The End Of Another Year

Several thoughts go through my mind. First, is to note what a blessing it was last week to hear the many songs put together by Brother Jerry and those singing. No doubt time and work was put into the effort, and it showed. Also we are thankful to the Lord for those who made the bags/cookies, etc. as well as brought extra food. For a day of below zero weather and snow, it went quite well. The church came as well as several visitors for which we praise the Lord. For those who did not get a copy of the newly done CD by Jerry, and want one, pick it up from the table by the door. 
There is no charge and they are for members and visitors alike. Second, we are coming to a conclusion in the Book of II Corinthians. Hopefully, you have been able to gather the essence of Paul’s appeal for a mutual love between those ministering the word and those having the word ministered to them. 
Of course, as we grow in the Lord, are we not all to be teachers, ministering the word to one another to some degree? I think so - Hebrews 5. 
Third, we are coming to the end of another year in the Lord and in His work. As we look back, we can see His hand and presence in our midst in many ways. We will talk about that during our annual business meeting next month, which is the second Sunday in January. Fourth, we are looking forward to ending the year together as we sing and hear the men speak. Often it seems their messages are a spiritual summary of the year in their lives as well as others. Then last, hopefully all of us can evaluate the past year, see our successes and failures, be thankful for both!, and make old and new determinations for the coming year. What a blessing it is to know and live for the Lord. But I think of the words Jerry and Randy spoke to the young concerning doing something well, and planning for it so it can happen. No doubt all of us need an increased dose of setting our selves to do something for the Lord in our personal lives, our homes, the church and in the neighbor. And what a blessing that will come from that.  “A faithful man shall abound in blessings:” Or “cast your bread upon the waters, and after many days (the year 2009!) we will find it.”
Be sure that if we make determinations and plans to accomplish them within His will for the coming year, that the degree to which we do this - whether in our marriages, children, monies, health, winning the lost, learning God’s Word, praying confidently, serving the church, or doing good to our neighbor - God will bless it and we will be able to look back at the end of next year with great delight and a great sense of satisfaction to God’s glory.

December 21st Special Christmas Service

We decided to have an evangelistic outreach during the Christmas holidays. This was brought up Wednesday. 
As you know, we have been visiting many on the West side. As a result we have come to know in varying degrees 100-200 households. 
Due to the tradition of Christmas and Christmas “religious” services in our nation, we are going to take advantage of it, Lord willing. 
We are going to all these homes inviting them to a special service Dec. 21st at 10:30. It will be normal times (10:30 a.m.), but includes Christmas songs
a cantata, some children singing, a testimony and a simple gospel sermon from the birth of the Lord Jesus. 
It pleased God to save by the foolishness of preaching.
We believe that and will act accordingly. There is a flyer we are using (copies are on the table for your use) as we visit with the folk in the area. 
Of course, you can use it as an opportunity to entreat some folk you know to attend the service. Do so by faith and the Lord will surely bless your step of faith.  Along with this some are making up bags of goodies for all those who attend, especially the visitors (by faith). 
Further, some are bringing extra food for any visitors who want to stay for the meal afterwards.
The bags are being over seen by Amanda R. and Naomi S. (they were just apointed! - they did volunteer wed p.m to help).
If you want to help, see them. We believe this is another step in attempting to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in reaching the folk with the gospel that live in our area. There is no set method, but we do follow what the Lord has put in front of us. We are trying to act in such a way that our compassion for those we are meeting is evident to ourselves as well as our good works shining as a light that they might see this, that God might be glorified and that many of them (O, all of them!) might come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. So then let all the church lift up their prayers for this church and for those we are reaching out to during this Christmas season. The reminder of the coming of the Lord Jesus into this sin cursed world via the virgin birth is a reminder to all of us of how fallen the human race is. Yet He brings us good tidings in being announced as good tidings.  He is the good news. May then many of those we invite as well as this church realize this in a new way or for the first time may this “day star” arise in the hearts of so many, bringing peace and joy to their hearts through the cleansing power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead!

“Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild – God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Some Thoughts Concerning Christmas

For me Christmas seems to come around faster each year! But here we are again. My annual admission is that I love this season of the year,
but before indulging in why this is so, it necessary for me to make some “unChristmas” remarks. 
In making them, let me encourage you to read the paper on Christmas on the table near the door. It is a paper we are trying to put out each year. 
The editor, Bob McCurry, we feel did a good job finding balance in the subject. For you that are not aware, Christmas has a bad history, being associated
with everything from paganism (Santa Claus) to commercialism. Most see the second problem. The first has been somewhat been obscured by time and silence.  For any that don’t celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas time, I support that position without reserve. Personally we do not celebrate the birth of Jesus in that sense during this holiday season. I do admit (another admission) that all the anti - Christian actions by the media, the state, and secularism make me want to put up a manger scene more and more!  While I always had a little bit of a disregard for them in the past, I now applaud them!  Unbelievable!  But I think you understand where I am coming from. And for any that celebrate the birth of Jesus at this time, you have liberty to hold to a day as you see fit.  Of course, the largest gift should go to the Lord Jesus if you are celebrating His birth!  As for ourselves, while we don’t celebrate the birth of Jesus in that sense in our home or in the church, we do use the time for an advantage for our family and the church.  Because people’s minds are on the subject, I am not hesitant to preach a sermon on the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. His virgin birth is extremely important to say the least. We also sing songs that glorify the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. In our home we gather with our family, exchange gifts and enjoy the company of each other.  And who doesn’t find their spirit gladdened by the Christmas songs, children coming home, the smell of the cooking!, the above - normal friendliness and the ability to remove ourselves, somewhat, from the hustle and bustle of life for a time of mental, physical and spiritual refreshment?  So may the Lord grant all of us a refreshing and edifying holiday season. 

”Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord...”
Luke 2:10,11