God is doing exciting things here in Jacksonville! Last night, Friday, January 9, 2009, we held our first Bible study. Josh, Joanna, Noah, Will Martin, Jen, Brianne, and I all met at our house for fellowship, dinner, bible study, and prayer. It is exciting as well as humbling when I think about the task that God has called us to here in Jacksonville.
We spent a little time looking at a few verses in 1 Timothy 1 with a brief glance at Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission). Paul was sent by God and Jesus Christ. He knew that he was living his life in obedience to the command to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul was also dependent on God’s grace, mercy, and peace to see him through the variety of trials he faced. It is encouraging to know that we are also obeying the command of God and Christ to make disciples. As his deputees, we work under his complete authority in heaven and earth.
God uses people to accomplish his work here on earth. He chose Paul who was the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15-16). Ironically, God was able to use the chief sinners to bring the most glory to him. Our obligation as his children is to live obedient to our faith in God and maintain a good conscience before him (1 Tim. 1:18-19).
Please continue to pray for us as we look for a church location that fits within our budget.
Serving Christ,
Matt, Jen, and Brianne
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