July/August 2011

Update

Just wanted to take a few lines to update you on where we are.
Life is always changing, and that is not exception for this summer. 
Elaine & I are headed for an empty nest come this September 8th,
as Alisa is getting married. 

These are exciting & challenging days for the ministry as well.

Some of the young men that I have been mentoring are moving ahead in life & I am taking on some new individuals this summer & fall. I have had opportunities to preach in different churches this summer, & am partnering in leadership development with local church leaders in a place where there is great opportunity to mentor young college students.

I have had a number of opportunities to be a pastor to some very hurting people & families who don't have a pastor, or are a pastor themselves in need of a pastor. I see that this ministry is more needed than ever before as our country struggles, & the needs increase.

Please continue to pray for this ministry as God continually opens doors of opportunities to be a pastor to those who are in need, and for the mentoring of young people going into the ministry.

******

Now, let me share what God has been laying on my heart for this newsletter.

New Life!

As I look at our world and am aware of the great need for God in our day, and how important the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to those who have no hope, I am disturbed by the huge disconnect there seems to be between what God promises in His Word for the believer and follower of Christ, and the behavior and lifestyle of the average professing Christian.

In Romans chapter 6, (Please read) Paul identifies three realities Jesus came to accomplish in our lives.

1) He came to give us a New Life!
(Romans 6:1-4)

We are not talking about the popular philosophy of just being a better person, and approaching God's Word as another self help book. We are talking of the reality of a supernatural transformation that takes place when we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord.

Illustration: I take my Ford Ranger to the dealership to trade for a new Ford F/350, extended cab, four wheel drive with a power-stroke engine. I give them my Ranger and $40,000, and two days later I come back to pick up my new truck.

When I do, they bring out my Ranger, painted a different color, with the F/350 emblems on the fenders, and the power-stroke emblems on the hood!

Should I be happy with the deal? NO!!!

And yet, when I look at the average profession Christian today, and think of what Jesus paid for our salvation, literally on the cross with His very own suffering and death, giving His life for us, I have to wonder and ask myself, am I living up to what He died for? Am I believing Him and His Word for what He promised He could do in me by His marvelous grace?

2) Jesus came to give us a New Lifestyle
(Romans 6:5-14)
As born again Christians, there is freedom in Christ to be what
He wants us to be. There is power through the infilling of
His Holy Spirit to do the right things.
(Righteousness)

3) Jesus came to give us a New Master
(Romans 6:15-23)
Everyone is subject to a master. The idea of being your own boss is a joke, based on a lie. We all obey something or someone. The question is who or what? Either sin or Christ and His will for your lives. Who or what we obey we are slave to.

Jesus came to set us free from sins slavery and be our loving Master.
Are we the real deal?

Pastor Rick Messer / Pastor of a church without walls