Family Life Church, Waukegan, IL » Featured Articles

Is My Faith True?

Beth Jones — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:56:33 +0000

This morning Christmas trees are lit, wreaths and banners are hung, and an Advent wreath with candle is also lit. Why decorate so early, you ask? Because today marks the beginning of the season when we recall Christ’s coming, two thousand years ago, to planet earth.

If you ever have the thought, as I occasionally do, “How do I know my faith is really true?” you are not alone. Most of us have occasional doubts about the reality of our faith. But Christmas is a time to review the facts – Jesus Christ was a real person who lived during an actual time in history. No one can dispute His existence, though many dispute his claims. The Apostle John said this about him,

“The Word became flesh and lived among us. We gazed on his glory, the kind of glory that belongs to the Father’s unique Son, who is full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (International Standard Version, 2008)

What this actual point in history has to do with us in 2009 is what we will be considering over the next month. If Christ is who He says He is, then His coming to earth has extreme relevance for our lives in 2009. It is my hope that this truth will challenge and encourage us this season.

Being a Voice for the Unborn

Beth Jones — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:21:20 +0000

Who are the ones affected by abortion? Well, there’s the child; the mother; the father; the grandparents and extended family; the friends; the medical staff; the legislators and leaders; those who will make the profit; and those who will suffer the loss. In one way or another every citizen suffers the effects when a nation loses sight of the supreme value of every human life. As Christians, we our responsible to pray for our nation and that the heart of our nation would change; but there are also times when we can let our voice be heard . . . like on Sunday, October 4. That’s when there will be a Life Chain outside our building on Washington Street (from Noon – 1p.m.). A Life Chain is a chance to “be a voice for the unborn,” serving as a reminder to our community that human life is valuable and deserving of protection. By holding signs encouraging adoption and silently praying, it is a way we can have a voice, even among those of us who normally feel shy or timid. If you have never participated in a life chain before, consider participating this year. It’s a small way to say, “I care and I’m praying for you.”
–Beth Jones

“Fire in My Heart” by Pastor George

Pastor George — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:14:37 +0000

Even though summer has bypassed Chicagoland, I had a strong taste of it this week as I spent the week in Southern California, enjoying 95+ degree temperatures and even the fragrance of the nearby Station Fires in Los Angeles.

I sensed renewed “fire in my heart” as I gleaned from the life and ministry of Pastor Jack Hayford. Along with about 40 other senior pastors, I participated in one of Jack Hayford’s Schools of Pastoral Nurture. It was paid for partially by the National Church Office, partially by our Heartland District, and partially by Family Life Church.

I came home with a lot to think about and process. I believe that over time there will be a new level of spiritual health and vitality in our church as a result. This will necessarily spill over into having a significant influence on the people that you and I live and work and play and go to school with.

Excited about Jesus,
Pastor George

Abortion in Illinois

Beth Jones — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:00:06 +0000

PRAISE GOD THAT THIS PAST TUESDAY, for the first time since Roe vs. Wade was decided, Illinois parents will be entitled to notification before their minor daughters are taken for abortions. The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has dissolved the federal injunction against the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act. This decision is the culmination of four years work by the Thomas More Society (TMS), particularly TMS Special Counsel Paul Linton. The Parental Notice Act (approved in 1995) was supposed to require notification but it has been in legal limbo for more than ten years because of the Illinois Supreme Court’s refusal to issue the rules necessary to make the Act effective. Since 1995 alone, over 50,000 Illinois minors have obtained abortions, more than 4,000 of whom were 14 years old or younger, without any requirement to notify their parents beforehand. Thankfully this statistic is about to change.

The battle is certainly not over; the abortion industry is still alive and well. But WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND PRAY THINGS HAVE TO CHANGE. And this week in Illinois, we have witnessed just that. “Evil men don’t understand the importance of justice, but those who follow the Lord are much concerned about it.” (Proverbs 28:5 NKJV) (IFI Website, 7/14/09)

Moving Day… A Huge Success!

Beth Jones — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 02:42:30 +0000

Thanks to all who lent a hand at yesterday’s moving day! Items were moved from our Chestnut Street building as well as from a rented storage unit. It was quite an “exhilarating feeling” knowing we are actually moving into 2313 Washington Street, after all the years of waiting. Now, though there is much to do, we proceed carefully and prayerfully, that our focus throughout be to bring glory to the Lord Jesus!

Are You Passionate for the Passion?

Beth Jones — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:23:57 +0000

It is A.D. 2009 with Holy Week less than two weeks away. Are you feeling excited? Millions of Christians worldwide will recall the events from around A.D. 30 — the crucifixion, burial and resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ.

Now, more than ever, in the midst of global crises, Christians will gather together to worship the Living God. Why? Because this God was willing to sacrifice Himself in order to rescue messed-up, selfish, hopeless people who are powerless in themselves to change, and to restore them in relationship to Him! That was the reason for Christ’s Passion (His suffering) and this is the reason we can be passionate in celebrating, as well. After all, it is because of the events in A.D. 30 that we have hope for living through the uncertainty of A.D. 2009.

On Economic Issues, from Jack Hayford

Pastor George — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:04:40 +0000

Dear Church,

I know there is a great deal of concern in every circle about economic realities in the United States and throughout the world. These matters are touching very close to home, with many of us being personally affected. It is important that we maintain a Godly perspective so that we can have all of the peace that children of God may expect to have (Isaiah 26:3). The president of the Foursquare Church, Pastor Jack Hayford, has just issued a brief video in which he addresses the current economic uncertainty. I think each of us would profit from taking about ten minutes to watch it. The link is here: http://www.foursquare.org/gallery/display.sd?iid=1194

Pastor George

“Why Do We Love?”

Beth Jones — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:16:14 +0000

Written by Samantha Steinke for her school newspaper, Christian Life Chronicle

Have you ever asked the question “Why do we love?” I know that I have. I’ve asked myself time and time again why I feel the way I do about certain people. Quoting from Jane Austin’s book, Sense and Sensibility, “Is love a fancy or a feeling?” We all have people in our lives that we love in one way or another, whether they are a close family member, someone that we are romantically attached to, or even God. So, why do we love?

Well, it all has to do with God. God sent His Son into the world out of love for us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved”. . . Stop right there. See that special keyword: love? God loves us. Since He created us in His own image, we love, too. Without the first presence of God’s infinite, abounding love, we would not even have our own meager ability to love.

So the real answer to the question, “Why do we love?” is this: “Because He first loved us!” You love because God loves. The truth is, love is not just a fancy. It is much more. It is powerful, given to us as a gift from God. Thank God for His ultimate gift of love, because without it, what a sad place the world would be.

Prayer for Illinois

Beth Jones — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:48:28 +0000

January 29, 2009 marked a sad day for the state of Illinois ~ her first impeachment of a governor. Though some would say, “It’s finally over; now we can get on with business,” in our anxiousness to resume state government let’s not underestimate the grievousness of these events. As God’s people, we do grieve over the sins of mankind, especially because we know our own sinfulness. Now, as our new governor asks for our prayers, may we do just that– pray for our state government and the difficult days she has ahead, to re-build what has been lost.

CareNet Collection

Beth Jones — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:46:34 +0000

For the past few months, we have been collecting diapers and “baby bottle” money for CareNet. Why do we bother doing this? Because of letters like this one which Director Brenda Benegas recently received:

“When your organization came to my church I passed on some information to my daughter to give her support. Just a little story about my daughter . . . she found herself quite pregnant some months ago (a single parent to two children already)! She was very close to aborting but she shared her pregnancy news with me and my natural reaction (being a Christian) was to stand up for the pro-life message.

My daughter did see the pregnancy through and the baby was born a few days ago on Christmas morning. I was able to be with her and was even asked to cut the cord during the birth . . . amazing!

She is still searching . . . as far as her faith is concerned. She named the baby Arianna which means “Holy.” I’m sure she didn’t know the meaning at the time. I believe God has had His hand on the situation as He is amazing me every day.”