New Blog Address…

Posted on August 21, 2012 by clevster

Hey Friends & Family,

I just wanted to thank you for subscribing to my blog and keeping up with how God has been working in my life and teaching me along with how things have been going at Christ’s Church Camden.  I just transitioned to a new blog, theme and address located at www.scottclevenger.com.  I’d like to personally invite you to come check it out and subscribe to the new blog as I will no longer be updating this one.  I hope you are having a blessed week so far and I look forward to seeing you over on the new blog.

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott

 

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Some Kind Of Zombie…

Posted on August 10, 2012 by clevster

Some Kind Of Zombie I don’t know if you’ve noticed this or not, but for some reason our culture has become fascinated with cheesy, supernatural, horror flicks.  From vampires, werewolves, witches, monsters.  Then there’s my personal favorite… Zombies.  You got Resident Evil and that chick that just takes everybody out.  There’s Zombieland with all of the rules for zombie survival.  And then I admit… I confess… I am hooked on AMC’s The Walking Dead.  (Season 3 comes out in October and I can’t wait!)

What do zombies have to do with you?  Well, from the churches I have been exposed to, I see a lot more zombies inhabiting those churches than I do those who have been made alive in christ.  Here’s a great definition of a zombie, check this out…

Zombie = Zombies do not produce anything.  They do not accomplish anything.  All they do is wander around aimlessly, consuming everything in their path.

Zombies are corrupt.  They are infectious.  They care about no one other than themselves.  They are like a cancer infecting and devouring.  Ya ever been around someone who seems to fit that description?  You very well might be saying, “Yeah, in church.”  I’m afraid that’s a fairly accurate description of the majority of “Christians” who inhabit today’s church.

Did you know that the Apostle Paul talked about zombies?  It’s true.  Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:1, “ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live…”  So, in other words, if you are dead in your transgressions and sins then you’re a zombie!  But he didn’t stop there.  He gave us the cure.  In verse 4-5 he wrote, “4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved.”

So, here’s the bottom line.  Are you dead?  Or are you alive?  Join us at Christ’s Church this Sunday as we kick off a new, original message series called “Some Kind Of Zombie.”  We’ll journey through what’s required of us to be transformed and cured of zombie-ism in our lives and in our churches.  It all starts this Sunday at 9:30am & 11:15am.  See ya there!

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott

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It’s A Lot Easier Being Fat!

Posted on July 26, 2012 by admin

I’m in my third week of the Insanity workout.  I have to say, it is appropriately titled.  It’s been really… REALLY… tough, but worth it.  I saw pretty drastic results just in the first two weeks alone.  But, do you know what the toughest part is for me?  Mental discipline.  Nearly everyday just during the warm-up parts of this program, my mind is usually thinking… I DON’T CARE!!!  I don’t care if I’m out of shape.  I don’t care if I’m overweight.  I don’t care if my clothes don’t fit.  I want to eat French Fries and Big Macs and die happy!  Can you relate?

The one cool thing about doing this workout at church is we’ve had a number of new folks join throughout the past three weeks.  One individual began with us just a few days ago.  I love him to death.  Every Sunday he greets me with a giant grin on his face and a solid handshake.  During workout yesterday I walked by him to get some more water and he grumbled… “It’s a lot easier being fat!”  I’m a little embarrased by my first initial thought.  It wasn’t encouragement.  I  didn’t instantly shout out, “C’mon, you can do it.  Do your best and leave the rest.”  Nope.  My first thought was… let’s go get a pizza!  (With all the meats and extra cheese, baby!)

But, it occurred to me in that moment that he’s absolutely right.  We have adopted that mentality in nearly every area of our lives… not just physical.  It’s a lot easier to just let things go because the alternative would demand a lot of work.

  • Rather than a happy, fulfilling marriage, you end up just being two people living in the same house together.
  • Rather than graduating with honors, you only fulfill the status quo.
  • Rather than dealing with the conflict at work, you say, “Well it is what it is” and move on.

Do you know what happens when we adopt that mentality in our lives?  Kyle Idlemen says it’s the difference between being a follower of Christ and just being a fan of Christ.  We settle for mediocrity in this life.  Because, quite frankly, I would label “taking up my cross” to follow Christ as… Work!  I want you to know today that…

God wants more for you! 

God wants you to prosper financially.  It doesn’t mean that you always will.  Just take a look at Job or the Apostle Paul.  God wants to place His favor upon you… and God’s favor will go much further in this life than worldly riches.  God wants to provide you with His protection.  God wants you to be fulfilled in this life.  God wants more for you!  Just seek him!  Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew to seek God first!  (Matt. 6:33)  The problem is that we have not.  We seek ourselves.  The result… we’ve gotten fat!  Get in the Word today and start getting in shape!

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott

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What’s Happening This Fall (And 2nd Quarter Stats… you don’t want to miss this!!!)

Posted on July 18, 2012 by admin

I am so humbled right now that I don’t really know where to begin.  I’ll admit to you that I never thought God would choose a small-town community to do something big.  But He has!  The elders of Christ’s Church had our regular monthly meeting last night.  We kicked off by reviewing our 2nd quarter stats.  Check this out…

  • We have grown by 51% in 2012 alone.
  • There have been 64 official decisions for Christ.  (This does not include children, nor formal altar calls.)
  • 54 folks have joined the church through partnership
  • Offerings are up by 38% this year.
  • 277 people are involved in service.
  • 404 people are involved in small groups.

On top of that, there are 4 more baptisms scheduled for this Sunday and another scheduled for the following Sunday.  Friends, GOD IS ON THE MOVE IN CAMDEN COUNTY!!!

Many ask… What’s Next?  Well, here’s a few things to look forward to.  First, we are pressing forward with the building of WOWTown.  This one-of-a-kind children’s ministry will literally WOW your kids.  You realize that the research shows if a child has not heard the word of God by the age of 13 that he most likely will never accept Christ the rest of his life!?  That’s why we will be investing our time, energy and money in our children this fall!

Secondly, what goes right along with that is our entire Family Ministry.  Beginning in September, the topic we study in the adult service will be the same our children study.  It will also be the same as what our teenagers study in CHAOS.  It will be so simple for you to talk about things throughout the week that we spoke about on Sunday.  Our wish is that those conversations lead to much deeper discussions as well.

Finally, to facilitate the growth that you see in the stats above, we plan to implement a 3rd Sunday service beginning September 9th.  The service times that we have decided on are slightly different than what was originally published.  Beginning in September you’ll have 3 choices to worship at 9:00am, 10:30am and Noon.  (Don’t worry, we’re also going to tighten up the length of our services so all of you football fanatics can still be home for kickoff on Sunday afternoons.)

This fall is going to be absolutely amazing.  I truly believe it could be one of our most exciting times yet.  If you’re wondering what sermon series are coming up, here ya go…

  • August:         Zombies – Are you truly alive?
  • September:  Revelation – A look at the 7 churches
  • October:       Tempt Me – A look at the temptations of Christ
  • November:   Frugal-lionaire – Stewardship made practical
  • December:   Christmas

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott

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I’m All For Healthcare…

Posted on June 29, 2012 by admin

I am.  Aren’t you?  Healthcare is a good thing, wouldn’t you agree?  Now, looking at Obamacare… that’s a totally different story.  No matter how you look at it, it’s definitely the hot topic of the day with the Supreme Court now saying that Obama can push his healthcare plan through as a “tax.”  If you’re a Facebook junky like me then you’ve surely seen all the comments and opinions from folks.  I’m scrolling through now checking some out…

  • Ignore your rights and they’ll go away!
  • Gotta love the government…
  • June 28, 2012… the day our constitution died.
  • Socialism… for sure.
  • November is our last chance.
  • Calling Ronald Reagan

While I have absolutely no argument with anyone posting their comments and venting a little on Facebook, I do want to share with you the comment that really stood above the rest.

“God is the same God now that he was a few hours ago.  Why all the doom and gloom?”

I don’t even know if his comment was directed towards the healthcare decision.  But it still stuck out.  As I looked through Facebook, it was somehow very strategically placed right in the middle of all the other comments.  Not to make anyone feel guilty for your comment.  Your feelings are valid and nothing to be ashamed of.  I have very similar feelings myself.  But I needed to be reminded of that fact… that God is the same today as he was yesterday as he will be tomorrow.

Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

And if that’s not enough encouragement for you then look only two verses earlier…

Hebrews 13:6 – “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”

No, we should not be stagnant in what we feel to be right.  Yes, you better vote!  But in everything if you are a follower of Christ, no matter what the outcome, greater things lie ahead.  So, why all the doom and gloom?

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott

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4 Virtues of a Legend from Esther…

Posted on June 26, 2012 by admin

We learned quite a bit from the Legends Of Awesomeness series that we just wrapped up a couple of weeks ago.  We looked at 6 Biblical legends and drew out all kinds of  legend virtues that we might be able to apply to our lives.  The first legend we looked at was Esther.

Esther 4:14 (NLT) - 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

You would be right on the mark to describe Esther as a woman of strength and dignity.  As a matter of fact, the name Esther literally means… Star.  Esther didn’t miss her opportunity.  She knew that she was not allowed to enter the King’s court… but she also knew what the consequences would be if she chose not to.  And so she relentlessly seized the opportunity… and all of her people were saved.  She shined because she was a star!  She was ONE person… ONE woman.  Don’t ever doubt yourself and think that you are weak because there’s just one of you.  Seize every opportunity!

#1…  A legend is one who relentlessly seizes every opportunity to make a difference!

You are where you are are… in this place… in this time… in this moment… for such a time as this!  Could it be that God wishes to use you as He did Esther?  I believe that’s often God’s desire everyday of our lives.  There’s just one problem… not many of us are willing to seize the opportunity.  Or, we’re just too busy to recognize the opportunity.

#2…  A legend creates other legends!

They don’t live for themselves… they don’t seek to simply advance themselves.  Legends seek to create new legends whose influence spans across generations.  Esther was one such legend.  So legendary that she got her own book in the Bible.  Her story is still encouraging others thousands of years later.

#3…  A legend is always expecting and therefore is always looking!

What did you expect to experience this morning when you woke up?  To be honest, most of us would probably have to admit that we didn’t expect anything out of the norm.  See, most of us get so accustomed to the normal routines of life that we then begin to miss unique opportunities.  We stop expecting anything to be different therefore we stop looking.

#4…  A legend prevails in the here and now!

It is in the present where legends will be born.  It is in the present where you will have opportunities to invest in others so much so that they may become legends themselves.  If you are always focussed on the missed opportunities of yesterday then you will miss new opportunities today.  If you are always focussed on the opportunities of tomorrow then you will miss out on today.  You have been placed in this time… in this place… for such a time as this.  You have a purpose that YOU and ONLY you can fulfill!  Will you seize it?

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott

PS. Did you miss the first message of the Legends of Awesomeness series about Esther?  Check it out here…

Posted in Christian Living, Legends, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Satan’s Panties All Up In A Wad!

Posted on May 25, 2012 by admin

My wife said it best today… “Satan’s got his panties in a wad.”  Have you ever experienced that in your life?  We sure have at Christ’s Church.  It seems like every time we anticipate huge change at this church the Evil One just has to jump in and play his game.  A little over a year ago, we hired our first Creative Arts Director.  We knew that God had great things in store for him and the impact that he would make.  And do you know what happened?  The poor guy was sick almost constantly for his first three months with us.  Everything from the flu to kidney stones to getting physically hurt.  Now over a year later, he’s making waves for the cause of Christ.  Satan got his panties in a wad and then God did His thing!

We recently hired our Family Pastor.  He’s in transition from the West Coast to the East Coast.  The church he’s been with is treating him and his wife very unfairly… almost to the point that I would question whether what they are doing is legal or not.  He and his wife are whipped.  They’re tired.  They’ve been taken advantage of.  Satan’s got his panties in a wad cause he knows what’s about to happen at Christ’s Church over the next few months with our children’s ministry.  But I assure you, God is gonna do his thing!

On top of everything, one of our elders at church has had two seizures in the past two days.  He just retired from the Navy after 24 years of service.  His wife has been our children’s pastor.  They have sold all of their belongings and they are heading into the mission field.  Guess what?  Once again, Satan’s got his panties all up in a wad.  Why?  Cause God is fixing to do His thing!

Have you ever experienced anything like that?  Where you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and the Evil One wants to make you think it’s the headlight of an oncoming train?  I can promise you that if you are fixing to makes waves for the cause of Christ… Satan is gonna get his panties in a wad and do everything he can to prevent you.  Keep pressing on.  Keep looking up towards the light.  Keep finding your strength in the shadow of the cross.  This the life of a follower of Christ who daily takes up his cross and dies to it.  The next time you face that kind of trial in your life, remember this verse…

Philippians 4:19  —  “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

BUT, do you know what sticks out to me in that one little tiny verse?  It’s so easy to be encouraged by that passage, and it should be encouraging.  To know that God will meet all your needs should give you an amazing confidence.  However, there’s one word that sticks out to me… the word “meet.”  Here’s why… when you meet someone for lunch, what happens?  If you set up a meeting with someone, what happens?  That meeting requires 3 things.  First, it requires a place to meet.  Secondly, it requires the one you’re meeting to go there.  Thirdly, it requires YOU to move!  You see…

For God to meet all your needs… it requires you to MOVE!

So many of us think that it’s God’s responsibility to take care of our every need.  As a result, when our needs aren’t met… we blame Him.  Are you willing to meet Him?  Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone and run to Him?  Because when you do… Even though Satan’s gonna get his panties all up in wad… be assured that God will do His thing!

Be Blessed!  Pastor Scott

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The Box…

Posted on May 23, 2012 by admin

I have a 7-year old daughter.  For a while she has been in a stage of life where it seems her natural tendency is to argue.  (I know, I know.  It’s only going to get worse, right!?)  We can be talking about anything and her first instinct seems to be… “Yeah, but!”  Now, I will admit up front that there are some things my young daughter knows that I’m unaware of.  For example, there are Bratz dolls.  I don’t have a clue what their individual names are, the music they sing, or why in the world one would even have the desire to own a Bratz doll.  There’s Phineas & Ferb.  About all I know is they’re 2 genius kids and for some reason one wears a leaf on his head.  There was even one day when she was in kindergarten that she brought home a math problem for me to help her with… yup, it stumped me for a while before figuring that one out.

BUT, there is something to be said about living and learning through life.  I wonder if sometimes God doesn’t look down upon us, somewhat like I look at my 7-year old, in total confusion as to why we would argue with Him and try to put Him in a box.  As if our knowledge can even begin to compare with his.  We do that, don’t we!?  There are a ton of folks throughout this world who think they have God all figured out.  We have all the answers.  Like it’s even possible to fathom the ways of God!

I wrote a very controversial blog last week about gay marriage.  (Actually, it wasn’t about gay marriage.  But that’s all some folks got out of it.)  I knew the second I loaded it up that most likely there would be folks who agreed with me and then those who did not.  I read every comment and was challenged and grew from several.  Then there were those who were so stuck in their ways that they never got the point.  They were so determined to prove their point that they never heard mine.  I also knew there would be folks who would get so stuck on the title that they would miss the point as well.  I’m afraid we treat God and much of life the same way.  We get stuck on the title rather than really diving in to try and get the point.  We have it all figured out!  Or… do we?

Romans 9:20 — But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?  “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘why did you make me like this?’”

Job 38:2-4  —  Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.  “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me, if you understand.”

Matt Chandler writes in his latest book entitled Explicit Gospel… “God’s sovereign knowing is so beyond our control and knowledge that acting like we’re his GPS or like he’s our personal valet is not just laughable but sinful.  So, in other words…

God is God and I am not!

There are a lot of folks who will say with their mouths that they get that… but then turn right around and demand that their interpretation of scripture be the ONLY interpretation.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not about to say there are multiple ways to the Father.  Jesus is the only way.  And I do not teach that homosexuality is acceptable according to God’s word.  But, I’m afraid in many areas, most of humanity has elevated their intelligence above the Father’s.  The result… modern-day pharisees stuck in the box!

As followers of Christ, may we never claim to have God figured out.  May we always remain humble and fearful in His sight, always striving to understand Him more each and every day.

Be Blessed!  Pastor Scott

 

Posted in Christian Living, Church Leadership, Homosexuality, Religion, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

God Does NOT Care About Gay Marriage!

Posted on May 15, 2012 by admin

So, I’ve had several folks ask me lately what I think about the whole gay marriage thing with President Obama.  I’ll be honest, those who ask me usually don’t care for my response.  I said it right there in the title.  I’m guessing that will probably frustrate some of the folks who may read this.  No doubt all those who are ready to go picket at the lawn of the White House won’t like my opinion.  But, I’m telling you… God really doesn’t care about President Obama stating his support of gay marriage.  Can I tell you what God cares about?  How about what God is disappointed in?

God is disappointed in Christians all over the world who won’t even share their faith with their neighbors.  Sure, we’ll sign a petition.  We’ll plaster Facebook with our thoughts about Obama.  Maybe we’ll actually even get out and vote this year.  But, for some odd reason, we won’t share the greatest thing we could ever share with a friend.

You realize this is exactly the Evil One’s tactics, right!?  He knows that if he can get your focus on the president and politics… then you’ll miss an opportunity right in front of your nose to makes waves in the Kingdom.  You can argue with me as much as you want.  But I do not believe God really cares whether gay marriage is legalized in America or not.  What God cares about is whether you and I are willing to share Christ with homosexuals.

When is the last time you paused your petition to build a relationship?

Jesus said time after time that the second most important commandant next to loving God with all your heart is to “love your neighbor as yourself.”  The problem is that I want to define who exactly is my neighbor.  I want to define who I like personally.  And quite frankly, there’s too many of us “Christians” who are unwilling to accept a homosexual as my neighbor.  As a follower of Christ, you’re still called and commanded to love them as your neighbor.  It doesn’t mean that you are accepting the lifestyle they are living.  It doesn’t mean that you are supporting President Obama and his take on gay marriage.  What it does mean is that you are willing to OVERLOOK their stance and their lifestyle… all so you may have the opportunity to share Christ with them.  You see, if we as followers of Christ would spend the same amount of time and energy sharing Christ with others that we do going out of our way to voice our disagreement… our country probably wouldn’t be in the shape it is in today.  God is more concerned about complacent Christians than he is about legalized gay marriage throughout our country.

Here’s the question… Which have you spoken more about today… President Obama, politics and/or gay marriage… Or, the love and grace of Christ?  If it’s not the latter then I would challenge you to re-focus.

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott

Posted in Christian Living, Evangelism, Homosexuality | 6 Comments

Are You A Legend?

Posted on May 10, 2012 by admin

First, before I talk about Legends, check out what’s happening at Christ’s Church…

  • 2 baptisms this past Sunday; 1 this upcoming Sunday!
  • 3 re-dedications this past Sunday
  • 11 new partners joined the church week before last!
  • Over 30 people attended the SHAPE seminar this past Sunday who are partnering with Christ’s Church in over 30 different areas of service.
  • THIS Sunday is Mother’s Day & Family Portrait Day!  (Who did you invite?)
  • We hired a Family Pastor who will start at Christ’s Church in June!

***Also, look for a new and exciting summer quarter of small groups.  It’s different than anything we’ve ever done at Christ’s Church before!!!

Legends of AwesomenessNow, on to legends!  I believe that every person who has ever been born has the potential to become a legend!  That means YOU!!!  I believe some are born… yet others are made.  But what goes into the making of a legend?  What are the characteristics of a legend?  Well, for six weeks beginning this Sunday we’ll discover many of those attributes as we kick off a new message series called “Legends of Awesomeness.”  Check out the legends we’re gonna learn from…

 

  • May 13th:   Esther
  • May 20th:   Abraham
  • May 27th:   Noah
  • June 3rd:    Paul
  • June 10th:  David
  • June 17th:  Moses

We will learn from each one of these legends and how God used them to impact His kingdom.  Want a sneak peek into this Sunday and the first “Legend Virtue”?  Here ya go…

This story of Esther is actually where we find the main, overarching scripture for this entire Legends of Awesomeness message series.  We will revisit this each week and it’s found in Esther.

Esther 4:14 (NLT)  -  14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Friends, whether a legend is born… or whether a legend is made… I believe that…

A legend is one who RELENTLESSLY seizes every opportunity to make a DIFFERENCE!

You would be right on the mark to describe Esther as a woman of strength and dignity.  The name Esther literally means… Star.  And a star lives for such a time as this!  Do you know that you are alive today… in this moment… in this place… for such a time as this?  God has a purpose for you.  The question is… will you allow Him to make you a legend?

Be Blessed, Pastor Scott

Posted in Be the Verge, Christian Living, Legends, Uncategorized | Leave a comment