3rd Quarter 2009
Third Quarter, Volume 1, Issue 3, September 1, 2009
I always wait to hear a word from the Lord before I write this column and that word came on Sabbath, October 2, 2009. Although I knew in advance that the theme for third quarter would be the harvest, I had no idea what to write. The entire service that Sabbath was confirmation to the Harvest. It began when the choir sang the chorus to “Faithful is our God”: I‟m reaping the harvest God promised me, take back what the devil stole from me and I rejoice today, for I shall recover it all!” It continued when Pastor Hurst stood up to preach and said, “The doors of the church are open right now…this whole sermon is an appeal. So at anytime, just come…if the spirit moves you, just come.” The title of the sermon that most know by now is, “Almost Ain‟t Good Enough.” Pastor Hurst delivered the message from Acts 2:16, 17, which tells the tragic story of King Agrippa, who told Paul af-ter hearing the apostle‟s moving testimony, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Pastor Hurst uttered a devastating truth: “Almost persuaded is the same as being all the way lost.”
(Micah Ballaard enjoying the new family room)
Something happened in the sanctuary at Southeast that Sabbath. Those present witnessed and experienced an incredible outpouring of the holy spirit. Hearts were touched and souls were moved to Christ one after one after one…
It reminded me of the time of John the Baptist. I could just imagine the people lining up on the banks of the Jordan River as the Holy Spirit reaped soul after precious soul for the kingdom. That’s what it felt like to me; a Jordan River Experience.
This service reminded me that I have an important role to play in winning souls to Christ – the harvest is now. It reminded me that I‟ve been commissioned to share the good news with others. I left the sanctuary knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I had been in the powerful and majestic presence of the Lord. It only makes me desire heaven more and more. What about you?
Cecily Anitah Bryant, Editor
