Scripture
– ESV
Matthew
6:16-18 –
"And
when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their
faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have
received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in
secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew
9:14-17 –
Then
the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees
fast, but your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "Can
the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will
come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No
one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away
from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old
wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are
destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are
preserved."
Bob’s
thoughts:
If I
believed in coincidences, I would find it odd that our daughter chose to join
the only church we had visited in this area almost a year ago. I do know God
has brought her and her children to a healthy church that is on track with God’s
purpose for them. She has found the stability and support she needs, and we are
thankful.
I was
pleased to note the church has sprinkler protection…an expensive safeguard.
The
parking directors were helpful. When I saw the large cross on the outside and
found smaller versions in the sanctuary, a lot of my questions were answered.
After
only a brief exchange, I later went back for a refill of coffee and was greeted
by name.
There
is diversity and a wide mix of ages among the worshipers.
Three
large screens made it easy to read the music and Scripture. I appreciated the
reflection of the colored lighting on the suspended ceiling gridwork. The harmony
of the praise team was agreeable and I enjoyed the solo by the female lead. I
relished hearing the Scripture read with inflection.
We
were pleased to be here to witness baptisms, and appreciated hearing their
statements of faith and being able to see the baptisms on the projection
screens.
It
was most impressive to learn the building campaign will include mission giving.
I was overjoyed to see some of their mission contributions; that is the best
sign of a healthy church. You cannot out-give God. This church is blessed
indeed.
The
message was about fasting and I believe it brought a lot of understanding. Was
well developed with supporting Scripture and current relevancy focusing on
right motives.
Jan’s
thoughts:
As
our daughter will soon join this church, we were grateful for a chance to visit
again and worship with her.
This
is only our second visit here, but we’ve only seen a small portion of this vast
campus. We caught up with our daughter and she directed us toward the coffee
and restrooms, which was enough that morning.
Several
people greeted us and many smiled as people of all ages either hung out
following the education hour or waited for the second service to begin.
The
service began with the baptism of three youths all under the age of 10. Each
began with a video of the child telling about their faith walk followed by
baptism by immersion and prayer. I was heartened by the sincerity of the faith
expressed and felt honored to be present.
This
church will soon begin a capital campaign for the purpose of enlarging and
enhancing the building to accommodate the expanding congregation. Recent weeks
have been dedicated to developing the spiritual thinking of the members. I was
seriously impressed when the leadership stated that 10% of the funds given
toward the capital campaign would be applied toward mission.
The
message was entitled Beyond Our Comfort:
Prayer and Fasting for a Closer Walk with God. I cannot recall the last
time I heard a sermon on fasting, and the message was clear and convincing. He
defined biblical fasting, listed reasons, types, and motives for fasting, and provided
practical suggestions.
I
am delighted to know our daughter and granddaughters are being fed from this
theological table.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we are thankful as always for Your Presence in worship and grateful for Your
guidance and reassurance in growing Your church. Amen.
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