Spiritual Renewal Sunday

Today was an amazing day. There was a wonderful spirit all around the church and I was very thankful to have Pastor Ricky speaking today. He did an amazing job. He has a ton of passion and his excitement is contagious. Some of the truths he brought out really had an impact on me. I hope they had an impact on you as well.

One point that really stood out to me was the idea of Moses having to lay down his staff and how hard that might have been for him. Sometimes we get attached to things that are good, but that are not God and we begin to place value on them that go beyond their worth. It may be a job, a house, a car, some techno gadget, a relationship, or even a position that we take pride in and are afraid to give up. When that happens, that thing, whatever it may be, becomes our functional savior. We tell ourselves that we must have it to be safe and successful.

God told Moses to throw his staff down and when he did, it became a snake and Moses ran from it. Sometimes the thing that God gives us to do and use for His glory is scary. It may be a calling to forgive, to love, or to serve in a way that you do not feel qualified or even care to. God has no fear and He also knows what is best. We must learn to trust Him.

God then has Moses pick the snake up by the most dangerous part of the snake - the tail. If Moses had picked it up by the neck, he would have been able to control it. By picking it up by the tail as God commanded Moses was showing faith and also learning that God's work depends on God and we will not be able to be in control. This was an important lesson because Moses had a huge fight ahead of him with Pharaoh. This is a huge lesson for us as well because God wants us to be like Paul and say, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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" (Philippians 3:12-14).

God wants us to be committed to walking closely with Him no matter what and moving forward in His grace.

Pastor Jason

Joy

My name is Tom Noser, and I have been a member of Living Hope for several years. I first visited when the worship center was what we now call the Fellowship Hall, would attend the worship service, receive good teaching, and then leave. In a large church, anonymity is easy to achieve. God (gently) worked on my reticence and stubbornness, such that I eventually became more involved in small groups and ABF classes. What a blessing that has been. Though I can’t tell you the exact date I became a member, I was baptized on Christmas Eve, 2003.



The day of worship, teaching, and service was one of emotions. Given my choice, I’ll deal with those bringing joy.

I knew that Kay (Edwards) would be sharing her testimony regarding the Singles Ministry, and how God is using that to work in her life and the lives of others. I can confirm everything she shared. In my time of involvement in our ABF Singles class and small groups, I have witnessed God caring for us in amazing ways. Many of us (not all!) have come from broken situations, where marriages and families have been torn apart. Please understand; we believe in marriage. In spite of our shortcomings, we believe in God’s sovereignty and His love for us. God is growing our numbers, and more importantly, God is restoring, teaching, nurturing, and growing us. It is a genuine treat to be part of a group of people who care so much for one another.

Jason welcomed us this morning with something like “Thanks for bringing the church here this morning.” While I know we are in a series of sermons about our faith, it is good & affirming to again hear that we are the church. I look forward to learning more this year about simply being the church – being the people God has ordained us to be, walking in the good works which God has prepared beforehand (see Ephesians 2:10). When Christ returns to claim His church, He will not be here for the building and the bus, but for us, and the Bride of Christ needs to be spotless and perfect.

As Jason dealt with the uniqueness of the Christian faith this morning, I was reminded of something we covered in our ABF class recently. It is quite common that topics we cover in our class closely dovetail with Jason’s teachings. Matt Haste, substituting for Sean Latham while he was on a two week mission trip to South Africa (I told you our ABF was a good place to be; next week Trenda Wilcox is off to Honduras), was dealing with the topic of salvation. My understanding of what Jason said this morning is that New Testament Christianity teaches that God is holy, and became one of us to make us holy, and to save us. That is unique. Jesus is the only one who is both God and man; Jesus paid the price to save us. My understanding – for us to be acceptable in God’s sight, we must be perfect, and that can only occur if we are 1) forgiven, and 2) covered by Christ’s righteousness. Accepting Christ’s sacrifice in our place removes our sin guilt, and replaces it with the righteousness of Christ. Wow, what a gift, and only Jesus, the only one who was God & man, can do that.

Jason’s discussion of two seeming conflicts – that God is in complete control, and yet we are responsible for our choices – also struck a chord with me. We live in a world of “it’s not my fault; it’s not my responsibility”, but that’s not God’s view, as I understand it. God is in control, complete control. God is sovereign, but once saved we have a responsibility to walk in the good works which God has prepared beforehand. Ephesians 2:10 does not tell us to “sit” in those good works. Things will happen, bad things – cancers, deaths, divorce, unemployment … the list goes on – but Romans 8:35-39 tells us that in spite of all those things, essentially, nothing will separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Are we sure God will see us through? Philippians 1:6 answers that – “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

One more thought of the joy-bringing nature that Jason brought to us – for those in Christ, we have the promise of life now and eternally. Only Christ rose from the dead; our Savior is alive! Our Christian faith teaches that truth, as I understand it, but that gift of everlasting life must be accepted personally.

What I have discovered is that I don’t have to wait until I am called home to enjoy life to the full. In the ABF and small group “family”, I have people who genuinely care for and love me, who are concerned about my temporal & eternal welfare, and that of others. Perhaps that is what “simply being the church” is all about.

Worship The King

Paula and I have been members of Living Hope since 2005. Our sons Seth and Patrick are members as well by letter of transfer. Austin is our oldest child and is still a member of First Baptist Church in Hodgenville while attending college at WKU. I have been involved with the Tech Ministry as a Sound Tech from the time we joined the church. I had been part of a Tech Ministry prior to coming to Living Hope. I also serve in the Personal Finance Ministry and on the Parent Leadership Team of the student ministry. Paula and I are members of an ABF and small group.

I would like to start this conversation with some thoughts about the Worship Service. I struggle to express how much this hour means to me and the impact it has on my life. It is the culmination and yet the beginning of my walk each week with God. I reflect on how awesome our God is as we sing praises to the King. The words of the songs prepare my heart for the message and connect me to the body of Christ as only the Holy Spirit can do. I serve in the Tech Ministry with the purpose of supporting the efforts necessary to provide this experience. Each of us that serve, with the gifts God has given us, realizes the contribution we offer to the moments of the service that touch our sensibilities. From the singing and music to the video, graphics, and lighting, artistry is created that exalts our Lord and praises His holiness. These scenes are then captured by camera and CD to be made available after the service and published on the web for others to experience. The modern technology we use and the dedicated people that operate it help to provide a level of excellence in the presentation of the gospel. This presentation brings about a connection with the daily lives we lead during the week with the fullness of the living God who created this world we are traveling through. For me, as I participate with the worship team, I am able to exalt the God who created me, praise the God who loves me, and acknowledge the God who came to me through his son Jesus. If these words capture your heart with a calling to serve, there is a place for you in the many opportunities available through the Worship Ministry.

We worshipped the King today through the Lord’s Supper. I am always humbled during this time of reflection over the sacrifice Jesus made for me. As we sang the words of Rescue, I am awakened again to how “this world has nothing for me”.

The special music leading into the sermon today connected so well for me with the message. As Jon sang the words about the “fear that tears at our words”, I came face to face with that person whom we all know. That person for whom “time is not their friend” and “as we dance around the truth” we realize this might be our last chance to save their life. I know this may be over-playing the phrases of the song. But, we hear this music in our cars and homes every day and to have it performed within the context of a message changes its impact.

Jason encouraged me concerning the impact I have with others from Acts 2:14-28 with the story of Peter. A fisherman who left everything he knew and possessed to follow a man that he later came to realize was God. Yet after this revelation, he denied Jesus three times. But Jesus knew Peter’s destiny would not end with those moments. Peter is later found by Jesus to be forgiven, healed, and emboldened through the Holy Spirit to open the Kingdom of God to the world. I see the hope that only Jesus can restore when the “Accuser” tells us we have failed beyond any possible redemption.

Jason challenged me with Peter’s testimony to know the word of God as he did. To be able to express my faith with a resolve and confidence that leaves no doubts about what is truth and what is not. His illustration of the Holy Spirit expanding our lives similar to how he filled the balloon with air left me examining my life for that spiritual growth.

As the service ended in prayer with Beth singing “there is something about that name”, I realized that my hope is not of this world but is in knowing the name and person of Jesus.

My hope in leaving this article with you is that you can see how God works through the men and women of the Worship Ministry to bring revelation to the service. If you are someone that has a desire to contribute to this ministry, there are many ways to offer service. Opportunities exist for participation in the music or serving behind the scenes with the technical and administrative staff. Come and be a part of a team that supports our experiences as we worship the King.

Chris Jones is 23 years old and has been saved by grace since 2005 and a member of LHBC since early 2006. He is married to Brittney Jones, his beloved gift from God.



After listening to Jason’s sermon and taking extensive notes, I came away with much in the form of a single yet weighty truth, the propitiation of Christ. Jason inspired me to go back and reexamine this essential doctrine of the Church more closely, and to plumb its depths. Thanks Jason!

Although Jason did not name the word “propitiation” in his sermon (to my memory, which is often in error!), he did explain its meaning and thus define it in reference to its usage for Christ (1 Jn. 2:2; 4:10, Rom. 3:24-26) and for atonement in the O.T.. Jason basically said that the example in the O.T. sacrifices and in the N.T. fulfillment is that Christ completely satisfied the just demands of a holy God for judgment on sin by His death on the cross. God, in foreseeing the cross, is declared righteous in forgiving sins in the O.T. period as well as in justifying sinners under the new covenant (Rom. 3:25-26). Hallelujah!

What a wonderful truth! The Gospel of Jesus Christ and it preached makes my heart flutter and melt within me, my Spirit cries out in worship and approval, my inner man dances! I must exclaim with the Seraphim in Isaiah's vision, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isa. 6:3 NASB) I must also echo the words of Isaiah in the midst of that same vision, “Woe is me, for I am ruined!” The revelation of Jesus Christ as put forward in the Gospel provokes two reactions from me, reverence and ruin. Reverence because He is Holy and ruin because I am not. This I have come to see, that He is utterly unlike me, but rather set apart, and there is nothing to compare Him with.

It is never a statement of, “God is love so He will save everyone,” but rather “God is love so He must condemn sin and punish.” If God is love, then He must hate sin, indeed, He does and hates all those who sin (Psalm 5). It would be contrary to say that I loved babies but did not simultaneously hate abortion, in the same way God has a holy hatred against all that is sin. Thus God put to death Jesus Christ, who fully became sin for us and fully satisfied the wrath due sinners, putting on display His greatness in holy Love. It is never “why does God send people to hell?” but rather “why hasn’t God sent everyone to hell? Why does God save anyone at all?” The answer is so that His name will be glorified and exalted. Do you see the cost?! It cost Him His Son, Christ crucified! In light of what Christ has done, that is, dying under the wrath of a holy God smitten and afflicted for the punishment of sin (Isaiah 53), God’s name is glorified and exalted. God has left no room for questions, He has vindicated Himself, He is just and the justifier of wicked, wretched, sinful people by the substitution of Christ. He has not left sin unpunished nor has He violated His righteousness by merely forgiving sinners (Rom. 3:24-26). Having come to grasp with this truth at my conversion four years ago, and then having it reiterated to me in Jason’s sermon, God has shown me once again what it is to be forgiven much. Sin is hatred of God in Christ Jesus, and it is a horrific offense against Him, worthy of the strictest censor. Yet in His mercies He has shown me the grievousness of my transgression, the great price at which I am purchased, the depth of forgiveness that I have been given in Christ Jesus, and the worthiness of Him who was slain to receive the reward of His suffering, that is, GLORY and HONOR!

Convicted to Pray

By: Todd White

Todd and his wife Robin volunteer in the children's ministry. They live in Allen county with teenage sons Sam and Will. All four are Living Hope members.

God’s Holy Spirit convicted me today through Pastor Jason’s words. I know I’m not alone. I usually keep it a secret, but let’s don’t. If God spoke to you today, tell Pastor Jason, or someone else, or leave a comment on this blog.

God convicted me today about prayer. Like you, I know the importance of prayer. And, like the Pharisees, I never miss my prayer-times. But you know, I take it for granted. Am I the only one? I throw the phrase away—“I’ll be praying for you.” Or “ya’ll be sure to pray for me.” Do you do it too? Sometimes my prayers are less like a conversation or a petition and more like a quick review of a do-to list. Just like Pastor Jason said last week about filling out my sermon sheet, sometimes I’m in a hurry to get through my prayer-time and say “That’s done. Now I can do the next thing.” How amazing that the great God Who created the universe and sustains life and engineers circumstance wants me to come to Him as His child in prayer and I take that for granted!

God reminded me today that prayer is the only real work I can do. The best Sunday School lesson I can prepare—the best music Pastor Benny can arrange—the best mission trip the congregation can organize—its just so much busy-work unless grounded before, during and after with prayer.

Did you hear Mrs. Cindy Starr in the baptism video of young Miles Robinson say to the Dad “What an answer to your biggest prayer!” I bet I’m not the only one touched by that. Did you hear Pastor Jason say “do you know anyone ever saved without earnest prayer from others who love them?” Did you see Pastor Jason point to a lady in the 8:00 am service and say “she just told me that she knows you’ve been praying for her. Are you aware of the times people have been praying for you?” I know I’ve had people in my life who love me, who were worried about me who spent their precious prayer time earnestly entreating God for my sake. I know it. And I know I’m not often praying for others, the way I know others have prayed for me.

God convicted me with Pastor Jason’s words about the amount of fear and anger I’ve wasted on the economy and government compared with how much I’ve prayed. I’ve been worried about what the Federal Reserve might do instead of waiting for what the Father will do. I’ve been afraid of what Congress is doing instead of resting in what God has done.

God convicted me of these things and I’m responding by asking Him to help me pray aright. I’m asking Him to help me commit to praying not just for my family’s health but for our relationship with Him. I’m committing to praying not just for my pastors but for our congregation—not just for our nation’s economy but for her spiritual revival—for her salvation.

And I’m asking you for something. Sincerely asking. Please pray for the Children’s Ministry. There are so many at Living Hope who volunteer to teach the children who come here. They love it. They are very intentional about it. Frankly, they are good at it. Statistically the best chance of reaching anyone with the good news of Jesus Christ is while they are young. Pray that God will continue to save children through this ministry. Pray that the volunteers will be energized and empowered by His Holy Spirit. Pray that the children saved here will grow and mature and persevere and tell others. Pray that each of us will trust and obey.

True Hope

Emily Cassetty has been calling Living Hope home for about twelve years. She came to know Christ as a teenager in the youth group at Living Hope and was baptized at Living Hope as well. She met her husband Matt at Living HOpe and they both dearly love raising their children within this church family. Emily has served everywhere from the church nursery to preschool to Financial Peace University in the past and currently serve in the high school ministry, with the women's ministry leadership team, and she leads a women's Bible study on Thursday evenings. Emily and Matt also adore their small group that we have been apart of for three years now. They both rejoice at how the Living Hope Body of Christ has loved them so well, given them so much, and walked alongside them through the happiest and most devastating times of their life and they are just grateful to be able to give back in any way we can!

As the worship hour began today, a video was played featuring a brother in Christ sharing his testimony of what his small group means to him. I was nodding in agreement with his every word, as my mind filled with images of all the times our small group has blessed us and rallied around us closer than brothers. Although my husband and I met in the youth group many years ago here at Living Hope, I am not sure we understood the concept of a true church family until we joined our small group in 2005. In the almost four years we have spent together, our group has endured the high highs of new babies, job promotions, cured illnesses, and baptisms. We have also weathered the low lows of scary medical diagnoses, funerals, grief, and financial strain. In times when true extended family either could not or would not come alongside, our group has held together as the body of Christ, meeting whatever needs we can and consistently standing in the gap in prayer for one another.

I looked around our church this morning and wondered how many of our brothers and sisters do not yet know the blessing of being plugged into a small group, ABF, or Bible study. I am so excited about all the new small groups and studies that are available to those who might feel as disconnected as we did in those years before we took the leap of faith to step out of our comfort zone and into the homes of fellow believers, that we might grow in Christ and give to others. Last fall, I had the incredible privilege of leading a women's Bible study for the first time. At first, I was more than a little intimidated by the task set before me. But now, I cannot imagine my Thursdays without my sisters. It is such a precious gift, each semester, to witness the transformation as our little group of women becomes less like strangers and more like sisters. We, too, share our highs and our lows, as we seek God's voice together. As iron sharpens iron, we challenge each other to draw closer to Christ and to press on in our individual pursuit of His glory. For just a little while, once the work day is done, the children are fed and the family is settled for the evening, we have the incredible privilege of coming together as women simply seeking their God. Some work outside the home, some do not. Some are married, some are not. Some are mothers of small children, some have never had children, and others are adjusting to life with an empty nest. No job title or phase in life defines us on Thursdays. We are just sisters sharing the hope that's been given to us.

Perhaps our nation's economic state has you worried or maybe you've lost someone you loved or maybe, just maybe this is actually a very joyful season for you. Wouldn't you like to have a family to share that with? There are small groups, Bible studies, and Adult Bible fellowships designed for your specific place in life. It won't be the same without you! It is awesome to see our physical building expand, but I cannot imagine that anything would delight the heart of God more than seeing an actual body of believers grow and come together in His name. Sunday mornings are great, it's true. But the church has so much more to offer than a single hour of music and truth! Your family is waiting for you. Come, be the church and witness tihe awesome power of the body of Christ working together. That is where change begins. That is where true hope comes from. Living Hope.

Simply BUILD the Church

Charles Fortney has been a follower of Christ for more than 40 years, having come to faith in Christ following the calling of the Holy Spirit after viewing a Billy Graham film at a local theater in his hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Service through the local church is a key to his walk, beginning as a congregational song leader and serving as a teacher of children, youth and adults for many years. Charles is an ordained deacon through Living Hope and has served as an elder for the past 10 years. He currently teaches in the Middle School ministry. Charles and Connie have been members of Living Hope for 19 years and are the parents of Stephen and Casey Fortney. He co-owns an occupational health business based in Bowling Green.

What a journey! Earth is being move and parking for Sunday morning worship is going to be a completely different adventure in a couple of weeks. Exposed ugly rock, caution tape and ripped-up blacktop now litter the grounds around both the Living Hope and Holy Spirit buildings. We’re learning a lot about the nature of God. As we read often in scripture, following God’s plan involves a great deal of patience and sometimes following a winding path. What is promised to us is God’s presence and leadership. Just think, by 2010 (if we stay on schedule), our square footage will be doubled with the opportunity to host such ministries such as Upward Bound basketball, fellowship dinners where a majority of Living Hope can gather and more educational space. Our student and college ministries will have space in what is now the Holy Spirit buildings for Bible studies, discipleship groups, fun activities and worship.

This may be the best time to be part of the family of Living Hope. It comes with great responsibility. If this additional space is only used for what we can only see now, we are missing a potential blessing.

Untold hundreds and perhaps thousands of future generations will be impacted by the ministries this expanded facility will allow us to deliver to our community, this region and even the world. Your family and mine may not see an immediate result from expanded facilities, but this really should not be about us – any of us, whatever stage of life find ourselves. Our faithfulness will never be measured in the number or size of buildings we can build, it is in the love of Christ we demonstrate to others. Buildings are only tools that allow us to provide ministry. Prepare yourselves for the next steps on this journey!


Charles Fortney