REFRESH 09 UPDATE

October 12th-14th, 2009

Calvary Aurora Regional REFRESH ’09 Conference

JUST 7 WEEKS AWAY

Registration is well underway for our upcoming REFRESH conference, as we anticipate folks coming out from at least 5 different states for a time of encouragement and edification in Jesus. If you need any registration forms you can either visit our website or call Teresa at the office to get some sent out.

Because our goal with this conference is for it to be very different than normal, we haven’t scheduled any speakers ahead of time. So, if you’re a pastor I’m asking you to come prepared to share your heart with us if called upon and if you’re bringing any worship leaders, have them bring their instrument and be prepared to lead us in worship as the Lord leads. While we will have set times of teaching, the teachers have yet to be determined. While we will have set times of worship, the worship leaders have yet to be determined. Instead, our heart is to remain open to the Spirit and allow Him to lead us in who will be serving us during our time together. There will be a lot of fellowship, a lot of worship, a lot of breaking of bread, a lot of prayer, and a lot of encouragement flowing among us!

This is not just a conference for ‘Pastors & Leaders’ but truly for every single person that serves or wants to serve Jesus. Feel free to invite other churches and congregations as you are led. If you have any questions, call the office or email teresa@calvaryaurora.org

REFRESH ’09 on the web: http://www.calvaryaurora.org/whats-new/refresh-2009/

Thanks so much for your prayerful support as the days draw nearer. Maranatha!

In His Great Grace,

Ed

Acts 4:13-37 "We Can’t Stop Speaking in the Name of Jesus" from Calvary Aurora on Vimeo.

“Going Out After The Lost”

Luke 19.9-10 (NKJV) And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

I’m so encouraged by the heart of Jesus toward Zacchaeus. He was one of those men that could have easily fallen through the cracks because of his sin and sinful lifestyle. He was a tax collector, which meant he was not a very popular man among the people. It also meant he was very wealthy. Most likely, his only friends were other tax collectors which means his life was probably filled with sin, sin, and more sin. So here is a man who would seem to look like he needs nothing, but deep down he knows, his life is an empty mess!

Those are all the trappings of someone that is often written off by society, even sometimes, by the church. But grace writes no one off my friend. The grace of God will go to the deepest depths, to the lowest lows, and even into an old sycamore tree to reach a guy that some might call unreachable.

As you’re praying for your friends, your family, your neighbors, and co-workers, remember that there is no such thing as someone too bad to be saved. Now, I have met a few people who were too good to be saved but never someone too bad. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. I pray His heart is our heart as He uses us to do what He came to do… seek out those who need Him so desperately, and love them into the Kingdom.

In His Grace, Pastor Ed

RESPONSE -- Hi Pastor Ed,I just want to share this short testimony of God's kindness and mercy to me 2 days ago. I was leaving work about 6:45pm about to head off to Wednesday bible study and my car would not start. Earlier that morning I knew something was not right, but of course no time to think about it for long. By the time I figured out my car was not going to start, there was no one else in the parking lot except 2 guys who I had noticed were looking under the hood of a truck earlier. I was able to flag one of them just as he was driving away. It turns out the guy is a mechanic and he owns a shop a few blocks away from my office (I never noticed his shop before). He jumped the car the had me follow him back to his shop where he opened up again and sold me a new battery, which was long overdue he said. All in time to make it to church for the message. They say it was "good timing" but I am assured that it was God looking out for me. Saving me from being towed and missing work the next day to get my car fixed. I praise Him for His mercy and kindness. Talk about a Holy hook-up!! Just thought I'd share.

Genesis 1:21 - Kinds After Kinds

"Understand Spiritual Warfare?"

Ephesians 6.12 (NKJV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Peter understood spiritual warfare when he wrote, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you…

John understood spiritual warfare when he wrote, “I write to you young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one.”

Jude understood spiritual warfare when he wrote, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Paul understood spiritual warfare when he wrote, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for the pulling down strongholds.”

Jesus understood spiritual warfare when he said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

It’s my prayer for you this week that you understand you’re engaged in a spiritual warfare too… don’t think it’s strange, contend earnestly with spiritual weapons while you make it your goal to abide in Jesus. There’s no other way.

By His Grace Alone,
Pastor Ed

RESPONSES:
I just wanted to encourage you and let you know that the body of Christ is alive and well! Manie called me to encourage us to watch the Potter's Field ministry - knowing that we woudn't be attending services that day and that we sometimes watch Charles Stanley on days such as that. It truly was a blessing, and I'm so grateful for the friendship and "sharpening of steel" that other believers bring to our lives.
Your teaching on Acts continually reminds us of the ties we do (or should) have to one another. I pray that we would continually draw closer to the Lord, while also growing closer with other believers in the fellowship. Thank you for making that truth one that we acknowledge and strive to live out.
Calvary Aurora is truly a blessing - and the people are truly lovers of God and each other... that's because the Word is the focus... the Lord, as it should be. Every blessing to you and yours. We love you and are truly blessed to be a part of the fellowship of the Lord - at Calvary to be specific. :-)

Ruth 1 “Your God Will Be My God” from Calvary Aurora on Vimeo.

Allen Leaves For California

To Be With Jesus!!!

Acts 4:13-14 - They Had Been With Jesus from Calvary Aurora on Vimeo.

2009 Water Baptism & Picnic Highlights

Expect Opposition

Acts 4:1-12 “Expect Opposition as You Share Jesus” from Calvary Aurora on Vimeo.

I GIve You My Heart

Praise God For Change

Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV) Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Yes God is going to do a new thing, in your life and mine. It’s in God’s will to bring about change in our lives. Some changes we really like. Others we’re not so happy about. But change is a regular occurrence for sure and it’s the vehicle God uses to bring about that ‘new thing’. The problem, of course, is that we’re not too excited about change most of the time. We’re a lot like Moab in Jeremiah 49 who is described as settling down in comfort and ease.

The question isn’t whether changes are coming your way, but how will you respond to them? I’ve known many people who resist change thinking that will make it go away. Instead it only makes it worse. I’ve known many other people who embrace change as from the Lord and ride that wave until they reach the shore!

Which are you? I believe it’s important to remain open and flexible to all that God allows our way! If we’re rigid and unbendable, watch out! Remember, he knows what He’s doing even as He builds our faith in Him.

I’m going to be praying for God’s best in your life through the changes, knowing that you’re going to grow in Him greatly!

By Grace
Pastor Ed

RESPONSE
Thank you so much Ed I was a bit overcome with grief when I sent you that last e-mail about my son. Your answer was very comforting. Again God was speaking to me and comforting me with your teaching today it brought a tear to my eye about my son. This message could not have come at a better time. In church today I learned that I must just ask God to let my son come to the end of himself like the periodical son story. To repent of his life style and come to me and I will point him to Jesus. I just hope that he looks to me and his mother the way the periodical son looked at his father and arose and went to him with a humble heart. Blessings my dear friend

Confrontation Isn't Easy