Minister's Blog

Our Journey on the Pilgrim’s Path
I have really enjoyed working through The Pilgrim’s Progress this Summer. Christian (the main character) was traveling a narrow path, fraught with trials, temptations, joys, and dangers. He met many other fellow travelers during his journey. Those that were true believers all had common faith in Christ and were all travelling the same path toward the Celestial City, but as they recounted their journey, their experiences were very different. Why? It was clear the King had different plans for each of them with their preservation, perseverance, and sanctification in mind.
I am so thankful for those the Lord has brought alongside me as fellow travelers on this pilgrim’s path for a season. One such co-traveler (pilgrim) is Bro Stephen Nutt. We will continue to walk with one another as church elders and brothers in Christ, but for a season he has served with us in a special capacity as Associate Pastor on staff here at Emmanuel. During these seven years, his love for the Lord, work ethic, attention to detail, and desire for transparency have all been such a blessing. We have benefitted greatly from his faithfulness during this time. He has been an example of godliness as a man of God, church leader, husband, and father. As I look back over the trials and blessings of covid lockdown, staff changes, sanctuary remodel, facility updates, and church growth, I can see how the Lord used him over and over again to lead, organize and to simply get things done! Stephen is embarking on a new challenge in his role with Rolling Hills. I hope you will join me in thanking him for being a faithful, Spirit filled staff member and prayerfully encourage him in this next season of ministry. God has a plan! We can trust Him!
Lift Up Your Eyes…Revival Services
I look forward to our Revival services each year. It is a blessing to come together to hear God’s Word preached and to seek the Lord for renewal in a special way. This year’s revival services are scheduled for August 30-September 2. Setting aside a special season for seeking the Lord always holds the promise of great blessing, but I am praying for a particular awakening to be experienced in our church this Fall. I am praying the Lord would stir us to renew our commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, beginning as Acts 1:8 commands in our own families, neighborhood, and city.
You may be like me, and you find yourself just simply keeping your head down, working, serving your church/family, and trying to live a godly life. This is certainly what we are called to in Christ, but periodically you need to “lift up your eyes” as Jesus commanded his disciples there in John 4 when they were having a hard time understanding why Jesus was talking to a Samaritan woman and were ready to leave Samaria. I believe we, as a church, need to lift our eyes under the leading for the Holy Spirit. If we do, we will see our church re-engage our community in evangelism and seek lost sheep as we never have before!