In His Image

The bible says we are created in God's own image. But, I cannot see God with my eyes, or hear Him with my ears, or touch Him with my hands so how in the world could I be created in His image? What does that mean?

Obviously it isn't about physical attributes, but I do believe it is about His amazing "creative" attributes. The very first words of the the bible say, "In the beginning God Created..."

The bible goes on to say that He created everything by calling it into being. In other words what He thought and said became a reality! When you open your eyes and look around, you are seeing thousands of "things" man has created. Houses, cars, computers, televisions, iPhones, roads, tools, ...and on and on. All these things were first thoughts, and then they became words, and finally became a reality. God gave us the attribute to create albeit in a different manner and time frame. 

If that isn't crazy enough, He also gave us the ability to create other humans! Think about that one. God gave man and woman, the ability to create other humans! 

We were created in God's own image to create. Isn't that amazing? 

Use your God given attributes and create something beautiful! It's up to you and it starts with your thoughts! Are you thinking on great, happy, amazing things? 

Jesus instructed us to use our ability to create to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves! Because to love someone requires action. You must create the expression of love which can be expressed in many ways. There are many many people who need your created expression of love. They are all around, including those in your closest circle. The ability to create starts with positive, loving, caring, compassionate thoughts. All things that man has invented and created came from our God given attribute of creative thought.

Here is what the bible says about this powerful attribute.

Philippians 4:8English Standard Version (ESV)

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

See you Sunday at "The Church" 800 North Main, Edwardsville, Il. at 8:45am!

Love pastor kent and pastor jackie.  Need to talk? Got questions about faith, God, Jesus? Call pastor kent @618-334-3575  Call pastor jackie @ 618-656-4648

"Rerouting!"

Unpredictable, that's what life can be at times. You plan, you look forward to, you imagine, you dream, and then bang, the bottom drops out. Something happens, something changes, the deal doesn't go through, a sudden illness, an unexpected bill, a breakdown, a breakup, it all adds up to the same thing; Disappointment, frustration, maybe even anger.

Maybe I should have, maybe if we would have, maybe if I would have known, maybe, maybe......

Sound familiar? It's part of our existence here on this earth. 

So where is this amazing God that we sing about and talk about in church every Sunday?

Where is the creator of the universe, the all knowing, almighty, all loving God in this brokenness and mess?

He is there, patiently waiting for you to open the door and be invited into the situation and more importantly into a deep conversation. The more you listen, the more He will speak. Listening is the problem for most of us because it requires a time of quietness, and a time of devotion to Him. It requires focus.

Have you ever missed a turn while using Google maps?  If you have used Google maps, you know that missing a turn may be inconvenient, it may delay your time of arrival, but it does not mean that you are permanently lost or that there is no way to get back on track. Google maps will "reroute" you to find the next best way to get to your destination. In life, when things go wrong, I recommend going to Google God. He also can reroute you. But you must follow His instructions closely, which will require you to go to Him and listen very carefully.

Yes, it has started off as one of those weeks!

These people need your prayers:

Floyd Fisher: Recuperating from an operation.

Alexis Tharp, Alexis is recovering from a broken wrist and is an unemployed single parent of Audrey  her 4 year old.

Colin Rives, grandson of Judy and Bill Daubensteck. Colin is 13 years old and has osteosarcoma and is in treatment.

Stan Rutkowski, Stan is a double amputee and lives alone in pontoon beach. He is fighting a compression wound which prevents him from sitting except for very short periods.

Bill Daubensteck who will be having a knee replacement surgery.

If you have someone who we need to get on the prayer list, please call me and let me know!

Pastor kent 618-334-3575

See you soon, love pastor kent 

Tomorrow's Service!

Freedom To Be Fruitful!

This Sunday's Service, pastor Jackie will be talking about the freedom of walking in a fruitful life when we choose to walk with Jesus! 

Following the service, everyone is invited downstairs for an ice cream sundae to kick off this years bible school, program, "Cave Quest. "

I'll see you tomorrow at 8:45am, 800 North Main, Edwardsville!

Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie.

Today's Walk with Jesus....updated!

I'm sorry but for some reason, you received the original draft today instead of the corrected version. Below is the corrected version.

Has anyone completely frustrated you lately? Maybe while driving, at the store, a neighbor, maybe even someone you thought was your friend? How about when you watch the political news? 

Sometimes it's enough to make a preacher cuss!

Let me give you a secret weapon that Jesus gave us! It's called praying. Whenever "that" person begins to get under your skin, and you feel the rattler in your behind beginning to go into strike mode, remember these words so you can begin walking in the peace of God in all circumstances.

There is no greater peace than that which God gives to those who "put into practice" the things Jesus taught us! 

Matthew 5:43-48New International Version (NIV)

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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.

Todays prayer:

God, please forgive me for living so much of my life without you! I need help in so many ways. Please fill me with your love and your Holy Spirit so that I can be filled with you peace, your patience, and your love and compassion.  Help me when I began feeling angry. Remind me of Jesus' words, to pray for those who persecute me and who disagree with me. In Jesus name, Amen!

May the peace of God fill your day today!

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Need to talk with a pastor?  Pastor kent 618-334-3575  pastor jackie 618-656-4648.

See you Sunday 8:45am, 800 North Main St. Edwardsville, Il. 

Today's Walk With Jesus

Has anyone completely frustrated you lately? Maybe while driving, at the store, a neighbor, maybe even someone you thought was your friend? How about when you watch the political news? 

Sometimes it's enough to make a preacher cuss!

Let me give you a secret weapon that Jesus gave us! It's called praying. When ever "that" person begins to get under your skin and you feel the rattler in your behind beginning to go into strike mode, remember these words so you can begin walking in the peace of God in all circumstances.

There is no greater peace than that which God gives to those who "put into practice" the things Jesus taught us! 

Matthew 5:43-48New International Version (NIV)

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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.

Todays prayer:

God, please forgive me for living so much of my life without you! I need help in so many ways. Please fill me with your love and your Holy Spirit so that I can be filled with you peace, your patience, and your love and compassion.  Help me when I began to feeling angry. Remind me of Jesus' words, to pray for those persecute me and who disagree with me. In Jesus name, Amen!

May the peace of God fill your day today!

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Need to talk with a pastor?  Pastor kent 618-334-3575  pastor jackie 618-656-4648.

See you Sunday 8:45am, 800 North Main St. Edwardsville, Il. 

Feel Better Today!

Today's Prayer, "God show me the person you want me to be Jesus to today! Help me to see people like you see them. Help me to feel compassion the way you feel compassion. Open my heart and give me the courage to give the hug, stop and help, offer to pay, offer the ride, or be the solution to someone who needs to know that Jesus is alive and well and still cares for all of His children.  In Jesus name, Amen."

Today is the day to start your Jesus journey! Let God's grace and Holy Spirit pour from you all day long!

See you soon, love pastor kent and pastor jackie.

Sundays 8:45 am, 800 North Main St. Edwardsville, Il. 

It's Monday! First Day of Summer

It's Monday and who is in control? You or God?

Awaken Your Better Self for this week. Turn everything over to Jesus!

How? Pray this prayer:

God, I need your help, your guidance, and your wisdom for every area of my life. Help me to hear you and trust you so that I can become what you want me to become! Take over everything in my life. My career, my relationships, my money, everything, because everything belongs to you. Teach me your ways. In Jesus name, Amen

Now relax and watch and listen to the inner voice! Let the new journey begin!

See you soon.  Need to talk with a pastor? Call pastor kent at 618-334-3575 or pastor jackie at 618-656-4648. 

See you soon! Love, pastor kent