July 8, 2010 AD

Your Substitute

Dear FBCO Family:

What do you think of when you think of the term substitute? I heard a story of a Prisoner of War, how after work one night a guard saw that a shovel was missing. Convinced one of the POW’s had stolen it, he yelled for the guilty party to step out. When no one did, the guard was ready to kill them one by one until someone confessed. Immediately a young Scottish soldier stepped forward, saluted and said, “I did it.” The guard beat him to death on the spot. His fellow POW’s picked up their friend’s body and buried it in the crude cemetery and then they returned their tools to camp. At that point the shovels were recounted. The guard was wrong. None were missing.

What kind of person would take the blame for something he didn’t do? Jesus! We can understand someone dying for a loved one, but God put His love on the line for us in that “while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Think about it, God laid on Jesus all the guilt and shame you and I deserved and thus He became our Mediator to reconcile us to God. A mediator reconciles differences and negotiates agreements between people. At the cross, Jesus stood between God’s wrath and us and took the punishment for our sins. Having lived the life we could not live, He then took the punishment we could not escape. He freely offers us salvation we could never be rich enough
to buy. I Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.”

Stop where you are right now and thank God for the gift of His Son for your salvation. May we say along with the Apostle Peter, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Peter 9:15. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Sunday’s Sermon: We are going to do a series of messages over the next few weeks called “Questions” and it will cover the questions people have over the Christian life. Sunday we will look at “What is Salvation?” from Acts 9. We talk about “being saved” but do we really understand and appreciate all that “being saved” means? Bring an unchurched or seeking friend Sunday to hear what God says as He seeks and saves "that which is lost".

Vacation Bible School: Starts Monday. The theme is “High Seas Expedition” and you won’t want to miss it. Thanks to all our workers for your fantastic service to our Lord thorough the kids. You are loved!

Beloved, I can’t wait to see you Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am ready to study God’s Word together. I love you so much!

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

June 24, 2010 AD

“The Lord Our Banner”

Dear FBCO Friend:

The Bible reveals names for God. Not one name suffices for the greatness of God. Most of these names came as God revealed Himself sufficient in the midst of great tests. Exodus 17:15 says, “And Moses built an altar, and named it ‘The Lord is My Banner’” Yahweh Nissi.

The Amalakites were fierce warriors who lived near the Dead Sea. They killed for pleasure. When they attacked the Hebrews, who were former slaves, it was certain Israel would be annihilated. Joshua commanded the sparse Hebrew forces into battle. Moses went up on the hill and held up the rod, praying over the battle. When he held his arms up, Israel prevailed. When he got weary, Aaron and Hur volunteered to hold his hands up as Moses prayed. Moses’ raised arms pointed to God as the source of strength and victory. As a result of Joshua and the troops battling, Moses’ praying and Aaron and Hur holding his weary arms, Israel was victorious!

Yahweh-Nissi, The Lord is my Banner. A banner is a military standard, a piece of cloth bearing an army insignia and raised on a pole. The commander-in-chief would tell the banner bearer where to move and the troops followed the banner. The banner helps troops keep their bearings. It inspires troops as they see the army insignia, they would remember who they are and they were encouraged in the midst of the battle.

God is our banner! When He is raised up, we get our bearings in this busy world. He gives direction. He gives strength for the battle. Yahweh Nissi gives courage and hope and when He is lifted up He will prevail over any challenge!

Sunday I will cast the vision for PASTOR’S PRAYER PARTNERS and it is drawn from the story in Exodus 17:8-15 where Moses prayed and Aaron and Hur held up his arms. Pastor’s Prayer Partners are a group of Christians volunteering to pray for me daily. By praying for me you are touching the staff, church leaders and every ministry of FBCO. What is required?

• Pray daily for Marla and me specifically according to a prayer guide I will provide.

• Be part of a prayer team to pray over me every month or two on your specific Sunday, depending on how many sign up. We will meet Sundays at 7:50am and I will ask you to pray in specific ways for God to move that day. After praying for me, the Prayer Partners are released to pray over the Worship Center and other places on campus as the Holy Spirit leads.

• Read “Partners in Prayer” by John Maxwell ($10.00 each, available Sunday). If you can’t afford one, I will pay.

• Open to all, age 16 and older. Training provided.

• I will email you answers to prayer and updates monthly to rejoice and intercede.

When Moses’ arms were up, the Hebrews prevailed. When he got weary, the Hebrews lost. Thanks to Aaron and Hur, Moses’ arms were continually up and Israel was spared, the troops prevailed, the people rejoiced and God got the glory.

Likewise, through your prayers, I, as your pastor, am effective and all the staff is helped, the leaders are blessed, victory is ours, and God is honored. You will be my Aaron and Hur. Please prayerfully ask God to allow you to be my intercessor. Sign up will be in the bulletin Sunday. I hope you will be my Prayer Partner! Email me at Roger@fbcowasso.org if I can help further.

PRAY FOR FALLS CREEK: Our high school group is at Falls Creek this week. I will be there with our kids starting Wednesday. Pray for every lost student to be saved and that everyone will draw closer to God and to one another.

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT COMING AUGUST 5-6: Speakers include Coach Tony Dungy, Andy Stanley, Bill Hybels, Jack Welch, (author of "Good to Great") and many others. Our pre-registration is the highest it has ever been! Go to http://www.fbcowasso.org/Summit and register online. Bring friends and work associates. This is the largest Christian leadership event on the planet! There are only two host locations in Oklahoma and we are one of them. I’d love to have you here to share the experience together with 50,000 others around the world!

The Lord is our Banner! We are lifting Him high this summer and God is working. I am eager to see you Sunday ready to experience God together!

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

June 17, 2010 AD

“Wisdom From A Dad”

Hi All:

I am back! I have been tied up with some things and I have missed sending “Sunday’s Coming”! I hope you missed getting it :-). My purpose is to encourage you as you near the end of the week.

Sunday is Father’s Day, the time when we will honor those special guys who do so much and ask for so little. One of my favorite dads died recently, just short of his 100th birthday—John Wooden. Coach Wooden won 10 National Championships at UCLA—the first one at age 53.

More than a great coach, he was a devout Christian and a loving husband and father. I thought you’d enjoy some of his quotes which have inspired and encouraged me:

      •A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.
      •Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.
      •If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
      •If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.
      •You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
      •Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.

There is a lot of wisdom in those nuggets of truth from one of God’s choice servants.

FATHER’S DAY SERMON: "Difference Making Dads (And Those Who Love Them)." EXODUS 17:1-7
This is a message about when Moses led the children of Israel to Rephidim and they were sorely disappointed. Dads face disappointments while wearing many hats—provider, disciplinarian, coach, counselor and other roles. We will learn how to overcome tough times God’s way. Can’t wait to share with you!

PASTOR'S PRAYER PARTNERS COMING: Sunday, June 27th, I will cast a vision for a group of people to pray for me and the great work God is doing at FBCO. I ask you to consider supporting me as a prayer partner. It will include praying specifically for me, the staff and the testimony of FBCO. We will also have days where you are assigned a Sunday to pray with me and blanket our campus with prayer. I will have books and materials for you on June 27th. Thank you for touching our lives and ministry together through intercession.

BIBLE BYTE: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

I can’t wait to see you Sunday at 9:00 & 10:30am to worship our heavenly Father together! Keep praying for Jr. High camp this week—several have been saved already. Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

"Better Together - Week 4"

Dear FBCO Friend:

One of my favorite coaches of all times is John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach at UCLA. Coach Wooden won 10 national championships at UCLA, a record likely never to be broken.

BIBLE BYTE: "Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Deuteronomy 8:3

April 15, 2010 AD

“Behold His Wonders”

Dear Beloved Friend in Christ:

ATTENTION ALL FACEBOOK AND TWITTER PEOPLE: You touch a lot of lives! Consider putting something on your Facebook page or Twitter about “40 Days of Community” and invite others to come at 9:00 and 10:30am. You touch a lot of lives and your invitation may be the catalyst moving someone closer to God. Offer to meet them at FBCO! Thanks for doing this because we are “Better Together”!

We know we serve a God of wonders. Yet, occasionally, He will make Himself known in wondrous ways beyond what we can imagine. Such a thing happened to us recently.

We had 1,860 here on Easter. That’s good! What impressed me even more were all our people who worked to bring great

glory to our awesome God. There were those who drove golf carts, ushers and greeters who welcomed people, Preschool and Children’s workers, others played instruments or sang, worked in the A-V booth, ran cameras or worked in engineering, etc. An army of volunteers serving with full devotion to Christ and He is glorified.

God blessed your service! The Wednesday after Easter was busy. I returned from a meeting in Broken Arrow and felt like I needed to go to St. John’s Tulsa to see two FBCO people. As I left the hospital a Hispanic lady approached me and, in very broken English, asked me if I were the pastor of FBCO she’d seen on the webcast. I said, “Yes”.

She told me she worked "deep nights" and didn’t get off in time to come Easter. However, her kids recently moved to Collinsville and were coming to FBCO on Easter and told their mom she could watch the service on the web. The mom logged in to FBCO's webcast and started looking for her kids. She said, “I understood every word clearly in my language, Espanola.” She thanked us for webcasting the service in Spanish — music, message, welcome, etc. The message made her think and she purchased a Spanish Bible and will go to a Bautista church near her apartment soon.

The only issue is...we didn’t do a Spanish service on Easter. We didn’t even use a translator on Easter...or ever. What happened?

Acts 2:6 says, “When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.” On the day of Pentecost, when the Christians spoke of God’s wonders, people heard in 16 different languages. For years I’ve taught “the miracle of Pentecost was not an unknown language, it was a known language. The miracle was not in the speaking but in the hearing of the gospel.” Did God reach down from Heaven to a Hispanic lady who was looking for her kids on the web and allow her to hear the gospel in her language? You decide. I still stand in amazement of our awesome God!

In Heaven we’ll see how, when we serve God with full devotion, He comes in and does what only He can do and lives change for eternity. That’s why last Sunday we started “40 Days of Community”. Together in the church, God’s forever family, we are learning how we fulfill the 5 purposes God created us for: Worship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry and Fellowship. I encourage you to do 4 things in these 40 days:

• Be faithful in large group experience called Worship. The messages will be a different slant on the Biblical material you are getting in Sunday School. You need both Worship and Small Group.

• Participate in a Small Group called Sunday School at 9:00 or 10:30am.

• Serve with others in doing a project with your Small Group to help people who can’t possibly repay us — just like Jesus.

• Read the “40 Days - Better Together” devotional you got in Sunday School during this 40 day journey. Let God do His perfect thing through you, His child.

SUNDAY’S SERMON: “Reaching Out Together” Mark 2:1-12. Last Sunday you learned of Mission Owasso. This Sunday you will hear from one of our Sunday School groups who is doing what we are talking about.

Thanks for posting an invitation to “40 Days of Community" on Facebook, Twitter, or anything similar. It may be just what someone needs. Because you touch a lot of lives, we are “Better Together”!

I love each of you! Write and tell me about your project for the “40 Days of Community”. I will pray for you and come help you if time permits.

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

April 7, 2010 AD

“Better Together”

Dear FBCO Friend:

Have you ever noticed how a snowflake by itself is frail but if enough of them stick together they can stop a city? Snowflakes are “better together”.

According to ESPN, 97% of American’s couldn’t tell you where Butler University was. The Butler University team and coaches worked, drilled, disciplined themselves, and played as a team together and they nearly won the NCAA National Basketball Championship. Why? Because the Butler University basketball team discovered they were “better together” than apart.

Sunday a revolution starts! We are calling it “40 Days of Community”. We’ll learn in Sunday School and in worship what the Bible says about relationships. Our theme is “better together”. Please make every effort to be present the next 6 Sundays to learn what God says about relationships. God made us for relationships. Satan mars relationships, God redeems them. Invite someone to come with you for Bible Study and Worship. If you are not plugged into a class, now is a great time to join one, we have great teachers and members. Find one that “fits” and plug into it. To bless our community, together, each class will do a service project of their own choosing. This Saturday is also our last “Saturday Night Caller” and I hope every class calls every member and guest to welcome them to join us. Let me know the results.

Wasn’t Easter awesome? The presence of God’s people worshiping God is amazing! At last count we had 1,860 precious people here on Easter to celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus! I talked to several and they remarked how friendly everyone was. I asked them why they came to FBCO and they said:

• “because I was invited by so and so” or…

• “This person is someone I work with and they forwarded me your 'Sunday’s Coming!' devotionals on the Passion Week and I had to come check it out.”

• Still others said someone invited them on Facebook. Still others said…

• “A friend or relative at FBCO invited us with a personal invitation and we came.”

I say all this to say, you make a difference! Thanks to all of you. Those who cared for children, worked in the Christian Arts Ministry, served as an usher, etc. You proved, we really are “better together”.

SUNDAY’S SERMON: “WHY WE NEED EACH OTHER” HEBREWS 10:19-25.

BIBLE BYTE: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

Dear friends, we really are “better together”. Every day is resurrection day for the child of the King! I am eager to see you Sunday to launch "40 Days of Community". Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

“Good Friday”

Dear FBCO Friend:

On this pivotal day Jesus took my cross and paid for my sin. He did the same for you.  Good Friday is only “good” from the perspective of Easter Sunday - the Day of Resurrection. Without the resurrection, Good Friday would be the most horrible, despised day ever - the day hate killed perfect LOVE. Because of the resurrection, LOVE defeated death, deception and transforms lives and families one heart at a time!

Today, I think of Jesus' sacrifice by stopping to pray at 3 distinct times:

• Morning: Jesus was crucified - all of this after His illegal arrest, being up all night, beaten so bad He could not be recognized as a human. Stop this morning and reflect on these verses: “Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they nailed Him to the cross. Two others were crucified with Him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. And Pilate posted a sign over Him that read, 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.' The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it.” John 19:17-20

• Noon: At noon the whole world was plunged into darkness. It was as dark at midday as it is at midnight - showing God the Father turned His back on Jesus and poured out His wrath for sin on His perfect Son. I deserved that wrath. So do you. Jesus bore the burden of every sin ever committed. Meditate on these verses and thank God for His tremendous gift: “It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.” Luke 23:44-45 Because He bore our guilt and punishment we are free, forgiven, and accepted by God. Cleansing love washed out the stain of our sin.

• 3:00pm: Seeing the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled and realizing His death is sufficient for the payment of sin, Jesus cried out, " 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up His spirit." John 19:30 The phrase “it is finished" is the Greek word “Tetelestai!” Those who heard Jesus exclaim "Tetelestai" were puzzled. "Tetelestai" is the exclamation of a runner in a track race who crosses the finish line first, realizing he won the race and claiming the victory. Hardly the word of a criminal executed on a cross.  No one "took" Jesus' life, they could not. Jesus gave His life for us. That is why John 19:30 says Jesus “gave up His spirit”. The race was run and the battle won. We can be forgiven. Shame, guilt, despair, etc. were defeated at the cross. We can be cleansed of sin and filled with His Spirit as we submit our will to His. At 3:00pm today, thank God because Jesus won your victory. Then live in His victory in whatever battles or challenges you face today.

You will see no devotional from me on Saturday - the day hope vanished. Think about Christ in the grave and the despair of His followers. Though they had been told, they didn’t comprehend the miracle of the resurrection.

For those of you who have tickets to the Seder, I am eager to celebrate it with you at 6:00pm. If you can’t come, turn in your tickets - we have a long waiting list.

I am eager to gather with you on Easter Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30am. There will be no Sunday School (except for Preschool) so families can bring friends and enjoy Worship together. If people will come any day, they will come Easter Sunday - if you invite them. I hope to have as many as 10 lost friends with me. Our Christian Arts ministry has prepared long and hard and the music will glorify the risen King. Pray for me as I put the finishing touches on a message of hope from the heart of God. Bring a worthy gift to continue the Ministry of the King through FBCO in tithes and offerings to retire the mortgage. He paid the price in His blood - we have the privilege of giving that others may know.

I am eager to see you this Easter as we realize afresh and anew, “He is risen! He is risen indeed!”

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

Thursday: Day of Deception

Dear FBCO Friends:

I got a text message from a “friend” at 6:00am. It said, “Due to an unexplainable phenomena all roads going south into Tulsa are closed. The only way to get to Tulsa from Owasso is to go north to Bartlesville, then go to Hominy and follow a back road into Tulsa from Sand Springs.” I scrolled down farther and in the smallest font you ever saw it said, “April Fools!”

Deception scars us. We have the remarkable ability to mislead each other to get our way.
From pranks, to celebrity affairs, to political cover-ups, the history of the world could be written as the story of delusion. The serpent in the Garden was the first to deceive and we’ve learned his ways well.

Consider the deceptions Jesus faced on Thursday of Passion Week.

• Jesus washed his disciples' feet and called them to humble service. (John 13:31-35) The apostles spoke of love but didn’t practice it, clean feet and tainted hearts.

• So that we would remember His love for us, He initiated the Lord's Supper. Judas took communion, all the time scheming to sell out the Savior.

• After Judas slithered away, Jesus encouraged His disciples (John 14-16) and prayed for them and us. (John 17) In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas betrayed Jesus with the kiss of deception.

• After His arrest, Jesus had to stand trial 3 times before the Jews, then 3 times before the Romans.  His trials were conducted illegally in these ways: Jesus was arrested without a formal charge; He was given no opportunity to prepare a defense; they began with a private trial by Annas, not the public trial required by law; the Sanhedrin was not permitted to initiate charges, only consider them; the proceedings were conducted at night (Mishna Sanhedrin 4:1); witnesses were paid to lie. Deception to the max.

• Truer words were never spoken than those by Pilate, “I find no fault in Him.” (John 19:4). Pilate who found Jesus “not guilty” bowed to political correctness and sent our Savior to the cross.

All this awaited Jesus when he chose Thursday night in Gethsemane to bear your sins and die on your cross. Whatever is going on in your life today, know that you are loved by the God who made you. He knows your deceptions and mine - yet He alone can transform the heart - will you submit yourself to Him today in ALL areas? Jesus thinks your eternal life is worth His illegal death.

I pray these devotions deepen our appreciation of our incredible Savior. He loves you more than the universe. We walk through the deceptions of this world together knowing His “grace is sufficient.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) I am praying for you and eager to gather Sunday with you to celebrate the victory He won. Until then may we all know, “We are loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing!”

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

March 31, 2010 AD

Dear FBCO friends,

We are looking at what Jesus went through in the last week of His earthly life. Today is Wednesday and it is known as the…

Day of Silence: Welcome to Silent Wednesday. The Bible doesn't record anything of Jesus' life on this day. Nothing. He stayed with His disciples at the home of Mary, Martha, & Lazarus in Bethany (a suburb of Jerusalem). How did he spend the day?

We can only guess. Probably teaching His followers about tomorrow's trials, seeking to prepare them for the shock they will soon face, comforting them on the eve of His arrest, and preparing Himself to go to the cross for us. Jesus often prayed early in the morning (Mark 1:35) and late at night (Luke 6:12), so He spent this day in communion with His Abba - one of the last times He would address God as His “Daddy”.

Think of what Jesus could have done but didn’t do. Jesus could still escape Jerusalem and flee to the safety of His Galilean homeland, but He chose to stay and die, and spent this day getting ready.

The Lord calls us to "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) In the midst of a very busy time, when "so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat," Jesus said to his disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31)

I write this on March 31 - 1/4 of 2010 is history. Life goes by fast - too fast. Tasks get done and relationships suffer. When last did you accept Jesus' invitation to be alone with your Abba? Visualize Jesus at Bethany surrounded by His disciples and friends, you among them. Picture Him in the center of the room, and sit at His feet. As you rest in His presence, thank Him for what He will do for you this week. Praise Him for His loving grace. Commit to Him your grateful obedience. Decide to meet Jesus each morning in worship and Word. Then see Him smile at you, His child!

Tonight in my Exodus study we will look at what happens when you try to follow God’s will and all chaos breaks out. Life is complicated. God is bigger than life. Come join us at 6:00pm in Room 705-706. Read Exodus 4 before coming, if you get a chance.

As I study more of Jesus this week, I fall more in love with Him - and you.

Until then, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you and grant you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26) Amen.

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

We are looking at what went on in the last week of Jesus’ life, day by day. Today is Tuesday, the day of confrontation. His actions today would lead to His death in 72 hours. Read about it in Mark 11:27-13:37.

Tuesday of Passion Week:  Tuesday was one of the longest, most grueling days ever for Jesus.  His rejection of the moneychangers on Monday inflamed the authorities.  As He approached Jerusalem, His foes were waiting for Him, their trap baited.

Their questions seemed innocent: "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" (Mark 12:14). This challenge forced Jesus to take a stand on the most inflammatory issue of their day. Rome required every subject of the Empire to pay the "poll tax," using a coin whose inscription praised Caesar as a god. If Jesus advocated this idolatry, the adoring crowds would morph into an ugly mob and reject Him as Messiah. If He rejected the tax, the Roman army standing guard would quickly arrest Him for treason. Either way, His enemies would be rid of this Galilean and His threat to their stale religion.

Jesus' answer stunned His opponents speechless! "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Mark12:17). We can be loyal to our country, but above all we are to be loyal to our Lord. He deserves our obedience, worship, gifts, and gratitude.

What do you owe God now? Your next breath is His gift. He has forgiven every sin you've confessed to Him. If Jesus is your Lord, he has given you eternal life by His grace. Every "good and perfect gift" comes from Him (James 1:17).

Now our Abba-Father wants you to love Him "with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength," and to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:30-31). Despite the passive religion of our day, true Christianity is not private opinion. Christ followers are called by God to positive, transforming action. In Mark 13 Jesus reminds us all will not always be the same—He is coming again to make things right, to punish evil and to reign forever—and we will be with Him, FOREVER!

So take time on this Tuesday for a spiritual examination. Would God say that you love Him with all your "heart" (your will and decisions)? With all your "soul" (your personal worship)? With all your "mind" (your attitudes and thoughts)? With all your "strength" (your actions)? Would your fellow students, coworkers, family, and friends say that you love them as much as you love yourself?

Marriage counselors tell couples who don't feel that they love each other to "act into feelings." Do what love does and you'll feel what love feels. What could you do now to show that you love your Father and your neighbor?

Enjoy this beautiful day as His gift! Live today in full devotion to Abba, as your gift back to Him! Pray for the Seder and Easter Sunday and invite people you know to Easter.

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

Passion Week Devotionals Sent out Daily

Dear FBCO Friend:

I want us to prepare to celebrate Easter in a grand way by understanding more of what happened the last week of Jesus life. Take two minutes and read the following. I will send one a day this week to prepare your heart for Easter and the resurrection lifestyle you and I share in Christ.

Palm Sunday: Palm Sunday was Nisan 10 on the Hebrew calendar. It was the day the people presented their Passover lambs for examination. The lamb had to have no spot or blemish and be one year old. On Palm Sunday Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” In so doing, Jesus presented Himself as the Lamb of God sent to redeem His people. The people cheered Jesus but they did not embrace Him as their king, especially the religious leaders.

Monday: Jesus spent each night in Bethany, just above the Garden of Gethsemane with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The next day He arose and went back into Jerusalem and cursed the fig tree, showing God’s judgment on Israel for having been given so much favor, and yet refusing to bring forth the fruit of Godliness.

Then Jesus went to the temple. Read about it in Matthew 21:12-17. He saw the pilgrims at the temple who, the previous day, had their Paschal lambs rejected by the priests. Now He saw them buying new lambs for examination. The lambs sold at an exorbitant price and could only be purchased with the Temple currency, which was greatly inflated during Passover season. Jesus reminded them His temple was not meant to be a den of robbers but a house of prayer. He made a whip and drove the dishonest money changers out. By now I hope you are seeing the priests and the money changers were in cahoots to extort money from the pilgrims who traveled long distance for the Passover. In doing this Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Jeremiah 7:11 “Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching!declares the LORD.” and Psalm 8:2 “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

So how does all this fit you and me? You are reading this on a computer. Did you work on a computer 25 years ago? Probably not. Guess what? Computers, as we know them, will not be around in 25 more years—they are too bulky. What we will use then will be small enough to fit into a shirt pocket. Circumstances change. God never changes.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, think of what our Savior went through for you that Passion Week. The climax at the cross was preceded by tense encounters. For two years Jesus was an itinerant Galilean Rabbi. When He entered Jerusalem for the last time the crowds were so large He was seen as a threat by the Romans and the Jews. We crucified LOVE on Friday and their “problem” was over—so they thought.

What really happened on Good Friday was the launching of a world wide movement of Christ-followers whose lives are radically changed by the risen Christ. Computers affect the world and they will come and go. Jesus impacted the world and the waves of His love have and will outlive every invention of man and every government leader.

Jesus invites us today to trade the legalism of religion for the grace of relationship. Worship and study Scripture and serve because God loves you, not so He will. Your life is the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 3:16)-make it a "house of prayer" in which you practice the presence of Jesus all day long.

Tuesday—we will exam the confrontation of the Passion Week. Talk to you then.

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

“Palm Sunday”

Dear FBCO Friend:

Read the following statements and decide if they are True or False. Don’t cheat and look at the answers below.  :-)  Read carefully and answer T or F:

•    Apples, not caffeine, are better at waking you in the morning.
•    Alfred Hitchcock did not have a belly button.
•    Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.
•    When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart!
•    Only 7% of the population is left handed.
•    The toothbrush was invented in 1498.
•    40,000 Americans are injured in the bathroom each year.
•    People don’t get sick from cold weather; they get ill from being indoors more.
•    Michael Jackson owns the rights to the S. Carolina state anthem.
•    The first Harley Davidson motorcycle was built in 1903.

If you answered “True” to all 10 questions you are right! Strange but true facts.

Do you want to know something true and really amazing? The God of the universe knows you, loves you and wants to lead you in His way. To prove His love for you, the CREATOR of the universe died for your sin and mine on an old rugged cross. “Amazing love, how can it be? That you my King would die for me!”  This Sunday is Palm Sunday. Join your brothers and sisters in Christ as we learn more about our Awesome Savior.

Right now, stop where you are and pray silently. Thank God that He is bigger than whatever you face. Thank Him that no problem is too large for Him and no request is too small. Don’t just seek Him when you have a need, seek Him always. He eagerly waits to hear from you!

PALM SUNDAY SERMON:  “DAY 12,045: THE RELATIONSHIP” LUKE 22:14-23. Last Sunday we began preparing our hearts for Easter. We are following a “24” theme from the TV show by the same name. Scholars estimate Jesus lived 12,045 days. Of those days only 9 things are recorded by all four Gospel writers. Five of those nine things happened on Day 12,045. Join us as we study the unique memorial He left for us to remember Him by. I can’t wait!

SHOW GRATITUDE: I marvel at the gifted and hard working staff I have the privilege of serving with. Shoot one or more of them an email this week and express thanks. Here are their emails:  Chad@fbcowasso.org; Chuck@fbcowasso.org; Brent.Andrews@fbcowasso.org; Keith@fbcowasso.org (Keith passed a kidney stone this week Uggggh!)  Caleb.Jernigan@fbcowasso.org; Kolby.king@fbcowasso.org; Sandy.Cunningham@fbcowasso.org
I believe it was Will Rogers who said, “I can live a month on a good compliment.” If each of you reading this sent just one email...! Let’s fill their inboxes with encouragement for their labors of love!

Only in Oklahoma: can you have a 70 degree day and the next day have 5 inches of snow on the ground and 48 hours later be 70 degrees again! The weather changes but God never does. Because of the snow we had only one worship service last week and it was sweet as our Students led us in Worship—I love their enthusiasm! Our offering was low-let’s make up for it this week and return tithes and offerings unto Him who is worthy.

FAR EAST REPORT: Plans are being made with local IMB missionaries for us to partner with them. My prayer is FBCO will adopt a city in a closed nation and liberate the souls with the gospel. Pray these preparations go well and we can get “boots on the ground” in 2011.

In this day, when America is divided over politics, let’s remember what is essential. “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the Name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And He will be their peace.” Micah 5:4-5

We are better together than isolated. This Sunday plug into a small group and celebrate with us in large group Worship. Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

March 18, 2010 AD

“Perceptions”

Dear FBCO Friend:

First, I want to say a big “THANK-YOU” for praying for me and the team of 10 pastors who went to the Far East. To see God mightily at work in a difficult land is encouraging. My prayer is, starting in 2011, we will be sending teams to the “land of Lottie”. Keep praying for how God wants this to shape up—perhaps He wants to use you!

Perception is reality. If our perception is wrong, our conclusions are false. Enjoy this fun short story by “Anonymous” illustrating the value of perceiving events correctly to come to the right conclusions:

A woman was waiting at an airport. With several long hours before her flight, she hunted for a book in the airport shops, purchased a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.

She was engrossed in her book but happened to see the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be, grab a cookie or two from the bag in between, which she tried to ignore, to avoid a scene.

So she munched the cookies and watched the clock, as the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock. She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by, thinking, "If I weren't so nice, I would blacken his eye."

With each cookie she took, he took one too. When only one was left, she wondered what he would do. With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh, he took the last cookie and broke it in half.

He offered her half, as he ate the other. She snatched it from him and thought...”This guy has some nerve and he's also rude, why he didn't even show any gratitude!”

She had never known when she had been so galled, and sighed with relief when her flight was called. She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate, refusing to look back at that thieving ingrate.

She boarded the plane, and sank in her seat and then sought her book, which was almost complete. As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise. There was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes.

If mine are here, she moaned with despair. The others were his, and he tried to share. Too late to apologize, she realized with grief, that she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.

How true! Before you arrive at a conclusion, make sure your perceptions are correct.2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says, “But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.  Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” The life of a Christ-follower must be directed by God. The lost man doesn’t understand this. Connect with God daily and join your “forever family” in Worship and Bible Study Sunday.

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “DAY 12,045: THE SERVANT” John 13:1-17.
To prepare for Easter we are suspending our “X” Series to get ready for Easter. Thanks for praying for me as I prepare to share with you facets of our incredible Savior as He went to the cross and resurrection for us to forgive our sin and connect us with God.

JEWISH PASSOVER SEDER:  On Good Friday, April 2, at 6:00pm we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper as Jesus did. Jesus was Jewish. In the Lord’s Supper He gave a new meaning to an old symbol. Dr. Bill Berman, a Psychologist and a completed Jew in Christ, will lead us. If you don't already have tickets, Please call the church office at 272-2294 to get put on a waiting list.

Dear people, I am thankful for many things today. One is the great work of getting Christians involved in missions. The other is a loving, caring church like you who believes in loving everyone, at home and abroad, to Jesus.  If you have been on Spring Break this week, I hope you come back refreshed. I can’t wait to see all of you this Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30am ready to honor Almighty God together! More than ever…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

March 4, 2010 AD

“Rule of 72 and a Disclaimer”

Dear FBCO Friend:

Can you do compound interest problems in your brain? Unless you're a math whiz --- not! But the Rule of 72 is useful to know since it gives a quick method to determine the results of a compound interest investment over time.

The Rule of 72 says --- To find the number of years required for doubling your money at a given interest rate, just divide the interest rate into 72.

For example, if you want to know how long it will take to double $5,000 at 9% interest, divide 72 by 9 and the answer is 8 years. In 8 years my investment of $5,000 should be worth approximately $10,000 because of compound interest.

Years ago C. S. Lewis spoke about compound interest in another way in his book "Mere Christianity". He said: “Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.” 

The choice is clear. Do I invest in evil or good? The results are sure to be compounded as sure as the Rule of 72 holds true. That is not new. Ecclesiastes 12:14 says, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

None of us is perfect, except Jesus. Yet, as we sow good seeds, we’ll reap good results. If a brother/sister stumbles, help them up. Why? Because you may stumble soon and you want others to help you up, not put you down. Some churches shoot their wounded. May we be a church “encouraging one another, and building up one another, just as you are also doing.” 2 Thessalonians 5:11

3 WORDS TO PRAY FOR FBCO: Sunday I asked you to join the staff and me in praying 3 Biblical words for FBCO. God has some incredible things ahead and we want God’s anointing and blessing. Satan is the author of division and deception and he is defeated by the Victor, Jesus! Live in the Victory of Christ!  Here are the 3 words:

Anointing: This is synonymous with holiness, spirit filled, consecration. As we are submitted to God, His anointing - beyond talent and ability are upon us. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22
Love: Since we are submitted to God, we choose to love others. Love is a choice that flies in the face of our culture. Pray 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 for FBCO.
Unity:  On the night He was betrayed, Jesus prayed for unity for His church around what matters most - Christ and His Word. We put aside our preferences and pettiness in favor of the gospel.Pray John 17:20-23 for FBCO.

SUNDAY’S SERMON: "How To Keep Romance in Marriage" Exodus 20:14.  The 7th commandment in the X Series is God’s word for keeping marriage pure and healthy. Thanks for your kind words about the X Series and most of all for your prayers for me as I prepare.

MISSIONS OPPORTUNITY:  I will travel with other pastors to a country where Christians are persecuted, yet the church is exploding! Some have said it is the closest thing to the book of Acts ever. Pray and ask God, if FBCO is to be in partnership with this Far East country, we will know it clearly.

DISCLAIMER: Sunday I shared an article on the secularization of California. I check things like this on www.snopes.com and I saw nothing. Apparently, this got by me and it is a hoax. You know me, I speak truth. I was wrong on this and I am sorry. This is the 1st time in 30 years something like this has gotten by me. My original point is clear - America is hurting and only the helping hand of God through people like us and FBCO can make a lasting difference.

SEDER MEAL AND EASTER: Mark April 2, Good Friday, on your calendar and we are going to share a Seder Meal together. This was given by God to celebrate the Passover. Jesus celebrated this with His apostles and instituted the Lord’s Supper - and we will do this together also! Dr. Bill Berman, a completed Jew, will lead the Seder. We will celebrate Easter on April 4th - pray for this great day and invite friends. After Easter, 40 Days of Community begins. More on these things Sunday!

Speaking of compounding interest and reaping greater things, thanks for being faithful in tithes and offerings. We are not making budget, but we are alright. Thanks also for your gifts to the Value the Vision - every dollar you give retires the mortgage and one day soon (2010 or 11?) we may pay off the mortgage and free up $8,000 a week for missions and ministry. May God return blessing on you for your gifts to His Kingdom.

I am eager to see you at 9:00 or 10:30am ready to experience God together! Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

“Your Choice”

Dear FBCO Friend:

Victor Frankl wrote, "We who lived in concentration camps in WW 2 remember those who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

Think of all the things you can't control: the economy, your health, your income, the choices your kids make, the decisions that your boss makes...You may have some influence over these things, but not complete control.

But there is one thing you can control: How you respond to any situation. Is it with anger, doubt, and self-pity... or with faith, hope, and love? It's your choice.

Again and again in the Psalms we encounter David in difficult situations -- surrounded by enemies, struggling with sin, sinking in despair -- and again and again we see his absolute resolve to think right:

“Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”  Psalm 43:5

You can't control what happens today, but you can control your reactions. Don't let any situation get the best of you. No matter what you face, you can choose your own way. Choose to honor Him always. If there is something you can change, do so for the good of all and the glory of God. Some things you cannot change.

 
In that case, Reinhold Niebuhr said it best in the Serenity Prayer, when he prayed,
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.”

SUNDAY’S SERMON: “The Cycle of Love” Exodus 20:12 This is the 5th commandment and the first one dealing with how we relate to other people. Thanks for your comments on the X series. Invite a friend to join us for God’s Word on parent/child relationships.

DISCIPLESHIP UNIVERSITY AND FAITH: It all starts this Sunday! DU moves to Sunday at 6:00pm along with FAITH. Chad has put together some great studies. Come grow deeper together with other believers.

KEN GAZAWAY COMING IN VIEW OF A CALL AS MINISTER OF OUTREACH AND MISSIONS: Many of you know Ken. He came alive in the Lord at FBCO, was called into ministry here, went to Midwestern Seminary and has most recently served at FBC McAlester. For months we have searched for God’s man for this position. You can meet Ken Saturday at noon in Rooms 705-706. Ken has grown a lot in recent years and we feel confident he will lead us well in Missions, Mission Owasso, and many forms of evangelism. We will vote by signed ballots in both services Sunday morning. Thank you for praying this through and helping us touch the world from 96th street!

POWER QUOTE: “Let God's promises shine on your problems.” Corrie Ten Boom

BIBLE BYTE: “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:22-23

Many changes are coming at FBCO! Thanks for being so flexible in adapting to how the Father is leading.  I am eager to see you Sunday at 9:00am or 10:30am ready to worship the awesome God of the universe who reaches out to us through Christ Jesus!

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

This is one of many Menorahs our Israel group saw. There are 100+ of these and each has $5-6 million dollars worth of gold in it. All the elements for the construction of the 3rd temple are in place. The Muslim Dome of the Rock has to be removed first for this to happen. Revelation tells us the 3rd temple will be constructed during the Great Tribulation. It is awesome to think we are living in the last days and God is calling us to faithfulness as He climaxes His redemptive plan!

Now consider this: we live in a visible universe now calculated as a million, million, million, million miles across according to the McDonald Observatory. Through telescopes at the Observatory, you can see over 100,000 galaxies, each containing billions of stars. Earth is spinning at the speed of 1,000 miles an hour at its equator. The same God who has the end of time planned out with the triumphant return of Jesus and the utter defeat of Satan, is the same God who made this universe to make a place for me and for you. Our Heavenly Father made it all!
 
After creating the universe, He made us. His Son died on the cross for us and rose from the grave. His Spirit led me to type these words to you Wednesday. Most of you will read these words on Thursday….all in the Father’s plan. This God of the universe wants an intimate, passionate, personal relationship with you. He is seeking you. Run into His strong arms today, child of the King! Your Abba awaits you. The Creator YHWH of the universe who sent His Son to die for us awaits you as your Abba—give Him your joys, your opportunities, your habits, your trials.

SUNDAY’S SERMON: “STAYING BALANCED IN AN UNBALANCED WORLD” Exodus 20:8-11.
This is the 4th of the 10 Commandments and the last of the 4 dealing with our relationship to God. Commandments 6-10 deal with our relationships with others. We can only be in a healthy relationship with others as we are in a growing relationship with God. I trust God is growing you through this X SERIES. Feel free to write and tell me of God’s activity in you.

MARRIAGE VOW RENEWAL ON VALENTINE’S DAY:
Sunday at 6:00pm. So far we have 37 couples! Please call Stephanie or email her at Stephanie.Mayes@fbcowasso.org to get on the list. The music, message, atmosphere, everything, will be a Christ-centered, romantic and meaningful experience. Those participating need to please come between 5:30-6:00pm to get your photo made. You can wear jeans or a tux, bridal gown or pants—your choice. Invite family & friends to this experience!
 
ISRAEL INFORMATION TIME: Right after the 2nd Worship service I will meet with those wanting information on the Holy Land trip. Due to a larger than expected response, we are moving the meeting to the Southeast corner of Fellowship Hall. If you want to come, email Stephanie at Stephanie.Mayes@fbcowasso.org. Marla and I will feed you a light lunch and describe the event. Also, people who went on the last trip will have their pictures for you. Please pray and decide for yourself if you would like to attend. You will have lunch and be on your way by 1:00pm. Check the itinerary at http://www.discoveryministries.com/ministry/Ferguson-0901-2010b.php
Be praying for our Junior High Students and sponsors who are going to Beautiful Feet Mission to serve the homeless this weekend.

Beloved, I am grateful God let me be your pastor. We are comforted by the God who created the universe, Who has the end of the world in hand—and He cares about you. Your health, your family, your job, everything about you is dear to your Creator. I am eager to see you Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am as we experience God together!

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

Last Sunday I told you about Bruce McIver, long time pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas. Bruce was in good physical shape and then he developed heart problems. To do the surgery the doctors had to go in through his back and work on the heart. The surgery to cure the heart was risky and only one physician would accept his case. They traveled to the Mayo Clinic for surgery.

After 6 hours in surgery the surgeon reported all went well and the doctor told his wife that his heart was fixed. Mrs. McIver asked “Doctor, tell me, will Bruce have a good quality of life?”  The surgeon’s response was classic. “Mrs. McIver, I fixed his heart, his quality of life depends on what he does with what I’ve given him. If he follows my advice, his quality of life will be good. If he does not follow my instructions, his quality of life is in doubt.”

So true! Our Heavenly Father is the only one who can fix your heart—change you at the core of your soul. It is called salvation. What we do after salvation is growth in the Lord—learning Scripture, praying, adjusting our lifestyle to honor Him, using our spiritual gifts in ministry. If we follow after Him our future is bright. If we are distracted by the cares of this world, then doubts plague us until we come home to FATHER.  I pray we will have passion for God and compassion for others always!

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “WHO’S YOUR DADDY?”  Exodus 20:7. This is the 3rd of the 10 Commandments. What a captivating study to see how God wants His kids to live!

ISRAEL INFORMATIONAL TRIP RESCHEDULED:  Due to ice last Sunday our meeting is rescheduled for Sunday, February 14th, right after the 2nd service in Room 515.  We will have brochures, pictures and answer questions.  This meeting will be no more than 30 minutes and I will leave the Worship Service and go straight to our meeting to maximize our time. Our trip is scheduled for September 1-10, 2010. Even if you can’t go this year, please come and get an idea so you can plan for the future. WE MAY PROVIDE FOOD FOR THOSE WHO ATTEND SO PLEASE EMAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU PLAN ON PARTICIPATING. Click here to check out the itinerary!

RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE VOWS:  We have 37 couples renewing vows on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th. The deadline to sign up is this Sunday so we can get your invitations to you to invite your friends and family. Also, we need all the names so we can reserve a photographer to take your picture. Wear what you want: tuxedo or a t-shirt, bridal dress or jeans—your choice. The service will be beautiful, romantic, meaningful, God honoring and special for each couple. The next time we will do this will be in 2017. Sign up now by emailing Stephanie.Mayes@fbcowasso.org or call 272-2294 and ask for Stephanie.

Power Quote: The voices of the world are loud and sparse, but the voice of God is a constant whisper.  Benjamin J. Elger

Bible Byte:  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

Precious flock, I love you more each day. Thanks for the privilege of being your pastor. We had two ice Sundays in January which affected our giving and attendance. Please do your best to return tithes and offerings on Sunday. Remember we are giving above our regular gifts to the Value The Vision to retire the mortgage by 2011—thanks for freeing up money to go to missions and ministry.
I am eager to see you Sunday with a friend by your side, a Bible and tithe/VTV gift in hand, a smile on your face, and a prayer in your heart ready to experience God together!

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

.
Eventually, we will move from the weekly Sunday’s Coming to the blog. It is great that we have so many ways to stay in touch. Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

December 3, 2009 AD

“Draw Nearer”

Dear FBCO Friend:

No doubt you heard about the Virginia couple who snuck into a White House state dinner.  Michael and Tareq Salahi want to be on a new reality show.  They met Obama and other dignitaries but no one is quite sure how--or what to do to prevent a similar security lapse as the busy holiday party season approaches.

We may never know personally the leaders of our day but take heart--the real King of the universe wants to know us.  Romans 5:8 contains the good news of Christmas in a single sentence: "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

The One who came at Christmas wants a personal, intimate, continual relationship with you and me.  He wants to be more than the subject of a Sunday worship and occasional prayer or Bible study.  He wants to be the center of our lives, the Object of our thoughts and affections, and the King of our choices.  He wants to lead us into "life to the full" (John 10:10), but we must open His gift.

This morning's reading in Oswald Chambers' My Utmost For His Highest is my favorite essay in this classic devotional guide: "There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord.  Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life.  One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life."  Think about it and realize the God of the universe is pursuing you with a passion today—turn and meet HIM!

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “GABRIEL AND THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS”   Luke 2:8-16.  We will see who the messengers and warriors of God really are and the part they played at the coming of Christ.  This is a phenomenal study! 

NEW COMMUNITY AT 6:00 PM  Our Children’s Choirs will sing the beautiful music of CHRISTmas and we will look at one of the Old Testament prophesies of Jesus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!: December is the month we celebrate Jesus’ birth. We are asking everyone to do 5 things this Sunday:

·         Every Christian bring at least a tithe of income and an extra gift out of gratitude for Jesus. You can bring your “trust test” that day also.

·         Bring an extra gift to ELIMINATE the mortgage within the next 2 years. Friends, we can do this but it will take each of us.

·         Bring at least one non-perishable food item for Mission Owasso. In the challenges of the current economy we believe God still cares and provides for His obedient people. We also have the opportunity to love the world through the ministries of FBCO.  Pray each of us will do our very best this Sunday. 

Beloved, I love you! I missed being with you last Sunday. The Worship Center is beautiful with the look and feel of Christmas.  This year will be our best ever! I am eager to worship Him with you this Sunday and experience the King of Kings who came to a manger.

The shepherd loves the sheep…Merry CHRISTmas!

Pastor Roger

November 19, 2009 AD

“Leper Lessons”
Dear FBCO Friend:

Leprosy is a debilitating, deadly disease destroying the nerves and tissue of the body. In Luke 17 Jesus heals ten lepers. What grace Jesus extended to those who couldn’t repay. There are many life lessons we can learn from this. Today I’ll share three quick things to encourage you:

First, when people reject you, it is easy to think God does also. Because of leprosy, these men were rejected by society. When they met Christ they expected more of the same. No way! James 4:8 says “When you draw close to God He will draw near to you.” So come, bring your needs to Him. He specializes in making roadways out of Red Seas! He will help you through.  

Second, sometimes you have to “walk it out” by faith. Jesus sent them to the priest to verify their cleansing. They still had leprosy when Jesus told them to go. They had to obey by faith and believe they would be healed even though they hadn’t been healed yet. Sometimes change happens instantly. But most often change comes through step-by-step, faithful obedience to Jesus.  Trust God to answer in His way, in His time, and then obey what you already know.

Before a leper could be welcomed back into society the priest had to pronounce him “clean”. How wonderful! Jesus didn’t want to just heal their bodies He wanted to restore their relationships. He wanted them to journey by faith in His Word alone. Will you trust Him and walk by faith even though you see no evidence right now?

Third, Gratitude is important to God. Consider how many times the Bible says “remember the Lord”. The story of the ten lepers reminds me how easily we forget God’s goodness, love, and mercy. Only one in ten of us will pass the gratitude test. But that one becomes “whole”.  Will you be that one? Think about it today.  

SUNDAYS SERMON:    "When God Has to Ask a Question” Luke 17:11-19.

LORD’S SUPPER AT 6:   I PRAY THROUGH THE LORD’S SUPPER AND THE LORD’S WORD WE WILL HAVE FRESH GRATITUDE FOR JESUS!

EXCITING CHANGES:  Last Sunday we announced improvements coming in 2010. These changes allow us all to strengthen our faith and encourage the next generation of children & students for Christ.  The new structure is a better fit for the diverse schedules we all face. Go to www.fbcowasso.org/sundaynight to see the changes that were so enthusiastically affirmed. Email me, Roger@fbcowasso.org, to let me know what you think.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS:  December is when we celebrate the birth of Christ. In His honor, on December 6 I am asking everyone to do 5 things.  Pray with your family about doing your best on December 6:

1.      Bring a full tithe & ‘Trust Test’ to Jesus.

2.      Make up any missed tithes and offerings.

3.      Bring a special “Happy Birthday Jesus” love offering.

4.      Bring NON-PERISHABLE FOOD items, at least one per person, for use at Mission Owasso for the people of our community.

5.      Bring a gift for the ‘Value the Vision’ mortgage elimination. If everyone gives toward this we can eliminate the mortgage in 2 years or less! I shared Sunday that since 2007 our mortgage has moved from $5.4 million to $1,706,040.00! If all of us, members, new members, and regular attendees alike will give “over and above” we can retire this in 2 years or less and devote the money in the budget to mission and ministry until Jesus comes.  

Church, thanks for being a joyful Jesus people. Your response to our stewardship messages is affirming. I am eager to celebrate Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas with you. I am pumped about what God is going to reveal in 2010! Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,
Pastor Roger

November 11, 2009 AD

 “What Could Be”

 Dear FBCO Friend:

Albert Einstein said, "Once a day allow yourself the freedom to dream."

I don't know what Einstein dreamed about; I guess his life's work and the contributions he made to physics give a clue.

If you were to devote time each day to the task of dreaming, what would you dream about?  A better family life; a closer walk with God; a more secure financial situation--what are your aspirations?

When we dream, we allow ourselves to see beyond the hurry and challenges of now. When we dream, we allow ourselves to explore the possibilities of what could happen--how things could become.

We know the words of Jesus. "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

Mustard seed faith (which is actually mountain moving faith) starts with a dream-- an idea of what could be. You don't have to stay stuck in a rut forever. The first step to changing your situation is to allow yourself to dream.

Try it. Daily take some time to get alone with God. Think about your life, your ministry, your family, your health, your happiness, and allow yourself to imagine how things could be. God has some “God-sized” dreams only He can make reality and He has chosen to do it through people like you and me.  Let’s dream “God-sized dreams” together. Today’s dream is tomorrow’s reality, so help us God!

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  We will be back in Philippians again and finish our stewardship series with a message called “INVESTING IN THE KINGDOM” from Philippians 4:14-19.  My dear friends, something that could only be a dream a few short years ago is very near to being a reality.  When this happens, it will revolutionize how we do ministry and it will open doors for the Gospel like we have never seen. I covet your prayers that I may preach exactly what God lays on my heart. 

NEW COMMUNITY AT 6:  There are some exciting improvements coming in 2010.  We will share some of them with you in a presentation called “Charting the Future” from 1 Chronicles 12:32.

It is fun to dream “God-sized” dreams with you! Write and let me know what dream God is putting in your life.   Last Sunday the presence of the Lord was with us in a powerful, yet gentle way. Pray this Lord’s Day we will enter the campus prepared to meet God.  Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

November 5, 2009 AD

 “Redeemed”        

 Dear FBCO Friend:

The newest warship the U.S. Navy has is called the USS New York and it was built from the wreckage of 9-11.  The ship contains 7.5 tons of steel melted from the fallen buildings; its crest includes images of the Twin Towers.  One in seven of the 361 sailors stationed on the ship are from New York State--a higher percentage than normal.  Many Navy personnel have asked to serve on the ship.

Good comes from bad.  God redeems all He allows.  He uses for His greater purpose every event which transpires in every moment of every day.  Jesus made God's omnipresent omnipotence clear: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).

I am very slowly learning that there are no coincidences in life.  Every occurrence, no matter how small or insignificant it seems, is part of God's perfect or permissive will.  Every moment is a gift from my perfect and loving Father.  Every bush is burning with His presence; every mountain is a stage for His transfiguration; every road to every Damascus is a divine appointment.

I choose to obey our Master in all the moments of this day that the Lord of the universe might redeem my humble service for His greatest glory.  Will you join me?

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “God’s Stimulus Plan: Trust”   Proverbs 3:5-9   Last Sunday we talked about how to get out of debt scripturally. Thanks for all your encouraging emails on this. I urge you to begin today to break the stranglehold of debt. It isn’t easy and it won’t happen overnight. But the discipline and result of being debt free is worth it all. This Sunday we will talk about how God stimulates our faith to follow Him.

NEW COMMUNITY AT 6:00:  “CONTENTMENT” from Philippians 4:10-13.  Don’t miss any of the messages from Philippians 4—it is the application section of the book. Here we will talk about how to be content God’s way in a hectic world we live in. The prayer time last Sunday was sweet. I encourage you to join us for this special time of Bible teaching. Children’s Choirs are going full speed preparing for Christmas. Are your kids involved?

POWER QUOTE:  “My personal life may be crowded with small petty incidents, altogether unnoticeable and mean; but if I obey Jesus Christ in the haphazard circumstances, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. And when I stand face to face with God I will discover that through my obedience thousands were blessed."  Oswald Chambers, from “My Utmost for His Highest”

Thanks:  To all who made Fall Festival a huge success as we showed His love to thousands at the high school. We are going to feed “Original Owasso” on Thanksgiving Day this year—watch for more information Sunday.

Like the USS New York, our lives were wrecked by the sin of this world. Yet our Savior came into this earth and redeemed us and made us fit for Himself. He left us here to be ministers of redemption to a hurting world. Praise His Name!

My dear friends, as I looked out on Sunday and saw so many who serve Christ in the community during the week, my heart swelled with joy. Please know I am proud of you and so grateful for you.  See you Sunday!

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

October 29, 2009

“How to Get Where You Need to Be”

Dear FBCO Friend:

Like many of you, I read every spare minute I can. I am a learning junkie. Dave Ramsey said this the other day: "You can get anywhere if you simply go one step at a time."

You say “everyone knows that.”  I agree--but how many of us are doing it? If we want to be different in the future we must change in the present. Let me say that again: IF WE WANT TO BE DIFFERENT IN THE FUTURE, WE MUST CHANGE IN THE PRESENT.

So what is God working on in your life? How is He changing you? What Dave Ramsey said is not new. Jesus said it 2,000 years ago: “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  John 12:25-26

The beautiful thing about following Jesus is: it is not a roadmap on how to get from A to Z. Following Jesus is a relationship whereby we learn from Him, He loves on us and He blesses us that we may in turn bless others.  Are you following hard after Him today? Or are you drifting and have lost sight of the Master? The Good News is: if you cry out to Him, He will restore you on the journey one step at a time. Think about it.

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “How to Get off Debt Row” from Proverbs 22:7 God wants His people free to follow Him. He has plans for every area of life. Come with a teachable spirit and you will leave with a heart of joy to follow Jesus one step at a time.

NEW COMMUNITY AT 6:00 PM:  We continue our Philippians study talking about some of the most encouraging verses in Philippians 4:6-7.  “JOY: THE ANTIDOTE TO WORRY”.  Don’t miss it! Children’s choirs are working on Christmas music and they are great! Are your kids in Children’s Choirs? Come learn about how to cope with worry and help your kids understand the great meaning of CHRISTmas.

FALL FESTIVAL:  IS SATURDAY 2-5 PM AT THE HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT.  Thanks to all who brought candy and all that are manning games and attractions. Now do four things: 1) Invite your friends, especially the unchurched on Soccer teams, etc. 2) Pray for good weather. 3) Serve others in the name of Jesus. 4) Have fun!

Beloved it is a joy following Jesus with you--one step at a time.  I am eager to see you Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 AM (this is “fall back an hour” time change week) with a friend by your side, a smile on your face, a prayer in your heart, and a Bible, tithe and VTV gift in hand ready to experience God together!

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

“Understanding”

Dear FBCO Friend:

Did you hear about the two hunters who got lost in the woods? One told the other, “If you quickly fire three shots, someone will hear and come find us.”  So the other hunter fired three times and they waited 30 minutes. No one came. “Fire three more and see if anyone rescues us.”  So he fired three more and waited 30 minutes and no one came. The first hunter said “Well that didn’t work-- let’s start walking.” The second hunter said “That’s a good idea since I am now fresh out of arrows.”  J 

Often our perceptions don’t match reality. God has incredible things in store for His kids. Even when life has dealt you a sucker punch, don’t give up! Jeremiah 29:11 is still in the Bible, “For I know the plans that I have for you,” says the Lord. “Plans for good and not for evil; to give you a future and a hope.”  Work diligently to understand in all areas: relationships, church, work and health. What is HE saying to you right now?

SUNDAY’S SERMON:   “Joy In Action” Philippians 3:17-21.  Here we will talk about the power of a good and Godly example. Read the Scripture before Sunday and ask God to encourage your heart. I missed you all very much last Sunday. I know you enjoyed Walker Moore and the tremendous job Keith and Caleb did with the “Elevation Weekend”. I am pumped to be back with you Sunday with a fresh word from God.

NEW COMMUNITY AT 6:00:  “Harmony Together in Joy” Philippians 4:1-5. 

FALL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 31, 2:00 to 5:00 PM:  We are trying something new this year. We are taking Fall Festival to the community by celebrating at the Owasso High School parking lot! There will be games, inflatable’s, motorcycle rides, and much more. We want to be the presence of Christ at this fun and safe Halloween alternative. Invite your friends—“sneeze” this around the area by word of mouth. Kids can wear their fun costumes. PLEASE BRING CANDY SUNDAY so we can bless this area. If you want to be involved, email Kolby at kolby.king@fbcowasso.org .

Church, God is good! I hope all our sick people are healing and can be with us for Bible Study and Worship on Sunday. If you have missed offerings and tithes, now is a good time to make it up.

I am eager to see you Sunday.  Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

October 8, 2009 AD

“Be Careful What You Ask For”

Dear FBCO Friends:

Did you hear the funny story about the husband and wife who were having a wonderful home-cooked meal, but the wife was very quiet. The man thought "uh-oh" I've forgotten something. So after dinner he said, "Honey, what's wrong? What did I do or forget?"

She glared at him with a very stern look on her face and said, "IT'S OUR 10th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TODAY!!! You forgot all about it!!”

“Yikes! I am sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?”

She said, “TOMORROW THERE HAD BETTER BE A GIFT IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ME THAT CAN GO FROM 0 TO 200 IN 6 SECONDS OR LESS OR YOU ARE IN HOT WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

When she got up the next day, there was a gift in the drive. She brought it into the house and unwrapped it.................It was a brand new bathroom scale!!!!!!!!!!!  Not sure if he ever came back home...

What does that teach us? Communication is a challenge. What we say, others may interpret differently. When we communicate, we should strive for clarity and understanding. How do you do that?

• First ask for feedback. Don’t ever take for granted everyone understands the first time around.
• Second, ask clarifying questions. Invite people into the discussions. Value their opinion even if you disagree with them. Be partners together in searching for the truth and the best way to do things.
• Third, remember communication isn’t one talking and the other listening. It is both parties striving for understanding. Do you each understand one another? Or does one think it is a sports car and the other a bathroom scale you are talking about? J

Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.”  In other words, God reveals Himself and His ways to those who seek Him. Seek Him today. He has incredible things in store for you. Don’t miss it!

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “Pressing on in Joy” Philippians 3:1-16. Often as believers we live in deception instead of the truth of God. Paul tells how to be over-comers instead of victims. God is anointing our Worship Services and you don’t want to miss His presence.

NEW COMMUNITY AT 6:00:  We will open with baptism of new Christians, Terry Gorrell and Keith Davis will share about all the missions FBCO has been on in the last year and the Children’s Choirs will sing.

FALL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 31:  From 2-5 on Saturday Oct. 31 we will serve the community by providing a safe, clean, fun Halloween alternative. Please man the booth your Sunday School class has selected. Also, PLEASE bring bags of candy Sunday and place in the boxes—we anticipate a large attendance and this will be their first taste of what Christianity is about. Bring CANDY so we can reach SOULS with the love of Christ.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: Join me and others at 8 AM Saturday for a good breakfast. Then some men will go to the Baptist Children’s Home from 9:00 to noon to do minor repair on the cars of widows. Others of us will stay here and work on fixing the Preschool playground. Your help is welcome and needed. Thanks!

FaithRiders Motorcycle Ministry will host a regional training time here Saturday morning with leaders from other Church FaithRiders Ministries.  Breakfast will be at 8:30 AM--at noon we’ll ride to eat at the Hammett House in Claremore. 

Church, the Lord is indeed at work! That was so evident last Sunday. Write and tell me what He is doing in your life and family. Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

October 1, 2009 AD

News Flash: The long overdue FBCO Church Directories are in! If you had your picture made for it, you can pick up your copy Sunday. Thanks to Chad for his tenacity in making sure we got this completed. 

“It’s Not Difficult”

Dear FBCO Friend:

Every once in a while you read something that just hits you right where you need it. That happened to me recently. Following is the devotional from Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry Blackaby, Page 273. I include it here so it can encourage and help you like it did me.

“The Christian life is not difficult. The same Christ who lived a perfect, obedient, and sinless life stands prepared to live it again through you (Galatians 2:20).  God’s will is not hard to discern. He has given the Scriptures which reveal His will, and He has placed the Holy Spirit within us to guide us in His perfect will in every situation (John 16:3).  Our greatest challenge will be to wholly commit our lives to follow God’s will obediently as He reveals it.

God’s Word comes to you in the same way. It is not complex to understand. Nowhere in Scripture did God excuse disobedience because His instructions were too vague or complex. Condemnation came because they knew exactly what God wanted them to do, yet chose not to do it!  God, through His Holy Spirit, will always give you sufficient revelation and strength to take the next step with Him. If you are uncertain about what God is asking of you, make sure you are obeying all that you do know. And through your obedience God’s next instruction will become clear.”

Did you get it? If you want to know God’s direction for the future, be obedient to Him in the present. God longs to reveal His will to His children!  Like you as a parent try your best to communicate to your kids--how much more does God, our Perfect Heavenly Father clearly communicate to us, His kids!  Think about it—if you want to know God’s direction for the future, search your heart and obey Him in every area He reveals. 

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “Joy in Responsibility” Philippians 2:12-18  After Paul exalts Christ in the poem in Verses 5-11, he now appeals to their responsibility to live out Jesus. We cannot watch others only and take our cues. We must focus on Jesus and “work out the salvation” that He worked in us the day He saved us.

NEW COMMUNITY AT 6:00:    “Joy in Partnership” Philippians 2:19-30  Here Paul is involving others in team ministry. We will talk about the value of partnership together as we carry out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Everyone knows Paul--but Paul would not have been nearly as effective if it were not for lesser known people like Epaphroditus.

Journaling the Bible:  If you’re looking for a new way that works to study God’s Word, “Journaling the Bible” is for you!  I’ll be teaching a Journaling Class Wednesday, October 7^th from 6:30 to 8:00 in Rooms 705-706.  It’s a simple way to study and many say it’s the first method that has worked for them.  Bring your Bible and come join us!

POWER QUOTE:  “A conservative is a liberal who has been mugged by reality.” Anonymous

BIBLE BYTE:  “For this commandment I command you today is not mysterious for you, nor is it far off.” Deuteronomy 30:11

Beloved, God is doing great things through the saints at FBCO! However this has been our most challenging year financially. Would you please examine your heart and your giving and return your best gift to Him this Sunday? I can hardly wait to see you as we study the Biblical doctrine of joy.  Come with a friend by your side, a Bible and your tithe in hand, a prayer in your heart, and a smile on your face ready to experience God together! 

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

September 23, 2009 AD

“A Laugh and a Prayer Request”

Dear FBCO Friend:

I shared some of these Sunday but I thought I’d brighten your day as we move toward Sunday. Have you ever thought what people’s names would be if they married certain other people? For example…

·        If Yoko Ono married Sonny Bono, she'd be Yoko Ono Bono.

·        If Bo Derek married Don Ho, she'd be Bo Ho.

·        If Ella Fitzgerald married Darth Vader, she'd be Ella Vader.

·        If Sondra Locke married Elliott Ness, he died and she married Herman Munster, she'd become Sondra Locke Ness Munster.

·        If Bea Arthur married Sting, she'd be Bea Sting.

·        If Tuesday Weld married Hal March III, she'd be Tuesday March 3.

·        If Ivana Trump married, in succession, Orson Bean (actor), King Oscar (of Norway), Louis B. Mayer (of MGM), and Norbert Wiener (mathematician), she would then be Ivana Bean Oscar Mayer Wiener.

Some matches are highly unlikely.  But because of a loving relationship, it changes everything including their name.

When you meet Jesus, it changes everything about you. People are cynical, disparaging, not interested in the things of God and then they are saved. Their lives are radically changed by Jesus. Only a work of God can explain that. Only His perfect work in you can accomplish that.

Wherever you are right now, thank Him for that. He uses everything,--the good and the bad--to bring Himself glory and for our ultimate good. Life sometimes stinks. Yet our great God has a way of taking the “smelly” things of life and turning them into a sweet aroma. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. ¹⁵For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” So whatever you are facing today, even if life “stinks” rejoice that as you cooperate with Him He will bring a sweet fragrance out of a difficult situation. Think about it.

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “Jesus: the Definition of Joy” Philippians 2:5-11. Paul in Philippians 1:27-2:4 talked about the people of the church pursuing unity together. To emphasize that, Paul describes Jesus and all He has done for us. The “Preeminent of Heaven“emptied Himself for you and me.  Can I ask you to pray about something for me? I am struggling to find human language adequate enough to describe what Jesus did. Pray that I will have the Father’s exact Words for Sunday. Thanks!

NEW COMMUNITY AT 6:00 pm:  “Jesus: the Definition of Joy”  Part 2  Do you like the “meat” of Scripture? At this time we are going to dig into the nuances and meanings of this great passage. Children’s choirs are off to a great start and they meet the same time Worship does. Come join us as we feast on the meat of God’s Word.

Church, autumn is in the air! Can you feel it? Also there is a fresh wind of God’s Spirit blowing. You can feel that too. I am eager to worship Him with you at 9:00 10:30 am and 6 pm Sunday. See you then! Don’t forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger

September 17, 2009

“Choose Your Pain”

Dear FBCO Friend:

Hi folks! When you finish this, send me an email on what God taught you in the Couples Communication Experience and the Family Life Revival. I love to hear you brag on God!

Jim Rohn said, "We all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Discipline weighs ounces--regret weighs tons."

Do you have regrets? We all do. Rohn's quote resonates with me because most of my regrets stem from lack of discipline. If only I had been more diligent. If only I had been more consistent. If only I had been more persistent. If only I had been more determined....and on and on.

Regret weighs tons but it's foolish to bear this burden longer than necessary. Know how to get out from under it? It's in the first half of Rohn's corollary. Take another swing at the habit of discipline.

Ask yourself: “What good thing...what necessary thing must I start doing -- whether I feel like it or not?” Whether it's a walk around the block, more time in the Word or cancelling a golf game to spend the afternoon with your kids-- the short-lived pang of making a decision that doesn't come easily is nothing compared to the relief it brings from the dread of regret.  In fact these tough decisions result in immeasurable joy. Think about it.

SUNDAY’S SERMON:  “Pursing Unity in Joy-Part 1”   Philippians 1:27-30. Unity is hard. It takes Spirit-filled people who will put aside their preferences and focus on the Core Values of the Gospel to lift up Jesus. We now have Children’s Church and Preteen Worship for all elementary age kids!

NEW COMMUNITY WORSHIP AT 6:00 PM:  We have baptism instruction with the candidates at 5:00 PM and we will open Worship with baptism. “Pursing Unity in Joy-Part 2”  Philippians 2:1-5. There was an undercurrent of disunity at Philippi  (see 2:3-4, 14-16, 18, 3:2-3, 17-20, 4:2-3, 6, 8-9; 17) and Paul sought to address it from several different angles--this passage being his first attempt. Caleb and the Student band will lead worship. CHILDREN’S CHOIRS ARE UP AND RUNNING STRONG at 6:00 PM.

BIBLE BYTE: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:15)

Beloved, I love you. I am excited to be back in the pulpit Sunday! Our Christian Arts Ministry has some exciting, high energy music designed to lead us to God’s heart. Pray for me as I prepare—it’s been a busy week with the revival. Don’t forget--send me a note about the Couples Communication Seminar and/or the Family Life Revival. Never forget…

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger