tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715Sat, 05 Oct 2024 05:35:08 +0000ArchivedDiscipleshipMissionWorshipServiceFellowshipChurch IssuesLeadershipSpecial SeriesWeekend HighlightsWeekend PreviewThe Relevant Pastor is the blog of Brad French, Pastor of Worship Arts at New Life Christian Ministries, in Saxonburg, PA! These are his thoughts, insights, and opinions!http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Blogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-3882323339127978936Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:22:00 +00002011-08-08T12:22:52.915-04:00 Hey everyone.  I'm going to be moving this site over to a different CMS system.  Blogger has been awesome, but it's time for a more professional site.  I'll be building the site over the next month and when it's finished I'll let everyone know!  Thanks for reading! http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/08/relevant-pastor-is-moving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-8147524675487785764Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:20:00 +00002011-06-15T09:22:43.848-04:00DiscipleshipMissionHave you ever wanted to impress your boss?  Here's one, sure fire, way to make sure your boss knows your serious about your work.  Here it is: Serve with excellence. Photo by Kumar Appaiah In his letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul gives some very important instructions to those who find themselves subject to masters. If you're an employee, you have a master—your boss. If you're a http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-impress-your-boss.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-720197411547303313Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:28:00 +00002011-06-10T12:29:59.948-04:00DiscipleshipMissionYoung men have a great responsibility when it comes to leading in the church community. Notice this isn't just for "pastors" or "leaders" in the church. This is for all young men who believe and are part of the Church. Here's what the Apostle Paul says in his letter to Titus: 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/06/understanding-our-roles-in-church_10.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-8365348331721852853Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:06:00 +00002011-06-09T18:06:34.026-04:00DiscipleshipMissionOlder women have a great responsibility in the church community!  See what Paul writes to Titus below: 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/06/understanding-our-roles-in-church_09.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-4169279603487618361Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:20:00 +00002011-06-08T10:28:02.116-04:00DiscipleshipMissionIt's interesting that the Apostle Paul writes to Titus about the different roles people play in the church family or community.  The first group Paul mentions is the older men.  Here's what he says: Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. -Titus 2:2 Photo by liber It'shttp://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/06/understanding-our-roles-in-church.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-8063371519954698799Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:04:00 +00002011-06-07T13:22:09.050-04:00DiscipleshipOk, guys, I didn't say lying with our wives so don't get so worked up...  In Titus the Apostle Paul gives a good warning to believers who don't really believe.  Check this out: 15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 Such people claim they know God, but theyhttp://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/06/lying-with-our-lives.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-5258152872177039292Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:48:00 +00002011-06-06T09:49:05.854-04:00DiscipleshipMissionServiceIn Romans 5, the Apostle Paul gives us guidance and encouragment when it comes to handling problems in our lives.  In fact, the Apostle Paul tells us to rejoice in these times... 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-become-solid-rock-in-times-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-7568609889841085605Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:46:00 +00002011-06-01T04:58:55.089-04:00DiscipleshipMissionSince Genesis chapter 3, it's been tough for us to give God the honor he deserves.  Actually, let me re-phrase that—It's been impossible to honor God rightly.  Sin has certainly tainted every aspect of our humanity.  God has been laying on my heart, one area, in particular, where we usually don't honor God rightly—prayer. © Carl Durocher | Dreamstime.com Prayer is http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/06/hey-god-do-what-we-want.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-9184590007151927724Mon, 23 May 2011 16:46:00 +00002011-05-23T12:46:40.331-04:00DiscipleshipMissionAs we move toward Memorial Day Weekend, I want to challenge you to look back on your life and remember and say thanks for the times of God's blessing and direction. The Israelites were commanded to do so after God delivered them from the iron fist of the Egyptians. We should do so as well. We've all experienced tough times at school, work, and in our families. It's easy to recall those http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/05/this-memorial-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-8370190658836459928Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:12:00 +00002011-04-22T15:15:19.677-04:00DiscipleshipMissionHe Was Wounded for Our Transgressions 13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely;he shall be high and lifted up,and shall be exalted.14 As many were astonished at you—his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—15 so shall he sprinkle many nations;kings shall shut their mouths because of him;for that which has not been told them they seehttp://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-im-reading-this-easter-weekend.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-645930598796806524Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:46:00 +00002011-04-19T12:46:42.265-04:00DiscipleshipMission"It's too late to apologize..."  the  famous line of the song "Apologize" by the band One Republic, made even better by the sound of producer Timbaland in the background trying to sing "eh, eh, ehhhhh," brings to mind a powerful image.  This past weekend I preached from Revelation 3:14-22 where Jesus tells the church at Laodicea to be either hot or cold but not lukewarm because http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-too-late-to-apologize.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-7224630916678807124Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:44:00 +00002011-04-05T16:44:00.186-04:00MissionService"You watch that crab fishing show don't you!"  I heard that many times this past weekend after the band opened our church service with Bon Jovi's hit "Wanted Dead Or Alive."  To answer your question, YES, I do watch Deadliest Catch.  It is one of my favorite shows!  However, it's not the reason we opened our worship celebration with it's theme song last Sunday.  &http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/04/deadliest-catch-and-church.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-8078003549520103835Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:30:00 +00002011-04-01T14:30:32.156-04:00DiscipleshipMissionLife is crazy.  There is no doubt about it!  From raising kids to a 40 hour work week and overtime, there isn't much time to read God's word.  Getting God's word into our hearts may not be as you think.  Here are five simple ways to read God's word daily. Sharefaith.com 1. Keep Bible verses in your car.  Whether you print them out or purchase memory verse cards at http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/04/5-simple-ways-to-read-gods-word-daily.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-5907555157808018262Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:26:00 +00002011-04-01T14:42:58.026-04:00Church IssuesDiscipleshipMissionThere's nothing Satan would love to do more than hide the Bible in Hell or at least a discussion about Hell.  After all, if the Bible is hidden, people will never know God's plan and the gospel that frees them from Hell's grip.  And so, we find ourselves in a very serious discussion over the past weeks as to whether or not Hell is really the final destination for those who reject God.&http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/03/to-hell-with-gods-word.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-8620049842991875592Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:47:00 +00002011-03-22T13:50:12.422-04:00DiscipleshipMissionDo you ever find yourself asking "Why am I here?"  I used to ask that question, often.  Probably more often than people think a Pastor should.  Pastors are the ones who are supposed to be leading and teaching people why they are here and what to do with their lives while they are here, right?  Actually, Jesus is the one who teaches ALL of us why we're here and what we should http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-am-i-here-and-what-should-i-do.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-7334538102686684475Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:29:00 +00002011-03-22T13:50:27.124-04:00DiscipleshipMissionServiceHave you ever felt abandoned by someone?  What about God?  If you're feeling abandoned by God, it's time to look inside your heart. © Vividpixels | Dreamstime.com Certainly, people abandon each other all the time.  Unfortunately, that's human nature.  We'd like to think people are dedicated to relationships but our culture makes clear that relational abandonment is not http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/03/feeling-abandoned-by-god.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-2147916274209643843Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:28:00 +00002011-03-02T17:57:32.115-05:00Church IssuesDiscipleshipIn our world, silence implies agreement.  In this series we're discussing issues about which many Christians are silent.  Often times, we're confused as to what Jesus actually stated regarding these important spiritual issues. Since many Christians are silent, the world assumes we agree with its ideas and actions.  However,  the name Christian means believer in (or http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/03/speak-up-living-together-before.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-1578791310409321351Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:52:00 +00002011-02-25T14:55:05.975-05:00Church IssuesDiscipleshipIn our world, silence implies agreement.  In this series we're discussing issues about which many Christians are silent.  Often times, we're confused as to what Jesus actually stated regarding these important spiritual issues. Since many Christians are silent, the world assumes we agree with its ideas and actions.  However,  the name Christian means believer in (or http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/02/speak-up-homosexuality.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-6543681678972927948Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:26:00 +00002011-02-21T09:47:44.037-05:00DiscipleshipMissionServiceSpecial SeriesWorshipI used to have a professor who'd say "Silence implies agreement." Speaking in temporal (human) terms, he's right.  The world views silence as agreement.  When we don't speak up, the world is free to move in the direction it wants to go.  But why don't we speak up?  We don't speak up because we've been taught since pre-school not to offend anyone with our own ideas or beliefs. http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/02/speak-up-silence-implies-agreement.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-4479793685963085945Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:20:00 +00002011-02-20T14:22:02.566-05:00DiscipleshipWorshipHere is my message about The ONE Thing That Truly Matters from February 13, 2011! http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/02/video-message.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-4406476591455245068Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:14:00 +00002011-02-18T15:15:44.179-05:00DiscipleshipMissionWorshipTimes are tough right now.  There is no doubt about it.  However, there is no better time than now to stand and declare to a hurting world: OUR GOD IS A REGUE AND STRENGTH, ALWAYS READY TO HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE! © Orlando Florin Rosu | Dreamstime.com Whether we find ourselves in good times or bad, God's Word broadcasts the character of God.  One of God's http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/02/when-times-are-tough.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-7112907334407703732Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:37:00 +00002011-02-14T14:37:41.574-05:00DiscipleshipMissionWeekend HighlightsWorshipHere are some highlights from the message this past weekend at New Life.  The video will be available tomorrow and will be posted on this blog and on New Life's media page. © Grigor Atanasov | Dreamstime.com "The ONE Thing That Truly Matters!" The Definition of Worldly Success: To make oneself financially stable fulfilling ones own wants and desires. Many times, we seek http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/02/weekend-highlights-what-we-need-to-know.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-4169619109965128713Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:27:00 +00002011-02-11T17:51:57.281-05:00DiscipleshipMissionServiceWeekend PreviewWorshipThis weekend at New Life, we are continuing our series "Stories Of The Kingdom: The Power Of One!"  This series has a powerful message:  God cares about us!  The series is based on the parables of Jesus in Luke 15.  This weekend we are moving into the second part of the series discussing what our response must be to God's searching for us! © Ingrid Perlstrom | http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/02/weekend-preview.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-912798956661916917Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:23:00 +00002011-02-10T17:18:11.161-05:00DiscipleshipFellowshipMissionWorshipThere are many people who have written on this subject. I am not going to say anything they haven't already said, with great wisdom.  Before we get started I wanted to list one person in particular who has the clout to talk about hearing from God and acting on what God says. His name is Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek Church in the Chicago area. Bill wrote a book called http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-hear-gods-voice-part-3.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327644040942221715.post-3610714853154761466Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:19:00 +00002011-02-10T17:17:54.888-05:00DiscipleshipMissionWorshipThere are many people who have written on this subject. I am not going to say anything they haven't already said, with great wisdom.  Before we get started I wanted to list one person in particular who has the clout to talk about hearing from God and acting on what God says. His name is Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek Church in the Chicago area. Bill wrote a book called The http://therelevantpastor.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-hear-gods-voice-part-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0