Friday, April 30, 2010

"Egypt Is Us", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Metaphorically the Egypt of the Old Testament with Pharaoh and all the other evil hoards is us at one point or another in our lives.

Sin and separation from God is to us what Egypt was to the Israelites.

Satan is the master of the sinner as Pharaoh was slave master over the Israelites.

Canaan Land was to the Israelite as Heaven is to the believer.

The question to us, as it was to the Israelite is,"Will you get there?"

Some of you who read this this morning, probably most, will resound with a faith filled "YES! I am heading to Heaven Pastor Kevin, as it is my eternal home since I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and become born again!"

Some of you, as I did, made a beeline to the Kingdom as soon as you heard the message.

Others will take their Israelite "40 years" to get there.

Others will unfortunately die in the desert, or worse, perish in captivity.

Ever see a map of the Exodus of the Israelites fleeing Egypt? It was approximately a two week walk to Canaan (the Promised Land), but it took them 40 years.

The route traced out on a map by broken lines shows they walked in circles. Forty years. Millions of tears.

How many of you are walking in circles today? You know where you should be, but you just can't get there.

Exodus 3:6 - And He said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God."

Are you afraid today? Or perhaps ashamed?

Are you trapped in something you know is wrong but you don't feel you can get away from it?

Are you literally going in circles chasing your own tail?

James 4:3 - "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly."

It can all change for you in a moment. Just turn to Jesus and ask Him to help. Don't apply any teachings, schemes, plans, formulas, etc. Just earnestly ask His help in turning your life around. Get honest with Him. Be sincere.

He will not let you down. Jesus never fails.

I want you to know that the Israelites broke free from their enslavement and bondage and made it to the place God set aside for them.

You can get there too. And it doesn't have to take 40 years.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, April 29, 2010

"The Verse That Changed The World", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It was one small part of the verse actually.

"The just shall live by faith."

It might not mean a blessed thing to those who are spiritually dead. Not then and not now.

I am speaking of the words that sparked the Reformation of the Church.

These were the words Martin Luther read and received deep down in his spirit.

They were the words that caused him to think and react while spiritually entombed inside a monastery. He thought that if he was deemed righteous by God merely as a result of his faith in Christ and the Cross, then why does he need to be locked into a virtual prison where he must remain silent and self flagellate himself each day to please God?

He then realized the uselessness of serving the false, works based religion of Rome, and engaged to set himself and countless millions free.

It was literally the verse that set the world free in Christ.

Here it is in its entirety according to the Amplified Version:

Romans 1:17 (Amplified Bible)

"For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith."

It still gets me excited to read it even now. It's downright supernatural. It's the epitome of why our bible is most definitely inspired by God and the Holy Spirit and not mere men.

A righteousness that springs forth from faith and encourages us to greater faith. That's where it is supernatural.

The person who understands that and lives accordingly by applying faith to Jesus Christ and what He accomplished for us on the Cross actually becomes upright and just! Pure God given righteousness!

There is no other way friends. If you are reading this and do not sense the glory in it, and do not feel the hope running through you than perhaps you need to yet have your faith "spring forth".

Maybe it hasn't happened. Maybe you had it and lost it. Maybe you are skeptical.

This verse can raise the spiritually dead. Yes, it's that powerful.

It's the verse that has changed the world. I shudder to think what it would be like today had not Luther been inspired by an old bible, in fact the only accessible bible in the monastery, chained to an old desk in its attic.

The devil tried to hide it, but God's man of His purpose found it!

Praise God, and I found it too!

Have you found it? Are you still excited by it?

I have decided a long time ago to righteously live by faith in Christ, and my faith has proven to not be in vain!

Jesus never fails!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

"Sometimes It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

What have you been praying for lately? What is it you have been petitioning the Lord for? What is it you need the Lord to step in and take care of for you?

It is good that you are doing that. We are to become more and more reliant upon the influence and intervention of God in our lives.

However...be careful not to assume HOW God will handle things.

Take Moses and Aaron for instance.

They obeyed God in response to their need for the Israelites enslaved by Pharaoh and Egypt. They went and spoke to Pharaoh to arrange their release and explained to him that their God Jehovah wants him to let the people go free.

A reasonable request, right? The God of the universe and all that lives and breathes was standing behind them all the way, right? Things should have gone great immediately with the people being let go toots sweet, right?

Well, not exactly. We would eventually get from point "A" (the enslavement of the Israelites) to point "B" (their release), but not perhaps according to how Moses and Aaron (or us) would have liked it to go.

The situation actually got a whole lot worse. If they thought it was bad to be a slave to Pharaoh before, they would see how much worse it could get.

Pharaoh refused to recognize or consider Jehovah as a God to be obeyed.

Exodus 5:2 - "Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go."

People who know the Lord asking people who do not know the Lord to obey the Lord. Hmm...sound familiar?

To make this short, Pharaoh not only didn't let them go, but he made it much tougher on them.

He even made them make bricks without straw. What a guy that Pharaoh.

Finally, it got to the point where Moses let his frustration out on God.

Exodus 5:22-23 - "Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, O Lord, why have You dealt evil to this people? Why did You ever send me? (23) For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people, neither have You delivered Your people at all."

Yikes. Again, sound familiar? God taking the heat of our wrath once again. Ever blame God for not acting fast enough?

God's response?

"Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh! I AM the Lord!" (Exodus 6).

Even then it still took some time, and Pharaoh NEVER buckled under to God even after it looked like he gave in and agreed to let them go.

He changed his mind and pursued them right into the midst of the Red Sea where his army was destroyed by God.

God took care of it. Case closed.

I'm not sure where we came to expect God to handle our troubles in a snap of a finger or the quote of a word. Sometimes not only does the answer not come quickly, but the problem may actually increase and intensify before it is dealt with.

In all of it we are to trust Him. Indeed, that is the epitome of trust.

Simply know that He is on it. Give it to Him and let it go. Rest in the comfort that your Father in Heaven is taking care of it all according to your best interest.

Be blessed and know that He is the Lord today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

"Choose Wisely", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Joshua 24:14-15 (Amplified Bible)

"(14) (Now therefore, [reverently] fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. (15) And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Serve the Lord in all sincerity and truth, and make sure you pick the right God.

As for me? I serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who do you serve?

The god of extracurricular activity? The god of extended work hours? The god of happy hour?

How about the god of Sunday softball? Sunday golf? Sunday soccer? Sunday late sleeping?

There's are plenty more, but you get the point.

It's not the Amorites anymore. It's simply the gods of where you have decided to pitch your tent.

It's usually a lot farther from Jesus Christ than you intended at first, but as you look back you realize how far you've strayed. It's a lot closer to the 14th hole than to make it all the way back to the Lord.

There is this side of the River, and then there are still the gods of the "other side of the River".

Have you already picked a side?

You have even if you can't quite remember when it happened.

Some of you have chosen unwisely by choosing against God.

Not a wise choice at all. Even though you might be humming along rather nicely. Golf average is right where you'd like it. New business connections are being made on the green, and you're really feathering your nest. That new promotion is in the bag.

It's a shame that when it all falls apart you will have never seen it coming. Oh, and make no mistake. It WILL all fall apart eventually. You god has a disaster streamlined just for you.

You picked the wrong god. Your god wasn't there for you. The "other side of the River god" just takes and never gives back. It takes until you are a withered dried up shell. It sucks life out of a person instead of breathing life in.

Maybe this is how Mumsy and Daddy raised you. Guess what? This ain't your parents religion.

Keep thinking that God isn't offended when you miss Church or don't show up for Him in prayerful fellowship. Keep thinking that you ignoring His plan for your life is a take it or leave it proposition.

Keep thinking that He is as non-confrontational and easy going as your pastor probably is.

Keep not showing up for Him and see if He doesn't show up for you one day.

Let me say friends, and I speak from experience. God not showing up for you is devastating.

I found myself on the floor one day wondering why. I had six long months to lie around and try to figure it out.

My conclusion was that I was disobedient. I strayed away from the plan and made my own. I tried to make something happen according to my own initiative. He allowed me to do that.

One healed quad tendon later I am resolved to serve Him and Him alone.

The tough part is that I thought everything was fine. I didn't see how I had let some stuff slip, how I had become immersed in a job I had no business taking in the first place. It wasn't even sinful. It just wasn't the right choice to make.

So...choose wisely. Some of you who are reading this have not.

Me? I'm staying on the right side of the River and I am going to serve Him fully.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, April 26, 2010

"Snake Oil and Smoke Shields", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Religion is often like politics. You can never see through the facades and shiny objects meant to distract you from the truth.

I can hardly watch Christian television anymore save for a few earnest preachers sold out to the truth and not picking our pockets.

Very few are pointing the way to the Cross, and are instead preaching and teaching the exact opposite to what Paul has instructed us in the Word.

Read what Paul admonishes in 1 Corinthians 2:

Verse 1 & 2: "AS FOR myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom; (2) For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified."

Verse 4: "And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them]."

Answer us the question as to why, Paul.

Verse 5: "So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God."

Where should our faith be firmly planted?

In the power of God!

Remember this:

People who preach the power of God are in touch with the message of the Cross of Christ. Those who hear the message of the Cross are in touch with the Spirit of God.

Paul says that the natural (carnal, soulish) man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God (v. 14).

This also pertains to those who preach and teach the gospel in natural self proclaimed wisdom, and not in the Spirit of Power.

The power of the Holy Spirit and not one shred of human wisdom is how our bible was fashioned by God.

Paul for instance never sat down with ink and paper and pondered, "Hmm...let's see, what should I write?"

He was filled with so much inspiration from God through the Holy Spirit that God's wisdom flowed out of him unfettered and unspoiled! Whether he wrote by his own hand or dictated to someone else it was the words of God that we have received as a result! Praise God!

And that my friends should be the method of "sermon" preparation every preacher should be applying to their messages!

This is what constitutes operating in the prophetic. Preaching is prophecy and should be going forth to the people each and every time a pastor or evangelist gets before their people.

Since I'm a preacher and don't get to hear a lot of messages except for what I tune in on TV or the internet, I can tell you folks that on the grand scale this does not appear to be happening!

What I'm seeing is a lot of primping, preening, pimping and pickpocketing.

I have to channel search a bit to find the few who are concerned about getting out the foundational message of the Cross, Faith, Salvation, and Sanctification.

Are your "holy emotions being stirred"?

Or are your carnal itches being scratched?

Be careful my friends, and I say this with the utmost urgency and love of heart. Be careful as to what you are listening to and hearing. Accept messages only from the most earnest and Holy Spirit filled.

Weigh the words of men and women carefully (yes, even this preachers) and do not settle for less than what stirs your spirit, and not what merely tickles your ear.

The old time gospel is being tinkered with and infected with more and more putrefied carnal wisdom than God's truth.

Accept no substitute.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, April 23, 2010

"As Good As Dead", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I know I was. As good as dead that is. All those years of not knowing Jesus resulted in a human shipwreck.

Not just physically from the ravages of drug abuse, but more so from the actual root cause.

Spiritual death.

As good as dead. Had my body failed me completely I would have gone to hell.

That my friends is as dead as dead can be.

We all have our stories. If you're reading this as a born again believer than you were once as good as dead also.

As good as dead means you might as well have been dead. You were useless for any good purpose. You failed in the most important endeavor of life which was to be an example of the love of God on earth. By default you were a servant of the devil and your self righteousness was smelly like filthy rags.

Let's face it. In God's eyes we were nothing more than rotting corpses emitting a stench toward heaven.

Yet...God loved us anyway.

It was that love, that unconditional persistent sacrifice of Jesus that won us to Him and turned the already putrefied heart into a soft fallow ground for the seed of His love.

Hebrews 11:12 - "So from one man, though he was physically as good as dead, there have sprung descendants whose number is as the stars of heaven and as countless as the innumerable sands on the seashore."

He changed us. He raised us. As sure as Abraham was ready for the scrap heap, and recharged and regenerated in his body to become a patriarch of the human race, so were we raised up spiritually and given new life!

Paul says we become a new creation in Christ when we receive Him. Not just reconstituted or reconstructed, but torn down and built back up a new edifice!

He's a great God! He's a great Savior!

Praise Him today for what He has done, and what He will do in turning your hope into reality by faith in what Jesus has done on the Cross!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, April 22, 2010

"The Power To Conceive", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Good morning from New Milford, CT! Still too dark out to see what kind of a day it is, but my AccuWeather tells me it's going to be sunny and warm. I hope your day is blessed and faith-filled!

Speaking of faith, let's continue in Hebrews chapter 11.

Hebrews 11:11 (AMP) - "Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when she was long past the age for it, because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word."

God is able to perform anything according to His will when our faith is attached to it.

Even biological barriers such as age and sterility cannot confound it.

Sarah was certainly beyond the child bearing years at age 100 even by the standards of aging in the Old Testament.

In fact, even when she was in prime age and condition the bible says she was "barren".

Let's not make any mistakes here. The Word says she was finally able to conceive because of faith.

"BECAUSE OF FAITH" she received physical power to conceive.

Sarah based her faith upon the Word and will of God.

He wanted here to have a child and she would simply believe that in spite of the overwhelming evidence against that ever happening!

You see friends, that IS faith!

Conceiving goes way past child bearing.

What do you conceive today?

It could mean to take something into your mind to form a "concept". It could mean to apprehend something in your mind and thoughts to understand it better.

Do you conceive of something in your life that you haven't been able to bring to reality?

What do you want in life for you and your loved ones?

Do you see where verse 1 is so perfectly explained?

Faith is the substance of things hoped for (conceived in your mind).

In other words, what you hope for, when it is joined with faith (spiritual conception), it will birth (bring to reality) the very thing you are hoping for!

My friends, this teaching in the Word is so powerful. When we grasp and apply it miracles happen. Lives are changed and increased.

My suggestion is to read it over and over, especially verse 1, attach prayer to it, and meditate on it until you can put the principle into action so that your hopes spring alive into a present reality for you today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

If you enjoyed this message today, please pass it on. There are never any solicitations attached to these messages. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been freely given, and so should be freely extended.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

"Extending Our Hands In Faith", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Hebrews 11:9 - "[Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise."

Faith is the glue that binds us together.

Heirs of the same promise. That's the Church today. At least ideally.

We don't always act like we are all heirs of the same promise.

We tend to want to identify ourselves separately. It's not good enough to be counted as simply a Christian, or a disciple of Jesus Christ, or a believer of the Promise, etc.

Instead we find so many drawing attention to themselves and their denominations, theologies, and doctrines.

In his famous sermon "A Catholic Spirit" (not pertaining to Roman Catholic, but the word used as unity in the faith), John Wesley laid out a criteria for accepting each other in faith.

Here is a small excerpt:

"Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, "God over all, blessed for ever?" Is he revealed in your soul? Do you know Jesus Christ and him crucified? Does he dwell in you and you in him? Is he formed in your heart by faith? Having absolutely renounced all your own works, your own righteousness, have you "submitted yourself unto the righteousness of God, which is by faith in Christ Jesus? Are you "found in him, not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness which is by faith?" And are you, through him, "fighting the good fight of faith, and laying hold of eternal life?"

"If it be, give me your hand." I do not mean, "Be of my opinion." You need not. I do not expect or desire it. Neither do I mean, "I will be of your opinion." I cannot, it does not depend on my choice. I can no more think, than I can see or hear, as I will. Keep your opinion and I will keep mine, and that as steadily as ever. You need not even endeavor to come over to me, or bring me over to you. I do not desire you to dispute those points, or to hear or speak one word concerning them. Leave all opinions alone on one side and the other: only "give me your hand."

I'm not sure if that is possible anymore. Even though none of us has the market cornered on theological and doctrinal perfection, we sure like to think so sometimes.

Can't we just be satisfied that we are attached to the One who is Perfect? That while we may worship and study in different places, we are bound by faith to the One True Church without spot or wrinkle in Jesus Christ and His finished work of the Cross?

I hope we can. It is God's best for us.

Be blessed today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

"Don't Sweat The Details", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Hebrews 11:8 - "[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go."

It's one thing to lose direction and not know where you are going.

It's another thing to not know where you're headed but understanding that God does.

Big difference.

Abraham was called by God to serve Him. He was deemed righteous simply because he believed God. In other words, he had faith.

His faith was so strong in fact, that even when God told him to a particular place for a particular purpose, Abraham didn't need all of the details.

He obeyed the call to his destiny even when he had no clue as to what it was.

"I don't know exactly where I'm headed, nor do I really know why, but if God is in it I'll be just fine."

It reminds me of when Joan and I packed up our house, quit my job, and the six of us left NY to answer the call of God to get a good bible college education way out in Colorado Springs, CO.

God wanted me to prepare for the ministry He had called me into. I had already been going to school part-time and working. Finally I felt "urged on by faith" to go all in on serving Him. We left before the house was even sold, and with no job or place to live in Colorado. All we knew was that we were enrolled in school and excited to serve God.

To make a long story short, everything fell into place. We found a beautiful home to rent, Joan found a job, and as an extra blessing our home church decided to pay for my entire education!

Jesus makes a way! When we trust God without having the entire blueprint beforehand He lets us know just how worthy He is of that trust! Amen!

Joan and I will always cherish the great memories of that adventure and the many miracles of provision that God provided all the time we were there.

Are you urged on by faith today? Or are you weighed down in fear and questions?

The bible is filled with people who decided to trust God when it looked downright crazy to do so. Their testimonies have sparked untold thousands since then to do the same.

Allow faith to displace the fears. Fear is a Satanic faith killer. It does not come from God.

If God is calling you won't you respond positively to Him today? If there is a struggle let it go into the great vast sea of faithfulness. If there is sin release it to forgiveness.

Let Jesus into the close places of your life today and you will never, ever regret it! Follow the path He is leading you on.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, April 19, 2010

"Taking Heed When There Is No Visible Sign", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Hebrews 11:7 - "[Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world's unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness (that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith)."

Put yourself in Noah's place for just a moment. He is just an average Joe of his time. A family man, hard worker, and trying to live righteously while squarely in the midst of a sinful idol worshiping environment.

Sound familiar?

All of a sudden God speaks to him and tells him He is going to bring a destructive flood upon the earth and He needs Noah to build a great Ark to save humanity and the other species of the planet.

Yeah...riiiight...

Seriously. What's an Ark? What's rain? Where is this loud voice coming from?

It might be safe to say that the building of the Ark was probably the biggest construction project ever attempted by man up until that time.

The neighbors are starting to think that Noah's pilot light had blown out. They ridiculed and laughed at him.

What would you do?

No guarantee other than God's. No proof of anything is going to happen. No understanding of flood water and destruction. Not even another boat to compare to.

Noah had absolutely no clue and zero reason to believe God based upon the VISIBLE EVIDENCE.

Yet, he followed through with every detail of God and saved the human race.

Who was laughing when the Ark door shut? No one.

Could you believe in the Word of God so strongly that you would act upon it without seeing the results first?

Could you change the way you pray from a daily begging session with God to a time of fellowship where you expectantly await what you realize are His promises for you, and thank Him in advance for what you KNOW is coming?

I John 5:14-15 (AMP) - "And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. (15) And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him."

Would you qualify for admission into the Great Faith Chapter Hebrews 11 Hall Of Fame? Do you have settled and absolute knowledge based upon the Word of God?

If you are like a sad majority of Christians today the answer would be...no.

We need more Abraham's, Noah's, Rahab's, Gideon's and Sampson's, who even though they faced challenges and had no proof or visible evidence that God was going to do what He promised simply believed and obeyed.

Many in the Church today have been victimized by spiritually bankrupt cessasionist theology.

The "substance of things hoped for" has been replaced by "let's wait and see what God may or may not do".

Be bold my friends. Simply believe God. He is a good God who lives to love and bless you. He does not enjoy watching you struggle but His hands are tied by our stubborn free will.

Release and be free! Trust it ALL over to Him! The electric bill, the insurance, the paycheck, the marriage, your parenting skills (or lack thereof), your tithe to your church. Everything!

And simply seek the Kingdom of God first and watch how all of your needs are fulfilled in abundance! (Luke 12:31, John 10:10)

Faith: Don't go anywhere, or do anything without it!

Be blessed with the abundance of the treasures of Heaven today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, April 16, 2010

"When Death Loses Its Stinger", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Heb. 11:5 - "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God."

Enoch is a "type" of what would be the future born-again Christian. His story, his reality, may someday be ours if we live long enough to see it.

For the Christian living by faith, we look to the heavens each day for the sign of Jesus coming to gather His Church in a glorious rapture which will "translate" us from earth bound to residents of His heavenly kingdom (I Th. 4:15-16).

In any event, because of Jesus, death has lost its edge. It is no longer something to be feared. The sting has been taken out.

1Cor. 15:54-55 - "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

There is the question of the ages today my friends. "Have you (being the perishable) become 'imperishable'? Are you one of the immortals of Jesus Christ today?"

Has death become "swallowed" up in Jesus Christ for you? Do you know you will live forever and that the specter of death no longer can control you?

Dying is the all time number one fear among all the human race. It is said that the average human being thinks about death, dying and their own mortality several times per day. Several times per day!

I know that's true because back during my drug addicted and alcohol soaked days that's exactly what I did. I feared death so much that I spent every day drowning out the thoughts, yet moving myself closer to the reality of it each time!

That's the epitome of an oxymoron. Well, moron anyway.

Jesus has changed all of that. No more fear. Just knowing that Jesus has it all under control, and that He is on both sides of this thing, removes the fear that death has wielded and places it under His Lordship.

All because of faith.

We are all going to live forever somewhere. Better that it be with Jesus starting now.

Only believe!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, April 15, 2010

"Motivated By Faith", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Heb. 11:4 - "[Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking."

Abel was blessed. As far as we can tell he was the first to be blessed after the sin of his parents in the Garden.

Abel was blessed because he did the right thing. The testimony concerning him says he was a righteous person because he maintained a right relationship with God. His sacrifice of a lamb was typical of what God would present to us in the future as the once for all spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

Abel was so righteous and concerned about pleasing God that he was going to do that even if it killed him.

It did. Yet, his testimony of faith is so strong that the Word says he is still speaking today!

After 6,000 years, Abel's faith still instructs us!

His brother Cain, who would become his executioner, still speaks to us as well. He is the epitome of instruction about failing to please God. He is Abel's unrighteous opposite.

After he failed to please God by his paltry sacrifice he became depressed and angry.

God addressed Cain and asked him why he was so angry.

God then counseled Cain and said, "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it."

Cain's response to God was to plot against and kill his brother Abel.

When faith is the motivator in our life it spurs us onward to seek to honor and please God. We rise to goodness not descend into degradation.

This is why we are constantly being disappointed by the people we rely on to lead us in our government, in our educational system, and yes, even in our churches. While they may be educated, motivated, and even dedicated to the task at hand, they cannot develop and maintain mastery over the spiritual and moral structure of their lives.

Simply put, they have no faith in God so His power and goodness is negated in them. They are morally and spiritually bankrupt. They would like to do good but they don't know how. Eventually their carnal desires override their intelligence and self established goodness and they fail.

"If you do well will you not be accepted?"

It is true. If we accept Jesus Christ we will indeed do well. We will flourish. We will excel.

We will live beyond and above what the mere flesh is capable of.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

"Where Faith Enters In", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Heb. 11:3 - "By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible."

It was easy for me to believe.

I spent my entire life previously not being an unbeliever necessarily, but just simply not caring.

I was ready to believe. I didn't have to "see" something to believe it. After all, there are plenty of things we do "see" that are not real at all.

I never had to actually see God hang the stars in the sky to believe that He put them there. Or that Jesus went to the Cross for me.

I don't require evidence of the person or people who put together the computer screen I'm staring into right now. It says Westinghouse on it. Is there any reason I should doubt that?

What I have come to witness over the years is that there are some folks who are gullible and will believe anything anyone tells them (non-critical thinkers). There are some people who don't really think about issues on a deep level and simply don't care (self absorbed). There are some who will listen to any convincing argument and weigh the evidence before making a decision (critical thinkers)). There are some who will listen but who are always skeptical (conspiracy theorists).

The point is, just because we can't apply the five senses to a fact or truth doesn't make it less a fact or truth.

Neither does the smell of smoke need to evoke a panic response. It could just be the neighbor barbecuing.

Hannibal crossing the Alps on elephants. William Wallace defeating England. Grant accepting Lee's surrender. None of us were there yet we accept it all as historical truth.

Jesus on the Cross.

I wasn't there, but I was on His mind.

There is one factor that is present in the story of Christ that is absent when discerning and learning any other historical fact.

The supernatural element of the Holy Spirit that can bring a truth to the heart and make it as real as if we were standing in the middle of the actual event.

I am a pastor, teacher, and theologian for over 20 years and I could not give you a good enough explanation as to how that happens.

That my friends is where faith enters in.

"...so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible."

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

"What Does Your Report Card Say?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Heb. 11:2 - "For by [faith--trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report."

Abraham. Isaac. Jacob. Moses. All of the OT patriarchs and prophets of God.

They all received favor and blessings of righteousness simply for believing God.

Nothing has changed. It's still the prescribed method.

Some folks can't grasp it because it's not specifically spelled out as clearly as they may like to see it, but it's always been about Jesus.

It was then. It is today.

The way to the heart of God is through the Cross of Jesus Christ.

It is your good report to God the Father concerning how you have accepted His Son that makes the difference in your life.

Confess Jesus before men and He will confess you before the Father. Deny Jesus before men and He will deny you before the Father (Matt. 10:32-33).

It's really quite simple.

Maybe a caveman can't do it but you certainly are capable.

It's a matter of faith and will.

I wasn't much of a student as a kid.

I've even loused up a thing or two over the years.

One thing I do know however. I got this right.

Anything good that I have in my life today is the direct result of having obtained a good report from God through my faith in Jesus Christ.

If you have too then you know what I'm talking about.

If not, well you may find this irritating at first. Sort of like "How dare you presume to tell me how to be happy!"

I've been on that side of it as well.

All I'm doing today is sharing with other thirsty people where the well is located.

Be blessed!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, April 12, 2010

"Owning What We Hope For", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Hebrews 11:1 - "NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]."

Christians need a clear and concise understanding of what faith is.

I personally think it is one of the most misunderstood doctrines of the Bible.

That's scary because it is also one of the essential doctrines, and we will not be everything we should be in Christ without a working definition.

The KJV did its best in trying to get it across, but Heb. 11:1 is one of those passages which need to have the original language opened up for the best understanding.

This is why I like the Amplified Version. It was developed for such a verse as this.

I think too many people miss the fact that the "substance" (as translated in the KJV) is not faith.

Faith is not a physically tangible property, and it's not what Paul is referring to.

Paul is referring to what faith appropriates, which is the manifestation of what we hope for.

Without the application of faith to what we hope for (better jobs, reliable cars, better health, paid up bills, etc.) they will always just remain a hope and never materialize in reality.

In fact, faith is such a spiritual power that when it is applied properly we are believing that we have actually received what we hope for before we have the evidence of it sitting in front of us (BEFORE we get behind the steering wheel, BEFORE we get the medical report, BEFORE we are reporting to the new job)!

The fact that "substance" or "assurance" is translated as "title deed", which is a certificate of OWNERSHIP, it gives us the foundation for a changed life!

This leaves another missing piece.

"Pastor, WHAT should I be putting my faith in?"

Good question. First, here is NOT what to place your faith in:

Do not make the object of your faith the bible, prayer, church going, your pastor, your own ability, or what you are hoping for, etc.

All of those are in important, but they are not worthy of being the object of faith. They are benefits of having faith.

No, there is one thing and one thing only that we place our faith in, and that is the Cross of Jesus Christ and what He accomplished upon it!

100% of the time Jesus is the focus and object of our faith. Paul says, "We preach Christ crucified!"

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." The Kingdom of God is established in Jesus Christ and the Cross.

Seek Christ (have faith in) and His Kingdom first and believe that everything you hope for is already fulfilled and added to you!

So a misunderstood and misplaced faith becomes as faulty as no faith at all.

Faith is the power which brings about to fruition the things we are trying to accomplish through our hopes and dreams for a better life.

Nothing worthwhile will happen on purpose until faith is attached to it.

We may stumble upon good fortune on occasion, but even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in awhile.

That's not God's best for us.

God's best is that we live in confidence in His Word and be receiving regularly His blessings by believing for them and accepting them in faith!


Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, April 9, 2010

"A Little Talk With Jesus", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Jesus spoke to the two men on the road to Emmaus shortly after He resurrected. They were discussing the events of that day as Jesus came upon them unrecognized.

Luke 24:17 - "And he said to them, 'What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad.'"

They were looking sad.

Verse 21 says: "We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel."

Indicative of a state of unbelief. Dejected. Depressed.

The air had just gone out of their faith system.

Jesus came along just in time.

Until then they had been aimlessly walking and engaging in negative banter.

In verse 25 Jesus said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!"

Then He proceeded to "open up" the Scriptures to them and reveal to them that He had indeed fulfilled the prophecies ("Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" ).

Have you been experiencing all that you should be in your relationship with Jesus Christ today?

Are you "feelin' it"?

Or has the economy gotten you down? Perhaps a relationship is tension filled. Maybe your job is not going well. Maybe you don't even have one at the moment.

These and scores of other situations can put you on the Emmaus Road of dejection and lost hope.

We need to have our hearts "burn" once again!

Only Jesus gets us back.

Slow down the pace. Stop walking. Pause to have a conversation with Jesus.

In other words, let Him open up the Word to you. Let Him calm your anxious spirit. Let Him soothe and minister to you.

Simply take a moment to speak freely and honestly with Jesus and get things back in perspective.

Remember...He hasn't gone anywhere. It is us who allow our problems and difficulties to build up a shield against grace.

Before you know it you will be exclaiming with joy again as the disciples did, "The Lord has risen indeed!"

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, April 8, 2010

"Is It Just An Idle Tale?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Luke 24:11 - "but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them."

This is a response by the disciples to a report they had heard.

Try to guess what it was they were responding to:

1). Spaceships just landed and annihilated the entire Roman occupying force.

2). The Pharisees were conducting a love fest at the Temple and were setting free all of the lambs and doves.

3). Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.

Number three you say?

That's right! Tell them what they've won Johnny!

Anyone who debunks the bible for a lack of modern day relevancy should consider this passage.

It might be more true today than it was then.

In its original purpose the statement pertained to about 10 or 11 people.

Today it pertains to millions.

Is the Word contained in the bible, particularly as it addresses Jesus, completely inspired and fulfilled by God Himself?

Every believer has to deal with this question.

Is Jesus Who the bible says He is?

Did Jesus do what the bible says He did?

Is Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Is He the only Way to God?

Active Truth or idle tale?

The decision is a matter of the heart and not to be ignored or taken lightly.

It's ALL Jesus and EVERYTHING rests upon what you decide.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

"The Song Remains The Same", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Luke 24:46-47 - "...and said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, (47) and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'"

He has risen. He has risen indeed.

That's the song.

Everything that Jesus said SHOULD happen HAS happened.

It continues to go forth.

The Church is the song of Christ.

From Acts chapter two until this present moment, believers are being added.

Living stones into the foundation of the spiritual Church.

The Body of Christ.

More hands. More feet. More eyes. More mouths.

We function in and under His authority as those with a sort of "power of attorney" to use the name of Jesus Christ.

He sits physically at the right hand of God.

The Church functions as His Body here on earth.

He is coming back to gather us.

This is His promise. Our blessed hope.

Someday. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. But someday.

Are you looking upward?

Are you prepared if it is today?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

"Some Jesus Counseling", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Luke 24:38-39 - "And he said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.'"

Why are you troubled? (Got troubles?)

Why do you doubt? (Got doubt?)

Why do you_________ (fill in the blank)

Do you think you cannot "grasp" Jesus?

Is He ethereal? A mist? A ghost?

Where do you think Jesus is?

Up in the sky? Floating in space? Not real? Dead?

People cannot get past their trouble and difficulties because they cannot properly identify with Jesus.

Many want to believe but they have lots of baggage to shed in the way of improper theology, doctrine, preaching, and negative religious experiences.

Jesus makes it simple. He is not complicated, nor are the facts and truth about Him.

Jesus' advice is to simply reach out and lay hold of Him.

Since He is physically seated at the right hand of God, then we must learn to do this in spirit and soul (mind).

Calling out to Him is sufficient.

Do so and you will be be blessed. Even with the smallest faith you can muster, simply call out to Him and ask Him to become a part of your life.

We must all begin somewhere.

Remember yesterday's message? Blessed are those who believe without seeing.

So, what's your need today? Physical sickness? Finances? Relationships? Addiction?

How about fear? It's number one in my experiences with people. Fear. It will cause other illnesses. It will bring about premature death. It will eat your lunch.

Fear kills faith and you must reverse that priority. You are polarized. Your spiritual "poles" are reversed.

Jesus can do that and much more for you today.

Need help? I'm accessible.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, April 5, 2010

"Why Have You Believed?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Shortly after the Resurrection of Jesus He appeared to His shocked disciples. Everyone was there but Thomas.

Thomas had made statements pertaining to not believing that Jesus was alive, and had actually said that he would not believe unless he was able to put his fingers into the nail and spear marks.

Jesus has a way of making a persons desires come true.

When Jesus appeared to them for a second time Thomas was there.

Once he saw Jesus in His risen state, complete with the scars of the crucifixion he proclaimed Jesus as his God.

This did not come without some chastisement from Jesus.

John 20:29 - "Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Ouch.

Poor Thomas. He has carried the tag "Doubting Thomas" ever since.

How about you?

Why do you believe?

Did you demand a sign of some sort before you threw in with Jesus?

Did you have to "see" something first? Did Jesus need to perform a parlor trick for you?

Does He really need to do that?

Do you want Him to make you well first? Fill your bank account? Restore your marriage? Find you a job?

Blessed are those who believe without seeing.

I remember close to 25 years ago needing Him desperately. I also needed a bunch of stuff done in the way of miracles.

However, I simply believed in Him without strings and without a demonstration.

All the miracles I needed took place the moment I believed first.

Jesus had me from the git go, and I have never left Him or doubted Him.

He is the real deal. He doesn't have to prove a solitary thing to me.

So, if you have a bunch of "ifs" attached to your contingency to believe in Him, it may very well be the reason you have remained disappointed.

How about just believing.

Paul said in Romans 10, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

The only "if" is whether you will or not.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Saturday, April 3, 2010

"Saturday Was No Day Off For Jesus", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

1 Peter 3:18-20 (Amplified Bible)

"(18) For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit, (19) In which He went and preached to the spirits in prison, (20) [The souls of those] who long before in the days of Noah had been disobedient, when God's patience waited during the building of the ark in which a few [people], actually eight in number, were saved through water."

Matt. 12:40 - "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

Three full days and three full nights in the heart of the earth.

"He descended into hell." ~The Apostles' Creed~

It's the second day of His three day excursion from the Cross to the Throne.

Think about that today. Jesus just didn't hang out in the tomb until He resurrected.

He was in the bowels of Hell preaching the "bad news" to the denizens of the evil angel prison.

You can rest assured that Satan heard it.

It was no day off for Jesus.

There is no day off today.

He sits at the right hand of the Father and makes intercession for us 24/7.

We are never out of the thoughts of Jesus. His office is never closed. His phone is never busy.

All of this because of the Cross.

All of this for you.

Just for you.

Just for us.

Won't you keep Him in your heart and mind today?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, April 2, 2010

"He Has Risen!", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Matt: 28:6 - "He is not here, for he has risen, as he said."

The Cross couldn't hold Him.

The grave couldn't hold Him.

Satan couldn't defeat Him.

Love conquered all evil.

Our sin made it necessary for it all to have to happen.

His love made it necessary for us to find forgiveness and salvation.


Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv'ry did go,
His love for mankind to show.
What He did there brought hope from despair.
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh how He loves you and me.

Amen, Lord Jesus.

Come back quickly. Your faithful disciples await your return.

Joan and I would like to wish all of you a very happy and joyous Resurrection Sunday!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, April 1, 2010

"It Is Finished", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

John 19:30 - "When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."


His work given Him by the Father was finished.

Our salvation was complete.

Two thousand years ago mine, yours, everyones salvation was secured.

Satan was defeated and His reign over the human race was broken.

The stage was set for His future return as King over all.

The Power of Attorney for the believer to use of the Name of Jesus was installed.

Sin was canceled and washed away in those who believe in what Jesus did on the Cross.

The power of religion was broken so that a new Church could arise from its ruins.

The Old Testament saints like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Isaac, Jacob and David were set free after waiting in Sheol for the promised sacrifice, and led rejoicing into their rightful home in Heaven.

Satan and all of the dominion of Hell was informed that their only future was everlasting punishment in the Lake of Fire.

The tradition of atonement for sin by the animal sacrifices by priests was destroyed.

The veil between man and the Holy of Holies was torn in two.

Religious bondage was replaced by freedom in Jesus Christ who is the final and once for all spotless Lamb sacrificed for the world!

We now have bold and confident access into the throne room of God's Grace!

We have true atonement. We have "at-one-ment" with Christ our Savior!

His blood has been sprinkled upon the mercy seat of heaven and it has effected a great salvation gift for us all!

Hallelujah! What a Savior

“Man of Sorrows!” what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

~Philip P. Bliss, pub.1875~


Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><