Ephesians 4:11-16

Update from the Dominican Republic

2011-08-08T08:58:00.002-04:00

The Lord is doing a great work.

Here’s what happened yesterday evening and last night:

Lewis, Bobby, and I were walking down a dirt road in Cassandra (just down the hill from the house). A short muscular Haitian man walked toward us. After greeting him, we began to share the gospel with him. His name was Minaya. He asked if we could pray for him. I said to him, “Is there something that is bothering you?” He told us he was concerned about his brother. He invited us to come back to his house. Once we were inside, he told us that his brother’s motorcycle had been stolen. His brother (Aridio) had the man who stole it arrested. When the man got out of jail, he came to find him. His brother, in self-defense shot the man. His brother ran in fear and since then he doesn’t know where his brother is. Minaya was very concerned about his brother. We shared with him, prayed for him, and he, with tears in his eyes, surrendered his life to JESUS. There was a true transformation.

Several people got saved yesterday afternoon; but seeing this man’s love for his brother and his recognition of his need to be saved was particularly touching. We’re praising God that we could be a part of it.

Last evening we went to the square (a downtown park area). Some amazing things happened.

One of the groups (Jared, Steph, and Lewis) went over and began speaking with two men, both of them seem interested to speak about the Lord. As the group shared with them about 10 minutes into the conversation a very skinny woman wandered over and sat down next to the bench. The group shared the gospel with the men and then asked if they wanted to receive Jesus. The first man declined saying he knew the Lord already but he agreed that Jesus is the way…The right way. The second man agreed that he wanted to ask Jesus into his life. As soon as he was finished, the woman who had come into the conversation jumped up from where she was sitting and ran over to sit next to him exclaiming that she too wanted to receive the Lord. The group prayed with the two and they asked Jesus into their lives. After the prayer was finished the woman began to sob and cry. She was really broken. She went on to say that at one point in her life her sister had stolen her husband. In a rage she shot her sister the consequences of this led this woman to many years of doing drugs, she had also lost her children due to this situation, she no longer had contact with any of her family, was living on the streets and had no home. After speaking with her some more, the group decided to buy her some food. She said that she had not felt so happy in many years. It was obvious that the Lord had done a work in her life giving her peace and joy. Her name is Marta, please pray for her that the Lord would direct her life and provide a place for her to stay.

These are just two stories from an awesome night. Thank you for praying. Please continue to pray for us as we venture out to proclaim the gospel today.

Update from Barahona Outreach

2011-08-07T16:47:00.004-04:00

This morning we hosted a time of worship & Bible study. We planned to begin at 9:30 AM. People started showing up around 8:45 AM. By 9:30 the yard was packed with children and adults. After Lewis welcomed everyone, Vicente and Angie led worship. The majority of people who came together were not regular church goers. After worship, we dismissed the children to go with Vicente, Angie and members of our team for a time of Sunday School. When the children left, more adults came and filled every chair (over 50 adults from the community). At the end of the Bible study two people prayed to receive the Lord. We asked how many people would like to get together the same way every Sunday Morning. Most of the people raised their hands. At the end of the study we surprised the group by inviting them to stay for hotdogs and soda. It was a great time of fellowship – and more people showed up. Please pray that those who attended would grow in their relationship with JESUS and that the Lord would add to the church those who are being saved.

Gracias,

Doug McClean

Pastor

Calvary Chapel of Delta

www.ccdeltapa.org

Our Greatest Need

2011-06-08T12:14:00.002-04:00

The Holy Spirit changes lives. He convicts. He points to Christ. He cleanses. He reconciles. He restores. He refreshes. He empowers, emboldens, and enriches our lives. He is our Helper, our Counselor, and our Comforter.

Jesus said in Luke 11:13:

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”"

The Lord Jesus promised that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. So in Acts 1 and 2, we see the disciples praying just before the Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost. In Acts 4, the disciples were once again praying and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. In both situations the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples in response to prayer. Boldness, unity, selfless giving, love, great power and miracles followed.

As I look at my life, the church, and our community, I’m convinced what we need is to experience a greater work of the Holy Spirit. He’s the One who can make us more like Christ, fill us with joy, empower us, give us wisdom, and endue us with love. He can heal relationships, bring back prodigals, and draw sinners to salvation.

It’s time for us, as a church, to come together and pray, to seek the Lord, to ask for the Holy Spirit to do a work in us and through us. Beginning this Sunday, 6/12/11, we’ll be meeting in the auditorium at 6:17pm to worship, to pray, and to seek the Lord together. Will you join us? Let’s follow the example of the early church and come together to pray.

We don’t have childcare at this time, so I suggest that husbands and wives alternate coming on Sunday nights OR perhaps a few families can arrange childcare.

Our hope for change is not a new program or activity. Our hope is the Lord, the Holy Spirit, working today in His fullness and power.

Hoping you’ll join us,

Pastor Doug

Lessons from Israel

2011-05-10T17:15:00.005-04:00

I just returned from my fifth trip to Israel, the land in which so much of the events of the Bible took place. Each time that I've made the journey I've learned something and have grown in my faith. It's a joy to be with people who are experiencing Israel for the first time. Their questions and curiousity is encouraging and leads to further understanding.

I was thinking this time while standing at the Western Wall about the Orthodox Jews practice of praying at the wall. They believe that it's the closest they can get to the former location of the Holy of Holies and therefore the closest they can get to God. I can't imagine what it would be like to arrive totally uninformed and see a group of men standing and bobbing up and down (sort of like a mild "head-banging" action) talking to a wall. It's odd, quite frankly.

We began our day in Jerusalem by walking onto the Temple Mount. We walked all over the 35 acre platform and most likely even very closely to the Holy of Holies. While the Orthodox were outside at the wall, we were walking on the Mount, much closer than those outside by the wall. It reminded me of the bondage and restriction of legalism and tradition. Their traditions, their legalism, kept the Orthodox on the outside, unable to draw near, unable to see, unable to be on the Mount. But, we who are in Christ, know the truth and have been set free. We can draw near. We can go where tradition and the law cannot take a man. We can bodly approach the throne of Grace. We're not looking at a wall, we can see.

Please pray for ISRAEL, for the blinders to be lifted, and specifically for the Orthodox who are zealous for the Lord to come to the knowledge of the Truth -- for only the TRUTH will set them free!

Day 6 of DR Trip, January 12, 2011

2011-01-12T22:37:00.003-05:00

This morning we enjoyed devotions and were joined by a few of our Dominican friends.

This morning three teams went out to share the gospel. Several people received Jesus into their hearts to be Lord and Savior. We were encouraged in the evening as several people who received the Lord joined our New Believers' discipleship classes. We ran out of books again. We had a bunch of new people up. We've had about 60 people participate in these classes on the basic foundational truths of Scripture. The Lord is really doing a great work. It's awesome when people turn their lives over to the Lord and immediately begin reaching out to their friends.

Tonight was a bit crazy. We went downtown to get ice cream. While witnessesing to a group of street kids / shoeshine boys, a teenager (about 17) who stopped by to listen for a few minutes kicked one of the little boys (about 7 years old) in the back -- for no reason at all. After attending to the child and calling the police, Lewis and I went to find the young man. When we caught up with him we insisted that he apologize to the little boy. We brought him back to the boy and told the police we had things under control. He apologized. The little boy forgave him. I shared the gospel with the "Kicker" (David) and he received the Lord. There are more details. It's too late to say more. Thanks for praying...

Day 5 of Ministry in Barahona, Dominican Republic, January 11,2011

2011-01-12T22:04:00.001-05:00

We began this morning with worship & time in the word together. We had three teams witnessing in the community. The Lord used our group to lead 8 people to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior.

It began with an attempt to deliver a package sent by a sponsor to a child’s family. The mother and child were not home. A woman named Cecelia who lives next door told us that we just missed the family. We took that opportunity to share Jesus with her. After she received the Lord, as we were leaving we met a group of five young men who heard the gospel and received the Lord. With each person it took some time to explain the gospel and share the word and as we patiently explained the simple truth the Holy Spirit did a great work.

We explained how we have the opportunity to share the good news with others and exhorted the last group to tell their friends. Two of the young men took us to one of their friends so that we could share the gospel with him. After hearing the word David got saved too!

Frankie (Francis) one of the two young men who led us to David then took us to the house of a young man named Noelle. Noelle recognized me. I had led him to the Lord two years ago. He hadn’t been walking with the Lord and knew he needed to repent and return to Jesus. Again we exhorted him to tell his friends right away about the decision he made.

Tonight we began a new believers Bible Study. 36 people came and participated in one of our three discipleship groups. The study will continue tomorrow. It was encouraging to see Cecelia, Frankie, and Noelle come tonight! Noelle brought two unsaved friends. Frankie is joining us for devotions in the morning and has more people that he wants us to share the gospel with!

We’re praising God for His awesome work and enjoying seeing answered prayers!

Day 4, Barahona, DR, January 10th, 2010

2011-01-10T20:11:00.004-05:00

Today we left for Batey 6 early for a special conference/retreat. It was a 4 hour meeting with prayer, worship, Pastor Bill and I teacing, Q & A. It was an edifying, encouraging time.

We stopped for lunch on the way home. When we arrived back on the mountain a few groups went out on the mountain to come to the weekly Bible Study.

At 5 pm the seats were full. We worshipped & then dismissed the children. Some seats emptied more adults arrived. It was awesome. We did a study in Luke 7 about the sinful woman who came to Jesus' feet. These pictures are from the study and the children's ministry.

God is doing great things!

Tomorrow -- witnessing in the morning and discipleship classes in the evening. Please pray!

3rd Day in DR, January 9, 2011

2011-01-09T20:49:00.002-05:00

No pictures to post today. We had a time of worship, the word, and prayer. We then cleared a large area in our yard and hung a large tarp for shade. It looks like this will be a great place for worship & the word. We took some time and went to the beach. When we returned we had an time of worship & the word in our new area. It was unannounced to the community and yet 3 men showed up and joined us. It's a great blessing to have 3 men show up for "church." In most churches there are few men, if any. We took a look at Acts 19 and focused on the need for the baptism of the spirit. We all prayed to be freshly filled with the HOly Spirit.

Tomorrow we're going to Batey 6. It's a national holiday and the church in Batey 6 is having a 1/2 retreat. They've asked Pastor Bill and I to teach on discipleship and leadership. Please pray for us. Tomorrow night we will host the regular Monday night Bible Study @ our house in our new worship area. We bought 20 new chairs to accomodate this growing study.

Blessings from the DR!

2nd Day of Ministry, DR, January 2011

2011-01-08T18:17:00.002-05:00

Today we journeyed to Batey 6 to minister with Pastor Kuki. When we arrived he told us about a family deeply involved with Santeria (voodo). They had many pacts with the devil. The woman (Francisca) had been shot three times three days before. She said that she didn't need the police -- instead she would get justice. He asked up to go and share the gosple with the family.

When we arrived Francisca was sitting outside of her shack. She was in pain. We shared the gospel with her. She repented and accepted JESUS (in tears). She then called the three people in this photo to come over. They are her children: Yeny, Roberto, and Gregory. They heard the gospel and received Jesus.

We then went to her father who had been serving the devil for years. His name is Gerlato. He's over 80 yeras old. When we started sharing the gospel with him he told us about an experience he had recently. He wasn't feeling well and went to bed. He said "a man" came to him in the night, hugged him, and kissed him and told him that he would receive a gift soon -- to be ready. We shared about God's gift of salvation. He received Jesus, repenting in tears.

Overall over 15 people received Jesus at Batey 6. We're praising God!

Day 1 of Ministry in Barahona, Dominican Republi

2011-01-07T15:07:00.003-05:00

This day began with worship and a devotion from Hebrews 6:1-2 reviewing the foundational truths that we can share with people here in this village. Lewis shared with us an update about what the Lord is doing here in this community. We then broke up in 3 groups and went out to share the gospel.

Pastor Bill Beckleman and I went out with Lewis. We spent about an hour with the family in this picture. Juan Carlos (in the red), Rosa Maria 9to the left of Juan, and Ingrina (on the lfet of me -- all received Jesus Christ. Praise God! Pray that they would connect with our Bible study next Monday.

One the way back to the house we met a group of teenage guys playing hacky sack. I jumped in and demonstrated my incompitency with the sack. We then started sharing the gospel. I asked Lewis to share his testimoy and the gospel. He was able to lead six guys to Jesus. It's a joy to my heart to see Lewis leading people to Jesus. I said to Lewis, "I guess I'm not needed here anymore."

We're getting ready to go back out for a few hours. Later this evening we'll go to a park in the center of Barahona to share the gospel.

I'll do my best to try to keep everyone up to date! Blessings!

What’s an Agape Feast?

2010-11-15T15:26:00.003-05:00

On the night before the cross, in the midst of a meal with His closest followers, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to His disciples saying, “Take eat; this is my body.” He then took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, shed for you for the remission of sins.” By so doing, the Lord initiated what we celebrate today as “communion” or “The Lord’s Supper.” He took bread and wine-- things commonly enjoyed, typically daily consumed -- and attached to them an awesome lesson. It was clearly the Lord’s intention to keep His followers focused, even daily, on the great sacrifice He made by coming from heaven to earth, becoming a man, and dying on the cross to pay for our sins. Holding the bread and the cup and then partaking brings to our conscious minds the facts of the gospel, the love of God, and realization that what He did He did for me, personally. This special remembrance also cements the idea that we together enjoy life with Jesus because we all draw our life from the same source, we’re all sinners saved by God’s grace.

Having received this instruction, the apostles led the early church in following this pattern and came together often to “break bread.” The Word says,

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42, NKJV)

"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart," (Acts 2:46, NKJV) ^{^[1]}

It seems as though the church continued to break bread during their meals together. These meals together became known as “Agape Feasts” or “Love Feasts” (Jude 12). It was a celebration of God’s love demonstrated on Calvary. As they shared food together, they took time to stop and remember the fact that Jesus’ body was broken and His blood was shed so that they could be saved, so that they could be together in God’s family. This focused their time together on the Lord Jesus and His work on their behalf. It definitely set the tone for their time together, inspiring praise, gratefulness, and mercy.

As time went on some problems arose. Paul addressed the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 11. The church was gathering for the Lord’s Supper, but it had become a production line, a time to get free meal. People were coming selfishly seeking to get their supper ahead of others. Some people were hungry and others were drunk. That church needed to be corrected. They lost the heart, the purpose, the whole focus of their time gathering together. Paul wrote that they were not discerning the Lord’s body (1 Corinthians 11:29). They were not recognizing that the Lord was there. There were not focusing on the fact of the cross. They were not seeing that the people they were gathering with were part of the Lord’s body. It was a sad situation that needed to be corrected.

Knowing the Lord intends for us to celebrate communion often, focusing our fellowship on the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, I’ve been seeking the Lord concerning how to observe this special time in a Biblical and meaningful experience. I’ve become increasingly concerned with observing communion at the end of the service. I don’t want to turn the Lord’s Supper into a mindless ritual or a rushed observance. I really want to honor the Lord as we break bread together. So, we’re going to try something different on December 5^that 5pm. We’re going to have a special meal together, a holiday meal. As we gather, we’re going to sit down at tables together, worship the Lord, and hear a brief devotion from the Word. Then at each table we’ll break bread and take the cup together, remembering and sharing with one another what Jesus did for us. It will be a time focused on the cross, fellowship centered on the Lord. After breaking bread, we’ll continue our meal together as food will be served at each table (no cafeteria line, but family style). It’s my prayer that through the meal, Jesus will continue to be the focus, as we fellowship together.

Please pray and consider setting this time aside to come and experience this special remembrance together! If you plan to attend please sign up at church OR email calvary@ccdeltapa.org.

[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Spring 2011 Israel Tour

2010-11-15T15:19:00.003-05:00

If you love studying the Word, and would like to grow in your Biblical understanding, one of the best investments you can make is taking a teaching tour of Israel. After spending a week in Israel, when you read your Bible the settings of the stories will be in your mind, not just in your imagination. You’ll have an enduring picture of the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Olives, the City of Jerusalem, the Wilderness, and the Jordan Valley. It’s hard to explain what it’s like taking a boat ride over the same body of water that Jesus walked upon. The impact is profound, as you stand by the retaining walls of the Temple Mount and see the huge stones of the Temple that the Roman soldiers pushed off the mount, fulfilling the words of Jesus in Luke 19:45. To walk through the ruins of Capernaum, the site of ancient city of Dan, or archeological excavations at Caesarea takes you back in time to the days of your favorite Bible characters. You’ll be amazed as you stand looking over the plains of Megiddo considering what the Bible says about Last Days’ conflict that will take place on that famous battlefield. Every day in Israel will bring new memories and inspiration that will impact your faith for the rest of your life.

I’ve worked with Inspired Travel to develop a tour that is a good value for you, attempting to minimize expenses while not compromising the quality of your experience. We’ll be flying out of Philadelphia on Thursday, April 28^th flying overnight arriving in Tel Aviv on April 29^th. We’ll be staying one night in Tel Aviv, three nights in Galilee, and four nights in Jerusalem. We’ll have seven full days of touring in a comfortable tour bus. An Israeli guide will lead us, and I’ll be teaching in various locations throughout each day. A buffet breakfast and dinner will be provided daily along with four lunches. We’ll arrive home on Saturday, May 7^th. All entrance fees, taxes, tips, hotel, and airfare are included in the tour cost of $2985.

If you’d like more information, send me an email, doug@ccdeltapa.org expressing your interest or asking your questions. Please prayerfully consider being a part of this upcoming tour.

Mason-Dixon Fair Outreach Tonight

2010-07-16T00:26:00.003-04:00

It was encouraging to see so many Calvary Chapel people ministering to the community tonight. Some were sharing the gospel while painting kid's faces. Some participated in a puppet show. A few played music. Several took care of getting all the garbage picked up for the Fair. It's awesome when the body of Christ is functioning for His glory and purpose.

It was also a good reminder of the great needs in our community. People are hurting and confused. So many young people are searching for significance and purpose.

Thank you Jesus for placing us in this field. Help us. Equip us. Empower us. Embolden us to represent You faithfully to declare Your Word without reservation.

From my 10 year old daughter

2010-07-15T10:20:00.002-04:00

I received the following email this morning from my 10 year old daughter. I can't tell you how blessed I am to witness the Lord speaking to and through my children. Praise God!

God is our trust

For He is just

In His ways we must walk

With pure lips we should talk

We should not let our light be to be too dim

As we learn to be like Him

We shall walk in His ways

All of our days

God has every moment planned

And is guiding you with His gentle hand

God will most definitely show

Everything you need to know

Jesus died and rose again

which couldn't be accomplished by men

He's coming back soon you see

He's coming back for you and me

Dear Daddy,

I wrote this for my sister for her Birthday. I think I might enter this into the York art and literary contest. Hope you have a good day.

It's been a while since I've posted.

2010-07-06T16:43:00.001-04:00

I hope to begin posting on a more regular basis. Pray for me.

Our Mission

2009-08-17T11:32:00.001-04:00

"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything." (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8, NKJV)[1]

The church in Thessalonica understood their mission. Their proclamation of the word was exemplary. They spoke the word in the surrounding regions and wherever they went. This means that when believers from Thessalonica went to the market they shared the gospel. When they traveled to visit relatives they shared the gospel. When they attended social events, they shared the gospel. On vacation and while involved with their vocation they shared the word. Yes, it’s clear that the believers in Thessalonica understood the privilege and opportunity they were given to be a part of reaching their world with the gospel. Evidently, they didn’t see evangelism as and activity that only great evangelists like Paul embraced; nor did they see it as a part of some greater church program. No, the believers in the Thessalonica were so radically changed by the gospel, they were eager to share the good news with others. They seemed to understand their divine assignment.

Jesus said it simply after His resurrection, before His ascension, in each gospel in a slightly different way. In Matthew’s gospel He said, “Go therefore and make disciples…..” (Matthew 28:19). In Mark’s gospel He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel….” (Mark 16:15). In Luke’s gospel He said, “….repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations…” (Luke 24:47). In John’s gospel He said, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21). Jesus clearly left “marching orders.” He gave them a mission, a critical mission, to reach a lost and dying world with the hope of the gospel.

Reading the book of Acts, it’s not too hard to see that the early church took their mission seriously. When persecution came against the church in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered and Acts 8 verse 4 says,
" Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." [2]
Wherever they went they were conscious of their mission, looking for opportunities to proclaim the word of God. They saw themselves as “ambassadors” (2 Cor 5:18-20) of the Lord, the King of Kings, proclaiming His offer of reconciliation to a rebellious world. They firmly believed that they had been saved, rescued, redeemed, and forgiven by the Lord Jesus and that there was no other hope for this world. They preached “Christ crucified.” They were not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, knowing that it is the power of God to salvation (Rom 1:16). They were saved by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8 & 9) and they wanted others to experience God’s abundant grace. They had a passion to proclaim the truth. The Lord’s love in their hearts (Romans 5:5) inspired broken hearts for the lost and therefore a zealous focus to reach their communities with the gospel. They understood that they had an opportunity to participate in this great work – that it wasn’t a work for professionals; but rather for all believers (Ephesians 4:12, 1 Peter 2:9). Yes, it’s clear from the testimony of scripture that the earliest Christian believers understood that the purpose of their lives was not for selfish pleasure or worldly pursuits but to fulfill the mission they had received from the Lord. We can all be thankful as we look back that the believers before us were faithful to share the gospel from generation to generation.

The commission of the Lord still stands. His “marching orders” are still valid. Our opportunity to be His “ambassadors,” has not ceased. The Lord has saved us out of this world, forgiving us, and giving us new life. He has saved us on purpose for a purpose. We’re here to continue to the work, to allow the Lord to use our lives, our talents, and our abilities to reach this world with the gospel. As believers in Jesus, as followers of the Lord, His agenda must be our agenda (Luke 6:46), His life is our life (Colossians 3:3), and His invitation is our invitation (Revelation 22:17).

Have you embraced the mission?

[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[2] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Update from DR Trip, Tuesday, January 6, 2009

2009-01-06T19:06:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a travel day. Today was our first day out in the community sharing the gospel. At least 30 people came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior today.
My day began with Matthew 9:27-29 in my personal devotions. This is the account of Jesus healing two blind men. After we prayed as a group, an 82 year old man who lives accross the street named Gabriel asked us to pray for him. When we asked what he needed prayer for, he said that he was having trouble with his eyes. So we prayed -- and then went out. It was the beginning of a day "themed by the Lord". We then shared with a woman who was spiritually blind. No matter what we said, she didn't see. The Lord opened the next man's eyes spiritually and he received the Lord. After he accepted the Lord we asked how we could pray for him. He said he was having trouble with his eyesight -- so we prayed for him. In the afternoon, we saw a couple sitting playing a game. We began to share with them. They were not Christians. The man told us that he had just been telling the woman with him about a dream he had where he was preaching to a group of people who had drug and alcohol problems. He said that the Lord showed him that people who are blind to the truth are people who don't want to see. He knew the Lord was calling him into ministry; but he was confused. He said there were so many churches that he didn't know what to believe. We shared the gospel with him from the word. He and the woman with him prayed to receive the Lord and they desire further training in the word of God. On the way back we met a group of people -- shared the gospel with them and five men came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. We asked how we could pray for them. The woman who was sitting with them was a Christian. She asked if we could pray for her son. He was about 9 years old. When we asked was was the problem she told us that he had trouble with his sight since he was born. We asked him if he believed that God could heal him. We laid hands on him and prayed for him. Afterward we asked if he could see better. Praise the Lord, he said his vision was better -- that he was seeing better. The Lord is doing awesome things. Please keep praying. There are so many more details of how the Lord is working -- using us, in spite of us, for His glory!

Tomorrow we'll be on the mountain again -- sharing the gospel house to house.

Christmas, The Word Became Flesh

2008-12-22T11:52:00.002-05:00

" And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, NKJV) ^{^[1]}

God has been communicating to humanity since the beginning. He has certainly sent a clear communication of His power and intellect through His creation. He has sent a message about His morality to the conscience of every human. He has given us His word, which provides for us direct revelation from God, commands, prophecies, and historical records that communicate to us about His character and His plan. Yes, God has spoken. Yet, historically, we know most did not understand what He was saying. In fact, presently, many don’t understand what He’s saying.

So John tells us “the Word became flesh…” God’s communication actually became human. This is what we celebrate this Christmas Season: Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, becoming man, the Creator entering His creation. He came to communicate clearly God’s love for the world. He demonstrated God’s love by leaving heaven, becoming a helpless baby, living as a human, and then dying for us, for our sins. Yes, He sent an unchanging message as He stepped into history. He came to clear up the confusion, to give clarity and hope to a lost and discouraged world. He came to show the world the way, the truth, and the life.

Remember, we have an opportunity this Christmas to allow God’s word to become “flesh” in our lives, to help a world that doesn’t “get it” to see God’s love through our lives. During this Christmas season, I’m sure we’ll all find opportunities to leave our comfort zone to step into various situations to serve, to share, and to die to our own plans for the sake of the world around us. So, in the midst of all the busyness, let’s determine to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us to make us His letter, His communication to the world that He loves.

I’m praying that God would bless you and your family this Christmas as you reflect on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ.

[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Walking Worthy

2008-11-24T14:38:00.002-05:00

" I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3, NKJV)

Our “calling” is what we’ve been invited into. When Paul wrote the church at Ephesus about “the calling with which you were called,” he was addressing the whole church. Thus, he was referring to the invitation every believer has received, the invitation to walk with Jesus, the invitation to enjoy a relationship with Jesus, the invitation to be a part of God’s family, and the invitation to be Jesus’ witnesses on this earth.

Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, instructed the church to walk worthy of that calling. In other words, he encouraged them to conduct their daily lives in a manner that is consistent with the privileged position we have in Christ. He was saying, “It’s time to walk the walk; not just talk the talk.” It’s time to live in such a way that our lives demonstrate what we claim to believe.

So what does “walking worthy of our calling” look like? How should we conduct ourselves?

According to this passage, we should be walking:

“….with all lowliness ,” which means having a humble opinion of one’s self, possessing a sense of littleness compared to others, being modest.

“…..with….gentleness,” which means being “meek.” It’s being considerate of other people’s feelings and thoughts.” It’s not snuffing out a smoking wick and not throwing out a bruised reed.

“....with longsuffering,” which means being patient with others, enduring with others, persevering through difficulties.

“….bearing with one another in love…” which means to stand with one another with God’s love, being willing to lay down our lives for one another.

“…endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace....” which means that we’re to work diligently to guard, to protect oneness, to keep from being divided, to work to be spiritually bundled together , resting, without conflict.

Living this kind of life is ultimately for the glory of God. As we represent Him in this world, this is the kind of life that will help the world see Jesus. But this kind of walk is not only for the benefit of the world, it’s also good for each of us individually, as we seek to move forward in our walk, growing in our relationship with the Lord. Think about it….

If I commit to the concept of “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace,” then I will also refuse to accept the modern notion that the way to solve problems in relationships is to walk away from them. With the easy option of walking away is gone, there’s some work ahead, work that will result in the need for love, for patience, for wisdom, for gentleness, and for humility. Being committed to seeing problems resolved and relationships maintained will therefore result in a greater personal dependence on the Lord, an opportunity for purification and maturation. Anyone, even an unbeliever, can get upset because things aren’t working out the way they want them to and leave a relationship. It takes the strength of the Lord; it takes the empowerment of the Spirit, to stick it out, and to make every effort to work the differences out. Walking away from relationship problems will stunt a person’s spiritual growth, hinder their walk, and hurt the church’s witness in the world….

Are you at peace with fellow believers? Are you thinking about walking away from a relationship where you have a disagreement? Is there a situation you’ve walked away from instead of working for unity and peace?

Please pray and consider this life changing concept.

New Ministry @ Calvary

2008-09-03T09:32:00.001-04:00

DR Update

2008-08-15T16:28:00.006-04:00

Dominican Republic Update: 8/15/2008

Our team just returned on Saturday the 9^th from our latest trip to Barahona, Dominican Republic. We went to share the love of Jesus in word and deed with the children we sponsor, their families, and people in the community.

As we walked around the mountain visiting, we were able to encourage believers, to share the gospel with many (including the local drug dealers), and to spend time with children who desperately need to know that they are loved. I took the photo to the right as we were walking through the community where we serve. The man on the left is Lewis. He oversees our ministry to the children on the mountain. The young man on the right is Johan, one of our translators. As we walk through the community it’s a common experience to be surrounded by children like the ones in the above photo. Some of these children have been abused and neglected. Many of these children eat one meal a day at best. The little boy in the red shirt shines shoes to help support his family. Instead of going to school, he walks to the center of the town 30 to 45 minutes away where he competes with other boys for the opportunity to earn a few pesos. Sometimes he walks home by himself at 11 PM at night. I spoke with his mother about their situation. She said that she really wants to be able to send him to school instead of sending him to work; but at this time, it’s necessary for him to work. She can’t feed her family on her income alone (she makes about $3 per day, washing clothes when she can). I assured her that we’re going to try to find sponsors for her children so that they can go to school instead of work.

The sponsorship program makes a huge difference in the lives of these people. Unemployment is high and food costs keep escalating. It’s common to meet families who are hungry and children who are malnourished. When a child is sponsored his or her family gets $20 per month in food and supplies. Unquestionably, this is a great help to families. I spoke to several of the families who have children who are sponsored. These families are extremely grateful for the help they receive. Please pray for more sponsors for there are many more children in this community who need help.

We handed out some clothing to children as we went through the community. It was a blessing to see their response to these simple gifts of love.

In addition to our time on the mountain in Barahona, we also visited Tamayo, Batey 7, Batey 6, and Batey Central. We praise God for the people who received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This time we had the privilege to pray with more than 30 people who made a commitment to Christ.

Whenever a person receives Christ, we do our best to connect them with a local church or Bible Study. Many pastors are thankful for our efforts and look forward to our time together. It was a joy to see Pastor Mariñez from Batey 6 whose church continues to grow as he teaches the word and shares the gospel in his community. Additionally, we stopped by and visited with Pastor Francisco from Tamayo. We joined with Pastor Francison and visited a young man whose five year old daughter died 20 days ago. We shared the gospel with him and prayed for him.

We’re planning a trip in January 5^th though 13^th, 2009. If you would like to go, look for an application on the “DR Table” in the lobby or send me an E-mail for more information.

Serving Our Savior, Sharing His Love,

Pastor Doug

doug@ccdeltapa.org

Abundance for Every Good Work

2008-07-28T13:34:00.002-04:00

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV)^{^[1]}

God is able. He gives enough. In fact, Paul tells us in this passage that God gives “an abundance for every good work.” This means that if it’s a good work and He wants it done, He will give more than what is necessary to do it. Thus, we can conclude, if the Lord doesn’t provide for what you may have in mind, for the good work you’re seeking to do, then that "good work" must not be something the Lord wants you to do (at least not now). No matter how good the idea seems, if the LORD doesn’t provide the resources to do it, then it must not be something He wants done at this time. Remember, the question is never “Is God able?” He is able to provide. The question is “Is God willing?”

This is a simple yet wonderful guiding principle as you walk through life. If it’s a good work, if the LORD is leading, He’ll provide because He is able to give abundance for every good work. There’s a great example of this whole principle in the Old Testament. When the Tabernacle design was given by GOD – as Moses told the people about God’s plan - -the word says in Exodus 35:21:

"Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments."

They had the opportunity to give from the heart. It was not to be seen an obligation. It was not a response to a pressure sales job. What were the results?

Later in Exodus 36:3-7 the word says:

"And they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of making the sanctuary. So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning. Then all the craftsmen who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work he was doing, and they spoke to Moses, saying, “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do.” So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.” And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much."

People had an opportunity to give and the Spirit stirred their hearts and there was “an abundance for the good work,” for doing what the "good work" that the Lord had commanded them to do.

It's true for us -- for me and you. We can trust the Lord. If He’s leading you into a “good work” for Him, He’ll always provide.

[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Our Opportunity in Prosperity

2008-07-23T13:10:00.001-04:00

Solomon was the last king who reigned over all of Israel. When his son Rehoboam took over the throne, the kingdom promptly split in two: into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Thus, the time of Solomon’s reign has been held by many to be apex, the pinnacle, the high point of the nation of Israel. I suppose it was in many ways; but it also quickly became a very low point for the nation.

The blessings and prosperity enjoyed at the beginning of Solomon’s reign eventually seemed to eclipse the people’s desire for the Lord, the people’s priority of the Lord, and therefore in the height of their prosperity the nation slid toward apostasy. It’s a real danger of prosperity while we’re living coping with our sinful flesh, our old sin nature. There’s an almost frightening propensity for all of us to lose focus and dependence on the Lord in the midst of prosperity. There’s a real danger to become self-seeking and self-consumed during times of prosperity – instead of being a God-seeker, consumed with Him. It’s a pattern that has been repeated in history….

The people of Sodom were living in a place of prosperity and abundance – before they turned to gross immoral behavior. Ezekiel 16:49 says that Sodom had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness, while not using their blessings, their abundance to strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. Instead they were haughty. They thought a lot of themselves. They used their prosperity for selfish gratification – and that led to abominable behavior – gross immorality. Thus the root of their sin, their immorality that brought judgment, was established during times of great prosperity….

In Revelation 3, Jesus addressed the church at Laodicea, a church that seems to portray, to point prophetically to the last day’s church. Jesus said to that church in Revelation 3:15-17; Revelation 3:15-17:

"“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—"

The church of Laodicea became un-useful for the Lord even unpleasant to the Lord because of their confidence in their prosperity. Yes, their affluence led to a sense of independence – which resulted in an ignorance of their real spiritual condition.

I’m pointing this out – because, although we’re certainly not living in the richest community in America, compared to the world, we’re very prosperous. Although our economy seems to be heading the wrong way – as we’re all dealing with increasing prices – and gas hovering around $4 a gallon --- we still, in comparison to most of the world are very well off. Therefore, in our prosperity, it’s important to not lose focus on the Lord, to not become independent or self focused. I’m reminded of the words of Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:17-19. He wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17-19:

" Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

In other words, Paul told Timothy to tell people who are well off to not put their trust in what they have – but in the Lord AND to tell them to use their wealth to do good things for others -- to use the blessings that God has given to us to be a blessing to others…. That’s the opportunity the Lord gave ISRAEL – in fact, part of the promise He made to Abraham – in Genesis 12:2 – that he would be blessed to be a blessing. So remember, when the Lord blesses you, don’t go the way of Sodom, or the way of Solomon, or the way of the church at Laodicea – remember, when the Lord blesses us, He’s enabling us to do things to demonstrate His love and proclaim His truth in a world that so desperately needs Him….That’s our opportunity an opportunity that, if embraced, actually protects us from a great declension and drifting from the Lord….

2008-07-23T12:21:00.001-04:00

Here are some of my thoughts on Ephesians 4:11-16….

Jesus made some apostles. An apostle is literally “a sent one.” It’s a word used to describe one sent as an ambassador -- on a mission. Jesus Himself was an apostle -- sent by the Father (Hebrews 3:1 teaches). Jesus appointed 12 apostles -- lost one - Judas -- and JESUS appointed Paul as an apostle. The Holy Spirit appointed others -- like Barnabas (Acts 14:14). In some ways we all have received an apostleship (Romans 1). We all have been sent.

Here the idea is that the LORD Himself appoints some to be apostles -- to go and pioneer ministries -- to officially go for the LORD into new territory….

He has given some to be prophets. Prophets speak for the Lord as they are moved by the Holy Spirit. According to 1 Corinthians 12:3 -- the prophet speaks edification, exhortation, and comfort to men. We should all desire to prophesy. But here Paul is speaking of a person who has this role -- this gift. A prophet will never contradict the word of God -- HE will speak for the LORD into a situation -- even making application to a particular situation.…

He has given some to be evangelists. And evangelist is a bringer of good news -- one who shares the gospel. We should all share the gospel -- but undeniably there are those who are particularly gifted evangelists -- like Billy Graham.

And finally, He has given some to be Pastors and Teachers. These two words describe one person -- a pastor -- literally a shepherd -- who feeds the sheep the word of GOD -- who protects the sheep with the word of God -- who leads the sheep with the word of God -- who comforts the sheep with the WORD of GOD. Pastor/Teacher is connected. A teacher who has a heart for the people -- who is gifted in making the WORD understandable…

Of course the Holy Spirit teaches each of us -- and one of the ways the Holy Spirit teaches is through gifted pastors…

So the LORD has given some to be these things -- He gave some to be ---for a purpose…

When the Lord gives these gifts -- these special callings and abilities -- it’s for a purpose. He gives these gifts so that all believers may be equipped for the work of ministry -- so that the whole church and be edified.

We’re all called into the ministry. Ministry is simply serving the Lord. We’re all called to serve the LORD. Ministry is not for professionals only. Ministry is not supposed to be some special thing that only certain people do. We’re all ministers.

It’s the Pastor and Teacher’s role -- it’s my role -- and the other elders -- to equip believers -- to give believers what they need so that they can serve the LORD. It’s not my role or the elders’ role to do all the ministry. It’s not the leadership’s role to do all the evangelism. We’re all ministers -- servant of Christ. I teach the word -- to equip others for ministry. As we all then seek to serve the LORD -- then the whole body -- is edified or built up.

The church is not an activity center. It’s not a club. The church is an equipping station for ministers --- so that you can be effective in your ministry…. The role of the church will remain and continue --- pastors and teachers will teach -- so that the saints can be equipped -- so that the body can be edified….
Our objectives are unity in the faith (that we all would believe the truth), that we all would know JESUS, that we all would be mature or complete like JESUS… That’s our goal -- that’s what we’re aiming for. And as we move on toward this objective -- there are blessings that come.

As we all mature, we tend to be less blown about by different doctrines. We’re less susceptible to be not fooled by men or by the devil. As we learn the word, as we’re equipped to serve and we serve the body, we’re growing and becoming firmly established in Christ….

Then instead of jumping from one new doctrine, from new teachings, new ideas, and the latest book to the next -- instead of being influenced by whatever is blowing through, those who are equipped to minister, those who are taught the word can then speak the truth in love, pointing people to CHRIST -- to focus on JESUS -- to look to JESUS -- who is the head….

People need truth and love to grow. Truth and Love agree. Truth doesn’t have to be compromised to love. Love does not have to be diminished to be truthful.

As people are loved and taught the truth they mature and grow in their connection with Jesus (who is the head)….and that’s wonderful because we as a body find all that we need from Jesus.

JESUS gives to each us individually a portion and a place in HIS body. As a human body where the parts are held together by joints and ligaments, we’re joined together, knit together by our relationships with one another. When our relationships are working, as we’re connected with Christ and one another, when we’re doing what He’s called us to do ( that’s our share) then the body grows and edifies itself -- it builds itself up -- in love -- as a loving environment -- with LOVE being predominate…

Unity is a necessity -- if we’re going to be who the Lord has called us to be. We are HIS body -- the fullness of HIM -- Ephesians 1:23 says. We’re each different -- we each have a role to play -- a part in what’s happening. We’re all ministers. WE all serve the Lord. As we come together -- just as a body has various parts that work together and help one another --- we need each other to grow and function properly…. Unity is necessary for growth -- for us to experience the fullness of HIM in HIS body….