en don't journey alone http://www.mountainview-church.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=37 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:21:41 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=35 Today's culture often celebrates and promotes individualism over community. Privacy and seclusion are valued over connection. However, God didn't design us to live our lives alone. He created us for a relationship with Him and with others. We were made to belong and to be part of a community-a group of people living life together. At Mountainview, we believe the best environment for lasting life change takes place within community. Mountainview's Small Groups can help facilitate this. Mountainview's Small Groups are all about people. We exist to help people live life, grow and serve God together. Our groups provide people with intimate family environments where ministry flows from relational connections. For more information, contact Barry Mooney at sbmooney@msn.com or call 764-0777. Don't journey alone. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:51:02 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=18 Wouldn't it be great if life came with directional signs? "Stop, trouble coming," "Career Detour" or "Rocky marriage ahead." Unfortunately, the signs aren't always that clear. So, whether you're at a bump, a fork in the road or even a dead-end, at Mountainview Community Church, we're here with traveling companions and help from God's spiritual "road map." Join us on life's journey & at our new meeting location - we're just down the road! Join us at: Needham Elementary School at 10 a.m. 2425 West Third Avenue Durango, Colorado 81301 Church Phone: 970-764-0777 Located two blocks west of Main from Durango High School. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:51:02 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=17 God has truly blessed us with a new home and new "family members" to fellowship with. Won't you join us as we learn to "introduce, instruct and imitate" Jesus in our community. Please...."don't journey alone." Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:51:02 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=9 Our pastor presents basic biblical truths in a way that's relevant to today. Our services reflect our belief that attending church should be an enjoyable, uplifting and meaningful experience that encourages you to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Uplifting Christian music and singing, live dramas and practical video moments are all a part of what makes our church a special place! Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:51:02 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=5 Are you looking for a rewarding, visionary ministry in which to serve others with the use of your Christian gifts? Mountainview Community Church (MCC), a new church plant affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America (http://www.efca.org/) is searching for gifted, volunteer, Christian leaders to join us as we train to launch our preview and public worship services in the fall of 2007. Potential leaders must demonstrate a vital, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and be willing to commit to at least six months to one-year leadership responsibility beyond MCC's public launch, agree with MCC doctrinal statement, core values and posses a passion to reach Durango, Colorado with the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Ideal MCC ministry leaders are: Capable, Available, Responsible, Enthusiastic & Teachable. They should be able to recruit, develop, and oversee the given ministry area. Further, it is important that ministry leaders are committed to a ministry of multiplication and be able to demonstrate this ability. Finally, team leaders must understand the difference between doing ministry and building a ministry team. The Lead Pastor in consultation with leadership will make the final determination on appointments to positions. An interview with MCC's leadership may be required. Key leaders are needed to lead MCC's important ministry areas: Youth & Children's Ministry (Must submit to a background check) Worship Community Outreach, Evangelism & ConnectionPrayer TeamLife Development Groups A free spiritual gift assessment is located on the web at:http://www.churchgrowth.org/analysis/intro.html For further information, contact Barry Mooney, Lead Pastor (sbmooney@msn.com) 970.764.0777 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:51:02 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=4 Mountainview Community Church is a church planting project of the Rocky Mountain district EFCA in Durango,Colorado www.rockymountaindistrict.org/ www.efca.org Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:51:02 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=30 Darrin Johnson will begin a study on world religions during the Adult Electives Class starting on Sunday July 13th at 9:30-10:15 AM and ending in about 16 weeks. Here is an outline of the proposed study: WORLD RELIGIONS Objective The purpose of this study is two-fold. The first objective is to increase the effectiveness of witnessing by increasing knowledge and awareness of precepts of major non-Christian religions existing in our area and world resulting in a more effective method of engaging others. The second objective is to solidify in our minds the superiority of Christian theism in the "soup" of religion choices in the world. Format The format of this class will be to introduce the basic tenets of non-Christian religions and conduct a brief comparison to Christianity. There will be no textbook associated with class but there may be handouts. Classes will be expository with discussion/question time at the end of each week. Discussion questions will focus on the three I's (Introduce, Instruct, and Imitate). OutlineIntroduction 1What is a religion?What is a worldview?What is the significance?Christian Spin-offsDeism 1Mormonism 1Jehovah's Witnesses 1Christian Science 1Non-Christian ReligionsJudaism 1Islam 2Hinduism 1Buddhism 1Secular ReligionsAtheism & Agnosticism 1Humanism 1Naturalism & Existentialism 2Postmodernism 1Occult 1AstrologySatanismWitchcraft Schedule Numbers in red indicate quantity of classes (or weeks). Total duration of study expected to be 16 weeks. Source Materials This study will be based upon the following reference materials (in other words these are the books I will use as reference to base this series upon):BibleThe Universe Next Door by James W. SireThe Compact Guide to World Religions by Dean C. HalversonThe Handbook of Today's Religions by Josh McDowell and Don StewartBasic Worldviews (A Fellowship Bible Institute class put on by Fellowship Community Church) Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:45:45 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=36 Outline Sunday 1 - The Beginnings of Islam and the Life of Mohamed Sunday 2 - The Quar'an Sunday 3 - The Pillars of Islam, a Look at Jihad and the Muslim Jesus Sunday 4 - Interacting and witnessing to Muslims True or False Questions about Islam God is a God of love - T The Quar'an was written by Mohammed - F The Quar'an is written in heaven - T All translations of the Quar'an are considered holy - F Phrases associated with Christianity, Islam, or bothOne GodGood and evilVirgin Birth of JesusJesus is The Word of GodJesus is the Son of GodCreationJudgment DayProphets The Beginnings of Islam and the Life of Mohamed Mohamed - birth & childhood Born 570AD in Mecca (current day Saudi Arabia). Was orphaned at a young age (father died before his birth, mother died when he was 6). From the Quraish tribe. First reference to Mohammed's religious calling - Syrian monk identified him as the coming final prophet Mohamed - age 25 to 40 At age 25 married Khadija. Mohamed had two sons who died in infancy and four daughters. Mohammed became dissatisfied with polytheism Mohammed would retreat to meditate Mohamed - the call, age 40, and early ministry First visions, suspect evil spirit, reassured by Khadija 3 years before next vision Initial audience was Mecca, not well received, hostility First use of the term Muslim (one who submits) to describe Mohamed's followers. Islam was not well received among the Meccans. Islam was a challenge to their tribal, polytheistic culture and society. Satanic verses Isra (night journey) Popularity low - not many converts Mohamed - consolidation of power Medinans convert to Islam Mohamed and followers retreat to Medina Crucial turning point in a) Mohamed's life; b) Islam; and c) the Quaran. Solidified hold on Medina Consolidated nearby tribes Conquest of Mecca Retirement to Medina What is Mohamed to Muslims today? Final prophet Perfect example of human existence Almost deify Mohamed (Catholic Mary) Environment of Mohammed's DayDecline of Western civilizationDivision of Roman empireWidespread JudaismGrowth of Christianity Transition period in Arabia, fertile ground for Islam Borrowed from Judaism and Christianity to establish credibility Appeal of Islam to ArabsLast, final, definitive Word of GodProphet is ArabQuar'an written in ArabicTribal customs (polygamy, war) legitimized Evaluation of Mohammed's claim as prophet Characteristics of God's prophets Spoke to God or was spoken to by God Carried a message to people High moral standing Performed miracles Mohammed's rating: Never spoke to God Carried a message Poor moral character Refused to perform miracles So if Mohammed only met one of the four criteria for being a prophet why was he believed? Why has he become such a religious icon? The answer lies in the message which he delivered. Muslims believe the Quar'an to be the only miracle needed to justify Mohammed's claims. And if you want to find out why Muslims believe the Quar'an to be a miracle you'll have to come back next week. WEEK 2 - THE QUAR'AN Last week we looked at the beginnings of Islam and the impact of the prophet Mohammed. We critically evaluated the claim of Mohammed as a prophet and found the only typically prophet characteristic he displayed was a message to the people. This message became what we know of today as the Quar'an. This week we will take a look at the Quar'an, from how it came into being to what its teachings are. Facts about the Quar'an The Quar'an was given to Mohammed over the course of 23 years. Mohammed was instructed to recite the text, thus the name Quar'an (to recite) The Quar'an is written in Arabic and in a prose or poetic style. The Quar'an (in Arabic) is a duplicate of a "mother book" which is located in heaven. 43:3-4 The Quar'an has 114 suras or chapters. 86 of the suras came during the Meccan period. 28 suras came during the Medina period. Generally, the Quar'an is organized from longest suras to shortest (with the exception of the 1st sura which acts as an introduction). The Quar'an is frequently divided into three sections:The early Meccan period - these are the shortest suras. The focus of these is a call to religious purity through monotheism and a coming judgment day.The latter Meccan period - suras become longer. The focus becomes more an argumentative defense of the existence of God and the correctness of monotheism. It is here that we find many long narratives relating to Biblical OT and NT events and people.The Medina period - suras become the longest. The focus here becomes the governance of society (political, judicial, economic, and military). Origins of the Quar'an Mohammed relayed the Quar'an orally, he had no formal education Some followers memorized Quar'anic sections (hafiz - those who recite by memory) Some followers wrote them down on "paper, stones, palm leaves, shoulder blades, ribs, and bits of leather". Mohammed's death resulted in a great divide within Islamic community, umma (no named successor) Sunnis - Caliph (leader of Islam) should be chosen by popular consensus from among the Quarish tribe (they selected Abu Bakr) Shiites (aka Shiias) - Caliph should be descendent of Mohammed (they selected Ali, the father of Mohammed's grandsons) Tomb of Ali is in Najaf where there has been much fighting recently. A Shiite tradition states that a pilgrimage to the tomb of Ali is worth 100,000 martyrdoms and the forgiveness of present and past sins. Approximately 80% of Muslims worldwide are Sunni Civil war resulted in death of many who know the Quar'an (companions and hafiz) Umar (2nd Caliph) undertook the task of compiling the Quar'an in 633A.D. Variations in Quar'ans used in different areas caused problems, particularly in the army. Uthman (3rd Caliph) undertook to canonize the Quar'an. All other versions and variations were burned. Teachings of the Quar'an Muslims consider the Quar'an to be an expression of Divine Will 2:2 To borrow an expression from one of the authors I read, "in Christianity the Word became flesh, in Islam the Word became a book". Nature of God Monotheistic - only one God, Allah 112:1-5 Eternal - not created All powerful, all-knowing, all the omni- words 99 "beautiful" names of GodAllah (the name that is above every name)al-Khaliq (the creator) 59:23al-Malik (the King or king of kings) 59:23al-Majid (the glorious) 11:73al-Darr (the afflictor) 48:11 Other than the names of God the Quar'an offers little in the way of explanation of the nature or essence of God Creation ManCreated from clayInitially placed in the GardenSatan tempted Adam and Hauwa to eat of the forbidden fruit and become like angelsAdam and Hauwa approached the forbidden tree and were expelled from the GardenAdam and Hauwa asked forgiveness from God and they were completely forgiven prior to their departure from the Garden - no "fall" of manHereditary sin is an unknown concept in Islam AngelsSpirit beings who must obey the words of GodSatan or Iblis refused God's command to worship Adam 7:12 JinnSpirit beings with an evil bentPossess free-will to further their evil desiresEmphasis on the fact that God creates evil in addition to good. Nature of Man All men are born "good" but are weak and forgetful leading to sins or slips The relationship between God and man is that of rabb (master) and abd (slave). God seeks only to be obeyed. There is no notion of a personal relationship between God and man (except in Sufism) God can and does forgive and forget sins (no consequences), thereby restoring the appropriate relationship between God and man. 2:173 Since man is never "helpless" in his sins there is no need for a savior, just a prophet to remind the people of what they have forgotten Judgment Day All men will be judged by God Existence of paradise and hell We'll look deeper into this topic next week Evaluation of the Quar'an as divine - there are other books claiming to have all the answers to life and a definition of God, why do Muslims believe the Quar'an? Muslims frequently present the following evidences for the divine nature of the Quar'an: Beauty of the literary style. Argument noted last week as evidence of Mohammed's prophethood 10:38, 17:89 Perfect preservation. 15:10 Fulfilled prophecies. 30:3 Unity of the Quar'an. 4:83 Changed lives. Critical evaluation of these "evidences": 1) Eloquence is not a proper test for divine origin, more accurately reflects the abilities of the author i. Mohammed was an intelligent man and gifted orator (leadership in Medina) ii. Mohammed did not actually write the Quar'an, done by others iii. Other "eloquent" texts are in existence (Hindu) but not considered divine 2) Quar'an today is good copy of the Uthman codex. i. Cannot know that Quar'an is a good duplicate of what was said by Mohammed ii. All non-Uthman versions or variations were destroyed iii. How can we know that Uthman selected the correct version? 3) Prophecies of military victory are normal for a religious/political leader i. Prophecies of military victory were not specific, Islamic victories and defeats have been encountered ii. Prophecy of Roman victory over Persians did come to pass iii. Romans defeated in 614 or 615, not surprising that they would return (does this make MacArthur a prophet for his statement of "I will return"?) iv. Romans victorious over Persians in 625, 10 or 11 years later. Prophecy said "in a few years" or 3 to 9 years. 4) Quar'an does have contradictions - concept of abrogation 2:107 i. Prayer toward Jerusalem, then Mecca ii. Conversions originally voluntary, then under threat of death 2:256, 9:29 iii. Progressive revelation not logical in a span of 23 years (or less) 5) This is not an argument for divine inspiration, only for the validity of a person's belief i. Any who truly believe will change their lives to conform (especially with rewards of heaven) So if the "evidences" of the divine nature of the Quar'an are not solidly founded, why is the Quar'an accepted and embraced so enthusiastically by Muslims? I'll try to answer that question next week when we look at the Pillars of Islam and Judgment Day. Quar'an passages: 43:3-4 We have made it a Quar'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom). And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom. 2:2 This is the perfect book, free from all doubt; it is a guidance for the righteous 112:1-5 In the name of Allah, Most gracious, ever merciful. Proclaim: He is Allah, the Single; Allah, the Self-Existing and Besought of all. He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none equal to Him in His attributes. 59:24 He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner; His are the most beautiful names. 59:23 Allah is He beside whom there is no god, the Sovereign, ... 11:73 The mercy of Allah and His blessings are upon you, people of the house. Surely, He is praiseworthy, glorious. 48:11 They (hypocrites) will be afflicted with calamity. Allah is wroth (intensely angry) with them and has cast them aside, and has prepared hell for them. 7:12 We did bring you (mankind) into being, then We gave you shape, then We commanded the angels: submit to Adam. The angels submitted, but not Iblis, he was not among those who submitted. 2:173 He has made unlawful for you only that which has died, and blood and the flesh of swine, and that on which the name of any other than Allah has been invoked. But he who is driven by extreme need to partake of any of them, ... it shall be no sin for him. Surely, Allah is most forgiving, merciful. 10:38 It would not be possible for this Quar'an to be devised by any except Allah. 17:89 Proclaim: If all men, high and low, were to gather together to produce the like of this Quar'an, they would not be able to produce the like therof, even though they all combined in the effort. 15:10 Surely We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and We will, most surely, safeguard it. 30:3 The Byzantines have been defeated in the land nearby (Jerusalem), but after their defeat they will be victorious within a few years 4:83 Will they not, then, meditate upon the Quar'an? Had it been from any one other than Allah they would surely have found therein much contradiction. 2:107 Such of Our revelations as We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring (in place) one better or the like thereof 2:256 There shall be no compulsion in religion 9:29 Fight those from among the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) who believe not in Allah. WEEK 3 - The Pillars of Islam Islam, Christian, or both The dead can speak to the living - C (27:80, 1 Sam 28) Jesus is the messiah who will return to earth one day - B So far in our study we have reviewed the life of Mohammed, including his claim to be a prophet, and the Quar'an, including its standing as a holy book. Last week we touched briefly on a couple of topics which I would like to look at further today. Those topics are Muslim beliefs and practices and Muslim views of Judgment Day. Muslim Beliefs and Practices Major focus of Islam is judgment day, paradise and hell How does one get into paradise? (no need to be redeemed as man is basically good) The Quar'an states that entrance into paradise is based upon two things, faith and works (5:10 Allah has promised to those who believe and act righteously that they shall have forgiveness and a great reward) Faith Belief in the oneness of God Belief in the prophecy of Mohammed Belief in life after death First two are the shahada (great confession) - "there is no god but God and Mohammed is His messenger." Those are the basic tenets but Muslim tradition often add three more: Belief in angels Belief in the sacred books Belief in qadar (God decrees everything that happens in the world) This is not an undisputed belief but it is very prevalent among Muslims today. Examples of "inchallah" Pillars The five universal Pillars are: Reciting the confession (14 times daily) - this is the shahada Prayer (5 times daily) - this consists of recitations of Quar'anic sayings and the shahada. Fasting (during the month of Ramadan) - refraining from food, drink (even water), and sexual activity from sunup to sundown Almsgiving (2 ½ % of wealth) - this is similar to what we call tithing. Pilgrimage to Mecca (once per lifetime if able Two categories of devotions Obligitory Supererogatory The 6th pillar is jihad (struggle). Jihad of the tongue - speaking about their faith/religion Jihad of the hand - expressing their faith in good works Jihad of the heart - making their faith a force for good Jihad of the sword - defending their faith when under attack. Note that defense can be self-defense or fighting oppression (any non-Islamic government) Quar'anic passages for jihad: 4:101 - Unbelievers are unto you open enemies 2:244 - fight in the cause of Allah 2:216 - fighting is prescribed for you and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you. 2:190-193 - fight in the cause of God those who fight you...and slay them wherever ye catch them. 9:5 - fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war) 47:4 - Therefore, when ye meet the unbelievers, smite at their necks. Have you heard lately of the beheadings carried out by Islamic terrorists? Most Muslims would condemn those actions but here is support for those brutal actions right out of the Quar'an. The life of Mohammed contains the following examples of violence: Mohammed ordered the assassination of an old Jewish man for writing poetry against Muslims Mohammed ordered the assassination of all men from an entire Jewish tribe (600 to 900) and the confiscation of their property, women, and children. Mohammed ordered the torture and murder of a man who refused to tell him the location of some treasure. The haddith contains the following incidents from the life of Mohammed: Allah's apostle said, "know that paradise is under the shades of swords" Allah's apostle said, "I have been ordered to fight with the people till they say, ‘none has the right to be worshipped but Allah'" Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him One story condoned the killing of women and children in nighttime raids as long as they were not the target of the attack. Paradise promised for those who participate in jihad (3:195 those who have...fought or been slain, verily I will blot out from them their iniquities and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath; a reward from the presence of God, 3:157-158 And if ye are slain or die in the way of God, firgiveness and mercy from Gad are far better than all they could amass. And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! It is unto God that ye are brought together) How much works are enough?Weighed on a scale (miznah), good works vs. bad works(23:102-103 Then those whose scales are heavy with good works will prosper; and those whose scales are light will have ruined their souls; in hell will they abide.)Particularly relevant to 7th century ArabiansMeasured by two angels, right side is good works, left side is bad works, recorded in the Book of DeedsGood deeds worth 10 times what bad deeds areBad deeds of believers turned into good deeds Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:33:17 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=32 Sat, 5 Jul 2008 21:20:58 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=31 Sat, 5 Jul 2008 18:35:17 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=29 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:35:00 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=10 Some have given up on church, but not on GodDoes this describe you?Has the net effect of corporate church left you wanting a vibrant faith and fellowship with others outside the traditional mold?There is a restlessness in the heart of many people. If you have felt led to be a part of something more than church-as-usual, come and learn about Mountainview Community Church - a new Evangelical Free congregation in Durango. Mountainview's worship service is located at Needham Elementary School 2425 West Third Avenue, Durango, CO 81301. (Located two blocks west of Main Ave. from Durango High school)Sunday worship starts at 10:30 A.M.Refreshments and childcare will be provided Sun, 6 Apr 2008 22:25:22 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=27 Why does Mountainview use video worship rather than a live worship band?From our inception, it has been our desire that God be the focus of our worship, not a worship band or soloist. Video based worship allows us to incorporate photos of God's creation with contemporary songs and hymns. It also allows each person at Mountainview to give their full attention to the Lord. The desire to keep God as the center of worship does not mean that we will never have live worship music. Mountainview recognizes that God grants an abundance of talents for the purpose of glorifying Him. Our desire is to be a church where people can find a place to serve in such a way that does not celebrate self, but God. As God brings more people to Mountainview with proven gifts, we will create opportunities to balance our worship with technology and talent How can I find out about this Mounatinview's beliefs?Information brochures on the Evangelical Free Church of America are located on the Information Table as you enter Needham Elementary. You may also visit the EFCA website located at www.efca.org. How often does Mountainview celebrate Communion and offer Baptism?Mountainview Community Church celebrates Communion monthly as part of our Sunday morning worship. Baptism by immersion is offered as needed, but generally celebrated during a special service. If you would desire Baptism, contact Pastor Barry at 764.0777 or sbmooney@msn.com. Does Mountainview involve itself in political interests?We believe that each individual has a civic responsibility to vote and serve in the community in which they live. It our job to obey the command of our Lord to "make disciples" that in turn make disciples. It is not our job to tell people how to vote or exercise civic freedom. We will teach the Scriptures and ask you to prayerfully seek God's direction in the voter booth. Does Mountainview offer ministries other than Sunday morning?Yes. We believe that the best part of our ministry takes place in activity with other believers outside Sunday morning. We offer several "small groups" venues that focus on fellowship, accountability, worship and practical application of the Bible. In addition, we offer affinity groups for Women, Men, Youth & Children. I would like my children to take advantage of the Youth & Children Ministries. How do I get them involved? On Sunday, just drop by the Youth or Children's area prior to worship and register your children. If you would like to talk with one of the leaders,simply refer to the contact information lister below: Terri Wagner, Children & Nursery (dtwagner@wmconnect.com) Darren McKinnis, Youth (DDLMcKinnis@yahoo.com) don't journey alone... FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions Fri, 4 Apr 2008 22:30:20 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=3 As our mission, we will strive to Introduce Christ to the Durango community, Instructing others about Him and moving them along to maturity as well as Imitating Christ through service to others. Each church has a unique way of expressing its purpose and living out its beliefs. Our goal is to encourage all people to pursue a lifelong, joyous relationship with Jesus Christ. Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:46:07 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=22 Doctrine Statement of Faith of The Evangelical Free Church of America The doctrinal position of The Evangelical Free Church of America is summarized in our twelve-article Statement of Faith. We Believe: The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life. In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service. That man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and, thus become children of God. That water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation. That the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ of which He is the Head. That only those who are, thus, members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs. In the personal and premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:06:01 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=20 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 10:09:10 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=19 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 10:07:57 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=11 At Mountainview Community Church, we refer to our faith walk as a journey and we believe that everyone is on this journey. I am not sure why you chose to click on this link on our website, but if you are reading this I can only assume that you are interested in Jesus. May I offer you a personal experience to consider? My journey with Jesus began during the summer of 1980. I had long ago concluded that God existed, but I was not entirely sure that He wanted any kind of relationship with me. Earlier in the summer, I took a job with a local supermarket. The owner was a believer and had an unusual practice of closing his business on Wednesday afternoon at a peak shopping time so that he and his family could attend a Bible study at a local church. After the study, he would return and re-open his business. He would never pressure any of his employees, but each week he would invite us to attend the study along with his family. A large obstacle for me was what I considered hypocrites. People that wore their faith on their sleeve, but it never really seemed to impact their lives. This was not true for the man I worked for. It seemed to me that the more I watched his daily life (and I watched very closely) the more I saw that his faith was real. He gave money from his personal resources to those in need. He delivered groceries at no charge to shut-ins. Jesus actually made a difference in his life! Because of his faith journey, I was truly interested in Jesus. One night I started attending the Bible study. In time, I sought out the pastor for counsel. I had heard the gospel on many occasions throughout my life but, for reasons I am not really sure of, I did not understood that God's Grace is given freely and without obligation to anyone who wants it. I remember thinking that I should not make the decision to follow Jesus until I could follow through with commitment. After hearing my concerns, the pastor opened a copy of the New Testament and located a letter from Paul, Ephesians 2:8-9. He read it and explained to me that the passage meant that Jesus had already accomplished everything that God required in order for me to have a relationship with Him. I truly was separated from God because of my selfishness and sinfulness. He also explained that my relationship with Him was not based on my human effort, but rather on God's unmerited favor and love. I could not clean up my life on my own. I could chose to be "good" for a while, but eventually I would fail. God understood that, so He did for me (and you) what we cannot do for ourselves. This was truly "good news" to me. For the first time in my life the gospel made perfect sense and I was so overwhelmed by what I heard, that I gave Jesus my life. It was God's love for me that won me. At this writing, Jesus has been my Lord and Savior for 24 years. I have learned that following Him is a day to day faith journey. Looking back, I can revisit many places where I have witnessed His faithfulness. I have depended on Him for daily strength to deal with common physical problems such as Crohn's disease & heart disease. I have walked with Him through the sorrow of the loss of my father to cancer and I depend on Him now as my mother struggles with lymphatic cancer. He provided strength to me and my wife as our four-month-old daughter was rushed to the hospital, diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, and we were told that she may not live. She was completely healed and even her doctor said that he could not explain why she was alive. She is now a teenager and doing great. People assume that she has side effects from the meningitis, but she has none. I have known Him to be a generous God. He blessed our family with a son in 1999 and I have watched Him provide for my family in miraculous ways. He has answered countless prayers. Sorrow, happiness, difficulty and anticipation are just a few of the many words that any Christian could use in describing their walk with the Lord, they certainly help to describe my experience with Him. He is indeed Good, Gracious, Merciful and I will ever be grateful to Him for redeeming me and giving me the opportunity to serve Him. I hope that my story has helped you and I pray that you will chose to accept to accept Jesus' offer of eternal life and forgiveness. Simply admit that you are powerless to change yourself and turn your life over to Him. Ask Jesus to take control of your life and then allow Him to do it. One of the other promises that helped me in this regard is from the New Testament letter to the church at Rome, "Say the welcoming word to God-"Jesus is my Master"-embracing, body and soul, God's work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That's it. You're not "doing" anything; you're simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That's salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: "God has set everything right between him and me!" - The Message, Romans 10:9. Others have found that the model prayer listed below to be helpful: Lord Jesus, I am powerless to change my sinful behavior. I have lived my life up to this point without any real regard for you. I am turning the control of my life over to you and I am accepting your offer to save me and grant me eternal life. I want a life journey and relationship with you. If you sincerely prayed the above prayer, Jesus has saved you and you now are beginning an incredible life journey. You will need some direction on this journey. Email us at sbmooney@msn.com and we can help you get started. Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:26:45 MST http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.mountainview-church.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=2 Our church is a community of believers with Jesus Christ as its head. We seek to love, respect and care for one another as a demonstration of our love for God. Our outreach is to those who have no church home. Many in our area are disillusioned with religion. They have felt the sting of legalism with its impossible demands. Some have seen hypocrisy. Others have had no religious background and therefore see Christianity as irrelevant. The missing element has been healthy relationships with mature believers in Jesus. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 20:14:58 MST