Forgiveness (Matt Chandler sermon jam)

Amen!

“Mary, Did You Know?” – Sung by Pastor Shelly Grabowski

A Quote on Christmas

“There is no connection between the worship of idols and the use of Christmas trees. We should not be anxious about baseless arguments against Christmas decorations. Rather, we should be focused on the Christ of Christmas and giving all diligence to remembering the real reason for the season.” ~ John MacArthur

One Flesh, One Heart, One Calling

I am proud to announce that my wife, Michelle Grabowski, has been ordained by the National Association of Christian Ministers!  Although she is only now receiving the official recognition, the truth is that she's been doing the work of the ministry for a long time now. From day one of Acres of Hope Christian Fellowship (back when it was a home fellowship without a name), she has been my co-laborer in Christ, serving and ministering to the people in our congregation with authentic love and compassion.

Jesus says of married couples, "They are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate (Matthew 19:6)." God Himself looked at me, and determined that "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him (Genesis 2:18)." For almost 17 years, I have had been blessed to share my life with the one who has been made for me, and I for her.

I don't know where I would be today without her not just standing behind me, but beside me. I do know that I could not do what I do today without her. I could not possibly be any prouder of her than I am this very minute.

"The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD (Proverbs 18:22)." 

Any time that I ever doubt that I have God's favor, I need to look no further than Shelly to cease all doubts. She is living proof of God's goodness to me, my family, and our church family.

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Justified! (Matt Chandler sermon jam)

Matt Chandler on our justification -- "You have not earned right standing in front of God by your effort or your cleaning up of your life.  We have been made pure, standing blameless in front of God, not because of any religious or moral pursuit, but because Christ has died, and in His death, He absorbed all of God's wrath for you and I."

Psalm 148 - Sons of Korah

Guard Your Family Well

"What good is it to a Christian 

if he should gain (and win) the whole world,
but lose his own family?" 

(adapted from Mark 8:36)

Unfortunately, this is far too easy to do.  I am certainly guilty at times, and must keep reminding myself of these things.

Remember, Christian, you are not called to save the world, but to minister to the flock entrusted to you (1 Peter 5:2).  For most of us, that is our families first and foremost.  While family should never be an excuse to keep from answering the call of God upon your life, the latter should NEVER be a reason to neglect the former.

The very first ministry that God ordained was family, so is it any wonder that the very first recorded satanic attack was against the intimate fellowship between the family members and God Himself?  Satan knows that if he can destroy a family, the devastation will resound through generations.

"But those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers." (1 Timothy 5:8)

Guard your family well.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Joe