Update from Guest Preacher Ken Gross from Iowa

Here is an update from Brother Ken Gross from Iowa who shared the Word last week and will this Sunday, too.

Last Sunday's message was on the power of a father. We looked at how obedience, not rebellion to our Fathers (heaven and earth) produce power in our lives. We also looked at how God is a father to the fatherless and is perfect where our earthly fathers are not. Finally we discussed how we must forgive our earthly fathers and try to understand however imperfect they were, a lack of forgiveness stands between us and our God who has forgiven everything in a Christian's life. One point that I may not have made clearly was the results of obedience. Jesus was rewarded by God putting everything under His hand. We too will be rewarded greatly in this life and in Heaven for our obedience as we rule and reign with Christ forever.

Next Sunday my topic will be "Reinventing Church, or Church - Version 2.0" This message will explore how churches must adapt to the context that they operate in. This is a two fold concept as we seek to be effective to the people in general that live under the "church's shadow" of influence and also how to reach the specific group/s of people in our community that God has called this group of believers to reach. This 2nd step involves looking at what talents are in the church as God uniquely equips each church to reach a different set of people. Ultimately, we must bring "church" to the people who do not have a person relationship with God. Church outreach is an organic process from the church members, not necessarily from the Church pastors. The regular attendee's have a greater reach and influence than the pastors.

I will be showing a photo slide show set to music. This clip is a collection of photos I have taken over the last few years. This clip will emphasis that we, the church attendees, are the body of Christ. We are His hands and feet reaching out to bring good news to our neighbors. I pray that the message will be filled with power from the Holy Spirit and also pray that the Holy Spirit moves on people to see the need through mercy's eyes.

Ken Gross