Doing Life Together

WOW-----

2010-09-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

As I have watched the events unfold in Florida I have been so encouraged by the difference between Americans, Christians, and many of the lunatics around the world. America raged over the burning of the Qur'ans by a Florida pastor. We raged and reared up and debated and phoned and argued. But we did it with words. We warred in the realm of ideas. Nobody died... nobody was dragged away and beaten by an angry mob. Nobody was stoned or de-tongued!

America is peaceful and reasonable by nature with the potential to act badly on a bad day.

The problem is, for many groups around the world, lunacy is normal.

I remember one day when a young soldier whistled out the window at a cute girl walking down the road in Puerto Rico. One of our senior Master Sargent s stood up and chewed him out. I remember him saying, "We are here to serve and train these people and you will treat them with respect." So again I say, Americans are subject to random moments of stupidity, evil, and bad behavior... but it is not who we are by nature!!!! It is the exception, not the rule.

And so I praise God from the country in which God has blessed me to live and I pray for the people around the world who desperately need the Savior whose influence greatly shaped this country!!!

May God grant you all a day of peace, family, prosperity, and blessing.

Paul

To Prayers

2010-09-11T02:12:00.000-07:00

As we prepare to remember the tragic events of 9/11 I would encourage all of us to pray.

Pray for the pastor in Florida to be wise with his matches.

Pray for the Imam of the N.Y. Mosque to have the courage to hold Hamas and Hezbollah to the same standard to which he would hold the United States of America.

Pray for the families and co/workers who morn the loss of their loved ones.

Pray for God to grant safety to our nation and our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines around the world.

Thank God for a nation which is still free enough to debate the burning of Qur'ans and the building of Mosques without death squads and censorship.

Pray for a kind, gentle, and reverent spirit to move through our nation as we remember what it is that we are supposed to be remembering.

May God bless each of you in all you do.

See you Sunday,
Pastor Paul

Pastor Paul Moving

2010-09-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Church Family,

I have had many of you asking what you can do to help Pastor Paul with his move (especially considering his recent surgery). First of all let me thank you for your willingness to help and support our Pastor. I have decided the best way I can help them is to let you know what they need. I am giving you all a link to a calendar that has many of Paul and Karen's moving needs that can be met. Just use the login and password to access the calendar, click on the need and enter the required information. You can sign up as an individual, Family, or Life Group. There are needs for packing, moving, and cooking.

Another thing you can do is continue to be praying for Pastor Paul and Karen, and I am sure that any encouraging notes, emails or phone calls would be greatly appreciated. For years Both Paul and Karen, have poured out their lives into this church and into you. I think it is time we repay that by pouring into them during this tough transition process.

Thanks you all for your concern and your prayers, feel free to call me with any ideas, questions, or thoughts.

Here is the Link

To access Paul and Karen Reinhard's personal CareCalendar site,
visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/50002 and enter the following
information in the appropriate spaces:

    CALENDAR ID      :   50002
    SECURITY CODE :   9621

God Bless
Pastor Chris
(909) 912 5482

P.S. I know that everyone does not have an email address. If you could help pass this information to other caring members of the family that would be great.

Packing

2010-09-07T21:28:00.001-07:00

As most of you know Karen and I are packing to move from out home of the past three years. After extensive discussion CAL-VET has given us until October 11, 2010 to move out. God worked out something good in the midst of all of this. Our tenant in the Bernard Way house had already decided to terminate our lease the end of September. So they are packing to move out, and we are packing to move in.

The truth is that I am not really doing any packing. My hernia surgery has insured that there will be no heavy lifting for some time. It is incredibly frustrating to have my arms tied at such a time as this. Let me say a thousand thank you's in advance to all of you generous and gracious folks who have offered us your assistance. Chris is going to be setting up a calendar that people can access and know what days we will be here working.

I would ask for your ongoing prayers for Karen and I during this transition. The magnitude of the change that has occurred in our lives this past year is off the charts. I am eager to leave the land of limbo and have my mind return to normal. It is very difficult to focus on planning for the future when the day to day is rushing at you.

I know that God is up to something. I have been asking Him to reveal His will for each and every one of us. I trust that He is speaking, and will continue to speak. The secret for each and every one of us is to... "Be a good listener." It is something that we say to our kids... but we do well to heed the advice ourselves.

As I have reflected these past few months on the lessons of Revelation two and three I am taken back to the title of the old hymn, "Trust and Obey." That is the secret of this Christian walk. Trusting and obeying... even if we don't see what the path ahead looks like.

May God bless each of you as we travel along together!
We love you,
Paul and Karen

Pray For The Family

2010-06-20T01:22:00.000-07:00

I was visiting my Father today when I heard the news of the Del Taco shooting this afternoon. Sitting with my own precious family while hearing about this terrible tragedy made the news all the more horrifying.

News events like this one bring home the clear point that many people in our society are "hanging by a thread." The tension of housing, jobs, investments, health care, education, and family drama leave some people with little emotional energy to positively handle life.

I found myself wondering if today would have been different if the shooter had a Life Group where he could go and vent about his frustrations. Could lives have been saved if loving Christians had been praying and counseling with this man about his family. Could the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the presence of God have made a difference in this families life? We will never know the answer to that question.

We do know that people all around us are afraid and hurting! People need hope! People need a Savior! Join with me in praying for a young women who is going to awaken in the hospital only to learn that her husband and at least one of her children are gone!

Pray for this mother and child to be healed and helped by the healing presence of Christ. Nothing else will heal the mental, physical, and spiritual wounds that this day has inflicted.

May God bless, protect, and use you all!
I love you!
Paul

21X21X21=NOW

2010-06-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

It has taken me several days
to wrap my mind around this past weekend.
My day 21 blog is landing on 21 + 3.

Friday night was awesome! I loved watching all of you laugh and eat around the tables. I loved the joyful and open spirit that I felt in the room. We experienced true fellowship as we ate, prayed, sang, and shared with one another! Most important of all... The Lord was in the house!

Friday night set the tone for Sunday morning! As people arrived at the Elks Lodge for our Celebration there was an excited buzz. I could feel the positive energy as people came to find out what this transition was all about. It was fun to watch people find their "own seat." OK, not everybody sat in their same seat... but enough of you did that it sure felt like "home."

Many thanks to Cherise from the Elks for her generous contribution of snacks for the morning. This was her special welcome gift to us all.

As I walked around Sunday morning I could see the hard work that our Kids Connection, Praise Team, and organizers had put into getting us ready! The rooms looked great, and there were many hands working to see that everything was set up and ready to go. One important part of our journey will be the forming of set up and tear down teams. Remember, many hands make light work!

Thanks to all of the wonderful people connected to worship for making this a wonderful experience. Everyone I have spoken with loved the music and the spirit which you brought to the morning.

I loved preaching Sunday morning. The set of the room reminded me of our days in the Fellowship Hall. I loved being so close to everyone and enjoyed the interaction.

As we meet together and seek the Lord Jesus it will be very interesting to see what He will do. We had somebody give their life to Christ Friday night! Then we had somebody stand up on Sunday! This is a testimony to what God is doing in the Life Groups, Mentoring, and Celebration.

Stay in prayer for the future of our Fellowship!

I will see you Sunday,
Paul

Day 20 - Our Oikos - Tim Lemus

2010-06-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

Well here we are, the body of Christ, turning the page of this journey. A new beginning, moving forward in Christ's name. Now, more than any other time, we will be able to share our faith openly, watched by many, as we worship freely in a building with many windows high atop a hill.

The opportunity many of us have prayed for has been given to us. We can infect this city and the people in it with the love of Christ. I look at this transition as a chance for the body of Christ to bring many to experience prayer, praise, worship of God, and to experience His love as we reach out and let them see first hand our freedom to worship, and our freedom to connect with God.

Isaiah 56:7 ...these I will bring to my holy mountain and and give them joy in my house of prayer... for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

When I read this scripture I realize the city of San Bernardino is full of all nations. The city is in need of prayer. I know we say it, but to truly pray for the city , in the name of Jesus, the city can heal, and our new place of worship can be a house of prayer and worship for all kinds of people "...all nations!"

And why stay just within the city limits? Matthew 5:13-16 Salt of the earth...lights of the world... a city on a hill that can not be hidden letting our light shine before men that they see our good deeds and our praises to our Father in heaven."

Why not infect surrounding cities, states and countries?

Achieving all of this is a simple solution that requires not so simple action. Be Conveniently inconvenienced, have courage and faith. Think, if you will, about your circle of friends, your oikos. (No guilt trips here just open and honest hearts) This is where many of us will struggle, do we exercise our freedom in Christ, our spiritual freedom, to, not just our church buddies, but to our other mates? Co-workers, neighbors, non-believers, those guys.

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

We are free to express our faith, to share our beliefs, and to praise Him anytime and ANYWHERE! We have spiritual freedom to openly pray, freedom to openly discuss our God, and to openly invite others (our oikos) to freely experience our church.

Incorporate the spirit of the Lord in your circle of friends and family to believers and non-believers alike because, "where the spirit of the Lord is THERE IS FREEDOM!" Let's infect this city, surrounding cities, and our oikos with His love, His grace and His Joy!

In His service

Tim Lemus

WOW

2010-06-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

What a night we just had at the Elks Lodge!

NorthPoint truly showed up.
We ate, sang, prayed, and listened to awesome challenges from Israel Escamilla and Mark Lambert. Margaret and her partner in crime Jennie set up the Kids Connection space for a parents preview. Frank and the praise Team blessed us with a wonderful time of worship.

The pot roast was wonderful and the fellowship was great!

And as I stood before all of you I had an Epiphany!

For many years I have struggled over the meaning and purpose of our fire and bankruptcy. Tonight I saw something!

If it wasn't for the fire and rebuild
we never would have come together as a Body!
If not for the bankruptcy
we never would have left our property!

For us to be the Church that God wants to be we must be unified and free...
To go where God wants us to go!
To do what God wants us to do!
To say what God wants us to say!
And to be the Church God wants us to be!

NorthPoint is moving Upward, Inward, Outward, and Forward
through Celebration, Life Groups, and Mentoring!

What a journey!

I love you all,
Pastor Paul

Day 19 - Our Church Members - Katie Molony

2010-06-11T01:09:00.000-07:00

Hi family,

As we leave the corner of Sierra Way and Parkdale let's continue to encourage, support and lift each other up in our thoughts and prayer. Life gets sooooo crazy at times and sometimes that we just don't do these things.

There is a word that I don't like getting for an answer. If I ask a friend how they are doing, and their response is "fine" I will ask them to explain their answer. I just think using the word fine can sometimes be given to avoid really answering the question. God has put people in our lives for a reason. Yeah I know we all have been hurt at times by friends or family, but God has put genuine people in our lives to be that support we need.

By coming together and being that support for each other we will overcome so many things and continue to do his purpose. (Romans 8:28) God doesn't want us to be quiet. We love Him and want to be that example of his love. He wants us to share what's going on in our lives. The good and what we think is the bad. I have had some things happen in my life that I never thought I would be able to use in a good way. God has used these experiences to help me minister to others that have gone through similar situations.

When someone comes to mind pray for them. If you don't know their name pray for them anyway. If someone comes to mind send them a text, send them a note in the mail, buy them a slurpee. Whatever it is, we need to continue to be lifting each other up.

I thank God everyday for making you my family.

Have a great day!
Katie =)

Comments?

Day 18 - Our Church Leaders - Mike White

2010-06-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our Church Leaders – Exodus 17:8-13

⁸ While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. ⁹ Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”

¹⁰ So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. ¹¹ As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. ¹² Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. ¹³ As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.

This passage holds such amazing insight into the realities of leadership. Let’s make a couple quick observations…

Observation 1…The importance of Moses’ raised hands is interesting… it may have served to inspire the troops every time they glanced up the hill or it may refer to Moses’ continued prayer during the battle.

The point…I believe Moses’ raised hands both inspired troops and symbolized fervent prayer. But more importantly….I would contend that the primary purpose was for God to show the Israelites that the hands of Moses, whom they blamed for their troubles, were actually more helpful then their own, and that the Staff of God was more powerful than Joshua’s sword.

Observation 2…In this passage there were two primary tools at use here…the sword in Joshua’s hand and the Staff of God (the symbol of God’s intervention) in Moses’ hand.

The point…the two tools symbolically reveal that in this moment both divine sovereignty and human responsibility are linked in carrying out the will of God.

Final Thoughts…

From the first observation, it’s clear that the power to win the battle comes from God. How and when He’ll bring victory remains within the confines of His sovereignty. But I want to give you a different focus in the area of human responsibility…

It’s easy to focus on the fact that Moses needed to keep his hands up to ensure victory. What an incredible responsibility. But isn’t that what we’ve come to expect from our leaders? Didn’t they sign up for that level of responsibility?

But perhaps the most overlooked and under-preached moment in this passage is hidden subtly in verse 12...”Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands.”

Did you catch that? It was quick and subtle…even a little sneaky! The secret hidden in the passage was this…

The only way Moses was able to uphold his human responsibility was by having the support of Aaron and Hur!

In the midst of challenging circumstances, it’s absolutely critical to have friends who will come along and give their help. Moses experienced such a blessing. The Israelites were winning only when Moses held up his hands in prayer. After hours in this position, however, his arms began to tire and defeat seemed a real possibility. That was when Aaron and Hur stepped in. With a little help from his friends, Moses was able to keep his hands held up until the enemy was thoroughly defeated.

As we continue onward in our transition from Sierra Way to Elks Drive, I want to strongly challenge all of you with this question…

Are you merely watching and waiting to be inspired by our leaders’ “hands in the air”…maybe even ready to place blame if the battle is lost…or are you running to be by their side to help hold their hands up and ensure victory?

I said earlier that divine sovereignty and human responsibility are often linked in carrying out the will of God. Well…divine sovereignty brought us here!

The human responsibility in our transition is as much all of ours as it is the responsibility of our pastors and staff!

The success of our transition is less about our leaders’ ability to keep their “hands in the air”.

It’s as much about our holding their arms up for them!

Comments?

Day 17 - Be Teachable - Frank Zummo Jr. (Sorry The First Post Got Cut Off)

2010-06-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

I am re-posting this, as some of it was cut off, Sorry.
-Pastor Chris

Be Teachable

Psalm 25:9 The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.

Have you ever tried to teach someone something, maybe at work or school, and as you are sincerely sharing your knowledge, they roll their eyes and say “yea, yea, yea, I know”? Have you ever rolled your eyes and said “yea, yea, yea, I know”, when you were being taught? I have.

About 20 years ago when I was learning the electrical trade, (which I am still learning by the way), my attitude was yea, yea, yea, all the time. After a while of blowing things up, getting burned, and getting shocked, I started to develop a better idea of what “being teachable” actually meant! I had to shut my mouth, swallow my pride, and listen without rolling my eyes. Work became easier, smoother, and less painful.

Why are we so prideful and stubborn and act like we know it all, when we’re being taught? Why is it so hard to let go of our pride or humble ourselves before we learn? I wasn’t reading God’s word or following Him 20 years ago, but the principal I eventually applied to my learning was straight out of Psalm 25…….BE HUMBLE.

Sometimes what we’re being taught is obvious, and sometimes it isn’t. What are we being taught as a congregation as we pack up, leave our sanctuary, and move to the Elk’s lodge? What are we being taught as individuals as we pack up, leave our sanctuary, and move to the Elk’s lodge? The trick to being teachable is still, to close our mouths, swallow our pride, and listen without rolling our eyes, or as our Heavenly Father puts it……BE HUMBLE.

May God grant us courage to continue.

Frank P. Zummo

Comments?

Day 16 - Be Servant Hearted - Pastor Chris Reinhard

2010-06-08T00:23:00.000-07:00

Mark 10:43-45 (New Living Translation)⁴³ But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I love the fact that this verse starts out, "But among you it will be different." To me that really says it all. This world tells you that it is all about you. Making sure you have the best, and you have the most, and that all of your stuff is taken care of. But we are called to be different. I love the first line of the book Purpose Driven Life, where he says, "It's Not About You."

On Sunday night we had the teenage life groups over to the church to help in the moving process, and they worked hard, but this idea of what it means to be servant hearted really hit me when one of the teenagers asked if they were getting paid for this. I do believe this particular person was joking, but I don't think that those thoughts only cross the mind of the teenagers.

I was having a discussion with a member of our church a couple of years ago when they shared with me that they work hard as a teacher all day, and work with kids all day, and they just don't have the energy to do kids slot once a month at Life Group. That broke my heart. This person was telling me that they had used up all the gifts and talents that God had given them on the world and for a paycheck, and had nothing left to give to the Kingdom of God.

It has been a blessing to me to see so many wonderful people jumping in to serve in this Transition. There have been many, many people at the property working all hours of the day to help us get moved. But, let's not allow it to stop there. Do not allow your hearts, or eyes to become callused to the opportunities to serve around us, instead allow your hands and your feet to become callused from the serving that you are doing.

God has Gifted each of you with amazing Gifts and Talents, I pray that you will all put those to use for the Glory of God.

Let us all follow the example Christ set for us and be "Different"

God Bless,

Pastor Chris

Comments?

Day 15 - Be Avaliable - Margaret Cox

2010-06-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Be Available

Philippians 2:3-4

Don’t be selfish; don’t try and impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better then yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interest, but take an interest in others too.

The book of Philippians was written by Paul to the believers in Philippi. It is clear that Paul was imprisoned at the time at or near a praetorium. There is no doubt that Paul endured multiple periods of confinement. It is believed that fir the most part, that this Book was simply a pastoral communication between Paul and a church that was especially dear to him.

What does Be Available mean? I believe it means that no matter what we are doing, where we are going, or even what we are saying, that God wants us to be available for Him to use us! We could be in a conversation with someone when God gives you that nudge.. You know the one.. He wants you to offer your time, money or even a lending ear to that person. Our human side says but..I have to go here or there, or I don’t want to! Those are the times that we need to obey and do what He calls us to.

We as adults get so busy with our lives that we “don’t have time” to be available. To clean rooms, set up equipment, teach or even give someone a simple hug. Why? In reality is what we are doing that important? Are we going to suffer greatly if we delay that ever important thing? Here’s a story I ran across that I would like to share with you.

God’s Perfect Timing

Leslie was born with cerebral palsy, without eyes, and he was mentally retarded. Vegetable like, he was completely unresponsive to sound or touch. At the age of six months, he was not expected to live. A nurse name May Lemke, was asked if she would care for him at home until he died. She did - for more then thirty years!

When May accepted baby Leslie, she accepted him as just that, a baby no different then others to be taught and loved. She cared for him year after year, but he never moved or responded in any way. Even so, she never stopped talking and singing to him or praying for him. She filled their home with music, but still no response. She and her husband bought an old used piano and put it in his bedroom. She pushed his fingers against the keys. With quiet faith, she new that some day God would help Leslie to break out of his prison. She rejoiced when he began to walk at age 16.

Several years later, May and her husband were awakened one night by the sound of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1. Startled, they arose to find Leslie at the piano with a smile on his face. Shortly thereafter, he began to talk, cry, and sing. At the age of 28, he began in earnest. May’s prayers were answered - in God’s timing in God’s way.

We sometimes think our prayers are falling on deaf ears and our efforts are failing to change things, but take courage from Leslie’s story. It maybe a cliche` but never give up. Have patience. God is always there working behind the scenes, even when you can’t see the evidence. Eventually it will be seen. So I encourage you to “Be Available” for all that God has in store for you. Whether it’s a simple hug, lending of an ear, moving of chairs and tables, or just being ready to respond!!

May God richly bless you this day,

Margaret

Comments?

Day 14 - Be Faithful - Katie Molony

2010-06-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Be Faithful

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

Good morning family, Question for you….Have you ever just wanted to give up on something because you felt like you had prayed long enough and nothing had changed? I sure have. But ya know it’s not about what you or I want….it’s about what God wants.

I remember a conversation I had with someone last summer about the decisions we were facing. I will never forget the words from that conversation. He told me he hoped God is truly leading us. Really??? I know people don’t understand what we are doing and think this is a crazy decision that was made over night. Let’s not get caught up in the words of the world, but continue to be confident and persevere and we will receive what He promised (Hebrews 10:35-36).

I truly do believe we have been faithful in the decisions that have been made. Friends, it doesn’t stop here. We are not called to give God one big decision and hold on to the rest. We are not called to take control of the decisions to come or “give up” because we didn’t get an answer quick enough. As we prepare for the move let’s continue to be faithful and give all areas of our lives to Him (Yep, even that one).

There will be times that will be hard, but let’s continue to push forward and put our faith and trust in Him.

Have a great day!

KT =)

Day 13 - Read Scripture - Pastor Chris Reinhard

2010-06-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New Living Translation)

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

If the Bible really is what this verse says it is, and it is, it should be the most important document that we ever read, study, or spend time thinking about. The Word of God, in my hands in book form, the Wisdom of God available to me.

I have been very convicted over the years in reading my Bible. I realized that I knew a lot of scripture, and a lot of stories, but had not read much of it myself. It is easy to sit and read a couple of verses, or even a chapter. But I would challenge us to read large chunks of scripture. Know the story, know the context, know the big picture. When Jesus was tempted in the desert, Satan used scripture against him by taking it out of context. Well, he has not changed his ways, he still does the same thing, and the best defense is knowing your Bible.

When you think about your favorite song can you quote the chorus and the verses? When you think about your favorite movie, can you quote the lines? How did you memorize those things? You watched and listened to them over and over. The Bible is not different. Instead of reading one chapter a day, why not read a whole group of chapters or a book everyday for a week. Give your mind a chance to meditate on those passages and those thoughts.

In moment of weakness, or a moment of ministry you do not always have time to pull out your Bible and find the verse you need, in the same way a soldier does not have time to sharpen his sword in the middle of a fight. Spend some time reading large chunks of scripture and watch as God increases your wisdom and your abilities in the Kingdom of God.

Enjoy Your Reading,
Pastor Chris

Comments?

Day 12 - Pray Regularly - Chris Alvarez

2010-06-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Pray Regularly

Luke 18:1

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

This topics brought to my memory of a time were God taught me a lesson to pray and not to give up. When you go to a place like Africa; they have a bad mosquito issue their and a big problem with malaria, so our doctor had us take a regiment of Malarone for malaria starting 2 days before we touched ground in Africa and continuing even when we get back to the US. While we were there the 3^rd or 4^th day I started getting real sick and thought maybe it was food poising. I was up all night the first night praying “God heal me”. I did not want to miss any of the conference.

That morning I was still sick and I thought to myself that maybe God wanted me to go see Pastor Harold Weitsz to heal me. He is known for having a wonderful gift of prophesy and healing. I went down stairs to look for him and I found him. I was walking behind him and right before I was going to call him I heard as clear as a bell “Why do you put your faith in Harold for healing and not me? He is just a man that I made and I use as a tool as I see fit” So I did not say anything to Harold except “Good morning”

Later Harold was asking us “why we were taking that poison, Malarone? “ He told us They have a one day cure that is real simple if you get malaria while in Africa. After hearing that I heard “quit taking the Malarone” and I did and slowly every day I got better.

I say all that to say this. God could have healed me if he wanted to that first night, but he did not. He needed to teach me a lesson on faith and who really does the healing; God, not man. Man is just the tool and God is the mechanic.

God will not share his glory with no one! He also had to get my mind right. He helped me to understand for the future that If I took the Malarone again the same thing would happen, I would get sick and God did not want his child to go threw that again. He taught me another lesson, that sometimes we need to get our heads, minds and our hearts right before he answers prayer. We need to repent to change our thinking before he moves on our behalf. We need to “Humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up”. When and how He see’s fit.

Comments?

Day 11 - Work Diligently - Mike White

2010-06-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Work Diligently – Colossians 3:23-24

²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

The above passage says, “work at it with all your heart”. The NASB, ESV, KJV all say “work heartily”, the NLT says “work willingly”, and the Message says “do you best”. Work diligently for God, not merely for men.

What a romantic, noble, and elevated calling right? We should all strive hard after this right? Well actually…no!

Now before you rush to hang me for heresy, give me a few minutes to explain and clarify…

Work diligently…yes! Be obedient to a higher calling…yes! Strive after these things…NO! “Striving” and trying hard isn’t good enough!

If you take a moment to read the larger passage in Colossians 3, you’d realize that the Apostle Paul is writing these particular verses to slaves, not free people! Working diligently is not the fruit of a resolved commitment of free men. Nor is working diligently here something for a slave is to “try” to do, or to “strive” after…NO… it’s the expectation of a slave.

Right now some may be saying, “whew…good thing I’m a free man!” I would contend that is a sad statement if you’re making it. Instead we should be saying, “Yes I am a slave…a slave to Christ!” (1 Corinthians 7:22, James 1:1, etc.)

“Slaves are people with no rights. They are mere property existing only for the comfort, convenience, and pleasure of their owners.” (Curtis Vaughan, Expositor’s Bible Commentary). How many of us feel comfortable owning that definition in terms of our relationship to Christ?

Do you exist merely for the comfort, convenience, and pleasure of Christ?

Now this isn't a demeaning position. No…if you understand the real meaning and commitment of a “disciple” then you know that being a slave to Christ is actually the highest of callings!

A slave not only served his master but also represented him and tended to his affairs when not around. It’s hard work! Being Christ’s slave…His disciple...is not for the weak and half-hearted. Jesus placed the cost of being His disciple very high. He never promised benefits, thrills, excitement, adventure, or advantages. Instead…he focused on sacrifice, hardship, commitment, repentance, submission, and required obedience.

In this passage, we are commanded to accept these things as our work and to accept this work completely, vigorously, with warmth and sincerity, zest and enthusiasm, and with great appetite and enjoyment!

J. Oswald Sanders writes, “Originally ‘Christian’ and ‘disciple’ were interchangeable terms, but they cannot be so used today. Many who would wish to be classified as ‘Christians’ are unwilling to comply with Christ’s stringent conditions of discipleship…Our modern emphases are so experience-oriented, and so centered on happiness and warm feelings instead of holiness and hard thinking, that some Christians’ faith is nearer to the Buddhist’s search for peace in the environment than to the message of the cross” (from his book Spiritual Discipleship).

Working diligently is less about how hard you work for yourself or for Christ. Instead, it’s more about working diligently to be about HIS work! It’s about working diligently as HIS slave!

Working diligently is not about working hard, with integrity, as an “offering” to the Lord. Instead, it’s about whole-heartedly committing to whatever the Lord has compelled and burdened you to do! It’s saying “I am compelled by God to do it…woe to me if I do not do it” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Simply put…work diligently at committing your lifetime to an “unrivaled love” and “unreserved surrender” to existing for HIS comfort, convenience, and pleasure!

Day 10 - Give Generously - Linden Malki

2010-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

GIVE GENEROUSLY

2 Corinthians 8:9: Remember how generous the Lord Jesus was: he was rich, but became poor for your sake, to make you rich out of his poverty.

At the time this letter was written, Judea was experiencing a famine, and Paul and his associates, on their travels through Asia Minor and Greece, are collecting an offering for the relief of their suffering brethren in Jerusalem. I found it interesting that Paul does not play on sympathy for the intended recipients. What he stresses is the blessings and fellowship that come to the contributors. He talks of the churches in Macedonia begging to “share in this service to the saints”—not as an imposition, but as a privilege. And he points out that these were not rich churches but ones who were themselves struggling, who gave far more than they could afford. He presents this as a loving, cooperative venture among the churches, and as a response of their hearts rather than his extortion.

I am thanking God now for the generosity that we as a church experienced last week. We as a church are in a very tight financial situation right now. We can see blessings coming our way in the near future, but they’re not money in the bank. When Pastor Paul and I were told by the pastors from The Way that they were bringing their first rent check more than three weeks early just to show their appreciation for us and in case we could use it now, all I could say is “Thank You!” to our generous Lord. We did not ask them for this; I believe they did it from a prompting of the Holy Spirit, and I truly appreciate their generous spiritual and practical response. I pray that God will use all of us to be generous as we continue our response to His leading us into a new era in our history.

I‘ve always told my kids “If you see something that needs to be done, and you’re in a position to do it—do it!” It’s really great to see so many folks putting in time and effort on our move; it’s not only that things are getting done, but the fellowship and family spirit that is growing out of the process. Paul also tells the Corinthians that “God loves a cheerful giver.” Generosity of all kinds not only benefits others, it builds our relationships with each other and with our most generous Lord.

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1- 9:15

Linden Malki

Band Practice at the Elks Lodge

2010-06-01T23:02:00.000-07:00

Day 9 - Live Simply - Pastor Chris

2010-05-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:19-21 ¹⁹"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Ralph Neighbor has a saying in the Shepherd's Guidebook that really hit me when I read it. He says "Live simply, so others may simply live." Sometimes life just gets too complicated, and I think many times we make it too complicated. The question is how do we simplify our life. In the time it takes me to write this Blog I will probably receive 10 emails, a couple of text messages and a phone call. Life gets very busy, sometimes overwhelming. In the context that the quote was written it was dealing particularly with finances, yet I believe it speaks to more areas of our life than that.

We as Americans don't tend to have any margin in our lives. We have no margin in our budgets. We have no margin in our time. We have no margin in our relationships. When we are living life on a tightrope it is very hard to take our eyes off the rope and focus on someone beside ourselves.

This problem has not only impacted our lives but also NorthPoint, which is a major part of our decision to move. We have no margin in our ministry budgets at the church, we have no margin in our time, due to the amount of time it takes to manage a 7 acre property. This move will allow us to create a break even budget that will allow us to fund the vision that God has given us, and allow us to spend time on the things that will matter in eternity.

Simplifying life is not always convenient or easy in the short run of things, but in the long run it pays off immensely. I would challenge each of you to take a look at your personal lives and figure out where you can be conveniently inconvenienced by simplifying your own lives as we as the Body of Christ learn to simplify what we do together. Where in our own life can we develop margin so that when God lays it on our heart to bless someone, we have the ability to do it? Where in our time can we develop margin so that when someone is hurting we have the time to stand by their side? Where in our finances or possessions can we find margin so that we can help our brothers and sisters in need?

If you know me well, you know this is written by me and for me. Life gets busy, money gets spent, relationships get put on the back burner. I pray that all of us will learn to "Live Simply, so others may Simply Live."

Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Continue to pray for us on this journey.
God Bless,

Pastor Chris

Comments?

Day 8 - Moving Forward - Margaret Cox

2010-05-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

MOVING FORWARD!!

Jeremiah 29:11-14

“For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found”, says the Lord. “I will end your captivity ad restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

Throughout his life Jeremiah stood alone, declaring God’s messages of doom, announcing the new covenant, and weeping over the fate of his beloved country. In the eyes of the world he was not a success. But in God’s eyes Jeremiah was one of the most successful people in all history. Success, as measured by God, involves obedience and faithfulness.

As I look at the words “Moving Forward”, making disciples. I think about all the children that I have had the privilege to take through the Baptism class. Over the next two weeks 13 of these children will be going before you, they have chosen to proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ and to become “disciples” for Christ. God has a plan for each of us individually as well as corporately as NorthPoint. His plans are to move us Forward from Sierra Way to Highland and to reach the community around us leading them to Him and discipling them in their faith. When we were kids a move like this would seem like a BIG adventure, I know to some this is a scary adventure!! As you pray remember these words, “For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord. He will move us Forward with prosperity and hope! As we take this journey lets remember when we were kids (some of us don't have to remember we are kids!) the excitement that we felt when we started a new adventure. I for one am looking at it with Kid's eyes and they are wide with excitement, won't you please join me?

In His Loving Hands,

Margaret

Day 7 - Moving Outward - Katie Molony

2010-05-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Phil. 3:13-14
¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

As I sit and think about NorthPoint moving off of the property at the corner of Sierra Way and Parkdale I have different emotions that have hit me in this transition....

For those of you who don't know I grew up on this property, so I am a little sad about the move. Besides my family home this is the place I have spent the most time over the past 32 years of my life. There are many special moments that I will forever hold in my heart and memories I will never forget. Though I have had a lot of fun, silly and great moments over the years on this property, something has really been different over the last couple of years. For those that know me well, know that once I get going I won't stop talking. What I really enjoy now is listening and getting to know others. YAY for Life Groups!!

In the verses from Philippians, Paul writes he is forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead. This part of the verse really excites me. Together as a family let's remember the great times that we have had at our corner and be so super excited for how the good Lord is going to use us. It's not about the well we should of done this, or maybe if we did that of yesterday. It's about what are we doing now? How are we going to make a difference on every corner in our city. As we prepare to move, how is God going to move you to be the light he has called us to be?

Have a great day!
Katie

Special Blessing

2010-05-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

This past week we have been in prayer about the mortgage payment that was due. After much discussion with the credit union the due date was extended to next Tuesday. In the midst of our concern the phone rang. It was The Way. The church who will be leasing our property felt that God was prompting them to pay their first 1/2 month payment early. On Friday they gave us a check that covered all but $925 of our mortgage.

As I drove to the bank and made the deposit I felt a sense of relief. What will it feel like in the weeks ahead to think about ministry and God's will for our Fellowship? What will it be like when the leadership meets and we actually talk about something other than money and payments for the credit union?

And what will it be like when 1500 people descend upon Parkdale and Sierra Way with the resources to shine God's light brighter than this community has ever seen?

Over the past weeks I have wrestled with every emotion you can imagine. Packing my office and seeing my books in box's has brought home the reality of what we are doing. I know that many of you are feeling a deep sense of loss. I understand that emotion. My wife compared our leaving to a funeral. I flinched at that analogy.

But then I began to think about the other side of a funeral. When the people stand on one shore and wave good-bye to a ship there are people on the other shore waving a welcome. At the heart of the Christian's view of death is the promise of resurrection.

As we reflect upon the change that is before us, and mourn the loss of what is behind us, let us thank God for His provision and presence in the midst of us!

Remember, it has not yet appeared what you shall become.
But when you see Him, you shall be like Him.

I love you all,
Pastor Paul

Day 6 - Moving Inward - Chris Alvarez

2010-05-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Matthew 22:39 NLT
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.

1 John 4:20-21 NLT
20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.

Jesus made it very clear who our neighbor was and what he looked like in Luke 10:25-35 “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” and when Jesus asked the question "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

I came to view Christ’s death as an expression of His love and His resurrection as profound evidence of his power. I have committed my life to Him and have found that He provides the inner spiritual energy to love, even when love is not reciprocated. God gives us the ability to love, especially when your neighbor is not willing to love you, it may seem impossible for some. Such love may require us to draw upon our spiritual resources. God not only gives us the command to love but has also modeled it for us. We all have people in our lives that drive us nuts! I call them “EGR’s” extra grace required. No matter what the case is these people matter to God, the person who cuts you off on the freeway, the loud neighbor that plays the loud music all hours of the night, the boss that does not care that you have not had a raise in pay in the last 5 years and the brother and sister who do not care if your mother lives alone and needs special help physically and mentally and will not speak to her or have anything to do with her and so on, you get the picture.

God will put all kinds of different people in our lives to smooth out our rough edges, as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another. If God is teaching us patience he puts people in our life that we will need to be more patient with. It’s not coincidental that these people are in your life. If we have an anger problem he will put people and trials into our lives to test and prove our anger issue and on and on. I hope you get the point. We need to love what God loves and hate what God hates. Refusing to love the very people that Jesus came to save would be a very bad position to be in. Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. We then are not in tune with God’s heart at all if we do not love people.

Chris Alvarez

Day 5 - Moving Upward - Tim Lemus

2010-05-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

The book of Revelation was written by the apostle John during his exile on an island. John's purpose for writing the book of revelation was to give HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT to those Christians who were suffering severe persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. These Christians needed to know that God is in control and was with them through all their pain and suffering.

Now if you read through revelation I am the first to say that the symbols and imagery used by the apostle John are ...well... lets just say they are sometimes hard to understand. However, if you look past the strange images one thing stands out and without a doubt, one thing is made very clear, JESUS CHRIST is LORD and RULER over EVERYONE and EVERYTHING- even powerful human governments. He is clearly in control and will someday judge and punish what is evil, from corporations that hurt others to Satan himself. And I believe with all of my heart that Christ will establish an everlasting kingdom with a new heaven for us to spend eternity.

Because God is so good, I send my praise and worship upward first and then outward to help people connect with God. There are so many elements to worship that help us connect with God. Music is only a small part of it. Yes I said it, music plays such a small part of worship. It is important, as it adds a celebration to our praise, but we can worship upward to Christ in so many other ways. through prayer, in teaching others about Christ, with a warm smile to a needy person, we can worship simply by sitting and listening to the sermon. When we read our bibles we worship upward because its all about connecting with God our Father.

Revelations 4: 1-11 In the NIV version of the bible this passage is titled, "The Throne of Heaven" but in the NLT, I love the title. " The Stage: Worship in Heaven" I love this title because I'm truly look forward to the day we all get to sing and worship next to Christ. Now before you read this passage let me remind you of the strange imagery and symbols we talked about. But when you get past this, think about the Glory of God and the power of His wonder and the beauty of His love for us. You will read this passage and see a vivid picture of worship in heaven. You will See God's awesome glory and how deserving He is of our praise. "It is worship that is vertical, (directed at God) and horizontal, (proclaimed to others)."

May we all be filled with the presence of the Holy spirit as we send our worship upward to the one who loves us, Our father in Heaven.

Tim Lemus

Day 4 - God's Power - Michael White

2010-05-27T00:01:00.001-07:00

1 Chronicles 29:11-12

¹¹Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. ¹² Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.

While I only highlighted these two verses, it must be said that taking them on their own is much like admiring merely a petal when you have the entire rose. These verses really become “fragrant” when packaged within the full passage of 1 Chronicles 29:10-20.

These verses are contained within the beautiful prayer of King David as he passes the torch to his son Solomon along with the plans for the building of the Temple. In the same way that Moses led the people to the promise land but Joshua led them into it, here King David has led the people to the place of the temple but under Solomon’s rule the people would build and occupy it.

As I’ve contemplated this comparison, I couldn’t help but think fondly about the friends and families of NorthPoint past who were pivotal in bringing us to this place but either by choice or circumstance will not be with us as we step into our new home. And just as Israel loved and revered Moses and David, so do I love and admire those who’ve been responsible for bringing us to where we are! But as much as I love and care for those whose legacy has led us here…I am even more excited to chase after the future of God’s mighty plan!

Just like the nation of Israel, the journey has been ours to travel, but make no mistake…the power to make it is God’s. According to His plan, His discretion, and His glory…God takes His people where He wants them. The power to get there, the power to overcome adversity, and even sometimes the power to leave a place behind all comes from Him! And as long as it’s in His power…the greatness, victory, and majesty of God will be evident!

As I look back at the story of Moses I find it interesting that the people didn’t hesitate to go into the Promised Land without him. The same holds true for David…the people didn’t hesitate to build the Temple without him. Maybe instead of mourning the things left behind…the people of Israel resolved to the reality that the moving forward was actually honoring of Moses, David, and generations past!

As we move forward and take the next steps in our journey, I am excited and look forward to honoring the faithful heritage of NorthPoint that has been laid by so many God-following people and that began multiple properties ago! And it doesn’t stop there…I am ever-committed to extending that foundation to those yet to come!

Our Heavenly Father…“power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.”

Michael White

Comments?

Day 3 - God's Provision - Linden Malki

2010-05-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Glory be to Him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more that we can ask or imagine; glory be to Him from generation to generation in the Church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:20

As we prepare our hearts and souls for the next step in our journey toward God’s vision for this church family, I am remembering a week in the fall of 2001. This was two years after our fire, and the sanctuary was beginning to take shape at last. And then we got the word that there would be no more money from the insurance company. We found out that they not only had internal financial problems but had many potential claimants damaged by the events of 9/11, and they were being forced into liquidation.

Pastor Paul felt led by the Holy Spirit to call the church to a week of prayer and fasting, seeking God’s direction. At the end of the week, the consensus was that we should complete the rebuild, as a witness to reality of God’s grace and concern for the community. At that time, we were led to a capital funds campaign and a loan. The loan office at the credit union told me that he had never taken in a loan proposal with as high a faith factor than ours. And from 2001 to 2009, we never missed a payment.

In the ten years that I’ve been involved in the finance of this church, I have constantly been amazed at the care and providence of God. Somehow, our needs have been met. In addition to our ongoing ministry, we completed the building and made the payments. I told Pastor Paul that I knew he worried about the whole million-dollar loan, but that this was my exercise in daily bread, that Anna and I dealt with one payment at a time. And up until a year ago, it was always there, like the manna in the wilderness in Exodus 16. But the Israelites crossed the Jordan and entered the land God had promised to them, the manna stopped.

Now God is providing for our needs once again, but at the cost of being called out to a new place and a new generation of ministry. But like the manna, it isn’t too little nor too much. God isn’t letting us sit back and wallow in wealth. God has given us a world where we are all responsible for each other and accountable to Him. But He is doing something that we cannot imagine in its fullness and glory, but this power works through us and in us. So as we prepare for the fifth relocation of this church family in 85 years, let us thank God for His continuing provision for us and for His power to transform this city.

Today’s reading: Ephesians 3:9-21

Linden Malki

Day 2 - God's Guidance - Pastor Chris Reinhard

2010-05-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

As a young Youth Pastor I remember taking some kids on a night hike at Thousand Pines. I had left my flashlight behind thinking that I did not need it. As we walked we began to get under the tree cover where the moon was not able to light our path. As we continued to walk I completely lost sight of the trail. Not wanting to admit I could not see the trail anymore, I just kept leading them forward. Eventually we were tripping over downed trees, and walking through low lying brush. Luckily we were not far from the camp and I was able get us back to main camp by walking through the woods. I am sure there were some bruised toes by the end of the hike.

The whole time the kids were safe and we were never far from the camp, but I think sometimes we do this with life decisions. We leave the word of God behind and begin to lose the trail. I have seen so many people young and old, make horrible life choices because they were not allowing the Word of God to light their path. What is even worse is when we have people following us.

As members of Life Groups, we need to each be in God's Word daily. Someone in your group may have a question or need some advice. I am afraid that too often that advice or guidance is coming from our own earthly wisdom and not God's, then we are truly the Blind leading the Blind. It amazes me how many times God sends me someone that needs wisdom with a question straight out of my morning devotions. Maybe God is waiting for us to prepare ourselves so he can send others to us.

This should be your second day of getting in to God's Word, how did you do yesterday? Make sure you take the time today to get into the Word of God and allow him to Light your Path, not only for your sake, but for those that God sends you that need direction.

God Bless

Pastor Chris

DAY ONE PASTOR PAUL LOVE

2010-05-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)

³⁷No, despite all these things,

overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
³⁸And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us

from God’s love.

Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,

neither our fears for today

nor our worries about tomorrow—

not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
³⁹No power in the sky above or in the earth below—

indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us

from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I would add something to the list which the Apostle Paul has given us. Moving cannot separate us from the love of God. Throughout history God’s people have worshipped him on mountains and in valleys. People worshiped indoors and out. During WWII attics became holy places and during the persecution of the early church God met His children in caves, basements, and graveyards. God loves His children no matter where they are.

This past weekend I had the privilege of worshiping with the church family who first licensed me to preach the gospel. Sunland Baptist Church, now New Hope Community Church, was celebrating their 100^th anniversary. During the celebration we saw pictures of the different buildings where the church has gathered. We sang different songs from different seasons of their long history. Karen and I sat up late drinking coffee with people we have known and loved for over twenty-five years. As I thought about the buildings and programs, it occurred to me that they were not the source of my memories. My memories came from the awesome times which Karen and I had with God and His people during our years in Sunland.

The love of God and the people we love will be the same in a church building, a park, or an Elks Lodge. Drinking coffee with old friends reminded me of this great truth. If we are busy loving God, and one another, it doesn’t matter where we meet. The love we share and the memories we make will last forever.

May God bless our journey,

Pastor Paul

21 Days of Transition

2010-05-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

As we are headed into the final weeks of our transition we are calling all of you to join us on this journey by preparing ourselves for what God is going to do through us. We are asking each of you to Pray for 21 Minutes a day, and read Scripture for 21 Minutes per day. Each day we will have one blogger write an encouragement on that day's particular topic. Thanks you for joining us on this journey.

21 Days of Transition
21 Minutes of Prayer
21 Minutes of Scripture
Daily Blogs at:
ncfpastors.blogspot.com

May 24th - God’s Love
Rom. 8:37-39

May 25th- God’s Guidance
Psalm 119:105

May 26th - God’s Provision
Eph. 3:9-21

May 27th - God’s Power
1 Chron. 29:11-12

May 28th - Moving Upward
Rev. 4:1-11

May 29th - Moving Inward
Matt. 22:37-40

May 30th - Moving Outward
Phil. 3:13-14

May 31st - Moving Forward
Jer. 29:11-14

June 1st - Live Simply
Matt. 6:19-21

June 2nd - Give Generously
2 Cor. 8:1-15

June 3rd - Work Diligently
Colossians 3:23-24

June 4th - Pray Regularly
Luke 18:1

June 5th - Read Scripture
2 Tim. 3:16-17

June 6th - Be Faithful
Heb. 10:35-36

June 7th - Be Available
Phil. 2:3-4

June 8th - Be Servant hearted
Mark 10:43-45

June 9th - Be Teachable
Psalm 25:9

June 10th - Church Leaders
Exodus 17:11-12

June 11th - Our Church
Rom. 8:28

June 12th - Our Community
Matt 5:13-16

June 13th - Our Celebration
1 Chron. 5

Rules for Going to War

2010-05-17T00:28:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 20:5-9 (NLT)
⁵“Then the officers of the army must address the troops and say, ‘Has anyone here just built a new house but not yet dedicated it? If so, you may go home! You might be killed in the battle, and someone else would dedicate your house.
⁶Has anyone here just planted a vineyard but not yet eaten any of its fruit? If so, you may go home! You might die in battle, and someone else would eat the first fruit.
⁷Has anyone here just become engaged to a woman but not yet married her? Well, you may go home and get married! You might die in the battle, and someone else would marry her.’
⁸“Then the officers will also say, ‘Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.’

I am impressed with the philosophy of God for the army of Israel. In essence God is saying, "If you don't want to do this, go home!" I think Jesus did much the same thing. He told people to sell their stuff, leave their families, and forsake their jobs. People who wanted to follow Him were sent home to preach. Others were told to hate their families in comparison to loving Christ.

I think it is safe to say that Jesus did not spend His time begging people to follow Him. You might even call Him a moving target. If you could find Him you could hear Him. When asked the cost Jesus told stories about people who traded everything they had to get the one thing they desperately wanted.

In fact, when the religious people wanted clarity Jesus told them stories shrouded in ambiguity. It almost seemed, at times, that Jesus did not want people to get it. Somewhat like Elijah telling Elisha to go home when Elisha knew the double blessing was connected to the presence of Elijah.

In the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis writes about moving, "farther up and further in." He speaks about running higher and higher into the hills until you leave non-reality behind.

I ponder what the days ahead are going to look like. I wonder who will take the journey with us. I hope that God will show up. But God is reminding me [or maybe teaching me] that I work for Him... He most certainly does not work for me!!!

The weeks ahead are going to be a sifting, and a discerning. It is going to be a wonderful time for people to clarify their calling. I wholeheartedly praise God for those brave and adventures souls who are willing to "Go Mobile!"

When I was in the Army we were called triple volunteers. We volunteered for the regular Army. We volunteered for Airborne Training. And then we volunteered for Special Forces Training. We were there because we wanted to be there. The man beside you was there because he wanted to be there. It was like the Army of Israel... it was like being a Christian.

In the days and weeks ahead I refuse to guilt, shame, convince, beg, borrow, or steal anyone! If you want to go missional and mobile. If you are willing to risk the unknown. If you are open to whatever work God desires to do in your heart, mind, and soul. Then you are in the right place with the right group!

The past few months have been some of the most challenging in my life. No dimension of military or police training can hold a candle to the stress and pressure that myself and other NorthPoint leaders have been feeling. But God has joined our hands to this plow and He has not given us permission to let go!

We are chasing a Biblical model for ministry that God is using to multiply disciples all over the world!!! I can't be what I am not!!! But my prayer is that I will fully and completely be what God has called me to be!

If you are one of those intrepid soldiers of the cross called to take this amazing journey of faith into the unknown then grab hold and let's go!

I love you...

Paul

Transition Lift Off

2010-05-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

On Friday June the 11th we will be having a banquet in the Elks Lodge Dining room. This will be our first gathering in this facility. On Sunday June the 13th we will gather at 10:00am for our Celebration Service.

I preached today from the early books of the Bible and pondered how God led His children. People moved because of trouble, trial, drama, violence, drought, and God's specific leading. Sometimes God's people were led to a place and other times they were led away from a place.

One year ago this month I wrote a series of book reports prior to our Cell Church Class and Symposium in Waco, Texas. In re-reading those reports I am taken with the manner in which the authors challenged me in our need to own a facility. In fact, my conclusion was that we could do everything we are doing in a rented Sunday space. Little did I know then where we would be now!

Done Deal

2010-05-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Linden our Treasurer is signing our lease with The Way even as I pen these words to you! This is a very important day for NorthPoint Christian Fellowship.

One year ago this month I wrote book reports for school and realized that we did not need our seven acre property for the style of ministry we were pursuing! Little did I realize that one year later this would come to pass.

Now it is time to shift into high gear.

The Transition Team needs to begin meeting in earnest and lay out a plan!

The office needs to be moving into my house even as Chris, Shannon, Zoe, and Luke prepare to move into the church condo.

The Worship Team and Tim need to begin checking out the Elks Lodge and preparing to do "worship out of the box."

Margaret, Jenny, and the other Kid's Connection folks need to begin thinking "mobile ministries."

Our Shepherds need to stay in touch with their Life Groups.

I need to learn to communicate with our congregation by way of Facebook, Blogging, Cell Phone, Texting, and good old fashioned Phone Calls.

We have read and studied Cell Church for several years! Now we are going to find out what it is like to really become one!

I know we will go through Office, Sanctuary, Children Building, Nursery, and Classroom withdrawals! That is OK, and to be expected! People who have been doing Life Groups on campus are about to launch out into a new adventure!

Be encouraged by this... Jesus did not own a house, car, phone, sanctuary, or office. He did not even have a Starbucks in which to hold a meeting! Yet, somehow, He managed to serve fish and chips to five thousand men on a hillside! [Not counting women and children.]

I am thankful for the encouragement that we have received from so many of you over the past weeks. The comments of "let's go" and "were in" have been very uplifting! Those of you who have already volunteered to help with the move should begin your stretching exercises now!

We will be sharing much more soon... but this should be enough for your prayers for now!

Blessings to all,
Paul

The Journey Continues

2010-05-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

This past week our Board and Transition Team sent a "final" draft of a lease proposal to The Way. We are awaiting their response. On Monday last we met with representatives from the Elks Lodge. We are well on our way to a solid agreement for using their property on Sunday mornings for our Celebration Service and Kids Connection. They are good folks who seem sincerely excited about this opportunity.

Our tentative first day "on the hill" is June 13th.
The Way's tentative first worship service on our property is June 27th.

Keep praying for God's will in all of these discussions. As soon as something is signed we will be moving ahead full speed!

The Transition Team will be guiding us in the challenging process of cleaning up and moving out. Rooms and closets will need to be cleaned and sorted. Some things will be stored in the metal containers in the back parking lot. Some things will be sold at a yard sale. Junk will be thrown away. Papers, pictures, and historical treasures will be sorted and stored on the third floor of the sanctuary. [Did you know there was a third floor?] Some things will make the move up to the Elks Lodge.

Once the lease is signed there will be many things to do and not much time to do it in! Thank you in advance to all of you who have pledged your assistance in this process.

We will be moving the church office into our home for the short term. We will be communicating with one another through email, text messages, and cell phones. Facebook is liable to become the new hub for our church family! People will be able to stay connected through their Life Group and Shepperd. Sunday Celebration will be a special time to see the body gathered for worship, fellowship, and teaching.

The winds of change are blowing... and it is time to set your sail!

Blessings and love,
Paul

AZ Law Drama

2010-05-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

What has happened to common sense and dialog in our country?

Life is complicated and filled with gray! Most important issues have some dynamic of truth on each and every side! I find it sad that people draw lines at the drop of a hat. The conservatives line up on one side and the liberals on the other. Republicans and Democrats glare at one another across the room. "My side is totally right while your side is totally wrong!" Life does not work that way!

The Bible clearly calls us to treat foreigners with dignity and compassion. We are expressly forbidden to oppress or misuse them!

At the same time there is a problem when illegal aliens who are smuggling guns, drugs, and people are killing and abusing American citizens!

While making a reservation at a hotel on the phone yesterday I was clearly told to bring my license and credit card for presentation upon check in! I did not cry foul and complain. I think people have a right to know who is staying at their hotel.

When I was a policeman we did not roam around the city looking for people to harass and violate! But there were times when we asked somebody who they were, and what they were doing! When they got a guilty and deceptive attitude it was a clear warning that they were probably up to something they should not be up to. It was not profiling, it was common sense and good police work.

Speaking of profiling, as a cop, when you worked a district long enough, you got a sixth sense about who does and does not live in a certain area. You obtained a rather intuitive sense about what activities were normative in a given area. It is like a parent asking a teenager where they are going! If they get a "bunny in the headlights look" on their face is makes you want to ask them a few more questions! It is not the oppression of your teen, it is good parenting!

I think it is sad that the powers that be are so busy pointing fingers and blaming one another that they seem unable to deal with the real issues.

If the laws are bad then they should be changed. But to ask police officers to ignore the law is absurd. If our national policy is to have an open border and allow everyone in without question... then put it into law and throw wide the borders! But if we have laws, and borders, then guard them.

When I visited Africa, Europe, and South America I carried identification. When the customs officials asked me who I was and why I was in their country I was not traumatized! When I turned my passport in to the hotel in Minsk, Belarus and Dubai, UAE I was not traumatized. I had chosen to visit their country, and they had every right to make the rules! When a policeman pulls me over and asks for my license I know he/she is doing their job and deserves my co-operation and respect.

I would encourage all concerned at every level of government to stop posturing and figure out what real issues are being raised! Stop thinking you are all right and everybody else is all wrong! Stop defending your turf and stop pandering for votes. Find a way to keep American citizens safe without oppressing innocent people. I believe it can be done!

Just my opinion,
Paul

We Are Starting Our Travels Home

2010-02-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

--------- Our Itinerary (click for larger view)

Thank you all for your prayers and love, this has been a an amazing trip. God really has fed our souls over the course of the last week and half. We are beginning our journey home today. We are leaving Yommossoukro very soon (I am sitting in the lobby waiting). We will take a 4 hour bus ride to the airport at Abidjan in Ivory Coast, we will then board our plane their about 4:45pm local time. From there we will fly all night, about 11 hours, and arrive in dubai at about 7:00am. We will have the opportunity to tour Dubai for the day and will be staying in a local hotel for the night. We will need to leave the hotel at about 4:00am in the morning to catch our flight back to the USA. It is a 16 hour flight from Dubai to Texas. We will then arrive in Texas, and catch our 3 hour flight from Houston to Ontario.

It will be good to be home, I miss my family and all those that are back home, but I am also sad to be leaving. The people here have been wonderful. I have never been more honored, and therefore humbled, in my whole life. I have been able to exchange contact information with some of the them, and look forward to maintaining Contact. I also have contact info for a drummer on one of their worship teams that is looking for an American Worship team pen pal, it is nice because they have internet.

Thank you again for all your prayers and support, we look forward to sharing the joys and excitement of our trip with you when we arrive home. Please pray for our travels, it will be a long couple of days.

God Bless
Pastor Chris

2 More Videos

2010-02-11T00:12:00.000-08:00

An Alter call at the Crusade

A Short Taste of The City, This is some of the Commercial part of Abidjan, not where the people live.

A Couple More Videos- Make Sure you Read all of today's Posts.

2010-02-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

Stained Glass at The Basilica in Yamoussoukro

Dancing at the Crusade

For all of NorthPoint, Past and Present

2010-02-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Please Forward this on to all that need to hear it.

God Bless,
Pastor Chris

2/10/2010, 12:00 PM, Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire, Africa.

I feel as though this morning during the prayer time God spoke to me Two messages for two different groups of people. One for the believers at NorthPoint, and the other for those that have left NorthPoint.

We are in a battle, we are fighting against powers and principalities. We are the family of God we should love one another as family, but we are also the Army of God, so we are a family army, that loves one another and is fighting together against a common enemy. That means when that enemy picks a fight with one member of the family army, he picks a fight with the whole family army.

First for those that are with us in the battle, I thank you. I thank you for your commitment to fight along side us. I know it has not been easy for you. Continue to fight, keep your sword sharp, daily put on the full armor of God, our time of victory is coming, for all we know it may be right around the corner, do not quit, do not give in, do not get tired of doing what is right, be quick to forgive each other's faults, hold one another up, and defend one another against the attacks of the evil one. We should be watching one another's backs not stabbing one another's backs. Thank you for your faithfulness God will bless you for it. You will get to experience, and celebrate the fullness of the victory. (After I wrote this Harold Weitsz told Pastor Paul to look at Isaiah 43:1-44:5 he said it is for him today - read it)

Second, for those that have left. I know the fight is tough, I know you were afraid, I know Satan attacked you and your family, but you left your family, your brothers and sisters, those God called you to fight next to, to fight the war on our own. Some of you have left because things happened that offended you, you need to settle things with the offender, as scripture tells us, and get back in the battle. Some of you have left because you feel God called you elsewhere, then you need to come to your leaders and see if God is confirming that message through them. Some of you may have left because you feel as though we are not properly fighting the fight. I would challenge you to bring us scripture and allow us to repent before God. I want you to understand that some of you have left your brothers and sisters in the heat of the battle, to go celebrate with another platoon. Some of you have seen other churches that have already received their victory, and decided it would be easier to join in their celebration and spoils than to fight through with your brothers and sisters. While we are fighting you are feasting. It is time to get back in the battle. It is time to bring the reinforcements, do not leave us to fight alone, but stand up with us. It is not too late to come back and fight. Our victory is coming, and you will be able to celebrate with us, knowing that you had a hand in the fight. I know it is scary and it is hard, but your brothers and sisters need you, and want you, and love you.

Let us continue to fight the fight that God has put before us, do not quit, do not run, do not allow Satan to distract, but stand with one another in prayer, scripture and body life and fight the fight that God has called us to. Many have said it is not my fight, but if God brought you into this church than it is your fight, do not run, and for those that have run, come back, and fight with us, because together we are stronger.

Fight On!!!

Pastor Chris

Comments, Questions, Thoughts?

Pastor Paul Get's To Speak at The Conference - A Must Watch!!!

2010-02-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the clicking noise, it is the camera trying to focus. But this is great you have to watch it.

We Missed the Bus

2010-02-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

This is not a theoretical or philosophical statement, we actually missed the bus this morning. I woke up at about 8:00am showered got dressed and went downstairs at about 8:30 to grab a bite of breakfast and I noticed that none of our group was downstairs for the 9:00am bus, I thought it was a little strange but did not think much of it. I then went to the breakfast area, and none of our group was there either, so I got breakfast and sat down. Then Ruth, Ralph Neighhbours wife came walking in, and I thought good, she is here we are fine. She saw me, and then came up and asked if I decided to stay behind this morning. I did not understand her question. She proceeded to tell me that the bus left and 8:15am. Wow, how did we miss that. Last night when we were getting off the bus we were told 9:00am. My Dad met me in the lobby at 9:00 and we figured we would grab a taxi, and as we walked outside a group of nationals walked out behind us. They saw us looking a little lost and confused and asked if we were going to the conference (one of them was from Ghana which is an english speaking country) we said yes, they said hop in, that is where they were going as well. Then we saw they had delegate name tags. We showed up about 10 minutes before the first speaker. God is good. We got a little extra sleep, met some nice people, and still showed up on time.

There are about 2000 leaders from Pastor Dion's churches at this conference and it has been great. The worship and energy is wonderful, the prayers are amazing, and spirit of God is truly working in them. Harold Weitscz was one of the speakers this morning and as always was very encouraging and challenging. We cannot have un-spiritual people in spiritual positions. We must all learn to pray and seek God together, not just the pastors, but everyone.

Thanks for Your prayers.

Pastor Chris

Conference - The kingdom of God

2010-02-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

Click Picture for Larger View

Today was the first day of the conference here in Yamoussoukro. The opening ceremonies took quite a while (we have come to realize they like their parades and ceremonies). But once it got going Dr Jack Taylor spoke and it was wonderful. Here are his top 5 points.

1.The Kingdom of God is at work, all the time, everywhere.
2. The Kingdom of God is a mystery.
3. They Kingdom of God has innate power and energy.
4.The World is Hostile to the Kingdom
5. The Kingdom demands a response of total commitment from all of us that are born again and alive in this world.

Some great reminders from Dr. Jack.

There is much more that happened today, but we will share that when we head home. Here are some pictures from the day. The beautiful building is the Catholic Bassilica here in Yamoussoukro.

Pictures of the Community

2010-02-06T13:35:00.001-08:00

February 6th, 2010
Click on a picture for an larger view...

Abijan Day 2 - Pastor Paul

2010-02-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

2/5/2010, 11:21 PM

I shared the same reactions that Chris has noted above. The crowds of people were very large, but very friendly and peaceful. When the worship reached it's high point there were hundreds of people spinning, and jumping, and dancing in the center of the open area. As they ran to their seats many greeted us with waves and smiles.

As we toured the offices we saw the maps and charts. There were push pins representing cells that covered Abidjan. There were other pins that indicated churches across the city. Then there were maps of Africa, Europe, and America indicating the cells, zones, and churches on each of the continents. The church currently has 1,400 churches and has ministered to a recorded 200,000 people. There are 4,000 cells in the city of Abijan with a desired attendance of ten per cell. When a cell hits ten one of the two interns takes half the people and begins a new cell in a new place. This simple model is replicated all around the world.

I was particularly taken with the early history of the church. Dion began the church with his wife and daughter. They built it to 150 people. Then God gave Dion the cell vision. The church rapidly grew from 150 to 75. Dion taught that you must die to yourself and live for Christ. He trained leaders and did outreach. The trained cell leaders to raise up interns and multiply groups. They reached their friends and neighbors for Christ. In a few years the church hit 750. A few years later it hit 7,000. Shortly after that it hit 19,000. Today it is global and growing.

Dion says the Christian life is simple and normal. Read the Bible, and do it! Win souls, make disciples, multiply leaders, cells, and churches. The multitude that received Christ tonight will be plugged into a cell. There they will grow, learn, and become part of God's family.

Dion says that the church is the mother and the cell is the womb. Both are vital to producing healthy babies.

Another key concept that was confirmed today was the place of children in the cell church model. Dion says that the problem with traditional programs is that we sit the children in classrooms for too many years and turn them into scholars. Dion says that we must make our children ministers. In this church children preach, teach, pray, and win the lost for Christ. They are not just students in a class… the are vital participants in the life of the church.

You have heard enough for one sitting! Keep praying for us that we will receive everything God has for us! Pray that God will reveal His perfect will for our church!

We all love you, and will see you soon!

Pastor Paul

Comments? Questions? Thoughts?

Abidjan Day 2 - Pastor Chris

2010-02-05T15:20:00.001-08:00

2/5/2010, 10:33 PM

Today was an amazing day. First of all we got to sleep last night which was wonderful. It was the first full nights rest we have had in our travels.

The buses picked us up at 10:00am this morning and took us to the church in Youpogon, which is the neighborhood on the other side of Abidjan. It is the area where most people live. It was a neighborhood originally designed for 5-10,000 people and 1.4 million people currently live there. One of the amazing things here is the sheer number of people. There are people everywhere. They gather in the streets and on sidewalks in large groups all over the place.

After a while at the church they took us out to the field where the crusade would happen, which was also the site of this morning's ceremony with the President of the Country. They paraded us in, in front of thousands of people and we were directed to sit on the stage area with the President which was very humbling.

We then went back across the street to the church where they fed us a wonderful lunch and we relaxed until it was time for Ralph to preach at the crusade.

Ralph did a great job preaching on salvation and then they did the alter call and 100's and 100's of people came forward. They then did a second alter call for those that were sick or having bad dreams (specifically; being chased by snakes or dreaming of dead people) and even more came forward. The prayer time was intense and amazing. People were falling to the ground and being carried to the demonology department to be ministered to. It was an amazing crusade and a great experience. The crusade continues tomorrow.

On a side note it is very hot here, and very humid. By the end of the day all the clothes I was wearing were pretty much soaked.

Thanks for your prayers,
Pastor Chris

Comments?

Some Pictures from Dubai and Abidjan

2010-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our trip. The Majority are from our travels and Dubai. The top right is a picture in the airport. The rest of the architecture is from Downtown Dubai.

Enjoy

Abidjan Day 1

2010-02-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

2/4/2010, 9:38 PM

We just got back from the church in Abidjan, they prepared a wonderful meal for us and allowed us to see some of the facility. It has been a long couple of days of travel and I am looking forward to our first full nights rest.

We woke up in Dubai this morning at about 5:00am. We then headed down to the hotel lobby for a wonderful buffet featuring all kinds of different food, from beans, to pancakes. We headed to the airport and boarded our flight for Abidjan. We had a pleasant 10 hour flight from Dubai to Abidjan, by way of Accra, Ghana. When we finally flew into Abidjan there was a surreal sense of really being here.

It was an amazing blessing as we walked out of the airport to be greeted by Dion Robert himself and his translator Jim. I was even more blessed that they remembered us from Waco. We then all headed to the hotel via bus. As we were headed across town we hit a point where all the traffic stopped. As we were sitting there, we began to see police bikes coming on the adjacent street, and then the President's entourage. Dion shared with us that the president lives near here and that was him headed home. He also told us that the President and first lady are going to be joining us in the morning to celebrate the signing of a 5 billion dollar deal in which the church is involved to build hospitals schools and houses in 54 cities.

While at the hotel we were surprised by another familiar face, that is Harold Weitscz and his Wife. They flew up from South Africa to join us for the week. He is the Pastor that I recently showed the video of in church regarding the protocol of prayer.

Tomorrow we will head to the church in the morning for preparation for the ceremony, the president will be there at noon followed by refreshments. We will then head back to our hotels to rest. At 4:00pm they will pick us up for the crusades. Keep Ralph in your prayers as he is one of the preachers at the outdoor crusade. It is also very humid and hot here and he must where a suit at the crusade. We are excited to see what God has in store for us tomorrow. They have invited us to be a part of the prayer teams throughout the crusade.

Thank you all for your prayers,
Pastor Chris and the Africa Team

Us and Dion

2010-02-04T10:02:00.001-08:00

Africa

2010-02-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Ontario Airport
February 2nd, 2010, 5:12am

I am here sitting at the Ontario airport, just ordering breakfast at 5:12am. Last night we had Jen, Chris and Sandy over for a traditional African dinner of Peanut Butter Chicken and Yams, it turned out pretty good. We had a great time of fellowship and prayer. I actually never went to sleep last night, packing, getting final stuff done, changing voicemails and sending emails. I showered, threw everything in the car and we were headed to the airport at 3:00am. We are enjoying a good breakfast at the Schlotzsky's deli in the airport and waiting for our flight headed to Houston that leaves here at 6:00am. Thanks you all for your prayers as our journey begins.

Houston Airport
February 2, 2010 12:15pm Pacific Time

We arrived at the Houston airport after a cramped flight from Ontario at 11:20 local time. We collected our baggage and went to the emirates check in to find out that they do not open till 2:30. We went to the local Marriott hotel and had lunch, sat and hung out a while and now we are sitting in the emirates area waiting for the rest of the team to show up. Ralph and Ruth are already here and Daniel just showed up. It was exciting getting our tickets and checking our luggage, it made the trip very real. We are headed to Dubai at 6:00pm it is about 3:00pm and we have a couple hours to kill.

2/2/2010, 2:03 PM
We Just got through security, no problems with any of that. Now we are all looking forward to getting on our flight to Dubai.

2/3/2010, 9:10 AM
We are sitting in the lobby of a Dubai hotel listening to Hotel California over the house speakers. We have just arrived in Dubai It is actually 9:00pm our time. We had a nice complimentary dinner at the hotel. We are going to check out the city a little bit before we head to bed. We will get up at about 5:00am our time to catch our 7:45 flight. The flight to Dubai was good but long. It got real exciting when an Arabian man had a nightmare and woke up screaming something, you should have seen everyone in the cabin jump. Things are good so far. We are all feeling a little tired. Thanks for your prayers.

Africa

2010-01-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

Just wanted to give you a quick update. Pastor Paul myself and 3 others from our church (Chris and Jen Alvarez, and Sandy Hitson) are headed to Ivory Coast Africa on Tuesday. We will be leaving February 2nd and returning February 15th. We will be using this blog to keep everyone updated of our trip. We will be posting video, pictures and stories of all we are experiencing and learning.

We will be flying out of Ontario Airport and meeting the others that are going in Houston Texas, about 30 of us total. We will then fly from Houston Texas to Dubai and then from Dubai to Abidjan, Ivory Coast Africa. We will spend a couple of days there touring the church that Pastor Dion Robert leads. Over the course of those couple of days we will have an opportunity to experience one of there crusades. From there we will travel about 150 miles to Yamoussoukro which is the capital of Ivory Coast for their leadership training conference. Thank you all for your prayers.

God Bless
Pastor Chris
Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast and Abidjann, Ivory Coast

Son of The Gods

2009-12-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

This is a great and encouraging blog on the Persecution Blog.

Click Here to Read It

Our Arson Fire

2009-12-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago, on October 29, 1999, our sanctuary was torched by an arsonist. The rebuild took 40 months, and we dedicated our rebuilt house of worship in February 2003. Halfway through the build, the insurance payments stopped. Our insurance company at the time, Reliant Insurance, at one time an A-rated company, went into liquidation after 9/11, and left us with a building torn down, contracts let, materials purchased, and no money for completion. After much prayer and fasting, we concluded that we needed to complete the rebuild. We did a capital funds campaign and took out a loan with our credit union.

Fast forward eight years. We are coming up on seven years in our rebuilt sanctuary. Last spring, the insurance company finally sent an adjuster to come up with a final claim--which turned out to be almost 20% less than what we submitted to them at the end of the build, and no provision for the interest we're still paying. This claim has been submitted to the insurance company in liquidation (after six months of excruciating paperwork), and at some point will be sent to the court adjudicating the claim. We have heard that they are paying 20% of approved claims at this time. Unfortunately, this will not make much of a dent in our mortage, the balance of which is almost the same as the total claim. Even more unfortunately, the reserves with which we were making that payment have run out. We have been blessed over the years with special gifts and several bequests which have also helped cover the payments, but they too have run out. Our current operating budget and current giving cannot carry this payment. Our lender has told us that loan modifications on commercial loans are very difficult to get and are subject to onerous regulation. We are facing some very hard choices and ask your prayers, donations, and suggestions. Please forward to anyone you think may be interested in our story.

-Written by Linden Malki

Bodies and Buildings and Budgets and God

2009-09-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings Brothers and Sisters:

The following words from Colossians grabbed me while I was praying this morning! They speak very clearly to the times in which we live, and the circumstances we are in! I would invite you to join with me in praying these verses for our church!

KNOWLEDGE - WISDOM - UNDERSTANDING - STRENGTH
ENDURANCE - PATIENCE - JOY - FREEDOM - FORGIVENESS

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,
always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:9-14 (NLT)

As I have been praying about our journey the book, "The Church Without Walls" by Thomas S. Goslin II has reached out and spoken to me!

Consider these quote:

"We wanted to build the body of Christ more than we wanted to build with bricks and mortar." P. 50

"These beloved buildings have become real problems. In the present economic setting we can scarcely afford to build or maintain them. Increasingly the time, money and energy we give to our buildings keep us from our principal ministry: winning adherents for Christ and reaching out in Christ's name to succor 'the lowest, the lonliest and the lost.'" P. 26

"To do this [ministry]effectively, you really don't need to 'meet' anywhere, but you do need to be available to go boldly 'into the world' where the problems exist, and where the power of the Spirit is tremendously needed... Functioning effectively as a gathered, beloved community of God's children, without depending on your own walls, without even a place to call your own, can be a lively and fruitful adventure in the Spirit." P. 67

Take these quotes to your listening room and spend some time with God!
Read the words of Colossians in your listening room!

Ask God to give us His...

KNOWLEDGE - WISDOM - UNDERSTANDING - STRENGTH
ENDURANCE - PATIENCE - JOY - FREEDOM - FORGIVENESS

I love you all and cherish your partnership in this great journey we are taking together!

See you soon,
Paul

2009-08-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

On Sunday the 23rd, 2009 the following ballot measure was approved on a vote of 64-8.

Ballot for Permission to Pursue Selling our Facility and

Following Our Vision of Celebration, Life Groups, and Mentoring

NorthPoint Christian Fellowship

August 23, 2009

The Ministry Board of NorthPoint Christian Fellowship is seeking your permission

to explore the possibility of selling our current facility. We believe in, and are excited about,

our Vision of Celebration, Life Groups, and Mentoring.

We are a spiritually healthy body moving forward with exciting ministry.

However, we must deal with our financial realities.

Our current monthly income of approx $30,000

does not meet our monthly outgo of approx $45,000.

Voting yes on this ballot gives the Ministry Board permission to explore all possibilities.

Any final property decision will be brought back to you,

the members of NorthPoint, for your approval.

Your yes vote on this ballot indicates support for and commitment to this plan and vision.

I would like to thank each and every member of our church who participated in this robust and engaging business meeting. We had what my friend Dave calls, "Fierce Conversation." Some of our brothers showed "extra intensity" during the discussion. This was due, I believe, to their passion for our church, and her Vision. So I encourage that great allowance and tolerance be shown by all, for all.

During the course of our meeting a number of excellent questions were asked that I would like to respond to in this blog. It might help clear up some rumors and misunderstandings that seem to exist. I will also respond to the questions that I believe were behind some of the comments made during our meeting.

Q. "I was asked if it was true that you had resigned."

A. No. God has not called me anywhere else. I still want to see what God can do with this Church in the Inland Empire.

Q. "Are you threatening to resign?"

A. No! I offered my resignation to the Board and the Church in a gesture of submission to God leading. It was the clearest way that I knew to "put everything on the table." We need to be free to do whatever God is leading us to do... with nothing held back! If I caused any doubt or confusion by this act, I apologize.

Q. "What can we sell our building for?" "Is there a buyer in the wings?" "Have you had a secret plan to sell this building all along?"

A. I don't know! No! No! We chose the wording of this ballot very carefully. We asked permission to "explore the possibility of selling our building." We did not want to even begin this type of discussion without the permission and consultation of our congregation. The rumor mill in the I.E. is way to active. A question asked by one person becomes a "done deal" several conversations later. I can argue a great case for staying on the property. I can argue a great case for setting sail and being free to go where God leads us. As we open up all the doors to God, we are eager to see what He will say. I do not know where this journey will end us. This is frightening, exciting, and faith building all at the same time.

Q. "If Cell's are so great why have we shrunk?"

A. Great question. The reading we have done all suggests that it takes 3-5 years to transition a traditional church to the Cell Model. Many churches never make it. Not everyone really wants to pursue an Acts Two style of ministry. Many Christians like attending programs, not being responsible for the ministry that God has given them. It is not uncommon for churches to lose half or more of their membership in the process. We have gone from the 275 range in worship, down to 135, and now we are back on the rise. Last Sunday we had 192 in our parking lot for worship. [Not counting the children.] Some were there for the baptisms. Others might have come because of the Hot August Night Jam. But I believe that we hit bottom at around 135, and are now on our way back up. This time, with our Life Groups and Mentoring in place, there is no limit as to how far the ministry can go. [You can visit www.touchusa.com for an awesome selection of books, downloads, and articles on Cell Church.]

Q. "What is the Board doing?"

A. Linden Malki, our Treasurer, is speaking with Transformation Ministries and asking for assistance. She is working with the Christian Community Credit Union and seeking a loan modification, or relief. We are sharing with the congregation where we are, and asking for their faithful giving and assistance. We are also trusting in a powerful God who has never left us nor forsaken us!

Q. Where is the insurance company in all of this?

A. Gene Zender is our adjuster. He is on the verge of finalizing our claim. He and Linden met for five hours and examined every single bill related to our fire loss. Out of five pages of spread sheets there were ten missing change orders. Gene is meeting with our architect, Bob Duncan, who has a complete set of all the change orders. This is in process. When Gene is done with his report it will be agreed to by us, then sent on to Reliance Insurance Company. They will review and approve it, and then send it to the Bankruptcy Division of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. The court is currently taking between three and six months to review the files and make a decision. The most current information we have suggests that we could receive an initial 20% payment on a claim expected to be approx $2,300,000. That means within six to nine months we should expect $460,000. We have no idea what to expect on the remainder of our claim.

Q. "Our staff should be praying about this." "God could provide this."

A. We completely agree. God could provide everything we need in an instant. We believe in prayer. Each workday our staff begins in the listening room with prayer and sharing. We have asked God to reveal His will to us. We will continue to seek God's face.We must accept that God is speaking to us in the midst of this challenge.

Thoughts:
I appreciate all of the discussion about property and money. It was very important. As I reflected upon the meeting the thought struck me that something even more important than money happened Sunday. The top of the ballet also said, "And following our Vision of Celebration, Life Groups, and Mentoring." We made a very powerful Vision decision on Sunday. We agreed that the ministry of the church was vested in the people of God, not the property where the people meet. It is easy to identify the building as the church. That is not good Biblical thinking. The building is the place where the Body of Christ meets each week. Without the building the Body is still the Body. Without the Body the building is just a building! Christ is present in His people. Church is where two or three gather in the name of Jesus. That can happen absolutely anywhere.

As I said in Sundays sermon...
Remain faithful in your giving, praying and serving. We must do everything that we can do and then trust God to do far more than we have even asked, thought, hoped or imagined! According to the Power of His Holy Spirit at work within us!

I love you all,
Paul

Half Dome

2009-08-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile you need to push yourself. So on Saturday Chris, Jeremy, and I headed off at 7:00am for a bump in Yosemite National Park known as Half Dome. We hiked 16 miles and ascended almost 5,000 vertical feet. The top of Half Dome is approx 8,500 feet. We walked the last couple miles home in the dark. It was an awesome and an exhausting day.

The great lesson learned was persistence. Even if you are sore and tired, persist. You don't need to be the baddest bull in the barn... just don't quit and you will get to your goal!

2009-08-08T23:15:00.001-07:00

Greetings Brothers and Sisters:
It is hard to unpackage all of the things that have been raging in my mind. I have been praying consistently for God's will for our church. I want to say thanks to so many of you who have been lifting us up in prayer to the Master!

I am coming to believe that we are in a serious spiritual battle. It is bigger and more far reaching than I have ever understood before. The evil one crushes churches and pastors in the Inland Empire. Especially San Bernardino. Where are the powerhouse churches of our city? Where are the soul winning, disciple making centers? There are a few, but not enough!!! We are learning a system that is bearing huge fruit around the world. The evil one does not want this spiritual revolution coming to San Bernardino.

Many years ago I prayed that we could build a church.
We had a fire!

When I returned from Sabbatical I began to pray that we could reach our city.
The school went into financial meltdown.

Now I am praying that God will allow us to begin a Kingdom Movement.
We are praying about selling the building.

The more I dream and pray...
the more churning and burning takes place.

We have great worship and Biblical preaching.
There are 150 in church.

We shift our focus to soul winning and disciple making.
People leave because we are not a "deep church."

We begin going inter generational in our Life Groups.
People leave so they can drop there kids off somewhere at a program.

We are building a disciple making culture that is more scripture centered and Christ obeying than anything I have done in 32 years of my Christian faith!
Your a cult!

I have been so very encouraged by Luke 20. The religious people did not like Jesus. Isn't that an amazing thing? They did not like the Apostle Paul either! In fact, authentic Christianity has been fluffing the feathers of the faithful for thousands of years! There is a reason that reformers have become martyrs throughout church history. People who upset the religious status quo must be bought off, shut up, or killed. It is the way of the religious world.

I confess to you all that I am feeling a whole new dimension of fight stirring in my heart. For a long time I thought we we struggling because we were doing something wrong. God has brought me to the point where I realize things are stirred up because we are doing something right. Remember what Jesus said to His followers on the last night of His life!

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the One who sent me. John 15:18-21 (NLT)

So let me encourage you, that we are in good company if people call us crazy for trying to do church the way Jesus and the disciples did it! Religious people didn't like Jesus 2,000 years ago, and the don't like Him any better today! The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Religious Leaders of Luke 20 are alive and well today!

Let me give you one more verse that God has brought to my mind!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

The writer to Hebrews tells us to "strip off every weight that slows us down." I want to win souls and make disciples. I want disciples that are making disciples. Healthy Coaches, Shepherds, Interns, and multiplying Life Groups are the "success measure" of NorthPoint. I am ready to work with anything that God gives us. I am equally ready to say goodbye to whatever is slowing us down and distracting us from the work He has give us. Jesus told us to go into all of the world and make disciples, not build and maintain buildings. If God provides for buildings... praise God. If He does not... praise God. Whatever comes we are going to run the race!

I love you,
keep praying,
keep believing,
Paul

A Great Article Passed on To Me

2009-08-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Now That's a Community Church - Click Here
Make sure to read the Comments

Thanks Jerry

Any Thoughts?

Live a Life that Requires Explanation

2009-07-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

I love my job at the Glass company, I have the privilege of driving all around town listening to sermons on my Ipod and meeting non-Christians (I also do some glass delivery). As I was driving today I was listening to a few sermons by Francis Chan, (Link at Bottom) and they had one of their many missionaries sharing a little in service. One of the things that the missionary said is that we should live a life that requires explanation. The idea is that we should not be living a life that looks "normal" to the world. Our normal should be what the Bible says, and if we are living what the bible says we will look a little strange to the World. But that is what the world needs, most people are sick of the world's ways and are looking for something different.

If your life, or my life, looks like our non-Christian neighbors life, there is a problem. If the only difference is that you go to church on Sunday and they don't, there is still a problem. We should be living a life that people are constantly asking "What's wrong with you, Why do you give so much, why do you love so much, why do you care so much, how can you rejoice in the hard times, how do you have so much peace in stressful situations, how come you don't worry like everyone else, and on and on and on?"

1 Peter 3:13-17 (NLT)
¹³Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?
¹⁴But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.
¹⁵Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
¹⁶But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
¹⁷Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Christ tells us that we are not of this world, we are ambassadors to it, and we are to help bring the kingdom to this world, and we do that by following Christ to the Nth degree.

I love what Francis Chan says in his book Crazy Love. There is no such thing as a Lukewarm Christian. You are either following Christ or not, let us all be on fire, followers of Christ, willing to do whatever He asks of us (no matter how crazy).

What is the craziest thing you have ever heard God call you to?
Are you doing it?
If Not Why not?
If So Tell us About it!!!

Comments?

Cornerstone Church Website

Sermons I listened to Today
Cornerstone Media Player
What do you need in order to be happy
This is the one with the missionary, but they are all good
enCourage Pt 1
enCourage Pt 2
These two really challenged me, How Crazy am I willing to Get for God?

Camp Fun

2009-07-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Jr. High Camp

2009-07-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Camp is great so far, last night the kids shared about some of their life experiences. We had them each answer this question.

Do you ever think about God? What do you think?

And the answers were amazing, some think about him a lot, others only when they are in trouble or need something, and some not really at all. We have a great mix of kids up here and are looking forward to seeing what God is going to do. Here is a list of the kids so that you can be praying for them this week. (pictures to come)

Girls
Leader - Amanda and Katherine
Student Shepherd - Jennifer
Ashley, Cassandra, Destiny, Rebekah, Katherine, Jasmine, Alyssa, Jessica, Anya, Deondrea.

Guys
Leaders- Paul and Chris
Student Shepherd - Austin
Nick, Cody, Dakota, Andre, Mason

Continue to keep us in your prayers as we are up here. Pray that each of us would have an amazing experience with God this week.

See you Sunday

Pastor Chris

Comments?

The Past Week

2009-07-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in the Thousand Pines conference center dining room, reflecting on the previous week. Texas and Waco were amazing, and Wednesday and Thursday were amazing. I heard so many great comments regarding those two nights. We heard from one of our longstanding members, that he had been in the church for many, many years and had never experienced God move the way he did this week. Thursday night we had 3 junior high students walk in at the end of the service and I had a chance to sit and talk with them. They accepted Christ that night and I am pleased to say, are at camp with us this week. Thanks to all of you that helped make that possible. Thank you to all of you that came to our services this week, I hope that you experienced God in the same way that we did.

God Bless
Pastor Chris

Comments?

"Live Simply, Work Diligently, Give Generously" - Jimmy Seibert

Waco Thoughts From Linden Malki

2009-07-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

June 26th, 2009

I will be in church on Sunday; am in Dallas today at my sister-in-law's, flying home tomorrow.

The symposium was unbelievable; the structures we heard described are very familiar. One overriding theme was prayer, without it there is no way to have the strength, power, and wisdom to do what God is calling us to do; another is the understanding that the church (of whatever type) is not ours but the Body and Bride of Christ. (If these seem incompatible, think about the Biblical "one flesh" of a marriage.) Dr Neighbour was adamant that Christ has to be at the center of the church, in all its manifestations, large and small.

The pastors from Africa and Indonesia expressed their gratitude for American and European missionaries, who brought the Gospel and built the foundation that they are now working on. But they are very concerned about the state of both the American church and American society today. One of their observations is that there is "too much democracy", which leads to a disrespect of legitimate and necessary authority, and a dangerous self-centered attitude.

We received a lot of intercessory prayer as well; Wednesday night the presenting pastors prayed for the American pastors, and Thursday night they blessed each of us and gave us a word from God. Most of us, and Paul several times, got prophecies that the worst of our attacks are close to, if not at, an ending, and what He has for us now is peace, joy, and healing, and that we are to look forward and not back.

Linden Malki

Greetings From Tyler

2009-07-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

Gal 2:20

2009-07-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

My old self has been crucified with Christ.
It is no longer I who live,
but Christ lives in me.
So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

This is one of the verses that we spent time on in class. It reminded me of the famous Bonhoeffer quote, "When Jesus Christ calls a man He bids him come and die."

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians 1:21 (NLT)

One of the great calls of the Christian faith is death to self. My goals, my plans, my agenda and my desires all must be put to death so that Christ and His plans can come to fruition.

When we put Christ first in our life a whole new arena of power and fruitfulness will unfold. When we join with our Christian brothers and sisters in authentic community God can do a work of transformation in us like never before. God is looking for people who throw wide the door to their hearts and are ready for anything He wants to teach them, take from them, or do through them.

As silly and simple as it might sound,
God is looking for people who love Him,
know Him,
and are willing to obey Him.

As I am experiencing the 34th day of my fast my prayer is very clear...
Lord, what do you want?
What is your will for our church?
For my life?
For San Bernardino?
Lord, what about the money?
Do we sell the property?
Do you have a financial deliverance for us?
Can we give more?

There are also things that are very clear!
Celebration!
Life Groups!
Mentoring!

Praises:
I thank God for the people God is raising up and giving a passion for our Vision.
We are using a model that can explode in a city
and become home for an unlimited number of people coming to Christ!
I praise God for the many encouraging messages Chris and I have received!!!
Comments like "were in!"
"We are with you!"
"All in!"
"Can't wait till you get back to see what God wants to do!"
"God is already moving here!"

We praise God for what He is doing!

Personal Commitments:
Pray more!
Read the word more!
Spend more time with God!
Witness more!
Spend less time in my office!
Spend less time with Christians!
Get out into our city and connect with unbelievers!

Learning:
People learn what they experience,
not what they hear!
We are going to work on more experiences for ya'all!
The power of multiplication!
Prepare everything for multiplications!
Everything!!!
Preachers, Shepherds, Interns, Mentors, Life Groups, Kids Connection... EVERYTHING!!!
Whatever is happening,
whatever we do,
everybody needs to be training somebody to do their job!

These are some of the smoking hot thoughts that keep going through my head!
Continue to pray for me!

I am eager to be with you!

Blessings,
Paul

Tyler, Texas and San Bernardino, California

2009-07-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you Mike and Mark for your challenging messages these past two Sundays. I am praying for George who will be bringing the word this upcoming Sunday. We are planning to worship twice, first at Green Acres Baptist Church, and then at my cousin Karen's church.

As I have driven around Tyler, Texas I have once again marveled at the power of the Christian church in this part of the country. Green Acres has bought houses all around their church, which already has 14,000 members, and is building a $32,000,000 convention center and multi story parking structure. There are other great churches all around the town. In fact, you pass dozens of large, strong churches as you move about the city. And their are only 97,000 citizens in Tyler. There are more in the surrounding cities. When I think of the churches in San Bernardino, with a population of 207,000, compared to the churches in Tyler, there is honestly no comparison. San Bernardino is not a city committed to their churches.

What is the difference. Church in Tyler is at the center of the community life. On Sunday morning people get up, get dressed, grab their Bible and head to church. Whatever else people do in their lives is scheduled around their commitment to Church and worshiping with His body!

Let me say that again...
people schedule the other activities of life around their commitment to Christ and His church.
Other activities are wonderful. Vacations, sports, work, school and recreation are wonderful activities so long as they dwell under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

When things keep us from our walk and service to Christ they are idolatrous and sinful.

What would San Bernardino look like if there were ten thousand people at NorthPoint leading a thousand Life Groups around the city? What would our schools be like if the teachers, administrators, and government officials all had deep and commited relationships with Jesus Christ? What about the other areas of community service? What if every department of our government was committed to Christ and this was reflected in all that they did?

How does this happen?

One soul at a time!
One Shepherd at a time!
One multipled Life Group at a time!
One decision to attend Celebration at a time!
One Mentoring session at a time!
One prayer and devotion time at a time!
One prayer meeting at a time!
One retreat at a time!
One tithe check at a time!

Kingdom growth and community transformation are huge things, and very small things!
We get so freaked out by the scope of the challenge,
that we forget the solution is found one small step at a time!

I am having a great time with my family in Tyler,
but I am ready to get busy and reach San Bernardino!

See you soon,
Paul

Pictures of Class With Joel and Ralph

2009-07-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Live Simply, Work Diligently, Give Generously

2009-07-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

We had a chance yesterday to sit with Jimmy Siebert, the pastor of Antioch Community Church in Waco, Tx. They are a church of about 2300 that has planted over 40 churches nationwide and send 200 Short term missions teams every year. As we began to talk the topic of money came up, and we asked how they fund all of their trips. He shared the following with us.

They ask everyone going on a trip to live by these three things, and I would believe it is expected as a general principle of life.

Live Simply:
Ralph Neighbor says it this way, "Live simply so others may simply live." Antioch has this painted on one of their main walls in their entry way to the auditorium. We as American's like stuff, and stuff takes time and money. We all need to learn to live more simply. They request that all their students and adults going on a mission trip have a garage sale, to help simplify their life and raise money for their mission trip. They also have a "No Debt" policy with the staff and church, which encourages people to live within their means. Living simply may also mean eating out less, walking instead of driving, or any other way of simplifying things.

Work Diligently:
In a society of entitlement, we a have a me attitude. As Christians we need to learn to work as if we are working for God. So in whatever we do we need to work diligently. They encourage their Mission Trippers to look for extra work or second jobs to help finance their ministry. We all need to work diligently. Something that hit me in the book of Genesis was that God gave Adam a job before sin came into play. His job was to look after the animals and name them. Work is good. If you don't have the capability to work in the public sector ask God to show you what you can be doing to work diligently in the Kingdom.

Give Generously:
Jimmy shared that one of the most amazing things is, seeing how the different missionaries all raising money give to one-another. As we sat at the Church under the bridge with many of the poor and impoverished of the city it was amazing to me as the offering came around and they all dug deep to give to the work of God. Jimmy Dorral, the pastor of the Church under the Bridge, shared a story with us. They do a poverty simulation and they send guest groups of kids from all over the country out onto the streets of Waco with limited supplies for a weekend (They sleep in a gated in area). One group of the kids were out on the street and could not figure out how to get some food. When one of the homeless in city came upon them he asked,"what are you guys doing?" They responded that they were doing a poverty simulation and were on the streets and hungry. The homeless man then went downtown, gave a pint of his blood, and bought the kids lunch with the money. That is Generosity!

What do you all think are some ways that we can Live More Simply, Work More Diligently, and Give More Generously?

God Bless You in Your Journey
Pastor Chris

Comments?

2009-06-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

WOW:

I wish you all could have been with us these last two days. Dr. Joel Comiskey, PH.D. from Fuller Seminary and author of numerous cell church books has been our teacher. My brain is smoking.

Joel took us through approx 20 Power Point presentations that covered every imaginable facet of Cell Church life. We talked about prayer, preaching, multiplication, coaching, evangelism, and church planting. The awesome thing is that Joel gave us each of these presentations along with permission to use them in teaching our own churches. That means Chris and I will be bringing what we learned back to share with all of you.

I have been very challenged in my spirit these past eight days. One of the profound thoughts came from Dion Robert. He spoke about God the Father and spiritual authority. Then Harold Weitz spoke about the position of Christ and prayer.

We asked the speakers why God was moving powerfully around the world, but not very much in America. Around the world demons are cast out, sick people are healed and thousands are coming to Christ. Why don't we see these things in America.

The answer that came to this question from our speakers was powerful and prophetic.

#1. Americans don't pray. Around the world the church spends hours a week praying for the lost. Not in America! Cell Shepherds pray diligently for their flock. And the cell gives themselves to prevailing prayer for their lost friends.

#2. Americans are caught up in individuality, spiritual democracy and have no respect or obedience for spiritual authority! If Americans hear something from their leaders that they don't like they just move to a new church. And most Americans go to church to "get their needs met" not to meet the needs of others.

#3. Priorities... Most Americans cram their lives with stuff and things to do. The cause of Christ is at the bottom of the list. In Africa, Asia and South America people line up for the privilege of serving their Savior! He died for them, and He owns them. There is no negotiation.

Ben Wong from Hong Kong said it straight out, "I weep for the American church. You sent us missionaries who gave us the gospel. But now you need the gospel. You need the fire to come back into the American church!"

The challenge was prophetic and alarming... but their was good news.

We are on the right track. As we studied church after church that are advancing the Kingdom of God the message was so consistent.

The Word, Prayer, Celebration, Life Groups, Mentoring, Upward, Inward, Outward, and Forward. Oikos evangelism, giving and serving. Exodus 18, Ephesians 4 and Acts 6. Spiritual Gifts and hard work!

The past eight days have been a radical affirmation of the Vision that has been evolving at NCF ever since I read my first Cell book in January of 2006. I owe thanks to Jim Woolard who first challenged my thinking with the concept of Cell Church. God has now brougth that introduction to fruitation.

Having listened to the fathers of the movement for the past eight days I can tell you with complete confidence and assurance that we are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing. Robert Lay in Brazil has coached 14,000 pastors in the Year of Equipping that we are following. Werner Kneisel in Switzerland has built the largest protestant church in Lucerne with the German version of the Ralph Neighbour Year of Equipping.

We have the right vehicle! Now it is , time to drive it! I don't care if we have a building, or not. I don't care if I have a church paid salary, or not. We are going to Celebrate, Mentor, and meet in Life Groups. We are going to see people experience Jesus as they come together and form Christ's Basis Bodies. We are going to see souls won, disciples made and the devil on the run in the Inland Empire and beyond! Pastors will be called and churches will be planted. I don't care if it happens in my back yard, or the park.

Last Sunday we worshiped outside, under a freeway overpass, in 105 degree weather with over 200 people. The childrens building was a ratty trailor and the worship was punctuated by semi's going by overhead. We sat on metal chairs and drove up over the curb to park in the dirt. When I thought about what was going on at the same time on our seven acre property, padded pews, air conditioning, great preaching and awesome worship, multi roomed childrens buildings, and 115 in worship, I was ashamed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How dare we do so little with so much!
May God forgive us...

I dare not write any more...

Pray for me.

Your brother in Christ,
Paul

A Message for The Church

2009-06-29T14:31:00.001-07:00

It's Simple: Prayer and Spoude

2009-06-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

We are sitting in class with Joel Comiskey and the last topic has really hit me. We are talking about the combination of qualities that lead to success in life, ministry, and Life Groups. The two that came up as the top things are Prayer and Spoude.

Prayer: We are only as strong as our weakest members. We all need to be in prayer we all need to be building a personal relationship with God. I had a church member last week tell me that God had given him a word. "We as an army will not win the war, if each of our individual soldiers keep losing their battles." We all need to be in prayer and relationship with God. Fight On!

Spoude: (σπουδή, spoudē) "haste, zeal, diligence, hard Work. Sometimes it just takes hard work. As Dion Robert said this week, "it is simple - Just Do It." We need to be diligent and continue to do what we are supposed to be doing. We need to be inviting people to group, connecting with people outside of group, sharing our faith, and ministering in the way that God wants us to minister.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
⁹So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Luke 16:9-13 (NLT)
⁹Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.
¹⁰“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
¹¹And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?
¹²And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?
¹³“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Passivity never pays off. God will match our effort, but he will never do our work for us. He wants us to be assertive and active, seeking and knocking on the door of life. . . the “wicked and lazy” servant was passive. He did not try. God’s grace covers failure, but it cannot make up for passivity. We have to do our part. The sin God rebukes is not trying and failing, but failing to try. Trying, failing, and trying again is called learning. Failing to try will have no good result; evil will triumph.

(Cloud and Townsend in Boundaries-Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992), pp. 99-10

So I would encourage you to set your sights on Prayer and Spoude!

Pray as if it is up to God, and Work as if it is up to you!

God Bless,
Pastor Chris

Comments?

2009-06-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday June 25, 2009

As I sit and listen to Dion, Mario, Harold, Bill, Eddy, Ralph, and Robert share, my heart is pounding and screaming out, YES!!!

These men lead well over a million believers on a weekly basis.

There is a common model.

Large group worship with Biblical preaching. [Celebration]
Cell groups of some form. [Life Groups]
Discipleship in 2's and 3's. [Mentoring]

Bathe it all in prayer and stay focused
UPWARD, INWARD, OUTWARD, AND FORWARD!!!

Dion Robert has 4,000 cells in the city of Abijan, Africa.
Eddy Leo has 150 preachers who lead 75 worship services that meet in hotels all around Indonesia.
Mario Vega only has a 5,000 seat auditorium with six services on Sunday, and one on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The Cells then meet all over San Salvador, El Salvador!
Robert Lay is working with multiple denominations in Brazil and helping them transition into the cell model. [14,000 churches]

One of the men shared about being in "a country" with Sunni, Shiite, and Assyrians. As he trained them to plant house churches and took communion they cried and wept as brothers in Christ!!!!!

God is doing some amazing things.

And God wants to do it in San Bernardino!!!

As I listen to these men of God the spirit is confirming our direction. Our issue in San Bernardino is very simply a spiritual one. We need believers to believe, obey, and live their faith. Then the lost will be saved and we will have an awesome opportunity to disciple a new generation of Kingdom multipliers!!!!!

Keep praying for us,
we love you,
Paul

What A Day!!!

2009-06-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

As Zoe and Shannon are sitting on our bed in the hotel room reading her children's Bible I have been unwrapping my mind from the events of the day. Today was another amazing day at the Cell Symposium. God is encouraging, uplifting, and challenging us like never before. God has opened up experiences for us to have amazing conversations with Godly people.

Tonight Mario Vega the pastor of Elim Church challenged us as pastors to set the example. He basically said that if the congregation lacks fire it is the pastors who lack fire. We as the pastors are not just to impart knowledge, and wisdom, but also the fire and urgency of the Gospel. We were both encouraged and challenged. At the end of the evening all of the pastors from overseas came and laid hands on each of the American pastors that were looking for fresh annointing, and God moved in some amazing ways.

Another amazing thing is that Zoe has been sick for two days now. She has not been able to eat due to sores in her mouth. During the prayer time I took her to Pastor Dion and he prayed for her, when I returned to the table she ate Chex mix with no problem, and then at dinner she ate all kinds of food including marinara sauce that 4 hours earlier would have caused her so much pain that she would have cried in anguish. Praise God for His healing touch.

After the Symposium we went to dinner at IHOP, one of the few places to eat this late at night. After we had just sat down, at a table in the back room, we saw Pastor Dion Robert and his translator enter the restuaraunt. Pastor Paul approached him and asked if he would join us. He agreed joyfully. We then had the opportunity to sit with this man and his partner in ministry at dinner for about 2 hours and listen to him share with us, dialogue our experiences and close in an amazing time of prayer. He shared with us the power of the Church as an army. The danger of democracy, and the power of authority God has given the Church. He shared personal stories, one of his first daughter, at 1 year of age she died, dead long enough for her skin to begin to rot, and through prayer was raised from the dead, and still has the scars to prove it.

He invited us to Africa and gave his word to come preach in San Bernardino. He told Pastor Paul, that if an american pastor called him and wanted to preach to 5o,000 people, as long as he knew by thursday, that pastor could preach to that group on Saturday in a special gathering of the believers. Can you imagine motivation of believers at that level.

They are having a huge gathering the first week of August that would be amazing to attend, I would love to see God work in that way. The sick are being healed, the demon possessed are set free, the multitudes are coming into a relationship with Christ.

I am so humbled after sitting with a man that leads 195,000 people in the body of Christ, that was willing to sit and share a meal with us, willing to pray a blessing for us and our church, and that the spirits of the evil one would be cast from our city.

Praise God For An Amazing Day, I know there is more to come.

Church, this is only the beginning of what God wants to do. Keep up the fight while we are away.

God Bless
Pastor Chris

Dion Robert and Mario Vega

www.cellsymposium.com

Our Group At Waco

2009-06-24T11:40:00.001-07:00

From Left to Right: Chris Reinhard, Nathan Pawling, Margaret Cox, Jennifer Alvarez, Chris Alvarez, Linden Malki, Paul Reinhard, Karen Reinhard. (Not Pictured - Shannon and Zoe Reinhard)

Wednesday in Waco Day Two of Symposium

2009-06-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

WOW:

We met at 6:15 AM with the symposium speakers for prayer. It was a time of sharing and spontaneous teaching before a powerful time of prayer.

1. If you don't win it in the heavenlies... it won't happen on earth. If you don't win it in the heavenlies, you won't see the victory on earth.

2. Prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer!!!

3. America needs the fire back. We were the sending agency for the world, and the Christian nations of the world are grateful, but now when they come back, they are sad by what they see in our country.

IN THE SESSION:
God really changed the agenda... we had a powerful time of worship and prayer.

God has given me three specific words from three different people in three different places this morning!!!!!!!

1. We are on the right track, and need to persist, and be patient.

2. You are in your nine months of pregnancy, and the birth is coming... you will give birth.

3. The surgery is over. The big rocks have all been moved. Now it is time for the wound to heal, and for the stitches to close so no infection gets back in. It will take some time, love the people. The healing is happening.

From the sessions:
PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY
PERSONAL DEVOTIONS PERSONAL DEVOTIONS
THE WORD - PRAYER - THE WORD - PRAYER - THE WORD - PRAYER
DO LIFE TOGETHER IN AUTHENTIC CELLS
MENTOR MENTOR MENTOR MENTOR
WIN SOULS WIN SOULS WIN SOULS WIN SOULS WIN SOULS

The issue is Christ and His Kingdom. Not buildings or budgets. Get jobs if necessary. Sell buildings if necessary. They are not the issue!!! They are not the church!!! They are not the Kingdom of God!!!

The American church is undisciplined and spoiled with no fear of God, belief in the supernatural, or respect for authority. Democracy is the curse of the church. Everybody thinks they can just do what they want. What we need is the fear of the Lord and obedience to His word!

Have a plan for making disciples... Of leaders interviewed at Fuller Seminary
90% learned leadership in a mentoring relationship
10% learned leadership in a Cell Group
0% learned leadership in large group

You are in a war!!! You are in a battle!!! You have an enemy!!! Take up the supernatural weapons of your warfare!!! Get into battle with the enemy!!! God has equipped us to win!!!

Dion Robert said:

It doesn't matter if you are in Asia, Africa, South America etc.

God is God
Man is Man
Satan is Satan
Figure out what works in your world and get busy!!!
Make disciples, win souls, serve God!!!
Stop being choked by your culture!!!

1 Peter 2:9 (NASB-U)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

It is time to remember who we are and our calling... which is to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness!

Keep praying for us as we soak up the awesome teaching that God is giving us!

We love you,
Paul and the Waco Wanderers

Cell Symposium Session 1

2009-06-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

We have just completed the first session of the Cell Symposium. It is amazing hearing these guys all share. It has been a blessing meeting all of the guys. They are very humble, simple quiet men, who lead 100’s of thousands of people in the body of Christ. The main thing that kept coming up is the idea of prayer. Every single one of them really emphasized the need for prayer and spiritual warfare. Here are a couple of great quotes from the first session.

One of them quoted E.M. Bounds “if you are not praying you cannot call yourself a Christian.”

Jimmy Seibert – “At 20 minutes of devotions a day I can barely stay out of sin. We must spend serious time in prayer. A couple of hours a day of devotional prayer or quiet time. “

Dion Robert - If you are going to lead the church you need to lead the church as an army. If you are going to save souls you need to be willing to engage the enemy with the army. If you want to control a nation you must control the spirits over that nation.

Bill Smith - We will not place anyone in leadership that does not have an active prayer life.

Mario Vega - Church is a royal priesthood, to be in prayer and intercession. Focus on personal prayer in cell's. The first step to seeing the great commission fulfilled is to pray. Ask God who owns the harvest to send workers into the field.

More to Come as the Symposium Continues…

God Bless

Pastor Chris

Is the church closing?

2009-06-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

Waco, TX. Monday June 22, 2009

The San Bernardino rumor mill is churning and burning with the buzz that NCF is closing up shop.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus said, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it!" And "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst."

We have a growing number of people in mentoring.
We have a growing number of people in Life Groups.
And we have a growing number of new people joining us in Celebration.
The CHURCH is doing just fine!

The better questions are...
Where will the church be meeting?
Is our building too expensive for our church?
Will our pastors be working secular jobs to earn a living?
Will people get their financial houses in order and learn to tithe, not tip God?
What is God saying to us?
Where is God leading us?
How are we going to get there?

Yesterday marked the 21st day of my fast. The first week was water only. Since then I have added juice [mostly vegetable] to keep my energy up. I am walking and swimming and feel awesome. It is amazing how a glass of vegetable juice acts like jet fuel to a fasting body. I feel led to fast through the Symposium. I want to be as open to what God is saying as I can be!!!

As I have fasted God has given me an amazing peace. As I study churchs of one thousand, ten thousand and over one hundred thousand, meeting around the world in parks, fields, rented space and warehouses, I have been struck with the simplicty of the gospel and the early church model. We Americans need huge and fancy buildings to energize, awe and entertain us. Maybe we are in love with the buildings because they replace for us the reality of being authentic Christain bodies. The church around the world needs a fragment of scripture, the Spirit of God and one or two brothers or sisters to declare the reality of the church and enjoy worshipping in Christ's presence.

So I declare to you that the CHURCH is just fine. And I am eager to continue our process of soul winning and disciple making. We will meet and worship with a building, or without one. With a paid staff, or without one. With the expected trappings of American religion, or without it.

None of the churches, doing church the traditional way, have profoundly impacted San Bernardino. The biggest churches in San Bernardino are only impacting a few hundred. There are thousands of people in San Bernardino who need Christ. God has given us the model for reaching them. Enjoy the Journey... your brother in Christ, Paul

Cell Symposium

2009-06-21T22:50:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

We have just arrived in Waco, Tx had a nice dinner and are now hanging out at the hotel. It is tough getting used to the time change. We are really looking forward to the symposium and will keep you updated through this blog site. If you have any questions about what is going on feel free to leave comments or questions on the blog. We will be praying for all of you as we are here, and we look forward to hearing God speak into our situation as we are here.

God Bless

Pastor Chris