Weekly Message / Prayer Request

Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7,8 NIV

Earlier this year I read this article about how the marathon received its name. According to the article the marathon was named after a runner who ran 26 miles non-stop to the city of Athens, over mountains and treacherous terrain, in order to share good news about how the Athenian army defeated the invading Persian army. Then, according to tradition, once he made it to Athens and shared this good news, collapsed and died right there on the spot from exhaustion.

The author of the article then went on to write a very interesting question. He said, “I have to say that I’ve always found this an improbable tale, even when I was told it in school. Why should anyone run themselves to death to bring good news?”

This was part of a communion message that I was going to share with Northshore this past summer, but I believe that it is probably even more relevant this morning then when I first wrote it because circumstances have changed. Life in a way has become more challenging for many of us with the recent economic woes.

As a Christian, even though the subject matter is different then what the author was alluding to, the author’s question carries great significance. Because I believe all of us who are Christians are essentially a marathon runner and are carrying the message of good news not just to the city of Athens, but to the entire world. We are carrying a message of victory.

But as the negative pressure of culture increases and the race becomes more difficult, more treacherous; the cost of running the race becomes quite obvious. For the message of truth will always expose darkness. Therefore when we live by the light, no longer can we live behind closed doors. Our faith becomes front and center to the identity we are.

This pressure did not stop the Apostle Paul; therefore it should not stop us either. Instead Paul was driven by his faith to press on toward the goal of living for Christ (Philippians 3:14). Regardless to the adversaries who quarreled against him in Ephesus, he continued to seek out doors to expand his ministry even against great opposition (1 Corinthians 16:9).

In fact, if you doubt his determination to finish the calling which God placed within him, just read 2 Corinthians chapter 1 where he says, “For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings” (v5) or “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death” (v9). These two statements clearly show his grit to press on to the calling which God gave him.

The writer of Hebrews shared a vision which has stayed with me these last few years:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

This is the type of race I believe we must be prepared to run this coming year. There are many challenges which lay ahead all of us, but the news we have to share is of vital importance. Many have lost hope and it is up to each one of us who is a Christian to share the message of victory and to show that victory is within their reach.

The message that matters is Christ. We can bring people many things, but all of them may be temporary pain-killers to the disease we all face. Let us instead bring the anecdote which will cure everyone for life. Let us bring the message of Christ.

The race may be difficult and one which is filled with challenges. But with the encouragement of the saints and strength we find in Christ, the race can be won and the message is worth any price for “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).


Prayer requests

Greg – pray that he will continue to spot the temptations the enemy tries to put in his way and fight through them with Christ

Calvin – pray that the men of this church will become energized for God, pray for his brother which is dealing with a difficult custody battle

Richard – pray for this fellowship of men and that it can continue to make an impact on others for Christ

Ernie – pray for wife who is having some health problems and is not feeling well, pray for granddaughter who is having some financial problems

Carmine – pray for the troops which are serving overseas and for their financial health and security

Dick – praise for a new job, pray that he may make it back from Arizona safely and without incident

Tim D – pray that he will be able to continue doing devotions with his children

Mark – pray that this fellowship of men can continue to make an impact on men for Christ, pray for financial discernment as we continue to make ends meet, pray for the meaning of the Christmas season to be revealed in the hearts of all of us

***Pray that Northshore can continue to make an impact in the local community for our Lord Jesus Christ


Continued prayer needs

Paul – pray that God will guide him during the moving process and allow everything to go smooth, pray that His purpose will be made clear over in Prosser

Stephen G – pray for strength in teaching kids at school so they may learn and become better students

Steve S – pray that he will be able to trust more in God

Brett S – pray that he will be able to stay strong in the Word and continue to come back to this fellowship

Nelson – pray for the President-elect that he will be a man of God, pray for his brother Bob

Tim W – pray for wife who is going to Germany to visit parents who may not be doing well, pray that a great deal of success came from the auction which happened on Saturday night

Bill M – praise God that everything has been healed from his prostate surgery, pray that he will continue to remain healthy and return to the group next year

Ramon – pray that God will continue to heal his wife Tina and give her strength in the coming days

Larry Miller – pray that he will be able to find work, pray that he will be able to strengthen the marriage ministry at Northshore

Vince – pray that he can be a Godly example to others

Sky – pray that the move to Bellingham will be smooth and he will be able to attend school up there to pursue some of his goals

Kevin – pray for his youngest daughter and her boyfriend that they make smart choices, pray for exwife

David – pray that he will be able to serve in the children’s ministry and make a difference in the lives of kids

Ralph – pray that he will be able to surrender to God in everything

Tim H – pray for his wife to find her ministry

Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife

Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness

Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return

Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church

Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry

Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college

Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life


Future Meetings

Monday, December 29th, 7:00-9:00 pm, the annual Christmas/New Year Meeting (Monday meeting) with the location to be determined

**** Wednesday, January 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church

Wednesday, January 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church – Start of the study of Ephesians

**** Wednesday, January 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, meeting with Tim Dresler at Northshore Christian Church

Wednesday, January 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church


Group Happenings

Coming January 14th, 2009… “Ephesians: The Wealth of God in us”—A study through the book of Ephesians, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, so we can discover all we have been given by God…

As the world continues to tell all of us all what we do not have and what we are lacking; as each one of us continue to struggle through tough economic times; as the Church continues to face new challenges; I believe there is no better time then to truly discover all we do have as Christians. We have been blessed beyond measure through our Lord Jesus Christ and by Him have access to all of God's promises.

By studying all the topics covered in the book of Ephesians together in this fellowship of men, my prayer is that all of us will truly come to understand that we have "The wealth of God in us".

Pray that this study will be a tremendous blessing to each one of us, a blessing to the Church, and an opportunity for the Acts 2:42 Men's Fellowship to continue the calling God has placed on all of our hearts...

I invite you to invite others so that through this study, we can minister unto others and share the love of God.

God bless and I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.

In Christ,
Mark


Additionally, we are going to decide over the next week where to have the December 29th meeting and what it is going to look like. There is a strong possibility it may be a informal get together to talk about the Christmas season, read a little scripture, and plan for the future. Any ideas, please feel free to share. Stay tuned….


Memory Verse

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV