Giving

Dear Mount Pleasant Family & Friends,

Greetings in the name of Christ, I wanted to take a minute to write and share some important information with you. 

At Mount Pleasant Christian Church we operate on a fiscal year that runs from July 1 to June 30. That means we’re just a little more than 2 months into the 2014/2015 fiscal year. Because the fiscal year starts in the middle of the summer we always start a little slow with our giving and this year has been no different. Financially we are in very good shape with regard to our income verses expenses but after the first 10 weeks of the fiscal year we are $122,218.45 behind in our general fund giving. Now, again, because of the way we manage God’s money we are not in any trouble with regard to our income verses expenses. However, if we continue at this pace it will ultimately effect our ministry commitments on some level. So I’m writing, first, to inform you and second, to challenge you to help us remove this deficit so our ability to operate our local ministry and support our global partners will not be in jeopardy. I am deeply thankful for all the generous people who support the ministry of MPCC and I trust that God will continue to provide-but sometimes we just need to be reminded of the need. 

One of the best things Sandy and I have ever done with regard to our stewardship is make our giving automatic. I’m out of the pulpit anywhere from 8 to 12 weekends a year but we continue to give every weekend even when we’re gone. You can learn more about that by contacting the church and asking for information. Our online giving is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just log onto www.mpcc.info to learn more. And, as you know, each week we have a time of offering in each of our services. 

Thanks in advance for your help in removing this deficit. Please continue to pray each day for the ministry and impact of Mount Pleasant Christian Church both locally and globally as we strive to change the world one life, one family, one opportunity at a time.

Jesus cares,

Pastor Chris

You're Never Too Old

Back in September 2007, one of the most incredible stories in the world of sports unfolded and yet very few people knew about it. It happened on a Saturday afternoon when 59-year-old Mike Flynt took the field for the Sul Ross State Lobos. Not as a coach or a trainer, but as a player. He was their starting linebacker. Flynt had played for this Division III team back in 1970, but was forced to quit before his senior year. And the truth is he never got over the regret of not getting to play that final season. So, when he found out that he still had one more semester of eligibility, he signed up. Sports Illustrated called him “the ultimate college senior” because he was a grandfather, a member of AARP and he was eight years older than his head coach. But his playing was no gimmick. He had to earn his spot on the roster just like everyone else. When interviewed by a local paper Flynt said, “The opportunity like what I’m going after right now is just a testament to what you do at any stage of your life if you just take a few minutes every day to prioritize your health and take better care of yourself.” 

I love this story. Maybe it’s because I just celebrated my birthday, but I don’t think so. I love this story because it reminds me that most of our limitations in life are self-imposed. You don’t find any verses in the Bible where God says you’re too young, too old, too weak, too poor, too uneducated or too anything to be used by Him. The reason why is because there are certain qualities that trump all the limitations you can imagine. One of them is faith and one of them is a willingness to suit up and give something a try. That’s what Mike Flynt did. 

Recently I was reading through Acts 2, and the miraculous event that happened on the Day of Pentecost that ushered in the beginning of the New Testament Church. When the people who were witnesses to that event were trying to figure it out the Apostle Peter stood up and gave an explanation that was based on some prophetic words spoken years earlier by the prophet Joel.  The prophecy described things that would happen in the last days and one of the statements (Acts 2:17) was, Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. (NIV) Now, I don’t want to be guilty of misusing this verse of Scripture but I just love the idea of old men dreaming dreams. The Bible is filled with story after story of God using people with lots of years (uh, I mean experience) to accomplish His will and His purpose in the world. There’s no reason why you can’t be one of them. 

Psalm 92:12-14 says, The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. (NIV) You’re never too old to bear fruit for God, not if you live by faith and you’re willing to suit up and give something a try. So decide today to never let the number of candles on your birthday cake keep you from dreaming big dreams and pursuing whatever challenge, opportunity, desire or interest comes your way.

Jesus Cares,

Pastor Chris

Finishing

 

One of the most moving passages of Scripture in the Bible is found in Acts 20 where the apostle Paul shares an emotional “goodbye” with the Ephesian Elders. This takes place during Paul’s third missionary journey after he has spent three years with these men pouring his life into theirs and equipping them to lead their local church.  He’s about to leave and travel to the city of Jerusalem where, by his own words in Acts 20:22, he doesn’t know what’s going to happen next. As he shares his heart with them he reveals the deep desire of his heart when he says, in Acts 20:24, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”  (NIV) He tells them his hearts desire is to “finish the race” and “complete the task.”  With those words Paul reminds us that there is great value in finishing what you start.

In 1912, a marathon runner named Shizo Kanakuri was chosen to represent Japan in the Summer Olympics at Stockholm. He began the race but along the way was overcome by the heat so he stopped at, of all things, a garden party for refreshment.  But he stayed too long – more than an hour. At that point he thought it was too late to get back in the race so he made his way back to his hotel and then, anonymously, boarded a ship and sailed home, too ashamed to tell anyone he was leaving. For more than 50 years his disappearance was a mystery and he was listed as a missing person in Sweden. Then, one day, he was discovered living a quiet life in southern Japan.  In 1966 the Swedish Public Television network called him with an offer: Would you like to finish your run? The 85- year- old Kanakuri accepted, and he traveled to Stockholm to finish the race he had begun so many years before.  This time he crossed the finish line.  His final time was 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 8 hours, 32 minutes and 20.3 seconds. His story and Paul’s words remind us that our reward is not found in starting the race, our reward is found in finishing.

So here’s the question: Is there something you have started but have failed to finish?  It’s never too late and you’re never too old to get back in the race. Start running today, the finish line is still there.

Jesus Cares,

Pastor Chris

It’s Always Too Soon To Quit

Recently I was helping lead a Pastor’s Conference in Nashville, Tennessee where one

of my fellow presenters asked those attending a simple question: “What is your life verse?”  Basically he was asking, “What’s that one verse of Scripture that is always with you?  What’s that one verse that guides you and encourages you, that keeps you focused, that sets the agenda for your life?”  Some of those in the audience responded out loud by quoting their particular life verse.  I didn’t respond out loud but my mind immediately went to the words of Galatians 6:9 where Paul writes, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  (NIV)  That single verse of Scripture has carried me through 34 years of full-time Christian service.

 

Galatians 6:9 is my life verse because it has always reminded me that no matter how I’m feeling, no matter how discouraged I might be, no matter how many challenges I am facing it’s always too soon to quit.  And it reminds me that God always has a “proper time” for the events in my life.  Now, if I’m going to be honest I will have to tell you that there have been more than a few times when what Paul calls the “proper time” took longer to arrive than I wanted.  There have even been times when it felt like it would never arrive.  But it’s in those moments when we really need to dig in and make the determination to persevere because it’s always too soon to quit. 

 

 

B.C. Forbes once wrote, "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."  Here’s what I’ve learned over 34 years of ministry in a small church, in a turnaround church and in a megachurch: Ministry consists of overcoming one defeat after another. That’s true of the Christian life as well. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 that, as Christians, we are in a spiritual battle every day with an enemy who wants nothing more than to destroy our lives.  And oftentimes he accomplishes that goal by causing us to get so tired or so discouraged or so frustrated that we just quit.  But quitting is never the right choice.  We may struggle at times, we may get stuck, we may lose a little ground but it’s in those moments that we need to remember: It’s always too soon to quit. 

So wherever you are and whatever you’re facing in your life today, just remember, God has a “proper time” for you to reap a harvest.  And you will discover it…I promise…if you just remember that it’s always too soon to quit. 

 

Jesus Cares,

Pastor Chris

 

Optimism

 

One of the things that never ceases to amaze me is how many genuinely pessimistic people there are in the world (and in the church).  But when it comes to pessimism verses optimism, the Bible is pretty clear.  If we believe in God, and if we believe the Bible, we have to be optimistic about the future because, regardless of what might happen today or tomorrow, ultimately, we have the promise that everything will eventually work out for our good and for God’s glory.  Isn’t that exactly what Paul is telling us in Romans 8:28?  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  (NIV)  And this isn’t the only time Paul revealed the heart of an optimist.  When Paul wrote the New Testament book of Philippians from a Roman jail he chose to focus on the positive things that were happening even though he himself was a prisoner.  In other words, he chose to be an optimist. 

Just consider the following: Philippians 1:12, Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.  (NIV)  Philippians 1:14, Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.  (NIV)  Philippians 1:19, For I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  (NIV)  Philippians 1:21, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  (NIV)  Paul could have spent his time in jail feeling sorry for himself…who could blame him.  He could have embraced a negative “woe is me…there’s no hope for tomorrow” attitude.  But that’s not what he did.  Instead, he focused on the good things that were happening in spite of his circumstance because he was convinced that God is good. 

Sadly, pessimism comes naturally to most people.  Because of that, we need to make the decision each and every day to choose optimism.  If Paul could be an optimist in a Roman jail, then why can’t you and I choose optimism in our daily lives?  Don’t let the negative things that are happening today, no matter how big or how small, keep you from believing the best about tomorrow.  Larry Elder once wrote, “Optimism, it’s not just a mind-set, it’s a behavior.”  Let’s all decide that we will behave, each and every day…regardless of our immediate circumstance like we serve a God who works all things for our good and His glory. 

 

Jesus Cares,

Pastor Chris

The Journey: Commit. Study. Grow. Be a Disciple!

Hey Mount Pleasant family,

 I want to encourage you to check out and sign up for the newest "Block" of Journey Bible Classes that will begin on Sunday, March 9th.  You can log onto our website at www.mpcc.info and click on the "online registration" link to see the different options.  When I shared my "State of the Church" message on January 4th/5th, I told you that the early church was a "learning" church.  That's a characteristic that needs to continue into every generation.  The main reason we built the new Adult Education Wing as a part of the God@Work expansion plan was to expand our ability to offer a variety of different Bible Classes.  Now we need your participation. Journey Bible Classes are an opportunity for you to grow deeper in your faith, not just by learning more about the Bible, but by learning how to apply the Bible to the reality of every day life whether it be in your marriage, your finances, conflict resolution, spiritual disciplines and the list goes on and on.  In addition, some of the Journey Bible Classes are ongoing studies that are geared to specific age groups.  For example, my son, Andrew, leads a weekly Bible Study for Young Adults that is leading to greater levels of fellowship and connection. 

 I want Mount Pleasant Christian Church to be known as a church committed to making disciples and one unmistakable mark of a disciple is a commitment to reading, studying and applying God's Word.  We do that each weekend as we gather together for corporate worship but everyone needs to pursue that goal on a deeper level.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  (NIV)  Let me ask you a question: Are you throughly equipped for every good work?  If the answer to that question is "no" or even "I don't know" then you need a deeper level of commitment to studying God's Word.  That's what Journey Bible Classes are all about.  Take a look below at just some of the classes that we're offering:

Pentateuch, Part Two:

Class for all ages.
Continued from Part One - The Pentateuch consists of the first five books of the bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The Pentateuch is rich study of the God who loves us without limit.

Young Couples Class- Biblical Conflict Resolution:

Class is open for those in their first decade of marriage.
Do you have family tensions, trouble communicating with your spouse, arguments that never seem to go away? Conflict robs us of our time and energy, and destroys our Christian witness to the outside world. In this study, you will discover how to respond to conflict according to principles taught in God's Word.

The Legacy Journey- By Dave Ramsey:
Class for all ages.
In 7 powerful lessons you'll gain a deeper understanding of investments and basic estate planning, safeguarding your legacy, and the keys to generational wealth and true generosity, all within a biblical framework.

Book of Philippians:
Class for all ages.
What does it mean to live on earth as citizens of heaven? Paul's inspiring letter to the Philippian community teaches us what it means to be a mature Christian. Joy and contentment are the hallmarks of a Christ-follower and we are encouraged, strengthened and supported by our relationships within the church.

The Reason for God, Part Two:

Class for all ages.
Continued from Part One - This study addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics and non-believers bring to religion. Using literature, philosophy, anthropology, pop culture and intellectual reasoning, this class addresses how belief in God is a sound and rational decision.

Crossroads Class- Hot Potatoes for Christians:

Class for singles of all ages.
Christians are frequently confronted with social and moral questions. How do we love those struggling with same-sex attraction (homosexuality) while honoring the Bible? Should Christians believe in evolution? This class will address topics with the attempt to apply Biblical principles to "hot potato" or controversial topics confronting society and the church.

Young Adults:  

Pastoral Epistles - Join this class every Sunday in room 101 at 9am as they continue their study of letters written by the apostle Paul.  This class is for people ages 19-29ish. No sign up is needed.

Women:
Women's Sunday Morning Workshops  - In this series of studies, you will learn how to lead a small group, give biblical talks, identify helpful study resources, and develop a plan for your prayer life. No sign up is needed.

Commit yourself to becoming a disciple of Christ and sign up for a class that will enrich your journey with Him.

Jesus cares,
Pastor Chris