Weekly Update | September 29, 2022
Weekly Newsletter 09/29/2022
Glad to greet you!
Perhaps you’ve talked to some people who are considering moving to another state or city, or perhaps you’re one of those people weighing your options. The last 2-3 years have showed that this is a pertinent question for many, especially with the various things happening in our state. For some it is an issue with finding work, for others, vaccines, a liberal government and education system, expensive lifestyle, or a lifestyle that’s too quick, unsafe, etc. In either case, we hear the desire of people to move further away from vaccines and closer to conservative states with a more measured lifestyle, such as in a Republican state. All these things are not sinful in and of themselves. What factors should be considered before moving? What does a biblical and good, thought-through decision before moving look like?
- 1. Church. This can be the reason to move, or the barrier holding you back. If a person finds themselves in a church where biblical sermons are not preached, there are no healthy programs for all ages, and things are not built on the authority of the Bible, then this is a good reason to go to another church or move (2 Tim. 4:1-4). On the other hand, if a person is moving to another state where there isn’t a church that is built on the authority of God’s Word and the Word is not the center of the pulpit and all other ministries, then it is better to forego the move (Matt. 16:26). What good is there if you will have a big house, a good school, more money, but a hungry soul and stunted spirit? Also, don’t even consider the option of being an online church member. Watching a service online cannot replace the local church where people know you, where you can serve with your gifts, and where there’s accountability.
- 2. Evangelism. The problem of many Christians is that this question is not even considered when choosing where to live and work. Yet we’re on a mission in this world, and our mission is to tell the perishing world about the Savior (Luke 8:16-17). Could it be that when moving we are in fact running away from these sinners in California? Of course, if we are holding onto California because Californians with their sinful views are more normal to us, then we must remember Lot and his relationship with Sodom. But on the other hand, if we understand that we live in a spiritually very dark place, then could it be that God has placed us here to be the salt, light, and pleasing aroma of Christ for the ones perishing?
- 3. Family. God has ordained it such that we often do not make decisions on our own. God has given you a husband, wife, children, parents, etc. Being united and having harmony in this question is very important (1 Pet. 3:8-11; Phil. 4:1-7; Pr. 11:14)! Yes, at the end of the day the husband and father must make the final decision in the discussion about moving, but there must be a discussion! Don’t rush with the decision. Pray! Pray a lot and for a long time! God will either take away unity or may give it.
- 4. Heart. We’re talking about the motivation. Let’s be honest. Many peoples’ “Covid” moves had to do with the growing desire to try something new, go somewhere else, have fun, and to find a better and more comfortable place. This is simply the desire to have something better. By itself this isn’t a sinful desire, but it has the potential of moving in the wrong direction. We need to clearly understand that we’re on this earth temporarily, simply to get ready for eternity and to prepare others for eternity. If we are beginning to give more attention to “earthly” things, then could it be an indicator that we are not really hurrying to get to heaven (Phil. 3:20-21)? Check your heart honestly.
- 5. Support. Yes, the husband and the parents bear the responsibility to provide their kids with a necessary place to live, develop, and most importantly, be saved! If for various reasons, parents or the husband are unable to provide for the family in a particular place, then it’s reasonable to consider other places where there is the opportunity to have an adequate job and provision for life.
- 6. Glory. (1 Cor. 10:31) “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Your amount of joy and confidence will be determined based on how much the decision to stay or move will be guided by this principle.
- 7. Trust. In any situation, we as believers need to understand that making such decisions (to stay or to move), are a time of trusting God (Pr. 3:5-6).
Now most importantly: beloved, whatever your decision, we the church, will pray for you, will continue to love you, and if you move, will not judge you (but will trust your decision for which you prayed much). By this letter we are not trying to dissuade you from moving but are simply trying to help you do this right. We understand that there are many good, biblical churches, there are many opportunities for ministry in other places, and we, albeit sadly, will bless you upon your move. We understand that the kingdom of Christ is bigger than our church. We understand that there are many more additional factors, such as relatives, weather, health, and politics, whether we want them to or not, that play a role. But if you prayerfully recheck your motives considering the presented principles, we really hope that you will make the proper decision… to stay with us 🙂
Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine: https://gfchurch.com/ukraine/
Attention! There is an opportunity for ministry! On Wednesdays, during the choir rehearsals, there is a need to watch over the children of the choir members. There is special room for that. All the details can be discussed with Nick Shipilin.
The Scripture memory text – Malachi 3:6
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Below are the services and meetings for this weekend:
Thursday (6:30 PM) – Children’s Bible School (open to all but required for parents), followed by Bible Study (Proverbs) for the whole church at 7:30 PM.
Saturday (9:00 AM) – Last women’s prayer breakfast this year! All women and young ladies are invited to join this special breakfast in the cafeteria.
Sunday services:
- – Worship Service in Russian at 9:00 AM
- – Worship Service in English at 11:15 AM
Upcoming Events:
- October 9 (10:00 AM) – Church Day (combined service, followed by lunch and other activities)
- October 28-29 – PCSBA convention in our church (in the form of a bible conference on the Epistle to the Colossians)
On behalf of the elders of GFC