GACC is Doin' a new Thing!

Isaiah 43:18-19 18 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. My wife, Yolanda & I have been disciples of Christ for 13 years, and we’re so happy to be in a ministry that is active in sharing our faith, we’re devoted unswervingly to the scriptures, and we’re enjoying fellowship and “each other” times filled with salt. I have many friends in other churches that are still yearning for days of old, or to worship with friends from the past. Of course I’d love to see various friends that mean a lot to me, but God is doing so much now, and I only hope all disciples will get to feel that again! At GACC we’re making new friends. Almost every week there’s a new baptism, a new family, campus student, or single learning about God or visiting. We’re meeting dynamic & vibrant people from various races and backgrounds all streaming to the kingdom, the way Isaiah describes. Isaiah 2:2In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.. It’s obvious that people are craving the word that is preached with authority and even more so being lived out in reality! I’m proud that the only disciples that are moving over to our ministry have been those who want total commitment, accountability and yearn to have more zeal for the Lord. I’ve also noticed that only people who have left our ministry unhappy, feel we are too committed, and active in each others lives and in the lord. They didn’t leave because GACC isn’t striving to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind & strength. (The Baptism of Jermaine & Denise) Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Our church has refused to play church politics. We haven’t joined any particular movement, because we’ve insisted that anyone who is a disciple of Jesus is in our family! We are about the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17 & we won’t refuse fellowship with anyone who is for building God’s kingdom in scriptural truth, righteousness and faith. As we study the bible with new people it enables us older disciples to see the folly in being hung up with past church rifts, & divisions. Those divisive issues primarily fester in the prideful hearts of leadership, and the average disciple and especially new converts could care less about any of it; And rightfully so, because they have just learned about the importance of forgiveness, humility, self -denial and trust in God. I know all of us, especially those older in the faith, can stand to take a refresher course in these concepts, for they are the foundation of the church. Our teen’s ministry is prepped and ready to go, our campus, married and single ministries have had incredible successes, in spiritual growth and in numbers. But all of that pales compared to the hearts of serving disciples. I can see that God is ready to move in all of us if we are willing to let Him. I pray for all churches around the world to have at least what we have right now, and even greater things than this! Please pray for God to continue to see us worthy of His grace, blessings and power, as we pray for your church as well. In unity, and the encouragement that comes from being in the Lord. Speech.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now let me refresh your memory...(Dino) This is your friend, Brandi from up north. I'm glad to see the success you have been blessed with over the years. I just wanted to send a shout out to let you know that I send blessings always.

Peace...

Brandi

JMS said...

That's great to hear about GACC. Keep growing and expanding the kingdom, bro!

JMS

Anonymous said...

Thanks JMS!

I appreciate your encouragement!

Anonymous said...

Speech --

After a long hiatus, I was just listening again to "3 years, 5 months..." and thinking what a great album it is, and so I googled to see what you are up to and came here.

I know Christians come in many flavors, but reading this entry about your commitment to Christianity makes me curios about how your faith is reconciled with your song "Fishin' 4 Religion."

One thing I like about the song is that it emphasizes the here and now and not allowing yourself to be tranquilized by the future promises in the other world, when in fact the other world's existence and conditions aren't guaranteed.

Thanks for the great music and the associated great memories.