CONCERNING CANDIDATES & CONSCIENCE

You may have wondered if I disappeared following my retirement on 9/13. Not a chance. Nancy and I took a week off to stay in our old lighthouse quarters home on Vashon and do some relaxing. Then it was home to fix up and paint the outside of our house before the rains came. You will be hearing more from me as soon as I get caught up on my homework.

For now I have a greater concern to share. Having observed a few presidential elections in my life I am finding this one to have greater significance for the Christian in light of conscience. Both candidates clash over many issues. Both have their positive and negative aspects. Both make big promises. Both seem to be miles apart on things that should matter. Both seem to have changed positions over the years. That last one can be both good or bad depending on the issue.

For the follower of Christ we should remember we are not electing a pastor, priest, or pope, but a president. For believers we should remember we have a responsibility to vote in a way that would reflect or be consistent with what God has said in His Word. For Christians the most pressing concern is the watershed issue of abortion since the life in the womb is unique from all other forms of life. Why? Because it is created in “God’s image.” God makes this clear from the start in Genesis.

Gen_1:26-27 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Gen_9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.

The logic is clear and unmistakable. Every person is in God’s image even from conception. To destroy that child in the womb is a murder and a direct attack on God.

Dr. Al Mohler yesterday gave a clear picture of what evangelical Christians should be concerned about and what not to be concerned about. I felt it was fair and balanced and worth the time to listen listen. Please take the time to be informed on this.

Recent progress on our building project is going well and on time as you can see below. This week they are making good progress on finishing some framing and roof trusses on the new education spaces and auditorium extension.

Keep it in prayer as we move along. God is good. Pray for our country and our church as we keep the light of Christ burning.

Mark Suko Pastor Redeployed

Class rooms on east side by main entrance have trusses put in place. Yellow ground area is where new foyer, offices, kitchen and fellowship hall will be.

New auditorium extension on west side is up and ready for roofing and siding soon.

Going INDOORS this Sunday! (Sept 13)

Church Family:

Due to the smoke and air quality, we're moving INDOORS at Harborview Felowship for our service this Sunday (Sept 13). 2:30 special worship service, followed by a celebration fellowship for Mark and Nancy's 40 years of ministry and "redeployment." (Livestream will also be available. No Junior Church or childcare.)

As we move indoors, please be prayerfully mindful of the current state mandates regarding social distancing, face coverings, etc. May each of us be content to act as God is leading us (Prov. 3:5-6), while showing respect and joyfulness toward others who act as God is leading them. Let everything be done in love (1 Cor. 16:14) as we consider others more important than ourselves. (Phil. 2:1-5 gives excellent guidance on this point.) We are purposed to focus not on things that divide... but on celebrating God's faithfulness through Mark and Nancy for 40 years!

(Note: If there is a significant clearing of smoke tomorrow afternoon, we will move our after-service celebration fellowship out onto the lawn. Please bring your own chair in case we move outside.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHURCH: Reflections of a Light Keeper

Today, September the 7th, 2020 is the 40th anniversary of Discovery Baptist Church. Therefore, Nancy and I would like to wish a happy birthday to all of you who are or have been a part of or interested in it. Thanks for praying, serving, and giving over the years.

The picture above at the old Arletta School is of our launch team that first Sunday made up of seminary students Jon & Dee Mitchell, Marshall & Beth Davis, Mark & Beverly Langford, Rumi Juhasz, and Dave & Donna Brown. Other guests in the picture that Sunday are cousin Cindy Crooks, Larry, Kathy & Judy Gillette, Bob Ballard, Chuck & Pat Roark, and Jim & Ruth Witsmeer. Not shown are relatives Bill & Bobbie Crooks, Esther Rogers, and Dar and Viola Swanson.

We will actually celebrate this 40th anniversary in a big way following the completion of our current building expansion project which we expect to be in February 2021. So stay tuned and remember what Jesus said before the first church was born….

"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Hope to see many of you next Sunday for my retirement/redeployment service as Chris Rogers becomes our senior pastor. See you Sept. 13th at 2:30 p.m. for the service and fellowship time following all on the green at Harborview Fellowship 4819 Hunt St., Gig Harbor. Bring a lawn chairs.

Pastor Mark