Our Newsletter - FIRST THINGS FIRST
A Ministry Newsletter from First Assembly of God
Volume 02 Issue 02 March - April 2008
CLOSE TO THE VEST
Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
The cliché “close to the vest” means that an individual is not providing any clues as to what he or she is thinking or as to what they might do. When someone is focused on keeping something a secret it may be said that he or she is “flying beneath the radar,” displaying a “poker face” or holding his or her cards “close to the vest.”
The Christian life is a life that is to be lived with personal integrity and yet it is a life to be lived out in full view for the world to see. A follower of Christ is not called to live his or her life in secret. Our philosophy is not to be secretive and our actions are not to be concealed. We are to live out loud in plain sight, and for all of the world to see our beliefs and our love for others in action. We are told to “let our light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) We are called a “city set that is set on on a hill” (Matthew 5:14) that cannot be hidden. We are referred to as a “lamp” (Matthew 5:15) that is not to be placed beneath a basket. We are “salt” (Matthew 5:13) that is to offer its benefits to the world. We are not to waste the salt of our witness by allowing it to become useless and wasted.
Jesus did say that the things done in secret would be rewarded openly, and he also taught that we should be discreet in our giving, and with our prayer life, and that we should not do these things to be seen of men for personal glory. Matthew 6: 1 Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. 4“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly, 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Jesus did not speak these words as a prohibition of public prayer and charity. He was addressing hypocritical motives.
As we consider our calling, it has many facets. We are called to go into all the world to preach the gospel (Matthew 16:15). We are to show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness in the marvelous light of His grace (1 Peter 2:9). We are to sow seeds of kindness as Tabitha did (Acts 9:36). Remember that after her death the many people who were touched by her good deeds lovingly displayed the works of her hands. As believers we are “to stand.” Speaking of which, when “taking a stand” it is quite noticeable when everyone else is bowing, as was the case when three young Hebrew men refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s idol (Daniel 3).
Believers in Christ are to stand up and to stand out, not in a proud display of egotistical flesh, but as a witness to the world that our faith is something more than a well kept secret or an irrelevant system of religious dogma. Keep in mind how harshly the Lord referred to the servant who buried his single talent rather than putting it out there where it could be useful.
We are not secret agents in the employ of a God who does not want to be known. The Lord did not prohibit or discourage vocal and visible Christianity. He simply encouraged us to keep our hearts in tune with God so that our words, and our actions will serve His Highest in a spirit of obedience and love.
If you are a closeted believer I encourage you to meet with God while in the closet and then get out into the highways and back alleys where faith intersects life. Live it Loud! Live it with Love! Live it without apology! The World needs to hear from a church who has heard from God!
- Pastor Rick
GOOD THINGS COMING:
March | ||
| 9 | PM | Silver Liners |
| 16 | AM | Special Team Impact Offering |
| 19 & 20 | Fine Arts | |
| 21 & 22 | Youth Convention | |
| 21 & 22 | Hosanna Easter Musical | |
| 29 | Men's Three on Three Basketball Tournament | |
April | ||
| 13 | 6:00 PM | Service with Hot Metal Ministries |
| 23 thru 27 | 7:00PM | Team Impact |
May | ||
| 21 | Missionary to Greece Tony Sebastian | |
June | ||
| 8 | Gospel Music Concert | |
July | ||
| 13 | AM & PM | Revival with Evangelist Greg Hubbard |
August | ||
| 4 thru 8 | National Fine Arts (Youth) | |
September | ||
| 21 | AM | Friend's Day & Pig Roast |
| 28 | AM | Teen Challenge Choir |
October | ||
| 17 & 18 | Honorbound Men's Conference | |
| 18 & 19 | Family Emphasis with Jon and Kate Plus Eight | |
November | ||
| 7 & 8 | Church Youth Retreat | |
Volume 02 Issue 01 January – February 2008
BETWEEN START AND FINISH
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
As the Calendar turns we enter a new year, with new expectations, new goals, new challenges, new opportunities, and yet we may continue to deal with some of the same things that we dealt with last year. But even so, we can face life, both the new and the old with a fresh resolve and a renewed spirit.
Beginning is important and finishing is important. Without a strong start we run from behind. Without a strong finish we have little chance of taking the tape. In between the start and the finish, now that is something else.
The apostle Paul admonishes believers to run the race of faith with focused determination, and to move aside the obstacles that threaten our efforts. He calls the believer to perseverance. Perseverance is the attitude needed to overcome the in-between stuff that we face from start to finish.
What takes place between the start and the finish is that which tests our beliefs, our commitment, our heart and our conditioning. It represents the least glamorous part of the race and yet it reveals so much about us, who we are and how well we have been conditioned in every aspect.
The race is won or lost at different stages and many times it is between the start and the finish that we lose the contest. Maybe that’s because we sometimes lose our focus or we stumble somewhere along the way. A lot of people look good at the starting line and yet many of them never show up at the finish line. Ultimately only one can win the prize.
The winner is the person who disciplines himself or herself to start strong, and to finish strong having kept up a strong pace in between. In between the start and the finish is when thoughts of giving up come, thoughts of defeat, and we may begin to question whether we should be in the race at all.
Persons who think that they cannot win just run. People, who are running to win, run with an attitude. They run with passion. They run with a singular goal, and that is to win the prize.
Who enjoys watching an athlete just go through the motions, listlessly? Not too many people pay to watch a contest which features people who just show up. I remember watching a few Mike Tyson fights when he was actually feared in the ring. Men, who appeared to be larger and well conditioned, carried the very clear weight of fear on their shoulders as demonstrated in terror filled eyes. Many times they didn’t start strong and they weren’t around long enough to finish anything. One could conclude that it was a quick way to make a big pay day.
Paul draws upon the parallels between the physical disciplines required to run a race to win and the disciplines required to press ahead victoriously in our faith.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
First, he warns us that many people show up at the starting line and yet only one crosses the finish line first. Secondly, he instructs believers to get into the race for the purpose of winning. Thirdly, he notes that real competitors are disciplined as to their dietary, behavioral and physical preparations. Fourthly, he elevates the importance of this challenge by reminding us that as believers that we are contending for things eternal. We are not merely competing for that which withers and fades. Next, he calls the believer to be focused. Just going through the motions without a trained eye on the prize is simply unacceptable. He likens an unfocused believer to a fighter who is content with just flailing wildly in the air. Last of all he directs believers to practice what we preach, and to bring our unproductive impulses under the control of the Spirit.
As we begin this new year, we begin the next leg of the race. January 1st is the starting line and December 31st is the finish line for 2008. How will you run between those two dates?
May we be able to join Paul as he said, “I have finished the race.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Volume 01 Issue 02 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2007
THE END
The “end” is a word which simply means that time is up, we have reached the finale, we have finished the course of whatever we were doing, the curtain is falling, or a season has concluded.
As the end of the year is approaching, it will soon be another addition to the history books, providing a chronological framework for memorable events, including things sublime and ridiculous.
When Adam and Eve sinned, the hands of time began to turn, winding down toward a climactic end. We have been on a collision course with what has been described in the scriptures as “the end of all things” (1 Peter 4:7.)
The scriptures speak of the “last days” (2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3) and the destruction of the present heavens and earth. “….That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” – 2 Peter 3:12-13.
The hands of time move and that not aimlessly. They are winding toward of a conclusion that has been ordained by the hand of God. This temporal will give way to the eternal. These “tents” referring to our bodies will be folded up in death. 2 Corinthians 5:1 “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” This mortal will relinquish itself to that which is immortal. 1 Corinthians 15:53 “For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality,”
The end of life and the end of things as they presently exist are certain. These are absolute realities. But the end is not merely the cessation of things. Death is not oblivion or annihilation. The soul is eternal. The kingdoms of this earth are temporal, but the kingdom of God is eternal. Deception is a temporary blight that darkens the mind of sinful man. The Truth that sets man free is eternal.
We must keep in mind that we have a certain number of days on this earth. Opportunities are many and yet they pass quickly, many without a second coming. Psalm 144:4 reads, “Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.”
We must pray earnestly and work with expedience and due diligence. Today is all we have and we do not even know how it will conclude. The Lord’s return will come suddenly and for those who are unprepared for that moment, it will come upon them as a thief in the night. Our deaths, should the Lord tarry, are inevitable. All living creatures are faced with the certainty of mortality. There is a 100% mortality rate among human beings. But as we face the end of this life, we see it from a hopeful perspective as the scriptures exhort us, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
For those who keep the end in mind and for those who serve the Lord while “it is day”, life will not end with a question mark or as an incomplete statement. It will end as an exclamation point. It will end the way that the apostle Paul saw the impending end of his earthly journey. He saw his life as a fight well fought, a race completed, and a sacred faith kept. 2 Timothy 4:6 records Paul’s words, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” We face the end not as a godless world, without hope,
The curtain will someday fall and the sun will disappear below the horizon. We must live our lives to serve the Lord’s will fully and completely, each and every day. We have a number of days to work for Him, a number of days to influence the world that we live in and the one which we will leave behind. Therefore, in the words of another mere mortal GIT-R-DONE! But more importantly remember the exhortation that Jesus gave to His followers, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4
Volume 01 Issue 01 SEPTEMBER 2007
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When Jesus said that his followers were to become “fishers of men” he made it clear that He would teach them how to become fishers of men. These were men who knew where and how to catch fish in their natural surroundings of daily life. They had been raised in a culture which was built around such activity and it was the most common of vocations.
Jesus was calling them to become something that would take them beyond their natural abilities and into a realm of service that would deal with the spiritual and eternal elements. They had focused their activities on the natural realities of up until this point.
I once was invited to fish with a seasoned fly fisherman. I had never fly fished before in my life and I didn’t know the first thing about. My friend equipped me with hip boots, a fishing vest, a brand new fly rod and reel, and a large supply of flies that he had made himself. He picked me up and he brought a box of Duncan Donuts. I fondly remembered those donuts. He brought me to a place called Kettle Creek in Potter County.
When he finally made our way out to stream, he explained some of the dynamics to me and he began to cast. With great precision he lofted and placed that fly line just in the right spot. Time after time he snagged trout stream. He modeled the art and I observed.
He then practiced the casting motion with me, over and over again. With great patience and with infinite wisdom he worked with me and I began to learn the art of fly fishing. Over a number of fishing trips I began to catch fish (what a thrill) and I could see that he enjoyed my success as much as His own. He was a friend who invited me to do something that I had never done before. I had fished many times but fly fishing was an art that took me to another level. Jesus’ disciples had fished the surrounding waters many times and yet Jesus invited them to come with Him and to learn about fishing at a higher level.
Jesus invites us to follow Him to places beyond the places where we’ve been. He calls us to do things that go beyond the things that we have done. He uses the familiar things of life to direct our attention to things in the Spirit. He uses principles at work in daily life to provide us with a sketch of things far greater.
These men were called to spiritual service. They were called to cast a wider net across a greater span. Their focus would shift from their personal interests and ambitions to serving the Lord’s interest. His vocation would become their vocation. Their priorities would be changed and the effect of their lives would be felt far beyond their families and their local villages. The seas that they would be called to sail through would be a sea of faces, lost and hopeless. Their nets would be the arms of God’s grace, which would sweep through the seas of lost humanity to pull in and to rescue the lost and the dying. The catch would be the souls of men.
God has a higher calling for each one of us. We must come to the realization that God has created us for high and noble purposes, beyond what we have ever imagined. He speaks to us in the ordinary and the familiar, directing us to the extraordinary and the mysterious. The moving of the Holy Spirit is extraordinary and the Gospel is mysterious. This grand mystery is revealed through the workings of the Holy Spirit. The mystery of the ages is revealed through the saving power of the Holy Spirit.
Whatever you are doing today and wherever you find yourself, take time to listen to the Lord’s invitation – He’s calling you to walk with Him in Spiritual service. He’s inviting you to labor with Him for an eternal catch. Why settle for the temporal when eternity calls?
Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
- Pastor Richard Ritenour – August 14, 2007 –