How Will You Start the New Year?

Tonight you have numerous options regarding how to start the New Year.

At Mt. Zion Church of Ontario (224 W. Calif. St., Ontario, Calif) from 9:00 pm to midnight we will have fun, worship, reflect, testify, sing, see video presentations, hear the Word, count down, and start the New Year in prayer.

We will top it off with a great breakfast from 12:00 a.m. to 1:30 am.

Christians, start the New Year with Jesus and keep Him Central in your life throughout the year.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

Merry Christmas is a bold statement that Jesus, The Christ is the central figure in Christmas. Happy Holidays reflects the commercialization of Christmas through shopping, exchanging gifts, parties, and enjoying some time off (no mention of Christ).
The Pew Foundation released it 2017 Christmas survey, which indicates that  the war on Christmas, the effort to dismantle Christmas through commercialization is in full swing.

Christians, Christmas is about more than toys that will eventually break, and clothing, etc. that will get old and wear out.  Christmas is about our Heavenly Father demonstrating His love by sending Jesus into the world to die, and get us to Him into a meaningful relationship (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8).
Christians, be in worship this weekend to celebrate Jesus, the Christ, Who is the Greatest Gift given to humanity.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.
Mtzionontario.com

Be The Good Samaritan Now?

Be the Good Samaritan Now?

With all the conversation generated around the special election in Alabama, Christians, we are still to focus on being Good Samaritans, who are characterized as loving our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:25-37).

While people are doing their dirt around the world, and hiding behind religion or something else, the real Christians must stand up and live as God’s children.  We are to keep the Bible as our final authority for our faith and practice.  We are to share the hope in Jesus, the Christ. We are also to boldly demonstrate compassion  by doing the good works God called us to do before the foundation of the world (Eph. 2:9).

Thank God for the good works that Christians do all around the world to address poverty, hunger, health issues, substance abuse, violence and crime, family crisis, disaster relief, science and technology, business, education, moral uprightness, sports, bringing hope, and on and on.
Christians, we are not defined by our critics who disagree with God’s moral standards, or our message about Jesus.  Nor by people in our ranks who make terrible mistakes (we all do - Rom 3:23 & I John 1:8-9).  We are defined by our Loving Father, Who is in heaven, Who loves us and is always with us (John 1:12: Rom. 5:8; Heb. 13:5).

Christian’s, despite our critics, let’s stay focused and be the Good Samaritan’s God has called us to be (Eph. 2:9).

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

How Are You Doing?

After the death of Joshua, Israel went into spiritual decline. God set up a test to see if Israel would continue to obey Him (Judges 1:21-23). In Judges chapter one, Judah took the lead in continuing the conquest of The Promised Land. They started out well, but slowly compromised and by the end of Judges chapter one, they well in open rebellion and disobedience toward God.

How are you doing? Are you compromising biblical principles a little here, and a little there? Are you moving toward open rebellion and disobedience toward God (out of church, worshipping the idol gods of our current culture, doing everything else but obeying God’s Word)?

Brother and Sister in Christ, check yourself to see where we are with God. If you are slipping, stop. If you stopped serving God, get back into service. Get yourself before God and confess your sin before God, get right with people you hurt, and get back in daily reading of God’s Word, prayer, fellowship in worship service, bible study, etc., and get back in your service to God).
Now is the best time to live spiritually healthy.

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Who is Really in Control?

As I read Proverbs 21:1, this week God gave me a fresh reminder that He is always in control.  Stressing over relationships, work, school, finances, due dates, health challenges, transportation, increasing fees, registrations, taxes, gas prices, and other life issues can create unpleasant attitudes, and behaviors.

As Thanksgiving has past, and the New Year is rapidly approaching, try throwing your burdens to the Lord (I Peter 5:6-7), and focus on Who is really in control.  Try deepening your trust in The Lord through prayer and meditating on scripture (Prov. 3:5-6).  Try elimination complaining about what you don’t have and what you want, and remain thankful even after Thanksgiving (I Thess. 5:18).

One last thing: Your stressing over stuff will not change anything or make you feel better (Matt. 6:27), therefore put your trust in the One Who is really in control and enjoy unsurpassed peace (Phil. 4:7).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.

Be Wise as Serpents & Harmless as Doves

The First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas is hurting after the November 5th, senseless shooting of innocent children and adults. Thank God for courageous citizens who Intervene to help innocent and defenseless fellow-citizens under attack. Their fearless action saves lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are needed for our hurting brothers and sisters in Christ. Acts of compassion are also needed. Mt. Zion will make a donation directly to our Sister church to help out.

Christians, the enemy will try to use this and other church shootings, to keep us away from church services. However, God instructs us to increase our assembling together and encouraging each other as the day of our Lords return gets closer (Heb. 10:25).

Jesus taught His disciples that He sent them out as sheep among wolves. Then He told them to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16). An example of wisdom is using retired and active law enforcement officials to increase security in local churches.

Christians, as we demonstrate the love of Jesus, let us wisely use our resources to increase security in local churches, and to stay on wolf-alert.

God Bless,
Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr

Are You Moving Forward or Backwards?

Captivity, chaos, debilitating circumstances can become your normal.  Hence, when you cry out to God and He delivers you, keep moving forward.  

After 400 years of slavery in Egypt, Israel wanted to go back to the oppressive conditions of slavery.  They longed for the free meat (meat for slaves is not free), leeks, onions, etc (Numbers 11). What happened?  The uncertainties of freedom and anticipation blocked Israel’s continued faith in God’s loving and powerful display of favor upon them.

You can be the same way.  Your new life in Christ have unknowns.  Hence, you will have to walk by faith and not by sight.

Christians, stay close to God in prayer, in the Word, in Christ-like service, and with godly friends, and you will experience refreshment, peace, joy, plus more, just keep moving forward with God (never desire, nor go back to your chaotic and debilitating past).

God Bless,

Pastor Brian E. Kennedy, Sr.