Helping each other take the next step on our spiritual journey with Christ
Helping each other take the next step on our spiritual journey with Christ
New Heart…New Start
New Life: New heart…new start.
Matt 16:21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
1 Cor 15:3 …Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 …he was buried, …he was raised on the third day according to the Scripture
Rom 1:4 (NLT) …he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of our faith. The Bible says if there were no Resurrection, we’d be the “most miserable” people on the planet. (1 Cor 15:19-20)
- NLT …if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. […worse off than anyone else (CEV); …most miserable (KJV)]
- MSG 19 If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot. 20 But the truth is that Christ has been raised up…
This last week I was having lunch with a friend, and he asked me a question. He said: Do I have to go to church to get to heaven? How would you answer him? Technically, of course, we can’t do anything to earn our salvation. Whatever we do — even going to church — is totally inadequate to pay the penalty for sin.
We can’t do enough to earn God’s grace and forgiveness. In fact, we can’t do anything that could make God love us more than he already does.
So we come to church; we gather together. But what does God really want us to get out of time spent with him? Encouragement? Spiritual strength? Blessings? Challenge? Motivation? New life?
Yes — all that, and more!
Later, I asked my friend’s question to several others, and one answered the question with another question: Do you have to go home to your wife everyday to be married?
I like that. It shifts the point of the question from a legal technicality to a relationship! But we can’t have a relationship without the Resurrection! You can know about history. You can know about famous historical figures — Christopher Columbus, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill. But you can’t have a relationship with any of them because they’ve all died. Jesus Christ, however, is alive! You can know him initimately and personally because of the Resurrection.
So we come to church. If we have a loving relationship with God, why wouldn’t we want to be with him? If we’ve experienced his love and grace, why not be part of his family? Why not worship him with others?
A relationship with Jesus means we will have a relationship with others.
You know, we often say we’re here to help each other take the next step on our spiritual journey with Christ.
This is the “heartbeat” for everything we do. Behind all our activities and ministries and programs is this simple idea — to help each other grow closer to God…to help each other fulfill God’s call…to help each other become more like Jesus.
This pulse beat is behind everything we do — our goal is to encourage each other to love God more and serve him better, helping each other along the way — no matter where we are along the path of that journey, no matter what stage we may be at. As the Bible says…
Heb 10:24 …let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…
Now…we see how that could happen in a worship service or in a Bible class or a discipleship class — or even in a marriage or parenting group.
But also happens in ways that aren’t so typical. Your next step may come by sharing in a free-for-all (reduce your attachment to things and help others in need)…some might take a step closer to God by walking through these doors to use the playland…others might take the next step in a hockey or basketball team where Bible truths are discussed or prayers are given…
We help each other take steps on the journey — by becoming a community, people who love God and others, people who live the “Jesus” life, people who are growing — becoming more and more what God intended for them to become.
So on this Resurrection Sunday, let me share three simple reasons why we take this journey together:
1st, Everyone is on a spiritual journey.
Most of us know this intuitively. Most of us recognize there is a Power in this universe bigger than we are. There is an innate desire within us to know God. We look at creation — mountains, oceans, at the pristine beauty of a Boundary Waters lake surrounded by pines — and we know. We look up at the stars or gaze at a blood moon, and we instinctively know there is a Creator.
Everyone is on a spiritual journey, and there are no exceptions. Even those who say they are not are on a spiritual journey. Some who consider themselves 100% secular — totally non-religious — are on a spiritual journey.
We could say they’re simply on “a journey” and leave out the word, “spiritual.” But in actual fact, no matter what people choose, there is a spiritual dimension to their decision.
Atheists say they believe in no god. Agnostics say it’s too hard to know for sure — too many questions and mysteries, they say, to find an answer. Others are called the “nones” (in polling by the Pew Reseach Center): ask them what their religious affiliation is and they say, “none.”
But these are all on a spiritual journey — the “nones,” the agnostics, and the atheists.
Because if you say there is no God, you’re making a spiritual statement. If you say we can’t really know for sure, you’re offering a spiritual opinion. You can’t opt out. Refusing to make a decision is in itself a decision!
For example, if a vegetarian says, “I don’t eat meat; I don’t believe in eating meat,” he hasn’t opted out. He still eats food! Even a meatless diet is still a diet. Perhaps you’re on a gluten-free diet, but you still eat! You’re not on a food-free diet.
In the same way, if someone says “I don’t believe in God,” he still believes something. Even the atheist has a belief system. He makes certain assumptions — assumptions about life, which he takes on faith. Even with no faith in God, he still has faith — faith in science, perhaps, or faith in humanity or faith in his own logic.
So everyone is on a spiritual journey. Because we are human, we are all on a spiritual journey.
2nd, Traveling on a journey means discovery.
A “journey” is about traveling from one place to another. It’s about entering new territory, gaining new experiences — discovering new sounds, new sights, new smells, new tastes. A “journey” means new discoveries.
At 20 months, life for our grandson is a series of new discoveries, every day there are exciting new things to learn. Recently he learned how to chase away the family dog from being a nuisance: “Go away.” New words. New vocabulary. Then he discovered he could use the same words on people. When Daddy is annoying, for example: “Go away.” When he doesn’t want to pick up his toys: “Go away.” Now he’s discovering some words should be used with discretion…or there will be consequences. We were Skyping with him Friday, and he told me two new words he had learned: “Time out.”
A “journey” means discoveries. When I traveled to India… to Africa… even to North Dakota, I discovered new things. Last year when Randy and Fred visited Pemba Island, part of Tanzania, they made many new discoveries about the place, the people, the Muslim culture. (BTW, be watching for “Project Pemba,” a fresh challenge rolling out in about three weeks. We’re taking on the challenge to help people in Pemba discover Christ since they’ve had no Christian witness in their culture.)
Like life’s experiences, a spiritual journey is a series of new discoveries. As long as you are breathing and conscious, you should be discovering — learning, growing, experiencing new things spiritually.
We all have more to learn. Much more. And it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been on your spiritual journey, you haven’t arrived yet. We don’t arrive at our destination until this life is over…and even after we get to heaven, I suspect God has more for us to learn and experience.
So we are in a process of discovery.
3rd, Discovering Jesus will redirect (refocus) your spiritual journey.
There are many “defining moments” in our lives: a life-changing event, meeting that special someone, surviving a near-death experience, getting hired for one job and not another, and so on.
The ultimate defining moment is when meet Jesus Christ! He was a teacher, a rabbi, a great philosopher, but he was and is so much more!
Jesus is the Son of God — resurrected, alive! And when the living Jesus, the Messiah, crosses our path, that encounter will redirect our journey. It will refocus us in a whole new direction.
Imagine someone hiking through the woods. He thinks he knows the way, but he gets disoriented. He’s climbing up hills and down into ravines. He walks around clumps of trees and follows a meandering creek. And pretty soon he loses all sense of direction. He can’t tell which way he came from, and he can’t tell which direction he wanted to go. He has no reference point. He cannot find his way. He is lost.
But now suppose this person sits down, opens up his back pack, and discovers (lo and behold!) a compass inside his pack. And the needle on the compass always points north. Suddenly he has found a reference point. In the midst of his chaos and confusion, the compass gives him direction. It tells him where north is. He knows he entered the woods from the west, aiming to walk two miles to the east. So if he keeps the arrow on the compass pointing to his left, he can stay on a track heading east. Even if he goes over hills or down into ravins or around thick brush or along a meandering creek, he has a point of reference.
Jesus is our compass. Jesus is our reference point. He points the way. Everyone is on a spiritual journey — all of us: atheists and believers, agnostics and veterans of the faith, church-goers and those who never darken the door of a church.
We start out like the guy in the woods. Lost. Unable to find our way. But when we find our reference point (no matter how lost and messed up we may be, no matter how far we are from the path) — when we turn to Jesus, suddenly our spiritual journey has a credible, reliable point of reference. Jesus is like the arrow pointing true north. Jesus helps lost people find their way.
Jesus said, “I am the way…the truth and the life…” (John 14:6) But he didn’t just say it; he proved it. How did he prove it? By coming back from the grave, by being raised from the dead.
Rom 1:4 (NLT) …he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus redefines and redirects our spiritual journey. Without him, we are lost. Without him, we cannot know the truth. Without him, there is no hope for eternal life or heaven.
In the Bible we see people — all kinds of people — on their own spiritual journeys. And though their journeys were each unique, when they encountered Jesus, they were given new choices.
- Some were fishermen, washing and mending their nets, when they met Jesus. And they became fishers of men.
- Others were tax collectors, hated because they worked for the Romans. But they met Jesus and became workers for God’s kingdom.
- Some were prostitutes needing a fresh start — a hopeless impossibility for them until they met the One who could wash away their shame and set them free from their past.
- Some were struggling widows, perhaps single parents, needing support and comfort — and then Jesus spoke peace into the storms of their life.
- Some were proud, religious leaders needing humility, grace, and love; some were out of their minds, possessed by demons; some were physically sick, needing healing.
- A blind man was sitting by the road one day when Jesus came by. The man called out loudly, begging for mercy and Jesus gave him sight…
- A leper, afflicted with a horrible disease that caused his skin to rot away and left him disfigured with missing body parts, ostracized by society, separated from everyone — but Jesus touched him — and that touch transformed his life!
- Jesus met a woman by a well, her life a mess, but he gave her hope…
- Another woman was dragged before him, condemned by the authorities. But Jesus offered a second chance: “Go,” he said, “and stop sinning.”
- As a carptenter, he built furniture and wooden tools for customers. As a Savior he built new lives for sinners. And he was criticized for eating and drinking with his sinner friends.
- Jesus met common people and powerful leaders. He met sinners and religious zealots.
- Jesus met King Herod. He met the Roman governor, Pilate. He met a Roman army officer. He met the High Priest, Caiphas. Jesus met Pharisees and Sadducees, Jewish hierarchy.
- Some of us are hurting — we need a healer.
- Some of us are confused — we need an answer.
- Some of us are lost — we need the way.
- Some of us are struggling emotionally — we need peace.
- Some of us are self-sufficient and proud, maybe even religious — we need his humility.
- Some of us have suffered unimaginable loss — we need his comfort.
- Some of us are lonely, maybe divorced or separated from a meaningful relationship — we need his love.
- All of us are human — sinners who need grace, forgiveness…who need his new life.
LifeGroups
One of the best ways to learn about God and grow in your faith is to plug into a LifeGroup. Finding others who have similar interests or are in circumstances like yours is a great way to take the next step on your spiritual journey! Worship services are great for celebrating God’s goodness, but the best way to fit into the Tab family is to hang out with a few people where you can get to know them and let them get to know you—at your own pace.
Want to know more? Call any of the leaders below or call the church (879-6765) for information on joining one of our LifeGroups.
If you would like to print out our LIFEGROUPS at a Glance —
WINTER 2014, click here! Descriptions of LIFEGROUPS are listed below:
Doorways to the Tab
This class will introduce you to our church, answer your questions and explain how we aim to serve. The class is open for any and all—but it’s required for new members. Some topics include:- Why we’re here. Our Purpose
- What we believe. Our Doctrine & Core Values
- What we do. Our Mission & Strategy
- Where we’re going. Our Call & Vision.
Location: The Tab, Fireside Room
Time: Not scheduled at this time.
Spiritual Disciplines of Transformation
Staying connected with God in A fallen world can be very challenging. Life happens. We often get caught up in what the “world” says is normal. Christ has called us to be different. Purposeful. Transformation occurs as we surrender the strongholds in our life to God. This 16-week study will involve the book “Elijah Generation.” Each week we will read two chapters and have a discussion in our small group setting. The book is provided at no cost.
Leader: Lee Harrris, 218-879-7099 or leehrrs1@gmail.com
Location: CGT Lower Level
Time: Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM, beginning February 12, 2014
Courageous Men’s Fitness Program
The purpose of this group will be to empower men to get fit and stay active with those important to you (based on the movie Courageous). It is a 6-week program beginning February 25 through April 3. The group will meet twice per week, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 AM in the CGT Family Room. All men should come prepared to sweat: sweat pants, t-shirs, sweatshirts and tennis shoes. The hour will include a combination of workout, relationship building and time of prayer.Leader: Brent Pokornowski, 218-213-4222 or Brent@cloquetchurch.com
Location: CGT Family Room
Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 AM, Feb. 25-April, 3, 2014
School of Worship
Jr. & Sr. High students who commit to join School of Worship will grow in their faith through: worshiping God, building relationships with others, service and using musical or technical talents for God’s glory. The group meets during the school year. Young adult mentors work with students for discipleship and to develop skills such as vocal, instrumental and sound technician. Participation requires a high level of commitment. Sessions run for about the duration of a sports season.Leader: Emily Lane, 218-879-9565 or Emily@cloquetchurch.com
Location: CGT Sanctuary
Time: Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 PM, Feb. 18-April
Mom’s Group
This group is open to all Moms wanting to connect with other Moms while deepening their relationship with Christ. This group meets Tuesday mornings from 9:15-11:00 a.m. We provide loving childcare for your children up to 6 years old. The book we are studying beginning January 14, 2014 is “The Power of a Praying Parent.”Leaders: Deanna Johnson, 218-391-9495 & Cathy Niemi
Location: The Tab- Family Room
Time: Tuesdays at 9:15 to 11:00 AM, September through May
Ladies Bible Study
Ruth Rasmussen leads this group. The group will begin again September 10th and meets on Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. in the Lower Level Fellowship Hall. All ladies are welcome to come enjoy a good time of fellowship and study. This year we will begin with a study called “Guidance and God’s Will.” There is a $6.00 charge for the cost of the study guide.Leaders: Ruth Rasmussen (879-2425) and Dorothy Luoma (879-3452)
Location: The Tab Lower Level Fellowship Hall
Time: Tuesdays at 1:00 PM, September through May
Sermon on the Mount
This group meets Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. The Sermon on the Mount can be viewed as “the Constitution of the Kingdom of God.” It’s the most comprehensive statement by Jesus on how a believer cooperates with the grace of God. The Grace of God is offered to us freely, but in order to experience it, we have to cooperate. Join Bill Lagarde Wednesday nights to take an in-depth look at the greatest sermon by the greatest teacher, Jesus.Leader: Bill Lagarde, 384-3434
Time: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM
Location: The Tab Fireside Room
“John-An Eyewitness Account of the Son of God.”
What would it have been like to witness Christ’s life on earth? The apostle John wrote about Jesus’ earthly ministry from the perspective of one who was there. He saw Jesus teach, heal, pray, die, and live again. And he wanted to tell Christ’s story. God planned that John’s writings would be His method of communication with you and I. This study is a tool for hearing the clear voice of our living God in John’s gospel. The real questions is, are you ready to listen?Leader: Joan Pedersen, 879-5835
Location: 2009 1/2 Doddridge Ave, Cloquet
Time: Tuesdays at 6:30 PM
Cost: $7 for the book
Strengthen Your Marriage
Building Up You Spouse: The love and loyalty offered by your spouse makes a huge difference in your confidence and courage … for the good or the bad. Learning to encourage and give grace to one another are keys to building the kind of marriage each of us longs for. Discover practical ways to nourish your spouse’s confidence with Building Up Your Spouse and bring out the best in each other and your marriage!
All seasons of marriage are welcome, even if you are just newly engaged. Thursdays, starting October 3rd for 6 weeks.
Leaders: Brian, 218-591-0144 and Skye, 218-591-7748, Smith (Call to register)
Location: 236 Prevost Road
Time: 6:30 PM
Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage
This group is for all couples who want to improve their marriage and add some laughter along the way. There are two groups: one will meet between services on Sunday mornings in the Lower Level; the second meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 at Goldschmidts.Leaders: Sunday—Nick & Mandi Hanson (879-2111) and Justin & Amber Male (390-1550); Tuesday—Fred & Carla Goldschmidt (879-5952
Location: CGT Lower Level on Sunday; 103 8th Street, Cloquet on Tuesday
Time: Sundays 9:45-10:25 AM; Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Ladies’ Summer Prayer Group
Join with other women on Tuesday afternoons and pray for about one hour … pray for each other, pray for needs of those in the group, pray for our community, pray for our nation.Leader: Jan Koski, 384-4484
Location: The Tab Prayer Room
Time: Tuesdays at 1:00 PM (June-August)
“Love You to Pieces” Quilt Group
This group meets the second Thursday of the month September through May in the lower level fellowship hall to work on quilts to be donated. You need not be a quilter—there are non-sewing duties such as sorting material and tying quilts. Fellowship is a big part of the day! You can come and go anytime between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.Leaders: Sue Belich (384-4496) and Patti Jahn (879-3997)
Location: The Tab, Lower Level Fellowship Hall
Time: Second Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sharpening Iron Men’s Adventure Group
This group meets the first Tuesday evening of every month at 7:00 PM at the Tab. The main purpose is to develop connectedness between the men at the Tab. In addition to the monthly meetings, we hope to schedule “adventure activities” that will be exciting and interesting.Want to hear past guest speakers at Sharpening Iron? Check out our archive of messages. Then, for more information about this group, meeting times, interaction and comment from other guys, go to www.sharpeningironcgt.com or click HERE. If you would like to receive email notices of meetings and activities, email Ted Sexton at sharpeningiron@gmail.com or contact Ted at 729-7617.
Leader: Ted Sexton (729-7617)
Location: Fireside Room
Time: First Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM (unless rescheduled)
Balanced Living
This group is for women and meets in the home of Sue Erickson. This group meets the second and fourth Monday each month at 1:15 p.m.Leader: Sue Erickson (879-4750)
Location: 2210 E. Carlton Avenue, Cloquet
Time: Second & Fourth Monday each month at 1:15 p.m.
GodHockey
This group for men 18 and older meets on Sunday evenings at 7:30 PM at the Cloquet Area Recreation Center beginning September 16. Join other hockey enthusiasts for a short Bible study followed by some seriously fun ice time.Leader: Pastor Fred Goldschmidt (879-6765)
Location: CARC
Cost: $10 per person per week to cover the cost of ice time.
Time: Sundays at 7:30 PM
Psalms and Proverbs
This group meets Sunday mornings in the Fireside Room during the Sunday School hour: 9:45 to 10:30 AM. Join Stan Anderson as you study Psalms and Proverbs.Leader: Stan Anderson, 879-1245
Location: Fireside Room
Time: Sundays at 9:45 AM September through May
Esther
This is a 12-week woman’s study by Beth Moore that meets on Wednesday mornings in the CGT Fireside Room.
Leader: Dana Sanders (218-464-7034) or Jess Manninen (218-310-4249)
Location: CGT Fireside Room
Time: Wednedays 8:30-10:30 AM, begins January 8, 2014
Drama
In this group you will focus on very short, pointed skits which will enhance our messages. Some skits will introduce the sermon theme, others will give visual application to deepen the impact. Each week we will discuss various skit ideas, assign parts, and divide up to rehearse. All skill level actors are invited to join in—new actiors will learn from seasoned veterans of the church stage. Come expecting fun, fellowship and a chance to “ham it up!Leader: Pastor Fred
Location: Fireside Room
Time: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Photography
If you’d like to improve your camera skills—or just learn the basics of photography—check out this new LifeGroup led by Kevin Forss. Each session will concentrate on a different technique. Even if you don’t have a fancy camera, you can learn and practice the techniques such as capturing emotions, shooting in low light, using soft focus, and more. Extra benefit: we want to unleash a team of photographers who can capture the life and the community of the church. Your photos could end up on an artistic display in our lobby, introducing people to the joy of being part of the Tab.Leader: Kevin Forss, 612-720-1240
Location: CGT Classroom
Time: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning December 5, 2013
Financial Peace University
A life-changing program developed by Dave Ramsey that teaches you how to make the right decisions with your money. Dave says “Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else!” This is a 9-week course and there is a fee for this course to cover the required materials.Leaders: B.J. Lingren, 218-310-6590 & Julie Harris, 879-7099
Cost: $100
Location: CGT Family Room
Time: New group starting January 16, 2014
Connections Women’s Group
This group meets quarterly on Sunday evening at the Tab and is open to all women age 18+. It is an opportunity for women to connect with each other, make new friends and enjoy a time of inspiration and fellowship.Leaders: Phyllis Ducey & Sharon Doebler; 879-6425 & 879-6765
Location: Cloquet Gospel Tabernacle Sanctuary
Time: Quarterly on Sunday evenings, next meeting is May 4, 2014 at 6:00 PM.