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Lou1 -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (7/15/2008 9:20:09 PM)
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Really enjoyed the quick speed read thru the various comments and suggestions. I am wondering what a 2500 seat church would look like to a stunned congregation on a Resurrection Sunday service for the first time. WOW things are changing. Now just follow that with all the Elders have left and you folks circle the wagons right here in this big space you are now occupying, because we are now going to exploit the obvious of what the Bible commands. Works will not get you into Heaven, however they will reward you somewhere in Eternity. Salvation is a free gift; brought about by a Vicarious death, oh yes and his death was natural, unatural, supernatural and preternatural according to my brother in Christ, Porter Barrington. So by his substitutional death we make Heaven and do not have works to accompany our free gift, what does Heaven look like for Eternity without works? I have ministered in the Nursing homes all the way from New Orleans to Corpus Christi, Texas and have been blessed with a talented piano player and great singers. My words to them were if you play the piano for the Glory of the Lord you will be rewarded in Heaven, however if you play that piano or sing for your glory you receive your reward that day. I am a retired Submarine Officer and still serve as an Elder in my church, however the real mission for me is like someone before me said all the work is not under the church roof. I overheard someone say that their Pastor died and they were in need of Preacher, I immediately handed that person my card and said send me. Two weeks later I was preaching from the exact pulpit and still show up for duty from time to time. While teaching in a Nursing Home one of our associate Pastors called me (yes during my teaching) and asked if I could go check out a biblestudy for homeless people. I said I would be glad too, when I arrived at the Homeless facility I was greeted by a Catholic Nun. When I told her why I was there she said oh good the Priest (ecumenical environment) did not show up today could you fill in for him. Remember we must be ready no matter what season.
One more story and I will be quiet. While attending a Saturday morning Men's Prayer Breakfast a man got up to speak and he talked about starting a Prison ministry (with the Pastor's permission of course) I handed him my card and said call me when you need some help. Time passed then he got up on the pulpit with the Pastor's permission and made a church wide plea for help again I handed him my card (again) and said call me when your ready. Well long story short the next place I find myself is sitting in front of my Pastor saying; the Prison Ministry is yours, if you are willing, the other man left for greener pastures. What a blessing this ministry is turning out to be. So Men/Women of God be encouraged there is a great deal of work in the Kingdom now. The fields are ready for harvest those of you who have ears to hear listen to what the spirit directs. I am excited about showing those who need a preacher; the Way the Truth and the Life. Its all about Jesus Mathew 28:18. To God be the Glory. Amen
Lou
PS: I was one of those pew sitters too long.
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