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100 Days

April 6, 2011 in Church Life with 0 Comments

Today I completed The Essential 100 reading plan which I started on YouVersion at the beginning of the year.

I mention this not at all out of pride or conceit, but to encourage. If I can do it, I know you can to! Trust me, I am not a fast reader or someone who reads dozens of books a year.

As I shared during the interview with Pastor Eric during our “No Comprendo” series, YouVersion makes finding a reading plan that works for you very easy. There are plans that cover the entire Bible and ones that are topical (like anger, marriage, finances) as well as ones that for youth.  YouVersion is web-based and available not only on your computer but on as an app or in mobile web format on all major mobile devices so you can have access to it at any time.

The Bible isn’t just some holy book that “religious people” carry around to show off or beat people over the head with. It is a book of life and hope for all of us. It is how God speaks to us and shares his message with us. There will be parts we don’t understand, but that is okay – we need to start and let the Spirit guide us!

How about you? Have you tried a reading plan yet? Are you ready to try one now? I would love to hear what you have tried or are thinking about trying. You can leave comments here!

Love Bumps

March 20, 2011 in Church Life, Family Life with 0 Comments

My notes from this weekend’s message at Fellowship – part 2 of the “Hitched” series.

Some Benefits (and Dangers) of Marriage!

- mortality rates
- rates of chronic illnesses or disabilities
- one’s own health
- depression, anxiety and suicide
- problems with drinking and substance abuse
- financial well-being
- rates of violence

Marriage rates in the U.S. Are at an all time low. Many seem to be afraid of the dangers above.

Big idea - “Bump the bumps” by bringing back the fun.

Love Bumps:

1. Words that cut.
2. Not asking for forgiveness.
3. Lack of fun.
4. Trying to straighten out your spouse.
5. Secrets.
6. No intimacy.

How to Love - Romans 12:9-11 NLT

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

Take Aways

* Raise the value of your spouse as high as possible. (Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Romans 12:9)
* Pursue God. (Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9)
* Build the love bank. (Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10)
* Do something great. (Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:11)


not a fan.

March 10, 2011 in Church Life with 0 Comments

fan: an enthusiastic admirer.

  • Are there moments in your life where you feel like you are just blending in?
  • Are you just part of the audience?
  • Are there times when you wish you could really engage in your life?
  • Maybe you want to really take a stand for something.
  • Maybe what you really need is to be a follower and not a fan.
  • Maybe it’s time to do something.
Show the world that you are a follower and not a fan. In the Gospels Jesus never seemed too interested in fans.  He was looking for followers. Not just any follower though…

completely. committed. follower.

The Fellowship Men’s LifeGroup (Men of ICE) will be launching a new 6-part study this coming Saturday: not a fan. (See the trailer clip here.)

 

Join us at 7:30am at the Bethel Road Campus for free breakfast and the video study. You will be challenged!

Don’t Just Listen – Do Something!

March 6, 2011 in Church Life with 0 Comments

Sharing my notes from Eric’s message today at Fellowship:

No Comprendo – Week 4

Big Idea: Do Something with Scripture!

Is it possible to read scripture and not be changed?
John 5:39-40 – Danger: Information alone can bring knowledge but not necessarily life change.

What happens if we don’t take the final step – APPLICATION?
* We get soaked with information.
* We run the risk of looking for applause.
* We don’t experience real life transformation.

We must do more than just listen. James 1:21-25

Four questions to ask as you observe.

Question #1: Is there a sin to avoid?
James 1:21 “So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives,”

Question #2: Is there a command to obey?
James 1:21 “and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”

Question #3: Is there a promise to claim?
James 1:22 “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

Question #4: Is there an example to follow?
James 1:23-25 “For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”

Take Aways
1. Be specific. (about what you need to change)
2. Make it attainable. (be realistic with where you are at)
3. Share it with others. (LifeGroups)

Isaiah 17:10-11 – “you have turned from the God who can save you.”

Closing Thought – May we become aware of how much we personally need God’s Word. May we learn to observe, interpret, and apply it like never before. And may we come to know God in a deeper, richer way as we reach for His letter.

Fellowship Going to Two Services

March 2, 2011 in Church Life with 0 Comments

It’s been getting crowded at 10:30 so Fellowship will be going to two Sunday morning service times (9:15 and 11:00) starting this Sunday, March 6.  Doing so also creates some new opportunities for volunteers to step forward and help us with our vision to Redefine Church in the Delaware Valley.

If you want to experience church in a totally different way, come check it out this Sunday. If you are already a part of the FC crowd but haven’t gotten involved yet, now is your chance!

 

Toxic Thoughts

February 7, 2011 in Church Life with 0 Comments

Here are my notes from Sunday’s message at Fellowship. Powerful message from Lee White, Elder & Men’s Life Group Leader

Toxic Thoughts – Lee White

It’s the THOUGHT that counts!
- Romans 7:15
- Proverbs 4:23

The Big Idea: Identify & reject toxic thoughts and replace them with God’s truth.

Five type of negative thoughts:
1. Negative - Will attack you directly in the place where you are called to serve!
2. Fearful - What’s going to happen if…
3. Sinful - Lust, envy, gossip
4. Critical – Judgemental
5. Discontented - I want better house, clothes, kids, spouse

Toxic thoughts have toxic actions!

Genesis 25:29-34 Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for some stew.
Matthew 1:1-2 - The impact of trading his birthright because he was hungry.

This is a powerful story… think about what Esau gave up for a very temporary gain. If we don’t learn to treat our toxic thoughts we will make the same tragic mistakes in life.

Poison Control:
1. Identify toxic thoughts
2. Reject toxic thoughts 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
3. Replace toxic thoughts with God’s truth. Philippians 4:8

Toxic Religion

January 31, 2011 in Church Life with 0 Comments

Gus did a great job yesterday talking on the subject of “Toxic Religion“.  Below are the notes I took from his message.

Toxic Religion – Gus Sareyka

Toxic religion eats away at our spiritual lives.

How do we know when our behavior is toxic?
- There are over 1000 organized religions in the U.S.

Definition: a practice, behavior or activity that tries to EARN God’s love.

What motivates or drives us to do what we do?
- Why did you come to church today?

Selfless living eliminates trying to earn God’s love.

Galatians 3:1-2 Paul reminds them of what their religion is supposed to be like.
- Christ’s love (and responding to it) should be our motivation.
- Nothing we can do will earn us God’s love.

The rest of our lives & the culture we live in teaches us to earn things. We must not approach our spiritual lives this way.

We often get too obsessed that we are not doing enough for God or we get complacent and point out all that we have already done.

Galatians 3:4-5

Toxic religion eats away at our relationships with others.
- We become critical, judgmental, and condescending to others.

Galatins 5:14-15

Take Aways (poison control):

1. Be Thankful & appreciative (what God has done)
2. Have a Teachable Spirit (open mind)
3. Be Obedient
4. Put Others First

Toxic Relationships

January 23, 2011 in Church Life with 0 Comments

We started a new series at Fellowship today. Here are my notes from Eric’s message (which you can listen to here)

Toxic Relationships

Sometimes it’s the things we can’t see that hurt us the most.

Relationships effect everyone regardless of age, gender, race or personality type.
- Most of us will be involved in at least one toxic relationship in our life time.

Big Idea: Skillful living will help overcome toxic relationships in your life.

Relationship Truths:
1. The people around you will determine how far you go and who you influence along the way.
2. Relationships are hard.
3. We are all probably toxic at times.
4. Relationships are worth the fight.

3 John 1:9-10  Example of toxic relationship from Bible

What does a toxic relationship look like?
- Someone is shouting “me first!” (verse 9)
- Communication is vicious or gone (verse 10)
- Deep hurt is standard. (verse 10)

Poison Control: (choices we make)
1. Attach yourself to solid values.
- Do you know what they are?
- What do want to be remembered for?
- What are the 4-6 words that describe who you want to be?
2. Get perspective.
- Remember the boom a rang effect
3. Set boundaries.
- You can’t just ignore people. You must deal with and confront when necessary.
- But there lines that cannot be crossed. Recognize and respect them.

Verse 11 – don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good.

App For Financial Doubts

January 16, 2011 in Church Life with 2 Comments

Here are my notes from today’s message at Fellowship.

If You Ever Doubted You Are Going to Make it Financially, There’s an App for That!

Jesus spoke more about money then anything else?

Questions
- Do I treat God as CEO or just financial consultant?
- Do I act as if I own and run the store or God?

Lev 25:23 – the land belongs to God

Money Principles:
1. Everything belongs to God
2. God expects us to manage what he has given to us well.

So how to we gain momentum financially if it isn’t about getting more?
- Jesus taught that the key was to gain freedom, by giving back to God. (God’s Pie video)

Greg Teal interview
* 25% of marriages fail due to $ problems. Not because there isn’t enough but because there isn’t common money goals.
– Budgets are the best tools to help align money goals.
– Budgets are not a dirty word but simply and agreed to plan on spending. They must be realistic and not just want you want.

Gaining momentum means partnering with God – tithe. (Matthew 23:23)
– The paradox is that we gain by doing with less.

Tithing Thoughts:
1. Frees us from addiction to stuff.
2. Frees us to give with purpose.
3. Frees us to invest in things that matter eternally.

Take Home Apps:
1. Re-evaluate and get focused.
2. Challenge yourself to generous giving.
– Try holding everything in open hands and watch what God will do.
– Don’t let fear eat away your generosity.

Challenge: Try generous giving for the next 60 days and watch what happens.

More resources at http://ericfkoehler.com

Digital Disciples

January 14, 2011 in Church Life with 2 Comments

Yesterday, I was honored to be featured on the Digital Disciples web site.  An online friend, Gabe Taviano, had an idea and a passion about helping network together people who have skills and interest in technology and who want to use those to serve God. The hope is that people will find out about each other and then be able to have monthly meetings where they can share ideas, ask questions, do training but also have Bible study, fellowship and pray for each other.

If you are in the Wilmington, Delaware or Philadelphia area and would be interested in such a get together let me know!  I would very much enjoy getting to meet you and seeing what God might do.

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