“Hell has two other aspects, rarely considered, which are both curious and frightening. On earth we take for granted two physical properties that help keep us physically, mentally, and emotionally stable. The first is light; the second is solid, fixed surfaces. Oddly, these two dependables will not accommodate those in hell. Hell is a place of darkness (Matt. 8:12). Imagine the person who has just entered hell -a neighbor, relative, co-worker, friend. After a roar of physical pain blasts him, he spends his first moments wailing and gnashing his teeth. But after a season, he grows accustomed to the pain, not that its become tolerable, but that his capacity for it has enlarged to comprehend it, yet not be consumed by it. Though he hurts, he is now able to think, and he instinctively looks about him. But as he looks he sees only blackness. In his past life he learned that if he looked long enough, a glow of light somewhere would yield definition to his surroundings. So he blinks and strains to focus his eyes, but his efforts yield only blackness. He turns and strains his eyes in another direction. He waits. He sees nothing but unyielding black ink. It clings to him, smothering and oppressing him. Realizing that the darkness is not going to give way, he nervously begins to feel for something solid to get his bearings. He reaches for walls or rocks or trees or chairs; he stretches his legs to feel the ground and touches nothing. Hell is a ‘bottomless pit’ (Rev. 20:1,2 KJV); however, the new occupant is slow to learn. In growing panic, he kicks his feet and waves his arms. He stretches and he lunges. But he finds nothing. After more feverish tries, he pauses from exhaustion, suspended in black. Suddenly, with a scream he kicks, twists, and lunges until he is again too exhausted to move. He hangs there, alone with his pain. Unable to touch a solid object or see a solitary thing, he begins to weep. His sobs choke through the darkness. They become weak, then lost in hell’s roar. As time passes, he begins to do what the rich man did: he again starts to think. His first thoughts are of hope. You see, he still thinks as he did on earth, where he kept himself alive with hope. When things got bad, he always found a way out. If he felt pain, he took medicine. If he were hungry, he ate food. If he lost love, there was more love to be found. So he casts about in his mind for a plan to apply to the hope building in his chest. Of course, he thinks, Jesus, the God of love, can get me out of this. He cries out with a surge, “Jesus! Jesus! You were right! Help me! Get me out of this!” He waits, breathing hard with desperation. The sound of his voice slips into the darkness and is lost. He tries again. “I believe, Jesus! I believe now! Save me from this!” Again the darkness smothers his words. Our sinner is not unique. Everyone in hell believes. When he wearies of appeals, he does next what anyone would do -assesses his situation and attempts to adapt. But then it hits him –this is forever. Jesus made it very clear. He used the same words for ‘forever’ to describe both heaven and hell. Forever, he thinks, and his mind labors through the blackness until he aches. “Forever” he whispers in wonder. The idea deepens, widens, and towers over him. The awful truth spreads before him like endless, overlapping slats: When I put in ten thousand centuries of time here, I will not have accomplished one thing. I will not have one second less to spend here.”

2.  Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked — I can use them.

3.  Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church — they are my missionaries.

4.  Blessed are the troublemakers — they shall be called my children.

5. Blessed are the complainers — I’m all ears to them.

6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister’s mannerism and mistakes — for they get nothing out of his sermons.

7.  Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church — for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.

8.  Blessed are those who gossip — for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.

9.  Blessed are those who are easily offended — for they will soon get angry and quit.

10. Blessed are those who do not give an offering to carry on God’s work — for they are my helpers.

11.  Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister — for he shall be with me forever!

12.  Blessed are you who, when you read this think it is about other people and not yourself — I’ve got you too!

Not a day goes by that I don’t think about something I’d like to change about my life; it’s not that I’m unhappy; just that I long to be more like Jesus.  How about you?  I’d like to be more disciplined, or more free to enjoy His presence.  I’d like to drop some bad habits, or develop some good ones.  This coming Sunday I’m going to talk to you about change from the inside out.  I hope it works for you to be present at one of our Gatherings –we’re doing all we can for it to be a great morning of worship and seeking the heart of God!

Good Morning!  Hope you’ve had an EXCELLENT week!  I’ve got several important things I’d like to share with you today, so grab your coffee and read on!

First of all, I wanted to make sure you knew that several people have prayed to receive Jesus in the last 4-6 weeks.  Praise God!  So many good things are happening among us at both sites, and I eagerly anticipate Jesus’ work among us as we Go Deep, do Kingdom work like it depends upon us, and pray like it all depends upon God.  In fact, here’s a reiteration of how I’m inviting you to join me in pray this year:

- For a $3.2M miracle in 2012 (our mortgage)
- That Jesus would build His church called LifePoint in Lake Stevens
- That Jesus would build His church called LifePoint in Everett
- That both sites would realize growth this year and that the growth would be transformational
- That many would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus this year.
- That we would be a credit to Jesus’ name and His Kingdom.
- That His Kingdom would come and His will be done through us. . .
- For a strong sense of unity, especially in mission.
- For spiritual protection.
- For a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit‘s presence and power.
- That every member/attender of LifePoint would Go Deep with Jesus this year.

I also want you to know about several staffing changes:  Kristi Blue who has served so well as custodian primarily at our Everett site has given her notice.  We’re so very grateful for Kristi’s servant heart and the ‘spot on’ job she’s done keeping our facilities clean!  Thanks Kristi!  Secondly, it was great having Pastor Kevin with us last week to lead worship again!  As of this past January 1st, Kevin is no longer ‘on staff’ with us, but has been appointed as global associate with our conference.  Kevin and his family continue to consider LifePoint as their home church, and Kevin’s work as a Free Methodist US Missionary working in partnership with Not For Sale continues to expand.  Kevin will lead worship for us from time to time as the schedule allows.  And thirdly, Pastor Preston has asked to be released as of the end of May:  God has been preparing Preston and Marsha for a new phase of life and ministry –and while we will really miss them, it is clear that God is leading and we’re supportive of their desires to be obedient.  Thank you all for serving with us at LifePoint!

DON FORGET to ‘spring forward’ Saturday night so you’re not late on Sunday morning!

God’s people have always given to support the ministry to His people and to the world –it started with the Tabernacle, moved through the time of the Temple, and has continued through to His church today.  As with so many of us, things are tight for LifePoint financially.  We’re carefully reviewing resources (as we always do) and living at an appropriate balance of good stewardship and moving forward in faith.  If you’ve missed some of your tithe, if you are not regularly giving, or if you would be willing to pray about an extra offering or gift, this is a moment at our church when the generosity of God’s people would really help.  You can give on line here, too:  http://lifepoint360.net/#/lifepoint-home/give

Here’s a great quote about fasting and prayer from John Piper:  “One of the great effects of fasting is that it assists what it expresses. I mean that fasting is mainly an expression of the soul’s hunger for God. It is not a contrived means to make us love God. We love him and long for him. And then fasting rises up as a way of saying earnestly with our whole body what our hearts feel: I hunger for you, O God. Fasting expresses, rather than creates, hunger for God. Nevertheless, it is also true that the very nature of fasting makes it an assistant to this hunger for God. The reason is that hunger for God is spiritual, not physical. And we are less sensitive to spiritual appetites when we are in the bondage of physical ones. This means that fasting is a way of awakening us to latent spiritual appetites by pushing the domination of physical forces from the center of our lives…Therefore fasting assists the very experience of hunger for God that it also expresses.”

I’m SO glad to be your pastor!  It ROCKS!

-Pstr E

Friday’s Cup of Coffee

Good morning! Hope you’ve had a most excellent week!

Last Sunday I shared a message that I believe is really important for LifePoint’s future. Would you be willing to listen to it if you missed out . . . Or even consider listening to it again? iTunes link here: http://bit.ly/bQrot2 Listen on line here: http://bit.ly/kGxPLd Direct mp3 download here: http://bit.ly/bnO2z9

Happy to welcome Supt. Matt Whitehead to bring the message this coming Sunday. A word from Matt is always good, and with me I know you’re looking forward to having him ‘home’ at LifePoint.

Here’s an important quote that speaks to part of LifePoint’s ‘DNA’: “The local church does not exist for its members, rather the members ARE the local church, who exist to participate in the mission of God.” – Charles Van Engen

Do you feel disconnected or that you are missing out? There are so many ways for you to be ‘in the information loop’ at LifePoint. In addition to the worship folder that is full of information each week, there’s Friday’s Cup, “LifePoint Weekly” an e-mail that is sent every Wednesday or Thursday with all of the current ‘happenings;’ LifePoint’s group Facebook page (are you a member?) where you can interact and read about what is going on. . . And my twitter feed (www.twitter.com/espangler) where you could get regular text messages if you want. E-mail info@lifepoint360.net to sign up for any of these and we’ll hook you up.

Have any stories or testimonies about how Jesus is at work in your life during Lent? I’d love to hear them. As I’ve set some time aside to seek the Lord, and in pushing aside some of the material things that seek to control me, I’ve been encouraged with a fresh sense of His presence. Here are some great links from Christianity Today Mag: http://bit.ly/x1Zd2y

Finally, here are the words to a new song upon which I’ve been meditating. It’s off of Audrey Assad’s new album “Heart.” I hope they encourage you, and if you’d like to hear the song while you read the words, here’s the link: http://ow.ly/9oZ7V

O My Soul (Audrey Assad)

Rivers and stones and the trees of the field, they sing in the night
And a thousand tongues lay deep in your lungs to raise to the sky
Don’t lie to yourself, o my soul—love your God.

Deep in your heart you feather and tar your folly and fear:
expose them for the fools they are, and the world comes clear.
Don’t lie to yourself, o my soul—love your God.

Your worries will never love you
They’ll leave you all alone
But your God will not forsake you
O my soul.

Glad to be your pastor!

-Pstr E

Eric Spangler, lead pastor
LifePoint Church
Everett and Lake Stevens, WA
www.lifepoint360.net

I cannot do this alone
Oh God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you;
I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me . . .

Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before men.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.  Amen.

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Germany/1906-1945)

On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks were frequent, a crude little lifesaving station was built.  The building was just a hut, and there was only one boat, but the few devoted crewman kept a constant watch over the sea.  With no thought for them­selves, they went out day or night, tirelessly searching for any who might need help.  Many lives were saved by their devoted efforts.  After a while the station became famous.  Some of those who were saved, as well as others in the surrounding area, wanted to become a part of the work.  They gave time and money for it’s support.  New boats were bought, additional crews were trained and the station grew.  Some of the members became unhappy that the building was so crude.  They felt a larger, nicer place would be more appropriate as the first refuge of those saved from the sea.  So they replaced the emergency cots with hospital beds and put better furniture in the enlarged building.  Soon the station became a popular gathering place for its members to discuss the work and to visit with each other.  They continued to remodel and decorate until the station more and more took on the look and character of a club.  Fewer members were interested in going out on life-saving missions, so they hired professional crews to do the work on their behalf.  The life-saving idea still prevailed on the club emblems and stationary, and there was a liturgical lifeboat in the room where the club held its initiations.  One day a large ship was wrecked off the coast, and the hired crews brought in many boatloads of cold, wet, half-drowned people.  They were dirty, bruised, and sick; and some had black or yellow skin.  The beautiful new club was terribly messed up, and so the property committee immediately had a shower house built outside, where the shipwreck victims could be cleaned up before coming inside.  At the next meeting, there was a split in the club membership.  Most of the members wanted to stop the clubs life-saving activities altogether, as being unpleasant and a hindrance to the normal social life of the club.  Some members insisted on keeping life-saving as their primary purpose and pointed out that, after all, they were still called a life-saving station.  But those members were voted down and told that if they wanted to save lives, they could begin their own station down the coast somewhere.  As the years went by, the new station gradually faced the same problems the other one had experienced.  It, too, became a club, and it’s life-saving work became less and less of a priority.  The few members who remained dedicated to life-saving, began another station.  History continued to repeat itself; and if you visit that coast today, you will find a number of exclusive clubs along the shore.  Shipwrecks are still frequent in those waters, but most of the people drown.  -Author Unknown

Hello Lifer’s,

I’m writing this update from Hong Kong, on the last day of our trip before we come home.  Looking forward to being with you this next weekend!

Summary

If you prefer not to read this entire update and want to get the basics, just read this section.  If you want more info, read on through the entire summary.

• Staffing Adjustments- Pastor Kevin & Pastor Jon
• Multi-site Update- LifePoint LS, Everett, CTK, Hispanic, & the Awakening Church
• New Series- Matthew: The King & His Kingdom
• Town Meeting- Everett site 12:30pm, 29 Jan 2012: bring main dish 2 share
• About The Future- What’s new for next year?

Staffing Adjustments:  Most of us recognize the unique and compelling call upon Pastor Kevin’s life to work with Not For Sale as the Director of Faith Communities.  For nearly 2 years Pastor Kevin has been at part-time paid status with LifePoint and at planned intervals we’ve released him for increasing work with the new abolitionist movement.  Kevin wears a number of ‘hats’ and in addition to Not For Sale, he’s also helping to lead the anti-slavery movement with our denomination (Free Methodist Church) as a US Missionary.  And of course Kevin is an amazingly gifted worship leader.  This past year Kevin’s part time staff designation was set to 10% in June, although like most of the staff he generously offers our church more than the 4-6 hours a week.  As the Lord continues to open doors for Kevin’s ministry, we’ve both needed to appropriately care for worship ministries at LifePoint and also support Pastor Kevin as he accepts increasing responsibility and speaking commitments with Not For Sale.  As a result, Pastor Kevin will remain on staff, but will move to appointed unpaid status as of January 1.

What does this mean?  Several things.  Pastor Jon will assume oversight responsibility for all worship ministries at LifePoint as of the first of the year.  He will work with our site worship director, Bill Weldon at LifePoint Everett and a number of other worship leaders to see that we continue to have inspiring and exuberant worship experiences in all of our Gatherings.  I expect that we will see a rotation of worship teams and leaders that will include Pastor Kevin as his schedule allows, along with Jada, Jon, and some other familiar faces.

I’m grateful for an amazing staff and feel so blessed to work alongside such godly competent people.  A little bit of confusion has developed regarding Pastor Katherine’s role at Everett, but our structure is really not complicated.  Just think of LifePoint as one church.  There’s one lead pastor, regardless of location.  I have a number of staff pastors serving under my direction caring for various ministries.  Katherine’s role as site pastor is to support the mission of LifePoint, to provide pastoral care and administration at Everett on a limited basis, and to serve as my representative in my absence (same with our other staff pastors).  This is the way our system works.  You need to know that I’m proud of Katherine and her outstanding work.  She has my full endorsement.

Multi-site Update-  All things considered, our expansion this year into multi-site ministry has exceeded our expectations.  I’m so pleased with the integration of our Everett site into our LifePoint family!  As we continue to evaluate, strategize, and prepare for the future, I invite you to participate.  Everett is your location, Lifer’s.  We need your help not only to create sustainable ministries that help followers become Christ-centered, but also to reach into the community with the gospel.  Please consider making a commitment to attend once a month or every week for a period of time.

As you know, we’re also exploring a new partnership with Pastor Cary Peterson and Christ the King, Lake Stevens.  It may be that after the new year this church will begin meeting at our Lake Stevens site on Sunday nights, offering a more participatory, ‘ancient-future’ kind of gathering.  Eventually, as the Lord leads, Cary and his church may become part of LifePoint, although we’re still prayerfully waiting on the Lord for His direction.  We’re in contact with Supt. Matt Whitehead about this, and you know that Pastor Cary preached just this last Sunday (he will speak again this week, even though I and our Asia team will also be present).

Pastor Humberto Hernandez has planted a small Hispanic church in our Youth portable that meets Sunday afternoons.  Currently independent, Humberto has expressed interest in affiliation.  Will we have LifePoint Hispanic by the end of 2012?  Perhaps!  Whether with Pastor Humberto or another gifted leader, we believe that we need to prepare for a greater Hispanic work – especially at our Everett site.

Speaking of the Everett site, we’re in the final stages of negotiating the 2012 contract with the Awakening Church (the Ukrainian Church that meets Sunday afternoon and several days during the week at Everett).  We’d like to find some additional ways to connect with this dynamic group.  In fact, the Awakening Church has invited us to their Christmas music performance December 16 & 17 (more info to come). A recent newspaper article suggested that they are moving forward with the construction of their own building, and hope to move in sometime in 2013 or 2014.

New Series-  I’m excited to tell you that as we enter the Christmas season and Advent, we’re beginning a new series studying the book of Matthew.  Called “The King and His Kingdom,” we’ll move verse by verse through this book, and I estimate it will take us well over a year to complete (if not more.)  During that time we’ll find opportunities to have a number of ‘series within the series’, and we’ll take some short breaks where it becomes necessary.  I’m eager to begin, and know that an in depth study of one of the Gospels will help us not only reach out to others but also provide many opportunities for each of us to grow more Christ centered lives.

Town Meeting- We’ve scheduled a Town Meeting for both sites at Everett 12:30pm, 29 Jan 2012.  This is the meeting when we report on our finances, review the year, talk a bit about the future and allow for some Q & A time.  Whether you attend LifePoint at Lake Stevens or Everett, please plan to attend and bring a main dish to share.

About The Future- As we near the end of the “Year of Loving Dangerously,” I want to thank you for the way you’ve responded to His leadership as we’ve discerned it in 2011.  We’ve stepped out in some ‘dangerous’ ways in an effort to put ourselves in a better place to help the world find Jesus!  I like one of the phrases that Pastor Kevin has been using regarding Lifer’s and biblical justice:  “Creating new futures . . .”  This is what we are about at LifePoint, and I’m planing to press us further on mission in the next year.

I recently heard one pastor tell his congregation “Church is NOT for church people!”  I like that.  Of course there’s an appropriate sense in which we ‘church people’ see what happens at LifePoint as being for us, but it is so important that we don’t get caught up building a safe fortress in which to hide from the world.  We’re more like a light house than a gas station.  In fact, if all we do is spend time, money, and energy primarily upon ourselves, very few if any people will ever find Jesus and His love.

That’s why we will try more new things in the future.  That’s why we emphasize mission and ministry trips to Asia annually.  That’s why we talk about important biblical justice issues like slavery and human trafficking.  That’s why you can fully expect more change in 2012.  That’s why we are trying a Men’s Night Out Poker Night (no gambling) next month.  As one missionary put it, we’re going to “attempt great things for God and expect great things from God.”  This is fueled by our vision and mission to live by faith, be known by love, and be a voice of hope; so that we may influence as many people as possible toward Jesus.

I’m glad to be your pastor,

Eric Spangler, lead pastor