Swine Flu Boo!

It is quite possible that the swine flu will become the feared pandemic - or not. However, if bodies do not start piling up, the nightly news will lose interest and we ourselves will move on to the next possible agent of destruction. What is it that causes us both to panic and then within a day forget all about it only to replace this pandemic with the next threat? I have no idea, but I'll make a guess.

What I do know is that even if the worst possible scenario plays out - millions die, our republic crumbles, my retirement disappears, whatever...God is still my savior. In Habakkuk 3, the prophet sings of God, the wrathful warrior. The prophet acknowledges the certainty of destruction, but then concludes with this thought - Habakkuk 3:17-19.

Is it possible that the reason people panic is that they have no faith in God, that they cannot make the claim that God is the God of their salvation? Rather they put self at center and then come to realize that self cannot stop the approaching pandemic.

If you have trusted in Jesus Christ, then you can be certain that He will never leave you nor forsake you. God is the God of your salvation. Buy a medical mask. Get your flu shot. No harm in being prepared. But never forget that God is the God of your salvation. If you have not trusted in Christ, then you are on your own. That might serve you well for a little while, but, ultimately your strength will fail. At the very least, when it is time to account, you will not be able to claim God as the God of your Salvation. If you need help in this decision contact us through the church website - http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157.

-Mark

Please visit our church at http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157

Susan Boyle or God

Who would've thought that Andy Warhol's words on 15 minutes of fame would continue to prove true and even grow in validity with each passing generation. He could not have foreseen the internet or youtube; but these vehicles propel the unknown into worldwide fame. In an instant the world seeks to glorify Susan Boyle only to replace her with someone else 15 minutes later.

As the fame of man continues to grow, the fame of God is diminished. This has always been the battle. Man seeks to glorify self and God seeks to be glorified. In the end God will be glorified by all (Philippians 2:9-11).

The next few weeks at Wakefield we will study Habakkuk. The first message of this series was posted on April 19th. You can listen or download it at our website. Every morning we awake to trouble and worry - divorce, adultery, drugs, crime, terrorism, the economy... Habakkuk, too, was confronted by this and more. In the end God's character changed Habakkuk. What does this have to do with Susan Boyle and her 15 minutes? Habakkuk made the decision to glorify God. As he did so, God demonstrated His character to Habakkuk.

When we cease to glorify self and begin to glorify God, we are confronted by God's character. His character changes our point of view and fills us with hope, even in our times of trouble.

-Mark

Please visit our church at http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157

Jesus Wants the Rose - Matt Chandler

I thought I would share a powerful video portion of Matt Chandler - Jesus wants the Rose. I know you will be blessed by it.

Growing Pains

God continues to drive new families and young people to our church, and thus the inevitable growing pains are beginning to appear. What are growing pains? For some churches it is the need for more parking or seating. That yet is not the case at Wakefield. What then are these pains? I believe it is the adjustment that the long term members and attendees make to new ways of ministry and the new people this attracts.

I looked up Growing Pains on the medical websites. They document that these pains come upon children at night and in the leg area. However, they all state that the cause of the pain is a mystery, because it should not hurt to grow.

Why then does it hurt to grow in a church? One is the attitude of "We've never done it that way before." When church people hold onto methodology and even elevate that to dogma, then the pain appears. Another is when the culture of one group conflicts with that of another. Church should be always in flux as a younger generation moves up to assume places of leadership and as the community around it changes.

My parents moved into their current home about 38 years ago. At that time the neighborhood was packed with kids and the community had a young feel. Then things changed. Kids grew up and moved out, and the neighborhood aged. Now, many years later the older people are moving out to retirement communities and young families are moving in to replace them. The public schools that had to close will probably reopen and businesses that served older people are adjusting to a younger client.

Why do I tell you all of this? Because churches go through similar transitions. However, churches should not wait 38 years to reinvent itself. We should be looking for new ways to tell the same story and to worship the same God. There is dogma that should never change and methodology that can change as the need arises. Pray for Wakefield as we adjust to the world around us without compromising on the absolutes of the faith.

-Mark


Please visit our church at www.wakefieldbible.org

Take a Life - Save a Life

While I slowly read Sense & Sensibility I thought I would mention a wonderful movie, Bella, that would fall under the heading of a redemptive story. It tells the story of Jose and Nina; he is a former professional soccer player, she is a pregnant single woman. Neither is living the life they would have planned. The movie focuses primarily on one day in which their lives are brought together, and on the events and decisions that change a life.

There are many reasons to recommend this movie. One is that the film contains no foul language or sexual behavior. Also the acting is wonderful. Look for this DVD in the store or pick it up at Netflix. Also, the movie has been turned into a book that I hope to read it in the near future.

-Mark

Reaching 6,000 per Week

Last evening we shut down our small groups and assembled at the church for a mission presentation. Maria Gusmao, from BCM International, gave a fascinating talk on her work with the street kids of Brasil. What an amazing evening! It started with Maria giving a monologue, playing the role of a little boy living in an abusive situation and his utlimate conversion to Christ. Then she gave a presentation of the ministry.

Currently, Maria and her staff are allowed to teach Bible clubs in the public schools. These clubs, and the clubs they run in the slums of Recife reach 6,000 kids per week! Also, she takes about 150 street kids to camp every summer. There they learn of Christ, make decisions for Him, and also learn that they are loved by Maria and the counselors.

Take time to explore the BCM website, http://www.bcmintl.org/. Also join us in prayer for Maria and these children. Also one other prayer request - I would love to see Wakefield put together a team to assist Maria at her camp. I am certain they could use the help, but more importantly it would be a life changing two weeks for us.

-Mark

Please visit our church at http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157