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May '14
They’re Coming!
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May '14
It is no secret that I am a fan of 1950’s science fiction movies. I know, I know, they can be the corniest things to watch with their low budget effects and cheesy dialogue. However, these movies bring back a feeling of nostalgia for me and because they are usually pretty low budget, you get the opportunity to use your imagination a bit more than you do with today’s films.
One such favorite is called “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” A riveting title and compelling story, if you’re an avid sci-fi fan. In this story, seeds rain on the earth, become pods and begin taking over the planet. This is an unbelievable story except for those who have actually witnessed these aliens for themselves. The hero of the story, pictured here, witnesses the invaders and begins a journey to tell everyone what he knows, but no one believes him. No matter how hard he tries or the effort with which he tells the message, they just think he is out of his mind. That does not deter him; the hero tells the story regardless of who will or will not listen. Why? You might ask, because he knows the truth. When you know the truth, it does not matter what others think, you will be committed to the message because you know you are right and to not share the truth will be disaster for those who will not heed the warning.
In 2 Timothy 1:6-8, Paul tells Timothy to stir up what God has placed inside him for God has given us power, love and a disciplined mind; we need not be afraid. He continues by telling Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord nor of his mentor, but to join with him in the afflictions that come from spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. How could he be so bold regarding his faith?! Paul knew the truth and knew that separation from God awaited those who failed to accept salvation through God’s Son.
We have a message to give the world. Now that we are closing in on the Christmas season, this is a perfect time to start committing to this message and sharing it with others. The message, “For God so loved the world that He gave His Son, that whosoever will believe will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:1). In the same way that Invasion of the Body Snatchers is for sci-fi buffs, the message of God’s love is a “classic!”
Be blessed,
Pastor Chris
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Have You Tebowed?
For those of us who are fans of professional football, this season has brought about a new phenomenon that many in the news media have picked up on. It is called Tebowing! Tebowing is the act of getting on one knee, placing one fist on the forehead in “The Thinker” pose and praying to God to give Him glory for the moment. Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, invented the practice by praying after each game thereby bringing on a variety of responses. Those responses ranged from avid appreciation from other believers to outright anger on the part of those who think that prayer does not belong on the football field. The crazy thing, football players have been praying on the field since the games inception, so why all the hoopla?
With the recent success of the Broncos getting into the playoffs and beyond, Tim’s prayers and thanksgiving to God before the media have been in the face of fans, players and coaches all around the league. Anytime the Good News of Christ becomes unavoidable by the public, people get offended. Jesus said it would happen. In John 15, Jesus told us that the world would hate those belonging to Him. Verse 18–19 in the Message Bible says this, “If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world’s terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God’s terms and no longer on the world’s terms, the world is going to hate you.”
Tim Tebow has made the commitment to live on God’s terms and not the worlds. Because he refuses to hide his faith, displaying his love for Christ through the avenues available to him, those offended by God are not pleased. Tim has the courage to display his faith in a world that has walked away from God. God calls all his children to have that same level of courage. Paul says in Romans 1:16 – “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ…“ (KJV). The Message Bible says it like this, “It’s news I’m most proud, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else.” So next time you have a chance to give glory to God, do the Tebow!
Be blessed.
Pastor Chris Hayden
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