A Valentine From God

Two great stories were told during the Sunday morning service. In one, Gordon and Ron told how they were used by God at the World Ag Expo, in Tulare, California. They were privileged to share the good news of Jesus Christ with over 3,000 people, leading to approximately 800 decisions. God has been using these men, and some others in our church, through the ministry of Christian Farmers Outreach. This outstanding ministry shares the love of God, using walking sticks and beads.

Later, Dan told how God directed his steps to share Christ with a neighbor. Dan, on two occasions this week, attempted to share Christ with his neighbor. However, God blocked his way. Then on Valentines day, Dan and his wife, Doris, visited their neighbor's wife in the hospital. There, they found their neighbor, his wife, and her sister. Eventually, the conversation turned spiritual. Dan, in time, asked each of them if they would like to put their trust in Jesus Christ. All three made individual decisions for Christ. What a Valentines Day!

God continues to use Wakefield to spread this story of love and salvation. There is no greater Valentine message that this - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) If, as you read this, realize that God loves you, that He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins, then take the next few moments and put your trust in Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can find forgiveness for our sins, and it is only through Jesus Christ that we can experience the full love of God.

-Mark

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

Dancing with God

In Matthew 6:24 we find these words, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." One word jumps out to me, and that word is "hold." "Hold" in the text is antechomai, which means to keep one's self directly opposite to any one.

Jesus has been speaking of treasure. He has been teaching that your treasure is a direct indicator of where your heart is. Now you may be wondering where is your heart? What does your treasure indicate? Four questions given below may help you determine this.
1. What do you value the most?
2. What would you most hate to lose?
3. What do you thoughts turn to most frequently when you are free to think of what you will?
4. What brings you the most pleasure?
By answering these questions honestly, you can determine where your treasure is and what it says about your heart (inner man).

Now back to antechomai. In a sense, we hold our treasure just in front of ourselves. It is ultimately where we put our focus. This idea reminds me of ballroom dancing. You stand facing your partner, and as you move your focus is only on them. If, as you dance, you begin to focus on another, one other than your partner, then you will stumble, or get kicked in the shin! You cannot serve two masters any more than you can simultaneously dance with two partners.

Where then should our focus be? Our treasure and our heart should be focused strictly on the Lord and His kingdom. Next Sunday we will explore what it means to invest in eternity. Until then, look back at the four questions above. Ask God to show you where your treasure is and what that means in regard to your heart. It is my hope that God is front and center in your life. If not, its time to switch partners and begin to dance with God.

-Mark
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Living Life In Front of God

There is a idea that we considered Sunday, and which was repeated tonight in The Truth Project, that the believer lives his life before God. "Of course" you say, "for God is omnipresent." Well we are quick to acknowledge this truth, but slow to live our lives as if we believe it.

How is it that we believe one thing but live another? Is it a purposeful choice or just forgetfulness? "Yes" would be the answer. We choose to rebel, and we live a life so consumed with self that God is often forgotten. Is there is a way to correct this, at least to keep God in the forefront of our minds?

We need to do the simple things: 1) We must make make worship a daily experience. 2) We must seek every opportunity to study God's Word. 3) We must use our spiritual gifts in service to God in the local church. 4) We need to take every opportunity to share Christ with our unsaved friends, family members, and associates.

If we do these simple things we will be reminded of who God is and keep Him in mind.

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

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