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 Matthew 9:9-12 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.
There isn't anyone I know that enjoys paying taxes, so the one collecting them may not be incredibly popular. In Jesus' day negative feelings were apparent towards taxes and collectors. A tax collector collected taxes for the Roman government (the occupying army) and therefore was viewed as a traitor by their own people. This is the person that Jesus asked to join his inner circle. Matthew was an outcast, but Jesus wanted him to be in the group. Matthew was excited enough to feel the acceptance that he responded immediately.
It is common in our world to not even notice those around us. We are busy, overloaded or focused and those we pass by can be "face-less". However, we can change that. We can give everyone a face. We can make them a person. We can display Christ's love by elevating their value. Often a simple hello, holding a door or a smile can lift someone's day. An invitation to join you in an activity, even church, can open them to hear and receive Christ's love.
Let's work on giving everyone a face.
Through our teaching series this month, let's take a look together at what it takes to build authentic relationships in our lives.
It is good to be your Pastor,
Dave
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 Jesus was open to everyone.
One thing that is evident as you read through the gospels is that Jesus entered a culture, a people group, a time in which there existed many barriers. Jesus broke down those barriers.
He offered hope, love, forgiveness, new life to everyone... those considered "in" the circle or "outside" the circle... Jesus eliminated the circle and opened the doors for all to join in following Him.
This September, invite a friend with you on Sundays to this "place for everyone".
Pastor Dave
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"The kingdom of heaven is like treasuer hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." Matthew 13:44
Supply and Demand... is the economic principle that describes the relationship between demand, supply and prices. This month, we are making a word play. Our series is geared to teaching us to live in God's supply and joyfully obey His commands. There is a deep connection between these two - understanding His supply and obeying His commands. |
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 A LETTER FROM PASTOR DAVE BENNETT
Exodus 15:8, "By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea." The sea was considered a place of great chaos for the Israelites. So when God piled up the waters for the Israelites to pass through, the message came through strong. God can control the chaos. God can open up a path for us to walk right through. Miriam responded to this truth by grabbing a tambourine, singing and dancing. She worshipped. Whatever the chaos is in your life today, God can make a way for you. He can cause the waters to stand up straight as you walk through. Our response is to worship. So as you make your way through, recognize, acknowledge and embrace God who makes the way. Worship is our response to God. We respond to His presence, majesty, authority and love. Our response is worship. When we realize that God is present, we worship. We don't think about it, debate it, or look around to see how others respond or even critique the music. When God is here, we worship...it is what we were made to do. Let's respond to Him! It is great to be your Pastor, Dave |
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Advent Conspiracy Introduction |
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We have begun our journey through Advent. This year we are using the word "conspiracy" attached to Advent. Sounds intriguing... espionage-like.. mysterious... so let me simplify it. God became man to transform us at Christmas. So as a transformed individual and church we are joining together to see people transformed at home and abroad. We are asking that everyone "give presence" this year. You can particpate in all the ways we are giving physcially - Angel Tree, Warm Winter for Children, Christmas meals for families, clean water projects around the world... but our goal is that you would "give yourself" this Christmas to the Savior of the world and others. Join the conspiracy.
It is good to be your Pastor,
Dave
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