What is Your Vision?
Today is our last Sunday of 2019. Lord willing, we will gather next Sunday in the new year 2020. The number 2020 is often connected to the standard of good vision. What is YOUR VISION for the 70 West family? In your vision for 70 West, do you see us doing a better job in reaching out to our community? If so, how will you help us all fulfill that vision? Do you see 70 West as a caring family,…
Three Great Resolutions
As we approach the new year, many people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Let me give you three resolutions that will help you grow closer to God and closer to His church. #1-Resolve to really get into reading and studying God’s Word in 2020. Have a plan and stick to it! For me personally, studying the Bible each morning around 5 and then capping off the night with a simple reading of God’s Word works best. I prefer a…
A Difference in Organization
We are placed into a certain category by other people. The Lord’s church is often put into the category of “Christianity”. The religious world has only a few distinctions: Christianity, Jewish, Muslim and a few others. Do you realize that there are at least 4,000 different versions of “Christianity” as it is known by the world. However, God has only designated one church. A difference between the church for which Jesus died and the rest of the religious world is…
Be an Encourager
Once again you have humbled me with your tremendous love and encouragement. Thanks to all who attended the annual Open House event last Sunday. I was staying up with the count until the midway point around 4 o’clock and then lost all ability to keep up as there was a fairly constant stream of folks stopping by to enjoy the fellowship. At the midway point the attendance was already 79 so I know the final count was in the hundreds…
Thanksgiving
As Christians, we are so blessed! We are blessed to have God as our Heavenly Father and Jesus as our older brother. We are blessed to have the church as our spiritual family. We are blessed because we get to experience ‘thanksgiving’ 365 days per year. Instead of only celebrating the spirit of ‘thanksgiving’ once a year as most Americans do, as Christians we offer up our ‘thanksgiving’ praise to God every day in songs and prayer. Unfortunately, in our…
The Lord’s church is different…
We live in a world that hears the word “church” and the image that explodes into the mind of the world is a building with a steeple. The world sees the building as holy. It is almost impossible to change the mindset of 7 billion, however, it needs to be realized that the church is different. As we explore this idea, notice that the church is different due to her worship. The church is different when we see her worship…
Grow in 2020
In last week’s sermon, I challenged all of us, as a follow up to SPARK, to GROW in five specific areas with one of those areas being GROW IN KNOWLEDGE of God’s Word. Proverbs 4:20-27 speaks about growing in knowledge which results in godly WISDOM. In the Bible, we find the recipe for right character, loving conversation, proper conduct, and lifestyle that can be applied to situations and decisions that confront us on a daily basis. I can’t speak for…
Paul would disagree…
We often have friends and family who are not members of the Lord’s church. We love these folks but we cannot get them to see the truth. No matter how much we pray for them or study with them, they often answer the Bible truths by saying, “That is your interpretation.” If we are honest with the Word of God, we do not interpret it. We simply read and apply. One of the greatest sins presented by Satan to fool…
Was Spark “Worth it”?
Our community might ask the question, “Was the effort and the expense of SPARK worth it?” I would say a resounding YES! Here is a posting from my Facebook page that talks about the impact of SPARK. Some have asked about the impact of our 40 DAYS OF PRAYER and especially as those prayers related to our recently completed SPARK. I believe our great God richly blessed our prayers and here’s why. We had 3 baptisms and perhaps one of…
What’s next?
Last week we wrapped up our 40-Days of Prayer campaign with the conclusion of a very successful Polishing the Pulpit’s SPARK so what’s next you might ask? Follow-up is next! We had local guests attend during SPARK and I will be visiting these folks in the coming days. Sometimes a new convert to the Lord starts with that person visiting our services. Please pray for success in the follow-up process as I reach out to these folks. Continued spiritual growth…
Blaze and PTP Spark Is for You!
Job said in Job 3:25: “That which I have greatly feared is come upon me…” As for us, those things for which we have painstakingly prepared are within reach. Blaze will be this weekend and PTP-SPARK will begin in one week. THESE EVENTS ARE FOR ALL OF US!!! The theme of BLAZE is “Going Home”. We will study the desire we have to go to Heaven when this life is over. “Going Home” is designed for those of all ages.…
The Most Powerful Force in the World
What is the most powerful FORCE in the world? Some might point to nuclear power, both as an energy source and as a weapon. Others would say storms and if you have lived through a tornado or a hurricane you might agree. Still, others would point to the destructive force of a flood as the most powerful force in the world. Which one is correct? Actually, none of the above are correct. The most powerful force in the world is…