Six Major Religious Trends in America

The Changing Religious Climate in America

According to the Barna Group, an analysis of research from the past year reveals six major religious trends in America. These "megathemes," as Barna calls them, should encourage Christian leaders to "revisit their criteria for 'success' and the measures used to assess it." According to Barna, the research also reveals that, "In a society in which choice is king, there are no absolutes, every individual is a free agent, we are taught to be self-reliant and independent, and Christianity is no longer the automatic, default faith of young adults."

The six trends that Barna identified are:

1.The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate. For example, research in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2.Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented. Less than one-third of born again Christians planned to invite anyone to join them at a church event during the Easter season.
3.Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life. Spiritual practices like contemplation, solitude, silence, and simplicity are rare, while the importance of lifestyle comfort, success, and personal achievements is growing.
4.Among Christians, interest in participating in community action is escalating. Christians are becoming more open to involvement in the community, especially as it pertains to justice and service.
5.The postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian Church. Possibly because of the fear of being labeled judgmental, Christians have become tolerant of a vast array of morally and spiritually dubious behaviors and philosophies.
6.The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible. While contemporary Americans find it difficult to identify any specific value that the Church has added to society, they have no problem identifying the faults of the churches and Christian people.

According to the Barna Group, "The Christian Church is in desperate need of a more positive and accessible image ... and the most influential aspect of Christianity in America is how believers do — or do not — implement their faith in public and private." For the complete report, go to The Barna Group.


Blessings on Ya
Paswtor Kitner

Phillips, Craig & Dean :: I Am Crucified With Christ

"Chrislam" What is that?

During the weekend of November 13, many Christian churches
across the United States began a series of sermons aimed at
...bringing about reconciliation between Muslims and Christians.
These misguided Presbyterian ministers are trying to focus on a
relationship between the Holy Bible and the Koran they call
"Chrislam." They are saying that because the Koran mentions
Jesus that there is common ground with Christianity. To prove their
point, they are placing Korans along side the Holy Bible in their
pews. And they are teaching that you can be a follower of Christ
without necessarily believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
God, who died for our sins offering the gift of eternal salvation.

Writes commentator Paul Williams:

"The Chrislam movement has gained impetus by statements from
President George W. Bush and that Christians, Jews, and
Muslims all worship the same God and by Rick Warren's
reference to Isa (the Muslim name for Jesus) in his prayer at the
inauguration of President Barack Obama."

Williams points out that Jesus in the Koran is not the
only-begotten Son of God nor the Messiah. Williams says,

"He is rather viewed as a prophet who was appointed by Allah to
prepare mankind for the coming of Mohammad." In the Koran,
Williams reminds readers, "The victim at Calvary, Islam teaches,
was either Simon of Cyrene or Judas Iscariot."

The Koran states in Sura 5:17, "In blasphemy indeed are those
that say that God is Christ the son of Mary. Say: "Who then hath
the least power against God, if His will were to destroy Christ the
son of Mary, his mother, and all every-one that is on the earth?
For to God belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth,
and all that is between. He createth what He pleaseth. For God
hath power over all things." The Koran has many verses that
command the followers of allah to kill Christians and Jews if they
do not convert to Islam. There is absolutely no common ground
between the Holy Scriptures and the Koran when these are the
mandates of the prophet Mohammed, who wrote the Koran.

Jesus said in John 14:6,

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me."

This is the central doctrine of Christianity. There is instruction by
the Holy Scriptures to not fellowship with those who do not
recognize the truth in this doctrine. 2nd John verses 9-11 say,

"Whoseover transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ,
hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath
both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring
not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him
God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his
evil deeds."

Thus are those deceivers who believe in common ground with Islam.

-Please comment on this topic at the website below-

http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/

SOURCE-
http://www.standingforgod.com/2010/12/the-chrislam-movement-in-the-apostate-
church/

21 Characteristics of Lukewarm People

21 Characteristics of Lukewarm People
by Rick Ezell

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ...you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold" (Rev. 3:15, 16 NIV).
Jesus is saying that rather than "hot" or its synonym found in verse 19 "earnest" there is lukewarmness. William Hendriksen describes the condition: "The people of Laodicea were lukewarm, tepid, flabby, half-hearted, limp, always ready to compromise, indifferent, listless: that ‘we're-all-good-people-here-in-Laodicea‘ attitude." Shockingly, Jesus prefers coldness to lukewarmness.
How can you tell if a person is lukewarm? Here are twenty-one characteristics of lukewarm people. (Most of these are from Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love).

1. Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them; it is what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go. Isaiah 29:13.
2. Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church as long as it doesn't intrude on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so, After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? 1 Chronicles 21:24, Luke 21:1-4.
3. Lukewarm people crave acceptance. They tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1, Matthew 23:5-7 4.
4. Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one. Consequently, they tolerate and rationalize unconfessed sin. John 10:10, Romans 6:1-2.
5. Lukewarm people are moved by stories of people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all his followers. James 1:22, James 4:17, Matthew 21:28-31.
6. Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. Matthew 10:32-33.
7. Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12.
8. Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and he is, indeed, a part of their lives, their money, and their thoughts, but he isn't allowed to control their lives. They have changed the words of their favorite hymn from "Take My Life and Let It Be" to "Take My Life and Let Me Be." Luke 9:57-62.
9. Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; its only for pastors and missionaries and radicals. Matthew 22:37-38.
10. Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love for others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. Little love is left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matthew 5:43-47, Luke 14:12-14.
11. Lukewarm people, in many respects, are practical atheists. While they believe in God they live as though God does not exist. They do not consult with him much less follow his leading.
12. Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever do they intently consider the life to come. In fact, they are prone to say when asked "How are you doing?" "Not well, but better than the alternative," as though the alternative of sending eternity with Jesus is worse than life on this planet. Philippians 3:18-20.
13. Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. Matthew 25:34, 40, Isaiah 58:6-7.
14. Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to alleviate their guilt. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without requiring too much of them. 1 Chronicles 29:14, Matthew 13:44-46.
15. Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them sacrificing and risking for God. Matthew 10:28.
16. Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.
17. Luke warm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live-they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis-their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God. Luke 12:16-21.
18. Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong. Matthew 23:25-28, Luke 14:34-35.
19. Lukewarm people pray more in public and when called upon than they do in private. Prayer means little to them. If it means anything to them it is a help line to God when things go wrong in their lives not a private conversation to know the God of the Universe.
20. Lukewarm people rarely read the Bible. They have plenty in their homes, mind you, but they seldom pick it up to read, let alone study or meditate on or follow its commands.
21. Lukewarm people get upset about the little stuff while being unconcerned about the big issues. In other words, they will get angry over being personally inconvenienced-especially at church-while indifferent to the plights of injustice, ethnic cleansing, and racial hatred that exist in the world.
What's frightening about these statements is that many of those statements apply to me. And, if we are honest, they apply to most people in our churches who call themselves Christians. At times I am lukewarm. Are you?
Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love adds: "As I see it, a Lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there's no such thing. To put it plainly, church goers who are lukewarm are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven." That's a frightening thought.
as seen in Rick Ezell's "One Minute Uplift" weekly email devotional. Dr. Ezell is pastor of First Baptist Church in Greer, South Carolina.

Taken from “firstIMPRESSIONS - Vol. 10.46 - Friday, November 12, 2010”
byTimothy Satryan

Where "U" are Needed...!

Where "U" are Needed...
"U" are needed in Bible ST_DY, but not in IGNORANCE.
"U" are needed in S_PPORT, but not in NEGLECT.
"U" are needed in _NITY, but not in DIVISION.
"U" are needed in D_TY, but not in IRRESPONSIBILITY.
"U" are needed in B_ILDING, but not in TEARING DOWN.
"U" are needed in CH_RCH!!

King of Kings

The Prodigal Life – Part 6

The Prodigal Life – Part 6

Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verses 22-24 of the above scripture.
After the initial stages of reconciliation comes the best of the upward climb back home for the prodigal. The final stages of the process of reconciliation has to do with the RECLOTHING AND REJOICING. The son who just knew he wasn’t worthy to be called a son anymore is experiencing the fullest measure of grace and of mercy as dad has placed on him the best robe, one I call the robe of righteousness and he has a ring placed on his hand. Restored to the family with the ring of what I call the ring of reconciliation. Shoes were placed on his feet and the fatted calf was killed for the party in the sons honor. A party and merriment in place of gloom and pending doom for the prodigal. The Father is glad the son is accepted and restored. It reminds me of when a sinner gets saved all the angels of heaven rejoice.. a son has come home….to a welcome mat and to a Father’s glad heart.

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

The Prodigal Life – Part 5

The Prodigal Life – Part 5

Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verse 20 of the above scripture. RECONCILIATION It is in this stage of comeback that we see the heart of the Father. The son had made his steps and his journey to fulfill his plans to return to the Father's house. He came to his father. I can feel his heart beating with anxiousness as he approaches and now we see the father running out to meet him while he was a great distance off yet. The father has been awaiting this day with a different attitude that that of the son. He was not thinking of revenge, giving a long negative speech of how he had sinned etc. But his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (much) You see the heart of the Father is about reconciliation The first thing the son experiences is the Father's love. In fact the Father gives to us that ministry of reconciliation as well..2 Cor.5:17-21
It would be like saying I missed ya and have been waiting for you. Come with me I have something for you..
the rest is next...stop back.

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

Books in Review

I have several books that I am reading and I will be posting my reviews on this blog about them.
The Books are as follows:
Radical
by David Platt

The power of a Whisper
by Bill Hybles
and
Spiritual Rythm
by Mark Buchanan

I just got Radical last evening and I am half way through the other two books.

The Power of a Whisper has a lot of testimony in it so far and Spiritual Rythm is as the author suggests a slow read but powerful as you digest the truth in the words offered by Mark.

Be sure to check back for the reviews on each in a seperate blogspot.

be blessed
Pastor Kitner

The Prodigal Life – Part 4

The Prodigal Life – Part 4
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The next stages of the return of a prodigal/backslider are found in verse 18 - 20 of the above scripture. After the realization and resolution has come into play in the situation there is seen something that is vital to both the prodigal/backslider but also to those who would come to the saving knowledge of Christ. It is called REPENTANCE. Seeing where you are and the desire to turn around and head in the right direction. Repentance is part of the whole restoration process “I have sinned” etc. See Psalm 51 which is David’s testimony of repentance and restoration. The actions were against God and man and with humility one comes back without the haughtiness of the original attitude of you owe me give it to me, but with an I’m not worthy but I’ll take a servants role just to be there in the house with you attitude.
Next is the actual RETURN. He arose and came to the Father. No more just wishful thinking and feeling self pity but the actual humbling of all that is self and with pride being swallowed the journey home is embarked on. This takes a lot knowing that you are wrong and actually doing something that says it to all concerned.
Next we will look at the outcome of the decision that was made by the prodigal.
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

The Prodigal Life - Part 3

The Prodigal Life – Part 3
Luke 15:17-24(KJV)
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

I looked into the downward journey of those who would run from the Father’s House in two previous blogs. Today I want to look at the beginning of the journey back to the Father’s House. That starts with REALIZATION!
The journey back begins in verse 17 with the words “and when he came to himself”. The dire circumstances of life are not all bad, if they cause one to reflect on the reality of life and come out of the fantasy that was created in the mind, seeing where they had been and where they are now, and to come to a place of humility leaving pride behind.
Once that has happened the next step back is RESOLUTION! This is seen in verse 18. “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him….” The process takes thinking it through and follow through as an act of ones will. That is to say, my mind’s made up and there is no turning back. No more, I’ll do it my way but saying “I blew it – I was wrong”.
These are the first steps back to the Father’s House. I will deal with the next 5 steps over the next few days. Check back.

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

A Tithing Illustration - from the garden

As a pastor I use examples to illustrate things for the folks so they can get a handle on the spiritual or invisible.

Once I used an illustration in which I took a cantaloupe to illustrate the tithe and what comes with what is given.Out of ten cantaloupes the first one becomes the tithe or what you bring to God in the storehouse.One might think that the cantaloupe is the only thing given. However when you bring the cantaloupe to God, you also have brought all the tithe to God. By this I mean that everything that is involved with the cantaloupe is brought to God.To illustrate, I cut the cantaloupe in half and what we saw was that within the cantaloupe that we brought to God were seeds of more cantaloupe.So within the tithe you bring to God are the seeds then of your future harvests.

It seems that what God makes always bears the seeds of more in it, even man. This perpetuates or continues ongoing blessings and/or provision.

Be Blessed

Pastor Kitner

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The Prodigal Life – Part 2

The Prodigal Life – Part 2
Luke 15:11-24(KJV)
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
The next 6 steps of 7 away from the safety of the Father’s House were SELFISHNESS, SEPERATION, SENSUALITY, SPIRITUAL DESTITUTION, SELF ABSEMENT and STARVATION. He gathered it all together and took off to distant lands to do his own thing and live the way he wanted.
Being self-willed and selfishness go hand in hand because you begin to live by the, if it feels good do it way of life. He, being irresponsible, took what someone who was a responsible person, and had worked for what they had, and squandered it on “riotous living”. Perhaps we would say he spent all he had on wine, women and song so to speak. However he found out that there was an end to party time, big tips, living the fast and loose life. With no one to help him in a time of famine in a strange land he had to attach himself to a stranger and feed the swine because he had used up all of his money.
Being in want is sometimes what brings us around to doing what is right to do because one begins to think about what they have done and what they are doing. When you hit rock bottom there is no other way but up. The prodigal here began to think about what he had in the father’s house because reality had set in.
When you see a person living in such a way pray for their eyes to be opened so they can see clearly and begin to make some right decisions.
Next we will see the steps back to the Father’s House.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

The Prodigal Life ~ Part 1

The Prodigal Life ~ Part 1
Luke 15:11-24(KJV)
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

This is a portion of scripture dealing with a prodigal son. I took an outline that I found in the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and looked at the life of one that perhaps is backslidden or even lost altogether. I preached this in one sermon but will deal with it here in several excerpts.
I dealt with the seven steps in the downward pattern of that ones life and then the upward pattern of that one coming back to dad’s place. Looking at every action with comment on life today as well.
The downward steps are found in Luke 15:11-17 with verse 17 being a pivotal point in the process of coming back to the Father’s House.
The first noticeable step of 7 away from the safety of the Father’s House is SELFWILL . I want what would be mine now – a give it to me now attitude. I want to be my own boss and do life my way.
Yes it would have been his anyway but it wasn’t time yet for him to receive it, however he said give me ~ one needs to guard their heart for out of the heart are the issues of life.

What I have noticed is this: when a person sees life revolving around themselves without considering others around them, it is a warning sign of impending destruction in some way in their life. They become like a horse with blinders on and it is full steam ahead without restraints. This leads into the next step which I will post tomorrow…
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

Our adopted MomMom Lola

This lady's life is truly a testimony unto the Lord. She was a godsend for us as I went to Bible College at Valley Forge Christian College. She was a mom to us, my wife and me, and grandmom to our children. WE can never forget her and have been enriched in our lives from our relationship with her over those important years. She now sees HIM clearly!

Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

In the Garden Again

In the Garden Again

With all the birds and other critters that frequent our garden I can see the strong sense of survival that is built into even the bird and animal kingdom.
There was one blackbird that made our garden its haven. It only had one good leg. The other one just hung there and the foot was curled up so it didn’t function, even for support. This bird learned to trust me to some measure. I talked to it and gave it some bread to eat when it came into the garden. I watched this one survive from the time it was very young and because of the physical difficulty it had there were some limitations to its life but it had developed survival skills the other birds did not have or use on a regular basis.
Men have a strong sense of survival built into their being also and it can be seen in the human being as they develop those extra senses as the need arises in their lives. The blind man for instance develops a sense of hearing that the ordinary man does not use and many other things for their very survival in the world as they know it.

Philippians 4:19(KJV) 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Truly God can be seen in the whole of creation if we take the time to look. See Psalm 19

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Grafted In

Gleanings from the Garden – Grafted In

Some of the trees in my garden are special trees. Special in that they have unique shapes because of a process called grafting. Branches are placed upon a strong main trunk or vine and as a result they grow a certain designed way. For instance in my garden I have a Weeping Golden Chain tree. The tree has been shaped by they way branches are grafted onto the main tree trunk. As a result they hang down towards the ground instead of growing upward as the natural tree would grow. It looks like a big bushy tree and when the long golden chain flowers are on it they bring a beautiful look to the garden.
These things remind me of the fact that we are grafted in to the natural vine and placed by God as it has pleased Him to accomplish the look and design He has in mind to create for the body of Christ. We are then members in particular, as it says in I Corinthians 12, and have been designed to bring our uniqueness to and be blended together as they body of Christ, all doing the will of Him who placed us there.
In order to be grafted in the branch has to be hand picked, treated and placed where it will be and do what the one doing the grafting has in mind.
That is us grafted in – hand chosen by God for His garden.

John 15:16(KJV)Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Romans 11:17(KJV) And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

Blessings for the Day
Pastor Kitner

More from the Garden

Gleanings from the Garden - Fullness of Time

As a person observes what a garden does, they cannot help but see how everything has its own time for its life cycle or season.
A time to be planted – covered.
A time to spring up – breaking through.
A time to grow – strengthening.
A time to bloom – a fragrance released.
A time to produce fruit (if fruit is a part of it) - productivity.
A time to complete its life cycle – dying.

There is such a thing as the fullness of time when all things are just right to bring forth the plan of God that is locked up within each seed, each plant, each bird, each critter each person and it is just the right time.
Galatians 4:4(KJV) says to us concerning Christ, - But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

If things seem to be in a holding pattern in your life, if nothing seems to be coming together, wait on the Lord. There is that “fullness of time” for your life. Like a seed planted in the ground and out of sight for a while. There are some great mysteries taking place in you until the time that you are brought forth to be seen and enjoyed because of who you have been becoming during the covered over time. Great mysteries make for great reading……God makes everything beautiful in its time………You are an epistle to be read of all men.

Ecclesiastes 3:1(KJV)1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

God bless!
Pastor Kitner

More Gleanings from the Garden

More Gleanings from the Garden

Malachi 3:10-11(KJV)
10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
This speaks of the tithe and the importance of doing what God says concerning Tithes and offerings.
There are multiple blessings that come to us as we obey in this area of our lives.
1. There will be meat in God’s house – provision for the priesthood
2. Open windows of Heaven – windows are to be looked through PLUS.
3. God pours out a blessing on you!
4. The abundance of God is made available to the giver of the tithe +
5. God will also take up your cause against the devourer

These are tremendous things that are in motion for the one who brings his/her life into line with God’s known and revealed will.
As a pastor I use examples to illustrate things for the folks so they can get a handle on the spiritual or invisible.
Once I used an illustration in which I took a cantaloupe to illustrate the tithe and what comes with what is given.
Out of ten cantaloupes the first one becomes the tithe or what you bring to God in the storehouse.
One might think that the cantaloupe is the only thing given. However when you bring the cantaloupe to God, you also have brought all the tithe to God. By this I mean that everything that is involved with the cantaloupe is brought to God.
To illustrate, I cut the cantaloupe in half and what we saw was that within the cantaloupe that we brought to God were seeds of more cantaloupe.
So within the tithe you bring to God are the seeds then of your future harvests. It seems that what God makes always bears the seeds of more in it, even man. This perpetuates or continues ongoing blessings and/or provision.
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner

Garden Gleanings

This is taken from my Garden Gleanings
1 Corinthians 13:12(TMSG)
12We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

As I sat in my garden under the protection of the canvas dome reading “Just as I Am”, the Billy Graham life auto biography, I came across the scripture of the day here. It so caught my attention that I had to stop reading and put the following down on paper.
There are times when you are quickened by the Holy Spirit as you read God’s Word. This is one of those times. The last words “just as He knows us” or as the KJV puts it “even as also I am known” grabbed my attention and revelation was imparted to me to understand something.
Several things are revealed here:
1. We have limited understanding of the whole picture of our life here on earth.
2. There is a time when we will meet the Lord in a fully opened relationship.
3. We shall have a full understanding of our part in the awesome plan of God.
4. I am FULLY known – by God.

There is a full teaching here but for this thought for today – I don’t have to have a full understanding now of everything that my life is about. I just have to do what I know that is right to do. God FULLY knows me and has equipped me to do what He has designed me to do. We also need to remember that. WE are FULLY known of God and He sees you complete in your destiny.

Be Blessed Today
Pastor Kitner

9/11 "Living Memorial" in the Jerusalem Forest Hills Dedicated

The Power of Corporate Prayer

The Power of Corporate Prayer

Corporate prayer is the power of agreement at it's best. First everyone agrees with God and what the Word of God declares. Secondly everyone comes into agreement in prayer to God for what they are seeking God for, believing God both hears and answers prayer. Prayer is how the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ gets implemented on this earth. In prayer we gain knowledge of how to put the tools, helps, and abilities together in such a way as to accomplish His intended results.
1. Corporate prayer is the army of God moving together for God's purposes.
2. Corporate prayer is the power of agreement at it's best. God is in your midst.
3. Corporate prayer is where the provision is released to bind the strong man.
4. Corporate prayer can remove obstacles that stand in the way of spiritual advancement.
5. Corporate prayer recognizes the spiritual principle of the unity of the Spirit, activating that principle, and receiving bebefits of that unity corporately.
6. Corporate prayer can be used when someone in the local church is in a great trial or has a great need.
7. Corporate prayer is a powerful expression of spiritual preparation as we enter into the corporate worship service together.
8. Corporate prayer should honor Christ as King, exalting His Throne and His name with a spirit of gratefulness, and thanking Him for his answers and His sovereignty.
9. Corporate prayer prepares the atmosphere so that the Holy Spirit may move in power with an atmosphere of expectancy.
10. Corporate prayer can cultivate passion and faith for the harvest to be reaped.

These thoughts were gleened from several places such as Corporate Destiny in The Local Church by Don Mears and others that I can not remember at this time. I cannot take the credit but don't know where to give it. Blessings on you all.
Pastor Kitner

Phil Keaggy - True Believers

Enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus

Hebrews 10:19-22(KJV) 19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Something we need to dwell on, that is meditate on, and think about at length is contained in the above scriptures.

"Boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" takes us into the very presence of our creator right into the righteousness of God as a welcome child of God. WE are accepted in the beloved, that is to say highly favored of God and His mercy is there and the power of His grace is enveloping us as we enter in. When we enter in to the holiest place we are the recipients of all Spiritual blessings from the heavenly places and joy becomes our strength in Him. We are covenant people of God a peculiar treasure unto Him and by His stripes we are healed, made whole granted the peace of God that passes understanding and we are brought into that place of intimacy with God where secrets are shared that are of the most personal kind between us. We are brought into the power of LOVE in the purest state.

Philippians 4:8-9(KJV) 8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

May God BLESS YOUR DAY RICHLY
Pastor Kitner

http://www.resourcesforchristians.net/Healing

http://www.resourcesforchristians.net/Healing

What are Your Most Pressing Prayer Need?

What are your most pressing prayer needs/concerns that you have today? Write them down. Prayerfully find some scripture that you will use to pray for each of these needs.

Just a simple prayer guide for you to use.
Who is the person or persons that you want to see saved?
1. Family

2. Friend

3. other

List your own personal most pressing prayer needs/wants.

1. Spiritual need

2. Physical need

3. Emotional need

4. Mental need

5.Financial need

6. Job need

7. Marriage need

What do you see as the most pressing need the church you attend has?
How will you pray for this need?

Let's Make a Memory

A Time of Reflection

Communion is a special time to remember what the Lord has done for us by His death. It also brings with it the hope for our future because we are to take communion with remembrance until Jesus come. It could be called a let’s make a memory time for the believer. It is a time of celebration and reflection for us.
I was reflecting on some other things that I really like in life. The things we do that can be called “let’s make a memory” time. Here are some thoughts about these times.
One of the things that I enjoy very much in our life is the fact that we have somewhat of a family get together on Sunday after church almost every Sunday. We have our children, which are around the area, here for a meal and fellowship, along with a few other friends from time to time.
This is an important part of our life because we came from families that did not do this to much. It gives us a great sense of bonding and understanding of love for one another. As a pastor I see that this kind of bonding is missing from so many families. People used to sit down together for a meal at the table. The table was a place for conversation and interaction with the family and others. The communication with each other gave a sense of being important enough to be heard. Many life lessons were shared there and many life lessons were handled there without having to seek outside help.
One of the things that happens when you have this kind of family time is traditions are made for your family. Another is there is always an open door where questions can be asked and answered. Yet another is that the family cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers’ in-law and sisters in-law etc all know each other face to face and can build lasting relationships with each other.
When I (pastor Kitner) was young we all went to my grandpaps cottage and we had a great time. This was good until my grandfather died. Then it all ceased and people went their separate ways. I guess I am trying in my own small way to re-establish this as our family tradition but I want it to continue long after I am gone if the Lord tarries.
Let me know what some of your family times involve that make good memories for you. Give me some comments by clicking on the word comments and filling out a comment box. Thank you.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

The Wooden Bowl

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

Author Unknown by me

Pastor Charles Kitner
sonforu@verizon.net

Three R's of the Gospel

I preached on Sunday morning on three R’s of the Gospel...Rectify, Reconcile and Recompense which is what Jesus did as He walked in obedience to the Father. He made right everything that Adam made wrong by disobedience. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. By Adam came sin and death because of disobedience. Isaiah 53 is a vivid picture of how things were rectified. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin s death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. By Jesus comes the gift of eternal life because of obedience and we are set free from the law of sin and death.
II Corinthians 5:17 – 21 shows the reconciliation. To reconcile is to mediate a settlement between God and man – to patch things up, so to speak. Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. This causes us to be the chosen generation. (see)

1 Peter 2:9 - 10 (NIV) 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Corinthians 11:23 - 26 (KJV) 23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.

To Recompense is to pay a price for. Jesus paid a price for you.

1 Peter 1:18 - 20 (KJV) 18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,


Bought back by His own blood and reconciled to God because all the wrongs were rectified.

Recompense made and we are free to serve God.

Romans 8:1 - 2 (KJV) 1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Amen

Pastor Charles Kitner

"THE BRIDE Will LEAVE CHRISTENDOM"

"THE BRIDE Will LEAVE CHRISTENDOM"
-Vision by Wayne Thomas.

The following vision is probably one of the most well-known that has
ever come out of my home nation of New Zealand. It is a key vision
that has been acknowledged and read around the world. This vision
was given to Wayne Thomas late in 1993. He told me that it was
probably the most powerful he had ever seen.

VISION of THE BRIDE LEAVING CHRISTENDOM
-Wayne Thomas.

Basically, it was a traditional wedding scene. The radiantly beautiful
Bride had just stepped out of the Cathedral and was standing on the
top step, just outside. Wayne was told that the Bride was LEAVING
'CHRISTENDOM' (AND ALL THAT GOES WITH IT) FOREVER, leaving
the 'church' system behind. The Groom (who was Jesus) took her arm,
so that He could lead her down and proudly display His beautiful Bride
to all the world.

Still inside the Cathedral were all the relatives (-the various
'streams' and denominations of the church as we know it?)
Suddenly, while the Bride was still on the top step, an invisible
hand gave her a beautiful lily (which had been plucked out by the
roots). This was her bridal 'bouquet' (an "end-time" enduement?)
and for some reason it seemed to be given to her rather late. She
threw this bouquet backwards, and some of her relatives in the church,
who had been watching her with great jealousy and awe, made a grab
for the bouquet. Two of them seemed to snatch it up, but there was
a lot of squabbling and pushing amongst them - fighting to be somehow
near the Bride or to grab the bouquet. The Groom then led His Bride
down the steps and through the huge crowd of cheering people below,
who had been unable to get into the Cathedral.

In a later vision, Wayne was shown that after they had made their
way through this huge throng, the happy couple were then taken away
on their honeymoon, which was to last for a thousand years.

Wayne later made the following comments about this vision:
"The Lord emphasized these things to me:- That the Bride is so
in love with the Groom - and the fact that she is pure and holy, and
the problems of life are far behind her in this time frame. The crowds
outside see this intimate love between the two, and that no burden in
life stops her from expressing this love. She leaves the guests behind
to squabble over the bouquet, and her desire to share this love with
the crowd outside is very evident.

"The fighting wedding guests are those within the church who in their
hearts are ambitious for titles to impress the body and are caught
up seeking the gifts (bouquet anointings) and not the giver. They are
involved in grand schemes and politics within the church - and they
love 'comfort'. They are those who get close to the Truth but do not
want to live the truth.

"The Bride - leaving the guests behind - is made up of Christians
seeking truth in Jesus alone, no matter the cost, leaving compromise
behind and seeking Jesus first before the praises of men."

ANDREW AGAIN: There are some quite shocking implications
to this vision, but it lines up with so much that God has spoken
along similar lines in recent years - ie. GREAT REFORMATION -
not just Revival. What are we to make of this - that the BRIDE Will
LEAVE the "CHURCH SYSTEM" FOREVER??

Does it line up with Scripture? Does it make sense? Is it possible?

The Book of Acts Revival, the Wesley and Whitefield Revivals, the
Cane Ridge Revival, the Early Salvation Army Revivals, and of course
Jesus' own ministry in the first place - these were all massive
"outdoor" moves of God. Could it be that they are pointing the way
to what we are about to witness in our own generation?

-Please comment on this at the following website-

John The Baptist TV

God bless you all.

Pastor Kitner

Anyone have any feedback on this one?

How Biochemistry Reveals the Work of a Creator

The Cell's Design: How Biochemistry Reveals the Work of a Creator from The Veritas Forum on Vimeo.

Question?

You ask: Can God use me? - "God uses people who are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him." — Hudson Taylor Be encouraged today the answer is yes. Look at what Jesus says.

2Cor 12:9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Blessings to you!
Pastor Kitner

Worthy Is The Lamb

Take Your Stand against the Devils Schemes

Take Your Stand against the Devils schemes

Luke 14:16 - 24 (KJV) 16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant,

Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.


Ephesians 6:10 - 13 (NIV) 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

As God’s children we are to be doers of the Word and not hearer’s only.
As you would read through the above scriptures an awareness comes that there is opposition to the work of the Lord and also that the Lord has a work to be done in the earth. This work is more important than any other work. The Father has requested it to be done.

What I see as the “day ”approaches is that Satan is getting more bold and blatant about who he is and what he does. There is such opposition against the Lord and His Christ today but the Lord has already declared that the gates of hell won’t prevail against His church.

My question is this today as you read through this blog-spot: Are you going into the highways and hedges and compelling them to come in? The Father is waiting. Pray the Lord of the harvest that He would send laborers into His harvest. NOW!

Let me relate to you what went on right in the middle of the small town that I live in yesterday (8-26-10). The was a woman and a man out on the street in front of the New Age shop, which is known for its dark spirit seeking by the owner and those whom she recruits. The woman was dressed as a witch and the man was professing to be a warlock. Blatant activity trying to get people to attend a séance that they were going to do. Dressed like who they are and who they represent not ashamed of what they were doing. This is the work of the true enemy of man’s soul at work. Right out there in the highways and hedges in front of everyone for all to see.

What is the church doing to fulfill the Word of God and do the will of God? The enemy is taking it to the streets can we do any less?

Get out into the Highways and Hedges
Pastor Kitner

Life

Ephesians 3:20(KJV)
20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Life's most challenging opportunities are often brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. ~ Charles Swindoll

Having a life problem? Stop and ask the Lord to show you where your opportunity lies in all of the challenge.

Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

Holy Is The Lord God Almighty - Chris Tomlin

David Wilkerson The Vision Part 1

Check this out - Christian Writter's Guide.

Are you a Christian and a writer? Looking for places to submit your manuscript or your story etc. Then take a look at this resource. I have an older one now but will update it with the newer on sery soon. It has a wealth of information in it and is well worth the money to get it. (IMO)

I hope this helps someone today.

God bless you Richly!
Pastor Kitner

Men judge God

Men judge God by their own ways (nature=sinful) and God is to be judged according to his way (nature = good) Pray for a Holy Spirit breakthrough.


Ephesians 1:17 - 20 (NIV) 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit£ of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Sorry

Sorry means nothing if you're going to keep on doing it!

Obama and Holder taking on Arizona's SB1070

Understand Wealth

Our sixth of the six things we are looking at that will cause our light to shine for the Lord and the kingdom of God to be known is as follows:

Understand wealth: ( A very brief look at this – there is much more to this than a blog entry is able to give.)

1 Timothy 6:6 - 10 (NIV) 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
We must understand because we are in the world but not of it, wealth takes on a different meaning. Wealth is more than just money. Wealth & siccess is wrapped up in a statement Jesus made in
John 4:30 - 38 (KJV) 30Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. 31In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

Paul said I must apprehend that for which I have been apprehended .
In other words what wealth is is not found in money but in doing the will of God and completing it.
This is not to say that there is no need of money but we need to clarify just where our treasures are and identify true wealth.

Blessings on ya!
Pastor Kitner

ALM:uk | Name Above All Names EPK

The Bill and Betty Ward Story: A Song out of Darkness (part 2)

Be In the World not of It:

Our fifth of the six things we are looking at that will cause our light to shine for the Lord and the kingdom of God to be known is as follows:

Be In the World not of It:

Colossians 3:1-4(KJV)
1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18(KJV)
14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
We have been, as Christians, born from above and we have a different KING. We are of a different system than that of the world. We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light. We have been called to make a difference in this world as ambassadors of Christ.
Romans 12:1-2(KJV)
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Know Those That Labor Among You

Our fourth of the six things we are looking at that will cause our light to shine for the Lord and the kingdom of God to be known is as follows:

Know Those That Labor Among You

1 Thessalonians 5:11-13(KJV)
11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

The Apostle, the Prophet, the Evangelist, the Pastor and the Teacher are the gifts of men given by the Lord for the building up of the body of Christ for the work of ministry.
There needs to be a strong networking among the body of Christ so that we all come into the UNITY of THE FAITH.

Ephesians 4:11-16 is a picture of what the church should be all about so it is imperative that we know those that labor among us so we can be what we should be. We need to be growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour and doing the work of ministry.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

America Take Five - a Prayer Challenge

America Take Five
This is the beginning of the challenging prayer devotional book that Michele Vento has written. Please give your support in this work by prayer and other needed ways.
Pastor Kitner

“Again I say unto you, that if two of you agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 18:19

Just imagine if hundreds of thousands of believers could come together in agreement according to Matthew 18:19 for at least five minutes a day, the difference we could make. The results would be staggering, even revolutionary! The prayer of agreement is one of the most powerful tools the Lord has given us as believers. It is the prayer that Jesus Himself guaranteed to bring results every time.

Just a few minutes a day can change all the moments that follow.
We challenge you to “TAKE FIVE” for America.
Now lets bring “Change” that we can really believe in.

These five minutes can be the most valuable minutes of the day. Everything in our world is relative to time. In eternity there is no time. How awesome it is to know that we can take five minutes from this plane and cause them to be relative to eternity!

These prayer targets or points began in the heart of Our Father in heaven regarding His people in this great nation.
Simply put, these most important prayer points are needed and need to be evidenced in His Body now more than ever.

Let’s pray in agreement for:

T…truth, we must be lovers of the truth. Lord help us be
Lovers of the Truth
A…awakening, we will awake to righteousness
K…knowledge, we will grow in the knowledge of the
Lord Jesus Christ
E…ears to hear and understand what Your Spirit is
Saying to us.

F…fresh fire from heaven to fuel, purify and
illuminate
I…increase our spiritual hunger and thirst in this
late hour for the things of God
V…visitation of your abiding manifest presence in our
homes and nation
E…Establish our hearts by grace, in love, humility and
peace.

Blessings On Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Teen Challenge of Western Pa.

Do you have a drug or alcohol related problem? Teen Challenge of Western Pa. may be able to help you if you want help. They are a powerful faith based organization and program that is very effective for deliverance from the life of addiction. I am including a link to their website for you to go to and learn something about them. Check out the following link.

Teen Challenge of Western Pa

Help is available now!

Pastor Charles Kitner

T.D Jakes- How to fight with Devil?

What do you think about this one? - Let me know - OK?

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Increase your discernment:

Our Third of the six things we are looking at that will cause our light to shine for the Lord and the kingdom of God to be known is as follows:

Increase your discernment:

Hebrews 5:14(KJV) 14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

In order to do this you have to really read the Word of God regularly, plus you needs to discipline yourself according to the Word. With that in mind, you must be developing your relationship with God via the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.

Ecclesiastes 8:1-5(KJV)
1Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
2I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
3Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
4Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
5Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.

We must know the truth and walk in it. The Word of God is powerful , to us, in us and then through us.

Blessings on ya!
Pastor Kitner

Review of the book "Blind Hope" - purchase the book

This book is about relationships of people who care and the simple truths taught by a "throw-away-dog" as observed by us through the paintings made with the skilled writing of the author.
The book lets you peek in on the conversations of the people and learn with Laurie as she shared what her dog taught her.
The book also takes you on emotional journeys that reach both low and high points. You go through times of tears and then of awe as you transfer from one place to another throughout the book.
This is a book that manages to do several things at once. There are challenges to your personal life, there are learning points, places to just sit a reflect on what was happening as well as testimony of God's ability to take the simple things of life to reveal our hearts to us for transformation into the image of His dear Son as we are experiencing healing in our lives.

I recommend the book as one to give to those that have been hurt and see how God uses it in their life.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

We Must Deal With Our Greatest Fears:

Our second of the six things we are looking at that will cause our light to shine for the Lord and the kingdom of God to be known is as follows:
We Must Deal With Our Greatest Fears:
2 Timothy 1:7(KJV) 7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
The reason we must deal with our fears is that it will keep us from serving God in faith and power. Why?

1. Fear paralyzes
2. Fear negates love
3. Fear causes unwanted stress
4. Fear causes an unsound mind
5. Fear weakens power (in, through and for us)
6. Fear robs us of the hope we have in the Lord

1 John 4:18-19(KJV) 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19We love him, because he first loved us.

Jesus gave the commandment to walk in love and you can’t do that if you are fearful.
Galatians 5:5-6(KJV) 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

So we deal with those things that cause us to be fearful by the Word of God so we are effective kingdom workers serving God in Love.

Understanding Authority

Matthew 8:5-13(KJV)
5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Over the course of the next few days I want to give six things that will cause our light to shine and God's kingdom to be known.

The first of these six things is Our need to understand authority.
We have a need to understand the structure of the authority of the kingdom and how it works for us as we submit to the correct authority. There is power in authority that is released through our lives as we understand and walk or conduct ourselves according proper understanding.

In the above scripture we see the centurion, who has his own authority structure in who he is and in what he does, submit to the authority of Jesus because he understands His authority and he then receives what he believed Jesus for.


Isaiah 55:11(KJV)
11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

This is the authority that Jesus speaks with...if He says it it has to come to pass. The centurion knew this and by faith spoke his belief to Jesus.

When we know who Jesus is and the (all) authority in heaven and in the earth then we can have what we ask for as well - by faith in His name. We are ambassadors of Christ, heavens representatives on earth.

Blessings on You
Pastor Kitner

The second thing of the six things will be next. So check back.

How He Loves lyrics by David Crowder Band

Six Things for the Church

Six Things for the Church
Psalms 121:1-8(KJV)
1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

As time flies by the church has got to keep her head on straight and keep looking up. Seeking those things that are above where Christ sits at the right hand of the Father.
Here are six guide lines that I made a note of from a speaker one time. (I forget who)These are good guide line indeed for us.

1. Get to know the heart of God.
2. Get to know the voice of God.
3. Get to know the Word of God. (the Bible)
4. Guard your personal walk.
5. Stay happy or content in Him
6. Remain Pentecostal – filled with the Holy Ghost and power.
We all called to walk in the light as He is in the light all the time.
Be blessed!
Pastor Kitner

A NEW you!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

All things are become new is what stuck out here for me at this time. What is new? So let’s look at the “NEW”.

You are a NEW man – Washed in the blood of the Lamb – born of his Spirit.
You are under the New covenant – paid for by the body and blood of Jesus Christ in redemption – from ritual to reality Heb 9:15
You are able to approach God in a NEW and living way. Heb 10:20
You have a NEW access to God yourself. You can draw near to God.
You have a NEW way to worship – In Spirit and in truth John 4:24
You have a NEW heart – filled with compassion
You can have a NEW mind as you submit to God. Rom 12:1-2
You have a New clear conscience. Heb 9:14
You have a NEW song. Ephesians 5:18 – 20
You have been given a NEW ministry – one of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:18
You have a NEW light – Jesus Christ dwells within.
You have a NEW commandment – Love one another John 13:34
You have NEW life Romans 6:4 we need to walk in it.
You have NEWness of spirit Romans 7:6
You have a NEW name. Revelation 2:17

These are a few of the "all" things that we have that are become NEW. These are good so think on these things.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Carried to the Table by Leeland

Christ Through the Bible

One Nation Over God - Answers in Genesis

One Nation Over God - Answers in Genesis

Breathe by Michael W. Smith

'Are you Jesus?'

'Are you Jesus?'

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.

ALL BUT ONE !!! He paused, took a deep breath, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.

The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, 'Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?' She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, 'I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly.'

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, 'Mister....' He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes.

She continued, 'Are you Jesus?'

He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: 'Are you Jesus?'

Do people mistake you for Jesus?
That's our Destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would.

Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Please share this..... Sometimes we just take things for granted, when we really need to be sharing what we know...Thanks

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
TOO MANY CHRISTIANS ARE NO LONGER FISHERS OF MEN BUT KEEPERS OF THE AQUARIUM.

Walk as He Walked!

Walk as He Walked!

1 John 1:6-7(KJV)
6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 2:3-6(KJV)
3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

If we are to walk as Jesus walked and be in fellowship with God and man then we must consider how He walked.
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and He never did anything but what He saw the Father doing and He didn’t say anything except what He heard being said from the Father. Can you imagine yourself doing that?
In order for you to walk in the light as He is in the light you MUST be filled continuously with the Holy Spirit so much as to have the connection of the Holy Spirit both in you and around you. This way you will live and move and breath and have your being in Him. This is how people will see Jesus in you. PS it will also bring persecution because you will walk in truth and the world cannot stand truth.
This is just a thought going through my being that I felt that I should share it with you.

Be blessed of the Lord in your day.
Pastor Kitner

BGEA: Jesus' Last Words

BGEA: Jesus' Last Words

A Call To Anguish - David Wilkerson

SALVATION IS HERE

National Anthem by 5 little girls!! amazing...

Fall Face Down

God is a Changer!

God is a changer.

He changes darkness into Light...
Bondage into Liberty...
Ashes into Beauty...
Conflict into Peace...
...He has changed death to Life!

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me... to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness... Isaiah 61:1,3 KJV May you know His changing power and His love this Independence Day.- From DaySpring

He changes us from glory to glory!
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner

Deep in the River - Spontaneous Worship & Prayer Intercession Song

A Love Feast

John 3:16 - 18 (NIV) 16“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,£ that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.£


1 John 4:7 - 13 (KJV) 7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.



To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel; but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast." ~MAX LUCADO

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner

Kim Walker, I Have Found

Do you even care?

In the Phillips paraphrase, Hebrews 8:13 reads this way – "When a thing grows weak and out of date, it is obviously soon going to disappear."

I was talking to a lady from the Lutheran Church in the town where I live last evening. I know the church, the folks and the pastor and the church is the traditional Lutheran church in every respect. She was saying how the church there is in trouble financially and how attendance has dropped way down to just a few people so that there are not enough helpers to serve communion etc. They are talking about the possibility of the church closing. She said she can't understand how the people could want the church to be there for them when they had a need but they didn't attend or support the work.
She also spoke concerning the support moneywise and how the folks there raised the question about giving more money to something that might close soon.She said this because the thought was introduced, by leadership people, that the people should give more to meet the financial needs the are overwhelming the church now.

According to Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Community church and author of the book, "The Purpose Driven Church," the reason that 95% of all churches in the world never grow past 300 members is because their structure keeps them from growing beyond that point. Quoting today's scripture, he said, "When a thing grows weak and out of date, it is obviously soon going to disappear. That's true of churches, too. If a church cannot change, it will eventually die." (taken from Timothy Satryan's First Impressions page)

Is the traditional church in trouble today? Not just one church or denomination but the way church has been done throughout the land. Is it time for a change in the methods or the way we approach the idea of "church"? What do you think? Do you even care? Give me some feedback..Thank you.

Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner