Family Letter

Evangelize and Edify

A friend of mine told me yesterday that he was extremely busy lately because the company he worked for was undergoing an audit exercise. I guess this may be the time of the year.

We began 2006 with the call to evangelize and edify. Some of us made a commitment to join the Bible Reading Schemes; some the Book Club reading 10 good books. Yet others in the beginning of 2006 perhaps promised themselves that they would share the Gospel to their friends and relatives, or contribute our own bodies towards corporate evangelistic activities. Still some others might have vowed before the LORD to work on their bad habits, character flaws or coldness of heart. Whatever that might be, how are we doing?

I am a pastor, not a policeman, not even an auditor. I simply urge you to let the Holy Spirit guide you in taking stock before you kiss 2006 good-bye, and to make the best of the remaining days. Here are some suggestions:

Ø On 12/24, beginning 10:30am, we will have a special Christmas Worship involving choir music, a children silent skit and a nativity musical. We will also open the Bible to learn of the mercy of God through the Gospel. Would you pray to God to invite a non-believer to join you?

Ø Christmas is the time of gifting. Would you consider in addition to shopping in Bloomingdale, also make a trip to find a good Christmas card with strong Gospel message to stick it in with the gift to your loved ones who are not yet saved? Or perhaps even write your own words on it? Remember the Gospel is the power of God, fully capable to save.

Ø If you have loved ones overseas and you are about to send a Christmas card or a message, would you pray to God to impress upon your heart the great things He has done for you in 2006 so that you could share with them in a note how real and gracious the LORD has been to you? Who knows? Maybe they are waiting for that message of hope all the year and God will use your little note to bring it to them!

Ø If you have signed up Reading the Bible and are almost there, would you make extra effort by skipping basketball or video games to devote to reading? Or if you are hopelessly behind, do the best you could and ask God to give you 2007 as a second chance?

Ø If you have wanted to read 10 good books but have not finished all or not started with one, would you garner enough courage in these two weeks to check out or buy one book and take it with you wherever you may vacation? God does amazing things with willing hearts.

I am a pastor, not a policeman, not even an auditor. But I feel like I am a salesman. Who would buy the land that has the hidden pearl?

Wherever you spend your Christmas, cleanse your heart before God, tell Him you really want to love Him more though you might not have succeeded all the time this year. Ask Him to grant you grace and desire to love Him and to serve Him in 2007, until Christ comes, the second time around.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Raymond

12/17/2006