VINTAGE FAITH CHURCH

PROVERBS 14:31

benjamintubbs — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:10:12 +0000

“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31

We are a chosen generation and a chosen people. We are not chosen to be successful in the world but successful in Christ..for the kingdom of God. We must love our neighbors and do all that we can to spread God’s love to them and the world through our actions. In Matthew 19:21 Jesus says,

“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Granted, to sell everything is such a completely crazy idea to us. Although some could argue it’s because we’re obsessed with money I don’t truly believe that’s the only reason Christians don’t run out and sell everything they have. We all have certain gifts that the Lord has blessed us with, and maybe his will isn’t for us to physically sell everything, but just to sell those possessions within your heart. In other words, to realize what’s more important in life. To sell the ideas that money means success and is in a higher ranking of importance than another human life. Another brother and sister. Not all homeless people are drug addicts, hookers, and drunks, especially this day in age. But even if they are, why does that stop us?? They need Jesus more than ever! Jesus spent time with these same people. Jesus spends time with us! We’re all sinners. We were all broken and living a life surrounded by filth…and he still came to us. He still loved us unconditionally when no one else did…when no one else would if they knew what we thought about on a day-to-day basis. So many people are in need of our love, of our actions, and of our faith.

I am reading the book Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne (great book!) right now and he references so many great quotes so here’s a perfect one to share now.

“When someone strips a man of his clothes, we call him a thief. And one who might clothe the naked does not–should not he be given the same name? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat in your wardrobe belongs to the naked; the shoes you let rot belong to the barefoot; the money in your vaults belongs to the destitute.”

-Basil the Great-

According to the latest statistics, over 840 million people worldwide are chronically undernourished. Every day, 26,000 young children die due to poverty, hunger, and preventable diseases. ( http://www.gotquestions.org/global-poverty-hunger.html) With this knowledge why don’t we feel the need to do more? It’s so easy to be charitable and to give our money and let others take care of the dirty work. It’s so easy to stay comfortable and to do the check writing and feel like we did something for God. In Matthew 25: 34-36 Jesus says,

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”

Not to say that prayer, and giving money is a bad thing, but it doesn’t stop there. We need action. We live in a post-modern culture now where people don’t want to be told what to do, what to believe, and what’s going to happen to them because of their sinful ways. People want to see your words put to action. They want to experience the love we talk about.

“Preach the gospel always, If necessary use words.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

We must put our words into actions. We must love others and be there for others the way Jesus was. If we are truly seeking out God’s kingdom and are yielding to the Holy Spirit within us as Christians, then our love should shine out through us and light this dark and barren world.

Lets actually live our lives for God’s glory this year!!!

- Tiffany Stephens

WHERE THE WORLD IS HEADED

benjamintubbs — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 03:53:46 +0000

The world, where are we heading? Some people believe in progress, they believe that as science and technology advance we will eventually come to a Utopian society. This belief is where Darwinism and Marxism derived some of its beginnings. But the fact is progress does not do take into consideration the relevance of evil, and as clearly is seen within our world, progress really has only helped in some instances the progress of evil, and its advancement with technology. But this brings into consideration the adverse effect and reasoning others have.

Gnosticism believes that the material world is an inferior and dark place and evil is its very existence. They believe only as time goes on things get worse, and truly the fall of humankind began at the existence of Creation. Gnostic s believe that we are just waiting for our death to enter into our spiritual condition, a non-material form, which is itself good. However, this is in conflict with the fact that Scripture teaches us that we are going to have new bodies, the problem is not our material state, but the corrupted flesh. This corruption is due to sin and its consequence is death. Similar to the garden of Eden, the paradise that was Adam and Eve’s was experienced in a material condition. It was only when sin entered that they were kicked out into truly an abyss. But this corrupted state has been redeemed, and its final redemption will come into effect with the creation of the New Heaven and Earth. If gnosticism proved true we would go to heaven, not come to earth. But our final destination is Earth, with the New Jerusalem coming out of heaven. The final locale for us is not in a far-off world, but in Earth, in a redeemed one.

This brings me to my conclusion in this brief synopsis of our course on this earth. Where are we heading? The earth in my opinion is not necessarily getting more corrupt or better, it is just getting closer to becoming redeemed. Redeemed from its sin, looking forward to bringing it back into its original perfect order, when God saw all he did and said that it was “Good.” “What creation need is neither abandonment nor evolution but rater redemption and renewal; and this is both promised and guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This is what the whole world’s waiting for.” (N.T. Wright)

~CDS~

HUMBLE HIGH PRIEST

benjamintubbs — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:02:44 +0000

Philippians 2:6-11

⁶Who, being in very nature^[^a^] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
⁷but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature^[^b^] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

I’ve had some small glimpses lately of how incredible it is that Jesus humbled himself and walked this earth as a man. I’ve been thinking a great deal about the fact that he knew he was going to be betrayed, that he knew he was going to be mocked, that he knew he was going to be spit on and falsely accused, and that he knew ultimately he would suffer a horrendous death. I’ve been thinking about how he was murdered and how people were probably breathing out venomous accusations as he was hanging on the cross, rallying around his death, feeling prideful and triumphant that they just ended the life of a man who offended them deeply. I’ve been amazed at the verses in Philippians 2:6-11. I am amazed that Jesus did this willingly.

I’ve been a believer for about 5 years now, and I am just starting to contemplate this. It sounds silly, but I have always dismissed this truth on the grounds that Jesus was a “God-Man”. That he had this super God power that didn’t let him feel any of it. What God has been showing me lately is Jesus as our great High Priest, a High Priest that has suffered what we suffer, been tempted like we are tempted, and unlike any other High Priest anywhere, he has conquered death and sin.

Last year I passed on a promotion at work, an opportunity for more money, and the natural next step on the corporate ladder. I made this decision in April of 2009 and it wasn’t easy, but ultimately I felt as though it was the only thing I could do, I felt that it was God’s will for my life. Of course, I have no idea where this will lead me, but for now I find myself in an old job, doing something that I’ve done for years, and blessed to have a job. I was elated the day that I decided not to pursue a life chasing the next best job in the corporate world. I knew that the corporate life would be more hours, more time away from my family, more stress, and challenges that would ultimately consume my days and weekends. Spiritually, I was feeling good about the decision. I was feeling like I just derailed a train that was out of control moving in the wrong direction. Or at least I slowed it down considerably.

In July a friend of mine ended up taking the job. I can remember the day that it was announced. It was like a punch in the gut. My ego was bruised. Everybody was congratulating him, and I was getting the glances of pity and, “I wonder what Anthony did wrong to get beat out for this job?” It wasn’t easy. I wanted very bad to tell everyone that it was my job. It was offered to me first. I turned it down. It was an intense struggle with my own pride, and I am still wrestling with it today.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that God keeps throwing 2 Philippians in front of me at the same time that I am struggling with my pride. What I can’t even begin to comprehend is how amazing it is that the Creator of the Universe, the one who gives life to all, would willingly subject himself to this knowing in full that His creation would betray him, that His creation would slander him, that His creation would spit on him, and that ultimately his creation would kill him.

Of course my situation is ridiculous compared to what Jesus had to endure, but I have come to realize that Christ in me is the only thing that can keep me humble. Without Jesus, I would have needed to take the promotion. My pride would have not allowed me to turn it down. Without Jesus, I wouldn’t have learned that I had to choose either excellence at work or choose to be a good husband and father at home.

The more I understand about Jesus, the more I understand about myself, and the more I understand about myself, the more I see my need for Jesus.

Pursuing humility through Christ,

Anthony

IRON SHARPENS IRON

benjamintubbs — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:16:48 +0000

THE TENSION OF LIVING IN COMMUNITY
-Anthony Valentine

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”

If we sit down and really get honest with ourselves we’ll see that there is something in all of us that runs from community. There is something deep within us, a result of our separation from God, a desire that is just pulling us away from being in close community with other people.

Too often we plan towards this end. For example, I’ll get home from work and many evenings find myself rushing through the routine of dinner, clean-up, kids in the tub, read the kids a book, have them brush their teeth, put the kids in bed…. Done. Relax… And in the meantime, many beautiful moments that were full of life were quickly passed over because I was maniacally focused on a goal, a goal to be sitting on the couch watching TV, or reading a book with no interruptions, free from responsibility. I think as my family has grown, as work has become more demanding, free time has become a kind of an idol for me. And the tragic thing is that this idol, like any other idol, has the ability to destroy what is most precious. And the thing that I have found with worshipping free time is that while pursuing it, it is stealing from you the very thing you are trying to get. Another topic for another day.

In our culture today the movement away from community and towards independence continues. Decks and patios in the backyard continue to replace porches in the front yard. Electric garage door openers allow us to enter our homes without having to encounter our neighbors. I don’t know if it’s because people are less trusting of others, or if it’s a result of our need for instant comfort, or both. For sure, technology has certainly enabled the trend and now is birthing all sorts of cyber communities where people can hold tightly to ideals without having to navigate the normal tension that comes with making bold political and religious statements. It’s certainly more comfortable than making these declarations in a group where others may openly disagree. And this tension is where I think we touch on an aspect of community that nobody likes, an aspect of community that most of us would rather not have to experience. Getting challenged by people who don’t see things the way we see them. Or when we need to get on our knees and ask God for the power to love someone who may really, really, get under our skin. God uses these interactions to develop our character. The very thing we run from is the thing that God uses to sharpen us, to grow us. And the growth never feels pleasant. In fact it can be agitating to the core. There are so many things in culture today that allow us to be free from the discomfort of community, but these very things also rob us from the life and blessings of community as well.

Even as I write this, I called and old friend to see how he was doing. He’s taking a different path on his journey with Christ than I am. He loves Jesus, that’s for sure, but theologically I’d say that we would have strong disagreements on many topics. But here is my dilemma; And this is the dilemma we all find ourselves in when we press into community; Our beliefs and ideals come to a real point of impact with someone else’s beliefs and ideals and we have to ask; is this a battle I am willing to die for? Do I want to steamroll my brother and throw right and left hooks with bible verses attached? Is this a battle that I am willing to lose a friend over? To be sure, there are definitely doctrines that we should not waver on such as the substitutionary atonement, the resurrection, the trinity, and there will be times that we need to lovingly explain why we may or may not believe some things. But there are many battles that are not worth the fight, such as the exact time that Christ is returning, type of schooling for your children, or if a Christian should responsibly drink alcohol. These battles are not worth the casualties, or even the injuries. We just may need to re-examine why we believe in that particular area so strongly. Are we basing it on God’s word? Are we adding to God’s word? Maybe we aren’t seeing the other side. Maybe we are just dead wrong. Or maybe God is using it with our brother or sister for something beyond what we can perceive. Community will do this to us. Being in community with other believers will force us to examine the beliefs we hold so tightly and will push us to hold on to what really matters and let go of the stuff that doesn’t. Living in community will challenge beliefs that we thought were black and white and bring new light to them. Community will bring real flesh and bones to what were once just academic ideals. Navigating through this tension will open up the Scriptures in news ways to us as we wrestle with some of the same issues that the NT Christians faced.

James 1:2-3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

Wrestling with this tension is right where He wants us.

COMMUNITY GROUPS AT VINTAGE FAITH CHURCH

benjamintubbs — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:01:18 +0000

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

THE CALL

Jesus calls us to be in community with other believers (Heb. 10:25), He calls us to have compassion on those who cannot help themselves (James 2:15-17), and He calls us to reach out to those who are searching for truth and introduce them to the Gospel (Mat 28:19).

WHAT DO COMMUNITY GROUPS LOOK LIKE?

At Vintage Faith, we believe that one of the ways we can actualize this is through Community Groups. Our Community Groups are places to see the Gospel lived out. They offer opportunities for God to work through us. They seek out needs within our communities and work to provide for those needs. They are places where seekers can come and feel relaxed as they question the faith. They are places where we find ourselves encouraging one another, and rejuvenating one another with the scriptures. They are places where we learn, where the gritty details of life are discussed, and ultimately set alongside God’s Word for direction and wisdom (Heb. 4:12). Most of all, they are places to see lives being transformed by Jesus.

WHY COMMUNITY GROUPS?

We encourage you to experience the wonderful gift of community that God has given to you as a member of the body of Christ. Our hope would be that you get plugged in to Vintage Faith Church through a Community Group. We would also encourage you to start your own group if you are feeling called to do so. In a culture that is quickly fostering isolation through technology, we believe that many people are yearning for, and searching for authentic community, but not finding it, or finding it in the wrong places. We pray that as a Church we can have many homes around the area that become dwellings where Jesus is glorified, marriages are restored, seeds are planted, and lives are transformed by Jesus. We pray that we can reach those who are hungry and feed them. We pray that we can find those who are lonely and love them. We pray that we find those who are hurting and comfort them. We pray that we find those who are searching for truth and show them Jesus…

Get connected- Contact Anthony Valentine 935-6614 or Pastor Ken Salisbury 430-2265

VFC BLOG

benjamintubbs — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:22:27 +0000

//quick overview of the VFC blog//

The blog section of the Vintage Faith Church website will ultimately be a place where thoughts, ideas, inspirations and dreams can be shared. As we learn and grow together as a church family, our blog can function to collect and organize our reflections and findings we come across in our faith journeys with Christ.

Although we each have unique and personal relationships with Jesus, our faith calls us to live in community with one another. So this blog will serve to connect our personal relationship with Jesus (the Head) with our communal relationships in the church (the Body).

As Christians, we should always be watchful and aware, eager to grow and learn in our faith. Lets begin to write down our trials, troubles, questions and concerns, and then rejoice together as we see God faithfully deliver us.

If you are interested in posting any articles/ideas/blogs you may have, contact Ken Salisbury or Benjamin Tubbs.

WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

benjamintubbs — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:06:25 +0000

//This is an old letter of encouragement from Anthony Valentine that still rings true. Enjoy.//

“Romans 7:21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Like most of us, things have been pretty hectic for me and my family lately. Throw the flu into the mix for almost the entire family, 3 kids up at night crying on what seems to be a rotational schedule, and the stress level goes up a few notches. Amy and I were bound and determined in the beginning of the week to get our CG (community group) back on schedule as we have missed a few weeks in a row due to either our kids being sick, or someone else’s kids being sick. By the time Thursday rolled around my determination and zeal to have the group was dissipating. Not too mention, one of the guys in the group needed a ride, and did I mention he now lives on the other side of the city? By 4:00 I found myself thinking about how nice the couch and the remote would feel. Kids in bed early, maybe watch “The Office”, hang out and generally do nothing.

We decided of course to press on. I hopped on 81 South in the complete opposite direction of my house while my flesh was crying ‘no!”and headed to the East side of the city to pick up a new believer and his non-believer friend who I was meeting for the first time. We talked on the 30 minute drive to my house and of course the “new-believer” could not help but talk about Jesus. His friend then asked me a question that I rarely get asked, but always hope to be asked. He asked “Why do you believe?” So I shared my testimony. It was an amazing opportunity and I thank God any time I am able to share my testimony with a seeker.

We proceeded to have a great group Thursday night. We were able to see fruit in some of the people who are new to the faith, and I’ll admit, at times our group has been super frustrating. Like spending 45 minutes talking about how John who wrote the Gospel of John, is not John the Baptist, and yeah, it is confusing that they named the book John and the guy in the beginning of the book of John who they call John is not John blah blah blah! Ahhg! Can we keep reading please!!!

Thursday was not one of those nights. Thursday night was beautiful. It was one of those nights where you feel as though God is right there in the room. The thing is… I wanted so bad to sabotage the entire thing just 5 hours earlier so I could sit on the couch and watch TV…

Doesn’t it sometimes work out that way? Those times when your flesh is just crying out against doing something that you know in your heart is the right thing to do. Those times, when I actually follow through, and don’t give in to my selfishness, those times seem to be dripping with blessings…. Thanks for listening.. Press on..

Anthony

WELCOME

benjamintubbs — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:44:00 +0000

Thank you for checking out the new website/blog for Vintage Faith Church. Things will be kind of hectic for awhile as we organize and update all our information. We would love to hear your input and ideas as to what information would be most helpful to see on this website.

Thank you!

Benjamin Tubbs // worship leader

Childern’s Church

benjamintubbs — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:26:07 +0000

Meets during Sunday Worship Service

Your children are important to us.

They have a special time of learning on their level.

Nursery through 1st grade meets in the large room across from main desk,
2nd–6th grade meets down the hall from main desk, 1st door on the left.

New Teachers Needed see Jim Howe!!