Pastor’s Blog
A Real Jesus
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A Real Devil
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The Voice of the Spirit
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Broken Yet Blessed
C.Hayden 2-15-21
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Freedom to Speak
Freedom to Speak
- Hayden 1-25-21
There appears to be a trend growing in this wonderful country of ours that is becoming increasing disturbing. And while this trend has not yet touched most of us, we may begin to feel its effects if it is not addressed and resisted. We still feel the freedom we have known as adults living in a democratic style, constitutional republic. But that may change if our right of free speech, as given by God and guaranteed by the First Amendment, continues to be assaulted. And that is exactly what appears to be happening. In the last several weeks we have seen some of our national leaders spout some amazingly divisive and dangerous rhetoric. Initiating mandated programs that deprogram people or groups because they support someone or some position different than their own is unconstitutional. Canceling people or groups, destroying them financially or socially because their views differ, is extremely dangerous and it is wrong.
Christians throughout history have suffered mercilessly at the hands of non-believing nations and state run corrupt church institutions because they spoke their beliefs. This concept of free speech is supported and promoted in Holy Scripture. From the day the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit-filled Church has resisted being muzzled by those who know better than everyone else. When told to stop talking about Jesus, Peter and John said no. Acts 4:18-20 says, “So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
Some might dare to say, “We are free to say what the Bible says so what’s the problem?” First of all, in many parts of the world, people are persecuted and executed for preaching the good things of God. In some western nations, some topics from God’s Word are off limits, at risk of severe fines and imprisonment. And secondly, some Christians, as well as others of different beliefs, are being harassed, threatened, and receiving attempted societal and financial cancellation due to speaking out beliefs not matching governmental or socially accepted speech. Saints, these things ought not to be anywhere, especially here.
I will leave you with this familiar poem quoted in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Be blessed even more!!
Pastor Chris
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A New Year, Right?
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A Christmas Carol Part 3
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A Christmas Carol Part 2
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A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol
- Hayden 11-22-20
This week, both of my grandchildren spent several days with Heidi and myself leading up to Thanksgiving Day. We had many joyful moments as we played games, visited the War Memorial playground area, had meals together and watched movies with much popcorn in store. We had a wonderful time with them, but then again, we always do. One such incidence of much joy was when Reid and myself sat down to watch the animated Disney version of the Charles Dickens classic tale, “A Christmas Carol.” It was the first time Reid had ever seen the film and new little about the story beforehand. He absolutely loved the film. In fact, I had to watch it five more times before the end of the week, as he could not get enough of it.
I was happy about that. It gave me the opportunity to talk to him about the themes of the story. About caring for others at Christmas time, helping the poor and hurting in society, and the real meaning of the season (Jesus giving Himself to save the lost). This week, Reid learned how blessed he really was as he saw poor children who often suffer without the things we take for granted and without the love that we so often enjoy. He also learned that the source of all these good things come from God and because of God’s unchanging love for us (James 1:17, 1 Chronicles 16:11-12); and of course, the love our moms and dads have for us (also given by God, Romans 5:5). He learned so well, that this past Sunday he insisted on him and I sponsoring a child by picking a stocking off of the gift tree on the wall outside the Sanctuary doors. Grandpa was more than happy to accommodate him. Reid was even willing to spend his own money. Although he did leave his wallet back in Indianapolis…but that is ok. His heart was there.
This season, we may be in a bit of a funk due to the discouraging events and circumstances we have had to endure this year. But we can still redeem the times for good by remembering that we still have opportunity to do good for others (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31). There are many in need of physical provision but even more are the spiritually poor who are in need of a Savior. As we have time, let us remember to convey that message above all others. It is what we would tell our children and grandchildren, and what we would love to have them come to know.
Be blessed even more!!
Pastor Chris
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Thrive Where You Are Planted
Thrive Where You Are Planted (Revised)
(Revised by Chris Hayden, 11/10/20)
I heard a phrase from a wise mentor of mine when I was going through a particularly difficult time early on in my ministry. He said to me, “God will use you and bless you no-matter what circumstances surround you. He will bless you where you are, He can’t bless you where you are not.” When I find myself planted in a difficult situation, the Lord seems to always bring that phrase to my remembrance.
In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul addresses this same concept as he struggles to deal with his own “thorn in the flesh.” We do not know exactly what this thorn in the flesh was that oppressed him whether it was a person, a sickness, a physical challenge or another difficult circumstance in Paul’s life. It really does not matter what it was, what is important is the attitude Paul embraced and the manner in which he dealt with his thorn. What we know is that it was something the Apostle requested of the Lord to be removed yet God refused saying, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my strength is made perfect in weakness.” God lets Paul know that it is this place of weakness that God can display his power in our lives. Isn’t that how God’s power shows up most of the time? When we can’t, He always can? Otherwise, we tend to give credit to the person for accomplishments or to ourselves regarding those things that only God can do.
This brings us to today. We are in difficult times to say the least. And do not get me wrong. It is ok to be angry when we see a pandemic that has hurt so many families in so many ways. And it is perfectly legitimate to get heated when we see injustice and corruption in our government and in our world. I am extremely frustrated by the things I see today and have no problem telling others about it. But at the end of the day, I know that God is sovereign. He is the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and omni-authoritarian (sovereign) God of omni-things (All things, LOl). So I need to be omni-trusting, knowing I have an omnibenevolent Father who is in charge.
Are you going through a difficult time right now? Have you prayed, yet it appears that God has refused to remove the thorn? In the place you are planted, and in the circumstances we seem to find ourselves, trust the Lord. As you do so, His strength will become apparent in your weakness.
Be blessed and be grateful,
Pastor Chris
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