So, we are 4 weeks into our online small group. It’s awesome that we are able to expand this ministry of our church to people who have situations or jobs that make going to a regular group impossible. I am glad to be a part of this exciting new step in our technology ministry.
Thanks God!
“They make loads that are hard to carry and lay them on the shoulders of the people. However, they are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” – Matt 28:3b,4 GW
Jesus is talking about the scribes and pharisees and religious leaders. They make up rules and then beat the people with them, and keep the people weighted down and chained by the very thing that should be setting them free. And they never change. These type still exist today and unfortunately, people are still listening and becoming slaves to the truth that has the power to free them. These “so-called” pastors and “so-called” preachers share a gospel that binds people and makes them slaves to it. It makes them burdened with a load that they cant bear. It teaches them that they are not forgiven, because of all the conditions and rules that are placed on a free gift. They never do anything to help the people get free. The people live their lives trying to measure up to a standard that no one can live up to.
I must help free people from the slave masters who have them captive. The slave master can be the person teaching bad doctrine, or the slave master can be themselves. Either way, we are supposed to teach the people about God’s grace and mercy and that the only thing that they can do is receive a free gift. We must teach that there are no conditions on it. We must help free them before its to late. We have a truth that is not always taught. We are responsible for it. We must do everything to help these people who are in bondage to religion, and show them that following Jesus is their escape, not their prison.
God, help me and us to always share this truth, and to do our part to free the captives. Help me to share this message. Help me as I work to send our message out to the world. Bless my ministry, and bless all our ministries here at the Vineyard. Bless all the ministries at the other churches too. Bless our pastors Chuck and Mark as they try to teach it, and all the other pastors who are sharing this gospel. Help us to set people free. Bless the lady that we were talking to yesterday. You know where I was. Show your self to her and let her see you and not a you that she cant follow. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Well, another Easter weekend has come and gone. We had 6 services this year: 2 silent Communion services on Good Friday, and 4 Weekend services. For the most part, everything went nice and smooth.
The sucky devil, though, wanted to make my job hard. I lost a projector during the second communion service, and the computer freaked out. Lots of little stuff. Then I realized, this is the worst weekend for the devil. The worst possible thing that could happen to him was Jesus coming back to life! Thats why he’s so mad!
Overall, we had around 900 in the 4 weekend services, and several people responded to the invitation. Thats what it’s all about. Telling people who may only come to church twice a year about Jesus. That’s why we do what we do. As tired as we are, it’s all worth it.
I have the greatest job in the world. Everyday, I get to be a part of telling people about Jesus and loving them, and showing them that we care. I get to spread the message of Jesus across the world. And I am thankful for it. Thanks God for calling me to do your work. Help do it better!
