Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
For believers in Jesus, the peace of Christ comes from His work of salvation. We are at peace through faith in Him. During these awkward times, we are reminded that His work of mercy and forgiveness continues. The peace and joy we have isn't necessarily an emotional state, but it is nonetheless, the state of the Christian life because Jesus pours out His forgiveness, mercy and peace into your life.
He gives a merciful peace even when the world is not at peace. He does this when your life is in turmoil. He does this in midst of so much evidence of sinful messiness. His promise is the final word even when we are living through the tumultuous end times. After all, those times began with Jesus' entrance into our history when He was conceived and born of the virgin Mary.
OUR FIRST SERVICES BACK
Thanks be to God as we began our services last Sunday (8 & 10:30). We were wondering how it would go - it went very well. We were at peace as we received His forgiving food of the Lord's Supper. We were at peace when the church sang the words of scripture with hope and joy last weekend.
We understand if you are not yet comfortable with the gathering of people in a large space. God's Word still does what it says it does. His Word delivers grace and mercy, the very peace of Christ which comes from the forgiveness of our sins.
We had 97 people in church between both services. We celebrated the Lord's Supper with continuous communion.
After all we have been through with the Covid restrictions, it appears that most people are ready to find a regular way of life again. At the same time we desire to be responsible for the love of neighbor.
PEACE BE WITH YOU
These words are among the many words and sentences the church has pulled from scripture to mold the Christian life. It is a clear statement of fact. It is not a hope or a wish based upon statistics from past experience. They are "giving words" from the Lord and states the promise that the believer is with the Lord because of Christ's work to bless and keep you.
As we continue to transition, we count on those continued promises and presence of our Lord. It is in the hope He gives -- there is where we start and move forward.
HOW CAN YOU BE SUPPORTIVE?
Your patience and understanding is the best way to be supportive of your church at this time. Your forgiveness and mercy and the gathering of the saints is why we keep moving forward. It is there that we find hope and stability for every day of our lives, whether during a pandemic or no pandemic.
In Christ,
Pr. Mark Sell
