Purpose

Our hope with this blog is to share our thoughts about great literature, movies, and other forms of media. Although the title of the blog is Stories of Redemption, not every story will lead to that end and not every character will be found redeemed.

We hope that you will share your thoughts about the featured works and share some stories we have not considered.

Below is a great video that is an example of such a story. Oh that all Christians were so gracious.


-Mark

Crazy Hats Point to Christ

Most Wednesday mornings I go over to Taneytown Baptist Church and pray with some local pastors. One pastor is Larry Douthwaite. Larry shepherds Living Faith Evangelical church in Littlestown, PA. This week Larry has moved from a local celebrity to a national one, all because of his crazy hats.

I won't tell the story of how or why. Rather, you can read about it at the link given here. However, it does demonstrate how a little creativity can point someone to Jesus Christ. Look around your community and ask how you can get involved and share of your time and personality. As far as I know, Larry's hats were only goofy, never evangelical. However, they have had an impact, and in a strange way have pointed people toward his Savior. Maybe you, too, can creatively serve in your community and thus point to Christ.


-Mark

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

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