Keepin’ It REAL:
Tertullian, an early church leader in the late first and early second centuries, once wrote, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” He recognized a distinct connection between intense persecutions of the church and times of intense growth of the church. While I agree with him in principle—and history certainly upholds his claim—I do not find it a comfortable truth to apply. My life is marked more by a pursuit of the comfortable than by a desire to suffer discomfort, for any cause or reason . . . don’t feel too smug in reading that, your life probably comes close to bearing out the same reality. I take no pride or pleasure in admitting such a thing. I would love to place the blame on society and shrug my responsibility in the matter. Certainly, I should be able to make a case for our culture’s obsession with gaining the “creature comforts” (we call them “necessities”; “creature comforts” sounds . . . well, too excessive). Casting a stone at culture could ease the burden of guilt I bear . . . couldn’t it? Not exactly. The fact is that I have fashioned, with my own humanity, a perspective that seeks to make my life one of greater ease than strain. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that Scripture demands a life void of pleasure, leisure, air conditioning, power steering, or cable t.v. (although the cable may be a debatable issue). What I am stating, however, is that when we as Christians apply the truth of Scripture to our daily lives, persecution will come. It will come in different forms and in a variety of circumstances. But it will come. Due to a lack of understanding on the part of a lost world, it will come. Due to the agenda of our enemy, Satan, it will come. Due to the narrow prism of political correctness, it will come. The only question will be how we plan to handle it. Is it a reality that we will shrink from to the point that people wonder if we stand for the claims of the Bible at all, or is it one from which we will draw strength and hope? I know what Scripture says our response can be, for the glory of God, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to [the religious high council] . . . Nor is there salvation in any other [than Jesus], for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
In Christ,
Alex Kinchen
MASTER’S ON THE WEB:
Check out the updated church website—blogs, updates, event information, and more await as you surf the web at www.masterschurch.com. We have been having some issues with speed of navigation on the website; please bear with us as we address these problems.
TODAY:
CROSSING MEETING (YOUTH CAMP)
Following the morning worship service there will be a meeting for youth and parents concerning Crossings (youth camp @ Cedarmore Baptist Conference Center). Lunch will be provided and important information concerning the trip will be discussed.
ON THE HORIZON . . .
JUNE:
25: NEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Take advantage of this awesome opportunity to consider why you believe what you believe. Choosing You Faith, by Mark Mittleberg, is an examination of why Christianity is the true faith, even with so many religious choices available. This is a great study for Christians as well as lost individuals who sincerely want real answers to faith questions. Cost of the books is $10. See Alex or sign up if you are interested in participating.
29: MARVIN KING PREACHING
Marvin King, Minister of Family Life at Consolidated Baptist Church here in Lexington will be preaching during the morning worship service. Rev. King is a genuine, intelligent man as well as a dynamic speaker, with a passion for God’s Word and His people. Following a successful career in the corporate world, Rev. King is equally successful in ministry here in Lexington. You will not want to miss this blessing.
The REAL M.Y.X.
Well we are only 2 weeks away from leaving for camp. Please begin praying for all the students and adults going this year. Pray for the Crossings staff as well. God is ready to do amazing things in the lives of the ones going. Pray that student’s hearts will be open to transforming truth and they will not come back the same as they went.
Marc McLean
Youth Pastor