Hello Everyone!

 

Spring is just around the corner.  I was actually able to go to church without a coat!  I look forward to Spring....the birds chirping, the flowers blooming and all that goes along with it...new birth.  As we look forward to Easter, we are reminded of spiritual new birth.  Lent is a way to sharpen our focus and make sure the main thing is the main thing.

 

And the Lord was definitely our focus on Sunday.  Our songs of praise magnified His matchless name, His majesty and His love.  The children added to our worship as they sang "I am a C(hristian)" and "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High".  It made me think of God's Word as He states in Psalm 8 "From the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise".  How blessed we are to have such diverse demographics in our group of believers.  

 

Mark mentioned that small groups start this coming week as we study "Crazy Love".  There is a high probability that there will be a new small group starting on Sundays from 4:30-6:00.  It will be for families with younger children and will meet at Gaston Day School.  Thank you to those who stepped forward to make this happen.

 

Mark then led us in prayer.  Those who were able knelt as we called on the name of the Lord with praise and petitions.  It was a special time that prepared our hearts to receive what the Lord had given Mark to preach.  He continued last week's theme as he preached the second part of "Living Out Life Together in View of Eternity".  

 

He mentioned that we are called out together and are meant to be different together.  We, as a body of believers, are the way that people in the world are going to know about Jesus.  It is by our words and actions.  Focusing on John 17:20-21, Mark told us that we must be of the Word, having oneness and being a witness.  First, we must believe the Word.  This will be shown by our obedience to it.  Then, as we walk in obedience, the Word transforms our minds (Romans 12:2) and we become a united body of believers.  Our obedience in loving God, each other and the least of these will be the witness that changes the hearts of unbelievers.

 

This happened to John Wesley.  He had already been preaching to others the gospel.  However, he had not been born again yet.  That changed on a voyage back to England.  The ship's passengers were gripped with fear during a severe storm.  But there were two passengers, Moravian missionaries, who showed great peace during the ordeal.  Wesley took notice and met with the two.  During their conversations, his heart was "strangely warmed" and his transformation was evident.  He went on to be part of the Great Awakening and started the Methodist movement.

 

So how do we become a witness in this community?  Do we need to be more intentional about being a witness?  I know that I do.  It is not easy.  But it is worth it.  A young man named Richard joined us on Sunday for the first time.  He had been at "With Friends" when our youth ministered there last week.  During the service, Richard professed that he had been saved as a result.  May this be the first of many who can say for all of eternity, "I know Jesus Christ in a saving relationship because of Gaston Community Church".  Can you hear the angels rejoicing?

 

Your brother in Christ,

 

Deric Smyre

 

P.S.  Remember to SPRING forward an hour this weekend.  See you Sunday!