March 2013
Releasing the Past, Focusing Toward the Future, Embracing Our Calling
Rev. Dennis Ahern provides pastoral care for those serving in distant, difficult, and sometimes dangerous locations. Dennis serves the church by shepherding ministry families during times of need, fostering the spiritual health necessary for the growth of both worker and work. Since 1992, Dennis has focused a portion of his ministry serving those impacted by trauma. His mission statement includes “the development of trusted relationships during times of crisis, speaking words of grace, hope, and truth in submission to God’s redemptive purposes.” Dennis and Denise Ahern’s journey with WorldVenture began in 1979 when they were appointed to serve in Hong Kong. After studying Mandarin in Taiwan and spending a year in Hong Kong, the Aherns eventually settled in Macau to work with new immigrants from China. They then moved to the Philippines in 1992 where they taught for two years on the faculty of Faith Academy, a school established to provide education for missionary children. Dennis taught high school Bible, but eventually became the school’s pastoral counselor. He helped missionary families face the challenges of disorientation due to separation from family and friends, loneliness, and cross-cultural stress. In September 1995, the Aherns returned to the States so Dennis could become WorldVenture’s Southwest area director. As director, he assisted cross-cultural workers and coached local churches to take the gospel from their neighborhoods to the nations. Dennis now serves as pastoral counselor with WorldVenture's Paraclete Centre. Dennis and Denise have been married for 38 years. They are the parents of four children, all raised in Asia. They are also grandparents to seven granddaughters. Dennis enjoys chess, fly fishing, and taking pastors to lunch at Chinese restaurants. He also serves as a volunteer clergy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
January 2013
A New Creature – Who Does God Say I Am
Have you ever wondered what exactly happened at the moment of your salvation and who God thinks we really are now that we are part of God’s family, redeemed, saved and regenerated as believers? Steve McIndoo, a brother in Christ from Phoenix, will share from his heart and from the Word of God who we are in Christ and our true identity in Christ as God sees us. The enemy does his utmost to discourage and feed us a pack of lies but once we comprehend who we are in Christ all that should change. We really are God’s kids endowed with an inheritance that cannot be defiled or taken from us. It is said of us as believers, “We will spend the rest of our earthly lives becoming who we really are in Christ Jesus.” What a prospect to revel and grow into. Maybe if we thought less of ourselves and more of what God thinks of us and knows of us because of His Son Jesus we might actually learn to live more in victory and less in discouragement and defeat. Listen for Life!
A Walk Through the Let-Us Patch
Deep in the letter of Hebrews that (I believe) Paul writes to Jewish believers who are considering going back to their Jewish ways of worship there is an amazing passage that is filled with both wonder and challenge. As we close 2012 and start thinking through our desires, attitudes, and mind-set for 2013 let’s take a walk together through the Let-Us Patch of Hebrews (Heb. 10:19-25) and take notice of not only the confidence that God has given us in Christ but also how that confidence allows us to draw near to Him, hold fast to Him, and consider how to provoke each other for Him.
December 2012
Used or Used Up?
In this week’s message Chuck Erickson, a former Elder and member of MBC, gave the message on “Used or Used Up?” The message highlighted the lives of Andrew, Peter’s brother, Stephen and the Apostle Paul. In all three cases each illustration either lived in someone else’s shadow or cast one themselves. We need to determine what it is that God has called us to do and then do it with all of our heart and all of our God given ability. It is in the “little” things that God is seen most in our lives and ministries. We should not get discouraged when the BIG thing doesn’t come around very often, it is in the daily exercise of faithfulness in the small things that God is seen and His glory revealed. You will enjoy this amazing message as it will inevitably be used by the Holy Spirit to challenge your faith but also to encourage your heart! “Good job, Chuck!” Listen for LIFE!
October 2012
Celebrating What God Has Done – Pastor Tim Hagquist
Four Stories of Transformed Lives – Stories of Real Hope Views: 152
Lessons From the Life of Jepthah – Part Two
Sometimes we don’t see that the hand of God is sovereignly at work and when we do see it we are often blown away at how He does His thing(s). Jephthah is a good example of this principle for us. The least likely man is sovereignly placed by God to deliver God’s people from the hands of the Ammonites. Bet ya he never saw it coming. There are many things that we can learn about God through the life of Jephthah – an unknown deliverer. Listen as Pastor Aaron concludes his message.
September 2012
Lessons From the Life of Jepthah – Part One
Sometimes we don’t see that the hand of God is sovereignly at work and when we do see it we are often blown away at how He does His thing(s). Jephthah is a good example of this principle for us. The least likely man is sovereignly placed by God to deliver God’s people from the hands of the Ammonites. Bet ya he never saw it coming. There are many things that we can learn about God through the life of Jephthah – an unknown deliverer.
August 2012
3 John: Walking in the Truth
It has been said that imitation is the most sincere form a flattery. The problem is that in this world there are many examples to imitate. Even those who are most pious in their walk with the Lord need to admit that there are spots of imperfection in their journey. Nonetheless it is of great benefit for us to find an honorable, Godly example in the committed saints around as well as those who went before us. In the letter of 3rd John we are given some great examples both to follow and also to reject. In this sermon we look at these men in the early church and ask ourselves who we will follow.
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