Preparing My Heart For Christmas!

Happy Monday everyone! ...Another great weekend and with it, the official Christmas season is in full swing.

Yesterday, we considered four big ideas from the Christmas story, which I called four fa la la la la fundamentals that help us move past the hype and towards the hope and joy of the Christmas season. The following are some questions to consider as we prepare our hearts for this Christmas season.

1. The first big idea is to receive God’s gift of a Savior. Who do you know who doesn’t know or isn’t currently following after Christ? Each person share a name, and then take a few minutes as a group and pray for these to know Christ at Christmas.
2. Forgiveness is another big idea we take away from the Christmas story. One of the primary reasons Jesus came was to provide us with forgiveness and freedom from sin. With all of the benefits to forgiveness, why is it so hard to offer at times? Describe a time you wrestled to forgive someone (please no names), and then describe how forgiving or “dropping the rope” benefited you. 
3. Read Mark 10:45. List as many benefits as you can that are associated with serving and giving to others. Have a couple of people share how they will serve and give this Christmas season through Albany First Assembly.
4. Yesterday, I shared that instead of viewing life as full of mountain tops (things are really good!) and valleys (things aren’t so good); I now view life as running on two tracks. Each track runs side-by-side simultaneously. On one track we have things in life that are NOT good. On the other, there are things in life that ARE good. Our capacity to celebrate the goodness of God is directly connected to the track we focus on most. Why is this true? Read Philippians 4:8 and discuss how “thinking about such things” affects our attitude and perspective.

Let’s believe that our great God will help us, and help us to help others to make the most of this Christmas season!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Giving Thanks!

Happy Monday everyone! What a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Mental health experts tell us, and the Bible certainly confirms that giving thanks is one of the healthiest forms of expression. In Psalm 100 we are given four realities for giving thanks, all of which do not depend on our circumstances or performance.  Here are a few questions to consider as we seek to apply God’s truth in our lives this week.

1. Psalm 100 stresses the reality that Jehovah God welcomes us to worship Him. Why is this something we should give thanks for? How does this reality affect the way you approach your devotional time or a worship service?
2. Psalm 100 invites us to know God personally. And, it shows that it is God who initiates this relationship! Why is it easy to take this incredible privilege for granted? What are some ways to stay grateful for this invitation?
3. Psalm 100 puts great emphasis on that fact that we belong to Jehovah God (read V 3). Describe what this incredible truth must have meant to Old Testament Israel as they were exiting Egypt and crossing the desert. Describe what belonging to God means to you.
4. Read Psalm 100:5, and then identify the three character traits it lists about God. How should these three traits affect the way you face challenges and difficulties in life?

Because of who God is, there is much to be thankful for. My prayer for you this week is that we as a church family will be filled up with God’s presence and power (see Eph. 3:19) as we extend His grace and truth to those we encounter this Christmas Season.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Maintaining My Missionary Focus!

Happy Monday everyone! Another great Sunday! The following are some questions to consider as we endeavor to work yesterday’s message out of Luke 15:25-31 into our lives.

1. We learned from the Prodigal Son’s older brother, three warning signs that we may be losing our missionary focus. Read Luke 15:25-31 again and identify the places where the brother Kept Score, Compared himself with his younger brother, and Complained.
2. Of the three warning signs, which one is easiest for you to fall into? Why is that?
3. Renewing our missionary focus involves at least three decisions: shifting my focus from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, from temporary values to eternal ones, and from comfort to sacrifice. Give an example of what each of these three “Shifts” could look like in a Christian’s life. In other words, what are some ways to flesh out these three “Shifts in focus?” Consider Oskar Shindler's example.
4. Which shift in focus do you feel may be the most difficult for Christians living in America? Which one presents the greatest challenge to you?

Church family, these are important times for the Church in America. I believe we are living in unprecedented times! May our great God help us to maintain a sharp missionary focus as we Make Friends for Eternity... across the street and around the world!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank 

The Value of One!

Happy Monday everyone! Another great Sunday...and TONIGHT, a great night of fun and fellowship with a couple thousand friends from our community for our annual Light the Night outreach at the Linn County Fair Grounds!

Yesterday, we began a new series entitled, “Making Friends for Eternity” based on Jesus’ words recorded in Luke 15.

The following are some questions to consider as we seek to live out the truths from this passage.

1. In Luke 15, Jesus shares three consecutive parables to illustrate the same eternal truth. What does that say about the importance of reaching one single person who has no relationship with the God of the Bible?
2. You and I have never seen a person that God doesn’t love. How should that truth affect the way we view pre-Christians?
3. Read Luke 16:22-26 again. Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 16 illustrates the reality, agony and finality of eternal separation from God. How should this affect the way we view people without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Given this truth, who will you pray for between now and the end of the year, who doesn’t enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus?
4. Each group of people Jesus shared these parables with (tax collectors sinners, religious leaders and disciples) represent three different chairs that people “sit” in today. Jesus’ three parables offer encouragement to all three groups. To the first group, He says “Give Up”...give up trying to fill the emptiness in your life and come to Jesus. To the second group He says “Wake Up”... wake up to your critical and condemning heart, and turn to Jesus so He may forgive and heal you. To the third group He says “Look Up”... look up to Jesus, keep your eyes on Him and His mission. Keep searching for those who are not currently connected to God because each one is loved by Him, lost without Him, and it is God Himself who longs they be found. Which encouragement best fits where you are currently sitting?

Light the Night tonight is a wonderful opportunity to show and share God’s amazing love...may He help us to be a bright light of love and grace in dark places.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank 

No Limits!

Well, I’m writing my “Monday Morning Blog” on Wednesday, which provides a little insight into my week! Thus, I believe it is appropriate to claim the old adage which says, “Better late than never!”

God chose to grace us with His presence last Sunday in some wonderful ways. I received a great deal of encouraging feedback...God is good!

The following are some questions to consider as we seek to live out the truths from Acts 16.

1. A.W. Tozer said “what comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Our story in Acts 16 illustrates the profoundness or mystery of God, as well as His powerful and personal nature. Describe a time when you were amazed by something God did. How about a time when He did or didn’t do something that caused you to ask “why?”
2. The more we learn to love and trust a God of “No Limits” the more we are equipped to face some of life’s most common obstacles. Describe a time when God gave you courage to face a fear or concern. Courage grows through small steps of obedience. What is the next step God has for you? Reread 1 John 4:18 and then discuss how it relates to courage.
3. Uncertainty is a subtle but power obstacle that can hinder us from healthy levels of risk for God. Worshipping a “No Limits” God cultivates confidence in who He is and what He says He will do. Describe a time when you sensed God’s leading to take a step of faith, but you chose not to do so. What about a time when you did take the step? How did it make you feel?
4. Adversity is perhaps one of the greatest potential hindrances to being used by God. The obstacle of adversity is merely an opportunity for God to deepen our level of commitment to Him. Describe a time when God used a difficult situation to develop and deepen your commitment to Him.

Nothing is every wasted with God! The more we entrust to Him, including the fears, uncertainties and adversities life brings, the more He will accomplish in and through our lives!

Make it a great week!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank     

Everyone Needs One To Follow

Happy Monday everyone! How important is it to have those in our lives who serve as mentors or spiritual mothers and fathers? It’s vital if we are to achieve all that God has for us! Where would the ancient leaders, Timothy and Titus have been without the influence of an Apostle Paul?

The following are some questions to consider as we seek out spiritual mentors in our lives.

1. Describe what delighting in God means to you? What are some tangible signs the Bible gives about a person who delights in God (see Proverbs 8)? Who do you know that demonstrates this quality in his/her life?  
2. To be a disciple of Jesus is to serve Him as an apprentice. List several qualities and skills Jesus exhibited that show we are following Him faithfully.
3. Disciples love God’s Word, obey God’s ways and submit to God’s will. We “love,” “obey” and “submit.” What are some ways that happens in your life?  
4. Refreshing others or putting others ahead of one’s self is at the core of a missionary heart. Read Philippians 2:1-11 and discuss all of the actions that are described in verses 1-5, and all the actions in the Christ Hymn recorded in verses 6-11. Now read John 13:13-17.  

As we go about this week let’s purposefully take “a walk across the room” and connect with those who are wiser and (often) older than us. Many have gained a lifetime of wisdom and experience that we can learn from as we offer them our respect, appreciation, and time!

Have a great week...and let’s continue to pray and believe God for an amazing iMissions Missions Convention!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Everyone Needs Followers!

Happy Monday everyone!

How will we ensure that the faith and church we pass on to the next generation will be biblical, vibrant, missional and transformational? Answer: by doing everything within our power to influence them for God and good today!

The following are some questions to consider as we seek to influence the “Timothy’s” God brings into our lives.

1. Yesterday, I mentioned three next generation needs: they need people worth following, a purpose worth pursuing, and a safe place to discover and serve. What are some practical things we can do to ensure these next generation needs are being met today?
2. All of us influence others based on the choices we make everyday. Giving time to God everyday, a tithe to God faithfully and my talents to God in service are three purposeful choices that will have an eternal impact on the next generation. Discuss some additional choices that will leave a lasting impression on those who come behind us. Explain why they are important.
3. How well do you seek to understand this next generation? Without naming anyone, explain a time when you felt like someone already had their mind made up before you had a chance to explain your thoughts and feelings. How did it make you feel? What are some ways to improve our ability to listen?
4. Read Hebrews 1:12, and then discuss what it says about the greatness of Jesus Christ. Now read Philippians 2:1-11. What are some ways we can demonstrate to the next generation the amazing love Jesus showed us?

It is our privilege and responsibility to pass on to the next generation a biblical, vibrant, missional and transformational faith and church. What one thing will you do differently because of this study?

Have a great week!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Everyone Needs a Friend!

Happy Monday everyone! I so enjoyed yesterday as we explored what the Old Testament Wisdom Book of Proverbs teach about real friendship. Our Sunday evening Small Group Life (SGL) Tailgate Party was a wonderful way to practice what we studied on Sunday morning!

Here are a few questions to consider in your small group or with a few others that will help us all to better establish and development meaningful friendships.

1. Character is being honest (“Upright”) and consistent in all we say and do. Why is this quality so important to developing meaningful friendships?
2. Commitment or loyalty is another indispensible quality for attracting and developing deep friendships. Describe a time when a faithful friend stuck with you through a challenging time. What did that mean to you? How did his/her faithfulness affect the outcome of the situation?
3. The Bible teaches that what we say or don’t say carries enormous potential for good or ill. (e.g., Prov. 11:13; 18:21). Why is confidentiality so important to deep and lasting relationships? Without naming anyone, share a time when a confidence was broken (and it shouldn’t have been). How did it make you feel? Is it helpful to remember that feeling when we are tempted to break a confidence?
4. Speaking the truth in love is a biblical value that fosters both personal and corporate maturity (e.g., Eph. 4:14-25). Why is it so hard at times to speak truthfully to another? What are the dangers of remaining silent? Discuss the difference between making judgments and being judgmental (see Jesus in John 8 and how He made a judgment on the woman caught in adultery “Go and sin no more” without being judgmental “Neither do I condemn you”).

May we all make the value of gathering together a priority in our lives and church family. And, may our great God help us to foster meaningful relationships that go the distance in life!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Turning Memories into Milestones

Happy Monday everyone!

Yesterday was a special Sunday as we reflected on the ten-year anniversary of 9/11/01 and brought our week of fasting and prayer to a conclusion with a concert of prayer and worship. What a great day!

Here are some questions to consider this week as we seek to turn our personal 9/11s into milestones of maturity and growth.

1. Nehemiah was a man who demonstrated daily trust in God and His purposes. His trust was cultivated over time and showed up in the crisis of Israel’s broken down walls. What are some ways we can grow our trust in God now, so when we encounter our own crises, we will trust in God then?
2. In the Book of Nehemiah, we see a continual focus on serving the purposes of God. Nehemiah and company worked hard at staying focused on the “main thing” which is God and His purposes despite the fact that past memories and present problems tempted to distract them. Why is it so important for God’s people to remain focused on His purposes (i.e., M-O-S-T)? Name some prominent ways churches become distracted from pursuing what matters M-O-S-T. Read Proverbs 29:18...what does it say about vision and focus?
3. One of the primary ways we stay focused on the “main thing” is through examination and repentance. Using a scale of 1 to 10 (1=stinky and 10-stellar), what "score" would God give you when it comes to Making Relationships Central, Offering Something Back, Spreading God’s Grace and Truth, and Training to Follow Christ? Share with others one area you feel God would score you pretty well in and why, and one area you feel God would score you a little lower in and why.
4. Nehemiah and Israel stood side by side and worked together to serve God’s purposes in their generation. What are some ways we can strengthen and encourage one another to do the same?

With God’s powerful help and our faithful commitment to His purposes there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish church family!

Let’s make this fall a season of eternal impact.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank 

The Particular about Prayer

Guest blogger: Pastor John Miller

Happy Labor Day! I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful Labor Day weekend.

Yesterday, we worked through James 5:13-20. We looked at four insights that James gives us regarding prayer in this last passage of the book of James. The following questions can be discussed to encourage us as we actively live out our faith.

1.      Prayer deepens our relationship with God. Prayer also changes things; it changes us and our circumstances. How have you changed through prayer? How have your circumstances changed through spending time in prayer?

2.      James tells us that through the power of prayer we receive four things in verses 13-15. We receive help in times of trouble, songs during moments when we are happy, healing when we are sick, and forgiveness to cover over our sin. Take some time and discuss when you have received HELP, SONGS, HEALING, and FORGIVENESS from God through prayer.

3.      We are encouraged to confess to one another and pray for one another in verses 16-18. Confession is not spilling out every detail of everything bad that you have ever done. Confession is openly and honestly taking responsibility for the sin that you have committed with a small group of trusted individuals that will accept you without judging you. Have you ever confessed your sins to one another as James says we ought to do? Ask God to give you wisdom as you take a moment and give the opportunity for people to confess one to another, and then pray for one another as a way to encourage each other.

4.      James says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Remember “righteousness” is not perfection; rather it is having a right relationship with God. James shares an example of a righteous man in Elijah, who was a man “just like us” (verse 17). One of the main reasons why James gives Elijah as an example is because Elijah fervently prayed until something happened (P.U.S.H.) in I Kings 18:42-45. We ought to pray until something happens (P.U.S.H.) in our lives too. What is going on in your life that is causing you to P.U.S.H.?

5.      Our prayers should show a dependence on God, desperation for God, and a dedication to God. As we move through this week of Prayer & Fasting beginning Tuesday, Sept 6 through Sunday, Sept 11, let’s active our faith. Let’s believe God for incredible things as we move into the fall season.

May God give each of you a blessed week as we continue to serve Him!

Pastor John

Hanging Tough!

Happy Monday everyone! Yesterday, we looked at James 5:7-12, which teaches us how to hang tough in the face of difficult times. The following are questions to consider as we seek to live out the truths this ancient pastor promotes.

1. Uncontrollable circumstances, unchanging people, and unexplainable pain are three “cards” many people have been dealt that can cause them (and us) to feel like giving up. Share a time in which you faced one of these and how you were able to get through it. List two or three activities that were “lifesavers” for you.
2. It’s interesting that in dealing with hardship and injustices, James warns his audience and us that we should not complain about each other nor should we make careless promises. What is in us that tempts us to turn on each other or to make promises we do not mean or cannot make good on?
3. The principle of expectation says we should live with the Lord’s return in mind. The early church did this...what are some activities or attitudes that could keep us from living with an eternal mindset.
4. Describe a difficult time in your life where God continued to use you in spite (or perhaps because of) the trial you were facing.
5. Share an important truth or lesson you learned as a direct result of facing a hard time in life. James teaches that difficult times bring about greater maturity as we learn to respond in ways that honor God. He also reminds us that there is reward or blessing for all those who hang tough in the face of trying times (James 5:11). How do these truths affect the way we view hard times?

May our great God help each one of us to move forward in our faith life in the face of tough times. Have a great week!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank   

Real Riches

Hello everyone and happy Monday! What a great Sunday God gave us! Yesterday, we explored what the Bible refers to as true or real riches versus worldly wealth. The following are some questions to consider as we seek to work out these truths in our daily lives.

1. In James 5:1-6, this ancient pastor topples four myths about money. One of the myths is quite popular in our country...having much makes me secure. This myth is a primary reason why it is at times more difficult to reach people who have a comfortable income and lifestyle. Why is that true? And, why is more not enough to provide security and hope in our lives?
2. Why is James so passionate about living with a giving mindset? How does viewing my temporary resources as a means for making an eternal impact change the way I manage my money? 
3. Who does the Bible say is the true owner of all we have (see Ps. 24:1-2)? How does this change the way we view what we have?
4. One of the fundamental truths for wise wealth management is to relinquish control to God. How does that look in real, day-to-day life? How does that look specifically with our finances? What does Malachi 3:9-10 show us about our money as it relates to God?

This is truly a challenging passage in the Bible! James is dead serious about how we view and manage the resources God has entrusted to us. May the Lord help us all to honor Him by investing in what is eternal, which is what our mission statement, helping people discover and develop what matters MOST is all about!  (See www.albanyfirstassembly.org for a description of M-O-S-T).

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Defeating Selfishness!

Guest blogger: Pastor John Miller, Executive Pastor of Spiritual Life at Albany First Assembly.

I hope you are having a Marvelous Monday everyone!

Yesterday we talked about the Enemy that is In-a-Me as we worked through James 4:1-17.  We are our own worst enemy.  Our selfishness can defeat God’s plan for our lives.  James teaches us how to defeat selfishness. Here are some questions to discuss this week as we continue to mature in Christ.

1.    In what ways do you battle selfishness in your life? How does this selfishness affect your relationships at home and/or at work?

2.    James lays out the cure for selfishness in James 4:7-10. How do you go about submitting yourself to God? Describe a time when you were able to resist the devil. Why is it challenging to mourn over our sin? Share an example of when you had to eat humble pie. How did you feel after that experience of humbling yourself?

3.    James tells us not to slander one another because we are not the Judge and we are not the Lawgiver in James 4:11-12. The Greek word for slander is kataleleo which means “to speak against, to backbite, to gossip, to grumble against.” How can you be a more positive and encouraging believer? What are some practical ways that you can build others up?

4.    James 4 is challenges us to defeat our selfishness. How has the words of James challenged you in your spiritual journey? What will you do differently now that you have worked through this chapter?

As we continue to “live life together” and encourage those around us, let’s be a people that inspire others to follow Jesus!

Have a blessed week!

Pastor John Miller

Real Faith!

Hey everyone, my apology for writing my Monday Morning Blog on Wednesday afternoon!

Last Sunday we explored some Vital Signs of Real Faith out of James 2:14-26. The following are some questions to consider as we seek to flesh out real faith in Jesus Christ. 

1. Corroborating evidence proves what we say is true. Take a minute and name 2 or 3 things about someone else (could be someone in your small group or not) that you see as strong proofs (corroborating evidence) for their claim to be a real Christian.
2. We discussed four vital signs or proofs out of James 2:14-26: Real Faith shows compassion for the basic needs of another, it changes the direction of our lives (it changes our desires, attitudes, actions etc), it trusts God (it gets into the wheel barrow of life!), and it serves God and others. Take at least one of these four and share how it is working in your life. Of the four, which area do you feel needs the most improvement in your life? Why?
3. We finished with Basics for Building Real Faith: Stay connected with God, stay grateful to God, and stay humble before God. Describe some habits that are helping you grow in these foundational practices.

It is my prayer that all of us will over time increase the evidence (i.e., “Fruit” Jn. 15:8) for our claim to be a real followers of Jesus Christ!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Winning Over Favoritism!

Happy Monday everyone!

Yesterday we focused on the subject of favoritism out of James 2:1-13. Favoritism is judging one person’s worth above another. Here are some questions to consider this week as we work out what God is working in our lives.

1. Without sharing any names, describe a time when you were the target of favoritism. How did it make you feel? How about a time you showed favoritism?
2. Why does James stress the importance of our faith affecting the way we treat others? Read James 2:1 & 4 and then discuss it.
3. One of the truths James points to that helps us win over favoritism is the fact that as followers of Jesus, we are accountable to God for our actions (James 2:12). How does this fact affect the way you “speak and act”? How should it affect us?
4. James boldly declares in 2:13 that “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” A practice that has helped me to cultivate a merciful or loving pattern in my life is to remind myself of the incredible love and mercy God continually shows me. It is helpful to revisit Paul’s words to Titus, Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. ⁴ But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, ⁵ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.⁶ He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. (Titus 3:3-6, NLT). What are some additional ways to help us stay on track with loving our neighbor—practices that help protect us from falling into critical or condemning patterns?                                                                                                                                                           May “Mercy triumph over judgment!” in our lives and in the lives of people we see and speak to each day.

Have a great week!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

True Freedom!

Hello everyone! I trust your Fourth of July holiday was a great one. Last Sunday we celebrated our national independence and looked at the independence or freedom the Bible celebrates out of the Letter of Galatians...a freedom from the tyranny of sin and the selfishness it produces. Galatians offers a prescription for personal freedom while exposing the four foes that hinder our freedom (perfectionism, legalism, conformism, and indulgence).

Here are some questions to consider as you work through last Sunday’s teaching.

1. How does the statement, “I don’t have to be perfect to please God” affect the way you worship and serve God? How does it influence your view of God?
2. Why is it important to measure my maturity by the depth of my relationship with Jesus and not a list of rules I keep? Read a portion of Jesus’ scathing diatribe against the religious leaders of His day (Matthew 23:13-28). As you read, notice the “relationship” versus “rules” theme. Finally, read verse 37...what does it say about Jesus’ heart and motive?
3. Share a time when you said or did something that was influenced more by another person rather than by God and what His Word teaches. Share a time when you obeyed God even though it made you less liked by another. Which approach produced the most joy in your life?
4. A deepening relationship with Jesus is foundational to living free from habits and issues that harm others and us. Galatians teaches that freedom is for serving and giving to others (Gal. 5:13-15).  Talk about some practical ways we can live out the truth recorded in Galatians 5:13-15.

May our great God lead us forward in the freedom that was paid for by Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Christ alone we have the potential to experience and enjoy a personal independence day every day!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank   

Winning Over Temptation!

Good morning and happy Monday!
Two weeks ago we started our new Casual  Summer Teaching Series titled, Faith That Works, based on the New Testament Letter of James. James is all about learning to live out what God says about a grown up faith life.
Yesterday we tackled the not-so-popular subject of temptation from James 1:13-18. It's something everyone faces. The following are a few questions to consider in your small group or with a couple of friends as we seek to win over those things that would hinder or hurt our journey of faith.
1. Temptation is seeking to meet an honest need in harmful ways. Spend a few minutes discussing some of the everyday temptations that people give into without even realizing it.
2. James says that God is untemptable and unable to temp us. Why is that important to remember when we face temptation?
3. The Course temptation takes has never changed since Adam and Eve. It begins with desire, then deception, then disobedience (sin), and if allowed to continue it will, sooner or later end in death. The Evil One never deviates from this course, yet, we continue to get "stung" by temptation. Why? What's the real issue? Why does this Course continue to be so effective? 
4. The Cure for temptation is to Wake Up to how temptation works, Look Up to God, and Store Up God's truth. Share a time when you got "stung" by temptation, and then explain how the Cure could have helped you win over temptation.
James argues that everyone of us can more and more, enjoy the life God invites us to live. It will require that we grow deep and wide in our love and commitment to Christ. Growing up in our faith life is a process that takes time! So don't give up, keep at it, knowing that God is working for our good as we seek to win over temptation.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Making the Most of Change!

Happy Monday everyone!
I trust last Monday’s Memorial Day holiday was a good one.
With Summer on the immediate horizon and the variety of changes it brings (e.g., graduations, vacations etc), I thought it was appropriate to address what the Bible says about change.
Yesterday we explored three major changes that change us...all from the life David, the second king of Old Testament Israel.
During yesterday’s message I offered three questions to consider under each type of change that are designed to help us respond in a way that will help us make the most of change.
Prioritized Change Asks:
What one thing do I need to stop?
What one thing do I need to start?
When will I begin?

Providential Change Asks:
What is my real test?
Who will I share my test with?
How can I best honor God?

Painful Change Asks:
What is causing my pain?
When will I bring it to the Lord?
How close is my relationship with Christ? (On a scale of 1-10)

In addition, here are a few questions to consider this week as a follow-up to yesterday morning’s teaching:

1.      Describe a time in your life when you added or subtracted something from your life in order to follow more fully after God. What was the result of prioritizing that change?

2.      Yesterday, I made the statement that “Goliaths” are tests God brings into our lives to prepare us for greater maturity and effectiveness. Describe a time when God tested you. What was the test and what did you learn.

3.      David was well acquainted with painful change. He understood how difficult it is “swallow.” Describe a painful time of change in your life. What did God teach you through that time? How instrumental was “drawing near to God” while facing that change?  

4.      It is possible that you are currently facing one or more types of change that we explored in David’s life (Prioritized change, providential change, & painful change). We should never face change alone. Are you willing to share the change you’re facing in order to receive encouragement and support from others?

May God continue to cultivate positive change in our lives and our church family as we seek to follow hard after Him!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Making Progress in our relationships!

Happy Monday! Yesterday was another great day at Albany First! Today, I am enjoying the company of my daughter and my beautiful little granddaughter as I write this blog!
The following are some questions to consider this week as we continue to lean toward actions that cultivate healthy progress in our relationships.
1. Acceptance is valuing another person the same way God values us. Describe a time when you felt accepted by a person or group. How did that make you feel? What about a time when you didn't feel accepted?
2. What are some practical ways to show biblical acceptance? Discuss the difference between acceptance and approval. How does understanding that the two are different help you with showing the biblical value of acceptance.
3. The Bible teaches that communication includes seeking to understand and be understood. How does this help or change the way you approach a conversation? Describe a time when you felt a person was listening with the goal of formulating a response versus listening with the goal of understanding. How did it make you feel?
4. Describe a time when someone hurt you, and you were able to work through the process of forgiveness. How did that impact your relationship with one another? How did it affect you? In other words, how did forgiveness impact your life?
May our great God's love, acceptance and forgiveness fill your life this week!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Making Relationships Work!

Let me start off by saying “Thank You” for all the positive feedback I’ve received from the Hope Rising teaching series we’ve been in since Easter Weekend.
Yesterday we started looking at Hope For Our Relationships as I set out to answer the question, “How do we cultivate healthy relationships over the long haul of life?” Philippians 3:12-15 offers two broad ideas or “moves” for making progress in our relationships. We studied the first one yesterday...Leave the past behind you.
Here are a few questions to consider this week as we work out what God is working in our lives.

1.      Share a time or two when you learned something about God, yourself, or life because you took time to reflect on past experiences.

2.      In Philippians 3:13 it says, No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Why do you think the great Apostle Paul expended so much energy to forget what is behind him and press ahead toward the goal of God for his life?

3.      Why does the Bible place so much emphasis on confession, forgiveness and reliance on God when it comes to leaving our hurts behind? Do you believe that relying on past experiences, or nursing old wounds is one of the ways we indulge desires that do not please or honor the Lord? Read Galatians 5:13-15 in as many different translations as possible and then discuss whether or not it applies to this question.

4.      Share a time when something from your past was affecting a present relationship. What did you do to move past it? Is there something you still need to leave behind today? If so, consider sharing it with your small group or a trusted friend, and ask them for prayer and encouragement as you work through the process of forgiveness.

I will never forget the day I chose to leave behind a wounded relationship with my father. My mother had recently passed away, and after the funeral I drove to my father’s house (they had been divorced for years). I stood in his kitchen where we had a heart-to-heart conversation...I confessed my hurt and told him I wanted to start fresh in our relationship. That took place in 1996. That day marked a renewed relationship with my father that I have enjoyed to this day.

My prayer is that the Albany First Assembly church family will continue to experience many fresh starts as we learn to leave behind the past and lean forward to the future blessings, joy, and opportunities God has for us all!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank   

Family Matters!

Happy Monday to all!

...Another great Sunday at Albany First!
This week, I will defer my blog to the Parenting and Home Group Study that will be posted on our website today. Please go to http://www.albanyfirstassembly.org/ and click on the appropriate link. The material can be used in a variety of ways depending on your needs.

Have a great week!

Pastor Frank

The Power of Hope!

Happy Monday everyone!

Easter is a reminder that there are no hopeless situations. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, He can raise hope in our lives regardless of what we may face!

Here are a few questions to consider this week as a follow-up to our wonderful Easter Weekend here at Albany First Assembly.

1.      In Luke 24, Jesus brings immediate hope to His conflicted and confused disciples by meeting them at their point of need. Describe a time in your life when you were struggling, stressed, or discouraged, and Jesus met you at your point of need. What was your part in receiving from Him? What does Jesus’ willingness to meet us at our point of need say about Him and His attitude toward us?

2.      Why are there times when it seems God is silent with regard to our needs? Is it possible He is seeking to deepen our trust in Him? Read 2 Cor. 1:8-11 & Heb. 12:7-12.

3.      A dominate biblical theme is to pass on to others what we have received from God so they may receive from Him as well (see, Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Cor. 1: 3-5). What causes many Christians to stop short of this directive? 

4.      There is a lot of truth to the axiom, “Always be a witness for Christ, and when necessary, use words.” What are some practical ways to “be” a dispenser of hope to others so that we may have the opportunity to share God’s ultimate hope with them?

Don’t forget to invite a friend to one of our Sunday morning gatherings (8:30am & 10:45am)...we’ll be looking at part two of our Hope Rising teaching series entitled, Hope for Families! Also, we’ll announce the combined giving from our church and community to Convoy of Hope’s One Day To Feed The World initiative!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Love's Got Everything To Do With It!

Tina Turner’s successful song, What’s Love Got To Do With It? debuted in 1993. Jesus answers that question as He washes the Disciples’ feet and shares the Passover meal with them as recorded in John 13. His demonstration of love that night shows that when it comes to fully following after Him...love has everything to do with it! Jesus demonstrated a type of love that evening that would identify His followers and impact the world. Then He said, Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:34-35 (The Message). Such a command is intimidating to me! I know I cannot love like He loves without His love continually filling my life!

As I reflect on yesterday morning’s message, a few questions come to mind that I believe will be helpful as we seek to live out the command to meet needs with love.

1.      We learned yesterday that loving sincerely or loving without hypocrisy matters when it comes to serving like Jesus in ministry. Jesus goes to great lengths to demonstrate the importance of tangibly loving each other through acts of service. What are some wrong motives for serving God and others in ministry? What are some right reasons to serve? Why do you think Jesus put such an emphasis on this?

2.      Jesus is an amazing example of humbly serving God and others. His humility was born out of a secure identity...He knew His origin, His purpose, and His destiny. What are some things that will keep us from developing a secure identity as a child of God and follower of Christ? What are some ways to grow more secure in who we are in Christ? ...Some helpful Scriptures to ponder & discuss...Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 10:3-6; 2 Tim. 1:5-7  

3.      The word sacrifice in our culture is about as popular as the word submission! Yet, Jesus is clear that to love like He loves will require sacrifice. But Jesus is quick to point out that “blessing” accompanies the one who is willing to demonstrate sacrificial love (Jn. 13:17). Describe a time in your life when you sacrificed something in order to loving serve God and others (e.g., could have been money, time, possessions, energy, your rights, convenience etc). What did God do in your life as a result of your sacrificial love?

As we march toward Easter, we are given an opportunity to sacrifice in prayer and financially here at Albany First Assembly. Our One Day To Feed The World (ODTFTW) offering we will receive during our three Easter outreach services (see our website for details, http://www.albanyfirstassembly.org/) is an opportunity to partner with Convoy of Hope by setting aside one day’s wage to give away to feed needy and forgotten people in places like El Salvador, Haiti, the Philippines, and Japan. Such an offering will require sacrifice. Also, I am asking that we as a church family fast and pray this week for family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors and those in our community to experience the radical love of Jesus. This too, requires sacrifice; however, I can’t help but think how deeply rewarding our sacrifice will be. I believe these are sacrifices worth making because people’s temporary and eternal needs are near to God’s heart.

Have a great Monday!

Pastor Frank  

Making Room For Outsiders

As I reflect on yesterday morning's teaching concerning Jesus clearing out the Temple Courts I am struck again by His passion to make room for "all nations" to know and experience God personally. That is the big idea behind this scene recorded in Mark 11:12-17.
The following are some questions to consider in our small groups as we seek to live out the priority of making room for outsiders:

1.      Share a time in your life when you were invited to a gathering only to find out that those hosting it weren’t prepared for you. How did you feel? How would you feel? Now share a time when those hosting a gathering were ready and looking forward to your arrival. How did/would you feel? What was the main component missing in the first gathering that was present in the second?

2.      Yesterday I talked about the “winding down” affect living in an imperfect world can have on our passion for God and His mission. I spoke of several ways we cultivate and maintain right passions (i.e., prayer, Bible study, worship, giving, small group fellowship). Discuss some additional ways we can cultivate and maintain a heart for the things that are close to God’s heart.

3.      Dr. David Livingstone was a medical missionary who was dedicated to reaching people in Africa. He served the African people in a variety of ways including his stance against the slave traders. His commitment to show Christ’s love provided him with incredible opportunities (over time) to share Christ’s love with the African people. When He died, the African people removed his heart and buried it in Africa before his body was shipped back to Scotland. It was an incredible gesture that spoke of Livingstone’s love for them. What are some ways we can show God’s love so we may be presented with opportunities to share what Christ has done? And, what are some ways we can raise the level of our dedication to do so?

4.      The principle of elimination says that if our lives are like a pie (family slice, work slice, church slice, fun slice etc), then making room for outsiders isn’t another “slice” of the pie out of our lives but the “lenses” we look through to view all of life or the entire “pie”! This suggests that our relationship with God and our commitment to His mission, which includes making room for outsiders, is something we seek to demonstrate in all the “slices” of our lives. How does this principle affect the way we live our everyday lives? Share an example.

May our great God help us to make room for people who may be different from us but who are incredibly important to Him, as we invite our community to celebrate Hope Rising during our Easter weekend services (Sat. 4-23 @ 5:30pm, Sun. 4-24 @ 9 & 11am). I pray that through music, media, a message, and a One Day To Feed The World offering (ODTFTW), which will go to help feed and care for those suffering in Haiti, Japan, El Salvador, the Philippines and elsewhere that thousands will discover God's passionate love for them.  Make it a great week everyone!  

Grace & peace,

Pastor Frank

The Power of Compassion

Welcome to the inaugural post of my Monday Morning (afternoon?) Blog!

It was great to have Jeff and Kathy Swaim with us yesterday as we launched our One Day To Feed The World (ODTFTW) initiative in partnership with Convoy of Hope. What a great Sunday!  As I have reflected on yesterday, I was struck by the idea that compassion carries power. Sunday was packed with stories of transformation that occurred as a direct result of Jesus’ love “spilling” out of Christ-followers onto hurting humanity.

Jeff referenced Jesus’ words recorded in Luke 14:26 which say, If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. It’s a statement of comparison, that unless my love for Him is first and central, I cannot become the type of follower He asks of me. It was and is an invitation to die to everything else in my life (i.e., hate my father...mother...etc) so that I may gain a life that is directed by and devoted to Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks about this same thought in Mark 8:34-35.

Yesterday’s “big idea” is compassion flows from a life that is filling up with love for Jesus. All human love and compassion runs out, but compassion that stems from a life that is learning to be fueled by God’s love is sustainable.  

Matthew 9 records the familiar words about Jesus being moved with compassion over people who were “helpless and harassed.” Jesus concludes that scene by saying, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Matt. 9:38

Here are some questions to consider as you seek to be a conduit of compassion this week:

1.      What are some ways our love for Jesus takes a “back seat” to other relationships, activities, or things? how does it happen?

2.      List the times in your life when you have felt full of God’s love. Why was that so?

3.      If compassion is love in action, then what are some ways to demonstrate compassion this Easter season?

4.      In Matthew 9:38, Jesus is moved not only by the need for compassion but also the shortage of compassion, which is why He asks us to pray people are willing to serve in His “harvest field” or world. What are some ways to pray for workers?

As we march toward Easter, I am praying the following ways: First, I’m asking what day/days God would have me work on behalf of the poor and forgotten around our world through our One Day To Feed The World initiative. ODTFTW is all about setting aside one day’s wage to give to the poor and forgotten in our world. During our three Easter weekend services (Sat. 4/23 @ 5:30pm, and Sunday 4/24 @ 9am & 11am) we will receive a special offering to do just that! 7,500.00 dollars buys 20 tons of food...20! I’m praying that we can send 100 tons of food to some of the most needy and destitute people on planet earth.
Second, I’m praying for people I will invite to our Easter services. We will have invite cards available this week for everyone to use. Finally, I’m praying that I will connect with God in fresh and meaningful ways as I consider once again His incredible demonstration of love (compassion!) toward me this Easter season (John 3:16-17) The power of compassion is this...it holds the potential to transform our world one loving act at a time.

Grace and peace,

Frank