Evergreen Church

(Bill Ward)

Paul finishes the whole chapter refocusing their attention on Jesus, just as we will today. All of these factors are critical to our mission, like the spokes of a wheel, each relies on the others for the wheel to do what it was made to do. Four of these five "spokes" are doing great, moving right along and need no special attention. One of them however, has splintered as is in danger of breaking the whole.

1 Corinthians 16 (NLT translation)

The Collection for Jerusalem
1 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia.2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

Paul's Final Instructions
5 I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia,* for I am planning to travel through Macedonia.6 Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination.7 This time I don't want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me.8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost.9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
10 When Timothy comes, don't intimidate him. He is doing the Lord's work, just as I am.11 Don't let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.*
12 Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.
13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous.* Be strong.14 And do everything with love.
15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece,* and they are spending their lives in service to God's people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters,*16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren't here to give me.18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

Paul's Final Greetings
19 The churches here in the province of Asia* send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla* and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings.20 All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with Christian love.*

The Way - Tongues and Prophecy
First Corinthians 13:1-14:26

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts ~ 1 Corinthians 14:1

This week, we will be studying more verses than we probably should. Because they form one unit of thought, though, we seek to move through them together in hopes of grasping the full breadth of what God intended for us to learn when the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words. As we do, we will be wading into some of the most hotly debated and controversial sections and doctrines in all of Scripture.

2010

...the year of following

This year, put back into perspective what the true meaning of Christmas is by worshiping Jesus through compassion not consumption.

Christ tends to get overlooked at Christmas. Let’s be honest. December comes and you think, “ok this will be the year”. This time you swear you will slow down and take it all in. Make the most with family. Help the needy. Zero in on what it really means to be a Christ follower during this Holiday Season.

What if we could put Christ back as the true meaning of the season and not get caught up in all the commercialism of Christmas?

What is it that gets us about Generosity? Why does it hook us so deeply?
When something is really selfless, and sacrificial? Could it be that we are getting a little peak into the divine nature when something is done that is really selfless and generous? IF we are going to celebrate Christmas and give gifts and be generous…then lets do it the way Jesus did it…

Sooner or later this Christmas someone is going to say
"I just want this Christmas to be different"
"I want to celebrate the true meaning, the real meaning of Christmas"
We being to get this sense that something is amiss, that something is off.

So my question to you today is this...HOW DO WE GET BACK TO THAT? HOW DO WE RECALIBRATE OUR SOULS NOW AT THE BEGINNING OF DECEMBER!

Spiritual Gifts Part III
1 Cor. 12;27-31a, Eph. 4:11-13

All of you together are Christ's Body, and each of you is a part of it. ~1 Corinthians 12:27

"Spiritual Gifts" (Part One) First Corinthians 12:1-8, 11.

"Now to each one the manifestations of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Some of the most important and heated theological debates in all of Christianity and the world today are about issues of gender, such as feminism, homosexuality, female pastors, women in combat and gender roles in marriage. One of the most hotly debated texts on these matters is 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. Because Paul references Genesis, we will begin there as well.

(Be careful in listening to this, there is a part where Pastor Al begins to speak that I could not change the volume level to match Bill's preaching.)

Small words of appreciation, encouragement, thankfulness from members of the Evergreen congregation.

Part 20.

As Christians who live in the world that is not rooted in Jesus or the truth of Scripture we continually live in tension. The tension arises due to an internal conflict that plays itself out everyday being a good citizen and remaining faithful to Jesus.

Teen Challenge visited Evergreen Church.

http://www.teenchallengeonline.com/

1 Corinthians 10:15-22 & 11:17-34

There are innumerable ways to view human history. One is through partaking of five meals identified in scripture:
1. Forbidden Fruit
2. Passover
3. The Last Supper
4. Communion
5. Wedding Supper of the Lamb

"The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood..."

I Corinthians 9:19-27

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:22b

The Way
1st Corinthians 8:1-18

For some reason, pastoral ministry remains for some a glowing naive, dreamy life idealized as hours of Bible reading, prayer walks with Jesus, and days spent singing worship songs and smiling. But statistically, being a pastor is the spiritual equivalent of being a kamikaze pilot, thanks to the hearbreak of caring for people, emergencies criticism, and long hours. The following statistics are rather sobering and prove the point.

Updated the MP3.

1st Corinthians, on Divorce.

The Unwasted Life
I Corinthians 7:8-9, 25-38

This sermon is rated EC-17.  Those under 17 may have questions after today's message...be prepared to answer them.

First Corinthians 6:12-7:7

The Good...        ...And the Bad...

        ...About Sex.

Flee from sexual immorality.  ~1 Corinthians 6:18

Like many portions of America, the Corinthian Church was filled with hip, young singles who were experienced in all sorts of sexual sin and reticent to see the need to repent of their alternative lifestyles.  So their Pastor Paul spoke frankly about the differences between good sex and bad sex while also refuting their silly arguments denying that the lordship of Jesus extended over their pants.

"Changed by Jesus"
-I Corinthians 6:1-11

"Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves...1 Corinthians 6:9"

The Way...
1 Corinthians 5:1-13

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?" 1 Cor 5:12

1. Tolerance of alternative lifestyles is sinful. (1 Corinthians 5:1-1-2)
2. Unrepentant Christians must be disciplined to repentance.
(1 Corinthians 5:3-5)
3. Churches become increasingly evil by embracing alternative lifestyles. (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)
4. Christians must be judgmental like Jesus.
(1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." I Corinthians 4:20.

In this section of Scripture, Paul painfully reveals his heart. He had labored hard to birth the church in Corinth, only to see it grow up to be a bratty kid too arrogant to listen to their father. So, like a good father, Paul sternly instructs the church, giving them an opportunity to repent or face discipline.

"Leading like Jesus"

Happy Fathers Day!

I Corinthians 3:16-22
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11

Because the Corinthians had become selfish and lost sight of their mission to make their church an effective outreach to their city, Paul instructs them with an example from the construction site. He calls his people to think long-term about the work God has called them to - to build a church that can be used by God to introduce people to Jesus and build more churches. This image would have been very helpful to his people. In their day, the construction of a large building could take decades, like the medieval cathedrals that were also built without the aid of power tools and modern machinery. Paul's imagery would also bring to mind the picture of Jesus swinging a hammer for the first thirty years of his life.

The Way part 7
First Corinthians 3:9B-15.

1 Corinthians, line by line.

"Servants of Jesus (I Corinthians 3:1-9)

1st Corinthians

"God who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord is faithful." 1 Corinthians 1:9

For most of us, life feels like a movie we’ve arrived to forty minutes late. Sure, good things happen, sometimes beautiful things. But tragic things happen too. What does it mean? We find ourselves in the middle of a story that is sometimes wonderful, sometimes awful, usually a confusing mixture of both, and we haven’t a clue how to make sense of it all. No wonder we keep losing heart. We need to know the rest of the story. For when we were born, we were born into the midst of a great story begun before the dawn of time. A story of adventure, of risk and loss, heroism… and betrayal. A story where good is warring against evil, danger lurks around every corner, and glorious deeds wait to be done. Think of all those stories you’ve ever loved – there’s a reason they stirred your heart. They’ve been trying to tell you about the true story ever since you were young. There is a Larger Story. And you have a crucial role to play.

For most of us, life feels like a movie we’ve arrived to forty minutes late. Sure, good things happen, sometimes beautiful things. But tragic things happen too. What does it mean? We find ourselves in the middle of a story that is sometimes wonderful, sometimes awful, usually a confusing mixture of both, and we haven’t a clue how to make sense of it all. No wonder we keep losing heart. We need to know the rest of the story. For when we were born, we were born into the midst of a great story begun before the dawn of time. A story of adventure, of risk and loss, heroism… and betrayal. A story where good is warring against evil, danger lurks around every corner, and glorious deeds wait to be done. Think of all those stories you’ve ever loved – there’s a reason they stirred your heart. They’ve been trying to tell you about the true story ever since you were young. There is a Larger Story. And you have a crucial role to play.

For most of us, life feels like a movie we’ve arrived to forty minutes late. Sure, good things happen, sometimes beautiful things. But tragic things happen too. What does it mean? We find ourselves in the middle of a story that is sometimes wonderful, sometimes awful, usually a confusing mixture of both, and we haven’t a clue how to make sense of it all. No wonder we keep losing heart. We need to know the rest of the story. For when we were born, we were born into the midst of a great story begun before the dawn of time. A story of adventure, of risk and loss, heroism… and betrayal. A story where good is warring against evil, danger lurks around every corner, and glorious deeds wait to be done. Think of all those stories you’ve ever loved – there’s a reason they stirred your heart. They’ve been trying to tell you about the true story ever since you were young. There is a Larger Story. And you have a crucial role to play.

For most of us, life feels like a movie we’ve arrived to forty minutes late. Sure, good things happen, sometimes beautiful things. But tragic things happen too. What does it mean? We find ourselves in the middle of a story that is sometimes wonderful, sometimes awful, usually a confusing mixture of both, and we haven’t a clue how to make sense of it all. No wonder we keep losing heart. We need to know the rest of the story. For when we were born, we were born into the midst of a great story begun before the dawn of time. A story of adventure, of risk and loss, heroism… and betrayal. A story where good is warring against evil, danger lurks around every corner, and glorious deeds wait to be done. Think of all those stories you’ve ever loved – there’s a reason they stirred your heart. They’ve been trying to tell you about the true story ever since you were young. There is a Larger Story. And you have a crucial role to play.

If you have kids or are even thinking about having them, you wont want to miss this four-week series that explores what God's Word has to say about all things parental. Whether they're bawling, crawling, walking, talking, driving you crazy or asking to drive your car, kids are a gift from God - and He provides some very clear guidance and insight on how to raise them to be full of faith and focused on Him, rather than leaving you frustrated, frazzled and fatigued.

If you have kids or are even thinking about having them, you wont want to miss this four-week series that explores what God's Word has to say about all things parental. Whether they're bawling, crawling, walking, talking, driving you crazy or asking to drive your car, kids are a gift from God - and He provides some very clear guidance and insight on how to raise them to be full of faith and focused on Him, rather than leaving you frustrated, frazzled and fatigued.

Parenting Part Two
Unchanging Principle of Parenting

If you have kids or are even thinking about having them, you wont want to miss this four-week series that explores what God's Word has to say about all things parental. Whether they're bawling, crawling, walking, talking, driving you crazy or asking to drive your car, kids are a gift from God - and He provides some very clear guidance and insight on how to raise them to be full of faith and focused on Him, rather than leaving you frustrated, frazzled and fatigued.

Part One:
The Parent's Priority

If you have kids or are even thinking about having them, you wont want to miss this four-week series that explores what God's Word has to say about all things parental. Whether they're bawling, crawling, walking, talking, driving you crazy or asking to drive your car, kids are a gift from God - and He provides some very clear guidance and insight on how to raise them to be full of faith and focused on Him, rather than leaving you frustrated, frazzled and fatigued.

Hurry! Offer ends soon! Get yours Now! Limited time offer!

Listen to God's plan for the Chapin's in missions work.

More than just the next sermon series, it's also our focus for the new year....21 days of Prayer & Fasting in January, in conjunction with churches worldwide. It's NEVER TOO LATE to start!

What a joy it is to introduce
you to our church!

Join us at Evergreen and you’ll discover that our passion is to provide a place where people just like you can have a life-changing experience with God.
At Evergreen Church, our doors are wide open to people from all backgrounds, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. What people usually notice first about us is the life-giving nature of our ministry. Our goal is to infuse life and God’s love into people and families through engaging, powerful worship services that offer biblical truths in relevant and practical ways.
Together, we’re striving to become the kind of church described in the Bible, where there’s relevant teaching, heart-felt worship, honest friendships, constant prayer and compassionate care for those in need. In short, we’d like to have the kind of contagious Christianity that can influence and encourage the entire community of Stevens Point, one life at a time.
So whether you’re a spiritual seeker who is just starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian who wants to sink the roots of your faith even deeper, you can find a home here at Evergreen Church.

In Christ,

Pastor Al Kinnunen

We think when it comes to Christmas, most of us are looking for the peace, goodwill and joy of the season, but we need new ways to make that happen. That’s why this year at Evergreen Church we are partnering with Advent Conspiracy to do things like bring clean drinking water to a third-world village that has never had it before. Christmas is also a time when most of us think about traditions. That is why we are offering at least 6 Christmas Carols at each service and keeping things simple this year. No big Christmas production, no hustle, and no bustle. Simply Christmas. Think Norman Rockwell but funnier :

We think when it comes to Christmas, most of us are looking for the peace, goodwill and joy of the season, but we need new ways to make that happen. That’s why this year at Evergreen Church we are partnering with Advent Conspiracy to do things like bring clean drinking water to a third-world village that has never had it before. Christmas is also a time when most of us think about traditions. That is why we are offering at least 6 Christmas Carols at each service and keeping things simple this year. No big Christmas production, no hustle, and no bustle. Simply Christmas. Think Norman Rockwell but funnier Join us at 10:00AM December 7, 14 & 21 with a special Christmas Eve Service at 7:00PM.

Getting the Stink out!!!

All of us are hunting for something, but sometimes our prey can be elusive. Join us for this 3 week series while we talk about taking aim, positioning, and getting the stink out.

All of us are hunting for something, but sometimes our prey can be elusive. Join us for this 3 week series while we talk about taking aim, positioning, and getting the stink out.

Just do it.

More wisdom from Song of Solomon

Today's Sermon will deal with the consummation of Solomon's Marriage in Song of Solomon, Chapter 4. Consequently, the content is significantly more adult than usual.

"Great Sex"

Part 2: Perfect Seasoning.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
-Ecclesiastes 3:1

Part 1, Faithful attraction

Your on a mission.

This September we will be focusing on our mission as a church and the calling God has given us to reach people for Jesus both near and far. This time will include hearing from Special Speakers such as Steve & Kim W. as well as hearing from one of Pastor Al's former mentors Bob Brenneman on September 7th!

Miracles.

The poolside miracle

Miracles

What storm are you facing?

What scripture says about the basics of faith

What scripture says about the basics of faith

Prayer|Worship|Bible

Is the bible inspired?

Reliable???

What scripture says about the basics of faith regarding Worship and our lives glorifying God.

What scriptures say about the basics of faith. See how Jesus was our example in word Deed and how he himself prayed!

The last of the 12 part series.

"And we are confident that he hears whenever we ask for anything that pleases him." 1 John 5:14

"Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son." 1 John 5:9

"Who is it that overcomes the wold...

...except the one who believes that...

...Jesus is the Son of God?"

- 1 John 5:5

The truly great dreams that God plants in the hearts of those he loves are NEVER meant to be accomplished alone.

Every bit of our effort here at Evergreen is a Team effort. There are always ways to connect, get involved, help out and be part of the team. When I say that I mean the TAG TEAM....

Here is how it works...You guys Trust me...and I'll trust You

1st John

Disciple.

Musings from the book of First John

Disciple.

Musings from the book of First John.

Reflections on First John, through the eyes of Jesus' Kid brother.