This is yesterdays post which did not get sent for some reason!

How Can I Know if I'm Being Led By the Holy Spirit?

This is a very, very important question. There is much to say about this but I am going to give you the most direct answer which is found in Galatians 5:22-23

"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Is your life producing fruits of the spirit? Do you have love, peace, joy, forbearance or patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control? If not, and you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you need to re evaluate who has final authority in your life. You can quench the Holy Spirit with a hardened heart.  I know because I have done it in my life. 

If I advertised that I had found a secret book with a secret formula that is guaranteed to fill your life with Love, Peace, Patience, Joy, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness and self control I bet there would millions of people pay $29.95 to get a copy.  Well that book does exist and it's called the Bible. This goes with what I said in my blog yesterday. It is very sad that empty religion has all but ruined people for the taste of the living God. Don't fall into this trap that Satan has engineered. Satan has been at work for thousands of years convincing people of his lies, that "Surely you won't die!" if you follow his ways. There is so much to be unlearned and relearned to get to where God wants you and I to be. Good news…We can do it together. I'll stand with you!

See you soon! Love, pastor kent

How Can I Know if I'm Being Led By the Holy Spirit?

This is a very, very important question. There is much to say about this but I am going to give you the most direct answer which is found in Galatians 5:22-23

"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Is your life producing fruits of the spirit? Do you have love, peace, joy, forbearance or patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control? If not, and you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you need to re evaluate who has final authority in your life. You can quench the Holy Spirit with a hardened heart.  I know because I have done it in my life. 

If I advertised that I had found a secret book with a secret formula that is guaranteed to fill your life with Love, Peace, Patience, Joy, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness and self control I bet there would millions of people pay $29.95 to get a copy.  Well that book does exist and it's called the Bible. This goes with what I said in my blog yesterday. It is very sad that empty religion has all but ruined people for the taste of the living God. Don't fall into this trap that Satan has engineered. Satan has been at work for thousands of years convincing people of his lies, that "Surely you won't die!" if you follow his ways. There is so much to be unlearned and relearned to get to where God wants you and I to be. Good news…We can do it together. I'll stand with you!

See you soon! Love, pastor kent

It's Sad!

As I pray and seek God for help with His ministry here on this earth, I am convinced that the reason so many people have abandoned church is because they have only experienced religion and church systems and not the living God.

Religion and religious systems will never fulfill the longing of our soul. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can do that. And, until we focus on worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth,  our churches will continue to experience emptiness, routine, and boredom.

"God send your Holy Spirit to fill us so that we have the courage to let go of the trappings of religion and systems and just come before you so that we may know your power and glory! Amen!

God is real. See you soon. Love, pastor kent

Todays Service Followup

The text I used today was from 2 Chronicles chapter 17 thru chapter 20 if you would like to read the story of King Jehoshaphat for yourself. You can find your self in the stories of the bible. Read them. Write them into your heart and watch your faith increase.

God has great things for you in His storehouse. But we must open the door to that storehouse with our faith. We are standing on the promises! Stand still and watch our mighty God. The battle is His!

See you soon! love, pastor kent

Tomorrow, "The Power of Praise and Worship"

9:00 AM  Sunday morning, 800 North Main, Immanuel Methodist Church.

What will God do for You?

See you there. Love, pastor kent

Why Gathering together at Church can Change Your Life

This Sunday I will be addressing our sad quandary about coming together as two different churches and worshipping together. "Fear Not" says the Lord.

Isaiah 41:10 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I will be sharing the biblical truth about the power of people who come together to worship God.

What will this message mean to you?  Bring your troubles, problems, disappointments, brokenness and hear what the living God can do for you and for our church!

Gathering together at church can be life changing when the Holy Spirit is called on. There is power in gathering. Please prepare yourself for this Sunday. Pray about the service. Ask God to open your heart so that you may receive the Holy Spirit. God is Real and He wants to come into your life, our lives and make us His people. This is not some crazy religious make believe mumbo jumbo. There is real life changing power in true worship. Come and witness it for yourself!

See you Sunday at 9:00AM.  Love, pastor kent

What are you believing God for in Your life?

A better marriage?
Peace?
Health?
A new job?
A thriving church full of the Spirit of God?
It's time to start dreaming bigger and trusting God! 
Put God in the center of your life.

This coming Sunday bring your dreams and the things you want changed in your life. God is a miracle worker. Unfortunately, too many people really don't believe that and that is why so many Christians have an impotent Christian life. That can change! Believe me, that can change. We will gather this Sunday and call on the living God and hear His words and His promises. When the living God comes into your life through the power of the Holy Spirit, you become a new person with new dreams and new possibilities!

Come gather with us this Sunday as we call on the God of miracles to lead this body to new dreams and possibilities. It's an exciting time! Don't be left out.

See you this Sunday! Love, pastor kent

Do Not Be Anxious About Anything!

I will be meeting with the PCF Board this evening along with members of the Immanuel Methodist church to discuss the future of our continuing relationship.

I would ask for prayers for both congregations.

Philippians 4:66 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Jeremiah 33:33 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

See you soon. Love, pastor kent

Who is on your S_ _t list?

Seems like we all have lists. Things to do, things to get done, things to pick up from the store etc.  I want to make a suggestion about a very common list many people have. This particular list has a bad name and has no business in a Christians life. It is commonly known as the S_ _ t list.

So and so is on my S_ _t list!  Let me make a life changing suggestion to you.  Take everyone that you have on your S_ _T list and put them on your Prayer list instead!

Live life with love and with compassion and lots of prayer.

Matthew 5:43-4843 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Pray! Love, pastor kent

Who and How Big is Your God?

Wikipedia - God is conceived as a supreme being and the principal object of faith.

The principal object of faith.  What are you putting your trust in? What gives you peace of mind? The bigger and mightier we come to believe in full faith in The God of the universe, the more life changing miracles we will witness.

The problem with most of us in main line Christianity is this, "The God we show up for on Sunday mornings is way too small and impotent!" How can we change that? Start reading the bible daily and pray for the the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 8:13 

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that moment.

Announcements:

We will be collecting book bags for the Glen Ed pantry until school starts. 

Let's all lift our two congregations up to God and ask for guidance as we move forward with our combined services. 

See you Sunday! Love, pastor kent

Eternal Pleasures

God's way is the Only way to true blessing. I tried to find the way to happiness many times my own way….BUT….God's way is the only way that will lead you to what you are really seeking.

I know, I was skeptical and couldn't grasp it either for most of my life. The "other voice" always sold me on a better way or so I thought. God's way is eternal.  Listen to these words:

Psalm 16:11 New International Version

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Eternal Pleasures! How? Stay in God's presence! I'm in. God's way.

See you soon. Love, pastor kent

Ever Wonder?

Ever wonder what your life would be like if you totally dedicated yourself to God and His ways?

See you tomorrow morning!   Love, pastor kent

What I Will Never Tell You!

I think there is a big misconception among many church goers that if we try harder to be "good and follow all the rules" God will come closer to us and change our lives. That if we can only muster the strength and fortitude to "change"  then we will be able to walk closer with God. Not true!
It is only by coming to Him in all our brokenness and calling out to Him that He will come to us and refreshen our spirit.

We learned this when we were children and would sing "Jesus Loves Me". In that simple beautiful song it states boldly "We are weak but He is Strong!" Yes Jesus loves you.

So I will never preach that we have to try harder, to be better, to follow the rules more rigidly because that is legalistic preaching. The fullness of God comes on a person when they realize that there is nothing they can do apart from Jesus and His saving grace! And that is why we meet on Sundays to Worship! To thank God for His eternal grace and love for us.

Do you need more Joy and Peace in your life?

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Join me this Sunday and lets surrender it all. I can't do it, you can't do it, only God can change our life! 

We continue to pray and lift up our special person watching for God to intervene and change a life.

See you soon. Love, pastor kent

What Obstacles are hindering Your Life?

Isaiah 55:2  Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

We must stop our futile search for answers about this life outside of God! 

Romans 10:11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

Are you hurting, sad, lonely, sick, fearful, angry, frustrated? Jesus can help you! The real living Jesus. This Sunday, come join me as we call on Jesus and ask for healing, cleansing, renewing, forgiveness, and to send His Holy Spirit into each of our lives. Let the miracles begin! What obstacles are hindering your life? God has the answer, in His time, His way, there is always victory! 

Please continue to pray for your special person, God hears and is in the process of answering. 

It's not about church, it's about getting to know the living Jesus!  See you Sunday, 9:00am.

Love, pastor kent

We Are Back!….Again

Bonni and I just got back from Italy. What I have come back with is this, "People need the living, healing, life changing power of Jesus everywhere…desperately!

This Sunday we will come together to worship the ONLY one who can change your life from the inside out, Jesus. The only one who can truly "Set You Free!"

Bonni and I saw basilica's, palaces, amazing statues, and monuments in Rome, but as amazing as the ingenuity of man was and is, Jesus remains the first and the last, and the only way to make this life truly remarkable.

I look forward to calling on Him this Sunday with all of you. He is real and is available and willing to enter into your brokenness no matter what it is! Come join me this Sunday at 9:00 AM at 800 North Main St Edwardsville. It isn't about church! It is about allowing Jesus the life changer to come into our life and renew us.

John 8:3232 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Love, pastor kent