tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34325053801769418412024-02-20T15:34:25.413-08:00Calvary Santa Fe BlogLive the Gospel LifeCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-92219022479169092242013-03-15T08:27:00.003-07:002013-03-15T08:27:59.223-07:00ResourcesDon't forget that you can check out the sermon series from Sunday and Wednesday services online at <a href="http://calvarysantafe.org/teachings.php" target="blank">desiringjesus.org</a>.
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We also have plenty of <a href="http://calvarysantafe.org/teachings.php?search=topic&topic=Apologetics" target="blank">apologetic resources</a> that you can spend some time going through. We know you'll be blessed by these resources.Calvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-6047494626279780032013-01-08T13:40:00.001-08:002013-01-10T08:29:09.043-08:00The Advantage of SufferingFor some, the idea that suffering is advantageous might seem novel or even morbid. My reaction would be such that I would respond with, "how on earth can you say that me going through what I'm going through is an advantage?"<br />
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I like the simple, straightforward definition of suffering offered by the Dictionary of Bible themes, "The experience of pain or distress, both physical and emotional."<sup>1</sup><br />
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Suffering is a physical or emotional response to something that, to be candid, hurts. Reading this blog post, can you relate? An illness. Physical pain. A loved one lost. Emotional pain. Persecution for your beliefs. The despair that sin creates in your life. Depression in general. You know these things, and probably more.<br />
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From here, we all are wondering, "given the gravity of those aforementioned forms of suffering, why has the title not been changed? Why would someone hold to the concept of suffering as an advantage?"<br />
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Allow me to explain.<br />
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"For our limited, temporary affliction is producing in us an eternal weight of glory, beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:17)<br />
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Given the nature of 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, we know one thing Paul isn't communicating here. He is not saying your suffering is insignificant. He knows it's a big deal. The urgency of your situation is not removed. The severity of your situation is not diminished. The pain of your situation is still acute. The biblical writers have never placed a concept of suffering minimalism upon the necks of God's people.<br />
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Instead, what they do is maximize the life that you have with Christ. Both now and forever. What you will experience can be no clearer than what is meantioned Revelation 21:4. These words are meant to minister to you as you endure:<br />
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“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; those former things have passed away.<br />
And He who sits on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things better.'"<br />
(Revelation 21:4–5)<br />
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The God who commanded oceans (Job 38:8) and told waves to stop (Job 38:11) now—more than capably—bids the tears of His beloved people cease in the future life. As He has said before to the waves, "Thus far you shall come, but no farther; And here shall your proud waves stop" God commands our tears as such. Those moments where you felt more like the Psalmist, <span class="s1">“</span>I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears<span class="s1">” </span>(Psalms 6:6 NAS95) God Himself with the same storm-calming power but with the tender care of a Father, will wipe away your tears. No more death. No more grieving. Crying. Pain. Those are done away with. Even if it doesn't happen in this life, it will get better.<br />
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As breath-taking as that is, you may still be wondering, what is the <i>advantage</i> of suffering now? The starting point of the advantage of suffering is found in the removal of our sin through the suffering of our Savior:<br />
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“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:21–24 NAS95)<br />
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The first advantage of suffering is found in the greatest Sufferer, who suffered under the wrath of God, Jesus Christ. His suffering gave us the Gospel, and therefore salvation. But Christ suffered so as to leave us an example for us to follow, that is, that we too should suffer; and in fact, suffer as our Savior did. How marvelous a privilege to follow in the foot steps of the most valuable person in our lives? No wonder it is a gift of grace, "For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." (Philippians 1:29 NAS95) The fact that suffering produced the removal and forgiveness of our sins is a monumental advantage.<br />
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Even still, we may ask, "but what about <i>my </i>suffering?" And with that,<br />
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“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED.” (1 Peter 3:14 NAS95)<br />
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How many of us have asked for moments in which we would have "favorable" circumstances? "If I could just get rid of this suffering, my life would be better." No one expects this to be an easy embrace, but since this is what God wants us to know, it must be stated: if you are suffering, according to the word of God, you <i>are</i> in a favorable circumstance. The word for "blessed" in 1 Peter 3:14, means that. It means "privileged" or "fortunate". Peter's reason? It's found in 1 Peter 4:1,<br />
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“Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” (1 Peter 4:1 NAS95)<br />
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The most favorable circumstance that a person can be in, is the cessation of sin. Of course, we're not talking about sinless perfection—such is impossible this side of heaven—but rather, a life that devalues sin, and values Christ. Suffering, particularly the suffering of Christ, is a weapon that we can arm ourselves with to find obedience (what some call victory) over sin. How many have foolishly attempted to run away from the suffering, or difficulties of situations for something that looks so much better, only to miss out on the advantage of suffering?<br />
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Peter tells us further,<br />
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“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you [the suffering you're experiencing], which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 NAS95)<br />
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Too many people do the exact opposite of this. We know contextually to 1 Peter, that he does inform us of suffering that we add due to sin, and that is to be avoided, but the suffering that is because of Christ isn't something to run away from. 1 Peter 4:13, states that it is something to rejoice in. How many of us have stopped in our moments of suffering and instead of thinking, "this is because God doesn't like me" or "this is because God has forgotten about me" or "this is because I've done something wrong" that maybe if you are suffering it's because you're walking in a manner that is glorifying God? Maybe it's because you're doing something right.<br />
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We can't miss that perspective; suffering for Christ, means we're right where we need to be, and we're on the right road. In a lot of ways, those who are suffering shouldn't look to those who aren't with envy; in fact, maybe it needs to be the other way around. Those who are suffering are experiencing such a significantly valuable, quality of life that it's no wonder the Author of Hebrews could say the world isn't even worthy to have such people in their midst (Hebrews 11:36-40).<br />
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And Peter's not even done yet.<br />
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“but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” (1 Peter 4:16 NAS95)<br />
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The Greek for "ashamed" mentioned in verse 16 above means to not feel defeated. It means to not feel shame, or be disappointed. Don't be disappointed for suffering as a Christian ought to. Instead, recognize you're right in the best way to maximize the glory that God is to receive. You have reason to rejoice instead.<br />
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Still, Peter isn't finished.<br />
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“AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”<br />
(1 Peter 4:18–19 NAS95)<br />
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Are you having difficulty in this life as a believer? Please don't be taken off guard here, but that causes significant reason for rejoice because that's how the righteous are saved. Now you've been given occasion for something that so many people long for: assurance. The basic conclusion here is that those who suffer and are experiencing immense difficulties as believers are those who are being saved, and are on the right road, doing what is right, by the power of their faithful Creator. So much, considerably so much, is the ministry of suffering in the lives of believers.<br />
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Take heart, dear sufferer. God is more with you than you can imagine. And you yourself are being fashioned into a phenomenal vessel, well crafted and full of quality, and God is receiving what He desires from His people, His glory.<br />
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— Jeremy Menicucci <br />
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<b>Notes:</b><br />
1). Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 1999).Calvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-50535041925390621222013-01-07T14:08:00.001-08:002013-01-07T14:08:57.516-08:00Blog is BackI'm excited to announce that our blog is back up and running. I know for most people it may have been peculiar to go to our <a href="http://calvarysantafe.org/" target="_blank">website</a>, see the blog button on the upper left hand side, click on it, and notice that there haven't been any posts in awhile.<br />
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Luckily, you will now see regular postings. Please stay tuned!<br />
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– Jeremy MenicucciCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-28283841071036683422011-06-16T12:55:00.000-07:002011-06-17T08:53:15.089-07:00Love or Liberties? - Pastor Travis New<strong>A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) <br /> <br />“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. (John 15:12-14)<br /> <br />Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. (Ephesians 5:1-2)<br /> </strong><br /><br />Have you taken the time to consider what these passages mean? How they practically apply, to your life? Have you considered how they apply the body of Christ? They’re all teaching us the same thing; to love one another even as Christ loved and continues to love us. But that raises a significant question for us doesn’t it? It begs us to ask; how did Christ love us? How does He continue to love us? The answer for that question is a simple one. He loved us sacrificially. He laid Down His life! For us! He endured the mockery of a trial, the scourging of sinful men, the long walk to Golgotha, the agony of the crucifixion, the full wrath of God and eventually death. For us! Brothers, Sisters, this is the love that these passages of scripture command us to emulate. We are to love one another sacrificially. Do you see that Christian? Do you see the clear command of your Savior? <br /><br />It is to esteem the needs of others Philippians 2 puts it this way, <strong>“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” </strong><br /><br />So, Biblical Love, Christ like Love, Christian love is to sacrifice your rights, liberties, and desires for the needs of others. Is that not what Christ did? <strong>“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” </strong>Jesus humbled Himself! He didn’t count equality with God a thing to be grasped; He didn’t try to hold on to His divine rights or prerogatives, He laid them down, He laid them down to bring about your redemption, He laid them down to love you. Brothers, Sisters, if that is so, if that is the truest expression of Biblical Love why are we so quick to pursue our liberties? Why are we looking for our own? Why are we not considering the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Why are they not more precious than our liberties? If we are called to love sacrificially, shouldn’t we be willing to give it all up for the sake of the church that our Savior bleed and died for? <br /><br />Will you Christian? Will you consider your weaker brothers and sisters? Will you lay it all down and live selflessly for Jesus? That is what He commands, will you do it?Calvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-35461394999461947592010-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:002010-01-18T15:26:23.298-08:00A Great Opportunity to Live the GospelIn John 13:35 Jesus after washing the disciples feet said “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” This love is self sacrificial, not self satisfying. God has given us a huge opportunity to do just that. It comes in the form of the current disaster in Haiti. What have you sacrificed for the sake of loving the Haitian people? Many of us cannot go to Haiti, but has that even crossed your mind? What I mean is if someone gave you the means to go would you? Praying is an awesome responsibility but what about doing? We should not go on as to why this happened but because it happened what would God have us do. Remember what Jesus also said <br />• Matthew 25:35-45 35for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ 41“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 44“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’<br /><br />This is living the gospel, would you live out with me?<br /><br />1 Pray how God would use you to show the love of Christ to the Haitian people<br />2 In faith do what God tells you do<br /><br />Samaritans Purse, Children’s Hunger Fund, Haiti Rescue Center are all gospel spreading relief organizations<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-62915295984166169082010-01-13T16:24:00.000-08:002010-01-13T16:26:19.246-08:00It Has Been AwhileSo much has happened this last year. i will be posting how God has been glorified in my trials soon.Calvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-88882657153935732322009-07-02T17:57:00.000-07:002009-07-02T17:59:43.251-07:00Please Pray for the HeitzigsPlease pray for Lenya (Skips wife) they have found a mass in her abdomen<br />for more details and updates visit http://skipheitzig.blogspot.com/Calvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-62591525334030657902009-06-17T12:31:00.000-07:002009-06-25T21:03:03.295-07:00A Plea for ConsistencyFor six years by Gods grace the pastoral staff has served the church of Calvary Santa Fe. Even now we are doing all we can to serve the church under great physical as well as spiritual trial. Many of you are standing with us, thank you. But what has been revealed is that many who have called Calvary their church have, to say the least been inconsistent. If Calvary Santa Fe is your church may I plead with you to be consistent? Attend, serve, give, and bring glory to the name of the Lord. The devil would want nothing more than for our church to become ineffective. We, as long as we have breath will fight against the enemy. Will you join arms with us? Please pray for Calvary Santa FeCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-27501378839288909612009-05-06T11:17:00.000-07:002009-05-06T11:23:05.545-07:00Thank You for being FaithfulPraise the Lord!!! He has such an awesome plan for our church<br /><br />To those who are trusting the Lord, by attending serving and supporting, thank you!<br /><br />Thank you for glorifying Jesus in your lives. <br /><br />I praise God for the privilege of serving you<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-12907755491342050242009-04-25T12:05:00.000-07:002009-04-25T12:17:09.930-07:00God is Blessing Our ChurchI am so excited!! God is doing so many radical things in our church.<br /><br />We are unified in the gospel, living lives of godliness, holiness, and humility, living in community. <br /><br />Let us pause right now to give God the glory!!!! <br /><br />I am looking forward to see what God is going to accomplish this next year.<br /><br />Jesus is the senior pastor of our church, and He has promised that the gates of hell will not prevail. <br /><br />I just want everyone to know that whatever our Lord and savior expects from me I will be obedient to do. <br /><br />I take very seriously the call and responsibilities He has entrusted to me and I am seeking His face when it comes to our church. <br /><br />Please continue to pray for the pastors as well as our church<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-68169951319193689262009-04-21T20:07:00.000-07:002009-04-21T20:12:28.191-07:00Board Meeting UpdateThe meeting went well, we cut the budget (ouch)and put together a plan to help me have the time i need to get a diagnosis. thank you for your prayers God answered them. to Him be the glory!!!!<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-39872549653092177452009-04-19T17:02:00.000-07:002009-04-19T17:08:08.302-07:00My Future at Calvary Santa FeTomorrow is a big day. The board of directors (Dave Row, Victor Lucero, Leonard Maestas, Dion Cordova, and myself) will be discussing my future at Calvary as well as making financial decisions. Giving is down and we need to set a new budget. Please pray for the board that God will grant us wisdom.<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-74490985559559733452009-04-06T16:40:00.000-07:002009-04-06T16:47:33.758-07:00Sermons Via VideoI've had some good days lately (Praise the Lord). Yet not consistent enough to commit to teaching regularly. I have taught and recorded the teachings on video and have played for a Wednesday and a Sunday service. The response was very unexpected, you loved it. This has encouraged me to do as much as I can via video until I get a handle on my sickness. Thank you for your support!!!!!!!! Hope to be teaching “live” soon.<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-91694315078783586582009-03-27T12:23:00.000-07:002009-03-27T12:25:49.801-07:00Hoping In GodIt’s been a while since I posted anything to this blog. Not much really to say, since I’ve been getting used to the Parkinson's medicine. I’ve got an eye infection in my right eye which makes it blurry. No change in my condition yet. I would still covet your prayers.<br /><br />“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace, nor are your best days ever so good that you are beyond the need of it.” - Jerry Bridges, Discipline of Grace<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-10111841776359279752009-03-15T22:28:00.000-07:002009-03-16T00:12:41.045-07:00Updates Coming SoonCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-16150718085515235112009-02-28T13:40:00.000-08:002009-02-28T13:42:24.369-08:00Mayo Clinic UpdateFirst of all, thank you so much for all your prayers and support. My family and I are humbled that you would be so diligent and loving, brothers and sisters in Christ. <br /><br />At the Mayo I found out I might have Parkinson’s disease. <br /><br />They don’t really know because the way my symptoms are showing is not a “normal” way Parkinson’s presents itself. <br /><br />So I am to take medicine for Parkinson's to see if those symptoms get better. <br /><br />If they do it means I have it, and if all the other symptoms get better as well then I just got it a weird way. <br /><br />If the other symptoms don’t go away I could have something else wrong with me<br /><br />So as of right now, I don’t know what is wrong. But at least we are trying to find out.<br /><br />Again, thank you so much for your prayers and support. <br /><br />As I get more information I will let you all know.<br /><br />These passages have been a huge help to me, I have been in very hard place for a long time but God is good, He is the lover of my soul, and promises it will all work together for good. <br /><br />Habakkuk 3:17-18 17Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— 18Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.<br /><br />Please continue to pray for the Scozz family as well as Calvary Santa Fe<br /><br /><br />Your brother in Christ<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-9450133210374998982009-02-14T13:33:00.000-08:002009-02-14T13:58:15.441-08:00Prayer and Fasting on February 24thBrothers and Sisters thank you for your prayers and support <br /><br />My hope and prayer for our church is that we are godly, holy, and humble people with a heart for the lost. <br /><br />Preaching the gospel with our lives and making an impact in our great city.<br /><br />On February 24th I will go to the Mayo Clinic for the second time.<br /><br />Just in case you haven’t heard I have been ill for the last two years and eight months<br /><br />It started June 2 2006. I was able to still preach on Wednesdays as well as two services on Sunday until Sunday August 24th 2008. <br /><br />That day I could not finish the first service message and had to go to the hospital. <br /><br />Since then I have not taught consistently at Calvary Santa Fe<br /><br />I’ve been to so many doctors and specialists over this time that haven’t a clue what is wrong<br /><br />All this being said I would humbly ask you to fast and pray for me on February 24th <br /><br />May God's will be done<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-47693712647822339912009-01-30T16:11:00.000-08:002009-01-30T18:48:24.888-08:00My Assessment Of Calvary Santa FeI was asked by a brother what my assessment of our Church is<br /><br />This is not an exhaustive list<br /><br />1 Timothy 3:15 I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.<br /><br />Leadership<br />Unity among the leadership – Everything we have done and are doing has always depended on the unity of the pastors as well as the deacons here at Calvary <br /><br />We Are Dedicated To:<br />Expositional Teaching – Teaching that expounds what scripture says in a particular passage. Carefully explaining its meaning and how it applies to the church <br /><br />Biblical Theology – Being committed to know the God of the Bible as He has revealed Himself in Scripture <br /><br />Doctrine – Doctrine means “good teaching”. Doctrines are the non-negotiables of the Christian faith (i.e. The Trinity, The Resurrection, salvation by grace through faith alone) <br /><br />Church Discipline - Each local church actually has a biblical responsibility to judge the life and teaching of its leaders, and even of its members, particularly insofar as either could compromise the church’s witness to the gospel<br /><br />Discipleship – Small groups, new believers classes, home fellowship groups are helping our church grow in godliness, holiness, and humility<br /><br />Apologetics – Giving a defense for the faith (1 Peter 3:15)<br /><br />Children’s Ministry – We are dedicated to the spiritual growth of our children. Our curriculum goes through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation <br /><br />The Congregation<br />Single mindedness – the congregation has always attended church to worship, hear the word (no matter who is teaching), and serve Jesus Christ <br /><br />Unity – the church is unified in many areas. One being the call to godly, holy, humble lives<br /><br />Passion for the Gospel – We hear testimonies of those who preach the gospel to themselves as well as to the lost in their families, coworkers, and friends<br /><br />Compassion – I have been ill since June of 2006. Since then I have received so much encouragement from the congregation. Not only myself but to all who have presented a need<br /><br />Evangelism – Many invite family members and friends to church to hear the Gospel. We have had many people come to Christ this last month as a result<br /><br />Prayer – Our prayer chain is expanding every day. We have many who commit to prayer for all the prayer needs. In our men’s prayer on Tuesday mornings the men of the church pray for all the prayer requests we get during the week<br /><br />Servanthood - We serve God for what He has done. Servanthood than is the result of making Jesus the Lord of our lives. There are many people who are responding to God's grace by serving the body at Calvary<br /><br />Hospitality – People who attend our church for the first time have commented to me that our church is full of people who are genuinely concerned for their needs<br /><br />Resiliency – In most cases, when a pastor gets ill the church seems to dwindle and puts tremendous pressure on the pastor to “get someone else”. Here at Calvary by God's grace our congregation has had the ability to adjust to the changes that have taken place<br /><br />Patience – Although very difficult, our church is patiently waiting to see what God will accomplish in the trial set before us <br /><br />Fellowship – There was a time when the services ended people headed for the door. Not so today, people can be seen hanging out an hour after service. Men’s ministry, women’s ministry, home fellowships, etc are constantly growing<br /><br />Missions – Support for missions (financial as well as prayer and communication) has increased significantly <br /><br />Para-church Ministries – Compassion international, operation Christmas child, angel tree, as well as others. has been very well supported in our church <br /><br />Our Church is doing very well<br />Thank you Calvary Santa Fe<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-75300359895250067792009-01-27T18:24:00.000-08:002009-01-27T18:27:15.424-08:00Praise in the Midst of HardshipIt has been one hard week for the staff and I <br />Please pray for us<br />Our church is so blessed by God<br />Our church is godly, holy, and humble<br />I praise God for you my brothers and sisters<br /><br />All for His Glory<br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-57302704989667793902009-01-17T11:39:00.000-08:002009-01-17T11:42:12.289-08:00How Barack Obama Will Make Christ a Minister of CondemnationAt Barack Obama’s request, tomorrow in the Lincoln Memorial, Gene Robinson, the first openly non-celibate homosexual bishop in the Episcopal Church, will deliver the invocation for the inauguration kick-off. <br /><br />This is tragic not mainly because Obama is willing to hold up the legitimacy of homosexual intercourse, but because he is willing to get behind the church endorsement of sexual intercourse between men. <br /><br />It is one thing to say: Two men may legally have sex. It is another to say: The Christian church acted acceptably in blessing Robinson’s sex with men. <br /><br />The implications of this are serious. <br /><br />It means that Barack Obama is willing, not just to tolerate, but to feature a person and a viewpoint that makes the church a minister of damnation. Again, the tragedy here is not that many people in public life hold views (like atheism) that lead to damnation, but that Obama is making the church the minister of damnation. <br /><br />The apostle Paul says, <br /><br />Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves , nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) <br /><br />What is Paul saying about things like adultery, greed, stealing, and homosexual practice? As J. I. Packer puts it, “They are ways of sin that, if not repented of and forsaken, will keep people out of God’s kingdom of salvation.” (Christianity Today, January 2003, p. 48). <br /><br />In other words, to bless people in these sins, instead of offering them forgiveness and deliverance from them, is to minister damnation to them, not salvation. <br /><br />The gospel, with its forgiveness and deliverance from homosexual practice, offers salvation. Gene Robinson, with his blessing and approval of homosexual practice, offers damnation. And he does it in the name of Christ. <br /><br />It is as though Obama sought out a church which blessed stealing and adultery, and then chose its most well-known thief and adulterer, and asked him to pray. <br /><br />One more time: The issue here is not that presidents may need to tolerate things they don’t approve of. The issue is this: In linking the Christian ministry to the approval of homosexual activity, Christ is made a minister of condemnation. <br /><br />I agree with John Pipers January 17th Blog<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-65709303396745798132009-01-02T14:19:00.000-08:002009-01-02T14:23:02.503-08:00Nine Ways to Pray for Your SoulHere are some ways to pray for yourself so that you're praying in sync with the way God works. <br /><br />1. For the desire of my heart to be toward God and his Word. <br /><br />Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to gain. (Psalm 119:36) <br /><br />2. For the eyes of my heart to be opened. <br /><br />Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. (Psalm 119:18) <br /><br />3. For my heart to be enlightened with these “wonders.” <br /><br />[I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18) <br /><br />4. For my heart to be united, not divided, for God. <br /><br />O Lord, I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11) <br /><br />5. For my heart to be satisfied with God and not with the world. <br /><br />O satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14) <br /><br />6. For strength in this joy, and endurance during the dark seasons. <br /><br />[I pray that God] would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16) <br /><br />7. For visible good deeds and works of love to others. <br /><br />[I pray that you] will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord...bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:10) <br /><br />8. For God to be glorified. <br /><br />Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9) <br /><br />9. In Jesus’ name. <br /><br />He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? (Romans 8:32) <br /><br />Got this from Desiring God - Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-87997972701484876032008-12-27T12:55:00.001-08:002008-12-27T13:04:17.094-08:00Resolutions to Consider by God's GraceEvery year I review Jonathan Edwards 70 resolutions to challenge my walk with God<br /><br />I understand we can only accomplish what we reslove to accomplish by God's grace alone<br /><br />Here are his first 20 resolutions <br />(he was 19 years old)<br /><br /><br />1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.<br /><br />2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.<br /><br />3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.<br /><br />4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.<br /><br />5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.<br /><br />6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.<br /><br />7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.<br /><br />8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.<br /><br />9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.<br /><br />10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.<br /><br />11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.<br /><br />12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.<br /><br />13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.<br /><br />14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.<br /><br />15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.<br /><br />16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.<br /><br />17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.<br /><br />18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.<br /><br />19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.<br /><br />20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.<br /><br />21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)Calvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-66440948274713982222008-12-17T23:21:00.001-08:002008-12-18T00:03:22.125-08:00God's FaithfulnessI am excited about this coming year <br />While the world is worried about the current financial crisis <br />God has and will provide for His people at Calvary Santa Fe<br /><br />When I came to Santa Fe the church was in shambles, I inherited a $250,000.00 lawsuit, and a church that was devastated by the adultery of the former pastor<br /><br />When we moved to our new building giving went down 80% <br /><br />Did God want our church to endure? Yes He has provided<br /><br />Five years later we are still here and stronger than ever<br />Stronger? God by His grace has allowed us to cultivate unity, and the resolve to endure our current trial (My Illness) <br /><br />Some have tried to make this trial harder by criticizing the pastors who have stepped up <br />Thank you Vic and Issac for answering the call, using your gifts and taking the shots<br /><br />In spite of the dissenters desire to discourage, God is sovereign and what they intend for evil God intends for good<br />This will only make our leadership stronger - Romans 8:28<br /><br />We have a lot to do in Santa Fe<br />The pastors and deacons will reveal New Years eve the vision for 2009<br /><br />Please pray for 2009 that God will bless us with much fruit<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-28132138160404202842008-12-13T11:27:00.000-08:002008-12-13T11:29:08.143-08:00The GospelWhat is the Gospel? <br />The gospel is not something man made up or a well-informed opinion, but is good news directly revealed from Almighty God regarding what He has done in Jesus Christ to rescue all those who have called on His name. Yes, it is a divine rescue, a complete deliverance ... not advice, not a moral improvement program, nor a philosophy of life, since we need sovereign mercy, not assistance. The whole frame of the house is rotten and corrupt and nothing of the old frame will serve; all must be made new. Our fallen condition and darkened heart has rendered us unwilling, powerless and impotent to even lift a finger toward our own salvation. So all you poor and broken hearted, (the spiritual bankrupt who have lost all confidence in their own efforts) ... abandon despair and banish your laments because of what the Highest has done this day in sending the Eternal Son, Jesus Christ the Messiah to deliver His people from their sins. <br /><br />The gospel is not about any merit I have on my own, but is based upon Jesus' merit alone. It is not what we have done for Jesus, but what Jesus has done for us (Rom 5:19, 2 Cor 5:21, Phil 2:8). <br /><br />Where Adam failed, Jesus prevailed. It is God's promise to us, not our ability to keep our promise to Him. In the covenant rainbow sign with Noah, God says He "remembers" never to flood the world this way again, so likewise in the covenant in Christ's blood, God "remembers" not to treat us as we justly deserve for our sins. <br /><br />The mystery of God has been made manifest in the Person and work of the Son, who, in his wrath absorbing sacrifice, frees the prisoners, gives sight to the blind, breaks loose the chains and changes hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. We were taken captive to do Satan's will and could not escape until Christ set us free. In other words, Christ, in His cross work, does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He lived the perfect life that we should have lived and died the death we should have died, in order to free us so that we might then proclaim His excellencies, make known his gospel and spread justice and mercy to the poor. <br /><br />Dr. Tim Keller once said "...the gospel is news about what God has already been done for you, rather than instruction and advice about what you are to do for God. The primacy of his work, not our work, is part of the essence of faith. In other religions, God reveals to us how we can find or achieve salvation. In Christianity, God achieves salvation for us. The gospel brings news primarily, rather than instruction. " ...the gospel is all about historic events, and thus it has a public character. "It identifies Christian faith as news that has significance for all people, indeed for the whole world, not merely as esoteric understanding or insight." [Brownson, p. 46] ...if Jesus is not risen from the dead, Christianity does not "work". The gospel is that Jesus died and rose for us. If the historic events of his life did not happen, then Christianity does not "work" for the good news is that God has entered the human "now" (history) with the life of the world to come....the gospel is news about what God has done in history to save us, rather than advice about what we must do to reach God. The gospel is news that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection in history has achieved our salvation...Jesus does not just bring good news; he is the good news." <br /><br />Jesus is Lord and creator - the only rightful king of all creation ... king of all things both seen and unseen. To those who worship the false idols of their hearts (any God-replacement) take heed ... Jesus will soon be invading with His armies and will overthrow his enemies and all injustice with the breath of His mouth. <br /><br />But He is offering pardon in advance of His invasion to all those who receive Him (John 1:12, 13). Those who have joined themselves to Him now before He invades will be considered His ally and He will raise them up to be co-heirs with Christ as sons. The alternative is to be under the wrath of the king. We herald this announcement: that the True King is on the throne and he'll be invading. <br /><br />The gospel is not merely an invitation it is a command to all those going their own ways. Will you heed the command? <br /><br />Jesus is Lord, repent and believe." But because of the blindness sin has cast over us, Jesus says, no one can believe in Him unless the Father grants it through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (John 6:63-65). So those who, by the grace of God, trust in Jesus and His work can be assured, on the sure testimony of Scripture, that their sins are forgiven and have the promise of God: eternal life. <br /><br />To Summarize:<br />Man was created to glorify God & Enjoy Him forever<br />"Worthy are you, our Lord and our God to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things." (Rev 4:11) "Do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31)<br /><br />Man has failed to glorify God & is under His just condemnation<br />"For all have sinned..." (Rom 3:23) The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23) "These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction" (2 Thes 1:9)<br /><br />Jesus fully bore the wrath and suffered the punishment sinners deserve<br />Not wishing that sinners perish forever, God determined to save a people for Himself in the Eternal Son who became a man and lived the life we should have lived and died the death we justly deserve. God loves sinners and sent His Son to be the wrath absorbing sacrifice for their sin (1 John 4:10; John 6:37) he "...gave His life as a ransom for many" (Mk 10:45) & "rose again" from the dead (2 Cor 5:15) on their behalf.<br /><br />All who, by the grace of God, turn to Jesus in submissive faith are forgiven <br />If you confess you are a sinner in need of Christ then God has begun to work in you a life-changing, eternally satisfying relationship with Himself! "Repent and believe the gospel (Mk 1:5) "In Your presnece is fullness of Joy (Ps 16:11). If your trust is in Jesus alone for your salvation (that is, you have no hope save for Christ's mercy) then you can be assured that your sins are forgiven and He has granted you eternal life. <br /><br />Found this on the web<br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3432505380176941841.post-88176692108299720892008-12-05T13:47:00.000-08:002008-12-06T10:56:53.282-08:00A Call For CommunityOne of the challenges we have as pastors today is how to promote community to the congregation<br /><br />People it seems “don’t have time” to attend home fellowships, pray services, etc<br /><br />I often wonder if this “excuse” is a valid one since it is the bible that instructs us to live in community <br /><br />Salvation is God's doing, therefore if we love Him for first loving us we will keep His commandments<br />• John 14:21 21He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”<br />• Ephesians 1:2-6 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.<br />• 1 Corinthians 6:20 20For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.<br />• Colossians 1:13-14 13He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.<br /><br />Brothers and sisters what is God's motivation for commanding us to fellowship?<br />• Mark 12:32-33 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”<br />• John 13:34-35 34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”<br />• Acts 2:42 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.<br />• Romans 12:10 10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;<br />• Hebrews 10:25 25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.<br /><br />Here are some reasons why<br />1 It is not good for man to be alone. God is triune, the Father, Son and Spirit, therefore God is a God of community <br /><br />2 We are created in God's image and likeness and are therefore created for living in loving community <br /><br />3 Support – If we are not living in loving community how then can we be ministered to? Another words if I don’t know what you struggle with, how can I use my gifts to support you?<br /><br />4 Care - If we are not living in loving community how then can we be ministered to? Another words if I don’t know what your needs are, how can I use my gifts to care for you?<br /><br />5 Accountability - If we are not living in loving community how then can we be ministered to? <br />Another words if I don’t know what you struggle with, how can I use my gifts to hold you accountable and help you overcome the sin in your life in love?<br /><br />So, for those of you who “don’t have time” …….. Repent, if you are a Christian you will change your mind and live in loving community by attending a home fellowship, opening up your home to the brethren, and or, signing up for dinner for 8<br /><br />Pastor PaulCalvary Santa Fehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13772819368252524502noreply@blogger.com0