6 Years!

This past July 2nd was our 6-year anniversary here at Abundant Grace Bible Fellowship. Each year has brought challenges and opportunities. Challenges are to be expected. Paul tells us specifically to expect problems if you plan on sharing the clear gospel. The world is full of preachers promising earthly blessings and prosperity. Paul did no such thing. Preachers make millions of dollars telling people that God will pull you from tragedy and trials. Paul does no such thing. Paul tells you that if you plan on being a bible believer and actually teaching the mystery that you can expect the “afflictions of the gospel.” It’s no wonder many preachers steer clear of Paul’s books. There’s not much “good preaching” in his books. The reason you can glory in tribulations as Paul tells you to is that these can be an indicator that you are doing exactly what you should be doing. I often tell our church that you don’t need to pray for God’s will and then “wait” as I was told my whole Christian life. This is horrible advice. “Wait on the Lord” is horrible teaching in this age. God has a purpose, and you have the opportunity to help. God has a plan in place, and he is working out that plan right now. You sitting around praying for God to show you his will is a waste of time. This might sound harsh, but it’s something that drives me crazy that I was told my whole life to pray for God’s will and then wait for him to show me it when it’s actually very clear in plain English in the Bible that was sitting in my lap. God’s clear will at this time is to build a body. He is calling out a people to restore dominion in heavenly places. God’s will is for you to reconcile the world to Christ. God’s will is for you to come to the knowledge of the truth. God’s will is for you to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery. I promise you this. If you start DOING these things, you will never pray for God to show you his will again because you will be doing it. When the challenges come, don’t be surprised. When the opportunities come, TAKE THEM. Terry McLean once said when you hear the boos and jeers, ignore them and when you hear the cheers and applause ignore them too. Just keep moving forward doing the things you know to be right. GOOD ADVISE!! If you plan to get on board with God’s clearly revealed will, expect to use this advice.