Calvary Santa Fe Blog

Love or Liberties? - Pastor Travis New

2011-06-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

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)

“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)

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)

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?

It is to esteem the needs of others Philippians 2 puts it this way, “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.”

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? “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.” 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?

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?

Living in Community: An Absolute Necessity for living out God's Plan for your life

2011-06-01T10:24:00.001-07:00

When we first became Christians one of the blessed truths we came to know was that God had planned this all along for us. He lovingly planned to save us before He laid the foundations of the Earth. Yet, not only was it His plan to save us but also that we would know the joy of doing great works which He stored up for us.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.(Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

You see, God graciously planned special and noteworthy things for each of us to do in our lives. These are specific works that He designed for YOU and no one else. So, how do we know what these works are? How do we find out God's specific plan for our lives? One thing is for sure, it doesn't matter how many Bible searches you do, you won't find a chapter and verse with your name and mission spelled out. So, how is it that we come to know these "good works, which God prepared beforehand"?

I believe that the reason Paul didn't spell it out in the very next verse in Ephesians is because the people in the Ephesian church already knew the answer to this question. So to find the answer we've got to look at a letter that was written to some people struggling with this...Let's look at the book of Hebrews.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.(Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

What we find in this text from the Book fo Hebrews is simple: In order to be stirred up to "love and good works" we must "not neglect to meet together".

Community is a neccesity if we're going to walk in the good works God has planned for us. Surely, the works He's planned for you are not the works He's planned for me, but He's made it so that we need each other in order to find out what they are. Isn't that amazing!?! And no wonder that is the case, because the works you are called to do are NOT for you anyway. They are for others! God wants us to be servants of one another!

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:(1 Peter 4:10 ESV)

The bottom line is that if you are not involved in the church community you're never going to know what God's plan for your life really looks like. And if you never know what His plan looks like, then your not going to experience the blessing of living it. Join a Home Fellowship, invite brothers and sisters from church over to your homes often, serve in the church, this is the life God wants you to live.

Ken Hendricks
Worship Pastor

A Great Opportunity to Live the Gospel

2010-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

In 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
• 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.’

This is living the gospel, would you live out with me?

1 Pray how God would use you to show the love of Christ to the Haitian people
2 In faith do what God tells you do

Samaritans Purse, Children’s Hunger Fund, Haiti Rescue Center are all gospel spreading relief organizations

Pastor Paul

It Has Been Awhile

2010-01-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

So much has happened this last year. i will be posting how God has been glorified in my trials soon.

Please Pray for the Heitzigs

2009-07-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Lenya (Skips wife) they have found a mass in her abdomen
for more details and updates visit http://skipheitzig.blogspot.com/

A Plea for Consistency

2009-06-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

For 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 Fe

Thank You for being Faithful

2009-05-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord!!! He has such an awesome plan for our church

To those who are trusting the Lord, by attending serving and supporting, thank you!

Thank you for glorifying Jesus in your lives.

I praise God for the privilege of serving you

Pastor Paul

God is Blessing Our Church

2009-04-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!! God is doing so many radical things in our church.

We are unified in the gospel, living lives of godliness, holiness, and humility, living in community.

Let us pause right now to give God the glory!!!!

I am looking forward to see what God is going to accomplish this next year.

Jesus is the senior pastor of our church, and He has promised that the gates of hell will not prevail.

I just want everyone to know that whatever our Lord and savior expects from me I will be obedient to do.

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.

Please continue to pray for the pastors as well as our church

Pastor Paul

Board Meeting Update

2009-04-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

The 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!!!!

Pastor Paul

My Future at Calvary Santa Fe

2009-04-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow 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.

Pastor Paul

Sermons Via Video

2009-04-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'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.

Pastor Paul

Hoping In God

2009-03-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

It’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.

“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

Pastor Paul

Updates Coming Soon

2009-03-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

Mayo Clinic Update

2009-02-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

First 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.

At the Mayo I found out I might have Parkinson’s disease.

They don’t really know because the way my symptoms are showing is not a “normal” way Parkinson’s presents itself.

So I am to take medicine for Parkinson's to see if those symptoms get better.

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.

If the other symptoms don’t go away I could have something else wrong with me

So as of right now, I don’t know what is wrong. But at least we are trying to find out.

Again, thank you so much for your prayers and support.

As I get more information I will let you all know.

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.

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.

Please continue to pray for the Scozz family as well as Calvary Santa Fe

Your brother in Christ

Pastor Paul

Prayer and Fasting on February 24th

2009-02-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

Brothers and Sisters thank you for your prayers and support

My hope and prayer for our church is that we are godly, holy, and humble people with a heart for the lost.

Preaching the gospel with our lives and making an impact in our great city.

On February 24th I will go to the Mayo Clinic for the second time.

Just in case you haven’t heard I have been ill for the last two years and eight months

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.

That day I could not finish the first service message and had to go to the hospital.

Since then I have not taught consistently at Calvary Santa Fe

I’ve been to so many doctors and specialists over this time that haven’t a clue what is wrong

All this being said I would humbly ask you to fast and pray for me on February 24th

May God's will be done

Pastor Paul

My Assessment Of Calvary Santa Fe

2009-01-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

I was asked by a brother what my assessment of our Church is

This is not an exhaustive list

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.

Leadership
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

We Are Dedicated To:
Expositional Teaching – Teaching that expounds what scripture says in a particular passage. Carefully explaining its meaning and how it applies to the church

Biblical Theology – Being committed to know the God of the Bible as He has revealed Himself in Scripture

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)

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

Discipleship – Small groups, new believers classes, home fellowship groups are helping our church grow in godliness, holiness, and humility

Apologetics – Giving a defense for the faith (1 Peter 3:15)

Children’s Ministry – We are dedicated to the spiritual growth of our children. Our curriculum goes through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation

The Congregation
Single mindedness – the congregation has always attended church to worship, hear the word (no matter who is teaching), and serve Jesus Christ

Unity – the church is unified in many areas. One being the call to godly, holy, humble lives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patience – Although very difficult, our church is patiently waiting to see what God will accomplish in the trial set before us

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

Missions – Support for missions (financial as well as prayer and communication) has increased significantly

Para-church Ministries – Compassion international, operation Christmas child, angel tree, as well as others. has been very well supported in our church

Our Church is doing very well
Thank you Calvary Santa Fe

Pastor Paul

Praise in the Midst of Hardship

2009-01-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

It has been one hard week for the staff and I
Please pray for us
Our church is so blessed by God
Our church is godly, holy, and humble
I praise God for you my brothers and sisters

All for His Glory
Pastor Paul

How Barack Obama Will Make Christ a Minister of Condemnation

2009-01-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

At 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.

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.

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.

The implications of this are serious.

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.

The apostle Paul says,

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)

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

I agree with John Pipers January 17th Blog

Pastor Paul

Nine Ways to Pray for Your Soul

2009-01-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some ways to pray for yourself so that you're praying in sync with the way God works.

1. For the desire of my heart to be toward God and his Word.

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to gain. (Psalm 119:36)

2. For the eyes of my heart to be opened.

Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. (Psalm 119:18)

3. For my heart to be enlightened with these “wonders.”

[I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18)

4. For my heart to be united, not divided, for God.

O Lord, I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11)

5. For my heart to be satisfied with God and not with the world.

O satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14)

6. For strength in this joy, and endurance during the dark seasons.

[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)

7. For visible good deeds and works of love to others.

[I pray that you] will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord...bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:10)

8. For God to be glorified.

Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)

9. In Jesus’ name.

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)

Got this from Desiring God - Pastor Paul

Resolutions to Consider by God's Grace

2008-12-27T12:55:00.001-08:00

Every year I review Jonathan Edwards 70 resolutions to challenge my walk with God

I understand we can only accomplish what we reslove to accomplish by God's grace alone

Here are his first 20 resolutions
(he was 19 years old)

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.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.

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.

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.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

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.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

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.

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.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.

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.

17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

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.

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.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.

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)

God's Faithfulness

2008-12-17T23:21:00.001-08:00

I am excited about this coming year
While the world is worried about the current financial crisis
God has and will provide for His people at Calvary Santa Fe

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

When we moved to our new building giving went down 80%

Did God want our church to endure? Yes He has provided

Five years later we are still here and stronger than ever
Stronger? God by His grace has allowed us to cultivate unity, and the resolve to endure our current trial (My Illness)

Some have tried to make this trial harder by criticizing the pastors who have stepped up
Thank you Vic and Issac for answering the call, using your gifts and taking the shots

In spite of the dissenters desire to discourage, God is sovereign and what they intend for evil God intends for good
This will only make our leadership stronger - Romans 8:28

We have a lot to do in Santa Fe
The pastors and deacons will reveal New Years eve the vision for 2009

Please pray for 2009 that God will bless us with much fruit

Pastor Paul

The Gospel

2008-12-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

What is the Gospel?
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.

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).

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

The gospel is not merely an invitation it is a command to all those going their own ways. Will you heed the command?

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.

To Summarize:
Man was created to glorify God & Enjoy Him forever
"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)

Man has failed to glorify God & is under His just condemnation
"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)

Jesus fully bore the wrath and suffered the punishment sinners deserve
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.

All who, by the grace of God, turn to Jesus in submissive faith are forgiven
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.

Found this on the web
Pastor Paul

A Call For Community

2008-12-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

One of the challenges we have as pastors today is how to promote community to the congregation

People it seems “don’t have time” to attend home fellowships, pray services, etc

I often wonder if this “excuse” is a valid one since it is the bible that instructs us to live in community

Salvation is God's doing, therefore if we love Him for first loving us we will keep His commandments
• 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.”
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Brothers and sisters what is God's motivation for commanding us to fellowship?
• 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.”
• 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.”
• Acts 2:42 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
• Romans 12:10 10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
• 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.

Here are some reasons why
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

2 We are created in God's image and likeness and are therefore created for living in loving community

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?

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?

5 Accountability - 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 hold you accountable and help you overcome the sin in your life in love?

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

Pastor Paul

Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

I would first and foremost thank Jesus Christ for His grace towards me the chief of sinners

I am so thankful for my wife and children for remaining faithful and full of love during this difficult time

I am so thankful to the staff and deacons at Calvary
Thank you for your faithfulness

I am so thankful to all of those who volunteer and serve our church
You are awesome, thank you

I am so thankful for the church body Christ has given me
You are faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
You are godly, holy and humble
You have supported the assistant pastors as they use their gifts to preach the word

In the midst of our trial I want to thank you Calvary Santa Fe

Please continue to pray for God's will for our church

Pastor Paul

Ministry Opportunities

2008-11-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

I have been starving for an opportunity to minister lately

God has been faithful

I had an opportunity to minister to three correctional officers on Wednesday night

He also gave me the opportunity to minister to a homeless young man at Olive Garden tonight
(11-14-08)

Twenty eight years old and on the streets

I preached the gospel to him and he received Christ

To God be the glory!!!

Pray for Mark, that he finds a church when he gets back to California

Pastor Paul

Going To Mayo???

2008-11-11T22:51:00.000-08:00

Praise God!!!!! He by His grace has provided

My primary care Doc has given me a referral to the Mayo clinic

Now we need to pray that the insurance company approves it

If and when they do I then will make an appointment with the Mayo

Please pray that this will happen soon

Pastor Paul

Update

2008-11-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

I went to two neurologists over the last week they say I have Parkinson’s “like” symptoms
but it doesn't account for the “other” symptoms (Numbness, Vertigo, Pain)

I’ve been recommended to the Mayo clinic once again

I can’t tell you how challenging this trial is
Not being able to teach is the hardest part of this trial

It is my passion, my privilege, and my life

Thank you for standing with me Calvary Santa Fe!!!
Thank you for your resolve in this time of testing

My hope is that God will resolve this soon

Pastor Paul

Answering Questions

2008-10-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

I know there may be some who have questions as to what the future maybe for my role at Calvary

I would love to address any questions or concerns

Pastor Paul

Praise God For His Grace

2008-10-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

God gave us a half hour together last night
What a privilege it was to teach the word of God for a half hour
Oh it was difficult! But God was glorified!!

How you may ask?
I don’t deserve one minute
We don’t deserve one minute
We deserve the wrath of God
Yet, He gave us His grace last night
He gave us a half hour

And not only that but there will come a day when He will give us forever, eternal life

God is Good, God has a purpose for this trial…….Amen?

Jesus loves us more than we can imagine
Lets trust Him, love Him, and praise Him

Pastor Paul

Salt and Light

2008-10-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

The church is to be salt and light Jesus said

Matthew 5:13-16 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Are we truly living to the glory of God?

Are we truly living lives that show this hell bound world the love of Jesus?

We should be!!!!

The teachers said, “Boys here’s a watch. What is it for?” the children answered, “to tell time.” “Well,” he said, “suppose my watch does not tell time. What is it good for?” “good for nothing, sir.”

Then the teacher asked, “What is the chief end of man?” and they replied, “to glorify God.” “but suppose a man doesn't glorify God. What is he good for?” “good for nothing, sir.”

He gave His all, He died on the cross, He set us free, let’s give our all for His glory and be good for His kingdom.

Amen?

Pastor Paul

A Little History

2008-10-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

In June of 2006 Wendy, Samuel, Cameron and myself were in Florida visiting my mom (Grace) and three brothers (Mark, Brian and Troy). After three years of taking over Calvary Santa Fe I was tired and stressed.

I took over the church June 29th 2003 after the pastor committed adultery nine months earlier destroying the church.
The pastor who took over was put through the mill (death threats, personal attacks) and had felt the calling away from the church.

The Friday before the first Sunday I taught at Calvary Santa Fe I received a phone call. The man on the other end of the phone said “if you teach this Sunday it will be your last… Watch your back”.

That was the beginning of three years of hardship and heartbreak.

At the same time Calvary Albuquerque had pastoral issues and I was on the board of directors. Stress, stress, stress!!!!

So, I was in Florida taking my first vacation in three years and started to get numbness on the right side of my face. I just shook it off and didn’t think much about it, until I got back to Santa Fe. The numbness came on throughout my whole body very strong and very painful, my vision also changed (light sensitivity) These persist even now.

For the last two years I have seen many doctors with no diagnosis. MRI’s, CT Scans, X-rays and a Spinal Tap has doctors baffled.

By God's grace I have been able to teach Wednesdays, and Sundays for the last two years.

On Sunday August 24th 2008 I was unable to continue half way through the first service.

I am now suffering from vertigo on top of all the other issues.

I am pursuing new doctors and new tests having a strong desire to get back in the pulpit.

My faith is strong in Jesus!!

I trust Him, love Him, adore Him, worship Him

He is good, He is great, Praise Him with me Brothers and Sisters

Please pray for myself and my family.

Please pray for our church.

The church is healthy and strong, healed and godly.

God has blessed Calvary Santa Fe.

Pray for Vic, Issac, Woody, and Ken who have stepped up big time. For Krista, Julianne and Chandalee who are so valuable to the ministry.

I praise God for all He has and will accomplish in our church.

That’s where you the congregation comes in.

Serve Jesus by serving one another, support the church prayerfully and financially.

Step up and live out what we have been taught about God's goodness in the midst of suffering.

Live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am praying for you daily.

All For His Glory

Pastor Paul

Encouragement

2008-09-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

For those who are responding to this blog.......Thank you!!!

I need the brethren

I need to keep my eyes on Jesus

Your encouragement reminds me of the goodness and grace of God

Praise the Lord of grace!!!!

Pastor Paul

I Miss You

2008-09-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Brothers and Sisters

I’m going to see a specialist in October
There is still no diagnosis, but God has a plan

Please seek Him with all you have and ask Him how this trail is going to change you into Christ's image

I miss you so much

I am studying everyday getting ready to come back to the pulpit

But more than that, I am growing in His grace, learning to trust Him with everything

Pastor Paul

Good Days and Bad

2008-09-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday 9/24/08 was an awesome day!!
Praise the Lord
I opened up the service with prayer
And sat through Issacs great teaching in first John
Even got to minister afterwards

Today on the other hand has not been a good day
Please pray for patient endurance
God's grace is sufficient
My God be glorified in my weaknesses

All for His Glory

Pastor Paul

Email from Pastor Paul to the church

2008-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Good morning Calvary Santa Fe and good evening Pena Blanca

I want to let you know what is going on with my health and my return to the pulpit. As you know my health took a turn for the worse on Sunday August 24th. I am doing all I can by God's grace to obtain a diagnosis, seeing new doctors, having tests done, etc. As I continue to regain some strength I will attend church services and eventually teach again. I can't say exactly when that will be, but God's timing is perfect - Amen?

In the meantime please honor God's sovereign plan by growing in godliness, holiness and humility. Be patient with the process, and ask God to bless this time I am away. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Don't allow the enemy to distract you with worrying about tomorrow. Jesus said Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." He also said He would build His church and the gates of Hades would not prevail. I completely trust the Lord in the midst of my suffering, please do the same, and pray for myself, Wendy , Samuel, and Cameron.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though 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-Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

We have a blog site at calvarypastors.blogspot.com, I will be posting my progress on the site as well as here in our church. I love you with all of my heart, and look forward to returning to the pulpit soon.

All for His glory,
Paul