From his message entitled “The Lamps of Life,” Steve encouraged his home church of New Beginnings Church on Sunday, January 8 with what God had laid on his heart. Due to the snowfall on Saturday, January 7, Steve only spoke during the 10:30 a.m. service from Matthew 25:1-13, with the 8:30 a.m. service being cancelled. The single service’s congregation of 231 people received a reminder of how precious life is and the tools for how to keep their lamps burning.
Tim McAvoy, Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church, enjoyed what Steve’s message offered. “Steve connects with the audience by weaving his Biblical knowledge together with his vast experience into a cohesive message that is relevant, uplifting, and challenging.”
Steve’s points concerning the Parable of the Ten Virgins emphasized how we all are meant to choose life. In his sermon, he also elaborated that we need daily discernment and confidence to follow what God instructs us to accomplish, and avoid foolishness by disobeying Him. Steve agrees with the apostle James. From the New King James Version, James 4:14 states: “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” At the end of the sermon, many people raised their hands to serve Christ more when Steve offered the invitation. Praise God for what work He accomplished in this service!
During their time together, Tim has learned extensive lessons from Steve, including what Steve shared during last Sunday’s sermon. “What encouraged me the most from Steve’s message was how we can rebound from missed opportunities to witness [and to] obey God.”
Looking at Steve’s impact upon New Beginnings, Tim appreciates how much Steve blesses others. “Steve selflessly gives his all to this church and earnestly desires that God would use the people and resources of New Beginnings Church to spur revival in our community and world,” Tim said.
Tim shared great encouragement as Steve continues to speak and share Jesus throughout 2017 and beyond. “Steve, you’re a better friend and mentor than I deserve. I’m excited about the open doors ahead and I look forward to fulfilling everything God has prepared for us.”
