Yesterday I wrote of my hopes for genuine renewal at the beginning of this New Year, and also of the challenges I have felt in recent years–especially in view of the annual area-wide combined worship. Today I upate those observations.
Yesterday was undoubtedly one of the best of the nine New Year’s combined worship events I have participated in–perhaps the best. Don Cherry preached an encouraging sermon which focused on living and celebrating the Christian life–a life which is submitted, healed, and saved by the power of God and the name of Jesus. The attendance was excellent. A visitor from northwest Oklahoma observed, “What is happening here is really something!”
Don called us to renewed evangelism, remembering our own salvation and healing. He called us to renew our commitment to share the Good News which has made a difference in our lives. Further, he reminded us that it is easy to treat baptism incorrectly–failing to note the commitment to submission which it signifies, and merely focusing on our own salvation or in being added to the church.
Many with whom I spoke shared similar sentiments, “I was touched by Don’s message.” The singing and worship were pretty much the same as in years past, but the message was outstanding. Thank you, Don!