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Archive for February, 2008

What You Feel? Vs. What is Real?

Published by KingsWay on February 27, 2008 in Application and By Steve. 0 Comments

Have you ever had a bad dream that seemed to last all night? Where you wake up multiple times in the middle of the dream, only to continue the dream when you fall back asleep? And you wonder in the morning, did it really happen? This happened to me a couple weeks ago (I’ll spare you the details of my dream though). I had a series of terrible nightmares all connected and my first thought when I awoke for good this morning was, “Did this really happen?” And then, all within a matter of seconds, I began to be driven by my emotions and think about all the implications if the dream were true.

Thankfully, a Scripture and a conversation brought me back to reality. Philippians 4:8 came to mind, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” After a few minutes of being awake, it was clear that the dream and all the stuff I was thinking about was not true and was going down the path of fear and not trusting in God. Also, last night, Mrs. Patterson and I had a helpful discussion about how easy it is to be driven by our emotions and what we feel (the subjective) and forget about what is true and real (the objective). When we let how we are feeling drive how we are doing, we are basically saying to God, “I don’t trust you. I’m going to seek to find joy and satisfaction in other things besides you.” Essentially, this is an expression of unbelief and at root, pride, that we must run with to the cross and receive the forgiveness that Christ bought with his blood.

Because of the presence of indwelling sin, we must train our minds to start the day, continue the day and end the day with the objective truths of the Gospel in view. We need to as Jerry Bridges says in his excellent book, “The Discipline of Grace”, “Preach the gospel to ourselves.” C.J. Mahaney in “Living the Cross-Centered Life” shares that this means, “Sitting yourself down, grabbing your own attention, and saying, ‘Hey, self, listen up!  This is what matters most:  You’re forgiven!  You have hope!  Your hope is based on the sacrifice of Jesus.  So let’s not view this day any other way. Let this day be governed by this one defining truth.”  Strategic use of and memorization of key gospel-verses can be such a help here.  Verses like Isaiah 53:3-6, Romans 3:23-26, Romans 5:6-11, Psalm 103:10 can be helpful tools for mornings and days in which we are not feeling well or things aren’t going our way.  Psalm 103:10 has been a friend to me over the last couple years as I regularly battle feelings.  It says, “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”  For example, if I’m feeling sick, I might think, “Ughh!  I hate being sick!  I wish I was better!” and be driven by my emotions and sin by being proud or doubting God’s goodness to me.  Or I could use Psalm 103:10 to speak this to my soul, “Wow, if God treated me as my sins deserve, I’d be far sicker… actually, I’d be dead.”  That shift in my thinking can make all the difference between a day where I am discouraged and riding the roller coaster of my emotions and a joy-filled day where the grounds of my satisfaction and focus is the Gospel.

Let’s be a community of Christians that let the simple truths of the Gospel amaze us each day as we focus on “What is Real” by preaching the Gospel to ourselves and celebrating the Gospel each day.

When Sinners Say “I Do” - Conference Re-cap

Published by KingsWay on February 20, 2008 in Application and By Doug. 0 Comments

In coming up with a romantic theme for a marriage conference, you might think that your pastors could have come up with something better than using the book title “When Sinners Say ‘I Do’”. But I would argue that this title is quite romantic. “Why?” you ask. Because when two Christian sinners say “I do” – God says, “I will” (Philip. 1:6). From day one, and everyday after, God is and will be at work in your marriage – working to make you more like Christ – empowering you to love your spouse with a love that brings glory to God. What could be more romantic than that?

This past weekend many of us experienced the blessing of getting away with our spouse, encountering God and finding biblical encouragement, help, and hope for our marriages. Dave Harvey, pastor and author of When Sinners Say “I Do”, helped us see the redeeming work of the Cross in our marriages (Session 1). Because of the Cross, we can trust in God’s justifying grace and experience God’s sanctifying grace. In our marriages, this means that we are able to receive from God the mercy that we need and, by His grace, reflect that mercy to our spouse (Session 2). God uses our marriages as a means of grace in God’s transforming work in our lives, making us more like Christ and displaying His glorious grace (Session 3).

Do you want to better understand and experience these realities in your marriage? If your answer is “Yes!” – then let me share these encouragements.

If God has spoken to you though these messages, prayerfully consider with your spouse the specific ways that God wants you to participate in the work that He is doing in your marriage. Here are some questions to consider – 1) What are some of your “favorite things” that God wants you to lay down in love? 2) How can you better receive and reflect the mercy of God to your spouse, especially in his or her weakness? 3) How can you better embrace your spouse as a means of grace in God’s sanctifying work in your life? 4) How can you better participate in God’s sanctifying work in the life of your spouse?

If you weren’t at the retreat and at this point are really starting to feel like you’ve missed out, you can still get in on this by listening online to the transforming truth of God’s Word found in these messages, along with your spouse. (Click here to listen to or download these messages.)

Scripture describes the riches of God’s grace that we have found in Christ Jesus as being immeasurable and unsearchable – and we have the joy of better knowing the fulness of this loving grace when sinners say “I Do”.

- Doug

Sermon Leftovers

Published by KingsWay on February 14, 2008 in Application, By Aaron, Fun and Messages. 0 Comments

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Had I more time in my message a couple weeks ago, I planned to illustrate the reality of the above verses on God’s choice of the foolish and weak in the world for His purposes by highlighting our pastoral staff.

Because really, with the exception of Matthew (full scholarships for pre-med studies at an ivy league school, multiple academic achievement awards, classically trained pianist, etc., etc.), Paul really is talking about us! We’ve got an ex-pharmacist, an ex-nurse, and a couple computer-ish/business guys. We’re not an impressive bunch — without a single Seminary or Bible Degree among us (including Matthew!).

But it’s a perfect illustration of God’s purposes to use the weak and the nothings so that the only boasting that can be done is boasting in the Lord. We are very aware during our weekly review, if a meeting went well and peoples’ lives were affected—it was because God showed up—we have nothing in and of ourselves to offer.

So if you are newer to KingsWay or you simply haven’t had the chance to get to know us well enough yet, please be aware that we are not impressed with ourselves. In fact, we count it a victory every time we don’t do something to totally screw things up!

We’re as amazed as anyone that He has privileged us with the roles that He has, but at the end of the day we are convinced He has put us—the weak and foolish of this world—into these positions so that it is evident to all He is at work so that He receives all the glory.

And that’s just fine with us, because we love being able to be along for the ride!

- Aaron

Walk With the Wise

Published by KingsWay on February 13, 2008 in Application, By Matthew and News. 2 Comments

iPods

This morning as I’m browsing the Apple website and wondering whether I’ll break the new Mac Book Air simply by opening it, I noticed the following heading – “Ipod Your Life”. If you click on the link, Apple suggests a host of ways you can integrate your ipod into every hour of the day – work, home, workout, and more. The marketing folks at Apple are on to something here. Music has a powerful effect on our mind, will and affections. In essence, they’re marketing the ipod as the ultimate customizable companion. Your music. Your way. However you like it. All the time. Could you imagine a better friend?

Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” It’s helpful to evaluate the music we listen to much like the friends we spend time with. Music in and of itself is morally neutral. But the lyrics, mental associations or emotional impact of a particular song is not. Whenever we plug in those headphones or pipe a playlist through the car stereo, we may be walking with the wise or making friends with fools. We do well to consider if the music we’re listening to, the company we keep, is encouraging us in our walk with God or dulling our affections and desires for Him.

If you’re looking for music that will inspire great thoughts of God, check out the Book Shoppe on Sunday. We’ve recently added several new CDs, including Keith & Kristin Getty’s “In Christ Alone” and Passion’s “Hymns Ancient & Modern.” The version of “On Christ the Solid Rock” we sang last Sunday came from the Passion CD and there are several other tracks on the album we’ve sung as a church, including “Praise to the Lord the Almighty” and “How Great Thou Art”. The folks at Passion do an outstanding job taking solid, biblical lyrics from older hymns and rearranging them with newer music. Walk with the wise and check out their CD!

- Matthew

Sovereign Grace Ministries Re-org

Published by KingsWay on February 12, 2008 in By Aaron and News. 0 Comments

C.J. Mahaney sent out a letter this week announcing a restructuring in the leadership of our family of churches. The purpose of this reorganization is to position us to care for our growing number of churches in the United States and 23 countries throughout the world and to be more effective in planting churches and reaching new areas for the gospel.

C.J. will continue to provide leadership for Sovereign Grace Ministries, alongside Jeff Purswell, dean of our Pastors college, Josh Harris, senior pastor of Covenant Life Church, Dave Harvey, senior pastor of Covenant Fellowship, and Pat Ennis, who manages Sovereign Grace.

Additionally, Dave Harvey will lead an apostolic team of eight men who will have primary responsibility to serve churches related to Sovereign Grace. These regions will generally be three to five states, instead of say… half the United States!

It came as no surprise to me, and I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you, that Gene has been asked to serve our region in this capacity. Gene is now serving seven other churches in the mid-Atlantic and spearheading church planting efforts for Sovereign Grace in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

While this is certainly a commendation of Gene’s faithful and wise leadership of this church over the past 19 years; it is also a testimony to the church that you are. For this church needed to be seen as doing well for Gene to be asked to carry such weighty responsibility beyond this local body.

We look forward to partnering with our regional sister-churches for events such as Youth Camp, Men’s Retreats, and Revive in the years to come; and especially anticipate seeing many churches planted for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel.

As always Gene, (and the rest of us), are jealous for your prayers in providing care and leadership for this church, as well as a growing sphere of influence.

A final note. Brent Detwiler, who previously extended care to KingsWay on behalf of Sovereign Grace, will be planting a church north of Charlotte this spring. In order to invest the necessary time and energy for a new congregation, Brent has requested not be involved in overseeing churches for this season. Brent & Jenny will be with us on March 14 to 16, and we look forward to thanking him for serving KingsWay since our inception.

- Aaron

NextStep & Alpha Update

Published by KingsWay on February 8, 2008 in By Steve, News and Testimonies. 1 Comment

This past Wednesday night, we had about 130 people in the building for the NextStep Classes, Starting Point and Alpha. What a wonderful night of application-focused discussion and fellowship in order to take the next step God is calling us to take. Oh, how encouraging it is for us as your pastors to see so many people desiring to grow in their understanding and application of Biblical Truth. It brings us much joy.

In recently reviewing the past 2 years of Alpha courses, I came across this stat. Over the past 2 years, we’ve had about 70 people go through the Alpha Course and a good number of these folks have experienced the transforming power of the Gospel. Our God is so kind to work in hearts and to use the Alpha Course and people at KingsWay as means! It is so fun to see God at work and to hear some of the questions people have. On Wednesday night, we had a lively group of people in Alpha that desire to explore the meaning of life and ask questions they have. From a federal agent to a single mom to married couples to a teen, the make-up of this course so far is diverse. If you are interested in coming or bringing a friend, feel free. Please let us know you are coming by calling the church office. We’d love to have you. Please pray for the leaders and guests in Alpha over the coming weeks that God would be active and that lives would be transformed for His glory.

The Starting Point Class was also a happenin’ place on Wednesday night as about 30 people gathered to hear Matthew give an overview of KingsWay’s core values and mission statement. In the upcoming weeks, different pastors will be teaching on community, fellowship, evangelism, and other key topics. What a privilege it is to serve these folks as they evaluate if God is calling them to join KingsWay as a member!

I’m looking forward to hearing testimonies from folks in all of the Next Step classes, as God is active in our midst. Please feel free to share with us what God is doing in your life either by commenting on this post or by sending us an email. Thank you for being a church that is eager to grow and learn. You are a joy to lead and pastor!

It’s not too late to take advantage of any of these classes, so please sign up on the above links or by calling the office.

- Steve

Valentines in Williamsburg

Published by admin on February 5, 2008 in By Aaron and News. 0 Comments

Of course retreats and conferences are no replacement for our regular Sunday and community group meetings, but there is something unique about setting aside time to go away that changes the dynamic from what we often consider routine in our weekly schedules.

A primary reason I love going to (and planning) events and conferences is the elevated sense of expectation. We have a lot invested by the time that first session begins. We invest our finances for registration, meals, and lodging. We invest our time putting aside other things to be there. We secure a sitter for the kids and pets and drive a couple hours all to be at this event.

I certainly trust that you will consider the messages you take in at the Couples Conference, the discussions you have with your spouse, and the time you are able to share with one another worth the investment as you drive back home. But allow me to make just a suggestion or two to help make the investment last beyond the weekend.

1. Let’s bring that sense of expectation out of the subconscious and into the forefront of our prayers and conversations. Let’s expect that God is going to use this time as a tangible blessing in our marriages and churches. Talk with your spouse about what you are looking forward to seeing God do and pray for one another and your marriage. Redeem the car ride to Williamsburg with meaningful relating.

2. Recognize that the time is going to fly by. It would be possible to be back in your front door in less than 24 hours from when you left. Let me encourage you if at all possible to linger a while. This is time to build and enjoy our relationships with the one God has joined us to and we have pledged our commitment to. Coming the day before or staying an extra night is highly recommended, but even if that isn’t feasible at least plan to add on a few hours before our after the conference to just be together.

As we prepare to go away, let us expect God to work. And let’s ask Him to work. But most of all let’s remember that we’re asking Him “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” (Eph. 3:20)

-Aaron

Thanking the Right People

Published by admin on February 2, 2008 in Appreciation and By Aaron. 1 Comment

Just to be clear—since Gene thanked me below for my role in the new site—I thought it only right to set the record straight a bit. My role was solely in the big idea/look and feel/final decision arenas—the kind of role that requires others to do a lot of actual work.

So in the interest of full disclosure, here is a bit more info on those who did the heavy lifting on the site so you can appropriately thank them when you see them.

Tim Emerson has done a great job collecting and coordinating the team to get us to this point. Besides keeping everyone else on track he has put in innumerable hours himself with the myriad of issues and fixes that needed to be worked through.

James and Shelly Bowman are new to KingsWay but have jumped right in serving! They have done the bulk of the redesign for the main site and have improved a number of key features. They have literally put in hundreds of hours to help everything look good and work well.

The photography throughout the site has been provided by Bruno and Sarah Tarabocchia, also new to KingsWay. They have given us the opportunity to provide a more personal and welcoming look to the first public impression many people ever get of us.

Lee Ingram and Josiah Robertson have also spent dozens of hours getting our audio and blog pages reformatted, and up and running smoothly week by week.

We’ve (I include myself only to help this sound more personal) got a number of other areas of the site that these folks and the other members of the team are working on. I look forward to you benefiting from them in the coming weeks and months!

- Aaron

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