Category Archives: church family

church family, Ministry

RED – part 2 Living A Faith That Bleeds

Acting out of mercy.giving a cup of cold clean water to a thirsty child, visiting an orphange, giving hope to someone suffering from theri dismantled dreams – these are things that are at the top of God’s “Things To Do List.”

When we see our things to do list turn into God’s things to do list we might be amazed at the difference we can make..

Here is the outline for todays message entitled RED – Living A Faith That Bleeds. part 2

Red
Living a Faith That Bleeds part 2
Pastor Steve Lummer

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  Matthew 11:28-30 (message)

Does my “things to do list” match God’s things to do list?

God’s list became Oskar Schindler’s list and he saved 1200 human beings from death in the gas chambers of Nazi Germany.

There are fewer than four thousand Jews left alive in Poland today. There are more than six thousand descendants of the Schindler Jews.

“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire”  ( from the movie)

How can we get more of a glimpse of God’s list and let it become our list our priorities and our mission?

MAKING GOD’S LIST MY LIST
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Matthew 28 (message)

WALK with me.

WORK with me.

WATCH how I do it.

How to I live a faith that Bleeds Jesus?


Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  Matthew 11
1.  LISTING THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS
2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (niv)

2. KNOWING THAT NEUTRALITY GIVES ADVANTAGE TO THE ENEMY.
Luke 11:23 – “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters. (niv)

3. THINK OUTSIDE OUR SELF.
Matthew 10:39 – Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

There are so many others that could benefit from our loving, living bleeding faith if we would just get God’s list and do something with it.


I love this story a friend of mine told me after he had visited Disney World in Orlando Florida.

He said, ‘I saw a sight I’ll never forget,’ he said. He and his family were in Cinderella’s castle. Suddenly all the children rushed to one side…Cinderella had entered. She stood waist-deep in kids, each wanting to be touched. Kenny turned toward the other side of the castle. It was now vacant, except for a boy; his age was hard to determine because of the disfigurement of his body…FROM A TERRIBLE BURN he stood watching…longing to be in the middle of the kids reaching for Cinderella.
Can’t you feel his fear; fear of yet another rejection? Fear of being…mocked again? Don’t you wish Cinderella would go to him? Guess what? She did! She walked across the floor, knelt at eye level with the stunned little boy and placed a kiss on his cheek. ‘
“It reminds me of another story. The names are different, but isn’t the story the same? Rather than a princess of Disney, it’s the Prince of Peace. Rather than a boy in a castle, it’s a thief on a cross. In both cases a gift was given. In both cases love was shared. In both cases the lovely one performed a gesture beyond words. But Jesus did more than Cinderella. Cinderella gave only a kiss. When she stood to leave she took her beauty with her. The boy was still deformed. What if Cinderella had done what Jesus did? What if she assumed His state? What if she had somehow given her beauty and taken on his disfigurement?” That’s what Jesus did – for you!

Let God teach us how to make his list our list while we still have time to learn it live it and bleed it.

Steve ( lead pastor PFA)

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church family, Just sayin', leadership, Ministry

AGING OR SAGING?

I woke up early this morning thinking about an old friend who is living in a assisted care home today.
Harvey Smith used to say, “I’m not aging …I’m Saging.”
Harvey and his wife Jean came to my church in Lake Saint Louis Missouri on my birthday in 1995 and they have been a gift ever since.
I can’t stop thinking about this guy and his amazing zest for life. He is a wizz at making you feel like there is more to do and more to accomplish.
Harvey would on more than one occasion say, “Steve, we never run out of vision ….we just run out of time.”

That statement reminds me of a great quote I read by Michael Jordan;
“Even when I’m old and gray, I won’t be able to play it, but I’ll still love the game.”

And another great said it this way; ” Let us not dread old age. Let us grow old graciously since the Lord Himself is with us in fullness of grace. …CH Spurgeon

A challenge to us Baby Boomers

I am 51 years old—. I am surrounded by 78 million boomers, ages 43 to 61. Over 10,000 turn sixty every day. If you read the research, we are a self-centered generation.

* Likes: working from home, anti-aging supplements, climate control
* Dislikes: wrinkles, Millennial sleeping habits, Social Security, insecurity
* Hobbies: low-impact sports, uberparenting, wining and dining
* Hangouts: farmer’s markets, tailgate parties, backyards
* Resources: $2.1 trillion
* We are over weight and soft.

What will it mean to get old to the and still be a fully devoted follower of Christ as a baby boomer in America? It will mean a radical break with the mindset of our peers. Especially a break with the typical consumer dream of retirement. Ralph Winter was the founder of the U. S. Center for World Missions and is in his early eighties, traveling, speaking, and writing wrote an article titled “The Retirement Booby Trap” almost 25 years ago when he was about 60. In it he said,

“Most men don’t die of old age, they die of retirement. I read somewhere that half the men retiring in the state of New York die within two years. Save your life and you’ll lose it. Just like other drugs, other psychological addictions, retirement is a virulent disease, not a blessing. . . . Where in the Bible do they see that? Did Moses retire? Did Paul retire? Peter? John? Do military officers retire in the middle of a war?”

Millions of Christian men and women are finishing their formal careers in their fifties and sixties, and for most of them there will be a good twenty years before their physical and mental powers fail. What will it mean to live those final years for the glory of God? How will we live them in such a way as to show that Christ is our highest Treasure?

King David said it way before Michael Jordan did when he said;
Even when I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me live to tell the people of this age what your strength has accomplished, to tell about your power to all who will come. Psalm 71:18

I guess David is saying is that it is his desire to make God look great to the younger generation.

Harvey Smith has sure done that for me and I hope to visit him this June when I visit friends in Missouri.

Thank you Harvey for every encourging word and your unending zeal.

Steve  (lead pastor Prescott First Assembly)

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church family, Ministry, Sermon outline

Red – Living A Faith That Bleeds

Living a Faith That Bleeds part 1
Pastor Steve Lummer

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ …..Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30 – 37

Why do we WALK PAST people who are in need?

NO HEART – No compassion
NO REWARD – No recognition
NO ROOM – No margin in our life for ministry

BE THE ANSWER TO SOMEONE’S PRAYER

Luke 10:33- “But a Samaritan” ….

HE SAW HIM
Vs. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

HE WENT TO HIM
Vs.34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine

HE LIFTED HIM.
Vs. 35 Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him

HE LONG TERM LOVED HIM.
Vs. 35  The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Being God’s Valentine by loving what He loves.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Col. 3:10

“whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40



When you look at people try to see Jesus in them – When you look at yourself try to see Jesus in the mirror.

Live a life of faith that bleeds Jesus.

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church family, Ministry

Red: Living a Faith That Bleeds

 

It is said that the color red evokes passion and intensity, and is often associated with strong feelings such as love and desire. The words of Christ, the RED words of the Bible, are full of passion, intensity, and love. In this series, we will explore some of the RED words of the Bible, and study some of the fundamental life changing truths Jesus taught about.

 

When we start living in the RED we will start asking; “Why aren’t we doing more to be Christ hands and feet? ”

Our newest series @ PFA Prescott

Over the next month we are going to look at the RED words of Jesus in the Gospels and start living a faith that bleeds.

Luke 10 – Walking The Talk

Matthew 9 – Inviting Outsiders not Coddling Insiders.

Matthew 11 – Living Free and Light.

Matthew 16 – How To Live A Faith that Bleeds.

Can’t wait to watch this series not only begin but watch it change us into a greater compassionate church family.

Steve (lead pastor of PFA Prescott)

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Arizona, church family

BLUEBERRY CRUMB PIE

Our church leadership team enjoyed a Rock Springs Cafe Blueberry Crumb Pie @ our Board Of Ministry meeting the other night.

What a great way to end a meeting than by diving into one of the best pies in the southwest.

Thanks Carrie Arnold for the amazing gift to our guys.

Here is the link to the Rock Springs Cafe is you are ever headed out of Phoenix on I – 17.

http://www.rockspringscafe.com/index.html

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church family, Ministry

GRACE SPACE

Whenever I get in God’s presence in the worship center, something happens that is like nothing else. I feel an amazing relief from life and its pressures.

No wonder David penned these words in Psalm 69:9 “A zeal for your house consumes me .”

What is zeal? In English, the word means an “eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something.”

The sanctuary where we worship is a safe place to experience the grace of God’s presence in a simple non complicated way.

Can’t wait to get to the Grace Space this Sunday.

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church family, Funny stuff

HEALED BY LAUGHTER

Last night our house was filled with friends and laughter again.

And each time we get together with friends we should understand what a great gift it is to just laugh your heads off.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, NIV).

Science has finally caught up with these words in the Bible that King Solomon wrote some 3,000 years ago.

The following report is from The Week magazine: “Laughter is good for your health—and now scientists know why. Researchers at the University of Maryland found that when 20 healthy volunteers smiled and guffawed while watching the comedy,Kingpin, their blood flow increased by 22 percent, about the same increase caused by aerobic exercise. But when volunteers watched tension-filled scenes from Saving Private Ryan, their blood flow decreased 35 percent.

“The researchers say that laughing apparently causes the endothelium, the tissue that lines blood vessels, to expand, which increases blood flow. Laughter may also improve arterial health by reducing mental stress, which constricts vessels and cuts blood flow. A healthy lifestyle should include 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, and 15 minutes of hearty laughter each day.

It’s a pity that so many totally ignore God’s directives for healthier, happier living. If we would live by the principles as found in his Word, the Bible, we would not only live healthier and happier lives, but our relationships would improve out of sight. We can’t improve on God’s plan. The wisest thing is to get in on it.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, NIV).

Laugh.

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church family, Ministry

THE TIPPING POINT #4

There is something powerful called the SURGE OF THE GROUP.
When an individual joins the large mass going in the same direction you have a what scientist call the CRITICAL MASS. (sustaining a chain reaction)

What Biologist call a SWARM – bees can destroy a party, an army of ants can kill a cow – birds can down a 747 jet
What that bible calls a THRONG. – they can defeat a nation, cause walls to tumble and make God come to earth.

Critical mass – swarm –  throng is the point where “the group” not the “individual” becomes more important to accomplish  a given goal.

A Tipping takes place when ME is replaced with the importance of WE.

THE TIPPING POINT
Pastor Steve Lummer
pt 4
Tipping points community led change

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
-Psalm 133:1-3 (niv)

1. GET beyond yourself.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

2. GROW beyond yourself.
But grow in grace 2 Peter 3:18
“Finding Help” -We are guilty of self rescue… not letting God be our hero. We cheat ourselves by not running to the Father.

3. GIVE beyond yourself.
Give, and it will be given to you. Luke 6:38

4. GO beyond yourself.
Go therefore  and make disciples of all the nations Matthew 28:13

LOVE THE ONES YOUR WITH
Stars without an orbit – Jude 1:13 niv

The power of three voices this week
John  – Jason – Jacob

My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.  – Philippians 4:1 (the message)

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church family, Ministry

THE TIPPING POINT #3

Here is the outline for the 3rd message in the series the Tipping Point.

THE TIPPING POINT
Pastor Steve Lummer
pt 3
Almost Persuaded
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”  Acts 26:28 (nkjv)



INSIGHTS ON INFLUENCE.

Influence happens through us and to us.
Influence is either positive or negative.
Influence last longer than we do

Why do we resist influence ?

Numbers 14
They FORGOT the PAST. –  Exodus 1:14
They STUCK the PRESENT. –
They FEARED  the FUTURE. –

PERSUADING FACTORS.

1. PRESSURE CAN PERSUADE US TOWARD CHANGE.
2. PROBLEMS CAN PERSUADE US TOWARD CHANGE.
3. PAIN CAN PERSUADE US TOWARD CHANGE.
4. PLEASURE CAN PERSUADE US TOWARD CHANGE.

AGRIPPA’S REASONS FOR REJECTING THE INVITATION.

1. HE ENJOYED SIN.
“pleasures of sin for a season.”  Hebrews 11:25 (kjv)

2. HE WOULD NOT BOW TO ANOTHER KING.
“Every knee will bow” Romans 14:11

3.  HE WOULD NOT BELIEVE.
‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ Luke 18:13

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (niv)

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