Wow! What a Night!

Our kick-off for The Truth Project was a wonderful success. We were overwhelmed with participants, and the discussion and fellowship after was outstanding! The total attendance for the four groups totaled to over seventy. I'll update this post in the days to come and give the actual count.

In addition to the regular church people we had two new couples participating. Wakefield is a tight group. Most have known each other for many years. Many that visit the church state that we are welcoming. However, because of our close knit fellowship, we often forget about how difficult it can be for a new person to blend into Wakefield. I believe that small groups will begin to overcome this issue. I expect that at the end of the 13 sessions we will see new connections made and our visitors will feel right at home in their new family.

-Mark

Please visit our church at http://www.blogger.com/www.wakefieldbible.org

Growing Smaller to Grow Deeper

Starting this Sunday evening, Wakefield will embark in a new direction - small groups. Our first pass at small groups will be The Truth Project. The Truth Project is a biblical worldview study that has excited the leaders of Wakefield.

Months back, the elders, Ron, Quint, Dan, and I attended the Truth Project training. I was excited before the training about the possibility of this study and the possibility of small groups. The training was excellent and motivating. At the end of the day, Ron, Quint, and Dan were equally excited. We knew that this program would be a benefit to Wakefield.

There will be many adjustments to taking on a small group format. What to do with the kids?, should we take up and offering?, what about choir practice?... are some of the questions we have not fully resolved. However, I and the elders are convinced that the benefits of discipleship and fellowship will greatly outweigh the problems that will arise.

Pray for our adjustments, but more importantly, pray for transformation, the transformation that is possible when God's people come together to study His word.
-Mark
Please visit our church at http://www.blogger.com/www.wakefieldbible.org

Pondering Luis' Words

I received a comment from Luis, a pastor in Peru. I would like to address two of Luis' statements. [You can see his full comment under the 1/9/2009 posting.]

Luis writes,

"During these last several weeks have been negative news to shake the United States. The material that caused the disaster Hurricane "Ike" in Texas, the collision of two trains occurred in Los Angeles where 10 people died, the financial crisis that is leading to bankruptcy for large companies like Leman Brothers and others, the crisis that still inmobibliaria endures, high inflation and mismanagement of course that President Bush has given the nation, all these things could be classed as "shock" the pride of the American people used to live in waste and wantonness. And if they join the thousands who died from the attack on the twin towers, or more than a thousand people died from Hurricane Katrina, or the moral degradation that is coming to American society. All this evidence lugubre the scenario that today the United States."

I do not doubt that God brings judgment upon people and nations. There is plenty of Scripture to validate this idea. However, as observers, we must be careful in labeling events around us as God's wrath. Weather wrecks havoc, people get hurt, some even die. Accidents, like train wrecks occur, and terrorists attack. However, that does not indicate judgment. Luke 13:1-5 and John 9:1-3 teach us to be careful in our evaluation of events. What may seem like God's judgment can be something all together different. In the end, the greater thing is for an event, such as Katrina or the Twin Towers,to glorify God. When we look at the inadequacy of mankind and the evil of the same, we should see the infinite glory of God and celebrate it.

Luis also wrote;
"The true Christian churches in this country should check the distance in a very clear and with more strength to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to avoid being influenced by the prevailing darkness in this nation. A dark and that is affecting many countries."

I have to agree with Luis, that the church needs to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether the U.S. prospers or falls, the church has a mandate, to proclaim the gospel and to make disciples (See Luke 24:45-48 and Matthew 28:19-20). It is only the gospel that saves (Romans 1:16). And when the church loses its focus, not making the sharing of God's salvation through Jesus only, they end up fighting windmills, and accomplishing nothing of eternal value.

God bless you Luis. Keep focused on the good news of Jesus Christ. Go and make disciples and leave the wrath of God to God.

-Mark



Please visit our church at http://www.wakefieldbible.org/

The Best Christians are Dead Christians

Yesterday was a wonderful day at Wakefield. In the morning we looked at Matthew 5:38-42 and examined the idea that it is impossible to live for self and for Christ at the same time. As believers, it is essential that we understand that self can only hinder the life Christ desires to live in us.

Jesus gives us a good outline in Matthew 5:38-42 on how to rid yourself of self. Verse 39-Drop the desire to retaliate; Verse 40-Don't demand your rights when you are wrong; Verse 41 - Go well beyond the required to show God's grace; and Verse 42 - Take on an attitude of stewardship not ownership.

We closed with the song Change My Heart O' God. It was a special day.
-Mark

Please visit our church at www.wakefieldbible.org