Hello Folks,
This past Sunday our congregation made pledges to help make the payments for our loan over the next 3 years. Thus far over 100 families have made commitments totally over $368,000. This will help us immensely in our effort to retire debt. Also next Sunday we will have a First Fruit Offering and the giving of "stuff" that will be sold for the immediate application to the debt. These sacrifices of our congregation will enable us to reduce our total debt amount both now and over the next three years as individuals become aware of things that can be sold for the purpose of continuing to reduce debt. It is our prayer that over the next three years that we will be able to become debt free. Pray that we would listen to our Savior as we move forward in this endeavor.
I often wonder what it is that God has in store for me and the congregation that I pastor. I struggle with knowing what it is that God desires for us to do. It is easy to determine the general ideas such as winning the lost, making disciples, and preaching the sermons. But how is that all fleshed out in the practicality of reaching people or finding out the step-by-step pathway to take. In my life I like to know what to do next and sometimes that has not been as easily understood as I would like. But in the midst of it all I know that the only true God will be with me in my journey. May He be praised.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Hello Folks,
This past Sunday p.m. our congregation celebrated a Concert of Prayer. It was a very special time of congregation praying for each other, the ministry of the congregation, leadership, and a variety of other needs including a time for anointing and praying for healing. We spent about 11/2 hours in prayer and it seemed to me that it was very meaningful for a lot of people. Also this past Friday we had a time of fasting and then at 3 p.m. we had 2 hours of prayer. This coming Saturday we will have a day of prayer where people will coming and going in the life of the church for a 24 hour time period pouring their hearts out to God. I do not know how everyone else thinks about this but it seems to me that we are attempting to understand the mind of God and to accomplish His will. If you cannot actually come would you pick out a time where you can pray for this congregation to fulfill the will of God. God hears His people and His promise is to answer our prayers.
This coming Sunday is our pledge Sunday for the Debt Retirement Campaign then on March 3 we will ask people to begin a 3 year journey to retire our entire debt of almost $1.5 million. This is a really aggressive goal but is not God able to accomplish this if His people merely open their hearts to His will? If we merely look at all the things we have we could have take place the same thing that took place in the building of the Tabernacle where they had to tell the people to stop bringing "stuff" because they had more than enough. I am waiting to see how God will do this among us.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
This past Sunday p.m. our congregation celebrated a Concert of Prayer. It was a very special time of congregation praying for each other, the ministry of the congregation, leadership, and a variety of other needs including a time for anointing and praying for healing. We spent about 11/2 hours in prayer and it seemed to me that it was very meaningful for a lot of people. Also this past Friday we had a time of fasting and then at 3 p.m. we had 2 hours of prayer. This coming Saturday we will have a day of prayer where people will coming and going in the life of the church for a 24 hour time period pouring their hearts out to God. I do not know how everyone else thinks about this but it seems to me that we are attempting to understand the mind of God and to accomplish His will. If you cannot actually come would you pick out a time where you can pray for this congregation to fulfill the will of God. God hears His people and His promise is to answer our prayers.
This coming Sunday is our pledge Sunday for the Debt Retirement Campaign then on March 3 we will ask people to begin a 3 year journey to retire our entire debt of almost $1.5 million. This is a really aggressive goal but is not God able to accomplish this if His people merely open their hearts to His will? If we merely look at all the things we have we could have take place the same thing that took place in the building of the Tabernacle where they had to tell the people to stop bringing "stuff" because they had more than enough. I am waiting to see how God will do this among us.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Hello Folks,
I have just been reading a book titled "The Church in an Age of Crisis, James Emery White and if you can I would encourage you to get it and read it. It has what I consider to be some very timely analysis of our time. One of the things that I just read was about Generation Y or the Millennial Generation. The prediction by on eauthor in 2000 was that Generation Y would be more positive in outlook with a 'can-do' spirit." Moving forward to our current time we find Generation Y to be more captured by individualism than any other generation. He continued to say that they are a generation of entitlement. They believe that they are entitled to everything that they want that will make their generation perfect.
It was interesting to hear his evaluation of Generation Y but one of the things that we ought to recognize is that the sinful nature is one that looks to self more than anything else. While parents and society can help shape a generation to become so self-absorbed that they only think of what makes them feel good or to believe that they deserve the best of everything there is an absolutely internal issue of what is called the "Adamic nature" invovled in making them like that. Can we not see that Jesus is the still the only Savior who can change a heart and mind to become self-sacrificing rather than self-serving?
I wonder what will happen in the life of the church over the next 30 years? While the Pope may resign Jesus is still the Head of the Church and He will never give up His seat! He is in charge of His Church and we look forward to His coming to destroy the world and receive us unto Himself. While we want all of the world to turn to Him we realize that the sinful nature will move all who refuse Christ to an eternity without Him. What a shame especially since it is not His will that any should perish.
May we all turn to Him,
HGRudd
I have just been reading a book titled "The Church in an Age of Crisis, James Emery White and if you can I would encourage you to get it and read it. It has what I consider to be some very timely analysis of our time. One of the things that I just read was about Generation Y or the Millennial Generation. The prediction by on eauthor in 2000 was that Generation Y would be more positive in outlook with a 'can-do' spirit." Moving forward to our current time we find Generation Y to be more captured by individualism than any other generation. He continued to say that they are a generation of entitlement. They believe that they are entitled to everything that they want that will make their generation perfect.
It was interesting to hear his evaluation of Generation Y but one of the things that we ought to recognize is that the sinful nature is one that looks to self more than anything else. While parents and society can help shape a generation to become so self-absorbed that they only think of what makes them feel good or to believe that they deserve the best of everything there is an absolutely internal issue of what is called the "Adamic nature" invovled in making them like that. Can we not see that Jesus is the still the only Savior who can change a heart and mind to become self-sacrificing rather than self-serving?
I wonder what will happen in the life of the church over the next 30 years? While the Pope may resign Jesus is still the Head of the Church and He will never give up His seat! He is in charge of His Church and we look forward to His coming to destroy the world and receive us unto Himself. While we want all of the world to turn to Him we realize that the sinful nature will move all who refuse Christ to an eternity without Him. What a shame especially since it is not His will that any should perish.
May we all turn to Him,
HGRudd
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Hello Folks,
Over the past couple of days I have been reminded of the fact that death comes to everyone. This morning I participated in the gravesite service of a wonderful saint from this congregation. Elizabeth Luttrell lived a long life of 89 years and she was faithful in this congregation for well over 65 years. In the 11 years that I have pastored here she has been nothing but a wonderful example of Christian love and patience. I have never heard her day a remark that could be thought to be disparaging of another person. What a legacy she left for her 4 sons and their families as well as the local congregation and the local community. It is a joy to be part of a funeral where you have no doubt about someone's faith in Christ and their life as they live their faith. It is also a reminder that no matter how many years we have here in this world that through Christ life continues and we live with Him forever! Praise His wonderful name.
I have been reading some about the cultural changes that are taking place and some of the struggles that are taking place in the "christian" community. All through the ages there have been those who have held divergent viewpoints that have a possibililty of moving people away from the One true Savior! Today we have those who are espousing an "emergent" church viewpoint. In essence that viewpoint is nothing more than what has been proclaimed by many others in the past. The idea that everyone's understanding is acceptable to God becomes nothing more than the universalism of the past. To preach and teach that there is no truth other than what each individual determines for themself is a falsehood that will send people to a very real hell. It may take 20 or 30 years but the "emergent" church viewpoints will fall upon the trashbin of falsehoods that have come from the past. May we all walk with the only one who is THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
Over the past couple of days I have been reminded of the fact that death comes to everyone. This morning I participated in the gravesite service of a wonderful saint from this congregation. Elizabeth Luttrell lived a long life of 89 years and she was faithful in this congregation for well over 65 years. In the 11 years that I have pastored here she has been nothing but a wonderful example of Christian love and patience. I have never heard her day a remark that could be thought to be disparaging of another person. What a legacy she left for her 4 sons and their families as well as the local congregation and the local community. It is a joy to be part of a funeral where you have no doubt about someone's faith in Christ and their life as they live their faith. It is also a reminder that no matter how many years we have here in this world that through Christ life continues and we live with Him forever! Praise His wonderful name.
I have been reading some about the cultural changes that are taking place and some of the struggles that are taking place in the "christian" community. All through the ages there have been those who have held divergent viewpoints that have a possibililty of moving people away from the One true Savior! Today we have those who are espousing an "emergent" church viewpoint. In essence that viewpoint is nothing more than what has been proclaimed by many others in the past. The idea that everyone's understanding is acceptable to God becomes nothing more than the universalism of the past. To preach and teach that there is no truth other than what each individual determines for themself is a falsehood that will send people to a very real hell. It may take 20 or 30 years but the "emergent" church viewpoints will fall upon the trashbin of falsehoods that have come from the past. May we all walk with the only one who is THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Hello Folks,
As a pastor it is very interesting to me to watch people as they begin to react to the challenges that revolve around the question of money. In this building fund campaign we are not only asking people to pledge so much money to help us pay the monthly payment but we are asking them to look through their possessions and see what they could give the to the Lord in an attempt to retire the debt completely within the next 3 years. One man in the congregation is going to sell a cow and give the proceeds. I set aside 2 times when we began to first talk about this and have been fortunate enough to see them both so when March 3 comes around I will be able to make my donation immediately. Over the next few weeks I will have the joy of watching as people in our congregation make their donations, as far as that goes if the Lord's wills it, I will be able to watch it for the next 3 years. What an exciting time that promises to be.
I made a decision this past week to attend the National Assn. Mid-Year Convention after an invitation came my way. Ruth and I will go over to Hilton Head, we have never been there, and spend a couple days. It just so happens that we will be celebrating our 42nd anniversary on one of those days. I look forward to the conferences and preaching services and to get to fellowship with my brothers and sisters.
As I sit here at my desk I am thankful for the grace that God gives to me everyday of my life. It seems to me that I have been blessed beyond measure and given opportunities that are beyond my wildest expectation. At 61 years of age I can say that if I were to leave this world right now I am of all men most blessed. Thanks be to the God who saved me and called me and has taken care of me for all of these years.
Have a blessed day,
HGRudd
As a pastor it is very interesting to me to watch people as they begin to react to the challenges that revolve around the question of money. In this building fund campaign we are not only asking people to pledge so much money to help us pay the monthly payment but we are asking them to look through their possessions and see what they could give the to the Lord in an attempt to retire the debt completely within the next 3 years. One man in the congregation is going to sell a cow and give the proceeds. I set aside 2 times when we began to first talk about this and have been fortunate enough to see them both so when March 3 comes around I will be able to make my donation immediately. Over the next few weeks I will have the joy of watching as people in our congregation make their donations, as far as that goes if the Lord's wills it, I will be able to watch it for the next 3 years. What an exciting time that promises to be.
I made a decision this past week to attend the National Assn. Mid-Year Convention after an invitation came my way. Ruth and I will go over to Hilton Head, we have never been there, and spend a couple days. It just so happens that we will be celebrating our 42nd anniversary on one of those days. I look forward to the conferences and preaching services and to get to fellowship with my brothers and sisters.
As I sit here at my desk I am thankful for the grace that God gives to me everyday of my life. It seems to me that I have been blessed beyond measure and given opportunities that are beyond my wildest expectation. At 61 years of age I can say that if I were to leave this world right now I am of all men most blessed. Thanks be to the God who saved me and called me and has taken care of me for all of these years.
Have a blessed day,
HGRudd
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Hello Folks,
It sure is cold here in Tennessee this morning. But you should have been with us Sunday in our p.m. worship when God was here and His warmth was amazing! Dr. Horace Shepherd Jr. was our guest speaker and by the time He had finished preaching we found ourselves in the presence of the Holy Ghost. Altars were filled, people were being anointed with oil and God moved powerfully in lives. You should have been with us! When God comes it is truly amazing and powerful.
Let me ask you a question. Should we not always be in the presence of our Amazing God as He works among us? Should not our worship times together be so filled with Him that people look at themselves and desire God more than they did the day before? Worship should never be stale and dull because it is about the most High God! Could it be that we so orchestrate what we do that we try to keep Him restricted to working a particular manner that we are comfortable with? I pray that I will be looking for how He wants to do whatever it is that He desires in our midst. I also pray that I find Him at all points.
I am thankful for the opportunity in my life to serve God in the capacity as a pastor. I am also thankful that He has allowed me to serve two wonderful congregations over the past 32 years, one for 21 years and this one for over 11 years. But I am more thankful that He has allowed to be have times when He has been so close that I have felt the breath of God on my soul. May He breathe on you as well.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
It sure is cold here in Tennessee this morning. But you should have been with us Sunday in our p.m. worship when God was here and His warmth was amazing! Dr. Horace Shepherd Jr. was our guest speaker and by the time He had finished preaching we found ourselves in the presence of the Holy Ghost. Altars were filled, people were being anointed with oil and God moved powerfully in lives. You should have been with us! When God comes it is truly amazing and powerful.
Let me ask you a question. Should we not always be in the presence of our Amazing God as He works among us? Should not our worship times together be so filled with Him that people look at themselves and desire God more than they did the day before? Worship should never be stale and dull because it is about the most High God! Could it be that we so orchestrate what we do that we try to keep Him restricted to working a particular manner that we are comfortable with? I pray that I will be looking for how He wants to do whatever it is that He desires in our midst. I also pray that I find Him at all points.
I am thankful for the opportunity in my life to serve God in the capacity as a pastor. I am also thankful that He has allowed me to serve two wonderful congregations over the past 32 years, one for 21 years and this one for over 11 years. But I am more thankful that He has allowed to be have times when He has been so close that I have felt the breath of God on my soul. May He breathe on you as well.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Hello Folks,
This past Sunday here at the church we began our Building Fund Campaign. This campaign is differenet than any we have engaged in over the years I have been here. While we are asking people to commit to give what they can over the next three years so we can make our normal payment we are also asking folks to consider helping us to pay our entire $1.5 million debt off over those same three years. We realize that this is a great step of faith and that it is a challenge unlike any we have ever attempted here before but we do believe that God is in it. We are asking people to do what our spiritual forefathers did in Exodus 35 and look through their possessions and consider giving things that are sitting in their homes that would be of value and could be sold to retire the debt. I have personally already set aside two items, one of them was sold recently so I have the money waiting to bring on First Fruits Sunday March 3. Some people will have gold, jewels, automobiles, land, stocks, pieces of collections and other such things to donate. If we all would be willing to give what we can the debt could easily be retired in the next three years.
Can you imagine what would take place if we were debt free? The potential of additional ministry is absolutely amazing. We would be able to address the needs of our community in a greater fashion, we could have more resources for outreach in our city, state, nation and in other nations. It would also release all of those who are giving of their resources in our building fund campaign and they would have more resources for their homes and families. Ministry that I have not even thought of might take place simply because we have been freed from the constraints of the building payment.
I ask you to pray for us as we go through this campaign and may we simply hear from God on this and obey Him.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
This past Sunday here at the church we began our Building Fund Campaign. This campaign is differenet than any we have engaged in over the years I have been here. While we are asking people to commit to give what they can over the next three years so we can make our normal payment we are also asking folks to consider helping us to pay our entire $1.5 million debt off over those same three years. We realize that this is a great step of faith and that it is a challenge unlike any we have ever attempted here before but we do believe that God is in it. We are asking people to do what our spiritual forefathers did in Exodus 35 and look through their possessions and consider giving things that are sitting in their homes that would be of value and could be sold to retire the debt. I have personally already set aside two items, one of them was sold recently so I have the money waiting to bring on First Fruits Sunday March 3. Some people will have gold, jewels, automobiles, land, stocks, pieces of collections and other such things to donate. If we all would be willing to give what we can the debt could easily be retired in the next three years.
Can you imagine what would take place if we were debt free? The potential of additional ministry is absolutely amazing. We would be able to address the needs of our community in a greater fashion, we could have more resources for outreach in our city, state, nation and in other nations. It would also release all of those who are giving of their resources in our building fund campaign and they would have more resources for their homes and families. Ministry that I have not even thought of might take place simply because we have been freed from the constraints of the building payment.
I ask you to pray for us as we go through this campaign and may we simply hear from God on this and obey Him.
Have a great day,
HGRudd
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