Volume 29 Issue 2
A publication of Focus Evangelistic Ministries, Inc
Spring 2020
THE COMMUNICATOR
Focus Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. PO Box 498 Danielsville, GA 30633
In Tough Times, We Are Saved By Hope
The word “saved” doesn’t always mean to be delivered from sin and Hell. Often, in scripture, the word means to be delivered from a temporary, unpleasant circumstance. For example, Psalm 69:1 says:
“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.”
Is David trying to be saved into eternal life in Heaven? Of course not; he already had that!
David is needing salvation from a temporary, unpleasant situation; he is flooded with disappointment, weariness, and mean people. There’s nothing like having a spear chucked at you that brings a swift desire to call for deliverance! So, David often calls on God for salvation in the Psalms.
We need to call on the Lord to save us too! We are weary of bad news, social distancing, shutdowns, and the vile little virus that has turned our lives inside out over the last month.
The world is groaning right now. Even believers in Jesus, children of God, are hurting. For believers, Paul nailed down a principle to help us: In times of suffering, we are saved by hope.
“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. – Romans 8:22, 23
Our Sickness: The Curse
Even saved people are still dealing with the symptoms of the fall of man into sin. By grace, through faith in Jesus, we have been saved from the penalty of sin; therefore we have everlasting life. But we are still living in a fallen world that smacks us. Our gardens still have thistles, people are still mean to us, and nasty viruses still attack us. We groan in our temporary affliction.
Our Prescription: Hope in the Lord
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? – Romans 8:24
Hope, in the Bible, doesn’t mean wishful thinking; it means certainty. Yes, the word has changed in the english dictionary, but hope (elpis) means being assured, in the Bible. The prescription for temporary suffering is the hope we have that deliverance from the curse is a certainty for us. When suffering, keep this fact in mind. Our deliverance is in Christ. Salvation from the curse is our’s just as soon as He arrives!
The Richard Haynes Memorial Scholarship Fund is a big help to kids who need a boost to get to camp. Pastor Haynes loved Jesus and would do anything to get kids to Grace Farm. This fund is an eternal investment. Just designate your donation to “scholarship fund.”
Send Your Kids to Grace Farm?!
How about your church? Does your youth group have a go-to camp that is clear on the gospel, teaches the Bible in big meaty chunks, and is so much fun it’ll knock your hat in the creek? You should investigate.
If you need a camp like that, just send ‘em to Grace Farm. We’re trusting the Lord for a good crop of future leaders who are growing into movers, shakers, and decision makers for the Lord. We believe the Bible and teach it straight. We still do scripture memory and relentlessly teach campers how to grow into winners for Jesus.
What Do I Do With All This Extra Time?
The slowed life that most people are now experiencing can actually be a great time of opportunity. Most people admit that they would pray and read the Bible more if they only had more time. Well, we got it! Your pastor needs prayer every day. Cover him with it, and let him know you have his back! Be assured if you have a good church that there’s a devil’s plan to slow it down. So pray for your church! Please add our ministries to your list too.
Prayer Requests:
Baby Believers to grow!
Outreach with the gospel
Ongoing Projects at Grace Farm
April travels and summer camps
Have you wanted to read the Bible all the way through in a year? Now’s a great time to plunge into The Word. Or you could start in John and finish the New Testament by Christmas.
Social Media is a great way to encourage folks. Keep it short and sweet, and remember nothing is better than Bible verses.
With churches closed, people go online for preaching, but many people lack discernment. Don’t let heretics get all the hits! Send links and shares to your friends that will connect them to the good guys who make the gospel clear and simple, who preach the Word accurately.
F.E.M.I. is a non-profit organization. All gifts are tax deductible. Freddie is supported through the financial support of churches and families who love him and believe in the ministry that God has entrusted to him. All bookings are handled through the ministry office on a first come basis. Freddie does not charge a fee for his speaking ministries but trusts the Lord’s people to care for and support him.
Gifts or Contact by mail: FEMI PO Box 498 Danielsville GA 30633 Phone: 762-218-3060
July 6, 1946 – March 24, 2020
Dr. James A. Scudder
Dr James Scudder has entered into the Lord’s glory. He was the founder of Dayspring Bible College and Quentin Road Baptist Church, in Chicago. Dr. Scudder was one of the great ones for advancing the clear gospel of grace. He was a friend and encourager of our ministry. We will miss him.
Do You Know You’re Saved?
We don’t deserve salvation. We have broken God’s laws and our sins block us from God. We’re not good enough for the Lord. Many people think they can be saved by obeying the law, or turning from sins. But the Bible says, if you have broken one law, you’ve broken them all. (James 2:10)
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” – Galatians 2:16
You can be saved only by believing in Jesus, not by trying to earn it yourself. Why?
Because Jesus Christ took all of our sin and died for it. Everything that blocked you from God was paid by His death on the cross! Then He rose from the dead. It’s real, friend. Jesus, and nothing else, can save you.
God will give you eternal life as a gift, if you will put your faith in His son, Jesus Christ. Won’t you trust in Him, right now? Then you and God will be connected, once and for all, for life and eternity.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. – Ephesians 2: 8,9