Covenant Church

It was not a vacation, but it was time away. Laila and I were in Florida last week for the international business meeting of our denomination. A little distance can often help one with perspective.

In about an hour we will land in Charlottesville. While away I have been fasting and praying that Our Lord will keep Covenant Church in the forefront of the harvest. My heart's desire is that we will be a people prayerful, of the Word, and laborers for Christ.

We must ask ourselves how it is possible to come together in unity and work harmoniously, efficiently, and productively. The answer is given to us.
We must know Him: Jesus. We must know Him as Lord to whom we have come as sinners and been forgiven. We must know Him as Redeemer, our Elder Kinsman (Book of Ruth). We must know Him in the power of our own resurrection from sin to life eternal.

We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the equipper (John 14,15; Acts 1,2; Ephesians 4). The Holy Spirit is responsible to distribute gifts in the Body of the Church insuring that the Body is well and capable of engaging in the harvest. We must never presume that experience, natural ability or acquired human knowledge is sufficient to save us and equip us. Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to do what needs to be done.

A dear elder minister friend shared the following experience. In his city a young girl was so evil that it troubled the community. Finally, she was arrested. The mayor asked the minister to visit the girl in jail. When the minister walked into her jail cell the girl began to take her clothes off and disdainfully said: -Well, Reverend, have you come for the same reason others have come??

He turned and left. Went home. Fasted and prayed for several days. The Spirit impressed him to return for a visit. When he walked into the jail cell the second time the girl began to pull her clothes to cover herself, humbled herself, repented, and gave her heart to Jesus.

Satanic powers are beyond our human ability. We must commit ourselves to fasting and praying until we hear from heaven. Signs and miracles will follow. God will open the doors that bring glory to Him.

Allow me to impress upon you that this is the time and season for the return of Christ. We must do what we can do for Christ with a sense of urgency.
This morning flying out of Orlando a young man from a wealthy family [we knew this by seeing his other family members on the plane and being aware of where they were going and for what reason] was seated between Laila and me. He shared his belief that there is one God...but many paths. In little more than an hour he was asking questions. In Atlanta I handed him a business card with my email. When landing in Charlottesville an hour later my phone indicated a message. The young man was emailing to share that he would like to talk more.

A hungry, desperate and broken world is outside the church doors. We are privileged and called to go and share the gospel. We have excellent leaders and teachers at Covenant that serve to disciple us for victory. Let us unite and go forth to sharing the Good News that Jesus Saves!

This is where we live. What will we do for Christ in our community that will be powerful and life-changing for people in need.
Much love
Pastor Bare
-......and he that winneth souls is wise? Proverbs 11:30b.
P.S. Treat yourself to something special: Bible study 9:45 Sundays at Covenant.