Hello friends!
A blessed day to all of you! All is very well and the ministry continues to “deepen”. Question for you. Have you seen the movie Luther? Have you studied Martin Luther and church reformation? If not, I want to suggest that you rent or purchase the movie Luther and see again how the Lord used this man of faith to make clear the beautiful truth of what it means to have life in Christ.
Our family watched it together just a few nights ago. Then Richard used Martin Luther’s story in his sermon on Father’s Day at my dad’s church. He encouraged Fathers with two “anchors”. He encouraged them to know, personally, not just historically, who Jesus Christ is. Secondly, he reminded the men that God’s word has never failed and will never fail.
Dad was moved, almost beyond expression, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, he brought a powerful response. Dad took us to Matthew 16, where Jesus asked Peter “Who do you say that I am?” Then dad said, “Jesus asked Peter a question that only God can answer.” (That blew my mind like never before.) Then dad went on and finished the conversation between Peter and Jesus. Peter said, “Though art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus then responded with, “Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in Heaven.”
Let me ask you, “Who do you say that Jesus Christ is”? Our response to His person will be our response to His word. He is the Christ, the Anointed One, the promised Messiah, the Son of the Living God. He is the King of God’s kingdom and the King of the Christian life. He said, “Come to Me, learn from Me. My yoke is easy, my burden in light.” His word says, “The just shall live by faith.” These and more are the truths that transformed Martin Luther, and millions of others, and they are still transforming us today.
This renewed faith and excitement in our Lord and trusting Him for all things, has brought abundant joy and peace. I find myself now saying, “My trust is not in who I am or what I can do. My trust is in the risen Savior, Jesus Christ.” What joy, what peace.
My prayer for you is that you would know the simplicity of belonging to Jesus. The Christian life is not difficult, it is impossible, until we fully understand, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Perhaps you would want to go to Him in prayer, and simply ask, “Reveal yourself to me again. Teach me again, what it means to belong to Jesus.” “Restore to me the joy of thy salvation.”
With that, let me tell you about a few outreaches that we are preparing for you and your family and friends. Get your calendars out and mark these dates.
SATURDAY, JULY 17 – BOYZ IN WORSHIP – a day of faith and fun for boyz 7-12, along with their dads, granddads, and mentoring friends. We will spend the day out on Sawyer Farm, Jeff Hamilton Road. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, Bible study, illustrated sermons, fishing, swimming, playing, and more! Hey guys, don’t miss this one. Ladies, pass this along to your men and encourage them to join us. All of our teachers and leaders are godly men. We ladies are working the kitchen that day. And I can make a mean pancake! Reservations are $25 per family of 4 or less. Call IN Worship before July 10 for reservations and more details. 251-300-8400.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 27-28 – INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY and LEADERSHIP TRAINING – at Mount Hebron Church – we will be training students and leaders in the inductive method of studying the Bible. If you have never learned how to study on your own, or if you want to brush up on your skills, this event is for you! Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, students of the word of God, this is your event. We will also have a special presentation from Liberty University, the largest evangelical university in the world! Register now or by August 13th. 251-300-8400 for all the details.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 9:30AM and 5:45PM, REVELATION – Bible study. The details and summer syllabus are on facebook at Women IN Worship. Become a fan and see all that is going on as we are preparing to take a deep dive into Revelation this fall.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 – IN WORSHIP SUPPER CLUB – Heron Lakes Country Club. This is a fabulous evening of fine dining and business networking. Come, bring your family, friends, and business cards! If you would like to present your business paraphernalia to each person, contact IW prior to the meeting for confirmation. Priced per individual, per party of two, per table of six! Yes, treat your employees to a nice dinner and expand your influence in the community while doing so. More details at IW. Reservation by Wednesday, September 8. 251-300-8400.
Women IN Worship is just around the corner! January 21-22, 2011. Registration opens in September, 2010!
He is the Christ! He is the Son of the living God! Our risen Savior, Jesus! His gospel will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come! Matthew 24:14.
We love you and hope to see you soon at yet another fabulous IN Worship event.
Forever IN Worship,
Richard and Alicia W. Garcia