Paul certainly proved himself a prophet when he wrote:  "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.  They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.  They will reject the truth and chase after myths."  II Timothy 4:3-4

Could Peter, Paul, Jude and others really have lived in the first century?  Sounds like society in the first century was simply put on repeat. 

Jude 5-16 portrays a staggering honest truth about God and how he deals with those who seek to deceive and manipulate the truths of God's Word for their own pleasure.  You might title this Sunday's message:  When God Gets Angry.  God's anger and judgment are not popular topics to address, especially in today's culture, and if I'm honest with you, teaching these aspects of God's character brings me some anxiety.  

So, if no one wants to hear messages taught on God's anger and judgment, and if teaching these topics brings me anxiety...then why do it?  The world of Jude's time was filled with false teachers who lead people astray from God's love and God's laws.  Sound familiar?  Jude's short but powerful letter helps to expose the sobering reality of false teaching, describes several ways for us to be equipped for the fight, and explains how to engage those who have been led astray by deception.

Join us Sunday at 9:30am, as we continue our short, yet eye-opening, journey through the book of Jude.

We will also take a moment in our service to remember and honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed greatly for our country.  Take time this weekend to thank God for the freedom we have because of the price that was paid by Jesus on the cross and by those who served on the battlefield so that you and I can live free.

Finally, this week, Martha Bailey will conclude her class on Keeping It Simple, as she leads a discussion on performing simplicity.  Thank you Martha for the time and work you have put into helping all of us...keep it simple!

MEMORIAL SERVICES AT PARKSIDE FELLOWSHIP:

This next week, we will be hosting two memorial services here on our church campus.  Below are the details:

On Wednesday, June 1st at Noon, we will gather together to remember and celebrate the life of Sandra Shipman (Jeanette Moore's sister).  This special time of remembrance will take place at Noon in our Worship Center.

On Saturday, June 4th, at 2:00pm, the Law family would like to extend an invitation to join with them as they celebrate the life of Jean Law.  This service will also take place in our Worship Center at 2:00pm.

Please keep the Moore and Law family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of close family members.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Doug

Back before cell phones, texting, instagram, snapchat, etc., the only way to let your family and friends experience your vacation with you, was through those familiar "wish you were here" picture postcards.  You know the ones I'm talking about.  A 4x6 overpriced, thick, cardstock quality piece of paper, with a color picture of some exotic location on one side and a brief description on the other side, with just enough room left over for you to write a brief note along with a name and address.  What I loved most about these postcards was the enticement for the recipient to get up and get moving. 

In the spirit of the "postcard from paradise", this Sunday at 9:30am, we are kicking-off a brand new series called, Postcards with a Punch.  What we are going to be doing over the next couple of months is taking a deep dive into some "postcard" type letters from the Bible.  When I say postcard letters from the Bible, what I am referring to are those short books like II and III John, Philemon and others.  As we open these short letters from scripture, what we will quickly realize is that short does not mean insignificant or irrelevant.  In fact, I titled this series, Postcards with a Punch, because each of the books we are going to look at contain passionate language and vivid "postcard worthy" imagery that communicates the urgency to stand up and fight for the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For the next 3 weeks we will focus our attention on the little book of Jude.  Jude is the second to the last book in the New Testament.  A book often lost in the shadow of its next-door neighbor...the book of Revelation.  But even with just 25 verses and 613ish words, the book of Jude still packs a punch, as the author wastes no time in providing us with a fighter's manual for defending the faith.  In a world where people emphasize love without truth and tolerance without limits, the letter of Jude stands as a timely reminder to stand firm for and even fight for the faith.

Take some time this weekend to read the book of Jude and, in the midst of the call to contend for the faith, don't forget Jude's closing benediction:

"Now all glory to God who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.  All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.  All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!  Amen."  Jude 24-25

Also this Sunday at 10:45am, our adult discipleship class will be in week #3 of our study, Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life).  This week, Martha will lead a workshop on how to prepare your own way of simplicity.  I want to encourage everyone to consider attending and learning about this much lacking, but extremely important discipline.

Below are the class details:

Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
Topic:  Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life)
When:  Sundays at 10:45am.
Why?:  Because all of us could use a little "simplicity" in our lives.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug

This Sunday at 9:30am, Pastor Avery will continue our Unleashed series, as he shares with us about the goodness of God's love.  In thinking about this topic, I am reminded of a song that my sister and I chose to have played at my mom's memorial service.  It's simply titled, Goodness of God.  Below are some of the lyrics to this popular worship song:

"I love You, Lord, oh Your mercy never fails me.  All my days, I've been held in Your hands.  From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God.  All my life You have been faithful.  All my life You have been so good.  With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.  I love Your voice.  You have led me through the fire and in darkest night You are close like no other.  I've known You as a Father.  I've known You as a Friend and I've lived in the goodness of God."

Why did my sister and I choose a song that speaks of God's goodness, when inside, both of us were experiencing pain over the loss of our mom?

The answer is as simple as the song title: Because God is good...all the time! 

When life is good, we find praising God easy because His kindness is evident.  But recognizing hardship as an expression of His care is hard.  In difficult times, we need to remind ourselves that the goodness of God's love is evident in all situations.  Difficult and painful situations in our lives are used by God to shape and mold us into the likeness of Jesus.

Remember, we live under the umbrella of God's goodness.  When circumstances and feelings tell you otherwise, rely on what you know about God's character and his love.  Throughout the day, look for signs of His loving care.  As your perspective changes, then no matter which way you turn, you'll be able to see confirmations that He is good.

Also this Sunday at 10:45am, our adult discipleship class will be in week #3 of our study, Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life).  This week, we will focus on the Practice of Simplicity.  I want to encourage everyone to consider attending and learning about this much lacking, but extremely important discipline.

Below are the class details:

Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
Topic:  Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life)
When:  Sundays at 10:45am.
Why?:  Because all of us could use a little "simplicity" in our lives.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug

 The book of Psalms has always been my "go to" book when I'm feeling discouraged or tired.  The words of David, Moses, Solomon and others have provided me with messages of hope, restoration, healing, God's glory and his magnificent love for us.  Of all the Psalms to choose from, Psalm 103 is one of my favorites.  In fact, one of my favorite verses in all of scripture is Psalm 103:8:

"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love."

Psalm 103 begins with David blessing the holy name of the Lord and then goes on to list some of the incredible blessings enjoyed by you and me, as his children.  He reminds us that our Lord pardons all of our sins, heals all of our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, crowns us with loving kindness and compassion, and renews us like the eagles!  What an amazing picture of our Heavenly Father who redeems, renews, heals and pardons us.  David ends this Psalm by calling all of heaven and earth to praise His mighty name. 

Join me this Sunday at 9:30am, as Larry Annes continues our Unleashed series.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to gather together and "bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!"

This Sunday is also Mother's Day and Pastor Roger's last Sunday with us here at Parkside.  Please plan to stick around after the service for a time of fellowship, as we honor our moms, and give thanks to Pastor Roger for the ministry and leadership he has provided to Parkside.

NOTE:  There will be a basket for you to place notes of encouragement, gift cards or anything else you would like to give Pastor Roger in appreciation for his 3 years of ministry with us.

Also this Sunday at 10:45am, our adult discipleship class will be in week 2 of their 5 week study titled, Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life).  Week two will focus on the Promise of Simplicity.  I want to encourage everyone to consider attending and learning about this much lacking, but extremely important discipline.

Below are the class details:

Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
Topic:  Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life)
When:  Sundays at 10:45am.
Why?:  Because all of us could use a little "simplicity" in our lives.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug