How Are You Investing In Eternity?

We live in a society which is constantly encouraging us to buy insurance and somehow investing in the future so that others are not bogged down with the debt that we leave behind.  But, the critical heart of the matter is that we are also called by God, "to sound the warning, to call sinners (the lost) to repentance, to point the way to peace with God and the hope that is in Christ."  (Billy Graham)

Just think about what you already own--perhaps a car, a home, clothing, food, ultimate "toys" and a multitude of other gadgets and things to fit our social, and physical "needs".  We let our children scream at us, "but, mom, dad, I have to have it."  And we give things to ourselves, but what does God get?  A local church attender in Michigan stated about giving, "It's my lifestyle.  If I couldn't serve God this way, I would feel lost or incomplete."  Another lady (remains nameless), stated that when she was a child her father placed his last $3.00 in the offering plate at church.  It was the Great Depression.  Her father stated, "God gave us that money, and I'm sure He will supply us with more."  Phillipians 4:19 states, "But my God will supply your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 

See, the Bible states, "need", not "needs" or "wants".  Just one need at a time to require faith on our part--"Put Your Hand in the Hand" was a favorite Christian song in the '70's, and was criticized greatly, but are we doing it in a day and time when we worry over the smallest debt we've created?  I want to encourage you Christian to ask God to "enlarge your coast" as you approach revival.  Remember, every area must be given to God for individual revival.  "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus..."  Are you allowing the Master Crafter to have His will and His way in your life?  Surrender to Him, Christian, You'll never be sorry you did.

---Pastor Fryer

What is the Cost of Being a Committed Christian?

What is the Cost of Being a Committed Christian?


1.  You must be born-again.  Having Jesus in your heart will be your
first step to being a committed disciple of Jesus Christ.  Jesus told
Nicodemus in John 3:3, "ye must be born again."

2.  You must be a baptized believer in Jesus.  After salvation, being
baptized is the main, first step of obedience.

3.  You need to be a tithing member, reading your Bible on a daily
basis, praying on a daily basis, witnessing for Jesus whenever the
situation arises, and attending church (Sunday School and all church
services.)  WHY?  II Peter 3:18---a slacker of any of these cannot grow
to full maturity in Jesus Christ.  You cannot expect a child to grow
with out proper nourishment and so it is with the "child of God".

4.  To be a committed disciple after all these things (1-3) are dealt
with, there is one main ingredient---giving your entire life, body,
family, marriage, etc to the complete ownership of Jesus Christ.  
Letting Him be the controller of what happens in your life.  Going to
the back seat of the car and letting Him have the wheel.  Then and
only then does your salvation, your church, your children, your
family, and yes, even your very existence become His completely and
you will notice in your life that you will experience less satanic
dominance, satanic influence, and less satanic resistance concerning
your wanting to serve the Lord.  Just tell satan, "You're not going to
defeat me in this move of mine to serve Jesus."  Do as Jesus did, "Get
behind me, satan".  Start quoting verses (that's why we encourage
scripture memorization).  Being faithful to church and to the things of
Christ takes hard work, but there is great reward if we just follow
Him.  Let me challenge you, Christian, fight the good fight of
faith---but don't try it on your own---include Jesus---let Him be your
first line of defense against satan.  Satan cannot stand against the
Master--it is impossible for 'ole slippery foot to succeed against God,
Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

--Pastor Fryer

How Does The Church Survive

How Does The
Church Survive?
Some have said that they like the Pastor.  Or others say, I like the music and
fellowship.  But the main thrust of the church should be their missions
program--reaching others at all costs.



How much do you know about the missionaries that the church supports?  
How well do you know about their living conditions?  Their ministry?  Their
children?  The missionary's wife?  Their health?  Their battles?



Some may say, "Well, they really don't have it that bad where they are, they
are in the big cities, or they are in the capital."



Have you ever thought about these things:



1) A missionary cannot get a job in a foreign country--they must get a visa or
pass to live in that country, and many times, they have to pay that country for
their visa.



2)  They cannot receive health care from the foreign country, so they must
have health insurance from the United States.  And, we all know how
expensive this is.



3)  Hospital care in many countries is still 3rd world conditions, which means
there are very few nurses, and even fewer doctors.  Hospitals are dirty and
contaminated.  Death and STD's are very common.



4)  In some countries a missionary cannot even carry a cell phone to that
country, because the taxes on carrying items into the country is so expensive,
that it is cheaper to obtain those items there.  Or the country does not want
anything from America in their country, so you have to buy everything there
anyway.



We are so spoiled here.  We have a "gotta have it now" mentality about
everything and so we are very demanding and selfish about our needs and
wants.  Jesus gave everything and yet we as Christians are so reluctant to
"give up anything" because our "wants" may suffer.



A missionary said to a congregation, "I will descend and dig, but you must
hold the ropes."  Are you doing everything you can for missions?



Our Savior did---follow in His steps----He Gave Everything....



Will you?

Pastor Jim Fryer