SMALL WORLD-BIG CHURCH

Jos is a city in the middle belt of Nigeria having a population of nearly a million residents. It is commonly called “J-town” or “Jesus Our Savior” by its residents and is the administrative capital of Plateau State. The city is located on the Jos Plateau at an elevation of over 4000 feet. During British rule, Jos was an important tin mining center. In recent years Muslim persecution of Christians has killed hundreds and destroyed many churches.

Dan Logan was our guest Gideon speaker this past Sunday (9/21/2001). He spoke of his visit to Jos in November of 2008. As a part of a team of Gideons he was privileged to distribute thousands of Gideon New Testaments to many of its citizens. His visit preceded riots that resulted in the death of hundreds and exile of thousands. I spoke to him about the timing of his visit. He was so thankful to have been given the opportunity to pass on God’s message of hope to those who later faced such desperate need.

Dr. Les Lofquist, Executive Director of IFCA International, was our guest speaker this past Sunday evening. He brought with him Steve Van Horm (International Training and Equipping Ministries) and Nathan Chiroma, a national from Nigeria currently preparing for ministry at a seminary in South Africa. Dr. Lofquist took the opportunity to introduce Nathan to us. We were especially blessed and encouraged by what he had to share. We discovered that Nathan is from the same area of Nigeria that our morning guest speaker had visited back in 2008. Nathan shared how his family had been victimized by the same kind of religious persecution that Dan Logan barely escaped several years ago.

The world is not as big as we suppose. How else can you explain the intersection of two different speakers who both spoke of the same far away place at a small church in a little town on the same Sunday! And what were they doing there in that far away place—in a town commonly referred to as “Jesus Our Savior?” They were both doing the same thing. They were, in the Apostle Paul’s words “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). The one, Danny, grew up in St. Helens, Oregon—he traveled many miles to make his way to Jos. The other, Nathan, grew up in Nigeria—he traveled many miles to make his way to us. They both worship the same Lord, are indwelt by the same Spirit, and labor for the same cause.

Their differing colors, varied past experiences, and diverse cultural backgrounds couldn’t be more different—their hearts, who they are in Christ, couldn’t be any more the same. It is an incredible God who has worked to reconcile us all together in Christ. The church is made up of people of “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). We all share a common bond in Christ—through Him we all have “our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). The same gospel message brought salvation to us all—“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).

Both men expressed their strong desire to share the gospel with others. Dan Logan has made many trips to far away places to get Gideon New Testaments into the hands of the lost. Nathan Chiroma is preparing for ministry at a Seminary that he might be used by God to reach his own people with the gospel.

“Blest be the Tie that binds” the hymn says. Blest indeed! The tie that binds, binds tighter, endures longer, and to a higher plane than any other cause on earth. The tie that binds is none other than a person—the One referred to in the common name that is given to a far away place in the heart of Nigeria—“Jesus Our Savior.”
We were blest to have such special guests this past Sunday! It was wonderful to see the pictures and hear the stories of Dan’s ministries in Nigeria and Indonesia. Les’s message to us on the relevance and importance of the small town church was especially encouraging. Steve spoke of his heart for the pastors in Africa. Nathan shared of his experiences there. A common theme resonated in all their messages—Christ is a glorious Savior and His gospel is a glorious truth!

Pastor Jerry

HEAVENWARD NAVIGATION

I don’t own a GPS, but my daughter Claire does. Knowing her proclivity at getting lost, we bought it for her several years ago so that she would have it for a trip to California. She affectionately named it Gertrude. Gertrude was of great assistance in directing her to and fro on her recent trip to the East Coast. A GPS is an amazing device—by satellite it determines your position, within a few feet, anywhere on the planet. Give it a destination and it will give you audible instructions as to when to turn. No longer any need for maps or to stop and embarrassingly ask for directions—unless, of course, your GPS fails. That’s exactly what happened to Claire as she was making her way from Washington DC to Baltimore. Gertrude couldn’t find her satellite, so Claire was lost in a frightening and unfamiliar place. Fortunately she was able to call a friend and he guided her to her destination by use of the internet.

A GPS has its limitations. It will do you no good to type in “heaven” as your destination—it doesn’t know the way. The best of earthbound navigational means are of no value or assistance in making the trip from heaven to earth. But God has provided, in His Son Jesus Christ, all that is necessary.

The disciples were distressed when Jesus told them of His pending departure. But He told them, “And you know the way where I am going (John 14:4).” Thomas was quick to respond, “Lord we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way (John 14:5)?” Jesus’ response? “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me (John 14:6).” Nobody can journey to heaven from earth apart from Jesus—He is the Way. To know Jesus is to know the way. Apart from Him the journey is not just difficult, it is impossible. The great obstacle, sin, must be dealt with. He has done so on the cross. Jesus saves to the uttermost those who trust in Him. He frees sinners from the penalty and power of sin. He alone can “transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory” (Phil. 3:21a). He will do so “by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Phil. 3:21b).

The Apostle Paul’s journey through life in ministry was met with many challenges and much opposition. He wrote to Timothy, in his final letter, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me” (2 Tim. 4:16). As believers we must sometimes travel alone on a wearisome and difficult path, but we are never truly alone. “But the Lord stood with me,” Paul said. In Jesus we have a travelling companion who will never desert us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5), indeed, He is with us always (Matt. 28:20). His guidance is not subject to technological glitches or operator error. He stands ready to guide us in all our decisions (James 1:5). He is preeminently qualified to direct us in all matters (Heb. 4:15-16). Paul was fully confident of Christ’s ability to lead him on his journey—“The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:18).

These are difficult times in which we live. The broad way that leads to destruction is well traveled. Doomed travelers are ushered speedily along a perilous route to a disastrous end. The narrow way is impossible to navigate apart from Christ and His Word. But His “word is a lamp to (our) feet, and a light to (our) path” (Psa. 119:105). God’s Word is far better than a GPS in as much as it is “living and active” (Heb. 4:12) communication from God to us in all matters pertaining to faith and practice. Through His Word, the God of the universe speaks to us in personal and practical ways—teaching, reproving, correcting, and training us in the way we should go (2 Tim. 3:16).

The Apostle Peter spoke to our great need to pay attention to the Word: “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19; Cf. 2 Tim. 3:14-15). One day, when we are with Jesus, our difficult journey on the narrow way will be complete. In the meantime we need to be careful to “pay attention” to our heavenly navigator and His instructions—He knows the way, He is the way, and He alone can bring us safely home.

Every Gideon Bible includes this wonderful testimony regarding the Scripture’s ability to guide us: “The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.”

Pastor Jerry

“DIVINE RESCUE”

Colossians 1:13, “For He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son.”

A year ago this month an estimated 1 billion television viewers watched with great anticipation as rescue workers descended 2300 feet underground and brought the first of the Chilean miners to the surface. 33 miners had been trapped in the mine for 69 days. They had survived high heat, deep darkness, abiding hunger, mental anguish, and physical despair. There was no way out for them. They were totally dependent on others for their rescue.

The rescue effort involved hundreds of people. Nearly every Chilean government agency was involved. NASA and more than a dozen international corporations provided assistance. Three separate drilling efforts were undertaken. A rescuer was ultimately lowered in a capsule into the depths of the earth. The captives were brought to the surface amidst much excitement and jubilation—people cried, hugged, and cheered.

It was one of the greatest rescue efforts ever undertaken. But there is a rescue effort of far greater proportions—the divine rescue of lost sinners. It is hard to imagine a more challenging predicament than that of those miners, but the “domain of darkness” is a more foreboding place (“domain” = “authority”; Cf. 1 John 5:19). Held captive to sin, the lost soul wastes away his existence in a futile way of life (1 Pet. 1:18). Darkened in his understanding and blinded to the truth—he can see no way of escape (Cf. Eph. 4:18; 2 Cor. 4:4). The hopelessness of the plight of the rebel sinner cannot be overstated (Rom. 3:23, 6:23; Col. 1:21). And a pending deeper darkness looms over his existence (2 Thess. 1:8-9).

The rescue of the Chilean miners was motivated by loving concern. Skilled men devised a response. Tremendous resources were utilized. The rescue of lost sinners came at the hands of our loving God. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” God’s power and His wisdom were applied to the effort: “But we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:23-24).

The rescue workers descended into the depths of the earth to rescue those men. Jesus came to earth to rescue lost sinners: “For the Son of Man (came) to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He humbled Himself: Heb. 2:14, “Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” As the hymn puts it: “He left His throne above, so free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race! ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me. Amazing love! How can it be? That Thou, my God shouldst die for me?”

The Chilean miners were brought to the surface and restored to their loved ones. The believer has been transferred to the Kingdom of His beloved Son. Having been forgiven of his sins and reconciled to God his rescue is the grandest of them all--from the depths of sin’s depravity to the heights of divine privilege (from the “mire” to the “choir”; Cf. Psalm 40:2-3). “See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are” (1 John 3:1). The believer in Christ has indeed been saved to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25, KJV).

The Chilean miners rejoiced with great joy when they broke the surface. We are to be “joyously giving thanks” for our deliverance (Col. 1:12). Our rescue has come about entirely by His grace and through His work on the cross. There will come a day when all of the rescued souls through all the ages will sing a new song in heaven, saying, “Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals, for Thou wast slain and didst purchase for god with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). The rescued rejoice!

Jose Henriquez was one of the 33 men trapped in that mine. During the 69 days he led devotions twice a day, crying out to God with the other miners. He arranged for a Pastor to come to share the gospel with the miners. 20 of them prayed a salvation prayer. There are people trapped in sin all around us. God calls us to His rescue effort. Jude 23, “Save others, snatching them out of the fire.” Christ alone can rescue the lost. The rescued direct other needy souls to Him!

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Pastor Jerry

JOYOUSLY GIVING THANKS

The heart of Paul’s prayer for the believers in Colossae (Col. 1:9-12) was his desire that they be equipped to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. The Greek term translated “worthy” is a term which spoke of “that which balances the scales.” To “balance the scales,” our walk must be consistent to and commensurate with our identity as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. The prayer has great relevance to us as NT believers and governs every aspect of our walk—what we know (our heads, Col. 1:9), what we do (our hands, Col. 1:10), and how we do it (our hearts, Col. 1:11-12). In order to walk is such a way we need to be “filled with the knowledge of His will”—we need to know where we are going and what we are doing. The worthy walk is characterized in what we do by an ambition to please God and bear fruit in good works. It is impossible for any of us to walk in such a manner in our own strength, we must instead be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might” (Cf. John 15:4; Phil. 4:13).

The worthy walk is characterized by joy and thankfulness. It is not just what we do that is important, but how. We are to be “joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Col. 1:12). I regularly receive email messages from a friend who has the signature line—“serving with joy.” That is God’s desire for us—he commands us to “rejoice always” (Phil. 4:4) and to give thanks “in everything” (1 Thess. 5:19). In so doing we glorify God and maintain a good testimony before others--the problem is that it is not always easy to be joyful and thankful.

Two terms in verse 11 speak to God’s provision. There are two virtues, steadfastness and patience, that are essential if we are to worship God, even in the midst of trials. The first term translates the Greek “hupumone.” Its literal meaning is “an abiding under.” Webster’s has this definition, “firm in belief, determination, or adherence.” In this context it speaks to the one who remains undeterred—amidst obstacles and challenges-- from his faith, obedience, and love to Christ. The second term translates the Greek “makrothumia.” This term is defined as “forbearance, patience, longsuffering. Vine’s Expository Dictionary distinguishes between the two terms this way: “Longsuffering (“patience” in Col. 1:12 NASB) is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish, it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy….Patience (“steadfastness” in Col. 1:12 NASB) is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope.” The first term, “steadfastness,” speaks of patience through trials. The second term, “patience,” speaks of patience with people. And that pretty much sums up our troubles—problems and people problems.

These virtues are not native to human hearts. Our propensity is to respond to our problems in human ways by human strength with human wisdom. Such responses are typically according to the “deeds of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21) and work to dishonor God and undermine our relationships and testimony. Steadfastness and patience are Spirit-borne virtues (Gal. 5:22). Their presence in our lives—in the midst of troubles and trials—speaks to His presence in our lives. He is the ultimate example of steadfastness and patience, we are to follow in His steps (Heb. 12:1-3; 1 Pet. 2:20-23).

I met a fellow believer the other day and we rejoiced in the Lord together. He spoke to me of his job and other things. He told me how he once had difficulty with his boss, for a period of a couple of years. He kept praying that God would change his boss, but no change was forthcoming. But then he realized that maybe he needed to pray a different way—he started praying that God would change his own heart—and that’s just what God did. And the situation was resolved. And we thanked God together for His work in his life. In our troubles and trials are first inclination is often—“God get me out of this situation!” Instead we ought to say—“God what can I get (learn) out of this!” These Spirit implanted virtues-- steadfastness and patience—ultimately work to bear fruit in Christlike maturity (James 1:2-4).

It has been said that life is 10% circumstances, and 90% how we respond to them—by responding with Spirit-borne steadfastness and patience we walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. We joyously give thanks, ever mindful, of how we are so blessed (“{He} has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light,” Col. 1:12). Our troubles are but “momentary, light affliction” as compared to the “eternal weight of glory” He has prepared for us at the end of our journey (2 Cor. 4:17).

Pastor Jerry

MUCH IN COMMON

Some insights from our recent trip to Uganda…

At first glance it might appear as if we have little in common with our Christian brethren in the Masaka Region of Uganda. The most obvious difference is in color, but the differences don’t stop there. They reside in small homes, made of brick or clay, that have no power and no indoor plumbing. Their kitchens and bathrooms are outside. They live off their crops and the livestock they raise. Their monthly income is less that $50 per month. They have no television, no newspapers, no internet (unless the go far away to town to access such things). They have no health care plans, no retirement savings, and no insurance policies. They travel on dirt paths either on foot or by bike or motorcycle.

The best of their church buildings wouldn’t meet any of our building codes. They are typically built of either bricks or clay, but in one case the church simply meets under a tree. As with their homes, their buildings lack power, plumbing, and bathrooms. They typically consist of but one large room where the church gathers and meets on dirt floors where people sit on small handmade benches. Their singing is much different than ours—one instrument, drums, is all they need or use. They often times intersperse spontaneous testimonies amongst a repeated chorus. Their singing almost always includes some degree of dancing, clapping, or hand waving.

There are other differences. Most of their Pastors have not been to Bible school. They were chosen as pastor because they were the most qualified amongst the believers in a given village. They don’t receive a salary and often travel long distances by foot or bike to reach their churches or to visit church members. These pastors have no Bible study tools in their own language. The Bible that they own includes just a few cross-references. Most of their church members don’t own a Bible. They long to possess much of what we take for granted.

At first glance it might appear as if we have little in common, but that impression would be amiss. We share with them the same love for the same Savior. Pastor Bob Emrich and I were privileged to provide instruction to about 40 pastors in meetings with two separate Pastor Alliances. Pastor Bob taught on “The Spiritual Disciples.” The focus of my teaching time was “Major Themes in the Book of Ephesians.” What garnered the most visible response from the pastors was any reference to the glory of Christ in His person and work. Hearty “amens” were heard whenever we spoke of such things. One day we were privileged to visit about a dozen pastors and churches. We heard repeated testimonies of how Christ had worked to bring salvation to souls and growth to His church.

We share with them a common love for the Scriptures. At the beginning of our meetings with the First Alliance there was a time for the pastors to share testimonies. We heard repeatedly of that for which they were most thankful—for God’s provision of Bibles for their congregations. They know, as do we, that the Word of God is powerful to change lives as it instructs us in the truth of who God is, how He saves, and how He desires for His people to live. The pastors who attended the conference traveled long distances to get there and slept at night on concrete floors. But they listened attentively in our meetings—because they have a longing to better understand the Scriptures.

We share a common purpose in proclaiming the glorious gospel of salvation through faith in Christ. The pastors were burdened to share this message. They work together to take the gospel door-to-door to their villages. They look to God for opportunities and ways to broaden their ministries. Many of them have started Christian schools so that they can reach the thousands of children who make up so much of their population. Their teaching and curriculum is Christ-centered. I so much appreciated the logo on the patch of the uniform of “Arise and Shine” Christian school which said, “Knowledge Is from God!”

We share in common with our Ugandan brethren the most important things. Our homes and buildings and incomes and methods of transportation may differ, but in Christ we are united. We worship the same Savior, treasure the same Bible, and proclaim the same glorious gospel. The things we have in common are the things that truly matter. Christ is building His church and “Christ Jesus Himself (is) the corner stone” (Eph. 2:20). The “whole building (is) being fitted together (and) is growing into a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:21). This glorious living temple is made up of “living stones” (1 Pet. 2:5) that have been redeemed for this very purpose “from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). We are intimately united in a common bond and eternal destiny.

No other Savior, no other truth, no other “religion” works to unite such dissimilar peoples in such an intimate fashion. The fact that we are bound together across such a cultural divide speaks to the glorious nature of our Savior and power of His gospel to reconcile sinners in “all creation” both to Himself and to one another (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Eph. 2:13-18). Far too much of our time is devoted to focusing on dissimilarities and concerning ourselves with insignificant things that won’t matter at all in heaven. There will come a day, “when He comes to be glorified in His saints…and to be marveled at among all who have believed” (2 Thess. 1:10), when all such differences amongst believers will be instantly eradicated. Our focus, on that day, will be only on Him. May it be increasingly so this side of heaven as we give attention to praising Him, growing in Him, and proclaiming His gospel (Cf. Phil. 3:20; 2 Cor. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:18; 1 Cor. 2:2).

Pastor Jerry

WHAT GOD HAS DONE

I came across this story in the recent "Servant" magazine (Prairie Bible Institute's monthly)...

"At the funeral of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, executed in 1945 for his part in the plot to assassinate Adolph Hitler, Dietrich's uncle Hans Von Hase preached the sermon. He spoke of how this world of pain and sorrow is but a moment when compared with the joyous eternity with God. At the end of the service, as the coffin was carried down the aisle, trumpeters played an old German hymn Dietrich's mother had chosen:

What God has done, it is well done.
His will is always just.
Whatever He will do to me,
In Him I'll ever place my trust."

Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Pastor Jerry

WHAT GOD WANTS

1 Timothy 2:4, “(God) desires all men to be saved.”

The word “desires” translates a Greek term which means “’to will, to wish,’ implying volition and purpose” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). The King James Version translated the phrase: “Who will have all men to be saved.” God’s “wants” all men to be saved.

Empirical evidence argues against this glorious truth. All men are not saved. The vast majority of people continue in open rebellion against God. The broad way that leads to destruction is well traveled. Countless warnings of pending judgment remind us that God’s desire—that all men be saved--will not be ultimately realized (Cf. 2 Thess. 1:8-9). How can a sovereign and omnipotent God fail in that which He wants? Philosophical arguments are devised to resolve this theological dilemma, but satisfying answers lie hidden in subjection to His “unsearchable judgments and unfathomable ways” (Rom. 11:33; Cf. Isa. 55:8-9). We must exercise care lest we allow errant thinking to dilute our confidence in God’s desire to see others come to “a knowledge of the truth” (1Tim. 2:4).

The truth of this verse speaks to the benevolent nature of God. “God is love” (1 John 4:16). He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:32). He sought out Adam and Eve in the garden and spoke to them of a future redeemer. Countless Old Testament types and prophecies foretold of His coming. God purposed to send His Son: “But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law” (Gal. 4:4-5). He “gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:6). As the song puts it “He gave His life, what more could He give.” We know something of strong desires. No desire—this side of heaven—has been met with greater expression than God’s desire to see sinners saved. The clear testimony of His sincerity is the sacrifice of His Son upon the cross (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16).

His desire—that all men be saved--is akin to that of the father who welcomed back his repentant son: “But while he was still a long way off,” the Scripture says, “his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). God’s desire is evident in the response of the angels: “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). His desire is at present withholding the floodgates of divine judgment: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit. 2:11). The grace of God has made salvation available to all, but not all will receive it. The problem lies not with God, but man. In these difficult days it is easy for us to become disheartened by the hard-heartedness of sinners. Theological diversions, personal fears, and witnessing “failures” tend to discourage us in our zeal for evangelism. It is good for us to remind ourselves that God’s desire is for the salvation of sinners. Our unsaved family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates are amongst the “all men” the verse speaks of. He desires their salvation. He is ultimately the one who saves, but He has privileged us to have a part in it.

It is good when our desires are aligned with God’s. So it was with the Apostle Paul. He said, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is salvation” (Rom. 10:1). He spoke thus of his Jewish brethren, but his desire and prayer was likewise for all men. He was burdened to share the gospel (1 Cor. 9:16; 2 Cor. 5:14). He made himself a slave to all, “that (he) might win the more” (1 Cor. 9:19). He was willing to expend himself and suffer hardship for the sake of the gospel (2 Tim. 2:8-9). We are at our best, as believers, when that which matters most to God matters most to us.

God desires for all men to be saved. Do you desire the same? The Spirit of God is at work in us to fill our hearts with Christlike compassion for lost sinners. The “Titanic” of humanity is soon to be shipwrecked. Most are unaware, let us warn them. Most don’t know what to do, let us direct them to the One who is “mighty to save.” Let us do all we can to “Rescue the Perishing…”

Tho’ they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,

Waiting the penitent child to receive;

Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently,

He will forgive if they only believe.

Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying;

Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Pastor Jerry