Conversion to Christ
What does conversion really mean? Have you been “cut to the heart”, leading to repentance? Have you truly been born again?
The Urgency of the Gospel
Acts 1:8 is a prophecy foretold by Christ. Mike discusses how the first century Christians took this to heart and spread the Gospel far and wide.
The fall Gospel meeting with Mike Crowley, Jr. was a huge success in that large, capacity crowds gathered at each session to hear the Word proclaimed. Many surrounding communities were represented among the participants. Following each session everyone enjoyed a time of food and fellowship. If you weren’t able to hear Mike’s Bible lessons live, you can still enjoy them via the internet. Share this link with your family and friends.
https://vimeopro.com/shannonranch/portraits-of-grace
Portraits of Grace – Part 1 – The God who Came: Jesus in the Old Testament
Portraits of Grace – Part 2 – I AM: the God who IS
Portraits of Grace – Part 3 – A Dark Night: the Dawn of Faith
Portraits of Grace – Part 4 – The Burden of Wood, Isaac and Jesus: when God provides
Portraits of Grace – Part 5 – Stuck in a Whinepress: when the Past becomes the Future
Portraits of Grace – Part 6 – Born to be Free: Walking with the God who Stayed
Everyone is encouraged to attend the Fall Gospel Meeting at the Matador church of Christ beginning Sunday, October 2 and running through Wednesday night, October 5.
The featured speaker will be Mike Crowley, Jr. who is the minister of the Fairmont Park church of Christ in Midland, Texas and the son of our own minister, Mike Crowley, Sr. If you’ve never heard Mike speak, you will not want to miss this opportunity. He brings the scriptures alive and will touch your heart with thoughts, characters and truths from the Bible. Your life will never be the same.
This year’s theme is “Portraits of Grace: seeing through Heaven’s eyes”. God has been pursuing the hearts of His children from the very beginning. We will learn from Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Gideon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego of His healing grace and life-changing love.
As always, we want to make sure no one leaves the Matador church of Christ hungry. The good food will begin on Saturday night, October 1, with a complimentary kick-off Fish Fry at 6 p.m. at the church multi-purpose building. On Sunday, October 2, there will be a Potluck luncheon following the 11 a.m. service. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, supper will be served each evening following the lessons.
Here’s the Lesson schedule:
Sunday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. – “The God who came: Jesus in the Old Testament.”
11 a.m. – I AM: the God who Is”
6 p.m. – “A dark night: the dawn of Faith”
Monday, Oct.3, 7 p.m. – “The burden of wood, Isaac and Jesus: when God provides”
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. – “Stuck in a whinepress: when the past becomes the future”
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. – “Born to be free: walking with the God who stayed.”
Please join the Matador church of Christ for as many of these sessions as you can. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.
“These things have I spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11
It was a strange time to speak of joy, of delight, gladness, and exultation! In half an hour, maybe less, Jesus would be in Gethsemane. In fact, He was on His way to that garden being accompanied by his disciples. It was while on the way there that He uttered the words of John 15:11. Only our Lord knew what awaited Him in the garden of sorrows.
One of the most remarkable facts connected with the Master is that, so far as the sacred writings are concerned, the only time Jesus spoke of His joy was when He was approaching Gethsemane. There are two deductions which may be drawn from this notable fact: First, His joy must have been altogether unique, differing absolutely from the world’s joy, if it still remained with Him in His hour of darkness. Second, if Jesus was joyful now, in the time of His greatest sorrow, our Lord’s former life must have been a life of joy.
Christian people can have and maintain the joy of the Lord. Remember reading in John 15, verse 11 “…my joy remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Christian joy in unabashedly a Christ-like quality. Therefore, it should characterize our whole life and conduct. “Rejoice in the Lord always”.
– Mike Crowley –
Prayer is the means by which we can convey our thanks and petitions to the very court of heaven. Prayer is the means whereby we ask favors of the Giver of every good and perfect gift. It is through prayer that we breathe a desire that moves the mighty arm of our God. The arm of Him who sustains and protects those who place their trust in Him.
It is no wonder that the subject of prayer captivates and holds the interest of all who believe in God. I believe that it is imperative that we study this subject and learn more of it. It seems that far too many of God’s people claim to believe in prayer, yet are reluctant to participate in the practice of it. Perhaps a more diligent study would strengthen us to pray more frequently and fervently. It is interesting to note that the apostle Paul exhorted God’s people no less than 42 times to pray! This should reveal to us the importance of prayer in our lives.
The Bible tells us that our God provides for His own. He hears and cares for His family. I realize that such a short article cannot adequately explain such a grand subject. Allow these few words to stimulate you into an investigation of “What is Prayer?” Perhaps it will lead you into a greater practice of prayer in your life.
– Michael Crowley, Sr.
