ALL THINGS NEW ~ 7/29/07

"New Faces, New Series, and New Life!"  That would be the headline if last Sunday were a newspaper -- we were truly blessed in Weaverville to have 29 adults and 10 children in attendance at The Outpost as we watched the first installment of Bill's new series "ID Me."  I counted 4 first-time visitors -- and the new life?  That would be the young man named Justin who looked up at me at the end of Bill's sermon and during the response time to indicate his decision to follow Christ.  'Praise God, who gives the increase!'

All of this, on any Sunday, would have been encouraging, to say the least.  But on this Sunday it felt like a special answer to prayer, a gift to all of us in Weaverville and those as well in Redding who have continued to pray for 'new faces and new believers.'  Just that morning I had been reading in 1 Corinthians, and felt prompted to ask God to move through power that day, as He did so obviously through Paul's ministry, and not just through human words.  It felt as though God were prompting me to pray specifically for someone to be saved that day, as a display of His power -- "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power" (1 Cor. 4:20).  He did just that, powerfully winning the battle for Justin's heart.  'Praise God, who gives the increase!'

Esther and I were so blessed by the warm reception our first Sunday back, and we hope it felt reciprocated by us showing off little Aaron to so many of you who have patiently waited for his arrival.  You will be the first church family he ever knows... I couldn't be more happy of that fact.  We left for home after the service with the joy of being re-connected with our church family and the comfort of God's reminder that He continues His work in Weaverville.  'Praise God, who gives the increase!'  Can't wait to see you all next week!

Grace induces faith & 'grace is obligated to faith...'

Surrounded By Grace,

Josh