Calvary Hot Springs » Testimony

Thanks…

Matthew — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:30:18 +0000

Responding to the question, “For what are you thankful?” one of our ladies at the Pine Hills Retirement Community responded, “I am thankful for the young lady who introduced me to Jesus when I was 18 years old.” She just celebrated her 93rd birthday. Think about it. For 75 years this sister in Christ walked with Jesus in this world and will continue to do so for all eternity simply because someone made an introduction.

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (John 4:29)

What is Gospel Ministry?

Matthew — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:00:46 +0000

Programs, activities, and filled calendars provide “structures” through which ministry might be carried out but they do not necessarily mean that ministry actually takes place. These “structures” are important and often necessary in the function of a local assembly but again, “structures” do not generate ministry.
Ministry is generated in the hearts of God’s people who are directed by Jesus Christ through the inward ministry of the Holy Spirit. In short, ministry takes place when God’s people allow the Lord to use them as He pleases.
What an encouragement it was this past weekend to learn of two ladies independent of the other (and independent of any “structure”) visiting in the home of one of our senior saints. Having encountered some serious health issues our sister in Christ has times of discouragement and despair. It is not a sign of faithlessness but an acknowledgement of the frailty and the brevity of life. These ministering ladies are not able to remedy any health issues but they are able to empathize with and encourage during this difficult time by pointing to and reflecting the Lord Jesus Christ. THIS is gospel ministry in its truest sense because it reflects just what Jesus did and continues to do for His people.

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18)

Keith Green… 29 years with the Lord

Matthew — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:21:36 +0000

Yesterday, July 28, marked the 29th year of the calling home of Keith Green, the contemporary Christian artist of the 70’s whose music touched the lives of so many. I’ve always liked Keith’s music, but it has always been a “like” that hurts just a little because of its heart piercing truth. The video embedded below is a piece that is WELL WORTH your time. It is a testimony of His life and the radical ministry of God’s grace in the few years he was given. Go get a cup of coffee, sit back, enjoy and be challenged by this hour-long piece. I promise it will be eternally more beneficial than any 30-minute reality show on TV or 2-hour movie you would watch at the theater. This is some good stuff.

I Asked the Lord to Grow in Grace

Matthew — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:15:42 +0000

I Asked the Lord to Grow in Grace, John Newton:

(NOTE: This post was shamelessly taken from Justin Taylor and the Gospel Coalition because it’s just that good)

I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, His face.

’Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”

Indelible Grace has a version of this entitled “I Asked the Lord“

God Is Still God And God Is Still Good

Matthew — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:13:35 +0000

I posted the following on my personal blog back in March and wanted to share it with you.

Haven’t heard from or of him for many, many years. I roomed with his brother in college and always admired their family… a family of missionaries. He and his wife served in Quito, Ecuador for as long as I can remember and is currently serving missions in the states. His name is Jim Smith and his name came up in a blog I follow. It was actually a blog about his son, Zack. Alright, I don’t actually know Zack and chances are, Jim would probably at best vaguely remember a room mate of his kid brother some 30 years ago. The video speaks powerfully about the God we serve. If you’ve not yet seen it take a moment now to do so; it’s powerful.

On May 16, Zac went home to be with the Lord. His church family was gracious enough to post a portion of his memorial service on their website. This is a wonderful testimony of God’s grace. May Jesus Christ be praised!

New Spring Church Memorial Service for Zac Smith