November 13, 2013

I was so pleased with you this past Sunday. Thank you for checking out the information on our missionaries in the hallways before, between and after our worship services. Thank you for making Chris, our guest speaker feel so welcome and thank you for receiving his message to you. Chris is someone who God used to create a passion in my heart, mind and life for missions. I hope you were able to see why. Thank you again for being so receptive to our mission's emphasis weekend.

This past summer we walked through The Story of the Bible. We left this series with the reminder that we are all a part of the story still being written. For three months, I have had the honor and privilege to serve you as your Lead Pastor. I have felt led and compelled to take a few weeks before the Christmas season and talk about Our Storyand specifically for this Sunday, The State of Our Church.
In preparation for Our Story: The State of Our Church I would ask, beg and plead with you to prepare yourself for the message this weekend by reading Acts 13-16, yes, four whole chapters. It is nearly impossible to cover this scripture in the message time. It would do you and me a great service to take some time the next few days and read through Acts 13-16, which is Paul’s missionary journey.

I believe we’re in for a surprise in how much Mountainview’s Story looks like Paul’sStory. There are some lessons to learn and a future to look toward as we look at all Paul dealt with.

This weekend will be a great time to hear my heart and see where we are headed.

If you haven’t already, please consider the way you will participate in our 4 Ways of Practicing Generosity this season as a church. Operation Christmas Child boxes are due this week, Thanksgiving Box food is due next week and missionary cards are available one more week. Coming soon will be our Christmas drive through the Giving Tree. Watch for those to be available in a couple weeks.

Blessings!
Pastor Tom

Addiction

I’m so thankful to be a part of a church that cares about the restoration of people. In reality, if you can breathe and you’re human then you probably have issues, struggles, disappointments and let downs. All these things can set us up to addictive behavior. Often our addictions are addictions because we have unresolved underlying issues. Mountainview Christian Church has a restoration ministry because we believe God can change people, save lives and marriages, encourage and support the lonely, broken and lost. I was pleased to hear Pastor Dave share with our church about addictions and give us practical steps to break free from our addictions.

As I thought through the message on Sunday as verse kept coming back to mind:

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will alsoprovide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

God is aware of our addictions. What is your addiction? What are you willing to overcome your addiction? Pastor Dave reminded us to not deceive yourselves, to understand and resolve your underlying issues, to remember your addiction is a life-long battle and to think about what God is calling you to do with the rest of your life. I hope you know that Mountainview is committed to partnering with the Holy Spirit and producing life change.

Our Restoration Ministry is for real people with real issues to find real answers. If you’d like more information about this ministry please contact Pastor Dave at the church. This ministry is making a difference in many lives. Currently we have four counselors and one life coach available seeing between 35-40 clients each week. We have a partnership with 12 Step programs where nearly 150 people come into our church building for support each week. In addition to the 12 Step programs we offer classes such as Divorce Care, The Genesis Process, Grief Share, Hungry for Hope, Changes that Heal and How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk.

We finish our HOSTAGE series this week with LIES. Lies we tell and lies we believe can hold us HOSTAGE. We will provide you with a practical strategy to break free from LIES. I hope you’ll plan on being here as we wrap this series up.

Don’t forget to swing by on October 31st for Trunk or Treat, 6:30-8:30pm. Bring your whole family to our parking lot for a night of decked out vehicles, family fun, foods and treats as we strive to bring light into our community.

Mountainview, I am proud of you, I believe in you and I love you!
Pastor Tom