Today's message was the Roman Road.
A maze is a twisty puzzle that offers only one path of escape. In life, there is only one path to escape the wrath of God. That path is through Jesus Christ. The Roman Road provides us with directions.
1. Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
2. Understand that you deserve death for your sin and ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Ask Jesus to come into your heart.
Romans 10:13, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Checking Our Motives
Sunday's message was from John 7:53-8:11, "The Adulterous Woman" - we should check our motives before condemning someone - remember God is our ultimate judge and He looks into our hearts.
The weather held off but the ground was very wet and muddy so we worshiped inside the Community Tent. About sixteen of us were dry and warm inside the tent.
The weather held off but the ground was very wet and muddy so we worshiped inside the Community Tent. About sixteen of us were dry and warm inside the tent.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New 'Community Tent'
We have a new 'Community Tent' - complete with wood stove, propane lighting, seating for about twenty, some donated Bibles and a pulpit. Perfect for preaching in inclement weather - which based upon weather reports is scheduled for this weekend.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
'I Met Jesus at the Drink Table' by Joan Harmon
Some years ago our family belonged to a church in Freehold. We were involved with the Friday night suppers, a ministry outreach. On one particular Friday night I’m sure I MET JESUS AT THE DRINK TABLE.
We were helping with the community supper and I could see Harold, positioned at the steam tables ready to serve that evenings meal along with the other volunteers. Many of the faces that we would see had become familiar, even some of their names. I was at the back of the parish hall setting up the drink table, waiting for “Harry”, one of our regulars, to come and ask me for a cup of coffee before the meal got started. I had become so preoccupied with ‘icing’ the cups and filling them with tea and juice that I didn’t initially notice the gentleman standing directly in front of the table. When I did look up, a man probably in his thirties smiled at me. I asked him if he would like a drink (and as I tell you this story I really can’t remember his answer). However, I do recall him telling me that he had just been released from Monmouth County Jail (located not too far from the church). He said his name was Bob. In his hand was a plastic bag containing what few things he’d had at the jail-personal items, clothing and a Bible.
While I couldn’t tell you the color of his eyes, they were bright and joy filled. He told me that he saw the sign out front and came in for something to eat and drink before moving on. Particulars, he did not share. I was however, so moved by this man’s attitude. He spoke about God’s presence in his life and while he didn’t have a concrete plan, he knew that God was in control. Bob ate and drank and then left. I couldn’t help but wonder if he would be back the next week for dinner. I was anxious to see him and how things were going, but I never saw him there again.
I am convinced though that the Lord stood in front of me that evening and I was humbled. Not by the man, but by the Savior who would make Himself known to me in the faces of His children. I have experienced this on other occasions and in other faces. Some of them right here at the “Chapel in the Woods“.
Yes, I met Jesus at the drink table. He said his name was Bob, but I know better.
We were helping with the community supper and I could see Harold, positioned at the steam tables ready to serve that evenings meal along with the other volunteers. Many of the faces that we would see had become familiar, even some of their names. I was at the back of the parish hall setting up the drink table, waiting for “Harry”, one of our regulars, to come and ask me for a cup of coffee before the meal got started. I had become so preoccupied with ‘icing’ the cups and filling them with tea and juice that I didn’t initially notice the gentleman standing directly in front of the table. When I did look up, a man probably in his thirties smiled at me. I asked him if he would like a drink (and as I tell you this story I really can’t remember his answer). However, I do recall him telling me that he had just been released from Monmouth County Jail (located not too far from the church). He said his name was Bob. In his hand was a plastic bag containing what few things he’d had at the jail-personal items, clothing and a Bible.
While I couldn’t tell you the color of his eyes, they were bright and joy filled. He told me that he saw the sign out front and came in for something to eat and drink before moving on. Particulars, he did not share. I was however, so moved by this man’s attitude. He spoke about God’s presence in his life and while he didn’t have a concrete plan, he knew that God was in control. Bob ate and drank and then left. I couldn’t help but wonder if he would be back the next week for dinner. I was anxious to see him and how things were going, but I never saw him there again.
I am convinced though that the Lord stood in front of me that evening and I was humbled. Not by the man, but by the Savior who would make Himself known to me in the faces of His children. I have experienced this on other occasions and in other faces. Some of them right here at the “Chapel in the Woods“.
Yes, I met Jesus at the drink table. He said his name was Bob, but I know better.
Trading a Tent for a Mansion
One by one, some of the residents of the homeless camp came up to the table for a hot dog, a snack and a drink. After a time, it seemed that everyone was satisfied so we turned off the grill and began to clean up.
But then this fellow, Mike approached. We had seen Mike on occasion and knew that he had a drinking problem. Today was no exception. Mike was really struggling and we knew he needed something to eat and cup of coffee. He was angry, but he took the food. Holding a conversation was difficult and sprinkled with profanity. Eventually he settled down and opened up about his life.
I recognize that he was impaired, but there was something about the pain in his voice that he genuinely knew that he had made a mess of his life and that God must be angry with him. I heard God speaking to me and that God wanted me to tell Mike about Jesus and God's plan of salvation. We went down the Roman Road. And although it was a bump ride with a some detours, I managed to keep Mike on the Road.
Considering Mike's condition, I'm not completely sure he got it completely. But I think so. Perhaps I gave him enough to think about. Perhaps the angels are rejoicing in Heaven tonight.
And as I left the camp I thought, if something were to happen to Mike tonight I am comforted that Mike would be welcomed into God's Heaven.
But then this fellow, Mike approached. We had seen Mike on occasion and knew that he had a drinking problem. Today was no exception. Mike was really struggling and we knew he needed something to eat and cup of coffee. He was angry, but he took the food. Holding a conversation was difficult and sprinkled with profanity. Eventually he settled down and opened up about his life.
I recognize that he was impaired, but there was something about the pain in his voice that he genuinely knew that he had made a mess of his life and that God must be angry with him. I heard God speaking to me and that God wanted me to tell Mike about Jesus and God's plan of salvation. We went down the Roman Road. And although it was a bump ride with a some detours, I managed to keep Mike on the Road.
Considering Mike's condition, I'm not completely sure he got it completely. But I think so. Perhaps I gave him enough to think about. Perhaps the angels are rejoicing in Heaven tonight.
And as I left the camp I thought, if something were to happen to Mike tonight I am comforted that Mike would be welcomed into God's Heaven.
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