JOHN

What a great day at Church yesterday.  The parking lot was full and overflowing.   The crowd inside the church was great, and several saved which is always wonderful!  I have a brief staff meeting today, and then we have off for the week.  Looking forward to relaxing and reading some good books. Here are some thoughts from John: 1) GROWTH TO FAITH- The blind man was healed in John chapter nine, but he did not have faith in Christ yet; there was a growth that took place that brought him to faith in Christ as his Savior.  Notice:  vs. 11- "A man that is called Jesus...";  vs. 17- "He is a prophet." ; vs. 27- "Will ye also be his disciples?";  vs. 38- " Lord, I believe."  So you see the progression that takes place.  Don't be amazed if you need to share the Gospel several times for some hard cases to understand and trust Christ as their Savior.  God sometimes saves quickly, and sometimes a man is gradually brought to faith.  The Salvation is quick, but coming to faith is sometimes a slow process of the soul-winner's witness, and the Holy Spirit's working, and the sinners responding slower than others.  Keep it up! 2) TO SERVE MEANS HONOUR- Jesus tells us in John 12:26, "if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."  Serve the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and God the Father will Honour you!!  Pretty good deal! 3) LOVE MEANS OBEDIENCE- John 14:15 says:  "If ye love me, keep my commandments."  To love Jesus means to obey Jesus!  Well, I will be short and sweet today.  Have miles to go before I sleep!  Have a blessed day!   Pastor Mike Mutchler