THE UNIVERSE IS MISSING LIGHT - July 2014 FCC Pastor's Letter

July 2014

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,
in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye
shine as lights in the world
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ
P H I L I P P I A N S   2 : 1 5 , 1 6


GOOD MORNING FRIENDS OF FCC!

Last week’s headline from the University of Colorado grabbed my attention, “THE UNIVERSE IS MISSING LIGHT.” Based on observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope, the scientists are amazed and more than a little concerned, “Something is amiss in the universe. There appears to be an enormous deficit of ultraviolet light.”

I’m thinking, if there is an enormous deficit of light in the universe—you ought try finding light right here on earth!  The inky moral opacity of our insanely sinful world has rendered this generation blind to the truth and oblivious to the immenent danger that lies before us.

Those familiar with the sweep of history remind us that there have been times when things have been as bad or worse.  They point out to the brutality of ancient times, the  sensuality of Athens and the wickedness of Rome.  Nudity, sexual licentiousness, degenerate perversity, unbridled cruelty, insatiable greed, and the veneration of vice are comfortable in the shadows—when the Light of God is dim.

But the power of technology—computers, satellites, lasers, robots, drones, nuclear weapons, and surveillance apparatus—not only enables the virtuous, it also empowers the wicked.

Add to that the pervasive influence of media and entertainment—music and movies that are demoralizing, pop icons and entertainers that are unashamed of their gross sensuality and godlessness, internet sites that promote sex and lies, and respected news sources that are biased against the truth—and it’s no wonder so many are stumbling in the dark.

To top it off, those institutions and individuals who have been tasked to tell the truth—the Church and the Schools—have surrendered to the spirit of the age and adapted their message to fit the times.  The objective Word of God has been attacked as irrelevant and discredited as a relic of a bygone era. Opinions are presented as facts and facts are discredited as opinions.
IF THERE WAS EVER A GENERATION THAT NEEDED GOD’S PEOPLE TO SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD IT IS THIS GENERATION! AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO!

HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE
The Apostle Paul links “Shining as lights” with “Holding forth the word of life!”  How brilliant!

The Word of Life enlightens the mind.  The Psalmist declared, “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8).

The Word of Life directs our path. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…” (Psalm 119:105)

The Word of Life keeps us from sin.  “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)   “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” (Proverbs 6:23)

The Word of Life is effective.  “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55:11)

The Word of Life is powerful and revealing. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The Word of Life is perfect.  “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORDis pure, enlightening the eyes.”   (Psalm 19:7,8)

Honoring and obeying the Word of Life is the way to blessing, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:25

So here then is our Scriptural strategy for “shining as lights.”

We will bring the “Word of Life” to bear on every aspect of our lives.  “Ye are the light of the world… a city set upon a hill cannot be hid,” Jesus said.  We will let God’s Word rule.

We will faithfully teach the “Word of Life” to a generation that is looking for answers.

We will uncompromisingly preach the “Word of Life” to those who are longing for life with purpose and meaning.

And, we will staunchly defend the “Word of Life,” from every detractor and critic.

THIS IS NO TIME TO DIM THE LIGHTS!
THIS IS NO TIME TO CHANGE THE LIGHTS!
THIS IS NO TIME TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS!
SHINE, CHURCH SHINE!

RUN TO THE DARKNESS!
Several years ago we sang, “Carry your candle, run to the darkness!”  I liked the idea of carry your candle—carrying the light.  But I love the idea of running to the darkness.  We need bold, confident, assured, loving Christians who will not be intimidated by the darkness wherever they face it.   With God as our helper we have been doing just that this summer here at FCC.

GREAT COMMISSION young people converged on St. Louis and delivered 4,000 Gospel tracts and invitations to FCC and to Vacation Bible School!   We had over 25 visitors who came as a direct result of their efforts.  We have nearly 100 new contacts who have requested information and a visit from the Pastor.  THAT’S WHAT I CALL RUNNING TO THE DARKNESS!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL was a power packed 4 days of Scriptures and Bible Stories and Christian music.  The kids loved it and the crowds grew to a record 124 on Thursday.  Then on Sunday Morning the children sang some of the music they learned and recited Scriptures they had memorized.  THAT’S CALLED RUNNING TO THE DARKNESS!

FCC is now just under 70 days from our SEPTEMBER 21st 18TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION and REVIVAL.  WE’RE NOT RETREATING.  This year has been especially challenging for us financially, but we’re not going to stop running toward the darkness.  In fact we’re going to pick up the pace.  Our Sunday School is increasing.  Our ministry team is building.  Our outreach is growing.  Our use of digital media and internet broadcasting is expanding.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND AT FCC! If we can help you in any way please let us know.  We love and appreciate you every one!

Onward!



Pastor Richard M. Jones
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH –  A Crusaders Church of America
2969 North Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri  63074
Telephone (314) 298-5840; Cell Call or Text (314) 607-1424
E-mail: PastorRick@FCCStLouis.org          www.pastorrickjones@blogspot.com


FINANCIAL UPDATE:  Thank you for giving to our St. Louis Mission.  Someone who visited recently was amazed that we could meet our expenses.  I explained, “we cannot, but God can!”  Last month we urgently needed to raise $13,000.  God’s people rallied and $13,500 was given.  We come to the last two weeks of July with $100 in the bank and our $2900 mortgage, $850 power bill, and several other bills totaling $2400 coming due.  Thank you for giving.  Thank you for praying.
You may give by bringing an offering, by mailing your gifts (FCC, 2969 N Lindbergh, St Louis, MO 63074) or by logging onto our web page at www.FCCStLouis.org.  The online gifts are much appreciated and immediately available.  The downside is that there is a fee that we must pay for each online gift.   However you decide to give, or if you cannot give but you can help us pray,  be assured of our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude.

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - GOD WILL MAKE A WAY w 'TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hRfXO7l-qs&list=UUpUmxduWvxlTv1C-2JA4xtw

GREETINGS FRIENDS OF FAITH,

Trust that you know today you are blessed and loved with an everlasting love!

We have just concluded one of the greatest Summer Outreaches FCC has ever undertaken.  With the help of 20 teens we have hand delivered over 4,000 invitations to FCC, identified nearly 100 new prospects for follow-up, hosted 4 days of Bible School that drew 25 brand new visitors to FCC and averaged over 100 in attendance each evening.  Best of all, God's presence was with us.  It was an expensive undertaking--getting materials, feeding the callers, and fueling the buses (that was over $400), but what a blessing! 

We are now praying fervently that the seed that was sown will bear fruit today, and throughout the next few months leading up to our 18th Anniversary Celebration, September 21, 2014.  

Thank you for your prayers and your generosity in supporting this mission.  Someone who has been with us for most of our history observed how many of those coming to FCC are not very well-off financially. These have been difficult times for many.  But with the help of our friends here and around the nation, we are pressing forward.  Thank you so much for your love of souls and the Church.  You can be sure that every service, every person is introduced to a loving God who offers full salvation to whosoever will!  We never close a service without prayer. Every Sunday our altars are opened for seekers.  Hallelujah!

Some have mentioned that the link to you-tube doesn't always work properly. You may find it easier to just copy the you-tube link into your browser and then click enter.  It should come right up.

Let us know how we can pray for you.  GOD WILL MAKE A WAY!

GREAT COMMISSION - TRUTHS FOR OUR TEENS 2014

GREAT COMMISSION – ST LOUIS 2014

THREE QUESTIONS WE ALL MUST ANSWER:

1.     WHERE ARE WE FROM?

2.     WHY ARE WE HERE?

3.     WHERE ARE WE HEADING?

THREE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS:

1.     WHO WILL WE SERVE? (Christ, Buddha, Muhammed, Self, Government, Philosophy, Self…)

2.     WHO WILL WE MARRY?

3.     WHAT WILL BE OUR OCCUPATION?

THREE COMMITMENTS FOR A GREAT LIFE HERE AND HERE-AFTER:

1.     CONFESSING CHRIST AS KING AND SAVIOR – Remember the empty tomb.

2.     BELIEVING GOD’S WORD AS TRUE AND RELEVANT – Inspired and Inerrant

3.     LOVING GOD AND ONE ANOTHER – The greatest of these is love—self centered love is unbecoming and unfulfilling.

THREE HABITS FOR SUCCESS:

1.     BE VIRTUOUS  ( Prudence/Temperance/ Justice/Fortitude/Faith/Hope/Love)

2.     BE INDUSTRIOUS - WORK (Laziness is a sin, Ignorance is no excuse)

3.     BE POSITIVE (A smiling optimism is winsome!)

VBS 2014

Pentecost 2014 - THE GIVING OF THE LAW

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel 

after those days, says the Lord:

I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts;  

and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

H E B R E W S   8 : 1 0

P e n t e c o s t   S u n d a y  +  J u n e   8 ,   2 0 1 4

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS OF FCC!

Trust this letter finds you resting in the love of Christ.  He certainly loves you. 

This Sunday is PENTECOST. The Jews celebrate Pentecost as the day that Moses received the 10 Commandments, written by the finger of God on tablets of stone at Mt. Sinai. (See Exodus 20)

The Christians celebrate Pentecost as the day that God baptized the disciples in the Holy Ghost and wrote His Commandments on their hearts as they prayed in the Upper Room.  (See Acts 2).

Filled with the Holy Ghost, the first Christians testified, “God purified our hearts,” (Acts 15:9), and with great grace and great power (Acts 4:33) they went everywhere speaking the Word of God with boldness, to everyone both Jews and Gentiles.  Pentecost changed them.  Pentecost created the Church.  And Pentecost changed the world. 

Pentecost changed the disciples inside and out.  Human hearts—or human wills—are incomplete, incapable, and impure without the Spirit of God. 

Without the Spirit we cannot clearly see or understand God’s will. 

Without the Spirit we tend to resist God’s will—even though we know we shouldn’t. 

Without the Spirit our love is self-centered.

Without the Spirit our judgments are biased.

Without the Spirit our lives are intemperate and sense driven.

But when the Spirit of Holiness is welcome into our hearts we are altogether different.  We sing, “I once was blind but now I see.”  We gladly testify, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”  We love selflessly, judge lovingly, and walk in the Spirit joyfully.

Those who are filled with the Spirit, led by the Spirit,

and sanctified by the Spirit are truly free to do what they please

—and what they please is to please the Lord.

Without constraint, demand, mandates, or rules—the Spirit filled, Spirit-loving people of God, hunger for holiness, crave Christ-likeness, and live prayerful and careful lives without regard to what the world is doing or saying.  They are, “Filled with His goodness, lost in in His love!

Surely this is the need of our day—people who will do what they ought to do and love doing it. 

We ought to forgive—and we love forgiving.

We ought to give—and we love giving.

We ought to obey God—and we love obeying God.

We ought to love everyone, our friends and enemies—and we love loving our friends and enemies.

We ought to live holy and separate from the world—

and we love living holy and separate from the world.

We ought to be teachable—and we love being taught.

We ought to be disciplined—and we love being disciplined.

We ought to be led by the Spirit—and we love being led by the Spirit.

We ought to live as citizens of heaven—and we love living as citizens of heaven. This world is not our home.  With reckless abandon we reject the expectations and demands of this world’s culture and we joyfully embrace Christian culture.

But how can this be?  How can we who are born with a self-centered, prideful, sensual, and sin-loving nature be so changed that we not only know what we ought to be, but can truly be what we ought to be? 

THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TO THE UPPER ROOM. 

I have often wondered why so many years passed from Adam’s fall to Abraham’s call.  Why was it that so many generations  passed before Moses walked down Sinai with the Commandments?  And why did God wait more than a thousand years after King David before sending that notable “Son of David”— “His only begotten Son into the world,” paying the price so that whosover will could be “born of the Spirit?”

The answer must lie in our Creator’s omniscient understanding of human nature.   God knows people.  He knows our abilities and our capabilities.  He knows that we are spiritual beings, created in His image, having a physical experience.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s law¹ they died.  They didn’t die physically, but the Spirit of God which brings life to the spirits of men was withdrawn.  They died spiritually. 

Before the Spirit of God could be fully restored to the sons and daughters of Adam they would have to know the wage of sin.  Tragically, their sin metastasized immediately.  By the 4^th chapter of Genesis we have the first murder.   We need to experience and understand the depravity of life outside the garden.

Before the Spirit of God could fill the hearts of God’s people they would have to recognize the voice of God.  Certainly Noah recognized God’s voice.  Abraham recognized God’s voice.  These notable examples were exceptional in their day.  We need to recognize God’s voice.

Before the Spirit of God could be restored, God’s people would have to see that redemption would come at the price of blood.  Enslaved by Egypt, deliverance would only come to the children of Israel when the blood of a spotless lamb would be sprinkled on the posts and lintels of their doors. “When I see the blood, I will pass, I will pass over  you.”  We need to sacrifice.

Before the Spirit of God could write the law of God in the hearts of His people, they would have to know and acknowledge God’s holy and righteous standard.  “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.  Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.  Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.”  These are truths that men would have never fully known or appreciated unless God himself wrote them to us.  We need Sinai—to know God’s law. 

Before the Spirit of God could renew a right spirit within us, we needed to loathe the wrong spirit that is within us.  So the Prophets were sent to expose sinful hearts and to exalt a day when God would, “…give them one heart…put a new spirit within them…and take the stony heart out of their flesh.”   We need God’s perspective and we need God’s promise.

Before the Spirit of God could perfect our sin ridden souls, we needed a spotless Lamb who would not only show us the face of God, but show us the heart of God.  We needed a perfect Savior who would shed His perfect blood and rise again in His perfect body.  Then Jesus came!  Oh the glory of His Presence, Oh the beauty of His face!  We need a Savior.

And then, we need an upper room!  In Acts 2 at that first Christian Pentecost, the disciples were in one accord in one place—in the Upper Room!  We need a place where we resign to do God’s will in God’s way.  We need a place where we are at one with Him—where we love Him without any reservation.

Then the day of our personal Pentecost will come.  A day when “the Spirit answers to the blood and tells me I am born of God!”  A place where “His Spirit bears witness with my spirit that I am the child of God.”  A place where we “receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon us.”  A place where our hearts are “purified by faith.”

We need a personal Pentecost.  THIS IS OUR NEED. THIS IS OUR PRAYER. AND THIS IS OUR EXPECTATION.

Pentecost can be repeated,                       Saints of God can be victorious,            Pentecostal Fire is falling,

For the Lord is just the same,  Over sin and death and hell,    Praise the Lord it fell on me

Yesterday, today, forever,                         Have a full and free salvation,                Pentecost Fire is falling,

Glory to His precious name.    And the blessed story tell.                        Brother let it fall on thee!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND AT FCC! If we can help you in any way please let us know.  We love and appreciate you every one!

Onward!

Pastor Richard M. Jones

FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH –  A Crusaders Church of America

2969 North Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri  63074

Telephone (314) 298-5840; Cell (314) 607-1424

E-mail: PastorRick@FCCStLouis.org          www.pastorrickjones@blogspot.com

¹ Eating the fruit off the forbidden tree was only wrong because God said it was wrong.  The fruit was delightful in appearance, delicious in taste, and there is really nothing wrong with desiring to be wise.  But the issue was really not the fruit itself.  The issue was obedience.

FINANCIAL UPDATE:  Thank you for giving to the Lord!  I’m sorry to say, that in what is traditionally our worst month for giving, we have $5000 of bills that we have not been able to pay from last month.  Over the last few months our giving has taken a hit. Now we are facing $8000 of bills that we must cover this month in addition to the $5000 from the previous months.

Our expenses included a $950.00 Elevator Inspection (required by law), HVAC repair that totaled $850.00, plus the day to day operation expenses including our Insurance ($450), Utilities ($1200), and Bus Ministry Expenses ($400).    We need to raise $13,000 this month to clear the bills that are past due and to meet this month’s obligations (Our mortgage is $2900 of that total). 

Please join us in praying for a financial miracle in the Month of June.  We have seen God work miracles in the past. We are sure that He is still able today! 

You may give by bringing an offering, by mailing your gifts (FCC, 2969 N Lindbergh, St Louis, MO 63074) or by logging onto our web page at www.FCCStLouis.org.  The online gifts are much appreciated and immediately available.  The downside is that there is a fee that we must pay for each online gift.   However you decide to give, or if you cannot give but you can help us pray,  be assured of our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude.

CELL PHONE: (314) 607-1424

TEXTING: Pastor Rick at (314) 607-1424

TWITTER:  Onward7

EMAIL:  rmjones58@aol.com  or PastorRick@FCCStLouis.org

BLOG: www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com

WEB: www.FCCStLouis.org

YOUTUBE: Pastor Rick Jones @ youtube.com

ARE YOU WORRYING ENOUGH?

"Sometimes it seems we never stop worrying. We worry about the food we eat and the air we breathe. If we own property, we worry about whether it will keep its value, and if we don't, we worry about whether we can afford to. We are worried about antibiotics. We are worried about carbs. We are worried about whether our children are tough enough. And when our worry seems to have reached an intolerable pitch, we read a study saying that we should worry about whether we worry too much, lest we stress ourselves to the point of sickness." From a Book Review cited below.

JESUS SAID, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. TAKE THEREFORE NO THOUGHT FOR THE MORROW: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." MATTHEW 6:33,34

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

1 PETER 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

SO WHY WORRY? WHEN YOU CAN PRAY...

http://online.wsj.com/articles/book-review-the-norm-chronicles-by-michael-blastland-and-david-spiegelhalter-1401751847?KEYWORDS=norm

GIVE ME 5! - ARE THERE SPIRITUAL SHORTCUTS?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Cyve1YApQ&list=UUpUmxduWvxlTv1C-2JA4xtw&index=2