PASTOR'S MESSAGE...by Rev. David Torrence
THINK ABOUT THIS AS YOU WALK WITH JESUS
"UNFORGIVENESS IS LIKE DRINKING A CUP OF POISON THINKING IT WILL KILL YOUR ENEMY." Nelson Mandella
A word from your Pastor:
Our country has been overrun by those who fervently cry for our individual liberties. I confess that I am fiercely independent. Yet, i know that my independence is a hindrance to the advancement of God's Kingdom. I am convinced that the fact that we cling to our independence adversely affects our community and our church.
I encourage you to look at the life and ministry of Jesus. At His baptism we discover that, "The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus and remained on Him." It was the Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted and to gain His first victories. Later in scripture we learn that Jesus confessed, "The Father and I are One." (John 10:30) Jesus was never confused about His individuality. He always was fully aware that His ministry proceeded from the Trinity at work and in service. He chose disciples to follow Him and they were His constant companions, except in times of prayer and fasting. Jesus was united with His disciples.
When Jesus sent the disciplies out to labor they went "two by two." The early missionaires were sent out with at least two going together. The work of God's Church is always a cooperative effort. Are there weaknesses to this approach, yes. However, the weaknesses always are out weighed by the benefits. Only God knows some of the benefits.
We are blessed to be part of the United Methodist Church. We are not the "Individual Methodist Church". We are United. Because of this wonderful fact, we have the opportunity to be in ministry with other Christians all over the world. We have outreach into every country in the United States. We sponsor hospitals, schools, colleges, seminaries and other missions. No individual could do what we do together.
At Annual Conference this year, I was amazed at the outreach and influence that we share together. We do all these things as we support with our giving the programs of the Church. Last year, we did not pay all our conference and district apportionments (askings). I encourage your giving for the rest of 2010 so that Laurel Hill can once again be committed to the world mission of our great church. United we stand -- Divided we fall!! This is true of our country and this is true of our Methodist churches.
We are United Methodist, it is the one thing we can share with Christian pride and confidence.
"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul." III John 2
PEACE & JOY & LOVE,
