About Us Blogs!
Why Be a Member of a Local Church?
[Pastor Jerry's Blog]
08/19/2010
By Jerry Barnard, Dr.
I read of the famous author Anne Rice stating: "Today I quit being a Christian. I’m out. I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being a "Christian" or part of Christianity."
Reading this caused me to explore the Bible and my own reasons for being a part of a local Church.
Reading the entire news release of Anne Rice I concluded that she could not agree with several of the stands being taken by the Church of which she was a member and therefore her "quitting Christianity" in effect was leaving the Catholic Church.
According to the research done by the Barna Group "Anne Rice is not alone." I quote the Barna Study; "she shares a spiritual profile with nearly 60 million other adults nationwide." With all the confusion in our nation today and the criticism of the church, what is the future of the local church?
During the 42 years that I have been a Pastor; this being my third church to plant, I have seen a massive shift in the styles, formats, and dedication and lack of dedication from the pulpit to the pew. It is a constant challenge for Christian people, including me, to observe all this and keep in harmony with the teachings of Jesus. It is evident that the Apostles of the 1st. Century followed the teachings of Jesus. Therefore I follow the teachings of the Apostles in the history of the Book of Acts Church and the Epistles written to the churches rather than “trends or fads”.
WHY BELIEVE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH IN OUR 21st CENTURY LIFESTYLE?
The Example of the Early Church
In the early church when individuals repented and believed in Christ, they were baptized and added to the church. There is evidence of church government and church discipline and many being added to the church.
Acts 20:28 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with his own blood.” (Read Acts 2:41-47; 16:4-5)
Jesus Created the Local Church for YOU!
The concept of all believers being a body is clear from 1 Cor 12. As a Pastor I desire that everyone find fulfillment in the fellowship and love at Horizon Church.
For Information: wwwthehorizonchurch.com
Why Do I Need a Church?
[Pastor Steven's Blog]
08/05/2010
By Admin, Admin
This is a question people often ask. A church is more than a building; it's a family. When you're hurting, when you're in need, when you're discouraged, where do you go? You go to your family. We are to fellowship with those of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1).
I spent the month of July on my own while my family traveled back to California to be with my wives parents and it reminded me of something that I was convinced of years ago - you can't make it on your own - everyone needs family!
One of the many blessings of having a Church home is having a Pastor. Everyone has a doctor, dentist, etc, but who is watching over your soul? The Pastor is there to watch over you and give you a covering you won't get from any other person or profession in the world. There are substitutes but why settle for less when it comes to your inner man a place restricted even to the best surgeon in the world, allow your life to be blessed by a Pastor who has been chosen by God to watch over the hearts of his children.
You need a place so you can learn the Word of God, ask questions, and learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit in a comfortable atmosphere. Come and experience the Manifest Presence of the Holy Spirit! Come out and hear the Word of God and be healed.
I don't have the space in this blog to give you all the blessings and benefits of having a Church home so join us in September for "welcome home" a month of Sunday's dedicated to helping you find your Church Home.
In His Service
Pastor Steven Barnard
God's Plan for His Creation
[Pastor Jerry's Blog]
03/23/2010
By Jerry Barnard, Dr.
Psalm 24:1-2 "The earth is the Lord's, and everything it it, the world, and all who live in it; For He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."
God has a non-changeable plan and that is to love His creation; and His creation includes you!!
God is the author and finisher of all things! He didn't create His world including people and then abandon it. My prayer for you today is that you will know the truth of ! John 4:16..."GOD IS LOVE". To carry out His love for you He founded His Church upon His Son Jesus Christ, the ROCK. You are invited to join the congregation at Horizon and experience that Divine Love.