Golden Compass Movie

I generally don’t spend time pointing out what Christians should avoid, movies, books, etc… However, I do feel compelled to help parent’s understand that the new movie, Golden Compass”, has very strong undertones that undermine the message of Christianity.

You can read a synopsis that Focus on The Familiy did by clicking here.

Lessons From Acts (1)

 We’re reading through the Book of Acts this month.  I love reading through this book because it’s so challenging to see how God used the early apostles to start the movement of Christ followers that spread out across the world so rapidly.

Here are a few things that come to mind – some random observations – as I’ve gone through the first 4 chapters in the Book of Acts:

• There must have been such a sense of anticipation and expectation for the apostles as Jesus spoke to them, promising the Holy Spirit and power.  Then He tells them to wait.
• It must have been hard for the disciples to wait.  They must have been excited and eager to move out.  Yet their first act was one of obedience, to wait as they’d been told.
• I love the boldness of the disciples.  Peter, who’d denied Christ is now preaching with incredible boldness knowing only too well that it could lead to his death.  Yet he’s so convicted, knowing that Jesus has risen from the dead, and that nothing else matters.
• In Chapter 2 verse 37 we hear the people asking Peter, “What then should we do?”  It’s the same question we must each ask ourselves as we read the Scriptures, and as we grow in Christ.  Then we need to be ready to act in obedience – ready to go out and act in this world. 
• Chapter 2 verses 42-47 gives us a picture of these new Christ followers coming together to act as biblical church.  Because they loved each other, because they gathered to worship together,  because they were willing to meet each other’s needs and give generously, the testimony of the church spread as did the church itself – 3,000 were added in a single day – just because they were willing to act as Jesus had instructed them to act.  What would happen if we did the same thing here in the church in 2007?   
• In Chapter 3 we meet a crippled man who asks Peter for money.  Instead of giving him money, Peter meets his greater need – which is healing him of his physical issues.  I believe it’s a model of compassion of the local church.  We ought to meet the physical needs of people while meeting the greater need – a spiritual one – a need for Jesus in their life.
• People were amazed at the teaching of Peter and John, making note of the fact that these men were ordinary, uneducated, unschooled – literally “idiots” – but they’d been with Jesus and now something had changed.  I hope that’s the mark of my ministry – that it would be apparent that I’ve been with Jesus and that I work beyond my human capacity and ability because He is alive in me!
• There was a buzz in the early church because God was at work and lives were being change.  I pray for that same buzz in our community because God is at work at Palm Valley and lives are being changed.

I’m digging reading through Acts.  I hope you are too.  If not, why not start today in chapter four and join me? 

Weekend Reflections

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS

What a great weekend it was at Palm Valley, though it definitely had a different feel because it’s a different kind of series.  Typically our numbers are down this time of year, and I often chuckle to think that people get too busy for Christ during the holidays.

We opened the new Series called A.C.T. – which is all about taking our faith and putting it into action – with a message entitled “Activate Your Faith”.  We’re challenging everyone to step up and take personal responsibility for their own growth and faith.

Here’s some thoughts from the weekend: 

• Michael & Derrick did an awesome job with the staging, the video, the new video screen, and the red elements. It was really cool.
• The A.C.T. shirts are awesome. They’re available on the patio.
  It was great to see a lot of people step across the line and volunteer. We truly only become the Church we’re supposed to be when everyone gets involved and is actively serving.
• Preaching so many services gives me migraines. Sunday afternoons have become my crash & recover time.
• I’m excited about the new Community Pastor position we introduced this weekend. It’s going to allow us to have a small church feel in the local community, gathering as a larger body
  for corporate worship in the weekends.
• Adrienne and the preschool team are hitting it out the park every week! That team is such a machine. If you haven’t seen their Christmas staging by all means check it out.
• I’m excited about the Christmas parties that people are hosting this year. Over 100 people have signed up already, and my hope is that every family will open their homes to neighbors.
• We’ve got the best office team ever! You will never call this office and not be greeted in a polite and friendly manner. The gals are dedicated, viewing their work as a ministry and not just
  a job.
• Our church building is Value Haiti is being built. I’m eager to see just how God uses it to reach that community for Christ.
• The staff Christmas party is this weekend. I’m looking forward to hanging out with the team to celebrate what God’s done this year.
• What I’m most excited about is the initiative we’ve undertaken for everyone to read through the Bible in 2008. You can get your One-Year NLT Bible on the patio this weekend.
• Raiders over the Broncos!! Enough said.
• I was viciously attached by a fly during first service Sunday morning. What happened next was one of the funniest moments ever. Check out this video:

Have a great week, PVC-ers.  I can’t wait to see you this week as we continue to ACT

Worth 1,000 words

A couple weeks ago we did a “vow renewal service” to wrap up our series titled Your Best Marriage Ever! It was a great event, and I decided to make the most of it by donning a suit to make the day special. It felt really weird to me, kind of like I stepped back 10 years in ministry. Anyways, for your viewing pleasure, here’s the proof…