It’s good to remember. Years ago I ran across some magazines called the “Good Old Days.”  The magazine highlighted objects and happenings from the past.  Writers would submit stories about the glory of the simpler and somehow better, days gone by.

While I like the idea of simpler times, they weren’t always so much better. Cars were easier to fix, but they didn’t have A/C, power windows, etc.  And often our own memories will tend to soften past occurrences.  Even we, as Christians, tend to glorify the early church, until perhaps we notice the references to church leaders being stoned to death, beheaded, and persecution scattering the believers.  The fact of the matter is, times changes and as the saying goes, you can’’t go back.

But our goal isn’t to go backward but to go forward. The current times have unique issues and challenges.  I like the words of Paul when he says,  “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14).  Actually I believe better days are yet to come. New technology means more ways to get the word of God out, and more people coming to Christ.  And I look forward to Christ coming to receive a pure bride without spot or wrinkle.

When reminiscing with a friend about our past days of serving God together, one thing we realized was that we knew so little, and as a result we sought God about everything.  That is worth revisiting.  If there is anything we should go back to its shear dependence on God.

Amen?

Paul

“This is the most exciting thing I have ever seen the Lord do.” That comment came from a member of our church in reference to the transition we are now undertaking.  What makes the above comment especially telling is that it comes from a seasoned saint who has seen numerous miraculous healings.  What transition am I referring to? The transition in leadership where I will take on a more outreach oriented role and the lead pastor role of the church will be taken up by Kirk Martin, who founded the Alliance Christian Center some 33 years ago.

Details of how this transition came about are described in a sermon I preached on Sunday Sept 11, 2011, entitled “How the Lord is Leading Us”. You can  listen to the sermon here

Although this may have come as a surprise to us in leadership, it was no surprise to the Lord…and although the Lord may be leading us in this direction, it is still up to us to walk it out, and that can be scary.  We read in the book of Acts how Barnabas and Paul were set apart by the Holy Spirit, but it was still up to them to get on a boat and go.  There was a lot of uncertainty there.  Paul may have alluded to his feelings when he described his plights to the Corinthian church:  “I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers” (2 Corinthians 11:26 NIV). But ultimately Paul had to trust in the Lord that sent him, and so must we.

As I have said before, I am not going anywhere, and I am here to help, in this transition, particularly those who are struggling with it.  So please contact me with your concerns.  Also, be advised that I and the others on the leadership team are committed to pray for Gods guidance as we make this transition, and you can help with that as well. So let us know what God is speaking to you.

These are exciting times, but they can be somewhat scary as well.  But as we enter into a new phase in the life of our church, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Amen?

Paul

I love to read the book of Acts.  Acts unpacks for us how the church was formed and grew.  It also speaks of the problems they faced and how the Holy Spirit was working in their midst.  It tells us of healings, people being saved, persecutions, and the Holy Spirit guiding and directing the church (check out Acts 2:4, 4:31, 9:31, 10:44, 13:2&4, 15:8, 16:6, 20:23, 21:11). Frankly, the book of Acts just drips with excitement:  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-47 NIV).

I have often heard people lament that the church today, in some ways, does not measure up to the early church and they long for a return to those exciting times.  The standard answer to that concern is that the book of Acts spanned  some 30 years and all those things didn’t happen at once.  Yet, I believe we live in exciting times right now.

Consider what is happening right now.  In the past year we have seen a number of people saved and water baptized.  The churches in Alliance are working together as never before, including praying together on a monthly basis.  We are about to start a Bible School which will equip our future leaders for the work of the ministry, and even send out new churches.  We are planning on missions trips to two parts of the world where the need is great, and our young people have stepped up to the plate.  We have a number of outreach opportunities coming up.  And I am excited about a new outreach to young men in the Alliance area that is currently in the planning stages.

I believe we live in exciting times and it is up to us as individuals to step “into the fray” so to speak and get involved.  Maybe you’re a prayer warrior, we have something for you to do.  Perhaps you have a burden for the lost, why not consider a mission trip.  Perhaps you are artistic, get involved in the Christmas play.  There are a lot of opportunities.  Let’s join in the excitement.

Amen?

Paul