Uncategorized Murray McLellan on 09 Oct 2007 01:29 pm
Mmmmm… Oct. 8, 2007
Monday, Oct. 8, 2007
Good morning, saints,
We had a wonderful time in Calgary with all three of our sons, along with Jessie, (Derek’s girlfriend) and Jessie’s brother, Adam. The Lord brought us safely back to Saskatoon last night, which is why the Mmmmm… should be Ttttt… this week as it is not getting send until Tuesday! So, how was your time in the Word this past Sunday? Did you gain a deeper appreciation for the atonement that Jesus accomplished on the cross?
This week,you can read Exodus 19 and 1 Peter 2 in anticipation this coming Sunday.
The highlight of the trip for me was the Sunday late evening turned early morning when Derek, Jessie, Cheryl, and I (along with Adam who came in for part) talked of Jesus and the glorious gospel. I love it when people have genuine questions, and are open to what God reveals in the Bible. You will never hear of nor experience love like we behold and receive in Jesus, the holy sent one; in particular His laying down his life for sinners like you and like me. It is in being on the receiving end of such love that enables us to begin to truly love others, where we can accept wrong, forgive, sacrifice, serve etc. because this is the kind of love with which we have been loved in and by Jesus. I love watching Jesus change people from the inside out.
A big thank you to all those who sent me answers to my question on our church mission. .
Acts 29
I did not receive any questions or feedback regarding the Acts 29 covenant, which tells me that everyone is onboard and excited to be a part of this mission in which we strive to be a God-glorifying church planting church that reaches into our culture. Or as Mark Driscoll says, “Reaching out without selling out.” Is my assumption correct?
Our next house group will be at Kiley and Jessica’s on Thursday, Oct. 11th at 7:30 p.m. We will continue to discuss the applications of what God has revealed to us in the Scriptures on Sunday mornings. You can also bring any other questions or encouragements from experiences and your Bible reading this past week. May this also provide us opportunity for corporate prayer.
A reminder that the Fellowship Baptist Church fall Bible conference is on Oct. 26-27. The topic is “the church.” I am teaching at 11:00 a.m. on the Saturday morning on “The church and the world.” The cost for the conference is only $10.00 and that includes the notes, lunch on Saturday, and coffee and snacks during the breaks. I have one or two brochures left. Ask me for one if you are interested.
Acts 29 Boot Camp
More quotes from the Acts 29 Boot Camp. I hope you are enjoying these. Again, these are from the first session on “the church on mission.”
“Being on mission very easily becomes one activity in church among many others vying for attention. Over time, churches allow meetings, programs, traditions and other good things to move the church incrementally from mission mode to maintenance mode. A church must continuously see itself as missionaries and all of its energies must be missionary.
A church on mission understands it has been sent into an irreligious world to proclaim the Gospel of Redemption made possible by the Son’s sacrifice for our sins and the Father’s love for us. God sends every believer on this mission just as Jesus was sent on this mission (John 17:14-16, 18; 20:21). To respond to this calling is to be on mission. To neglect it is to disregard the mission of God and to cease being the kind of church that is following Jesus. “
“To engage today’s world with the good news requires the formation of a gospel community - the church of Jesus Christ - to be a visible representation, witness and instrument of the sovereign outreaching hand of God in our culture.”
“We acknowledge our purpose is to take Christ to the irreligious world. It is not self-absorbed in its own life but rather absorbed in the life-giving mission of Jesus. (Mt. 28:18-20; 1 Cor. 9:19-23).”
“We are to be developing relationships with the lost for the purpose of incarnating Christ in their lives. We are to be intentionally developing meaningful relationships with the numerous acquaintances in our lives. (Matt. 5:13-16).”
“We are to utilize sacrificial love as a means of witness, where every believer practically and sincerely demonstrates extravagant love to non-believers. (John 15:12-17; 1 John 4:19-21).”
“We are to help others find Jesus in their own way and timing, rather than forcing them to make superficial decisions for our own glory. It is the sovereign God who uses us as we humbly relate to other’s misperceptions of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:20-23).”
It is these last four points that really helped me in my time in Calgary. The Lord delights in showing himself strong on behalf of those who trust him. Purposely living to incarnate Christ led to amazing opportunities, beyond what I ever could have imagined. There is much more to come in future “Mmmmm…” letters.
Prayer –
(The following prayer and requests are provided by Julie Cortens. May it be an inspiration to us as we seek to remember one another in prayer this week, and that God would be glorified in our lives and in His world. Thanks again, Julie. May this lead us to be more faithful as a church that prays in right dependence upon our Lord. Please remember to pass on any prayer requests to Julie, so that they can be included next week.)
E.M Bounds quote of the week
….The call now of prayer to every saint is the Spirit’s loudest and most demanding call. Sainthood’s piety is made, refined, perfected, by power. The Gospel moves with slow and timid pace when the saints are not at their prayers early and late and long.
“All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth, and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” (Psalm 138:4-8)
Lord God, we come before your throne as your humble servants. We come before you with bowed heads, broken hearts, empty hands for there is nothing good in us that we can bring to you. We come before your throne that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. We need you, Lord. Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. (Revelation 15:4)
Please hear our petitions today, Lord.
We pray for Murray and Cheryl as they have ministered to their sons this past weekend. Father, bring great fruit from their time in Alberta. We cry out to you on their behalf for the salvation of their loved ones. We are reminded again of all our lost children and continue to pray for their salvation….for Blair, Derek, Braiden, Harold, Shawn and Chris, for Beth and Bruce’s son and daughter-in-law Bruce and Maria, may you show them the peace that passes all understanding found only in your son Jesus Christ as they mourn the loss of their daughter. Show them, Lord, that only you can mend broken relationships.
We pray for Michelle’s friend Patty who is suffering from cancer and her sister Pam for they too need to know you, Lord – the only one who can provide real hope in times of trials. We pray for so many others who do not know you. Father, bring your people into their lives to proclaim your Son to them. Open their hearts to hear the Word. Pro 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
Father, we pray for Murray as he studies your Word and we give thanks that he desires to shepherd us. Help him to persevere even in times of personal struggles and when his flock wanders off or is despondent. Help us to be reminded often of the time, work and sacrifices he makes in his daily life to serve us and convict us in our self-centered ways and cause us to pray for him, care for him and support him in spiritual and earthly needs. We pray for him as he continues to pursue Acts 29. Bring Godly men into his path that will encourage him and build him up in his calling. Teach us to do likewise for we know that he is to be considered worthy of double honor, he who labors in preaching and teaching. Help us to support Murray in building Your Kingdom here in Saskatoon.
Lord, we pray for Kurt and Kendal’s friend who has recently been diagnosed with skin cancer. We thank you, Lord, that she and her husband are under your care and that they know you and can trust in you for all things. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2Co 1:3-4
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
We continue to pray for Kurt and Kendall and baby Manz. We pray also for needs and provision of workers on Jan and Larry’s farm and for acceptance from co-workers for Amy and Cody. Help them to show forth your grace.
We give thanks for Kirby’s safe return home. Keep him steadfast in his love of you, study of your Word and his desire to minister for your glory in foreign lands. We thank you for opportunity for Kiley and Jessica to fellowship with him.
We pray for health for Allison who has laryngitis. Help her to heal quickly, stay steadfast in her studies and in her love of you. We give thanks for Sammy’s return of health and pray for his ministry in Regina. May he remain steadfast to your Word and your Gospel even under trial,(James 1:12)
Lord, we pray for Julie and David as they meet with unbelieving extended family this weekend – may they exude the aroma of Christ and may there be opportunity to praise Him and show His mighty saving grace.
We give thanks for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. May it be with each of us this coming week. 2Co 13:14
It is in His name we pray,
Amen
May we love God, one another, and the city of Saskatoon.
Jesus, build your church in Saskatoon for the glory of our heavenly Father.
Much love in, and dependence upon, the Savior,
Murray
“Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ…”
Acts 28:31
“The story continues…”
