Good News at Noon AJC ARTICLE (Where I serve as Pastor) >Finding Redemption - AJC Sunday May 26, 2013

(*** To schedule a visit or donate to Good News at Noon contact Fletcher Law-Pastor/ Directer of Ministries and Public Relations (770) 561 2609, fletcherlawgnn@gmail.com.)

Do you want to know about Mr Beckstein and Good News at Noon ministry?

Here is the Sunday May 26th article about Mr Beckstein the founder of Good News at Noon and Thomas Ramirez the long time ministry worker and new Directer of GN@N. 

This was written by AJC writer Christian Boone who was positively affected by "MR.B" when Christian was a student at Gainesville High and "MR.B" was a teacher. 

You can also find it in print this weekend or online with a video here and register for this service-

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/finding-redemption/nX23D/

Manager Thomas Ramirez (left) and founder Gene Beckstein watch people file in for a free lunch at the Good News at Noon ministry in Gainesville. Beckstein and his late wife, Margie, began feeding the hungry from their home 26 years ago. Now the ministry provides lunch seven days a week year round, provides shelter for 20 homeless men and runs an after-school program.

Finding Redemption

Two men find salvation sheltering the homeless and serving the poor. Christian Boone tells the amazing story of Gene Beckstein and Thomas Ramirez.

Posted: 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013

BY CHRISTIAN BOONE - THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

He was the gangster made good, living proof that redemption was more than an ecumenical talking point.

Thomas Ramirez was just the type of lost soul Gene Beckstein had set out to reach when he founded Good News at Noon in the late 1980s. Gainesville’s guardian angel had big plans for the Mexican immigrant, anointing Ramirez as his eventual successor despite deep misgivings from many of the homeless ministry’s supporters. Even Beckstein’s wife held doubts.

QUESTION EPESIANS 2:12 >Christians> Remember Where You Came From

Christians Remember Where You Were and Where You Are Now Spiritually 

QUESTION RECEIVED:

In Ephesian 2:12 is this verse talking about atheist as I study the Greek transcript?

Profile: Male 18-30 North America

Ephesians 2:12 (NKJV)

12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

My ANSWER:

NO.

This Scripture is addressed to the Christians at Ephesus.

This verse from the Word of God is addressed to all Christians through the end of time.  

Verse 12 answers the question asked in verse in verse 11.

Do you Christians remember what is was like before you were a Christian – before you were saved and born again – before you were in the Kingdom of God as represented by Isarael?

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—    

Whether the now saved, born again, members of the Kingdom and Family of God were formerly atheist, Jews or Gentiles (Jews used the term Gentile to mean "those without God.) they are now one people in Christ Jesus.

Christians now whether Jew or Gentile are now known as “One New Man” in the following verses 14-16!!!

Ephesians 2:14-16

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

So what is the lesson here?

Whether Jew, Greek, Gentile, rich, poor, young old, male female we are now part of one body when we are born again. 

How are we born again?

When the Lord draws us near, we are convicted of sins and we repent or turn from our sins and declare Jesus Christ as Lord we are born again.

We are then part of a “New Man” the Body of Christ.

At Good News at Noon we celebrate we serve a gracious Father who told us this in Scripture- 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Christians “remember where you came from” as that saying goes.

Serve your King who came to “seek and to save that which was lost” – US.

Question on Family Horrors In The Bible > When Families Go Bad

Ernest T, What started your family downward spiral?  Helen Crump can never be your mother figure.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

What is the name of the person in the Bible whose mother, father and grandfather all died on the same day but different ways?

MY ANSWER:

Ichabod

1 Samuel 4:19-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

19 Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’s wife, was with child, due to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her labor pains came upon her. 20 And about the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, “Do not fear, for you have borne a son.” But she did not answer, nor did she regard it. 21 Then she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.

The unfaithfulness of the priest Phinehas  and his brother Hophni caused the Lord to depart His favor from Israel  The Lord took their life in battle. Israel lost the Ark of The Covenant which contained the Ten Commandments.
These men did not honor God, Family and vocation and abused the poor and women

The news of Hophni and Phinehas death caused the death of their old father Eli who on receiving fell and broke his neck.  The anguished mother died in childbirth.  The child’s name Ichabod means “The glory has departed from Israel!”  This is a warning to all people and families to turn to the Lord.

Question Received > How do you addresses a released or retired pastor ?

QUESTION RECEIVED:

If a pastor relinquished or steps down from his post in his own will, is he still considered as a pastor or called a pastor?  (ASIA MALE 18-34)

MY ANSWER:

Romans 11:29

New King James Version (NKJV)

29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

The call to preach is from the Lord.

People can serve as evangelists and not necessarily a pastor who is the shepherd of the flock.

A church calls a man to pastor.

Why would we disrespect a man once called by God and a church.

Sometimes for bad reasons pastors have to be let go or relinquished.

Why would we be ungracious to a person God has called.

Show respect to God called ministers.

QUESTION RECEIVED> USA Flags in Church? Is this OK?

QUESTION RECEIVED:

Is it biblical to display the American flag, a symbol of a worldly nation, in

church?

 I doubt Paul would put Caesar's insignia in the Temple or churches, so

what biblical basis do we have for American flags in our churches?

MY ANSWER:

Is it biblical to have an American flag in church?

This is a loaded question.

There was no USA when the Bible was written.

Is it wrong to have a flag in church?
it is if the state forces you to have one.

Let’s look at separation of church and state from our American heritage.

The answer lies in why would you have a flag in worship and where and why is it displayed and for what reason?

We Americans believe in the separation of church from the state or any state.
Christians should support this value to protect our church and gospel proclamation so it will be untainted and unrestricted by the government.

Where did the term separation of the church and state come from?
It was in a letter from our 3^rd president Thomas Jefferson to protect Baptists from the state.

Why did Jefferson write this letter?

He wrote the letter to support the Danbury Baptist Association so the state government would protect these Baptists and not allow them to be forced into a state supported church system.  In their worship tradition they would be law breakers if they were not protected to be separated from the government.
The Baptist wanted government to leave this independent church system alone and not have the state government regulate what Christian denominations would be allowed to operate in their state.

If you cannot run a post office profitably you cannot run a church.

Thomas Jefferson wrote this to the Danbury, Connecticut Baptist Association 

Baptist Association on January 1^st 1861 - “Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, ……"make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. “ 

Why? 

Jefferson was pro expression of religion and in this letter in particular he supported these Baptist and their religious freedom.  He signed off  “I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.”  

Here is a link from the Library of Congress if you want to read the whole letter.

http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html

To sum up this civics lesson this preacher and teacher will give an interpretation of Jefferson.

GOVERNMENT STAY OUT OF OUR CHURCH BUSINESS!!!

Is it wrong to have a flag in church?

Let’s look at this from a Christian perspective.

The answer lies in why would you have a flag in worship and where is it displayed and for what reason?

We do not court favor of endorsement of our Christian beliefs from the government.
Why?
We say God gave them to us.

We do not worship the state.

We know we are citizens of Heaven.

We are a nation like all “Under God” whether we or anyone likes it or not.

Am I going to pitch a fit if a flag is in a church sanctuary?

No.

Why?

My job is to promote Jesus.

The flag is a symbol and it might be there for a non-offensive reason like for specail prayer for our nation or our warriors or a national tragedy.

Am I going to pitch a fit if God almighty is not the center of worship because of His gift of gracious salvation through His Son Jesus Christ at a church?

YES!

If I could impose my will on all churches I would say leave the flag on the flag pole or in the lobby. (Narthex for you high church folks.)
If a flag is displayed it should be clear that this nation represented is under God. 

I am for the liberty of church bodies to decide this for themselves.

If Christ is honored above all then your church can what you want in your worship area.
You do what you feel led to do in your sanctuary.

The church is to worship, make disciples and evangelize.

Every nation one nation or another and under God if they like it or not.

Why does every nation need to know they are “Under God”?”

The nations will be judged.

Psalm 9:19

Arise, O Lord, Do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged in Your sight.

Many nations will not like the result of judgment.
The church promotes Jesus.  The state is not to prevent this expression.  

Revelation 11:18

The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Do not get legalistic on where a flag rests.

Make sure Jesus Christ is lifted up.

That is the God given –and for now- state given right you have.

The Holy Spirit will clear up confusion on worship practices.

Let’s devote our time to the salvation of the nations.

Good News at Noon Today in Spring 2013

MR.B is still ministering and amazing us!!!

Good News at Noon Today in Spring 2013

Many of my friends now know I am the Pastor-Director of Ministries and Public Relations for Good News at Noon as of April 1st.

My duties are to preach on Sunday mornings, minister to our Good News people, involve ministries and organizations and to get the word out about Mr. B’s Good News at Noon.

Why get the word out?  This ministry founded by Gene and Margie Beckstein in 1987 is well known.

It seems everybody in north Georgia has been blessed by GN@N.

We serve supper at 7:00 and lunch every day at noon 365 days a year at lunch and at 11:00 on Saturday.  We have a Sunday service at 11:00 and then provide a meal to worshipers.

“Mr. B” is still there each weekday at Noon and at Thursday Family Nights at 5:30  and Frank “Sinatra” Moore still sings ‘I’ll Fly Away” and ‘Beulah Land’. 

But……………..  Our finances are hurting.  Our facilities are worn out.  We need more beds.  We need new or newer vans to transport children and people to the doctor.   We need to build to meet the future. Let’s look at now for GN@N.

TOP 10 GN@N FACTS Folks Are Surprised To Learn

1. Good News at Noon is not connected in anyway with the now separate Good News Clinic.

The clinic has a separate board, funds and location.  They separated from us in around 2005.

     No you do not support Good News at Noon at work with United Way donations as we are a Jesus always based ministry and never will receive government funds or grants.

2.New folks to Hall County do not know who or what we are. 

              We are needed now more than ever.

3.We take clothes and furniture as well as donations as well as needed money at 979 Davis Street.

Mail Checks to Good News At Noon-PO Box 1577-Gainesville,GA 30503

4.We still serve men, women, children in deed and Word at our facility across from Melrose apartments. I will baptize one of Women’s Ministry director Sue Pope’s ladies soon.

5. To lift Jesus up (John 12:37) in deed and Word.(Col 3:17) is our theological position.

6.We are at a critical need for bulk food donations.  We have been cut off by some major national grocers.  Can you help with a solution for our need?

7.We have a Spanish speaking chapel.

8.We have 4  meal slots open for a church, business or family to provide a meal once a month.

9.We can put your church, business or motorcycle gang to work on facilities, food service, music recreation.  We can make it happen if it is for the sake of the gospel.

10.You have not visited us ever or recently.  Here is your invitation.  Contact me.

TOP 10  THINGS THAT HAVE REMAINED FOR GN@N

1.Mr. B, he turns 91 this June, is still working for the Lord.

2.Thomas Ramirez our on-site director

3.Mike Robinson in Operations

4.Willie Alexander – keeping it real!

5.Too many others to list-come meet them!

6.A great board

7.A generous Community

8.Generous churches

9.The Lord’s Blessing- Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit as we age and grow.

10.The lost, poor and dying people –male female, old, young, red,
yellow, black and white and tan that are precious in His sight.

We have church support from Episcopalians, Baptists, Methodist, Pentecostals, Lutherans, Presbyterians and independent churches.  We got our theological position from our founder Mr. B who got it from Jesus.  “Lift Jesus Up”  in deed and always the Word. 

We will never separate these.  We are a Christian ministry.  I lead or arrange Christian services. Again we need financial blessings. Our facilities are worn out. We need more beds.  We need new or newer vans to transport children and people to the doctor.   We need to build to meet the future.

     Contact me.

Lift Jesus Up!

(John 12:32)

Fletcher Law

Pastor

Director of Ministries and Missions

Good News at Noon

979 Davis Street (Mail donations to PO Box 1577)

Gainesville, GA 30503

Cell- 770 561 2609

fletcherlawandgrace@yahoo.com

Bible Study- 1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1  (NKJV)

Greeting

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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. 5 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.

Good News- Positive News –We need it-we win!

Vs. 1 -3 Give folks GOOD NEWS when it is deserved –do not be like the old farmer who never tells his wife he loves her - he said he said it once and would let his wife know if he ever changed his mind.

Vs. 4 We have won –are winning-going to win –Christ already won-we are playing it out to get more elect- C.H. Spurgeon “God save the elect and elect some more.”

VS. 5 the gospel is real and it works- With power!

Vs 6-The word comes in our affliction-He hears our cry!

VS7- 8  It matters how you live to unbelievers.  Actions speak with words.

Vs.9-10  Your actions become the talk of the town. Redeemed lives helped convert other people. The Colossians turned from idols to God and they are known citizens of Heaven who will miss the wrath to come.  What wrath? The wrath of God poured out on sinners.  Jesus took the wrath of all those who repent and believe.    

Bishop Mack Stokes said there were 3 reasons for the church 1) Maintenance of worship,  2) Edification or discipleship –this includes missions and ministries. 3) We are fortunate to participate in the evangelization of the world.

Question> Are Special Days At Church Goofy Or Biblical?

QUESTION RECEIVED:

Is it wrong or a sin for a church to use special promotions to have big days or to grow the church? For example, Chuck E. Cheese Sunday, Goldfish Sunday, Christmas-in-July-Sunday, Potluck dinners, etc. Are there any examples in the Bible of promotions for church growth?

Profile: Male 18-30 North America

MY ANSWER:

Growing the church was a priority of the church since the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts.

Does It Matter if Jesus never sinned? To avoid HELL YES!

QUESTION RECEIVED:

What does it mean Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God? (Hebrews 9:14)- (NKJV) Hebrews 9:14 “how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Profile: Female Over 60 North America

MY ANSWER:

Jesus Christ is the subject of Hebrews 9:14.