ELEVATION NORTH has NEWS for YOU!

MOST PEOPLE DON’T LIKE OTHERS TALKING ABOUT THEM.  Period.  Because in today’s world, if they are being talked about, it’s not usually good things that are being said.  And … people are not always present to defend themselves.  But most often, if they are being talked about, it means they are alive.  Once gone from this earth, not too many people will jump on the bandwagon to say much about the deceased.  I can just about hear you saying, “Alright … so the point is?”  The point is:  these days I am hearing lots and lots of talk about Jesus.  By:  lots and lots of people.  That would follow suit that He, of course, is alive.  No one keeps conversations about someone else going on for decades or centuries if they know they are dead.  The timeless fact is that people for centuries have talked about Jesus.  They may have talked about whether He is dead or alive.  The might have even said that He is dead – or that they just don’t believe in Him – or that He was just a man and a great teacher.  Others have talked about Jesus and stood behind their words of affirmation with their very lives.  They believed.  They were martyred for their faith … some, centuries ago – and others, just hours ago.  But the talk goes on.  The life of Jesus and His story cannot be put on a bookshelf with other history books to just collect dust.  His story is not only the most read ever – but it is told more than the story of any other person on earth – ever.  Living or dead.  And because He is WHO He is … that was all part of His plan.  He wanted to be talked about.  He still wants to be talked about.  But His plan takes the talking to a different – much higher level.  Just talking about Him with others who know Him, while that can be wonderful and inspiring, is not enough.  Part of God’s Kingdom plan is that we who are His children, will take our talking about Jesus into the marketplace and beyond.  Out of our homes and yes, out of our churches.  And into the schools and universities.  Into the stores and offices.  Into the streets and every place we go.  Preaching while on the clock?  No!  I did not say that!  Talking through how we live speaks volumes to others.  It gets their attention – and many times, they will come seeking YOU out! THEY will be the ones making statements and asking questions that lead right into the perfect opportunity to tell them more about Jesus!  I love how our young missionary family in Australia has become involved in street witnessing late at night in the big city.  They take their love for Jesus to the busy streets filled with noisy night-life.  When they first appear on the scene, they don’t “talk” about Jesus – they LIVE Him!  They hand out bottled water and strike up a casual conversation.  You can picture the typical scenario.  Boozed up and drugged up, many are astounded that a great-looking young couple who seem to have it all together – would take time to even look their way or stop to talk.  Some are bent over, heaving out their insides because they’ve had way too much of what they should not have had – and here are our missionary friends coming alongside them to make sure they are alright.  They are Jesus’ hands and feet and heart when they hand that bottle of water to them and strike up a conversation.  I believe that’s what God was talking about when He gave the Great Commission to His disciples … I believed He envisioned every possible scenario and place for us to “talk about Him” to others.  And I don’t believe there was any situation so repulsive or any person so lost, that He would not have wanted us to go there to them and share His love.  Will we r-e-a-l-l-y need His protection sometimes?  Um-m-m, don’t we always?  Look at God’s people down through the ages:  talking about Jesus and living for Him is not always easy – once upon a time in the coliseums, Christian’s names were up in lights at sporting events – it was them against the lions.  And you know who the event promoters said were the winners.  But they didn’t realize that it was really the Christians who won.  They won for Eternity ... and the sacrifice of their lives created an unstoppable story as their bravery and refusal to renounce Christ went viral in those ancient circles.  Even in dying, they talked.  Someone named Tom Stoppard has said, “A healthy attitude is contagious, but don’t wait to catch it from others.  Be a carrier.”  I have revised it to say, “A sharing Jesus lifestyle is contagious, but don’t wait to catch it from others.  Be a carrier!”  Remember, Jesus talked and walked His message everywhere He went during His three years on earth.  When Jesus’ disciples urged Him to eat something, He told them, “My food … is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.”  (John 4:34)  He is our example to keep talking … and taking … the Gospel to everyone we can!  The time is short, and there is still unfinished work to be done.  Precious children of God … let’s talk about Jesus … and be carriers of His message!


WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK . . .


THIS SUNDAY, OCT 06:
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP / WORLD DAY OF COMMUNION
10:30 A.M. - KIDZONE CHURCH

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY BIBLE "DOING" / OCT 9-10 / 7:00 P.M. -
WED - In the book of Hebrews at the church
THU - In the book of I Peter at 905 El Dorado Street SE

SATURDAY, OCT 12:
9:00 A.M. -LADIES PRAISE & PRAYER
10:30 A.M. - BARNABAS MEETING

ELEVATION NORTH SPOTLIGHT!

So what does a Pumpkin Patch church family outing have to do with living out our faith?  Well, this fun fellowship time out in the country on an autumn Sunday could be just the perfect place!  While we are talking with each other, someone might just overhear our excitement at being a part of God’s family.  God just might bring someone to cross our paths in the cornstalks or on the hayride or sitting around the fire-pit!  At any rate, be sure to sign your name to the list if you are meeting us next Sunday, October 13^th, at 1:30 p.m. out at Oakview Nursery. Call for more details! And … it’s Grandparents Day at the Pumpkin Patch – so don’t think for a minute that this event is just for kids!!!  There’s LOTS to see and do!  See you there!

REMEMBER . . . “And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”  (Romans 10:14b, 15b)


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .


Pastor Doug and Debbie