Hello Folks,
Well I am finally back to my normal schedule. Ruth and I had a great time with the children and grandchildren over the holidays but we are glad to be back in our own bed and back here in Tennessee. I was given the opportunity and honor to preach at New Covenant Church of God in Mapleton, Il while we were visiting and got to see many people who I have known through the years. It was a really good time.
This past Sunday I preached a New Year's sermon that outlined what we are going to attempt to do in ministry here at Greeneville First Church of God in 2013. I gave dates and a general overview of how we will invest our energy and resources. If you would like to hear the details you can go on line at our website and listen to the sermon. One thing that I know for sure and it is we can plan and execute all the good things that we desire but unless God is in it and His Spirit leads and empowers we are merely going through the motions. I ask you to pray for me that I will never just go through the motions.
One of the things that I fear is that I would get to a place where I merely wait for retirement. I must admit that I get tired much easier now than I did when I was 45 or even 55. There are moments when I long for the opportunity to sleep in and take it easy. I also must admit that I find that I want to figure out what I need to do to get things moving like I want them to move. What a struggle it is for me to just listen to God and allow Him to give me clarity on His will. Since God is really the One in charge and I am merely a servant I must continually remind myself that a servant is simply in place to serve his/her Master.
Well, we are in a New Year and I am commited to what someone said, "Work like it all depended on you and pray like it all depended on Him." Have a great week.
HGRudd
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Hello Folks,
This past Sunday night approximately 50 of our children presented a musical that was exceptional in many ways. The children were well prepared, knew their prats, and presented them with great enthusiasm. You could tell that they, and those who helped them had worked very hard in making this a high quality presentation. Shannon and Ken Brewer, as well as Todd and Sarah Aiken, along with other adults helped make it of great value for the kingdom.
Every year in our congregation, as in most, we do certain things that pretain to Christmas. Most of our adult Sunday School classes have a Christmas party. We have a Christmas with the Church dinner with good attendance along with a children's program like the one I talked about in the previous paragraph. I also work in conjunction with Dale Gruver, our Worship Pastor, to coordinate the sermons with the worship music so Advent Season can have a very concentrated impact. We have done all of this in an effort to help people remember that Christmas is about the Savior. I do not know if we always get it right but I do know that we are attempting to accomplish it as much as we can. I pray that this year those who have attended Greeneville First Church of God will have had to think about Jesus. That they have had to think about who He is, what He has done, and what it means to them. If this is not the end results then we have missed the real meaning of Christmas. I pray that this Christmas season will have real impact upon you and your family and that you will know that Jesus is the real reason for our celebration.
Ruth and I will be visiting our children over the holidays so you will not hear from me for a couple of weeks on the blog but when I get back from our family celebration I will get back on line and communicate some of my thoughts to you once again. God bless you all.
Have a Great One,
HGRudd
This past Sunday night approximately 50 of our children presented a musical that was exceptional in many ways. The children were well prepared, knew their prats, and presented them with great enthusiasm. You could tell that they, and those who helped them had worked very hard in making this a high quality presentation. Shannon and Ken Brewer, as well as Todd and Sarah Aiken, along with other adults helped make it of great value for the kingdom.
Every year in our congregation, as in most, we do certain things that pretain to Christmas. Most of our adult Sunday School classes have a Christmas party. We have a Christmas with the Church dinner with good attendance along with a children's program like the one I talked about in the previous paragraph. I also work in conjunction with Dale Gruver, our Worship Pastor, to coordinate the sermons with the worship music so Advent Season can have a very concentrated impact. We have done all of this in an effort to help people remember that Christmas is about the Savior. I do not know if we always get it right but I do know that we are attempting to accomplish it as much as we can. I pray that this year those who have attended Greeneville First Church of God will have had to think about Jesus. That they have had to think about who He is, what He has done, and what it means to them. If this is not the end results then we have missed the real meaning of Christmas. I pray that this Christmas season will have real impact upon you and your family and that you will know that Jesus is the real reason for our celebration.
Ruth and I will be visiting our children over the holidays so you will not hear from me for a couple of weeks on the blog but when I get back from our family celebration I will get back on line and communicate some of my thoughts to you once again. God bless you all.
Have a Great One,
HGRudd
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Hello Folks,
Two weeks from today is Christmas Day. Most of us will be blessed by God to be with our families and to celebrate the wonders of the joys of what this day means. While the shepherds could not have understood all that they were part of almost 2000 years ago they did know that they were witnessing something that was amazing. While you and I do not know what will come in the days and weeks in fronts of us know this the One who was born on that Christmas morning is the One who will bring the amazing and wonderful to our lives if we would simply come to Him.
There is a pastor I know in Pennsylvania who is putting out an excellent "magazine" that would do all of us good to receive. His name is Bruce Wilson and the "magazine" is called Truth In HD. You can contact Pastor Wilson at pastorbruce53@yahoo.com and I would encourage you to do so and get on his mailing list.
Many of you are probably not familiar with the magazine Truth Matters published by Pastor's Fellowship but it is certainly worth your time and effort to read. The cost is very minimal and you can contact the co-editors David DeVoll at davedevoll@yahoo.com orRichard Bradley skypilotwo@msn.com if you would like to receive a copy. In this particular issue there are articles that every family should read that pretain to raising children up for the King and not for the culture. If you cannot afford the cost of the magazine tell our editors to send me the bill for it and I will pay for one issue for you. I know that in the future when Pastor's Fellowship gets its website up there will be an effort to make this magazine available on-line.
God's truth is amazing and in a world that is filled with all types of counterfeits it is vitally important that His truth be lifted for all to hear. The material I have told you about are two such venues where truth is given for all to hear.
Have a Great Day,
HGRudd
Two weeks from today is Christmas Day. Most of us will be blessed by God to be with our families and to celebrate the wonders of the joys of what this day means. While the shepherds could not have understood all that they were part of almost 2000 years ago they did know that they were witnessing something that was amazing. While you and I do not know what will come in the days and weeks in fronts of us know this the One who was born on that Christmas morning is the One who will bring the amazing and wonderful to our lives if we would simply come to Him.
There is a pastor I know in Pennsylvania who is putting out an excellent "magazine" that would do all of us good to receive. His name is Bruce Wilson and the "magazine" is called Truth In HD. You can contact Pastor Wilson at pastorbruce53@yahoo.com and I would encourage you to do so and get on his mailing list.
Many of you are probably not familiar with the magazine Truth Matters published by Pastor's Fellowship but it is certainly worth your time and effort to read. The cost is very minimal and you can contact the co-editors David DeVoll at davedevoll@yahoo.com orRichard Bradley skypilotwo@msn.com if you would like to receive a copy. In this particular issue there are articles that every family should read that pretain to raising children up for the King and not for the culture. If you cannot afford the cost of the magazine tell our editors to send me the bill for it and I will pay for one issue for you. I know that in the future when Pastor's Fellowship gets its website up there will be an effort to make this magazine available on-line.
God's truth is amazing and in a world that is filled with all types of counterfeits it is vitally important that His truth be lifted for all to hear. The material I have told you about are two such venues where truth is given for all to hear.
Have a Great Day,
HGRudd
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Hello Folks,
All around us are people getting ready for Christmas. Ruth and I will be going to viist our children and grandchildren as well as some friends who are very special to us. I am sure that most of you have particular plans for Christmas. The eating of dinner, the opening of gifts, the celebration of family, and, I pray, the wonders of the birth of Christ will be part of your Christmas. May we never forget in the midst of being with our families and friends that there is a wonderful Savior whose birth we are celebrating. Make sure you plan some way to bring Christ into the midst of your time with those you love and remind them of the Savior as well.
Every year it seems that our culture attempts to remove Christ from Christmas. This year the governor of one of the Northeast States decided that he would not allow a Christmas tree to be placed at the govenor's mansion but he called it a "holiday" tree. Different atheist organizations and the ACLU appear to have an agenda to make sure that Christ be excluded. I guess we could remind them of the story of a king who attempt to exclude Jesus from life itself and failed dramatically. We could tell them of people who have opposed Jesus and even crucified Him and then we could tell them the rest of the story about the resurrection. I realize that many will not believe it at all but know this the truth of the Savior will never be lost as long as Christians tell the story. Be a person who tells the story to those around you this year. Tell it to your children, your grandchildren, your friends, your neighbors and anyone else that you can. This is the most amazing story that has ever been given to mankind to tell and may God's glorious church be the "voice crying in the wilderness".
I pray that the joy of Christ be in your home this year.
H. G. Rudd
All around us are people getting ready for Christmas. Ruth and I will be going to viist our children and grandchildren as well as some friends who are very special to us. I am sure that most of you have particular plans for Christmas. The eating of dinner, the opening of gifts, the celebration of family, and, I pray, the wonders of the birth of Christ will be part of your Christmas. May we never forget in the midst of being with our families and friends that there is a wonderful Savior whose birth we are celebrating. Make sure you plan some way to bring Christ into the midst of your time with those you love and remind them of the Savior as well.
Every year it seems that our culture attempts to remove Christ from Christmas. This year the governor of one of the Northeast States decided that he would not allow a Christmas tree to be placed at the govenor's mansion but he called it a "holiday" tree. Different atheist organizations and the ACLU appear to have an agenda to make sure that Christ be excluded. I guess we could remind them of the story of a king who attempt to exclude Jesus from life itself and failed dramatically. We could tell them of people who have opposed Jesus and even crucified Him and then we could tell them the rest of the story about the resurrection. I realize that many will not believe it at all but know this the truth of the Savior will never be lost as long as Christians tell the story. Be a person who tells the story to those around you this year. Tell it to your children, your grandchildren, your friends, your neighbors and anyone else that you can. This is the most amazing story that has ever been given to mankind to tell and may God's glorious church be the "voice crying in the wilderness".
I pray that the joy of Christ be in your home this year.
H. G. Rudd
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Hello Folks,
Thanksgiving 2012 is over and we are now emersed in the Christmas season. On Thanksgiving evening I drove by Walmart and was surprised to see the parking lot absolutely full. I have been tolks that Black Friday was like that as well. I realize that the merchants needed that day to help them have profit for the year. According to what I have read yesterday was the largest day for purchasing on line in the entire year.
While many were getting ready for the Christmas season and purchasing the gifts that they will give their friends and loved ones I wonder if any of us gave much thought to the wonders of the season. What an amazing truth has been provided for us by God's Word in the Christmas account. Jesus Christ was born in the flesh and we celebrate that birth as a part of our lives. The Savior came to earth to save His people from their sins and all who so desire are given the opportunity of receiving His salvation.
Yet in the midst of that message, just as was the case on the morning of His earthly birth, people are running around and doing all the things of life. While the vast majority of people in that day failed to grasp the meaning of His birth so many in our day just see it as another holiday that enables us to get with our families and give and receive presents. I pray that God's glorious Church would use this time of year to point people to this wonderful Savior. That we would bother to explain the message of Jesus with those who will allow us discuss it with them. I also pray that those who will not talk about it with us will be impacted by the way we Christians live in and celebrate this season. Surely we will not come to the end of this Christmas season and merely say we had a wonderful time with out families when we could say we were able to help our family and friends to receive the amazing gift of God His Son Jesus Christ.
May He Bless You All,
HGRudd
Thanksgiving 2012 is over and we are now emersed in the Christmas season. On Thanksgiving evening I drove by Walmart and was surprised to see the parking lot absolutely full. I have been tolks that Black Friday was like that as well. I realize that the merchants needed that day to help them have profit for the year. According to what I have read yesterday was the largest day for purchasing on line in the entire year.
While many were getting ready for the Christmas season and purchasing the gifts that they will give their friends and loved ones I wonder if any of us gave much thought to the wonders of the season. What an amazing truth has been provided for us by God's Word in the Christmas account. Jesus Christ was born in the flesh and we celebrate that birth as a part of our lives. The Savior came to earth to save His people from their sins and all who so desire are given the opportunity of receiving His salvation.
Yet in the midst of that message, just as was the case on the morning of His earthly birth, people are running around and doing all the things of life. While the vast majority of people in that day failed to grasp the meaning of His birth so many in our day just see it as another holiday that enables us to get with our families and give and receive presents. I pray that God's glorious Church would use this time of year to point people to this wonderful Savior. That we would bother to explain the message of Jesus with those who will allow us discuss it with them. I also pray that those who will not talk about it with us will be impacted by the way we Christians live in and celebrate this season. Surely we will not come to the end of this Christmas season and merely say we had a wonderful time with out families when we could say we were able to help our family and friends to receive the amazing gift of God His Son Jesus Christ.
May He Bless You All,
HGRudd
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Hello Folks,
Well, Christmas Season will offically be here after this coming Thursday--Thanksgiving. It seems to me that this year has been racing by and I am left in the gate trying to figure out how my life is going by so quickly. While Christmas is obviously in the winter time of the year it seems to me to point to a time of life. God sent His only begotten Son so you and I could have life.
I have enjoyed the month of November in the life of our congregation. It is during the month of November that I preach a series of sermons on the family. It also appears that November is one of the best attended months of year in our congregation. This past Sunday we had a child dedication for a baby and two wonderful 5 year old twin boys all from the same family. You will never know how this thrills my heart when I see a couple that is dedicated to raising their children in a manner that is pleasing to God. I pray that the sermons that I have presented were anointed by God and that they will be of real benefit to families. If we can help families then we have a real opportunty to reach generations for God.
I have been a book, Mosaic, by Patrick Nachtigall and it has been very interesting. There are times where I question his conclusions, but it is very clear that he is speaking to Church of God pastors and leaders across the world and relating what he is hearing and seeing. I would encourage all of you to get the book and read it. You might come away like me feeling somewhat helpless or you might see it as indicating promise for the kingdom. It will be very interesting to see what will happen in the years to come.
As a pastor I often feel as if I am out of touch, or at least in the dark, where the future is concerned. It makes me question my decisions as well as the things that I hold as important. I for one think that is healthy as long as it does not move to a place of indecision. May I be found in His service as my life in this world slips away.
Have a great day,
H. G. Rudd
Well, Christmas Season will offically be here after this coming Thursday--Thanksgiving. It seems to me that this year has been racing by and I am left in the gate trying to figure out how my life is going by so quickly. While Christmas is obviously in the winter time of the year it seems to me to point to a time of life. God sent His only begotten Son so you and I could have life.
I have enjoyed the month of November in the life of our congregation. It is during the month of November that I preach a series of sermons on the family. It also appears that November is one of the best attended months of year in our congregation. This past Sunday we had a child dedication for a baby and two wonderful 5 year old twin boys all from the same family. You will never know how this thrills my heart when I see a couple that is dedicated to raising their children in a manner that is pleasing to God. I pray that the sermons that I have presented were anointed by God and that they will be of real benefit to families. If we can help families then we have a real opportunty to reach generations for God.
I have been a book, Mosaic, by Patrick Nachtigall and it has been very interesting. There are times where I question his conclusions, but it is very clear that he is speaking to Church of God pastors and leaders across the world and relating what he is hearing and seeing. I would encourage all of you to get the book and read it. You might come away like me feeling somewhat helpless or you might see it as indicating promise for the kingdom. It will be very interesting to see what will happen in the years to come.
As a pastor I often feel as if I am out of touch, or at least in the dark, where the future is concerned. It makes me question my decisions as well as the things that I hold as important. I for one think that is healthy as long as it does not move to a place of indecision. May I be found in His service as my life in this world slips away.
Have a great day,
H. G. Rudd
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Hello Folks,
This past week was a very important week for our nation. I am really not sure where the election results will take us as a nation but I must admit that some of the possibilities are not what I would have hoped. it seems that much of the legislation and actions by such groups as the EPA are designed to take our freedom away from us. I wonder what our nation will look like in another 20 years and what our children and grandchildren will think of our choices.
Yet that is not the most important thing that we need to consider. You see real freedom only comes through Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can really make you free. Early Christians faced an antagonistic government that actually took the lives of those who they felt were "dangerous" to their nation. If you were a Christian you would probably face persecution whether it was social, financial or political. Yet believers refused to give up their position of following Jesus and only worshiping Him! They knew that it would produce great difficulty and, possibly, death for them.
We also have Christians in other parts of our world that are already facing the refusal of jobs, going to prison and, even, death. We in the United States may have to face persecution if we are to see our nation turn back to God. I certainly do not want to see such things take place and neither am I suggesting that I am a prophet where this is concerned. But I pray that Gods' marvelous Church of God will rise up and show the world around us that there is no one like Jesus and that His blood was shed for them! Let us point people to Him and let us do so at whatever cost is demanded.
Have a Great Day,
HGRudd
This past week was a very important week for our nation. I am really not sure where the election results will take us as a nation but I must admit that some of the possibilities are not what I would have hoped. it seems that much of the legislation and actions by such groups as the EPA are designed to take our freedom away from us. I wonder what our nation will look like in another 20 years and what our children and grandchildren will think of our choices.
Yet that is not the most important thing that we need to consider. You see real freedom only comes through Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can really make you free. Early Christians faced an antagonistic government that actually took the lives of those who they felt were "dangerous" to their nation. If you were a Christian you would probably face persecution whether it was social, financial or political. Yet believers refused to give up their position of following Jesus and only worshiping Him! They knew that it would produce great difficulty and, possibly, death for them.
We also have Christians in other parts of our world that are already facing the refusal of jobs, going to prison and, even, death. We in the United States may have to face persecution if we are to see our nation turn back to God. I certainly do not want to see such things take place and neither am I suggesting that I am a prophet where this is concerned. But I pray that Gods' marvelous Church of God will rise up and show the world around us that there is no one like Jesus and that His blood was shed for them! Let us point people to Him and let us do so at whatever cost is demanded.
Have a Great Day,
HGRudd
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