Moderator's Message

The Moderator came before us with his message for the morning. 

Scripture taken from Luke 7:11-13, Subject: "Jesus Is My Savior"

Rev. Barrett began by saying that we all have characteristics that are different...and that is just who we are.  But with Christ you find compassion.  People are made better by the presence of Jesus in their life.

Rev. Barrett begins with the story of the Centurion stating that he is not worthy of Jesus going to his home to heal his servant.  With all the things that are happening around us today it takes a lot of Faith to endure.  So many people were following Christ during that time for one thing or another, just as we require Christ for our needs.  Rev. Barrett gave an example of the woman who lost her son.  Every now and then we must stand still and watch the Lord work.  If you want the Lord to come in you must make preparations for Christ to come see about you.

The woman who lost her son was devastated about losing her son because he was all she had.  But Christ told her not to worry because He was there.  Christ comes on the scene of the impossible.  When the storm clouds are hovering over us...Christ tells us as he told the woman who lost her son...to weep not because Christ is on the scene.  Sometimes we think that we cannot make it.  Life throws things at so many people and we don't know how to go to the rock.  Whatever things are happening in your life just turn it over to Christ and let Him handle it.

Rev. Barrett stated that we get caught up with listening to other people.  People will tell you that "...they don't know how you are going to survive" ...but we have a friend who we can turn to and not listen to other people.  Just turn your circumstances over to God and He will fix it.  No one can tell you who you are in Christ.  Rev. Barrett stated that he is a new person, and he knows who he is in Christ.  What a friend we have in Jesus.  Rev. Barrett gave us an example in John 8:3. The people brought a woman to Christ who had been caught in adultery.  Pharisees were trying to trap Christ to see what he was going to say. But Christ said, "He who is without sin cast the first stone."  He asked the woman "Where are your accusers?"  When God fixes something, it is fixed.  Rev. Barrett gave another example about "...the woman with the issue of blood."  All you need is one touch from God and you can be made whole.  Renew your mind each and every day.  Rev. Barrett asked "....How do we do this?, by keeping your thoughts on Christ."  We are no immune from this world; we are a part of this world...and we all need a Savior every day.  Rev. Barrett says that he prays for our Conference, that our Conference will grow, and grow with Christ.  Rev. Barrett told us about an incident that happened in the Sandy Hook shooting...the young girl who was covered with her friend's blood...the shooter thought she was dead.  Well, we are covered with the blood of Jesus.  In our lives we are going to have trouble but isn't it good to know that we are covered by the blood of Jesus.

In conclusion "It's all about the compassion, Christ being willing to go to the Cross for our sins."  We should "Plead the blood over our families."  When your family asks how you made it tell them "I am covered with the Blood."

Rev. Barrett then opened the doors of the church for anyone who wanted to come and reaffirm their Faith.  He asked that if anyone wanted prayer they could come up for prayer.  Prayer was led by Rev. Linda McCrimmon.