Michael Mason Ministries January 2018 Newsletter

Friends,

Hope you’re doing well and enjoying a blessed new year.  2 Timothy 3:14 says, “But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them…”  I have asked God to give me a word for 2018…That word is continue.  Continue to seek God.  Continue to serve God.  Continue to pursue His calling.  Continue to study His Word.  Continue to call on His name in prayer.  Continue to preach the Gospel of salvation.  Continue to walk with God, trust God, believe God.  Pray for me as I press on, as I “continue in the things which I have learned…”

In 2018 I will be involved in seminary training for pastors in and around San Salvador, El Salvador.  I will go four times.  My first trip will be February 5-10. If you’re interested in being a part of funding this ministry of teaching these pastors, email me or call and I will give you the details.    

If you are interested in having me come speak at your church or church event I am available for revival meetings, harvest days, retreats, conferences, or any thing you may be planning where you need someone to present the Gospel message.                   

For more info…visit michaelmasonministries.com. 

and michaelmasonline.blogspot.com.  

  

~ January-April 2018 Preaching  Schedule ~

January

7 Trinity Baptist, Trinity, Al.

14 Providence Baptist, Gallion, Al.

21-22 Tabernacle Baptist, Vidalia, Ga.

28 River City Baptist, Decatur, Al.

February

4 Trinity Baptist, Trinity, Al.

5-10 El Salvador Ministry to Pastors

11-14 Oak Ridge Baptist, Hartselle, Al.

19 Providence Baptist, Hatton, Al.

25-28 Union Hill Baptist, Moulton, Al.

March

4-7 OPEN

11-14 Moulton Baptist, Moulton, Al.

18 OPEN

19-21 Milldale Baptist, Zachary, La.

25-28 OPEN

April

1-4 Eastside Baptist, Jasper, Al.

8-11 Gracepoint Baptist, Somerville, Al.

13-15 First Baptist, Columbiana, Al.

22-25 Southwest Baptist, Hartselle. Al.

29-2 North Shelby Bap, Birmingham, Al.

Thank God For Grace

John 18:18

Peter doesn’t get a free pass on his campfire compromise.  And neither do we.  I’m not attempting to criticize Peter for his cowardice.  Nor am I trying to make anyone feel shame for such surrender to the Enemy’s lies.  But I feel compelled to state emphatically that Peter, who has known the Lord, walked with the Lord, and trusted the Lord, does not get a free pass.  

It’s not OK.  It’s unacceptable.  It is a big deal.  Why?  Because all eyes are on Peter.  How will he respond?  What will he do?  What will he say?  He’s God’s man.  He’s been out front and outspoken.  He left his boats and nets to follow the Lord.  He’s been on the Mount of Transfiguration.  He’s been an eyewitness of the Lord’s majesty.  It matters how he responds.  It matters what he says.  

Of course there’s forgiveness, but if  I underestimate the fault while looking to the forgiveness, I miss a valuable lesson in this story.  What I cannot miss seeing is the power of sin and the power of grace.  It seems popular today to talk more about forgiveness than fault.  But I will never fully appreciate forgiveness until I am willing to completely admit my faults, failures, and my disregard for Christ and His will.  

Yes, we know the rest of the story.  Thank God we do, because it serves as caution light for any of us who want to run to forgiveness without admitting our need for it.  Sin is much more powerful and destructive than I can ever imagine.  And, thankfully, grace is more powerful and sufficient than I can ever express.  Peter wept bitterly.  I’d like to suggest that none of us will ever know God as we could without some serious weeping over our sin.  Sin and its consequences are far more serious than most of us want to admit.  Thank God for grace. 

Following At A Distance

John 18:15

Peter followed Jesus at a distance.  

What does that look like for those of us who are 2000 years removed from Peter’s denial?  How do we resemble Peter’s slack in faithfulness?  I believe we see it in our fear of standing out and speaking up for Christ.  It’s not that we don’t believe, we just don’t believe enough to risk our reputation.  

What will others think of us if we appear too radical, too outspoken, too religious?  What if our faith comes across as fanatical?  God forbid that others perceive us as taking our Christianity too far.  

I don’t think Peter lost his faith or turned his back on what he believed.  I just think he wasn’t ready to be out front and outspoken.  I think that, like many of us would have done, Peter was trying to wrap his mind around all that was happening.  The easiest response was to keep himself at a distance. 

I get that.  The easy response in any critical situation is to step back, shut down, and slip out.  But it's often necessary that someone step up and say what needs to be said.  Someone has to step up...

Maybe that's you today.  It's time to step up and speak up.  It won't be easy.  But for inspiration look at Acts chapter two.  It's Peter preaching on the Day of Pentecost.  God will use you if you will let Him.  Do what God tells you to do...say what He tells you to say...  Be blessed.