DEVOTION: "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" Matthew 4:17
Yesterday, I had the privilege of being beside the bed of two people. I call it a privilege, because I get to present the Gospel and pray for people in their greatest time of need. I call it a privilege, because sometimes it is the only Gospel they will hear and God has given me this great responsibility.
I also call it a privilege, because it is always a great reminder to me of how fragile and short life really is and how, if you haven't turned (repented) of your sin and turned to Christ for forgiveness you are lost forever.
I also call it a privilege, because I get to bring Christ's forgiveness to bear in the most dire of circumstances and bring peace to the hearts of lives of people who are desperate for comfort and peace.
I also call it a privilege, because there is no other real comfort and peace that the world can provide. Nothing gives us comfort like the Gospel, the good news that Jesus came to earth as baby in a manger, lived a sinless life as a servant, died in our place, rose from the dead, and lives and reigns to all eternity.
But the truth is that it is not only my privilege to do this. It is yours too. You have your own group of people, family, friends, coworkers, etc. that you have the privilege of sharing and living out the Gospel with. I urge you to do that today. Give your kids the Gospel in every way possible by praying with them, reading God's Word to them, bringing them to worship and Sunday school and much more. Invite your coworkers to go to church with you and give them Christian literature and devotions to read. Tell your friends that you love them, but that Jesus loves them even more. Care for them and forgive them every chance you get.
Nothing will change a person's heart, mind, or life like the love and forgiveness of Jesus. From this time on begin to preach, "Repent for the kingdom of Christ has come, he has saved you, and he loves you."
Let us pray: Lord God, help me to trust, rely, and preach Your Kingdom, for that is all that truly matters. Amen.
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WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Who were the first two disciples? Peter and Andrew
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THURSDAY'S QUESTION: Was Jesus rejected or accepted in his own hometown?
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CALENDAR
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; SERVICE DAY begins with potluck at noon!!
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; SERVICE DAY begins with potluck at noon!!
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FITNESS GROUP MEETS TONIGHT AT 5:30 PM!!!
We will decide tonight if it is too cold. If it isn't we will walk to the high school track, do a short workout there, and then walk back!!
If it is too cold we will do a workout in the overflow.
Reply to this email if you are going to be there.
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SERVICE DAY AT ST. JOHN'S SUNDAY OCT. 27 AT NOON!!!