May 24, 2008
Dear Church:
As many of you know, the California Supreme Court has acted in violation of the expressed will of the voters of this state in overturning the proposition that exclusively defined marriage as between a man and a woman. I am so deeply troubled by this monumental cultural tsunami that I feel compelled to give voice in defense of Christian morality in an America founded upon Scriptural principles.
Barring an Amendment to the United States Constitution, societal respect for basic morality rooted in both Natural Law and Scripture is likely eroding permanently. It is not for myself that I am most troubled, but for my children – who are inheriting a spiritually and morally toxic America. The assumptions that the children of this coming era will have programmed into them by the culture will likely seem unrecognizable and Orwellian to anyone who remembers (a decaying) 20th Century America. Without a federal amendment, the ongoing descent of America will likely approach its nadir when the marriage covenant has been formally gutted to delight the abominable. Letters such as this, and even verse-by-verse Bible studies touching on such issues, will likely become criminalized as hate-speech. For those thankful to live in this country, I urge you in the strongest possible terms to pray for God to forgive, cleanse, revive, and restore our nation. Our media-anesthesia, busyness, and affluence have served as instruments used to castrate our intercessory potency of the Church! Resist the apathy, saints!
The state-sanctioning of this destruction of the sacred institution of marriage (in a blatant bending to the will of the pernicious sodomite lobby/agenda) will likely rank in national debasement with the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court’s tyrannical and misuse/abuse of power (Roe v. Wade) which has led to the murder of approximately 50 million babies in America. Legalization of addictive recreational drugs, state-sanctioned euthanasia (including of patients without terminal illnesses), the “mainstream” promotion of hardcore pornography in traditionally safe media, criminalization of words and thoughts based upon perceived hate or bigotry, etc., are among the other areas of American moral necrosis that I anticipate within the next couple decades. I fully expect this slow death of the American conscience to be accelerated upon the forthcoming election of a morally-confused President. I pray that I am incorrect in my assessment.
In addition to prayer, I ask for you to be willing to take action to protect the kind of moral and spiritual environment you desire for yourselves, your children, and your grandchildren. Our greatest call is to obey the gospel of Christ and proclaim it to the lost souls of this world. That said, if good Christian citizens do nothing to oppose moral degeneracy and destruction, we cannot blame God if our loved ones get caught in the cultural undertow. Voting – both for candidates and issues – is imperative. Contacting governmental representatives with respectful concern is a right you have and should use as a citizen. Putting a decidedly Christian moral stamp on the educational system, the media, the business community, and the political sphere is perhaps more necessary than ever. Fatalism about the end times is not responsible occupation till Christ returns.
In addition to noting those who have lost their lives in American tornadoes and Chinese earthquakes, I have been particularly troubled by the devastation that has come to the people of Burma. In addition to the masses, there are brothers and sisters in the Lord that have suffered loss and pain the likes of which we will hopefully never know. Unlike other natural disaster situations, much of the pain has been caused and exacerbated by the Burmese government that has denied the efficient distribution of aid to the sick, dying, and displaced. I would like Life CHRISTIAN CENTER to be ready to help.
Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Disaster Appeal & Update 5/9/2008
Seven days after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar (formerly Burma) the ruling military junta is still denying entrance visas to humanitarian aid workers and not allowing supplies into the country. The military leaders are simply asking for cash and have already confiscated the few supplies let into the country. The people of Myanmar are suffering from lack of food, water and medication. The threat of sicknesses such as malaria and cholera draws closer with each passing day that supplies are withheld.
There are over 20,000 confirmed dead and over 100,000 feared dead. With the tightly controlled press of Myanmar the shocking details of this disaster are slowly trickling out to the rest of the world. What we do know from our people in Myanmar is that prices of the few basic goods available are skyrocketing. This has caused looting and security threats. Desperate people are willing to go to desperate measures in order to secure food for themselves or their families.
Compassion Services International (CSI) has already responded with several thousand dollars in humanitarian aid yet there is much more for us to do. With our people on location in Myanmar we do have a way of getting the funding directly to them.
Once the disaster phase of Cyclone Nargis is over then the rebuilding phase for Myanmar will begin. Farmers have lost crops and animals. Mechanics have lost tools. People’s homes were lost along with their stored grain. Crops will have to be replanted, tools replaced and homes rebuilt. CSI stands ready to assist with these needs and we need your help. An example of this long term process is evidenced by the fact that CSI is still working on projects in Sri Lanka from the December 2004 tsunami. If the situation allows we will send in a disaster response S.M.A.R.T. team to assess the situation. This will allow us to better understand the needs firsthand and maximize our resources. Several people have also contacted us about being part of a medical team to Myanmar. Again, if the circumstances warrant and permit then we will be sending in medical teams as well. Our goal is to be ready with humanitarian aid when the doors are opened.
You can also help us by donating some basic medications that will soon be needed on location. If you can send any of the following medications, these will be sent in CSI MedPacks as soon as possible: Triple antibiotic cream, iodine – Betadine, Hydrogen peroxide, Band-aids, baby powder, anti-fungal foot cream (Lamisil, Micatin, Tinactin), Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc., Imodium, rubber gloves, gauze, medical tape, vitamins (adult and children).
I call Life CHRISTIAN CENTER to help in the following manner: (1) special June CSI offerings (details to come) to send aid to Burma, (2) a church-wide medication drive to be completed by June 22, and (3) a day of prayer and fasting for the Burmese church and people on Thursday, June 5. Also, I invite all LCC dads to join me in requesting that any money intended by our families for Father’s Day gifts and meals be pledged in our honor for Burma aid instead. This is completely optional and voluntary. Thank you.
Pastor Manley
March 24, 2008 Dear Church:
Remember to highlight your calendars, invite your friends, and complete your taxes early as we welcome back to Life CHRISTIAN CENTER the evangelistic, prophetic, and musical ministry of Eli & Kathy Hernandez over the following dates and times:
*Sunday, April 13, at 10:00 a.m.
*Monday, April, 14, at 7:00 p.m.
*Tuesday, April 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Please be in prayer for the Hernandezes and for these special services as we desire God to pour out His Spirit upon individuals who have yet to be filled with His powerful promise, and for the prophetic ministry to strengthen our assembly. I am confident that their musical skill will be overshadowed only by the sincere praise of God that it inspires.
Let me again remind and promote our updated Christian Discipleship Class meeting Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. in the church annex (fellowship hall/kidLife classroom). It is extremely important for individuals who have been attending church a relatively short time (i.e., less than four years) and who have never fully completed our old Christianity 101 curriculum to root themselves firmly in the foundational teachings of the Biblical Christian faith. I have met individuals (and even went to Bible college with some!) who may have been raised in a “Christian home,” but they never had the conviction of solid Christian doctrine cemented into their spirits, as it were. I was stirred by a recent statistic I read that indicated from that such doctrinal discipleship classes were an enormous factor in the difference between a typical Christian being firm and productive in their faith versus spiritual weak and failing. Furthermore, as we strive to minister to others – children, unbelievers, newer converts, etc. – it is so important to know how to communicate the basics of Biblical Christianity while appealing to the authority of Scripture rather than our subjective feelings about God. I also want to admonish more and more people who faithfully attend Life CHRISTIAN CENTER to seek formal voting membership in order to be even more connected to our local assembly and family of faith. The Christian Discipleship Class will conclude by encouraging two additional things aside from intentional spiritual growth: (1) membership in the local assembly, and (2) ministry to others in a specific and consistent manner.
Speaking of membership, I am please to welcome the most recent individuals who have completed the Membership Covenant of Life CHRISTIAN CENTER and have been approved by the Church Board for formal voting membership in our local assembly: Anthony & Jennifer Martinez, and Elisa Garcia. Many will fondly remember the Martinezes’ coming into our church not too long ago, and I am glad that their family is a part of our assembly. Sis. Elisa recently transferred employment to Monterey County, and I received a glowing letter of recommendation from her previous pastor, Bishop Hoyer from Fresno. She is a welcome addition to our local assembly.
For much of February and March, I taught from Scripture about the important concept of God’s harvest. As we move into April there are three observations I would like to make in this regard… First, I am excited about the evangelistic and disciple-making endeavors that we have kicked off, and I am confident that our efforts will bear good fruit. From a formal Discipleship Class to an informal Spanish-language house meeting and all other labors focused on the harvest – it is imperative to do the will of our Father.
Secondly, after a year of broadcasting Bible teaching on KKMC, I – in conjunction with the Church Board – have decided that it is time to cease this particular ministry. The only available time slot on this station was not maximizing the effectiveness of the medium to incorporate souls into our assembly. Lord willing, if a more evangelistically-favorable radio opportunity arises, I would not hesitate to consider it in the future.
In addition to this, we discovered that many of our uninvited guests (meaning nobody from church directly invited them to come) found us via the Internet. Because of this, in the very near future I hope to expand our evangelistic and discipleship ministries by making greater use of audio/video and our website. Please pray for these efforts as well. We will commence on Tuesday evenings by putting the material used for home Bible studies on video. This way the material can be accessed as a teaching tool, training resource, or even as individuals discover and investigate our website. I do not have a time table for implementation, but please be in prayer about these ministries.
Finally, and very unlike my typical monthly letter, I must note that it is imperative that God’s laborers not be distracted from the Scriptural clarion call to focus on His harvest of righteousness and of souls. Faithful laborers reap God’s vineyard while little foxes spoil His vines. Many are undistracted in their service to God while some must purpose not to be diverted, distracted, divided, or destructive in time of harvest. I share these final thoughts from the Scripture… let he (and she) who needeth to hear, have ears to hear.
Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly-mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men? 5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe-as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.
1 Peter 2:17a NIV
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God…
Pastor Max Manley
Dear Church:
I am excited by the spiritually refreshing nature of our services in recent weeks! I also believe that we all appreciate the physical freshness of our improved-look sanctuary, so please let me reiterate my sincere appreciation on behalf of our entire church toward all who were involved in sprucing up the sanctuary.
“We will not neglect the house of our God.” ~ Nehemiah 10:39b
This month, please begin aggressively inviting friends, family, coworkers, classmates, acquaintances, neighbors, and anyone else you can think of to our special Easter Sunday RESURRECTION CELEBRATION SERVICE, March 23, at 10:00 a.m. The children of Life CHRISTIAN CENTER will be assisting me in delivering the gospel message through a special dramatization, and I would like us to pack the house of God with all who need so see and hear that gospel message! I anticipate a service that is perhaps shorter in duration than a typical Sunday morning, as well as a crowd that is larger – so please come early – both to pray and to get a good seat!
As part of the follow-up to Easter, our church will have some important developments occurring. Statistically-speaking, those who come to God and become active in church have a very large success and retention rate in serving Him when they faithfully complete a Christian Discipleship Class that includes foundational Christian doctrine. For the majority of us who were not raised in church, that means these types of classes are not optional if we are expected to remain firm in our faith.
Therefore, we will be offering a modified and updated version of what has been called in the past, Christianity 101. All who come into our church need to go through this important subject matter since it involves a clear, practical survey of the basic and foundational elements of Christian faith, doctrine, and practice. On Tuesday, March 25, we will commence with this very, very important ministry. This Christian Discipleship Class will be held every Tuesday (unless otherwise noted in advance) and will be approximately 45 minutes long, beginning at 6:45 p.m. – ending around 7:30 p.m., so that those involved in it have the opportunity to join the rest of us in the sanctuary for the conclusion of our mid-week service. I will begin a special series that same Tuesday in the sanctuary specifically geared to assist your personal evangelism.
In April we will enjoy a brief series of exciting services with the return of Eli & Kathy Hernandez. Sunday, April 13, through Tuesday, April 15, we will believe God for a great outpouring of His Spirit and other miracles, signs, and wonders! Given the skilled and passionate music ministry of Sis. Kathy Hernandez and the spiritually-gifted ministry God has given Bro. Eli Hernandez, I encourage you to submit your taxes early so you don’t have a conflict with these important meetings… and tell those you bring with you to do the same!
If you look at our upcoming church calendar, there is no time like the present to GO into all YOUR world to make disciples of Jesus Christ! Good Friday Communion Service, Easter Sunday RESURRECTION CELEBRATION SERVICE, Christian Discipleship Class, Tuesday evangelism teaching series, evangelistic meetings with Eli & Kathy Hernandez… Add in the amped up kidLife curriculum, dynamism of the teenLifers, and the coming revamp of our adult Lifegroups, and you have a “perfect storm” of resources occurring in the coming weeks to help you personally win souls to the Lord Jesus.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… ~ Matthew 28:19a
In regard to revamping our small, home group ministries, one thing that I would like to encourage is evangelism among those who speak only (or predominantly) Spanish. If you have friends, family, etc., who would be receptive to this type of informal, home fellowship of prayer and Bible study, please contact Gil Chavez or Robert Avina. This is NOT a group for church folks to fellowship – it is an evangelistic ministry specifically intended to win souls to God and to restore Spanish-speaking backsliders who are not attending church. Because of the purpose of this group, only those in our church who bring Spanish speakers needing to discover the truth of God’s word and be saved will be welcome to attend. You would then be guests of honor and part of the ministry team!
Our annual church business meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 30, at 5:00 p.m., and the deadline to submit the application for church membership (for anyone wishing to participate in this annual business meeting) is 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. In accordance with the bylaws of this assembly, only those in our church family who have agreed to the commitment level of the church Membership Covenant are eligible to participate in church business meetings.
Though not required to go to Heaven or to be involved in all our church ministries, the Membership Covenant is nevertheless important. I encourage all who are part of Life CHRISTIAN CENTER to seek formal membership so you may have a vote in matters of importance such as, the ratification of the choice of Senior Pastor and Church Board Members, the buying and selling of church buildings, commentary on church finances, etc. For those who have been born again of water and Spirit and who have successfully completed Christianity 101, request a copy of the Membership Covenant from Natalie Soto in the church office. In addition to its primary spiritual purpose, the updated Christian Discipleship Class beginning in March will be a prerequisite for formal membership in the future.
Thank you to everyone who recently embraced both the spirit and the cause of our Dr Pepper Service on February 24. I am compelled to reiterate the theme that two vital elements of spiritual success and growth include our stewardship of our TIME & MONEY. Taking up our cross and following Jesus is a journey of trust, sacrifice, and love that touches everything of genuine value in our lives – including time and money.
Therefore, in the strongest possible terms, I encourage you to stand firm in consistent, specific, targeted generosity and giving of time and money – for the glory of God, for the benefit of His kingdom, and for your own spiritual growth and personal happiness. With the Dr Pepper Service completed, any who had not previously established such a targeted system of giving (or in some cases, far more than 10 – 2 – 4!) should strive to embrace in faith the 10 – 2 – 4 habit/principle of financial and personal stewardship as a consistent aspect of your Christian discipleship. This is not to earn God’s grace or providence, and neither should it be a ceiling but rather a grateful, cheerful baseline.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Those on the front lines of the cause of global missions are depending upon us to be the supply line in this worldwide spiritual battle. You have admirably demonstrated your ability and willingness to rise to the challenge and meet the needs as they are presented on an individual basis. For many, now is the time to go to the next level by way of establishing the ongoing habit of planned/designated giving to advance the work of the church – both locally and globally. I salute and thank you for embracing the virtue of generosity and modeling it for the next generation of disciples!
May God receive with pleasure our acceptable offerings – the fruit of our giving – of time, money, energy, and emotion. God bless.
Pastor Max Manley
Dear Church,
Since I came to Salinas in 2002, the month of February has always seemed to be an eventful month for our assembly. I anticipate that the same will hold true in 2008 as we embark upon the first of a series of changes to meet the evolving needs of all who come in contact with Life Christian Center.
After meeting with the staff and ministry leaders, the decision has been made to suspend the 10:00 a.m. Lifeclass format in favor of kicking off our main worship service at that time. This does not mean that addressing practical life issues normally covered in the Lifeclasses will be done away with, but instead we will address those subjects in different “ministry vehicles” (e.g., Lifegroups, elective classes at church, or even in the Sunday and Tuesday services). While the staff and ministry leaders continue to collaborate in good faith concerning the best courses of action for our church in both the short and the long term, I encourage everyone to be welcoming of forthcoming changes as we implement them as this is and has been a matter of much prayer.
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Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Happy New Year to all! 2008 should include societal changes that will impact the people of God to varying degrees; however, let us believe for, pray for, and act for positive and powerful spiritual changes that will impact both our church and our society.
To this end, along with other practical realities, we have a time set aside in the month of January to seek the face of God in the disciplines of prayer and fasting. I hereby solicit the unity of the spirit of all the church family of Life Christian Center to participate in this 5-day fast beginning after prayer meeting on Thursday, January 10. We will conclude our church fast by celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the conclusion of our midweek Bible Study on Tuesday, January 15. May we join together in seeking God for the benefit of ourselves, our families, our country, and God’s church in 2008!
January holds opportunities for partaking of various ministries and fellowship with those of like precious faith as the Western District Section 9 Youth Rally is held on Saturday, January 12, and the Landmark Convention in Stockton takes place January 23-25. I hope many of us can make it to these events and enjoy!
Be prepared for exciting changes in the first quarter of 2008. Though details will be announced in the near future, I anticipate significant alterations in regard to our Lifegroups and Life classes in the New Year. I encourage all involved in familyLife, kidLife, teenLife, fusedLife, and balancedLife, to be in prayer (and in brainstorming mode) for ways to better minister - to God, to community and the unsaved, and to one another in 2008!
Please note that the week of February 10-16, 2008, our sanctuary will be closed for some “sprucing up.” The changes represented are to be simple and clean (as opposed to a major remodel), and I believe they will provide a proverbial breath of fresh air. For that reason, we are “going mobile” with the midweek service on Tuesday, February 12, as we will worship, pray, and study the Bible in the church annex. Also, the sanctuary work will will shut down early enough on the afternoon of Thursday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day), so that the married volunteers can have ample and appropriate time to express adequate romantic affections and gestures!
Also, I want to announce in advance, a forthcoming service unlike any I have ever planned. I am asking all of Life Christian Center to plan on being punctual and participatory in what I am calling a “Dr. Pepper Day” on Sunday, February 24, at 10:00am. One may ask, “What exactly is a ‘Dr. Pepper Day?‘” It will be revealed at the aforementioned time and date. See you there!
—
Pastor Max Manley
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
November 27, 2007
Dear Church:
Isaiah’s 2700-year-old messianic prophecy is especially stirring during the Christmas season. In a society where “political correctness” has now given way in many cases to outright hostility against the place of Christ in Christmas, it behooves us to keep the Lord Jesus front and center in our families and our thinking during this time. Without the miracle of the Incarnation – God manifesting Himself in human flesh for the purpose of accomplishing our salvation – there is truly no Christmas. Thank God for His love!
Furthermore, despite the financial, family, travel, and other pressures that we may put upon ourselves during the Christmas season, it is important to remember that God declared this Christ we are celebrating to be our wonderful counselor and provider of peace. Let us allow the peace of God to rule and reign in our hearts as blessed saints during this blessed time of year!
I have found that the busyness of the Christmas season can be both a joy and a distraction in my walk with God. If you are like me in this regard, let us make a concerted effort not to neglect the most important things in life simply because we are busy with “seasonal stuff.” Right relationships with God and people are far more important than finding the best deal on a toy or a gadget. Happiness in Christian living, families, and friendships take priority over making better cookies or tamales than your relative or your co-worker… and even more important than Bowl Games (Go Buckeyes)! T’is the season to enjoy the trappings without being distracted from the truly valuable.
Christmas provides us with yet another opportunity to identify ourselves as separate from a morally confused world. I want to catch myself and repent at any point where I think or say, “I’ll fix this or improve that once I just get through the holidays.” I don’t want Christmas and New Year’s to be “something I have to get through” but enjoyable times, especially in all things spiritual. I want my focus to be even sharper on Christ rather than blurred by busyness since Christmas is a season that is supposed to be about Him in the first place! I want to hit the ground running with health, strength, and vitality – spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially once we turn the calendar to 2008. For those with similar desires, I encourage you as we endeavor in our countercultural climb!
For all who are part of the Life Christian Center family, I wish you a happy, healthy, safe, and blessed Christmas season!
—
Pastor Max Manley
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…
Psalm 95:1-2a
Dear Church:
It is during this season that the nation’s attention is focused on a concept – thanksgiving – which is ever in view for those of us who have been redeemed by God. Though many in America have devalued the meaning of this holiday by viewing it as little more than “Turkey Day,” there remain multitudes which still hold firm to the ideal of a day for appreciating Divine providence in our nation and in our individual lives.
I must confess that as society gives this small place on the calendar to the virtue of gratitude, I become more and more reflective about all for which I am thankful. For disciples of Jesus Christ, celebrating a true holiday that acknowledges the goodness of God is far more significant than society’s un-holiday in October that glorifies too much of that which is dark, artificial, and self-indulgent. The epistle of James states that every good and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights in whom there is no variation. Thank God for His light in a dark world!
Though stresses of life are common to the human condition, genuine thanksgiving and gratitude (even through difficult circumstances) set you as the people of God apart from those who have not embraced the hope offered by Christ Jesus. May the right spirit of the Thanksgiving season be perpetual for those of us who call to remembrance all the good and perfect gifts we have received from the Father of lights!
For His love and His promise of eternal life…
For His providence and protection and peace…
For the blessing of our most valued relationships…
For giving us health and wholeness in mind and body…
For the divine gifts of wisdom and joy…
For His goodness and grace…
Thank God.
With gratitude for the people of God who comprise Life Christian Center,
Pastor Max Manley
…”Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Revelation 7:12