Weekly Update
Gentian Baptist has been so devoted in their love toward us!! They have committed to serve alongside us on their Serve Saturdays and they get so much done! They help us with tasks around the property and assist us in ways that really help us function so much better. Thank you, Gentian. And a special shoutout to Bo!
Wirth a grateful heart,
Rob
“He (being Jesus) has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him.”
Colossians 1:13-14, HCSB
To grip this passage correctly, we must fine-tune our understanding of the terms: “domain” & “transfer.” These terms both speak to our sense of belonging and personal identity. These terms work together to express to us, as believers within Christ, that we are adopted and bear a new identity.
Jesus, the Son of God, dwelled among us within this dominion of darkness. He lived, showing us what God is like and, ultimately, laid down His life, willingly, to purchase us back from the dominion of darkness. Those who repent, declaring Jesus to be Lord, are then transferred (adopted) from the dominion of darkness into the family of God - Who is light and love. We become citizens of His kingdom of light! We bear His name; we wear His name-tag upon our chest! Therefore, every belief we fashion, every decision we make, flows out of our renewed, conscecrated spirit. We wholly belong to the Lord and the Lord’s name defines our personhood.
Knowing that His identity defines us, it’s His Word and His opinion that we now always seek to remain within agreement with, in ALL things, related to our lives throughout our days. Pursuing agreement with His Spirit and His Word is the perpetual evidence of our belonging to the Lord.
“My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”
James 1:19-20, HCSB
To be quick to hear and slow to speak denotes humility. It’s actually our conscious decision (an act of submission) to silence our flesh, then to choose to listen to the Holy Spirit, which results in our disposition coming into agreement with the Holy Spirit. This is the renewal process of the mind which the Holy Spirit takes us through (1 Corinthians 2:16). As our disposition is being renewed by the Holy Spirit, every decision we make and every deed we commit then comes into agreement with the Spirit of God.
To choose to listen leads to a faithful obedience, which leads to righteous choices in our lives. The righteousness produced from the Holy Spirit through our obedience is the evidence of our salvation and the fruits of God’s spirit in our lives from which others are nourished.
As believers, one way we can seriously mis-step in our relationship with God’s Word is by hearing but not receiving; learning but not submitting to the authority of Scripture. It is easy to familiarize ourselves with Scripture through a sermon, a podcast, a Sunday School lesson, only to use Scripture we hear to underwrite our own views.
This remains an issue because our disposition would remain rooted in the flesh; it would remain yet still critical, judgmental and given to unbridled anger without restraint from the Holy Spirit’s self-control. Therefore, as James insinuates, when we are not seeking first to listen and to come into agreement with the Holy Spirit, then we are more inclined to act out of anger. Perhaps we are angry about just causes, right stances; even still, if our dispositions are not are not under the authority of the Holy Spirit, we will carry out even our just anger in the wrong way.
The events of 2020 and on into 2021 certainly reveal this reality. The anger demonstrated over, even just causes, has come out the wrong way from all sides and it has produced the wrong outcome in every way.
‘Man’s anger cannot accomplish God’s righteousness.’ It never has; it never will. Our scientific developments, our political persuasions or our just causes will not serve to better us, let alone save us. We are sinners. Our hearts are corroded with sin-filled desires, which dish up destruction. Highland, let us remain under the authority of the Holy Spirit, so that we produce the fruit of righteousness, even in our anger (Ephesians 5: 18-21; Romans 12:9-21).
Our world spins upon an axis of injustice; it is the very dominion of darkness. Jesus entered our world, bore our sin and now offers to buy us back with His own blood. In our submission to His redeeming Name and salvation, we then belong to the Kingdom of Light, bearing His name, His nature! So, while we walk through this shadow of death, our hearts no longer reside here. We are citizens of the Kingdom of Light, the “city on the hill.”
“He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works” (Titus 2:14).
So, Highland, let us commit ourselves to the good of our neighbor and the glory of our God, not allowing ourselves to become entangled with the wrestling matches of this world. May we press on to know our Lord and make Him known, both in our citizenship and our conduct, remaining unstained by sin throughout our days.
I love you,
Rob
Each Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm, we serve our streets a meal of Chicken & Rice, along with the Gospel. Volunteers are welcome to join us. Chicken & Rice Ministries is our flagship work. It serves as the invitation to all in our streets to come and know Christ. If you would like to come and serve, please contact us.
This Sunday, I look forward to seeing everyone at the Tent Gathering. As we gather this Sunday for our Tent Gathering, I wanted to go over the schedule with you. This Sunday, our schedule is as follows:
10am-11am: Coffee and Conversation. As you arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Enjoy having conversation with one another and the chance to be together. Also, if you’re willing, some will be setting up for the 10 am service. We welcome your help, if you’re able.
11am-12am: Tent Gathering Service. *At 11am, bring your camping chairs or blankets to make for yourself a place outside, underneath our tent. We will gather to worship as we set our eyes upon Jesus. Highland, I ask that we would be in prayer for the name of Jesus to be exalted in our corporate gathering; that those who wander, or are deceived throughout our streets, would hear that Jesus saves, and repent! We will conclude and dismiss following this service. So, breakfast will be offered but not lunch.
We are strongly encouraging social distancing and masks will be available for those who would feel most comfortable wearing one. If you have a mask, please bring one for yourself to use. We ask that you stay home when you are sick. We also ask that you cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Finally, keeping your hands clean using sanitizer or by washing them with soap is vital. If you have a personal bottle of sanitizer, bring it and keep it on you for your personal use throughout gatherings.
Van route riding requirements: windows down, masks worn and no more than 10 on a van.
Wednesday night studies, Pillow Party and prayer sessions have been canceled.
Children’s Ministries, Life Class & Breakfast will not resume until a later date.
*All proposed plans remain contingent upon medical information available to us throughout the foreseeable future. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. I rejoice over you, Highland. I love forward to being with you Sunday.
I love you, Highland,
Rob
Highland,
In this devotion, I hope to use a familiar passage to offer us some instruction as to how to conduct ourselves though our nation’s political climate and social tensions. I reflect on a passage from Exodus 20, which I preached through in November of last year, just before our nation’s election. It seemed fitting to, yet again, allow this passage to shed some light onto how we should conduct ourselves as people who bear the name of our Lord.
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7, NASB).
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17, NASB).
Walk in the Light,
Rob
Highland, I threw my iPhone down on our dining-room table to capture another moment in our home last night. This song has been near to Carrie’s heart since the passing of her father. She has found much comfort and healing in its lyrics. This line resonates within her heart: “Come rejoice now O, my soul! For His love is my reward. Fear is gone and hope is sure, Christ is mine, forevermore!” I This passage has proven to be her rock: “Why are you downcast, my soul? And why is my heart so sad? Put your hope in God. The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night.” Psalm 42:5,8
By: City Alight
Mine are days that God has numbered
I was made to walk with Him
Yet I look for worldly treasure
And forsake the King of kings
But mine is hope in my Redeemer
Though I fall, His love is sure
For Christ has paid for every failing
I am His forevermore
Mine are tears in times of sorrow
Darkness not yet understood
Through the valley I must travel
Where I see no earthly good
But mine is peace that flows from heaven
And the strength in times of need
I know my pain will not be wasted
Christ completes his work in me
Mine are days here as a stranger
Pilgrim on a narrow way
One with Christ I will encounter
Harm and hatred for His name
But mine is armour for this battle
Strong enough to last the war
And He has said He will deliver
Safely to the golden shore
And mine are keys to Zion city
Where beside the King I walk
For there my heart has found its treasure
Christ is mine forevermore
Come rejoice now, O my soul
For His love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore
Come rejoice now, O my soul
For His love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore
Come rejoice now, O my soul
For His love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore
And mine are keys to Zion city
Where beside the King I walk
For there my heart has found its treasure
Christ is mine forevermore
Christ is mine forevermore
Christ is mine forevermore
I hope to see you next weekend, Highland.
I love you,
Rob
Highland Tribe,
No Chicken and Rice today. No Tent Gathering tomorrow. Our plan is to resume Chicken & Rice next Saturday, January 16th, and hold our next Tent Gathering Sunday, January 17th. I so look forward to being together again.
I love you,
Rob
For many years, we’ve begun each year with singing, “Have Thine Own Way” together, at our service. Though we were unable to gather due to the pandemic this Sunday, Carrie and I did hold a dining room session to record this song to share. The lyrics of this song certainly capture our hearts and what we hope to be the heart of our church as well.
To listen, click below.
Side note: our dog, Hunter, chimes in on the song.
Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Thou art the potter I am the clay
Mold me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting yielded and still
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Hold over my being absolute sway
Filled with Thy spirit till all can see
Christ only always living in me
by: Adelaide Pollard
We love you, Highland,
Rob & Carrie
Highland,
May the Lord go before us as a shield into this new year. Let us draw even nearer to Him, humbling ourselves to His holy name. Like a shield only serves to protect us as we become one with it, drawing nearer to it in times of trouble, then remaining in alignment with its presence, so should we, as God’s people, remain in alignment with Him.
“God — His way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is pure.
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.”
Psalm 18:30, HCSB
As we step into 2021 together, we will do so considering the well-being of one another to the best of our ability. Recent conditions reveal a spike in COVID cases locally, which includes people who attend our church. There will be no Chicken & Rice tomorrow, plus we intend to restart our Tent Gatherings January 17th, 2021.
In light of postponing our in-person return, we will be offering you a chance to be part of our Prayer Sessions via a video call. To take part, please click the link below. We will begin the prayer service at 10am, Sunday, January 3rd.
This video call will be done through Google Meet.
10am: Start time (Click link above).
For The Church to produce a harvest of light, righteousness and goodness through a renewed submission to the Holy Spirit( Ephesians 5:6-14).
For The Church to renew her partnership with the Holy Spirit, Who seals us and produces Gospel-flavored fruits through us (Ephesians 5:15-21).
For Highland to remain in alignment with the Lord’s counsel, purposes and Word, especially through this pandemic (Ephesians 2:1-10).
For Highland & Truth Spring to mature in mission and in partnership, remaining unified so that the Lord is glorified (John 17). In our unity and ministry, may we become an ever more clearer expression of Jesus, who is light and salvation, to a darkening world (Psalm 37:3-6).
For the building campaign and planning process. Highland, the Lord’s plans continue to unfold! Let us continue to pray, coming into agreement with His plan for the future generational work of His Kingdom here, in our streets (Proverbs 24:3-4).
For those connected with our church dealing with COVID. That we may love one another with an accurate care and understanding; placing the interests of others above our own interests (Philippians 2:1-5).
Highland, only the prayer-life of God’s people will produce the right results in our days (Psalm 24:1-6). Our patriotism, national policies, political persuasions nor our politicians will produce a just outcome to the problems before us. As His people, let us submit to His leading, as our Shepherd. For He alone is our hope.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart rejoices,
and I praise Him with my song.
The LORD is the strength of His people;
He is a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.
Save Your people, bless Your possession,
shepherd them, and carry them forever.”
Psalm 28:7-9, HCSB
Lord, go before us into 2021.
Highland, I love you,
Rob
To all who took part in Boxes of Love, thank you! We were able to provide folks at our church the chance to love their neighbors in honor of our Lord. I am so appreciative to all of you who did the behind the scenes work, the set up, packing, distribution and breakdown. I count it such a rich joy to be part of Highland and our Boxes of Love effort is one example of why.
Merry Christmas,
Rob
Highland,
So sorry for the later notice. After much consideration, we will be canceling our Tent Gatherings for the next two Sundays (December 20th & December 27th). As we all spend time with our families during this Christmas season, we are going to do our best to cut down on the potential spreading of COVID by not gathering, until the turn of the year. As of now, our next Tent Gathering will be Sunday, January 3rd, 2021.
We hope that you understand that we are seeking the welfare of everyone. If you should need anything personally, please contact us. We remain in your corner throughout this time of uncertainty. May you have a joyous Christmas with your loved ones.
I love you,
Rob
