WHAT IS THAT TO THEE...FOLLOW THOU ME!

 

WEDNESDAY MINISTRY UPDATE

 

Good Morning Friends of FCC:

 

Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the U. S. Senate once observed,

"In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ.

Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy.

Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture.

And finally it moved to America where it became an enterprise."

 

For those of us who remain stedfast in our commitment to being a first century church--centered on the living Christ--these are certainly challenging days. By refusing to "market" our churches we find ourselves increasingly at odds with the flow of modernity.  From the world's perspective it looks like we have come to do press our cause with both hands tied behind our backs and our legs in shackles.  We will not alter our message to fit the masses.  We will not give up our insistence that worship be spiritual--not just spirited.  We stedfastly resist the temptation to measure success by counting noses and nickles.

 

How then do we expect to prevail? 

 

Last Sunday evening I preached to a small band of the faithful.  There were over 100 in the morning service but Sunday evening's service was not well attended.  We read the account of the resurrected Christ's conversation with Peter in Galilee.  Three times Jesus asked Peter, "Lovest (Agape) thou me?"  Peter replied "Thou knowest that I love (Phileo) thee."  Then Jesus foretold how Peter would one day die.  Peter immediately pointed to John and asked of his fate, "What will happen to him?"  Jesus answered, "What is that to thee, follow thou me!" 

 

Our Lord's answer to Peter is the answer to our ministry conundrum.  We are called to FOLLOW JESUS!  We must not compare ourselves with others.  We must not allow ambition to divert us.  We cannot measure our success by the things that are seen.  There is only one way to measure success for the disciples of Christ--are we following HIM!

 

Through the centuries the Church of Jesus has endured persecution, been revived when left for dead, and purified herself of the malignant influence of  "this-worldliness." We will certainly persevere through these days of the great "falling away!"  Hallelujah!   "What is that to thee, Follow thou me!"  Thank the Lord, He is our leader. And Thank the Lord, we are following.

 

 

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

While we are very thankful for the growing numbers of those attending the preaching services (now averaging 65-75), and for the children who ride our bus (between 40-50 each week), we are keenly aware that our influence is reaching thousands each year.  By taking our message to the streets going door to door, networking with family and friends of those who attend, and reaching out in nursing homes, hospitals, and by way of the internet (our web page had over 1000 hits last month), we are multiplying our impact. 

 

Your Pastor needs your prayers.  This week I will be preaching the memorial service for MITCH PARMLEY, 54, Justin's father, who passed away quite unexpectedly last Sunday.  There will be many who are unsaved at this service and we pray that we can present the Gospel in a powerful way. 

 

"DEBT-FREE" UPDATE

Our campaign to be debt free took a great leap forward this past week when another $10,000 was pledged.  We now stand at $16,050 on our way to the first $100,000.  Continue to pray that the Lord will help us to clear our debt so that we can invest "interest" payments into Kingdom building!  It is only because God's people are faithful to give that we meet our monthly obligations.  Thank you so much.

 

COMING SOON TO FCC!

 

SPRING REVIVAL WITH EVANGELIST P L LIDDELL,

Tuesday, April 24 - Sunday, April 29, 7pm nitely