“Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them! They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the Lord, or see the work of his hands.” (Isaiah 5:11-12, ESV)
I received an urgent prayer request from my Indian friend. In the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, there are more than 60 new believers that will be burned alive if they do not convert to Hinduism. Please read the entire letter from a pastor pleading for our prayers and also visit our forum. Let us know that you are praying for them.
Our church, Church on the Hill, funded a $2.3 million loan in order to make some much needed changes.
The proposal to fund the changes using a loan was presented by the lead pastor and staff to everyone in the church. They arranged small group meetings to present that plans so that small groups would have a chance to ask questions and have discussion. The church later voted over 90% approval to fund the loan.
Our church is going through something called the “New Testament Challenge”. We’ve been going through each book of the New Testament. There are reading plans, study guides, community group discussion guides and then the Sunday service. Our pastor is covering the book of Revelation now.
“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:3-5, NIV)
I’ve heard others complain about all the rules imposed by the Church. They feel it’s impossible for them to follow it. I have some old friends that say they couldn’t give up their party style life for God. Sure, it may seem like a very difficult task to follow God’s commands. However, His commands are not burdensome. God has given someone, Jesus Christ, so that we can overcome the world.
What does it mean to overcome the world? It means to be freed from the pressures and worries imposed by the world. We don’t become destroyed by the temptations for materials and physical pleasures. We don’t become lost in the chaos of relative truths, new age lies, and false religions. We stumble, but we not rise up, we are triumphant.
Those of us that have been born of God, having faith in Jesus Christ, can overcome the world. We do not need to feel hopelessness or despair when we fall or stumble. God has already claimed victory for us, and in the end, we will overcome the world. Let’s rejoice!
Jenn and I really enjoy spending evenings with those junior high kids at Church on the Hill. The Oasis Junior High ministry has a very cool website up. Check out the new photos, read devotionals, funny quotes, or just find out what’s going on with Oasis Junior High at www.oasisjhigh.com
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