January 2020 Newsletter

Pastor’s Ponderings

“Salt and Light”

The Sermon on the Mount is the single greatest sermon ever preached. When Jesus finished, “the people were astonished at his doctrine” because Jesus “taught them as one having authority” (Matthew 7:28-29).

The message begins with the “Beatitudes”, a series of verses beginning with the word Blessed. Jesus explains who is REALLY blessed, and His conclusions don’t always match with ours.

Then He uses two illustrations of what all true believers should be. First, He states, “Ye are the salt of the earth . . .” This is followed by a warning that if salt loses its flavor, it is useless.

The second image used by our Lord is light. “Ye are the light of the world.” You cannot hide a city on a hill, and you should never hide your light under a bushel.

Our Savior then explains why our light should shine. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

That’s the Key!!! Our shining light is our good works. When others see our good works, they glorify God!

That’s why we begin 2020 with a series through the book of Titus. Good works are a constant theme in this small book. I truly believe when we understand the need for good works it will change not only our lives, but the lives of those around us as they see the example we set and glorify the Lord.

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We are excited to have Illusionist David Corn with us again. He will be in Sunday School and Children’s Church the morning of January 19. He will have the entire evening service that night. After blessing our students at our Wednesday On Track service, he will have a big rally Thursday night at Calvary.

Expect great things, for the last time he was here over 30 children were saved in the Thursday night rally. His unique show plus his gospel presentation make this a presentation you do NOT want to miss.

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I want to express again my thanks for all who made the Christmas season a blessed time at Calvary. The decorated auditorium set the mood for the entire month. The congregation made a great effort to be at every service, and it showed. The Memorial Service was so moving. The children’s play was fabulous, and the Christmas party was a great success. The choir outdid themselves during the Christmas cantata, and the Lord’s Supper was a beautiful, solemn service.

I count it a privilege and an honor to be pastor of this great church, and I look forward to what God will do for us, in us, and through us in 2020.

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The first several Sunday nights of January, I will emphasize the role of prayer in the growth of our church. The series, entitled, “Pray and Go” will present a straightforward method of praying for our town and using those prayers as a springboard for reaching our town.

From time to time I will ask the entire church to pray for something specific, and in January I want all of us to pray for our Outreach on January 14. We need you there!

We have a variety of methods to reach our community. Some will “canvas”, going door-to-door. Others will visit church members we have missed. Recent visitors will also be contacted. Some will write cards, and others will pray during the time. We meet Tuesday, January 14, at 10:00am and at 6:00pm. See You There!

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I have asked from the beginning for you to pray for me and my family in five areas. Thank you for doing so, and please continue to plead with God that I would have:

1) Courage

2) Wisdom

3) Strength

4) Victory

5) Vision

 


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