Grace Amplified

Resources For Those In A Dying Marriage

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:14:43 -0800

Audio/Video

Asking God to Save Your Marriage - 1 of 2 (audio)
Asking God to Save Your Marriage - 2 of 2 (audio)
Grace Liberates Your Relationships (audio, video, and transcript)
What Did You Expect? (DVD)

Articles

Books

Websites

A Prayer of Saint Patrick

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:40:05 -0800

As I arise today,

may the strength of God pilot me,

the power of God uphold me,

the wisdom of God guide me.

May the eye of God look before me,

the ear of God hear me,

the word of God speak for me.

May the hand of God protect me,

the way of God lie before me,

the shield of God defend me,

the host of God save me.

May Christ shield me today.

Christ with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,

Christ when I stand,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Learn more about the prayer here.

Learn more about (not actually a saint) Patrick from these online resources:

The Autobiography of Patrick

7 Things You Might Not Know About St. Patrick

St. Patrick: One of the Greatest Missionaries Who Ever Lived

What Is the Good News?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:11:47 -0800

The good news is Jesus. And the good news about Jesus which we announce is that he died for our sins and was raised from death. In consequence he reigns as Lord and Savior at God's right hand and has authority both to command repentance and faith, and to bestow forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Spirit on all those who repent, believe and are baptized. And all this is according to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. It is more than that. It is precisely what is meant by "proclaiming the kingdom of God." For in fulfillment of Scripture God's reign has broken into the life of men through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This reign or rule of God is exercised from the throne by Jesus, who bestows salvation and requires obedience. These are the blessing and the demand of the kingdom.

John Stott

Discipleship Class Audio

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 17:59:32 -0800

Here is the assigned audio for the Sunday night core discipleship class.

Breaking Through 1 - Light and Darkness (mp3)

Breaking Through 2 - Obstacles To Breakthrough (mp3)

Breaking Through 3 - More Obstacles To Breakthrough (mp3)

My Salvation

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 14:32:30 -0800

Now when my time came and I placed my faith in Jesus, God instantly granted me a great salvation.
He forgave me of all of my sins, past, present, and future.
He made me His child, adopting me into His family.
He gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gives me God's power, who pours out God's love within my heart, and who tenderly communicates to my spirit that I am a child of God and an heir of eternal glory in heaven.
In saving me, God also freed me from slavery to any and all sins.
I no longer have to sin again, for sin's mastery over me has been broken!
In saving me, God also justified me, and being justified through Christ, I have a peace with God that will endure forever.
In justifying me, God declared me innocent of my sins and pronounced me righteous with the very righteousness of Jesus.
God also allowed His future and present wrath against me to be completely propitiated by Jesus, who bore it upon Himself while on the cross.
Consequently, God now has only love, compassion, and deepest affection for me, and this love is without any admixture of wrath whatsoever.
God always looks upon me and treats me with gracious favor, always working all things together for my ultimate and eternal good.

Milton Vincent, Gospel Primer For Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love

Are You Registered To Vote?

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:39:11 -0800

As Americans, we have the freedom and privilege to register to vote, and then to educate ourselves on the candidates so we can vote our values.

Make sure your voice is heard this election season. Go to www.azvoterguide.com to register for the November 6, 2012 General Election. The deadline to register is October 9.

Conclusions from James 4:11 - 5:6

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:53:46 -0800

Here are the concluding points Pastor Richard listed at the end of his sermon on Sunday:

Don't speak evil of others.
Don't judge others.
Do live out the law of Christ (speak and act like one who has been shown mercy).
Don't boast abut the future (you don't control it).
Do remain dependent and humble before God.
Do make your living honestly and fairly, with generosity.
Don't indulge yourself without regard to those in need around you.
Don't lose an awareness of the times (the Lord is returning).

Abortion: A Teaching Series by Dr. R.C. Sproul

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:33:07 -0800

Are you pro-life or pro-choice? Few questions have divided America as deeply or as emotionally as this one. Abortion is such a deeply divisive issue because fundamental moral issues are at stake. In this series, Dr. Sproul moves beyond the shouting matches in order to examine the issue calmly and rationally. With clarity and compassion, he explains why abortion is a violation of God's purposes for His creation.

Click here to watch the entire teaching series online for free.

James Bible Studies

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:46:25 -0800

Grace Bible Church has developed a series of inductive Bible study guides that can help you uncover and apply the truths of God's Word. They offer these downloadable studies online for free.

Why not work through their 12-lesson Bible study on the book of James as we study the book in our current sermon series? Study it with your small group, with your family, or on your own.

There are versions for adults, college students, and families with kids.

Let me know how you plan to use the study guides.

Will You Take The Family Challenge?

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:32:26 -0800

From www.414familychallenge.com:

Will you commit to passing your faith on to your kids? It doesn't happen automatically. Just living in your home doesn't mean your kids are catching your faith.

Although you may send your kids to a Christian School, or take them to Sunday School or other church activities, God designed the family to be the place where spiritual values are passed on to kids. You are the primary spiritual trainer of your child.

The Family Challenge is part of a global initiative to motivate and train parents to be the primary spiritual trainers of their own children. Being spiritual leaders is not optional. It's the way God designed that his values be passed on to the next generation.

Taking the Family Challenge means that you commit to building relationship, sharing scripture, and practicing faith in order to pass your faith to your kids.

So, will you commit to putting those three things together at least once a week?

Go ahead, take the challenge.

There Is No Crossless Christianity

Thu, 03 May 2012 17:27:23 -0800

Here is another audio excerpt from Pastor Richard's message on April 29:

The entire sermon is at ow.ly/aF8AE.

The Power of the Preposterous Promises of God in the Cross of Christ

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:14:52 -0800

Here is an audio excerpt from Pastor Richard's message on April 29:

The entire sermon is at ow.ly/aF8AE.

Volunteer At The Foursquare Convention

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:16:45 -0800

Volunteers truly make the Foursquare Convention happen. As a volunteer you will welcome guests, set the stage and truly serve our Foursquare family, from littlest ones to our distinguished Forerunners. Not only will you be able to hear the Word, connect with friends, but also help others do the same!

Volunteers who serve 8 hours or more are eligible to receive a complimentary registration to attend Convention sessions and events ( a code will be emailed to you).

Come and be apart as we rise to find our place of influence and Reclaim Our Voice.

Join the team by registering online.

Do You Want Jesus More Than Anything Else?

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:53:53 -0800

Here is an audio excerpt from Pastor Richard's message on April 22.

The entire sermon is at ow.ly/atb2i

Market on the Move in May

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:15:05 -0800

Saturday, May 5
7 AM - 10 AM (note the time change)

We are partnering with Market On The Move to help people stretch their food budgets. For a $10 donation you will receive up to 60 pounds of fresh produce. There is no need to pre-register or pre-pay, just show up at our parking lot on Saturday, May 5, from 7 AM - 10 AM (we'll even give you a box to carry your produce).

Market On The Move is open to everyone. Learn more at www.the3000club.org. Contact Melanie at melanie@gracechapel.tv or (480) 946-3464, ext 12, for more information.

Audio From Couples Event (sort of)

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:09:58 -0800

Are you interested in hearing what Robby Booth taught at our recent Couples Event?

If so, download "Session 2 - Transformational Relationships" from http://ow.ly/and0G. It's not the audio from our event, but it's basically the same information.

His message to Grace Chapel on Sunday, April 15, is here.

Easter 2012

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:32:14 -0800

Join us for our Good Friday and Easter events.

Good Friday Communion Service: Friday, April 6, 7 PM
Community Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 7, 11 AM
Easter Sunday Celebration: Sunday, April 8, 10 AM

Here are some online resources to help you understand and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Financial Peace University

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:32:47 -0800

Wednesdays, 6:30 PM, starting February 22

In 13 action-packed lessons, you'll learn how to beat debt, build wealth, find bargains, invest for the future, give like never before, and much more! This information will change your life.

Click here for an overview of the class.

Market On The Move

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:44:05 -0800

Saturday, February 4
Saturday, March 3
Saturday, April 7
Saturday, May 5

We are partnering with Market On The Move to help people stretch their food budgets. For a $10 donation you will receive up to 60 pounds of fresh produce. There is no need to pre-register or pre-pay, just show up at our parking lot on the first Saturday of the month, from 8 AM - 12 PM (we'll even give you a box to carry your produce).

Market On The Move is open to everyone. Learn more at www.the3000club.org. Contact Melanie at melanie@gracechapel.tv or (480) 946-3464, ext 12, for more information.

Click here to download a flyer you can hand out to friends and neighbors.

Family Comedy Night with Brad Stine

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:59:45 -0800

Click here to learn more.

Haiti Trip 2011

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:28:22 -0800

Here's a PhotoShow from our team that went to Haiti in September.

It has been two years since Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake. Click here to learn about the ongoing work in Haiti and how you can be a part of it.

The Real Christmas Story

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:52:32 -0800

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)

Apologetics Conference

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:48:30 -0800

Scottsdale Bible Church, in partnership with Phoenix Seminary, presents

Defending Our Faith - An Apologetics Workshop

January 6-7, 2012

FEATURING: Dr. Peter J. Williams and Dr. Dirk Jongkind

Biblical Research Scholars from Tyndale House in Cambridge, UK

WHEN: Friday, January 6, 7:00pm - 9:30pm and Saturday, January 7, 8:30am - Noon

WHERE: Scottsdale Bible Church (7601 E. Shea)

COST: $15 early registration. $20 at the door. Includes lunch.

TOPICS

The Historical Basis of the Christian Faith - Friday

In popular media the Bible is often presented as mere fiction. Many times Christians do not know how to respond. In this session Dr. Williams and Dr. Jongkind will look at specific ancient texts which talk about the origins of Christianity and which show how the New Testament fits into the ancient world of the time. The best way to explain the evidence is that the New Testament really is reporting true history.

Responding To Attacks on the Scriptures - Saturday

Recent years have seen a rise in attacks on the scriptures and even Christians are sometimes won over by these objections. In four sessions we look at some of the most common attacks:

Moral objections to the Old Testament (Williams)
Do we have the right books (Jongkind)
Can we trust Bible history? (Williams)
Has the text of the Bible been changed?

Learn more and register here.

Advent Devotionals

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:46:35 -0800

The first Sunday of Advent was November 27. Visit these links to download free devotionals that will help you celebrate the arrival of our wonderful Savior.

Learn more about Advent and how to celebrate it here. Links to some Advent books can be found here.

Join Our Table

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:47:22 -0800

Have you heard about the Table yet? It's a private social network, just for our church, that enables us to connect 24/7.

You might think, "I'm already on Facebook and Twitter, I don't need another social network." The Table isn't meant to replace these, but instead to complement them as a more intimate and private online space for our Grace Chapel family to engage with each other in ways that Facebook or Twitter can't do. For example...

Use our Prayer Wall to share prayer requests with others here at Grace Chapel and to respond to the requests of others. You can configure the Table to notify you when people from your campus or one of your groups (or anyone at Grace Chapel) have requested prayer and you can ask to be notified when people have prayed for you. You can even write a note of encouragement when you pray for a prayer request. You can also post prayer requests completely anonymously.

Browse the People and Groups Directory to find people and small groups that live or meet near you and who share your interests. Pictures allow you to recognize the person you've met on the Table who responded to your prayer request with an encouraging comment. A map view allows you to find people and groups around your neighborhood, and get in touch with them.

Use the Serve App to let the rest of your church family here at Grace Chapel know when you have a need or to find those who have needs that you might be able to help meet. Find volunteer opportunities or list items you are willing to share or give away to others at the church.

These are just some of the things you can do on the Table. We really hope you'll give it a try by signing up, filling out your profile with a photo and some getting-to-know-you info, and then checking out the Prayer Wall, the Serve App, and the Directory. You can sign up for the Table here.

Learn more here and here.

Faith In Action Tour

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:49:40 -0800

Come see Dr. Del Tackett, creator of The Truth Project, and Cathi Herrod, President of Center for Arizona Policy, live in Arizona at an inspiring special event.

The Faith in Action Tour is designed to help you discover your God-given calling, engage with needs in your community, and help transform our culture for Jesus Christ.

Learn more and register here.

DISCOVER how God can use you to impact our community.
ENGAGE with local organizations to explore specific opportunities to make a difference right where you live.
TRANSFORM our community by putting God's Word into action.

Bread of Life Food Donation Acceleration

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:56:16 -0800

Our Bread of Life Food Pantry is gearing up for the holidays and we need food - lots of it! For a list of items we need, please visit this website or pick up a flyer at Grace Chapel.

You may drop off your donations at one of the Bread of Life bins at either end of the church (Please, no expired or opened food). If you would rather give financially, note "Bread of Life" on your contribution and we'll do the shopping!

Honoring the Life of Daryl Martin

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:40:44 -0800

One of our missionaries, Daryl Martin, was recently killed in an accident while serving in Malawi. Daryl had been at the Iris Africa ministry base with his wife and two of his sons since September of 2009.

David Morrison, the Director of Iris Africa in Malawi, recently wrote this tribute to Daryl:

Daryl was a man who loved adventure and had childlike energy and enthusiasm. He was determined, no matter what the cost, to accomplish God's will. He had courage--courage imparted to him from the Kingdom of Heaven.

Daryl was a missionary marked by dedication and commitment to help Malawians achieve a healthier way of life and sustainability. Above all else Daryl accepted God's call to preach the Gospel so that the people would understand life from God's perspective and come to know the great saving grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. He preached in village churches and taught at the Bible school. He led Bible studies with young men as well as older men, spurring them on in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Daryl put his faith into action. He was involved in restoring boreholes in the villages so that people would have clean water. He hosted medical teams, particularly eye medical teams, so that the people of southern Malawi would have healthier eyes. He himself became an experienced "lay" physician with the ability to diagnose patients with trachoma, so that by appropriate treatment, blindness would be prevented. Also very importantly, Daryl trained Malawians in trades such as chicken and crop farming so that families would have greater sustainability.

If we were to count how many Malawian people were impacted by Daryl's life, it would run in the thousands. Daryl's obedience to the Lord has brought forth great Kingdom fruit.

Learn more about Daryl's extraordinary life at the Heart Fire Ministries website.

More information about a memorial service for Daryl will be available when his family returns to Arizona later this week.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Rebekah, and four children - Averi, Joshua, Jonathan, and Caleb. You can help the Martin family by donating to the Martin Family Memorial Fund. Deposits can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank. Use account number 5739784279.

Matthew 25 Project

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:24:02 -0800

If you would like to serve with a ministry to local homeless shelters, please come to the orientation meeting at Scottsdale Bible Church on the third Saturday of each month (at 3:15 PM in Room E105).

Be prepared to travel to and serve at a designated shelter immediately following the meeting.

Click here to learn more about the Matthew 25 Project.

Feed My Starving Children

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:18:23 -0800

Friday, September 30, 4 PM

Meet at the Feed My Starving Children warehouse in Tempe. We'll pack food to send to the Horn of Africa. FMSC is asking volunteers to bring a minimum donation of $20/person or $50/family.

Click here to sign up online to join our group (use Join Code 166849).

The Truth Project at Grace Chapel

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:34:32 -0800

Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, Starting September 7

At Grace Chapel in Scottsdale

In a recent study, the Barna Research Group revealed a stunning statistic that continues to reverberate throughout the evangelical world. Only 9 percent of professing Christians have a biblical worldview.

Because of this, today's believers live very similarly to non-believers. A personal sense of significance is rarely experienced, we spend our money and time on things that fail to satisfy and we begin to wonder what life's ultimate purpose really is. We are, in short, losing our bearings as a people and a nation.

To counter this slide within the body of Christ, we are launching one of the most ambitious and powerful projects in the history of our ministry--Focus on the Family's The Truth Project.

The Truth Project is a DVD-based curriculum comprised of 13 one-hour lessons taught by Dr. Del Tackett. This study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life.

We believe this one project represents the possibility for exponential change within the body of Christ, as we expect that thousands will be transformed by this curriculum. As it has been throughout history, God continues to call ordinary people to make an eternal difference in our world.

We invite you to be a part of this cultural change by participating in The Truth Project with Grace Chapel starting Wednesday, September 7 at 6:30 PM.

I Don't Know How!

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:48:43 -0800

By Pastor Richard Casteel

"I don't know how to reach people for You!" Suddenly that confession had blurted out of my mouth as I was pouring out complaints to God. I was discouraged and angry at my lack of fruit in the church He had called me to serve for the past 25 years. Standing at the altar in our auditorium, I was crying out for direction and anointing to accomplish the mission of our church - To reach people with the gospel and disciple them into spiritual maturity. In the intensity of the moment as I revealed my heart to God, I had finally admitted the root of my frustration and disappointment: I didn't know how to reach the lost for Jesus!

At that point I had been in ministry for over 40 years. I had been a missionary. I had planted churches. I had led the same congregation for 25 years; yet only now was I admitting this glaring truth that I had no idea how to reach people for Christ.

I've lost count of how many workshops, seminars and conferences I have attended over the years to learn how to evangelize with more relevance and effectiveness in today's world. I've read enough books to fill a small library regarding the state of the harvest, the socio-economic and cultural demographics of our latest generations, and the most up-to-date techniques that would make me truly effective at reaching people for Jesus. However, it appeared that the net result of all my information gathering had been to leave me even more insecure about my gifts and skill level to do what God had called me to do. It seemed I wasn't smart enough, or cool enough, or creative enough, or daring enough to do what the experts were telling me I had to do to reap the harvest. Thus, the crux of my complaint to the Lord, "You have called me to reach people for You, but I don't know how to do it!"

Almost as soon as I uttered my confession to Jesus, I heard His tender response. "You're right, Richard. You don't know how to reach people with the gospel, but I do!" He went on to explain, "My Spirit knows how to reach and impact people in every culture and every generation with My Good News; you just need to let My Spirit lead you and do the work through you."

It was that easy and quite simple. God had been drawing this confession out of me all along. I only needed to come to the place where I could see the futility of trusting in my own gifts, skill and passion to reach the harvest FOR God . . . To honestly confess my inadequacies so I could once again trust in the great promise which launched the church into the world: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." Then, and only then, will any of us be His witnesses.

I am now walking in new confidence and freedom in ministry. My new motto is, "I don't know how to reach people, but the Holy Spirit does!" I simply need to focus on following the Spirit's direction and trust in the Sprit's power to convict and change hearts. I am asked only to do the easy part. He does all the hard stuff. What a relief to know that I don't know; and, what confidence to know that He does! I am casting my nets out again, but this time I will follow the Master Fisherman's instructions. That I do know how to do!

Killing Sin

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:15:24 -0800

From The Practice of Mortification
by Sinclair Ferguson

Here [in Colossae] were relatively young Christians. They have had a wonderful experience of conversion to Christ from paganism. They had entered a gloriously new and liberating world of grace. Perhaps -- if we may read between the lines -- they had felt for a while as if they had been delivered, not only from sin's penalty but almost from its influence -- so marvelous was their new freedom. But then, of course, sin reared its ugly head again. Having experienced the "already" of grace they were now discovering the painful "not yet" of ongoing sanctification. Sounds familiar!

But as in our evangelical sub-culture of quick fixes for long-term problems, unless the Colossians had a firm grasp of Gospel principles, they were now at risk! For just at this point young Christians can be relatively easy prey to false teachers with new promises of a higher spiritual life. That was what Paul feared (Col. 2:8, 16). Holiness-producing methods were now in vogue (Col. 2:21-22) -- and they seemed to be deeply spiritual, just the thing for earnest young believers. But, in fact, "they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh" (Col. 2:23). Not new methods, but only an understanding of how the Gospel works, can provide an adequate foundation and pattern for dealing with sin. This is the theme of Colossians 3:1-17.

Paul's exposition provides us with practical guidance for mortifying sin. Sometimes it seems as if Paul gives exhortations ("Put to death...," 3:5) without giving "practical" help to answer our "how to?" questions. Often today, Christians go to Paul to tell them what to do and then to the local Christian bookstore to discover how to do it! Why this bifurcation? Probably because we do not linger long enough over what Paul is saying. We do not sink our thinking deeply into the Scriptures. For, characteristically, whenever Paul issues an exhortation he surrounds it with hints as to how we are to put it into practice.

This is certainly true here. Notice how this passage helps to answer our "how to?" questions.

1. Learn to admit sin for what it really is. Call a spade a spade -- call it "sexual immorality," not "I'm being tempted a little"; call it "impurity," not "I'm struggling with my thought life"; call it "evil desire, which is idolatry," not "I think I need to order my priorities a bit better." This pattern runs right through this whole section. How powerfully this unmasks self-deceit -- and helps us to unmask sin lurking in the hidden corners of
our hearts!

2. See sin for what your sin really is in God's presence. "On account of these the wrath of God is coming" (3:6). The masters of the spiritual life spoke of dragging our lusts (kicking and screaming, though they be) to the cross, to a wrath-bearing Christ. My sin leads to -- not lasting pleasure -- but holy divine displeasure. See the true nature of your sin in the light of its punishment. Too easily do we think that sin is less serious in Christians than it is in non-believers: "It's forgiven, isn't it?" Not if we continue in it (1 John 3:9)! Take a heaven's-eye view of sin and feel the shame of that in which you once walked (Col. 3:7; see also Rom. 6:21).

3. Recognize the inconsistency of your sin. You put off the "old man," and have put on the "new man" (3:9-10). You are no longer the "old man." The identity you had "in Adam" is gone. The old man was "crucified with him [Christ] in order that the body of sin [probably "life in the body dominated by sin"] might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin" (Rom. 6:6). New men live new lives. Anything less than this is a contradiction of who I am "in Christ."

4. Put sin to death (Col. 3:5). It is as "simple" as that. Refuse it, starve it, and reject it. You cannot "mortify" sin without the pain of the kill. There is no
other way!

But notice that Paul sets this in a very important, broader context. The negative task of putting sin to death will not be accomplished in isolation from the positive call of the Gospel to "put on" the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 13:14). Paul spells this out in Colossians 3:12-17. Sweeping the house clean simply leaves us open to a further invasion of sin. But when we understand the "glorious exchange" principle of the Gospel of grace, then we will begin to make some real advance in holiness. As sinful desires and habits are not only rejected, but exchanged for Christ-like graces (3:12) and actions (3:13); as we are clothed in Christ's character and His graces are held together by love (v. 14), not only in our private life but also in the church fellowship (vv. 12-16), Christ's name and glory are manifested and exalted in and among us (3:17).

Read the entire article here.

An Announcement About Grace East

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:27:50 -0800

Starting August 7 Grace East will meet on Sundays at 11:30 AM

When we started Grace East, we picked Saturday nights because it was the best available time for us to meet (we could rent church facilities inexpensively, Matthew could lead worship, and Pastors Richard and Becky could participate). Now, 17 months and three locations later, we have an opportunity to move to Sunday mornings. I believe this is good for Grace East for a few reasons.

Research has shown that the unchurched are more likely to attend church on Sunday mornings than any other time.
More scheduling conflicts seem to occur on Saturday nights than on Sunday mornings (there have been a lot of weddings this summer).
Meeting in the morning will give us more time to fellowship and eat together, before and after the service.

Starting at 11:30 AM will allow Matthew to lead worship at Grace Chapel in Scottsdale and then quickly (but safely) drive to Mesa to lead worship for Grace East. Pastors Richard and Becky will also be able to attend Grace East and Pastor Richard will stay involved in the preaching in Mesa.

July 30 will be our last meeting on Saturday night. Our first Sunday meeting will be on August 7, at 11:30 AM.

We will still meet at our current location in the Martial Arts Academy at 1350 S. Clearview Avenue in Mesa.

A Hip Hop Overview of the Book of Colossians

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:49:13 -0800

Here is another way to get the message of Colossians (the book we have been studying on Sundays) into your head and heart.

Click here to learn more about the album that breaks down all 13 of Paul's letters.

A Very Special Daddy

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:02:00 -0800

Here is the Father's Day video from Sunday.

A Very Special Daddy

Sermonspice.com

See Details Buy Now

Songs From Colossians

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:16:34 -0800

Matthew Casteel has written some great songs that will help you and your family sing, memorize, and meditate on verses from the book of Colossians (which happens to be the book we are studying for the next couple of months).

Click here to listen to the songs.

Identify the Idols of Your Heart

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:08:29 -0800

Why do we lie, or fail to love, or break our promises, or live selfishly? Of course, the general answer is "Because we are weak and sinful," but the specific answer is that there is something besides Jesus Christ that we feel we must have to be happy, something that is more important to our heart than God, something that is enslaving our heart through inordinate desires. The key to change (and even to self-understanding) is therefore to identify the idols of the heart.

Tim Keller, The Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything

Click here to learn more about identifying idols of the heart.

(via Tony Reinke)

Jesus Will Meet You There

Sun, 08 May 2011 09:20:21 -0800

Here is the song by Steven Curtis Chapman that Pastor Richard played during his sermon on May 1.

Cardboard Testimonies

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 12:37:51 -0800

Do you have a cardboard testimony you would like to share on Easter Sunday? If so, email Pastor Richard and join us for a brief meeting in the Family Room after church on April 17.

Watch these videos to see what I'm talking about.

Cardboard Testimonies from College Park Church on Vimeo.

Why We Need Constant, Persistent, Sleepless, Overcoming Prayer

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:51:05 -0800

From How To Pray by R. A. Torrey

But why is this constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer so needful?

Because there is a Devil - He is cunning, he is mighty, he never rests, he is ever plotting the downfall of the child of God; and if the child of God relaxes in prayer, the devil will succeed in ensnaring him.
Prayer is God's appointed way for obtaining things, and the great secret of all lack in our experience, in our life and in our work is neglect of prayer.
Those men whom God set forth as a pattern of what He expected Christians to be - The Apostles - regarded prayer as the most important business of their lives.
Prayer occupied a very prominent place and played a very important part in the earthly life of our Lord.
Praying is the most important part of the present ministry of our risen Lord.
Prayer is the means that God has appointed for our receiving mercy, and obtaining grace to help in time of need.
Prayer in the name of Jesus Christ is the way Jesus Christ Himself has appointed for His disciples to obtain fullness of joy.
Prayer, in every care and anxiety and need of life, with thanksgiving, is the means that God has appointed for obtaining freedom from all anxiety, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding.
Prayer is the method that God Himself has appointed for our obtaining the Holy Spirit - If we would only spend more time in prayer, there would be more fullness of the Spirit's power in our work. Many and many a man who once worked unmistakably in the power of the Holy Spirit is now filling the air with empty shoutings, and beating it with his meaningless gesticulations, because he has let prayer be crowded out. We must spend much time on our knees before God, if we are to continue in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is the means that Christ has appointed whereby our hearts shall not become overcharged with surfeiting (overindulgence) and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so the day of Christ's return come upon us suddenly as a snare.
Because of what prayer accomplishes.

Prayer promotes our spiritual growth as almost nothing else, indeed as nothing else but Bible study; and true prayer and true Bible study go hand in hand - As I meet God in prayer and gaze into His face, I am changed into His own image from glory to glory.
Prayer brings power into our work - If we wish power for any work to which God calls us, be it preaching, teaching, personal work, or the rearing of our children, we can get it by earnest prayer.
Prayer avails for the conversion of others - By prayer the bitterest enemies of the Gospel have become its most valiant defenders, the greatest scoundrels the truest sons of God, and the vilest women the purest saints.
Prayer brings blessings to the church - Prayer will root out heresy, allay misunderstanding, sweep away jealousies and animosities, obliterate immoralities, and bring in the full tide of God's reviving grace.

Opportunities in the Media Ministry

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:37:22 -0800

We are currently in need of more media techs. Our media techs prepare, manage, and display text, graphics, and DVDs on the screens in the main sanctuary for Sunday services and special services. No experience is necessary; we will train! If you're interested, please email Marla at gracemediateam1@gmail.com.

Update on Japan From Foursquare Missions

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:36:29 -0800

The Foursquare Church of Japan was impacted when a 9.0 earthquake, which resulted in a tsunami, rocked the country on Friday. Foursquare Missions International Director James C. Scott offers an update about the state of The Foursquare Church in Japan. In addition, Corey (last name withheld for security reasons), Foursquare's area missionary to Japan, offers a personal update about what he is seeing on the ground.

Please join together in supporting our Foursquare friends in Japan through your prayers and support.

Places of Worship

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:36:56 -0800

by Pastor Richard Casteel

My wife, Becky, and I have had the privilege to visit Prague in the Czech Republic on several occasions. The city is rich in history and architecture, with lots of wonderful old historic buildings, some of which date as far back as the Roman Empire. One of my favorite things to do while in Prague is to go into any of the many cathedrals and monasteries that can be found all over the city.

I will never forget the first time I walked into the immense St. Vitus Cathedral which rises out of the center of the Prague Castle and looms high over the city. Construction on this old, gothic structure began in 1344 and was not completed until the early 1900s, after nearly 600 years. It is awe-inspiring just to walk through its ornately carved doors. The lavish stained glass windows, tall vaulted ceilings, and massive columns speak of the majesty of worship and of the Gospel of Christ. As I stood there taking everything in, the detailed statues, the ornate altars, the rich textures of the building materials, I couldn't help but marvel at the richness and diversity of the Body of Christ as reflected in the buildings and meeting places in which people gather to worship all around the world. As I stood in this impressive gothic cathedral in the heart of Prague, my mind was flooded with images of all the many other worship places in which I have stood over a lifetime of missionary travels.

I could see the old Spanish colonial home that my parents converted into a storefront mission in Cuba when I was just a young boy. It had thick plastered walls that held up a ceiling of hand-hewn beams and bricks, with long iron-grated windows that opened directly onto the sidewalk and the cobblestone street in front of it. It was in this old dank church that I committed my life to Christ as a small child while kneeling on varnished wooden benches my father had built. This was also the place of worship where a large number of Cubans gave their lives to Christ and were discipled into a congregation that is still a witness for Christ more than 50 years later.

Then I remembered the little group of believers that met under the thatch-roofed porch of a tiny adobe house out in the country town of Hornillos, Mexico. Old Hermano Victor, a Tarahumara Indian from the high sierra of northern Mexico who was infamous due to his long life of violence and drunkenness, would stand worshipping, with tears running down his cheeks, overwhelmed at the forgiveness and redemption he had found in Christ.

I thought of the large contemporary church in Tucson, where the Gospel has been faithfully preached for over 40 years. Thousands of people have wept in repentance and joy on their knees at its carpeted altar and fellowshipped in the spacious meeting rooms and fellowship hall.

I remembered the Japanese believers that met in a small room of an office building in Sapporo, Japan. They sat on metal folding chairs to listen with intense reverence to the Gospel message. Then, after the sermon, they all pulled back the chairs and danced joyfully in the center of the room in praise and thanksgiving, celebrating all that God had done in their lives. The Holy Spirit filled their little nondescript place of worship with His glorious presence.

My mind also flashed to the high Andean mountains of Ecuador where I stood and prayed with the native pastor and his leaders for God to provide funds to put a roof on their little block and mortar sanctuary. This congregation met every Sunday in a sanctuary without a ceiling. They were trusting God to help them complete their construction so they could reach more of their neighbors for Jesus.

Finally, I thought about the church I pastor in Scottsdale, with its beautiful modern auditorium, its white pillars that surround the outside courtyard, and the wonderful people who gather there on the padded pews for worship, discipleship, and prayer.

I was struck by the diversity of the Body of Christ. The wide range of the places of worship we meet in, and minister out of, reflect the unique and rich expression of Christ around the world. It also demonstrates a glorious truth: that God fills the praises of His people, whether the worship is with extravagant pipe organs that reverberate in gothic cathedrals, or with rhythmic drums beating under a tree in the bush of Africa. God loves His Church and loves to fill any place of worship where His people will gather, whether large or small, lavish or simple, as long as His kids are there to worship Him.

So, this week when you stand to worship God in your particular place of worship, stop and think about your Christian family that is gathering in places of worship all around the world and let your praises ring! Christ's Body, His Church, with all its diversity and richness, is worshipping as one Church, in many places, and you are part of it!

Ten Questions To Ask At A Christmas Gathering

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:50:52 -0800

By Don Whitney:

Many of us struggle to make conversation at Christmas gatherings, whether church events, work-related parties, neighborhood drop-ins, or annual family occasions. Sometimes our difficulty lies in having to chat with people we rarely see or have never met. At other times we simply don't know what to say to those with whom we feel little in common. Moreover, as Christians we want to take advantage of the special opportunities provided by the Christmas season to share our faith, but are often unsure how to begin. Here's a list of questions designed not only to kindle a conversation in almost any Christmas situation, but also to take the dialogue gradually to a deeper level. Use them in a private conversation or as a group exercise, with believers or unbelievers, with strangers or with family.

What's the best thing that's happened to you since last Christmas?
What was your best Christmas ever? Why?
What's the most meaningful Christmas gift you've ever received?
What was the most appreciated Christmas gift you've ever given?
What was your favorite Christmas tradition as a child?
What is your favorite Christmas tradition now?
What do you do to try to keep Christ in Christmas?
Why do you think people started celebrating the birth of Jesus?
Do you think the birth of Jesus deserves such a nearly worldwide celebration?
Why do you think Jesus came to earth?

Of course, remember to pray before your Christmas gatherings. Ask the Lord to grant you "divine appointments," to guide your conversations, and to open doors for the gospel. May He use you to bring glory to Christ this Christmas.

For more short, reproducible pieces like this, see www.BiblicalSpirituality.org

(via Justin Taylor)

Sharing the Gospel During Christmas

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:32:00 -0800

From C.J. Mahaney's blog:

On Sunday morning, December 21, 1856, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon to prepare his growing church for the coming Christmas season. He titled it "Going Home," and the aim of the message was to encourage each member of his congregation to humbly, wisely, and appropriately find opportunities to share their personal testimony with family and friends.

Spurgeon's sermon text was taken from the dramatic account of Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:1-20. Spurgeon focused his attention on Jesus's commission to the man after he was healed: "Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (v. 19).

After explaining the demoniac's radical life-transformation by Christ and his commission to go home, Spurgeon commissioned his church to return home. In the remainder of the sermon Spurgeon develops several practical points:

Christmas is suited for sharing the gospel with family and friends.
Aim to share the story of God's grace in your life.
By sharing we edify believers.
By sharing we reach lost friends and family.
Be alert for one-on-one opportunities to share your story.
Don't expect this sharing to be easy.
Overcome this fear by sharing to honor your Savior.
Share your story with gratitude to God.
Share your story with humility.
Share your story truthfully--don't embellish it.
Tell your story seriously--don't share it flippantly.
Don't neglect your personal devotions during Christmas.
Rest upon the Holy Spirit's help to share.
Remember that this story you share over the holidays is the story that will be on your lips eternally.

Get more details about each of Spurgeon's points here.

(via Tony Reinke)

The Real Heroes of the Jersey Shore

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:51:04 -0800

From an article in Charisma Magazine:

Evangelist Scott Hinkle and his wife, Nancy, have sold everything to reach one of the most unchurched regions of the United States...

And that is why Scott Hinkle, a charismatic evangelist who grew up near the Jersey shore, recently returned there with his wife, Nancy. They have planted a church right in the middle of this American Babylon.

"There is absolutely no trace evidence that Christianity has ever been here," says Hinkle, 59. Last year he and Nancy planted Jersey Life Church in the community of Red Bank, about 30 miles south of the Newark airport. The congregation, which has about 35 members, just celebrated its one-year anniversary...

I believe we are building a strong, vibrant church that will reach out to the greater Jersey Shore area," he says with contagious optimism. "We are going to make a big difference as we serve the practical and spiritual needs of this community."

Read the whole article here. Learn more about Scott Hinkle here and Jersey Life Church here. Get the audio of Scott Hinkle's messages at Grace Chapel here, here, and here.

Advent Devotionals

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:48:44 -0800

The first Sunday of Advent is November 28. Visit these links to download free devotionals that will help you celebrate the arrival of our wonderful Savior.

Learn more about Advent and how to celebrate it here. Links to some advent books can be found here.

Bread of Life Food Pantry Update

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:02:52 -0800

Grace Chapel's Bread of Life ministry thanks all who have so generously given to help those in need. You have been a blessing!

The items we are most in need of right now are:

Jelly - We REALLY need jelly!
Beans (bags of pinto beans)
Canned vegetables
Canned fruit

Of course, at this time of year we can also use boxes of stuffing, turkey gravy, mashed potato mixes, and other Thanksgiving-specific food.

Check out www.graceinourcommunity.blogspot.com for more information (including links to local grocery store ads).

The Ministry of the Pew

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:06:09 -0800

By Colin Marshall

Some years ago a pastor, Ray Ewers, instructed me in the finer art of how to walk into church. To most people, this might appear to be a rather basic accomplishment requiring little or no tutelage. Perhaps a family with five toddlers would appreciate some advice, but most of us would never give it a thought. Ray's instruction was very brief: "Pray about where you sit".
Ray's advice was based on a particular view of church. He saw church as a place where Christians go to work. Church is a gathering of God's people to hear his word and respond in faith and obedience. In this gathering, we are in fellowship with each other, through the blood of Jesus, and, because of our fellowship, we seek to serve each other. We use our gifts and abilities to strengthen one another and build Christ's Church--'edification' is the word often used to describe what goes on in church. All believers are involved in building the church, not just clergy or preachers. The New Testament consistently teaches that in the growth of the body of Christ each part must do its work (see Eph 4; 1 Cor 12-14). Because of this, we aren't to see ourselves merely as part of an organization called 'St Hubert's Church', but as servants of God's people, eager to meet the needs of others even if it means sacrificing our own.
Ray's view of church was spot on. With this perspective, his advice to pray about my choice of pew makes perfect sense. If at church we are working to strengthen our fellow believers, where we sit becomes important since part of our work will be talking to our neighbour in the pew, welcoming people, helping each other understand God's word and praying with each other.
The 'Pew Prayer' was a significant turning point in my understanding of what church is all about. It changed my reasons for going to church. The shift was made from being the 'helpee' to the helper, the served to the servant. Church is where we seek spiritual food and encouragement in order to become more godly; but church is also where we go in order to feed other people and encourage them. In God's mercy, we become more Christ-like in the process, as like him we deny ourselves for the sake of others. But our purpose in gathering with God's people is to strengthen them and build the body of Christ. We look for opportunities to assist the growth of the church in practical ways, which is what Factotum is all about. There are numerous ways in which we can carry out the ministry of the pew. In this issue of Factotum, we'll look at some of them.

To learn more ways we can carry out "the ministry of the pew" read the rest of the article here.

Vista del Camino Back to School Program

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:55:02 -0800

August 4 and 5

Each year in August the City of Scottsdale's Vista del Camino Back to School Program assists over 500 Scottsdale children in need. Vista del Camino is seeking financial assistance or donations of new clothing, jeans, socks, underwear, shoes, backpacks and school supplies so these children can go back to school with pride. To be eligible applicants must be Scottsdale residents, meet income guidelines, be new to the program or have less than 5 years of participation in the program.

Clothing is needed in all sizes for youth from kindergarten through high school. All sizes are needed from 4 or x-small/small youth sizes to 4XL
young adult sizes/styles. Monetary donations are also appreciated.

Donations will be accepted at Vista del Camino (7700 East Roosevelt) and Via Linda Senior Center (10440 E. Via Linda). Make monetary donations to "Concerned Citizens for Community Health" and mail them to Vista del Camino. Your contribution can help make a difference in the life of a child! Thank you for your support.

For more information, please call 480-312-GIVE

or E-mail us at 480312give@scottsdaleaz.gov

City of Scottsdale families wishing to enroll their children in this program can contact Vista del Camino at 480-312-2323 to schedule a screening appointment.

Grace In Our Community

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:36:34 -0800

Visit graceinourcommunity.blogspot.com for an update on how God is using the Bread of Life Food Pantry to help feed the hungry in our community.

You will also find a list of items we need to restock our shelves after a busy few months and information about how you can join others to deliver food and the gospel to our neighbors in Scottsdale.

Stretching To See The Goal

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:30:39 -0800

The Apostle Paul lived his life with passion; passion to know God better and passion for fulfilling God's purposes. His personal story shows that he was willing to go anywhere and face any hardship in order to know Christ better and to accomplish God's mission for him.

In Philippians, chapter 3, Paul gives us a key to how he was able to keep his passion and stay focused on what was important in his life. He says that there was one thing he did, one important way of thinking. His one thing was that he was always pressing forward. He would not ever stop his forward motion. His purpose was always clear and his goal was constantly before him. Here is how Paul put it in verse 13, "...forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead, I press toward the goal..."

Paul was convinced about the goal that God had laid out for him. He was not in pursuit of his own goals and ambitions but was after the "prize" for which God had called him.
It is interesting to note that while Paul was obviously both passionate and ambitious, he was committed to a goal that he believed God had laid out for him. Passion, ambition, and goal setting for Paul were simply necessary tools to help him reach his life-consuming missions, which were to know Christ and to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel.

As we search for direction and focus in our own lives we can learn from Paul these simple yet powerful tools for living life. First, stretch yourself forward to find the goal or goals that God has laid out for you. Be inspired by them and value them as prizes worth running for. Second, get past the past. Break off all the entanglements of past successes and failures; focus only on what lies ahead. Third, press hard toward the goals with intensity and with dedication. If your goal isn't worth the struggle or hardship, then you will lose heart or stop short of the finish line.

May we learn to stretch ourselves out to see the goal God has set before us and to go after it with all our strength. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart..." Colossians 3:23

Pastor Richard

Jerry Cook Audio

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:46:45 -0800

The audio from the June 27 Sunday night workshop with Jerry Cook is now available online.

Go here to listen online or download the mp3 file.

Meet the Rizers

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:14:12 -0800

Tyson Paoletti has helped run Tooth & Nail Records in Seattle for the better part of the last decade. He and songwriter, freelance designer, and friend Greg Lutze came up with the idea for an album of Scripture based, guitar-pop worship songs for kids. Both members of Mars Hill Church, they are artists and fathers trying to figure out ways to establish Scripture memory as a value in their families. What began as a series of jingles to help memorize Bible verses became a full-length album of music you can't get out of your head, joined to lyrics of straight Scripture.

Get more information and download free songs here.

The Church Is A Family

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:08:12 -0800

Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Live

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:06:25 -0800

Thursday, September 23, at 6 PM
Dodge Theater in Phoenix

See Dave Ramsey live at the Total Money Makeover event in Phoenix.

Follow the link below and enter the promotional code Grace Chapel in the provided box to receive your general admission passes for $25 and VIP for $51. Your passes will be automatically emailed to you.

Contact Teresa Duke (Phoenix live event advisor) for more information.
Toll Free: 800.844.6934 x 119
teresad@daveramsey.com

Free Music For Your Kids

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:22:44 -0800

Jesus Came to Save Sinners contains five original songs that teach children about the character and nature of God and His plan to save sinners through Jesus Christ.

Download the album for free here.

Live Stream of Foursquare Connection 2010

Mon, 31 May 2010 15:11:41 -0800

Live streaming of all general sessions will be made available to share the experience with those who can't make it to Atlanta.

Beginning Monday evening, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, we'll be broadcasting main sessions live from Atlanta. On Monday, you can link to the broadcast directly from Foursquare.org. Now leaders from around the world can participate in main sessions, as well as chat live and worship with the rest of the Foursquare family from any computer with an Internet connection. If you're on Twitter or Facebook, you can also follow the conversations there. We'll be broadcasting live during the following Eastern times:

Monday, May 31: Opening Session, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 1: Evening Session, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 2: Morning Session, 8:00 a.m.

Thursday, June 3: Morning Session, 8:00 a.m. / Closing Session, 7:00 p.m.

Note: All times are Eastern. Convention business sessions, workshops and learning tracks will not be broadcast.

We encourage you spread the word to your church, fellow leaders, family and friends. You can start by simply forwarding this email. There are also resources available -including videos-online at FoursquareConnection.org to help you share the news.

Grace Chapel Cookbook

Fri, 28 May 2010 19:28:20 -0800

Contribute your favorite recipes for the first ever Grace Chapel cookbook.

Proceeds from the sale of the books will be used to help improve the church kitchen.

You can get more information and pre-order cookbooks on Sundays at our table in the lobby.

Click here to submit your recipes online (use GraceChapel for the username and Contributor for the password).

Maniac 4 Missions TV

Thu, 27 May 2010 14:52:40 -0800

Episodes 2-4 are now online at MissionaryChurch.info.

Maniac 4 Missions TV - Episode 1

Thu, 13 May 2010 12:25:53 -0800

Watch as the Maniac4Missions (John Rusk) travels by motorcycle from L.A. to Atlanta for global missions.

How Do You Pastor Your Family?

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:24:07 -0800

Justin Hyde, pastor of Christ Church in Brenham, Texas, shares how family devotions work in his home.

Routine
Intentional Evenings
Time to Play
Mealtime
Cleanup
Bible Time
Questions and Answers
Family Prayer
Bedtime
Explicit vs. Implicit

Read the article here.

A Fresh Anointing

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:01:25 -0800

Before God initiates any change or personal transformation in us He will, first, refresh us. In fact, our first encounter with God is a renewing and refreshing encounter. This is an amazing fact that is seen throughout the history of God's relationship with those who call on Him.

The book of Acts opens with the instruction to the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit would "come upon them". These were the same people who had either betrayed Jesus or kept their distance from Him when He needed them most. They had failed God and their Messiah. Yet, when the Holy Spirit anointing did come on them they were not greeted with shame and rejection, nor were any performance demands made of them. Instead, the Spirit simply filled them with joy, with spiritual power, and with a divine understanding of God's plan for their lives. All of this in the first encounter!

In Psalms 23 we see the loving Shepherd anointing His lambs with oil and filling their cups to overflowing. This is the image of the Shepherd we all need get into our hearts. The Shepherd greets each lamb with tender love. He desires only to pour His anointing oil on us, to refresh and renew our souls, and to revive and heal us from our weariness and pain. When we understand the depth of God's love for us, we will also understand that every encounter with our Shepherd is a refreshing encounter. We cannot come to God without being touched by His Spirit with love and grace - a grace that refreshes and renews our souls and revives our spirits. Any time and every time we are touched by the Shepherd we will be refreshed.

Our religious performance tendencies make us afraid to come to the Shepherd. We are convinced that we will be shamed in His presence or that He will demand some act of contrition or impossible religious duty before He will bless us. Yet, all the evidence points to this reality: that the first thing you will experience in His presence is the refreshing anointing of His Holy Spirit. He will bless you before He ever starts changing you.

I pray that we all may have a perspective change. That we will learn to call on Jesus, the Great Shepherd of Our Souls, for the refreshing anointing of His Spirit. That in His presence we may be renewed and refreshed. That we may come to know and experience this great truth: every encounter with God is a refreshing one. He bids you come!

Pastor Richard Casteel

Click here to listen to the sermon A Fresh Anointing

An Interview With John and Debbie Booker

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:31:29 -0800

John and Debbie, pastors from Phoenix, Arizona, are in Haiti helping to direct Foursquare's relief efforts.

Foursquare In Haiti from Grace Chapel on Vimeo.

Foursquare's Haiti Blog

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:06:22 -0800

Get updates from Foursquare team members in Haiti and information about how you can join in the work there.

Foursquare Haiti

Updates from Haiti

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:44:57 -0800

One of our missionaries in Haiti (Elizabeth) has a blog. She's been posting updates, photos, videos, and prayer requests. Check it out at www.YouMeandHaiti.com.

Here is a recent video she posted.

You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

That's Salvation

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:11:15 -0800

From Pastor Richard's sermon on April 11:

The word that saves is right here,
as near as the tongue in your mouth,
as close as the heart in your chest.
It's the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God--"Jesus is my Master"--embracing, body and soul, God's work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That's it. You're not "doing" anything; you're simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That's salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: "God has set everything right between him and me!"

Romans 10:8-10 (The Message)

A Prayer Of Blessing For Our Church

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:30:58 -0800

From Pastor Richard's Easter sermon:

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (New Living Translation)

Haiti Missions Blog

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:38:18 -0800

Stay up to date on how our missionaries to Haiti are keeping busy by reading this blog.

Here's a recent update:

Elysha arrived from Arizona Thursday afternoon. She's here to help us put the house together, do some communications and computer work for us and enjoy the Haitian church. I think she's having fun and is finding the people warm, friendly and sincere. She was a big help this morning in class and the young people liked her. Thank you Elysha for bringing much needed supplies to the front lines. You'll go home with a lot less than you came with.

This morning we had 32 people in the English class. We had a little six year old boy named Rafael and one older pastor, probably is his seventies. The rest were young people in their twenties. I know they understand what the church is because when I taught them the word "church" I explained "not the building" and they answered me "no, the people"...

Easter Resources

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:41:29 -0800

Here are some online resources to help you understand and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:34:18 -0800

Here's a quote from the autobiography of Patrick, originally written in Latin around AD 450:

We, on the other hand, shall not die, who believe in and worship the true sun, Christ, who will never die, no more shall he die who has done Christ's will, but will abide for ever just as Christ abides for ever, who reigns with God the Father Almighty and with the Holy Spirit before the beginning of time and now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Pray: 7Fourteen - February

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:56:53 -0800

Our denomination is calling us to commit to one hour on the second Saturday of each month to pray fervently for our world, our families, and our church.

On February 13 the prayer focus is global evangelism.

Learn more here.

Go, Send, or Disobey

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:37:00 -0800

6,000 of the world's people groups have not yet been reached with the Gospel. That's two billion people.
70% of Asians have never heard of Jesus Christ.
There are only 100,000 missionaries in the world today. 3% of those work among the unreached.

Everyday Evangelism: Christ in You

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:20:09 -0800

This is an article by Jerry Cook - ~~who will be our guest on Sunday, February 21~~.

You are called not so much to do great things, as to be a great person--and that person is Jesus Christ. The Church is the resident presence of Jesus in the world.
No matter how big church attendance is on Sunday, it will never penetrate the culture with Jesus. The reason is clear: The church on Sunday is experienced by the church community; it is only observed by the unbelieving community.

However, Monday through Saturday, the church operates in the experience of non-believers. It lives on their turf, moves in their society, and operates in their culture. On Monday Jesus becomes incarnate through you. And because He can be seen and touched, He can be received or rejected. True evangelism is possible.

Your Strategic Placement
Most Christians have been trained quite well to be the church on Sunday. But what does it take to be the church on Monday?

The first step is to recognize your strategic placement. "Strategic placement" means this: each redeemed, Spirit-filled Christian has been strategically placed by Jesus, the Lord of the church. Where each believing man or woman lives and works is part of that strategy. Christians are people of destiny, purposely placed deep in our culture. We are God's points of penetration. Because of us Jesus is present at the very heart of society. And it is this strategic presence of Christ that opens the door for his revelation as Savior to man.

Incarnational Christianity doesn't try to get people to God. Many men and women don't want to get to God. Others are unaware there is a God to get to! The incarnation was God coming to us; in a similar way, incarnational Christianity brings Jesus to man.

That's the basis for true evangelism: in the believer the presence of Christ reaches out to others. It's also the basis for true discipleship: in the believer the presence of Christ walks alongside the new believer. Thus, the two main activities of the church-conversion and discipling-are wed, as they were meant to be. The Great Commission, after all is not simply to go into all the world and make converts; we are to go and make disciples.

Jesus said simply, "I am the way. If you have found me, you have found God." Unfortunately, the church often adds a debilitating step to the divine program. We say, "Jesus is the way to God, and the church is the way to Jesus. Come to the church and find Jesus, then Jesus will take you to God." We must never allow the church institution to be the way to God. Jesus himself is the Way. The goal of the church on Monday is to make the Way present and visible in the world.

Open for Business
Of course, it does no good to have a strategic force in place if the people don't know they are strategic, don't know they are a force, and don't know they are in place.

Most Christians give mental assent to this idea of strategic placement, but they have no concept of its implications. Some think of inviting hurting people to a church program, others think of using some type of soul-winning gimmick to make a convert. Most, however, don't do anything with the idea at all. It simply floats around, untapped, in the background of their experience. They're strategically placed, but they're not "open for business."

"Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27) means you are filled with the Holy Spirit and Jesus is present wherever you go. You are capable of responding to the needs of others exactly the way Jesus would. The gifts of the Spirit are how Jesus works through you to touch people's lives.

Our time on earth is about being Jesus in our world. Jesus didn't come to our planet on vacation; He came on assignment. Likewise, you and I have not been born here and now accidentally. We don't just happen to bump into hurting people. There's divine strategy at work. You are where you are because God strategically placed you there.

I'm convinced that if more Christians were open for business, then more business would show up. Evangelism as a primary goal is often artificial and powerless. But when it's a serendipity of spirit-filled believers being Jesus in their world, it is natural and unstoppable!

Excerpted from The Monday Morning Church by Jerry Cook. Reprinted with permission from www.jerrycook.org.

God Is Coming - New Song

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:59:47 -0800

Here is the new song Matthew Casteel wrote for our current sermon series.

Foursquare Response To Haiti Earthquake

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:26:44 -0800

From the Foursquare Missions International Prayer Force Update:

The Foursquare Church is poised to respond with relief supplies and financial resources. Many pastors in the U.S. have already contacted Foursquare Missions International looking for ways to help. We are currently assessing the needs and our available resources. As contact is made with our leaders in Haiti and additional needs are identified, we will develop a long-term plan to minister to people, bring relief to communities, and rebuild our churches.
Haiti's prime minister has speculated that casualties following the earthquake could top more than 100,000 people following the most powerful earthquake to hit the country in more than 200 years. The national palace is a crumbled ruin and tens of thousands of people are homeless. In public squares thousands of people are comforting each other and singing hymns together.
Details about the U.S. response of The Foursquare Church to the Haiti earthquake will be available through the communication venues listed below and through your District Missions Representatives. In addition, Foursquare Missions Press is offering free tracts and Bible literature in Haiti's language of Creole for all Foursquare church teams. To request tracts, contact Bob Hunt.
The nation as a whole and the churches of Haiti will need our ongoing prayer and support.
Here is how you can give immediate help:
1. Pray for protection, miraculous healings, restoration and acceleration of the kingdom for Haiti. Let's contend for a total turnaround from this quake into a shaking of a nation unto salvation.
2. Take an offering. Our long-term plan of relief will require large financial resources.
You can give online at https://give.foursquare.org/relief
You can mail a check payable to:
Foursquare Missions International
PO Box 26776
Los Angeles, CA 90026
3. Consider planning or joining a team to aid in the rebuilding and restoration of this nation. Contact David Wheeler by email for more information.

Click here for additional resources and to watch a video message from Jonathan Hall, Director of Foursquare Missions International, regarding Foursquare relief in Haiti.

Marathon Road Closures This Sunday

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:31:05 -0800

Check to see if your way to or from church is affected by the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon on January 17.

http://arizona.competitor.com/event-info/course/road-closures/

Planning An Intentional Devotional Life For 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:58:13 -0800

Do you have a plan?

The most important thing you can do in 2010 is cultivate a devotional life that facilitates the intimate nearness of God. You won't accidentally get close to God. So, for 2010, I wanted to encourage you to embrace a focused intentionality in your devotional life. Here are some things I have been thinking through with regards to my devotional practices in 2010.

Have a no exemption time and place to meet with God.

Have a plan.

Begin your time with prayer and confession.

Read out loud.

Look for Gospel patterns.

Journal your thoughts and prayers.

Realize that this is a community project.

Don't give up.

Read the rest of the Pastor JR Vassar's article (which has much more information about each bullet point) here.

Food Pantry Donation Acceleration

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:54:56 -0800

The Bread of Life ministry thanks all those who have so generously given food to help those in need. You have been a blessing! This month we want to restock our shelves and are asking everyone to help bring in as much food and cases of water as possible. Get your kids involved and canvas your neighborhoods for donations. Watch the store ads for great sales (any Coupon Sensers out there?). Ask your co-workers to donate. Get creative! (Send your success stories, comments, or questions to breadoflifeministry@live.com).

At the end of January we will have a Donation Administration Day to organize, box, and shelve the donations. Items always needed: peanut butter; jelly; spaghetti; spaghetti sauce; Kraft Mac N' Cheese; rice; beans; saltine crackers; soup; bottled water. For a more complete list, visit http://graceinourcommunity.blogspot.com.

Pray: 7Fourteen

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:20:12 -0800

Though this is coming right up on us, I wanted to let everyone know about a global prayer event that Foursquare is initiating this Saturday, January 9.

Our President, Dr. Glenn Burris, is calling the worldwide Foursquare Church to join together on the second Saturday of each month for 24 hours of prayer.

It is called Pray: 7Fourteen, in reference to 2 Chronicles 7:14. The strategy is simple. Go online to www.pray7fourteen.org and sign up for the one hour you will commit to pray this coming Saturday. The web site also explains the vision and has a prayer agenda you can follow. This month we are to pray for laborers in the harvest.

We will be joining together for prayer with global Foursquare family on the second Saturday of every month in 2010! I hope everyone will join in.

Pastor Richard

Saint Nicholas

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:31:28 -0800

Learn more about the real Santa Claus here and here.

When Was Jesus Born?

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:56:14 -0800

If you want a helpful introduction to the issue of when Jesus was born (and when other events in his life happened), download Paul Maier's article, "The Date of the Nativity and the Chronology of Jesus' Life" at Between Two Worlds.

Maier argues that Jesus was born in the latter half of 5 B.C. (perhaps November), and that he died on Friday, April 3, A.D. 33.

Be Like the Wise Men

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:37:02 -0800

From Daniel Wallace's devotional on historical aspects of the birth of Jesus.

Shortly after the birth of the Messiah, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired of king Herod where the real king of the Jews was to be born. The theologians of Herod's court knew the Scriptures well--in 'Bethlehem' they recited. Ironically, though they knew the Scriptures, they did not believe them! They did not even bother to travel the five or six miles to Bethlehem to see their Messiah.

But Herod believed the Scriptures! That is why he sent a corps of butchers to Bethlehem to slaughter innocent children, in hopes of destroying this rival to his throne. But he was too late. The magi had come and gone and Jesus was by now safe in Egypt.

And the magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship this Babe. They were guided to Bethlehem by a supernatural celestial phenomenon--and by the Scriptures. Apparently, their ancestors had been instructed by Daniel the prophet about the coming Messiah. . . When they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped him. This was God in the flesh. They could do no other.

The theologians of Herod's court did not believe the Scriptures. They were fools. Herod believed, but disobeyed. He was a madman. The simple shepherds and the majestic magi believed in this infant Savior--and it was reckoned to them as righteousness. May we follow in their train.

Esperanza Project

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:14:06 -0800

This Christmas we are working with our Spanish congregation to help the children at an orphanage in Rocky Point, Mexico.

Our job is to provide one twin-size (or larger) blanket for each of the 42 children at Esperanza para los Ninos.

You can do more if you like. Click here for a list of the other items they need.

We need the blankets and any other items you want to donate at the church building on or before December 20.

16 Christmas Tips For Dads

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:47:57 -0800

Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle encourages fathers to make the most of the holidays this year.

'Tis the season for Dad to drop the holiday ball, stress out as the money is being spent for presents, and miss yet another providential opportunity to lovingly lead his family. So, this blog is intended to help dads not fall into the same old rut of holiday humdrum, sitting on the couch watching football and eating carbs, but rather intentionally plan out the upcoming holiday season. Our children grow quickly and if we miss the sacred moments God opens up for us to connect with and bless our families, everyone suffers and we set in motion generations of missed opportunity.

#1 - Dad needs a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what's your plan?
#4 - Dad needs to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how's your joy?
#15 - Dad needs to read about Jesus and pray over his kids. Dad, how's your pastoral work going with each of your kids?

Read all 16 here.

Update From Leo and Meri Ruiz

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:01:04 -0800

Click here to read the latest newsletter from Leo and Meri Ruiz, pastors we support in Ecuador.

Salvation Army Christmas Dinner

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:42:56 -0800

Click here to learn more about opportunities to volunteer at the Salvation Army Christmas Dinner that Rae and Lisa Ormsby talked about this morning.

Black Friday and Advent Conspiracy

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:54:02 -0800

From the Advent Conspiracy blog:

I'm worried that people are being guilted into Advent Conspiracy. The last thing we want is for people to feel like they can't shop because their church or family member or friend told them it's not the [AC] way. Because that's not true. So what is the [AC] way? Simply this: We want to encourage people to do Christmas differently by worshiping Jesus first before anything else. We want to push back on hyper-consumerism. Notice the word "hyper". We're not saying you shouldn't buy a gift, we're merely suggesting you don't gorge yourself on gifts or buy stuff out of obligation.

Some will shop on Black Friday because they really want to honor their finances by saving money on gifts, and that's a smart thing. Here's what's not a beautiful thing: Getting all bent out of shape and stressed out because someone said "we" don't want you to buy gifts. Kind of a silly thing, especially since one of [AC]'s intentions is to help people relax and enjoy the season. The point is, make it personal by making it about Jesus first. The rest is just details.

Read the rest here.

Advent Devotionals

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:30:49 -0800

The first Sunday of Advent is November 29. Visit these links to download free devotionals that will help you celebrate the arrival of our wonderful Savior.

Shop at Bashas and Raise Money for Kids

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:50:52 -0800

You can earn money for our children's ministry just by grocery shopping! Bashas' Supermarkets has offered us this opportunity, and it couldn't be easier. Simply ask the cashier to link Grace Chapel's number, 24071, to your Bashas' Thank You Card (or link it yourself at www.bashasshopandgive.com). Then, every time you shop and use your Thank You Card, our kids ministry earns money! Sign up now to maximize the earnings!

Even if you've linked your card to Grace Chapel in the past, you have to re-link it every year.

Grace Chapel Online Bulletin Board

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:45:46 -0800

Do you have something you want to sell or give away? Are you looking for a roommate or a place to live? Visit gracelist.gracechapel.tv to post and view ads related to housing, jobs, community events, items to sell or give away, and more.

Grace Chapel Work Day Photos

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:55:59 -0800

Grace Chapel Work Day

View more presentations from acasteel.

Pastor Richard Is In Ecuador

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:02:18 -0800

Pastor Bladimir Gonzalez of Comunidad de Vida will be speaking at Grace Chapel on Sunday morning.

A Resource For Young Married Couples

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:24:06 -0800

www.youngmarriedlife.com

From a press release:

The site is intended to function as a virtual small group for married couples, featuring a group blog, a forum and regular featured articles about the early years of marriage, career, finances, culture, and calling. A key topic on the site is preparing for parenting. Gen X and Gen Y couples are reporting a sharper drop in marital satisfaction when they become parents. Young Married Life will offer candid thoughts on the joys and challenges of starting a family with the hope of providing couples a smoother transition.

"We want to offer a supportive community to couples who might feel a little lost in their transition into marriage," said Steve Watters, director of Marriage and Parenting Preparation for Focus on the Family. "We especially want to help them realize that they aren't the only people who have fights about in-laws or how to load the dishwasher the right way."

(found at Between Two Worlds)

What Did You Expect? The Realities of Marriage

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:08:55 -0800

Marriages are filled with chaos and confusion. The gospel paints a radical vision of marriage and declares an unwavering call to fight for marriages in our churches and city. Hear author Paul David Tripp speak on this gospel vision for marriage, from the 2009 Sojourn Counseling conference, The Gospel: Counseling And The Church.

(found at Between Two Worlds)

An Orphan Or A Child of God?

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:07:45 -0800

This exercise was part of our Gospel-Centered Life class on Sunday.

Do you live more like an orphan or an adopted child of God?

THE ORPHAN

Lacks a vital daily intimacy with God
Anxious about friends, money, school, grades, etc.
Feels as if no one cares about you
Lives on a success/fail basis
Needs to look good
Has to fix your problems
Needs to be right
Is defensive when accused of error or weakness
Has a critical spirit (complaining and bitterness)

THE SON/DAUGHTER

Feels freed from worry because of God's love for you
Learning to live in daily partnership with God
Not fearful of God
Feels forgiven and totally accepted
A daily trust in God's sovereign plan for your life
Freedom from making a name for yourself
Able to examine your deeper motives
Open to criticism because you rest on Christ's perfection
Trusting less in self and more in the Holy Spirit

(thanks to Second Mile Church Blog)

The Family Of God

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:03:17 -0800

What if you knew that severing any relationship was not possible? What if we were all stuck together... like family? The idea of leaving should not be an option. Romans 8 tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Exodus tells us that God will never leave us or forsake us. And Jesus prayed to God the Father that we would all be one, as he and the Father are one. So, why are we so comfortable with relationships that do not grow or others that end?

Go deeper! Listen to the podcast on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast.

Bread of Life Food Pantry

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:14:02 -0800

Times may be tough, but we can work together to help each other. The Bread of Life Food Pantry is a new ministry at Grace Chapel that wants to make sure no one in our church or who visits our church would have to suffer from a lack of food. To that end we are making food boxes available to anyone who asks.

Contact Marla at the church office to arrange a time to pick up a box.

If you know someone who is in need but won't ask for help, get a box of food for them and don't let them say "No"! If you would like to donate to the pantry, there are donation boxes near the entrances/exits of the church building where you can leave non-perishable food items and toiletries.

Family Worship Resources

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:52:59 -0800

From "Q&As About Family Worship" from FamilyWorshipGuide.net:

Just as we come together each week for a time of corporate worship as a local body of believers (the local church), our families are to gather for a time of family worship. Much of the same aspects apply, although they will likely look a little different from family to family and from the typical corporate worship service. Patrick Kavanaugh equates family worship to family meal time; just as we come together to eat a meal, we should also come together to worship the Lord. Unfortunately, both are increasingly rare in modern times.

We are commanded to teach our children about God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). We are instructed to teach our children the words of God and to talk to our children about God and his ways day and night. A focused time of family worship allows us to do that with intentionality. It allows them to see that God is glorious and that their parents value their own relationship with Him.

Scheduling family worship time will be different from family to family because of the many different activities each of us engages in. For some families, mornings will work best; for others, the evening will offer more consistency. However you schedule your family worship times, be consistent!

Find helpful family worship resources here.

Pastor Richard on Safari

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:06:30 -0800

Pastor Richard and John Rusk at a wildlife preserve in Namibia. See more pictures here.

Pastor Festus Negumbo

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:58:22 -0800

Pastor Richard is in Africa with John Rusk teaching at the Namibia Foursquare Convention. Learn more about the President of the Foursquare Church in Namibia here and here.

View more pictures from Pastor Richard's trip here.

Reconciliation In Sri Lanka

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:35:39 -0800

Pastor Richard wanted me to post this recent communication from the Director of Foursquare Missions International, Jonathan Hall.

Sinthamany was working in the rice fields, while his son, Kuganesan, was off studying at the Foursquare Bible school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Little did he know that his wife, two other children and 16 church members (all relatives) were being murdered at the hand of rebels.

It was 22 years ago when this horrible day of grief and evil occurred. Nineteen people were slaughtered in a Foursquare church in the Trincomalee district of Sri Lanka. This kind of horror has not been uncommon in the last 30 years of civil war. Often, our pastors and churches have been targets of violence.

Finally, the civil war has recently ended and our Foursquare leaders knew that they needed to seek the Lord for healing and reconciliation in their land. Last week, pastors Leslie Keegel and George Niranjan led the different ethnic groups of Sri Lanka in a foot-washing service, as a prophetic and prayerful act of forgiveness and healing at the opening of their convention. I, our missionary Wayne D., and over 1,000 leaders wept and prayed during this profound act we were privileged to be a part of. As the preparations for this service were being made, pastor Kuganesan (who lost most of his family 22 years before) asked to be one of those who would wash the feet of those who slaughtered his family. He commented, "I must do this as part of my healing."

Pictures From South Africa

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:25:03 -0800

View more pictures here.

Greetings From South Africa

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:52:04 -0800

Greetings! I am writing you from Cape Town, South Africa! We are at the end of our fifth day here. I had a great time of ministry at the Coastlands Community Church, the Foursquare church here in Cape Town. Pastor Xavier invited me to speak to his men at the Saturday morning breakfast meeting and to the congregation on the following Sunday. Both meetings went well; the Lord gave me a message for both events. On Sunday I preached on how love is the key to a powerful church; I think He gave me that message to bring home to Grace Chapel - I will keep praying on it.

This morning (Wednesday for us) we fly up to Windhoek, Namibia, to begin ministering at their Foursquare convention, which goes through Sunday. Pray for a clear message and a strong prophetic anointing; also, for safety as we travel. On Sunday afternoon we are scheduled to go out into the country and see the wildlife on our way to look at a Foursquare work in the countryside. That should be both interesting and challenging; I am looking forward to that experience.

Thank you all for your prayer and support for me on this trip; I believe God will deposit something important in me to bring back to you and to the congregation. Like Samuel, I say, "Speak my Lord, your servant is listening!"

Pastor Richard

Teaching Young Children to Love God

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:11:42 -0800

Click here to find a list of resources recommended by SojournKids to help you disciple your kids.

While there you can download A Catechism for Boys and Girls and the SojournKids Family Worship Guide.

Parenting Seminars

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:59:32 -0800

Here are links to audio and documents from various parenting seminars hosted at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD:

Parenting Ages Infant to 5 (by Brian Chesemore)

Training, Discipline, and the Rod | Outline (PDF)
Biblical Principles of Parenting | Outline (PDF)

Parenting Ages 6 to 10 (by Kenneth Maresco)

Overall Outline (PDF)
Biblical Principles of Parenting
Shepherding Toward Conversion
Shepherding Your Child's Heart
Additional Resources:
"Sowing Plan" (PDF)
Plan to Overcome Complaining (PDF)

Parenting Ages 11 to 14 (by Greg Somerville)

Overall Outline (PDF)
Changing Relationships
Emerging Convictions in a Changing World
Changing Bodies and Minds

Parenting Ages 15 to 18 (by Kenneth Maresco)

Overall Outline (PDF)
God's Role and Our Role
A Teen's Relationship with God
The Importance of Relationships in a Teen's Life
Question and Answer Session

Parenting Ages 19 to 22 (by Bob Kauflin)

Overall Outline (PDF)
Hopes and Goals
Rules and Relationships
College and Careers
Question and Answer Session

(Thanks to Between Two Worlds)

Summer Connection Tools

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:31:58 -0800

How can invite cards, tennis balls, extra sunscreen, a camera, and courage help you connect with your neighbors this summer? Read Steve McCoy's article to find out.

Helping Parents Train Their Children For Christ

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:53:51 -0800

DiscipleLikeJesus.com

Did you know that over 2 million teens, youth, and young adults from Christian families are leaving the church each year, never to return? Learn why this problem exists, and what parents, grandparents and pastors can do about it.

The goal of this ministry is to help sincere, committed Christian parents make disciples of their children by using the examples and practices of Jesus Christ and to develop fruit in their children's lives that will glorify the Lord. Although no parent can measure up to the perfection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, every parent can make better choices to train His children according to Jesus' pattern with His disciples.

Meet Rich and Lori Tanguay

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:25:12 -0800

Rich and Lori Tanguay are not only members of Grace Chapel, they are also internationally licensed ministers with the Foursquare Church. Rich has his B.A. from St. Bonaventure University with a major in Philosophy, a masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from the U of A and a Ph.D. from California Graduate School of Theology in Glendale, Ca. Rich and Lori are co-founders of Open Road Ministries. Lori has an LPN in nursing while Rich is active as a Christian counselor in the Valley. He has been a Catholic priest, a Marxist sympathiser while a missionary to Chile, an agnostic, has worked as a psychotherapist, and as a prison chaplain in Connecticut and Arizona. Learn more about Rich and the story of how Jesus healed him 34 years ago at his website - acompletedcatholic.com.

Rich is also a blogger. Check out his blog and "book in progress" - Tips for Coffee Cup Counselors - at blog.acompletedcatholic.com.

updated 7/20/09

Scriptural Insights on Fatherhood

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:30:44 -0800

Download and read Mark Driscoll's book, Pastor Dad: Scriptural Insights on Fatherhood. It's free and it will be good for you and your family.

Samples from the book:

We learn how to be fathers to our own children as we seek to treat our kids the way our perfect Dad has treated us, his sons. Our ultimate goal must be that our children would grow to love and worship our God. This simple refrain is repeated on a multitude of occasions throughout Scripture, where it says that a particular generation worshiped the God of their fathers, because God intends for children to worship the same God as their dads (chapter 1).

But Paul is also aware that some fathers have a tendency to be harsh, mean, overbearing, or intimidating with their children. This sort of frightening and provoking fathering exasperates, frustrates, and angers children. The biblical goal of a father is not to crush his children but to cultivate them. A father's goal is not to punish his children, but instead to correct them. On the other hand, some fathers are so fearful of frustrating their children that they fail to discipline them at all, which is a cowardly overreaction to child abuse and is abusive in its own right. Instead of abusing children or abandoning them by failing to correct them, a godly father brings his children up with wise training and instruction in the Lord. The ancient Greeks who heard Paul's words would have understood his language as referring to the total shaping of a person that includes their education, spirituality, work ethic, vocation, social skills, and so on (chapter 3).

Friends who love God and live righteously are wonderful influences upon a child. Your children will benefit from playing with their children and seeing their marriages. A wise father will not tuck his children away to be hidden and uninvolved in the life of his church and friends, but rather integrate them into the church community, developing friendships with people of all ages, thereby reinforcing his instruction as they see the benefits of wisdom in the lives of many people (chapter 4).

A wise dad may realize that a personal quiet time for himself is unwise; rather than hiding away in a quiet place to read the Bible, it is often best to do so in the noisy living room where the kids can see and climb on their dad while he reads his Bible. Also, if dad frequently has his Bible open, his children will be more likely to ask him questions about God and life because they see that he possesses answers from God's Word (chapter 5).

Our only hope is men meeting Jesus and obeying his Word. We want the men to be different kinds of men, we want them to have different kinds of marriages, and we want them to have different kinds of children because they are sons of the King of Kings and that means something. And by different we mean holy (chapter 7).

Summer Online Bible Study

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:03:03 -0800

Gail Marlowe, a teacher at our Arizona Bible Institute, is leading an online study of the book of Jeremiah this summer. Check out her website for more information on how to participate. Everyone is invited to join.

www.jeremiahstudygroup.blogspot.com

Echo Prayer Manager

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:13:29 -0800

What is Echo?

Pure and simple, Echo is a tool to help you pray more diligently.

You create a prayer list.
You set times throughout the week for reminders.
Echo emails you one prayer at a time from your list. You can set reminders for specific prayers or random ones, and get them as emails, text messages or both.

There's also a built-in prayer journal that lets you write notes and automatically keep track of answered prayers.

As soon as possible, a new feature will be added that will let you send prayer requests to other people easily.

Our hope is that Echo will help individuals, prayer groups, bible studies, and churches everywhere pray for each other more effectively and deepen their own relationships with God.

Read Echo's purpose, watch the demo, or SIGN UP NOW!

Pastor Richard on Nightline

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:19:27 -0800

Look for Pastors Richard and Becky (and some other Casteels) in this clip from Nightline.

We were attending a screening of a new movie called The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry during a break from the Foursquare Convention in Anaheim.

I Want My Norm Radio!

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:09:06 -0800

There is a lot of talent in our church. Norm Seeley of NormRadio.com has 30 years of experience as a broadcaster on radio stations in Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada.

He also produces a great internet radio show. Check out this week's edition of Friday's Music. It has songs from Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, and more. I'm hoping for shows on the other days of the week as well.

Foursquare Convention Information

Sat, 30 May 2009 12:39:53 -0800

Get more information about what happened at the just completed Foursquare Connection in Anaheim here, here, and here. See photos here.

Updates from the Foursquare Convention

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:31:40 -0800

I'll try to post updates on what's going on at the Foursquare Convention in Anaheim at my Twitter page.

I haven't been able to find any free wireless yet.

Sunday Connections Survey

Fri, 15 May 2009 16:08:03 -0800

Help us plan our Sunday morning schedule by taking this short survey.

Sunday Connections

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:53:22 -0800

Open Sundays at 9 AM - starting May 24

Grace Chapel Student Center

Come to church a little early and enjoy coffee drinks, tea, juice, muffins, and other breakfast food.

Proceeds help support our youth ministry.

Faith

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:53:12 -0800

Most of us are aware that our relationship with God is based on faith, but how many of us do our part to nurture that faith? Do we know what to do? Do we recognize the consequences if we don't?

Go deeper! Listen to the podcast on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast.

Allow Me To Re-Introduce the Christ

Mon, 11 May 2009 19:15:24 -0800

(via Luke Simmons)

5 Things That Are True About Every Child

Sat, 02 May 2009 15:18:24 -0800

From the Desiring God Blog

The following is from notes on Paul Tripp's message last night at the Children Desiring God Conference. Audio will be available next week.

There are five things that you must know about the children you minister to. These must always be the backdrop to the ministry you provide as an ambassador of Jesus Christ.

1. They were created by God to be revelation receivers.
They were never wired to figure life out on their own. You'll never ever know the things you need to know by just using the process of human discovery. You have to have supernatural revelation.

2. They are by nature interpreters.
Human beings do not live life based on the facts of our experience. We live life based upon the interpretation of the facts. We're meaning makers.

3. They are worshipers.
Human experience is not the most essential thing about the human experience. Worship is. It's what we're born doing and what we continue to do all of our lives.

4. They are hard-wired to seek glory.
We're glory oriented. Glory is why we like chocolate mousse cake and great movies and the last quarter of basketball games. And glory is why we exalt ourselves over others around us: we want to get as much as we can for ourselves.

5. They are self-focused and self-obsessed.
Sin causes us to shrink our lives down to the claustrophobic confines of our lives, our wants and our needs. It makes us incapable of loving anyone else.

God Is Writing Our Story, Not Us

Because these 5 things are true of all of us, as God is writing the story of our lives, we're always inclined to try and take the pen from him so we can write it ourselves.

The Bible is one long story with God's notes. Ministry to children--or ministry to anyone else--means helping them forsake the urge to write their own story, and accept instead that God is the author. Then their story will be embedded in God's larger story of redemption, so that in every circumstance they recognize that their life is about and for God.

7 Ideas for Teaching Toddlers God's Word

Sat, 02 May 2009 15:06:58 -0800

From the Desiring God Blog

1. Have an open Bible on your lap during story time. This reinforces where the story comes from--God's word.

2. Use short sentences and few words. Too many words overwhelm young minds.

3. Be animated in your facial expressions and tone of voice. This will help keep children engaged.

4. Incorporate movement into the story and singing. Children this age need to move their bodies. Movement helps them learn and remember what you're teaching them.

5. Create routines during the story/circle times by using songs, finger plays, etc.

6. Use repetition to cement biblical concepts in children's hearts and minds.

7. Keep it short and sweet. A story time of 5-10 minutes is the maximum children this age can attend to and sit for.

Celebrating Your Family Identity

Fri, 01 May 2009 13:04:05 -0800

by Jim Burns

At some point, storms will come to every family. But when you proactively build a strong family identity on the rock of Christ, your family can withstand whatever winds and rains come your way. A strong family identity will give your kids a solid foundation to cling to during those difficult times.

Perhaps you're wondering, How can we build a strong family identity? Click here for three principles to get you started.

Biblical Parenting

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:11:37 -0800

Download free audio and video from a recent Shepherding A Child's Heart conference with Dr. Tedd Tripp.

Conference information:

Everyone wants to be a great parent--the biggest responsibility of parenthood is teaching your children to love Jesus with all of their heart, soul, and strength. For parents with children of any age, Dr. Tripp's insightful, biblical teaching provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life.

Session 1: The Call to Formative Instruction
Session 2: Giving Kids a Vision for God's Glory
Session 3: Helping Kids Understand Authority
Session 4: Helping Kids Understand the Heart
Session 5: Overview of Corrective Discipline

Speech

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:02:20 -0800

We are seemingly obsessed with communicating, but what are we really saying? God wants us to be an example to others and tells us that if we can rule our own mouths, we can do anything. On the other hand, He also says that if we cannot control our mouths, anything else we do, is worthless.

Go deeper! Listen to the podcast on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast

Jesus, I Trust You Sooooo Much!

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:39:44 -0800

Trust Fall

(via Pure Church)

Death By Crucifixion

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:21:56 -0800

This is an excerpt from Crucifixion in the Ancient World by Dr. Richard P. Bucher.

The ancients considered death by crucifixion to be not just any execution, but the most obscene, the most disgraceful, the most horrific execution known to man.

What form did a normal crucifixion take? First came the flogging or scourging. The flogging was usually done by two soldiers using a short whip that had several leather strips of different lengths. Tied to these were small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones. The victim was stripped of his clothing and his hands were tied above him to a post. The back, legs and buttocks would then be flogged until the person collapsed. With the back and legs thus torn open there would be extensive blood loss.

Next the condemned man was made to carry his own cross to the place of crucifixion outside the city walls. The condemned man typically carried the crossbeam across his shoulders, shoulders that had just been ripped open by the flogging. This crossbeam would have weighed from 75-125 pounds.

When the victim reached the place of execution, by law, he was given a drink of wine mixed with myrrh. This was intended to be mild narcotic that would deaden the pain. It is significant that Jesus refused this drink. The criminal was then stripped naked, thrown to the ground on his back with his arms outstretched along the crossbeam. The hands would then be nailed to the crossbeam. Then the victim, now nailed to the crossbeam, would be hoisted up so that the crossbeam was attached to the upright beam. Finally the feet were nailed, one on top of the other, to the upright beam with another iron spike.

The pain of crucifixion is not difficult to imagine. In addition to the excruciating pain from the nails, the position of the crucified on the cross led to marked interference with normal respiration, especially exhalation. The crucified person could not exhale properly and this eventually would lead to painful muscle cramps. Furthermore, adequate exhaling required the crucified to lift his body by pushing up on the feet and rotating his elbows. This, of course, resulted in searing pain in both feet and hands. Lifting of the body to properly exhale would also painfully scrape the scourged back against the rough wooden cross, probably reopening wounds and causing more bleeding. On the cross every breath would be an agonizing affair and finally in combination with exhaustion would lead to suffocation.

Death by crucifixion did not come easily. There the crucified would hang, naked, the object of jeering and ridicule, powerless to remove the insects that landed in their mouth, eyes, and open wounds, exposed to the elements, unable to eat or drink. Crucifixion in the ancient world, as the ancients themselves tell us, was the most disgraceful and agonizing execution known to man.

And this is the death that Jesus Christ died. All this our Savior did for us, to save us from our sins.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8).

Here are more resources on the death of Jesus:

On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ
Medical Aspects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die - download the free book by John Piper
Evidence for the Resurrection - an audio or video lecture series by Josh McDowell

Pastor Cameron's New Song On iTunes!!!

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:15:22 -0800

My new song is debuting on iTunes today!!! Even though many of you already have the free download, I am hoping that some of you will do me a solid, and consider investing .99 to download it from iTunes today (or soon after).

Tell your friends about it and get them on board as well. It may be a novelty to tell someone that a friend of yours has a new song on iTunes and that they can help support them. Who knows, perhaps God will speak to them through the song.

Also, if you can take the time to leave a review, that would be REALLY AWESOME!! I would totally appreciate it.

I am hoping to create some buzz around the track so that it will show up on the radar for those who won't find it any other way. Pray that God will use it for more than we ever could.

Thanks.

Pastor Cameron

March 29 Baptism Photos

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:27:34 -0800

Visit our Flickr group photo pool to see pictures from our recent baptism.

Thanks to Abe Savona for taking the pictures. Join our group and add your photos of Grace Chapel people and events.

All That You Can't Leave Behind

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:05:26 -0800

Many of us have heard that Jesus said, "Do not invest in the things of this world", but what does he hope we will invest in? What about the idea that everything that affects us emotionally stays with us forever? When we build someone up (or tear them down) they could make it to Heaven and still carry all of that with them. Let's be a part of adding "souvenirs" and not "baggage". Even if we wanted to leave that behind... we can't. Invest in others while we have the opportunity.

Go deeper! Listen to the podcast on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast.

Visit the Empty Tomb

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:09:01 -0800

Discover the historical facts that form the foundation of our faith. Visit the Archaeological Study Bible's special Easter site to learn more about the mysteries, controversies, and artifacts surrounding Christ's final days.

Cardboard Testimonies

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:06:29 -0800

Do you have a cardboard testimony you would like to share on Easter Sunday? If so, email Pastor Richard and join us for a brief meeting in the Family Room before church at 9:45 AM on April 12.

Watch these videos to see what I'm talking about.

Cardboard Testimonies from College Park Church on Vimeo.

Chili Cookoff Photos

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:00:19 -0800

Visit our Flickr group photo pool to see more pictures from our recent Chili Cookoff.

For the record Dave Demson won first prize, Ken Kelly won second, and Rich Mesnard won third. Thanks to everyone who helped make the event a success. We raised $1,226 for our mission trips to Ecuador and Los Angeles.

Thanks to Abe Savona for taking the pictures. Join our group and add your photos of Grace Chapel people and events.

The Confession of St. Patrick

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:44:26 -0800

From the autobiography of Patrick, originally written in Latin around AD 450:

34. Thus I give untiring thanks to God who kept me faithful in the day of my temptation, so that today I may confidently offer my soul as a living sacrifice for Christ my Lord; who am I, Lord? or, rather, what is my calling? that you appeared to me in so great a divine quality, so that today among the barbarians I might constantly exalt and magnify your name in whatever place I should be, and not only in good fortune, but even in affliction? So that whatever befalls me, be it good or bad, I should accept it equally, and give thanks always to God who revealed to me that I might trust in him, implicitly and forever, and who will encourage me so that, ignorant, and in the last days, I may dare to undertake so devout and so wonderful a work; so that I might imitate one of those whom, once, long ago, the Lord already pre-ordained to be heralds of his Gospel to witness to all peoples to the ends of the earth. So are we seeing, and so it is fulfilled; behold, we are witnesses because the Gospel has been preached as far as the places beyond which no man lives.

40. So for that reason one should, in fact, fish well and diligently, just as the Lord foretells and teaches, saying, `Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,' and, again, through the prophets: `"Behold, I am sending forth many fishers and hunters," says the Lord,' et cetera. So it behoved us to spread our nets, that a vast multitude and throng might be caught for God, and so there might be clergy everywhere who baptized and exhorted a needy and desirous people. Just as the Lord says in the Gospel, admonishing and instructing: `Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always to the end of time.' And again he says: `Go forth into the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He who believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he who does not believe shall be condemned.' And again: `This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached throughout the whole world as a witness to all nations; and then the end of the world shall come.' And likewise the Lord foretells through the prophet: `And it shall come to pass in the last days (sayeth the Lord) that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams; yea, and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days I will pour out my Spirit and they shall prophesy.' And in Hosea he says: `Those who are not my people I will call my people, and those not beloved I will call my beloved, and in the very place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," they will be called 'Sons of the living God."'

60. For the sun we see rises each day for us at [his] command, but it will never reign, neither will its splendour last, but all who worship it will come wretchedly to punishment. We, on the other hand, shall not die, who believe in and worship the true sun, Christ, who will never die, no more shall he die who has done Christ's will, but will abide for ever just as Christ abides for ever, who reigns with God the Father Almighty and with the Holy Spirit before the beginning of time and now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Read the rest

Invite the Neighborhood Kids to Church

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:34:22 -0800

Although parents may warn their children against going places with strangers, most don't mind letting their kids go with trusted neighbors-- especially when the destination is church.

A study by LifeWay Research found that 76 percent of American parents agree with the statement, "If a neighbor I trusted invited my children to go to church with them, I would let my child go with them." Only 24 percent disagree.

Read the rest

Prayer Walking

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:36:28 -0800

From Breaking the Missional Code: Your Church Can Become a Missionary in Your Community, Ed Stetzer and David Putman

A prayer walk is simply what it says: walking (or driving) through a community while praying for the people. Ask God to reveal things to you as you walk. Here are specific things to request:

Ask God to show you how to reach the people who live in the homes that you pass.

Ask God to prepare people's hearts to receive His Word and draw them to Jesus Christ.

Ask God to reveal a person of peace as you move around the area.

Ask God to help you understand how you can meet practical needs in the community and show the love of Christ.
As you do the prayer walk, God will begin to reveal other things about which to pray - both things to stand against and things to affirm. Make spiritual warfare part of your strategy. Pray that God might reveal what keeps local people from trusting in Jesus Christ, and then ask the Holy Spirit to break through those barriers. The history and industry of the community may also provide insight regarding spiritual strongholds.

Free ESV Bible Audio

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:41:25 -0800

Go here to learn how to download mp3 audio of the English Standard Version Bible for free.

I don't think it works with the Max McLean audio, though. Also, you can't add too many verses together in one file or the end verses will be left out. Three to four chapters usually works for me.

Crossway, the publisher of the ESV, seems to be cool with this.

United Food Bank Help Yourself Program

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:33:39 -0800

Want to get a good deal on your groceries? How does over $40 worth of groceries for only $16 sound?

Check out the Help Yourself program at the United Food Bank in Mesa (near Baseline Road and Mesa Drive).

For $16 cash or food stamps, anyone can purchase a preassembled food box with 5 different frozen meats, 4 kinds of fresh produce, and 5 kinds of dry goods. There are no restrictions or qualifications for this program, anyone can purchase a food box.

Boxes are offered on most Fridays and one Saturday each month at 358 E. Javelina. For more information, call the United Food Bank at 480-926-4897.

Stott on the Church

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:08:22 -0800

Two quotes from John Stott's book The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor that I found at Thabiti Anyabwile's Pure Church blog:

First, I am assuming that we are all committed to the church. We are not only Christian people; we are also church people. We are not only committed to Christ, we are also committed to the body of Christ. At least I hope so. I trust that none of my readers is that grotesque anomaly, an unchurched Christian. The New Testament knows nothing of such a person. For the church lies at the very centre of the eternal purpose of God. It is not a divine afterthought. It is not an accident of history. On the contrary, the church is God's new community. For his purpose, conceived in a past eternity, being worked out in history, and to be perfected in a future eternity, is not just to save isolated individuals and so perpetuate our loneliness, but rather to build his church, that is, to call out of the world a people for his own glory. ... So then, the reason we are committed to the church is that God is so committed.

The Lord did two things together. He 'added to their number... those who were being saved.' He didn't add them to the church without saving them, and he didn't save them without adding them to the church. Salvation and church membership went together; they still do.

Read Thabit's commentary here and don't forget our membership orientation on March 8.

Worship Songs For 2009

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:28:29 -0800

Here is a list of six CDs that contain new songs we will be singing in our Sunday Celebration Services this year.

Chris Tomlin: See The Morning (Amazon or iTunes)
Chris Tomlin: Live From Austin Music Hall (Amazon or iTunes)
Acquire the Fire with Michael Gungor: Battle Cry (Amazon)
Hillsong: God He Reigns (Amazon or iTunes)
Hillsong: Mighty To Save (Amazon or iTunes)
Matthew Casteel: Clean (Amazon or iTunes)

ALSO:

You can listen to and download Pastor Cameron’s new song RISE online for free now through March 31. We will be singing this song on Sunday, March 1.

Wise Choices

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:31:15 -0800

We spend a great deal of time and effort trying to see where the line is. The line between "sin" and "not-quite-sin". Wouldn't it be better to ask, "What is the wisest choice I can make?" in any given situation?

Go deeper! Listen to the podcast on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast

God's Grace Around the World

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:11:37 -0800

The Foursquare Church is witnessing an outpouring of God's grace in an extraordinary measure, and our churches and ministries around the world are testifying of a great harvest! Countries that were once considered “closed” to the gospel are experiencing an amazing visitation of the Spirit of God. Once-hard soil is softening under the power of the Holy Spirit and becoming receptive to the gospel.

In 2008 Foursquare Europe planted 17 new churches, and India, with a renewed vision for church planting, started more than 20 churches. Fiji had its first official convention and ordained 27 new pastors. God is moving in powerful ways; our prayers, along with the investments we have made in leadership development, are bearing much fruit.

Last year our overseas ministries reported the following:

Salvations
2,470,219 (53% increase)
Water Baptisms
628,200 (47% increase)
Holy Spirit Baptisms
794,165 (82% increase)
Members
3,770,789 (6% increase)
Churches
57,761 (7% increase)
Ministers
63,286 (3% increase)
Bible Colleges/Institutes
1,363 (191% increase)

If My Words Abide In You

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:26:47 -0800

From John Piper's sermon on the importance of abiding in God's word.

Memorizing Scripture makes meditation possible at times when I can’t be reading the Bible, and meditation is the pathway of deeper understanding.
Memorizing Scripture strengthens my faith because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ, and that happens when I am hearing the word in my head.
Memorizing Scripture shapes the way I view the world by conforming my mind to God’s viewpoint.
Memorizing Scripture makes God’s word more readily accessible for overcoming temptation to sin, because God’s warnings and promises are the way we conquer the deceitful promises of sin.
Memorizing Scripture guards my mind by making it easier to detect error—and the world is filled with error, since the god of this world is a liar.
Memorizing Scripture enables me to hit the devil in the face with a force he cannot resist, and so protect myself and my family from his assaults.
Memorizing Scripture provides the strongest and sweetest words for ministering to others in need.
Memorizing Scripture provides the matrix for fellowship with Jesus because he talks to me through his word, and I talk to him in prayer.

Read, listen to, or watch the whole sermon here.

Letter From Birmingham Jail

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:16:53 -0800

In this famous letter Martin Luther King, Jr. responds to white clergy who had called for an end to his demonstrations against segregation and urged him to be more patient and to seek justice through local negotiations and in the courts. Here are several passages from the letter:

While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

But more basically, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their "thus saith the Lord" far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco Roman world, so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.

Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial "outside agitator" idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.

You deplore the demonstrations taking place in Birmingham. But your statement, I am sorry to say, fails to express a similar concern for the conditions that brought about the demonstrations. I am sure that none of you would want to rest content with the superficial kind of social analysis that deals merely with effects and does not grapple with underlying causes. It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham, but it is even more unfortunate that the city's white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative.

We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence, but we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, "Wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six year old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five year old son who is asking: "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?"; when you take a cross county drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading "white" and "colored"; when your first name becomes "nigger," your middle name becomes "boy" (however old you are) and your last name becomes "John," and your wife and mother are never given the respected title "Mrs."; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodiness"--then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience.

I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

But though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Was not Amos an extremist for justice: "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream." Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel: "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Was not Martin Luther an extremist: "Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God." And John Bunyan: "I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience." And Abraham Lincoln: "This nation cannot survive half slave and half free." And Thomas Jefferson: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal . . ." So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary's hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime--the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment. Perhaps the South, the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.

I have traveled the length and breadth of Alabama, Mississippi and all the other southern states. On sweltering summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at the South's beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing heavenward. I have beheld the impressive outlines of her massive religious education buildings. Over and over I have found myself asking: "What kind of people worship here? Who is their God? Where were their voices when the lips of Governor Barnett dripped with words of interposition and nullification? Where were they when Governor Wallace gave a clarion call for defiance and hatred? Where were their voices of support when bruised and weary Negro men and women decided to rise from the dark dungeons of complacency to the bright hills of creative protest?"

Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? I am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists.

There was a time when the church was very powerful--in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators."' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent--and often even vocal--sanction of things as they are.

But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.

I wish you had commended the Negro sit inners and demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer and their amazing discipline in the midst of great provocation. One day the South will recognize its real heroes. They will be the James Merediths, with the noble sense of purpose that enables them to face jeering and hostile mobs, and with the agonizing loneliness that characterizes the life of the pioneer. They will be old, oppressed, battered Negro women, symbolized in a seventy two year old woman in Montgomery, Alabama, who rose up with a sense of dignity and with her people decided not to ride segregated buses, and who responded with ungrammatical profundity to one who inquired about her weariness: "My feets is tired, but my soul is at rest." They will be the young high school and college students, the young ministers of the gospel and a host of their elders, courageously and nonviolently sitting in at lunch counters and willingly going to jail for conscience' sake. One day the South will know that when these disinherited children of God sat down at lunch counters, they were in reality standing up for what is best in the American dream and for the most sacred values in our Judaeo Christian heritage, thereby bringing our nation back to those great wells of democracy which were dug deep by the founding fathers in their formulation of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Never before have I written so long a letter. I'm afraid it is much too long to take your precious time. I can assure you that it would have been much shorter if I had been writing from a comfortable desk, but what else can one do when he is alone in a narrow jail cell, other than write long letters, think long thoughts and pray long prayers?

Read the entire letter here or here.

Resolution or Revolution?

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:42:21 -0800

When we make a commitment or a resolution on New Year's Day, is it for real life change? And, if it is, are we able to stay committed long enough to see that change through?

Go deeper! Listen to the podcast on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast

Prayer Resources for the New Year

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:34:12 -0800

From the Desiring God blog:

Pray For The Church

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:52:43 -0800

Here are some excerpts from a BreakPoint Commentary by Chuck Colson:

It was on my knees a few months ago that God hit me like a 10-ton truck about the priority of praying for the Church first. We can’t pray for our nation to be revived, to be saved, to receive God’s mercy; we can’t pray for our leaders to make wise decisions unless we first pray for the Church.

I want to put it in the plainest terms I know how: This nation cannot be saved unless the Church is first revived. Renewing the Church is the key to saving America.

I truly believe my prayer priorities are correct. Pray that God will inspire us, His people, to reorganize our priorities. That we will reject the idolatry of consumerism, that we will reject the therapeutic gospel, and seek holiness. And that we will serve our neighbors in charity, that we will use this economic calamity as an opportunity to teach the culture what matters most—a relationship with God.

For if the Church continues to embrace the ways of the world, I don’t see how America can maintain it place in the world—much less survive in it.

Read the rest here.

A Christmas Greeting

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:57:05 -0800

Pastor Becky and I, along with the pastoral team and staff, want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our prayer is that you will be blessed with great love and joy as you celebrate the birth of our Savior with your family and loved ones.

This has been a challenging year for our church, but God has made us victorious through it all. By God's grace and with your continued support we will experience great breakthroughs and miracles in 2009!

Becky and I consider it an honor to serve you and are looking forward to another great year with you.

For God so loved the world that He gave His Son!

Pastor Richard

A Christmas Story (by Marla)

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:10:59 -0800

Here's an email I received from Marla Chantry yesterday:

Dear Staff,

I just wanted to share with you that a poem I wrote has been made into a mini drama that will air Wednesday and Thursday on Christian radio station KFLR, 90.3 FM, on the Intentional Living show. The drama is about three minutes long, and I am told it will air sometime between 2:15pm and 2:30pm each day. There is a possibility that I will be interviewed on air on Wednesday; we'll see.

I wrote the poem eight years ago, after spending too much time under the crushing weight of the commercial reasons for Christmas instead of the real reason for this special day of celebration. Three years ago I gave the poem to Cynthia Bogart after she expressed the same frustrations I had experienced years earlier. About six weeks ago, as a surprise to me, she submitted my poem to Randy Carlson of KFLR's Intentional Living show. They decided they didn't want to just read the poem on air, but make a mini drama out of it.

Also, the theme of Randy Carlson's show this week is "Intentional Giving". To express their gratitude to their listeners and to be "Intentional Givers" themselves, they are going to provide the audio - via a download link on their web site - free to anyone who requests it.

Blessings,

Marla

Pretty cool! Everyone who works with Marla knows she is an excellent writer. It's great to see her gifts being used to help so many people remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Click here to find when and where the show broadcasts in your area or listen online here. Listen to the archived shows when they become available here.

That's Christmas

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:04:44 -0800

That's Christmas! from andy pearce on Vimeo.

From St. Helen's Bishopsgate in London.

Grace North Presents Christmas Street

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:55:24 -0800

There are still two performances left. You can reserve tickets here.

Grace North is located at 42101 N. 41st Drive, in Anthem.

Me Too

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:11:12 -0800

I read a book recently and the author made the comment that, "Me too." are the most powerful words in the English language. We are created for relationships. Everyone! Look at TV shows that allow interaction. Or, websites that thrive on interaction. No one wants to be truly alone, and we should be agents of Christ, who told us and everyone, that they will never be alone.

Go deeper! Listen to the podcast on iTunes or at our TruthCast podcast page.

More Free Advent Devotionals

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:52:27 -0800

Christ the King Presbyterian Church (Raleigh, N.C.) has prepared a devotional of Scriptures, prayers, and hymns to help you and your family remember that God stepped out of heaven, became one of us, and fundamentally altered the course of human history so that those who believe in him might be redeemed. To download a copy of the devotional, click here.

Or, visit the Virtual Advent Wreath where over the course of the next several weeks leading up to Christmas, they will be posting a series of meditations focused on the story of Jesus’ birth from the Gospels.

Another Advent Devotional

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:50:03 -0800

Mark D. Roberts has his 2008 Advent guide online - Preparing for the Coming of Christ:
A Guide for Using the Advent Wreath.

Worship Fully

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:38:47 -0800

We seem to take solace in the idea that half-hearted worship is acceptable as long as it's honest, but doesn't Jesus ask us for "all"?

Go deeper! Listen to my podcast on this subject on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast.

Advent Devotionals

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:58:48 -0800

Here are a few books you can use to focus on the real meaning of Christmas:

Behold the Lamb of God: An Advent Narrative
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas
Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration
The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions for Children and Adults to Prepare for the Coming of the Christ Child at Christmas
Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent (get all three volumes of the Advent stories here)
Treasuring God in Our Traditions (free pdf with a chapter on Advent and Christmas)

Introduction to Advent

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:35:06 -0800

Mark D. Roberts helps us understand the meaning and significance of the Advent season.

The time before Christmas is Advent, a season of preparation for Christmas. Christians prepare for celebrating the birth of Jesus by remembering the longing of the Jews for a Messiah. In Advent we’re reminded of how much we also need a Savior, and we look forward to our Savior’s second coming even as we prepare to celebrate his first coming at Christmas. Indeed, the word Advent comes from the Latin word that means “coming” or “visit.” In the season with this name, we keep in mind both “advents” of Christ, the first in Bethlehem and the second yet to come.

Advent App for iPhone

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:48:09 -0800

Advent08, found here , is a daily devotional tool to help find focus and discipline attention. It is more than just a way to count down the days to Christmas; it is a way to help transform Advent into a journey of faith. It is a way to help prepare for the coming of Jesus to live among us, so that the good news of Christmas morn lingers on long after the packages are opened. It is our hope and prayer that the Holy Spirit would lead you through the Scriptures to a newfound wonder of Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world. May the Lord bless you on your journey.

Advent Begins November 30.

(Found at Between Two Worlds)

Advent Conspiracy Video

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:38:48 -0800

Pastor Rick McKinley of Imago Dei Community discusses Advent Conspiracy.

[AC] Advent Conspiracy from Jon Collins on Vimeo.

Resources for the Conspiracy

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:21:31 -0800

RethinkingChristmas.com - Advent Conspiracy is a movement calling us to proclaim Christ in how we celebrate Christmas. But rethinking Christmas is not an easy venture for anyone. It requires us to try new things and push outside our comfort zone. This is a community site for you to share your stories and ideas for the season of advent. To particpate, contribute your gift ideas and post questions and comments in the forum.

Advent Conspiracy brochure (12.6 MB pdf)

Listen to the Advent Conspiracy podcast (link will open iTunes, if you have it)

Advent Conspiracy

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:04:00 -0800

The Conspiracy is coming to Grace Chapel.

Connect Online

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:26:20 -0800

Thanks to Pastor Cameron, Grace Chapel now has a Facebook page.

Visit this page to find other ways Gracers can connect online.

Yes For Marriage Video

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:15:57 -0800

Habitat For Humanity Pictures

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:16:42 -0800

Pictures from the recent Arizona Foursquare Church Habitat For Humanity project in Glendale, Arizona.

www.flickr.com

This is a Flickr badge showing items in a set called Habitat For Humanity 2008. Make your own badge here.

What Is Proposition 102?

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:12:59 -0800

So, you've put a Yes on 102 sign in your front yard and you're telling all of your friends and family about Prop 102's 20 simple words that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Great! But now you want to have a more in-depth conversation with your neighbor who is not sure how to vote on Prop 102. Here are answers to some of the questions that might come up in your conversation.

Why do we need Prop 102?

There's a big difference between a law (also known as a statute) and a constitutional amendment. A law or statute can be easily changed by politicians or activist judges; a constitutional amendment cannot. Three courts - Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut - have overturned state marriage laws! This shows that marriage can be redefined by judges unless the people define marriage in the state constitution.

I don't think politicians should be involved in marriage.

Me either! That's why Prop 102 is so great. Prop 102 lets the people decide on the definition of marriage and takes it out of the hands of politicians and judges. If you don't want politicians involved in marriage, that's the best reason to vote YES on 102!

Didn't we already vote on this?

Nope. In 2006, the voters focused on a different issue--benefits for unmarried couples. Prop 102 is a different amendment with different language. Prop 102 is 20 simple and clear words that define marriage as only the union of one man and one woman. That's all.

But, I believe everyone is entitled to the same rights. Doesn't Prop 102 take rights away from some people?

No. Prop 102 does not take rights away from anyone. Prop 102 simply defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Everyone has the right to live as they choose, but no one has the right to redefine marriage for all of society. Voting "yes" on Prop 102 secures the definition of marriage for future generations.

Shouldn't the politicians be worrying about more important things like the state's budget deficit?

Good thing Prop 102 is up to the people not the politicians! Prop 102 has nothing to do with the state's budget deficit. That's an issue for the state legislature to figure out. Prop 102 is an issue for the people to vote on to secure the definition of marriage in our state constitution.

Isn't Prop 102 just about forcing religious beliefs into government?

Not at all! The truth is that support for defining marriage as one man and one woman cuts across all religious, political, and cultural lines. That's because Arizonans understand that marriage is much more than a legal arrangement between two people - marriage has an impact on the entire society.

Downloadable PDF Version

Get "Youthanized" at the all new youth website, Youthanize.net!

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:58 -0800

Parents and youth will want to stop by our all new youth ministry website Youthanize.net!

There are tool for bible study as well as great ways to stay in touch with Grace Chapel Youth Ministries. Web calendars, News and Events via email, web, or RSS. Contact your teen's small group leader. Hear the latest message via audio podcast. Be sure to check out the page specifically for parents and sign up for the Parent's eNewsletter. Get Youthanized!

Aftershocks: ReCreate

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:57:52 -0800

You can see the "How-To's" that I left out of my sermon on September 21st as well as the Franciscan Blessing prayer that I closed with by stopping by the brand new Youthanize.net! Click on the "Parents" tab. It's the first entry, titled Aftershocks: ReCreate.

C

ReCreate

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:53:46 -0800

We are called to be separate, different, "in" the world, but not "of" the world. How come we look so similar? We need to recreate a culture in our homes and churches that affects the culture outside.

Go deeper! Listen to my podcast on this subject on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast. Also, see my main blog at CnotesOnline.com

What Is The Gospel?

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:13:05 -0800

Watch these videos from The Gospel Coaltion website:

What Is The Gospel? - Mark Dever

What Is The Gospel? - John Piper

A Prayer For Unity

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:07:52 -0800

We talk and pray about sharing our faith and reaching more people for the Kingdom of God, but what if we simply looked at the situation like this; We are missing some members of our extended family. If we that are already together were truly unified, would that be the testimony the rest of the world is waiting for?

Seriously, how will we ever have the impact any of us dreams about if we can't get along well enough with each other, or those we hope to influence, to be noticeable?

Jesus prayed that we would be "one" as he and God the Father are one. In his words, "Perfect Unity". He implied that it was possible, that it would be proof to the world that he (Jesus) was sent from God, and proof that God loves al of us here on Earth as much as he loves his son Jesus.

When we pray, we believe that our prayer will be answered. Wouldn't it be great to be the one answering for a change?

C

PS. The books I mentioned were "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell and "A Ready Defense" by Josh McDowell

Go deeper! Listen to the complete audio or see the complete video on GraceCast.

Also, see my main blog at CnotesOnline.com

Web Resources From 8/17 Sermon

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:32:12 -0800

Here are the two financial ministries Pastor Richard mentioned in his sermon.

Here are some additional resources they offer.

Basha's Shop and Give Program

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:10:03 -0800

If you shop at Basha's, link the Grace Chapel Kids Church ID number (24071) to your Thank You Card and the store will contribute a percentage of all your purchases during the year to our children's ministry.

It has to be relinked every year beginning September 1, so make sure we are still on your card if you've linked to us in the past. Learn more here.

Thanks for your support!

Photos From Ecuador Missions Trip

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:32:19 -0800

See more photos here.

Constant and Fervent Prayer

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:25:43 -0800

In his last two sermons, Pastor Richard made the statement that "God is calling His Church to fervent, persevering, faith-driven prayer."

That phrase reminded me of something I read in R.A. Torrey's book, How to Pray.

In the first chapter of the book Torrey gives eleven reasons why "constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer" is so necessary.

Because there is a Devil.
Prayer is God's appointed way for obtaining things, and the great secret of all lack in our experience, in our life, and in our work is neglect of prayer.
Those men whom God set forth as a pattern of what He expected Christians to be - the Apostles - regarded prayer as the most important business of their lives.
Prayer occupied a very prominent place and played a very important part in the earthly life of our Lord.
Praying is the most important part of the present ministry of our risen Lord.
Prayer is the means that God has appointed for our receiving mercy and obtaining grace to help in time of need.
Prayer in the name of Jesus Christ is the way Jesus Christ Himself has appointed for His disciples to obtain fullness of joy.
Prayer, in every care and anxiety and need of life, with thanksgiving, is the means that God has appointed for obtaining freedom from all anxiety, and the peace of God which passes all understanding.
Prayer is the method that God Himself has appointed for our obtaining the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is the means that Christ has appointed whereby our hearts shall not become overcharged with surfeiting (gluttony or overindulgence) and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so the day of Christ's return come upon us suddenly as a snare.
Because of what prayer accomplishes

You can read more about those eleven reasons and the rest of the book online here or here.

Web Resources from July 27 Sermon

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:20:07 -0800

Here are some web sites that I referenced or quoted from in my sermon.

OpenDoorsUSA.org - Brother Andrew's ministry to serve persecuted Christians worldwide
SecretBelievers.org - connect to persecuted Christians
Wycliffe Bible Translators - Wycliffe's vision is to see the Bible accessible to all people in the language they understand best
BareYourBookshelf.com - help Christians around the world get the books they desperately need
Barna.org - this is where I found the survey results
The Good Book Business - an article from The New Yorker about Bible publishing

Opportunities In Times of Struggle

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:26:43 -0800

This past Sunday following the service, I was talking with Gordy and Chris Lawhead, who have been members of Grace Chapel for many years. We were discussing the Project: Drought Busters presentation and Chris shared some things God had been showing her in the previous week. I thought they were so helpful that I asked her if I could post them on my blog for all of you to be blessed, too. Here it is.

Be blessed and encouraged,

Pastor Richard.

Opportunities in Times of Struggle

I recently had a really amazing time with the Lord where I felt like he wanted to show me something to encourage me and anyone else who maybe going through some difficulties in regard to the times we are currently facing.

I believe that God wants me (us) to see this as an opportunity to grow closer to him. As the struggles we face are ever increasing, the Lord is allowing us to choose how we will handle them. I am choosing to see them as an opportunity.

As our needs are magnified, we are pressed, pressured, concerned, and often fearful. I want to see this as an opportunity to yield unto God and truly know from whence our help comes.

I am grateful to God for changing my perspective and for allowing me to share some thoughts that came to me as I had time to spend in worship and prayer. I'm certain that God has opportunities available for all of us.

These are a few that I wrote down in my time with him:

Let this be an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and his church as he allows us to love one another more deeply.

An opportunity to demonstrate peace to those around us who are witnessing our challenges and see that we put our hope in God, who is always faithful.

An opportunity to flee from distractions and focus on God, to shed the weight of the world and its entrapments, and be free to serve God with less, yet more.

An opportunity to realize the preciousness of the ones we love and value them more.

An opportunity to give to others who are struggling with finances, blessing them as best we can, letting them know that they are not alone.

An opportunity to prepare to be watchful and sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the work he's doing across the world.

An opportunity to:

Pray and worship more
Reconnect with God
Develop skills that are new and challenging
Utilize talents and gifts that glorify God
Reconcile relationships, forgiving and restoring
To spend time in the Bible and dwell in his presence
To experience and cultivate hospitality, even if it's not our thing

I hope that you are seeing that the opportunities are endless and each of us has a response that is able to enhance our relationship with God and each other.

A Prayer That I Wrote Out At The Time

Lord Jesus, help us to embrace these times that we are in. Thank you, Lord, for all the opportunities. Let us see you victorious in all the battles we face.

Let us see you defeat our enemies.

Let us see you as the provider for our families.

Let us see you truly as our God and Father.

Help us, God, not to struggle against your will.

Help us to be submitted to your plans for our lives.

Help us to trust you more.

Help us to pray more with faith.

Lord, give us wisdom, discernment, favor, peace, and joy.

In Jesus,

Chris Lawhead

Apologetic Resources

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:08:10 -0800

In his message on July 20, Pastor Richard talked about the importance of learning to answer the arguments raised against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Here are some websites that will help you defend the faith (apologetics) and confront doubts hindering you from a more fruitful walk with God.

And don't forget, Josh McDowell, one of the world's best known apologists, will be speaking at our church on September 6. Click here for more information.

Answers In Genesis - Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to enabling Christians to defend their faith and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. We focus particularly on providing answers to questions surrounding the book of Genesis, as it is the most-attacked book of the Bible.
Apologetics Resource Center - ARC is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to reach the minds and hearts of people with the message and truth claims of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bible.org Topics Page - The vision and mission of Bible.org is to leverage the power of the Internet to deliver the Word of God and trustworthy Bible study resources to people, churches, and ministries around the world...for free access by all.
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry - CARM offers a concise, comprehensive explanation of the Christian faith along with logical analysis of errors in popular beliefs, both secular and sacred
IntelligentDesign.org - Explaining the science of intelligent design
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries - Evangelism that focuses on skeptics, cultural influencers, and critical thinkers. Apologetics that addresses current issues and the needs of society.
Stand To Reason - Stand to Reason equips Christian ambassadors with knowledge, wisdom, and character.

Project: Drought Busters

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:11:02 -0800

For the past year and a half, Grace Chapel has been in a financial struggle as the economy has impacted our income dramatically. Our income has dropped by 34%, from an average monthly income of $110,000 to our present average income of $73,150. By making deep reductions in our operational expenses and laying off some of our staff, we have managed to trim our monthly operational expenses by over $35,000, leaving us a monthly gap of $7,500. That represents a 10% gap between what our present income is and what our operational expenses are.

As a congregation, we've been challenged by the Holy Spirit - through many voices and on several occasions - with a declaration that "The drought is over!" However, we seem to have remained in the grip of the financial downturn in giving. We do not see the evidence yet of the new "season of increase", but I believe God is giving us the opportunity to begin the summer rains! He is asking us to take a step of bold faith to break out of the drought and into a rainy season. That step of faith is sacrificial giving. If we will do just a bit more than we think we can, God will give us a great harvest. We can, in fact, be "drought busters!"

The church Council felt it was time to bring this faith challenge to you, the congregation, because we are, after all, a family. We believe that it is time for us to rise up as one in faith and close this financial gap! If each of us responds in faith we can become a powerful force together. I believe God is beginning to move, but we have to make a move of faith; we can "bust the drought!" We are the "small cloud" in the sky that Elijah saw when he was praying for the three-year drought to end. When he saw that small sign, he knew the rain was coming! May our act of faith become the signal that God's blessings are coming to Grace Chapel, too.

Here is the challenge: Let's be drought busters! Let's eliminate this $7,500 emergency gap, now. It is only a 10% difference, and God is much bigger than our economy!

Here are three things we can do now to bridge the gap and bust the drought.

1. Pray - Pray for a 10% increase in our income now Pray for God to bless us with greater financial breakthroughs as we move into 2009

2. Invite and bring people to church - make more disciples! - Start reaching out; start inviting everyone to come join what God is doing at Grace Chapel.

3. "Close-the-Gap" giving - The gap can easily be closed if 300 of us give only $6.25 more per week, or $25 more per month above our current giving. It's important to note that we shouldn't redirect our present giving to this project, as that will not help us. But, adding to what we are already giving, above and beyond our present tithes, will increase our operating income, enabling us to meet our present budget needs. I know that some can give more and some may give less, but I know that God will supply according to our faith.

There is a Project: Drought Busters commitment card in the office and at Guest Services in the lobby. We will also have them in the bulletins until the July 27 Sunday service. Will you prayerfully consider joining your brothers and sisters in this challenge? Let's become radical drought busters!

Pastor Richard

Hear Pastor Richard's explanation of Project: Drought Busters from the July 13 service.

Download mp3 file

Foursquare Responds to Midwest Floods

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:54:13 -0800

As Midwest communities along the Mississippi River face a difficult recovery from the worst flooding the region has seen in 15 years, Foursquare pastors, church leaders and congregants are on the scene to bring assistance to people and neighborhoods that are in the most need.

Iowa District Supervisor Jim Machen and Regional Supervisor Cliff Hanes are actively engaged in assessing the needs of our churches and the communities affected by the flooding. Assistant General Supervisor Jim Scott is also in the region, helping to mobilize Foursquare’s response as people determine how to clean up and rebuild their homes and their lives.

Two semi trailer-loads of supplies have been shipped to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of the hardest-hit areas to date. Cedar Rapids Christian Center, a Foursquare church pastored by Barry Foster, was flooded with nearly four feet of water. Jim Machen, who accompanied Pastor Barry as he walked through his church building, writes: “We had to wear boots and masks to go through the church building once the water receded. The four-and-a-half feet of water that was in the church many days did major damage.”

Other areas in Iowa impacted by the rising water include:

Waterloo: Pastor Jerry Burrow’s home was inundated with three feet of floodwater.
Waverly: Water flooded the home of a recent Foursquare church planter.
Vinton: Scattered flooding caused much damage, but recovery efforts are going well.
Iowa City: A trailer park and some businesses were flooded, and a large church in the community had water inside up to the roof. House of Praise Foursquare Church, pastored by Richard McCaslin is fine, but the homes of two families in the church were flooded.
Fort Madison: Flooding of homes and businesses along the river was made worse by a semi-load of carbon dust inadvertently dispersed into the floodwater.

Several Iowa churches, while not directly affected by flooding, have strongly participated in local relief efforts. Foursquare congregants from both Living Hope Community Church in Davenport, pastored by Renee Holm, and Burlington Foursquare Church, pastored by Sam Fratt, are providing meals for relief workers. The city of Davenport alone received one initial damage estimate of $4.5 million. Cleanup and restoration of the damaged region could take four years or more to complete.

The Foursquare church family across the U.S. is encouraged to pray diligently for our pastors and fellow Christians, especially those serving the needs of people affected by the flooding, as well as those volunteers who are working tirelessly to help with cleanup and restoration.

The National Church Office released initial funding for flood relief in several communities in Iowa, and is accepting donations to assist as additional needs are identified and assessed.

Ways to help

1. Monetary donations may be made payable to The Foursquare Church and mailed to:

Disaster Relief
The Foursquare Church
1910 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Please clearly mark “Disaster Relief” on the memo line of each check.

2. The Iowa District office currently is establishing a process for coordination of work teams. Teams wishing to assist with cleanup and recovery should contact the Iowa District office by calling 563.243.0701.

3. Pray for God's grace to embrace those that mourn, “to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:2-4 (NKJV).

Foursquare News Service #337

12 Steps To Evangelism

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:05:14 -0800

From Mark Dever’s The Gospel and Personal Evangelism (browse the book online).

1. Pray
2. Plan
3. Accept
4. Understand
5. Be Faithful
6. Risk
7. Prepare
8. Look
9. Love
10. Fear
11. Stop
12. Consider

Read more detailed summaries at JoeThorn.net.

Maniac 4 Missions Update

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:50:47 -0800

Read John and Becki Rusk's latest newsletter from South Africa here.

More information about their ongoing work in Africa can be found at their website - Maniac 4 Missions.

Foursquare Convention 2008

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:08:51 -0800

More than 3,200 Foursquare pastors, leaders and church members from across the nation and around the world gathered for Foursquare Convention 2008, held in Houston last week.

During the four days spent at the Hilton Americas--Houston and at the George R. Brown Convention Center, attendees heard from dozens of speakers and teachers, including Kirbyjon Caldwell, senior pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the nation; Robert Morris, founder and senior pastor of Gateway Church in Dallas/Fort Worth and author of The Blessed Life; J. W. Macklin, who serves as bishop of the Northern California Prelate of the Church of God in Christ; Steve Riggle, senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Houston; Doug Stringer, founder and president of Somebody Cares in Houston; and Ron Luce, Teen Mania founder.

"The Word of God is getting out to a lot of people in Houston, Texas, right now," said the Honorable Bill White, mayor of Houston, who offered his greetings to the group during the first night of the event. "We are so proud that a faith community like this has come from [all over the world]." Native Houstonian Joel Osteen, best-selling author and senior pastor of Lakewood Church, offered his welcome to congregants via a special video message.

Leaders within the Foursquare family who addressed the convention body included Tony Krishack, local convention chairman and senior pastor of Victory Christian Center in Houston; Dale Evrist, senior pastor of New Song Christian Fellowship in Brentwood, Tenn.; Randy Remington, senior pastor of Beaverton Foursquare Church in Beaverton, Ore.; Jim Tolle, senior pastor of The Church On The Way in Van Nuys, Calif.; Peter Bonanno, senior pastor of Grace Capital Church in Pembroke, N.H.; and Tammy Dunahoo, national director of Foursquare Women.

Pastor Jack Hayford, president of The Foursquare Church, hosted and pastored every session, praying for speakers and offering confirmation after their messages. "The Holy Spirit met us in Houston," said Pastor Jack. "Our together time was important in setting a pace for the coming year in our Foursquare family. We will move ahead and move together as a church and as followers of Jesus Christ!"

The theme throughout the event was "The Unchanging Christ and the Unshakable Kingdom," with a special emphasis on equipping the next generation for leadership. "God is indeed working in young peoples' awakening in the Foursquare church," said Pastor Jack.

All of the proposed bylaw amendments passed during the business session, and several items of Foursquare news were also announced to the convention body. The Foursquare NextGen Summit 2010 will be held in December 2009 in two cities that will be connected by satellite in an effort to make the summit more accessible; in addition the Foursquare Women's National Gathering will be held in Atlanta February 19-21, 2009. General Supervisor Glenn Burris Jr. announced that more than 400 people have expressed interest in the newly formed Foursquare Association, and Pastor Jack introduced two new leaders: Jonathan Hall, the newly appointed missions director for The Foursquare Church, and Robert Flores, interim president of Life Pacific College, also known as LIFE Bible College.

Jim Hayford, chairman of the Foursquare Foundation board, announced that $20,000 had been placed in the ARC account of each district to assist the Foursquare churches in the United States; the five regional counsels of FMI received $100,000 each. Stating that "The Foursquare Foundation wants to say yes more often and no very, very seldom," he announced that a "major policy change" has been put in place at Foursquare Foundation--grant requests as low as $10,000 will now be accepted, with a cap of $100,000.

The convention included praise and worship from worship group Israel and New Breed (leader Israel Houghton comes from Houston's Lakewood Church), as well as Foursquare's own Roger Thrower (New Hope Foursquare Church, Fairmont, W.Va.), Carolyn Foster (New Life Foursquare Church, Everett, Wash.) and Eric Green (New Life Foursquare Church, Canby, Ore.). Convention attendees had the opportunity to choose from 24 workshops and to explore more than 90 exhibitor booths.

"We don't have dry meetings, dead times, lifeless events," said Pastor Dale Evrist, in his Tuesday evening sermon. He noted that the church's work in the lives of young people and said: "In our event we're not content with anything other than the fullness of God's Spirit being fully on display whenever we gather, whatever we do."

On the final night, Pastor Jack encouraged those in attendance to contribute to an offering that will provide relief to those affected in the recent Myanmar and China disasters. The spontaneous offering brought in over $185,000, including $155,000 promised from local churches.

Read more about what happened daily by visiting http://www.FoursquareChurch.org

To download MP3s of select workshop sessions, click here. To order CD or DVD copies of general sessions and workshops, click here.

Foursquare Convention 2009 will be held in Anaheim, Calif., May 25-28, 2009. The annual conference will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center, Hilton Anaheim and Marriott Anaheim.

Grandpa "Dad" Casteel

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:34:55 -0800

Reverend Richard A. (Dad) Casteel passed into the presence of the Lord on Sunday, May 25, 2008, surrounded by his family, in Tucson, AZ. Rev. Casteel was born on July 6, 1912, in Kemmerer, WY. He served in the civil service for many years in Utah and California before answering the call to missions. Rev. Casteel served as a missionary with his family in Cuba, the Bahamas, and Mexico. He was preceded in death by his wife, and mother of his children, Phebe, and is survived by his 2nd wife, Louise; three sons, Robert (Carolyn), John (Marguerite), and Richard (Becky); two daughters, Micki (Carroll) and Patty (Les); his niece, raised as a daughter, LeRae; as well as 22 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed as the Patriarch of Faith by his adoring family but also by all those who lovingly called him "Dad" Casteel. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Grace to the Nations, 6180 E Pima, Tucson, AZ 85712. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Dad Casteel Memorial Fund" c/o Grace to the Nations, 6180 E Pima, Tucson, AZ 85712.

Visit the online guestbook

Listen to a sermon celebrating "Dad" Casteel's legacy

What's In It For Me?

Mon, 19 May 2008 16:06:43 -0800

I moved to Flagstaff in the mid-ninties to start (and end) my radio career. Before moving there I went up and scoped out the town. I wanted to make sure that it had all of my basic needs (Jack in the Box, Slurpee, Record Store, Guitar Shop). I decided that I would have the basics covered and made the move.
What I found out quickly is that I don't like living on just what I need. Who does? There is more to life than just the basics.
In addition to basics of life, such as protection, provision, and love, our Heavenly Father has given us other necessities. Those are all more than I deserve. However He still provides hope, peace, purpose, and joy. Thank you, Jesus!

Go deeper! Listen to my podcast on this subject on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast.

Also, see my main blog at CnotesOnline.com

The Gospel in a Paragraph and a Sentence

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:24:08 -0800

From John Piper's sermon, Conversion to Christ: The Making of a Christian Hedonist

The most terrifying news in the world is that we have fallen under the condemnation of our Creator and that he is bound by his own righteous character to preserve the worth of his glory by pouring out his wrath on the sin of our ingratitude. But there is a fourth great truth that no one can ever learn from nature or from their own consciences, a truth which has to be told to neighbors and preached in churches and carried by missionaries: namely, the good news that God has decreed a way to satisfy the demands of his righteousness without condemning the whole human race. He has taken it upon himself apart from any merit in us to accomplish our salvation. The wisdom of God has ordained a way for the love of God to deliver us from the wrath of God without compromising the righteousness of God. And what is this wisdom?

And in a sentence:

Jesus Christ, the Son of God crucified, is the Wisdom of God, by which the love of God can save sinners from the wrath of God, and all the while uphold and demonstrate the righteousness of God.

(found at Pure Church)

A Missionary Radio Host

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:21:07 -0800

The vision of Grace Chapel is that we would be missionaries to the world we live in. If we are willing, God is able to open great doors of influence to us. Ken and Laura Sharp have been active members of Grace Chapel for years and a year ago Ken decided to confront one of the serious issues in our community - driving under the influence. Ken started a radio show, www.duiradioshow.com, on KFNX AM 1100, to inspire people to change their behavior and ultimately save lives. His show has won national awards and is having a positive impact on our world. Way to go, Ken!

Here is the information that Ken sent me; I wanted to share it with you so that we could all raise our expectations as to how God can use us in unexpected and wonderful ways. This week, in a special show, Ken will focus on the Carrollton school bus accident and he will speak with survivors from that tragic accident. You will want to tune in!

Pastor Richard

---------------------------------------------------------

Pastor Richard,

June 1 will mark the one-year anniversary for Ridin' Dirty. Ridin' Dirty is the only radio show in America dedicated to the issues of drinking and driving. It is designed to inspire and motivate people to learn and practice new behavior when it comes to their alcohol use. Eradicating drinking and driving behavior, as we've known it, is the biggest social change of this generation. The show has been nominated for both local and national awards for its content and method of delivery.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, May 13 and 14, I will be hosting two important shows.

REMEMBERING CARROLLTON
Twenty Years Later

The Carrollton Bus Crash remains the worst death and injury drunk driving crash in United States history. A school bus rented by the Radcliff, KY Assembly of God, carrying young people from a day trip to King's Island, was struck by an alcohol-impaired driver at 10:55 pm. The bus's gas tank was ruptured and 24 children and 3 adults were burned to death. We will take a historical look at this event and hear from the people who were there.

Ridin' Dirty can be heard live Monday through Friday, from noon to 1pm on 50,000 watt KFNX am1100 or at our website www.duiradioshow.com and through the portal to KFNX.

Thanks,
Ken Sharp

Update on Myanmar

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:12:50 -0800

Foursquare Missions: Presidential News Brief
May 12, 2008

Over the weekend Cyclone Nargis struck the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar--also known as Burma--with 120 mph winds and caused widespread devastation. The cyclone may have claimed the lives of 100,000 people. More than 70,000 are still missing and 1 million are now homeless. This disaster is already being compared to the 2004 tsunami that hit south Asia. The most recent report received states that 15 churches (some of which are not Foursquare) were destroyed as a result of the cyclone. Many Foursquare family members are among those who are homeless. The urgent needs are for drinking water, food and shelter.

The Foursquare Church in concert with a few other non governmental organizations (NGOs) has begun a relief effort to help meet the needs of the people. Due to the great difficulty in reaching the areas most affected by the cyclone (because of travel restrictions placed on foreigners by the government of Myanmar) Thailand has been chosen as the staging area for this relief effort. Teams of people are in the process of securing and shipping solar water purifiers and PACP (Personal Assistance Care Packages) units to the team that will soon be in place in Thailand.

Intercession is requested by the Foursquare family for the relief response action plan to be effective. Please pray along these lines:

Ask the God of comfort and peace to minister to victims in the midst of the confusion.
Ask God to move on the hearts of the members of the Myanmar government and that in response they will issue visas to our relief team members and other aid workers.
Pray that the provision and resources sent will reach the people who are in need. Pray specifically that the government will allow aid from the U.S., U.N. and many other relief organizations that currently have been blocked from assisting in this disaster.
Ask the Lord to continue to give our Foursquare leaders wisdom in how to respond and advance His kingdom.

If you would like to give financially to assist in this Foursquare relief effort, please send contributions to Foursquare Missions International. Make your check out to ICFG, and write "Relief Fund" on the memo line. Mail checks to:

Foursquare Missions
ATTN: Paulette McCammon
P.O. Box 26902
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Happy Mother's Day

Sun, 11 May 2008 14:50:22 -0800

Two small tributes to our hard-working and selfless mothers.

How We Kept Mother's Day

The Lanyard

Cast out your nets...again!

Sun, 11 May 2008 08:34:25 -0800

I was praying a couple of weeks ago about Grace Chapel and what God wanted to do in us and through us as a church in this season of ministry. I began to hear this word over and over in my heart: "Cast out your nets, again. Cast out your nets, again."

I remember well the story of how, in Luke 5:4-10, Jesus instructed the disciples to do that very thing after a long night of fishing that had left their nets empty. Jesus had been ministering to the people and after he finished, he told his disciples, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch". Peter responded by explaining to Jesus, probably with some frustration and weariness, how they had been fishing all night and had not caught anything.

This is a lot like where I am; I feel like I have already been "fishing," or ministering, for a long time without any great results. And, as I have prayed, I have asked God for new and exciting strategies for reaching more and better disciples. Yet, here He is saying to me, like he did to the disciples, "Cast out your nets, again". Why would we do what we have already been doing and expect any different results?

Peter, though, did have enough sense to submit to Jesus' instruction out of obedience. He ultimately replied, "But because you say so, I will let down the nets". Of course, once they obeyed Jesus and cast out their nets again, their nets were filled beyond capacity!

I now understand God's gentle instruction to me to "cast out our nets, again" as a promise that He will add new power and effectiveness to our weary acts of ministry. Many of us have ministry ideas, experience, and strategies but have become discouraged in doing them. We are disappointed in the lack of results.

Yet, the Holy Spirit is breathing new life into those acts of service and ministry, which will bring new results. His "fresh anointing" will revive the old and proven basic strategies of the church to reach the lost. If you let Him encourage you to renew your willingness to obey Him and do what you already know to do, you will see a new harvest. So, lets all "cast our nets, again".

Pastor Richard

Foursquare Church Responds to Myanmar Cyclone

Thu, 08 May 2008 17:28:53 -0800

Foursquare News Service #332

Over the weekend Cyclone Nargis struck the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar—also known as Burma—with 120 mph winds and caused widespread devastation. As of Wednesday, the death toll may exceed 100,000 people, with more than 70,000 missing and 1 million homeless. This disaster is already being compared to the 2004 tsunami that hit south Asia.

Foursquare global connect coordinator, Tom Hinton, is assessing the situation with the help of Regional Representative George Butron and National Leader Philip Ahone. Together they are initiating a relief response action plan. Foursquare Myanmar has 112 churches in this predominately Buddhist nation and is involved in evangelizing and training church planters to reach the harvest.

George Butron writes: "Pastor Philip contacted me to say that the roofing was blown off our Bible college there, as well as several leaders' homes and several church buildings. There is no power or drinking water. Food, fuel and other essentials have tripled in price overnight. Large numbers of people are at risk in the days ahead."

Jonathan Hall, director of Foursquare Missions has noted three prayer points for the Foursquare family:

Ask the God of comfort and peace to minister to victims in the midst of the confusion
Pray for provision and resources to help meet people's immediate needs for food and shelter.
Ask the Lord to give our Foursquare leaders wisdom in how to respond and advance His kingdom.

Foursquare Missions
ATTN: Paulette McCammon
P.O. Box 26902
Los Angeles, CA 90026

6 Ways to React to the Cyclone in Myanmar

Wed, 07 May 2008 17:47:32 -0800

By Pastor John Piper

As the carnage from Cyclone Nargis moves toward 50,000 dead and beyond, there is a way to pray and act:

1. Be softened to the pain nearby...

2. Pray for the followers of Christ in Myanmar...

3. Pray for the millions of unbelievers near the calamity and far from it...

4. Pray for those of us who live in the seeming security and prosperity of America...

5. Give money to replenish the coffers of compassion “since you also are in the body” (Hebrews 13:3).

6. Muster a team from your church, and when the doors are open, be ready to go...

Read the entire article.

Who's Your Daddy?

Wed, 07 May 2008 13:30:54 -0800

Aside from allowing us to spend eternity in Heaven with Him, Jesus described "Eternal Life" in John 17:3 as "...knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent." That is the key to all lasting peace and joy.

We must know who God is AND what he is like.

Go deeper! Listen to my podcast on this subject on iTunes or at our podcast page for TruthCast. Also, see my main blog at CnotesOnline.com

Quotes from Prayer Article

Tue, 06 May 2008 17:50:50 -0800

Here are some quotes from Prayer: Rebelling Against the Status Quo, by David Wells, that Pastor Richard posted about on Saturday.

I want to argue that our feeble and irregular prayer, especially in its petitionary aspect, is too frequently addressed in the wrong way. When confronting this failing, we are inclined to flagellate ourselves for our weak wills, our insipid desires, our ineffective technique and our wandering minds. We keep thinking that somehow our practice is awry and we rack our brains to see if we can discover where. I suggest that the problem lies in a misunderstanding of prayer’s nature and our practice will never have that widow’s persistence until our outlook has her clarity

Against all of this, it must be asserted that petitionary prayer only flourishes where there is a twofold belief: first, that God’s name is hallowed too irregularly, his kingdom has come too little, and his will is done too infrequently; second, that God himself can change this situation. Petitionary prayer, therefore, is the expression of the hope that life as we meet it, on the one hand, can be otherwise and, on the other hand, that it ought to be otherwise. It is therefore impossible to seek to live in God’s world on his terms, doing his work in a way that is consistent with who he is, without engaging in regular prayer.

To pray declares that God and his world are at cross-purposes; to “sleep,” or “faint,” or “lose heart” is to act as if they are not. Why, then, do we pray so little for our local church? Is it really that our technique is bad, our wills weak, or our imaginations listless? I don’t believe so. There is plenty of strong-willed and lively discussion—which in part or in whole may be justified—about the mediocrity of the preaching, the emptiness of the worship, the superficiality of the fellowship, and the ineffectiveness of the evangelism. So, why, then, don’t we pray as persistently as we talk? The answer, quite simply, is that we don’t believe it will make any difference. We accept, however despairingly, that the situation is unchangeable, that what is will always be. This is not a problem about the practice of prayer, but rather about its nature. Or, more precisely, it is about the nature of God and his relationship to this world.

By the way, David Wells has a new book called The Courage to be Protestant, that is getting good reviews.

Rebelling Against the Status Quo

Sat, 03 May 2008 11:44:06 -0800

Missionary John Rusk sent me this article on prayer today. I was very encouraged when I read it because it brings a fresh perspective on why we pray. Petitioning prayer is rebelling against the status quo, a refusal to accept what a fallen world dictates life should be like. I can press God's agenda on life's situation though prayer. I can boldly ask the Father for what ought to be, regardless of how impossible it may seem. That is our right as His children. I hope it encourages you to ask boldly for what ought to be, rather than just accepting what already is.

Prayer: Rebelling Against the Status Quo, by David Wells

Just Stop and Think

Thu, 01 May 2008 13:36:54 -0800

Francis Chan explains the most amazing truth in the world.

Learn more at JustStopandThink.com. View a higher quality video here.

(found at challies.com)

Dropping an "H-Bomb"

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:10:28 -0800

Today I was out picking up a few things and came upon a fender bender in the parking lot of a Home Depot. It looked as though a car had pulled out of a space and was struck by a pickup truck from a business called "Fore Sight"... oh, the irony.

It made me think of how when we "advertise" something we believe, it gives everyone a chance to take a shot at you without knowing you.

As a follower of Christ, my belief system has been advertised for the last 2000 years or so. Plenty of time for anyone who might like, to absorb, assess, and take a shot at someone who says they are Christian.

The worst part of that is, after identifying you with Jesus, they feel they have license to hassle you whether or not your life lines up with what they know about the Bible. If your life does line up with scripture, you can be labeled as intolerant, or prudish, or weak and foolish. However, if your life doesn't line up, you are no safer, as then you're, in their eyes, the worst of the worst... a hypocrite.

My problem with all of that is, the reason they can label any Christian "hypocrite" is that they know ahead of time (thanks to advertising) what we are supposed "believe" and therefore "live". Most of the behaviors we exhibit aren't what we get maligned for; it's that we don't do what we say we believe.

I should add, that is truer than I care to admit, even in my own life. However, the fact of the matter is that those who enjoy dropping an "H-Bomb" are conveniently immune to hypocrisy simply because we cannot see any "advertising" for their beliefs. Plus, even if we could, they have liberty to change what they believe and call it "growth" or "enlightenment". So, they are never hypocritical.

Okay, so this is a pet peeve of mine. (Peeve is a funny word isn't it?) But, it is a drag to not be recognized for trying to do the right thing but stumbling, as opposed to not trying at all, or changing course every time something becomes too difficult, less interesting, or too inconvenient.

With that said, we must always do what we can to understand others that might see us this way, and to seek to be understood. It is a two way conversation that leads to the unity that Jesus spoke of when he prayed in John 17:20-23. Perhaps we can avoid future fender benders.

C

PS You can see my main blog at www.cnotesonline.com
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Online Tools To Help Get Connected

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:20:55 -0800

ArkAlmighty - an online tool that helps match the needs in our congregation with the skills of our members. Click the image below to get started posting needs and skills.

Virtual Church Bulletin Board - works like an old-fashioned church bulletin board (help wanted ads, information from people looking for a roommate, ads about free stuff, etc.), but online.

Answers In Genesis Seminar

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:21:45 -0800

May 4-5 at Calvary Community Church

On Monday they'll have classes on creation science specifically for kids in grades K-5 and 6-12.

Admission is free. More information can be found here.

Check out the Answers In Genesis website.

Together For The Gospel Audio

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:30:38 -0800

Download the general sessions and panel discussions from the 2008 (and 2006) T4G conference. The speakers include R.C. Sproul, John MacArthur, John Piper, and Al Mohler.

http://www.sovereigngraceministries.com/Resources/T4G.aspx

Together for the Gospel is a biennial conference for pastors and church leaders, hosted by Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, Albert Mohler, and C.J. Mahaney. You can learn more by reading their blog, visiting the 2008 conference info page, or watching video highlights from the 2006 conference.

I Wish We'd All Been Ready

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:33:48 -0800

Judging by the response to his recent passing, there seems to be a fair number of Larry Norman fans in our church. This is for you.

Find more here.

(Found at SmartChristian.com)

You Know What's Weird?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:05:44 -0800

I was driving to work today and drove past the Photo Radar cameras on the 101 freeway in Scottsdale. I drive by all of them everyday to and from work. I think they are a good idea. If you break the law, you get flashed and you get a ticket. They even have "grace" built right in (you can go 10 miles over the limit and not get flashed).

That's when it occured to me; the cameras only flash you if you are going too far OVER the speed limit, even though it is also illegal to go too far UNDER the posted limit. I understand that we do that to protect lives. However, the thing that bugs me, and that I hear most people complain about, is not how FAST people are going, but how SLOW some people go.

I would like to propose that the people that drive by the cameras at less than 10 miles an hour UNDER the speed limit are also flashed. And, if they are going that slow in the far left lane (The Fast Lane) then their ticket could be even more expensive.

It reminds me that we naturally accuse people of being "wrong", or even "weird", using ourselves as the basis for "right". For example, regardless of whether we are going too fast or slow in relation to the speed limit, we call anyone going faster than us a "maniac" and anyone going slower than us an "idiot".

That's why having an external measure for right and wrong is crucial. Without an absolute that we can all subscribe to there will always be some measure of chaos.

It's even better, if that "external measure" is perfect. What if we were so lucky as to have that external measureER, care about us... ALL of us, even the ones who don't care about him. What if he desired nothing more than to just be close to us and were willing to sacrifice himself to make that possible. That would be great (Romans 5:8).

PS You can see my main blog at www.CnotesOnline.com

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Love (All) Your Enemies?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:51:48 -0800

These posters were designed by Ministry Growers to illustrate Jesus' radical message of love.

Our Modern American Minds are Callous to the Revolutionary Message Jesus is Telling
We can't understand Jesus' words because we have it so easy. Let's take a minute to remember who he was talking to. Jesus was talking to a group of Jews under the iron fist of the Roman Empire. Many of these people had their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters slaughtered, killed, and murdered by the powers that be. Jesus is telling them to pray for those who persecute them? This message just took on a whole different level of depth. Jesus is calling us to love those who don't deserve it, because we don't deserve it.

But realize that the freedom in Christ is so profound it allows you to love the worst, most vile people ever...Because He first loved you, and nothing else matters.

(Found at billyburnett.org)

Pictures from Cambodia

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:18:54 -0800

View more pictures from Pastor Becky's trip to Cambodia here