NEWSLETTER June 2018
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ~ Ephesus 6:13
From the Deacon’s Desk Grace, Mercy and Peace to you from God Our Father and Our lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen Ephesus 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. We often think of the church as a safe haven, a refuge. I’ve even heard it referred to as a M.A.S.H. (Mobile Army Surgical Unit) unit for Christians. A place where the disciples of Christ, who have faced the trials of the world during six days of the week, can return to find comfort. A place where soldiers of the cross can return to be refreshed and strengthened after facing the devil’s slings and arrows to return to fight the good fight for another week. An individual soldier doesn’t just enter the battlefield to passively present his/herself as target practice for the enemy. The soldier is part of a larger organization. They serve on the battlefield for a larger purpose and as part of an important mission. They have responsibilities to their fellow soldiers and to their country. It is the same with the church. We do not, as Christians, put on God’s armor so we can see just how much punishment we can take from the devil and the world we live in. We put on the armor of God so that by sharing God’s word with everyone we meet we can storm the very gates of Hell. That by the grace of God, through the all atoning work of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit by the faith created and sustained in our hearts we may be God’s tools to liberate others. Every one of us by God’s grace can be senders of the Holy Spirit to those who have never heard and to those who have heard a thousand times. The Church, therefore, is not only a M.A.S.H. unit. The church is a Headquarters from which we plan and carry out ministry that will benefit our community, show God’s love and build the kingdom but bringing people to Him. The Church is also a training ground where we learn the skills we need to change a world through sharing the Gospel in a loving manner. It is also a supply depot where we can find the resources we need to carry out the good fight. All these things and more combined with our unique gifts as individuals and as a congregation can be used to insure that Christ’s death on the cross to save all mankind was not made in vain. As we move forward together as a congregation, please consider what gifts, talents, and interests you can share with the congregation and our community. Keep those ideas for mini-ministries coming. During this time we want to be ready to achieve great things and seize the opportunities that God provides for us. Always clothed in the armor that He provides. Amen. In Jesus,
Deacon John Babbitts If you find yourself unable to attend worship on Sunday, head over to Facebook and during the readings and sermon portion of the service we will go LIVE on “God’s Peace at Parker and Main”Facebook page. Now you can stay connected to God’s word and and Pastor message each and every Sunday. Past Sundays are available now on the “Video” section of the page.