Preppers

A quick check of the Internet or YouTube will show that many people are prepping for an uncertain future by stockpiling food, moving to remote areas, learning survival skills, and a variety of other things to prepare for economic, political, or environmental upheaval. Maybe their right. The Bible as well as other faith traditions speak of difficult times as history unfolds. It makes sense that negative human activity has a compounding effect over time. We often experience this in more personal ways not necessarily directly associated with global trends. We experience business failures, marriage breakups, health problems sometimes brought on by what the Bible calls sin, a word that in the original means "missing the mark" of what God intends, how things are supposed to work. Whether or not you're a person who is into prepping as mentioned above, wouldn't it make sense to consider spiritual prepping as well? The Bible let's us in on a secret that many suspect anyways. Life does not end with physical death. What you're doing now has an effect on who you're becoming, and that affects you future beyond death. God knows that left to ourselves, we make a mess of our lives. And that by ourselves we can't can't solve the problems we create. When we're in trouble, we often look for assistance from an outside source. The Bible tells us that God has not left us with our dilemma, but stepped into the mess with a solution, Jesus. Why is that hard to believe? When we're in trouble, don't we often look for a solution in or through another person. The Bible says that God provide a pathway through and out of our present mess through a relationship with Jesus. In Him we're forgiven, given a fresh start, and assistance to live a new and better life through the power of the Holy Spirit. If things go from bad to worse, wouldn't it be good to have someone with you who has experienced the worst that life can throw at you? --- persecution, torture, and a slow painful death (Jesus was crucified). But wonder of wonders, we're told by many witnesses that this same Jesus rose from the dead. The worst things that life can do to us are not the last word. If terrible things do happen in our lifetime, and all the external preparations fail, wouldn't it have been wise to do some inner prepping as well? You could pray and know that the One who is listening knows what you're experiencing. You could ask for wisdom to know what to do; you could ask for strength and courage to endure, and you would know that ultimate victory and survival were yours, even if and when you experienced physical death. No matter whether death comes in an apocalyptic way or not, death is something that all of us face all the time. Be a wise prepper!

Home Groups

The Christian faith is about relationships. When a religious leader once asked Jesus what he thought was the most important commandment, Jesus said, "Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength (your whole self) and love your neighbor as yourself. The reason Jesus came was to open a new path to relationship with God. That's primary and most important in the Christian life. But the second is like it and important as well. To love others, we have to know them and their needs. Too often we don't form significant relationships in our busy and individualistic lifestyles. At King of Kings, our vision is to create small groups that gather weekly so those relationships can be formed. We have one group that meets on Thursdays, and want to start others. If you'd like to be part of a small group that meets for fellowship, Bible study, sharing, and prayer, let me know and we'll find a way for you to do that. Fr Jon frjon@comcast.net 941-380-5010

Let's talk

Checking the stats on this blog, a little over 800 hits have occurred. If you're just checking us out for the first time, give me a chance to chat with you. I'd be happy to answer any questions or if you have needs, perhaps we could help. We're not a large congregation with lots of programs. We worship on Sunday, and have a small group meeting in a home on Thursday evenings. Our vision is to create a whole network of small groups that together form the fabric of our community. The Charismatic Episcopal Church incorporates three streams or church "styles" into it's life: the liturgical (creeds, communion every Sunday), the evangelical (the Bible is authoritative, personal relationship with God is important and necessary), and the charismatic (praise music, expression of gifts-- tongues, prophecy, healing, etc). That's quite a combination, and you know what, it works! It's a win-win-win. Sometimes in a marriage, for example, one spouse was raised in a liturgical style church (Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal, etc) and the other spouse grew up in a Pentecostal style. What to do? If that's your situation, Perhaps the CEC model would work for you. If you've made it this far and none of this makes much sense or matters to you, but you're searching for answers to spiritual issues or life problems, we'd love to have an opportunity to meet you where you are, and seek God's solutions with you. God bless, Fr Jon +

It's nice to be known

Large churches have advantages. There are usually lots of programs to choose from if you're interested.

But it's also fairly easy to be just a face in the crowd and not be missed if you don't show up for worship. Some people like the anonymity and like to slip in and out without being detected. But wherever you attend the call of the gospel is to be involved and use your gifts as God inspires you.

For some this works better in a smaller congregation. If that's you, then perhaps King of Kings would be a good fit. We won't embarrass you, but we'll know you're there, and you'll find a warm welcome.

Consider joining in worship with us on Sunday morning or come to our home fellowship onThursday evenings. Call or email for directions,etc.

Blessings,

Fr Jon

Home fellowship

Beginning the second Thursday of January, the 12th, at 7 pm, you're invited to a home fellowship. We'll share a light snack, enjoy some conversation, have a Bible study, and conclude our time with prayer. We'll have a formal end time of 9 pm. It's a great way to make new friends, check out the Christian faith, or find a place to grow in a new faith. You don't have to commit to anything other than this evening meeting. Obviously we'd like you to consider worshipping on Sunday morning as well, but that is optional.

If you're interested or have questions, send an email.

Fr Jon

The Look on Your Face

The look on your face often gives a hint to how you're feeling, which is related to what's on your mind. In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul says the believer is like a mirror, reflecting the glory of God in the face of Jesus. Obviously, a mirror reflects what is in it, so if the believer is going to reflect Jesus, Jesus must be the focus of the mind.

Focusing on Jesus in the midst of all life's challenges and distractions requires intention and practice. Having a time during the day to reset your gaze is important, and then learning to keep Jesus central throughout the day is the goal. When questions, fears, doubts, challenges arise---look to Jesus. Say a prayer. Invite Jesus to be with you. As you do this more consistently, others will notice the change in you. Whether they know it or not, they'll see Jesus reflected in your face (your life). They may even ask you what makes you different, and you'll have a chance to tell them what you're doing, and who's at the center of your life---not you, but Jesus.

P.S. Attending worship service regularly is critical as well. God uses these special gatherings to center you and plant His image more clearly in you. You'll be encouraged to know that you're not alone, and you'll see Jesus reflected in the faces of those who gather with you for the same purpose. We'd love to have you join us for worship at King of Kings this Sunday.

The first Sunday in March, our worship moves to a new location and time. We will be meeting at the Girls, Inc facility at 201 S Tuttle Ave. near Fruitville Road at 10:00 AM. You are warmly invited to join us!

Check out the Sermon notes for this Sunday.
Fr Jon