Greetings, LCC family,

Our Missions Conference was wonderful. I loved how Chris Anderson pointed out the connection between our worship and our evangelism. We would like to keep the outward focus going. To that end, I'm going to be sending out some outreach and evangelism notes to the congregation. It would be tough to get everyone together, so I'm going to attempt to come to you via email :-) .

Just as there is a relationship between missions and worship, there is a connection between church health and outreach. While it would be silly for a church in need of revitalization to think that they are only a good marketing campaign or two from being “back” and neglect the crucial matter of church health. Yet, as we saw in our “Church by the Book” series, evangelism is one of the primary purposes of the church, and doing “church by the book” is making our Lord’s final command—our first priority. Healthy things grow. One of the factors that contribute to the decline of spiritual health is an inward, self-focus. So…let’s talk about outreach!

Outreach Lesson #1

Effective Evangelism Starts with prayer.

Outreach and evangelism begin with Prayer and Preparation. Evangelism is a spiritual thing so we need to start with God and prayer. This is the 1st element of effective evangelism.

There are things that the spirit of God does that we cannot do.

Jn 16: 7-10. It is the Spirit of God that convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgement. Only God saves people, only God draws people. Salvation is of the Lord. Only Jesus draws people to Himself.

Jn 12:32 “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

What draws people to Jesus? Only Jesus! I challenge you to do a quick read through the book of Acts and see how vital corporate prayer was to the life of the early church.

There are things that God will not do until we pray.

This is important to note. Mk( 9:29 9 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”5 (Matt 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.)

Here are a few specific ways I encourage you to pray.

• That those in false churches would leave those churches. 
• People in our community searching for a Bible-driven church would find LCC. 
• For those people, God is working on, drawing, and convicting. 

Here's an encouraging illustration. For the past month or so, we've been praying these 3 things in prayer meetings and on our prayer sheet. What’s awesome is that we've already seen answers to these prayers. Some guests far from God and searching showed up at a service and shocked some relatives. Some individuals in a liberal church came to our services. When this happens, it’s no doubt a “God thing.” When we pray and God works, He alone gets the glory!

LCC, can you get behind this element of evangelism?

Do you regularly pray for guests to come to your church?

Let’s talk about outreach. If you want outreach, pray, and come to prayer meetings.

That's where it starts. Effective Evangelism Starts with Prayer.

Hear the heart of heaven beating; Jesus Saves! 

Reference: See 21st Century Effective Evangelism

Hear Hope Confirming Realities! Engage them with Scientific Truth about our World, including Dinosaurs and Fossils and where we really came from!

SCHEDULE

9:30 am – Dinosaurs and Aliens

The whole family will enjoy this talk as we answer the questions: “Does the Bible really talk about dinosaurs?”, “Did dinosaurs really live millions of years ago or did God create them on day 6 with the rest of the animals?”, “Wouldn’t Adam have been afraid of the dinosaurs?”, “How could Noah get dinosaurs on the ark?”, “What really happened to the dinosaurs?” The other great deception of our age is that aliens seeded life here on earth, so they are our creators. This talk gives the history of this great deception and ends with seeing it all through Biblical eyes.

10:45 am – Age Matters: A Young Earth

Is the age of the earth just an interpretation issue that is really not that important? It really boils down to this…Can we trust the Bible literally, or do we have to look to modern science to help us figure out what the Bible means? Do we have to accept atheists’ stories of how we got here without God, or can we trust exactly with God told us? This talk will trace how theologians have undermined the authority of scripture. It will end with how this literal history is important to the gospel message.

6:00 pm – The Gathering Storm

The Gathering Storm addresses the Secular Humanist’s persistent attempt to subvert Christian values and morality and how we can prepare ourselves and our children for this storm.

Meet our Speaker - Bob Gillespie

Bob first got started in apologetic ministry when he taught Bible History and Science for 14 years in Christian schools, as well as on the mission field in West Africa. His goal was to teach his students that they could trust the whole Bible and teach them to answer the skeptical questions that seem to make so many people stumble.

Upon leaving Africa, Bob felt God’s calling to go into full-time apologetic ministry. The Lord opened the door for him to become an associate speaker for Answers in Genesis for 8 years. Bob’s greatest joy in speaking is seeing faces light up in the audience as they discover they don’t have to be intimidated by secular scientists or teachings that seem to make the Bible seem irrelevant. His passion is that everyone he speaks with sees they can trust the Word of God as an absolute, unwavering authority.

Bob enjoys traveling and speaking with his wife, Lois. He holds a degree from Cedarville University and a Masters degree from Clark’s Summit Seminary in PA. You can read more about their 35 years of ministry together at creationshope.org.

Dear Grandparents, 

One of my favorite podcasts is Dr. Albert Mohler's "The Briefing." 

A few weeks ago, he discussed the passing of Mikhail Gorbachev and highlighted many of the issues and events surrounding his life, communist ideology, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many of you are much more familiar with that era than I am. 

Dr. Mohler pointed out a surprising point that Gorbotroph's wife, Raisa, had written. She was ideologically a Marxist and held something like a research doctorate in sociology. In her dissertation on the efforts of the communist party to socialize citizens in communist ideology, state atheism is part of that. Interestingly, Dr. Mohler pointed out, 

"It's reported that one of the things she noted in her dissertation is that the presence of grandparents greatly increased the likelihood that a child would fail at atheism. Now, that's really, really interesting. In other words, the influence of grandparents at this point in the history of the Soviet Union was an obstacle to children holding to a uniform atheism." 

It is intriguing that they saw the presence of Grandparents in a child's life as a "hurdle" to the state atheism of the Soviet model. What they saw as a problem or hurdle, we see as a blessing. The scriptures primarily put the burden of teaching and discipleship on parents but also tell us to teach to our "Children's Children." Timothy's grandmother Lois was instrumental in his scriptural grounding and spiritual formation, leading to his role in the early establishment of the church. 

Deuteronomy 4:9  “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children." 

2 Timothy 1:5 “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 

My grandparents had a huge impact on my life. I learned prayer by watching my grandmother kneel at her couch to pray with friends who came over for social visits. I learned biblical servant-hearted headship and submission in marriage by watching my Pap, sacrifice for Maw & see her respond to his leadership and lead her in prayer at their bedside. 

Grandparents, we need you! Be deliberate discipling grandparents and deter a generation of atheism. 

Walk with God, and they will follow. 

I'll end this note with the farewell sign-off my grandfather would use when signing his letters. 

Keep in touch with the master! 

Gratefully yours, 

It's often said that "The mission of missions is the church, and the mission of the church is missions."

Until the return of Christ, Jesus is keeping his promise to build His Church from every tribe and nation. We get to be a small part of this great cause. We both desire and need regular reminders of this colossal mission of God.

This Sunday, Linwood Community Church will host its annual Missions Conference. This is an opportunity to meet several missionaries and hear presentations about their ministries.

Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker for the conference this year is Dr. Chris Anderson.

About our speaker:

Chris is an author, church planter, pastor, hymn-writer, and all-around music junkie. Chris travels around the world teaching, preaching, and recruiting for missions as Senior VP for Global Opportunities with Biblical Ministries Worldwide.

As a pastor, he guided his church to become a "sending church" of many missionaries. As we often say, "The strength of a church is measured not in its 'seating capacity' but in its 'sending capacity." Chris models that vision.

He is the founder and president of Church Works Media. The author of three books and several devotionals.

Chris is probably most known for his modern hymn writing, having written more than 50 hymn lyrics. Some of his most recognized ones are "His Robes for Mine," "I Run to Christ," and "My Jesus Fair."

Chris and his wife, Lori, have four daughters and one son-in-law. He recently earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from The Master's Seminary.

Conference Schedule

9:30 AM - Missionary Presentations in Combined Classes

Adult Bible Fellowship: (Adults & Young Adults) Tim & Kathy Sheetz, Handivangelism Ministries 

Youth Bible Fellowship: (Teens and Youth) Tiago & Amy Braganholo, Word of Life

10:45 AM - Worship Service

Guest Speaker: Chris Anderson, VP Biblical Ministries Worldwide

6 PM - Missionary Presentations

Tom & Lorna Simcox, Friends of Israel

Jim & Joanne Callahan, Cedar Lane Missionary Homes

Bob & Sheila Felder, Waves Campus Ministry

Bob Franklin, Atlantic City Rescue Mission

Dessert Fellowship following the Evening Service.

"Avengers Assemble!" is one of the most iconic phrases from Marvel. Thor first used it in the 1960's comics, and then Captain America started to say it in Ultron, but it finally came out in "Endgame." Captain America is discouraged and nearly defeated as he looks upon the mounting armies of Thanos. At just the right time, the interdimensional portals are opened, and the Avengers and allies come from Wakanda to fight along his side. In that moment, when an all-star team of superheroes comes together to encourage the discouraged and face the common enemy, we are elated and rallied. Even if we know it's pretend, there still is something epic in this we all love. 

When we come to reality, the scriptures tell us there is something truly special and otherworldly when the church assembles. This is the "when you come together" time Paul regularly addresses in the epistles. Assembly...Assemble!  

Last month this was our Memory verse at LCC. 

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭ESV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/59/heb.10.24-25.ESV

Often this text is applied to encourage regular church attendance, and it rightly does. However, the context points us to the positive command before the negative prohibition. 

Seek to encourage and "stir up" one another. How is this done? First, by avoiding the negative "don't neglect to gather" and second, the positive "exhorting" or "encouraging one another." There's also an eschatological underpinning. "And so much the more as you see the day approaching." I find this interesting, especially in that our American evangelical church culture seems to encourage less frequency not just of church attendance but of the actual church services themselves (but that's for another discussion ;-). 

How would it change your mindset on a Lord's Day morning to "consider" how you are planning to encourage your brothers and sisters that day? This text teaches that this encouragement mindset is one of the purposes of our gatherings. We come not for what we can get but for what we give, and we can all give encouragement. 

As an example, recently, I was speaking with a church leader, and they shared with me their experience on a Sunday of having several separate conversations, all of which was a complaint about something in the church. I'm sure each of them didn't realize the same about the others and that each of the issues was significant to them and may have needed to be addressed at some point (though perhaps not on Sunday AM). However, as a whole, they created a culture of complaint at a "when you come together" time rather than a culture of encouragement. 

That leader left that day discouraged and beaten down like Cap before Thanos' army of the Black Order and Outriders. Many of our brothers and sisters come to our gatherings after a wearisome week in a similar discouraging way. 

How would the culture of our "when you come together" times change if what we "considered" as we came to the gathering was how we could encourage our brothers and sisters rather than complain? By God's grace, this coming Lord's Day, let us "consider" how we can "encourage one another." Let's be the ones that rally together "when we come together" to encourage the discouraged and face the common enemy for the common cause. "Assembly...Assemble!" 

This Summer we're offering several "Summer Seminars." These are short summer series seminars on a variety of topics and life stages. They are an opportunity for you to take a step in growth, develop ministry skills, and connect with others.

This Summer's Options include:

• Marriage: What did you Expect? Based on the book and video seminar by Paul David Tripp--Somehow, someway, every marriage becomes a struggle. Let's learn to redeem the Realities of Marriage. Open to any married or soon-to-be-married couples. ~ Group Leaders/facilitators Jayson & Jamie Byrd
• Witnessing 101: How to share the Gospel with someone. Learn the basics of personal evangelism. Hear stories of soul-winning opportunities. Led by Charles Pascale & Jim Mercadante 
• Ladies Class: Ladies Bible Study - Using Lifeway Bible Study Curriculum - Led by Ruth Homer, Nancy Craven, & Jane Sear 
• Baptism & Church Membership - Learn the information, expectations, and assimilation of what "Meaningful Membership" at LCC looks like. This is not a commitment to join LCC but an opportunity to learn more. It's also an opportunity to learn about the Biblical basis of Believer's Baptism. ~ Taught by George Myers 
• Youth Class (7-12th Grades) Summer Youth Class - Taught by Lon Murray 
• Children's Classes - Regular Sunday School classes

Signup for one at the Church Center at this link.

Seminar Dates are:

• June 12
• June 19
• June 26
• July 10
• July 17
• July 24

A few times this summer we're taking a break from our Summer Sunday School Classes/Seminars to encourage everyone to take steps in building a "Redemptive Relationship."

What are Redemptive Relationships?

Redemptive relationships are a time set aside for us as a church to be intentional and deliberate in a relationship with redemptive intentions.

We're encouraging everyone in the LCC family to make time for:

• Building a relationship with a friend or neighbor for the purpose of having a Gospel conversation

or

• Getting to know someone at the church that's not a normal part of your "bubble" to grow in Christian fellowship.

Ideas/Options to consider:

• Go to lunch/brunch (or invite someone over) with someone you don't know.
• Invite a family to meet your family at the boardwalk or beach in the afternoon or evening.

Conversations Starters:

• How long have you been coming to LCC?
• When did you become a Christian?
• What's something we can pray with you about?

May God use these relationships to foster Gospel Conversations and Gospel Fellowship for His Glory!

Did Jesus rise from the dead? What are the implications of his resurrection to your life?

These are two of the most important questions you will ever answer. We're not a perfect place, with perfect people, but we can point you to the truth that answers these questions.

This year, you're invited to start a new Easter tradition and join us at Linwood Community Church. We will have special services that focus on the true meaning of Easter from the primary source, the Bible. There will be something for the whole family.

Resurrection Sunday activities include:

6:30 AM Sunrise Service at the Seaview Dock

8:45 AM Breakfast (All invited)

10:00 AM Worship Service 

Other Services:

Palm Sunday Choir Cantata April 10th at 10:45

Good Friday Service April 15th at 6:00 PM

Ministry Leaders

Grief Share

• Barbara Heinold
• Jennifer McClun-Waggoner

Music Coordinator (Worship Team & Choir

• Jamie Byrd

Handi*Vangelism

• Beth Hasson
• Betty Helfrich
• Jane Sear

Youth Group

• Pastor George Myers
• Michael & Linda Sommers
• Melissa King
• Dave & Patty Hanson

Olympians Club

• Pastor George Myers

Safety Team

• Ken Kisby

Video Team

• Richard Lamkin

Deaconesses

Beverly Adkisson

Linda Berry

Andrise Alexis

Ruth Homer

Carol Kisby

Jennifer McClun-Waggoner

Jane Sear

Denise Stringer

Committees

Building & Grounds Committee (Trustees)

• Mark Hoch - Chairman
• Jack Berry - Vice Chairman
• Matt VanSant - Secretary
• Daniel Mercadante
• Nelson Maldonado
• Kevin Kleitches
• Greg Stringer

Missions Committee

• Barbara Heinold -
• Ruth Homer
• Lloyd Jones
• Paul Alexis
• Kevin Kleitches
• Paul Vogel

Budget/Finance Committee

• Richard Lamkin
• Mike Sommers
• Stephanie Del Biondo
• Mark Hoch
• Sue Lamkin

Other Officers

Church Clerk - Lloyd Jones

Church Treasurer - Michael Sommers

Assistant Treasurer / Financial Secretary - Susan Lamkin

Missionary Treasurer - Paul Vogel

Finance Committee - Member at Large - Stephanie Del Biondo

Financial Associates:

• Adam King
• Lloyd Jones
• Chick Kisby
• Sandy Hoch
• Terry Vogel
• Robbie Schlundt

Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday so this morning I preached a Pro-Life message titled "The Imago Dei Matters" that addressed not only abortion, but also racism, euthanasia, a Biblical view of disability, and more.

It was an exciting day! I make no apology for deliberately being a Pro-Life pastor. Our Church started its annual baby bottle drive for the Hope Pregnancy Center in Ocean City.

As a follow-up to the message and as a way to recommend some good resources to reflect on today, here are some sources I would like to commend to you.

• R.C. Sproul answers Why Churches should observe Sanctity of Life Sunday
• John Piper Resources:
• Free Chapter in For the Fame of God's Name outlining John Piper's Prophetic Pro-Life Preaching
• Piper's Sanctity of Life Sermons.
• Abort73: powerful and helpful website
• Albert Mohler article, "Abortion is as American as Apple Pie."
• 180 The Movie. If you haven't seen, you simply must! Visit 180movie.com
• Here's a wonderful article by Randy Alcorn on the Biblical perspectives on an unborn child.
• I used Tim Tebow's story, as an illustration, this morning. Here's an interview with Bob & Pam following last year's Super Bowl ad

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgKfIlj3sD0&feature=player_embedded%E2%80%99%5D[/embed]

• Here's a followup article by Randy Alcorn
• Here's a really cool visualization from conception to birth.

I love the text in this stanza of Immortal Invisible, it was a joy to affirm it as a congregation this morning.

To all, life Thou givest, 

to both great and small; 

In all life Thou livest, 

the true life of all; 

We blossom and flourish

as leaves on the tree,

And wither and perish--

but naught changeth Thee.

If you're struggling because you've aborted a child, there is hope and healing. If you think you're pregnant and are considering aborting the child, there are options.

Pro-Life Resources

Here are some good resources on the issue of abortion that I would commend to you.

Top Recommendation - Randy Alcorn's book has become a classic and go-to book in this area.

Alcorn, Randy. Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Arguments Expanded & Updated. Expanded. Multnomah Books, 2000

———. Why Pro-Life?: Caring for the Unborn and Their Mothers. Multnomah Books, 2004. While this book is out-of-print it is still available at Eternal Perspective Ministries. You can also get a free pdf of the entire book here.

Feinberg, John S., and Paul D. Feinberg.Ethics for a Brave New World, Second Edition. 2nd ed. Crossway Books, 2010.

Klusendorf, Scott. The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture. Crossway Books, 2009.

Masse, Sydna. Her Choice to Heal: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Peace After Abortion. New. David C. Cook, 2009.

McCorvey, Norma, and Gary Thomas. Won by Love: Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe V. Wade, Speaks Out for the Unborn As She Shares Her New Conviction for Life. Thomas Nelson Inc, 1998. Jamie and I read this book together several years ago, it is a very transparent and eye-opening book of Norma’s experience as being “Jane Roe.” It chronicles her conversion and introduces her Roe no More Ministry.

Powlison, David. Healing after Abortion. 1st ed. New Growth Press, 2008