Winona Lake Free Methodist Church

Welcome

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:18:24 +0000

Welcome to the Winona Lake Free Methodist Church home page! How may we help you? That is the question that we constantly seek to answer for you. We have several ministries that you can find out more about by browsing these pages. We have opportunities for all ages to be involved, to grow deeper in your faith, and to reach out to others. We believe we can do better together.

So, how may we help you? Feel free to contact us and let us know.

Pastor Roland’s Recent Thoughts

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:45:24 +0000

On Palm Sunday, we were reminded that the people of Jerusalem were
celebrating the arrival of their king when they welcomed Jesus with songs
and waving palm branches in what is called his triumphal entry. However,
very few of those present and celebrating on that day really understood what
the implications of Christ Jesus’ reign would be. Even Jesus’ specially
chosen twelve apostles did not yet understand what Jesus had been teaching
them concerning the kingdom of heaven. Most were hoping Jesus would reign as Messiah over an earthly kingdom. They were hoping for the glory days of David and Solomon (the good old days) to be restored in Israel.
They were hoping that their daily lives would soon be made easier and more
prosperous.

Yet, when Jesus proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is
near,” he was referring to a spiritually-based kingdom in which the Lord God
rules in individual hearts and the qualities of holiness and love centered
in the nature of God are constantly displayed through the lives of his
subjects. Jesus wanted his disciples (including those who follow him by
faith today) to understand that he was calling them to live for the things
of heavenly and eternal value, rather than the things of this world that
eventually will pass away.
That can be a hard concept for us to adopt and practice in our lives.
It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of life in this
fallen world and to set our affections on the things of this world that we
push thoughts of the kingdom of heaven to the back of our minds and do not
really let them affect our attitudes, worldview, priorities and actions.
That is why Jesus went about teaching concerning the kingdom of heaven
during his earthly ministry.
He told parables (illustrative stories) about the kingdom of heaven to
help people begin to understand. He preached concerning the kingdom of
heaven, contrasting the ways of this world with the ways of God’s kingdom
(see the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7). He demonstrated the qualities
and priorities of the kingdom of God through his own life. Even after his
death and resurrection, he continued to try to help his followers understand
what his earthly life and ministry were all about. Acts 1:3 says, “He
appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of
God.”
Over the next several weeks we are going to continue looking into the
Scriptures to see what they teach us about the kingdom of heaven. I
encourage you to pray about these things-asking God to open your heart and
mind to the realities of his kingdom and to help you live for his kingdom.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 14:17 that the kingdom of God is a matter
of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. That sounds much more
satisfying than the alternatives on which we so often set our hearts. Let’s
pursue it together in Christ Jesus for the glory of God!
We love you and we are glad to serve in Christ’s kingdom with you, Pastor
Roland and Elaine Kramer

Pastor Rick’s Recent Thoughts

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:50:30 +0000

I don’t want to go all Kevin Bacon circa 1984 on you, when he starred in
Footloose and read from Ecclesiastes 3 and single-handedly revitalized a
town by reminding them that there is, indeed, a time to dance. Of course,
Solomon the author of Ecclesiastes, wrote about several other things that
need a time and space as well. But Kevin Bacon can only star in so many
iconic roles.
Yet there are times and reasons to celebrate. And it’s not just Solomon and
Mr. Bacon that think so. David wrote of generation telling generation of
God’s mighty acts and celebrating God’s goodness (Psalm 147:4-7). David is
clearly a man after God’s own heart on this issue, because the Old Testament
Law records at least one month each year of celebrating that the Israelites
were to participate in for God’s glory.

So what are the reasons not to frown on a good party?

First, it takes us out of the mundane, allowing us to refocus on what is
important. In the case of the Israelites and the Old Testament Law, that was
focusing on how God was the giver of all good gifts. If you want to know
just how important this was to God, check out Leviticus 25, where God lays
down the law about Sabbath years and the Year of Jubilee. They were more
than just year-long parties, but reminders of how God was actually providing
everything they needed.

Maybe taking a year off is out of the realm of possibility for you, but how
about this for a reason? A second reason is letting everyone around us know
that we have something (and Someone) to celebrate. The disciples of Jesus
were seen in stark contrast to the students of the Pharisees because they
weren’t practicing fasting. But as Jesus pointed out, you don’t fast when
you’re at a wedding (Matthew 9:14-15).

On Sunday, May 6, we’ll be throwing a party for the college students in our
college ministry. It might be hard to believe, but YOUturn is now a full 4
years old. That’s 4 years of intentionally inviting the Grace students
across the street to join us. That’s 4 years of seeing them serve in many
and various ways. That’s 4 years of Bible studies and unique events. And
yes, that’s 4 years we’ve held a Root Beer Float welcome in the fall, an
event that is noticed and even envied by onlookers.

Come and celebrate with us, honoring the graduates for their hard work.
Let’s be thankful for the time we have had with each of them.

*To see more of what is going through Rick’s head, or to continue this
discussion, follow him at www.ricknierwoo.blogspot.com