"The Conscience of America"

I am so grateful to have been given he blessing of being born in the United States of America. I have no doubt that this blessing was by God's grace, but it coincides with a purpose in God's plan for the salvation of the lost.  Not that I'm so special...I am no different than you if you are a believer who was born or lives in America.

Can there be any doubt that the ungodly are making philosophical and social changes that are causing the decay of the moral fabric of the USA?

For example...People (even formerly-faithful, turned apostate denominations) are redefining God's intent that marriage lived to his glory and according to his purpose is a covenant between a Man and a Woman - not "two people."  Or...another example...the majority of children (if they are allowed to be born) are born into "families" where mommy and daddy are not married even though they may live together (but usually not even that).

If we truly care about this country, then it is time for Believers to stand and speak for the Lord. Though the world tells us to sit down and shut up, calling us intolerant, bigoted hate-mongers, does this country have any hope apart from Believers being the voice of God today?

I hope this message will encourage you to see God's bigger purpose for America and how you, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, are called to be the Conscience of America.  Let me know what you think after listening.

May God bless you!  And as the politicians love to say and we truly pray, may God Bless America! - Kirk McCormick

Inspiration from our Founding Fathers

It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue.

– John Adams

The law given from Sinai was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code; it contained many statutes . . . of universal application - laws essential to the existence of men in society, and most of which have been enacted by every nation which ever professed any code of laws. 

- John Quincy Adams

Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters. 

– Benjamin Franklin

While just government protects all in their religious rights, true religion affords to government its surest support. 

 – George Washington

James - an Introduction

We begin a new series of systematically engaging the Letter from James.  In this message, I introduce you to James, give some background to the Letter, and note some of the themes to be discussed in our expositional study of "James".

Listen to this message and respond to what the Lord says to you. May God bless his Word in your life.

James 1:1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:  Greetings.  

Who is THIS James?

·      In the New Testament, multiple “Jameses” from which we can choose.  For example:

1.     James the son of Zebedee.

2.     James the son of Alphaeus.

3.     James the father of Judas (not Iscariot).

4.     James, the half-brother of Jesus

** Most agree…James is brother of Jesus.

c.f.:  This is affirmed throughout Scripture…

·      Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55 – Jesus had brothers.

·      Acts 1:14 – After resurrection, Mary and Jesus’ brothers were with disciples

"The 'S'-ence of Nurturing Relationships" - Colossians 3:12-17

It's Mother's Day...so what better topic to consider than how we nurture our relationships.

In this message, I key in on Colossians 3:12 to glean five "S-ences" (each characteristic starts with the letter, "S") to help us nurture our relationships as God intends.  God's purpose in relationships is that we would help each other to be all the God designed us to be. We, sometimes, mess up His plan...but we praise the Lord for forgiveness.  But we often succeed in His plan...so we praise the Lord for working through us.

There is nothing like knowing how please God is when we fulfill our part of His plan.  Listen to this practical message and respond as Holy Spirit leads.

And to all of you mothers... Happy Mother's Day!  Thank you for all you do and have done to raise your children in the ways of the Lord.  If they have not thanked you yet, they will some day. Just know, though, how much joy you bring to our Heavenly Father in your faithfulness to nurturing relationships according to his plan.

God bless you all...and especially our Mothers! - Kirk McCormick

"The Well" - Royal Palm's New Fellowship with a Contemporary Twist

Hello all!

We at Royal Palm Church (6348 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, FL 33463) are excited about the new fellowship kicking off tomorrow night (April 27) - The Well.

The Well (5:00PM every Sunday evening) is a relaxed and informal gathering designed to connect you with the Lord in a non-traditional but real way.  There are not the religious trappings that turn off many, but there will be meaningful community where we encourage each other to be more like Jesus.  And emphasis will be given to helping families grow in and serve the Lord together.

Take a look at the video below...and if you can admit that you would like some refreshment for you heart and spirit, then I hope to see you at The Well. (Pass the Word along to those who might need it.)

God bless, Kirk McCormick

"God's Healthcare Plan" - Easter Message

Christ is Risen!

With all of the debate and discussion about healthcare plans, one thing is certain:  no matter our earthly healthcare, we all will die.  The Good News of Easter is that God has his Healthcare Plan that can be summarized in two words:  The Resurrection!

The audio picks up the introduction to the message as I'm reading in Colossians 1:15. Then respond as the Lord leads you.  After all, Christ is Risen Indeed!

Peace, Kirk McCormick

A Survey of Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1:  Who is covered?

**  Good question… after all, don’t want to waste a lot of time talking about a plan that only covers, say, left-handed, green-eyed, pygmies who drive Mack trucks in Wisconsin delivering cheese for a living.

Point:  The Good News…God’s healthcare plan offers universal coverage…

"Identity": Christ or Crisis

I'm fascinated and sometimes saddened by the lack of identity Christians suffer.  The world tells us our identity is defined by what we do, how much we have, what status we've achieved.  Yet, the problem with accepting that approach is that, usually, there is someone who can do "it" better, someone who has more, and another in a higher place.

God gives us an eternal identity that no one can change or deny.  I hope this message will give you a sense of who you really are in God's eyes...and that He touches your heart with an eternal sense of your true worth.

God bless, Kirk McCormick

Your Truest and Eternal Identity

1. Our identity is in Jesus.

** Because of Jesus all of our failures AND successes are moot…

Easter: My Favorite Holy Day of All

Easter is my favorite holy day.  I realize that we cannot have Easter without Christmas...but what makes Christmas special is Easter. Without the Resurrection of Jesus...if Jesus had not conquered  death...his birth would have been just another birth and no one would have remembered "Christmas."

BUT!...Jesus is alive, and because he lives so shall we live with him in eternity someday.

So...for all of you who want to celebrate the love, joy, peace and hope of Jesus Christ, please join me at Royal Palm Church this Sunday. Services are at 8:30AM and 10:00AM.

Praise the Lord! He is Risen, indeed!!  - Kirk McCormick