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The Army of the Anonymous
The Most Excellent Way is made up of an “Army of the Anonymous.” Here’s what I mean by that. You all are coming to people with a message that absolutely transfers people from darkness into God’s Son’s kingdom of light! And you will never be known by most in the world, as you do the most important thing in this world. You are bringing people to their Creator, and they are receiving forgiveness for their sins as they believe on Jesus Christ as their Savior. For 2000 years, an army of the anonymous has changed the world as God has moved through them to do it. To Him be the glory! May it be Jesus who is magnified, not us.
Many of you will see in this newsletter that First Baptist Panama City Florida celebrated 20 years of The Most Excellent Way at their church this past Friday night, February 24, 2023. Heavy snow in Oregon kept me from being able to fly out there to be a part in person, however, I was able to share via a live feed that very smart people knew how to set up. What a blessed time – and I am very thankful for those who know technology. Really, as I thought about it, an army of the anonymous helped put on that celebration there. From those who decorated, provided food, put together a tribute video, to those providing sound technology behind the worship team and much, much more. A ton was accomplished by those I will never know. I know Delvis and Hugh helped me with the live feed. There, they are not anonymous to all of you now, but really God is accomplishing miracles in and through people we will never know this side of heaven, and we who are a part of TMEW get to see firsthand the beauty of it. You and I may never know any of their names who helped in Panama City, but what God did through them is resounding around the world! For their part, that army of the anonymous affected all of us, even as we read this newsletter.
That thought of, “the army of the anonymous,” had rolled through my mind for weeks leading up to the event. Because… It’s us. It’s all of us. Those who have believed on Christ and now are “loving servants,” sharing with others the good news of a risen Savior who makes His people whole, we are an “army of the anonymous.” All of us involved in TMEW are changing the world, and not many know your name. And that’s a great thing, because we want them to know our King’s name!
Isaiah 61:1 says this, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prisons to those who are bound.” -NKJV That passage right there, is a calling!
When you and I couple that wonderful passage with our Titus 3:3-8 passage, we “the army of the anonymous,” have a world-changing calling. Check this out in conjunction with Isaiah 61:1. Titus 3:8, “ 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” -NKJV
The truth of Isaiah 61 and Titus 3 is impacting lives all throughout the world. People are being set free as many serve behind the scenes, not to be up front. Again, from room set up, food, coffee, and materials being produced and put out, to those serving in jails and prisons, an “army of the anonymous” make our TMEW meetings happen. The follow-up for coffee or a phone call of support, all those things are being done by you all and God is being glorified as nobody knows.
So, the fact is, we celebrate all of you this February and all God is doing in and through you all, right where you are anonymous one! If your group is just getting started or has been going since 1986 when Glen and Judy Wright began TMEW, we celebrate you, thanking God for you always. Much like this passage in First Thessalonians chapter one states. Yes, our calling? It’s a lot like this:
Thessalonians 1:2-10
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
The Thessalonica church which was begun by some big names in Christianity – Paul, Timothy and Silas – that church of anonymous ones went forth and changed their region. That “army of the anonymous,” they changed the world! And so, we give thanks for you… Like that!
If you would like to watch what First Baptist Panama City TMEW did within their celebration I know that this newsletter will have the link for you to view it. The whole evening was done with excellence, and you will be blessed by it. But also, if you are celebrating an anniversary please let us know as we want to celebrate with you. May we all experience our Savior looking at us saying, “Well done good and faithful servant,” He is EVERYTHING! May the Lord richly bless you!
