Elevation

Christmas and what God did

2011-12-13T09:43:00.000-08:00

One thing: All that God is was revealed in Jesus. He is compassionate, just, kind, faithful, truthful, and much more. We can see it all in Jesus. This is why Christ followers can call Jesus God the Son. For as you see the Son you see the Father. In this Christmas season, I pray that many will come to see the real Jesus and be saved by the Father and filled with His Spirit. Looking to Jesus in this Christmas season.

The Reason part 2

2011-12-11T22:15:00.001-08:00

At Elevation today, we celebrated the Reason we worship God in Christ Jesus in His Spirit and Truth. It was a wonderful day of public of proclamation of the Gospel of Christ coming, and the saints at Elevation seemed grateful to have gathered. I wanted to include another quote I found by C.S.Lewis about the genuine and authoritative nature of worship to God; "A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."
C. S. Lewis
As sinners who have been saved by the Grace of God in Christ Jesus, we all have fallen short of God's glory, and yet the Son of God did not and makes way for bringing many sons and daughters to glory. Amen!

How To Talk To People About the Gospel by Pastor Harvey Turner

2011-12-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

Pastor Harvey Turner is the lead teaching Pastor at Living Stones Church in Reno. www.livingstonesreno.com. He wrote a short and concise article on for help and discipleship in gospel growth about sharing the gospel with others with out the person being just a project to be converted, but a person whom God has made and can save.

Check it out: http://theresurgence.com/2011/12/05/how-to-talk-with-people-about-the-gospel

Elevation: Redeeming Santa (an article by Pastor Mark Driscol...

2011-12-09T22:55:00.000-08:00

Elevation: Redeeming Santa (an article by Pastor Mark Driscol...: http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/mark_driscoll/ This was a helpful, practical, and balanced look into the cultural icon ...

Minister of Death

2011-11-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

3 Memorial services in the last 10 days. The tempo of death has been strong over the past 2 weeks in my ministry life. I have been in the homes and with the families of three separate individuals who have died of various causes.

The interesting common denominator is those who were left holding the bag of death is; they all have interest, love, and memories of those who died. They are all left with the present reality of knowing the deceased person is not coming back to them. They all have a genuine knowledge and feeling of loss.

What has been pronounced in my ministry of death to those who have remained alive is an absolute need of something or someone that can provide comfort, clarity, and conviction in light of death. I have presently been humbled by the power of the Gospel. It has been the very real truth, life, and way for myself in ministry and to these folks.

I can say with assurance that there are many empty philosophies to cope with death, and over the last couple weeks I have heard many. However, what comes to defeat these bandaid coping skills is the power of the Gospel. Romans 1:16, says "for I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."

The salvation is both a present reality in Christ on the Cross, who is victorious over the sin and death, as well as, the future reality that Christ is upon the throne who will be Lord beyond the grave. It has given me comfort to minister to those who are dealing with loss, and courage to preach the gospel in the memorial services that will remember the loved ones.

Even though death has come so much to my ministry these past two weeks, I am still gratefully encouraged that God has taken the sting of death in Jesus, and presented an opportunity to comfort others with the assurance of the Gospel.

As I write this I am weary of preparation and presentation. In the flesh I am weary; however walking in the Spirit of Jesus I am encouraged to stay available to the Gospel of Jesus in the ministry of death.

Summer Family Baptisms

2011-09-13T21:56:00.001-07:00

The scriptures speak of a whole household being saved by Jesus and following him through believers baptism; Acts 16:32-34. What were amazing about this summer at Elevation Church are 15 people baptized within 7 families. Households turning to Jesus and publically showing the transforming work of the gospel. Kids as young as 9 to fathers in their forties. Various walks of life, knowledge of scripture, and length of time within the church with one common thread; Jesus is their Savior and Lord. He is God the Son and they didn’t want to be private about their faith in Him.

The nature of baptism is not to save you; rather it is evidence of your salvation from sin by Jesus who wants to be Lord over all your life. This was clear in the candidates who came forward this summer to be baptized at Elevation Church. It was an excited summer for our gospel minded church in the Sierra foothills above Sacramento CA. It was also a reflective time that we still have a gospel to proclaim and God’s will to serve. Thankfully, Elevation Church is focused on Jesus, and prayerfully hopes for many more lives transformed by Jesus and going public with the evidence of keeping the Gospel on top in believers’ baptism.

Check out the pictures on our Facebook page by linking the address within this blog. All for the King! www.facebook.com/groups/elchurch/

The Heretical Teaching of Prosperity Gospel.

2011-08-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to share Pastor Duane Smets blog on a post helping refute the dangerous and damaging doctrines of prosperity gospel. Please read and look toward the bottom of his blog site and pick up more helpful resources along with a super powerful video from Pastor John Piper. You might have to copy the site into your browser to link. Looking to the perfect word of God together. www.theresolved.com/7466/what-is-the-prosperity-gospel

He who finds a wife

2011-07-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Proverbs of the Bible say that "he who finds a wife finds a good thing" and this is very true in my life and marriage to Lydia for over 21 years. The good Grace of God that not only saved me, but has blessed me with 10 beautiful kids and one amazing wife is a result in a good God who loves and shows His love by His grace.

Pastor Duke's Blog: Time out. I got asked whether I was going to disc...

2011-05-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Pastor Duke's Blog: Time out. I got asked whether I was going to disc...: "Time out. I got asked whether I was going to discuss the difference between predictions and prophecy. I hadn’t planned on it so I did wh..."

Spirit led...disciple walk

2011-05-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

The weekend of April 29^th 2011 was the annual Father and Son retreat at Jenness Park located in the beautiful Yosemite National Forest. The three-day retreat was focused on encouraging fathers and sons to walk in the Spirit of God. The theme came from the wonderful letter by the Apostle Paul to the first century followers of Jesus in Galatia.

I had the opportunity to take most of my sons along with me and as the Camp Pastor for the weekend, it was my responsibility to teach and preach 4 sessions during our three days. It is always a challenge to grab the attention of anyone especially men over a short amount of time over such a deep and often times misunderstood doctrine. However, this weekend, and in my observation it was certainly led by the Spirit of God.

I would like to share a few stories that came to me from disciples seeking to walk in the Spirit:

A young dad who is married for 5 years admitting he is sick and tired of lustfulness outside his marriage. The temptations were becoming difficult. He knew it was wrong in the marriage, however he came to realize how much God welcomes the death of his lust by way of the gospel of Christ, and the life of God’s love in his marriage. Freedom was what this man was able to receive.

Another father mentioned how hard it has been raising a rebellious teenager. He said he has “tried everything.” Yet, what he came to understand was how the gospel is longsuffering and patient. This called him to keep parenting his rebellious son by identifying with Jesus’ patience over his son.

Another father and son have both been hurt from church and enjoyed the weekend but didn’t find themselves in community in a local church back home. The Spirit of God led them to be under the conviction that they can’t live a disciple life in isolation from the local church. So they committed to look into being involved with a local Bible teaching, Christ honoring church. The Spirit confirmed there is joy they can have in community.

One more example of walking in the Spirit was a teenager who had no dad who came with him; but had a sponsor dad bring him along. He admitted his didn’t want to come, but by the end of the weekend he was being led to see that God is a forever Father, and a Father who will give him courage to live for Jesus among his non-Christian friends back home.

These are a few of many other stories I was blessed to hear, and be a part of while teaching/preaching at Jenness Park during the Father and Son retreat. As a closing story, God’s Sprit was also active in my relationship with my sons. We took some time to go over the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 and openly sought each other’s feedback on fruit that was lacking in our lives as followers of Jesus. It was indeed humbling to listen, and consider how we could be more Spirit led in living out the fruit of the Spirit in our walk with Jesus. “For freedom Christ has set us free…walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh,” Galatians 5:1a & 16.

Jesus @ the Cross

2011-04-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Lots of things matter to a person, but what matters to God? You matter to God. How you might ask? This and every Friday before Easter Sunday for over the last 2000 years has been evidence of why you matter to God. You see the Bible says, that God has been bringing many sons and daughters to glory. The Bible also says, that we fall short of God's glory.

What matters to God is the continuous mission of His glory. This Friday is the culmination of His glory in Jesus, who brings for you, by His death, all the glory necessary for you to be a son/daughter of glory to God. This alone makes Friday a "Good Friday." Not like any other Friday's of the year. It also makes what matters to God the most wonderful news in all the world.

Obviously you might still be a little reluctant about what I just said, but before you go ahead with bringing glory to yourself, or trying to bring God glory without Jesus; let me be tell you that all of us fall short in this attempt, and therefore we need Jesus to bridge the gap.

This weekend is very important because you matter to God. Jesus' death was a once and for all. Your separation of God's righteousness, and falling short of God's glory is dealt with by the death and resurrection of Jesus.. This death has been accomplished, and is not necessary for another "saviour" to die again; ever! You matter to God.

Not everyone will believe in this fact of faith, however, I want to let you know you matter to God this and every Good Friday for the rest of your life. I hope you will feel, know, and respond to the only successful attempt of bringing many sons and daughters to glory.

Man Up

2011-03-29T23:08:00.001-07:00

Man Up is what we are calling it; however, what really matters is not another inspiration speech before the "big game" but an honest look at how men are doing in the areas of being accountable one to another, behaving with Biblical integrity, and committing their lives to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It does not happen all at once in a morning breakfast, teaching series, and song singing. What does happen is the Holy Spirit of God gets a hold of a man's heart to reform it for God's glory.

You see the Bible says we fall short of His glory and Man Up is about being reminded in Jesus that He brings many sons to Glory. In a season that has seen dudes fall because of sin, Elevation and it's Pastors are calling men to Man Up.

Join us on April 16th at 8am. For more information you can contact our office by going to Elevation's website @ el-church.com and clicking on the 'Elevation Church' page.

What You Don't Want to Hear About Heaven & Hell

2011-01-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

Tough and truthful words. Not meant to scare you but to save you. Pastor Mark gives a reality check to eternal security or eternal suffering. Put your faith in Jesus.

Jeff Vandersteldt on Leading People on Mission

2011-01-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this practical vid on followers of Jesus being missionary disciples within community that is not program driven, but worked out in love and good deed; Hebrews 10:25

Redeeming Santa (an article by Pastor Mark Driscoll)

2010-12-08T22:02:00.001-08:00

http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/mark_driscoll/

This was a helpful, practical, and balanced look into the cultural icon Santa Clause and what can be done about believing, celebrating and incorporating him into a season filled with traditions. In short, it should keep you looking to Jesus who for the sake of the Gospel was God's best gift given to sinful humanity in need of a Savior. Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

That's My King Dr. S.M. Lockridge - [OFFICIAL]

2010-10-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

Gospel Doctrine, Gospel Culture

2010-10-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

I have said in the past to both individuals and audiences that doctrines matter. They are the buoys within the deep waters of the vast experience and expressions of life. They provide safety and security to the believer in Jesus. It is by His power He gives us the reasoning's, feelings, and experiences to learn, think, and do doctrines. As it pertains to the gospel this is essential. I would like to share with you a good and brief post link from Dr. Ray Ortlund who is a Pastor, and active associate within the gospel coalition. I hope you enjoy it and think and respond to how good, right, and healthy Godly doctrine is; especially in a world that seeks to sets its own wisdom as gospel. http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2010/10/11/gospel-doctrine-gospel-culture-2

Church Planting in the Harvest Season

2010-10-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

It is a common fact that Elevation set out to be a church planting church. We have seen this as a reality within the last 4 years of our churches existence. Origin Church in Rocklin was the first plant that has kept going and is faithfully sowing the gospel in Rocklin CA. Elevation is stoked for Pastor Mark South, his family, and the saints at this church for the life of gospel that goes on each day at Origin. We also have a church plant intern who is hoping to plant a church in Nor Cal within 18 to 24 months. This is all by the good grace of God. With that said, our SBC affiliation has in mind to pray, support, and coach several church planters this harvest season. How divine that during a time of the year that is traditionally known as a harvest time, many church planters will be casting vision, providing public worship gatherings, serving in missional events, and making disciples. All this I hope for the glory of God, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, under the direction and authority of Jesus as King, Savior, and Lord. So, Elevation wants to challenge you to pray for these planters, their families, and the context of culture groups they will sow the seed of the gospel. Enclosed is a link for you to go to so you can get a visual of who these missionary disciples look like and have a face, name and location to pray for. The Lord of the harvest calls out for harvest hands, so let's get to work and pray and seek ways to support and promote church planting throughout California. All for King Jesus. http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/48/newchurchplanters1010101.pdf

Ps. 119 Challenge

2010-10-04T23:38:00.001-07:00

Your Word, a lamp.

Part 1 of Ps.119

Everyone human desires light. We might enjoy darkness, but over a period of time our lives long for light. A lamp is an instrument of providing light. The word of God, or the Bible is that to the life of anyone who reads, studies, memorizes, the Bible. It provides light. Jesus is said to be the Word of God, and therefore the light of God to humanity. This word of God is good news or gospel for the reader.

The Ps.119 challenge is a year long memorization of God’s word in Psalm 119. It is an opportunity to be exposed deep into the soul to the lamp or light of God’s word. The hope I have in this journey is to abide with God by tucking His word into my soul, so that I can have him shed light upon the way I live, and how I believe. I hope you too will be excited to memorize this beautiful chapter in Psalm, not because you hope to impress anyone, but to let the lamp or light of God shine on your life, and therefore your life shine bright for the gospel that others would see and you can give praise to your heavenly Father who see you by his marvelous light.

The first section of Psalm 119 is the first two character of the Hebrew alphabet, the Aleph and Beth. Therefore memorizing Psalm 119:1-16 in the month of October is what our Ps.119 goal will be. Use a translated version of the Bible, like the NIV or ESV. I will personally be memorizing from the ESV, but any thoughtful translation will do. If you have questions about which one or even questions about memorization techniques, don’t hesitate to ask them by email at evanpatten@elevationlive.com.

I look forward to hearing and seeing the light of God, shine on the process of memorizing His word so He can have all the glory that is due to Him.

Hidden Behind the Cross,

Pastor Eric

Got Jesus

2010-03-03T23:19:00.000-08:00

I know this may be splitting hairs, but I saw a bummer sticker on a pick up truck this morning that said "got Jesus?" I know what the person was seeking with the bummer sticker. It was motorized evangelism. Don't have a ton of issues over that, but it got me thinking in another direction. Can I get Jesus? I mean can I possess Jesus like I got a cold or flu. Better yet, can I looses what I get in Jesus? If I am the one who got Jesus, does it mean I can drop Jesus? I think the sticker was trying to spin off the "got milk?" campaign that was a while ago, and certainly is nothing new to Christian's using culture to capture attention for Christ. It just got me thinking about the "got" part of the sticker. I think the question should be asked a little differently. "Does Jesus have you?" I think this holds a right perspective to the sovereign nature and calling of God in Jesus. It means that when Jesus has you, he does not leave or forsake you. It means He has the strong hand that holds onto you. I'm weak and often unable to get Jesus. I think God's strength is not lost when you flip the position of this question around of who chooses who. If God is the one getting, than he will also be the one drawing people into His strong and sure hand. If it is me, then I am liable to loosen the grip due to my human and sinful nature. I know by now that some of you are thinking I ought to stop thinking so much about innocent bummer stickers, or at best keep my eyes on the road. Rest assured I do, it was just a thought I had about a simple "got Jesus" bummer sticker. I think when effort is expressed in relation to Jesus I can only react in faith to the tremendous love of His grace and know that Jesus is the one who got me. "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." Romans 9:16.

The Miricle of Provision

2010-02-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

Often I have read the story of Jesus turning loaves and fishes into enough food to feed thousands. It has gripped me that while Jesus was teaching, healing, and proclaiming the truth of God, that he did not neglect the basic needs of others. I read it and often I have doubted that simple provision in my own life.

Times are hard, no doubt. My family feels it and sees it in the lack of food in the fridge, but yet we still hope in God to come through to champion His heart into ours. This miracle of provision came tonight. As we were having family friends by for a humble potato soup and salad dinner. I get a text message from a Christ friend from Elevation Church who asks if it is OK to drop off something.

That drop was a van full of food. I mean a extra large portion of provision. Not a left over of some cold pizza, but fresh vegetables, canned goods to last for well over a month, and meats that would make a small deli blush. Seriously, when you look into the stories of God's word (the Bible) you might find yourself thinking they are far removed events of time past, and then all the sudden you get a real life, present day provision of God's story being written. I am humbled to the core about the amazing miracle of God's provision, especially within this church and it's people. As the song goes that is sung in many churches would say, "I stand in AWE of you."

Meet Memfis

2010-02-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

She is a high school girl. Like many girls these days, she struggles with identity issues. As long as I have known Memfis she has been a soul who carries heavy burdens. However, within the last several months she has turned a corner of in her life. Her countenance does not seem down and her burdens are light. Elevation had the privilege of witnessing her public baptism on January 31st of this year. Before she was baptized she testified to the battles she has had with beauty and self worth. She didn't seem special in her eyes and the world must have thought the same. Yet the gospel had reached her heart and revealed a new truth about how God sees her and how beautiful she is...continue to read...Meet Memfis http://www.elevationlive.com/news/the-vine/

2010-01-30T13:57:00.000-08:00

A new decade is before us and we can do one of two things when it comes to saving our lives. Either allow religion to, or Jesus. A book that give an accurate picture of John 14:6 declaration from Jesus when he says, he "is the way, the truth, and the life," is authored book "Religion Saves" by Mark Driscoll. I have found that in most chapters the idea that we all struggle with is being good enough for God. Thankfully, in Jesus we are. Give this book a read this year and rest in the finished work of Christ; allowing the relationship we can have with God be lived in humble confidence because of God's grace.

Why Elevation is a gift.

2009-12-21T11:01:00.001-08:00

I sit here at the counter of my virtual office in Burger King at the intersection of Highway 49 and Bell Road in Auburn CA recalling the past four years of Elevation Christmas seasons. That's right, Elevation has seen four Christmas seasons come and eventually go by. I know that each year is a gift and each year has special moments through-out. The question that was on my mind is, 'why is Elevation a gift?'

For starters, salvation. First converts to Christ back in the Spring of 2006, disciples coming forward to be publicly baptised for their faith in Jesus, marriages restored, new friendships made, social justice both locally and nationally met. Individuals and small groups of people at Elevation set to both national and international mission projects and trips. A lot of movement, mission, and memories that flood my heart. Along with those great lights of achievement are some low lights; difficult finances, friends leaving, leadership lacking in ministry areas, and misunderstood vision conflicts. However; with some bumpy moments, the gift of Elevation Church being born is a tremendous gift for many.

A gift because of Jesus: The reality is that Jesus raises and closes the church. He calls, saves, and establishes His will in the hearts of His people and Elevation has been established by Jesus. Sure their is a birth of planting the church in my heart, but it can't be held by me alone or sustained by me alone. This again is the beautiful gift of Jesus and His gift of salvation and mission. We get to make much of Jesus and He gets to be the lead Shepherd and Overseer of our faith being worked out in community at Elevation. The gift of Elevation is because the gift of Jesus.

A gift of ministry: Elevation has been a gift of ministry to one another. The service that is extended to each other, by a meal served when sick or recovering, a word spoken when down or confused, and a work achieved when using the gifts that God gives His disciples so that His will would be done, and glory would be brought to His name.

A gift of mission: The bottom line for Elevation from day one is to lift up the gospel. This mission takes on many faces. It can be seen in collectively feeding the working poor and homeless in the Sierra Foothills. It can be seen in sports programs and pick-up basketball games. It can be seen in raising support to send people overseas to spread the gospel to impoverished communities in Africa. It can be seen in helping start churches locally, nationally, and internationally. It can be seen in Life Groups seeing a need and meeting the need without red-tape and committees being stalled in. It can be seen in the stories of individuals who take with them the gospel into the work-place, school-place, relationship-place, sharing why Jesus is the way, truth, and life.

Why is Elevation a gift? Because of Jesus. No better time then Christmas when thinking, feeling, and knowing that the gift of Jesus is going all around the world again. My hope is you see Elevation as a gift. Whether you are in community at Elevation, looking-in from the outside, or following from afar, that this church is a gift to pray for, serve in, and give too. We still have much to see God do, and I look forward to a new year for Elevation to lift up the gospel in the Sierra Foothills and beyond. Will you join me in celebrating the gift of Jesus, and the gift of His church at Elevation?

Hidden Behind the Cross;

Pastor Eric Van Patten

Gripped by fear

2009-11-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

"What I have come to realize is people are gripped with fear." This coming from a guy who I met that was seeing what the enemy really wants us to keep going--fear! He had been in relationships under fear, worked at jobs motivated by fear, and looked forward in life with a certain amount of fear. Though he has identified the problem and has used a few tools to help deal with fears, he has not yet met the perfect love of the gospel that addresses the fears of all humanity. This profound disclosure with a new found man in my community, that I hope to help and show perfect love to, was just a further confirmation of continuing in sowing the gospel. People are gripped with fear, and yet there is a real Savior and Lord who wants to not only address fears, but bring peace from the fears everyone has; giving those saved by Jesus agreeing with Paul's words in Romans, "for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you stay "in" Christ and be no longer gripped by fear.

Pastor Dad

2009-10-22T22:07:00.001-07:00

For all those who claim that Pastors are not genuine fathers, take a look into this resource. Fellas remember, you will give account on what you do with your shepherding. Be honored to be called 'pastor' within your home and do right by it. download Mark Driscoll's Pastor Dad at http://relit.org/pastordad/ enjoy!

Threads of mission

2009-10-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

Be mindful that you are a thread. This was driven home in my heart this weekend as I was in Denver CO, chillin with missionary appointees. Meeting over 100 commissioned missionaries all around the US and Canada. Sweet. The thread was Jesus, and the common mission was to make Jesus famous. We live in a culture that wants fame for itself, and it made me even more mindful of one of the coolest church planters song about the paradox of the gospel mission and it's threads in the song called, "Everything is Backwards" by Michael Clary. Take a listen and if you are part of the royal priesthood, welcome to the thread of mission in your time.

Valley Living

2009-10-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

"We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle," Oswald Chambers. Do you crave to be on the mountain with God? When you have been on the mount, do you wish that is where you could stay? In reflecting upon todays entry from Oswald Chambers, I find myself disappointed when my mountain tops with God are not like the valley below. However, we who have been saved by God's grace are brought to the valley to be the light on the mountain. That light is Christ and the valley is our context. God gives us times of exaltation, but places us in the midst of His mission in the valley. To be holy in the valley of life is to be useful for God's glory and our character in God. May you not wish to be always on the mountain where God would seem closest, but may you and I seek GodN in Christ in the daily valleys of our faith. This will make much of Jesus and give opportunity to bring light into darkness. The moments on mountain tops are rare, but valley living is common. Bring that rare relationship to the common culture of the valley.

A Call to Prayer over tension in Iran

2009-09-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit troubled. Was up early this morning and spent some time reading and reflecting on Jesus. That is always good; however what has me a little concerned is the state of international affairs with the country of Iran. Coming off of summit talks and usual discussion of "how can we all get along" speeches, aggressive missile development within Iran continues. Now, I think that countries ought to develop it's military, and certainly have plans of protection for it's boarders. But this tension with Iran is serious. They are a proud people who have a real patriotism toward their goals. The tension that exists is within this countries administration to apply the right action and attitude toward this radical situation. That is why I would like you to take this week and pray to the Lord for this situation. I'm not asking to draw lines around party agendas but simply pray to the Lord about these governments, to whom the Lord has both sovereignty and oversight. Much could be on the line in the days ahead, and if the body of Christ seeks the Lord, we can have a clear heart to continue to witness and proclaim the Lord's will, even in international affairs.

Been awhile...

2009-09-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

Ever notice how long you can go without being noticed. Well, it has been a while since my last blog and so I wanted to let you know that I'm alive and kickin. Life has been busy with a new baby on the way and transition of location for Elevation Church, but I'm excited about a series of blogs that I will be rollin out to you all this week called "Blood Theology." It will be the fascination that our culture has with blood and its use in media in contrast to its use in scripture. So, stay tuned. Until then, keep looking to Jesus...

God and Dog

2009-07-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

As usual I was minding my own business; well, maybe not completely. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a mid-twenty something car full of adults passing me on highway 49 in my nor cal region. On the car was a bummer sticker that said DOG. I knew what this was all about; and so I pondered what DOG had to do with GOD. The first thing that came to mind was loyal. God is loyal. The second was comforting, and God is certainly that too. The third was a picture of an old Rhodesian Ridgeback that my family had owed a couple years back, and the fear that dog could strike in the hearts of men, who for no other reason were careless to stumble upon the protective nature of this awe inspiriting lion killing dog. I thought, was this the type of dog they thought about or more like the sissy Yorkie dog that could be controlled and walked on? If God is to the lost a dog, look out for the bite that comes when they find out God is much bigger than a play on His name.

The Fund of IMF

2009-04-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

“The IMF is central to this endeavor and all of us have a stake in the role of the Fund in
orchestrating the road to recovery. The Fund’s capacity to deliver is ultimately connected to how much and how soon we empower it with resources, better governance, greater
accountability and a redefined mandate that keeps pace with the requirements of the
changing world,” Statement by Mr. Duvvuri Subbarao, Alternate Governor,
Home Minister Government of India, Ministry of Finance, India.

I know it is hard all over the world and in one sense it has always been a crisis to crisis world. In short, it is living in a fallen world that needs a redeemer. The IMF is posing as that redeemer. The full article is located at this link; http://www.imf.org/External/spring/2009/imfc/statement/eng/ind.pdf and you can read it yourself.

What I got out of it was that we are in a mess, not just locally, but globally. That money, loans, investments, and promissory notes have failed. The reoccurring word is ‘reform,’ and that our systems need to be challenged and changed to meet the demands of a broken system of economy. I agree, we need to be about reform, and certainly see the need for that in the many lives I minister too that have lost jobs, or about to get the hammer dropped on their company. I see it in local shops and businesses having to slim down or shut down all together. Lives have been affected for sure. What I do see in a letter like this is the one world economy. It shows the shadows of something that is just another step closer to control. I’m certainly only skimming the surface here, but the way I read my Bible is that the further we get away from the ascension of Jesus, the closer we get to his return. Articles like this one and the authorities that write them confirm the fact that time is ticking down.

So what is necessary? Reform. The same word that many leaders are saying is the very word that needs to be applied to hearts of mankind toward the Gospel of Jesus. To realize that the totality of government rests on His shoulders is a reforming thought and those who have been saved by His grace can certainly testify to his authority in and over all things. So as you look around, keep a watchful eye on the Lord. He is not devoid of our decisions. In fact he will ultimately have His glory in spite of them. Looking to Jesus. The author and reformer of my faith and life.

Missed Flights

2009-04-17T15:30:00.001-07:00

So, here I sit at Sacramento International Airport. Why am I sitting rather than flying off into the wild blue yonder? Because I missed my previous flight. This comes as no surprise for the friends and family that really know me. I could say traffic was heavy, I had way to many errands to run, my kids held me up; however, these are all excuses good for one thing; to provide an excuse. What is comforting in all this is the opportunity to write this to you before I catch the next flight.

I stepped up to the ticket counter and told them my plight and walla, I had the next flight reserved. It was a bit embarrassing and will be an adjustment for the family that was picking me up at my destination; however, by God's grace I got another chance. Why do I say by God's grace? Because I believe this is what God has done on my behalf. He has given me a second chance. We need to know that. God is all about taking our excuses and turning them into a journey with Him. I could have turned around once I knew I would have missed my flight, I could have got all upset at the missed flight, I could have slipped into deep depression over missing the flight, but by God's Grace I got another chance.

Now let me make another point here, I don't want to make a habit of missing flights, anymore than I want to cheapen God's Grace. This is what Paul the Apostle was saying to the first century Christians in Rome about God's Grace. We cannot earn it, and God gives it through His son Jesus Christ, and once we receive it, we don't want to make it cheap with a poor example of God in me. So, though I get to write you a confermation of making another flight that I missed, I want to still be good about making the next one. That is why I'm sitting right in front of the boarding gate. A gift to make the flight, and the responsibility to keep myself on time.

Celebration of 3 years!

2009-04-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

Just three years ago a group of disciples thought it possible to be a gospel minded, disciple driven, grace living church. We started in a living room with dreams and passion, and it has not let up to this day. On Sunday the 5th of April we had a wonderful gathering of breakfast, balloons, and big stories of how God is moving among His people in the Sierra Foothills of Auburn and it's surrounding communities.

I'm thankful to be it's planter. A few things come to mind that I want to reflect upon in this blog post. First, it takes a group of people to gather for a church. What this means is being part of tribe of people committed not to planting a church but to the gospel that saves them. This comes to unfold gifts, talents, passions, and interests for the Gospel. Out of that comes a willingness to plant a church. This obviously means gathering publicly and making much of Jesus and gathering locally in community groups to make much of Jesus. Second, not everyone will want to make the journey. I feel very called to plant Elevation and hope that Elevation Church will be a catalyst to plant more Gospel/Mission minded churches. However, not everyone is called to do that. Discerning who is on board and encouraging them to share temperaments, talents, treasures, and time is a continual process. This means the work of planting is really never over. Gathering people around the Gospel is continuous. Lastly, my family, especially my wife have been such a blessing and inspiration to this call and journey within these last 3 years, that without them I'm not sure how successful things would be. I know that God can do anything, however, pastoring my family first and being encouraged by the results of that in light of planting Elevation has been a confirmation of God's grace.

I look forward to run the race that God has called me too. Doing it with God's strength, integrity, and focus. This last three years have been tremendous. So to all who have had a part in the journey with Elevation, I thank you and look ahead to God's will being done in Elevation Church. Elevating the Gospel and making disciples who will live as missionaries in their culture. Love you...Pastor Eric Van Patten

The angst of anxiety

2009-03-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

That late 90's song "Don't worry be happy" just makes me sick. It just makes the issues of my everyday life seem trivial and unnecessary to worry about. It makes the end goal of being happy the solvent of all my issues and problems. But my life and most likely yours too, life is not just a state of "just be happy." When I have been at the bedside of a man dying of cancer or at the memorial of a grieving family, or counseling a person who is trying to make sense of their marriage breaking apart after 20 years; I don't simply play that silly little jiggle. So what can I do? For myself, and to help others? Well I think the Bible again offers good news (gospel) to that question.
First off Jesus spoke about anxiety. He preached it in a sermon found in Matthew's gospel account. Chapter 6 has Jesus asking the big question of whether anxiety can add more time to your life? The obvious answer is no. However, I tend to think many folks hope it does. Because behind much of anxiety is control and power. When we are out of control or not in the power seat of life we can have an overwhelming feeling of being anxious. I think Jesus knew this about our need for control and even was being tempted to be anxious about life in general with a previous temptation story in Matthew 4. Jesus knows our needs and wants and desires. He knows we can focus hard on the things of this world to satisfy our life and the need to want more. We can get worn down and seek after a kingdom of this world and loose sight of God's kingdom. That is why I think he gives a refocus on kingdom perspectives. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." As a Christ follower, I'm not immune to being anxious, but I can do something about it. I can be rightly concerned with God's kingdom and this will place a real contentment for my anxiety. This real effort is a term called "casting." and again the Bible confirms this effort by saying, "casting all your anxieties on him (Jesus) because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7.
This is more than a mental assent of thinking happy thoughts, but a whole life effort of redirecting our trust in Jesus, who can sympathize with our worries, yet kept his obedience in check to the provision of God the Father and His timing to life's situations. So instead of singing a silly song about being happy and really not dealing with the core issues of anxiety, maybe we can sing an old hymn of truth about God's dealing with us in anxiety; "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus."

Stress is strength?

2009-03-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Often I have been told we need to get rid of stress, and certainly we have tried as a culture to perfect many ways to alleviate stress from our lives. From medication to gadgets to media. However a recent article from a culture website called Very Short List, disclosed a study that a bit of stress might be good for you after all. Researchers say it can even keep you young. Well you can read more about it and even go to the extended link yourself. The article below...

(Doctors and scientists have told us that stress causes heart disease, stomach cancer, and other assorted ailments. But according to scientists at Northwestern University, a little stress can actually be good for you.
When cells are exposed to a stressor such as heat, they initiate a biochemical cascade that aims to limit the damage. A key element of this “heat shock” response is the repair of proteins that have been misfolded or injured — a process that extends the life span of the cells and thus the organism. And so, certain forms of stress (calorically restricted diets, a few long days at the office) may be healthy: They’re too mild to cause serious harm but significant enough to trigger the repair mechanism. The secret, then, isn’t avoiding stress entirely — it’s finding ways to make sure the stress isn’t chronic. )...http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/41044/title/Antiaging__A_little_stress_may_keep_cells_youthful

Of course I think the Bible has already spoken to the issue in James chapter one, when the writer says to followers of Christ, to consider it pure joy when you face trails of many kinds. That certainly includes stressful situations. The end result is not wanting more stress, but character that reflects the nature of Jesus and brings God glory. Maybe we can look more into the scriptures to see some of lifes real issues addressed too. Have a day!

Calvinism with conscience

2009-03-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'm a Calvinist. Now that is off my chest, I also want to say that reformed approaches to the Bible can lend a stale approaches to actively living in the Spirit. However, I think that if I'm reading the Bible through the eyes of the Gospel of Jesus, than I have a privilege to keep in step with the Spirit.

The means of my salvation is certainly and most assuredly in the perfect work of Christ, but my continual cooperation with that work started in me is daily and a willing submission to the Spirit in me. Douglas Moo, commentator to the New Testament letter of Romans says of this tension of being saved and acting saved like this, "Security without responsibility breeds passivity; but responsibility without security leads to anxiety."

Both places are not good to be in exclusively. However, the wonderful aspect of being in Christ or in the Spirit (which is really one in the same) is "There is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1. This is security. And, "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live," Romans 8:13, this is responsibility.

Someone who says he or she is a follower of Jesus and does not put their lives under daily review of his or her behaviors and beliefs is prone to become passive to the Spirit of God, and the one who is always trying to make themselves right through rituals of behavior modification and belief in a 'better you, ' is subject to anxiety. Thanks be to Jesus who navigates the way. More to come in future posts.

Rhythms of Redemption

2009-03-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a resurgence of redemption at Beach Hut deli in Auburn CA. I have always enjoyed good music and tonight Speak With Love hosted a show with two talented artist that took their art for music to the public in a non-threatening rhythm. The stage is being set to be an incarnational work of the gospel in public places. So wonderful to be on the ground floor in this movement to bring the gospel into culture where people live and relate. Beach Hut is a superb sandwich shop that has a very cool sand and surf theme. They serve up a great sandwich and drinks, along with passionate live music that points to the gospel and you have the ingredients for a redemptive work. Now all my missionary friends at Elevation need to do is let God be God and draw his own to an understanding of His grace because we spoke with love tonight in a deli shop in Auburn CA. For more on Speak With Love...visit them on Facebook, or go to http://www.speakwithlove.org/

Visiting Museuma vs. Living Movements

2009-03-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but museums kind of scare me. Don't touch, stay behind the rope lines, spotless brass rails. You know what I'm talking about. So clean that you could eat off the bathroom floors. Not that I have tried mind you. They hold artifacts, relics, and valuables of the past. They are certainly interesting places to visit, but living in them is not all that "real." You pay some cash and go visit them.

This is what unfortunately the church can become. They can turn into museums that people visit and deposit cash into. They hold things, and recount the past with pictures to prove it down the halls of the building. Don't get me wrong; I think that the past and understanding, studying, and certainly celebrating it is valuable and necessary to navigate the present and future. But living in it is not related to a movement.

The Gospel is a movement. Dynamic, and challenging. It is not a solitary picture hanging neatly in a hallway of some stuffy building. It is down and dirty, and in the lives of people; people who hurt, struggle, and suffer for it's sake. This movement will be marked with many pictures and stories of history. It will have all kinds of Godly achievements announced. What is necessary for making the gospel movement not turn into a museum: is the Gospel. Simply put it is the power of God. The power of God has always been a movement of mission for the souls and lives of His followers. Who are the followers? Those who have placed a faith in Jesus Christ.

The movement of the Gospel will certainly cost you. However, it will not be a ticket entrance into something static, but a whole life lived for a movement. It is the powerful movement of the Gospel. May those who are movement minded people in the Gospel, not sell out for decorating the man made halls of museums so that men get the honor of what God has done.

Abudant Grace.

2009-02-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

In an economy that is not looking very abundant; it is awesome to read in the Bible how God is still supplying abundant grace. Romans 5:17b says, "much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."

You might be struggling with where the money will be coming to pay your electric bill this month, but their is no shortage of God's grace in Jesus Christ. This grace by the way is not cheap either, it came at the highest cost anyone ever could pay, the death of Jesus.

So, we in California are seeing a budget being passed to balance the state indebtedness and a nation passing a bail out plan for the country, and these will not be anywhere close to the assurance you and I in Christ can have in the free gift of grace, and it's daily abundance. The follower of Jesus has an abundant grace that will never be shaken or taken away. This is God's promise to you. Live in it!!

hope in the gospel

2009-02-12T13:22:00.001-08:00

Been pouring over Romans 5 today. What a great section to a tremendous letter to the followers of Jesus in the first century expression of the gospel in Spain. How relevant today. Many folks are hopeless, and others have misplaced hope. Both are not Biblical. Hopelessness is not of God. He is author of hope and center point of it. How so? In Jesus. His justification by stepping between the wrath I deserve from God and the results of my rebellious sinful nature is outstanding. He makes me just before God. His blood, His death, His Resurrection. All of it. I can have hope because of Jesus. This runs counter cultural to misplaced hope. Hope in my achievements, my materialism, my personality, and even my relationship of others can misplace my hope in the gospel It can misplace it because it will minimize the power of the gospel and the hope I can have in it now, everyday, and when I see my Savior Jesus face to face. Hope in the gospel today. Jesus tells me not to worry about life, not because life is all good, but because Jesus is the author and finisher of life. I hope in that now and continuously. May you find hope in the gospel of Jesus today and forevermore. Keeping my eyes on Jesus.

In the Balance

2009-02-10T22:24:00.000-08:00

I watch it too. Statements from the President, promises from elected officials with plans to help a struggling economy. Now, I'm not a political analysts by any stretch of the imagination, however, I know people, and they are frustrated and confused. What seems to be hanging in the balance over the past couple days in speeches and interviews is the US government coming to bail out America. I'm not sure if that is the best course of action. Especially when we have been founded upon the principle of a government by the people and for the people. If money is going to be handed out to help and government is going to get bigger by doing that, than I think we will soon have a balance problem boarding on socialism. The first large sum of 300 billion was already given away to banks to make their bottom line larger, and yet it has shrunk in areas that businesses and people use banks most; lending. This was an imbalance of financial distribution in my opinion. However, now the executive wing of government wants to withdrawal another 600 billion more to try and stimulate the economy. I think a more plausible way in doing that is giving the balance back to the people. Hand money to them. They will, in a short period of time, infuse the economy by givings back into jobs, merchandise, travel, debt pay downs, home improvements, and daily cost of living expenses. This will in turn produce consumer confidence and give back the billions right back into the private sector for economic stimulus. But heck, I don't have a clue here, right? I "need" my government to get dramatically large and in turn I get incredibly dependent upon them. Sounds like a horror story of a adult dude living at home off the good graces of mom and dad. Balance is what is needed and I for one will be praying that this will happen, for the sake of future generations.

People like us

2009-02-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

Obviously times are hard. Economy, jobs, housing, foreign policies, and much more. The real question is when have times not been hard? They always have been. Every generation has seen them. It is not new under the sun, and in every generation there are stories of difficulty. We can hear them from the media or through the networks of people who have heard something about them. However, when do you get to hear and see these stories in an opportunity of service? This was what Elevation Church had the opportunity to do on January 31st of this year. We served those who have fallen on hard times. We heard their stories, and looked into their faces as we sat at the tables set by us to dine at for an evening meal of lasagna and fellowship. Family groups from Elevation came to share their lives with the least of these. Knowing full well that we are all a step away from being least. It was good to do the gospel with my church and I have to say as a Pastor it was encouraging to be serving the homeless of our area. We have been set in this generation for the purpose to be a gospel (good news). This gospel is founded in the deep and abiding relationship of Jesus, and we at Elevation were honored to be used to minister to these people of hard times, people who are in need like us all.

Epic

2009-01-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

There are days; and then there are days that capture your soul. One of those was in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, Tahoe. My family, or at six of the nine, went up to Northstar a few days ago and we snowboarded. I enjoy this sport very much. It is so freeing and exhilarating. However, doing it now with my kids puts this sport at a new high. To carve down a hill with my boys, or to cruise through a terrain park with them makes trips to the snow very special in deed. This particular trip was a new one for two of my little grommets. They were boarding for the first time. I was so proud of them. They braved the falls and kept getting back up. Their dad was in their corner and excited about their progress, even when it seemed painful. I know that once they get down the basics, then the mountain will take on a whole new meaning of adventure and excitement. This I think, is what God wants from his kids...a willing spirit of perseverance that leads to hope in the great ride of faith. I look forward to more days like this...Epic!

Money and God's people

2009-01-13T13:16:00.001-08:00

I find it hard to talk about money in the church. So many misconceptions. However, during this wavering economic crisis I think that I will state some of my feelings about it now. We have often, those within a church culture heard of the term 'tithing.' I think this is good, but it does not get to the core of the gospel of giving and for that matter stewardship. We often think of transactional giving withing the term of tithing. I give my money and in return receive a service, program, or benefit. But what if we gave in a New Covenant way? A "cheerful giving" as the New Testament writers put it? Could we move from a consumer that transacts with God and his people to a covenant member that is being transformed by the gospel? To make this shift requires me to see that my tithe is not me personally being blessed because I gave, but being a blessing because I was able to give. The story of the widow's mite in the gospel of Luke chapter 21 is a person who was not giving her resource out of transaction but transformation. During the kind of economy that we are in right now, this action by the followers of Christ could send a loud signal about the gospel of giving. Especially in regards to that same giving by Christ, who willingly gave up his life for those whom he would save. This transforms a person to be more like Jesus. I want to move out of being a transaction giver to a transformational giver. I would like to be known as one who gives generously and cheerfully rather than obligatory and glum. Is money something that we can give without the left hand knowing what the right hand is doing? Maybe you and I need to see!

Turning leaves

2009-01-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

It's time to say 'Happy New Year' for the next couple weeks. Certainly many have familiar stories of how they spent their new years eve festivities. The breaking of a new year is always filled with sights, sounds, and statements from previous years. However, there is also a newness to the forementioned years past. This is where I find myself today. Looking into the past a bit to see what needs to be tweaked this year, and hoping for the future of this year to be a bit different than the one before. All this of course is subject to God's plan. I can make plans and dream of a better new year, but one thing is for certain; Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. This faithful fact alone keeps each year in perspective to the next. It also keeps me wanting to seek the Savior Jesus for his plan, direction, and purpose. I hope you take the time to reflect and respond to the new year, and I hope it will be in Jesus. Have a Jesus filled year.

Big-ass holes around the world.

2008-12-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Found this little tidbit of information for you party going folks and trivia hounds that like to keep a conversation moving to extremes. People are not the descriptive here purse when it comes to being a big hole to the world. However, we certainly have had our hand in making big holes issues come about. Enjoy and try not to be a big 'A' hole in the new year.

http://www.listropolis.com/2008/08/7-big-ass-holes-in-the-earth/

Considering Christ

2008-12-21T22:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas in America is not a beacon of the light of Christ, but the co-existing of religions for the sake of good will toward all men. How has Jesus been reduced to one of many other enlightenments of the Christmas season? The answer lies in men loving darkness. When Jesus, who is the very nature of God, came to earth, he brought with him a total package of perfect humanity and complete divinity. The men of Jesus' time, as well as ours today, love the darkness. The darkness of man's sin does not understand the light of Jesus. The devil's great deception to mankind is not a disbelief in Jesus, but a reduction of Him. The enemy of the Gospel of Christ wants nothing better than to dim the light of Christ. Making Him just a good man, or a social activist. This becomes the confusion and frustration on Christmas for many.

I find, in considering Christ this Christmas, a perfect divine mission by God for His own. That just like God has been on mission to seek and save the lost sons and daughters of His remnant; I run head long into the subtitle dimming of Jesus within a pluralist culture. As a father, husband, and Pastor I want to keep Jesus right where he must stay; At the top of my life. For there is no other suitable light that will do, and certainly no other religious icon, person, or faith that is as complete and compelling as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So this Christmas may you have your heart settled on the light of life. And may this Christmas not share the allegiance of other idols that would rob the Son of God his rightful place of authority and dominion that belongs to Him this holiday season or every other time of the year.

Loyalty to Jesus

2008-12-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

Romans 8:28.I want to plan, control, engineer where I go, what I say, how I will get there, and all in the name of God. Many times, even at this moment, I struggle with disloyalty to Jesus. I use Him as a pin cushion that holds my requests and plans, and forget to stick to the simple task of loving Him no matter what. The idea is not that I have to be doing all the work for Jesus in my name, but surrender to Jesus so He can do His work in me.

Incarnation and Indivduality

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

The incarnation of Jesus, which simply means flesh embodiment; is what we come to celebrate this season. However, we tend to run head long into the individualist nature of the season too. God becoming human flesh was by no means an individualistic act. Imagine God lowering himself to take on human frailty, leaving heavenly dominion and living with the simple sinners of this world. In short moving into the neighborhood. This act of giving up His right to save the elect was by no means an act of thinking of himself. The incarnation breaks down the husk of my individual nature that so much wants nothing to do with letting God in. However, Jesus took on the flesh of our humanity to not be something special, but to save. Save us from ourselves and our individualistic nature of sin and separation. God by nature is in community and this time of the year, because of Jesus' birth shows us how far he calls His own out of being individualistic. As you reflect this season, ask how God can invade your space and bring you into a marvelous light known as the gospel of your salvation. Open it up and see that it is no all about you or me, BUT Jesus!

Shack Review

2008-12-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

If you have read the #3 and climbing Amazon best selling book this year, 'The Shack' than you have probably been pleasantly surprised on many levels. I thought it benefit you to take a look at a review that is honest, balanced, and full of grace. http://theresurgence.com/the_shack_book_review

Money sucks

2008-12-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

The best laid plans of mice and men, have been thwarted by money. The book of James in the Bible says "Come now, you who say, 'today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,' yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." James 4:13-14. With daily news hits of more job loss and economy downfalls, looking to money as the solvent can lead anyone into a dark corner of a doomful state. I hear how messed up money can make us and how it can own our lives. Just got off the phone with another victim a few minutes ago before this posting. The reality is we do live in a material world, however, we don't have to be owned and operated by it. Instead, we who belong to God in Christ Jesus ought to say "If the Lord will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15. Are you asking God for His will? Are you being patient for it? If not why not? I'm not trying to take you out of the world situation to some fair tale land of cloud surfing and harp playing, but the real world that crashes into the will of God. Are you at the intersection of materialism? What will you do? I hope you boast of what God does and has done in Jesus.

A clear picture

2008-11-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

Praying for a clear picture in 2009 for Elevation. We will be three years old in April and have been blessed to see a couple of churches get started, acquire some office space, and gather faithfully every week with a presentation of the gospel. Hoping for some new leaders to emerge and a continued excitement from the leaders we have. Sometimes it can get discouraging in looking at what will come when things like money and some drop in attendance have accrued. However, I hang tight to God's word on drawing near to Jesus, and going to make disciples of Jesus. God will grow this church and be good in His timing to show us what's up. Pray for me and especially what Elevation will be working on in 09. Thanks for all who have been laboring at Elevation. Living life on mission for the gospel everyday...

Screen door confessions

2008-11-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

This morning my 7 year son displayed a genuine since of reformed character. The situation was a pencil sticking through my brother-in-laws new screen door. With 13 kids under the age of 16 the culprits were many. Like with any good interrogation, getting conflicting stories to isolate the truth from a lie is generally the rule of thumb. So we called the kids in the room of the offense and pointed at the pencil (the smoking gun) sticking through the screen and asked the simple question, "who did this?" Thinking that this would be the first step to many other interrogating questions we dug in for the long haul. To my surprise one meek voice emerged with a confession after the first question. This is unheard of. And so, with my inquisitive voice, I asked the question again; "who did this?" And again in faint but honest tone my seven year old son confessed to it being his doing. There was no other pointing fingers. Even the other kids who were posturing away from blame stood silent as the honest confession was made. Refreshing how the truth can set you free. It did not get my son off the hook of punishment and seeking forgiveness from my brother-in-law, but it did make me proud that he sought the truth in this little affair. Thankfully we have a Savior and Lord in Jesus who wants us to come clean and willingly confess our sin to him; "If we confess our sin, he (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness," 1 John 1:9.

2008-10-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

As a follow up to my sermon last Sunday on Temptation and the testing of Jesus with temptation in our sermon series "Marked" I wanted to offer a link to a book that will rock you in the arena of lust, pronograpghy, and God's prospective of it. This book, will be out in it's entirity by the first of November is available as an ebook right for free at http://www.theresurgence.com. Take a look at it and be encouraged.

2008-10-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

IT calls to you everyday. What is 'IT'? Temptation. For everyone must deal with temptations, just like we have to deal with breathing. Why? Because they are not just of matter, but of mind and heart. Temptations are battlefields of decisions. They can seem very insignificant at first, but if left unchecked, then the results will be fields of blood. I suppose that is what is needed in most temptations, is a death. A death to the flesh and a life to the spirit. It certainly is not easy. For the cravings of the flesh can result in immediate results of feeling good. However, if giving into the temptation within the first few minutes is what my life is, than I will certainly not know the hour of bliss by resisting. The gospel certainly provides right answers of why to resist and how to go about doing it. I still can find myself tempted in not heeding the direction of the gospel, and in short I think this is the spiritual battle that rages on. It is for the identity and allegiance of my soul. It is for the transformation and application of my life. Yet, temptation is my daily grind. Thankfully, I do have a Savior who has made the way for me to overcome it. For that I can resist and be known as a lover of God.

Death by Church

2008-09-29T00:19:00.000-07:00

"I'm resigning." That is what this pastor said to me after being in a lead ministry position at a local church in my area. I thought to myself at the time, why does it have to be this way? He is a good leader, a compassionate man, and kingdom of God guy. Why does this dude have to take one for the team? He is not alone. As a matter of fact, lots of people are resigning from ministry at rapid rates. Not good. Sometimes it is at the hand of their sin, and no doubt there needs to be some change. However, for many it is a conflict at the church. I like to call it death by church. Maybe it is not measuring up. Or perhaps a personality conflict. A power struggle. Whatever the case is, many men and women are dying in the ministry. I think of the time Jesus was not a welcome person in his own home town. To think that the Son of God was rejected is harsh, and yet he was. He can certainly understand when we go through the hard times at church. When leading it is such a hard place at times because those you are trying to lead are not being very nice. It can certainly get lonely being in leadership within the ministry of a church. Again Jesus can relate. What bugs me though is we who are in the church, by God's grace don't relate well to Jesus. You can see why so many letters were written in the first 40 years after the resurrection of Jesus. We, that is the body of believers, are having to be reminded of a death to self, and a life to the gospel. This takes faithful consideration of how the gospel will cut. Will it cut into the culture to reach the lost? Or will it cut each other off for lesser goods and service? All I know is that I can only 'do' church because of Jesus, and this can bring me comfort as I try to serve in it and alongside others

2008-09-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

Mud. It can be fun. Most of the time it is messy. So what is so special about mud? Add a 3 year old boy and you can have some funny memories. As I cleaned up the side of my house, which is in constant need of cleaning. My son, decided to turn on the water and allow two elements to mix. Dirt and water, which makes mud. I was going to scold him for it, but seeing the fun he was having caused my adult reaction to delay. I found myself intrigued by his unabashed playfulness of two simple ingredients. What was most outstanding was his proclamation of seeing his hand print in the mud. He yells up at me to look, at which I was already doing, and wanted me to take careful note of his hand imprinted upon the earth. Again I was profoundly impressed at his excitement, and the simile of his hand on the earth. It caused me for a moment to recall God's creation and call for man to work the earth, knowing that God gave us a privileged job to be stewards with His creation. This imprint was God's message to me about how we are connected to this floating ball called earth, and how God desires us to enjoy it. May you to enjoy, His creation, especially with the playfulness of a child's heart.

Gathering Inn

2008-09-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

What turned out to be another day was in no way ordinary. With the opportunity to help feed the homeless in the Placer County area, Elevation Church along with Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Auburn feed and hosted the Gathering Inn. What is the Gathering Inn? Simply put, it is going to the 'least of these' (Matt.25:45), that the gospel calls the follower of Christ to help. This does not mean creating more government and committees to decided how to help, it is feeding, housing, proclaiming, and sharing the gospel of Jesus with another person. A person who is no different than me. A person who may understand the love that God does have for people by being the gospel with flesh. You see I preach in my setting at Elevation every week. To that I'm grateful to proclaim a freedom message to all who need to hear and respond to the salvation of Christ. No doubt this is important. However, the gospel can be "preached" in service too. We were able to feed, house, and relate to over 45 homeless, transitional, and working poor in the Placer County area. The Gathering Inn is the conduit for a church to come alongside the individual and proclaim the gospel. That is awesome. As I worked alongside my five kids, another Pastor in our church and his family, a couple from Elevation, and 6 volunteers from Bethlehem Lutheran I marveled at God's ability to do His work of the gospel through willing hearts. The Gathering Inn will be a place for Elevation to work the gospel out in real lives and in real needs. For more information about this ministry go to www.thegatheringinn.com

Mega Gospel

2008-09-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Lots of noise. Communication is certainly the mantra of our lives. We sometimes don't hear well what was said and misunderstand what was meant. Found it interesting what I heard about a Telemegaphone in Norway. This is a one way loud speaker atop of a tower that callers call to and let their voice be heard. Those within ear shot listen in on the proclamation of the caller. Even the small village town of Dale hears callers tell those who will listen what is on their minds. It is surprising that we will take on the expense of calling to some remote location to be heard, but yet we will not say a word to someone about the greatest movement known to man, 'the Gospel of Jesus Christ.' I find myself sometimes wanting to be heard, but yet what needs to be proclaimed is the greatness of God's Gospel to all humanity. Let every mountain top hear that message, until God comes again.

Burgers

2008-01-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

I have had countless bacon and cheese hamburgers. They are a weakness to my diet. Nothing quite hits the spot like a good one. TJ Road House Café in Colfax delivered the best beacon and cheese hamburger I have ever had. It took longer than expected, yet when it came out on the plate it looked like art. The cook that night obviously took his work seriously. I was only one of five other customers in the café that night. When I bit into the burger all the right tastes where present, fresh, and satisfying. The meat was not a frozen patty, the beacon cooked to perfection, the bun toasted evenly, and the produce crisp. It was good. Real good. It made me think about my craft, preaching. It caused me to consider if I deliver my product with pride. Do I just reheat something or do I take the time needed to bring to the waiting person something that is genuine, satisfying, and filling? Do I leave people thinking that was another burger or do they go away wanting more and willing to tell others about what was said? Thinking about the burger, I wonder if the church is trying to give out less than best when it comes to the gospel. I know I’m not the guy who invented it, yet if I’m in love with the message of Jesus wouldn’t I want to give it my best every time? I know it is not about my abilities only, yet do I reduce the process of bringing a message that is much more significant than a burger with excellence, or is it just like leftovers? That burger was something else; it was more than I expected, and I hope that as I put in the time with God in study, prayer, and preparation that He will take the message and cause someone to think, process, and respond saying this is the best news I have ever heard. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23Looking Up to Jesus;Eric VP