Impossible? With Whom? (11/2/08 Bulletin)

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26). Brothers and sisters in Christ, we would do well to reflect on these words often. How many times have you considered your circumstances and found them to be beyond your ability to control?
In this case, Jesus is teaching about how difficult it is for a rich person to submit their life and wealth to God’s reign. Yet, the application of this verse goes much farther – when circumstances seem impossible for us, remember that “all things are possible with God.”
The truth of Jesus words is displayed over and over in the Bible. As Jack Henderson pointed out last week, the Israelites faced several impossible situations when leaving Egypt. Just escaping from enslavement would be one. Crossing the Red Sea on dry ground, another. What about the conquest of the promised land? Even when the Israelites were disbursed among the nations, God always preserved for Himself a chosen people. Then, there were all the miracles of Christ, not to mention His resurrection from the dead. All were examples of God doing the impossible.
Now, take a minute and consider the trials you have faced throughout the years. How many times did your circumstances seem impossible? How many times did God pull you through? Maybe things didn’t go exactly as you would have liked, but God pulled you through.
Once again, consider the words, “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26). The songwriter got it right … “Great and mighty is the Lord our God, great and mighty is He!” What a great hope and help in time of need!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Late Post (10/26/08 Bulletin)

Earlier this year, some of you asked me if we were going to have a missions conference / emphasis week. At that time, it looked like Don Pickel was going to be in the area sometime this year, but that never materialized. It was beginning to look like the answer was going to be no. However, the answer has become, “yes.” Last week, Rick Coleman presented the ministry of Gideons International. This week, we are privileged to have Jack Henderson with us. Next week, Dave & Kay Henry (our missionaries to Russia) will be sharing their ministry with us. It is as though God decided it was time to have a missions emphasis and said, “Here are the missionaries I want you to hear from.” God arranged all the schedules.
Just in case you are wondering who Jack Henderson is, Jack is the missionary that the Marshalls work with when they take their missions trips to Mexico. He was the speaker for the teen all-nighter, and now the rest of us get to hear from him. I pray that all will be encouraged as he shares from his heart this morning.
My prayer for this missions emphasis time is that we are encouraged as we hear what God is doing around the world and that we are mobilized for God’s work, both abroad and in our community. The command to share the Gospel isn’t just for missionaries and pastors … it’s the mission that Christ gave all of His followers. Let’s be true followers engage that mission.

One more thing … Please join us for the dinner to follow the morning service. There is always plenty of food and warm fellowship. …And don’t forget about the evening service and quarterly business meeting tonight. We will be voting on some new members and taking care of some church business. If you are a member, we need you here.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Fall Colors Provided By Our Creator

Have you noticed the vibrant colors across the landscape over the past week? It is hard not to notice them. Perhaps it is part of living in Grand Rapids the prior 15 years, but I don’t remember the changing colors being quite so beautiful. When the sun hits the trees, the colors are so vibrant. As I look out my study window, I can see beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. I don’t think the best artist could do any better.

A scene like that makes me think of Romans 1:20-21:
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (ESV)

So, my question to you this morning, is, when you look out at the beauty of God’s creation, are you going to pause and consider the power and majesty of God that is displayed, or will you just see the colors without thought of God, who crafted the trees in such a way that the leaves change color in the fall? I hope the colors lead you worship our Triune, Creator-Redeemer, God!


In His grip,

Pastor Decker

Remembering Christ In Our Trying Times

Legacy Five, a southern gospel group, sang a song entitled, Heroes of the Faith. Roger Bennett wrote this song as a tribute to Glen Payne, who had become a hero of his faith. In this song, Roger recalls some wisdom that Glen imparted to him, "You said the road's not always easy, but God is ever true, you said, just share the good things that He had done for you." Though these words related directly to a singer's life on the road, they can apply to all of us.

We all face bumps on the "road" of life. As the Bible reveals, time and time again, God is ever true! It is the next part that struck me this week: "Just share the good tings that He has done for you." In challenging times like our country and the rest of the world is facing, we need to remember the good things that God has done; first and foremost, He has offered salvation through Jesus Christ!

As I sat praying at the front of the auditorium on Thusday afternoon, another song popped into my mind. This was John W. Peterson's Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul. The first goes like this: "O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget. After I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend, He med the needs of my heart; shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He mad all the darkenss depart.

Though we may be burdened with all sorts of troubles, let us not forget the joy of our salvation. Let us be mindful of where we might be without Christ. And, in the midst of troubling times, do as yet another hymn suggests, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker