Friday Night

Report: Sept 8, 2006....

Heaven came down, and glory filled my soul! 

The Spirit of the Lord surely was among His people tonight at the Gospel Outreach meeting in South Charleston! From the opening song to the closing prayer, God manifested Himself in a great way. There was much inspirational singing, personal testimonies and exhortations. Sis Debbie Rude had been asked why we don’t have printed programs. As she noted in her exhortation, a service should be a time of sharing what we have experienced from God throughout the week. How can one possibly print such a program in advance? In our meetings, we are doing all we can to allow God to guide and direct each of us as we contribute to the edification of each other. We are exercising our spiritual gifts such that each person is benefiting from one another's gifts. 

Bro Dale Rude brought an anointed message on the parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:1-7; 10 & Matthew 18:11-14.  He started out talking about what it feels like to be lost. Several in the audience spontaneously shared personal stories of being lost and how they were found. He then spoke to the sinner and pointed out that unlike the stories that were shared, they had chosen to be lost. They were not abandoned or kidnapped, nor had they unknowingly wandered away. They chose to be lost and separated from God. He noted that sinners are not victims, but rather criminals. It is God who is the innocent victim.  

Thank God, Jesus is seeking for lost sinners who are crying out to Him! The song says; “Jesus was seeking for me. Though I knew him not, still he loved me and was seeking for me”.  

Bro Dale also spoke to the professing Christians. He pointed out that in the parable of the lost sheep, the shepherd left the ninety-nine in the wilderness in search of the lost sheep. God’s true sheep are not in the wilderness, but rather in the green pastures and besides still waters. Those sheep that He left behind were like people who think they have no need for repentance, but are simply religious professors. In reality, they are more “lost” then the one sheep who had willingly gone astray. At least he knew he was lost! 

He then talked about being carried by the Good Shepherd. How wonderful it is to be carried by Jesus from time to time. Christians often need to off-load their burdens and we are thankful for the burden bearer!  

There were 36 people in attendance. We are thankful for the saints who came from Washington Court House, Possum Road Church of God, as well as others who came in to support the meeting. We were also happy to have Sis Joanne Coons’ mother and father in attendance.  After service, everyone shared in a time of food and fellowship.

Please continue to pray for the salvation of souls. 

I was lost and undone, without God or His Son, when He reached down His hand for me!