Hosanna in the Highest!

Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, the day Christians celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection.  

The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him with waving palm branches, and by covering his path with palm branches and their cloaks. Immediately following this time of celebration he begins his journey to the cross. Some 450-500 years earlier, the Prophet Zechariah had prophesied, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey” Zechariah 9:9

Matthew 21:7-9 records the fulfillment of that prophecy: "They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!’”

Jesus arrived as a lowly servant on a donkey, not a strutting steed. Jesus came not in royal robes, but in the clothes of the poor and humble. Jesus Christ comes not to conquer by force as earthly kings, but by love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people. His is not a kingdom of armies and splendor, but of lowliness and servant hood. He conquers not nations, but hearts and minds. His message is one of permanent peace with God, not a passing peace.

Let me ask you an important question. Has Jesus made a triumphal entry into your heart? As His followers, we are to exhibit those same qualities, so that those around us will see the true King living and reigning in triumph in us.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Invite the people you know to one of our 2 Easter Sunday Services at 9 & 10:45am this Sunday at Beach Schmidt Auditorium.  

Please use the invitation you were sent in the mail or were handed at church  or share on Face Book the e-invite EASTER at Beach-Schmidt.

Got Hurts, Habits and Hang-Ups?

Having spent the weekend with over 100 men at Northwest Kansas Men’s Encounter I was reminded of the pain and pressure men live under today and the desire to be the men God created us to be for our families. Facing the consequences of bad choices of the past and the demands of work and family so many men feel hopeless and defeated. According to John Baker of Celebrate Recovery, history has proven that during times like these the number of people turning to addictions and compulsions greatly increases. When people are hurting, they turn to anything to numb the pain. They start abusing alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, and one another. “In the United States, there are already 18 million alcoholics, 4 million drug addicts, 16 million sex addicts, and 4 million addicted to food. The list goes on and on and these numbers are only going to increase in the days to come! We know the only true and lasting answer for those feelings of hopelessness and defeat is to turn to Jesus Christ! So how does our church reach out to those in our congregation and community that are struggling? We have a way to help individuals with any kind of hurt, hang-up, or habit. It is called Celebrate Recovery - a Christ-centered 12 step Recovery program based on God’s Word. Celebrate Recovery meets every Monday night at 7pm. Your pastor and partner in ministry, Kyle

Be sure to invite some friends and co-workers to Easter Sunday Services at 9 & 10:45 am at Beach Schmidt Auditorium on the Fort hays Campus.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday should have been the happiest single day in Jesus' life. After all, the crowds had gone after Him. Crowds count for a lot with most ministers. We feel better when church attendance is up. We wonder what we are doing wrong when church attendance is down. In John 12:19 the Pharisees murmur: "Look! The whole world has gone after him!"  It seemed that way when Palm Sunday began. It looked as though His preaching/healing ministry was to be crowned with success, after all!

But Jesus knew better. He knew how fickle the crowds were; He knew that, when push came to shove, “all would forsake Him and flee,”Mark 14:50

The same people who on Palm Sunday had waved Jesus in, on Good Friday waved Jesus out again. He who rode into town in triumph, was carried out of town on a cross.

How quick were the crowds to shout "Hosanna!" on Palm Sunday--but also how quick they were to shout, "Crucify Him!" on Good Friday, when He didn't fit into their notions of what the Messiah should look and act like. Before the week was out, Jesus had been arrested, tried, whipped, humiliated, spat upon, cursed at, plotted against, crucified, dead, and buried. As we begin this week welcome the Messiah into your life and may his praise of “Hosanna” blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” Mark 11”9 be in your heart and on your lips.  

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Join other churches of Ellis County Ministerial Alliance to participate in a Procession of the Palms This Sunday afternoon at 3pm. The procession begins at 13th and Ash.  

Who do YOU say that I am?

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God." 21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. Luke 9:20-21 Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ but that does not apply to us. Just the opposite is true! Jesus’ last words to his followers was,”Go make disciples…” Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ because at this point they didn't fully understand the significance of that confession — nor would anyone else. Everyone still expected the Messiah to come as a conquering king. But even though Jesus was the Messiah, he still had to suffer, be rejected by the leaders, die on a cross, and three days later rise from the dead. When the disciples saw all this happen to Jesus, they would understand what the Messiah had come to do. Only then would they be equipped to share the gospel around the world. And so are we. Go tell someone today who YOU say Jesus is, the Christ, the Son of God and your Savior. Then tell them that this Sunday, Palm Sunday, is the beginning of Jesus’ last week on earth and that they can hear the greatest story ever told if they join you at church. Then invite them to Beach Schmidt Auditorium for Easter Sunday services at 9 & 10:45am. Your pastor and partner in ministry, Kyle

WHO IS IN YOUR BRACKET?

This last weekend Kansas basketball powerhouses KU and Wichita State played each other to see who would make the “Sweet Sixteen” of the NCAA tournament. Basketball aficionados call all this college basketball hoopla, “March Madness” or the road to the Final Four. At Celebration Community Church we encourage people to make up another bracket called their FOREVER F.O.U.R.

Pray about and then invite to services on Easter Sunday a Friend, Occupational co-worker Unchurched acquaintance and a Relative.

In a recent national survey, most Americans said they’d accept an invitation to attend a church during Easter season if someone would simply invite them! They are waiting to be asked!  

Let’s get a little of our own March Madness going around here by inviting people you know to one of our 2 Easter Sunday Services at 9  & 10:45am at Beach Schmidt Auditorium.  

The winners will be those we invite and the victory will last forever!

Please use the invitation you were sent in the mail or share on FaceBook  the e-invite EASTER at Beach-Schmidt.

Your pastor and partner in ministry, Kyle

AH SPRING

It is so good to feel the warmth of the sun and the start of new life springing forth in the buds of the trees. The beginning of Spring is a special time for me. It was on the first day of Spring 32 years ago at the Little Brown Church of the Valley in Studio City California that I was baptized by Dr. Larry Keene. Many years before that my parents brought me as an infant to a church for a “christening” but I have no memory of that event. On the other hand the first day of Spring in 1983 is a day I will NEVER FORGET. It was the day I experienced for myself, surrendering my life to Christ.

Last summer Debbie and I visited the church that never closes and I relived my baptismal experience  Later that afternoon God led me to baptize a 40 year old former gang banger in the pool of the hotel we were staying in. PTL!!!
I encourage everyone who has not yet been baptized as an adult believer to do so. We will be having believers baptisms as well as child dedications as a part of our 5th Sunday services at Celebration Community Church NEXT SUNDAY March 29th. Let me know if your ready to make the decision to be baptized. God Bless you and enjoy the miracle of Spring and the new life we can experience through Christ.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Celebrate Health’s “TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY” 6:30 pm

TONIGHT Diana Staley APRN-C will be speaking on cancer prevention and screening. Come to this informative gathering of supportive people.  

March Madness

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."1 John 1:9

Many of us enjoy watching March Madness, the annual NCAA basketball tournament.  This year’s tournament that started with 68 teams last Thursday has seen several favored teams lose in either the first or second rounds. Yesterday a long awaited show down between in-state basketball powers Wichita State and Kansas University with the winner advancing to the Sweet Sixteen round took place with the Shockers topping the Jayhawks.

In the NCAA Tournament it's "do or die" for every team. Win and move on — lose and be done. The season is at stake with no second chances. This inescapable fact loads every game weight and consequence. Everyone gives it all they've got, because it might be their last chance of the season

Thankfully our God is a God of second chances. Because God loves us so much, He gave us a second chance (and third, fourth, fifth…) by sending His own Son. Most Christians I've ever known are obviously thankful for this basic truth. But today I  challenge you to live like your in tournament mode.    Don’t ever take for granted God's grace and mercy. Have you ever faced a temptation and fallen into sin partly because, in your mind, you were thinking something like "Oh, God will forgive me if I mess up just this once … after all, He loves me unconditionally"? Do you ever take second chances for granted?

Don't let God's unconditional love be a mental excuse to slack off. Live life more like March Madness. After all, if we really understand what the cross meant in terms of love, grace and second chances, we'd do nothing less than giving our very best, playing with a passion that will not give up or give in.  

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle    

When is the last time you KNELT to pray?

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, Luke 22:41

Jesus “knelt and prayed.”  Prayer is more than words, much more.  The very act of kneeling was an integral part of Jesus’ praying.  For in the kneeling, He was praying.  Throughout the Bible, faith and body were always closely connected to one another. Worship was never merely words sung.  Prayer was always more than words expressed. Imagine approaching a King to make a request. The subject puts herself/himself at the mercy of the King by bowing—an act that shows her/his complete vulnerability to the Sovereign’s power.
As Jesus knelt and prayed, He said, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” Luke 22:42.
Is there an area of your life that you have struggled to surrender to the Father?

Do you trust that His will is perfect and that He is faithful in all His ways?

Find a quiet place where you can get alone with God. If you are able, physically kneel down, head bowed, neck exposed and arms outstretched with your palms upward.  The focus of this time of prayer is not so much to say something with your mouth, but rather to let your body do the talking. 

The very act of kneeling better postures your heart and mind to surrender to God.
Your pastor and partner in prostrating ourselves before the Lord,

Kyle

Prayer Requests:

Continued prayers for Kelby Rice’s complete recovery from AVM surgery Bill Scott heart fib surgery Friday at HMC

Kayla Acosta broken legs surgery Friday at HMC. Want to help with meals for her and her family? Contact Phoebe Ferlund at 785 635 8368

Get to Know Your Lemon

The University of Northern Iowa once offered a general art course that included a most unusual exercise. The instructor brought to class a shopping bag filled with lemons and gave one of those lemons to each class member. The assignment was for the student to keep his lemon with him day and night--smelling, handling, examining it. Next class period, without warning, students were told to put their lemons back in the bag. Then each was asked to find his or her lemon. Surprisingly, most did so without difficulty.

The lesson? Knowledge about anything comes with continual engagement.  

The same thing applies to our relationship with God. Intimacy with God is often established through the daily disciplines we engage. Want to know God better? Spend time with Him day and night. Ask yourself these questions. When do I feel most intimate with Christ?

What can you do to cultivate this connection with Christ on a daily basis?

Like the lemon assignment given to the students what are some ways you can develop an awareness of Christ throughout your day?

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Why Support Israel?

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you “ Genesis 12:3

Why were yesterday’s elections in Israel such a big deal? Because God’s word says that in the last days, Israel would play a key role.
Scripture has foretold in Ezekiel 37 that the Jews would be regathered in their land, and this prophecy was fulfilled when Israel became a nation in 1948. Ezekiel 38 then speaks of an attack against Israel by a large nation to the north of the Jewish homeland, accompanied by a number of allies invading Israel from every direction. Scripture emphasizes multiple times that this will happen in the last days. We can see that Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon will endanger Israel and its primary ally the U.S. That is why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while addressing the US Congress reminded the American people of the dangers of equipping Iran.

Iran's apocalyptic leaders believe that a reincarnated ancient holy man will reappear in the wake of a devastating Holy War, thereby ensuring that their brand of radical Islam will rule the earth. That's not just what they believe. That's what is actually guiding their policies and their actions; to destroy Israel and the United States.
Iran's former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad often spoke of an Islamic messiah, the 12th Imam, who according to their beliefs, will bring about an Islamic kingdom. But also according to their beliefs, the Judeo-Christian civilization must be destroyed first. For this 12th Imam to come, they believe, there must first be chaos.
Could this be what brings about the scenario predicted in the 38th & 39th chapters of the Old Testament book of Ezekiel? No one can say with certainty. But it certainly could be.
Up to this point, the United States has been a staunch ally of Israel's. And I believe that one of the reasons God has blessed our nation is because of our continued support for Israel. But it would appear these days that we are backing away from her and negotiating  with her enemies.   
I believe it is important that we continue to bless Israel so that God will continue to bless the USA.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Prayer requests:

Continued prayers for Kelby Rice’s complete recovery from AVM surgery

Bill Scott kidney stone surgery Wednesday at HMC

Kayla Acosta broke both legs requiring surgery on Friday. Want to help with meals for her and her family? Contact Phoebe Ferlund at 785 635 8368

Two Types of People in the World

With today being St. Patrick’s Day we are reminded of the patron Saint of Ireland who in the 4th Century shared the good news of Jesus Christ to his homeland in the Emerald Isle. God is still calling missionaries today as he did 1600 years ago. This assignment is reaching out to you and me as our mission, and it is different from our ministry.  Your ministry is your service to believers in the Body of Christ, while your mission is your service to unbelievers outside of the church, whether that being across an ocean or across the street.  

Let me ask you a question. If you had a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker with a fatal disease and you knew the cure, do you think it would be criminal to withhold that lifesaving information?  Even worse would you keep secret the way to forgiveness, purpose, peace, and eternal life? Like Patrick shared the way, the truth and the life of Christ with his countrymen, you and I have the greatest news in the world and sharing it is the greatest kindness you can show to the people you know. Be a St. Patrick and be sure to invite someone to the Community Wide Easter Celebration at Beach Schmidtauditorium.

Your ¼ Irish Pastor and Partner in Ministry,

Kyle

P.S.

When my dear Irish mother Mary Lorraine Gaffney- Conley Ermoian was alive she used to say, “There are two types of people in this world. Those who are Irish…and those who wish they were”.  

Prayer Requests:

* Kelby Rice -angiogram today at Mayo Clinic to determine if A.V.M. brain surgery is necessary. Pray for good results.  

* Bill Scott kidney stone operation at HMC Tuesday afternoon.

…Not seven but seventy-seven

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

This is one of those verses that is a lot easier to read than to do. I can relate with Peter as he asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone. To me, forgiving seven time sounds more than generous, and probably a lot more than the rascal who wronged me deserves. And I’m sure Peter expected Jesus to say, “Seven times! Wow, that’s generous of you Peter! You are such a good and forgiving believer. I would never have thought to forgive someone that many times.”

But Jesus doesn’t say that. He tells Peter and you and me, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” In other words, don’t count how much you forgive someone; just keep forgiving until they are forgiven. If you’re counting how many times you’ve forgiven someone, then you haven’t really forgiven him or her at all. Keeping a running tally of how many times we’ve been wronged goes against the concept of a forgiving heart. Just think it God kept count of how many times we’ve sinned! The key is to remember how much we’ve been forgiven by forgetting how much we forgive others.

During these 40 Days leading up to Easter, the season of Lent, we look inside, examine our hearts and see ourselves as we are; sinners in need of the Savior who forgives. If we look closer we will also run across places in our hearts where we have stored resentment and animosity toward others. Jesus tells us to expose those dark places to the light of His love and mercy and to rid ourselves of those feelings by offering forgiveness once and for all time. Then we not only liberate our forgiven brother or sister, we set ourselves free, making room for more important things like joy, peace, love – and God’s forgiveness of us.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Prayer Requests:

• For Pastor Brant Rice’s family at Mayo Clinic for tests and a possible procedure regarding son Kelby’s brain A.V.M.  
• For Nick Eiden and C3’s High School Mission Team in Baxter Springs Kansas to assist Word In Action Ministries.
• For Dennis & Rose Mary Gallagher in Wisconsin to address their family tragedy.

• Be sure to “like” Celebration Community Church’s Face Book Page and then share with your friends the event. Easter at Beach Schmidt

Who Is In Your Top 40?

Last night at a small group Debbie and I are a part of we were discussing the season of Lent, the time leading up to Easter that people in the Roman Catholic denomination will often “give something up”.  Some folks give up meat on Fridays, or little indulges like chocolate. I have always believed that if you think you should give something up then it should probably be permanent instead of for just 40 days. So instead of “giving something up I am always more interested in the notion of “taking something on”  Last night  Jil Tillman shared  about a friend of hers that instead of giving something up decided to do something special during the 40 days leading up to Easter. She decided to write a note to 40 people she knew who had impacted her like. Wow what a great idea!  I wish I would have thought of that but it is not too late to start. Who are some people who have been big influences in your life. Who has encouraged you, prayed for you, gone above and beyond to help you?  Take time right now to call them, e-mail them or even jot a note to them by longhand and tell them how thankful you are that they are in your life. And then continue to do that with others until Easter. You along with all those who you contact WILL BE BLESSED!

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Prayer Requests:

• For Pastor Brant Rice’s family as they travel to The Mayo Clinic for tests and a possible procedure regarding son Kelby’s brain A.V.M.  
• For Nick Eiden and C3’s High School Mission Team as they travel to Baxter Springs Kansas to assist Word In Action Ministries.
• For Dennis & Rose Mary Gallagher as they travel to Wisconsin to address their family tragedy.

The Afters and Hawk Nelson, are live in concert TONIGHT at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. I have 2 free tickets to give away for TONIGHT’s show.

Want them?

Contact me at kyle@celebratejesus.org

Be sure to “like” Celebration Community Church’s Face Book Page and then share with your friends the event. Easter at Beach Schmidt

Intimacy =’s “in-to-me-see “

Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were both “naked” before each other and “were not ashamed.” Nakedness here wasn’t merely a physical reality, they were open in mind, emotions, and body. Adam could completely see-in-to Eve and vice versa. There was no pretense nor hesitation. Intimacy could be defined “in-to-me-see.” The same was true with their relationship with God.

Our intimacy with God is only as deep as our intimacy with others?”

Can we truly be intimate with God, while closed off to others?
On the “in-to-me-see” meter, where are you in your relationship with God and others?
This week, approach your relationship with God and others with a purpose not to settle for mere superficial, surface-level interactions. Look for tangible ways to open up yourself to God and to others.

Your pastor and partner in ministry,

Kyle

Men’s & Women’s Bible study TONIGHT 6:30 Worship-7pm Study

Be sure to “like” Celebration Community Church’s Face Book Page and then share with your friends the event. Easter at Beach Schmidt

Prayer Request:

Don Blurton’s 91 year old mother Leona Blurton of Medicine Lodge passed away on Wednesday.