1-4-04
HOLY SPIRIT BLESS US
Matthew 5: 16 ; 2 Cor 5: 17
We are so thankful that the Lord Jesus really bless us in so many things such as our life, thank the Lord that we are alive & kicking. Some can’t make it this year so its really a wonderful thing to be thankful for.
We thank the Lord that we have faith in Jesus Christ or else our life might be ruin. It could be separation happen if not because of our faith, don’t get me wrong my friends we live in a society that almost anything are permissive even the things that are opposite to the teaching of the Bible.
We thank the Lord that we have a small fellowship wherein there are people who are willing to listen, to give advise if need arises, and we can talk about our struggles in life, we shared together our joys and concerns, but most importantly we are praying together.
We thank the Lord that we met other Filipino – Americans in the area and it’s a challenge for us to get involve although sometimes it’s not our comfort zone sharing our faith to others but still we have to for the sake of Jesus commandment.
There so much things in our mind, so much dreams for our family and children, so many things pop up in our thoughts about our future, about our life and so much more.
But, is there any even a single portion of your dreams and visions about the future of our faith in general and the fellowship in particular.
I cannot blame you especially those who are working so hard for your future and the future of your family.
We are responsible within our own backyard we need to make sure that everything is okey and fine, some said I need to priority the welfare of my family, that is correct but you cannot add even an inch of your family’s life, everything is in the hands of God.
People are always busy and cannot find time to be with the Lord. We always said probably that, God understand my situation even though I am not religious I cannot forget Him.
Although, I am not attending church I am okey and I don’t hurt other people, I am just like this not church people.
The Bible clearly said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways.” says the Lord. Isaiah 55: 8
How can we justify that what’s in out thoughts is same as with the Lord. We cannot, unless we have the right relationship with the Lord God through His Son Jesus Christ.
So therefore, there are people who does not have a personal relationship to Jesus although they are physically strong but they are spiritually dead.
If there are people who are spiritually dead meaning no right relationship to Jesus Christ. We need to find and seek them so that we can bring them to the throne of grace of God.
(Ill) Last night we attended a Wedding and I heard Bro. Rich and Sister. Madel invited these couple in our fellowship, although the guys responded that they are involve in Asencion Church.
My favorite author Rev. Rick Warren disclosed that the growth of the
Saddle back Church is purely through spiritual conversion and their main target are the unchurched.
If I‘m allowed to embrace such belief I would rather find those who are not attending nor a member of any churches.
In the American context based on what I observe it is more easier that there are people who seldom attending any churches, they are the so called un churched, but Filipino-Americans they just simply said, “I am a Roman Catholic.” further discussion is not necessary.
But, I think just listen to the Holy Spirit because there are times that there are people out there who are really thirsty for the Gospel about Jesus Christ.
(Ill) More than 17 million people will accept Christ if presented with the gospel. Another 43 million are close. I realize that statistics cannot speak for the mind of God nor presume upon the sovereignty of God and I also realize that our research is fallible, so I am making these declarations very carefully.
Our research estimates that there are 160 million unchurched people in America. This assumption is based on our surveys of more than 2,000 people, asking them how often they attend church.
If they said five times or less in a year, we classified them as unchurched. Now, among the unchurched, 11 percent are U1s. Remember, a U1 on the Rainer scale is someone who is highly receptive to the gospel; many U1s are waiting on God’s messenger in order to accept Christ.
Dr. Thom Rainer 03 Dec 2003
I believe based on this report there are also Filipino-Americans, & Asian & from other race who are considered as unchurched and waiting for somebody may be you or me to introduce Jesus Christ to them.
The following technique must also consider patterned from this organization for growth.
The Order of the Mustard Seed founded by Count Zinzendorf had three guiding principles, namely:
1. Be kind to all people. 2. Seek their welfare. 3. Win them to Christ.
My beloved, use the year 2004 as a harvest year, let the Holy Spirit work in our lives so that we may become an effective ambassadors for Christ.
Do not allow this survey even true to ourselves that:
“Pollsters report that 72 percent of Americans don’t know their next-door neighbors.”
-Bill McKibben, in "the Age of Missing Information", Signs of the Times, February, 1994.
Ask God that we may start this new year with new direction, full of energy in sharing about our experience with the Lord, new vision and clear thoughts about our plan for the future and be good example for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(Ill) One Sunday morning in 1865, a black man entered a fashionable church in Richmond, Virginia. When Communion was served, he walked down the aisle and knelt at the altar. A rustle of resentment swept the congregation. How dare he! After all, believers in that church used the common cup. Suddenly a distinguished layman stood up, stepped forward to the altar, and knelt beside the black man. With Robert E. Lee setting the example, the rest of the congregation soon followed his lead.
Today in the Word, September, 1991, p. 15.
Matthew 5: 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
2 Cor 5: 17 an inspiration for us to focus our life for change.
Amen.
