A Socially Correct Christmas Greeting!

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all;


Additionally,a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to the race, creed, color, or religious preferences of the wishes.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)

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Hopefully that didn't offend anyone... it's pretty neutral. I find it so funny when I turn on the T.V. and someone is saying "Happy Holidays!"... ok.. what holiday are you celebrating? Isn't it Christmas? "Oh no no we can't say christmas.. it will offend people" ... to be perfectly honest.. and I'm not trying to be mean.. but if saying the name of the holiday offends you... you should probably keep away from buying presents for everyone in your family because if you just are saying "happy holidays" I think you will be very very poor.. because when easter rolls around.. it will make for more presents.. Saint Patty's day... presents.. the first day of summer... presents... flag day... Oooooh well that is such a cool holiday.. lets set up a tree... and have lots presents and have a "holiday turkey". Here is a headline for the world... "Stop getting so offended with everything"


So that is my little rant... I think people just need to get their heads screwed on right and realize the "holiday" that you are celebrating is the day that we choose to recognize when Jesus Christ came to earth to save all of our sinful butts from an eternity in hell. If you choose to follow Him or not.. is up to you.. but I definitely suggest that you do... your "holiday" will be much better!


So let me start this over correctly...... wait for it.... wait for it...




MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Not Happy Holidays!


Best wishes to you and yours :)


-Pastor Matt

The bible is boring?

Maybe you haven't heard but there is a really cool book out that is filled with sex, drinking, violence, fervid gore, death, curses, lust, and torture! It is so exciting.. you wouldn't be able to make it into a movie because it would be way too graphic for any age. But wait! That doesn't mean that you can't read it! It was actually a bunch of different books, all compiled into one huge book. It was written by a number of Christians believe it or not. 

It's called "The Bible"! 

Now before you sigh and click on the red X button on the top of your screen.. please just wait. Read the rest of what I have to say.. you may find it interesting. So many people say that the bible is boring, it's just so stuffy and old. But I would beg to differ.. you may think differently after I show you a few stories. So take a big breath, sit back with a blanket and read away.

I've got the top 9 coolest stories of the bible.

Enjoy!

#9. Exodus 2:11-12

"One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand."

#8. II Kings 2:23-24

"From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. “Get out of here, baldy!” they said. “Get out of here, baldy!” He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys."

#7. Genesis 19:24-26

"Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." 

(What a way to die haha)

#6. Judges 3:16-23

"Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man. After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way those who had carried it. But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.”

   The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left.

 Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly. Even the handle sank in after the blade, and his bowels discharged. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. Then Ehud went out to the porch; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them."

#5. Numbers 16:23-24, 31-33

"Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to the assembly, ‘Move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram."

As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community."

#4. Deuteronomy 25:11-12

"If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity."

#3. 1 Kings 18:24, 38-40  

"Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”

Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”

Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!”

Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there."

#2. Judges 15:15-16

"Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.

  Then Samson said,

   “With a ass’s jawbone

   I have made asses of them.

With a ass’s jawbone

   I have killed a thousand men.”

#1. 1 Samuel 18:25-27

"Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king wants no other price for the bride than a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.” Saul’s plan was to have David fall by the hands of the Philistines.

 When the attendants told David these things, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. So before the allotted time elapsed, David took his men with him and went out and killed two hundred Philistines and brought back their foreskins. They counted out the full number to the king so that David might become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage.

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Well I hope you weren't eating when you read that last one.. my body actually hurt when I read it. So many people say that the bible is so boring.. well I'm sorry but I have to disagree with that statement. I think it is amazing.. much better than any book you can buy now. 

Have a good one and remember if you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at igtmatt@gmail.com.

--Pastor Matt

The Loveliest of all was the Unicorn

The Irish Rovers were crazy, most always drunk yet brilliant song writers and musicians.

They wrote songs that almost everyone can recognize if they heard them but my favorite is one about 

a very special animal. It's called "The unicorn song".... the chorus goes like this...

"There was green alligators and long-necked geese 

Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
The loveliest of all was the unicorn."

Now you may be wondering if I've slipped off my cracker completely or not. 

Why would I want to blog about a Unicorn? I have an answer for you... they are so cool :) 

I know they aren't real, but I think we can look at them from a neat perspective. 

I will explain this with a question. 

If you could choose to be one animal, what one would you choose to be?

Every animal has a purpose. My beautifully perfect, amazing girlfriend Gabe has been

studying food webs lately. Now I don't really understand all of it but she

has told me that it goes like this for instance. Starfish eat mussels, if the starfish was extinct the mussel population would go crazy. So the starfish is a "Keystone Species", if it were to go away it would mess things up. Now you know what a starfish does.

God has set up this beautiful universe in such an amazing way, if one "Keystone species" is gone, it will change everything. This is so much like all of us. We all have jobs to do in the Kingdom of God.

You may see someone who is a "Unicorn" in society. They have everything going for them, they have the cool looks, everyone looking at them, they stand out in a crowd, everyone wants to be like them. (I'll get back to these people in a second)

You may look at yourself as one of the "cats, rats or elephants". You aren't popular,  you are 

not the prettiest person, too big, too small, not the smartest one... and you know the rest of the names you call yourself. But God sees you differently, He sees you as His child. He has given you a job to do in His kingdom. You may not know what it is right so ask Him to show it to you. 

You will be more effective then the Unicorns. 

Now I'll come back to the unicorns.

The sad thing about "Unicorn people" is they are all alone. 

They may look like they have everything in order, but really they don't. 

They are hurting on the inside, they don't know Christ most of the time and they eventually just drift away and nobody will notice they are gone. They have so much potential to work for God, but 

they are so consumed with themselves that they can't work for someone else. They have to work for themselves, to make them look better. That is not the Lord's will.

God is looking for everyone to come to their true calling. Each of you who are reading this are "Keystone Species", if one is missing.. none will be the same. You may be a "cat, rat or elephant" but 

God has called you. Don't let the Unicorns tell you what you can do and not do.

Now you may be a unicorn who wants to come and change your ways.

God always gives second, third, 14,903,384,238,32 and infinite chances when we mess up. 

If you want to come to Him, He will welcome you with open arms and work on you.

He will take you in, and make you into a Horse. Get rid of that horn that makes you feel better about your social standing. Become a dedicated horse who wants to work for God. 

So why do you think there are no unicorns? I personally think it's so we can learn a lesson.

Be set apart.. but be set apart for the right reason.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to write to me at igtmatt@gmail.com.

-Pastor Matt

Gotta be somebody

"So I'll be waiting for the real thing

I'll know it by the feeling

The moment when we're meeting will play out like a scene

Straight off the silver screen

So I'll be holding my own breath right up 'til the end

Until that moment when I find the one that I'll spend forever with

'Cause nobody wants to be the last one there

'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares

Someone to love with my life in their hands

There's gotta be somebody for me like that

-Nickelback "Gotta be somebody"

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Most of you have probably heard this song at one point in time whether it be on the bus, in school, your ipod, on the radio or just on youtube. A lot of you just grab onto your heart and look out and stare at the moon and dream "oh maybe someday that person will come and sweep me off of my feet". Admit it, everyone has a dream like that. Don't be ashamed.. you should look forward to being loved by someone of the opposite sex. It is a normal thing that God made possible by creating Eve for Adam. 

Love is an amazing thing because like the song says "everyone wants to feel like someone cares". Knowing that someone, other than your family, loves you.. is something special. 

I used to go through life, much like many others, just looking to be loved by someone else. This has landed me in some bad situations, that I regret deeply. Getting to "date" someone, isn't hard for anyone. You can go up to someone and go out on a date like nothing, but is that really what you want? Maybe you can actually go the next stage and call them your "boyfriend or girlfriend"... I can hear it now... "Oh well I'm in love, we love each other, we will be married forever because we went to the next level and changed our facebook relationship status!!".  Do you want to just go on a date with someone, or just go out with them or do you want to love someone and have something special? 

Going back to me, I have gone out with some pretty weird people.. just to date them.. just to hopefully fill that hole. But from each situation I have left wishing I had that time back. I have landed myself into some pretty bad places and I could have ruined my life. But thank God, I didn't. I was with a girl, who cut herself because I wanted to leave her, because she was drinking, having sex with people and doing drugs and I found out that she obviously didn't love me.

(That's not a good relationship by the way)

So how do you know that you are with someone who loves you... who doesn't just want to date... but actually loves you? Do you date them for a particular amount of time? Do you sleep with them? Do you live with them? Do you drink together? Are any of those options what you think is what true love is? If so.. get both hands.. put them over each ear.. really do this if you think that ok? Get both hands.. put them over each ear.. and then shake your head, because thats a bad idea.

So what is love? If love was a baseball card, what would the stats be on the back? Well an ancient book written thousands of years ago.. called the bible says this... It's found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
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So honestly I think that is a good idea on how to look at someone you "love". Do they match up to all of those things? 


I have been blessed to have my girlfriend Gabe in my life. I prayed her into my life. After I had decided I wasn't going to go out looking for a relationship, I started praying. You may roll your eyes and think that is a stupid idea. But really, the bible also says in Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." If you wait, and let God take care of your relationships, and live for Him.. He will give you what He thinks is right.


Back to Gabe. Don't get me wrong, just because God gave me a relationship, doesn't mean it's perfect. We still have disagreements. But that's because we are humans, but we do a very important thing... it is something you won't find in cosmo, or in the latest dating website... wanna hear it?... drumroll please... duh duh duh duh duh DUH!.... we forgive each other and move on. Wow.. it sounds simple.. sometimes it's not. But we make a conscious effort to move on and forgive each other. It's great. 


I pray that Gabe is in my life forever, it feels unlike anything I have ever felt before. I plan on marrying her in the next few years. I love her so much and think she is amazing. But there is someone I love more than even Gabe.. *record scratches*.. I love God.


He is the one who made all of the good things in my life happen, the rest is my fault because I'm a sinner. We need to look to God, He created us, and He lets us live. You probably heard the old line by Bill Cosby "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out"... that is true with God. He breathed into us, and gave us life... He holds our next breath in His hands and He can just end it if He wants to. We need to love Him above anything or anyone else. 


So here is a short check list of things to do and to ask yourself before getting in a relationship.


#1. Do they love God above anything else?
#2. Do they respect you?
#3. Are their morals good ones?
#4. Are they serious about a relationship?
#5. Pray and ask God what He thinks, then just wait and see what you feel?


So live your life in this way.. Love God, Love Others.... there we go.. simple eh? 


If you have any questions or just want someone to talk to about things... just drop me a line at igtmatt@gmail.com




-Pastor Matt

YouTube

Oh YouTube.. how I love you.. not as much as my God, girlfriend or family.. but you still have a warm place in my heart. You bring out the funniest, weirdest, coolest and most random videos that I have ever seen, you even put on parts of the King of Queens! (haha that rhymed). 


February 14th, 2005 was a day that changed the life of all computer nerds and people who love America's Funniest Home Video's. Because on that monumental day in history, all people with access to a computer could watch home videos as much as they want... for as long as they want... for free! YouTube was born.. and it is still going strong. 


But not all good things are great... YouTube has been used for bad as well.. people have added really bad stuff that you just don't need to see. Pornography, abuse, racism, slander, and blasphemy is all part of YouTube, luckily there is a report button and they are usually good at removing some bad stuff. 


So I was looking through YouTube and found this video... please watch it all the way through... it's pretty trippy..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPdAkDAg8ys&feature=rec-LGOUT-real_rev-rn-1r-8-HM


Here is what she said.. in a slower way so you can completely understand it...


"To be a survivor in this Amazing Race with the need for speed you need God’s Grace and if you're desperate like housewives watching days of our lives, you can’t cope without hope and that is not on a soap. If your looking to Oprah or Dr. Phil you can shop non-stop or pop a pill, but the void won’t fill and the pain won’t kill until you love the one that hung on a hill. Kicking back in your lazy boy easy chair watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, nah your not gonna find it there. No American Idol or Council Tribal has the final answer that will satisfy ya. C.S.I. ain’t got a clue. S.V.U. don’t know what to do. Not the ER or those seen on a CD, TV, DVD or MP3 can save you and me. CNN has got no Good News here’s a headline you must choose. It’s not a simple life Paris Hilton, It’s treading on thin ice living in sin. You can be an apprentice for Donald Trump or eat Fear Factor fast food from a dump you can be a heavy hitter or wheel of fortune winner or a Fox news no spin spinner or flat sinner but you better check this life that your livin’ and make sure your sins are forgiven. I bet ya 50 cent, Elvis done come and went, and eventually every Black eyed pea, Gwen Stefani, P-Diddy and Britney. Every wanna-be on MTV with their Icy Bling, every Dixie Chick that Sings, they all gonna see the King of Kings. I don’t care if your J-Lo, Leno or Bono. One thing you gotta know. Some day your gonna die, Bro. Then where are you gonna go. Hey, I’m not talking some punk junk that is irrelevant. Like your Grandma’s church from way back when. It’s not some preacher feature on TBN that you need to be liking or listening. The real superstar is Jesus Christ. He’s the way, the Truth and the Life. One day He’s gonna split the sky. He is the brightest light and the Highest high and so what I came to say and what I’m telling you is don’t buy that stupid stuff they be selling ya it’s all designed to fill your head and waste your space until your dead here’s the bottom line in my rhyme. Give your life to God while there is still time."


That whole thing was so cool I thought... but the last 10 words are the most important of all. "Give your life to God while there is still time". Just because you aren't 90 years old doesn't mean that your days are numbered. God has a time for everything just like it says in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

3:1  For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 

3:2  A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3:3  A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;
3:4  A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
3:5  A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
3:6  A time to seek, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to cast away;
3:7  A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
3:8  A time to love, And a time to hate; A time for war, And a time for peace. 

God created all and knows all, and He is a merciful God and loves everyone. But everyone will die eventually, whether it is sooner or later. So what you need to do is give your life over to God, and actually live for Him. "Well when I was little I said the sinners prayer so I'm safe whatever I do.".... yes and no.. You need to have your sins forgiven and start your life over. If you are a christian, tell others about God's love and be in the word.

 If you have any questions about anything, just email me at igtmatt@gmail

    -Pastor Matt

When you're dead will your ears be itchy?

You all probably know the old superstition that if your ears are itchy someone is talking about you. I think that's a bit far fetched but I'll go with it and write this blog.

Where my Dad is a Pastor I have had the opportunity to attend a lot of weddings, but even more funerals. There is no one wedding that is the same, they are all unique... same thing goes with funerals.

When you are planning your wedding you are concerned about what people are going to say about you, how the wedding went, how your dress or suit looked, how the food tasted, if you have a creepy 70's wedding singer dressed up with the baby blue frilly suit or not, etc. People can get so consumed with their weddings that they just have an awful time, instead of enjoying the process they are stressed out about money and silly little things. People need to slow down and enjoy themselves.

So many people are so consumed with the little things in life that don't matter, that they miss out on the good things. They get so stressed out that they can't enjoy themselves, and then all of a sudden they wake up and look, and they are old and their life is coming to the end.

I want you to do something before you move on...think to yourself, "Hey what are little things in my life, that won't matter in 5 years that I am getting stressed out about?" ... really.. do that right now. Did you do it? Ok :)

Some funerals that I have gone to have had hundreds of people attending, some have a handful. Like I said earlier, every funeral is unique. But as I am sitting there I look around and sometimes I see family crying, sometimes they just don't care. That is when my brain starts "What kind of life did this person live", "What legacy did they leave", "Are they even going to remember them in a years time".

We need to make sure we leave a legacy for people to remember us by, we may not have our own day on the calender like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but that doesn't mean we won't have a legacy. Nicole Nordeman penned a song a few years back called "Legacy" and the chorus goes like this...

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I want to leave a legacy 
How will they remember me? 
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough 
To make a mark on things? 
I want to leave an offering 
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically 
And leave that kind of legacy


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbi4nSrhRxo

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What will your Legacy be? What will they say about you when you are gone? Will you get consumed by the little things in life or actually live your life for God and have fun? It's completely up to you but I have chosen to try to leave a positive legacy.

James 4:14 says "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone."


Life is short, you may not live to be 143 like you want to.. so live each day building up your legacy and hopefully when you are dead.. your ears will be itchy :)

Jesus.. your new "What not to Wear" Fashion Expert

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)

Ok ok ok...... ok.. This blog may get me on the bad side of some people who read my blog but it has to be said. Sometimes just because a piece of clothing is in your size, doesn't mean you should wear it! Yes, there is such a thing as "too" low cut, "too" tight, "too" small & "too" just plain old wrong. There is nothing wrong with dressing up or anything like that, but this verse is really meaning that we need to be more concerned with our insides rather than the outs.

I think so many times instead of just being ourselves, we are trying to fit in with the dudes, divas, movie stars and singers... so we will dress and act very inappropriately.

"Whoa whoa whoa, wait Pastor Matt... you said dudes and divas... I thought you were just talking about girls??"

Oh no, for a perfect (and funny) answer to this, I look to 2010's first internet sensation General Larry Platt who sings...

"Pants on the Ground, Lookin' like a fool
With your pants on the Ground
With the gold in your mouth
Hat turned sideways
Pants hit the ground"

Guys can fall into the same trap of not dressing modestly. I'm sorry but honestly guys we shouldn't have to see your butt or boxers, wear a belt or pull them up.

Our bodies (guys & girls) are the temples of God and we need to remember that. We need to do all things, yes even dress, like Jesus was standing right there. I don't think that you should have to wear head to toe coverings so we don't see you, but I also don't think that we should see how little we can wear without being naked. You need to find a good in between.. nobody can tell you how to dress, except for your parents, but I think you should take the first step yourself. You will find that you will feel better about yourself, and you will have more self confidence.

"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (Taken from 1 Samuel 16:7)

To God, there is a complete acceptance of people regardless of what they wear or what they look like, and He will love you no matter what. But I think the Lord would be pleased with you if you dressed like He was standing there. I think we would all laugh and be embarrassed if I decided to start dressing in clothes that were too tight and very revealing, because I'm the Youth Pastor. But the same should go for you, you are part of the Body of God.

Many people spend countless hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; we should all do more to develop our inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like.

If you ever need to talk about anything my email is igtmatt@gmail.com, gimme a shout!

-Pastor Matt

Doug Heffernan & the Trinity

I love sitcoms. Just the good ones though! I usually watch them when I am relaxing on the couch, slowly turning into a vegetable. My Amazing Girlfriend Gabe has got me hooked on King of Queens. I came across a great conversation between Doug and a Rabbi in an episode. It’s about religion.

The three most popular religions are Judaism, Christianity and Islam. These three religions all have something in common. They all claim to have roots to Abraham. Abraham is a guy that we first meet in Genesis (it's the first book in the Bible). Generally speaking Jews and Christians both agree on who Abraham was and why he was important. Abraham was on a mission from God and the mission was continued through his son Isaac. This is where the Muslims disagree. They say that the mission was continued through his other son, Ishmael. Now, to the average Joe this argument seems pointless. Who cares!? Don’t these religions all worship the same God? Why can’t we just overlook the differences and simplify things a bit? Why not just admit that we all worship the same God? Is it true that right now we have three separate religions that all worship the same God and just disagree about a few details? The answer for this is a swift, simple, answer... I won't tell you the answer but the word starts with an "N" and ends with an "O".

The Details

Well some people don’t think that these three religions worship the same God. I think that there are many Jews, Christians and Muslims that think we all worship the same God. But each religion thinks that it is the one that God favors. You can be a Christian no matter what, As long as you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, He rose again three days later and is now in Heaven. We also need to believe that there is no possible way for us to get to heaven except for having a personal relationship with Jesus. But I'm a good person! I give money to poor people..... good works can't get you into heaven, it is only by believing in Jesus and having Him in your life. You can be a Jew and become a Christian and Muslims can become Christians, everyone can be. I think instead of worrying about what "title" we put over our door, we need to worry about our personal relationship with God and His Son Jesus.

Surprisingly, Doug (the not-so-bright star of King of Queens) understands the distinction between Christianity and its rivals. Why don’t you take a look at the script and then I’ll explain the important distinction.

Transcript from an episode

Setting: In a car on the way to Arthur’s wedding. Deacon is driving. Doug and a Rabbi are in the back seat.

Doug – I can’t believe you aren’t the one getting divorced.

Deacon – Hey stop talking about divorce will you, you guys are gonna be fine. You always work these things out. She screams, you cry, two pizzas later you’re back to normal.

Doug – This is different Deac, Okay? We had a commitment about our future and she just didn’t hold up her end. That’s not right, is it?

Rabbi Feldman– Well I certainly understand why you’re upset, but I also know that God believes in forgiveness.

Doug – Yeah. Is that just your God, or any God?

Rabbi Feldman– Do you think you and I have different Gods?

Doug – No! No, no, no, no… oh, I mean, yeah. Only cause my God is… Jesus. But, uh. But from what I understand my God is the Son of your God. So, I’m sure they’re on very good terms. They probably see each other all the time. You know holidays, family functions.

Car screeches to a halt and Doug rams into the seat in front of him.

Doug – Hey! What the (blank) was that for?

Deacon – To shut you up.

The Difference Doug Makes

This bit between Doug and Rabbi Feldman is supposed to be funny. Those of you who are familiar with King of Queens probably read it with the appropriate tone of voice. Even though it’s funny it is also true. As Christians, we worship God and we believe in the Trinity (cool word). The Trinity is amazing, it's God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit... so God + Jesus + the Holy Spirit = God :) 1 + 1 + 1 = 1

Doug mentions that Jesus is the Son of God. This is true. Jesus made it clear to his fellow Jews (yes that’s right, Jesus was a Jew) that if they did not follow Him then they were rejecting the Father. Well, let’s let Jesus speak for himself.

“he who rejects Me rejects Him Who sent Me.” Luke 10:16

Jesus says, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”" John 14:5-7

So we need to know Who we believe in, why we believe and then we need to tell others about it. In my sunday school class our key verse for last week was found in Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature".. so hear it, believe it, and do it.

So I encourage you to do that, if you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord, it's easy, if you would like to talk about getting to know Him or anything else that is on your mind and you just need an ear, gimme a shout. My email is igtmatt@gmail.com.



---Pastor Matt













Original concept from matcoke

How Cool Are You?

If I could write you a song to make you fall in love, I would already have you up under my arm. I used up all of my tricks, I hope that you like this, But you probably won't, you think you're cooler than me. Shh, see I got you all figured out, You need every one's eyes just to feel seen. Behind your make up nobody knows who you even are, Who do you think that you are? --Mike Posner "Cooler Than Me" How about you? Ever thought that you were cooler than someone else? At some point in life I think we all have classified groups of people into the "way cool" crowd all the way down to the "LOOOOOSER!" who are just "Hideous freaks of nature" supposedly - right? And isn't it funny how we always compare up the cool chain, not down? We're always focused on the group that we want to move up to in order to further our popularity agenda, instead of down at the groups who apparently aren't worthy of our time and attention. And that's about the time that God looks down at us and is disgusted... Why? Because He made everyone the same, and when we are so obsessed with our popularity and fame, we become part of the evil that comes out of the "How cool am I? And how can I move up the chain?" mentality. Did you know that the "who's cool and who's not" mentality started way long before Canada was even a nation? Over 2000 years ago in Jesus' day, the coolest crowd in his world was actually the religious teachers. They were given these great positions to help people, but instead they let it go their heads and they changed into spiritual bullies – and that earned them a seriously strong rebuke from Jesus: "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best-the sun to warm and the rain to nourish-to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you" (Matthew 5:43-47). Put simply, Jesus is saying that if you follow Him, you do not play favorites. You do not have an agenda to climb the popularity ladder, and you have permanently dropped out of the "I think I'm cooler than you" way of thinking. God is singing an unconditional love song to everyone on the planet, and the lyrics tell us that His affections have no exceptions, no exemptions, and no requirements. And if we claim to follow Jesus, the soundtrack of our lives should play the same song so loud that it can't be missed by those in our lives. In other words, Christians aren't cooler than anyone... But oftentimes we think we are, don't we? The world needs to see Jesus in us, but instead we give them cheesy movies, confusing bumper stickers, televangelists, and judgmental attitudes. Meanwhile God is asking - "Who do you think that you are???" Let's all take a lesson from Mike Posner in terms of it not being cool to think that we're cooler than others, but more importantly, let's remember Jesus' teaching to the cool crowd in His day to love everyone and treat everyone the same. Otherwise, the beautiful and life-changing message of the gospel could get lost in the impression that we are playing the same silly drama game as all the other people on earth. And when you truly show that kind of love, God's love for everyone comes shining through, and that makes people want to run to Him. "Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant." – The Apostle Paul What's it going to be for you?

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"(Matthew 7:1-3). At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-3). My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism (James 2:1). (resources from Dare2Share and Soulfuel)

Spiritual "Rehab"

They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no.'
Yes I've been black but when I come back you'll know, know, know.
I ain't got the time and if my daddy thinks I'm fine,
He's tried to make me go to rehab but I won't go, go, go.

Has anybody ever tried to make you do something that you didn't want to do? It's definitely not fun - and it's definitely the way Amy Winehouse was feeling a while back when she was riding a huge wave of success in her professional life, but crashing and burning in her personal life. And, as with most people, she had friends and family who truly care for and love her. When you see a good friend or relative in a downward spiral, you tend to get very concerned, which is why Amy's circle of friends advised her to check into a rehabilitation center.

Obviously things have changed since she penned those words, because she went, Amy was in rehab - and evidently made great progress at beating the drug and alcohol temptations that threatened to take her down. Here's what her brother said:

Detox was tough, but she did it. She was as bright and vivacious as she had been before her demons took over. It (the night of the Grammys) was without a doubt the greatest night our family has enjoyed in a long, long time.

In my opinion, we all need a rehab of sorts. Of course, just like Amy - we don't want anyone to make us go. But when the people who love us give us straight up talk about the deadly and destructive paths we oftentimes walk down, it's time to listen.

That's what Amy Winehouse did.

That's what we need to do.

So perhaps you're reading this, and you're thinking "Dude - I don't smoke crack cocaine and get drunk all the time. In fact, I don't do any of that stuff - so why would I need rehab?"

Great point - and I agree, if that's you - you don't need a chemical detox - probably most of us don't. But... we ALL have another kind of poison coursing through our spiritual veins - and unfortunately, we are all addicted to this deadly venom.

It's called sin. It comes in all kinds of forms, but here's a list that might help you identify your particular toxins:

Sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these (Galatians 5:19-21).

These are things that need to be taken as seriously as a drug or alcohol addiction, because left unchecked, they *will* kill you. Maybe not physical death, but for sure they will poison your life to the point where you are trapped in an emotional and spiritual death state that sucks out any hope of finding joy and meaning in life. They all stem from what the Bible calls 'the flesh' - which is really the source of all our problems.

So what's 'rehab' for the flesh? Here's God's advice:

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives (Galatians 5:24-25).

Rehab for our sinful flesh isn't a place, it's a Person. If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives inside you. The power of God is at your disposal 24/7 to "crucify" the poisons and addictions that can and will destroy your life. Seek His help the next time you get the peer pressure to go to the wrong party, or feel the destructive feelings and temptations rising up inside you.

Nope, nobody can 'make you' check into spiritual rehab, but the Person who loves you most - Jesus Christ - pleads with you at this very moment to ask His help in defeating your poisonous flesh. Go to Him right now in prayer and begin the process of spiritual detox. Like Amy, I promise you will find the happiness you probably haven't enjoyed in a long, long time.

Head: What you need to know about this truth

Through the power of Jesus Christ, we can defeat the deadly power of sin and conquer the addictions that threaten to destroy our lives.

Heart: What you need to feel about this truth

It's easy for most to look at Amy Winehouse and feel strongly about her need for rehab - but how often do we take the same attitude with ourselves? Here's a critical verse from the Bible to reflect on this week:

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Hands: What you need to do about this truth

Take some time this week and list out the sin 'addictions' that seem to cause you the most trouble. Is it lust? Pride? Anger? These are not 'personality problems' or simple mistakes - these are destructive poisons that will eventually ruin the amazing life God has planned for you.

(Some resources from Dare2Share & Soulfuel)