(ESV)  Romans 8:31.  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32.  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

33.  Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Let's work backward here!  v. 33 To be a part of God's elect simply means that you must be justified by Him.  Justification is when He removes the penalty that hovers over your life due to the sin nature you are born with...(Romans 3:23/Romans 6:23)  God is the great and ultimate authority over us.  If we believe the Bible as the Divine and Fully Authoritative Word, then we understand that no other charge compares to the weightiness of eternal separation from God.  Then, who shall bring any charge against those whose penalty has been removed that would cause you to be hopeless, withouth life?

Obviously, this is not the first you've probably heard about this, but it could be the most distance form of reality in your life today.  The penalty is not what looms over the lives of the believers causing Godless living, but rather, the feelings of failure that dominate our view of Scripture and press us into a moldable display of defeat.  My hope is that we'll stop and consider the guarantee of Life that has been issued by God!  What else is there to be said?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  v.31, 32  the encouragement to Live is found in the defeat of the weighty matters of the soul.  God gave all so you and I could have all!  ALL, LIFE, ABUNDANCE, FULL... When we find ourselves in a funk, maybe we need only to confess how freely we allow ourselves to forget TRUTH ! 

 

 

Don't Quit Pressing Forward,

Pastor Scott

When we look at the history of disaster, it grips the very core of compassion the we have either forgotten, abandoned, ignored, pushed away, or grown immuned to.  From 9/11 to the tsunami in 2004 and 2009 that killed thousands, Katrina in 2005 and now the earthquake in Hatai.  It is a questionable time for all who listen to the reports of these tragedies as we wonder, where is God?  Does God really care what's happening to people?  How is a loving God capable of doing this or allowing this?  Why is this happening?  I understand the gripping questions that plague the minds of people, because I have had the same thoughts and questions at times.  

The one point of communitcation that I would love to throw out there today is found in Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is near to the brokenheated and saves the crushed in spirit."  When our questions seem to overthrow our faith, it is good to be reminded that the broken world we live in can usher any catastrophy and even head your way.  We don't have all the answers to the questions, but we do have an utmost promise in the middle of all tragedy...The Lord is near.  Retain the thought of that one small promise that the GOD of ALL creation saves the crushed in spirit.  Enjoy this message that was provoked by the Hatai tragedy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rerU_NYwD8

Much Love in Christ,

Pastor Scott

2/11/2010

 

How many thoughts can pass through your mind in one day! And how many can you process?  And of those, how much can you learn?  I don’t have the answer, but I had to be close to the limit today.  It’s been a crazy week.  I went to the doctor Monday for the first time to ever go for an illness, so I was pretty sick! We also went back to school Monday, had an important staff meeting, and I had a million things on my to-do list for the week.  (Laying on the couch all week was not on the agenda)  To say the least, Tuesday and Wednesday I did NOTHING.  Today was my first day back in action after three days of what I thought were worthless, so I thought I’d share some of the wisdom of the day with you.  My dad called this morning and said “You know son, sometimes I think you go so non-stop that God may have to put you on your behind so that you will slow down.”  He was joking but he made a great point.  I think we go so non-stop in our attempt to get things done in our busy life that we forget it’s important to slow down and focus on what really matters.  I didn’t mark off a single thing on my to-do list this week, and the world still turns.  I didn’t spend much time on the internet and phone  this week, and my friends and family made it through the week.  Not to take away from the importance of what any one person does, but it’s important for us to remember why we do what we do and that ultimately our perfect Creator is in complete control.  I also learned that the enemy hates what God is doing in the TPC.  Tonight alone, I saw many ways in which the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  Locked doors, sicknesses, lack of preparation, lack of will power, and several other things.  However, as I told the college tonight, where there is a “lack of” anything there is an opportunity for God to show His provision and we can rejoice that He comes to give Life to the abundance.  The week is headed in a positive direction (I just walked out the door at mom’s house and stepped on a penny on heads) and I feel like this is very similar to where our church is at.  And with that said, I don’t think we could be at a better place.  In your individual life do not become overwhelmed by your to-do list.  Take the time to stop doing certain things and focus on what’s important.  Let everything within you be fixed on the things above, and let your actions be for the glory of God.  In your life as a partner of the TPC, do not become overwhelmed by the work you do week after week.  Be encouraged that your efforts are part of Kingdom ministry, and continue to turn people to Christ!  “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all that he has promised.”  Hebrews 10:36

 

Matt Mathis

My Prayer for us in 2010 is that our identity be revealed, and that we become very aware of that identity in hopes that we won't navigate through life w/out the joy, perseverence, and hope that is found in Life Change.  That identity, which is Christ Jesus, will become contagious to all who come in contact with you.

 

TEXT:  Acts 26:12-18

12.  "In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.

13. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.

14. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

15. And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

16.  But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,

17.  delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you

18.  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

 

-->Don't Give Up!!! (v.12-15)  Not on yourself, on your enemy, on those who kick against God's move.  Saul's Conversion (Acts 9) was evidence that God was and is Turning People... God used the law (Saul was Zealous for the law and God) God used Stephens faith (Who Saul gave the orders to kill), and then on the road to Damascus Saul believed and followed.

 

-->Stand Up!!! (v. 16-17a) Why?  Saul was told that there is a move of God, but not in the form of LAW, but Grace.  Grace reveals that there is purpose before us, a change in us, a ministry given to us, and suffering that we may know Christ more.

Don't be defeated...Stand up, get up, and know who you are in Christ.  Begin to see how God has changed you to go "Turn" People to Him!

 

-->Move into Peoples Lives (v.17b-18)  It's interesting that Jesus told Saul that this is who I'm "Sending" you to!  Go and Tell don't sit and wait.  Complacent living is killing the foundational joy of Christ to followers in His church.  Our identity is rich in giving not getting. 

When believers move into the lives of people, it is our chance to drop Truth on them...Why? Open their eyes.  It's the message of the gospel that is working through your life, as you trust and obey it, that you inject into the lives of other.  They need advice, you give them Truth.  It's not a magic act.  What I mean:  When you share Truth with unbelievers or unchurched people, it is your consistent appeal from the scriptures that identify you to Christ.  However, it is God's timing and the work of the Holy Spirit that puncture the frail of humanity.  Your part is simple...Live Truth, Share Truth, Pray with compassion as you move into the lives of people and then watch the miracle!

The miracle? "so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'" 

People, by God's Power, will turn miraculously from darkness to light; the power of satan to God; accusations of sin to forgiveness; seekers to those who have identity and purpose.

-->Live Big!  (1 Peter 2:9) You are Purposed to Turn!!  At TP Church, we have 1 major theme, vision, mission, purpose.."Turning People to Christ"  Why?  We're chosen, royal, holy, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  Now that reason to get up everyday.  Live Big Church!!! Teach your family to Live Big!  Let's ADVANCE in 2010 for His Glory!

We are currently in our "Living on a Prayer" series and Adoration was what we explored this week.  What does Adoration look like for the church?  I believe it's acknowledging our God through worship...

Psalm 77:13 "Your way, O God, is Holy.  What god is great like our God?"

The Context of Adoration is that we FIGHT to Remember our Great GOD...

1.  Be Reminded of where God is...

Luke 11:2/ 2 Chronicles 20:6

Isaiah 66:1-2

Job 22:12

 

2.  Recall why He's there

Luke 11:2/ 2 Chronicles 20:6

Psalm 148

Mark 12:28-32

John 10:27-30

 

3.  Don't Forget Why you need HIM

2Chronicles 20:12

Psalm 10:16

Psalm 127:1

Jeremiah 10:23

 When we stop remembering why God is the true object of Adoration then our dependance dwindles to a lifeless object b/c we distance ourselves from The True and Living God...

 Discussion Points:  Read Psalm 77:11-19

*What is your approach to God as you pray? List words to describe how you view God’s greatness and share with your group…

*Search through the Bible together and write the words used to describe God’s greatness.

*As you pray for people in your group this week, begin your prayers with “Adoration”.

 

Faith Builder Verse Psalm 77:5

 

Here to Serve,

Pastor Scott

11/17/2009

Bridge the GAP between the church and the community...If you have spent any time at TP in 2009, then you have heard this statement.  Why? 

Not every believer is called to be a pastor but all believers are called to Minister.

Christians are accountable for ministry. 

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

 

 Here are opportunities for our church to "Bridge the Gap" between the church and our community.

*October 24 - Church Wide Bridge Project - Fall Festival from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Hudson's Parking Lot

* “Thanksgiving Baskets” - Our church has  committed to helping the Petal Children’s Task Force provide food for their annual “Thanksgiving Baskets”..  Our goal in this service opportunity is 75 jars of Spaghetti sauce and spaghetti.  If we get more than 75 we can put extra in boxes.  All supplies are to be brought to church on November 15^th or taken to the church office between now and Wednesday Nov. 18^th. 

*Distribution of Thanksgiving Baskets: Give boxes out November 20th from 1p.m.-5p.m.  We will help by taking boxes out to the cars and build relationship with those who will be standing in line.

 

 

So Church...What will we do with the opportunities to serve?  Let's make the decision to "Turn People to Christ". 

 

I love you Church!

 

Pastor Scott

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." My hope at Turning Pointe is that we encourage one another in our faithfulness to our Lord as we grow individually by reading His Word, build relationships through our small groups, serve as Christ has demonstrated for us to serve, and worship corporately with much excitement and anticipation as the BODY of Jesus Christ.

As our lives develop toward Christ, we see Him increase and that begins to change who we are because the reality of our identity rest in HIM…How awesome. You, my friend, and I are free in Christ. My hope is to find you encouraged in Him today as the enemy (who lies, deceives, steals, and destroys) works to rob you of that identity.
How about a little homework? I know, that's a word that causes us to squirm, but I really believe you'll walk away with much excitement. Read Romans 8 and highlight the verses in this chapter alone that declare who you are in Christ. When you're done I would love for you to email me what you captured and we'll post it in another blog and enjoy this encouragement together...

Don’t give up! Here are more scriptures to meditate on when you get the chance. Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 3:1-4; Colossians 2:10-11; Colossians 1:14…..So many more, but it reminds us of who we are in HIM!!!!

It’s my desire and heart for the church that we pray for one another and teach the Word to one another so that Christ dwells “richly” in and through us. Let’s strive to live in the beauty of being the BODY of HIM who is our declaration of Righteousness before the God of Glory….

Email your thoughts to info@turningpointechurch.org

Turning People to Christ,

Pastor Scott

What do we expect from Labor Day weekend?  I expected God to do great things because He is a God who does great things...I am blown away at how God is growing us to LIVE OUT HIS WORD!  This is what life in Christ is all about.  He continues to search our hearts and reveal to us just how impacting His bride is when we Trust Him enough to practice what He has commanded.  And it's true!  When we do what He commands He is Faithful to grow us, shape us, and give us the life that we never dreamed of.  That's what God told Joshua whenever he took the reigns from Moses. (Joshua 1:8..."so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.")

How we journey through this life of adventure that grows us to "BECOME" the man that God has saved us to become is not instant.  That's why scripture teaches this as a journey, a walk, a structure, maturity, a disciplined life.  The verse that we focused on yesterday was 2 Timothy 4:7 "...train yourself to be godly".  Our challenge as a church, as families, and as individuals is that we commit to the longhaul. 

Are you in?  Will you practice God's Word in your life as you grow.  Keep in mind that transformation takes place through the training.  When you follow through with your commitment to obedience then God uses that greatly. 

My prayer for TP is 2 Corinthians 9:13..."that men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ,"  I love our church and I loved Sunday.  Thanks servants in the Kid-Venture and Baby-Venture!  Thanks welcome team and worship team!  And to our ushers and set up crew, ya'll the man!
The concept of team is really cool, but the teamwork of family accomplishes great things! 

I Love You TP...Continue "Turning People to Christ"

Pastor Scott