Pastoral Page

Dear Saints,

Are you a born-again Christian? If you are, then all your sins — past, present, and future — are forgiven. You have been given a purpose for life, and spiritual gifts to help you accomplish it. And best of all, your eternity in Heaven is secured. Even now, God is preparing a mansion for you in Heaven. Knowing all this, we Christians should be the most positive, joyful, and hope-filled people in the whole world.

But if you have been a follower of Christ for several years as I have, you probably have been the target of Satan's attacks. His goal is to "steal, kill, and destroy" you. But, since nothing can separate you from Christ (not even Satan), the Enemy tries to do the next best

thing — rob you of your joy in Christ. Don't let him!

The Bible tells of men and women who, despite bitter circumstances and attacks, maintained a positive spirit throughout their lives. And that positive spirit became an opening through which God's miracles flowed.

Abraham was nearly 100 years old when he was told to bear a child through his 90 year old wife, Sarah. He believed God's promise and became the father of many nations. Joseph was sold as a slave and falsely imprisoned. But that could not quell his positive spirit, which helped him rise to second-in-command over all of Egypt.

I believe that you and I are called to be like these faithful servants of God—to stay positive no matter what. Why? Because we know that, even if our earthly situation is uncertain, our heavenly salvation is guaranteed.

I believe that the church should be the most positive, Spirit-filled, place on earth. So listen and learn as God's word guides us in Staying Positive for a Lifetime. And then watch. Your positive Spirit may be just the opening through which God pours His miracles on FCCC, our McKinley neighbors, and all Honolulu.

God bless you in Christ,

Pastor Dave