God's Gospel, V

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

The immortal sayings of the missionary Jim Elliott echo in my heart every time I read about the martyrdom of another missionary, as was the case yesterday (07/21/10) when I read about the martyrdom of Rashid Emmanuel and his brother Sajid. They were gunned down July 19 while they were headed into a Pakistani courtroom awaiting trial for “blaspheming” Islam’s prophet Muhammad.

Rashid, according to the Baptist Press release, was the leader of United Ministries Pakistan, a “group of believers, committed and dedicated to preaching the Word of God and helping the poor and downtrodden.” The ministry was located in the Waris Pura slum, an area of 100,000 people in a metro area of 5.4 million people.

Doesn’t their faith statement sound like our faith statement? The only difference being we say it without fear of death. In Pakistan and the surrounding Muslim countries, to say it and live brings with it an almost certain untimely death. Rashid was 32 and his brother in his early 20’s.

Allow the words of Jim Elliott to reverberate in your heart:

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

“Nothing in this life is worth living for unless it is worth dying for.”

“When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die.”

Never forget that great hope of the Christian faith – the thing we all look to for comfort, encouragement, and the strength to move ever forward in the faith – that a day is coming when our glorious King will part the skies and return to establish his kingdom, finally and forever. Never forget that a day is coming when God will make all things right, when evil will be eradicated forever, and that righteousness will reign forever. Remember the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth,
and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.
Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation!
And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness.
Her people will be a source of joy.
I will rejoice over Jerusalem
and delight in my people.
And the sound of weeping and crying
will be heard in it no more.” (Isaiah 65:17-19)

What a day that will be. The final consummation of the Gospel! Forest Gump’s momma is not correct. When he asked what his destiny was she replied, “You’re gonna have to figure that one out for yourself.” Well, I am thankful we were not left to figure out eternal destiny for ourselves. God in Christ has paved the way for us, and it is spelled HEAVEN! That’s our destiny. Rejoice!

Derek

HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

James Intensive Bible Study begins this Wednesday at 6:15 at the north campus sanctuary.

AWANA begins this Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Why don’t you come at 5:00 PM and enjoy a fellowship meal prior to AWANA.

Wednesday Fellowship Meal – begins this Wednesday night (5:00 PM) with hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, baked beans, cake and cookies, and all the sweet tea you can drink. Call the church office and make your reservation today!

The Loft – this Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Come early to the Basement (south campus) and hang out with other students after school, then purchase some food (5:30 PM) at incredibly low prices prior to worship. Last week we had about 100 students at The Loft. Jay is the man!!!

Fifth Quarter – This Friday night at The Basement (south campus) as soon as the JHS football game ends until about 11:00 PM. We need more cookies and snacks than ever before. Please call Jay today and tell him you are donating cookies, chips, 2 liter’s, money, an all expense-paid vacation to glamorous Fordsville, KY, etc. (Wait, that was for me. Sorry!) We do need lots of refreshments for an anticipated 150 students.

JSU students will be moving in this week. Come to the BCM about 8:30 AM Friday if you are available to help incoming students get settled in the dorms.

Deacon Elections – Please make sure you have submitted your recommendations for Deacon this week. We will start the screening process immediately so get them turned in to the office asap.