Be Like Matthew

Be Like Matthew

I just returned from vacation this week. Part of my vacation was on a Carnival Cruise Ship to Alaska. Vickie and I celebrated 25 years of a wonderful marriage. My family was able to enjoy some uninterrupted time together. We had lots of laughter and wonderful memories to store for years to come. We were stuck (in a good way) with each other because there was no way off the boat. As we were moving across the water and seeing icebergs float beside us, I couldn’t help but think about the Titanic. I didn’t share my thoughts because I didn’t want to alarm anyone. But it was an iceberg that took down the Titanic. What you see on the surface is really only 1/10^th of the whole iceberg. With all the mishaps that have conspired on Carnival Cruises in the past year, I didn’t want to speak my impending doom. I did pack a few extra plastic bags just in case, if you know what I mean. I am glad to report that nothing terrible happened. But those who were on the Titanic in the late hours of April 14, 1912, cannot say the same.

There were 1,517 who died on the Titanic. Why did many of those people drown that night? It was because those who were safe in the lifeboats would not go back. They were comfortable and safe and they did not want to risk their life for the sake of others.

Have you looked around lately? There are many people around who are drowning in their sin and despair every day. A startling statistic I read the other day says that 9 out of 10 Christians are not sharing their faith. Are you the one that is sharing your faith? If God didn’t want you to share your faith then He would have taken you to heaven after He saved you.

This fall, our church will participate in “My Hope with Billy Graham.” This is not like any of the past Billy Graham Crusades held in big stadiums. This will take place in our homes. Local churches are the focus of this event. Churches are encouraged to rally their people and train them to be effective evangelists in their local neighborhoods. It is not too difficult. It should be a natural overflow to what God is doing in our lives. Relationships are the foundation to which we are going to build upon.

I want to encourage you to attend our Wednesday Night Boost at the church in the month of August. We will have classes designed to help release the story you have within you. We will train you to be like Matthew, one of Jesus closest disciples. When Matthew came into relationship with Jesus, he couldn’t hold it in. He began to introduce Jesus to all of his friends. The first session will begin on August 7 and take place the following 3 weeks. It begins at 6:45 p.m. and there is a spot reserved for you. Children’s and Youth Ministry are available so you can know that meaningful ministry will positively impact your children.

We are called to be faithful and fruitful. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

Allow Jesus to spill through you and let’s together prepare for a great harvest.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike