Letter - Matthew Sunday

May 1, 2002

Dear Family of Friends,

A certain despised tax collector named Levi sat at his table by the city gate collecting the poll taxes for a foreign government. He was ruthless, compassionless, and crooked. He collected not only the tax for the empire but he collected a surtax for himself.

One day he met Jesus. Jesus made him see his own evil heart. He couldn't hide from the searchlight of Jesus' powerful presence and he repented giving up his devilish practices. With the same dedication that he used to have for his tax collecting he now wanted to follow Christ. He was so changed that his name had to be changed as well because he just wasn't the same man. He would be called Matthew from then on.

One of the first things he did was to call together a meeting of tax collectors and other friends at his own house to have dinner. His main goal was simple: to introduce them to Jesus (Luke 5:27-29).

We, too, have been forgiven and changed by the power of Jesus. (Praise the Lord!) We, too, have much to be thankful for. We, too, should follow Christ with all of our heart and soul. We, too, can do something as simple as hosting a dinner with a friend who needs to know Jesus. This is what Matthew Sunday is all about.

On Sunday, May 19, we will have Evangelist Ken Rudolph with us for all services (8:30 & 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.) Ken is an anointed man of God who presents the gospel in clear, simple terms. Let me encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and become a Matthew to your circle of influence. Here’s how: 

• Identify today the people the Lord would have you invite.
• Begin praying–by name–for each person. Lift their name before the Lord and ask Him to use you to reach these people with the simple truth of the gospel.
• Send us an e-mail ([email protected]) or call the church 265-0199 and tell us who you are inviting so we can be in prayer at the same time.
• Invite them to church with you on May 19 to hear Ken Rudolph, and at the same time, invite them out to eat following the service.
• During your mealtime, share with them your own personal testimony of how Jesus has changed your life and what He means to you.
• Ask them if they have any questions about the church service.

For some, I know this will be difficult, but let me give you a word of encouragement: greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! I will be praying for you that the Holy Spirit will empower you and work through you as you minister to your circle of influence. Our Lord has promised us that He will be with us always, even to the ends of the earth, and you can count on His powerful presence in you as you seek to win the lost for His glory!

Sincerely,

Phil Winfield
Senior Pastor