Leaning Forward
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Leaning Forward

Much needed update

God gave me the gift of two fantastic weeks of ministry.  First, two weeks ago, I spoke for Teen Week at Independent Bible Church in Martinsburg, WV.  Those guys did such a good job.  Props to Brad Haecock for all the work and energy he put into reaching students with the truth of God's Word. 

This past week Becky and I were at Camp Patmos in Ohio.  This is one of my favorite places to minister and enjoy life.  Gotta love being on an island on Lake Erie for a week!  My friends, Andy Chouinard and Tim Richardson, have worked really hard at making Patmos a place where everyone fits in!

Posted by Andy Giessman at 7/1/2008 9:16 AM | Add Comment

Whiteboard Sessions

Becky and I had the chance to attend the Whiteboard Sessions.  8 speakers had 1/2 hour each to share an idea.  Great time to get away and think.  


Posted by Andy Giessman at 5/23/2008 8:32 PM | Add Comment

Reading

Monday was a good day to read.  I have a passion for books and especially those that cover history and communication.  I believe we can understand the future if we are familiar with our past.  It is also a core value of mine that whatever gift God has given to us must be honed and sharpened.  So for what its worth, here is what I am reading right now...

  • From Achilles To Christ: Why Christians Should Read the Pagan Classics - Louis Markos
    From Achilles to Christ: Why Christians Should Read the Pagan Classics
  • Preaching Parables to Postmoderns - Brian Stiller
    Preaching Parables To Postmoderns (Fortress Resources for Preaching)
  • Forever a Soldier - Tom Wiener
    Forever a Soldier: Unforgettable Stories of Wartime Service

Posted by Andy Giessman at 5/15/2008 9:34 AM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

3 Activities of a God Who Invades History

Sermon #3 from the Exposed series (we didn't record #2, oops).

Ephesians 2:1-10

Download | Duration: 00:31:14

Posted by Andy Giessman at 5/14/2008 11:40 AM | Add Comment

3 Exposures of Grace

Here is the first in the Exposed series from NLBC.

Ephesians 1:1-14

Download | Duration: 00:38:24

Posted by Andy Giessman at 5/12/2008 11:45 AM | Add Comment

Soul Exposure

My friend Christina shamed me into posting a new blog.  I think I had a combination of writers block and acute laziness. Thanks, Christina.  I needed that. 

We finished week 6 of the 8 for the series in Ephesians.  One of the huge lessons I have learned is the idea of identity. Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus was received by a people who were looking to belong.  Ephesus was a giant city that was probably the third largest in the Roman Empire.  They were a culture that wanted to understand the "mystery" of a deeper life.  The only way to discover that mystery was to be involved in the cult of Artemis.  Social, economic, religious, and political life was all centered around the goddess' temple.  Life was found there.  

For three chapters Paul digs a deep foundation to help us understand who we are.  He exposes our soul in the light of the Gospel.

  • It is God who has initiated the relationship with humanity.
  • The light inside our hearts can turn on to help us understand spiritual things.
  • The outrageous grace of God eliminates the stench of death.
  • The grace of God unites all believers world-wide 
  • God has chosen the church to be the means for the world to hear about Grace
  • There is a huge contrast between the mind of one who does not know Christ and one who does.
Again and again as the soul is exposed we see the great investment that God has made so that we can know him.  Coming to grips with truth always tells us what we need to do.





Posted by Andy Giessman at 4/30/2008 7:46 AM | Add Comment

My new Fav...


I have a new favorite drink at Starbucks.  Today I tried the latte with soy milk.  I thought I would hate it but it was great!  I have Becky to thank for making the suggestion.  Low fat, low sugar, LOADS of flavor. 

Posted by Andy Giessman at 3/29/2008 11:11 AM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Fearless

Our second Sunday with two services went very well!  The first service had about the same attendance and the second was down a little.  It was one of those weeks when lots of people were out out town. 

We saw, again, first time guests join us and we are now able to give them a gift.  The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel is a great way to introduce people to Jesus.  I pray that God will use this tool along with the weekly ministries of our church and people to see many take the next step.

It is important to keep in mind that the enemy does not want what is happening in Scranton to continue.  Anytime God works and people's lives are being changed the enemy will throw lots of roadblocks at you to discourage you. 

In Ephesians 6 Paul reminds us that our battles are truly spiritual.  As we hold up the shield of faith lets remember that God expects us to use that particular piece of armor to push forward not stand in one place!

Posted by Andy Giessman at 3/12/2008 10:01 AM | Add Comment

Taking Off!

I would be lying if I said I woke up yesterday without fear.  My first waking, and irrational thought, was "what have we done?".  I was trying to figure out a way to contact everybody and tell them that we were just going to have our regular worship service at 10:30.  Like I said, irrational. 

So here is what happened with yesterday's second service launch at New Life

*  We got there early
*  Nobody else did
*  It was getting closer to nine
*  The auditorium was less than full - empty is a good word
*  We prayed
*  People came!

We had 57 in the first service with 140+ in the second.  We had over 200 people total!  We were actually running out of room for the second service!  If this keeps up maybe we will need to add a third....

Posted by Andy Giessman at 3/3/2008 8:36 AM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Two Words

Two words:  Launch Day!  Tomorrow we launch our 2nd Worship Service!  I can't even begin to tell you how excited and nervous I am all at the same time!

We have had quite a week.  The enemy has thrown some pretty significant roadblocks at us.   There are  lots of people in the hospital and we had a funeral yesterday.  It adds up!  One thing I remember, though - Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon formed against us shall prosper".  That's right.  Bring it! 

Please pray about the services for tomorrow.  I have no idea how they will even out or if they will be even.

Also pray for Steamtown Community Church.  They are launching their first public worship service tomorrow as well.  Go get 'em, Dennis!

Posted by Andy Giessman at 3/1/2008 10:04 AM | Add Comment
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