When I was a Seminary student at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky; I remember entering a local house and being surprised to see phrases painted on the wall above the doors. As I recall, some were Scripture verses and others simply Christian phrases. One in particulate I remember read, “Holiness unto the Lord.” We don’t hear much about “holiness” in seems these days. People in America prefer to live their lives as they choose, unhindered by seemingly any real sense of moral boundaries, so holiness may seems like an archaic concept to many; but I assure you it’s not to the Lord. He is very concerned about holiness –especially holiness of heart demonstrated by our lifestyle. “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”(I Sam. 16:7. But it our heart is right our actions should naturally follow. Do our lives really look much different from those who don’t profess Christ as their Lord and Savior?

Holiness is defined as “The state of being holy.” Not a particularly helpful definition; but ‘holy’ means “dedicated or devoted to the service of God, The Church or religion.” I believe religion is Man’s idea, but “holy” literally means “to be set apart.” God wants to set us apart from the world system, so we can be faithful witnesses for Him to others. One of my favorite Christian authors Max Lucado gives us this simple strategy for making a difference in this world. It comes from his book, “A Gentle Thunder.”

Be faithful to your spouse.

Be the one at the office who refuses to cheat.

Be the neighbor who acts neighborly.

Be the employee who does the work and doesn’t complain.

Pay your bills.

Do your part and enjoy life.

Don’t speak one message and live another.

People are watching the way we act more than they are listening to what we say.

Great advice at the beginning of a New Year! This promises to be a significant year in the life of First Church. I challenge you to pray and seek God’s face as we prepare for our Spiritual Life Weekend March 2-4. It will be a special time of worship, fellowship over several meals and a time of hearing personal testimonies of what God is doing in and through His people. Plan now to be a part of this special weekend. More details to follow!

This Sunday, several of our First Church Family are embarking on a three week fast. We’ll be joining other Christians in America to pray for personal growth and revival. You can check out more at Fastingmovement.org. We can’t remain the same and move forward with God! Ask him how He might want you to participate in this Fast. Bless you!

Your Brother and Pastor in Christ,

Mark