early everyone you know who is a Christian is sold on the love of Christ. We are ready to sign up for all the benefits knowing Jesus as Savior provides. We are ready to receive the promises. Many of the people following Him in the first century were the same way. They were looking for more healings and more free meals. They were ready for Jesus to take care of their needs. It is sometimes difficult to not become selfish and always want God to do more for us. Some are even tempted to judge God based on His performance in their lives rather than on His grace.

Jesus called many to be His followers. The ninth chapter of Luke's gospel relates some of the excuses they gave for not being able to go with Him when He asked. We all have issues in our lives that loom large at times and complicate our obedience to Christ. We tend to forget the "take up your cross daily" part of discipleship. When God doesn't perform the way we think He should we suffer from shrinking faith syndrome. We forget that we are living in a fallen world that bears the curse of sin. We don't become little Christian robots that always do God's will. We aren't automatically blessed with all knowledge or wisdom. If we see an injustice we are prone to ask when God is going to make it right.

If Jesus did nothing for us but save us from the eternal consequences of sin, wouldn't that be enough to praise Him for? Jesus told His potential followers in this passage to simply go and spread the news about the kingdom of God. It is interesting that he told this to two different people with two different problems. We all have issues and trials that beset our walk with the Savior. Some look impossible from our human perspective. In spite of these He simply calls us to be His witnesses, and let people hear the good news, "Jesus saves regardless".

At Hillside Christian Church we plan to spread that news through a Children's Fall Festival October 31st at 6:00 pm. We'll have games, candy and Christian fellowship for children through 6th grade till 8:00 pm. All children are invited to come to a fun and safe place for the evening. Bring some soap to donate to the Food Pantry and you get in free.

We are pleased to announce that the congregation voted to go ahead with construction of an educational wing on the south side of the building. We praise God for the willingness of His flock to move ahead. With much prayer and a little sacrifice we will dedicate this effort to His glory.