Pastor's Page - November 2012

Dear Friends, 

We have had lots of activities going on here at the Liberty Street Church of God the last
several months. You have been challenged and so have I. However, through the eyes of
God and His direction that is what He expects of those that call themselves Christians.
Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to
you as well.” (Mat 6:33 NIV) Out of all the activities in our lives, the family, the occupation,
the business you own, all of your friends and your social life, can you and I say that we
really seek out the Kingdom of God first?

On the second night of the Reformation Renewal Rally our Caleb was running the sound
system and the computer for the power point. After the first service he was ready to go
home. Judy and I persuaded him to stay and do the second service. (You can probably
guess how we persuaded him!) After the service when we were taking the speakers out
for dinner he went along with us and I told him how much I appreciated what he did for
us and we told him that he really stepped in when we needed him. The POINT? I hope
this was a life lesson for him to see the need to seek first the Kingdom. Neither Judy nor
I said it in those terms; however, we hope that he saw that he fulfilled a need and that
God was pleased with him, as were his Mom and Dad. He sacrificed self to please God.

If human beings could just get over “SELF” I think there would be a more powerful and
effective witness of God’s church in the world. I would question in our day and in our society
if it is even possible to get beyond “SELF” and the desires of “SELF.” Jesus was
critical of the Pharisees with regard to their self-indulgence and warned them saying,
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and
dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. (Mat 23:25 NIV) There is no place in
the Christian’s life for these attributes. The Apostle Paul said that when we get saved,
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away
with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- {7} because anyone who has died has been freed.


(Rom 6:6-7 NIV) The Scripture also teaches that one of the characteristics of love is selflessness.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. {5} It is not rude, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. {6} Love does not delight in evil but rejoices
with the truth. {7} It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. {8} Love never
fails…...” (1 Cor 13:4-8 NIV)


We are taught in Scripture that the “NEW-SELF” is different than the old. “You were
taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its
deceitful desires; {23} to be made new in the attitude of your minds; {24} and to put on the new self,
created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph 4:22-24 NIV) The “NEW-SELF” is
to be like God in righteousness and holiness. It only stands to reason that if we have the
“NEW-SELF” we will be seeking first the Kingdom.

I would encourage us that if we want to live a life of fulfillment, peace and contentment,
it will only come through a relationship with Jesus Christ that will result in crucifying
SELF. Jesus said, “Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 NIV)

God Bless you all,
Pastor Bruce