March 1, 2012
GIVING: GRUDGINGLY OR GENEROUSLY
He who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously will reap generously and with blessings. 2 Corinthians 9:6
I am blessed to be able to jump on my road bike, leave my driveway and bicycle for twenty miles out to beautiful Falls Lake. Along the way I ride by several ponds and over one flowing stream. The ponds look inviting from a distance, but up close they are muddy, murky, and filled with debris. The flowing stream is crystal clear and one can see all the way down to the sandy bottom.
This contrast between the ponds and the stream provides a vivid picture between reluctant givers and cheerful givers. Reluctant givers focus on accumulation and preservation believing it will lead to happiness. However, their plans lead to stagnation and self-centeredness. Their lives become spiritually unfruitful, marked by a lack of joy and contentment (Proverbs 11:24). However, cheerful givers are like the sparkling stream that flows along continuously. As God provides the resources, their needs are met and the excess is cheerfully shared with others. Their lifestyles result in fruitful, joy-filled lives as they see God’s Kingdom being advanced (Proverbs 11:25).
The Lord not only promises to meet our needs, but He provides additional blessings as we share His provisions with others. He supplies enough on which to live and to give. In fact, it is in the financial area that God invites us to test Him (Malachi 3:10). Personally, He has fulfilled that promise over and over again for over forty years. It comes down to trusting and obeying with an attitude of gratitude.
When I was a young lad, my folks took me on an adventure picking huckleberries and my dad asked me to pick a quart. Mom planned to bake huckleberry pies and have enough left over to put on our cereal. Wild huckleberries grew close to the ground and required a lot of bending down and standing up as you picked, and of course I would have rather gone fishing. Although I wasn’t excited about their request, I dutifully got into the car. When we arrived in the woods, I decided to surprise them and picked three quarts. Instead of focusing on the assignment, I focused on how I could please my dad and mom. This change of perspective made all the difference.
For many, giving is a discipline performed out of duty, not a blessing extended out of love (Matthew 22:37-39). Consequently, many miss the blessings and joy that come from giving to God’s work. In contrast, if we understand giving as an opportunity to please God because of His grace, we will give generously and cheerfully, not sparingly and grudgingly. God will be pleased, others blessed, and we will be filled with joy as we see the Kingdom advanced.
PRAYER CHALLENGE:
Ask God to give you a Kingdom perspective when it comes to giving (Matthew 6:33).
Dave Dagwell
Assistant to the President
Capitol Commission
December 28, 2011
Send 'the feet'
Romans 10:14-15 – How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Our California state director noted in his Christmas letter regarding these verses, that there is a reverse progression. If we desire that anyone, including our government leaders, call on Him, they must first believe in Him, but before that they must, hear His word, which means that someone needs to preach to them, which requires that others send the preacher. You become a part of this progression as you share financially with this ministry and enable men to be sent who will faithfully preach His Word.
Presently there are state directors ministering in nineteen states, with the potential of at least three more in 2012. We can depend on God's Word accomplishing His purpose as it is shared with the leaders of our nation.
Isaiah 55:10-11 – “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Would you please consider an end of the year financial gift for your state director, or for the national Capitol Commission ministry? Capitol Commission is a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. Your gift will be receipted and is tax-deductible.
If sending a check, please mail to:
Capitol Commission
P.O. Box 63118
Charlotte, NC 28263–3118
To create a bank debit (the least expensive for the ministry) or to use a credit card, please go to Send 'The Feet'
From all of us at Capitol Commission, we wish you a happy and blessed new year.
Jim Young
President
Capitol Commission
December 20, 2011
THE MAGI
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
Little is known of the Magi, these wise men from the east. They appeared on the scene, fulfilled their mission and departed. They were not UFO’s, they were UFT’s…….Unidentified Focused Travelers. Think about the questions that are often asked to help identify people. The answers we would gain from the text concerning these men are:
Names: Unidentified ________ DOB’s: Unidentified _______ Place of Birth: Unidentified _______ Residence: Unidentified __
Nationality: Unidentified ______ Number in Party: Unidentified
What we do know about these travelers is that they were focused based on their desire to press on until they accomplished their mission and they were humble based on their submission to the One who had called them, led them by a star, and desired to be known by them.
FOCUSED
These travelers had their hearts set on finding and worshiping Christ. Notice they did not ask whether the long-awaited Messiah had been born; but, “Where is He who has been born?” They expected an answer, but the general populace of Jerusalem didn’t have a clue. If the people knew the Scriptures, they would have known the answer for it was given to them in Micah 5:2. Herod, the king, in his desire to know the answer, sought out the chief priests and scribes. They studied the Scriptures and would be his best resource. In fact, they did have the answer…Bethlehem.
HUMBLE
Because they knew the answer, you would think they would be the first to travel to Bethlehem at the slightest rumor that the Savior was born. But no, they refused to seek Him or give Him honor. They studied to know the facts about the coming Messiah, but their pride kept them from wanting to know Him and submit to His authority. They were learned men in the facts about God, but not in the person of God. They were interested in head knowledge for it would bring them popularity and praise, but not heart change. Heart change would require submitting to the One who came to save them---Jesus, the Messiah.
MY PRAYER
Lord, help me to keep my heart focused on what is most important---our relationship. I know that the more I am led by your Spirit, the more I will be like Christ. Help me to humble myself, put my pride to death, and consider others more important than myself. You are the potter and I am the clay. Mold me and make me into the image of Christ, so that when people see me, they see Him.
Dave Dagwell
Assistant to the President
Capitol Commission
November 30, 2011
As you read this letter we are in the last lap of another year. For me, this year has been one full of travel and special opportunities to spend time with our remarkable staff of men and their families. I have had the opportunity to share with many people how special this ministry is, and to the wondrous way God has been working through it.
In this role in which God now has me serving, writing these letters is a bit different than it has been for the prior 30 years. During that time I knew most of the people to whom I was writing. Today many of you would have no idea who I am personally, and wouldn't recognize me if there were just two of us. So for those of you who are used to me being a bit personal and sometimes preachy, please bear with the change; as what I have to share encompasses a much bigger movement and ministry.
This past October Capitol Commission celebrated its' second anniversary. Although our state directors have been serving in their state capitols for differing lengths of time, from one year to nine years, Capitol Commission as a ministry entity is only a little more than two years old. It is remarkable what God has done in that short period of time. In October of 2009 the ministry began with seventeen men ministering in eighteen states. We have added a new state director in Ohio and have another man preparing for ministry in Minnesota. Applications are currently being reviewed for men looking to minister in Michigan and Massachusetts. As we have focused on solidifying the ministries that were in place when we began, God has brought about this expansion, and He is to be praised.
This year each of our state ministries has experienced remarkable growth. As our focus has been on personal discipleship, we have experienced a significant increase in the number of state legislators and staff involved in weekly ministry activities such as Bible studies, prayer breakfasts and chapel services. In many of the states where we have had a presence for a number of years, between 12% and 25% of state legislators identify themselves as actively participating in the ministry. William Wilberforce, a radically God-centered Christian who was a politician, once said that if true Christianity gained ground, "there is no estimating the effects on public morals, and the consequent influence on our political welfare." We are seeing men and women grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures, their love for God and for one another. The good leaven of a Biblical conscience is working its way through the halls and chambers in many of our state capitols.
This year also brought about a concerted effort to minister to the local church. 1Timothy 2:1-4 commands the church to be faithfully praying evangelistic prayers for the leaders of our nation and even for the leaders of nations around the world. In most of the states where we have a presence there is a prayer site available for guiding and encouraging faithful prayer; for example, www.ncprays.com. This past summer we had a display booth at the Presbyterian Church of America's national General Assembly and also at the North Carolina Southern Baptist annual conference. At these events many pastors learned of Capitol Commission for the first time. Over the past few months, in a number of different states, we have been represented in the same way at other denominational conventions. The encouragement and tools we can provide the local church will equip them for effective ministry in the political arena such as they've never had before. This is an exciting opportunity and we're looking forward to sharing this ministry with many of God's laborers, many of whom don't even know we exist.
With regard to how I see this ministry and its impact, I was recently reminded of the comment made by Mordecai to his relative Esther (Esther 4:14), when, at a time when her family was about to be destroyed, he said to her, "Who knows, perhaps God brought you into the palace for just such a time as this". Although I've seen this passage used a number of times at mission’s conferences, it is especially pertinent to our ministry today. Most would agree that our nation has never been in such peril, both from within and without. As we get to know our legislators it is encouraging to know that the problems we face are being addressed by many who have placed their faith in God and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. However, they are in the minority and they need the prayers and encouragement of God's people to stay strong and committed to God's truth. God's intervention, through His people, is the hope set before us. We who serve with Capitol Commission are committed to evangelizing those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, establishing and holding accountable those who do, and encouraging and enabling the church to participate in this process with us.
We are looking forward to what God has planned in the coming year, especially with regard to an international ministry opportunity. We have received an invitation from the African Inland Church in Kenya to train and equip their pastors for ministry to their political leaders. Our policy for international ministry is not to establish Capitol Commission in other countries, but rather to equip nationals for this ministry. Our decision as to whether to go forward is a financial one. A budget will be presented for this ministry opportunity early next year.
For now our focus regarding finances is to finish this year in a position of strength. The national ministry of Capitol Commission operates organizationally somewhat like a franchisor, with each state being a franchise managed by a State Director who is responsible for raising his own financial support. The national ministry provides vision for development and expansion, all administrative services, media initiatives and oversight, such as website, Facebook, etc. Startup ministry development and ongoing training and encouragement are available for each State Director. The national ministry is committed to doing all it can to help them succeed in the role to which God has called them. There are no imposed administrative costs for the State Director. Therefore, the national ministry must raise its own support. Maintaining the current giving levels for the balance of this year will leave us approximately $40,000 short of our proposed budget. Would you please consider an end of the year gift to help us finish strong and begin 2012 in a positive financial position?
A specific opportunity you may want to help finance is the travel costs and local expenses for our annual staff gathering and training - $8,000. Men, representing 18 states, along with some of their wives, will be in Raleigh from December 6-10. Two men who have applied for MI and MA will be with us also.
To donate online and to see much more ministry information, please visit our website, www.capitolcom.org/donate. If sharing by check, please send to: Capitol Commission, P.O. Box 63118, Charlotte, NC 28263.
We are committed to being faithful stewards of your gifts and to faithfully keep as our first priority, the proclamation of the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and considering our request for prayer and financial support. Without your partnership this important ministry would not exist. Have a blessed and glorious holiday season.
Romans 15:13 - Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
To God be the glory great things he has done!
Jim Young
President
Capitol Commission
September 26, 2011
CAPITOL COMMISSION Receives the GuideStar Exchange Seal
RALEIGH, NC – CAPITOL COMMISSION today received the GuideStar Exchange Seal, a leading symbol of transparency and accountability provided by GuideStar USA, Inc., the premier source of nonprofit information. The Seal demonstrates to CAPITOL COMMISSION’s vast support-base our deep commitment to nonprofit transparency and accountability.
"We have worked hard to showcase our progress toward our mission, and our long-held belief in being transparent about our work, to our constituents," said Jim Young. "As a GuideStar Exchange member, we use their platform to share a wealth of up-to-date information about our work to our supporters and GuideStar's immense online audience of nonprofits, grantmakers, individual donors, and the media."
In order to be awarded the GuideStar Exchange Seal, CAPITOL COMMISSION had to fill out every required field of our nonprofit report page on www.guidestar.org, including our annual report, photos, videos, etc.
"I encourage you to check out our profile on GuideStar to see what we're all about," added Jim Young. "We are engaged in exciting initiatives, and we are thrilled to have another platform for communicating our advancement and progress."
About the GuideStar Exchange
The GuideStar Exchange is an initiative designed to connect nonprofits with current and potential supporters. With millions of people coming to GuideStar to learn more about nonprofit organizations, the GuideStar Exchange allows nonprofits to share a wealth of up-to-date information with GuideStar's many audiences. Becoming a GuideStar Exchange member is free of charge. To join, organizations need to update their report pages, completing all required fields for membership. The GuideStar Exchange Seal, acknowledged as a symbol of transparency in the nonprofit sector, is displayed on all Exchange members' report pages.
May 5, 2011
Today we celebrated “National Day of Prayer”. It has become a gala event, with activities in Washington DC, state capitols, city government buildings and in many churches. I attended a breakfast sponsored by CBMC and it was well attended. At noon today our North Carolina state director, Greg Beaupied participated in a special prayer gathering at the North Carolina General Assembly. I think we would all agree that these kinds of national events are a good thing, but do you think God is really blessed and glorified by them? Is He listening? Is He saddened? Perhaps He laughs.
Our Capitol Commission Illinois State Director, Shaun Lewis, gives us some food for thought as he wrote the following:
It's no secret that our political leaders pray. Almost every state legislature opens in prayer, and every U.S. President from Washington to Obama has openly affirmed faith in God. Lincoln called our nation to find strength through prayer and fasting. Truman designated a day of national prayer, and Reagan later set its date as the first Thursday of May. All of this sounds encouraging, doesn't it? Yet, something isn't quite right.
A year ago, I met with a legislator who spoke of his faith in Jesus Christ and said he prayed regularly. Good start to our meeting, but it soon became apparent we didn't believe in the same Jesus. Like Jefferson, this legislator would pray "through Jesus Christ our Lord" while rejecting all of the Lord's miracles.
Everyone prays. Not everyone believes.
Public prayers for our nation may be sincere and well-crafted, but not all are heard. Why? Because not everyone who prays submits to the Jesus of the Bible, God as revealed in Scripture.
The National Day of Prayer is this Thursday. Amidst so many prayers that will never reach the ear of God, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, will you pray for our nation? I plan to do so and will give the opening prayer at our local National Day of Prayer event. Pray for wisdom and strength for our leaders, protection and safety for them and their families. Above all, as Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, pray for their salvation.
It may seem daunting at times to pray for spiritual change, but “though the wrong seems oft so strong, Christ is ruler yet.”
Isaiah 59:2 - But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Please pray as Shaun has shared, but please keep in mind that God has chosen not to hear the prayers of those who have no personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Their unforgiven sins have separated them from Him. Perhaps the next time you speak with someone who mentions prayer, it just may be the opportunity God has provided for you to speak with them about their relationship with Jesus Christ.
We are excited about how the ministry has been going so far this year. In the eighteen states in which we have a state director, participation has been nothing short of miraculous. Although I'm not sure numbers matter much to God, they do give us an idea of how He is working in the lives of those we have the opportunity to serve. At last count the average percentage of elected officials participating in our Bible studies has been between 12% and 20%. In some states there have been more than fifty legislators who have attended at least one Bible study. Many others have shown interest and have asked for counsel and advice. Significant relationships and friendships are being developed. Our men are blessed with the opportunity of pastoring and serving these dear people. We thank God for those of you who pray for us. Please keep it up and if possible please consider becoming a financial partner.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Young
President
March 28, 2011
Capitol Commission Fundraising Dinner
Impacting Leaders with the Gospel
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
at Holiday Inn Brownstone
1707 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh—next to YMCA
Our Featured Speaker:
Justice Paul M. Newby
North Carolina Supreme Court
Greetings from some North Carolina State Legislators
Dinner is complimentary.
There will be an opportunity to make a financial gift.
Dinner sponsorships are welcomed.
Adults only — Dress is coat and tie.
Seating will begin at 6:30 pm
Program 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
RSVP by Friday May 6, 2011 online at www.capitolcom.org/ncbanquet2011 or to
bob.barnes@capitolcom.org 919-215-6652 or
greg.beaupied@capitolcom.org 919-838-1200
You can help now:
Sponsor a table
Host a table
Table sponsorships - $250
There is no financial commitment associated with being a Table Host (This means you will invite friends who may be interested in this ministry to sit with you.)
Our goal this year is to raise $50,000 - $25,000 for NC and $25,000 for the national ministry
Perhaps you know others who may want to be a Table Host. If so, please forward this invitation.
Please call to confirm your willingness to be a Sponsor or Table Host:
Jim Young 919-630-5975 or Bob Barnes at 919-215-6652
Please forward this email to other others who you think may be interested in supporting this ministry.
Jim Young
President, Capitol Commission
December 10, 2010
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Please take a moment with me to thank our Lord for allowing us to finish our first calendar year of ministry. We look forward to 2011 with much anticipation as to what God has in store for us.
Christmas! What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Christmas? For me, I think of a benevolent, gracious and merciful God who is always giving. The giving became personal for me when I realized the baby in the manger died on a cross for me. Even if I were the only person on earth, Jesus was God's gift for me. That truth never ceases to prompt much thanksgiving as I reflect on the fact that I cannot earn anything I receive from God. Not my salvation, nothing. However, Christmas also prompts me to think of the joy of fatherhood, for Christmas is a time for fathers and grandfathers to give a little extra to their children and grandchildren. I think God just may experience a little extra joy each Christmas as His children express their thankfulness for the gift of His Son (2 Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!).
As we reflect on God's gifts at Christmas, there are many who may believe this past November's election was their early Christmas gift. Some saw their stocking filled with goodies and others with ashes. But regardless of what political side a person is on, if they know their Bible and understand the providence of God (Daniel 2:21 - "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding"), they will acknowledge that election results, whether favorable or unfavorable, are always in accord with God's will and ultimate purpose. Some who know this use it as a reason for not being involved in the political process, which is wrong thinking. God has chosen to use finite human beings to bring about His infinite will. Every citizen of this great nation should be involved and motivated to participate. It may be just to vote. However, it may be that God would have a person serve by running for an office. Whatever level of participation a person finds themselves in, it is always a Christian’s responsibility to pray (1Timothy 2:1-4). According to the apostle Paul's instruction, the motivation for prayer is not for the building of political power, which is here today and gone with the next election cycle, but is for the building of the Kingdom of God as political leaders put their faith in Christ and grow into mature disciples. For that too, God has chosen to use finite human beings as His means to bring about His will and purpose. As the gospel is shared it acts as a leaven that is all-penetrating and has the power to shape every person and institution into that which represents the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Matthew 13:33). Capitol Commission exists for and is committed to that eternal purpose.
We currently have a ministry presence in 18 states, having recently added the state of Ohio. How important is it for this ministry to exist? Most recent reports indicate this past election brought 544 new elected leaders into these 18 states. Multiply that number by three, which includes staff, and you see the opportunity God has provided for us as we reach out to these men and women with the love of Jesus Christ. Past ministry experience has shown that new members look for and respond well to our presence. They soon find that most people they meet in the capitol want something from them. They are encouraged when they meet our state directors and find all they want is to serve and love them. Please pray for these new people that God would open their hearts to the good news of the gospel. And also ask God to provide the men and the opportunity to expand the ministry into many new states.
Though I understand and acknowledge that this is a stretching time for many in this economy, I believe I would be remiss not to give you the opportunity to consider partnering with us by financially sharing with the Capitol Commission ministry in your state, and /or the national ministry which provides leadership, training, expansion, and administrative services. Every dollar designated to a state ministry goes to, and stays in, that state to support that state’s ministry. The national ministry is responsible for raising its own support. As you consider your end-of-the-year sharing, would you please add Capitol Commission? Also, as you budget for 2011, perhaps you can commit to a monthly gift. You can give via credit card by visiting our newly updated website, www.capitolcom.org. If you desire to send a check, please mail to:
Capitol Commission , PO Box 63118, Charlotte, NC 28263-3118. If you already partner with us financially, please consider an increase for next year. We are committed to being good stewards of the funds God provides.
In closing, I would like to speak for myself and our national board of directors and share how humbled and blessed we are to serve the kind of men and their families that serve with Capitol Commission. Each of them is uniquely gifted and special to this ministry. Your state is well represented by your state director and his family. Please thank God for them today.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and may this Christmas season and New Year bring you ever closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thankfully serving with you for the glory of God,
Jim Young
President
December 3, 2009
Capitol Commission recently completed its first annual training and planning session in Raleigh, NC (Nov.16-18). The session consisted of three full and wonderful days of fellowship, encouragement, instruction, and vision casting. On Tuesday morning Pastor Carey Hardy shared a devotional from Psalm 3 entitled “How to respond in hard places.” On Wednesday morning Pastor Jim Harmeling led us in a study of James 1:13-18. The emphasis was upon how to resist temptation to sin when encountering hardships. What a blessing to have these gifted pastors and friends teach the Word of God to us. Both of these men are pastors of churches that support the North Carolina ministry, and Jim Harmeling is a member of Capitol Commission’s national Board of Directors.
As I write this update it has been a mere seven weeks since the birth of Capitol Commission. It would surely be a challenge to thank all the people who have brought us to where we are. However, I especially want to thank two good friends who have helped me with a multitude of tasks. Dick Harris is treasurer, secretary, and chairman of the national Board of Directors. He faithfully identifies the details I often miss. David Dagwell has served well in his role as assistant state director for North Carolina. Currently, he has been asked to complete nearly everything I cannot complete, and he does a better job than me. He accepted nearly all the responsibility for coordinating our planning and training session and deserves much thanks.
The pictures below were taken at the North Carolina state legislative building. There are sixteen present state directors pictured and one new state director, in addition to a few of their assistants.
Prayer with NC Senator Neal Hunt.
State Directors. Bottom row, left to right: Don Garner (Texas), David Reidenouer (Pennsylvania Assistant), Jeff Lingerfelt (South Carolina), David Andersen (Virginia), Paul Meinsen (Missouri), Shaun Lewis (Illinois). Second row, left to right: Ron Bigalke (Georgia), Larry Mason (Virginia Assistant), Jim Young (North Carolina), Aaron Dogotch (Minnesota), Jason Palermo (Arkansas), Dave DePue (Kansas). Third row, left to right: Matthew Barnes (Indiana), Tim Pauley West Virginia), Jonn Paul (North Dakota), Brent Alderman (Maryland), Frank Erb (California). Top row. left to right: Bob Lewis (Pennsylvania), David Cleveland (Arkansas Assistant, Dan File (Colorado and Wyoming). Missing: Dave Dagwell (North Carolina Assistant).
I realize most of you receiving this update are especially interested in what the ministry in NC is accomplishing. With all that has occurred over the last seven weeks, I ask humbly for your patience through this transition. Even though I have the new responsibility, as President, to guide our national ministry, we intend to maintain a continued effective presence in our state, Please faithfully pray for us, as the opposition will be strong. Moreover, please consider giving financially to the NC ministry, and a special “thank you” if you are already doing that. You can donate online at our new website at www.capitolcom.org, or you can send a check to Capitol Commission, P.O. Box 63118, Charlotte, NC 28263-3118. For help with praying for your NC legislators, please visit our prayer website at www.ncprays.com.
For those of you interested in how the national ministry will appear, and how it may be different from the ministry with which you were familiar, the following brief summary may be helpful.
The session we just had together was an important time for us to ask some questions of ourselves. It was a time to set the course for the present and the future of this new ministry. Although all of the present state directors have been ministering in their Capitol communities for between 2 and 10 years, there was not a unanimous answer to the question, “who are we?” And even more importantly, “Who would others say we are?” I shared my thoughts as to what I believe the answer to those questions ought to be. I suggested that who we say we are should be the same as how others perceive us. What we perceive ourselves to be should be who we truly are. I believe Paul provided the answer to these questions in his letter to the Corinthians: Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). We are to be servants of Christ and trustworthy stewards of the mysteries of God (gospel). Earlier in his letter, we observe Paul's teaching with regard to how we are to present ourselves and our message: And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-2).
As we watch our nation and its churches progressively abandoning the truths found in Scripture, and our legislators making laws contrary to biblical values, we must focus our attention, our energy and our resources on proclaiming Jesus Christ and His gospel to the decision-makers of our nation. Those who represent Capitol Commission are committed servants of Christ and proclaimers of Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We faithfully teach the Bible, making disciples of those whom God has called to Himself. In His timing, through the power of the Holy Spirit, men and women will become new creations in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). If God chooses to once again bless this nation, it will be because its leaders are honoring Jesus Christ and His word.
Thank you for partnering with us through your prayers and financial support.
Jim Young
President
Before I begin this update, I’m sorry I must address the issue of a recent e-mail that was sent to most of you from ... and .... It is deceitful in nature, as was the last one sent, as it is portrayed as a ..., NC update. What is deceitful is that there is no longer a presence of anyone representing ... in NC. This is a subtle and deceitful way for ... to solicit funds from people unaware of the ministry changes that have taken place. If you would like more information on this ministry change and why it happened, this link will take you to an article published in the ..., a Sacramento, CA newspaper. To stop receiving these e-mails from ..., hit unsubscribe on the bottom of the email received from them.