ast Sunday morning at Hillside we examined some of the advice and encouragement Paul gave Timothy in his second letter to him. Paul used reminders of his past and Timothy's to give a basis for going forward. Paul chose to use the past as a launching pad for the future, not as a hindrance or a resting place. He also told him to remember that the Holy Spirit was not a spirit of timidity but rather one of power. What a concept! Christians are to live powerful lives because the powerful Holy Spirit strengthens them. He includes loving powerfully and being self-disciplined as essential to strong living. These are simple basic teachings but lie at the very heart of the Christian life.

After laying the groundwork, Paul told Timothy that he was equipped to fulfill his work for the Lord and His gospel. He explained that this gospel was from all eternity, built before the world was made. We have the same opportunity as Timothy. We can share in God's eternal evangelism. We can look at our own personal past and conclude that whether it is great or awful it has brought us to "today" in our lives. Christ is the Savior of "today". We know what we know and can do what we can do because of our past. That makes us uniquely equipped to be a life for Jesus right where we live. We can help spread the gospel in the life we have like no one else could.

It is tempting to look back to the past and either think it limits us, or think we have already done all we can or should. God is not the Savior of the status quo. He never accepts us and then leaves us where we are. There is always more right thinking to learn and more hurting people who desperately need to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. We are equipped by His Word and powered by the Holy Spirit to live strongly for the Lord. We miss the joy and the opportunity when we don't rekindle what lies within every Christian. Paul also told Timothy to "rekindle the spirit within him", and we must do the same thing. There is simply no such thing as "lukewarm Christians". Real Christians are powerful because of the Holy Spirit. Lukewarm is something else.
Our "Everfaithful" group for retired folks will try again this Thursday to have their luncheon at 11:30 am. The last scheduled meeting was snowed out. We are looking forward to having this fine meal and good fellowship. An Italian Feast is planned.

We are anticipating the best Sweetheart Banquet ever this year on February 14th. Phil McKinley and the G'Men from Branson will entertain. The catered meal will be wonderful as always. The best part will be spending the evening with someone special in the company of Christian brothers and sisters. Everyone is invited. Call the church to make reservations.

You are always invited to join with us in praising and serving the Lord at Hillside Christian Church.