January 2008 Newsletter


"The Time Has Come"

By: Craig Rippy

When we hear the phrase, "The time has come," we usually think of a dreaded event. 2008 marks the time has come. Some of us may meet Christ face to face during 2008. Others may face the greatest tribulations they have ever encountered during 2008. Yet, others could find great blessings during 2008.

Doris Day would sing, "The future's not ours, to see, Que Sera, Sera, What will be, will be." Yet, the future is God's to see. He just doesn't let us in on the events of every future moment. And to tell the truth, I'm happy He doesn't.

We know that each of us are being appraised by the Lord. Your decision about Christ, your commitment to His Lordship, and your willingness to sacrificially serve Him is being judged. Later, we will all appear before Him. 2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (NIV)

The time has come. Each of us are responsible for our own eternal future. God has provided the way to eternal life. He has given us the message of that way. Now, it is our responsibility to walk in the way. Of course, Jesus is the Way. Daily, we are to walk with Him.

Walking with Jesus is walking in the light, according to 1st John chapters one and two. Walking in the light is to have fellowship with the Father and fellow Christians.

We had a neat walk in the light this past Christmas Eve. Those of the Saint James Christian Church and Solid Rock Christian Church enjoyed a combined Candlelight Service. Many were able to renew old acquaintances and meet new brothers and sisters in the faith.

It was so good seeing members of both congregations serve side by side. I'm sure glad the time had come for such unity. I know God was very pleased that Christ's prayer was being answered. 20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23 - NIV)

Since the time has come, we should be considering our individual and corporate responsibilities. First, we should never isolate our spiritual side from any other aspect of life. We are first Christians-members of the Body of Christ that meets as Solid Rock Christian Church. Second, we are Christians- a genuine part of the Body of Christ universally. Third, we are Christians serving the Lord to reach the lost and help each other grow in Christ. Forth, we are Christians showing the love of Christ to all.

Christians are to have a Christian world view. We should view all things and respond to all things from a Kingdom of God perspective. Republicans, Democrats, Independents, or Communists will not enter the eternal Kingdom of God. Theocrats, [those loyal to Christ's government], will be given entrance into heaven.

All views of the Theocrat are the same held by the Great Theos (GOD) and Father of Jesus Christ. 2008 is the time to be Theocrats. Then when the time comes for judgement, we should all be able to say along with Paul, 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8 - NIV)

I hope 2008 has great blessings for each of you. As you walk in the Way and reveal your allegiance, God will certainly reward you at the right time. When the time has come, I hope you had committed to Him in time.