How much do you really know about God’s word?
I think we would all LIKE to say, ‘quite a bit.’ But really, how much do you know about the Bible…
Simple questions like… I don’t know…
Who was the author of Ecclesiastes?
Who was referred to as Jesus’ most beloved disciple?
Can you explain what salvation means?

There is tension between serving God with the talents and abilities; the characteristics that God has given us to show the world of his immeasurable workmanship, and the knowledge of living that relationship out because you actually know who God really is.
I believe that you can encounter God on so many levels…
I believe in the community that is the church.  I believe that doing life and being accountable with other believers will ultimatley sharpen your spirit man…
But I think there’s been something lost when it comes to being intentional about studying God’s word and really understanding the things you say you believe…
All that to say…

Starting May 18th, and for the four Tuesday nights to follow, I will be staring a class centered around the doctrines of the Pentecostal belief.  The 5 week series will be call ‘VNTG Doctrine.’
So get some solid foundation…
Come learn with other VNTG students…
Let’s stop the cycle of being dumb…sorry… unintelligent Christians.

VNTG DOCTRINE DATES
Tuesday May 18th @ 6:30-7:30 (The Trinity)
Tuesday May 25th @ 6:30-7:30 (Creation)
Tuesday June 1st @ 6:30-7:30 (The Resurrection)
Tuesday June 8th @ 6:30-7:30 (His Church)
Tuesday June 15th @ 6:30-7:30 (Our Worship)

Remember the truth spoken by the once great action figures…
KNOWING IF HALF THE BATTLE – G.I.Joe

Our Jr. High Ministry, The Gathering, just got back from their annual Spring Camp! It was another AMAZING year! God is so good and our Jr. Highs are gonna change the world! Props to all who helped make this weekend so amazing – VNTG Leaders are LEGENDS!!!

So today is the official “One day without shoes” Day! Toms shoes put together this event to raise awareness and support all over the North America for those in need.
Something like shoes seems to be a possession we take for granted, being in a wealthy country, having a pair of shoes is not even a question. However for hundreds of thousands of people in developing nations, the reality is shoes are a luxury, not a common item. For most children it hinders them from being able to go to school because they do not have shoes.
There are so many diseases that come from not having proper footwear. Such as hookworm, and Podoconiosis which is a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil. These infections are 100% avoidable IF there is proper shoes. Think about all the places you walked, now think about walking there barefoot, everyday all day. ouch!

Today is a day to challenge us to fully understand what it would be like to be barefoot. No protection against cuts, infection or injury. It’s not meant to necessarily be enjoyable, but I think sometimes we need to be moved out of discomfort. Our society creates a very comfortable lifestyle, but maybe we need that push to action. I love what Jesus says in Matthew…

Matthew 25:35-36, it says :35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
40 “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

WOW! When we get out there and serve others, whether it’s giving a pair of shoes, or $20 for clean water, or donating to a food bank, we are serving Jesus!

This is the thing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the issues and problems in the world. But when we look at it simply, it’s people going without shoes, water, education, food, and in our culture that seems absurd. Those are all things that we don’t even have to really think about. When we buy TOMS, it’s one simply act that can have a HUGE affect! I love movements like TOMS and Charity Water and Invisible Children because they connect us to beautifully to people who need our help! They give us ways to BE the hands and feet of Jesus!
Buying a pair of shoes, or giving $20 for someone to have clean water, are EASY ways we can make a difference.
and like Jesus said, when we do give a drink of water, or clothing, or food, we are serving Him! and I don’t know about you but I want to serve Him in all that I do.

Let’s not just talk the talk of loving God and loving people, let’s walk the walk.
Buying a pair of TOMS gives a child half way around the world the gift of health, cleanliness and dignity. AND we are serving Jesus at the same time by “clothing the naked”.

We Are…the hands and feet of Jesus