I love my kids, they are both the source of my joy and my discontent. I have been told that once you are a parent, you are always a parent. I have also been told that you never stop loving your kids. I think these statements are very true. So, for you folks who are not having the daily experience of my kids like I am...here are a few recent anecdotes.
Micah and Anna like to read books, usually alone, but recently with Micah on Anna's lap :)
Micah and Anna push each other and/or yell at each other several times in a given day. Ugh.
Micah is trying to learn how to put on his shoes, and daddy's shoes, and Anna's shoes and mommy's shoes.
Anna turned four this week, and she was excited that her shoes still fit!
Micah sings the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle little star" before drifting off to sleep because it is the tune we sing him with our own made up lyrics.
Anna sings her ABCs, "Jesus Loves Me," and portions of "Silent Night" mixed with "O Holy Night" at Christmas time, because they both have a line about a "holy night."
Micah and Anna love to give each other kisses and hugs at night. He crawls off of whoever's lap he is on that night to go over to Anna as she is tucked in her covers and gives her a big hug and kiss. Anna loves it : ). We do too.
I would not trade one day of being a mom at home, why would I pay someone to take care of my kids when I can stay home and take care of them myself, and store up these kinds of memories in my heart?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Storyline of Christmas...
Gen. 3:15 The promise of our forever king to come...
“She (Mary) will bear a son (offspring), and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Gen. 12:3 The promise of blessing to come...
so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14
Exodus 12:13 The promise of freedom to come...
...the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28
So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed. John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed. John 8:36
2 Samuel 7:16 The promise of our forever king and a forever kingdom to come...
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Luke 1:32-33
Isaiah 7:14, 9:6 The promise of our forever king to come as a helpless baby...
All of this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.' (which means God with us).”
Matthew 1:22-23
Micah 5:2 The promise of the place where our forever king would be born...
And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Matthew 2:6
Ezekiel 34:15 The promise of our forever king to be our true shepherd...
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:14-16
Isaiah 53:3-10 The promise of our forever king to rescue us from ourselves...
He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree that we might die to sin and live righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:22-24
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Psalm 37 The Lord Will Not Abandon His People
This past Sunday I finished a short series on Psalm 37. God was gracious and kind to us to show us this Psalm 37 during a very challenging time we shared about in our e-newsletter. What a great truth to ponder on that no matter what we are going through, no matter how difficult, and how challenging life can get, the Lord will not leave us to our own demise.
In my efforts to do the psalm justice I broke it up over three weeks. The first week we focused on the command from the psalmist, "Do not Fret but Trust" The second week we discovered in the psalm that the Lord is our Sustainer, and the third week we focused on How the Lord is our Deliverer in times of trials.
I would like to share with you the last sermon I preached and the wonderful truths that the Lord has used to penetrate my soul.
First, In times of trials, Jesus gives us the gift of repentance. v.27
Second, In times of trials, Jesus gives us the gift of hope. v.34
Third, In times of trials, Jesus gives us the gift of refuge. v.39-40
These truths have given me perspective and I believe Kendra as well as we continue to trust in our Chief Shepherd, Jesus, who leads us through the challenges of church planting.
A song that has brought us much comfort is from the Come Weary Saints album By Sovereign Grace Music, called Every Day.
Chorus:
In my efforts to do the psalm justice I broke it up over three weeks. The first week we focused on the command from the psalmist, "Do not Fret but Trust" The second week we discovered in the psalm that the Lord is our Sustainer, and the third week we focused on How the Lord is our Deliverer in times of trials.
I would like to share with you the last sermon I preached and the wonderful truths that the Lord has used to penetrate my soul.
First, In times of trials, Jesus gives us the gift of repentance. v.27
Second, In times of trials, Jesus gives us the gift of hope. v.34
Third, In times of trials, Jesus gives us the gift of refuge. v.39-40
These truths have given me perspective and I believe Kendra as well as we continue to trust in our Chief Shepherd, Jesus, who leads us through the challenges of church planting.
A song that has brought us much comfort is from the Come Weary Saints album By Sovereign Grace Music, called Every Day.
verse 1
In Your grace You know where I walk
You know when I fall
You know all my ways
In Your love I know You allow
What I cannot grasp
To bring You praise
Chorus:
Thank you for the trials
For the fire, for the pain
Thank you for the strength
Knowing You have ordained
Every day
Bridge:
In my uncertainty, Your Word is all I need
To know You're with me every day
verse 2: Well you will just have to buy the CD....
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November 2008 Church Planting Update
We are meeting with our established core group, encouraging one another, seeking God's leading, and submitting to His will as we replant this church. We will have a period of “dormancy” this winter while we worship together around God's word, and then watch with great anticipation what God will bring to new life in the spring! Though times have been challenging, God has given us relationship building opportunities.
- We will be serving water to runners at the YMCA wellness events this fall and we have a potential meeting place at the YMCA in the spring. In addition, Mark has been encouraged to volunteer time working with the youth there as a mentor and in a ministry capacity if he feels so led.
- A providential meeting with the president of an area bottling company this summer provided water bottles for us when we held our picnic in the park in September. This relationship continues to be a blessing in the forming of networks with Brethren churches in our area, and the church planting pastor affiliated with them.
- The Sovereign Grace Church of Altoona (http://www.sovgracepa.org/) and its Pastor Tom Kurtz have encouraged us with mentoring and leadership development for Mark and amazing worship music for ourselves and our church to enjoy.
- A playgroup of women from the Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Altoona has befriended Kendra and the kids, given insights into homeschooling, and provided friends our kids' age with whom to play and sometimes with whom to fight!
- We currently meet in one-on-one discipleship with persons younger in the faith than ourselves. Each of these individuals have a hunger to know and understand the Bible and its application to life.
- One-on-one discipleship between more mature church members and newer believers has yielded much fruit.
We desperately need your prayers for our continued ministry here in the Altoona area. We have been supported by prayers of close friends and fellow pastors during this last six months, and we know that the effort to replant a church in this area will take many more prayers on our behalf.
Here is how you can pray:
- God would give Mark just the right measure of humility and boldness as he leads our church.
- For healing and restoration to take place in the people of our church so they can embrace the vision and mission that God has for them.
- For open doors for the gospel in our neighborhood and larger community.
Kendra's ramblings about dating and courtship
I had the chance to look over some old journals the other night and think about how life had changed and how my relationship with God had developed over time. I thought a lot about purity during those days. These were my college days. I was on my own, away from home, living in the college dorm and then in an apartment with peers. I was searching for a husband sometimes self-consciously and other times not so aware. Books that influenced me then were Elisabeth Elliot Passion and Purity, Joshua Harris I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Debby Jones and Jackie Kendall Lady in Waiting.
I was sort of on this track already without realizing it. I only "dated" one guy until I went to college, long distance for a few months of sporadic visits and letters. If he is out there reading this, he may even deny that we were actually dating. Throughout high school, my way of getting to know guys was often meeting them at Christian youth camp, then writing letters until one or both of us stopped writing. Yep, I was always old-fashioned like that, but I did not think of myself as old-fashioned. I just communicate more comfortably writing, you can erase and reword things that way...okay, I was as insecure as every living teenager. So, needless to say, I was a romantic Victorian in the 90s. This is why normal guys thought I was not their type.
But that is quite alright, because I was figuring out what I wanted in a guy too, and my journals attest to the fact that I really loved Jesus. I honestly see now that God was protecting me from hurts and mistakes that many in my generation have experienced, sometimes making feel guilty that I did not have to endure such pain, yet often making me feel so grateful. I wish I could take away the pain of many of my close friends and even family, but I don't have to because I know Jesus Christ can. He died for this very reason.
Here is how God returned my love for Him, just as I decided courting was for me, even the single life if God should so choose it, I went to coffee with a group of friends during fall break. I sat next to a guy I had already seen and already admired. I knew he would be the safe one to sit next to, just by having watched him for awhile and talked to him on occasion in the cafeteria at school. I wasn't looking for a relationship, I was just bored on a weeknight after having worked on a paper in the library all day. This man became my best friend and my husband.
The craziest thing of all is that I thought all during my teen and college years that really loving someone enough to marry them would mean setting aside my love for Jesus, but it was this very thing in me that made Mark love me. In fact, it was loving Mark that took my love for God to a whole new depth--because he was a gift of God to me! How could I not be even more amazed by the steadfast love of the Lord which never ceases?
As to purity, well, every Christian wife should read Carolyn Mahaney's chapter on purity in her book Feminine Appeal. The truest purity is not holding back, or avoiding the crossing of some sacred line, it is the freedom and the joy within the boundaries of a life-long covenant to God and the husband he has given to me.
I was sort of on this track already without realizing it. I only "dated" one guy until I went to college, long distance for a few months of sporadic visits and letters. If he is out there reading this, he may even deny that we were actually dating. Throughout high school, my way of getting to know guys was often meeting them at Christian youth camp, then writing letters until one or both of us stopped writing. Yep, I was always old-fashioned like that, but I did not think of myself as old-fashioned. I just communicate more comfortably writing, you can erase and reword things that way...okay, I was as insecure as every living teenager. So, needless to say, I was a romantic Victorian in the 90s. This is why normal guys thought I was not their type.
But that is quite alright, because I was figuring out what I wanted in a guy too, and my journals attest to the fact that I really loved Jesus. I honestly see now that God was protecting me from hurts and mistakes that many in my generation have experienced, sometimes making feel guilty that I did not have to endure such pain, yet often making me feel so grateful. I wish I could take away the pain of many of my close friends and even family, but I don't have to because I know Jesus Christ can. He died for this very reason.
Here is how God returned my love for Him, just as I decided courting was for me, even the single life if God should so choose it, I went to coffee with a group of friends during fall break. I sat next to a guy I had already seen and already admired. I knew he would be the safe one to sit next to, just by having watched him for awhile and talked to him on occasion in the cafeteria at school. I wasn't looking for a relationship, I was just bored on a weeknight after having worked on a paper in the library all day. This man became my best friend and my husband.
The craziest thing of all is that I thought all during my teen and college years that really loving someone enough to marry them would mean setting aside my love for Jesus, but it was this very thing in me that made Mark love me. In fact, it was loving Mark that took my love for God to a whole new depth--because he was a gift of God to me! How could I not be even more amazed by the steadfast love of the Lord which never ceases?
As to purity, well, every Christian wife should read Carolyn Mahaney's chapter on purity in her book Feminine Appeal. The truest purity is not holding back, or avoiding the crossing of some sacred line, it is the freedom and the joy within the boundaries of a life-long covenant to God and the husband he has given to me.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A.W. Tozer's Prayer
A.W. Tozer prayed this prayer before his ordination: I have taken liberty to update the prose. I keep this prayer taped on my wall before me as a reminder of how much I need His Gospel.
It goes like this:
It goes like this:
Though I am chosen of You and honoured by a high and
holy calling
let me never forget that I am but a man of dust and ashes,
a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague
the race of men
I pray to You, therefore, my Lord and Redeemer, save me
from
myself and from all the injuries I may do myself while
trying to be a blessing to others.
Fill me with Your power by the Holy Spirit,
and I will go in your strength and tell of your
righteousness, Yours only.
I will spread abroad the message of redeeming love
while
my powers endure.
enough said,
Your undershepherd,
Mark
Gospel-Centered Lives in the Marketplace Colossians 3:22 - 4:1
How many times have you heard, "I can't stand my job!" "I hate my job!" "My boss is driving me crazy!" Well in my message I addressed how God is not only redeeming his people he is redeeming our work as well. Our work is worship to him.
I asked two questions:
First: What difference does the Gospel make in our lives as an employee?
The Gospel makes us aware of our behavior (v.22a)
The Gospel effects our heart and our motives. (v.22b)
The Gospel gives us perspective in our work. (v.23-24)
Application questions to ponder:
Are there relationship conflicts at your work? What is God asking you to do in those relationships? How does he want you to work through them? Are you a good steward of your time and finances? Some employers see poor stewardship as stealing from the company.
Do you ask yourself the question, "How can I represent Jesus to my co-workers or my boss." Do you find your work difficult? What is your motivation to work? Is it to please your co-workers? Your boss or manager? Your manager's boss? Your clients? Yourself? Or is to please Jesus?
What difference does the Gospel make in our live as an employer or personal business owner?
Gospel shows no favortism. (v.25)
The Gospel produces integrity. (v.4:1a)
The Gospel gives perspective. (v.4:1b)
Application questions to ponder:
As a business owner do you say what you mean and mean what you say? Do you follow through with your commitments with your clients and employees? Do you treat them in a fair manner?
Do you see your work as worship to God? If not, why not?
Other application questions:
Paul seems to be addressing Christian slaves and Christian Masters, but in the reality you might have bosses who are unchurched or employees who are looking for hope? Where does this leave the Christian in the marketplace of unbelievers?
In a wonderful position to let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father, (your true boss) who is in heaven. Matt5:16 (emphasis mine).
Have you ever thought of starting a Bible study with some co-workers? Maybe its meeting with some of your colleagues and praying for them?
So what difference does the Gospel make in the Marketplace? All the difference. May your work glorify your true Master, Jesus.
SDG,
Pastor Mark
I asked two questions:
First: What difference does the Gospel make in our lives as an employee?
The Gospel makes us aware of our behavior (v.22a)
The Gospel effects our heart and our motives. (v.22b)
The Gospel gives us perspective in our work. (v.23-24)
Application questions to ponder:
Are there relationship conflicts at your work? What is God asking you to do in those relationships? How does he want you to work through them? Are you a good steward of your time and finances? Some employers see poor stewardship as stealing from the company.
Do you ask yourself the question, "How can I represent Jesus to my co-workers or my boss." Do you find your work difficult? What is your motivation to work? Is it to please your co-workers? Your boss or manager? Your manager's boss? Your clients? Yourself? Or is to please Jesus?
What difference does the Gospel make in our live as an employer or personal business owner?
Gospel shows no favortism. (v.25)
The Gospel produces integrity. (v.4:1a)
The Gospel gives perspective. (v.4:1b)
Application questions to ponder:
As a business owner do you say what you mean and mean what you say? Do you follow through with your commitments with your clients and employees? Do you treat them in a fair manner?
Do you see your work as worship to God? If not, why not?
Other application questions:
Paul seems to be addressing Christian slaves and Christian Masters, but in the reality you might have bosses who are unchurched or employees who are looking for hope? Where does this leave the Christian in the marketplace of unbelievers?
In a wonderful position to let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father, (your true boss) who is in heaven. Matt5:16 (emphasis mine).
Have you ever thought of starting a Bible study with some co-workers? Maybe its meeting with some of your colleagues and praying for them?
So what difference does the Gospel make in the Marketplace? All the difference. May your work glorify your true Master, Jesus.
SDG,
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Gospel-Centered Lives in the Home Colossians 3:18-21
As we continue our Stand Mature series in this great book written not only to the Colossians but to us, we now focus on the importance of the Gospel-centered home.
I asked some questions on Sunday:
Are we settling for less in our relationships concerning:
our wives?
our husbands?
our parents?
our children?
It is for His glory that we respond to these commands because our glory wants to avoid what these texts really say and try to make them say something else.
What difference does the Gospel make in our marriages?
What difference does the Gospel make in our families?
Resources you might be interested in for your marriage:
Marriage, Whose Dream?; War of Words, both by Paul Tripp Another one you might want to check out is: When Sinners Say I Do: Discovering the Power of the Gospel of Marriage by Dave Harvey.
Resources you might be interested in for your family?
Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp; http://www.therebelution.com/blog/
http://www.homeword.com/
Application questions:
Wife: Where are some areas in your relationship with your husband where Jesus is not Lord over your marriage? What are some steps you can take to cultivate a heart of humility?
Do you believe your husband is a gift from God? If not, why not? and If so, why? Let your husband know how much you respect him.
Husband: Where are some areas were your not loving your wife? How can you cultivate a sacrifical love for your wife? Are you forgiving? What are some ways you can guard your own purity in order to guard hers. Let your wife know how much you cherish her. How can you be encouraging to your wife?
Children: Think about what messages culture is communicating and then ask yourself if you believe those messages. Do you respect your parents? If not, why? or If so, why? Let your parents know how much you appreciate them. Think of ways you can serve right now and whom you might serve without asking for anything in return.
Parents: What are some ways that you cause your children to become discouraged or disheartened? Do your children lack motivation because of you? If so, why? What are some ways the Lord wants you to change? What are some ways you can pray for your children?
Let your children know how much you love them, and not their accomplishments.
SDG,
Pastor Mark
I asked some questions on Sunday:
Are we settling for less in our relationships concerning:
our wives?
our husbands?
our parents?
our children?
It is for His glory that we respond to these commands because our glory wants to avoid what these texts really say and try to make them say something else.
What difference does the Gospel make in our marriages?
What difference does the Gospel make in our families?
Resources you might be interested in for your marriage:
Marriage, Whose Dream?; War of Words, both by Paul Tripp Another one you might want to check out is: When Sinners Say I Do: Discovering the Power of the Gospel of Marriage by Dave Harvey.
Resources you might be interested in for your family?
Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp; http://www.therebelution.com/blog/
http://www.homeword.com/
Application questions:
Wife: Where are some areas in your relationship with your husband where Jesus is not Lord over your marriage? What are some steps you can take to cultivate a heart of humility?
Do you believe your husband is a gift from God? If not, why not? and If so, why? Let your husband know how much you respect him.
Husband: Where are some areas were your not loving your wife? How can you cultivate a sacrifical love for your wife? Are you forgiving? What are some ways you can guard your own purity in order to guard hers. Let your wife know how much you cherish her. How can you be encouraging to your wife?
Children: Think about what messages culture is communicating and then ask yourself if you believe those messages. Do you respect your parents? If not, why? or If so, why? Let your parents know how much you appreciate them. Think of ways you can serve right now and whom you might serve without asking for anything in return.
Parents: What are some ways that you cause your children to become discouraged or disheartened? Do your children lack motivation because of you? If so, why? What are some ways the Lord wants you to change? What are some ways you can pray for your children?
Let your children know how much you love them, and not their accomplishments.
SDG,
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The beauty of living and dying-remembering Patricia Petras
Reflections on the homegoing of Patricia Marie Petras...October 26, 2007
I can still remember like it was yesterday getting the news that my mother-in-law's battle with acute myleod leukemia and MDS (a cancer in the blood) was almost over. The doctor called from Cleveland Clinic and in no uncertain terms said "if you want to be with her before she passes away, the time to come is now." We had heard similar words about six weeks prior, or so we thought, when Pat was getting fresh platelets every five hours through her IV port. That was a false alarm, perhaps this would be too? Cancer is that kind of emotional roller coaster.
For the next four days, I was doing laundry because Pat wanted to be assured that Bill had "some clean underwear", helping Pat with the most basic of needs, and greeting the steady stream of family and friends coming to say goodbye, while attempting to keep my kids from feeling utterly neglected in the process. The most beautiful and powerful of life's experiences are its beginning and its end. We watched Pat go from a lively and feisty body of energy to a helpless and pale woman taking her last breaths. This is still strange to me, but as gruesome as death can be, it is one of the unbelievable miracles of beauty. I sensed the peace of God as we sang and read scriptures over her as she lay unconscious. Then, when she woke up one last time at 4:45am, Mark and I were at once overjoyed and deeply grieved to tell her to "take the hand of Jesus and go home." It still brings me to tears and laughter at the same time.
Only five months prior God gave us his gift of Micah Nathan through a drug-free VBAC. I had a cesarean with Anna due to her breach position. I wanted so badly to have her naturally, and God did not allow it, but when he did with Micah, the joy was more than we could have imagined. Mark stood in awe as I worked with all my might to get Micah into this world. He coached me to trust in Jesus and to make it through the next contraction. While we waited for Mark's mom to die, with anticipation and angst, we had also waited for Micah to live here with us with anxiety and hope. And we still hope, for the resurrection, the new life, when we will be reunited with Mom Petras. She is dancing and singing and probably playing bingo in Heaven, getting to know her Savior, having forgotten this place, thank the Lord.
We miss you, Pat, but we are so grateful for what you taught us in living and in dying.
I can still remember like it was yesterday getting the news that my mother-in-law's battle with acute myleod leukemia and MDS (a cancer in the blood) was almost over. The doctor called from Cleveland Clinic and in no uncertain terms said "if you want to be with her before she passes away, the time to come is now." We had heard similar words about six weeks prior, or so we thought, when Pat was getting fresh platelets every five hours through her IV port. That was a false alarm, perhaps this would be too? Cancer is that kind of emotional roller coaster.
For the next four days, I was doing laundry because Pat wanted to be assured that Bill had "some clean underwear", helping Pat with the most basic of needs, and greeting the steady stream of family and friends coming to say goodbye, while attempting to keep my kids from feeling utterly neglected in the process. The most beautiful and powerful of life's experiences are its beginning and its end. We watched Pat go from a lively and feisty body of energy to a helpless and pale woman taking her last breaths. This is still strange to me, but as gruesome as death can be, it is one of the unbelievable miracles of beauty. I sensed the peace of God as we sang and read scriptures over her as she lay unconscious. Then, when she woke up one last time at 4:45am, Mark and I were at once overjoyed and deeply grieved to tell her to "take the hand of Jesus and go home." It still brings me to tears and laughter at the same time.
Only five months prior God gave us his gift of Micah Nathan through a drug-free VBAC. I had a cesarean with Anna due to her breach position. I wanted so badly to have her naturally, and God did not allow it, but when he did with Micah, the joy was more than we could have imagined. Mark stood in awe as I worked with all my might to get Micah into this world. He coached me to trust in Jesus and to make it through the next contraction. While we waited for Mark's mom to die, with anticipation and angst, we had also waited for Micah to live here with us with anxiety and hope. And we still hope, for the resurrection, the new life, when we will be reunited with Mom Petras. She is dancing and singing and probably playing bingo in Heaven, getting to know her Savior, having forgotten this place, thank the Lord.
We miss you, Pat, but we are so grateful for what you taught us in living and in dying.
The Gospel-Centered Church Colossians 3:15-17
Summary of the message:
Jesus is still captivated by his Bride, the church. Are you? Jesus' relationship with the church will never change. Jesus will always love his Bride.
2 points
As a Gospel-Centered church we must let Jesus make the decisions (Col. 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts...)
As a Gospel-Centered church we must let Jesus lead the worship (Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...)
Bottom line is that sanctification is a group project. We only have fellowship with one another because of Jesus. We are not meant to live out are Christian life alone, we have each other because we were called into one body!
Application questions: What is the local church? Is it simply to come on Sunday mornings and that's it? Remember everytime we point the finger at the church we are pointing the finger at us because we are the CHURCH!
I referred to a great book, that if I had the money I would buy each of you a copy. Maybe some day. Stop Dating the Church: Fall in the Love with the Family of God. The book listed some good questions to think through concerning choosing a church:
1. Is this a church where God's word is faithfully taught?
2. Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?
3. Is this a church in which the Gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
4. Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the Gospel?
5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
6. Is this a church where people strive to live by God's Word?
If you want to know the other four I would encourage you to buy it. We really need to be thinking about what it means to be the church.
SDG,
Pastor Mark
Jesus is still captivated by his Bride, the church. Are you? Jesus' relationship with the church will never change. Jesus will always love his Bride.
2 points
As a Gospel-Centered church we must let Jesus make the decisions (Col. 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts...)
As a Gospel-Centered church we must let Jesus lead the worship (Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...)
Bottom line is that sanctification is a group project. We only have fellowship with one another because of Jesus. We are not meant to live out are Christian life alone, we have each other because we were called into one body!
Application questions: What is the local church? Is it simply to come on Sunday mornings and that's it? Remember everytime we point the finger at the church we are pointing the finger at us because we are the CHURCH!
I referred to a great book, that if I had the money I would buy each of you a copy. Maybe some day. Stop Dating the Church: Fall in the Love with the Family of God. The book listed some good questions to think through concerning choosing a church:
1. Is this a church where God's word is faithfully taught?
2. Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?
3. Is this a church in which the Gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
4. Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the Gospel?
5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
6. Is this a church where people strive to live by God's Word?
If you want to know the other four I would encourage you to buy it. We really need to be thinking about what it means to be the church.
SDG,
Pastor Mark
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Gospel-Centered Life Colossians 3:1-17
A Summary of the message:
Last week we focused on what Christianity was not—legalism and that we are free in Jesus. This week we will learn how freedom in Jesus is be lived out not by more rules but a transformation of our lives and character from the inside out because of the new humanity that we are in Jesus. We have been given a new identity and our new identity is in Jesus. Paul shares this with the Gentiles of Colossae and they come in the form of commands: seek and set; put to death; get rid of; do not lie; and put on. Just as it was imperative that the Colossae church understand their new life in Jesus it is also imperative that we too understand our new life in Jesus. Our new humanity.
5 points to consider
I. Since we are a new people in Jesus seek and set... There is the saying that if one is too heavenly minded they are no earthly good. I understand what they are saying when they say this that a person has their heads in the clouds and that all that matters is the life to come. But where does that leave life for the present? Paul is expressing the fact that unless we focus on the things above, focus on Jesus then and only then can we live life on earth.
The next four commands by Paul flow out of his first two seek and set. These commands are not done by pulling up our morallity bootstraps and giving it our best shot but they are accomplished through the work of his Holy Spirit. It is the spirit's gracious and loving activity in our lives that we would desire to obey such commands and put to death and get rid of such vices.
II. Since you are a new person in Jesus put to death... Put to death what? What is earthly in you: Put to death refers back to the fact that as a believer we have died with Christ and are now alive with Christ through his resurrection so we can now put to death these external vices. Romans 8:13. (sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness)
III. Since you are a new person in Jesus get rid of... Look with me in v.8 “But now you must put them all away:” Get rid of them. Get rid of what? (anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk).
First: Malice. What is malice? It sounds like quite the archaic term, malice. It means to talk of someone in such a hateful way that you wish to harm them. You wish to destroy their reputation and everything they are. Keep in mind Paul is speaking to Gentile believers. This is not simply belivers talking about the unchurched, but those who are professing believers. Ouch that hurts!
Application Questions to ponder on malice:
Do we talk in this way about past churches that have hurt us that have maligned us so that we might hurt their reputations? Hurt their Gospel witness. If they have done something to hurt their Gospel witness that is their problem and between them and God not us. If someone has hurt you then you need to examine your heart before you let your mouth speak.
Do we talk with hate about some past relationship or maybe current relationships?
Second term I want to focus on is slander: If we've ever had a problem with a vice it would be this one. Believers everywhere have this vice. We disguise it though and make it look like a prayer request when we know deep down inside its not. Slander simply put is talking about someone to another person in a way that you would never talk with them to their face. The term litterally means to blaspheme or speak against someone.
Someone has offended you or rubbed you the wrong way so instead of sharing it with that person you share it with a good friend. That's slander. Slander then turns into gossip because the person who is listening then shares it with someone else and then before you know it slander has spread like gangrene eating away at the body of Christ.
Or if you do not share what was said about the person your view of that person is tainted and the slander has been accomplished. Think about this if we are guilty of slander then are we really loving God? For if we were loving God then we would not speak against our neighbor.
Paul says slander is part of our old humanity not the new humanity in Jesus so get rid of it it does not fit.
Third: is this phrase obscene talk: essentially Paul means potty mouth, vulgarity. Again if we were honest we are all guilty of it. It usually begins with sarcasm and then crosses over the line somewhere to the point of dirty talk.
Application questions to ponder on obscene talk:
How is your speech? Are you speaking in such a way that you not only shame others but you shame yourself ?
How do you speak about your children? About your spouse? Again, Paul says this kind of speech is no longer a part of the new humanity in Jesus, so get rid of it.
IV. Since you are a new person in Jesus do not lie... Look with me v.9 (Read) The term for “lie” gives the sense of putting up false appearances with one another.
V. Since you are a new person in Jesus put on...
As God's chosen ones, those who have been made holy and our endearing to the Lord are to put on, to clothe themselves with, to take on the characteristics of Jesus, we are to put on:
1. Virtues
(compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience)
First: Compassion. The root used for this word is the same word that Jesus uses when he looks upon the crowd of four thousand that are hungry. Jesus had compassion on the crowd. It is believed the crowd of four thousand were Gentiles and Jesus had compassion on them. When Paul uses compassion he is using two words that together mean deep affectionate concern over another's misfortune. One that empathizes not just sympathizes.
Points of application for Compassion:
I think of the HOPE ministry what a ministry of compassion. What an opportunity to serve the community to women who have lost their children.
Would you be considered a compassionate person? What would your spouse say? What would your children say? What would your co-workers say? Paul says with our new humanity, we have this same compassion and are to clothe ourselves because it is a perfect fit. Compassion is never a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
Outcome of these virtues:
1. excepting people of their weaknesses
Paul says with regard to these virtues you are then able to bear with one another. This is recognizing that none of us are perfect and the body of Christ works together in all its diversity therefore we need to be accepting of each others weaknesses and strengths not for our glory but for Jesus'.
2. forgiveness: God has forgiven you.
There is a second outcome and that is forgiveness, practicing forgiveness. When the Spirit helps us to be compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient then forgiveness should be free flowing. God's word says we need to forgive each other because the fact of the matter is that the Lord has forgiven us.
If we cannot forgive someone we need to be searching our hearts for the reason why. A lack of forgiveness leads to a life of bondage and bitterness. A lack of forgiveness leads to a life of emptiness and hatred, a life of loneliness. Let go of your unforgiveness.
Remember God has given us a new humanity in Jesus. The Old humanity has gone the new has come. 2Cor. 5:17. The vices that Paul speaks in Col.3:5-8 no longer fit us so get rid of them for we have been made a new creation.
SDG,
Pastor Mark
Last week we focused on what Christianity was not—legalism and that we are free in Jesus. This week we will learn how freedom in Jesus is be lived out not by more rules but a transformation of our lives and character from the inside out because of the new humanity that we are in Jesus. We have been given a new identity and our new identity is in Jesus. Paul shares this with the Gentiles of Colossae and they come in the form of commands: seek and set; put to death; get rid of; do not lie; and put on. Just as it was imperative that the Colossae church understand their new life in Jesus it is also imperative that we too understand our new life in Jesus. Our new humanity.
5 points to consider
I. Since we are a new people in Jesus seek and set... There is the saying that if one is too heavenly minded they are no earthly good. I understand what they are saying when they say this that a person has their heads in the clouds and that all that matters is the life to come. But where does that leave life for the present? Paul is expressing the fact that unless we focus on the things above, focus on Jesus then and only then can we live life on earth.
The next four commands by Paul flow out of his first two seek and set. These commands are not done by pulling up our morallity bootstraps and giving it our best shot but they are accomplished through the work of his Holy Spirit. It is the spirit's gracious and loving activity in our lives that we would desire to obey such commands and put to death and get rid of such vices.
II. Since you are a new person in Jesus put to death... Put to death what? What is earthly in you: Put to death refers back to the fact that as a believer we have died with Christ and are now alive with Christ through his resurrection so we can now put to death these external vices. Romans 8:13. (sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness)
III. Since you are a new person in Jesus get rid of... Look with me in v.8 “But now you must put them all away:” Get rid of them. Get rid of what? (anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk).
First: Malice. What is malice? It sounds like quite the archaic term, malice. It means to talk of someone in such a hateful way that you wish to harm them. You wish to destroy their reputation and everything they are. Keep in mind Paul is speaking to Gentile believers. This is not simply belivers talking about the unchurched, but those who are professing believers. Ouch that hurts!
Application Questions to ponder on malice:
Do we talk in this way about past churches that have hurt us that have maligned us so that we might hurt their reputations? Hurt their Gospel witness. If they have done something to hurt their Gospel witness that is their problem and between them and God not us. If someone has hurt you then you need to examine your heart before you let your mouth speak.
Do we talk with hate about some past relationship or maybe current relationships?
Second term I want to focus on is slander: If we've ever had a problem with a vice it would be this one. Believers everywhere have this vice. We disguise it though and make it look like a prayer request when we know deep down inside its not. Slander simply put is talking about someone to another person in a way that you would never talk with them to their face. The term litterally means to blaspheme or speak against someone.
Someone has offended you or rubbed you the wrong way so instead of sharing it with that person you share it with a good friend. That's slander. Slander then turns into gossip because the person who is listening then shares it with someone else and then before you know it slander has spread like gangrene eating away at the body of Christ.
Or if you do not share what was said about the person your view of that person is tainted and the slander has been accomplished. Think about this if we are guilty of slander then are we really loving God? For if we were loving God then we would not speak against our neighbor.
Paul says slander is part of our old humanity not the new humanity in Jesus so get rid of it it does not fit.
Third: is this phrase obscene talk: essentially Paul means potty mouth, vulgarity. Again if we were honest we are all guilty of it. It usually begins with sarcasm and then crosses over the line somewhere to the point of dirty talk.
Application questions to ponder on obscene talk:
How is your speech? Are you speaking in such a way that you not only shame others but you shame yourself ?
How do you speak about your children? About your spouse? Again, Paul says this kind of speech is no longer a part of the new humanity in Jesus, so get rid of it.
IV. Since you are a new person in Jesus do not lie... Look with me v.9 (Read) The term for “lie” gives the sense of putting up false appearances with one another.
V. Since you are a new person in Jesus put on...
As God's chosen ones, those who have been made holy and our endearing to the Lord are to put on, to clothe themselves with, to take on the characteristics of Jesus, we are to put on:
1. Virtues
(compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience)
First: Compassion. The root used for this word is the same word that Jesus uses when he looks upon the crowd of four thousand that are hungry. Jesus had compassion on the crowd. It is believed the crowd of four thousand were Gentiles and Jesus had compassion on them. When Paul uses compassion he is using two words that together mean deep affectionate concern over another's misfortune. One that empathizes not just sympathizes.
Points of application for Compassion:
I think of the HOPE ministry what a ministry of compassion. What an opportunity to serve the community to women who have lost their children.
Would you be considered a compassionate person? What would your spouse say? What would your children say? What would your co-workers say? Paul says with our new humanity, we have this same compassion and are to clothe ourselves because it is a perfect fit. Compassion is never a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
Outcome of these virtues:
1. excepting people of their weaknesses
Paul says with regard to these virtues you are then able to bear with one another. This is recognizing that none of us are perfect and the body of Christ works together in all its diversity therefore we need to be accepting of each others weaknesses and strengths not for our glory but for Jesus'.
2. forgiveness: God has forgiven you.
There is a second outcome and that is forgiveness, practicing forgiveness. When the Spirit helps us to be compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient then forgiveness should be free flowing. God's word says we need to forgive each other because the fact of the matter is that the Lord has forgiven us.
If we cannot forgive someone we need to be searching our hearts for the reason why. A lack of forgiveness leads to a life of bondage and bitterness. A lack of forgiveness leads to a life of emptiness and hatred, a life of loneliness. Let go of your unforgiveness.
Remember God has given us a new humanity in Jesus. The Old humanity has gone the new has come. 2Cor. 5:17. The vices that Paul speaks in Col.3:5-8 no longer fit us so get rid of them for we have been made a new creation.
SDG,
Pastor Mark
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Hold Fast to Jesus and Not to Legalism Col.2:16-23
Like I promised, here is a summary of the message from this morning. My hope is to post each week some application questions so that you can think about what I shared and how to apply it-- Monday - Saturday. Ask yourself the question, How do I live a life of grace and freedom from Monday - Saturday? Before getting started, I would encourage you to read and reread the passage. Please do not take my word for what the passage says, discover for yourself. Own it and let it take root in your soul.
Summary of the message:
The main idea from this passage is on legalism or human-religion. I shared that I believe legalism is cultivated out of a prideful heart, an insecure heart, a wicked heart. Deep down inside we all want control. And this control leads to a critical spirit rather than a gracious spirit. We are all guilty of our pride and our self- righteousness. These things get in the way of God's Spirit and what he wants to do in and through us. I first and foremost am guilty.
Therefore we too need to hold fast to Jesus, which is to hold fast to his grace and to realize that our self-righteousness, our personal legalism needs to be put to death and we can only do this by submitting ourselves to God's word and His Holy Spirit. WE need to take inventory of what is in our hearts by the grace of God. May we receive his grace today as we sit under his Word and let Him do his will in our lives. For we desire at Crossroads to have a message of grace, to be a people of grace, and to see others transformed by his gracious most glorious Gospel.
Definitions of legalism: Pastor Mark's: Legalism is at the heart earning God's approval with our own efforts and then expecting others to do the same (in order to manipulate them to do our will and not Jesus' will). [I added this last phrase]
Sam Storm's definition:
Legalism is the tendency to regard as divine law things which God has neither required nor forbidden in Scripture and the corresponding inclination to look with suspicion on others for their failure or refusal to conform.
Dr. Storm's asks some penetrating questions that you might find helpful in searching your heart.
Do you place a higher value on church customs than on biblical principles?
Do you elevate to the status of moral law something the Bible does not require?
Do you tend to look down your spiritual nose at those who don’t follow God’s will for YOUR life?
Are you uncomfortable with the fact that the Bible does not explicitly address every ethical decision or answer every theological question?
Are you more comfortable with rules than with relationships?
Here are some of mine that I shared that you also might find helpful.
Do you refuse to watch T.V. Or movies? And more importantly do you expect others around you to do the same? ( I believe without a doubt that we need to be discerning of what we watch and the quantity of are viewing as well. Same goes for the internet. My wife and I like to watch movies and then talk about the philosophy, plot, and try to understand the director's purpose for making the film. Some Christians believe you should not watch movies they are a waste of time). [This would be a matter of personal conviction and should be left to encourage not demand or manipulate].
Do you prefer to home school, or have your kids attend a Christian school or public school? And depending on what you prefer are you judging others for not doing what you prefer?
Do you prefer one way of disciplining your children over another and do you expect others to do the same or look down on them for doing it different?
Do you have in your mind a preconceived notion of how one should follow Jesus. Or receive Jesus and their King and Master? The Bible says through repentance and faith. The response to God in repentance and faith can come in many ways through Jesus. I have heard of those who have screamed out to God in desperation and their lives have been changed.
Is your view of God a picture of an authoritarian Father who slaps his child's hand over and over again, and says no don't touch that!? Or is your picture what we see in Luke 15 where the father runs (which was not normal behavior) to the prodigal son to welcome him home. The father shows his compassion to the elder brother where he pleads with the elder brother to come in and celebrate. I encourage you to read it and be amazed of God's grace.
Then there is the issue of pride that fuels a legalistic mindset. Here are some phrases I shared:
" I am doing this service to the Lord and your not, therefore I am more spiritual."
or "I am willing to forgive and your not so therefore I will pray for you."
or "I believe this is what the church should be like, they do not know what they are talking about, but I do."
If you want to do some further reading on legalism, listed below are some great articles that I think you will find very helpful:
http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/legalism-vs-liberty/
http://www.beginningwithmoses.org/bigger/ds_legalism.htm
At the heart of legalism is our way of earning God's approval and expecting others to do the same. This attitude of the heart will eventually lead to a critical spirit and no joy in Jesus. What will that look like to a dying world?
SDG,
Pastor Mark
Note: For those of you not familiar with blogging, you can comment on the blog by clicking on the comment button below: Ask a question, get more clarification, or whatever.
Summary of the message:
The main idea from this passage is on legalism or human-religion. I shared that I believe legalism is cultivated out of a prideful heart, an insecure heart, a wicked heart. Deep down inside we all want control. And this control leads to a critical spirit rather than a gracious spirit. We are all guilty of our pride and our self- righteousness. These things get in the way of God's Spirit and what he wants to do in and through us. I first and foremost am guilty.
Therefore we too need to hold fast to Jesus, which is to hold fast to his grace and to realize that our self-righteousness, our personal legalism needs to be put to death and we can only do this by submitting ourselves to God's word and His Holy Spirit. WE need to take inventory of what is in our hearts by the grace of God. May we receive his grace today as we sit under his Word and let Him do his will in our lives. For we desire at Crossroads to have a message of grace, to be a people of grace, and to see others transformed by his gracious most glorious Gospel.
Definitions of legalism: Pastor Mark's: Legalism is at the heart earning God's approval with our own efforts and then expecting others to do the same (in order to manipulate them to do our will and not Jesus' will). [I added this last phrase]
Sam Storm's definition:
Legalism is the tendency to regard as divine law things which God has neither required nor forbidden in Scripture and the corresponding inclination to look with suspicion on others for their failure or refusal to conform.
Dr. Storm's asks some penetrating questions that you might find helpful in searching your heart.
Do you place a higher value on church customs than on biblical principles?
Do you elevate to the status of moral law something the Bible does not require?
Do you tend to look down your spiritual nose at those who don’t follow God’s will for YOUR life?
Are you uncomfortable with the fact that the Bible does not explicitly address every ethical decision or answer every theological question?
Are you more comfortable with rules than with relationships?
Here are some of mine that I shared that you also might find helpful.
Do you refuse to watch T.V. Or movies? And more importantly do you expect others around you to do the same? ( I believe without a doubt that we need to be discerning of what we watch and the quantity of are viewing as well. Same goes for the internet. My wife and I like to watch movies and then talk about the philosophy, plot, and try to understand the director's purpose for making the film. Some Christians believe you should not watch movies they are a waste of time). [This would be a matter of personal conviction and should be left to encourage not demand or manipulate].
Do you prefer to home school, or have your kids attend a Christian school or public school? And depending on what you prefer are you judging others for not doing what you prefer?
Do you prefer one way of disciplining your children over another and do you expect others to do the same or look down on them for doing it different?
Do you have in your mind a preconceived notion of how one should follow Jesus. Or receive Jesus and their King and Master? The Bible says through repentance and faith. The response to God in repentance and faith can come in many ways through Jesus. I have heard of those who have screamed out to God in desperation and their lives have been changed.
Is your view of God a picture of an authoritarian Father who slaps his child's hand over and over again, and says no don't touch that!? Or is your picture what we see in Luke 15 where the father runs (which was not normal behavior) to the prodigal son to welcome him home. The father shows his compassion to the elder brother where he pleads with the elder brother to come in and celebrate. I encourage you to read it and be amazed of God's grace.
Then there is the issue of pride that fuels a legalistic mindset. Here are some phrases I shared:
" I am doing this service to the Lord and your not, therefore I am more spiritual."
or "I am willing to forgive and your not so therefore I will pray for you."
or "I believe this is what the church should be like, they do not know what they are talking about, but I do."
If you want to do some further reading on legalism, listed below are some great articles that I think you will find very helpful:
http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/legalism-vs-liberty/
http://www.beginningwithmoses.org/bigger/ds_legalism.htm
At the heart of legalism is our way of earning God's approval and expecting others to do the same. This attitude of the heart will eventually lead to a critical spirit and no joy in Jesus. What will that look like to a dying world?
SDG,
Pastor Mark
Note: For those of you not familiar with blogging, you can comment on the blog by clicking on the comment button below: Ask a question, get more clarification, or whatever.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Our Creator's Handiwork
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Made Alive in Jesus (Some after thoughts)
For those of you who are reading this blog for the first time or for that matter the second time, I apologize for it is a work in progress. My hope is to share thoughts on the messages that I deliver at Crossroads, add sermons that I have preached, and also reflections on what it means to be on this journey called "life" not by ourselves but in "life together". My wife hopes to make her contribution to the blog as well.
After Sunday, I found myself wrestling with this awesome truth "to be made alive together in Jesus." Col.2:13. To be made alive together assumes we were dead to begin with. To be made alive together assumes that our Christianity is bigger than just ourselves. It has to be for if it is not we are left with another human religion. Why does Paul use the word that expresses togetherness. I believe it is to express the truth that we first need Christ, but we also need one another, yet in our busy lives we can so often forget this truth. Loving God and loving others, so a life of faith consists of both being in community and in solitude. (This is a paraphrase from Bonhoeffer's book, Life Together).
I would encourage you to ask yourself, What does it mean to be alive together in Jesus? What does it mean he has forgiven us all our trespasses? Do we really believe that Jesus has cancelled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands, that he has obliterated our debt of sins? Its not an easy truth to believe to really get your mind around it. So as I wrestle with these questions I invite you to wrestle with these as well. Will you?
As I prepared this message I found myself in awe of God's incredible power through the Cross of Jesus and found myself crying over how deep Jesus' love goes. I also wondered how many people carry a heavy load of guilt with them. How many people need to be set free from the guilt yet choose to hold on to it?
Again after the message, I thought I should clarify some things I said. I mentioned how are faith has been reduced to an individual relationship and we have forgotten about the corporate identity we have in Jesus. To be identified with the people of God through Jesus. I am not suggesting that our relationship with Jesus is only communal but it is both individual and communal. Unfortunately we have leaned on the side of what can Jesus do for me rather than what can Jesus do for others through me.
Just some thoughts do with them as you will I won't be offended.
After Sunday, I found myself wrestling with this awesome truth "to be made alive together in Jesus." Col.2:13. To be made alive together assumes we were dead to begin with. To be made alive together assumes that our Christianity is bigger than just ourselves. It has to be for if it is not we are left with another human religion. Why does Paul use the word that expresses togetherness. I believe it is to express the truth that we first need Christ, but we also need one another, yet in our busy lives we can so often forget this truth. Loving God and loving others, so a life of faith consists of both being in community and in solitude. (This is a paraphrase from Bonhoeffer's book, Life Together).
I would encourage you to ask yourself, What does it mean to be alive together in Jesus? What does it mean he has forgiven us all our trespasses? Do we really believe that Jesus has cancelled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands, that he has obliterated our debt of sins? Its not an easy truth to believe to really get your mind around it. So as I wrestle with these questions I invite you to wrestle with these as well. Will you?
As I prepared this message I found myself in awe of God's incredible power through the Cross of Jesus and found myself crying over how deep Jesus' love goes. I also wondered how many people carry a heavy load of guilt with them. How many people need to be set free from the guilt yet choose to hold on to it?
Again after the message, I thought I should clarify some things I said. I mentioned how are faith has been reduced to an individual relationship and we have forgotten about the corporate identity we have in Jesus. To be identified with the people of God through Jesus. I am not suggesting that our relationship with Jesus is only communal but it is both individual and communal. Unfortunately we have leaned on the side of what can Jesus do for me rather than what can Jesus do for others through me.
Just some thoughts do with them as you will I won't be offended.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Date Night faces
Mark is not angry or constipated, he is just trying to look funny at the camera. Lovely.
Kendra looks like she has something in her mouth, and she does! Delicious, rich, moist, chocolate mousse cake, decadence on a plate.Kendra's ramblings about music with list of favorites
I (Kendra) grew up singing hymns, but not many of the really old hymns as I came to find out during our time at College Church. I learned a number of "gospel" or "revival" hymns. So, in my head tonight is the chorus of one such hymn called Revive Us Again--"Hallelujah, thine the glory, Hallelujah, amen. Hallelujah, thine the glory, revive us again." This was commonly sung in our church along with "Victory in Jesus" "He Keeps Me Singing" "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus," and many others, mostly written by Fanny Crosby.
I find that music is the language of my heart. I can think of a song for just about any phrase. Anna has compared me to Barney--which is a compliment I suppose. Between the camp songs I learned growing up attending day camp and youth camps to the nursery rhymes my Mema used to sing, to the songs I learned at school in choir, to music on the radio and in my church, music has been a continual part of my existence. I can't really nail down my favorite songs, if it is singable, I will end up singing it at some point (even surprising my older husband Mark that somehow I know a portion of classic rock that he remembers, but I should not).
I would say, in general, my favorite songs are those that poetically or literally communicate a truthful message with a compelling melody and lovely harmony. I prefer stringed instruments to winds, and anything played on piano captivates me. (That is why I must learn piano, and yet can't see the forest for the trees when I am the one making the sounds come together). All that to say, here are a list of some songs that I think I will never forget because they are, most likely, my favorites:
"Our song" Stardust-sad message, but lovely melody sung best in my ear by my husband while slow dancing, but Nat King Cole and Harry Connick, Jr. are a close second!
How Deep the Father's Love for Us-often in my head when Mark is playing with the kids, and powerful message of redemption.
Before the Throne of God Above and In Christ Alone-christological messages put to singable melodies, great for worship and adoration of Jesus Christ.
Butterfly People-I think of my sister Cheryl when I sing it because the last time I sang with her to my recollection was a harmony to this song as she performed it in an Irish pub.
Were You There? and Ah, Lord Jesus-haunting and convicting songs about the death and suffering of Jesus. When I sing these songs, I can't forget the price that was paid for my sins.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You-gorgeous when sung in at least four-part harmony (angelic in my estimation), reminiscent of my high school choir days and singing with Cheryl at church growing up.
Be Thou My Vision-a song that you can pray and a prayer that you can sing.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing-I love the old words and unchanging message with all the variations of melodies that have been done.
Psalm 121 (For You are Good) -helps me have perspective and remember God's goodness no matter what, as well as reminds me I have a place to run when I am hurting or afraid.
Great is Thy Faithfulness-this ought to be sung at my funeral, because it is my theme song for life. Another song that I love to sing, Nicole Nordman's recent rendition is thoughtful and beautiful.
I find that music is the language of my heart. I can think of a song for just about any phrase. Anna has compared me to Barney--which is a compliment I suppose. Between the camp songs I learned growing up attending day camp and youth camps to the nursery rhymes my Mema used to sing, to the songs I learned at school in choir, to music on the radio and in my church, music has been a continual part of my existence. I can't really nail down my favorite songs, if it is singable, I will end up singing it at some point (even surprising my older husband Mark that somehow I know a portion of classic rock that he remembers, but I should not).
I would say, in general, my favorite songs are those that poetically or literally communicate a truthful message with a compelling melody and lovely harmony. I prefer stringed instruments to winds, and anything played on piano captivates me. (That is why I must learn piano, and yet can't see the forest for the trees when I am the one making the sounds come together). All that to say, here are a list of some songs that I think I will never forget because they are, most likely, my favorites:
"Our song" Stardust-sad message, but lovely melody sung best in my ear by my husband while slow dancing, but Nat King Cole and Harry Connick, Jr. are a close second!
How Deep the Father's Love for Us-often in my head when Mark is playing with the kids, and powerful message of redemption.
Before the Throne of God Above and In Christ Alone-christological messages put to singable melodies, great for worship and adoration of Jesus Christ.
Butterfly People-I think of my sister Cheryl when I sing it because the last time I sang with her to my recollection was a harmony to this song as she performed it in an Irish pub.
Were You There? and Ah, Lord Jesus-haunting and convicting songs about the death and suffering of Jesus. When I sing these songs, I can't forget the price that was paid for my sins.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You-gorgeous when sung in at least four-part harmony (angelic in my estimation), reminiscent of my high school choir days and singing with Cheryl at church growing up.
Be Thou My Vision-a song that you can pray and a prayer that you can sing.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing-I love the old words and unchanging message with all the variations of melodies that have been done.
Psalm 121 (For You are Good) -helps me have perspective and remember God's goodness no matter what, as well as reminds me I have a place to run when I am hurting or afraid.
Great is Thy Faithfulness-this ought to be sung at my funeral, because it is my theme song for life. Another song that I love to sing, Nicole Nordman's recent rendition is thoughtful and beautiful.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Introduction to the Petras Family
The Petras family consists of Mark and Kendra Petras with their children Anna (3) and Micah (1) Petras.
Mark grew up in Cleveland, OH suburbs and Kendra grew up in Austin, TX. Their paths converged at Dallas Baptist University where they shared a love for people and an interest in theological/philosophical topics. After Mark's graduation in December 2000, Mark and Kendra were married (literally that day).
They moved to Wheaton, IL, a suburb of Chicago where they each attended graduate school, pursuing Masters degrees in theology. Mark is now in his first full-time position as pastor of Crossroads Community Church outside Altoona, PA. It is both a dream come true and a continuation of the journey for their lives in Christ.
Kendra has been a stay-at-home mom since December 2004 after the birth of Anna. She has been seeking to raise children with frugality and love within the context of a Biblical worldview. Her masters degree in theology has helped navigate some of the perplexities in life and will one day help field profound questions from simple minds (i.e. the kids). Her english lit degree has led her to pursue as many children's classics at the public library as possible :).
Join us on our journey as we live out the Christian life together.
Mark grew up in Cleveland, OH suburbs and Kendra grew up in Austin, TX. Their paths converged at Dallas Baptist University where they shared a love for people and an interest in theological/philosophical topics. After Mark's graduation in December 2000, Mark and Kendra were married (literally that day).
They moved to Wheaton, IL, a suburb of Chicago where they each attended graduate school, pursuing Masters degrees in theology. Mark is now in his first full-time position as pastor of Crossroads Community Church outside Altoona, PA. It is both a dream come true and a continuation of the journey for their lives in Christ.
Kendra has been a stay-at-home mom since December 2004 after the birth of Anna. She has been seeking to raise children with frugality and love within the context of a Biblical worldview. Her masters degree in theology has helped navigate some of the perplexities in life and will one day help field profound questions from simple minds (i.e. the kids). Her english lit degree has led her to pursue as many children's classics at the public library as possible :).
Join us on our journey as we live out the Christian life together.
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