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STATE MISSIONS: If a Man Be in Christ (part 2)
Paul White
He is a new creature. A divine transaction had to be made. We hear so much today about how the sciences have successfully transplanted organs from one body to another. In the new birth, God has made a divine transplant. He has transplanted a whole new created man born-of-the-spirit into an old born-of-the-flesh man.
Remember, on Calvary’s mount, the son of God was made to be sin for us who knew no sin. He took upon His sinless body the sins of the whole world. Sin was on Him but not in Him.
Second, another divine transaction is to be made. When man is born again by hearing, believing and trusting through faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the nature of the old man of the flesh is crucified with Christ (becomes dead to sin but not destroyed), the sinless new God-created man of the spirit becomes in him a partaker of God’s divine nature.
The natural man of the flesh will never make the flight to the throne of God, where Christ sits at His right hand. No way! “No man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of God which is in heaven” (John 3:13). Some say Scripture has a contradiction because Enoch and Elijah ascended into Heaven. That is true, but first, they were translated and ascended in spiritual bodies, not in their bodies of flesh. By faith, Enoch was translated that he should not see death and was not found because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony: “that he pleased God” (Heb. 11:5). The man of the sinful flesh will never be inside a spiritual sinless body. “There are also celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial…” (I Cor. 15:40) — celestial, Heaven dwellers; terrestrial, earth dwellers… “There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body” (I Cor. 15:44). (to be continued)
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “The Wednesday night youth discipleship group had a day of games. There were board games, electronic games, ping pong, table hockey and lots of food. Let us pray that this group continues growing in Christ.
“This week, the 9 a.m. Sunday discipleship group has been rehearsing a drama we will present during the missionary conferences on Aug. 9-10. We hope it will be a blessing and cause the people who attend the event to reflect. Please pray for the drama and the entire event in which the Hispanic churches of Arkansas will participate.
“On Sunday, we continue with our Revelation series in chapter 13, where the attacks of the dragon that represents Satan against the woman (the church) continue. Everyone is enjoying the series. Pray with us that God will guide us and that the interpretations are correct.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “Sometimes so much happens in a week that it is impossible to put it all in one article. I thank God for what He is doing at Ebenezer and in the different ministries in which I serve.
“Kory and I celebrated our 24th anniversary in July. Although we celebrated, we still owe each other a getaway. Something that really attracted me to the BMA was a piece of advice Bro. Paul gave me — ‘Your first ministry is your family.’ From there I understood that I was on a good ministry team.
“God continues to bless the ministry I do as the chaplain for the Hispanic baseball players. They are faithful in attending chapel and asking interesting questions. My relationship with the guys goes beyond chapel time. It involves praying, having a bridge of friendship and discipleship with some of them. The Hispanic coach of the Travelers who had double knee surgery is now recovered and in the Major Leagues. They called him to Seattle, and we continue in communication and Bible study.
“Last Sunday at Ebenezer, we went to the lake. Once a year, we have this activity that allows us to fellowship, get to know each other better and grow in our relationships. We had our service with songs, testimonies and the Word of God.
Pray for Ebenezer and all the activities we have planned in August and September.
“This semester, I will be teaching classes at the Hispanic Theological Institute of our churches in El Centro. I will also be giving the ‘Awakening’ workshop with NOVO ministry (novo.org) online to 16 pastors in Latin America. As I told you, there are many things happening ministerially. I just thank God for your prayers and support in the ministry. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a crazy busy week at Faith Chapel, but a really good one!
“We made three round trips to Little Rock for doctors and surgeries, and one to Choteau, Okla. I don’t really want to go anywhere this week, but I will have to go back to Little Rock again on Thursday.
“I asked one of our members, Dayle Robinson, to preach for me Sunday morning, and it was a blessing for me and everyone else. He is a retired pastor and had his 80th birthday last week. It is nice to hear some good preaching every once in a while. I know I sure needed it. Thank you, Bro. Dayle!
“The plumbing rough-in is complete on the classroom addition, and now we are waiting on the flooring contractor before we can do all the finishing touches. It is getting close, and we are all so excited. We are still shooting for being in by the end of summer, and that seems doable.
“We are so grateful for all of those who have helped to support us in any way, and we are looking forward to being able to do the same for some other mission(s). We especially want to thank you for keeping us in your prayers. God is answering them in a mighty way!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “Friend’s Night at Faith Journey was a great success! Several of our folks invited friends and we had a very good turn out! We had a few of our people traveling, so we pray for safe trips until they return home next week. We celebrated a couple of birthdays, with more coming up later this month as well.
We had a fun group activity about taking steps toward what God has planned for each of us in our lives. Each team had one member that was blindfolded, and the other teammates had to talk them through ‘life’s obstacles’ to help them understand that we need to be focused on the voice of God to help direct our paths.
“God is answering prayers for Faith Journey mission. We have been praying and driving around our target area for over two years, seeking God’s direction and His timing for Faith Journey. During these years, we have not had one property become available to purchase. This week we located a property that has been placed up for sale that possibly could be Faith Journey’s starter home. Please pray earnestly for all involved in making these decisions about the future of the mission as they seek God’s will.
“Pray for wisdom and that doors will be opened if that is what is supposed to happen. We will keep everyone updated. We give God all the glory!”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “This week was a tough week for many in our Connection Groups. Whether it was COVID or challenges in life, it was hard.
“I look forward to what lies ahead as August starts, school returns and people begin getting back on schedule. Pray for our Connection Group coaches as they move forward while facing fiery darts from the enemy.”
El Faro #2 Hispanic Mission, Cabot/Jacksonville: Michael Hight writes, “We are getting excited as we plan for our first public service on Sept. 1.
“Health-wise, I have begun intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusions at home every week. For five hours, one day a week, a nurse comes in and I receive an IV infusion. Hopefully, these will work. I feel like I am getting stronger, but it has been much slower than I would like. Please keep us in your prayers. We know this work is God’s work, and in our weakness, His strength is made perfect!