Thursday, July 29, 2010

"Dressed To Kill", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Have you seen what the battle prepared soldier looks like today? They have the finest equipment designed to protect them in battle, as well as to give them the best options available to inflict maximum amount of damage against their enemy.

When they go into the field they are truly "Dressed To Kill."

So should the disciple of Jesus Christ. Every moment of every day.

We need to be prepared.

First things first:

Ephesians 6:10 AMP - "...be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

Much is said about the "Armor of God", and we will deal with that in a moment, but you can't get there until you settle where your strength and power comes from.

It's Jesus. Even in your full supernatural battle regalia, you would not scare the devil and his forces of hell. He is afraid of one Person and one Person only: The One who defeated him at the Cross...Jesus Christ!

You must settle that first.

Once you do...you may now suit up.

"(11) Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil."

Be confident in your preparedness because you are prepared in Christ.

Paul says that you "WILL" be successful. Do not waver, do not fear. You are now the very best fighting machine in the universe. Nothing will stand against you successfully.

Do not get caught up in petty battles with what you see with your eyes. That is not your enemy.

Your detractors are not the enemy. Those who would try to cause physical or emotional harm are not your enemies.

"(12) For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."

There is the enemy, and make no mistake, it is the most formidable, most well prepared, most devious master strategist of evil that ever lived. However, it is not as strong as the battle prepared believer in Jesus Christ.

You must believe that this moment.

If you do not believe it, when you rumble with evil today you will crumble in defeat.

You will face the devil today. Maybe even in a deadly dust up. Don't forget, he is trying to kill you. He wants your soul and spirit in hell.

Don't give too much place to him today, but don't be ignorant either.

Your armor will protect you.

IF (the proverbial "big IF")...you actually put it on.

So...will you put in on today?

We are looking for a few good people to join in the fray.

We need you to be Dressed To Kill.

Rumble on and stay frosty.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

"Are You Listening For His Voice Today?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I've been listening for Him the past week or so. I mean really listening. I hear from Him daily, but sometimes I need to listen intently for special direction.

This may sound silly to some, but I was in the market for a vehicle this week and that whole process is probably one of the most distasteful I can imagine going through.

I really wanted to be guided by Him as to make the whole thing go more smoothly. I've learned to do that the hard way over the years.

After a few days I was not disappointed. I was led to a particular dealer and the car I needed had already been revealed to me. When I arrived I walked around the lot but couldn't find the car. Finally I went inside and there it was sitting smack in the middle of the showroom floor as if Jesus had set it there just for me. I looked at it, drove it, discussed it, bought it.

Done. The entire process finished in less than an hour. All I have to do is pick it up.

Again, this might sound a bit odd by even some Christian's standards.

Maybe so, but I take His Word literally, and His Word tells me, "The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).

For me, it just doesn't get any less complicated. He speaks, I listen. He leads, I follow.

I say one thing: there won't be any such nonsense about worrying if I made the right choice, got the best deal, or was ripped off. My wife and I are happy. Incidentally, my wife hasn't even seen it yet. She trusts that we have heard from the Lord too. I called her after I drove it and made sure we were "on the same page".

We both slept soundly and are confident that the choice we made is the right one and will serve us for many years just like the last several major purchases we have made.

Listening and obeying to the Voice of the Master. It relieves us of indecision and post-decision syndrome.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

"My Seemingly Overwhelming Difficulty", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

This bears repeating today.

I really don't care about my seemingly overwhelming difficulty...really...I don't.

Because...

God is bigger than my problem.

He is for me, never against me.

If He is for me, who (or what) can stand against me?

C'mon people, let me get an amen on that one...WHO or WHAT can even dare stand against us today?

Your scary doctor's report can't stand in the face of a healing God!

Your overdue mortgage payment can't stand in the face of a benevolent God!

The threat of layoff from your job can't stand in the face of a miracle performing God!

The very devil himself, and all of his legions and minions cannot stand in the face of our God!

Imagine that if all of the above is not enough to shake God loose from you, than do you think that when a button falls off the shirt you were going to wear to work today five minutes before you were going to leave is really a big enough problem to melt down over? Or a flat tire? Or a bad hair day? Or a lazy child? Or...yadda, yadda, yadda?

Are you suffering from separation anxiety? Yeah, that's what I said. Separation anxiety. When applied spiritually it's a phenomenon that occurs when a person sees their problems as bigger than God and then commence to whine and complain about how they feel God has abandoned them. There is absolutely no basis for a person to feel this way, other than the fact that have chosen to believe a lie. It's a lie if it conflicts with scripture.

The Word of God says:

Hebrews 13:5 - "Let your conversation (manner of life, behavior) be without covetousness (without love of money); and be content (to be satisfied) with such things as ye have (the things which are at present around one, namely, ones circumstances): for he hath said, I will never leave thee (never leave you helpless, never let you sink, never neglect you) nor forsake thee (desert, or abandon you in the midst of a hostile circumstance)."

Note: When we complain about our problems to the point of making a mountain out of them, and forgetting that Jesus says we can move that mountain (Matthew 21:21-22), we are guilty of charging God with abandoning us.

If you cannot find contentment in God in the midst of whatever your present circumstance is, then you are in trouble. You have to reattach and reconnect to Christ and His love for you. You are suffering from what I call "chronic disappointment syndrome".

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

Yes, I realize that things can get bad, and that these words may fall flat for you today. However, the truth is the truth. I cannot apologize for the truth. It is what it is because Jesus is Who He is.

Shrink your problem down to size by elevating Jesus to His proper place in your life, which is number one. Start "casting your anxieties upon Him" as Peter instructs (1 Peter 5:7), and you will see the cares of your life start to diminish simply because the truth will set you free.

Remember friends, endeavor to have a great day today in spite of circumstances simply because Jesus can make it happen.

Before "they" or "it" wrecks your day, it all has to get past Jesus first!

Keepin' it real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, July 26, 2010

"When The Church Gets Out In Front Of Jesus", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

The Church and all the people in it.

We are a part of a supernatural spiritual building called the Body of Christ. It's called that because that's what it is. We are His Hands, His Feet, His Voice. His Body acting according to His influence upon us His servants.

Jesus sits at the right hand of God physically. He is our intercessor. He is awaiting His return to earth. Until then we are the instruments of His actions on earth. He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We have "power of attorney" to use His Name in all legal matters on ministry such as casting out demons, healing the sick, preaching the Word, and handling all affairs including finances.

Man, in his arrogant quest at times to get out in front of Jesus and usurp authority from Him and run the Church his own way, will always end in failure and embarrassment to the Body of Christ.

Just like a broken leg effects the entire body, so does one rampant act of stupidity and disobedience effect the entire Body of Christ.

We are stuck with the actions of men and women who thought they were so brilliant and intelligent and spiritual, that they ran out in front of Jesus and thwarted the Grace that is given to them.

At whose door should we lay this sin (and make no mistake, it is indeed sinful)?

Paul had already warned us in Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (Amplified Bible)

"For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, (4) And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions."

That time is here folks.

I have found that some of the largest mega style churches have the most sordid of doctrines at the core of their teaching. I said some, not all.

I have also found that some of the smallest churches have at their core the most solid and uncompromised adherence to the Truth of the gospel. Again, some, not all.

Pause and ask yourself..."Is my church sordid or solid?"

This "phenomena" is not without explanation. It is my opinion that the spiritually shallow do not want to be bothered with the study and searching for the depth of the Truth for their own lives. They would rather simply "feel" like they have been in church. In other words, they like the "feel" of what they think constitutes the church going experience. Choirs, orchestras, media, lights, cameras. action, socializing, etc. Emotional instead of spiritual.

They will revel in the glitz and merely tolerate the message. And even the message had better be charged up with video, pictures, costumes, acting, plays, to support it and hold the tiny attention span of those who are viewing Sunday as an event rather than a life changing experience that will last long after they leave the sanctuary. They also like getting lost in the sea of people and never have to answer the question by the pastor of "How is your spiritual life going?"

I am sick to death of reading in my local papers the scandals that have swept through some of the churches in my community. I am sick to death of having my Lord and Savior's Name dragged around through some of the most sordid affairs of sex, violence, thievery, and extortion. I am sick to death of sitting by and watching the ignorant but often well meaning being fleeced and pickpocketed.

Is this the Church of the Living Christ? Or a Hollywood soap opera?

God help us. Paul said the time is coming. Let me tell you friends, it has arrived.

At whose door lies the blame?

We are all responsible. We are responsible when we blindly write checks in the name of Jesus and put them in the hands of cheating lying pastors. We are responsible when we look at church as a place to "hide out" rather than be actively involved. We are responsible when we don't speak out against the frivolity and arrogance of men and women who have brazenly and sinfully used the Body of Christ for their own advantage.

It's not "this church" or "that church". It's not "my church" or "your church".

There is only THE CHURCH and we who are the Living Stones placed into It's foundation must work together to ensure its trustworthiness and honor.

If we will not stand up and protect what is a living breathing organism, and not a corporation gone crazy, then we will stand by and watch it achieve the complete opposite of it's intention to expand as more souls are added.

God help us all. Christian, activate your gift of discernment.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, July 23, 2010

"Do You Want To Become Well?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"Do you want to become well?" Jesus asks a crippled man this question in John 5:6.

It's a reasonable question after observing a man who had reputedly reclined by the side of the Healing Pool of Bethesda for some 38 years hoping to get his opportunity to be healed.

You see, every day an Angel would come and stir the waters of the pool. The first person to enter the pool would be healed.

I don't think anyone wants to be crippled. I don't think that anybody wants to be afflicted with anything.

However, paradoxically speaking, there are some who while not enjoying being afflicted, don't really want to be healed either.

If that's not true, then why the question, "Do you want to get well?"

Actually, the Amplified puts it better: "Are you really in earnest about getting well?"

Let's be frank here. Are we really going to believe that in 38 years of waiting for an opportunity to enter the pool, this guy never once was able to make it happen? He had no one to place him strategically by the edge so that no matter how compromised he was he couldn't simply roll over and fall into the pool?

If I was a betting person I'd wager a bet that Jesus was thinking the EXACT same thing.

Excuses, excuses, excuses.

Jesus left him with no excuse. Do you want to get well or not?

You'll note that the man never answered Jesus' question. Instead he whined and complained.

" (7) The invalid answered, Sir, I have nobody when the water is moving to put me into the pool; but while I am trying to come [into it] myself, somebody else steps down ahead of me."

He was a perennial. Thirty-eight years of the same excuse. Honed to perfection. Aged over time. He had it down pat.

Jesus didn't argue with him or discuss it. He simply did what Jesus does.

I want you to catch what I just said:

JESUS DID WHAT JESUS DOES!

"(8) Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your bed (sleeping pad) and walk!"

How long have you been waiting in recline? When it comes to healing, whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or material, recline leads to decline.

If you do not earnestly present yourself before the Master Healer, the Great Physician, for your needs, your recline will eventually lead you into decline.

Decline leads to death. Spiritual as well as physical.

I'm not sure what some people are waiting for. Is it too simple? Is it so simple that while waiting for some more grandiose manifestation a person could actually expire while waiting?

Absolutely! That man by the pool would have died by that pool, with healing just inches away, if Jesus had not said in essence, "Enough! Get up and walk!"

The results were dramatic, and we have no reason to believe our results wouldn't be just as dramatic.

"(9) Instantly the man became well and recovered his strength and picked up his bed and walked."

That's you today. Be that today.

See, there's nothing for you to "do". Just be you. In all of your distress and ailment today, just be you. But, be you in front of Jesus! This is not a test. This is not a begging session. This is the compassion of your Creator who has exhibited continuously throughout the Gospels that He wants you well.

The only one you have to depend on today is Jesus. Trust Him today, won't you?

Remember: JESUS DID WHAT JESUS DOES!

He will do what He does for you.

Jesus NEVER fails!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, July 22, 2010

"Are You A Stoner?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"Everybody must get stoned." ~Bob Dylan~

I know some Christians who think that. Not stoned in the seed bearing herb sense, but rocking people to sleep with real rocks.

If they had their way Levitical Law would be a sharp competitor with Muslim Sharia.

John 8:4 - "Teacher, they said, This woman has been caught in the very act of adultery."

"Caught" indicates a purposeful snooping around in a persons private affairs. As if God doesn't see these things without our help.

Some people don't like leaving things up to God. They feel they need to live by the Law.

There is no Law but what is fulfilled in Jesus. He was establishing that fact.

(5) "Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such [women--offenders] shall be stoned to death. But what do You say [to do with her--what is Your sentence]?"

Jesus is The Word. He wrote and established those laws in the dateless past.

What will He do with this sinful woman?

There's no question that what the women did was wrong. It's still wrong today. Jesus wasn't condoning adultery, but He wasn't going to be duped into playing the accusers game of trickery. They were trying to goad Jesus into making a rash decision that would have offended either Jewish or Roman Law.

How would Jesus wiggle out of this one?

(7) "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."

Just following making this statement, Jesus stooped down and wrote something in the dust. It is not revealed to us what He wrote, but perhaps we might take a little liberty in venturing a hypothesis.

Take into consideration that what He wrote must have gotten the attention of the accusers. How so? By the way they responded.

Here is my theory (and it is only a theory). First of all, it is odd that they didn't bring the man she was caught with along with her for justice. He was just as guilty under the Law. Secondly, they disbanded much too quickly and without argument at Jesus basically accusing them of all being rank sinners, and not of just ANY sin, but by insinuating they were all guilty of the same exact sin as she was! Perhaps that's why the man was not accused with her. Perhaps a fellow crony? The nature of these men would have been to see themselves as just and holy men, certainly not willing to admit to any shortcoming as far as God was concerned.

It had to have something more to do with what Jesus wrote than what He said.

Perhaps what Jesus wrote exposed each of them as being adulterers themselves. Perhaps some even with this very same woman. Names and dates will make a man drop a rock. Especially if they are at risk of being embarrassed in the community.

In any event "They listened to Him, and then they began going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court."

Yeah, getting caught in hypocrisy will do that to a person.

Jesus then turns to the woman and asks her where her accusers went. Is there no one left to accuse her?

"No one, Lord!"

"And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either."

The difference between Jesus and the Law is that Jesus, while acknowledging the sin, is more concerned with forgiveness than judgment and punishment.

We should be also.

"Go on your way and from now on sin no more."

Forgiveness, love, compassion, understanding...will go farther in winning a person to Jesus than a handful of rocks...er...I mean...accusations.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

"Have You Considered My Servant (fill in the blank)?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

How about you? Have you considered Job? Do you know that if you are a believer today you are equally considered as Job was?

That's right, even if there was some remote possibility that God could forget who you are, Satan himself will never allow it.

Especially if you are doing a righteous work for God and furthering His Kingdom by your faith and actions.

Are you ready for that? Have you been tested? Do you think you could stand up like Job did?

Job 1:8 - "And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who [reverently] fears God and abstains from and shuns evil [because it is wrong]?"

All indications point to the fact that while Job was not perfect by any means, he was indeed a believer in God.

However (and this is a huge HOWEVER), something needed to be refined in Job. There was obviously another level God wanted Job to rise to and it would have to be done by a test of fire.

Could you stand up to such a test today?

(9) - "Then Satan answered the Lord, Does Job [reverently] fear God for nothing? (10) Have You not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have conferred prosperity and happiness upon him in the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. (11) But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face."

There he is. The Accuser. Old Scratch himself standing in front of the Great Bar of Heaven along with the good angels. The Prosecutor. Pointing out your every fault and shortcoming to God and DARING Him to try you out for size! This is the "sifting like wheat" that Jesus spoke about.

Indeed, Satan would like to sift you like wheat today. Can you rise to its challenge?

Read on...

(12) - "And the Lord said to Satan (the adversary and the accuser), Behold, all that he has is in your power, only upon the man himself put not forth your hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord."

And still later...

Job 2:4-6 - "Then Satan answered the Lord, Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has will he give for his life. (5) But put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse and renounce You to Your face. (6) And the Lord said to Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.

There you have it. God allowed Satan to strike Job in the most profound and heinous ways.

He took his family. He took his possessions and wealth. He finally took his health and self-respect.

All that was left was a shell of his former self. There was no resemblance whatsoever of the former wealthy, healthy, pinnacle of the community, the God fearing man...Job.

There he sat in the town garbage dump scratching his open oozing sores with shards of broken pottery. A spectacle for all to see.

How could God allow such a thing to happen to such a "blameless" and "upright" man?

There have been many suggestions as to the why's and how's of Job's dilemma. Most of all surrounding that God could actually allow such a thing.

Considering that God allows EVERYTHING that happens in this world, it's not such a leap. However, God does not allow just for fun and kicks. He allows for His greater purpose to be accomplished, both in the world at large, but more particularly, in us.

Woe is Job. Why him?

I have a theory. It's in the next verse...

Job 3:25 - "For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid befalls me."

Job, for all of his good qualities, was a fearful man. He feared everything. The loss of his wealth, family, health, power, good standing.

ALL that he had feared (worry, anxiety) was going to happen to him happened to him.

Fear is a faith killer, and when we are not living by faith in God then we are living by our own strength.

If there is anything in us that God sees worthy of saving He will go to the extremes to do so.

Including allowing us to go through the most terrible of trials to accomplish it.

Do you fear that? Sort of like chasing ones own tail isn't it. A literal Catch-22.

You fear God will test you, but the fear is what will cause God to test you. Yikes.

There is a solution. Trust God. With everything. Just do it. No fear. No worry. No anxiety.

Being "upright" and "blameless" isn't going to cut it on its own. It didn't for Job. Do you think it will for you?

God wants it all from you. He wants you sold out completely to Him and all that you have at His disposal.

Your life. Your family. Your bank account. Your possessions. EVERYTHING.

Have you done that willfully? Or do you need a "nudge" from God?

Better willfully in my opinion than a nudge.

By the way, if you are finding yourself in the midst of such a trial today, think on the bright side. God thinks enough of you to allow it. He has a great plan of restoration for you at the end!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

"These Pretzels Are Making Me Thirsty!", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

That's a great line from a Seinfeld storyline. Kramer lands a bit part in a Woody Allen movie and his only line is "These pretzels are making me thirsty." Of course Jerry, Elaine, and George, all have to show Kramer how to pronounce it, so the line is repeated many times throughout the episode.

These pretzels are making me thirsty.

When you're thirsty, you drink. When you're real thirsty you have to keep drinking. In fact, throughout our entire lives we will have to drink often because we continually get thirsty.

The human being cannot go more than three days without water before expiring.

Doctors today suggest drinking lots of water daily for optimum health benefits.

That's for sustaining the body. The flesh.

What about the spirit?

You could be the most hydrated person on the planet and have a dry thirsty spirit. In fact, you could actually be dead spiritually.

What do we do about that? Is there a tap we can go to? A faucet? A well?

John 7: 37-38 (AMP) - "Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! (38) He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water."

Yes. There is. It's Jesus.

In fact, it's only Jesus.

He is speaking about the need for the thirst of the spiritual man to be quenched.

As water is a staple for life in the flesh, Jesus is the source of life for the spirit, AND also the entire person. For when the spirit of man is made alive in Him and nourished, the entire life is ordered properly and nourished.

You can't live without water. You also can't live without Jesus.

Nourish your whole self today. Don't just settle for mere existing for the short time you have on this planet. Prepare yourself for your eternal existence.

Stay quenched!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, July 19, 2010

"What's Rattling Around In Your Soul?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

What goes up, must come down. That's one of God's Natural Laws called Gravity.

There are also biological and physiological processes that are designed by God to work on an "in and out" principle to avoid poisoning the human body.

However, when it comes to what constitutes sin and what makes a person spiritually "unclean", Jesus explains it a bit differently.

We have heard the term "garbage in, garbage out", right? Well, that certainly makes good sense. Again, pertaining to things of a spiritual nature (which can also physically effect a person in many ways), we know that if we look at pornography for instance, it will effect the way we think, how we view the opposite sex, etc. Eventually it may parlay into how we act in real life. If we read hateful and poisonous literature, it will eventually start to dictate into how we act toward some groups of people, etc.

Jesus, during a discussion with the disciples, Jesus reveals an interesting view.

Mark 7:17 - "After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. (18) Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? (19) For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean)."

Jesus is speaking of the conformed to God, born-again mind. The carnal mind will run with whatever is poured into it, but the Holy Spirit guided mind will not. Jesus initially had said it to the crowd in Verse 15. He was repeating it again because His disciples were to dull to grasp it.

"Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' "

In other words, we have power in Christ to deal with whatever gets introduced into our mind (soul), and to deal with it supernaturally so that it does not effect our actions.

Basically it is the process of temptation and sin. Temptation is not sin. It becomes sin when it is acted upon ("comes out of a person"). Sin has to be wooed and dated like a relationship.

Jesus explains a little deeper:

(20) He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' (21) For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, (22) greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. (23) All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "

James would write about it years later in his epistle:

James 1:13-15 (Amplified Bible)
"(13) Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. (14) But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). (15) Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death."

We have some control over what we watch, what we listen to, and what we participate in, but ultimately what Jesus is saying here is that at the end of the day we have control over our actions. The evil we had been exposed to never had to be replicated in our actions.

Jesus is clear. NOTHING that has entered into the blood-washed, born-again, Spirit-filled person EVER HAS TO manifest in evil actions! NOTHING!

No true disciple of Jesus Christ has to steal, cheat on their spouse, be greedy, speak or act lewdly, or commit any other actions that offends God.

We choose how we will act.

The simple question is before us today. What do we desire? Who and what do we love?

The answer reveals the condition of the heart. What comes out of it makes the difference.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, July 16, 2010

"Oh Lord, Does It Only Rain On Me?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Does this person resemble you?


I am dating myself, but remember the sad character from the old Lil' Abner comic strip. His name is "Joe Btfsplk". He is feared in the small town of Dogpatch because he is the "World's Worst Jinx". Everywhere he goes there is a cloud above his head shooting out rain and thunder bolts.

Some folks would readily identify with him today.

While Joe is a fictional cartoon character, and no one has ever really seen such a display in real life, I hesitate to dismiss the concept completely.

There are people who literally FEEL like Joe, and if one FEELS like Joe, then in reality they are every bit like Joe without the physical manifestation of clouds and rain.

There are times when some folks just feel they are out of God's range because things just never seem to go right for them.

We can't get into all of the reasons for that today, but we can address one biblical fact.

You are not alone. In fact, whether you are in the sun or in the rain, you are not alone. God treats everyone that way.

Matt. 5:45 (AMP) - "He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike]."

I could preach and teach for a week just on this verse alone.

Know this today. "He makes". So there is no question that it is a God thing.

We like to pick and choose what comes from God. Usually we like to think that the good stuff comes from God and the bad stuff from Satan. That is a rash generalization.

"Have you considered my servant Job? (or insert your name)". There's a scary few words we all secretly wish we never overhear in a conversation between God and Satan.

Let's be clear. Nothing gets past God. Satan is on a long leash and is answerable to God. Anything that happens to us is either directly caused by God, or He has allowed it. If that is not true than Satan has as much power as God and we know that is NOT true. If it were than Jesus never gets on the cross or does not resurrect. This is an indisputable fact.

Yes, you will suffer trials and difficulties in your life, but the overwhelming greatness and benevolence of God is that He will bring you through!

No one is permanently remanded to live under the cloud of gloom forever. There is hope, joy, love, peace...all found in the grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Yes, the storm clouds will form on occasion, but the truth of this message today is that it is better to go through with God than alone. With God there is hope.

Without God, well...you had better purchase a good, strong umbrella because it is going to be a long storm.

Just ask Joe.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin

Thursday, July 15, 2010

"Act Like You Know Him", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

How many people have you met in your life who lay claim to being a follower of Jesus Christ?

For me it is probably somewhere in the thousands.

"Oh yes, I'm a Christian." Or, "I was raised a Christian". Or, "Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ."

There are literally millions of people in the world who could (and do) make similar statements.

Many of them either have no clue about Jesus Christ, have never associated themselves with Him purposely (nor ever intend to), or are "closet Christians" who recognize their "faith" as something they inherited from their parents.

The tragedy is that none of those categories, and some others, are disqualified in the eyes of Jesus Himself from being a disciple of His.

Disciples...true disciples...act like they know Him.

1 John 2:4 - "Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him.

Yikes.

If you are a "marginal" believer in Jesus Christ this morning, than this is a verse to be very concerned about.

By 'marginal" I include all of the above categories, plus the part-timer, the stay-homer, and the C&E'rs.

"But pastor, which teaching of Jesus am I violating?"

I guess you would know which ones if you knew Him. This is why you are in trouble.

His disciples don't have that problem and never will.

(5) But he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive (know, recognize, and be sure) that we are in Him.

Are you one of the "he who keeps"? Then you have nothing to worry about today. Your relationship is secure in Him. You are trusting Him in all you do and reaping the benefits of God's grace according to your faith.

(6) Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself.

We who follow after the Master act like Him. It's not an accident. We strive for that. Sometimes we fall short of that ideal, but we never stop trying. We are picking up our Cross daily (putting into effect each day what HE did upon His Cross), and following Him. Following means more than just retracing His steps. Following means we emulate His actions and put into effect His teachings.

We do this because we are indebted to Him for taking our place and dying for what we deserved to die for.

So, if I seem a tiny bit testy about the casual use of Jesus when it is convenient to claim that one is a "believer", it's because it is not something to be tossed around loosely.

There is a great tragedy attached to those who are deceived into thinking they are something they are not. Apart from Jesus Christ there is a tragic destination awaiting. Some folks think they are safe when they are not. Some folks think they have the truth but their actions (or lack thereof) insinuate the Truth is not in them.

To "know" Him is to become fully acquainted with Him. To become immersed in Him. To trust, obey, and cleave to Him.

Is that you today?

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

"Separation Anxiety", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It dawned on me one day that the Church of Jesus Christ has great issue with separation.

We don't generally have a problem with separation per se, it's just that we have trouble discerning what to separate from.

Take 2 Corinthians 6:17 for instance. Paul says, "So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor."

In fact, it could be said that much of the conflict and difficulty in the life of a believer is directly related to the refusal to obey the above passage. The Christian has usually not discerned the verse properly. They think it means to desert the sinner and not have anything at all to do with them, even within their own family. Not true. "Come out from among" means to leave the association with their sins, the uncleanness, not the sinners themselves. We must always reach back to those that we left behind when we became believers. The Church lives and thrives on that fact. Jesus Himself operated that way.

However, that's not the end of this phenomenon of separation.

While far too many believers have not been able to separate properly from sin, they have also practiced another type of separation. One that God has forbidden.

The separation from Godly relationships.

Marriages, family, friends, churches, fellowships.

Not only do many fail to separate from what God WANTS them to, but they also fail in separating from what God does NOT WANT them to! (insert head scratch here)

Yes, the head scratch indicates that I do not get it.

In marriage the admonition (actual command) is "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate (Matt. 19:6)".

That one gets all of the press, because in marriage the two actually become one, so that the dissolution of said marriage (which is very narrow in allowable excuses, two to be exact) is a literal "ripping or rending" of what has been made one, back into two separate individuals. A situation that God takes very, very serious. On other words, don't tear asunder what God has sewn together. Emphasis on "ripping", "tearing", "rending" (because it is every bit as spiritually violent as that).

It's not just marriage of husband and wife in my opinion. There are also the other relationships we are responsible for.

Parents and children. Friends. Neighbors. Church.

Consider the complex relationships of the church environment, which we are admonished to not forsake (also not a mere suggestion) in Hebrews 10:25:

"Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

Marriage is a covenant, a "type" which is germane to all other relationships we have in Christ with each other.

The description of Hebrews 10:23-32 is serious business as far as God is concerned.

How bad must it be when He establishes the fact that the penalty under the old Law was death, but that what awaits the person who violates the brotherhood of believers in exchange for sin will be much worse?

The hinge on which that gate swings is centered squarely in the fellowship and care of each other as believers! That my friends is a marriage between you, me, each other, and Jesus Christ.

So, we need to get our separation anxiety in order. Learn to stick when you should stick, separate when you should separate.

It's critical we get that right.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

"Snits, Spats, And Spittin' Tacks", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Arguments. Snits. Spats. Everybody has had them. Most of them are petty little infusions of momentary fits of self-righteousness and hurt pride, but we get over them quickly and all is well.

And then again...sometimes not. Sometimes they flare up from a small spark into a steaming hot burning ember that soon gets fanned into a flame of hatred and unforgiveness.

This is why we are to have nothing to do with any of it. We cannot hide behind the excuse of "Everybody has them." While there is a chance you will, it doesn't mean you should.

In fact...you shouldn't.

Some of the most argumentative people I have ever known are Christians. Do you know what the favorite point of contention is? The Word of God! Get two good Christian people sitting down to discuss opposing points of a biblical doctrine or passage and look out! Check out some popular Christian message boards. You will quickly see what I mean.

This is not God's best for us. It never has been, never will be.

Proverbs 28:25 - "He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed."

Isaiah 4:4 - "Yet let no man strive, neither let any man reprove [another--do not waste your time in mutual recriminations]." Argumentativeness is a sign of the carnal desire to have your way and speak your say. Selfish pride.

1 Cor. 3:3 - "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

Php.2:3 - "[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." The answer to everything from strong friendships to strong marriages.

It's James however, who doesn't pull any punches here:

James 3:14-16 - "But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. (15) This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). (16) For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices."

Anytime we see practices of man warned against in the Word and attached to demonic activity we need to take serious heed.

This means that in the midst of those so-called "heated discussions" there is a great injustice to God and man being performed.

Whenever I have injected myself into that mixture I have become nauseous. I have learned to spot it quickly and to remove myself.

There is a way to share with, and there is a way to "share at". No one, from the base to the blood bought, likes to be "shared at".

Will we get our sensitive tootsies stepped on once in a while? Get our shorts bunched up over something? Absolutely. However, keep in mind that it puts God's glory at risk.

Ask yourself today...who are you intending to glorify with your actions? You, or God?

Then ask yourself who deserves the glory? You? Or God?

'Nuff said?

All glory to God today! Less of me and more of You Lord! Let Your Word only proceed from my lips! Allow me to be satisfied with Your response and not inject my selfish need to be elevated in any pompous knowledge and wisdom.

When we do that, we are most definitely...

...Keepin' it Real!

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, July 12, 2010

"What Do You Base Your Conclusions Upon?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch

When it comes to spirituality many people make conclusive statements usually based on what they "feel".

For instance, the Bible speaks a lot about the subject of Hell. Jesus speaks of it in depth in the New Testament. Yet, many people will discount any notion of a Hell by simply stating "Oh, I don't believe in Hell."

Or perhaps they will say, "I don't believe God would have such a place."

Of course one can conveniently answer all of the exceptions they have about God, Jesus, Christianity, etc. by the overall blanket statement, "I don't believe in the bible."

You certainly have that right to believe that.

Everyone is guaranteed that their ignorance be protected under the Constitution.

Sorry to hurt your feelings, but if you feebly escape the issues by waving it away with your hand as something that doesn't exist simply because you think it doesn't, well... that's just being ignorant even as defined by Webster.

That would be like me saying there is no sub-atomic structure in quantum physics, or germs to treat in the medical field based upon the fact that I can't see them

I can't see them because I don't access a microscope or super-collider. Since I am not going to do that, I choose to believe the huge amount of data assembled by others over the last 100+ years and believe it as fact.

The very people who make ridiculous statements that there is no God, or Hell, or sin, say so from ignorance because they haven't actually considered the source of what they are arguing against.

They have never cracked open a bible. They have never sat down with a person knowledgeable in the Word. They have never been to a bible teaching church.

They will not believe the huge amount of data assembled over the last 5,000 years, nor the millions who have chosen to believe and write about it.

Simply put, they have no good reason to disbelieve other than their own obstinance, rebelliousness, laziness, or egotism.

No matter how one calculates it it will always add up as...ignorance.

It would be a shame if people lost their souls because of ignorance.

The bible addresses that very issue.

Hosea 4:6 - "My people are destroyed because of a lack of knowledge."

A lack of knowledge is ignorance pure and simple.

So, if you are going to make eternally life altering decisions make them at least after taking in all of the facts. Before you so casually wave God away from your life for both this life and the next (yes, simply not believing in the next life doesn't make it less real), calculate your risk.

The risk of eternal death is far greater than the time it would actually take to investigate the nature of God and Jesus Christ.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, July 9, 2010

"You May Be Killing You", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

"Who loves ya' baby?"

It might not be you.

There just may be some merit to the old adage of you being "your own worst enemy".

Fear and self-loathing go together. If there is fear then faith is not working. If faith is not working then you probably don't really believe that God loves you. If you don't believe that God loves you than how in the world will you ever love yourself.

Don't confuse loving yourself ("Love your neighbor AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF" Mark 12:28-31), with vanity, conceit, and generally thinking you are "all that". That is actually the epitome of self hatred. You hate yourself so much that you play the role of someone who has it all together.

Some of the most self hating, lonely, and emotionally unstable people I know are like that. Just look at Hollywood. Why do young, pretty, and talented actresses have to be confined to jail and home arrest?

They hate themselves. And millions of people want to be just like them.

When you are insecure in who you are in Christ you will do all sorts of things to gain acceptance and popularity.

Destructive patterns will form. You will live by that self induced code for all of your life until you surrender to Jesus.

Surrender isn't quitting.

Surrender to Christ is your liberation day.

Luke 9:23-24 - "And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]. (24) For whoever would preserve his life and save it will lose and destroy it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he will preserve and save it [from the penalty of eternal death]."

Deny yourself. After all, you are killing you.

Every time you convince yourself that the wrong you are doing is somehow condoned by God, you are murdering your soul. And believe me, I have seen seemingly good Christian people immerse themselves in the most immoral actions while being convinced that it is somehow OK with God.

I see it daily. People who claim to love the Lord engaging in fornication of various types (from straight to gay), being addicted to alcohol, drugs (illegal or prescription), tobacco, and even pornography.

This is not surrender.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - "Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, (10) Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God."

Don't shoot me. I'm just His messenger. Sorry if that offends anyone...well, not really. I hope it offends you right to your knees.

Good grief, if I see it being played out before me, what does God see? All the dirty, lurid details.

He is in your bedroom. Not me. He is next to you when you put that bottle to your lips. Not me.

Ever hear someone say "The devil is in the details"? Wrong. God is in the details.

Surrender.

It's the only way. Taking up your cross is the only way. It's simply deciding you are following Him and not you.

He is the Giver of Life. You are the executioner left up to your own ways and desires.

The good news is that you can begin to live right now. This very moment.

Change your life, your situation. Become what He desires you to be. Stop looking at yourself and look at the Cross of Christ.

In HIM is all you need to be happy. Trust Him to send you love, joy, peace, tranquility, serenity...He is the Lifechanger, the Waymaker! You CAN have this...IF YOU want.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, July 8, 2010

"Where Do You Take Your Walks?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It could be said that life is a long walk. Physically AND spiritually, it's a long walk.

Where and how do you walk? Just like if you were to take a daily constitutional or regimen of walking exercise, where would you find yourself?

Would you walk a path around a beautiful and peaceful lake? Would you venture through acres of open field?

Perhaps you would prefer the air conditioning of a large indoors mall?

Or...would you enjoy a walk through the city dump, with all of its offensive odors and pitfalls? How about a condemned housing project, and traversing all of the old mattresses, fetid bags of trash, the pornographic graffiti on the walls?

Maybe a nice treadmill? You could walk all day but never get anywhere.

You could find yourself in the very same places in your spiritual walk as well. In fact, that's what the Psalmist is saying this morning.

Psalm 1:1 - "BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather."

It's not the physicality that David is speaking about. It's where your heart and soul take its walks.

Yes, it might entail you being physically present, but it's your spirit God is really concerned about.

Are you being led by the flesh (physical) or the Spirit?

Do you act one way all of the time? Inside church and outside? At home and when in church? At bible study? At work?

Or do you have a MSPD (Multiple Spiritual Personality Disorder)?

What leads you? What or who dictates which neighborhood you walk in?

This is important because one could get "mugged" in a spiritually bad neighborhood. One could get in trouble and even "arrested" in a spiritually bad neighborhood. One could lose everything in a spiritually bad neighborhood.

So, best to heed the words of Paul today and always.

Romans 8:1 - "THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit."

Where do you live? Where do you walk? Who are you listening to?

Better it be the blessed company of the Holy Spirit. His neighborhood is the Spirit of Life.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

"Do You Really Call That Living?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Who (or what) pulls your strings? Gets your heart quickened? Excites you? Makes you think you can't get by without it? Sounds out the cadence you march to?

Do you mistake lust for love? Neediness for need? Loneliness for passion? Pride for assurance?

It's amazing how many people are substituting the fullness of life found in Jesus Christ for a cheap knockoff.

It is evident that the world cannot exist sufficiently without love. So much so that much of the crimes of the world are committed for love. Psychiatric wards are filled with jilted lovers, perverted lovers, lovers of forbidden things, etc. The world in its cravings for what is good, chase after what is wrong.

A true paradox.

What do you love.

Or who?

I've got a tombstone hand and a graveyard mind
I'm just twenty-two and I don't mind dying
Who Do You Love?
~Bo Diddley~

Let's get it straightened out this morning. Okay?

No one should run your life. No thing should run your life. If you feel your life is unhappy or out of control this morning it's because it is. Admit it. It is.

Now if you want to reverse it and get out of the syndrome take steps to fix it.

First of all, stop relinquishing control of your life over to others.

That's right. This is the reason for the difficulty. You have allowed others to make you dance to their song.

It's wrong. It's abusive. It's plain evil.

Think about it. Does your happiness rest upon other people? Are you dependent upon others to feel good about yourself? Do you feel trapped but are afraid to call it what it is?

After ascertaining that and honestly looking at yourself as basically being taken advantage of and abused (this could be by a spouse, a job supervisor, a parent, a fiancee, your children, siblings, neighbor, friend, relative, the list could go on and on), know that you have a choice.

No, it's not the psychologists couch. No, it's not the pill vial, liquor bottle, or joint.

You'll just become morbidly attached to those things.

You see the problem is with you, not all of the other things. YOU have given control of your life over to your emptiness and the things that give you momentary satisfaction and comfort. Even if they kill you.

No, your one and only choice is Jesus Christ. Sorry if that sounds too simplistic, but it is.

1 John 2:16-17 - "For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]--these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. (17) And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

There are no quick fixes to the pains and sorrows of life. There is only Jesus Christ and His comfort and peace. Abiding in Him results in many benefits for living now, but with the knowledge of a greater reward eternally.

I guarantee that if you are going through yet another major upheaval in your life a detachment from Christ is at the root of all of it.

The devil has designed it that way.

Restore your commitment to Jesus Christ and your life will be restored as well. Allow Him to order your steps and you will find newness of love and peace and renewal of your spirit.

Keepin' it Real.

Pastor Kevin <><

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

"How Did You First React?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

This is not a philosophical question. I didn't ask how "would" you react, I am asking how you actually reacted.

It's a litmus test. It has a pass/fail.

Oh yeah...sorry...I guess you need to know what I am asking you reacted to.

Well...any "incident" from mildly upsetting to tragic.

What was your first reaction to the most recent trial or disturbance in your life?

"Well pastor, I immediately was conscious of the fact that I have no real control over the situation at hand so as always, I found myself immediately turning it all over to the trust and care of God."

*Whoot, whoot, whoot* Applause! Whistles! Bells!

"Tell them what they've won Johnny!"

That is a passing grade for sure.

Now, I didn't say life was a pass/fail. I just said that in instances of how the average Christian trusts God with their daily living, and for purposes of reaching an understanding of how that balances out one way or the other, that there would be a pass/fail.

Trusting God to the fullest at all times is an obvious "pass".

I also do not want to trivialize failure.

There are far too many admonitions in the bible to trust God for us to even remotely think that anything less than that would result in anything but failure.

I don't like the term "failed God". In reality we fail ourselves. We bear the suffering from the results of not trusting Him fully, and not because He punishes us for it, but simply because we are not receiving the full benefit due us.

There are tons of scenarios throughout the bible where we have been encouraged to trust God but were sidetracked by other details.

Fear. Pomposity. Arrogance. Unbelief. Grief. Sin. All are things that run us off the rails of a solid trust in God to be able to deal with every facet of daily living.

"In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." (Psalm 56:4 KJV) (PASS)

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek The Lord!" (Isaiah 31:1 KJV) (FAIL)

1 Tim. 4:10 - "With a view to this we toil and strive, [yes and] suffer reproach, because we have [fixed our] hope on the living God, Who is the Savior (Preserver, Maintainer, Deliverer) of all men, especially of those who believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to Him). (PASS)

Is it always "I'm so glad I trusted God with this one."? No. However, in the long run it will be better to trust God than not to.

Sometimes the immediate situation does not change, nor does it appear to change for the better. It might even bring further reproach or difficulty. It may not reveal the benefit until way down the road.

We are not trusting God so that we can be more comfortable, or that we could gain riches or favor with others. Or to feather our nests. Or to be healthier. Or...

We trust God because we love Him and have found Him to be our eternal Way. We love Him because He has first loved us.

We trust Him because it is the right thing to do.

However, a funny thing happens when our hearts are right with Him.

We find it easier to place our trust in Him. We can do no other thing.

Back to the original question. How "did" you react?

It is indeed a true litmus test because it will reveal contraindications.

People who do not proceed along the path of trust, and at the end of a long life have not trusted the Giver of Life any more than they did at the very beginning of that relationship, are people who have become a tragedy of living by their own ways and means.

Living tragedies.

Nervous. Afraid. Arrogant. Sleepless. Joyless. Worried, etc. All symptoms of trusting everything else but God.

So...how did you do?

I hope you passed today. I hope everything you do, every decision you make, every trial that comes your way, will be placed in the hands of the One who is worthy and proven so.

It's as Keepin' it Real as it gets.

Pastor Kevin <><

Monday, July 5, 2010

"How Much Faith Is Enough Faith?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

On my property I have various types of tress and plants. Some were there when we bought the property, some we added later. I am even reminded of the bible by our Rose of Sharon's and Burning Bushes.

One tree however was a pleasant surprise. We actually have several Sycamine trees. Of course they are not called Sycamine anymore, which is why I never made the connection to the bible.

The Sycamine is what is more commonly referred to as the Black Mulberry Tree.

I suppose that is somewhat exciting.

Luke 17:6 - "And the Lord answered, If you had faith (trust and confidence in God) even [so small] like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be pulled up by the roots, and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.

Then it dawned on me.

We recently had to have several trees removed because they threatened our home and the power, phone, and cable lines. It is an expensive problem to have. Unless one has faith that God has an answer.

In our case God did. We believed for a solution and He provided. The power company removed the trees for free. In essence those trees "obeyed" us according to our faith that God would provide.

They were a conflict. A detriment. A problem that needed to be uprooted. We saw no way out of it in the natural. God provided a way.

Just like what happens in our personal lives. I mean, what was Jesus really railing against when He said even the smallest of faith would uproot the mulberry tree and replant it in the sea?

An actual mulberry tree?

No. It would make no sense to do that. In fact, He wasn't trying to suggest that it could.

Why? Because it would go against the natural order of things. Trees are meant to be grown on dry land, not under the sea.

However, He was meaning that when it comes to the difficulties of life, some so difficult that they actually seem to be as impossible to solve as "transplanting a tree from its natural habitat to one foreign to itself", that even the smallest belief and understanding that God could accomplish it simply because He is God would be sufficient.

Following me here?

It's not about the tree. It's about you.

Jesus is trying to establish the fact that there is no trouble, problem, irritation, or catastrophe that is too difficult for Him to handle.

Jesus is also pulling us into the reality that it's also not about us having faith in our faith.

Listen to me carefully here. It's not about what YOU can do by faith. If that was the case then we would be able to take literally that we could actually uproot a tree and replant it in the ocean just by believing that we could.

News Flash! Uh...you can't.

But...God could. Although He probably won't do that any more than deciding to make the sun rise in the west and set in the east.

But He could if He wanted to.

One thing He will do, and that is respond to your even infinitesimal faith IN HIM!

Still with me?

The verse is about you having faith in what God will do, not in some ridiculous notion that we could actually confound the forces of God's nature by literally moving a mountain or uprooting a tree.

It's also about the amount of faith we have. In my opinion we shouldn't get caught up in "levels" of faith. Either we have it or not. In comparison to the faith of God it's all small faith. But it's enough.

That's where I think we are. Jesus is saying we have enough faith.

You have enough faith! That's great news! You have enough faith! Not small faith, but enough faith to direct it toward your problems IN THE NAME OF JESUS for whatever need you have today!

It's a comfort that our God doesn't sit on His throne and determine who gets what by assessing who has the most faith or not.

He says essentially that if we are followers of Jesus Christ we have enough.

He gives us the right to use the Name of Jesus to move what needs to be moved. Just remember...it's always Him, not you, that is making it happen.

So...got a "mountain to move? A "tree" to be uprooted? Right now, if you are a believer, you can "speak" to the issue in the name of Jesus to solve it and know that it will happen.

Luke 10:17 - "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!"

Now that my friends, is...

Keepin' it Real.

Pastor Kevin <><

Friday, July 2, 2010

"Freedom!", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Happy 4th of July for those who live in America and enjoy the freedom we still have!

I say "still have" because freedom is not something we can take for granted although many do.

Freedom has come with a cost over the last 234 years. Many, many lives of patriots have been given to ensure we keep that freedom.

It has come at the cost of great bloodshed.

It can be said that America's freedom has been bought with a price.

So have you.

1 Cor. 6:20 - "You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body."

Jesus Christ paid for your spiritual freedom from sin bondage upon the Cross 2,000 years ago.

Even if you do not acknowledge that this morning facts are facts. Jesus loves you so much that even when you were still a sinner, he died for you. He died for you with no guarantee you would ever accept it. (Romans 5:8)

If you have received it to yourself then you know full well what I mean. If you haven't, well...there's an unopened gift waiting for you to unwrap.

Not everyone who lives in America enjoys its freedoms. Not everyone enjoys what Jesus did for them either.

To fully enjoy America and all it offers one must be or become a citizen of the United States of America.

In order to enjoy all God has to offer one must become a citizen of heaven.

Did you know that it is easy to become a citizen of heaven? Even easier than becoming a citizen of the USA?

Although while one can be a citizen from birth if they are born in the USA, one cannot simply be born a member of heaven.

However (Good News!), God has made it very simple to rectify that.

First He decided He would send His Son Jesus Christ to die for the sin of all humanity. Not simple, but the hard part was taken upon Himself.

He did however, decide to make it simple for everyone to receive what Jesus had done.

Ready...here it is:

Romans 10:9 - "If you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

That's it. Honest.

Granted, there's some depth in that verse. It encapsulates repentance from sin and acceptance of the freedom won by Jesus for you. But it can all be yours in a moment.

The simplicity is that you simply need to accept it. No long flowery prayers. No pomp and circumstance. Just simply a slave to sin being freed from the bonds by the One who took the penalty for you.

Just like our freedom in the USA has been won by others, so has the battle against sin and the devil been won by Jesus.

That my friends is the simple truth.

Jesus said, "The Truth will set you free!" (John 8:32)

All you need to do is simply acknowledge what He did and receive it!

And that is....

...Keepin' it Real!

Pastor Kevin <><

Thursday, July 1, 2010

"Here Is Your Answer For A New Anxiety Free Life!", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

I am going to give you the key to a worry free life today.

There is only what I know. What I have learned from Jesus. I can't give you any more than that.

Yes. It has worked for me. I have also seen it work in many others who heed the Word.

I am 100% confident it will work for you.

Not because I say it will. Not even because it has worked for me.

But simply because it just will when applied in faith.

In faith. In faith. In faith.

This is where it breaks down if there are some who will say it didn't work.

This is not a mantra. This is not humanistic psychology.

This is the supernatural ministry of Jesus Christ extended to you when you reach out to Him in faith.

1 Peter 5:6-7 - "Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully."

Often the sixth verse is left out and just the advice to throw off your cares upon Jesus is taught.

That's a setup for failure.

You see, there are reasons for being anxiety ridden. They are associated with your behavior.

In other words, you bring it on yourself by your actions.

If you think you are more than you are that is going to bring with it some baggage that will grow heavy over time. Simply put, you must stop exalting yourself before God will exalt you.

You must stop deluding yourself. Self-delusion brings false expectations that will never be fulfilled, which brings feelings of failure and inadequacy, which breeds anxiety.

"Nothing is working out for me." Sound familiar.

You must stop lying. To yourself and to others. Abraham's lies kept breeding more lies and more anxiety and fear. The more fear, the more lies. Perpetual fear cycle.

If you think you have anxiety now, wait until people find you out. And they always will.

So, Peter explains to us the "key" to freedom from worry and anxiety.

Be humble. Cast it off onto Jesus. The reason you have to first become humble is because we think we are failing by dumping our problems, that we can't handle our own lives.

Well, the news for you today is you need to get over that, because you can't handle your own life. No one can. We all need to become humbled and ask Jesus to rescue us.

So do that. First go to Jesus and confess your inadequacy, admit you can't handle life alone, and toss the entire gigantic package of stress and anxiety upon Him. It's ok. He wants you to. Just do it.

Stop right now. Pause, and do it. Right now.

Feel His love and concern for you at this moment. If no one else in the world cares for you, know that at this moment Jesus loves you very much and wants to help you in your stressful time.

No one's watching. Don't feel foolish. Don't be afraid. He will not fail you.

There. Did you do it? You will feel lighter in your mind. Relieved.

Do you? Take a breath. Let the smile cross your lips. Lift your hands to praise Him. Thank Him. Feel giddy. Feel joyful.

It's gone. Really, really gone.

Now, don't you dare try to take it back. What you give Jesus leave with Jesus. Trust Him the rest of the way. Don't build new stress and worry. Learn to give it over before you ramp it up into a crisis.

The "casting the whole of your care" indicates continuity, that you will live in a perpetual state of release of anxiety to Jesus. This happens when you let Him order you life.

Let me know how this works out for you. If you are really trusting and believing in Him, it will be a life changing miracle. This I promise.

This IS...

...Keepin' it Real.

Pastor Kevin <><