A message from the Pastor:

     Christianity is not a spectator sport, nor is it an art form.  Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

     A spectator sport is one like hockey, football, baseball, basketball, etc., in which the spectator views what someone else is doing, but never participates.  He or she watches, deriving only vicarious, that is, second hand, satisfaction or dissatisfaction from what the others are doing.

     Movies, theatre, opera, dance, concerts etc. are art forms.  And, not unlike sports, we go;  we watch;  we listen;  we experience;  we leave..

     I ask you this question, "Have the masses of Christianity turned this noble religion and tradition into a spectator sport or an art form?"  Do we simply go, see, hear, experience, and leave?  Do we feel that our presence as a spectator is enough?  Are we content that we have done our duty until next worship day? 

     Leaving a religious assembly, we are free to condone or criticize it in part or in whole (like we would a hockey game or a concert) because we did not participate.

     No.  We cannot all lead a religious service.  But there is a multitude of other things which must be done to have a viable congregation in any faith.  Everyone can do something besides just being there on worship day.

     Of course, there are legitimate reasons for only coming to church once a week, and not participating in any other form of service.  Unfortunately, most who only participate in this manner, cannot claim any of them.

     No excuses please.  Whatever they are, get over them, get under them, get around them, get past them the best way you can, and start serving the Lord.  Time is of the essence.  Besides, the Lord loves to use flawed vessels.  That way He gets all the glory.

     We at Monterey Park Evangelical Free Church need help.  We offer no crowns, only crosses.                                                                                       Terry Bowen