said.  And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.  Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away."

Encouragement for Praying Christians

From Rolling Roads Baptist Church Reminder,  March 2015

“Encouragement for a Praying Church”

Our church is a busy place, full of busy Christians. We involve ourselves in many aspects of ministry and Kingdom of God work. In all our activity, we can't forget that one of the top priorities we have from God is praying. It is an honor for Christians to share one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2, 9-10). However, the “labor of prayer” is not for the faint of heart! If we take this work seriously, we will find how difficult it can be. Often prayers are not answered in the way we expect, and so we may become confused or discouraged. Sometimes we don't ever hear of an answer; we've just prayed in faith and left the answer to God. We are in danger sometimes of getting so engrossed in the details of situations people share, so that we almost forget to pray!

I believe strongly that the foundation for prayer is the promise of God. God is not unpredictable or capricious, as some would tell us. Rather, God's people are in a secure, unchangeable covenant relationship with Him through Christ. God has made manifold promises to His people. Among these are that He will not leave us hopeless in any circumstance. In Luke 11:13 Jesus says, “...how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” In Romans 15:13 Paul prays, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” So our labor of prayer is always an expression of hope-filled dependence on the God of promise, who loves us and gives His life to us. So no matter the challenges of prayer, may we always fulfill the commands of I Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Happy because of Jesus,

Pastor James

"Finding Jesus" on CNN... whatever.

CNN Finding Jesus

You won't want to miss the latest "Jesus" documentary, promising to reveal the truth about Jesus.  Each year we are subjected to these sure bet programs, usually during Lent.  There is no use in complaining, after all "all truth is God's truth" as long as you have the right set of facts, right?  I would recommend that if people really want to discover the truth about Jesus, they may want to pick up a Bible and learn to read it carefully for themselves, and then consider attending a Christian worship service where Jesus is worshiped, experienced, and followed in person.  (This to me would sure beat a TV program designed to sell advertising.) Join with me in praying that all who view the program will "repent and believe the Gospel" in obedience to Jesus' command in Mark 1:15. That would be "finding Jesus" for real!

Why I Went On Mission To Jamaica

"...if we would not be infinitely parochial, and thus fail in true virtue, then our private life, our public life, and our global life must be driven not by a narrow, constricted, merely natural self-love, but by passion for the supremacy of God in all things--a passion created through supernatural new birth by the Holy Spirit, giving us a new spiritual taste for the glory of God--a passion sustained by the ongoing, sanctifying influences of the Word of God--and a passion bent on spreading itself through all of culture and all the nations until Christ comes."

John Piper, God's Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards, p.113, 1998

Come Make a Place in Me

What will we pray this Christmas?

Sam Harris, my favorite neo-atheist says confidently, "minds cease to exist when bodies cease to function." He says this as if it were an irrefutable fact of science.  However, the scientific community really has no language to describe consciousness, or mind.  Harris' assertion, while giving comfort to college age rebels who are "losing their religion," must remain an assertion.

I believe, by faith, that our hearts are God's home. I believe that our souls are immortal, and that we are in danger of leaving ourselves under God's eternal judgment on sin if we "live and let live" in our relationship with God. There's a nice Christmas present.

Of course there are many responses to the notion that sin leads to judgment. In much of theistic Judaism, finding a way to keep Torah, a way to be faithful to God's law, is a key to overcoming the gulf between God's holiness and our weaknesses. In Islam, God is focused on our striving for obedience to the commandments revealed to the Prophet.  If one is obedient enough, then God may be merciful to a person on judgment day.  Doesn't that sound hopeful?  In other religions, heartfelt sacrifice and worship, along with proper offerings, will appease whatever deities there are in one's sphere of life.  One other answer is that sin isn't our immediate concern, but we ought to focus on the alleviation of suffering in the here and now.  

It is abundantly clear that scripture says we are much more than our material selves. While avoiding simple dualism, the Bible tells us that we our bodies are the temple of the holy spirit (I Cor. 6:19). We are told that we have early tents, in which we groan (2 Cor. 5).  We long to have a house in the heavens, made not with hands, but by God. God teaches us that there are two aspects of humankind, body and soul.  In fact, we are lights that have been lit by God Himself (Prov. 20:27)!  So we should realize that all of us, the whole person, belong to God (I Cor. 6:20).

Somehow or another, Augustine and Pascal (those often quoted) said that there was a place within ourselves made for God.  The ideal state of a person is that God dwells within, for the redemption of the person and for the glorification of God who gives us life.  One favorite phrase is, "Our souls are restless until they find rest in thee." 

I firmly believe the Christian answers to life better fit the evidence that human history provides for us.

So at Christmas time, may we all say to God, "come make a place in me."  One of our Christmas songs at church this year says, "as you did in the manger, come do it all again.  Show us your grace, come make a place in me."  Finally, the song declares, "there is room in my heart for you."

My hope is that you'll join with me in praying through Christmas with those words of faith in your soul.

Luther Heggs: Faith Based on God's Power

This is what I mentioned during the introduction in last Sunday's message, "Does Your Faith Rest on the Power of God?"  The idea is that our faith cannot be based on some vicarious external sources that we are offered regularly in Christendom (translation=Madison Avenue & Hollywood for Christians).  Our faith must rest on God's power alone, because God will not give His Glory to another.  Paul was careful to tell those in Corinth that he was no super-apostle or professional orator attempting to win a competition.  He was indeed a triumphed-over servant of the true and living God, and was speaking the truth. Are you careful about your faith?  Is it genuine enough to carry you through great difficulties and persecutions?  Or is your faith based on your favorite music, your favorite TV preacher, your favorite missions work, or your most cherished theological assumptions?  Faith must rest on the power of God who gives it.

Is your worship a mirror of heaven?

We looked into Revelation 5 this past week.  One of the striking things is the way in which the worship in heaven of the Lamb and the One who sits on the throne is mirrored on earth. "And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, and all things that are in them heard I saying, Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever." (v.13)  This is right after a similar declaration in heaven by others in verses 11-12.  I believe we can have heavenly worship right where we live today.  In our homes, wherever we are, and in our churches.  This worship can mirror what heaven must be like. We can be on guard that we go "in order to" worship (verb) and never just "to observe" worship (noun).  When worship is only a noun we degenerate into spectators who expect entertainment.  Remember, God is the observer in our worship (verb).  Too often we unconsciously expect to observe others' efforts at spiritual entertainment.  We can do this at the movies or concerts, but not in a Christian worship service.  There we are, in community, "on the spot" before the Lord as it were.  And remember (please) worship is not a means to an end, it IS the end.

The Church Experience

The Church Experience

Participating at Church can positively affect your life, in a significant way.

If your Church puts an emphasis on effectively serving the poor...

If your Church attunes you to new spiritual insights and understandings...

If your Church encourages you to have a real and personal connection with God...

If you know that you are a part of a group that truly cares for each other...

Be less than this, want less than this, and see what happens.

see http://www.barna.org/images/stories/church-exp-tradition-2.png