Archive for » August, 2008 «

Aug
23
What if we really listened?
pastorarlen

I have to confess that there are times when Melissa is talking to me, but I am not fully listening. Most of the times it’s when I’m preoccupied doing something else. I can only do one thing at a time. I am not a multi-tasker.

Then I got to thinking, when do we really listen to someone? When we’re getting directions we listen or we’re going to get lost. When we are engrossed in a story a friend is relating to us, we really listen. When it’s imperative that we get every detail correct for our job, we really listen.

Our second Statement of Faith is that God has spoken to us in the Bible, but are we really listening?

The Bible: We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

Periodically I have a heart check. I read or preach about something that challenges me to draw nearer to God. This is one of those times. Is Arlen really listening to what God is saying in the Bible? Do I believe every bit of the Bible? Am I obeying what the Lord asks of me? Is my trust solely in His promises? Does this challenges you as it does me?

-Pastor Arlen

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Aug
15
On The Pastor’s Heart: So What’s Is…
pastorarlen

“So, what is Christianity all about anyway?”

If a sincere person seeking God asked you the question above, how would you answer them? Unless you have had a seminary education, you may be at a loss as to where to start.

Let me suggest that a great place to start with this question is our church’s Statement of Faith (otherwise known as our Doctrinal Statement). The Statement of Faith is a concise, yet thorough explanation of basic beliefs we hold as a denomination and as a local church.

Over the course of the last two years, the Evangelical Free Church of America has been revising our Statement of Faith as a group of churches. No, there weren’t any huge changes, but since the 1950’s the English language has changed and we wanted to update the language in our written statements of beliefs.

Let me assure you, our beliefs have not changed. If you’d like to take a look for yourself, both the Statement from 1950 and the proposed changes are available at www.efca.org. We as a church have been asked to review and accept the proposed changes to our statement of faith. So over the next few weeks I will present our Statement of Faith with some commentary for you to consider.

Be blessed as we explore God’s word and the richness of our faith.

Statement of Faith: God

1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

Wow! I know that whenever we begin to describe God, we are just scratching the tip of the iceberg. But even this little scratch is awesome.

The thing I most appreciate about this statement is that it is filled with relationship. From start to finish, this statement declares the united relationship among the Trinity and the relationship God desires with us as He makes all things new in our lives and restores our relationship with Him.

And as much as salvation is for us, it’s about God because salvation declares His glory and goodness.

Would you take some time this week to think about and ponder the richness of Titus 3:3-8. Also meditate and think about how “God makes all things new.” That is a powerful prayer we can pray for our families, relationships, and even our frustrations.

Blessings!

-Pastor Arlen

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