A Christmas Lie by Pastor Poppie Paul

I lied to my mom in 1976.  It was a few weeks before Christmas at Fort Bragg, N.C. and I was not yet a Christian.  My friends partied.  I partied.  So I called my mom and told her we were on "alert."  I told her I could not come home for Christmas.  That year I could not imagine being around my family.  My lifestyle did not match the wonderful family who awaited me back home.  At that time of my life I was more connected to my party buddies.

This Christmas Eve will be the 56th celebration with my family.  The one I missed is a reminder that sin leads us to lies.  Lies lead to separation.  Sin, lies, and separation lead to losses that we can never get back.  No matter how many awesome Christmases I get before I die, one will always be missing!

Unworthy

It was Christmas 1977 and I was a brand new Christian.  The last four years had been all about a young soldiers debauchery.  I was invited to the home of a Church of Christ Deacon for a special Christmas party.  Compared to a night in the barracks it was a real treat.

As I stood in his home my thoughts raced through my activities of the past few years, and the beauty of my surroundings.  The Deacon, his wife, his daughters, and his home possessed a dignity and purity that did not reflect my soul.

I grabbed my coat and headed for the door.  The Deacon grabbed hold of me and asked where I was going.  I responded with tears welling up in my eyes, "I am not worthy to be in your home!"  He squeezed me tighter, looked into my eyes, and said words I shall never forget!

"NONE OF US ARE WORTHY TO BE HERE!"

All we are, all we have, and every door that ever opens for us is because

of the Grace of God and the work of Christ on the cross. 

 

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) 

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,

that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 Romans 8:1 (ESV)

 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

This Christmas confess your sins to God,
accept His forgiveness, forgive yourself,
let go of all past hurt, and be free.
Open your heart and soul to the beauty of the season.

Not because you are worthy,
but because the God of the universe has invited you to the party!
Don't allow anything to keep you from accepting His invitation in Christ!

Short Testimony

Paul Reinhard seems to have done it all. From a US Army Special Forces Green Beret HALO SCUBA strike team,to Baptist Pastor in southern California. Paul accepted Christ as a young man in the Green Berets and has been on a journey ever since.  Listen as he shares of his adventures with the Green berets and hear about the amazing ministry opportunities he had as a Glendale police officer, car salesman, businessman and finally Pastor.

The last few years have brought even more adversity and testing of faith. A church arson fire, a bankrupt insurance company and a major shift to a cell model of ministry. Add to that perseverance through much personal loss and you will hear of the adventures, struggles and successes of a great man and Pastor.

Paul Reinhard has been married for 34 years to his wonderful wife and partner Karen. They have been ministering together for over 30 years, from Southern California to New Jersey as Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor and Lead Pastor. His son Chris ,along with his wife Shannon, partner with him in ministry as an Associate Pastor. His daughter Jennifer and her husband Jeremy are both in vocational ministry in the same city.

Paul takes the greatest joy in spending time with 4 wonderful grandchildren swimming playing and hiking.

Paul will encourage and challenge your people to continually live out a life of faith in Jesus Christ.

Education
Bachelor Degree - Azusa Pacific University
Masters of Divinity - Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Now Palmer Seminary)
Doctoral Candidate - Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary