Dear FCC Family & Friends,
Send in the clowns! Am I the only one shaking a head over the three-ring media circus the death of model Anna Nicole Smith has created? While legal eagles soar from California to the Bahamas, this sensationalized contemporary tragedy just keeps getting bigger and bigger – while a body remains unburied and a baby remains genetically unclaimed. To add a proverbial insult to injury, our kids dying in Iraq, Iranian war intrusion, Russian muscle-flexing, mass starvation and our little friend up on the Korean peninsula become stories number six through twelve nightly. There’s got to be clowns!
Why does this sad story warrant such star-spangled attention?
Personally, I believe that Anna Nicole represented and embodied everything that we as Americans secretly or overtly are taught to chase, elevate and aspire to. I’ll explain.
Think about it. She was fashion, vanity, beauty, perfection, celebrity, popularity, image, sexuality, ambition, greed, rebellion, glamour, drama, defiance, unrestraint, and acceptance incarnate. Yet, look where all of that ‘chasing after the wind’ got her – a life cut short – sad – confused – bitter – alone.
Friends, I’m not piling on the memory of a dead media darling. Clearly she needed some bold and genuine Jesus-followers in her camp. Instead, in light of God’s Word, I see Anna Nicole Smith’s abbreviated life as a modern-day parable – a lesson and warning for all of us. Her death and the disarray of her past earthly life is proof that the ambitions of this world lead to nothing redeemably good or praiseworthy - that the wages of sin is still death. Is it any wonder that the Apostle John warned, “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15)?
This Sunday I’ll be sharing a highly evangelistic message entitled “Watch!” Invite your unsaved family members and co-workers to accompany you. They’ll be glad you did.
Also, don’t miss our brand-new ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS this Sunday at 9:00A.M. upstairs in the Library! The first study is entitled “The Jesus I Never Knew”. Contact Dave Gleason (dave@1stchristianchurch.org) at the church to sign-up.
Just a reminder – SIGNPOST #5 (Share) is coming Saturday, March 17. Sign-up this Sunday to secure your spot in the class. Seating is limited.
I Love You!
In the Fight,
Steve Kiefer
INVISION 3:31
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - Wool-Covered Fangs
Dear FCC Family & Treasured Friends,
Recently I read a couple of troubling news stories proving the troubling modern-day spiritual gullibility of countless thousands.
First I read about a cyber movement challenging young people to renounce their faith and deliberately blaspheme the Holy Spirit in an attempt to literally lose their souls. People who want a dvd copy of the pro-atheist film ‘The God Who Wasn’t There’ are encouraged to take the ‘Blasphemy Challenge’. They video record themselves renouncing Christ and particularly blaspheming the Holy Spirit – an unpardonable sin introduced in Mark 3:29. Then they post their video on Youtube.com for the entire globe to see. All for a dvd! As a praise report and counter-measure I endorse the website www.challengeblasphemy.com – a pro-Christ response to this disturbing movement.
Secondly I just read about a 61-year-old “pastor” in Miami named Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, who unashamedly calls himself God. The former prisoner and heroin addict, known to his followers as “Daddy”, has thousands of followers in more than thirty countries. Sporting a “666” tattoo, four diamond-encrusted Rolex watches, and a fleet of armored Lexuses and BMws, de Jesus claims that he learned that he was Jesus incarnate when he was instructed by angels in a dream. His followers in Miami and Latin America disrupt evangelical worship services and smash crosses. De Jesus preaches that there is no devil and no sin. He also teaches that the Antichrist is the best person in the world! “Antichrist means don’t put your eyes on Jesus because Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t a Christian. Antichrist means do not put your eyes on Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Put it on Jesus after the cross” – de Jesus.
Although these are recent news stories, they aren’t new news! Jesus lovingly forewarned us a long time ago, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” – Matthew 7:15. Likewise the Apostle Paul in Acts 20 while addressing elders of his day instructed, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”
Friends, we live in a wooly-wolf-friendly world, filled with overt and veiled rebellious plots against Christ and the salvation He alone provides. As believers we must be alert at all times and measure those who represent Christ via teaching and leadership by their fruit – yes including me. Jesus told us all that good trees produce good fruit, and bad trees bad. Personally, I want to always pass inspection through sound teaching, continued education and accountability.
At FCC our desire is to provide a doctrinally sound, wolf-free environment for you and your family and friends; while simultaneously teaching you how to identify and expose wool-covered fangs all around us. In times like this, aren’t you glad you have a good and mighty shepherd named Jesus Christ?! Why not let Him know that today in words and deeds?
This Sunday I will be presenting part six of our message series ‘The Road to Recovery’. This weekend we’ll be discussing God’s way to repair and rebuild torn relationships. Invite your family and friends today to accompany you at 9:00 or 11:00 A.M. While you’re at it, throw in a lunch invitation!
INVISION 3:31
I love you!
In the Fight,
Steve
Recently I read a couple of troubling news stories proving the troubling modern-day spiritual gullibility of countless thousands.
First I read about a cyber movement challenging young people to renounce their faith and deliberately blaspheme the Holy Spirit in an attempt to literally lose their souls. People who want a dvd copy of the pro-atheist film ‘The God Who Wasn’t There’ are encouraged to take the ‘Blasphemy Challenge’. They video record themselves renouncing Christ and particularly blaspheming the Holy Spirit – an unpardonable sin introduced in Mark 3:29. Then they post their video on Youtube.com for the entire globe to see. All for a dvd! As a praise report and counter-measure I endorse the website www.challengeblasphemy.com – a pro-Christ response to this disturbing movement.
Secondly I just read about a 61-year-old “pastor” in Miami named Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, who unashamedly calls himself God. The former prisoner and heroin addict, known to his followers as “Daddy”, has thousands of followers in more than thirty countries. Sporting a “666” tattoo, four diamond-encrusted Rolex watches, and a fleet of armored Lexuses and BMws, de Jesus claims that he learned that he was Jesus incarnate when he was instructed by angels in a dream. His followers in Miami and Latin America disrupt evangelical worship services and smash crosses. De Jesus preaches that there is no devil and no sin. He also teaches that the Antichrist is the best person in the world! “Antichrist means don’t put your eyes on Jesus because Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t a Christian. Antichrist means do not put your eyes on Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Put it on Jesus after the cross” – de Jesus.
Although these are recent news stories, they aren’t new news! Jesus lovingly forewarned us a long time ago, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” – Matthew 7:15. Likewise the Apostle Paul in Acts 20 while addressing elders of his day instructed, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”
Friends, we live in a wooly-wolf-friendly world, filled with overt and veiled rebellious plots against Christ and the salvation He alone provides. As believers we must be alert at all times and measure those who represent Christ via teaching and leadership by their fruit – yes including me. Jesus told us all that good trees produce good fruit, and bad trees bad. Personally, I want to always pass inspection through sound teaching, continued education and accountability.
At FCC our desire is to provide a doctrinally sound, wolf-free environment for you and your family and friends; while simultaneously teaching you how to identify and expose wool-covered fangs all around us. In times like this, aren’t you glad you have a good and mighty shepherd named Jesus Christ?! Why not let Him know that today in words and deeds?
This Sunday I will be presenting part six of our message series ‘The Road to Recovery’. This weekend we’ll be discussing God’s way to repair and rebuild torn relationships. Invite your family and friends today to accompany you at 9:00 or 11:00 A.M. While you’re at it, throw in a lunch invitation!
INVISION 3:31
I love you!
In the Fight,
Steve
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - Valentine's Day (2007)
Dear FCC Family & Treasured Friends,
Happy Valentine’s Day!
History tells us that Valentine’s Day most likely originated to commemorate the anniversary of the death of St. Valentine, a Roman clergyman who was executed on February 14, 270 A.D., for secretly marrying couples in defiance of the emperor. Americans probably began exchanging homemade valentines in the early 1700’s.
The top ways we celebrate Valentine’s Day are through greeting cards (65%), a date night (44%), candy (38%) and flowers (32%). Did you know that California is the leading producer of flowers and candy? Although “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, jewelry came in lowest at only 11%. Sorry ladies.
Some Americans live in romantic towns like Valentine, Nebraska and Texas; Love Valley, North Carolina; Loving, New Mexico; and Romeo, Colorado and Illinois.
And despite the rap marriage gets sometimes in our fast-paced, noncommittal society, 2.2 million weddings are performed in the US each year. That breaks down to an average of 6,000 a day! Of that number, 145,800 are performed in the Silver State of Nevada – although it ranks 35th in total population. Nothing better than having The King of Rock & Roll leading you through your nuptials!
The Bible has much to share on the subject of love. It remains the greatest valentine ever sent – as it expresses God’s unchanging and amazing love for you and me through Jesus Christ and over 7,000 trustworthy promises.
In 1 John 4:12 we read, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us”. Here the aging apostle is reminding all of us that when we choose to love each other sacrificially and unconditionally, God’s love reaches its fullest expression - through us. When we truly love one another, the God who has never been seen becomes unmistakably visible – because He lives in us!
Want to show your family, friends and co-workers that God really exists? Love them! Want to prove to them that He not only exists but that He is gracious, loving and forgiving? Love them! Want be a part of God’s divine valentine delivery system to unsaved people around you? Love them! The one true God who is love lives in you. Let’s let Him out FCC!
This Sunday I’ll be sharing Part 5 in ‘The Road to Recovery’ series at 9:00 & 11:00 A.M. Come hear simple and practical ways to destroy ‘stinkin thinkin’ and cooperate with God’s life changing process for you.
Also, this weekend we’ll be sharing more about INVISION 3:31. Don’t miss a minute!
I love you!
In the Fight,
Steve
Happy Valentine’s Day!
History tells us that Valentine’s Day most likely originated to commemorate the anniversary of the death of St. Valentine, a Roman clergyman who was executed on February 14, 270 A.D., for secretly marrying couples in defiance of the emperor. Americans probably began exchanging homemade valentines in the early 1700’s.
The top ways we celebrate Valentine’s Day are through greeting cards (65%), a date night (44%), candy (38%) and flowers (32%). Did you know that California is the leading producer of flowers and candy? Although “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, jewelry came in lowest at only 11%. Sorry ladies.
Some Americans live in romantic towns like Valentine, Nebraska and Texas; Love Valley, North Carolina; Loving, New Mexico; and Romeo, Colorado and Illinois.
And despite the rap marriage gets sometimes in our fast-paced, noncommittal society, 2.2 million weddings are performed in the US each year. That breaks down to an average of 6,000 a day! Of that number, 145,800 are performed in the Silver State of Nevada – although it ranks 35th in total population. Nothing better than having The King of Rock & Roll leading you through your nuptials!
The Bible has much to share on the subject of love. It remains the greatest valentine ever sent – as it expresses God’s unchanging and amazing love for you and me through Jesus Christ and over 7,000 trustworthy promises.
In 1 John 4:12 we read, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us”. Here the aging apostle is reminding all of us that when we choose to love each other sacrificially and unconditionally, God’s love reaches its fullest expression - through us. When we truly love one another, the God who has never been seen becomes unmistakably visible – because He lives in us!
Want to show your family, friends and co-workers that God really exists? Love them! Want to prove to them that He not only exists but that He is gracious, loving and forgiving? Love them! Want be a part of God’s divine valentine delivery system to unsaved people around you? Love them! The one true God who is love lives in you. Let’s let Him out FCC!
This Sunday I’ll be sharing Part 5 in ‘The Road to Recovery’ series at 9:00 & 11:00 A.M. Come hear simple and practical ways to destroy ‘stinkin thinkin’ and cooperate with God’s life changing process for you.
Also, this weekend we’ll be sharing more about INVISION 3:31. Don’t miss a minute!
I love you!
In the Fight,
Steve
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - Working the Lord's Way
Dear FCC Family & Cherished Friends,
Although I’m not a big Indianapolis Colts fan, I am a big Tony Dungy fan. I remember years ago when he came to Tampa Bay as a relatively unknown and unproven commodity, and in short order turned a perennial losing franchise into winners. However, more important than the wins Coach Dungy brought to Tampa, was the man the Lord brought to Tampa. For years he was a glowing example of servanthood and true humility in a league synonymous with self-promotion and trash-talking (uhum..TO). Sadly, even after he left for Indy, his steady, quiet demeanor and the way he nobly walked through personal tragedy continued to inspire many – including this pastor.
Last Sunday evening as the global spotlight shined on Dungy, predictably this authentic man of God reflected the praise back to the Lord, his team and his community. When asked about the social significance of being the first African-American coach to hoist the famed Lombardi Trophy Dungy replied, “That means an awful lot to our country. But again, more than anything, I’ve said it before, Lovie Smith and I, are not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches, showing that you can win doing it the Lord’s way – we’re more proud of that.” I believe him.
In the brutal and brash face-mask-grabbing environment that is the NFL, Dungy never raises his voice and never uses foul language. He is a rare spiritual salmon swimming against the strong current of the worldly norm.
Sunday evening his comments ran through my head and challenged me to challenge you with this question – Are YOU doing your vocation the Lord’s way?
Coming from the secular business world, I certainly understand and remember the temptations to exceed and meet expectations in a highly competitive world. Sometimes we tend to be lambs on the weekend and lions throughout the week, to make a living, be the bread-winners, and win the company incentive. Temptations included deception, compromise, intimidation, stress, greed and self-centeredness. Yet, Coach Dungy reminds all of us that in the workplace, there is a way to do it the Lord’s way; that Christian integrity is a 24/7 expectation from our Father.
Stressed-out? Worried? Stuck in the middle on the corporate ladder of success? Ask the Lord today to help you identify ways to do your job His way. Ask Him daily to empower you to do it for His glory – compromising nothing. Remember, you’re an ‘Employee of the Year’ just waiting to happen! Thanks for the reminder Coach.
Join me this Sunday at 9:00 & 11:00 for Part 4 of our current series ‘The Road to Recovery’. Our attendance last Sunday was 370 – so come early to for good seats and an unforgettable encounter with the Lord!
In the Fight (Together!),
Steve
Although I’m not a big Indianapolis Colts fan, I am a big Tony Dungy fan. I remember years ago when he came to Tampa Bay as a relatively unknown and unproven commodity, and in short order turned a perennial losing franchise into winners. However, more important than the wins Coach Dungy brought to Tampa, was the man the Lord brought to Tampa. For years he was a glowing example of servanthood and true humility in a league synonymous with self-promotion and trash-talking (uhum..TO). Sadly, even after he left for Indy, his steady, quiet demeanor and the way he nobly walked through personal tragedy continued to inspire many – including this pastor.
Last Sunday evening as the global spotlight shined on Dungy, predictably this authentic man of God reflected the praise back to the Lord, his team and his community. When asked about the social significance of being the first African-American coach to hoist the famed Lombardi Trophy Dungy replied, “That means an awful lot to our country. But again, more than anything, I’ve said it before, Lovie Smith and I, are not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches, showing that you can win doing it the Lord’s way – we’re more proud of that.” I believe him.
In the brutal and brash face-mask-grabbing environment that is the NFL, Dungy never raises his voice and never uses foul language. He is a rare spiritual salmon swimming against the strong current of the worldly norm.
Sunday evening his comments ran through my head and challenged me to challenge you with this question – Are YOU doing your vocation the Lord’s way?
Coming from the secular business world, I certainly understand and remember the temptations to exceed and meet expectations in a highly competitive world. Sometimes we tend to be lambs on the weekend and lions throughout the week, to make a living, be the bread-winners, and win the company incentive. Temptations included deception, compromise, intimidation, stress, greed and self-centeredness. Yet, Coach Dungy reminds all of us that in the workplace, there is a way to do it the Lord’s way; that Christian integrity is a 24/7 expectation from our Father.
Stressed-out? Worried? Stuck in the middle on the corporate ladder of success? Ask the Lord today to help you identify ways to do your job His way. Ask Him daily to empower you to do it for His glory – compromising nothing. Remember, you’re an ‘Employee of the Year’ just waiting to happen! Thanks for the reminder Coach.
Join me this Sunday at 9:00 & 11:00 for Part 4 of our current series ‘The Road to Recovery’. Our attendance last Sunday was 370 – so come early to for good seats and an unforgettable encounter with the Lord!
In the Fight (Together!),
Steve
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