Dan Gould

Tag: FBC Harvester

  • Sunday AM Remix – 5.8.11 Mothers Day Edition

    Happy Mothers Day!!! Hope you took the time to let the Mom’s in your life know how special they are. It was another great day at First Baptist Harvester as we continued or series called “Parent Trapped … Biblical Wisdom for Popular Pitfalls” Today topic: Parenting … Extra Grace Required” Here are the notes from todays teaching by our Discipleship Pastor Chris Chapman.

    PARENT TRAPPED
    Parenting … Extra Grace Required
    Ephesians 6:1-4

    *What will my kids mimic as they look at me and follow my example?
    *Reality, our children can easily become idols of our heart!
    *They way we parent our kids affects them now &  impacts how they parent in the future.

    EVERY PARENT NEEDS EXTRA GRACE BECAUSE . . .

    1. Trap #1: We Aim At The Child’s Mind (The Ruler)

    ➢ If We Can Encourage PROPER Behavior, Then They Will Become PRODUCTIVE Children.

    *The Ruler has no flexibility because it’s all about rules.
    *It’s easy to get lost in the rules and miss the person (our kid) we are shaping.
    *The Ruler is motivated by external issues, following the rules
    *When we make rules the main thing, we miss the relational side of parenting.
    *In this we create rule followers who become experts at checking boxes.
    *The Ruler practices reactionary parenting.

    “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8 (ESV)

    “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

    *The Ruler sets rules and punishes their kids for breaking the rules. Discipline on the other hand is rooted in the word disciple.  It’s a teachable approach to parenting that is very Biblical.

    2. Trap #2: We Focus On Controlling Each Situation They Encounter. (The Over-Protector)

    ➢ If We Can ISOLATE Our Children From the World, Then We Can Keep Them INSULATED From Evil.

    *Helicopter parenting – parents who hover over their kids.
    *If we raise our kids in a bubble and protect them from everything, we are not training them to handle the attack of the Devil once they leave our bubble as parents.

    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

    “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

    *Children are a gift from God and as a parent I am called to be a good steward of the Gifts God has given me!

    “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127:4 (ESV)

    *Arrows are made for a specific purpose and shot at a specific target! As parents, are we preparing our kids to hit a specific target?

    3. Trap #3: We Are Determined To Create A Positive Self-Image (The Cheerleader)

    ➢ If We Can BOLSTER Self-Esteem, Then They Will Have A BETTER Self Image.

    “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

    “As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one . . .’” Romans 3:10 (ESV)

    “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

    4. Goal: We Must FULFILL Our God Given Roles, To Effectively Lead Our FAMILY Into What God Desires.

    “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)

    “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. . .” Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)

    “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22 (ESV)

    “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1 (ESV)

    “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

    BOTTOM LINE: We need to Model Integrity for our Kids and be the Parents God has called us to be.

    *It’s caught not taught
    *We need to live what we say!

    If you missed today, I highly encourage you to watch this weeks message by clicking here and then make plans to join us next week at FBC Harvester. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here!

    We are really excited about this series and cant wait to see what God will do next as we learn to survive and thrive as Parents and raise our kids in the type of Home they really need!

  • Sunday AM Remix – 5.1.11


    Today we started and brand new series called “Parent Trapped” Looking at Biblical Wisdom for popular pitfalls.  Today we looked at “The Home Every Child Needs”  Think about that statement … Would your home meet the standard? No matter how you answer that question, there is still work to be done.  I know this is one series that I am very excited about and hope to take the things I am learning and begin to apply them so our home is the home my boys need.

    Here are my notes from today!

    PARENT TRAPPED
    “The Home Every Child Needs”
    Deuteronomy 6:1-9

    *Nothing Shapes your Child more than their relationship with their PARENTS!
    *God gave children to Mom’s and Dad’s! As Parents its our responsibility to raise them, teach them and take care of them.
    *You can’t outsource the responsibility of being a parent.
    *Many of us want ‘Honor Role’ Kids, but we are not being ‘Honor Role’ Parents!
    *Many times it’s our kids that get stuck with the leftovers. Leftover energy, Leftover creativity, Leftover time, Leftover time.
    *Something has to change, it was never supposed to be this way.

    **In the last 30 years teen pregnancy has gone up %500
    **Each day, 1,000 girls have abortions
    **7 out 10 girls will have sex before they are 14
    **4,000 teens get an STD everyday

    This should bother us.  Something must change. God gives us instructions on how we are to parent our kids lets look at what He says, it’s found in Deuteronomy 6:1-9.

    EVERY CHILD NEEDS A HOME WHERE … 

    1.  RIGHTEOUS LIVES Are Lived.

     *This is not moralistic behavior.  It’s more than being a good person

     “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all His decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. . .”  Deuteronomy 6:1-2 (NLT)

    *As Parents we think our kids are angels, but the reality is the longer their legs grow, the shorter their wings get.
    *We must teach our children to do right by doing right ourselves.
    *The old adage, “Do as I say not as I do” has never worked!
    *Your Kids watch you more than they listen to you.
    *Our kids are not listening to our lips as much as they are watching our life.
    *If we are not being consistent with the things we say, and the things we do, our kids will stop listening to what we say because we are showing them what really important!

    Remember:  You Are A MODEL!

    “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

     *Your kids have to see it before they’ll do it.

    2.  THE REAL LORD Is Loved.

    “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.   And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NLT)

     *You can’t take anything with you to Heaven except for your family. How well are you doing preparing them for Eternity?

    “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

    Remember:  You Are A Mirror!

    *I am to reflect for my Kids the Glory of God!
    *I am to reflect for my Kids what I am wanting them to become!

    “Bring up your children in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  Ephesians 6:4

    “Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding.”  Proverbs 9:10

     “Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.”  Philippians 3:8

    *What our Kids see in us is what they become!
    *As Parents we need to give them something GOOD to IMITATE!

    3.  THE RIGHT LESSONS Are Learned.

    “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NLT)

    *Every day, Every way, show them Christ!

    Remember:  You Are A MENTOR!

    *Parents have the responsibility to raise their kids in Church
    *The popular idea “That I don’t want to force my kids to go to church, because I don’t want to turn them away from God” is bunk!

    **It’s like saying I don’t want to keep telling my kids to brush their teeth because I am afraid that might reject their toothbrush!
    **It’s like saying I don’t want to make my kids go to school because it might make them heat school!

    *Being a parent has great responsibility!
    *When you let God be an option, you are setting your kids up to not know Christ!
    *The Truth is this – If they see the real deal, that what you say and what you do match up, your kids will be more likely to be drawn to Christ because they have seen authenticity in your life!
    *Three Areas of control that we need to teach our kids:

    **Parent Control – The ability to live under the authority of our Parents.
    **Self Control – The ability to control ourselves.
    **God Control – The ability to live under the authority of Christ.

    FOUR LESSONS THAT KIDS LEARN FROM PARENTS

    1.  How To KNOW GOD.

    2.  How To HONOR THEIR PARENTS.

     ‘Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.’ Exodus 20:12 (NLT)

     3.  How To VALUE THEIR SPOUSE.

     “So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 (NLT)

     4.  How To LOVE THEIR CHILDREN.
    BOTTOM LINE: God designed the home to be the University for life!


    If you missed today, I highly encourage you to watch this weeks message by clicking here and then make plans to join us next week at FBC Harvester. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here!

    We are really excited about this series and cant wait to see what God will do next as we learn to survive and thrive as Parents and raise our kids in the type of Home they really need!

  • Sunday AM Remix – 4.24.11 (Easter Edition)

    HE IS RISEN!!!!

    Happy Easter! What a great weekend we have had despite the rain and tornado’s.  Today was filled with celebration and contemplation at FBC Harvester as we wrapped up our Triumph series.  We celebrated the fact that Jesus has risen, and that we can find forgiveness of Sin only in Him, and contemplated the reality that one day we too will die.  Death is one of those things that we don’t like to talk much about but it is something that everyone will face.  However, as Christ Followers, we can Triumph over death because of the Cross of Christ and the Resurrection of Christ!

    Here are my notes from todays Easter Service.

    TRIUMPH
    Over Death
    Hebrews 9:27-28

    “(God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”  Ecclesiastes 3:11

    *The Good News of Easter is that Jesus is God, He died a brutal death on the Cross, and has resurrected Himself and now lives! That is what Easter is all about.

    “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”  Hebrews 9:27-28 (NKJV)

    TO REALLY CELEBRATE EASTER TODAY REMEMBER . . .

    1.  DEATH Is Unavoidable.

    “. . . it is appointed for men to die once . . .” Hebrews 9:27a (NKJV)

    *We live forever, our body doesn’t.
    *We have to be careful not to confuse the body with the soul.  The body will die, the soul will live forever.
    *We live in a world that is fascinated with death but terrified of it. But it’s something we need to think about.

    “A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.”  Ecclesiastes 7:4 (NLT)

    *It takes a death to have a resurrection. In order to get a new life, the old one has to die.

    2.  JUDGMENT Is Inevitable.

     “. . . but after this the judgment. . .”  Hebrews 27b (NKJV)

    Sin        ->       Death        ->     Judgment

    *Every person faces these three problems.

    “When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race.  Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”  Romans 5:12

     “For the wages of sin is death . . .” Romans 6:23a (NKJV)

     *We may be able to hide from others, but we cannot hide from God. He see’s everything.

    “No one can hide from God.  His eyes see everything we do.  This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.”  Hebrews 4:13

    *One day we will face Judgement and have to give an account for everything we have done.
    *On Judgement day, we will either stand alone and defend ourself, or be defended by Jesus work on the Cross.

    3.  SALVATION Is Available.

    “. . . so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”  Hebrews 9:28 (NKJV)

    *Jesus died for our sins, he rose from the dead conquering sin, and one day He’s coming again to eliminate sin and take those who have trusted Him as Lord and Savior Home.

    “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.”  1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT)

    *Christ stands as our defender against sin, death , and judgement.
    *Good people don’t go to Heaven … Forgiven people do!

    “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:  ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?’   For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (NLT)

    *The Question: Have you Surrendered your life to Him?

    *If you would like more info on how to become a Christian, or what it means to be a Christ Follower simply click here.

    THE RESURRECTION CHALLENGE

    *Today, we have MET the resurrected Christ, we have WORSHIPED the resurrected Christ, now the challenge is for us to REPRESENT the resurrected Christ and SHARE the resurrected Christ with others!

    This has been a great series as we learn to stand Triumphantly through the power of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  If you missed today, or simply want to hear/watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources.

    We would love for you to begin serving with us by using your spiritual gift/s.  We have created an on-line resource that allows you to see the various ministries here at FBC Harvester and we encourage you to take some time to see where you can serve and then contact the place that seems like a fit for you. You can see that resource by clicking here.

    Make plans to join us next week as we start a brand new series titled, “Parent Trapped … Biblical Wisdom for Popular Pitfalls.”

  • Sunday AM Remix – 4.17.11

    This week we continued our Triumph series learning about Being Triumphant over Sin.  What a great day it was at FBCH. The Gospel was preached, people responded and lives were restored.  God is really doing some great things in our midst! Each week I am excited to see what will happen next!  Special thanks goes out to Sean and Mary for sharing their story.  God used each of you greatly!!!

    Here are my notes from today.

    TRIUMPH
    “Over Sin”
    John 19:16-30

    * The Cross is the Crux of Christianity
    * Religion is about man trying to get to God, The Cross is about God descending to man.
    * All of us are born for the purpose of living, Jesus was the only one born with the purpose of dying.

    ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY JESUS FINISHED THE WORK OF . . . 

     1.  Being Our SUBSTITUTE.

    *Substitute = paying my penalty

     “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)

    *Jesus didn’t just die for me, He died instead of me.
    *The sinless one died for the sinful ones; The perfect one died for the imperfect ones.
    *It was the Roman Soldiers that nailed Him there, but it was my sin that put Him there, and it was His love for me that kept Him there.

     “Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed Him down.   And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for His own sins!   But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.   He was beaten so we could be whole.   He was whipped so we could be healed.   All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.   We have left God’s paths to follow our own.   Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all.”  Isaiah 53:4-6 (NLT)

    *Jesus was our Substitutional Atonement … Substitutional = paying my penalty, Atonement = making it right.

     2.  Satisfying the LAW.

     “But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When He was hung on the cross, He took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” Galatians 3:13 (NLT)

    *The Law will tell you to fly, but will give you no wings. It will tell you to run, but give no legs. It will tell you to be clean, but give you no soap.
    *The Law Exposes that we are Sinners in need of a Savior.
    *Jesus not only reveals the law, but allows us to satisfy it.

     “The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4 (NLT)

     “For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.  As a result, all who believe in Him are made right with God.”  Romans 10:4 (NLT)

     3.  Conquering SIN & DEATH.

     “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.   Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.”  Romans 5:17-18 (NLT)

    *Without Christ we have no power over sin.
    *The Sanctification process is Gods power living in me & giving me power over sin. And One day, it will deliver me from the presence of sin.

     “When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.”  Romans 6:10-11 (NLT)

    *As a church we are seeing God radically change people from the inside out.  We are beginning the process of collecting stories of what God is doing in the lives of the people here at FBCH.  Here is the first story that we have captured and want to share with you.

     4.  Defeating the Devil.

     “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 (NLT)

    HOW SHOULD I RESPOND?

     *  Repent of My Sin & Trust Jesus to Save Me.

     “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.”  2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)

    *There is more to repentance than saying, “I’m Sorry.”
    *Repentance includes
    **Confession – Saying the same thing about sin that God does
    **Contrition – mourning over the fact that you have sinned.

     “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.”  Romans 3:22 (NLT)

     *  Live in Continual Gratitude.

     “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”  Romans 5:11 (NLT)

     *  Tell Others About It.

    Easter is next weekend, who will you invite? Your invitation could be the invitation they are waiting for? I pray that you will take the opportunity and talk to someone this week about Jesus.

    This is proving to be a great series as we learn to stand Triumphantly through the power of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  If you would missed today, or simply want to hear/watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources. If you still have not taken a spiritual gifts test I want to encourage you to take that by clicking here.

    Lastly, we would love for you to begin serving with us by using your spiritual gift/s.  We have created an on-line resource that allows you to see the various ministries here at FBC Harvester and we encourage you to take some time to see where you can serve and then contact the place that seems like a fit for you. You can see that resource by clicking here.

    Until next week, I pray that you will seek the Lord, and remember that thru Christ, we have Overcome the World!

  • Sunday AM Remix – 4.10.11

    Today we started a three week series that will take us into Easter called Triumph.  In this series we are looking at 3 areas that Christians can stand triumphant because of Christ! Here are my notes from todays teaching.

    TRIUMPH
    “Over the World”
    1 John 5:1-5

    “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”  Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

    *Because He (Jesus) is victorious, I can stand in victory!
    *We must realize that as Christ Followers, we fight from victory, not for victory.

    3 MAIN THEMES OF 1 JOHN

    1.  Christians ought to have the proper ATTITUDE.

    “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:4 (NKJV)

    *Happiness is based on circumstances, but Joy is based solely on Christ.
    *If your heart is full of Joy and Grace, please notify your face, so others can see that Joy!
    *Many people don’t have relationship with Jesus, they have a religion.

    2. Christians ought to display the proper ACTIONS.

    “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1 (NKJV)

    *Being a Christian doesn’t mean you will be sinless, it simply means you should sin less!
    *The more you walk with Christ, Grow in Christ, and connect with others doing the same thing the less you should sin.

    3. Christians ought to enjoy the proper ASSURANCE.

    “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13 (NKJV)

    *Every Christian ought to KNOW, that they have Eternal Life.
    *If you can have it and not know it, means that you can lose it and not miss it!
    *A Christian shouldn’t walk around slumped over in the shape of a question mark, instead they should stand straight like and exclamation point!

    THE PROOF YOU ARE TRIUMPHING OVER THE WORLD IS YOUR . . .

    “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust  of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)

    *Lust of the Flesh is passions that have gone out of bounds.
    *There are times that your eyes lead you out of bounds, hence the saying “Feast your Eyes on this …!”

    1.  BELIEF in God’s SON.

    “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is Born of God . . . For whatever is born of God overcomes the world . . . Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5: 1a, 4a, 5 (NKJV)

    *Profession = I believe in Jesus; Possession = I surrender to Jesus

    “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name . . .” John 1:12 (NKJV)

    *There are too many Alka Seltzer Christians! Someone who once you put them in the baptistry for baptism, you never see them again, it’s as if they disappeared!
    *The evidence that you believe is not in the past, its in the present!
    *The evidence that you believe is that you remain!

    “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” 1 John 2:19 (NKJV)

    “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:12-13 (NKJV)

    2.  LOVE for God’s FAMILY.

    “. . . and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.” 1 John 5:1b (NKJV)

    “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” 1 John 3:14 (NIV)

    “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?  And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NLT)

    *Human love says – I love you if …! I love you when …! I love you because …!
    *Gods love says – I love you EVEN …!

    3.  OBEDIENCE to God’s WORD.

    “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. 1 John 5:2-3 (NKJV)

    *The word Keep in this passage literally means to Guard!
    *Are you guarding Gods Commandments?

    “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” 1 John 2:3-5 (NKJV)

    (Jesus said) ‘If you love Me, keep My commandments.’ John 14:15 (NKJV)

    This is going to be a great series as we learn how to stand Triumphantly through the power of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  If you would missed today, or simply want to hear/watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources. If you still have not taken a spiritual gifts test I want to encourage you to take that by clicking here.

    Lastly, we would love for you to begin serving with us by using your spiritual gift/s.  We have created an on-line resource that allows you to see the various ministries here at FBC Harvester and we encourage you to take some time to see where you can serve and then contact the place that seems like a fit for you. You can see that resource by clicking here.

    Until next week, I pray that you will seek the Lord, and remember that thru Christ, we have Overcome the World!

  • 300 – Will you do your part?

    God is blessing us here at Harvester!  We continue to grow as we strive to worship, love, and go.  We’ve seen over 350 people join our body in the last two years and our average attendance has increased by over 600!  We’ve also witnessed 178 people publicly profess their faith in Christ through baptism!  We owe all of this to our awesome God.

    As we look towards the future, we acknowledge we have a significant barrier to growth: the lack of space in our 10:45 AM Worship Service.  Most weeks the room is filled to 90% capacity or more.  Market research and our own experience show that this atmosphere isn’t inviting to newcomers.  Frequently guests arrive, can’t find a place to sit, turn around and leave without ever hearing the gospel in our services.  Something has to change.

    We know that most first-time guests choose the 10:45 AM service and so we need to ensure that space is available; it is our best opportunity to share the gospel.  As we look towards Easter, we know that many of our guests will attend the second service and some will choose to come back in the weeks following.  This will amplify our current problem.

    In an effort to eliminate this obstacle to the gospel, we’re asking for 300 folks in the 10:45 AM Worship Service to commit to shifting their Sunday morning routines and move permanently to our identical 9 AM service.  We know that this isn’t a convenient change, but if you and your family are able to shift we ask you to bless your church in this way.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 4.03.11

    What a great day at FBC Harvester!!! We wrapped up our Empowered series in a big way and launched a new resource that allows people to find a place to serve based on their gifting instead of just seeing a list of ministry opportunities.  Here are my notes from today message!

    EMPOWERED
    Use IT or Lose IT!
    Matthew 25:14-30

    3 MODES OF LIVING

    • Survival Mode – people in this mode are simply getting by.

    *When asked hows it going, people in this mode tend to say, Same ole same ole.

    *They are caught on the treadmill life – doing a lot but not going anywhere!

    • Success Mode – people in this mode are pushing forward and seeing success.

    *They live to a standard of success taught by media & the world, but not on the      standards of the Gospel.

    *They may be climbing the ladder and seeing great success, but the ladder is leaning  against the wrong wall!

    *The Key is to have the right Measuring Stick!

    • Significance Mode – people in this mode have a sense of depth, meaning, hope, & significance.

    *People in the Significant mode understand Who they are, Whose they are, and Why they are here.

    **Who – They know who they are and who they aren’t and try to live authentically in their own skin.

    **Whose – They understand who they live for and that we have been bought with a high price and the Cross is the receipt for that purchase.

    **Why – They know their purpose and live in that purpose regardless of what they have to endure.

    ***Noah built the ark regardless of the nay sayers

    ***Moses gave up riches to wander in the Desert.

    ***David fought Goliath when no-one else would.

    ***Daniel continued to Pray

    The sad reality is that some people are so Earthly minded that they are no Heavenly good.

    IF YOU WANT TO BE A GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT REMEMBER …

    1. All that you have is GODS GIFT.

    *We own nothing! It’s not about ownership, but stewardship!

    “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silverto one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.” Matthew 25:14-15 (NLT)

    *If you want to know how much you own, just die! The reality is you can’t take any of this stuff with you!

    *God’s not concerned with what you have but what you do! He already knows what you have because He gave it to you!

    2. God’s Gift will be used for GOD’S GLORY.

    *Every ability is an opportunity, and every opportunity has responsibility tied to it!

    “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’  “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’  26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ Matthew 25:23-27 (NLT)

    *A Saving Faith is a Serving Faith

    *Lessons to be Learned

    **Be a COURAGEOUS servant.

    “… and I was afraid …” v. 25a

    Reality – If you are a leader … you will be criticized!

    **Be a CREATIVE servant.

    “… and went and hid your talent in the ground …” v. 25b

    Reality – if you play it safe, you lose and so do others.

    **Be an AMBITIOUS servant.

    “… you wicked and lazy servant …” v. 26a

    Reality – Wickedness is not just doing things you know you shouldn’t do, but not doing the things you know you should! Excuses may be good for yo momma, not your Master!

    **Be a PROPERLY MOTIVATED servant.

    “Lord. I knew you to be a hard man …” v. 24a


    3. God’s Glory will result in YOUR GAIN.

    *AFFIRMATION

    “Well done good and faithful servant …” v. 21a

    *PROMOTION

    ” … you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things …” v. 21b

    *CELEBRATION

    ” … Enter into the joy of your lord.” v. 21c

    Hope you have enjoyed this series.  Now the challenge is for all of us to use the Gift/s that God has given us.  If you would like to take a spiritual gifts test, feel free to click here and take the test we provide as a church.  If you would like to listen or watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources.

  • Sunday AM Remix 3.27.11

    Today was week 4 of our Empowered Series.  Even with the snow on the ground we had a packed 2 service.  People seem to be excited about what God is doing at FBCH. Privileged and excited to see what God does next as we begin to do life deeply here.

    Here are my notes from today’s talk.  If you weren’t able to join us for some reason, I highly encourage you to listen to this whole series online and make plans to join us in person soon.

    EMPOWERED
    How Do You Fit
    Romans 12:1-8

    REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE GOD
    *these are requirements that go along with the gift.
    *the more you use your gift the more comfortable you feel in it.

    1. Complete DEDICATION.
    “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

    *Complete Dedication is like drawing a circle on the ground and then stepping into it and asking God to set everything in that circle on fire for His Glory!
    * Many times we think we need more of the Holy Spirit to be used by God, but the truth is we got all of the Holy Spirit we would ever get on the day of salvation. The question remains, does the Holy Spirit have ALL of us!?!

    2. Candid EVALUATION.
    “Because of the privilege and authorityGod has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Romans 12:3 (NLT)

    *Candid Evaluation is not looking in the mirror and singing “How Great Thou Art”
    *Candid Evaluation is not belittling yourself and beating yourself up all the time, that’s bad posture!
    *Candid Evaluation is knowing Who’s you are, What you are Called to Do, and Aligning yourself with His Mission!

    3. Committed COOPERATION.
    “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)

    *Committed Cooperation realizes what part they are in the Body of Christ, and fulfills that role the best way the can.
    *Committed Cooperation realizes that we need other Christians, and believe it or not, that they need us.
    *Reality, when part of the Body hurts, the whole body hurts.

    THE GIFTS TO SERVE GOD

    1. PREACHING/PROPHESYING
    “So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.” Romans 12:6 (NLT)

    *The Word Prophecy means to shine on.  It means to make what seems to be hidden, clearer or seen.

    2. SERVING/MINISTRY/HELPS
    “If your gift is serving others, serve them well.” Romans 12:7a (NLT)

    *We are all called to serve, but the ones with this gift jump in many times without having to be asked.

    3. TEACHING
    “If you are a teacher, teach well.” Romans 12:7b (NLT)

    *This can be done in various ways, 1 on 1, to a small group, midsize group, large group, or even a very large group. All of these groups need teachers.

    4. ENCOURAGEMENT
    “If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.” Romans 12:8a (NLT)

    *Encouragement comes in many forms, a look or smile, a hug, a simple word, a small sentence, a card, conversation, or letter.
    *In the New Testament, there once was a man named Joseph that was such an encourager they changed his name to Barnabas.
    *What would people change your name too?

    5. GIVING
    “If it is giving, give generously. Romans 12:8b (NLT)

    *1 in 4 sermons that Jesus gave dealt with Money!
    *You give your money to what you love!
    *You can see what you love by looking at where you spend your money!

    6. LEADING
    “If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.” Romans 12:8c (NLT)

    *People want to be led, lead well!
    *A Leader wants movement, if there is no movement, no-one is following.
    *Reality, If you are a leader and no-one is following you, you are simply taking a walk!

    8. MERCY
    “And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:8d (NLT)

    *Easy going and easy to talk to.
    *Empathizes with people and helps them get through tough situations.
    *Likes to bring people together and feel at ease.
    *Are drawn to those who are not connected, or somewhat isolated.

    9. EVANGELISM
    ” . . . the evangelists, . . . ” Ephesians 4:11c (NLT)

    *The ability to supernaturally lead people to Christ.
    *They love being around non-Christians, and take every opportunity to share Christ with others.
    *To them, Everything is about sharing Christ with others, they don’t wait for opportunities, they create them.

    10. PASTORING & SHEPHERDING
    ” . . . the pastors and teachers.” Ephesians 4:11d (NLT)

    HOW DO I DISCOVER MY GIFT?

    1. Personal EXAMINATION & EXPERIMENTATION
    *Take a spiritual gifts test to help you discover your gifts
    *Pray and ask God to reveal your gifting.
    *Don’t be afraid to try things that my align with your gifting until you find that sweet spot that energizes you, thats when you know you are serving in your gifting.

    2. Public AFFIRMATION
    *Others will see your gifting!
    *If others say you are xxx but you say you are aaa, more than likely you are xxx!

    REMEMBER: God never calls the equipped, but equips the called!

    The challenge now is for all of us to use the Gift/s that God has given us.  If you would like to take a spiritual gifts test, feel free to click here and take the test we provide as a church.  If you would like to listen or watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources.

  • Sunday AM Remix 3.20.11

    Today was my first official Sunday as Community Pastor at FBC Harvester.  It was full of conversations, observations, confirmation to the journey the Lord has us on.  I hope to share glimpses of the work the Lord is doing through the church by posting what I am calling it Sunday AM Remix.  These will be a mixture of the notes, Bob-isms, and some of my own thoughts on what we experienced as a church family.  I hope that these can be a source of encouragement to you.  I will also post links to things that might be helpful as we begin to apply these truths everyday.

    EMPOWERED
    How Do You Fit?
    1 Corinthians 12

    “God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.” 1 Peter 4:10

    *You don’t choose, you use the Spiritual Gift that God gives you – Bob Ingle

    13 SPIRITUAL GIFTS FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 12

    1. WISDOM! v. 8a
    *Not book smarts, but a smartness that transcends age, study habits, and human reasoning.

    2. KNOWLEDGE! v. 8b
    *Again, not book smart, but it is a divine help from the Lord to provide answers to things you are unfamiliar with.

    3. FAITH! v. 9a
    *People who believe nothing is impossible when God is behind it
    *Tend to be prayer warriors

    4. HEALING! v. 9b
    *Not as always seen on TV, but the ability to pray and have God use your prayer to bring healing.
    *All believers will be healed of every sickness, some will be healed on this side of Heaven and others on the other side of Heaven.

    5. POWER/ MIRACLES! v. 10a
    *The ability to be used by God in powerful ways to display and make much of His Name!

    6. PROPHECY! v. 10b
    *No longer used as fore telling example, a new revelation from the Lord.
    *The Ability to forth tell the truth found in the Scriptures.

    “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NKJV)

    *Prophesying includes Building Up, Firing Up, and Cheering Up people in the name of the Lord.
    *Long Horn Sermons – have a point here, and a point there, but nothing but bull in the middle – classic Bob Ingle

    7. DISCERNMENT! v. 10c
    *Being able to tell what is of the Lord and what isn’t.
    *Remember – Satan is a counter fitter not a creator.  He is a cheap copy of the original masterpiece God has created.

    8. TONGUES! v. 10d
    *Used in two ways in scripture
    — Personal Edification – a heavenly prayer language
    — Edifies the Body of Christ – known languages as seen in Acts 2
    *Always used to reach those far from God as a sign to unbelievers in a way that they would understand it not to bring confusion or disruption.
    *Is to be done only publicly when there is an interpreter.

    9. INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES! v. 10e
    *The ability to interpret tongues as described in point 8.

    10. MISSIONARY! v. 28a
    *The ability and desire to reach other nations for Christ learning about their culture, their beliefs and going to them with the Gospel!

    11. TEACHING! v. 28b
    *The ability to teach and have people learn from you.
    *Not the gift of Gab!
    *Many think they have this gift, but when they teach, if the people don’t have the gift of listening, it’s a good indication that maybe you don’t have the gift of teaching.

    12. HELPS! v. 28c
    *The supernatural desire to do whatever it takes to help the body of Christ.
    *These are the first in line to serve.
    *They see a need and meet a need!

    13. ADMINISTRATION! v. 28d
    *The ability to think through details and logistics.
    *It’s not just about being efficient it’s about being effective.
    *Typically Type A type personalities.

    WHEN IT COMES TO SPIRITUAL GIFTS, WE SHOULD …

    1. DISCOVER them!

    2. DEVELOP them!

    3. DEPLOY them!

    The challenge now is for all of us to use the Gift/s that God has given us.  If you would like to take a spiritual gifts test, feel free to click here and take the test we provide as a church.  If you would like to listen or watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources.