This short clip from a John Piper sermon is a wonderful example of how the Church of Jesus Christ can stand firm for the truth of God’s Word, and stand against the societal rush toward death.  It is also a good example of how the Church can oppose the ungodly policies of our rulers while being respectful and praying for real change.  May the Lord give each of us strength to so stand for the most vulnerable in our nation.

Remember that Paul (Acts 9:18-22) is always to be preferred to Herod (Acts 12:20-23).

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iChgieH1TPc[/youtube]

Our church facility, which will be located on Katy Gaston road in west Katy has been under construction for a couple of months now.  Our contractor, Durotech, has been doing a marvelous job.  It has been very interesting to watch the project grow from “the ground up” and to take shape.  Right now, the exterior is almost completely done (only a couple of windows need to be put in) and the interior has been roughed out.  All the rooms have taken shape as the drywall has been put in.

It is hard to believe that after all this time, the building will open soon.  All the months of design work, the delays caused by utilities and governmental approvals, etc. are over.  We hope by the end of March to be worshiping in our own facility.  Praise the Lord!

The pictures are on our website page for Building for Ministry.

[caption id="attachment_429" align="alignnone" width="400" caption="The outside of our building"][/caption]

Last Sunday, Pastor Carroll mentioned in his sermon a thought-provoking video on YouTube by magician and entertainer Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller).  It is an excellent insight into how we, as Christians, should show the love of God to those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  I think it is also a good example of how Christian’s are called to give a good answer for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15).  We are not just called to give a sound intellectual or emotional defense of the gospel – we are also called to tell of Christ with “gentleness and respect.” As you watch this video, notice how many times Penn says “he was polite” and “he was sane” and “he was respectful.”  While those qualities do not have the power to convert someone (and neither does our intellect), they do provide an opportunity for the gospel to be heard.  As you think about your own witness, I encourage you to think how you can catch the attention 0f those who do not know about Christ with your gentleness and respect.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM[/youtube]