Ron - I am new to Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church and it was not by coincidence for me that you spoke Sunday on the topic of expereince or faith.
Over the last 2-3 years I have heard a continous message from some very prominent spiritual leaders that “ you do your best and God will do the rest” and in that order. Although I believe that we need to get in agreement with God, this statement has not diguested well in me because I sense that it is telling me that I need to earn God’s blessings or that I need to perform to a certain expectation or I lose out. I am a little concerned about it to the point that I have felt like some recent difficulties that have occurred in my life are my fault because I must have not been doing my part, inother words, I must have not been doing well enough or God would have blessed me. Does this make sense? It seems like it is a very subtle message that has brought confusion into my life. I know that we have a responsibility as believers to live our faith but there is something about this message that is not settling with me. Could you comment on this?

posted on July 30, 2007

We are trying to choose a new church in another state and it is very daunting task.  However, this message reminded me it’s about our faith in God.  Wherever we may be, whoever we are, we must keep our main focus on Jesus.  Those persons who keep us on track in this life time are the ones we need to seek out and follow their living example. It’s not about the church programs and experiences but the brothers and sisters in Christ who carry Jesus in them and they are chosen to become our friend, our mentor, our spouse,our pastor, and so on. The Lord bless you.

posted on August 06, 2007

my husband and i just recently moved to spring arbor and are looking for a church that fits us and this was a great reminder that as we check out different places we need to focus on God and not a particular experience in a building. it is so easily forgotten that as Christians we do not do something to get something but rather, we do something to honor someone. thank you Ron for this reminder, i think it is something we all need to hear again from time to time so that we dont lose focus on what life is really about.

posted on August 12, 2007