Thank You Jesus

Thank You Jesus Day was great at Riverview last Sunday.

The people willingly brought their offerings of sacrifice and praise to the Lord.  The free will offering was wonderful, and the way my people gave sacrificially touches my heart, but better yet, there was an amazing spirit of unity, love, cooperation, and excitement about what God is going to do in our future.  No ammount of an offering can compare to this.

My first three years here have been tough.  I'll leave it at that.  But I thank God for every trial, test, and difficulty.  For in my heartache, frustration, and weakness He has proven Himself over and over again to be all I need.  He is my rock, my refuge, my provider, and my strength.  Most of all He is my Hope!

I know God has called me to RBC.  I know my church is with me.  I know God has a purpose and a plan for us.

2 Timothy 1:12

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Thank you Jesus.  --  Andy

Thank You Jesus Day 2011

Thank You Jesus Day

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

     When I saw my friend Ted Butler a few months back the shaking in his hands had become visibly worse, and he was now stooped so far forward he could only see the tops of his shoes.
When I saw him I said, “Hey Ted, how you doing?”

    He craned his neck back as far as he could, rolled his eyes up to the top of his brow to see me, and said, “I’m doing great brother Andy. I praise God for the disease he has blessed me with. Every day it reminds me how small I am, and how great He is.” What a great example of hope and faith.

     To be certain, I have only met a few ‘Ted Butlers’ in my life, and I’m not talking specifically about my friend. I’m talking about men like him. Men who praise God when blessings flow, and who also praise God when troubles roll. As Thanksgiving speeds by this year take a moment to thank God not just for the good things, but for the though times as well. This Thanksgiving let’s all take a step toward ‘walking by faith, and not by sight.’ (2 Corinthians 5:7)

    On November 21st we are going to celebrate Thank You Jesus Day at Riverview. This is a day to say THANK YOU to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through Praise & Worship, The Preaching of the Word, and our special Thank You Jesus Day Offering.

     This is what I am challenging my church family to do:

• Commit to attend church November 7th, 14th, and 21st, as each Message will lead up to the TYJD Offering.

• Begin praying now about how you can sacrificially give this year.

• Get your entire family involved.

• Through your Small Group, or Sunday School please ENCOURAGE others to participate.

• Go to the RBC webpage, and listen to the sermon on Financial Freedom by clicking on the Mousetrap/Dollar Bill Icon.  http://www.riverview-church.org/
  
  
  
  Thank You Jesus Day
  November 21st, 2010
  8:30     Breakfast is Served
               East Lobby (Adult Departments 1, 2, and 3)
               Fellowship Hall (Adult Departments 4, 5, and 6, and Youth and Children)
  
  9:30     Contemporary Worship & Sunday School
               Thank You Jesus Day Offering
  
  10:45     Blended Worship & Sunday School
                 Thank You Jesus Day Offering
  
  12:00     Celebration & Praise Report
                 Announce the TYJD Offering Total !
  
  
  
  Thank You Jesus  -  Andy
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

57 Cents

This Sunday I'm going to preach about SACRIFICIAL GIVING. I hope you'll be here to join me in an amazing month (November) that will culminate on the 21st with THANK YOU JESUS DAY.

Aren't you curious to know what this has to do with 57 cents?

You'll have to come Sunday to find out.

See you there.

Andy

Keeping Up with the Blog

I don't think this is quite the same as keeping up with the Jones', but it sure has been a hard thing for me to do.

If anyone cares... I'm going to start writing here regularly.

Thanks for patience.

Andy

The Real Switch...

Just a few days ago on our local news affiliate I heard a reporter inview Jennifer Aniston about her new film, The Switch. As far as I can tell the movie is about a woman who chooses to have a baby without a father. I'm not going in that direction...Bill O'Reilly took care of that rant.

Anyway...in the interview, the reporter askes, "What is the message of this movie?" To which Jennifer replies, "You can do what you want, when you want, and you don't have to play by anyone elses rules."

Huh ?

I don't know if she really, in a philosophical way understands life is like this, but who knows, maybe that world view is now normal.

I'd like to research that quote better, to make sure I didn't mis-hear it. I don't want the downfall of American culture to be pinned on Ross' old girl friend if it isn't true. Either way, is this the way Americans see how life is supposed to be lived? Play by your own rules, to heck with everyone else?

We'll see.

aj

Back Home...Hitting It Hard

Home for two weeks. Nolan is at Children's Camp, and I am now preparing for our mission trip to South Dakota the first of August. Summer is winding down, and I can't say enough how excited I am. If you look back you will probably find some ramblings at the end of Spring concerning how excited I am becase Summer is almost here. Funny.

I'd love to write something deep and spiritual right now, but I need to plow through over 2,000 emails, and look at my sermon text for next week, and make a hospital visit.

Have a great night.

Andy

9:36 PM - Monday - Borders Books - Lee's Summit Missouri

I'm in Kansas City taking a class. Theology II. 8 hours a day for 5 days. Day one is in the books, and I am wore out. I just looked at the remainder of my summer, and it doesn't look good either. Of the 6 remaining weeks before school starts, we have plans for 5. Granted one week is vacation, but I usually come home more tired from vacation than when I left. NO PROB. God is my strength and refuge. Well - a voice in the speaker over my head said BORDERS is closing in 15 minutes, and I need to bring my final purchases to the front of the store to check-out. Too bad for them. I only came in to use the free Wi-Fi. He-he-he...Catch you later. - aj

Church Shopping

Order 227

In 1942 the German and Axis Armies marched deep into Russia, and World War II seemed to be at a tipping point.  If Hitler controlled Stalingrad, he would control the Volga River, and the main military transportation route for most of the Soviet Union.

This is when Joseph Stalin gave this fateful order.   Order 227.  The watch-words of Order 227 were "NOT ONE STEP BACK".  The Russian soldiers were sent into battle with the zagradbat behind them.  The zagradbat were blocking battallions that were ordered to shoot their own men if they retreated in any way, shape, or form.  Not one step back.

The Russian soldiers fought until the last drop of blood was shed from the last man.  With their backs to the Volga river the Russians outflanked the Nazi Army, and ultimately won the Battle of Stalingrad.

At what cost?

It is estimated there were 850,000 German and Axis casualities, and over 1.2 million Russian casualities.  That is 2 million casualities in a single battle to take one city.  Not to mention the civillian losses.  40,000 Russian civilians died in one weekend of bombing by a Nazi Panzer Division, and the notorious German Luftwaffe.

These numbers are hard to get a modern American mind around.  We are disturbed when one death is suffered in a modern war.  Don't get me wrong.  It breaks my heart when I hear stories of young soldiers laying down their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.  But the horrible truth is...Wars are not measured in bullets and tanks.  They are measured in lives.

Luke 14:25-35

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.  Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.  For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?   Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'  Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.  So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.  "Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

To win a battle...a war there is a price to pay.  The Germans and Russians both paid a high price.  Likewise, to follow Christ there is a price as well.  Will you count the cost?  Will you deny self?  Will you love Him more than family and posessions?  Luke 14:25-35 is Jesus' ORDER 227.  Not One Step Back.

I have decided to follow Jesus.

The cross before me, the world behind me.

My cross I'll carry 'til I see Jesus.

Though none go with me, I still will follow.

No turning back.

No turning back.

aj

I Could Almost Kill Steve...

You may be wondering who Steve is, and why I'm so mad at him...well I'm glad you asked.  Steve is our new pet.  He is a stray rooster who wandered up to our house about three weeks ago, and decided to stay.  He follows the boys around the yard like a puppy.  He's a great conversation starter with friends and neighbors...but he starts crowing every morning at 4:30!!! That's right 4:30.  That is...except for today...it was 3:30.  I was in our front yard at 4:00 this morning in my underwear, throwing soccer balls at him yelling - "Shut Up Steve".  How about that for a crazy neighbor.

Ol' Steve has become a fixture around here, and I suppose I couldn't kill him if I really wanted to...but he better get back to 4:30, or we might have chicken and noodles next week for Sunday dinner.

Have a great week.

Andy

Is it me...or was that a line we just crossed?

When I first heard this story on the news, I thought...prayed it was an April Fools joke.  Well.  It's no joke, and I'm trying to figure out if I'm laughing, or crying.  Seriously.  I don't know what to think about this.

One thing is for sure.  I feel guilty, because I know I have done the same thing myself.  I can justify it because it was to a lesser degree, but I feel like I still did it.  It being - giving something away to get people to come to church...or Jesus.

Check out the story for yourself...what do you think?

How To Treat Others

Hiking on Turkey Mountain

The Church Directory

Do List

Write letter for Church Directory.
Develop "The Plan"
Plan Mission and Ministry Night
Prepare for Men's Bible Study
Prepare for Wednesday Night Bible Study
Work on Sermon
Write Article for Newsletter
Do Andy's Update
Blog
Promote Spring Bible Conference
Call  L.I.
Call C. L
Call M.W.
Call J. P.
Prepare for Staff Meeting

To Save A Life

Last Friday night our new Young Adult Sunday School Class was out on a group Valentine’s date. While we were laughing it up - about to eat our dinner, a lady at the next table began to choke. She was turning purple, and without a doubt dying quickly. Three of our guys, Josh, Kyle, and Desmond rushed to her aid, and thanks to their fast thinking she is alive today. In fact Kyle (an officer on the Tulsa PD) talked to her a few nights ago, and she said she was 95 years old, doing fine, and thankful to be alive.



I used this as an illustration last Sunday in my sermon to drive home the point that we all need to be ready to step in and save a life. My thoughts however don’t just end at saving a physical life. I am thinking more in line of sharing Jesus with our friends, family and neighbors so they might believe in Him and have eternal life. The lady who was saved on Friday night will like all of us someday knock at deaths door again.


What if our three guys would have said:


• No, saving that lady choking is not our responsibility.


• What if Kyle would have refused because he wasn’t on duty?


It would have been unthinkable to let her perish because we were busy doing our own thing.


What a great snap-shot what is happening in many of our churches today. We are busy having our parties, events, and programs, and people around us are dying without Christ…every day.

I am sure God will give you the opportunity to share your faith this week.  Be bold and courageous, and sieze that opportunity.

aj

Unity

And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said,
"Sovereign Lord"...

Acts 4:24

Let me just say...and I can because it's my blog...I am excited about many things at Riverview right now, but the one thing I am most excited about is the sense of unity and harmony in the church.  Even though we have gone to 2 Worship Services and 2 Sunday Schools UNITY is increasing.  Why?  Because unity in the Body of Christ is not about proximity to one another.  It is about relationship with Jesus, and His people.

Philippians 1:7

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Paul loved the Philippian Church like no other, and even though he was in prison in Rome their live did not diminish.  In fact it grew.

Philippians 1:8

ForGod is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

An old friend of mine at my church in Blackwell...whom I love with great affection, used to always say, "It's about the love Andy, it's all about the love."  THE LOVE is the love of Jesus we have for one another.

On top of this please know that it begins with the pastoral staff at RBC.  We love each other.  I am so blessed to serve with the people God has placed in our fellowship.  Each of them are gifted specially for the ministry God has called them to at Riverview, they are committed to God and this church to the Nth degree, and they love you too.

What an awesome church.  Not because we have the best programs, buildings, or events.  It's because we got the love baby...we got the love.

Love,  Andy

PS - I didn't make the connection to Valentines day until right now.  Cool.

Pressure

Today I feel pressure.  It seems I have much more to do than I have time...pressure.  It is easy to get caught up in the "busyness" of life and ministry, but I have to discipline myself to not neglect the MOST IMPORTANT THING:  Time with Jesus.

Luke 10:41-42

But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

I know many of you can relate, and the truth is...we can't wish our way to a quiet time, and focusing on God and the things of God won't fall into our laps like an apple falling from a tree.  We will have to work for it.  I am going to stop everything right now and seek the Lord.  Everything I HAVE to do will be right here on my desk when I get back, the world will still be spinning, and I won't be any further behind than I am right now.  The only difference is, I will have quenched a thirst that is only satisfied in Christ.

Slow down, and have a great day.

aj

Looking Ahead at Riverview

I’ve tried to think of an analogy to accurately reflect my thoughts on 2009, and Riverview’s potential in 2010. One person called 2009 the ‘Perfect Storm’ of change for our church. An entirely new staff, a building project, and a programming change all culminating in January 2009. That’s a pretty good analogy, but I don’t want to give the impression that what happened at RBC in 2009 was bad. God has used all we have gone through to prepare us for future ministry, and challenges.

Someone else related to me that from their ‘insider’ experience at Riverview, RBC is more like a schizophrenic church; meaning there were five different churches trying to meet together in the same building. I could see a lot of truth in that, but from our study in Ephesians, we know it never works that way. We (the church) are one body in Christ, and to divide the body is to kill it. (Ephesians 2:16 & 4:4)

Instead of these two analogies I would like to suggest that Riverview is more like a person who is maturing and growing, and who sometimes goes through what my mom used to call ‘growing pains’. Riverview was born in 1954. When we were a young church we grew like a young child…fast. Within ten years the church had grown from zero to over one hundred. In the next ten years it grew by another hundred. In the adolescent years of the church it stayed much the same, but in its young adult life RBC grew tremendously. By the end of Pastor L.M. Woodson’s tenure the church was turning forty –five years old, and had grown to average four hundred in attendance.

Then came the MLC…the mid-life-crisis. Pastor Brad, Bro. Aaron, Mike, and Charles all arrived at Riverview at an awkward time in the life of our church and community. God placed them as Pastors at Riverview during a difficult time of transition, and they did a great job leading RBC into the new millinea, which I think is pretty symbolic of their ministry years at Riverview. They led Riverview from one distinct phase in life to the next. Also during this time, up through the present, Bixby has been growing like crazy, so we have had to discern who we are in our fast changing community. We have had to answer questions like, how do we keep the older folks who have been here for thirty years happy, and at the same time reach all the new young people moving into our area? Or, how do we keep up with the new and exciting churches that are being planted all around us without sacrificing our core values? Grappling with questions like these and hundreds more have led me to understand Riverview has simply gone through another stage in the life of a church. Over the last several years RBC had a church-wide mid-life-crisis.

A mid-life-crisis is an identity crisis. When men go through this they are trying to figure out who they are, and it often leads to a career change, a gold necklace, and a corvette. When a church goes through it, we imitate the churches around us, adopt ministry methods that don’t fit us (in an attempt to be relevant), and we usually alienate church members on both ends of the spectrum. Riverview has had it’s MLC, and now we are ready to move forward; accepting who we are, as God intended us to be, to be used by Him and for His glory to reach our community for Christ.

So where do we go from here?

Get Comfortable In Our Own Skin. Let’s just be happy with who we are in Christ. Riverview is God’s Church, and He loves His Church. He is building His Church, and the gates of Hell cannot prevail against His Church. Instead of trying to be something we are not, Riverview will simply be the Church God has called us to be.


Commit to Sound Doctrine. Preach the Bible. Teach the Bible. Live out the Bible.


Commit To Being The Best. Let’s be the best Door Greeters, Sunday School Teachers, Hand-Shakers, and Meal Takers out there. We should be the best at welcoming new people into the flock, and we should be the best ministering to the needs of others. I want Riverview members to be the best at a participating in worship, not just showing up to watch. If you are a Youth Sponsor, give it your all. If you teach in Children’s or Preschool Sunday School, do it whole-heartedly. If you are an Adult Director, please realize how important your job is. To everyone else - get involved, find a place to serve, and give God your best.

NO GRUMBLING. Please don’t complain to the people in your circle of influence. Be a positive influence with them. If you have a genuine concern talk to one of us pastors about it. Maybe we can explain why we do what we do. Getting mad and grumbling never does any good. It doesn’t make you feel better, and it doesn’t solve any problems. Not to mention grumbling and complaining are not the Christian way to handle disagreements.


Embrace Evangelism. Evangelism is one of the keys that will unlock the future of Riverview. Pray and ask God to place people on your heart to pray for them to be saved. Then pray and ask God to give you opportunities to share your faith with the people you are praying for.


Live Missionally. Living missionally goes hand and hand with evangelism. People will most likely not hear you message if your life does not back up what you say. Living missionally means to always be watching for opportunities in your daily life that will open a door for you to serve another person in the name of Christ with the hopes of sharing your faith with them on a personal level.

God Bless You Riverview.  You know I love you, and I love being your pastor....Have a great Year!!!!     aj