LifePointe Church

The Day After

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

Mondays are always rough for me. I’m either coming down from an exciting emotional high produced by an awesome time of worship on Sunday, or I’m kicking myself in the butt because of the “flopped” sermon from the day before. To be honest with you, I felt more of the latter since yesterday’s service. But here’s the thing, it’s not about me.

While trying to figure out why things didn’t go as planned, and why my message didn’t seem to flow as well as I thought it should, and quite frankly having a little “poor Lee” party, God said to me “bro, it’s not about you, it’s about My Son.”

You know He’s got a point… It’s not about me, my sermon, the music, or any other element of Sunday’s service. It’s about focusing our attention on Jesus. If we keep our eyes on Him He will use us to spread His message.

I know maybe as a pastor I’m not supposed to reveal my own struggles, but I can’t help but to be real. If I was to act like nothing ever bothered me, I’d be a liar.

The thing is Satan’s attacks are real, and I’m not exempt from them and neither are you. We just have to remember, amidst the attacks Jesus is still there! He is wanting to help us, if we are willing to ask Him.

…It’s not about you, it’s all about Jesus!!

Hurting around us

admin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:54:00 +0000

I have encountered many people who have been experiencing tough times in their lives. Real situations: loss of job, loss of spouse, loss of family member, loss of money, loss of focus, loss of direction, etc. I could go on longer but I’m sure you get the point. The truth is, there are a lot of people around us who are truly hurting. Now we can try to excuse ourselves from the equation and give some kind of rationale that the reason they’re in that situation is their own fault. Quite honestly you may be right, but that doesn’t excuse us from helping them.

Here’s the thing, we need to help those around us. There’s no doubt in my mind that God has made you aware of a certain situation. And, being aware of that certain situation, action needs to be taken. Now before you shut me down hear me out, and know this is something that I am working to perfect in my life also. This is not a “you do this, while I’m doing different.” No, this is a “quit with the excuses and let’s do this.”

This is what I’m going to task you with, two simple things. First, pray for the individual whom God has put in your path. This prayer is not just a quick “help them God” prayer, it has to be from the heart. Spend a few minutes of focused concentration, and deliver your earnest request to the Father. Ask the Lord to guide, or draw, the individual toward Himself, and ask Him also what your role is to be in the equation.

Which leads us to the second part of your task, have an open heart to hear God give you direction. Now this part may be a little tougher than the first because there may be some time involved, patience. What you need to do while you are praying for the individual is ask God to reveal His direction for you to show the hurting one the love of Jesus. I cannot tell you how this will be revealed, all I can say is that it will be revealed when you are ready for it. So get ready!

You see, we are the instruments that God uses. As instruments we must be ready for use. Being ready for use is being obedient to what God desires for us. Jesus says, “if you love Me keep My commandments.” Jesus’ commandments are not complex. In fact they’re pretty simple, love God and love people. So ask yourself, “am I an instrument ready for use?” If not, it’s because you’re not loving Jesus. Loving Jesus is more than words, it’s action.

I will finish with this passage from Job 42:10, “And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” I’m not advocating that if you pray for others God will make you rich. I AM advocating that if you pray for others God will richly bless you. It may not be with money or merchandise, but it will be in love and grace and mercy and hope and peace…….

Who have you been wondering about?

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:19:00 +0000

My wife and I were watching a documentary last night about the Marine Corps V-22 Osprey, which is what I worked on in the Marine Corps. (For those who do not know what that is, Google it.) As we were sitting there watching this documentary I was flooded with a lot of memories of my time in the Corps and how much I enjoyed it. Then it happened!

As we are watching, they start interviewing different Marines and familiar faces were popping up. Now my interest went to a whole new level. Not only was I reminiscing the past of working on the Osprey, now I was remembering some of the times I had with the other Marines I was now seeing on television. This was kind of weird. I was watching those whom I know be interviewed about something I did. Boy was I missing it! And then the bomb shell hit me!!

As I was watching, the camera was in a conference room filled with Marines going over the strategies for the operation they were getting ready to execute, and there standing in the background was one of my closest friends while in the Marine Corps.

His name is Keith. Keith and I were EMS partners while I was on active duty in Jacksonville, NC at a volunteer EMS rescue squad. Keith and I spent many, many hours together through some of the most trying times in my young adult life at the time. Keith was like the big brother I never had, but always wanted. To cut to the chase, I saw Keith standing there and thought “what happened? Why have I not kept in contact with him?”

You see, that was the first time in 10 years that I had seen Keith. To be completely honest, I haven’t even talked with him in that time either. Some friend I am, right? Then I starting thinking, “I wonder what he’s doing now? I wonder if he would even remember me? I wonder, I wonder…”

“I wonder if I’ll ever see him again?” This is the question that is haunting me today. How many of you have this same wonder of someone that was in your life and now is not? I know I can’t be alone here. The real question is, “What are you going to do about it?” I know what I’m going to be doing. I’m going to track Keith down and apologize for my apathy. I’m going to let him know just what an impact he had on me. I’m going to ease my wonders.

Now I share all of this with you for a reason. The truth is there are many people that come in and out of your life. And some have a good impact on you, while some don’t. The reality is the impact they have on you, you cannot fully control. BUT, the impact you have on them you can! The impact you need to be focused on for the people in your life is one that withstands all wonder. The impact I’m referring to is the impact of Jesus!

Impacting people in your life with the good news of Jesus can be the solution for the wonder of ever seeing that friend again. Jesus tells His disciples in John 14 that He is going to prepare a place for them in Heaven and He will return one day to take them to that place. The same holds true for us today. As followers (disciples) of Jesus, we too await His return to take us to the place that He has prepared for us. Just think about it, if your friend that you have wondered about (as I mentioned above) knows Jesus, that means your friend is awaiting Jesus’ return also. And if they are awaiting Jesus’ return we can have full confidence that the “wonder” can be taken away.

So here’s the tough part, or bottom line. “Do you need to wonder? Does your friend know Jesus?” This is really what truly matters. If you don’t know, find out. It will ease your mind.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Facing life’s storms – Psalm 121

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:08:00 +0000

I was reading through the book of Psalm last week, and Psalm 121 really stood out to me. When I first started reading it I started singing in my head, Casting Crowns “Praise You in this Storm”. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Great song!

When reading vv.1-2, and admittedly singing in my head, I couldn’t help but to reflect on certain situations that I’ve gone through in my past that would definitely be classified as storms. Now, I know I’m not alone in this category. I know that there are a lot of people right now going through storms in their own lives. That’s just reality. But we do not have to be overcome with the storms, we just have to deal with them.

“Though my heart was torn, I will praise You in this storm,” that’s what the song says. But how is that possible when the wind and the waves are crashing all around you, you may ask? This is where I am always blown away with the answer to that question.

Psalm 121 goes on to say that the Lord is our keeper, and that He does not slumber or sleep. But not only that, it says He will do this forever…Let’s get our head around this.

The Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth, is your keeper.

This truth in itself can really humble you if you stop and think about it. Think about the most beautiful sunset/sunrise you have ever seen. Think about the time you’ve stood on the beach and looked out into the vast ocean. Think about the wonders of life, and all creation around you. Now think about this, the One who made all that is your keeper. If He was able to create all the beauty that surrounds you, all the wonders that awe you, all the stars that captivate you, and yet He still is involved in keeping you close to Him, don’t you think He can guide you through the storms you are facing?

The Lord does not slumber or sleep.

This truth is one that you must really take hold of to help you through the toughest storms. A lot of times when you are going through storms in your life you may feel like you are all alone, like no one is around or no one cares. That’s not true. Think about this with the first truth. If the Lord is your keeper, and He never slumbers or sleeps, never dozes off while watching the game, He is there for you amidst your storm. You do not have to feel like no one cares, the Lord does.

The Lord will be with you forever more.

This last truth is one that should bring you the most comfort in the storms of your life. The Lord is always with you. If you are a child of God’s, He is always with you. The thing that you have to keep in mind is that although He is with you, you still have to reach out to Him. There’s a story in the gospels where the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, and Peter got out of the boat to walk to Him. Now the wind and the waves were crashing around Peter, but he was ok as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. What happened was Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at all the chaos of the storm around him. When he did this he started to sink, but this is where the best part comes in. When he started to sink in the sea and storm around him he reached out his hands and cried out to Jesus. Jesus reached back and saved Peter from drowning in the storm. What you have to realize is that Jesus does want to help you through your storm, but you have to make the first move. Reach out to Jesus, He is there. He is your keeper that never sleeps, and is with you always.

Identifying Sin: from my heart

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:01:00 +0000

This is something that has been on my heart for a while now, and I’ve been waiting for the right time to share it with everyone. Now’s the time. I hope you can see my heart in this, because it is very present.

Identifying sin is not hard to do in someone else’s life especially when looking into their past, yet to identify your own sin is a very different story. I am never surprised when someone comes up to me, or calls me, and says, “Did you know or hear about so-n-so or such-n-such…” As a pastor I sit in a very awkward position sometimes when faced with these conversations. To tell you the truth most of the time I have heard of what the individual is talking about. Some of these “concerns” that come my way are more gossip than anything, although there are some that hold truth. My job is to do what God has instructed me to do, and not me as a pastor but me as a Christian, go talk to the individual that the “concern” is about, or even better, the one where the “concern” came from. Most of the time things that arise are rooted, or birthed from jealousy or selfish ambition. Both of these things are address in the book of James (ch.3) as evil and divisive. On the other hand, some concerns are truly that, they are real genuine concerns for the individual or the church. The question that you have to ask yourself when presenting a situation to someone is, “Am I concerned for the individual/church, or am I just looking for drama?” Drama is a well sought commodity in our society, just look at the top rated television shows. But drama within God’s people is unnecessary and is mostly sinful.

With that said let’s look at the real issue, identifying sin in your own life. As previously stated, identifying other people’s sin is easier to do than identifying your own. What you do when you point out other’s sin in a manner that is not in love, nor edifying, is you potentially breakdown or disrupt what God is building up. Let me note that it is our duty as Christians to help one another grow, which may include helping them identify sin in their life, but we must do this in accordance with how Scripture tells us to do it (Matthew 7:1-5, 18:15-17; 3 John 5-12; ). When you take matters into our own hands and do not follow what the Bible has set forth, you tend to wrongly accuse or un-lovingly address a situation that is beyond your understanding. There are a lot of things that people already know about their past that they don’t need your reminding them of it, that’s the job of the Holy Spirit (John 16:4-15). Granted, some things are bigger than others, yet everyone has a past. Look at it this way, just because you didn’t get caught doing certain things in your past doesn’t mean your past isn’t wretched. Everyone has made mistakes, some are just more visible than others.

So, what you need to make sure is that your identifying sin is for the individuals building up, that’s what edifying means, and not for the “concernee’s” selfish ambition or personal disguising. A lot of times what we do as human beings is look at others problems when what we need to do is confront our own. If someone wants make their sin, or situation, less burdensome or easier for them to deal with what is often done is they compare themselves to “the other guy.” They make the claim, “At least I’m not as bad as so-n-so,” or “What I’m doing doesn’t hurt as many as so-n-so does.” When you approach your situation that way, with denial, you’ve already defeated any help that someone would be able to offer you. Instead of identifying others’ sin, ask yourself “Why does this bother me” and “Am I covering up my own sin?” Other people’s sin will not go unpunished, so don’t think you need to make sure it doesn’t. God will enact justice on all sin, though His timing and yours may not be the same.

With this, know that you need to watch out for the evil that is present around you. And, that you need to be able to identify trouble and protect yourself and those whom you love. What you must not forget in the process is that God has forgiven those who have asked for forgiveness. If someone has already repented and asked forgiveness to God, who is the One in which all sin is against (2 Samuel 12:13), why do you think it necessary to identify their past that no longer identifies them. Granted the past cannot be changed, but the future can be shaped. Make sure your “good intentions” are both good and intent. Remember that Jesus says that there is only One that is good and that is God (Mark 10:18), so your good has to be rooted in God. And your intent, which intent means purpose, must be for the building up of His Kingdom (Ephesians 4:29). So next time you have a “concern” make sure all this falls in place, so that you do construction not destruction. Take the proper steps set forth by Scripture and execute accordingly. And something else very important to note, trust your leaders. God has appointed those to lead you, trust them. They will be held accountable to God for their oversight.

I write this letter with the deepest of love, and the greatest of compassion, not only to see LifePointe Church grow and abound in the strength and gracious mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but for His Kingdom to be built up in our midst. Let us all be focused on being the community for Christ that changes the community around us. Thanks for the minute! May God bless your day.

"Start with yourself" 1 Kings 3:1-15

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:17:00 +0000

I have been asking a couple different questions to the people at LifePointe. One of those questions has been, “What are you doing to build community?” To clarify what I mean by “community”, for those who have not heard it, my definition here for “community” is the local body of believers, in our case LifePointe Church. So, to phrase this question in a more understanding way for all to grasp, ask yourself “What am I doing to build relationships with others in my church?”
To answer this question you must be honest with yourself. It’s not going to be of any use to you, or those around you if you lie about it. There are great advantages in being truthful about the situation you are in. If you’re not truthful odds are that you will probably live in that mode for a long time, and the only thing that will probably ever be able to change your dishonesty with yourself is a major event, more than likely a tramatic one. So it is very important to start your journey with honesty, and let me emphasize Start with yourself.

Take a look at 1 Kings 3:1-15

What we see here is God rewarding Solomon for his honesty. Solomon was upfront and honest when God asked Him what he “was doing to build community.” Solomon answered God with a pure, honest heart. Now you must caution yourself, just because you’re honest doesn’t mean God will give you whatever you want. Notice that Solomon was also humble and concerned with God’s people, not just looking out for himself. You can ask God and seek His will for yourself in a situation, but make sure it is His will you seek out and not your own want.
In the case of honestly asking yourself what you are doing to build community, keep in mind that the ultimate reason for doing this is to better care for each other, and to bring Glory to God. So, be honest. Be loving. Be focused, on Jesus.

Jesus has the authority to do whatever He says.

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:49:00 +0000

Have you ever given this some thought: Jesus has the power and authority to do whatever He says He’s going to do. I don’t know about anyone else, but the truth behind that statement has changed a lot in my view of life. Just think about it. What are some of the things Jesus said?

I’ll never leave you or forsake you.
If you ask the Father in My name it will be given to you.
I will be with you until the end of time.

Now these are just a few things that come to my mind when thinking about what Jesus said. Another thing Jesus said was, “Don’t be afraid, I’m with you.” This is one of the most powerful tools that we can utilize when facing the struggles of everyday life. No matter what life is throwing at us we do not have to be afraid. Remember the words of David in regards to facing his daily struggles, yet with the Lord on his side.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Ps.23:4

I don’t know what you are going through, and I cannot begin to understand your individual pain, but there is One who can. Jesus!! Jesus has experienced your pain already and can sympathize with what you are going through. The only way He can do this, though, is by already bearing your sins for you on the cross. Our sins were on the cross with Christ, and by trusting in His payment for our sins we can take comfort. He said, “It is finished.” Jesus has already won! Trust Jesus with your situation today. Know that He has the authority to overcome it.

Introduction to my Calling

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:14:00 +0000

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lee Kachner Jr. I’m the pastor at LifePointe Church in booming Atwater, Ohio. I know that our little town is not “booming” but we still love it. I must love it, I can’t seem to get away from it although I’ve tried. Nope, seems like God had a bigger plan for me from the beginning here in Atwater.
About that “bigger plan.” I have been blessed with the calling to a small town church here in Atwater, which once had the name First Baptist Church. The church no longer is FBC, for we have turned the page and started what we believe is God’s plan for the future of Atwater and the surrounding communities. The desire and goal that God has laid on my heart is one that those of you that have attended worship with us have heard many times. My desire for LifePointe Church is to be “A community inside a community, impacting the community.” Now that impact that I talk about is the impact to our community for Christ. I would not want anyone to think that impact alone is my desire. My desire is to change the community around us by showing them how Jesus can change their lives.
Now I’m sure there are those who will immediately turn me off when I’m mentioning a life that can be different by going to church. Some may think “holy roller” or maybe even “you know, those weird people.” Let me assure you of this, the life change I’m talking about is not just a result of going to church. Although regularly attending church is part of the final equation, the change comes from the freedom you can find when knowing the Source of all freedom.
If you’re reading this, know this; God has a purpose for your life. Finding out what that purpose is is the job of the local body of His believers dedicated to impacting their community for His Kingdom. Come join us. Sunday morning at 10:30 for worship service. Suit and tie not needed.

Do Not Lean on Your Own Understanding

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:54:18 +0000

Read part 1 first, Trust In The Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Don’t Lean on Your Understanding

The verse involves a positive–something you must do. But it also involves a negative–something you must not do. Don’t lean on your own understanding. Basically, the verse is telling us that we ought not to be self-reliant. We cannot pursue a course of action, a financial decision, a business move, a relationship, or an educational choice, simply based on our own understanding. It must be founded in our trust in God.

Self-reliance is such a deceptive trap. We begin to pride ourselves in something–our savvy, our looks, our intellect, our spirituality, our family, whatever. And when we do, it takes away our trust in the Lord. It has become trust in self. The result is a dangerous compromise that will lead to destruction.

Instead, Acknowledge God. In Everything.

The antidote to this self-reliance is found in the first command of the verse. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Which is developed in the next verse: “In all your ways acknowledge him.” The word “acknowledge” isn’t merely a polite tip of the hat to the Man Upstairs, or a few words of grace over your meal, or even perfunctory attendance at church to let Him know we’re still cool with what He’s doing. It’s way more. It’s allowing Him access, control, command, and involvement in all your ways.

What’s the result of this? Will God ruin your life? Will he be a Sovereign Killjoy? Will He rob you of fun? The verse ends on a promise. What is it?

He will make your paths straight.

The promise is put in the form of a metaphor. What does it mean to have straight paths? Several things. First, paths lead toward an end–a destination, a goal. Thus, trusting God wholeheartedly in every area of life gives your life a sense of purpose and priority. Second, it indicates that there will be a clear understanding of where you are going and what you are doing. It makes daily decision-making an easier and less painful task. You realize you are trusting Him. He, in turn, is making your paths straight. Thus, the way ahead is more apparent. Third, “straight paths” suggests moral purity. It suggests a life that has less of sinful compromise and more of wholesome attitudes, actions, and behavior.

That’s the kind of life that God promises. It’s the kind of life that you can have. It begins with trust. It involves acknowledging God in every way.

Trust in The Lord

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:54:18 +0000

It’s simple. It’s short. Yet it’s incredibly powerful. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of the most familiar passages in the Bible–with good reason. It sets forth a life-changing truth that is worthy of our attention. Spend three minutes reading this article, and see if you agree.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Let’s break down this life-changing truth to make sure we understand it.

Trust in the Lord.

It starts with trust. Any real relationship has to start with some level of trust. It’s the only way a friendship will endure. It’s the only way a marriage will work out. It’s the simple reason why an employer hires workers, or why the workers stay employed. It’s all about trust. Trust in the Lord, however, takes on an entirely new dimension. This is our trust in an eternal, all-powerful, all-wise, all-loving God. He is worthy of our trust. The trust is important, not just because of who God is, but because of the way in which we must trust him: with all your heart. It involves every fiber of your being. That’s the kind of trust we can have in God–a complete, unshakable, deep, abiding trust.

If you are a Christian, you trusted God for salvation. You can trust Him with the rest of your life, too–every detail.

Read part 2, Don’t Lean On Your Understanding