ALJC Oklahoma District Missions America Newsletter

Greetings in the name of Jesus on this chilly and icy Monday morning in Lawton, Oklahoma!

We had a tremendous service yesterday morning at the Great Plains Apostolic Church. From time to time, the Lord impresses me to do more teaching than preaching to aid in the growth of our congregation. Such was the case yesterday morning.  I taught the congregation from Galatians 5:1-14, emphasizing the Apostle Paul's concerns regarding those who sought to impose Old Testament practices upon the New Testament church. These individuals, commonly referred to as Judaizers, advocated for practices such as circumcision and attempted to steer people away from the era of grace and back under the Mosaic law.

The Judaizers believe that Christians should adhere to Jewish customs, traditions, and rituals alongside their faith in Christ. Their stance encompasses practices like circumcision, dietary restrictions, and the observance of Jewish festivals and feasts. The term "Judaizer" emerged in the early Christian era during debates regarding the extent to which Gentile converts should adopt Jewish customs. The concept of Judaizing has remained a topic of theological discussion and controversy throughout Christian history. Here at GPAC, we do not embrace the message that Judaizers promote. If you want to go back to sacrificing bulls, doves, and goats, be my guest. I’ll stick with the sacrifice Jesus provided on Calvary’s cross. These individuals have an uncanny way of finding their way to us all and introducing contentious ideas reminiscent of Judaizing, which can discourage believers and even disrupt the faith of new converts.

Nonetheless, we must bear in mind that according to James 2:10, violating one aspect of the law renders a person guilty of breaking the entirety of it. Romans 6:14 reminds us that we no longer live under the law but under the grace of God. Therefore, we should refrain from imposing anything on others that deviates from or contradicts the teachings of Scripture. In essence, we must refrain from preaching as doctrine our personal opinions and convictions.

In Isaiah 43:19, God reassures the Israelites that He is about to undertake something remarkable and unprecedented. This verse serves as a reminder that God is not bound by the past and continually orchestrates new opportunities, blessings, and deliverance. It encourages us to maintain faith and remain receptive to the new work that God is carrying out in our lives. This verse also applies to the broader message that God is consistently engaged in the world, facilitating transformation and renewal.

Growth necessitates change, not compromise. If we aspire to expand the kingdom of God and reach the unreached communities surrounding us, we must adopt innovative approaches. Jesus calls us to engage in the field, where authentic ministry takes place outside the confines of the church building. The field symbolizes our everyday lives, encompassing our workplaces, schools, shopping centers, and interactions with community members.

To effectively cultivate the district and the kingdom of God, we require more committed laborers in the field. This entails offering more home Bible studies, initiating church plants and Daughter Works, and encouraging preachers to serve as home missionaries.

You can contribute to this mission by praying for the home missionaries in the Oklahoma district, encouraging your ministers to seek God's guidance, providing financial support to aid these home missionaries through Missions America, volunteering your time to assist them in their outreach endeavors, and extending fellowship and support to the home missionaries and their ministries. Fellowship is a mutual endeavor, so let's not merely expect home missionaries to come to us; instead, let's attend their services and send our youth to support their youth events. Through collaborative efforts, we can foster unity and promote growth.

In 2024, we have an unprecedented opportunity to reach our communities, particularly those lacking an Apostolic or ALJC church, by collaborating and focusing on the home missions field here in Oklahoma. As mentioned in my previous newsletter, Oklahoma consists of 77 counties, with only a fraction of them having an Apostolic church preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Much work lies ahead before the Lord returns, and we require all willing and available hands on deck.

As a reminder, Pastor Dustin Peyton is currently the sole ALJC minister in the Oklahoma District participating in the Adopt-A-City program. After five years of being privileged to be part of the program, I have graduated and am no longer part of AAC myself. Therefore, you will not see my name any longer on the contribution forms and other AAC pastor promotional materials.

To support Pastor Peyton through the ALJC Missions America Department, please visit: https://missionsamerica.churchcenter.com/giving

We’d love to have more home missionaries here in the Oklahoma District join the Adopt-A-City Program with the ALJC Missions America Department. There are numerous cities, towns, and rural communities that need an Apostolic church here in Oklahoma. Opportunities abound for those with a burden for souls and a willingness to work in the Father’s field!

May God richly bless you in all your endeavors for His kingdom.

In His service,

Pastor Nelson Grimmett

ALJC Oklahoma Missions America Director

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (580)-370-1349