en A Place To Belong http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Uplifting Christian music and singing, dynamic teaching, personal ministering and a sense of 'belonging' to a group of loving and caring believers in Christ are all a part of what makes Heartland Christian Fellowship a 'Special Place' Our pastor, John Senters, presents basic biblical truths in a way that's relevant to today. Our services reflect our belief that attending church should be an enjoyable, uplifting and meaningful experience that encourages you to develop a closer and more personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Sun, 25 May 2008 13:51:23 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7&article_id=14 This month we feature Trish Eckard. Trish is married to Jim and is the mother of Joshua and Micah. On the team Trish sings and plays keyboards. Trish, along with the rest of the family,is a charter member and has been a part of the worship team since the beginning of Heartland. Trish also serves as the church treasurer. Besides playing music, Trish likes to read, scrapbook,cook and bake. Trish works at Eastern Mennonite University in the Dept. of Business and Economics. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:42:34 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=5 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=5&article_id=3 For children from birth - 6th grade Our Kids' Zone Children's Ministry and our Ambassadors Class meet at the same time as our Sunday Worship Celebration Service. In the Kids' Zone and in the Ambassadors Class our children learn the truths of God's Word in a fun and secure environment. Each week they experience Bible lessons that are age-appropriate, interactive and relevant to their lives. For Teens and Pre-Teens Our Youth Group has given themselves the ministry name of 'The Family' (formerly Fire By Nite) which they will be using for their inter-denominational and local community actives. For more info on this minisrty, please visit their web site » www.hcfyouth.com / www.youarethefamily.com They are at this time forming special groups within their ministry to include Royal Rangers for the boys and Gems for the girls. Sun, 1 Apr 2007 18:14:17 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=32 When Others Are Blessed My friend, 'Terry', called and told me how God had blessed her and her husband with an almost new car and then just two hours later she received a raise at work. How does that make you feel? Another friend, 'Todd', called to tell me how they had been praying about a car, because the one that they were driving was so bad that the angels would not ride with them. God laid it on someone's heart to give them a real nice car for free and then laid it on someone else's heart to give them $300.00. When you hear stories like this what do you think? To tell you the truth I was excited and elated for the both of them because I know what they have been through. But at other times in my life I would not have been as excited as I was now. It hurts when your crying out to God for more of Him and someone else tells how God is moving in their life and making Himself so real. It hurts when you are just making ends meet and God passes over you and blesses someone who doesn't live as good as you; as sometimes we may think. Or how about when your kids are going crazy while you are trying to do everything you know to be that's right and you see everyone else's little angels sitting in church on Sunday morning and you couldn't even get yours up for church. Here are a couple of things that I think will help if you will keep them in mind. First, learn to rejoice with those that rejoice. I think we all know how to weep with those who are weeping. The time has come that we learn to throw parties for the people whom God has chosen to bless at that certain time. I am so tired of hearing about all of the bad news. Please someone tell me some good news and what God is doing good. I keep my dancing shoes and hat near me, just in case I hear that kind of news. Another principle that really works is right after hearing their good news, start thanking God for blessing them. Paul did this on a regular bases, even the very remembrance of them Philippians 1:3 (King James Version) "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you". Did you see that Paul was excited about just thinking about people and so should we. Also it's nice to remember that your time is just around the corner and God is going to open the windows of heaven and pour you out your blessing that will be just for you. It will not be because you deserve it or that you pray a lot and study your bible or even go to church; but it is because He is a good Father and we are all His children. The last thing I want to say is, please write and tell me what God has done for you. I would really love to hear about it. I like to watch the 'Price is Right' just to see people winning something. There I am in my chair, yelling to them what the price of the can of corn is, just so that they will win that new car. Also, maybe every now and then I well tell you what God is doing for me and the sweet people at Heartland Christian Fellowship; but don't think I am bragging, 'or maybe just a little'. Well I have to run but I will be waiting for your good news. Please let me know if I can share it with the rest of the Heartland. John Senters, Pastor Heartland Christian Fellowship Church 540-433-9378 Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:10:08 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7&article_id=17 This month we will feature Terry Claxton. On the worship team Terry sings and is our worship leader. Terry is married to Ross our church administrator,and has 4 children,Tara,Daniel,Autumn,and Jonathan. Terry and Ross have been a part of Heartland since the early days of the church. Terry also heads up the women's ministry. Terry works as a classroom aid at Blue Ridge Christian School. In her leisure time Terry likes to garden, read, listen to music, and spend time with her family and friends. Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:21:39 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7&article_id=29 This month we will feature Philip Todd. Philip is the son of Richard and Janet and has three brothers. Chris, Kenneth and Ryan. On the team Philip is our "minister of light", he operates the LCD projector and computer. Philip also maintains both the churches web site and the youth's web site. Philip works with his father at Hawk Security as an installer. Philip likes computers, music, and collecting lava lamps. Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:17:04 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=2 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=2&article_id=27 The Board of Directors welcomes you to this section of the web site... We are currently meeting once a month to discuss issue's that deal with all church planning, current and future. Sat, 17 Dec 2005 14:11:53 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7&article_id=23 This month we will feature Jerry Hollar. Jerry is married to Sharon and has a step son Jeremy and a son Zach. On the team Jerry plays bass. Jerry works at R. R. Donnelley as a plate maker. In his leisure time Jerry likes to do woodworking, metal detecting for civil war items, restore old jeeps and ride motorcycle. Tue, 8 Nov 2005 12:19:35 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7&article_id=21 This month we will feature Carol Senters. Carol is married to Senior Pastor John Senters and has 6 children, Michelle,David, Sherina,Robert, Deanna, and John. On the worship team Carol is a vocalist. Carol is a stay at home mom who home schools her children. In her free time Carol likes to go to movies, read autobiographies, collect cookbooks and travel. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 08:46:56 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=7&article_id=15 This month we feature Lisa Smith. Lisa is married to Ed and has a son William. On the worship team Lisa plays keyboard. Besides being a stay at home mother who home schools, Lisa is also the church secretary and a Sunday school teacher. Lisa enjoys reading, playing piano, teaching, spending time with her family, and playing cards. Mon, 31 Oct 2005 08:46:56 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=33 Principled Living In Today's World 2 Chronicles 20:1-12 (New Living Translation) Have you ever been in the place where you said "I just don't know what to do"? Maybe it was trying to raise good children and one seems to have lost their mind and you just don't know what to do them. How about when there seems to be too much of the month left at the end of the money and you just wish that it could be the other way around? Well, that is what had happened to Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. Chapter twenty opens up with three large armies barreling down on Judah. Jehoshaphat is the king of a small army and a very small nation; so what do you do? He did not do what most of us would do when problems strike without a minute's notice; we panic! Verse 12 makes his situation very clear, "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee". So again, my question was and is the same one, what do you do when you don't know what to do? If you have never come to this experience before, then hold on and live a little longer and you will. Before I try to answer the question I want to make one thing clear …. and that is that I believe that God's not speaking to us about areas of importance should not be the usual, but the exception. If you find yourself not having any answers for anything; such as what should I do about the kids, money, marriage, job, problems at church, etc., then there is something else going on and you need to learn to walk in closer fellowship with the Father and listen for Him to speak. I'm talking instead about those few times when you just can't seem to hear what He is saying and you really need to. I want to give you five principles from this chapter and next week I will give you another five; and by the way if you would like a free copy from the service where they were given please let me and know and I'll be glad to send one to you. The first principle that I see in the life of Jehoshaphat was that he had to take his eyes off of the problem and try to see the purpose that God might have in the whole situation. I do not mean that he denied that the problem was real but he tried to look at it a little different and see if God might be in the situation. Sometimes we are asking 'why' when we should be seeking and asking for God to teach us what He is trying to show us; which is much more important. There are several things here that I see God was purposing and resolving: 2 Chronicles 18:1 (New International Version) reads that he (Jehoshaphat) was very rich and successful and yet he went and joined forces with an ungodly man 'Ahab', even after Micah told them that it was not right and that he should not. Next, I think that when you don't know what to do, stop and take special time and seek the lord. In fact, we find out later, that the whole problem was just a set-up and that God really just wanted to get Jehoshaphat's attention and had something bigger and greater for Him and the only way to get him to stop and seek God was to allow this. Please don't wait for God to do that to you before you bow the knee and say "speak Lord for thy servant is listening”. Third, and I cannot stress enough how important this one is, yet how hard it can be to do. The Bible says that Jehoshaphat then got other people praying about the same issue and so should we. Sometimes our pride will try to hold us back, where we don't want other's knowing our business. We try to think that we will deal with the situation with just ourselves and God and no one else. Instead, we should find several faithful, non-gossiping people and let them in on what problems we face and on what God is doing in our lives. They will then be blessed when they see your prayers being answered. I know a parent who will not share problems with their children. As a result, they never see God's answers to their family's prayers. I've seen pastor's going down the tubes and people crying out; "please let us help” and yet they turn a deaf ear so no one will think less of them. Another thought that you might keep in mind is in verses 6 - 9 of the same chapter where Jehoshaphat uses God's own promises back to Him. 2 Chronicles 20:6-9 (New Living Translation) .... 6. He prayed, "O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! .... 7. O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? .... 8. Your people settled here and built this Temple for you. .... 9. They said, `Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, disease, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.' I know so is much is said about standing on the Word but it's really true. We must put our emphasis on His word and on His promises and nothing else. Sometimes when we think that we don't know what to do, what we really mean is that what we see appears so unimportant, that were we to do it ………. it really would not make any difference. But sometimes God will only show us one step at a time and He expects us to walk in faith .... (His way, in His timing). I don't know how you feel about Dr. Oral Roberts; but, one thing that I have learned from his healing ministry is to teach people to do small things when they can't do the big things. If all they can do is move one finger, to do that and then watch and see if God will allow more. All God gave to Jehoshaphat was one step at a time and that is all He is going to give to you and I. Listen, this whole thing that you're going through is a set-up and it's a fixed fight. Not that it's not real or that you're not hurting; but, God does set things up in our lives so that He can show us something much greater. Take just a minute and look at John 6:4-6 (King James Version) "And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do". Jesus knew what He was already going to do; but, He set Philip up so that he could be a part of something much greater. Remember what we discussed earlier ...... Sometimes we are asking 'why' when we should be seeking and asking for God to teach us 'what' He is trying to show us; which is much more important. John Senters, Pastor Heartland Christian Fellowship Church 540-433-9378 Home 540-298-2948 Cell 540-908-7668 Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=30 More about 'The War before the Battle' Isaiah 36:1-5 (New Living Translation) If you will remember we left off with the issue of examining 'Trusting the Lord'. I called the series that I spoke on at Heartland Christian Fellowship "The War before the Battle". I truly believe that if we lose the War of Trust that we will lose every other battle, such as money, families, our personal life and so forth. So today we want to find the principles that we might put into our lives to be able to trust God. If you have not read the last article please take a minute and do so that you will have some thought on where we have been and where we are going. Isaiah 36:1 (Amplified Bible) says that Sennacherib, king of Assyria came up against Judah to conquer it. Judah's king Hezekiah was filled with fear because Sennacherib had conquered all other cities that he had attacked. So how can we trust the Lord when our lives are attacked, and please note that I did not say 'if' ... but ... 'when' for all Christians are going to undergo attacks from the enemies of their soul. Verse 4 Isaiah 36:4 (New International Version) reads that Sennacherib's messenger told Hezekiah that the great King was telling him to give up before it was too late. But if I remember, 'you and I serve the real great King' and His name is Jesus. Maybe I need to ask what king are you going to listen to? One thing that I do when I am under attack is to recall all of the things that I have trusted the Lord for that He has brought to pass. David makes it clear that he had tried God and found Him to be more than enough; 2 Samuel 22:31 (King James Version) "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him". David remembered how God had delivered him from the bear and the lion before he fought Goliath. Next, I hope that if you have not started that you will began today with keeping tabs on what God is doing in your life. By this I mean that it is very helpful to keep a journal. Several times God explains to His people to write something down. •Exodus 17:14 (King James Version) "And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." •Numbers 5:23 (King James Version) "And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:" •Nehemiah 9:38 (King James Version) "And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it." Another thing that we can remember is what the Living Bible reads (this is where the Assyrian king's personal representative was trying to frighten King Hezekiah and cause doubt in him): Isaiah 36:5 (New Living Translation) "mere words won't substitute for strength". But that (what the Assyrian King was saying) is a lie. For our strength ..... your strength ..... is in our words. If we speak the wrong thing long enough it will affect everything in our lives. So instead of speaking the 'wrong thing', 'we need to be speaking the right thing'. The Bible says that there is life and death in the power of the tongue. Finally, and this one thing has helped me more than any other principle, and that is to remember 'what we are really trusting Him for'. If it were possible and I don't believe that it is; but, if God was going to fail us then let it be over money to pay the bills because I will still make it, or taking care of my health, for if He fails there, at least I will go to heaven. But if He fails in my trusting of His taking me to heaven then that is the 'real trust' and I have full confidence that 'God is NOT going to fail us. If I can trust Him for my eternal life than I can equally trust Him for other things as well .... and so can you. Remember, you are trusting God to 'raise you up after death', so you can surely trust Him for that child or that bill. Well once again we have come to the end of yet another issue. If we can help in any way or if you need prayer please feel free to write me. The staff here at Heartland Christian Fellowship really does care what you are going through and we are here just to serve you. In His service Rev. John Senters Heartland Christian Fellowship Church 540-433-9378 Home 540-298-2948 Cell 540-908-7668 Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=31 A child asks, "Why do we celebrate Christmas"? Hebrews 2:1-18 (New King James Version) Carol and I have six children as some of you may know and there is one thing that they were and are all good at, and that is asking 'why?'. "Why, can't we do this"? Or "Why can't we go there"? "Why do dogs have four legs"? But this week one of the kids asked a really good one ……… "Why do we celebrate Christmas"? As I did some research I did not agree on the reasons that I was reading. For example, one said that we celebrate it because Jesus would die for our sins, which is very true but not the real reason for the incarnation. Another said we celebrate the founding father of our religion, which again is true 'to some degree' but the not the reason that I feel is taught in scripture. If all that Jesus wanted to do was die on the cross for our sins then He could have just appeared on the scene at the age of 33, do some miracles and die and go back to the father. But 'He chose to live 30 years as a man first'. Others feel that it was to give us the miracles that He did; but, remember that all of the miracles happened in just three and a half years and they were at the end of His earthly life, not at the beginning of it. Katherine Wright, the sister to the Wright brothers once received a telegraph at Christmas which read "We have actually flown 120 feet......we will be home for Christmas"....... she had to show the great news to someone that her brother had actually flown. The first person she found was the newspaper owner who simply responded by saying "that's nice ….. the boys will be home for Christmas". He had missed the whole point, not that the brothers would be home for Christmas but that they had actually flown. I think many are missing the point of the incarnation in the same way. So here is what I read as the reason for God becoming a man for 33 years. It was to provide for the success, safety and welfare of each of His children from the personal experience of being a man Himself. He experienced what we experience on a regular basis .... things such as hurts, disappointments, rejection, sickness, loss, misunderstandings and the list goes on and on. As a man, He knows first hand what we need and what we feel. And we can know that He knows all of our experiences and understands them, because of His incarnation and life as a man. Remember, Jesus was both 'God and man' at the same time. He was literally 'God in human form' during His earthly life. All you have to do is to examine the conditions of the time of Jesus' birth to understand the first principle. Mary could have been as young as 14 - 19 as most believe. She was not yet married and as I being a father would not believe my daughter if she came home pregnant from the 'Holy Spirit', the people around her did not believe her either. I would have to get my shotgun; sorry, but that's how I feel. And it was how the people felt back then too, altnough in those times, they came against the woman. They did not yet have a home to live in, some even believe that Jesus' father could have died when He was very young. I don't know if that is true or not; but the one thing that this 'yell's to me' is that Jesus did not mind coming into some ugly situations. Yours and my situation cannot to be so bad that Jesus will not come and get us out; "praise His holy Name" and trust me, I have found myself in some pig pens in my life. Can you see that 'your best friend, your Savior, your healing friend', feels what you are feeling right now? Why don't you lift your hands to him in praise right now, wherever you are, and thank Him for being that type of God. Yours and my sins are not so dark that 'His light' will not shine and find us. Your hurt is not so deep that the person who was rejected by friends and family will not heal. Well, I was going to give you the whole message but I think that I will explain more the next time. Please, if there is anything that Heartland Christian Fellowship can ever do for you, please let us know. Pastor John Senters Heartland Christian Fellowship Church 540-433-9378 Home 540-298-2948 Cell 540-908-7668 E-Mail pastor@heartlandchristianfellowship.org Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=29 Trusting God Isaiah 36:1-5 (New Living Translation) Have you ever had someone tell you to "just trust the Lord", maybe for the money you need or for the healing that you are trying to receive or to just trust the Lord that all of your family problems will somehow work themselves out? The list of potential reasons could go on, I just don't know your actual personal need. But trust the Lord, is all that we need to do.................. Well I know that people who say that really don't mean harm but my question is, how does a person trust the lord? In our story out of Isaiah 36; Isaiah 37 (Amplified Bible) Hezekiah, the king of Judah for 29 years was sent word that Sennacherib king of Assyria was coming to attack his city. Sennacherib explained to Hezekiah that no city or god was able to stop him and if Hezekiah needed the proof just look at all the other cities who thought that they might not need to surrender. This scared the daylights out of King Hezekiah and he asked the Lord what to do. The answer came back from the prophet Isaiah; that he was to trust the Lord. There seems to me that God's greatest promises are offered to people for doing two things, first to those who will take the time to seek Him and those who will try to trust Him. Just look at some of the promises made to those who will trust Him. •That He would direct our paths• Proverbs 3:5 (King James Version) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:6 (King James Version) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. •That we would receive special blessings• Psalm 2:12 (King James Version) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. •That He would work things out that concern us• Psalm 37:5 (King James Version) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. But once again the real question is how do we do this? For the next two weeks I am going to try to answer this question as openly and honestly as I can in principles that even I could put into practice. 1st: Real trust only comes from how well you know the person who is asking you to trust them. If someone right off the street wanted to borrow $ 100.00 would you loan it to them? Probably not and the reason is other than you might not have it, you just don't know them enough to be able to trust them. They is no real way to trust the Lord until you come to know Him personally and the more you know Him the more you know that He will keep His word. Several years ago I had several lumps come up on my back and I really got worried because I thought that this might be cancer and I was going to be leaving my wife and six children alone very soon and I don't know why the mind plays this crazy games but it does. God brought those verses to my mind and asked me why was I filled with so much fear? I thought maybe He was not thinking about the same things that I was or maybe He had not heard about my lumps. He gently reminded me that a more complete relationship with Him would help cast out the fear. 1 John 4:17 (King James Version) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:18 (New Living Translation) Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us. 2nd: I know that you will know this next one better than me, but just to remind the both of us, sooner or later the people and things that we are trusting other than the Lord will fail us. I have a friend named Don Base whose trucking company closed it's doors after he had worked there for I believe more than 27 years. The company had taken all of their retirement and spent it and then went broke. His lawyer said that he would probably start getting his money 15 to 20 years from now. You and I will always get hurt when we trust anyone or anything except God; and you know what I am saying is right! 3rd: When we allow those experiences to come by trusting in people and things we build damaging emotions that will only keep us in bondage. 4th: After these experiences, we will learn to take things into our own hands and try to always work them out our way. That's what happened to Abraham and Sarah. They did not trust God for a son and took things into their own hands. Were they thinking "we will take care of this and give God a break and He can worry with some else's problems"? When we do not trust God, we will then not receive God's very best ...... those things that He has planned for our lives. Now before I close I need to make something very clear before I start sounding like I have never had some real problems and real struggles. I have been so poor in the past that I could not 'pay attention'; I have had to cry myself to sleep from the hurt that was in my mind. I watched my sister kill herself when I was only 16 and she was 17. I watched the church that I was pastoring go down until no one was coming and I never knew why. I don't want to bore you; but trusting the Lord is something that I feel deep down in my heart, soul and mind. Well enough for now, in our next message, we will pick up right here; at the same time, same channel. If you have any questions or if I can help please drop me a line or call my office and maybe we can find some help. John Senters, Pastor Heartland Christian Fellowship Church 540-433-9378 Home 540-298-2948 Cell 540-908-7668 Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=26 **** A Place To Belong **** The bible says that "without a vision the people perish" and that could be said of a nation, a church, a family, a business or even of someone's personal life. Heartland Christian Fellowship has had only two pastor's since its beginning in 1993. Pastor Tim & Amy McAvoy were the church's first visionary and founding leaders. Their desire, along with that of the founding members was to have a church where people could 'belong' and so out of that desire and vision "A Place To Belong" was born. Tim and Amy served from the very beginning stages of Heartland thru to the end of January 2004. In April of 2004, Heartland would accept John & Carol Senters from Geneva, Indiana to lead and refocus the church on their God given vision. In September of 2004 the church moved to a new location at the corner of Mason and Market Streets in Harrisonburg, Virginia. What makes Heartland Christian Fellowship different from other churches are three things. First, it's emphasis upon powerful, modern, praise and worship music and singing, under the leadership of our Associate Pastor, Jim Eckard. Next, is it's driving force to accept and minister to hurting people while relighting the vision God has for their lives. Heartland knows that every person, lost or saved, has a God given purpose in life. Finally Heartland has a deep desire to present the gospel in principled form with a strong and clear message. We say it this way, "We want to give God's answers for man's modern needs". At Heartland you will be encouraged, blessed, challenged and then sent forth each week as an 'Ambassador for Christ' with sound principles that will equip you to help others. So allow me to be the first person to welcome you to visit us at anytime. But I want to warn you, that you may never want to leave ..... and thats okay, remember Heartland is 'A Place To Belong' Pastor John Senters Heartland Christian Fellowship Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=24 John Senters was born September 16, 1959 in Detroit Michigan and is the youngest of eight children. At the age of fourteen his parents moved to Mustang, Oklahoma, where he received Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was filled with the Holy Spirit. At the age of eighteen he spent a year and half on one of Jimmy Swaggard's radio stations; 105.3 KJIL. His parents then moved to Spencer, Oklahoma where he would enter the ministry with the help and teaching of Rev. William Boutwell. It was in this church that he met the woman of his dreams and the 'pastor's daughter', Carol. Together they would conduct meetings in nursing homes and in local parks until they were asked to pastor the Newcastle Pentecostal Holiness Church in Newcastle, Oklahoma. John and Carol would spend the next ten years pastoring the church and traveling with Morris Cerrullo World Evangelism Ministries. In February of 1990 they moved to Geneva, Indiana and began what would be an almost fifteen year tenure as pastors for Trinity Life Chapel. They began to feel that God was leading them somewhere else and God opened the door for them to accept the Heartland Christian Fellowship Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia where they presently serve. John and Carol still travel some, but their heart's desire is to serve, lead and be a part of what God unfolds at Heartland Christian Fellowship. John & Carol are the parents of six children, two in college and four still living at home. They currently reside in Elkton, Virginia Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=25 Encouraging Others One of the things that I love to do is to watch game shows, such as Wheel of Fortune, the Price is Right, Jeopardy, but my favorite one is Family Feud. The Family Feud is the one where they survey a hundred people and then reveal their answer against your family. Just a side word, I know that I would be great on that show. Here's the question that we want to ask you, what one thing that would make you or your church really grow?; survey said, most people come to church for encouragement. I sure wish that church could say what E-bay does about encouragement, "encouragement for sale, low price, huge selection". If we could speak to such successful pastors as Andy Stanley, T.D Jake, Eddie Long, Bill Hibel, Tommy Barnett, they would all say that their churches have been built around solid preaching that uses encouragement as a focus. Last week I spoke with a staff member of one of the fastest growing churches in our area. They have grown from 150 to 1500. The staff member explained that it was the church's heart to minister to hurting people and people were flocking to receive it. I don't want to preach, but wasn't Jesus about the same business; 'encouragement'? Did you hear the story about the man who was on his death bed and smelled the aroma of his favorite cake that his wife used to bake for him all the time? "Tell your mother to give me one piece before I die", he told his son. A few minutes later the son came back and told him, "Mom said no, because its for your funeral service dinner tomorrow"! Some people are just not very encouraging are they? In this Pastor's Corner and in future ones, I want to explain how and why encouragement is so important and just how we are to do it. First, lets try to define the word encouragement. 'Encouragement' comes from the word courage ..... (chazaq) for the Hebrew students. Courage is the ability to conquer fear and despair that would hold you back from accomplishing something. So then encouragement must be the process of helping someone who seems stuck because of fears, despair, failures or sins caused either by satan or by personal failures. Next, we need to explain what encouragement is not. It does not mean that I have to have all of the answers for everyone or that I have to be the only one involved in the process to help people. It does not even have to mean that I have my personal life all together or perfect. It just means that I have been stuck in the past and that someone helped me (encouraged me) so I am now returning the favor. Another thing that caught my attention about encouragement in the bible is that it is basically dealing with the same major areas that people in my world today are. Exodus 4:10 :: NKJV Moses had a problem, a physical inability, so God had to tell him no matter what, to just get in the fight and lead people. How many people do you know who for some real (or imagined) excuse have talked themselves out of the work of God. Another area was when Peter fell and Jesus had to have someone personally go tell him that everything was going to be alright. I have a pastor friend who had an affair and he explained to me of his feeling as if being a person flying an airplane, running out of fuel with no place to land without crashing. My heart breaks when I hear a story like this. I want to run out and buy some flash lights and then run to the airport of life to start flagging people ....... "land here, please land here". Think about the stories in Luke 15 :: NLT, the Lost Sheep, and the Lost Coin, or the Prodigal Son where in every case there is rejoicing when the person finds the place, the land, the sheep, the coin or even the son. So I say this, how about you and I becoming the lights and the runway for hurting people? Let me close with some practical thoughts on how we can do this: 1. Write letters 2. Pray often for them and then let them know it. 3. Give them your presence as often as you can. 4. Be very practical when meeting needs, if it's money and you can, give money. If it's acceptance, then open your arms, give of your time, of your heart and of your life. 5. But most importantly, please watch every word you say .... because nothing destroys or builds up like words. Well, enough sermon for now, if you have any questions or if I can help please feel free to call my office, home or cell phone. John Senters, Pastor Heartland Christian Fellowship Church 540-433-9378 Home 540-298-2948 Cell 540-908-7668 Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=28 Remember That 'Jesus' Is the Reason For The Season The IPHC website has two stories that we wanted to share with you. The Christmas Story And The History of Santa Claus •Return To Home Page• Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=21 Heartland Christian Fellowship is a member of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church IPHC. The IPHC is the fastest growing denomination worldwide and their tremendous efforts in evangelism and church planting are just two of the many reasons we have chosen to be a part of their organization. For us it means 'accountability' to an overseeing group and it means 'fellowship and membership' in an international church that is on fire for God. The IPHC has opportunities in Missions, Education, Childrens Ministries, Adult Ministries and so much more. Although Heartland is a local church in the Harrisonburg, VA community, we feel that by being a member of the IPHC we are part of a tremendous organization with worldwide resources and one that is focused on spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every living soul as commanded in Mark 16:15 :: King James Version (KJV) We invite you to visit their website and explore the many wonderful ministries and programs going on around the globe. There is a saying that "The sun never sets on the IPHC" because we are in so many countries and growing each day. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=18 In a suburban city school, a young woman teacher of obvious liberal tendencies explains to her class of small children that she is an atheist. She asks her class if they are atheist too. Not really knowing what atheism is, but wanting to be like their teacher, their hands explode into the air like freshly fired fireworks. There is, however, one exception. A girl named Lucy has not gone along with the crowd. The teacher asks her why she has decided to be different. "Because I'm not an atheist." "Then," asks the teacher, "what are you?" "I'm a Christian." The teacher is a little perturbed now, her face slightly red. She asks Lucy why she is a Christian. "Well, my Mom is a Christian and my dad is a Christian, so I am a Christian." The teacher is now angry. "That's no reason," she says loudly. "What if your Mom was a moron and your dad was a moron. What would you be then?" A pause and a little smile. "Then," says Lucy, "I'd be an atheist." Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=17 This section is devoted to stories and articles of interest from around the country and around the globe. Explore the links to the left under the title 'Stories & Articles' for special links and articles on a variety of subjects. We have just created our website and this section is currently under development. Please look in often as we are making changes and additions on a daily basis. ?Return To Home Page? Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12&article_id=14 God Has Everything Under Control As you are probably aware, there are a myriad of compound names for God, such as Jehovah shalom - 'The Lord our peace', another is Jehovah rofehcha - 'The Lord our Healer' and still yet another that we have come to enjoy is Jehovah Tzidkaynu -'The Lord my righteousness'. In Deuteronomy 33:27 is our first reference to the Elohay Kedem - the God of Beginning. In the KJV He is called the eternal God. Eternal (Kedem) has several different meanings: A. That God has always been and will always be. B. Since he has always been then He must hold preeminence over everything and everyone else. C. Last is the one that I want to explain a little. The God that goes before and prepares our life for us. I'm not really talking about predestination or election, I'll leave those arguments to the theologians. I am just thinking more on the line of God seeing my needs and not being so surprised by them and maybe even providing before I got into the situation. In Ephesians 1:4 :: King James Version (KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. In Deuteronomy 33:27 said that He would trust our enemies out before us. Let me give you a couple of thoughts and see what you think. 1st. It's not easy to accept that God is really moving in my problem and I may not be aware of it, but how about the lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-8 :: Amplified Bible (AMP), when they got to the enemies camp, the enemy had already run off because God made them afraid. Another example is John 6:5-9 :: Amplified Bible (AMP) where Jesus knows how He was going to feed the people, but He wanted to test Phillip. I'll bet you that Phillip wished that there was a McDonalds in his home town. 2nd. The enemy; no matter how hard he tries, cannot go before and prepare our downfall he can only work off of how much he knows we have responded in the past. 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 :: New Living Translation (NLT) says that had he known, he would not have killed the prince of peace. 3rd. Since God is going before me (Elohay Kedem) I must not allow myself to get stuck at one place in my life. It's so easy to be known for the divorce that you went through or the bankruptcy that you couldn't seem to stop. That was then, this is now and God has more for you in your future. Stop allowing yourself to be what other people call you. So what that you have failed in the past, you are not a failure. I am truly sorry that you have been hurt, but it's time to move on. Two men were talking at the office water cooler. One was telling the other about the fight that he had with his wife. "In the end I had her begging on her knees." says the first. "What did she say?" asks the co-worker. "She told me to come out from under the bed." I think God is calling for us to come out from under our problems into what He has prepared (kedem) for us. 4th. Why would God go before us and prepare the problem and the solution and not fully explain that to us. a. So that we would walk and live by faith. b. So that during those times we become more intimate with Him. c. So that we would give to Him the praise that He deserves. So right where you are, raise your hands and began to worship like never before, praising Him that He has everything in control and that this problem or that problem or any problem has not caught Him off guard, He is still Elohay Kedem. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=13 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=13&article_id=15 I hope that you will enjoy these messages and that they will have a special meaning for you. At Heartland, our desire is to focus on Biblical Principles and how God's Word can be applied to our everyday lives. To read some of our previous week's messages, mouse-over the name Previous Messages to the left. Please feel free to e-mail me at Pastor John Senters or if I can help you in any way please feel free to call my office, home or cell phone. Home: 540-298-2948 Church: 540-433-9378 Cell: 540-908-7668 May God Bless You, John Senters, Pastor Heartland Christian Fellowship Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=19 Local • The Weather Channel (Harrisonburg) • Daily News Record • WHSV TV-3 National • The Christian Broadcasting Network • Fox News Channel • The Weather Channel (National) We have just created our website and this section is currently under development. Please look in often as we are making changes and additions on a daily basis. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=1 Welcome to our online community. We hope that here you will be able to get better connected by participating in Discussions, looking for Groups that may be of interest to you and then joining one! You may also find a place to use your gifts by looking at our volunteer Positions. When you log in, you will be able to see all the groups you are participating in, join all groups you have a desire to be involved with, see the events you might be interested in and much more. You may wish to take a moment and update your profile information to make sure that our records are correct. Enjoy it here in our online community. God bless you, Pastor John Senters Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=3 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=3&article_id=2 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 We have just created our website and this section is currently under development. Please look in often as we are making changes and additions on a daily basis. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=6 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=6&article_id=4 Beautiful in God's Eyes Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. So often, women feel as though they have to dress up, make up, live up and keep up with the standards placed upon them. At Heartland Christian Fellowship our desire is that each woman would be what God has uniquely shaped her to be. Not a cookie cutter, not a superwoman, but a person encouraged to love God and walk by the power of His spirit through an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We have just created our website and this section is currently under development. Please look in often as we are making changes and additions on a daily basis. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=12 1. About God God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1,26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1st Peter 1:2: 2nd Corinthians 13:14 2. About Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1st Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1st Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13 3. About The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. 2nd Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1st Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18 4. About The Bible The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. 2nd Timothy 3:16; 2nd Peter 1:20-21; 2nd Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5 5. About Human Beings People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2 6. About Salvation Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1 7. About Eternal Security Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and the power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. John 10:29-30; 2nd Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10,14; 1st Peter 1:3-5 8. About Eternity People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in heaven with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16; 1st John 2:25; 1st John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15 Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=5 Explore the links to the left under the title 'Helpful Resources' for special links and articles on a variety of subjects. We have just created our website and this section is currently under development. Please look in often as we are making changes and additions on a daily basis. •Return To Home Page• Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=11 Explore the links to the left under the title 'About Us' (also included below) to learn more about Heartland Christian Fellowship •Who We Are• •The Vision• •What We Believe• •Our Worship Service• •IPHC• Please look in often as we are making changes and additions on a daily basis. •Return To Home Page• Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=6 With the release of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" on video and DVD, some are seeing the movie for the first time and wondering about the questions it raises. Here are some great links to look into the topic of 'The Passion'. The "Jesus" Film This film puts the cross in the larger context of Jesus' life and ministry. Since 1979, the "Jesus" film has had more than 5 billion viewings worldwide, most of them in the viewers' own language. It's not a Hollywood blockbuster, but it is a solid, Biblical presentation of the story of Jesus. Is The Passion of Jesus Anti-Semitic? Author Larry Poland says, "The purpose of this booklet is to help the reader understand both the evangelical Christian and Jewish perspectives, not just of Mel Gibson's film, but of the broader issue of Jesus and the telling of his story. It is my passionate hope that the resulting dialogue will help build a bridge of trust and understanding between the Jewish and evangelical Christian communities." Read more... The Latest Temptation of Christians The debate over The Passion shows that the church needs to take anti-Semitism more seriously. Read more... Pontius Pilate This novel is a terrifically insightful read on the times of Pilate and Jesus. This is not your typical historical novel. All names mentioned are authentically verified from historical sources, and no events are included that are contrary to known history. A fascinating and surprisingly even inspiring book. In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church More insight on a broader range of topics from the same author of Pontius Pilate above. This non-fiction piece provides historical insights on a variety of aspects of The Passion, as well as the Incarnation and the birth of the church. The Passion of Jesus Christ From the cover... Why did Christ suffer and die? The central issue of Jesus' death is not the cause, but the meaning--God's meaning. John Piper has gathered from the New Testament fifty reasons. Not fifty causes, but fifty purposes--in answer to the most important question that each of us must face: What did God achieve for sinners like us in sending his Son to die? On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ This article was originally published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) March 21, 1986. The experience of Jesus' crucifixion is examined from a medical viewpoint, giving greater insight into the suffering and physical experience of Jesus' Passion. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=8 Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=10 Sunday's 10:00 AM Our Sunday morning Worship Service begins with exciting, Spirit-filled Christian music and singing led by the Heartland Praise & Worship Team. After our time of blessing Our Heavenly Father with music and the sound of our voices, Pastor John Senters will provide a time of annointed soul-awakening teaching and heart-healing ministry directly from God's Word. You will find this type of teaching to be exactly what your spirit needs for understanding and being victorious in the world we live in today. Come join us and let the Spirit of God move in your life. Let God the Father heal your wounds and lift you up as a His child whom He loves and whom He as Jesus gave His life for, that you would have life and have it in abundance. God Loves Your Singing and Praising His Name Psalm 150 God Loves You John 3:16 God Wants You To Have An Abundant Life John 10:10 Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=2 Our church is a community of believers with Jesus Christ as its head. We seek to love, respect and care for one another as a demonstration of our love for God. Our outreach is to those who have no church home. Many in our area are disillusioned with religion. They have felt the sting of legalism with its impossible demands. Some have seen hypocrisy. Others have had no religious background and therefore see Christianity as irrelevant. The missing element has been healthy relationships with mature believers in Jesus. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.heartlandchristianfellowship.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=3 Our vision is to develop and nurture a community of believers who love and care for each other in a Christ-like way and who share God's love to everyone they encounter in our community. This is why we have the slogan 'A Place To Belong' At Heartland we want every individual and family to feel the love of Christ each time they walk thru the doors. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 02:02:11 MST