Pastoral Ponderings Winter 2010
A Matter of The Heart...
The longer that I am in the ministry the less I am amazed at how no matter the age of a "believer"; no matter how long He/She has been saved, that the heart exposes what is on the inside. I say this because anyone can sit in church, use spiritual jargon, and participate in what might seem to be "ministry". They may visit the sick, help those in need, have a sense of compassion, and say to the pastor "what a great sermon". The truth of the matter is that non-believers do these things as well, and to our shame, sometimes better than believers. So what's the difference?
The difference is the heart. Not your feelings, nor your empty deeds. Paul said in 1 Cor. that if he could do some of the most wonderful things, yet not have love, he would be nothing! He even says that if he has the kind of faith that moves mountains, and even gives everything he has to the poor, if he doesn't have love, he would gain nothing! I suppose it would be pretty awesome to fathom the deepest mysteries, and have all knowledge. However, these are all worthless without....yep - LOVE! What about you? Have you looked in the mirror lately?
Maybe it would help to take a fresh look at the entire chapter I mentioned. Go ahead! Read and digest what God is saying about love in 1 Cor. 13, and allow His word to be a mirror for your heart. I hope that we will all be willing to exchange what we understand love to be, with what God says it is to be. God has called us to change and be changed. In truth, though some hate change, without it we would be like those who continually display their contempt of such. Just look, they are all around you. So, be different than most - LOVE!...and by God's power, it will change you without you even knowing it :)
By His Grace,
Sam
Common Thread
Pastor Sam’s family & friends came to GCC from South Carolina during the Christmas Season to perform a musical concert. The music presentation ‘Rejoice’ was an outreach to the Clermont Community. Posters like the one above were distributed throughout the community & many new faces filled the pews for the concert.
Some of the songs that were performed included: Shine on Us, The Angles Cry, Emmanuel, O Holy Night, Sweet Jesus and Worthy.
They sing to the music of tambourine and harp; they make merry to the sound of the flute. Job 21:12 NIV
The Grace Community Church's Body Life once again hosted a wonderful Valentines dinner on February 13th, with all the fixins. The menu included salad, rolls, lasagna & dessert. Paul coordinated the games as the gals & the guys squared off on Trivia questions about the origins of Valentines Day.
Dan, Susan, Joey and Pat took part of this Fall’s Water
Baptism service. They took the step of faith acknowledging Jesus Christ as their
personal Lord and Savior. Helen hosted the event at her home.
"Jesus answered," I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." John 3:5
A Pot Luck lunch was hosted by Body Life in the Fall. It was held after the Sunday Service. Everyone pitched in to setup by rolling in the tables & setting up the many entrees & desserts that everyone brought to enjoy.
If you have ideas for articles, event photos:
Please email Joe McDonald at :informer@communitychurchclermont.org
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