PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS      JUNE 8, 2009 IN THE NAME OF JESUS On several occasions, I have mentioned that the word religion is totally different from relationship. Religion has a god who distances himself from his followers.  That is why it is correct to say that Christianity is a relationship and not a religion.  The meaning of Christianity is that Jesus came to save, love and help men and women. From the very beginning He tried to draw people to Himself. In the sermon on Sunday, I spoke on the blood of Jesus.  He freely allowed His life and His blood to be drained from Him so that each one of us can enter into an eternal relationship with Him and the Father. Jesus urged His followers, and He urges us today, to use His Name.  There is power in His Name.  He hears our prayers when we pray in His Name.  I suggested on Sunday that every thing we do should be done in the Name of Jesus. He forms a relationship with everyone who trusts in Him. He brings us into His family. He leads us to the Father.  What a heritage we have as Christians. We are brothers and sisters with Him in God's family. Remember what I said about every service that we render, that even a cup of cold water offered in His Name will not go unnoticed.  That means that everything we do for others in His Name, He will notice! Please be aware this week of your actions and words and offer them up to the Lord in Jesus Name.  This will greatly glorify Him and honor Him. Let us pray for one another that we might always be aware of the opportunities we have to honor our Lord.  Remember the old song, "They will know that we are Christians by our love!" Have a blessed week! Prayerfully, Pastor Jack Jack L. Martin