Is There More to Come?

We are bringing an entire year of gathering as the church of Jesus Christ to a conclusion.  Fifty-two puzzle pieces have been distributed over the last twelve month time frame, to paint a picture of what God wants for His people at Christ’s Family Church (CFC) to know, understand and practice.   In the same way that there is a dramatic difference between watching a cooking show on TV and actually sinking your teeth into a carefully prepared dish of gastronomic, delicatessen, delight, so is the difference for those who actually put the word of God into practice this last year rather than just watch the Sunday morning show.

We’ve seen so many incredible things take place this year, such as the assembly at Hastings High School of six congregations acting as one church in worship and giving.  We also participated in an act of selfless care and service to Rushford, a city devastated by flooding.  In a year of enormous economic challenges for so many of our neighbors and coworkers, our mission’s team labored extra hard this year to offset the forces of this world in the lives of these hurting people.  We’ve observed individuals who have stepped across the threshold of our front door and the doors of our homes and business, be transformed from broken messes, to well on their way to becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.  

This last year God said He would bring us into “TRUTH”.  We’ve heard God present His truth regarding relationships, family, marriage, money, debt, prayer, forgiveness, the church and its mission and plenty about how to keep the enemy of God out of your life.  For fifty-two weeks we have had the seed of God’s word implanted in the soil of our heads and our hearts.

You may have come to CFC looking for something different than your past experience of church.  You may have been discouraged by the past gestures of religious activity but little change in human and spiritual behavior.  Now today, you are excited about being part of a transformational relationship with God and His people, as part of this local body.  You’ve cast aside the mindset that church is for Sunday and the rest of the week is all yours.  You’ve rejected the lie that the church is after your pocket book and you’ve begun to trust that God is the rightful owner of all that you have and you’ve been given the privilege of stewardship of His stuff.  You’ve relinquished the ownership of your children and are coming to realize they are God’s.  He loves them more than you do and He wants them to follow His lead above all else.  You’re beginning to realize that parenting is your assignment and not the school system’s, the church or some other professional agency.

This year at CFC brought more visitors through our doors than any other year past.  Did they all stay?  No!  But most of them went out telling the story of their experience, of being loved and cared for, to others in their sphere of influence in the community.  We must be aware that this church is not for everybody and that’s ok.  Love them on the bus and if they decide to get off, then love them off.  Only people that want to be here will enjoy fulfillment here.

So, is there more to come?  YES!  Let’s ask God what He says about our future.  

For I (God) know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

The future of CFC is promising because we are simply searching to know Christ better personally and corporately.  We aren’t growing because we have the best programming or the best talent, although our talents are extraordinary; we are growing because Jesus is being pursued all the while religion is being rejected.  2009 has overwhelming possibilities if we continue to run hard after God.  2009 will unfold in miraculous ways for all who participate in God and refuse to just spectate.  2009 will outshine 2008 because Christ is the head of the church worldwide, nationwide, statewide and in Hastings and He is preparing His bride to receive His return to earth so that we might be with Him forever.

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

So far, as a congregation, we’ve only scratched the surface of what God wants to do through us if we just sell out to Him.  We will experience the overwhelming, miraculous work of God when we give Him our whole being to work with.  By this I mean; let Him guide our marriages, families and friendships instead of reaching for Him only at crisis points.  Let Him rule our finances instead of throwing him a bone once in a while.  Open the door to your willingness to live as a Christ follower at work and at school for all to see, instead of keeping your faith neatly compartmentalized on Sundays.  As God has spoken, we must become a warrior of faith and reject the whimpyness of religion.

If in 2009 you set out to renew your mind by giving it a transfusion from God’s word, you will be changed for the better, God promises this to be so.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  (Romans 12:2)

God has commissioned me to lead a charge in 2009 to understand and enjoy the benefits of the Christ like life.  We will investigate the myriad of benefits like; Peace, Comfort, Hope, Prosperity, and eternity.

If you’ve not experienced these things yet in your walk, weather you’ve been a faith person for a week or five years, then maybe you need to check your field.  What are you planting?  How often do you water?  What is the condition of the soil?

Commit this next year to missing as few of the puzzle pieces as possible.  Get all that God wants for you and your family.  Use the many tools that CFC affords like Sunday morning, free CD’s of the morning, notes on the website or listening to the podcast.  You see it’s not about attendance but about participating in the most powerful force on the planet, “The Church”.

Is there more to come?  Absolutely and together we will enjoy all that God has for us.  May God assure your heart this morning and unfold His heart of promise to you.  I’m going to echo what the Apostle Paul wrote to the small church that met in Philemon’s house.  Hear as spoken to you from me.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.  I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.  Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
(Philemon 4-7)

Notes from Pastor Pasch’s December 27, 2008 message: to get a free CD of the complete message, contact Christ’s Family Church @ (651) 437-2340.