What's in a Name?

During our small group meeting this past Sunday night we talked about the Apostle Paul...or was he Saul of Tarsus? We discussed his story, about how he went from a blood thirsty killer of Christians to the greatest missionary. How after "a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground..." (Acts 9:3-5 BTW: there is no mention of a horse) Then someone asked, "When in scripture did God change his name?" The challenge was set, we all decided over the coming week to search the Bible for the answer.

Well, it didn't take Rachel but 2 days to dig it up. See her links below. Way to go, Rachel!

http://journals.aol.com/shirlmcarp/food-for-thought/entries/2007/08/16/a-new-name/1491
http://www.gotquestions.org/name-change.html
http://members.tripod.com/~robertwells/saul.html

After reading through those links I read the book of Acts. Indeed he was referred to as Saul after meeting the Lord, in Damascus & in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:7 - 31). Then Acts 13:9 says, "Then Saul, who was also called Paul..." From then on he is referred to as Paul by Luke (the writer of Acts).

So here's the scoop in a nut shell...
God didn't change his name. His Jewish name was Saul. Being born in a Roman city & claiming Roman citizenship, Paul (Paulos) was his official Roman name. Prior to Acts 13:9 he's referred to as Saul, after Acts 13:9 he referred to as Paul.

There you have it, that's what's in a name.

back at it

As Francie & I get "back at it", here's a look back at our Thanksgiving weekend...

After APC's Saturday evening service, we spent some time with Scott Hanson, a missionary to Tanzania. What a guy, a great heart for God who loves what he's doing & loves working with the people of that country. Scott had a hankering for a good hamburger so Max & Erma's fit the bill.

Alexandra & Gregory left @ 6:30am on Sunday to drive back to Springfield, MO. to finish out the semester. On the way they picked up Brandon just outside of Dayton, OH. After a 13 hour drive and arriving at school, the water pump housing mounted on the underside of the engine had broken off the Grand Am. Thanks to Wades Automotive in Springfield for the quick fix on Monday...Alexandra was back on the road & back to class.

After Sunday AM services @ APC (P. Jeff's message was awesome, as usual), we headed home for a bit & then went to BridgePoint's Sunday night small group meeting @ the James 5:16 center. Walking into the building @ 5pm we meet LeAnn who was standing on the corner. We talked about BridgePoint church for about 10 minutes & I invited LeAnn to come back at 6pm for the study...which she did & we were so glad to have her! (LeAnn lives in West Tarentum) 23 people attended that night for worship, Bible study & of course...food. (what's a church event without food?)

On Monday Francie & I ran a few errands & finished a few administrative things both personally & for BridgePoint. I got the Christmas decorations out from the attic, Francie arranged them around the house & we settled in to watch the "slosh bowl"... I mean the Steeler game.

Today we're "back at it"... empty nesters again.

BTW: Don't miss BridgePoint's Christmas Party this Saturday night @ 7pm at the James 5:16 center. Cost is FREE, bring a snack & some pop to share. It'll be fun!

Thanks to Bill Rossey & the Tarentum PD

On a day we give thanks for so many things I though I would say thanks to Bill Rossey & the Tarentum Police Dept. Here's why...

Last Thursday afternoon I went to the James 5:16 center to pray. Before arriving I was talking on the phone to Jim Biernesser. (Jim, Wes Moore & Jim Adams prepped & painted a 1st coat of paint on the outside of the building on Wednesday) As I parked in the front I saw the work the guys did and it looked GREAT!! I was so excited that I left my car keys in the ignition & closed the door. The keys (only one set) were locked inside. Oh My Gosh!

My first thought was...to check each door (4 door car). Power locks - no chance. My second thought...I can throw a brick through the window. Not good for a pastor to look like he's breaking into a car...not an option. My 3rd thought was...God You've got to get me into this car. (I apologized to Him for not making Him my 1st thought - Ow, that hurts!) Then this idea dropped into my mind, Walk down to the Tarentum Boro building & ask Bill Rossey, the Boro Mgr, if he can help.

When I got to the Boro building Bill was in his office. I explained my dilemma & Bill walked me over to the Police department. (in the same bldg) Bill asked the Chief to call one of his officers to come & pick me up so we could drive back to the James 5:16 center where the officer would get out his slim jim & pop open the power door locks. When we got back to the blg another officer was already working to get the car door open. After about 5 minutes the officers opened the door. (I made sure we got another set made) I thanked the officers as they went back to their patrols.

I then thanked God for His great idea & for Bill & the Tarentum P.D. As I going into the blg, Tim, a pro boxer who lives in the an apartment above the gym said, "Pastor is everything alright. I saw the police cars & thought . Oh no, the pastor was arrested. That's not good. Ha, Ha!" I assured Tim everything was just fine.

My List of Things to Be Thankful For

Good Morning, Happy Thanksgiving. This morning I woke up thanking God for His many blessing in my life. Here are just a few:

I'm thankful for...
God the Father, who loved so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice to save (Wow, isn't that Amazing!)
Jesus Christ, God became man. Died & resurrected so that I could spend eternity in Heaven (What an incredible place that will be!)
The Holy Spirit, where would we be without the Comforter, Councilor ...the POWER of God here on the earth. (Always available for us whenever we call!)
Francie, my wife. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in life. (I love you!)
My daughter Alexandra. Smart, funny, talented, beautiful. (I love you!)
My Son Gregory. Smart, always ready to help, great decision maker, giving (I love you!)
BridgePoint Church & our Launch team. We get to "Connect Real People to the Real God" by starting a church from scratch, how exciting is that!! (Francie & I love all of you!)
APC & the MCM Churches. It's so great to be a part of this fabulous movement for God. (Thank you Pastor Jeff, Pastor Nick & the MCM Pastors...you're the best!)
My Country, America. We get to live freely in the greatest country in the world (I can talk about Jesus all I want with out fear, way cool!)

I know, I know. That's only 9 things to be thankful for. You're asking where's number 10? Does it always have to be a list of 10 things? Anyway, there is so much to be thankful for. Let's keep reminding ourselves of that, O.K.?

Interesting Perspective

The picture on the right was taken by my son Gregory late Sunday morning after our 2nd monthly service at the James 5:16 Center. It's shot from the back wall, through the ropes of the boxing ring and through the front windows to the street. The lights were off when it was taken so it's hard to tell who's in the picture. (Francie, Debbie Balbo, P. Nick & me)

After seeing it I thought, Isn't that an interesting perspective? Is this a glimpse of what God the Father might see from heaven. God looks through towards His children who are about His work, prepared to show the world Christ's love. Empowered by the Holy Spirit to the point that it's not us but Gods Spirit working through us.

God may it be that we become less & You become more!

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

Galatians 2:20

BridgePoint Church 2nd Monthly Service...Something to Be Thankful For!

Yesterday we had our 2nd Monthly service @ BridgePoint Church and what an exciting service it was - 73 people attended!! When the clock struck 10am people started coming in, new faces as well as those from last months service.

Before the service @ 9:40am the launch team gathered to pray. Connecting Real People to the Real God is what Bridgepoint is all about so we prayed for the Real People who God would bring. People who needed....a loving touch from the Lord, an answer to a desperate situation or just wanting more of His Spirit in their lives. Not only were we prepared from the refreshments to Jr. Church & every area of ministry in between, we were prayed up as well. (One couple from our church even fasted & prayed the entire week for the service!)

As praise & worship began people entered in. The band was amazing & you could tell God's Spirit was beginning to move, preparing hearts for what they were to receive during the message. The message was interactive with "a flying turkey" and 1st time attenders involved. I preached about putting your hope & trust in God even when it seems like life is eating you alive. As the message progressed, I could sense the Spirit of God drawing people. I concluded by extending a invitation to receive Christ and invited anyone forward who was not satisfied with the condition of their relationship with Jesus but wanted to take it to a higher level. As we waited on the Holy Spirit, people began to come. Some of BridgePoint's men stepped up to pray for those at the front. God loves Real People and is ready to meet their Real needs! Afterwards everyone mingled at our cafe and you could still sense the excitement.

God is moving @ Bridgepoint church and that's something to be thankful for, especially at this time of the year.

FYI: BridgePoint's first annual FREE Christmas party will be on Saturday, December 1st @ 7pm at the James 5:16 center. (please bring a snack & a bottle of pop to share) Everyone is welcome & encouraged to come!

Don't miss our next monthly service! Sunday December 16th @ 10am. the Message..."Unwrapped"...the Best Gift You Could Ever Receive in Life!"

Triple Blessing

Saturday evening P. Nick told us, "Hey I found you a car. It's in Philly & he's asking a few hundred" (When Alexandra graduated from CBC in May I gave her my Jeep Wrangler (sweet ride) We believed God would provide another car for her at some point so...we were willing to wait on Him. Meanwhile, Francie & I have been sharing the Camery (230,000 & still rollin baby!)).

A Pastor friend of Nick's had a car donated to him. On Wednesday I flew out to Philly to meet Pastor Otto & pick up the car (152,000). We couldn't do the title transfer until 3:00pm so Pastor Otto & I spent the day together. What a guy... seasoned in ministry with a great heart for church planting! Everything he said I soaked up like a sponge. He also took me around Philly, I saw the "Rocky" steps (I resisted the urge to jump out of the car & run them), Joe Fraziers boxing gym and a few other famous sites. After I got the title transferred & the plate I thanked Pastor Otto for hosting me while in Philly then I "hit the gas". I'm sure I'll be talking to him again.

I left @ 4pm & got back to the Burgh @ 9pm. While I was driving on the pike I thought...God always takes care of His people when they put their hope & trust in Him. This whole thing turned out to be a triple blessing...Pastor Otto was blessed with a donated car, I was blessed by only paying a few hundred for the car & my daughter will be blessed with her own car when she comes home for Thanksgiving. Maybe I should have titled this post "Don't take it unless you can give it away" Pastor Otto would agree with that!

BTW: Don't miss BridgePoint this Sunday Nov. 18th, 10am @ the James 5:16 center..."Turkey or Eagle? Is life eating you alive or are you souring high above it?" Kickin band & refreshments after the service. It will be great fun!

"I Can't Wait For Sunday!"

Although it was raining, this past Sunday evening's group meeting was our highest attendance - 30...Praise God! Here's how it went...

After Francie & Tony lead worship we prayed for Tarentum & the Allegheny Valley. We also discussed & planned for our 2nd monthly service...this Sunday Nov. 18th @10am. Everyone on the launch team is excited & ready to go!

"Connecting Real People to the Real God" is the vision of BridgePoint Church. We know who the Real God is but, what about Real People, who are they? They're the people who are one decision away from moral, financial or marital ruin. They're the ones who are one decision away from________(you fill in the blank). They're the hurting, hopeless & confused, who think no one loves them & no one cares. They're moms & dads, young adults & seniors. They're our family members, friends & neighbors. They live in Tarentum, the Allegheny Valley, Allison Park, the North Hills of Pittsburgh and right next door to you. These are the Real People I'm talking about. Many are considering options that will effect the rest of their lives. There's alot at stake!

The good news is that the Bible is filled with principles & truths that address these & other needs of Real People. The question I posed is..."How far are we willing to go to "Connect Real People to the Real God?" To help them "Bridge the Gap". Answer, "As far as we can!" (I'm happy to say BridgePoint church is already trying to go as far as we can. Read the previous post "to the highest" Yeah God!)

What's the best way to do this? Follow the example of Jesus - Teamwork! Who was on Jesus' team? Fisherman, a tax collector, and a few ordinary men. And who were they? Real People! BridgePoint's team is made up of real people. Moms & dads, Young Adults, Business Owners, 40+ hour workers…People of all ages…young, middle aged (that's me), seniors…People who’ve lived & struggled with some of the issues I’ve described. So...I can think of no better team:Real people who know the Real God & know what He can do! It’s up to us to help make the connection & help Real People Bridge the Gap!

We then had communion together & prayed for the service on Sunday. It was a powerful evening! Amy, a young college student @ IUP studying Special Ed., told Francie & I afterwards that she felt this incredible sense that she wanted to work with kids. ("I heard their voices in the back room during the meeting") I told her that was God. So...on Sunday evenings Amy is going to prepare a Bible lesson ("I know the word" she said) for our kids and have information for the parents on what she'll be teaching. Praise God!

After the meeting everyone lingered and as usual...the kids played in the boxing ring. I can't wait for Sunday...this is really exciting! "Connecting Real People to the Real God!"

Book of Prayer Requests

This morning when I got to APC I looked in my box finding a book of prayer requests of APCs dated 1/93 to 2/96. During those years the church had a ledger type book available for people who felt lead to write in their prayer requests. Debbie Lynch wanted me to look at the middle of page 93. The prayer request dated 10/13/94 was written by a child requesting of God "That God would let me follow Him through my life." It was signed by...Alexandra Krowitz, our daughter when she was 9 years old! This is the first time I've ever seen this prayer request. After a wave of emotion I called Francie to tell her what I discovered. She cried as well.

Francie & I are so proud of Alexandra! (and our son Gregory - a junior & pastoral studies major @ CBC in Springfield, MO.) Today Alexandra is 22. She loves God, is beautiful, talented & smart! (a real catch) In May 07 she graduated from Central Bible College with a B.A. degree in Counseling. She is now attending AGTS (Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, also in Springfield) studying for her Masters degree in Counseling.

This Saturday our kids will be driving home for Thanksgiving. We haven't spent extended time with them since last Christmas. (a few days during graduation in early May & 2 days in early June when when my Dad passed away). We are so excited to see them! They will also be here to join us for BridgePoint's 2nd monthly service on Sunday Nov. 18th @ 10am.

As I look at her writing I can't help but think that God hears and answers our prayers. So don't stop praying! Whatever it is you're asking God for...don't stop asking. If He could hear and answer the prayers of a 9 year old girl back in 1994 who desired to follow Him all through her life...He hears and can answer your prayers!

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

Ephesians 6:18

Fabulous Musicians

Wow...All I can say is Wow! This evening we had worship band practice for our Nov. 18th service & it sounded great. Francie on the keyboard & Russ on the bass are just fabulous musicians. They also sing great harmonies! Francie has been playing piano since she was 7 years old & is a graduate of Duquesne's school of Music. Russ has played guitar & bass just as long & has played in many bands over the years including The Rhythm Kings in the 70's. He also manages Musik Innovations on Perry Highway in the North Hills. They have anything a musician could want.

This month Tony (guitar) & Ronnie (drums) will be playing. Tony just moved to Tarentum 2 months ago with his wife Rachel & their 2 boys Trey & Sam. While spending time with them on Sunday afternoon we discovered Tony has been playing the guitar since he was 8 years old. As a matter of fact he has 6 guitars & plays them all very well. Ronnie is a friend of Russ & his brother Dwayne. They grew up together playing in bands through high school and after graduation. As a matter of fact Ronnie was the drummer for Wild Cherry... "Play That Funky Music White Boy" Type that into You Tube & you'll see him on the drums in a video from 1976. Dwayne has also been a great blessing. We're buying our sound equipment from him & he's given us a great deal. Dwayne plays guitar as well & we hope to have him join us for a service.

So...if you want to worship with fabulous musicians, check out BridgePoint Church in Tarentum on Sunday November 18th @ 10am, you'll be blessed!

What do YOU see?

Yesterday I picked up my new glasses & Francie took this picture
late this afternoon. Isn't she really creative? I love her! After viewing it I got to thinking, What do I see? ...the glasses, the mirror, the reflection of the back of my head? (don't focus on that)

What ever we focus on is all we'll tend to see. The eyes are the window to the soul so... our focus has a direct link to our souls (who we are). We must train our focus on all that we're grateful for. If we focus on the negative, irritating & bad, that's all we'll see.

Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author & perfecter of our faith..." We must attach (fix) the focus of our physical eyes & our spiritual eyes onto Him. When we make this a regular habit in life our issues become smaller & Jesus becomes larger. Our lives are being perfected into a reflection of Him.

So..where's your focus & what do YOU see?

A couple fav. verses & thoughts

A couple favorite verses;
John14:17 "the Spirit of Truth...you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you."
John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

A couple thoughts;
As Christ followers it's a great comfort to know Gods Spirit is not only in us but with us as well. He's right there where ever we go! And as we're together & we stay connected to Him we'll bear (bear...naturally bring forth...not produce...through our own efforts) much fruit. Without Him we're empty...there's nothingness.

Invite the Holy Spirit into every area of life. (How do you get to know someone?...You spend time with them!) He's your adviser, comforter & partner. Our connection with Him enables us to bring forth a life that reflects Christ. When not connected that reflection can seem distorted & empty.

Great weekend of ministry

What a great weekend of ministry:

Thursday: my day of fasting & prayer, spent the afternoon praying @ the James 5:16 center & prayer walking Tarentum...Lord, pour out Your Spirit!!

Friday late afternoon: eye examine, had to get new glasses...getting older??? made up for that by getting some cool frames!!

Friday evening: BridgePoint Church "comeback event", bowling @ Funfest in Harmerville...143 & 145, not bad since I last bowled about 5 years ago!!

Saturday night: promoted BridgePoint during 12 bouts of amateur boxing @ the James 5:16 center, 8th bout fought by APC/BridgePoint's own Paul Pindroh...Great job, Paul!!

Sunday morning: lead worship @ APC traditions service...always a blessing!

Sunday afternoon: spent time with Tony & Rachel, who attended our 1st monthly service. Tony plays a great guitar & they are excited about getting involved w/ BridgePoint...you go Tony & Rachel!!

Monday (tommorrow) morning: Dentist...rinse & spit, please.

Monday (tommorrow) evening: MCM Pastors watching the Steeler game at a local restaurant...way cool, go Stillers!!

God is on the move...can't wait to see what's coming up this week/weekend!!