We had the wonderful experience of meeting another part of the church family this week as we visited the New Testament Church of Mt. Olive, NJ. Pastors Bonnie and Arlo made us feel welcome and at home, and Rev. Phil Richiuso brought a message of hope and encouragement entitled "So You Want To Go Fishing."
New Testament Church (http://www.tntchurchnj.com/) is a Four Square Church. (http://www.foursquare.org/) This local church is very much in touch with their local community and ready to walk into a strong future. They have a great facility, an anointed worship team, and a committed staff. The congregation welcomes visitors with warm open arms and let's you know how valuable they feel you are.
TNTC has a contemporary worship style and Pastor Bonnie preaches the Word without apology.
If you are in the Mt. Olive area and looking for a church home, check out TNTC, you may find it to be all that you are looking for.
Monday, April 28, 2008
AFCM Overnighter
April 24/25 we had the joy of gathering with other members of AFCM for the Northeast Regional Overnighter with our founders, Jim and Kathleen Kaseman. (http://afcminternational.org/) It was a refreshing time of fellowship and impartation as we spent precious time together in fellowship around the Word. Br. Kaseman not only shared his heart for the future of AFCM, but he also brought some clear direction from the heart of God about dealing with false doctrine and regarding the next move of God that has already begun. While some people would shy away from "controversy" our leadership has met it head on and given us solid biblical counsel on each and every issue.
During this gathering we were able to renew old friendships, catch up with distant friends, and meet new folks. The Lord said, "It isn't good for man to be alone," and it is so easy to see the value of our friendship. We are not alone in our challenges and should not celebrate our victories alone either. We need each other.
Let me give a shout out for our Regional Director, Pastor Lowell MacDonald. He and his lovely wife Joan have done a great job of leading our region and give us a wonderful example of how to live with integrity and honor as ministers. We love you guys and pray for you daily.
Our thanks to Dr. and Kathleen Kaseman. Without your vision and encouragement we would truly be adrift. Thanks for being consistent and stable in your leadership, committed in the value you place on the Word, and your example of generosity to which we can rise in faith. You are in our hearts and prayers as you go forward in what God has called you to do.
During this gathering we were able to renew old friendships, catch up with distant friends, and meet new folks. The Lord said, "It isn't good for man to be alone," and it is so easy to see the value of our friendship. We are not alone in our challenges and should not celebrate our victories alone either. We need each other.
Let me give a shout out for our Regional Director, Pastor Lowell MacDonald. He and his lovely wife Joan have done a great job of leading our region and give us a wonderful example of how to live with integrity and honor as ministers. We love you guys and pray for you daily.
Our thanks to Dr. and Kathleen Kaseman. Without your vision and encouragement we would truly be adrift. Thanks for being consistent and stable in your leadership, committed in the value you place on the Word, and your example of generosity to which we can rise in faith. You are in our hearts and prayers as you go forward in what God has called you to do.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Beware False Doctrine
As we travel and interact with others in ministry, I am at times distressed by those who espouse positions and doctrines that fly in the face of the whole of the Scriptures. As you know, by "cherry picking" verses, you can make the Bible support any position you choose. BUT, those who honestly hold the Scriptures in total to be the full expression of the Father's heart cannot tolerate pet doctrines.
In a recent visit I was exposed to more false doctine in one hour than I did in all of the years before I came to Christ. How sad to have a congregation that is subjected to such teaching. I feel sad for the sheep in that most of them not only won't dig in to find the truth for themselves, but they are ill equipped to know how to discover the truth through study. While I trust the Holy Ghost to guide believers into the truth, I am aware of Paul's words to the Galations about being "bewitched." Those who have not been exposed to solid teaching will trust the leadership to take them in the right direction, and we who lead will be judged accordingly.
I remind you leaders to be certain that you are teaching the truth as revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Make certain that you are not just teaching some doctrine you learned but have not studied out for yourself.
I remind those of you who are in the pews, 2 Timothy 2:15 was written to you. "Study to show yourself approved ..."
Finally, I remind you that we are all to be submitted to one another, keeping each other acountable, keeping each other on track.
For more information on the things I'm running into, see my posts at http://faithprevails.org/HotTopics.dsp -OR- http://murphygang.netforums.us/viewforum.php?f=24
In a recent visit I was exposed to more false doctine in one hour than I did in all of the years before I came to Christ. How sad to have a congregation that is subjected to such teaching. I feel sad for the sheep in that most of them not only won't dig in to find the truth for themselves, but they are ill equipped to know how to discover the truth through study. While I trust the Holy Ghost to guide believers into the truth, I am aware of Paul's words to the Galations about being "bewitched." Those who have not been exposed to solid teaching will trust the leadership to take them in the right direction, and we who lead will be judged accordingly.
I remind you leaders to be certain that you are teaching the truth as revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Make certain that you are not just teaching some doctrine you learned but have not studied out for yourself.
I remind those of you who are in the pews, 2 Timothy 2:15 was written to you. "Study to show yourself approved ..."
Finally, I remind you that we are all to be submitted to one another, keeping each other acountable, keeping each other on track.
For more information on the things I'm running into, see my posts at http://faithprevails.org/HotTopics.dsp -OR- http://murphygang.netforums.us/viewforum.php?f=24
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