Pastor’s Blog, October 2009

Progress digitizing Faith Assembly recorded sermons: through July 1997 complete, as well as January 2000 through February 2001, and October 2003 to the present.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Through John 10 (all)

9:40 a.m.

I have a few minutes to blog before our morning meeting. The Lord has been laying it on my heart to remind people that He has a purpose for each one of us, and it is not the exact same purpose for everyone. His body, whether we speak of an individual local assembly, or the combined body of all true disciples of Jesus everywhere, is an organism composed of many members, and no individual member, nor any one local assembly, is called to fulfill the entire great commission single-handed. I have known many wonderful brethren to have fallen into discouragement because of being continually told they have to fulfill the great commission, thus thinking they have to fulfill the whole commission themselves. So, they look at needs around them, and feel condemned if they cannot do something to help in each and every situation. I think of the needs in India (see the blog from October 7, just below), and it certainly breaks my heart to see all that suffering, in a location where I cannot personally help in a material way (and I know it is not my call even to go over to get a closer look); but, my ministry is to help in ways that no amount of money can help, because I know the power of believing prayer. There are people living in homes for lepers and the blind, whose conditions no medical treatment or drug can ever cure. The most that medicine can do is relieve some of the pain while they wait to die. Then, if they are believers, they can look forward to being Jesus, knowing that in eternity, there is no leprosy or blindness. But, Jesus can cleanse lepers, to make them perfectly whole; Jesus can restore sight to the blind. The only condition is faith in God to fulfill His Word; trusting in God, rather than the inferior solutions attempted by man.

I realize it seems so far-fetched to most people today to conceive of God literally in our day healing lepers and opening blind eyes. Doubtless that is a large part of the reason these things are not seen today. But, if those who bear the message of the gospel cannot confidently offer the answers Jesus provided at the cross, which God has promised in His Word, there is little point in directing anyone to the Bible to find answers. Yes, I do believe that the prayer of faith — even from halfway around the world — can make the difference. I know Jesus provided healing for lepers, the lame, the blind, even today.

May God strengthen the weary, and lift up the discouraged, to boldly go forth with a Scriptural message embodying the power, provisions, and promises Jesus has provided.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Through John 3:5

8:00 a.m.

I have recently been put in contact with a young brother in India, whom I know as “Brother Danny,” who has received some of Dr. Freeman’s teachings. He is involved in a ministry reaching out to many needy people in India. In the recent flooding in India, his own region was hit badly. Although he personally escaped, he has some close relatives who lost everything, only escaping with their lives. He has sent me a few pictures, some of which I have combined into the collages which follow. You can click on the image for a larger view. I may add more pictures in the coming days.

(Pictures have been removed.)

Certainly, our hearts go out to these people. The next collage shows some of the work Brother Danny is involved with for flood relief.

(Pictures have been removed.)

If you have a desire to help in any material way, please contact me here, and I can put you in contact with Brother Danny.

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