How is life?

You may read later on and think to yourself "what in the world does this passage have to do with the title of this post."  Well, read the passage and then keep reading and hopefully you will see the connection.

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

(Matthew 9:10-13 ESV)

There are a few points in this text that will be considered today.  As in all observations, none of them can be exhaustive, but perhaps you would be blessed by thinking on a couple of things.

Friend, how is your life?  You may be surprised to find out that the very people whom the Lord Jesus Christ sought were those whose life was a wreck.  That's right, if you read through the Bible you will find out that those people that were most hated by the "religious" people were those with whom Jesus and his followers spent much time.  In fact, they spent so much time with them that it lead to people hating them and questioning their "spirituality" that they would associate with people "like that."

You may be thinking "what in the world does this have to do with anything."  Please allow me to ask you a question again..."how is your life going?"  Do you find yourself miserable?  Are you longing for "something" but you just don't know what.  Do you find yourself without "hope."  Or if you have "hope" you have no reason for why you have "hope" and at times life just seems to be "hopeless."  Let me ask you this, do you belong with the crows that the religious people "hate."  Then let me tell you that there is great hope in Jesus Christ.  Notice, that the Lord did not call people to continue in their despair or current lifestyle, but He brought them out of where they were and gave them new life in Him.  It would be a joy to talk to you more about this, to answer questions, to pray with you, or to point you to others who can do the same thing.  The most important thing, is that you and I both are pointed to Jesus Christ.

Sexual Detox - Recommended Resources by Tim Challies

As a follow up to the recent post drawing attention to blogger Tim Challies, here is his latest post highlighting resources on the subject "Sexual Detoxification."

http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-recommended-resources.php

Sexual Detoxification - Great Post from Tim Challies

I know that I never use this blog anymore, and when I do I normally just poing people to writing by others, so that I don't disapoint you, I would like to recommend this blog post by Tim Challies. His blog is a great resource. I espcially encouarge young men to read this post and carefully consider it.

Why am I posting the information here? This will automatically upload to my facebook page and will also allow me to "share" it with those who do not use facebook!

Click on the picture below to go to the article.

Update on Missions

I would like to you encourage you to follow us on our temporary Twitter account @rockportmission. We are sending updates via twitter and you will find more information at http://www.rockportbaptist.org/rom.htm.

Also, I would like to encourage others to post testimonies from last week's trip to Tamaulipus, Mexico. Here are some points that I pray will be encouraging and challenging to you.

• Ubaldo, a nine year old young man from the village, approached one of our team members expressing a desire to know Christ. This brother was then able to share with him and believes that Ubaldo was saved.
• During the medical clinic many were served, hopefully Stephanie will be able to post a more comprehensive testimony soon.
• This past trip we had several in attendance for times of preaching and singing.
  
• We received an invitation to preach at a congregation in a small village that is near Valle Hermoso (town near the boarder).

Please continue to pray as we seek the Lord's direction in this mission as well as future mission endeavors.