transitioning from Pleasant View to 6th Ave We are thankful and very happy to have had the oportunity to serve the Pleasant View church these past 8 months. I was brought in mid March to meet this congregation. I had history here as we used to meet here for lay speaker events back in our UMC days and a couple of colleagues had served here previously. Now, it was my turn to travel up to Barnes Cemetery at the edge of Wilkins Corner along St Rt 79 north of Newark, OH. It is a beautiful drive north through Fairfield & Perry Counties and then through the heart of Licking County. Thank you to Les & Betty Wolfe, to Shelley & Linda, to Paul (who was constant in that back pew) and the several others we met during our time here. I appreciate you all doing your best to make us feel at home and allowing me to bring you a message each week. I wish I had more time to spend on your church and help improve the situation there. The distance and the time just wouldn't allow for it. We p...

  We've been following Paul. He has his heart set on going to Jerusalem, even though many are telling him not to go there. He knows God is leading him. He knows the way will be hard. Those who do not believe in Jesus for their salvation will come and do the same things they did to Jesus. From here, it will be time to head for Rome. This battle between Jewish and Greek cultures will come to a tipping point over the nationality and person of Paul. But, deeper than that, a battle over who is King and Ruler is brewing. Is it Jesus? It is Caesar? Let us step into Paul's shoes and see what the road ahead looks like.  Our closest friends, our dearest neighbors, those in whom we confide and share a like-mindedness with truly want what is best for us. They don't want to see us hurt or going through tough times anymore than they'd want to see themselves or their own family dealing with this kind of pain. Yet, has his face and his heart set on what is ahead. What is ahead? Well, t...

  We've come through a major riot. We've seen the Apostle and his companions beaten, tossed in jail, set free, beleaguered, badgered, judged and condemned for the message they promote. If we are to take to heart the account of the early Acts of the church, then let us not lose heart or give up because things get hard in our path of life.  As we enter Chapter 20 this morning, we find a passage where Luke, the author of the Gospel by the same name,seems to interject himself more into the narrative. You can feel that he was present and that none of this was told to him second hand. Sometimes as historical account is being given, there truly is not much to expound upon. The opening verses of Chapter 20 read very much that way. It is truly and simply historical and does not give a preacher much to comment on. That can make for a boring sermon. Maybe the tone is there intentionally as we move into the middle section where we see a young man doing exactly as it has been suggested by ...

  As we walk this path with Jesus, we are going to see lots of things. Miracles. Some flat-out incredible things that only God could be responsible. Most of us should have a list of things that we could report, if necessary, and share what God has done for us and with us.  Riots. Sadly we have seen many of these in our lifetimes and it's probably not over either.  There have been times where if people don't get exactly what they want, the way they want it, the reaction can be devastating.  What will we see as we enter Acts 19 this morning? Lets read ahead before any more commentary is given. The bringing of the Holy Spirit upon the hearts and minds of mankind is truly a miracle that only God could account for the happenings that have changed nations and caused movements and revival. If we have little to no understanding of theological things, then perhaps the only item we can truly make sense of is the fact that we are sinful people. Human beings are born with a bent...