Decrease?

Our human nature and our cultural influences push us to promote ourselves and target "me, myself, and I" and live individualistic lives versus the body life God prescribes in I Cor. 12.

John the Baptist gives us a healthy world view in John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must decrease.

Christian's let us practice what John the Baptist practiced when Jesus came on the scene in his baptizing ministry.  Although John was popular in his baptizing ministry, John pointed to Jesus as the primary fiqure to look to and follow.

Christians on this day allow Jesus to increase in your life, especially in your relationships with others.  Instead of reacting in the flesh, respond in Christ.  Allow Jesus to increase in the way you love God, and in the way you love your neighbor as yourself.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Happy Anniversary Mt. Zion

Join us as we pray about our future:

1.  Praise God for being a part of a meaningful 94 year church history.  
2.   Pray for God to keep us close to Him in our worship and service.
3.   Pray for God to supernaturally protect our relationships.
4.   Pray for God to keep us focused on making disciples.
5.   Pray for God to help us be good stewards in every area of ministry.
6.   Pray for us to maintain meaningful connections locally and beyond.
7.   Pray for God to use us for a lifetime of faithful service.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.
mtzionontario.com

Celebrating a Church Anniversary

Unfortunately church anniversary have negative connotations for many.  The pressure to give money, the competition among various groups in the church to give the most, and the feelings of meaningless traditions leave a sour taste for many of us.

Does it matter?  Do we need church anniversaries?

After the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to set up some stones for a perpetual reminder of how He delivered them, and to tell their children and what God did.

Look at Joshua 4:24:

24 He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD's hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD your God forever."

No, we do not have a command in the bible that says: you shall hold a formal church anniversary.  However, local churches who host church anniversaries (or a celebration with a different name) can direct the focus on recognizing the powerful hand of God over the years, and encouraging God's children to reverence the LORD our God forever.

This weekend, Mt. Zion, a historic church in Ontario, Ca, celebrates 94 years of God's mighty hand.  Our desire is to come away more determined to reverence our Lord through our obedience and faithful service to Him.

Celebration times:

Saturday picnic:  10:00 - 5:00 pm

Saturday  worship:   5:00 pm

Sunday worship:      8:00 am & 10:30 am

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Confidence

Our functioning with confidence each day is important.  Our culture is often hostile toward Christians and can give us a feeling of uncertainty.  No need to be uncertain when you do what is right.

Look at what God says about this in Prov. 10:9:

He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.

Practice doing what is right and you will enjoy total confidence from God in what you are doing.

Christians, let us go into this society and do what is right based on the standards found in God's word.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.

Well Done Good & Faithful Servant

You pray each morning for God's direction (Prov. 3:5-6).

Despite the ups and downs throughout the day, you remain faithful to the Lord (Rev. 2:10).

I can hear the late Charles (Chuck) Colson exhorting the Prison Fellowship Staff:  "God did not call you to success, but to be faithful". Then he would say, "Be thou faithful unto death..."

Christians, at the end the day listen for God to whisper in your ear, well done good and faithful servant.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E Kennedy, Sr.