Solomon's Porch Oakhurst

Christ’s Resurrection – Reflections from Four Generations

atelian — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:22:37 +0000

Few things are more foundational to our faith than the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. During the Easter season we delight to celebrate this amazing fact. In this talk, four generations point to the importance and wonder of Christ’s resurrection. Join us as we hear reflections on resurrection from Talon Smith, Aaron Telian, Mike Cox, and Ken Carlson.

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Talon Smith Session Handout (PDF)

Dennis McCourt: Serving the Homeless

atelian — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 05:17:22 +0000

Over the past winter, a number of churches have joined together to provide food, shelter, and encouragement for the homeless in the Oakhurst area. Dennis McCourt has helped to organize the outreach, and will present various aspects of it in this session.

Our Lord was moved with compassion. Compassion is a compound word with Latin roots. ”Com” means together and “patti” means passion or suffering, “together suffering”. Jesus was moved by compassion to suffer with us so he could ultimately eradicate evil and suffering. We, as cross bearing disciples, are called upon to follow in Jesus’ foot steps. Dennis will be sharing about an opportunity here in our community to let Christ be manifested in His people as the compassionate Savior/Deliverer that He is. The door of outreach Dennis will be discussing is “Full Circle Homeless Shelter”.

Dennis invites you to come “suffer together” with him and listen to his presentation. He promises it will not be too painful!

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Session Handout (PDF)

Dennis McCourt is a self described “ignorant and unlearned man who has been with Jesus”. He is a prophetic evangelist and independent businessman who resides in Oakhurst along with his wife of 25 years and their two children. He is affiliated with Life Links International which is a worldwide apostolic network of churches. Dennis has done international evangelistic outreaches in Africa, Haiti, China, El Salvador, and Mexico. For years Dennis has lead teams into San Quentin State Penitentiary several times a year to do cell to cell evangelism and to “do church” in the Garden Chapel within the walls of the prison. Currently Dennis is helping spearhead a cooperative homeless shelter called Full Circle Family Outreach in the Oakhurst area. This is a joint effort involving several churches that open up the doors of their church on a rotating daily schedule. Most importantly, he has a passion for Jesus and His Body and is seeking to see God’s Kingdom come in ever increasing measure upon the earth.

Donald Telian: A Generation of Homeschoolers for Jesus

atelian — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:37:05 +0000

Coincident with the graduation of a new generation of homeschoolers, homeschooling in America continues to garner wide spread acceptance. While many encouragements exist to get you started in homeschooling or assist you along the way, somehow in the busyness of it we often need reminders of our finish line: Jesus. The finish line is Jesus.

We know that in theory, but what does it look like in practice? In this talk Donald Telian examines some of our perceived finish lines, and exalts Jesus Christ as the only One who is worthy to receive our lives, our children, our all. If you’re homeschooling, join us for this talk on Luke 1:17 as we explore what it might look like to keep Jesus as our homeschool’s final destination.

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Lloyd Gardner: The Church – The Pillar and Ground of Truth

atelian — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:46:40 +0000

In this age of unfolding spiritual change there is much misunderstanding about what the church is and how it honors the Lord and builds up His people. “Church” is one of those concepts that has been so used and abused that many people cannot get past their traditional understanding of what it is. Lloyd believes that the Holy Spirit in these days is breaking through that spiritual wall of tradition allowing many people to come back to a simple, Bible-oriented, Spirit-led understanding of the nature of the church. The church is not an organization of men but a spiritual organism that can only grow when it is infused with the life of Christ in the Spirit. The church is truly the body of Christ, the earthly representation of Christ on earth. Paul calls it “His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” It is a context in which Christ is the guest of honor and His followers gather around Him and let Him lead by His Spirit. Thus it becomes a context in which truth unfolds and revelation comes forth. In this way it is the pillar and ground of truth.

Lloyd Gardner has been married to Mary for over 44 years and has two children and four grandchildren. He is a former pastor, retired public school teacher, and artist. He pastored several traditional churches over the years but in recent years has been active in the house church movement that is sweeping the nation and the world. Lloyd embraces the vision of a revived body of Christ that will rise up in the love, unity and power of the Holy Spirit.

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Session Handout (PDF)

Jon Hardin: Community that Counts – Back to the Future

atelian — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:46:31 +0000

Almost 300 years ago a small group of European Christians banded together to pursue Christ and his mission in our world. In this session Jon Hardin takes us on a journey “back to the future” – not with Michael J. Fox – but into church history to look at a story which has much to offer the church in our day.
Known to history as the “Moravians,” these believers offer us an extraordinary example of what God can do through a small fellowship of Christians who are fully yielded to his purposes.

Jon Hardin has years of practical experience in the business world, the local church, and in ministry. Jon is the National Communications Specialist for Frontiers, an international mission agency focused on reaching the Muslim world. He also ministered with Caleb Project for over fifteen years, serving in various executive leadership roles. Jon regularly speaks and teaches on missions in local churches, at conferences, and in training events throughout the world. He has a passion for seeing local churches and ordinary Christians step into strategic roles in the global missions enterprise.

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Donald Telian: Spiritual Man, Spiritual Leader

atelian — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:24:36 +0000

While we may see a few outward signs, it is the inward and unseen things that define a spiritual man. A spiritual man is someone who has a hunger for God, has learned how to draw his strength from Him, and is able to see his own weakness and sin. As God directs and guides him, he will naturally lead others.

A spiritual leader must first be a spiritual man. Awkwardness develops when a man ignores this, or when a wife has an incorrect view of what a spiritual leader is. In this talk, Donald Telian shares the challenges and victories as God works this out in a marriage and home.

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Session Handout (PDF)

Jeremy Becker: Relating to Relatives

atelian — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:25:32 +0000

The area of relationships, especially within our extended families, can be a rather touchy and turbulent subject. Jeremy will address some of what the scriptures have to say about the subject and some of what he has experienced in his life. He will end by opening it up for discussion about the issues we all face as we are trying to raise a godly heritage while honoring those who have gone before us.

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Eduart Demo: The Gospel Spreads To and Through Albania

atelian — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:48:40 +0000

In 1967 Albania was declared to be the world’s first officially atheistic state, and it was forbidden by law to believe in or speak about God. Many years later, when the country began to open up to the gospel in the early 1990s, the good news found fertile soil in the hearts of many Albanians. One of these was the young man Eduart Demo, who in 1993 committed his life to follow Jesus Christ. Today, Eduart and his wife Valbona serve the Lord by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ throughout Albania and beyond.

In this session, Eduart explains what it’s like to see your homeland receive the gospel and the church begin afresh. He goes on to tell how Albanian believers are now at work spreading the gospel to nearby Muslim countries.

This is an inspiring first-hand account of God’s mercies in the far away land of Albania. You can learn more about Eduart’s family and work in Albania at www.TheDemoFamily.org.

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Session Handout (PDF)

Norman Smith: The Joys of Preaching Open Air

atelian — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:52:01 +0000

About once a week when Norman Smith is out preaching in public, someone who claims to be a Christian decides to clue him in: either the place he is preaching or the way he is preaching is all wrong. But was the farmer in the Parable of the Sower thoughtless because he threw seed in all directions?

Going out in the public to preach the Gospel is challenging on many levels, but for Norman, it is a joy to speak to the lost with faith. By his own admission, Norman is not one particularly suited for this ministry, and his story tells of some of the obstacles he has had to deal with along the way. His testimony will encourage those who sense the Lord’s calling in this area.

Are you growing in your faith, or are you holding on to a status quo like Norman was twenty four years after he first met Jesus? Does Jesus want you to be a sower?

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Session Handout (PDF)

Brian Callis: About Worship – Either I Worship or I Die

atelian — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:43:00 +0000

God delights in the worship He receives from His children; but, He doesn’t need it, we do! In this month’s Porch, Brian will be sharing what the Lord has shown him about worship, its many facets, and its answer to the heart’s desperate questions.

Brian’s engaging talk will help you re-think the often misunderstood subject of worship, particularly if you would like to grow in your freedom to worship God in spirit and in truth.

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Session Handout (PDF)

Howard Beyer: Bondservants of Christ

atelian — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:00:16 +0000

While much of the church today is chasing after the latest “Leadership Seminar”, could it be that the Body of Christ might need to focus on being “followers” or “servants of the most high”?

“Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” -Matthew 23:10-12

The greatest leader the world will ever know, that is Christ, was the most humble servant.

May we strive to be like Him by serving one another in the spirit of Christ.

May we continually think of what we can do for others rather than what they can do for us.

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Session Handout (PDF)

Patrick Smith: Family Reformation

atelian — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:00:22 +0000

During the last couple decades, God has moved upon many to chart a course that is totally different than their forefathers. While Family Reformation isn’t easy, it’s far from dull.

At this session we’ll hear veterinarian Patrick Smith explain how God set in motion Family Reformation in his heart and home many years ago. We’ll hear fascinating stories from both the mission field and life at home in the states as the Smiths endeavored to walk out the vision God had implanted.

Wherever you are in your family journey, you will be encouraged by Patrick’s wit and wisdom as he shares openly about lessons learned on their unique journey.

Click to Listen

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Session Handout (PDF)

Donald Telian & Aaron Telian: Child To Adult

atelian — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:12:38 +0000

UPDATE: Several people have told us that after downloading the file, the talk cuts off after 50 minutes. We’re working on getting that fixed. For now, you can hear the full talk if you stream it from this page.

Children change rapidly during the second decade of their lives. Parents can easily be caught off guard during this season since the skills necessary for second decade parenting are quite different than those used during the first.

During this session we’ll hear from Donald Telian, a father of eight children, and his oldest son Aaron, a 23-year-old finish carpenter and journalist. Approaching this session as a father and son team enables them to look at the topic from all sides. While Donald has a particular burden to see parents function well together during this season, Aaron carries a burden to see young people who have grown up “in the faith” rise up and translate that faith into adulthood.

Whether you are a parent or child, this session will encourage you to join together, understand each other, and redeem the second decade to shine the light of Christ in a world increasingly filled with dysfunctional family relationships.

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Session Handout (PDF)

“To Be One” Video Premiere

atelian — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:04:57 +0000

To Be One takes a fresh look at a very old subject: couples pursuing marriage. Indeed, numerous Christian families are deliberately following God’s call to approach marriage differently than the world around them. To Be One takes a look at three couples who desired to honor God and each other throughout the process.

But what is that process? To Be One illustrates, by its variety of situations, that God’s creativity transcends any method for all to follow. Perhaps some things are left a mystery that is simply too wonderful for us? He is a God of surprises and is able to do far more than we can think or imagine.

To Be One seeks to encourage families and young people by showing real life stories of faith and commitment. Three couples, along with their parents, describe their journeys into marriage. They share their challenges and victories during this pivotal time in their lives, taking us from the birth of the idea to the proposal. Actual footage from their weddin gs gives a glimpse into the joy of that day as they truly become one.

The topic of marriage would not be complete without addressing the big picture. Through giving us the gift of marriage there is something the Lord wishes to show us about himself. Each story featured in To Be One sheds light on some unique aspect of that eternal truth: the purest act of love, Christ’s sacrifice for His bride and His proposal to mankind.

For more information, please visit www.ToBeOneVideo.com

Jonathan Lindvall, Michael Cox, & Kirk Huckabone: What Are The Goals Of Education?

atelian — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:31:21 +0000

In many nations of the world, Education is viewed as the key to a life of wealth and stability. This is arguably true in America as well, where family bonds and good morals are routinely sacrificed for the sake of Education. While we deplore this distortion of priorities, at the same time we recognize that curiosity, learning, and skill development are indispensable in the training of responsible adults. What then is the proper view of Education, and what goals should we have for our children in this regard?

This session at Solomon’s Porch explored the Goals of Education during a panel discussion with three men who are leaders in the field: Jonathan Lindvall, Michael Cox, and Kirk Huckabone.

Jonathan Lindvall was involved in establishing the legal basis for homeschooling in California in the 1980s, and is the Principal of Christian Pilgrims School International. Jonathan lives in Springville, CA.

Michael Cox is a father of six and the Principal of both Mountain Home School and Glacier High School. He lives in Ahwahnee, CA.

Kirk Huckabone is a father of three and the principal of Oak Creek Intermediate School. He lives in Ahwahnee, CA.

This session comes at the end of the typical school year; a time when many of us are contemplative about our educational direction. It’s a good time to do some critical thinking about our methods, priorities, and goals.

Jeff Welch: Growing in Prayer

atelian — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:00:11 +0000

Prayer is not a duty. Prayer is something that flows joyfully and spontaneously from a relationship with God. This month Jeff Welch joined us to share about and bear testimony to the importance of prayer. Listen and be encouraged.

(Depending on the speed of your connection, you may need to allow the player several minutes to buffer the file.)

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Session Handout (PDF)

Jeff Welch is married to Lori and is the father of four children. He lives in Templeton, CA and is the President of Jeffery C. Welch and Associates, Inc..

Tim Fickling: Who Is My Real Father?

atelian — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:49:07 +0000

This month Tim Fickling shared about adoption, focusing on adoption as a metaphor for salvation. After speaking he invited five other men with adopted children to share about their experiences. This was a very unique session, with a lot of praiseworthy testimony. Listen and be encouraged.

(Depending on the speed of your connection, you may need to allow the player several minutes to buffer the file.)

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Session Handout (PDF)

Tim Fickling is married to Susi and is the father of five adopted children. He lives in Ahwahnee, CA and works for TaylorTeter Partnership, an electrical engineering firm in Fresno, CA.

Jeremy Becker: Consider it all Joy

atelian — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:41:49 +0000

Living the Christian life is not all fun and games; we know from the Word of God that trials will come. Jeremy Becker speaks from personal experience about trusting God in the midst of trials, joyfully partaking in the refining process of discipleship. Listen and be encouraged.

(Depending on the speed of your connection, you may need to allow the player several minutes to buffer the file.)

Download Audio (MP3)

Session Handout (PDF)

Jeremy Becker is married to Alicia and is the father of four children. He lives in Oakhurst, CA, and owns Inheritance Builders, offering financial counsel from a Christian perspective. Visit Jeremy’s blog Enduring Wealth to read his latest thoughts and insights.

Robert Carrillo: The Sanctity of Marriage

atelian — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:33:40 +0000

At Solomon’s Porch this month Robert Carrillo shared with us from Genesis about the sanctity of marriage. Listen and be encouraged.

(Depending on the speed of your connection, you may need to allow the player several minutes to buffer the file.)

Further resources:

Download Audio (MP3)

Session Handout (PDF)

Robert Carrillo is married to Pamela and is the father of three children. He lives in Mountain Home, AR, and works as a sales associate for Perma-Coat, a commercial roofing company.

Scott Parish: When My “Christian” Family Heard The Gospel

atelian — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:46:35 +0000

Friday night we heard from Scott Parish about the essence and purpose of the Gospel. With brutal honesty, Scott described his family’s history of sin and legalism, and their joy at discovering the freedom of the cross.

As a Church we need to rediscover the centrality of the Gospel. Listen and be encouraged.

(Depending on the speed of your connection, you may need to allow the player several minutes to buffer the file.)

Further resources:

Download Audio (MP3)

Session Handout (PDF)

Written Testimony

Scott’s Blog

Scott Parish is married to Sandy and is the father of eight children and grandfather of four. He lives in Orange Cove, CA, and is a partner at Mangini Associaties Inc., an architectural firm in Visalia.

Welcome

atelian — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 07:28:13 +0000

This is the online resource center for Solomon’s Porch Oakhurst. We’ll be keeping this site updated with the audio from the talks and the schedule of upcoming meetings.

Below you’ll find basic information about Solomon’s Porch in PDF format. Feel free to download and print these flyers and distribute to your family, friends, and coworkers.

Solomon’s Porch Flyer (Color)

Solomon’s Porch Flyer (Black & White)

We’re excited for many months of discussion and discovery. May Jesus increase among us.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

-Romans 15:13, ESV