What Is A Real Friend?

It has been said that a dog is man's best friend. It doesn't seem to matter what you do to your dog, he just keeps on loving you just the same. If you had a million dollars and a dog, you would have a million so-called friends and a dog. If you lose the million dollars and have nothing left, those million friends would also be gone, but you would still have the dog. He doesn't care about money, titles, position or privilege. All he asks is for the privilege of being near his master. If you speak his name, you make his day. If you pet him on the head, he thinks he is in dog heaven. His love is unselfish and undying. He is as constant in his love as the sun is in its course across the heavens. I suppose it is true that among all the animals in God's vast creation, there is no greater friend to mankind than the dog. Is this a true statement? If it is I am not very happy today because I don’t own a dog nor can I have one. So does this mean that I don’t have friends?

I think that there is another friend out there that has all the characteristics of a Dog but is much more valuable than that… His Name is Jesus. What are some characteristics of this friend named Jesus?

1. He is a friend that sacrifices
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:12-15

2. He is a friend that loves
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Pro. 17:17

3. He is a friend that is steadfast
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Prov 18:24

4. He is a friend that offers correction
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Pro. 27:6

5. He is a friend that forgives
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. Matt 26:50

Pastor Eric

What is Prayer?

Prayer is communication—a dialogue between you and God in a love relationship. It should be like talking to your best friend. Prayer is attitude—more important than what you say is why you are saying it.

Jesus Said in Matthew 6:5-13 and 7:7-12 that;
Our prayers should have sincerity, not be hypocritical (6:5-8).
Our prayers should have submission, acknowledging who God is (6:9-10). Our prayers should have supplication, expressing our needs to God (6:11-13). Our prayers should have strength, firm faith in God, his love and faithfulness (7:7 -8, 11).

When can you pray?
Pray without ceasing. This means having the communication channels open at all times. Communicate with God at any time and anywhere. Jonah prayed in the stomach of a great fish; Jesus prayed in a garden; Paul and Silas prayed in prison. You can even pray in a car, in class, at work, or in church.

Why should you pray?
Prayer gets God involved in your life. Prayer puts God at the center of your attention.
Prayer makes you aware of God’s plans for you, helping you become more sensitive to him. Prayer gives you an attitude of expectancy because prayer does change things such as circumstances, people, etc. Prayer changes you as God works on your attitudes, desires, and motives.

How does God want you to talk to Him?
You must be honest when you talk to God. He knows you, and you can’t fool him. You should be specific in you conversation with God, so you can see God’s specific answers to your prayers. You should pray with confidence, seeking to act in obedience to what God tells you to do. You can pray in any place or position. Don’t restrict yourself to closed eyes, folded hands, or a church building. You can pray with others. Don’t be afraid of letting others see your imperfections. Jesus says that others will know that we are his disciples by the way that we “love one another.” Prayer together will draw us closer together in love. And Jesus has promised that where two or three are gathered together in his name, there he will be among them.

What are some basics to help me have an effective prayer life?
1. Set a specific time to pray with attention focused on God.
2. Begin your prayer time with praise-focusing on who God is.
3. Take time to reflect on your relationship with Christ and others.
4. Confess sin and ask God to forgive you.
5. Thank God for what He has done in and around you.
6. Pray for the needs of others.
7. Talk with God about the things you need in your life.
8. Thank God for answered prayers and keep the conversations open for the rest of the day.

Pastor Eric

The Greatest Tragedy

What is the Greatest Tragedy?

Today as many of you drove around town, you noticed the flags flying at half mast. Now most of us when we see this ask ourselves this question "Who are they Honoring"? Or maybe some of you ask the question "Who important died"? Today marks the 6th year anniversary of the attack that took America by surprise. I remember where I was standing when it all took place. I remember the fear that engulfed my heart as the images on the TV where so real. Many of us hit our knees and prayed and during that time, this great country of America stood still...

What is amazing is that after 6 years life is back to normal. Polls show that most Americans believe that were are now safer. My question is are we? We as a country have taken our eyes of God and put our eyes on self. We have become as a nation like that Laodicean Church found in the Book of Acts. It states that they became lukewarm-neither hot nor cold. God said "I am about to spit you out of my mouth" Rev 3:16. Our lives are back to normal as it may seem, but our spirit as a nation has been standing still. It's if we are waiting for some great miracle to take place where Jesus will come back and rescue us all from the moral decay which is all around us.

My friends, I believe in a Sovereign God, who sits on his thrown and allows things to happen throughout history to get nations of people to turn to him once again. We can read about this and have historical evidence to prove this throughout our history. It is possible that this is what God is doing with America? Today as many families mourn once again over the loss of their loved ones. As the images are displayed on the Internet and news clips reminding us of when America stood still on September 11th, 2001, 6yrs ago. Let us remember the Greatest Tragedy in our history is not when our enemy's attack us. It is when our Nation turns it's back on God. A nation, need I remind you that was founded on Christian Principles. This my friends is the Greatest Tragedy. You see many people gave their lives on September 11th so that others could live free..

What a reminder of the ultimate price and life that was given for you and me "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that who ever believes in him will not parish but have ever lasting life". John 3:16. God gave his Son Jesus, so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

So when you are driving around and you see a flag flying at half mast., remember the cross and remember that we as a nation can turn and be blessed again. "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn form their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and heal their land" 2 Chronicles 7:14

Pastor Eric

What Is Absolute Truth?

What Is Absolute Truth?

1. Can I breathe water?
Absolute truth- Lungs are not designed to breathe water.
2. Can I throw a baseball in the air and expect it not to come down?Absolute truth- the law of gravity
3. Can I use red paint and get a blue wall?Absolute truth- Blue and red are both primary color.
4. Can we have water without oxygen?Absolute truth- It takes hydrogen and oxygen.
5. Can I burn a piece of wood and put it back together?Absolute truth- The laws of thermodynamics
6. Can I grow an oak tree from a corn seed?Absolute truth- The law of biogenesis
7. Does a heart work without electrical impulses?Absolute truth- The body cannot function without electrical impulses.
8. Can a buffalo write a symphony?Absolute truth- Music does not just happen, it is designed.
9. Can I see a bright light in a dark room?Absolute truth- Bright light and darkness cannot exist in the same space.

If there is no absolute truth, I am the source of my own moral code...and every other person is the source of their moral code.

1. Who decides what is right when my moral code conflicts with another person’s moral code?
2. If there is no moral standard, why do we have guilt and shame?
3. If there are no absolute truths, why do we have laws, courts, judges and juries?
4. If there is no absolute truth, can there be any crime?

So who decides where absolute truth comes from?

1. Do I want my friends to decide?
2. Do I want the religious leaders of the world to decide?There are hundreds of different religions.
3. Do I want the governments of the world to decide?Some governments are good...some are bad.

What about God??? "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."II Timothy 3:16, 1

The absolute truth is: Because Bible writers claim truth, if we can find one place where the Bible is not true, we cannot trust anything the Bible says. Forty writers, over a period of at least 15 centuries wrote 66 books...with no contradictions.

The absolute truth is: The Bible is the only reliable historical record of the actual words of Jesus! Other books talk about Jesus.

The absolute truth is: The Bible is the most influential, well documented book in the history of the world.

The absolute truth is: Jesus is known as a great prophet in every major religion in the world.The Bible says Jesus is not just a prophet; He is the Son of God.

Pastor Eric

Assurance of Salvation: Is It Possible?

Assurance of Salvation: Is it possible?
Assurance of salvation is possible. Consider 1 John 5:11-13: "And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life. I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life" (NLT). God wants us to know we have eternal life. These verses clearly share that those who have believed in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as their personal savior have eternal life. Eternal life is just that -- eternal Romans 8:38-39 say, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing can separate a child of God from their Father.

Assurance of Salvation: Why do I doubt?Many Christians have questioned assurance of salvation. They may be going through a time of emotional unsteadiness. Perhaps they have allowed doubt to creep in or are being led by their emotions. They may be going through a time of spiritual dryness and they might not experiencing joy in their spiritual walk. Living in sin may also be the culprit and Satan may be trying to deceive them into thinking they aren't good enough to receive God's forgiveness and eternal reward. Be assured that many struggle with one or all of these from time to time. Consider these helpful suggestions:

Ask the Lord to reveal unconfessed sin.
Then follow through by repenting.
Read your Bible daily.
Study specific verses about salvation.
Pray regularly.
Talk to God and ask that He help you.
Trust the Lord.
Remember He loves you greatly.
Rebuke doubt.

Offer praise and thanksgiving to God. Do not let feelings rob you of your joy.

Assurance of Salvation: Understanding the Biblical SupportJesus tells us personally that He gives us eternal life and nothing can take that away: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one" (John 10: 27-30). Salvation is a gift of grace. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Romans 10:13. Let us also be secure in knowing that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" Having this knowledge gives us hope. We can know Christ will claim us as His for all time. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17).

Pastor Eric

Why Am I Here?

Why am I here?
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5

Why am I Here? This question is often asked so many times in our lives. We search for the answer in so many things that the world has to offer, but yet we still can’t find that ultimate peace. I am convinced that the peace you are looking for can only be found in loving God. You can put your trust in a lot of things but all of that stuff goes away and it still leaves you with that one question, Why am I here? In order to love God you must accept his son. Without accepting his son, what you are saying is that you don’t love GOD. “For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him will not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16. He gave us his son so that we might have a relationship with him. God does not promise tomorrow. Tonight you could die. Do you know for sure that you will spend eternity with Jesus? Why are we here? To love GOD, through accepting his son as your savior, and living your life for him.

Pastor Eric

The Body of Christ

Body of Christ - The definition the Body of Christ is a common, yet complex term used in the Christian faith. Some may initially think we are talking about the physical body of Christ, as in His human form on earth. But the term "Body of Christ" actually refers to the members of His church, throughout history. Who or what is the body of Christ? The body of Christ is the Church, made up of all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Each Christian, then, is a part of the body of Christ. The first biblical reference to this body was made by Jesus during the last supper. Mark 14:22 says, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body.'" This symbolic act is the beginning of the communion service which Christians accept as a remembrance that they are a part of the body of Jesus Christ, due to Jesus' death on the cross.

Body of Christ - The unit the Body of Christ, like all bodies, is comprised of many parts. There are limbs, organs, and various members that, when left alone, are useless, but when assembled make up the entire body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 describe it like this: "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many." This means each Christian is an equal part of the body of Christ! There is organization to the body of Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:22-23, "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 also says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues." Every Christian possesses a gift and is called to use it in service within the body to build up the body of Christ, to strengthen the body and to carry out its purpose within the world. Each member of the body of Christ is also called to serve the church through his or her natural gifts and abilities. This service is offered out of devotion to Christ for the sacrifice He made on the cross, providing them with eternal life in heaven. The diversity of gifts, each supporting the other, makes the body strong!

Body of Christ - Personal application as a part of the church, what can you do to enhance the body of Christ? The body is a holy entity and is to be respected and treated with complete honor and care. The Bible provides several action principles for building up the body of Christ:

You are called to promote truth and unity - Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

You are called to service - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 outlines the importance of using your God-given spiritual gift. Your gift is unique and equally important. It is essential to the body that you use your special gift in service to God.

You are called to share Jesus - Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…" As part of the body of Christ, you are to share your life-changing story with others!

You are called to worship - "It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night" (Psalm 92:1-2).

You are called to love each another - "1 John 4:11 says, "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Are you a contributing member of the body of Christ? Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are you contributing to peace and unity within the body? Do you worship regularly? Take a moment to evaluate your life in light of these principles.

Pastor Eric