I love what J. I. Packer, author of that great book KNOWING GOD once said of theology: "Theology is for doxology and devotion—that is, the praise of God and the practice of godliness... Theology is at its healthiest when it is consciously under the eye of God of whom it speaks, and when it is singing to his glory." Dr. Packer taught that theology that didn’t lead us to passionate worship of GOD and deeper devotion to GOD, was ultimately a worthless endeavor.

As we continue our study of the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE, my prayer continues to be that it will lead us to passionate worship of our good, good, GOD, and an ever-growing devotion to HIM.  This week we will conclude our study of the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE ABOUT SALVATION and connect it to our ESSENTIAL BELIEFS ABOUT BAPTISM.  We will also get to celebrate with one of our students who is following JESUS into baptism.

Pastor Joe Still

As of August 14, the death toll stands at 141 from the tragic flooding that took place a month ago in Texas, as the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks. Additionally, 165 people are still reported missing.

Once caught in the rapid moving flood waters, victims could not save themselves.  They couldn't even call out for help as they struggled to breathe. Their only hope was for someone else on the outside to see their plight and send for help.  Any that were saved from the swift water, were saved by the heroic efforts of others.

The massive devastation caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River is a picture of the spiritual need of all mankind.  Without GOD, we are all headed for certain disaster.  We cannot save ourselves, no matter how great our desire or effort; but the good news is, GOD sees our need and HE has sent a Rescuer, One who saves!

In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues our Summer Series: ESSENTIAL WE BELIEVE and we turn our attention to GOD’s Great Salvation.

Eighty years ago, this past Wednesday, was the anniversary of the only time nuclear bombs have ever been used in war. And while opinions continue to be sharply divided over whether President Harry Truman’s decision to use nuclear weapons was justified, the human tragedy and global “nuclear fear” accompanying that decision, is not debated by anyone. All of this is but one symptom and manifestation of what we examine this Sunday, as we finish our study on ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS.

We said, two weeks ago in Part 1, that GOD’S “Image Bearers” have all been MARRED BY SIN. But that’s not the end of the story! GOD had a plan to redeem and restore the brokenness in HIS beloved “Image Bearers” that is central to fully understanding this essential belief.

In this message,  Pastor Joe Still leads us to see GOD’s restoration plan unfold and find the pathway to get in on that plan in the here and now.

The LORD has given us a special opportunity to welcome Pastor & Evangelist, Dr. Frank Reynoso to open GOD’s Word to us!

Frank has been involved in ministry for over 30 years. After growing up in the Bronx and living a life of gangs, drugs and crime, Reynoso relocated to Orlando, FL where he accepted Christ in 1992, shortly after began a street ministry in Orlando’s inner city called Answer to Life Ministries. He then co-founded Choice Ministries, a jail ministry where he served as the chaplain for the Orlando County Juvenile Detention Center and directed multiple juvenile delinquent programs for years, including nine years as FCA’s Central Florida’s Urban Director.

In September 2015, he was named Regional Inner City Coordinator where he lead responsibilities in New York City’s five boroughs. He also has pioneered the planting of 4 Churches, was President of House of Hope (residential program) and Director of Last Wave Club, a community center. While serving as the Youth Pastor at Shining Light Bible Church he was commissioned as an ordained minister.

Frank and his wife, Agnes, have a daughter and reside in Orlando, Florida. Frank is a lover of all sports and a good story, he typically reads a book a week and enjoys watching movies and attending the theatre.

Stating “What’s the point…”, Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 golfer, recently sparked discussions by openly grappling with existential questions about the meaning and purpose of his career and life!

Psalm 144:3 poses a provocative question that we should all ponder deeply: “O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them?” Psalm 144:3 (NLT)

This question and its answer is central to orthodox Christian doctrine. The reformers tried to narrow it down to a single sentence answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. They stated that: “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” In our day, when what it means to truly be human is under attack from so many cultural forces, it is more important than ever for every follower of JESUS to have Biblical clarity on the answer to this question

In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues our Summer teaching series: ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE, as we dive into answering this culturally relevant question.

One of the reasons I’m a Christian is because the Christian worldview clearly describes reality. It is not hard to see the impact of sin and evil on the world—injustice, war, oppression, racism, hatred, violence, abuse, rape, murder, addiction, selfishness, and every evil known to humanity. The Bible points out all of this, explaining the cause and proclaiming the only solution!

While it is very easy to compare ourselves to people worse than us and think we are doing well, the reality is that it isn’t just the world that has been impacted by sin and evil; you and I have sinned too. I have said careless words that have hurt those I love. At times I have been selfish, insensitive, inconsiderate, proud, rude, and hurtful. I have violated the most foundational command of JESUS, His command to love, and the Bible, as GOD’s written Word, shines a clear light on this as our reality.

I love the written Word of GOD because JESUS did. I trust the written Word of GOD because JESUS did, but I also trust it because it absolutely describes reality and the human condition better than any other document!

In this message, we’ll conclude our 3-week mini-series on the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE. I’m praying you’ll join us.

Pastor Joe Still

Most of us, when walking into a dark room, immediately begin to run our hand along the wall in search of the light switch. We do this to illuminate the room we’re entering because we don’t want to crash into furniture and break a precious little toe, or something worse!

Often, when characters in cartoons get an idea, a little light bulb appears above their heads. This is an indication that they’ve had an illuminating thought, shedding light on their circumstances!

You and I are meant to have this kind of experience with God’s Word. God wants to illuminate His Word for us so we’ll know what the Bible means and how its truth fits into our lives. He wants to show us the light switch. He wants us to experience that “ding” of the light coming on as we see a verse in a way we’ve never seen it before.

Through this message,  I’m praying we all experience some illumination from God, as we gather around His Holy Word to worship Him

Pastor Joe Still

We are blessed to celebrate the 249th anniversary of our nation’s independence. It began at the signing of that great document known as our Declaration of Independence, signed in Philadelphia, PA, on July 4, 1776. A short 12 years later, on June 21, 1788, another great document was ratified by the 13 original colonies (now states) and the “Constitution” became the official framework of the government of the United States of America. The U.S. Constitution makes the United States a constitutional federal republic. It is a very special form of government, with ultimate authority resting in a written document. It is considered to be the ultimate authority for all laws governing our nation.

We as GOD’s people, are also fortunate to have another written document, given to us by GOD Himself, that is to serve as the ultimate source of authority in all aspects of our lives. We know this written document as the BIBLE, GOD’s HOLY WORD!

I am grateful, that on the weekend when our nation celebrates the signing of one of our great national documents, we as GOD’s people can come together and celebrate the greatest document ever given to all of humanity. The written Word of GOD!

In this message, we'll turn our attention to what we believe about the BIBLE. We will also devote some time to pray together for our nation!

Pastor Joe Still

In this message from Pastor Joe Still, we'll examine the teachings from God’s Word about the Humanity of our Lord Jesus. This will also help us remember Him and know Him as He really is; stirring an even greater affection for Him.  2 Peter 1:3 from God’s Word gives us this great promise: “For as you know Him better, He will give you, through His great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: He even shares His own glory and His own goodness with us! (2 Peter 1:3 TLB)

I am so very grateful to GOD for the privilege I’ve had this week to observe our incredible team of Kingdom servants, a.k.a. our VBS Team. The Holy Spirit has worked powerfully through each and every one of them to joyfully magnify JESUS in the hearts and minds of children and students. It has filled me with joy.

As we continue in our ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE series, with our time in GOD’s Word this week, focused on JESUS! We’ll explore the mystery that JESUS is 100% GOD and 100% man and what a difference that can make in our daily lives if we embrace that great truth and share it with others.

Pastor Joe Still