2 Corinthians 4

I'm sure we can all relate to feeling, at times, like things that we agree to or commit to, start to feel burdensome and too much work to endure. No one would be more justified in those feelings than the apostle Paul; but I don't think that's how he felt. In Verse 1 of Chapter 4 he writes: "Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart."

So, let's take a moment to remember all that Paul had gone through during his ministry. He was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14). He was beaten and placed in stocks (Acts 16). He was imprisoned multiple times, shipwrecked and even bitten by a snake (Acts 28). However, his response was to "not lose heart". Instead of sulking and becoming discouraged or becoming prideful and boasting in all that he had endured, he followed the example set by Christ in serving and sacrificing for the sake of others to the glory of God. He maintained and endured with integrity and faithfulness to the Gospel: "We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God."

He led such a racially different life from most everyone else of his time because of the power of the gospel and the indwelling of the Spirit. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead was the same Spirit that compelled Him to give all things so that others would not only learn about Jesus but to place their faith in the very one that created all things, left His kingdom to live a perfect life and die as a criminal so that those that rebelled against Him could be reconciled to Him for all eternity. He viewed the knowledge of this reality and the mission to share this Truth as a treasure (v7). He accepted the responsibility to steward the message. He understood that proclaiming the message was equally important to living the message. He knew that the more he sacrificed for the sake of others, the more they would understand the life and purpose of Jesus (although, some would not). He also knew that all the sacrifice would count for far more that we could ever imagine.

Just as Paul followed Jesus' example of living a life of selflessness and service, so should we. After all, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same spirit that empowered and sustained Paul to boldly proclaim and endure so that others would know, love, live for and tell others about Jesus. And, that is the same Spirit that lives in us as believers, for the same purpose.

So as we prepare ourselves and prayerfully consider our part in the building campaign, let us also think about the families that will one day be drawn to hear the Word proclaimed and lived out at Hutto Bible. Let us be mindful of the importance and preciousness of the knowledge we have been given by the mercy of God. Also, let us strive to endure lives of sacrifice and service to one another and to this community for God's glory.

Marty Pina | Elder

Marty and Cecily began attending Hutto Bible Church in August of 2008. They both began living out their faith in 2003 while attending Gateway Community Church in Austin. They were married there in 2004. Marty serves in children's ministry, as a small group leader, small group coordinator and as a shepherd. Cecily has served as a C-group leader in student ministry in the past. She currently serves on the worship team and co-leads a small group and co-shepherds with Marty. Marty is currently employed as a network engineer for Time Warner Cable. Cecily is a medical billing software trainer for Brightree. They have two daughters, Alexis and Zoe.