I just started a new summer sermon series on the fruit of the Spirit. As I study for this series it is becoming apparent to me that fruit is a by-product of my relationship with Christ more than me hunkering down and trying to make changes in my behavior… (you know - work at being more loving, work at being kinder, etc.) Jesus said to His disciples to stay connected with Him (John 15  - He the Vine and His disciples the branches) and fruit WILL be the result. One thing about fruit… it takes time to grow and there must be consistent connection with the life-force within the vine.  If you have any thoughts that can help me in this series please write me a post. I will really appreiate it.

Scott Montagne, Lead Pastor 

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Independence Day is just around the corner. Every year, the people of North Kitsap are able to watch fireworks at the Poulsbo Waterfront on the third and get a chance for a similar celebration on the water in Kingston the very next night. The colors, the booms, the sizzling sound of those poppers when they descend from the night sky; all of it is part of an entertaining holiday. But what good does it inflict on us? Are we changed by watching controlled explosives burst right before our eyes? Do we remember the significance behind the light show?

Jesus is quoted as saying, “If the Son has set you free, you are free through and through” (John 8.36, Msg). Within its context, Jesus wants us to be free and celebrate with our freedom in mind. Who gave us freedom from addictions, pride, and vices? Who saved us from our past hurts and shortcomings? He wants us to celebrate our freedom and celebrate Him because He is the source of our freedom. And we can do that by living our freedom out, in all we do.

On July 3 and 4, I will take my family to the fireworks. I will enjoy an elephant ear and be with those that are close to us. And we will celebrate our freedom because we live in a country that is free. And when we are done, we will thank the Lord, who not only gave us physical freedom but spiritual freedom, and we will continue to live our freedom out so those who are not as fortunate can see Jesus giving them the same opportunity.

My staff and I have just finished reading a most interesting book: ‘A New Kind of Christian” by Brian McLaren….a very challenging and thought-provoking look at how we go about church and the impact we aren’t making on the world. This book and others like it represent a new movement called the “Emerging Church Movement” or “Emergent Church Movement”. This new and controversial movement seeks to engage post-modern people (especially non-believers) in ways that the traditional church cannot or more accurately will not. The Movement goes beyond the contemporary Church movement. Emerging Church Movement supporters say all the contemporary church has done is put new wrappings (styles of worship, dress, and communicating) on an old gift whereas much of the old gift needs to be discarded. This book and others I’ve read are causing me to rethink how I go about the work of the ministry as lead pastor of a growing church as well as how I should go about my walk as a follower of Christ. It is obvious that the church is in a convergence zone and things can get real tense when hot and cold climates intermingle.

So… are you aware of the Emerging Church Movement? If you are, please share your thoughts. If not, google ‘emerging church movement’ and see for yourself.

In Christ as always,

Scott Montagne, Lead Pastor

P.S.  Check this link for more info   http://gscandrett.wordpress.com/ 

Jerry Falwell has passed away. Whether or not you agreed with how he went about confronting our culture on moral issues, I would think you would have to agree that he made a positive difference. It was Jerry who in the late ‘70s founded Moral Majority (maybe not the best name) — the organization that paved the way for Christians to voice their collective concerns and exercise political influence regarding the issues that were eating away at the moral fiber of this country. Since then, many other Christian organizations have been formed… but it was Jerry who started the ball rolling.
From 1980 to 1982, I was the Assistant Director of Washington State’s Moral Majority chapter. I was fortunate enough to be one of two people to meet with Jerry Falwell for a two-hour strategy session. It was Jerry who rallied complacent Christians (like me) to start taking a public and political stand regarding key moral issues. Until Jerry came along to ‘stir the pot,’ too many Christians barely voted, hardly voiced concerns regarding abortion, sex education extremes, homosexuality, pornography and such. We just felt there was nothing we could do or, worse, we felt it wasn’t our place. I became a lobbyist in Olympia during those years … a speaker at many colleges and high schools as well as being a regular on local radio and TV. It was Jerry Falwell’s influence that propelled this young man of 30 to take a stand and speak up. Thank you Reverend Falwell. You made a difference in my life and countless others.
 

Rick Warren said of Jerry Falwell:
“Jerry Falwell was one of the giant figures who towered over the 20th century American church. Most people knew him as the founder of the Moral Majority, the face of the Religious Right, and because of some of his more controversial statements, many saw only a caricature of the real man. The story was never told about his compassionate heart, his gentle spirit, his enormous sense of humor, and the millions he invested in helping the underprivileged. Jerry founded the Elim Home for alcoholics, the Center for tutoring inner city children, the Hope Aglow ministry for prisoners, Liberty Godparent Home for unwed mothers, and literally dozens of other compassion projects to help the poor, the sick, and others in desperate need. I believe Jerry Falwell’s primary legacy will not be his political leadership, but the church he pastored for 50 years, the university he founded that has produced two generations of leaders, the millions who heard him preach the Good News, the innovations in ministry he introduced, and the thousands of young pastors, like myself, that he constantly encouraged.”

Scott Montagne, Lead Pastor

My staff and I have just finished reading a most interesting book: ‘A New Kind of Christian” by Brian McLaren….a very challenging and thought-provoking look at how we go about church and the impact we aren’t making on the world. This book and others like it represent a new movement called the “Emerging Church Movement” or “Emergent Church Movement”. This new and controversial movement seeks to engage post-modern people (especially non-believers) in ways that the traditional church cannot or more accurately will not. The Movement goes beyond the contemporary Church movement. Emerging Church Movement supporters say all the contemporary church has done is put new wrappings (styles of worship, dress, and communicating) on an old gift whereas much of the old gift needs to be discarded. This book and others I’ve read are causing me to rethink how I go about the work of the ministry as lead pastor of a growing church as well as how I should go about my walk as a follower of Christ. It is obvious that the church is in a convergence zone and things can get real tense when hot and cold climates intermingle.

So… are you aware of the Emerging Church Movement? If you are, please share your thoughts.

In Christ as always,
Scott Montagne, Lead Pastor

So… I’m just finishing up a five-part sermon series on stewardship. When you see that word… you know… the ‘S’ word…. is your first thought, “Oh, that sermon series must have been about money….raising funds for some project” – am I right? Well, I hardly talked about money in this series and it’s not because I am afraid of the topic. It’s just that stewardship covers so much more than passing the plate and raising funds. I think we need to be reminded from time to time that we do not own anything in this life…. I mean anything… from our cars to our kids. We are temporary stewards of all that we think we might own…not owners at all. One might think that to see yourself as an owner of … let’s say a parcel of land, or a car, or a child, then one might be more apt to always have the best interest of that object in mind…. My experience tells me just the opposite. Sure, you could argue that there are good ‘owners’, but if everyone accepted that they are really just stewards of that object, then by definition of the word they should also realize it belongs to someone else and they had better take really good care of it…. At least that’s how I see it and think it’s really biblical. What say you? Look at the parables Jesus told regarding stewardship. My problem and yours is that we want to be owners not stewards. The neat thing that God has for his faithful stewards is that they get to use His stuff and be blessed at the same time…. if we manage it well and also bless others…. There’s a lot here to think and blog about. Can I hear from you?

Scott Montagne, Lead Pastor

In Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose Driven Life” he makes the statement early on that life is not all about me. That little statement really hits us right in the face. It seems to me that the society in which we live does an about face from that kind of mentality. When I watch a player in football make a touchdown they immediately are up pointing out how great they are as they do their dance in the end zone. What about the guys that blocked for him to get there? How about the person who called the play?

Consider this? Can you imagine the Trinity (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit) sitting around arguing over who is the most omniscient, most omnipresent, or who is the oldest? Jesus did not walk around saying hey look at me I’m the Prince, I’m the greatest. He certainly could have. Instead he said if I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. (John 8:54). Life is so much more than who is the best, who has the most, and who is the smartest.

Now am I suggesting we should shy away from being successful? Withdraw from society and live in a commune? Look a certain way? Of course not! We should use the gifts we have been given. Jesus didn’t call us to be wimps. He called us to be humble. There is a difference. So what do you think? Talk to me.

Brent Hirschy
Administrative Pastor

We have two very interesting speakers coming to Bayside…one speaking at both Sunday morning services on January 28^th and the other February 11^th.  They are very similar on one hand, yet very distinctive on the other. Let me explain. Rami Danieli, a citizen of Israel, is a good friend of mine with whom I have had the privilege of traveling throughout Israel on two occasions. He is a Messianic believer—one who believes Jesus is Messiah. I look forward to hearing his perspective on what is happening in the Middle East as it relates to scripture. Rami has spoken at Bayside before and was profound.

Then, on February 11^th Michael Medved will be with us at 9:00 and 10:40am. A nationally syndicated radio talk show host, best-selling author, and veteran film critic, he is also an Observant Jew. His daily three-hour program, emphasizing the intersection of politics and pop culture, reaches more than 2 million listeners in over 180 markets, coast to coast. Michael has been our guest on three occasions, and Leilani and I have been privileged to share a Sabbath meal (Shabbat) with him and his family in their home.  He is the foremost Jewish voice in our country that continually defends evangelical Christianity. Both of these men have unique insight into the Bible. What an opportunity we have to hear two Jewish men teach and preach from God’s word within two weeks of one another. My regret is that the two of them will not meet. Their schedules do not permit it.  

Now, for those of you who may be a bit reluctant or even concerned about an Observant Jew speaking to us from a Christian pulpit on a Sunday morning, let me assure you that each time Michael has been with us we have been enriched in our understanding of the word of God. I do not make a habit of allowing non-Christians teach us. Michael has been the only one. He is unique. God’s hand is upon him even though I cannot fully articulate it as an evangelical pastor. I encourage you to listen to both speakers and see for yourself.  Please feel free to share your comments on this blog. Blessings and Shalom.

Hope to see you there.
Pastor Scott

On January 15, we will remember Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact he had in our society.  Of all the famous and profound ideas and words he communicated, there is nothing that stirs us more than listening to him paint us a picture of his dream on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  Of all the reasons why Martin Luther King Jr. was so influencial and successful, one of biggest and overlooked is the fact he took initiative.  From his days at Crozer Theological Seminary, through all of the nonviolent rallies and marches, when he was arrested, and until his death, King showed initiative and was a leader in fulfilling the dreams he felt God had placed in his heart.

Even though our lives look very different than his, we can examine his life and see that God did not create initiative for only Mr. King.  God wants us all to incorporate this aspect because it brings us closer to Him.  Think for a moment, don’t you have to take a step into a relationship with Christ?  Don’t you have to take a step of faith when storms come into your life?  Don’t you feel uncomfortable when others ask you why you live how you live?  Don’t you have to change your perspective when you celebrate what God is doing in your life as opposed to you celebrating what you did for yourself?  All these situations and more take initiative.  Joseph took initiative no matter what hardships he was in, even after he had his dreams of authority.  Peter took initiative when he leaned out of a window to preach the Gospel.  Jesus took initiative when He left His throne in heaven to come save His creation.  His dream is to spend eternity with His creation.  And He has given you a dream you need to go after.  He didn’t plant it in you so you could keep it a secret.  Be bold, take initiative, go after the dream, and change the world you live in.

Pastor Brandon