Friday, March 21, 2008
Wounded Hearts Continued
The "Greene Flock" met again on Wednesday. We looked at some Bible characters who had experienced many wounds to their hearts, yet allowed the Lord to heal those wounds and went on to be used geatly by the Lord. The first one was Joseph, the next was David, and the third was Mary, the mother of Jesus. They did not give in to the temptations of the flesh to get discouraged, become bitter, and give up. They trusted in the Lord and his promises. We also had a wonderful time of sharing and prayer.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Land of Contrasts
At "Missions Flock" last night we got a glimpse of the wonderful land of India! Mic and Melanie shared their pictures and shared their impressions. It was their first trip there evoking many emotions, but the theme seemed to be that this land was place of tremendous contrast!
They spent their time in the south-western state of Carnatica, and visited in the cities of Bangalore, Goa, Hublie, and Mumbai. Melanie was overwhelmed at first with comparing everything with the US, but once she was able to set those thoughts aside she was able to appreciate the beauty and richness of their culture. She was most impressed by the believers there. Although they have very little and spend much of their energies just obtaining the basic necessities of life, they are so willing to lay their lives down in full obedience to the Lord. Their churches are alive, and just make US churches look luke warm. From a businessman's perspective Mic saw great opportunities, especially in the area of electrical power. The infrastructure cannot keep up with the demand. He also sees business and missions working hand in hand. Business from the christian perspective there is a "no-brainer" because we do not have the religious stigma they often have with the things of the world such as considering cows sacred. They now have so many cows that they eat more than enough grain to feed the whole country. He also shared about an Indian business known as "Kingfisher". They have an incredible customer service ethic which is sorely lacking in American businesses.
Frank again discussed the importance of holding a biblical worldview. He went over the questions that must be answered: 1) How did everything get here? 2) Why are we different? 3) Why is the world so messed up?, and 4) How can it be fixed? We then went over how Hindu, Muslim, and our western worldviews answer these questions. What we see is a great clash in worldviews. What is especially sad is that many American Christians, including many pastors do not have a biblical worldview.
They spent their time in the south-western state of Carnatica, and visited in the cities of Bangalore, Goa, Hublie, and Mumbai. Melanie was overwhelmed at first with comparing everything with the US, but once she was able to set those thoughts aside she was able to appreciate the beauty and richness of their culture. She was most impressed by the believers there. Although they have very little and spend much of their energies just obtaining the basic necessities of life, they are so willing to lay their lives down in full obedience to the Lord. Their churches are alive, and just make US churches look luke warm. From a businessman's perspective Mic saw great opportunities, especially in the area of electrical power. The infrastructure cannot keep up with the demand. He also sees business and missions working hand in hand. Business from the christian perspective there is a "no-brainer" because we do not have the religious stigma they often have with the things of the world such as considering cows sacred. They now have so many cows that they eat more than enough grain to feed the whole country. He also shared about an Indian business known as "Kingfisher". They have an incredible customer service ethic which is sorely lacking in American businesses.
Frank again discussed the importance of holding a biblical worldview. He went over the questions that must be answered: 1) How did everything get here? 2) Why are we different? 3) Why is the world so messed up?, and 4) How can it be fixed? We then went over how Hindu, Muslim, and our western worldviews answer these questions. What we see is a great clash in worldviews. What is especially sad is that many American Christians, including many pastors do not have a biblical worldview.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wounded Hearts
The "Greene Flock" met last night. The discussion was concerning our hearts. I believe scripture teaches that the condition of our hearts is the most important thing to God. He tells us to "watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23) When the lord looks at us he looks at our hearts more than anything else. "...for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance,but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
Unfortunately, over the years our hearts have been wounded by others or ourselves. These wounds have a great deal to do with who we are today. Many of us have chosen to bury many of these wounds, some of us have chosen to minimize them, some have just resigned themselves to the fact that this is just the way things are and they can do nothing about it. The enemy of our souls loves for us to do this because it keeps us from dealing with them. He wants to cripple our lives and keep us from the fullness that God has intended for us. The Lord Jesus Christ came that we might have life, and have it to the full, or abundantly. For this to occur we must allow Him to heal our hearts and make them whole. The first step is of course believing in Christ and inviting him into our hearts. Many Christians feel that once they have take that step that is all they need do. But, the Lord has so much more for us to enjoy if we then allow him to search our hearts and see if there be any wicked way in us as the psalmist says. To ask him to heal every wound and make our hearts whole again. As King David said in Psalm 51 "create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me".
At our next meeting we will continue this discussion and look at some examples of others whose hearts have been severely wounded, but who have found the Lord's healing touch.
Unfortunately, over the years our hearts have been wounded by others or ourselves. These wounds have a great deal to do with who we are today. Many of us have chosen to bury many of these wounds, some of us have chosen to minimize them, some have just resigned themselves to the fact that this is just the way things are and they can do nothing about it. The enemy of our souls loves for us to do this because it keeps us from dealing with them. He wants to cripple our lives and keep us from the fullness that God has intended for us. The Lord Jesus Christ came that we might have life, and have it to the full, or abundantly. For this to occur we must allow Him to heal our hearts and make them whole. The first step is of course believing in Christ and inviting him into our hearts. Many Christians feel that once they have take that step that is all they need do. But, the Lord has so much more for us to enjoy if we then allow him to search our hearts and see if there be any wicked way in us as the psalmist says. To ask him to heal every wound and make our hearts whole again. As King David said in Psalm 51 "create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me".
At our next meeting we will continue this discussion and look at some examples of others whose hearts have been severely wounded, but who have found the Lord's healing touch.
Monday, March 3, 2008
River City Resurrection
I have created this site to serve as a forum for discussion and to share information regarding River City Christian Fellowship.
Yes, that's right. River City is being resurrected. The Lord is not finished with it yet. But, it is taking on a new form. It is not the traditional "attracting" form of ministry that it once was. It is now an emerging church with an emphasis on "going" to where the people and the needs are. It currently consists of two separate "cell" groups or what we call "flocks". These flocks are the core of the church. As the Lord blesses we will be adding many more flocks. The first flock is the "Missions Flock ". This flock is led by Frank Dietz and meets once a month. The second flock is the "Greene Flock". This one is led by Jim Quayle and meets at Gary and Linda Greene's house. Please pray that we may see many lives radicaly changed by the love of Jesus Christ as his spirit works through us.
Yes, that's right. River City is being resurrected. The Lord is not finished with it yet. But, it is taking on a new form. It is not the traditional "attracting" form of ministry that it once was. It is now an emerging church with an emphasis on "going" to where the people and the needs are. It currently consists of two separate "cell" groups or what we call "flocks". These flocks are the core of the church. As the Lord blesses we will be adding many more flocks. The first flock is the "Missions Flock ". This flock is led by Frank Dietz and meets once a month. The second flock is the "Greene Flock". This one is led by Jim Quayle and meets at Gary and Linda Greene's house. Please pray that we may see many lives radicaly changed by the love of Jesus Christ as his spirit works through us.
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