A Person, Not a Power

November 13, 2014

Dear City Calvary,

I have received many encouraging comments about the re-directing of our Sunday teaching time, from our verse by verse study in 1st John, to focus on learning about the Holy Spirit.  We will get back to our journey through 1st John but for the time, the Spirit is leading us in a different direction. 

In our study this past Sunday, we talked about who the Holy Spirit is.  He is a person and not a power.  Though He does empower us with His presence, He is a person - complete with His own will, desires, thoughts, emotions, etc.  One doesn't have a relationship with power but rather experiences it.  One does, on the other hand, have a relationship with a person and our relationship with the Holy Spirit allows us to know God at the most intimate of levels.  Our bodies are His temple and He inhabits our very being.  The Holy Spirit is God.  He is the third person of the Trinity, equal to the Father and the Son.  He is called "God" by name and is seen as God in the Old and New Testaments.  He has the attributes of God, being all present, all knowing, all powerful, and eternal.  (Get the CD or listen on line if you weren't at the service.) 

This coming Sunday, we will talk about what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives.  It is sooo exciting!!!  Be sure to be there and invite a friend.

Blessings in Jesus,

Pastor John

Fall Fresh on Me

November 5, 2014

Dear City Calvary,

John 3:8 "Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit."

I believe that The Holy Spirit is working in a fresh way at our church.  He certainly is in my life.  His wind is blowing anew and I want to let Him do what He desires.  I believe that He is leading us to suspend our verse by verse study of 1st John and focus on the Holy Spirit, who He is, what He does, what His baptism is, what happens to the church when He empowers us for the work of the ministry.  He's calling us to a greater walk, a deeper love for Jesus, a more fruitful life.  We need the Holy Spirit and His power, otherwise we are only going through the motions and producing works of the flesh. Will you please pray for me and our church, that God would do ALL He desires at CCC.  I'm excited to see what He will do as we welcome the Holy Spirit to move among us!!!

Blessings in Jesus,

Pastor John

P.S. Russ DeVos gave another great message this past Sunday.  If you haven't had a chance to listen, click here and be blessed.

Clothed in the Power of God!

October 28, 2014

Dear City Calvary,

Earlier today, I listened to the message that Russ DeVos shared at church on Sunday and all I can say is "Wow"!  I believe that the Lord had this message for our fellowship, on the importance of being clothed in the power of the Holy Spirit.  If you haven't listened to Russ' teaching, I strongly recommend you do so and below is a link for you to hear it on-line.  In his message, Russ spoke on the importance of WHY we need this power from the Spirit in our lives.  Jesus said in John 15, "Apart from me, you can do nothing."  The contrast between Paul and the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 18) is a great case in point.  

Russ and I had lunch today and he shared with me that he is wrestling through a follow up teaching which will focus in on the HOW to be clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit.  I asked if he thinks he could have it finished by Sunday and he believes he can.  He and I both agree that the Lord has something specific to say to our church, so he will be speaking at City Calvary once again to share this important follow-up.  I'm very excited about this because I get to be there in person to hear my friend bless us with this word from Jesus.  I'm also excited to share with you what I believe God is putting on my heart for our fellowship.  After 1st John and before Revelation, we will have a topical series on the Holy Spirit, His power, what happens to the church when His power is poured out on His people.  God bless you and see you Sunday.  Invite a friend.

If you missed service on Sunday, please listen to Russ’ teaching here.

In Jesus love,

Pastor John