" To Them That Overcometh! "

"For whatsoever is born of God Overcometh the world: and this is the Victory that Overcometh the world, even our Faith. Who is he that Overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? "                                                            ~ 1 John 5:4-5 ~

Thoughts From the Pastor's Message:
With a brand New Year before us, we " Press for the Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus! "  This Passage of scripture in Philippians 3:13-14 seems to nudge at my heart as I begin to plan the message for this New Year.  " Brethren... this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus."  There may be tons of discussion as to what the "High Calling of God is..."  But to simplify this statement, the Apostle Paul was saying, I want to go deeper in Christ, I have not yet attained perfection, but desire to forget the past with its disappointments and failures.  In Paul's case, the persecution of Christians... and press toward more in Christ.  Here's a thought: What could be more than the High Calling than to be born again and serving God as a witness of Jesus Christ?  to be a Christian is a High Calling!  It is a calling from God Himself, to come out from among ungodly things... anything that separates you from your commitment to Jesus Christ.  Come into the depth of His Word to be discipled as one of His. Simply, let us dedicate ourselves to be faithful followers of our Saviour.  I am always mystified as I read about Jesus walking by the station of customs and saying to Matthew, "Follow Me"  and Matthew immediately rises and follows Him. Jesus walks by the shore and calls out to Peter, James and John, "Follow Me!"  And they straightway left their nets and followed Jesus.  O that we could be so quick to respond to His Calling!  The Highest Call of God is to follow after Jesus!  In this New Year, let us strive to overcome some of the 'little foxes' that nip at our vines. Let us grow in God's Grace, His Peace, His Joy, and yes, in Longsuffering, and always in His Kindness and Faith.  Let us come into Temperance, i.e., controlling our actions, our emotions, our attitudes and perhaps anger.  There is a promise to those who overcome.  It is a daily challenge.  Remember in 2Cor. 12:9 He said... "My Grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
  Wishing you a Glorious New Year! Always Loving you, Pastor