June 2020

Pastor’s Corner

June 2020

WIN-Seattle

We’ve heard it said that there are Christians who are “so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good” – and, sadly, because of a skewed view of the gospel, that labeling is sometimes correct! However, there’s really no reason that it’s our accepted reality. The Gospel – the full, abundant and fruitful good news of Jesus – calls and provides for us to be both!

Dr. Michael Wittmer (Author, “Becoming Worldly Saints: Can you serve Jesus and still enjoy your life?” ; Zondervan Publishing, 2015) was asked:  What’s the best way to achieve a balance between being “heavenly- minded” and a “world lover”? He replied:

“God doesn’t call us to balance. He calls us to embrace both extremes full on. I need to be flat out committed to the heavenly purpose of the gospel. As Jesus said, what does it profit someone if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? (Matt. 16:26). What could be more important than not going to hell? I also need to be fully immersed in this good world that God created. I want to enjoy every moment of this earthly life that Jesus purchased for me. If redemption restores creation, then the whole point of being a Christian is to become a better human.” He added…

“A flourishing human life is the best advertisement for the gospel, and the gospel in turn empowers us to become better people.”

For SALT and LIGHT to MAKE and IMPACT, they need CONTACT: 

You need to RUB that salt onto that meat! and, You need to TURN ON that light! Salt will need to COME IN CONTACT with whatever it is to season/preserve! Light will need to be placed INTO THE DARKNESS for usefulness! The last thing we want is for our church to be a warehouse for Salt Shakers and Light Bulbs! We’ll need to be BOTYH Heavenly-minded AND Earthly-relevant!

Pastor Vino Atienza