Hi FBC Friends,
It’s been a beautiful week (or two) and for the most part I am feeling very upbeat and full of gratitude. I especially want to thank everyone who helped make our Missions Conference this past weekend an amazing success, and everyone who came and participated. Let’s not lose the momentum and the passion for the Great Commission! Many of our missionary guests expressed much gratitude about how the weekend went, and the support they sense from FBC. I think we were all encouraged and challenged.
When I say, “for the most part…”, what I mean is that this week also included grief over the spiritual and moral condition of America. Please allow me to be politically incorrect for just a moment. The last verse of the book of Judges is about Israel in the past, but it can easily relate to the USA in the present:
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)
This week an NBA basketball player came out in the media to publicly proclaim his homosexuality. Sadly, that kind of news is no longer shocking. What is most disturbing to me is the overwhelming show of public support – and even praise – for a man declaring that he is involved in sinful behavior. What’s worse, he is claiming that he is a Christian. The President called to tell him how proud of him he is. Other athletes and prominent people in society are taking to Twitter, Facebook, etc. to praise him as a hero, express how proud they are of his proud stand, show their support, and blast anyone who thinks differently. Honestly, this kind of thing doesn’t really surprise me anymore. That is a shame. I watched an interview with an ESPN basketball analyst, who was asked his opinion from a Christian perspective. In my opinion, he honestly, graciously, and courageously spoke the truth on the matter in answer to the question. Of course, he has been vilified across the country for having the audacity to say that homosexuality is sinful and is rebellion against God and Jesus Christ. Just for believing that and publicly stating it, he and everyone who believes that way is labeled as hateful, bigoted, narrow-minded, antiquated, etc., etc. It seems that everyone can do as they please and believe whatever they want, and say anything that comes to mind… except those that stand for moral principles derived from a clear understanding of what the Bible teaches. Sad indeed. Read Romans 1:18-32. I hate to say it, but America is written all over that passage. We do need to love and be gracious with those who disagree with us. But we should be able to express what we believe without all the name-calling. Pray for Chris Broussard (the ESPN analyst) and for Jason Collins (the gay basketball player). Pray for our country.
Now on a much happier note…
May is the month in which we celebrate Mothers! So I was asked to share a few reminders that apply specifically to all of our ladies:
1. A reminder for all who bought tickets for the Ladies Spring Tea, it is May 11 at 1pm.
2. We are having our annual Mother’s Day breakfast in the fellowship hall at FBC on May 12 from 8:30 — 10:00am. There will be crepes and other great stuff! There will be no Sunday School that day.
3. The Cannon Beach women’s conference is Oct. 4-6. The cost is $160. At least $100 is due by June 1. You can pay it all at once, or pay at least $100 now and the balance at the door on Oct. 4. Make checks out to Cannon Beach Conference Center and give to Rosemary. She will send them in.
This Sunday we will return to Galatians, with a message entitled “Opposing Hypocrisy” from Gal. 2:11-14. Please read those 4 verses prayerfully before Sunday. Notice the danger of hypocrisy, the unity that is brought about when we walk in the truth of the gospel, and the courage to boldly confront error when necessary.
Looking forward to a great month of May!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael