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Category: General
Here at Mt. Pisgah U.P.C. we are aware of our fast-paced, demanding society. In times likes these, we recommend these ten “Points of Refuge”. The Bible mentions that a threefold cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). So having a few extra cords certainly shouldn’t hurt as long as they are connecting us to the right places.
In times like these, getting connected and staying connected to God, our family, our church, and our friends, requires deliberate effort and a well-designed plan to keep our priorities in the proper order. We hope you will allow these points to serve as your personal guide on your journey to leading an overcoming life. Are YOU connected?
Refuge No. 1 - Personal Devotion--Private Prayer and the Word
In times like these, daily devotion is imperative for a productive and living connection to God. There's no minimum or maximum time limit set; this is simply your personal time alone with God and His Word. The Apostle Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians was "Pray without ceasing." Daily devotion--connection to God--gives God an opportunity to speak into your life and direct your steps.
Refuge No. 2 - Prayer--Corporate/Public Prayer
In times like these, we believe in the power of prayer. Prayer is our line of communication with our heavenly Father. We believe that prayer should not only be reserved for church but prayer should be made in our homes and where ever the duties of life may lead us, If we find our self some place that we are ashamed to pray then we should be ashamed to be there.
Refuge No. 3 - The Word
The Psalmist David wrote, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." This point of refuge is two fold.
(1) In times like these, daily Bible reading should be a part of your daily devotion plan. A wide variety of reading plans are available. Whatever plan you choose, the important matter is connecting to the Word daily.
(2) In times like these, we want everyone at Mt. Pisgah U.P.C. to regularly attend a Sunday School class. Classes for children and adults are geared to impart the Word of God in ways that help us understand its application to daily life. It is our prayer that all who attend these classes will not only have a memorable but also delightful experience as well, while they are introduced to impacting Biblical truths and principles that hold eternal value.
In times like these, counteracting society's influence on our thinking requires more than attendance at and participation in worship services; it requires knowing and studying the Word, and involvement in a Sunday School class is one way to allow the Word to take root in our hearts. Get connected to the Word each week through Sunday School!
Refuge No. 4 - Fasting
There are a multitude of scriptures regarding fasting. In Joel the commandment of the Lord was, " . . . turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting . . " Jesus instructed the disciples, saying, "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting . . ." Jesus himself fasted forty days. In times like these, the 21st century apostolic believers, should also follow the practice of fasting. Fasting can take many forms. You can fast a particular favorite food for a specific amount of time. You can fast one meal or three meals. You can fast a day, where you eat only one late afternoon/evening meal per day. There are specific kinds of fasts for specific needs. Search the scriptures. Make fasting a regular part of your service to God.
Refuge No. 5 - Family
The family is holy and sacred as it is derived from the holy institution ordained by God called Marriage. In times like these, we must take time out of our busy schedules to build strong Christian families. Make sure to set aside time for your family.
Refuge No. 6 - Worship
The thread of worship winds its way from Genesis to Revelation. We hear Abraham saying, "I and the lad will go yonder and worship" (Genesis 22) . We find John in Revelation commanding simply, "Worship God." We rejoice in the Psalms as David the worshiper cries, "O come let us worship . . ." In Hebrews the command is clear, " . . . let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . . so much the more as ye see the day approaching." The day of His coming is nearer than ever before. In times like these, by worship we can ready ourselves by the strength and power found only in His presence.
Refuge No. 7. - Evangelism--Give Me Five!
Luke recorded the singular mission of Jesus Christ: "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." We read in John 4 that the woman at the well in Samaria actually led her city to Jesus Christ. Revelation tells us we overcome by the word of our testimony. "Give Me Five" refers to five people with whom you will connect until they are brought to Christ. The list of five is made up of three "new" people (those who have never been brought to Christ through salvation) and two people who are "Missing in Action" (those who used to attend this church but no longer attend church). In times like these, we must reach the lost--both those who have never known Him and those who are MIA, for "He is not willing that any should perish!"
Refuge No. 8 - Discipleship
There were those who followed Jesus from a distance, much like we "follow the news" today. There were those who followed Him a little more closely--found among the masses here and there as they gathered. Then there were the twelve-the men who followed Him closely . . . His disciples. There was then--and there is now--a price to be paid for discipleship. His call to discipleship requires a full-life commitment. In times like these, it goes beyond church membership and attendance at Sunday services: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Refuge No. 9 - Personal Involvement
In times like these, Mt Pisgah UPC provides multiple opportunities for ministry. While there are specific requirements for certain levels of involvement, there is always something you can do to become involved in a Mt Pisgah Ministry. From Ushers & Hostesses to Sunday School teachers and Nursing Home Care Groups, there is a place for you to give of yourself. Ministry opportunities are available in the following areas: Children's Ministry, Christian Education, Community Care, Discipling, Family Enrichment, FLC, Guest Relations, Home Bible Studies, Hospitality, Information Services, Music, Prayer, Senior Citizens, Singles, Specialized Ministries, Technical, Nursery, World Missions, Youth . . . These are ministries that we are hard at work trying to develop and cultivate here at Mt. Pisgah U.P.C. You have a God-given ability He wants you to share with others. We'll help you find your place!
Refuge No. 10. - Fellowship
As we study the book of Acts, we find that they "continued steadfastly" in the Apostles' Doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. In times like these, we cannot neglect the value of fellowship with likeminded believers. John wrote, ". . . If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Invite someone to your house for dinner! Or, make plans to meet someone at a local restaurant and share a "dutch treat" meal. Go for a walk with a friend or two. In times like these, create opportunities in your life for fellowship!
