Friends and Family of PAC,

How many of you can remember me asking you to “move to the center of the pew” at some point in the last year? If you’ve attended a holiday service or our 10:30 am service, you’ve probably heard me ask that. God continues to do amazing things at PAC through continued growth. Should we be surprised? No! We shouldn’t expect anything less from the faithful God we worship and serve.
We have seen continued growth in many key areas at PAC, including our weekly attendance. We have planted our first church in Hamilton that is averaging over 250 people weekly. Since launching 217church, we have averaged 1,430 in attendance, here at PAC. Almost half of those individuals attend the 10:30 am service on Sunday. The sanctuary is at capacity during the 10:30 am service. When asked, “Why do you prefer the 10:30 am service?” we heard answers like, “We love the sense of community we feel in a full sanctuary, all joining in worship together.” and “The timing just works for us. It’s not too early and not too late.”

We are growing as a congregation. What a pleasant problem to have…but…we need to do something…and fast.

Sanctuary Expansion

To better accommodate the existing Body and those that God is sending to PAC, we are planning to expand the main level sanctuary by 150 seats. Considering the current economic environment, we looked for the best possible solution to expand the sanctuary with minimal investment. The proposed expansion will cost PAC approximately $200,000. We will be paying for it by using cash on hand, so that no debt is incurred. Additionally, no capital campaign will be needed. We can remain focused on giving to our existing priorities:

The General Fund – funding our internal ministries
He Cares We Care, – our ministry to the “least of these” supplying basic needs of food, shelter and transportation
The Great Commission – our mission outreach with primary focus on Mexico, Brazil and Thailand
217church – our new church plant in Hamilton, NJ
So, here’s what’s happening:

Construction is scheduled to begin the week of June 21.
The project is targeted for completion by the first week in September.
Disruption to the stage and back walls in the sanctuary will last for four to six weeks.
We have worked extensively with the contractor to minimize impact on the weekend worship services.
During this time our worship team will adjust their approach to accommodate the construction.
And how about our kids’ summer camp? The stage will be back in place before camp. No work will be done during camp hours to allow us to focus on ministering to our children without distraction!
Shift in Service Times

After careful consideration, we are proposing a change in service times to maximize our potential for “what works” on Sunday mornings, after the remodel is complete.

Considerations included:

Sense of community that is felt with a full sanctuary vs. a sanctuary that’s half full
Staff and volunteer time needed to pull off three services each Sunday
Expanded facility usage for small/mid-size group activities occurring on Sunday afternoons
We believe the most efficient outcome is to move the three Sunday services to two. We believe two services of 600+ in attendance, has a lot more community synergy than our current status. Therefore, we are planning to shift the Sunday services as of our kick-off weekend of September 11 – 12. The new service times will be 9:30 am and 11:15 am.

Celebrate

This is an exciting time of growth for PAC. Join me in celebrating our response to God’s calling as we look for new ways to meet the needs of our congregation and community. Celebrate that we are a thriving community here at PAC because of God’s work here! Celebrate that we are reaching even more broken people around the globe, only made possible through God’s grace! Celebrate our sanctuary expansion as an opportunity to fill these new seats with more people that have an opportunity to worship our Savior! As we celebrate God’s good works in the midst of construction, it all comes down to the heart of worship. It’s all about our Lord and Savior, and helping people experience Him to the fullest! We will not lose focus of that. And, I’m sure God will bless us with some “aha” moments along the way.

Seeking the Lord together with you,

Boyd Hannold
Senior Pastor
Princeton Alliance Church

We are wrapping up the “You asked for it” series responses where we answered the tough questions you always wanted answered. If you missed any part of the series, visit princetonalliance.org/worship/online to hear some of the topics already discussed during weekend services.

1. What is Princeton Alliance Church about? How is it different from other churches?

PAC is an evangelical church with a contemporary worship style. It belongs to the Metro District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of churches. The best way to answer this question is to come to a Discover PAC class (contact adults@princetonalliance.org to get information on the next class) where we will take a couple of hours to help you get to know us.

2. Does God care if you get a tattoo? Please reference Lev 19: 28.

Leviticus was written around 1450 to 1400 B.C. by Moses after the LORD spoke to them. Verse 28 says we are not to make any marks on our bodies. At the same time, verse 27 says that we are not to round off the side hair growth on our heads or on our beards. Verse 26 says we are not to eat any meat with the blood in it. However, many Christians today grow beards of all shapes and love to eat rare meat. There has always been a dividing mark between the laws of the Old Testament – moral and ceremonial. The moral laws, such as the 10 commandments, still remain. The ceremonial laws were fulfilled in Christ. These verses in Leviticus were written because these activities were two practices of the heathen 3500 years ago. The LORD was giving laws for daily living in this section of the Bible for the Israelites to distinguish themselves from the heathen in the broader context setting standards for God’s people in His call to holiness. Today, God’s call is to Jesus. It is about drawing all people to himself regardless of outward appearances. He sent His Son, Jesus, specifically to fulfill the law once and for all as the perfect sacrifice for all.

3. Why was John the Baptist not allowed to drink alcohol?

John the Baptist took a vow as part of a monastic type community he was a part of. He took the Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:1-27) which also included not cutting his hair or going near anything unclean such as graves. It was a personal choice that John the Baptist made and not a mandate from scripture for everyone to follow.

4. Why did God set Adam & Eve up to fail? He knew everything that was going to happen, so did He cause all this by setting it in motion?
Why wouldn’t God want Adam & Eve to have knowledge of good and evil? Wouldn’t that be a good thing?

God does know everything and knew that Adam and Eve would fail. God’s nature is one of love and wanting to be in relationship with man that he created. God could have prevented sin or just made us His perfect worshipers, the end result being more of a ‘robot’ style of relationship where we simply do what we were commanded. Instead He chose to give us a free will, to choose to follow His ways and worship Him. The same goes for the tree of knowledge of good and evil, it was a choice for Adam and Eve to be obedient and be in relationship with God. If they had not eaten of it, God would not have to leave them to their own interpretations of what was actually good and what was evil. He would be in relationship with them to lead them always down the proper path. By eating of that tree, they not only understood but they understood without the ability of God to choose the “good” path at all times. That’s why it was not a good thing to eat of the tree.

Love that is forced is not love. God knew that and put the “test” there so that He could have a relationship with us. They didn’t have to fail, in fact they didn’t fail until Satan got involved and Adam and Eve chose to not follow God’s guidelines. The result was that evil, sin, suffering, sickness, and death entered the world ever since. Adam and Eve’s decision results in each and every person being born with a sin nature, a tendency to sin. Adam and Eve’s decision is what ultimately required Jesus Christ to die on the cross and shed His blood on our behalf so that we would be free from the curse of sin. But since God was all knowing, He had the plan of Christ ready even before Adam and Eve sinned. He loves us that much, even including the sacrifice of His son into his plans from the start. Through faith in Christ, we can be free from sin’s consequences. God did not set them up so that he could punish them for eternity. He made a way for them to have a genuine relationship with Him.

When we live a life as Christ as our savior, not only do we have this amazing opportunity to be in relationship with the creator of the universe, be free from the curse of sin and as Jesus said in John 10:10, we can live live to the fullest as sons and daughters of God.

We are continuing to provide answers to tough questions you always wanted answered. Visit princetonalliance.org/worship/online to hear some of the topics already discussed during weekend services.

1. How does God look upon someone who has made the decision to divorce someone they thought they loved, but, turned out otherwise?

Matthew 5:31-32 says, “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.” This passage from Jesus speaking in the Sermon at the Mount is clear concerning acceptable reasons for divorce. There are additional considerations that you will find in a message from Boyd Hannold delivered on the weekend services on January 13, 2008. You might want to get that message off the website or in DVD format. However, falling out of love with your spouse is not one of those reasons given by God to allow for divorce. Probably many marriages today are in a state of lovelessness for a variety of reasons, either legitimate or not. Classes like Marriage Built to Last at PAC help couples find Christ-centered marriages that involve hard work, clear communication and mutual respect for one another.

2. What is the Biblical perspective on romantic relationships with non-believers?

The question, “Should Christians go out with or date a non-Christian?” is an age-old question. There are of course many stories of Christians dating non-Christians who eventually give their lives to Christ and they go on to be married. Unfortunately, there are more stories to the contrary that end in heartache and splitting up either before or after marriage. The Bible says guard your heart above all else. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Be careful of getting into situations that could end badly and a root of bitterness springs up in you. Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Jesus is our model of dedication to God and we are limited as Christians in the things we should do. Our lives should reflect the principle of living for God as much as possible, rather than the concept of how much we can get away with. The Bible is clear that a believer should not marry a non-believer. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” So, why should we put ourselves in the position of possibly falling in love with an unbeliever by dating them in the first place? This is one where great care should be exercised.

3. Is dating ok? Should we encourage or discourage kids from dating?

While most people have differing opinions about dating, it is one area where the Bible does not give a lot of information. We live in a culture that revolves around dating. To avoid it completely would be difficult at best. However, Christian teens can get some idea of God’s expectations from certain scripture verses:
• Genesis 2:24: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
• Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

These three scriptures give insight into the Christian dating life. We need to realize that God means for us to meet the ONE person that we are meant to marry. According to Genesis, a man will leave home to marry one woman to become one flesh. You do not need to date a lot of people (although there is no prohibition not to) – just the right one.
Also, Christian teens need to guard their hearts. The word “love” is thrown around with little thought. Yet, we often live for love. We live for God’s love first and foremost, but we also live for the love of others. While there are many definitions of love, 1 Corinthians tells us how God defines love.
It is love that should drive Christian teens to date, but it should not be the shallow version of love. When you date it should be taken seriously. You should know the person you are dating, know their beliefs and seek to help them in their walk.

4. What if you are a non-believing spouse?

I am not exactly sure what the question is focused on. However, assuming you are a spouse to a believer and you are looking for answers related to restore/improve your marriage to a believer much is the same in all marriages to continually reach deeper levels of intimacy. You are free to make your own choices as to how you will handle the relationship but Scripture should guide the believing spouse. Real intimacy will only occur when the deepest belief systems between two people match. There are three verses that apply to this type of marriage as well:

Genesis 2:24: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

The difference for the non-believer is that the believer has made Jesus the Lord of their life. If they are a practicing believer they are following Jesus’ teachings and are conforming their character to that of Jesus. Since Jesus is the believer’s model they are limited as Christians in the things they should do. They have to sacrifice many things the world does not and one of those things is putting Jesus first even above the relationship with the spouse. This does not mean that the believer does not love the spouse. It does mean that they may be called to a higher standard of behavior towards God and other human beings.

Family & Friends of PAC,

This summer our high school students have an incredible opportunity to be a part of a life-changing experience – the LIFE 2010 conference in Louisville Kentucky.

The LIFE conference happens once every three years.  LIFE 2010 will equip our students to grow and mature in their faith.  Students spend five days listening to powerful speakers, incredible bands and being enriched by seminars and break out sessions focused on:

• Learning how to grow in their faith
• Developing community with one another
• Equipping them to bring hope into the world around them

Here’s how you can help…

• Sponsor a student  now through June 30.  If you would like to help sponsor a student and would like work done around your house, babysitting, cleaning, tutoring, etc., please complete the questionnaire available at the link below.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dERRcHU4b0U0QkdNY0xhTjhpZXZ1bUE6MQ

The student ministries’ team will take the information and match you up with a student.  The goal is to have the work done before the student goes on the trip.  However, if you have other work that needs to be done later in the summer, just let them know.

• Get your car washed! Come by for a car wash and make a donation to help a student attend the LIFE 2010 conference.  Saturday, June 12 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at PAC.

If you have any questions, contact the student ministries’ team at students@princetonalliance.org.

Thank you for your help in making a difference in the next generation.

Boyd Hannold
Senior Pastor
Princeton Alliance Church

We are continuing to provide answers to tough questions you always wanted answered. Visit princetonalliance.org/worship/online to hear some of the topics already discussed during weekend services.

What does the Bible say about contraception? What, if any, kind is acceptable? Is using the pill a sin?

Our view would be that contraception is not a sin and that using the pill is not a sin. There simply is not enough biblical evidence that points towards contraception being a sin. Contraception becomes then a matter of personal conscience that should be taken with great care. One view would state that contraception interferes with the will of God on someone’s life and that the sole purpose of marriage is procreation. (Genesis 38:1-10) While procreation is a reason God gives marriage there are other reasons as well: Companionship (Genesis 2:18) and pleasure and intimacy (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). God can work through human choices and is about redeeming his purpose of marriage.

What does the Bible say about intervention for infertile couples? Is IVF acceptable or playing God?

Because of the technological revolution that has allowed modern medicine to help people conceive and keep children alive, we have this privilege as God has allowed us to preserve life and encourage the health and repair of a woman’s body. Medicine can be used for the beautiful purpose of sustaining life or destroying it. The key is that God values life. Even when natural conception happens, it is clear that it is God who ordains and sustains life. (Nehemiah 9:6) One needs to be careful of extreme position on this issue because the clear view is that God values human life. All human life from the point of conception needs to be treated with care, dignity and respect.

How do I let go of worry and anxiety in this upside down economy?

Anxiousness and worry is a part of life we will struggle with but God gives us his peace that comes with the Holy Spirit. Peace is actually a fruit of having the Holy Spirit dwell in you. God promises his peace and we should pray for his peace. WIth things the way they are in today’s economy the key is to not put our trust in the things, money and systems of the world for our eternal significance. Jesus and Paul give specific words that say “Do not worry” (Luke 12:22) and “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Jesus does not want us to be entangled in greed, worry, or covetousness because they pull us away from God. Do I worry? Yes. Do I need to or have to? No. When you feel worried take a moment and stop for prayer and let God’s peace walk you through that moment. This type of situation also speaks to our need for others however. There are those times when we are going under and we know these truths and recite prayer, but we still can’t see how we will get through tomorrow. This is the biblical need and nature of the body. Having someone who can minister to you during this time is a critical piece of allowing the body to function at its best. We need each other and times like these allow that to happen.

We are continuing to provide answers to tough questions you always wanted answered.  Visit princetonalliance.org/worship/online to hear some of the topics already discussed during weekend services.

Why are some saying 12/12/12 will be the end of the world?  Isn’t God the only one who knows when this day will be?

The 12/12/12 prediction is based on the Mayan calendar and their belief system, and has no link to Christian beliefs.

The Bible tells of many events that will occur before the Second Coming and which will be signs that the end is near. There will be wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, persecutions, and an increase in wickedness, the Gospel must first be preached to all nations and the temple at Jerusalem would be destroyed. (The temple was in fact destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.)

The timing of the Second Coming has been a subject of hot debate within Christianity from the beginning. Jesus, Himself, said no one would be able to predict exactly when He would return:

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:32-33

“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ” 1 Thessalonians 5:1

We should also not use Jesus’ gift of salvation as insurance to get to heaven. We should embrace living a life in relationship with Jesus, utilizing the time we have to serve God in His earthly kingdom until the day He calls us unto himself.

What do the end times look like?  What are the signs or critical points? Can we study the book of Revelation or is it hard to understand?  Can we have a sermon series on this?

Our knowledge of the end times is largely based on the words of Jesus referring to His return as well as apocalyptic prophecy (God’s revelation of a specific end time) we find in books like Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah and the book of Revelation.  We recognize scripture as the divine words of God, but care must be taken with interpreting apocalyptic literature and not read more into it than was meant.  This is not an easy task and it is the reason that there are so many “camps” when we talk about details of the end.  Probably the one best passage that describes signs of the end times is Matthew 24.  You should read that and make your own list.  Of all the passages on the end times, this one is most easily understood.

By the way, we should not only look at Revelation as a study of the “end times” but also to other lessons that can be gained from this book.  Its principles include those of redemption, the reign of Christ in judgment and the establishing of the kingdom of God.

Yes, we could have a sermon series on this.  I tend to concentrate on those Scriptural issues that we clearly need to understand for our life in Christ in the here and now.  Obviously, all Scripture has some relevance to our lives at this point in time but those dealing with the final days are not high on my list for a sermon series.

And yes, Revelation is hard to understand.

Is it okay to question God or to ask “why Lord”?

Even the prophet Habbakuk had questions regarding the timing of the Lord’s plan. Habakkuk, rather than being rebuked for his questions, is patiently answered, and the prophet ends his book with a song of praise to the Lord. Many questions are put to God in the Psalms (Psalms 10, 44, 74, 77). These are the cries of the persecuted who are desperate for God’s intervention and salvation.

Although God does not always answer our questions in the way we want, we conclude from these passages that God welcomes a sincere question. In these times we should be in dialog with God, not only asking but also listening, being in relationship with Him.

We may not get the answer we’re looking for, or even be able to change what has happened, but by coming into God’s presence we enter into a special place, a place of comfort, of healing, a place where we can find peace and acceptance. Part of the process is us understanding God’s sovereignty, His perfect plan and understanding and the fallen nature of man that has placed us in an imperfect world.

We can question God, but we should not with the attitude of demanding an answer. And like Job, if we cross the line from questioning for an answer to question in judgment, God has every right to remind us how little we know and how much greater He is than us.

God knows our hearts, and knows whether we are genuinely seeking Him to enlighten us.