Compare the following passages from the Old Testament book of Isaiah:  (1) Isaiah 43:18, “Do not remember the former things, neither consider the things of old,” (2) Isaiah 46:9, “Remember the former things of old.” 

At first glance it appears that Isaiah contradicts himself.  First he says, “remember not,” then he says, “remember.”  So which is it?  Both! We are to remember not, and we are to remember.  But our problem as Christians is that we remember what we are supposed to forget, and we forget what we are supposed to remember.
 
We are to remember not the sins of the past which are under the cleansing blood of Jesus.  We are to remember not the  offenses of others. We are to remember not the lies of the devil.  We are to remember the promises of God.  We are to remember the goodness and faithfulness of God.  We are to remember the blessings God has given over the years.  
 
Rather than contradicting himself, Isaiah is presenting a very important principle for victorious Christian living.  He is telling us that in the Christian life there are things to remember, and there are things to forget. May the Lord help us to remember the things we’re supposed to remember, and forget the things we’re supposed to forget.
 
Pastor Todd

If you have been in a recent Sunday morning service you have heard about a new ministry opportunity called RLA Connect.  Beginning October 5th, our Wednesday night Bible Study will have a brand new format.  For the last year we have had a lecture format where I have taught on the books of Revelation, Romans, and Philippians, and a series through the Gifts of the Spirit.  We are moving away from the lecture presentation to an interactive, small-group format.

When you enter the sanctuary on Wednesday, October 5th, you will find the room set up for small groups.  We will begin the evening at 6:45 with a brief time of fellowship.  At 7:00 we will move into the study.  Our weekly studies will take the message from the previous Sunday and go a little deeper.  Each group will have a leader who will help guide the discussion. 

The purpose of RLA Connect is fourfold:
1.      Assimilation
2.      Fellowship
3.      Care Network
4.      Interactive Study

RLA Connect is a ministry structure that will enable people to more readily integrate into the RLA family.  Each group will have monthly fellowship opportunities to encourage the building of relationships.  As a small-group, members will have better awareness of the needs of others in the group.  And the format of RLA Connect will provide for discussion and participation in the Wednesday night Bible Study.

RLA Connect will work for families, too!  On Wednesday nights we have ministries up and running for children nursery – youth.  While the adults are enjoying a discussion-based Bible Study in the sanctuary, the children are going to receive loving care and ministry.  Since Wednesday night is a school night, and out of consideration for our families and workers, RLA Connect will conclude each week at 8:00pm. 

If you have never attended the midweek Bible Study, now is a great time to start!  If you are looking for a small-group experience, RLA Connect is for you.  So get your Bible and get ready.  RLA Connect is coming soon!

Pastor Todd

Last week I had the privilege of spending a few days in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, which was hit by a 7.0 earthquake on January 12, 2010.  The earthquake brought death and devastation to a nation already struggling with poverty, disease, and a host of other problems.  The good news is that the church of Jesus Christ is rising up in the midst of it all.  Many Christian organizations are there ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.  Haiti is a nation with a history of the occult, voodoo, and black magic.  And yet today, as a result of the earthquake, many are looking to Christ and His church.  It’s a moment of great opportunity in Haiti!

This weekend we observe the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation.  It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since nearly 3,000 innocent Americans lost their lives as Islamic terrorists flew airplanes loaded with passengers and jet fuel into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.  The fourth jet, United Airlines Flight 93, allegedly headed for the White House, was diverted away from Washington D.C. by the actions of brave passengers.  It later crashed in a field near Shanksville, PA., claiming the lives of all onboard.

America was a nation immediately driven to its knees by this unprecedented event of seismic proportions.  Churches were filled to overflowing as people came looking for refuge in God.  Sadly, and strangely, it didn’t last.  Church attendance spiked for a few weeks, then dropped below pre-9/11 levels.  We remember the horror of 9/11, but somehow we’ve lost the sense of urgency and our national need for God.

Haiti was shaken to its knees by an earthquake.  American was driven to its knees by a terrorist attack.  One nation has awakened to its need for God.  The other nation seems to have forgotten.  This was evidenced yet again when the mayor of New York City banned clergy and prayer from the 9/11 ceremony at Ground Zero. 

As we remember the tragic events of 9/11 and the loss of so many lives, let’s also remember this: America’s only hope is God.  As we sing, God Bless America, let’s remember that words of the psalmist, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

Pastor Todd Weston