Lessons from the Heart
Believe and receive
By Pastor Brent Oliver
“Everyday they pass me by, I can see it in their eye. Empty people filled with care, Headed who knows where? On they go through private pain, Living fear to fear. Laughter hides their silent cries, Only Jesus hears.”

Oliver

This is the first verse to a popular Christian song of a decade ago, “People Need the Lord,” by Steve Green. Yet, its words seem to ring even more true today. After over 16 years here in Delphi, I have to say that my heart aches even more for the multitudes of people who have yet to settle into both the knowledge and experience of the life, peace and rest that Jesus came to give.

I consider it an honor and privilege that God would call me to occupy the Biblical position and “office” of a pastor. My greatest joy is to see the truths of the s c r i p t u r e s opened up to people, and their lives affected by the transforming power of the gospel. Our church is filled with people with “stories”—stories that reflect a phrase in Amazing Grace, “I once was lost, but now I’m found.”

It brings tears to my eyes when I think of one parishioner who said, “This is the first Christmas I can remember that I didn’t want to kill myself.” He finally had found forgiveness, fulfillment, and a new hope in living.

I overflow with joy when I look out on the congregation and see a young man whose first connection with someone from our church was at the local jail. It was there that he found someone interested in him— his life! It was there that his downward spiraling life took a turn. It was there that he found a connection with someone who could lead him out of his present empty direction in life, and open up to him a whole new way of living. What a great privilege and joy to have a part in that!

When people say “Merry Christmas, peace on earth and joy to all…” to some, it may be just a meaningless phrase. When I hear those words, I see power of the resurrected Jesus Christ affecting someone’s life through salvation— a true life transformation.

As the year 2006 comes to a close, if something inside you seems to say “I feel empty, unfulfilled, and in need of something, I encourage you to take a fresh look at the One whose birth we are about to celebrate. Religion or following manmade traditions or rituals won’t be what makes a difference for you. But a real introduction to the person of Jesus Christ, and a daily living relationship with Him, growing in the knowledge of His powerful Word, will bring life transformation to anyone who believes and receives. It is my prayer for you this Christmas. God bless—and Merry Christmas!

Brent Oliver is pastor at Assembly of God in Delphi. He may be reached at the church (765) 564- 2200 or by email at boliver@firstag-delph.org.

Pray for our nation to seek God

So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. John 4:40 Pd. Adv.