STATE MISSIONS: The Unchanging and Unwavering God
The definition of Sovereign is ruler, supreme ruler, supreme authority, monarch.
We should be grateful that the God of Heaven is both holy and just. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy” (Isa. 57:15).
“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he” (Deut. 32:4).
The concept of time was made for man in order for us to keep up with things. God is outside of time. When it says He is the same yesterday, today and forever, that is because He is eternal and the One who created time. We wear a watch and observe the hands constantly changing. Think of God as the hands, always present because there is no time He is not.
A sovereign God is not only omnipotent, but also omniscient and omnipresent, meaning He is not only everywhere but is in every moment at the same time. Does God know who will be saved? Of course He does, or He is not sovereign. Then does man have a choice to choose or reject God? Of course He does, or God is not sovereign. The fact that God knows the end from the beginning gives Him a major advantage as to how He will use some to bring Him honor or dishonor and whether they will choose to receive or reject His gift of salvation.
Imagine with me that it is time for the annual Christmas parade. All the bands, floats, riders and Santa’s sled are assembled in order. Now let us imagine God is in a 10-story building looking down on the parade. From His vantage point, He can see the procession coming. He sees the first, second and so on as they pass. If you were standing on the street, seeing only what is in front of you, and shouted to Him to ask what was coming next and again the next, He could tell you at that moment because of His vantage point. But that does not mean He is changing any from their starting positions. He knows because He can see from the beginning until the end. This is true for He also knows believers and unbelievers alike. When, do you think, was the last time God was surprised by what transpires? Just because God knows who will and who will not accept Him through His foreknowledge does not mean He interferes.
Imagine watching a ballgame and then it is rebroadcast the next day. You would know what was going to happen from having watched it the day before — unlike God, who sees what will be in the future because it is all the same to Him. He could have written a detailed autobiography of every person who has ever lived from the very foundation of creation — because He is God! He knew us in our mother’s womb and knows every aspect of our lives until death — and yes, He even knows that. “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered…” (Luke 12:7).
In closing, two cruise ships schedules are set by the owners, or the ones with the power to do so. The day of their departure is pre-determined. The destination of each is pre-determined. The length of the cruise is pre-determined. The food to be brought on board is pre-determined. But whomever boards one or the other ship is not the owner’s responsibility. If you want to go to point A, you will board that one, if to point B, the other. Where the passenger ends up is determined by which ship he chooses. Your destination is determined through your personal choice. God has also given man two choices— live or die. “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deut. 30:19). Be sure you’re on the right ship!
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “I have had severe flu this week, which started as an allergic reaction to pollen. I have had nasal congestion and cough. I took medicine, but it has not been possible to contain it due to the activities I have to do at night, especially with the roof replacement project.
“At the beginning of the week, we prepared by purchasing materials and processing the permit to change the roof. On Friday, Bro. Dublas, who directed the project, began with his work teams, removing not only the shingles but also the plywood under the shingles since the roof showed undulations which indicated that it was necessary to replace the plywood with an OSB (Oriented Strand Board) plywood.
“On Sunday, just before the sermon, the shingle nailing work was finished, and we had no interference with the development of our meeting.
“All the work has not been finished yet, as some carpentry details are needed to finish replacing the shingles on the edges and porch of the main entrance. We thank God for His provision to purchase materials and pay for labor. Pray that pressure on offerings will not discourage people from attending meetings.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I thank God for what has been happening in the last few weeks at Ebenezer. We are trying to get our home Bible groups back, but for now, we only have one. During the pandemic, they all disappeared and getting them back to meeting has been very difficult.
Thank God, we have an active one and how interesting it is with new people. We have two more in line. Pray they can be started. Much of the growth at Ebenezer has been through the home groups.
“Last Friday, I had the privilege of taking my daughter, Zuly on a tour to the college she is applying to. Three hours to go to Northwest Arkansas and three hours back. It was a blessing to visit our son, Ruben and my nephew, Isaac who are studying at the same college.
“We had an inspiring service Sunday, and our attendance both in person and online has been maintained. We finished the topic about the three days and three nights of Jesus Christ in the tomb. Thank God, we had great participation.
“After the service, I went to the baseball stadium because a new season has started and, as chaplain of the Arkansas Travelers, it is a privilege to give the Bible study to the Hispanic players of the team and the visiting players. This season, all the chaplains are touching on Proverbs and James. Please pray for this ministry in which I serve on a volunteer basis. Thank you for your prayers. To God be the glory.”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! The flu is still going around, but even with a few families out, we still had a good number and a great time of worship. Our kids have been practicing a special for a long time, and they finally did it for us this week.
They sang a song that is all the books of the New Testament, and they did it wonderfully — what a blessing! I posted the video to our Facebook page so we can share it. You should watch, it really is sweet!
“The drywallers were not able to make it back last week, but they assured me that they will be back to finish up early this week. The foundation blocks are laid for the classrooms, and the plumber said he will be here this week to start the rough in. When he’s done, the floors will be poured, and we will be ready for The Master’s Builders. We are excited and can’t wait to see them all again, and to get this building finished and get moved in!
“We thank you all for your prayers and support, and for allowing us to be a part of what the BMA of Arkansas and all of you are doing here in Flippin. We can’t thank you, or God, enough!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “We had a great time with our mission family at Faith Journey this week. We had another fun and (a little competitive) game of trivia, followed by our weekly lesson on prayer. We love challenging each other with learning the Bible and some friendly fun!
“Several of our families need prayer for healing for family members. We believe in the power of praying without ceasing. God is always leaning in to hear the prayers of His children. He wants to hear our worship, praise, burdens and everything in between. He desires a relationship with us and our spirit longs for a relationship with Him.
“We reached out to several landowners this week, so please continue to pray that God will open hearts and doors for us at Faith Journey.
“We hope everyone enjoyed the total solar eclipse this week and stayed safe. It is just a small reminder to us of how great our God is!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings from the Northwest! Last week, we announced that our next baptisms would soon be the second one we are going to have and two sisters already spoke to me that they want to be baptized. One is the elderly sister,
Nanee and the other is a teenager, Ashley. I must speak with a couple that could possibly also be ready to go down to the waters.
“In our small groups (Grace Groups), we continue to work intentionally so that the brothers disciple others. We have three sisters — Iris, Yoli, Marget — and a girl, Isabella who already have their disciples. We praise God for this.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “I ran out of room last week to share, but our late nights last week were indicative of the connectivity of our Connection Groups. Our events always go long. We’re far from the typical hour. Last week, I took part in all our Connection Groups. Wednesday night, we started at 6 p.m. but didn’t get home until 9:45 p.m.
Long after the Bible study, we talked, and then one of the neighbor friends of the kids in the host home, introduced us to his mother and we talked with her for a long time about her faith. Then on Friday night we joined our Garfield Group, which started at 7 p.m. and made it home after midnight — yes, midnight! We were able to talk through so much with different members. I shared last week that we had two boys asking about baptism, but Wednesday a third was added to the list. He went home talking about salvation with his parents the week before. His mom shared with us how our multi-generational Bible studies had broken down the barrier between parents and kids in regard to talking about faith and the Bible. That is one of my favorite things that has been said.
“Those things were incredible, but Sunday was a bummer. We had our second Coaches’ Meeting planned and all but one coach had to cancel. I’ve felt the most resistance around our Coach Meetings. Please pray for these coaches who are committed to be missionaries in their unique contexts leading to created new Connection Groups.”
El Faro #2 Hispanic Mission, Cabot/Jacksonville: Michael Hight writes, “I ask you to pray with me about a man named Omar I met this week. He is an agnostic but has a lot of questions. I am trying to build a relationship with him so he can hear a clear presentation of the gospel.
“On the health front, I got some of my testing results and one of the plasma tests revealed that I still have a substantial infection somewhere in my body. I googled the results, but they scared me, so I am going to wait for the doctor to tell me what it means. In the meantime, I joined a gym and am trying to slowly get back the strength this illness has taken from me. I know God has a plan, and I am trying to be patient. My follow up with the specialist doesn’t come until June 11 so it’s a lot of hurry up and wait. Keep us in your prayers, we are still convinced God is at work.”
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Paul White
Arkansas State Missions Director Paul White pens a weekly column to inform the BMA of Arkansas concerning Arkansas Missions’ activity and includes individual reports from each church planter.
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