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Pastor's Pen
A couple of weeks ago, the message on advancing the Kingdom forcefully from Matthew 11 left me pondering one verse in particular. Perhaps you've pondered it as well. It's Matthew 11:11: "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." In this passage, Jesus indicates that no one born of a woman is greater than John the Baptist. That's remarkable company. Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Joshua, David, Jeremiah, Isaiah—according to Jesus, none surpass John the Baptist. But Jesus doesn't stop there. He goes on to say that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.
How can this be? Could Jesus be pointing to something beyond our current understanding? Is there a privilege we possess that John the Baptist did not? Surely, we lack John's boldness, his witness, or his experiences. So, what might Jesus mean by suggesting that we have the potential to surpass even John?
Here's where I've landed on this: THE HOLY SPIRIT HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN YET! It is the baptism of the Spirit that grants us a privilege John the Baptist did not have. We have the privilege of the Holy Spirit's baptism, which empowers us to achieve great things.
This passage undoubtedly points towards greater possibilities, towards greater potential. Consider what Jesus is saying here, perhaps foreshadowing Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The only way we can live up to our potential is through the power and the fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. So, Lord, open our eyes to the greater things you have promised.
Current Series
Join us for "Kingdom Invasion" In this series of talks, Pastor Paul will be teaching what it means to bring heaven to earth.
🔗 Sunday Worship Livestream | Sundays 9:30 AM |
🔗Coffee With Grace Livestream | Wednesdays 9:00 AM |
Join us on Wednesday Nights
Family Night
@ Bomber Mtn. Civic Center
The meal begins at 5:30. We’ll be serving chicken & noodles, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn.
After dinner we’ll have small groups for everyone at 6:30.
Adults- April Crider will be speaking this week and Matt Crider next week.
Flashpoint Youth-Middle & High School students is led by Stephanie and will meet in the large gym @ Bomber Mtn.
Kindle Kids- Infants-5th grade. Ms. Kerri leads infants - preschool, Ms. Sandy leads K-2nd, and Mr. B leads 3rd-5th. They will meet at Grace Fellowship.
We are in the process of developing a van ministry to pick up kids for Family Night. We are in need of volunteer drivers and adult co-pilots. If you are interested in volunteering or would like your child (k-5th) to ride the bus, contact Scott Berglund @ 307-887-3330.
Equip 2024 - "But the Church Prayed"
Get a Head Start:
One of the seminars this year is "Destined for the Throne'" based on the book by the same name written by Paul Billhiemer. It would be helpful to have read the book prior to taking the class. Pastor Paul says, "Destined for the Throne" is one of the most influential books in his life.
If you want to get a head start on Equip, we have loaner books at the Information Table in the foyer. Leave your name to check it out, read it, and bring it back no later than one month.
Upcoming Mission Opportunities
December 25-30 in Mexico
Contact Jeff Wing 307-621-0204 for more info.
April 13-19, 2025, in Dominican Republic
Contact Mike Thomas (307-340-0022) for more info.
February 2025 in Busia, Uganda
Contact Jeff Wing 307-621-0204 for more info.
Campus Update
WE'VE SAID, "GO"
The Elders and the Building Team have decided it's time to "GO" and prepare the Cemetery Creek property for construction. This includes earthmoving and installing necessary infrastructure (utilities, etc.). We don't yet have a confirmed date for the excavation company's availability, but we're hopeful that dirt will be moved this fall.
We've already witnessed numerous miracles and are now moving forward "One Miracle at a Time." Every nickel and dime and sliver of gold and silver is making a difference and will be multiplied. Our present cash balance is $3,256,176. We are trusting God for the rest. He knows what we will need. Please be in prayer that God will get great glory in Buffalo and beyond through the miracles He is performing through us, in us and around us.
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