Happy New Year!!!!!

It is a great time to be a part of Green Ridge church.  What a blessing.  Great things are going on, the work is doing well, we are reaching out with the Good-News of God to the world.

Beginning in 2009 we will support the work in Brazil through Danny Bratcher.  This is the young man who sold everything to go into the ministry.  After  school he is now working in Brazil.  See his news letters posted on the bulletin board in the hall.

Please bear with me, because I know you have heard this old story, but I think it is worth repeating....

A traveler came to town asking an old man seated by the road, "What are the people like in this town?"

"What were the people like where you came from?"  the old man asked.

"Horrible" the traveler reported, "mean, untrustworthy, detestable in all respects."

"Ah" said the old man, "you will find them the same in this city."

Scarcely had the first traveler gone on his way when another traveler stopped to inquire about the people in the city.  Again the old man asked about the people in the place the traveler had just left.

"They were fine people, honest, industrious  and generous to a fault."  declared the second traveler, "I was sorry to leave."

The old man responded, "That's exactly how you will find the people here."

How we see others is a reflection on ourselves!

How you see life comes from who you are.

"What it means to be a Christian"

Someone has well stated that genuine Christians will be (a) completely fearless, (b) absurdly happy, (c) and in constant trouble!  Paul echoes these sentiments in 2nd Corinthians 4:9-5:1.  Outwardly things can get rough for the faithful child of God.  However, inwardly - where it counts - we are renewed day by day!  We may be considered "fools for Christ's sake" - 2nd Corinthians 4:10 - but the everlasting joy of eternal bliss awaits us - Titus 1:2.  While "the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts." - Romans 5:5 - nothing very bad can happen to us.  Far better to suffer for the cause of Christ in these days than to refuse to stand up for Him and therefore be lost in eternity.  As Romans 8:18 powerfully reminds us:

"the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed."

The fine words of a hypocritical profession of religion will never compare with the fine deeds of genuine commitment to the Lord. The pure religion of James chapter 1 involves a proper evaluation of trials, riches, prayer, faith, temptation, blessings, purity, obedience and sincere concern for others, self and the Scriptures.  Unless we are willing to follow Jesus all the way - Revelation 14:4 - we do not yet comprehend the life of a Christian.

Being a Christian - one who belongs to the Lord - means that we have turned our back upon worldliness - 1 John 2:15-17.  We find no point of rejoicing in the evil of past days - Ephesians 4:20-24.  Being a new creation in Christ Jesus - Galatians 6:15 - propels us into a closer walk of service with God.

Being a Christian means that we are vitally interested in leading others out of darkness also.  We will never be content to let Satan capture the hearts of those about us.  Hating sin and the stain of iniquity we will diligently strive to snatch out of the fire - Jude 23 - those who are nearly gone.

Being a Christian means that we find our complete happiness in spiritual pursuits of life.  In fact, our peace of mind is the result of a prayerful gratitude for the Lord's rich provisions - Philippians 4:4-19.  There is no condemnation for those who walk in the path of spirituality - Romans 8:1-4.  Being a Christian, therefore, certainly means that the works of the flesh will not overwhelm us.  That spells victory!

Have a great week!!!!

                                                                      Jack...........

Would you like to respond:  E-Mail