Hello FBC (good to be “back in the saddle”)!
…as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
In this life, we all know that we will face hardships and difficulties of many kinds. If are eyes are only focused on earthly things, on the here and now, we’ll struggle mightily to experience a victorious Christian life. The challenge for us is to focus our eyes on the things that are “unseen.” That seems like a crazy paradox, doesn’t it? How do you look at something you can’t see? We need to focus our thoughts on eternal matters. We need to be saturating ourselves with the Word of God, which He will use to transform us by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). Don’t get too bogged down with things that have no eternal value. Fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2), ask Him to help you daily to have a heavenly perspecitive on life, and worship Him for who He is and for all He has done. Two key things will last forever: the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8), and the souls of people (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:46; John 5:29; Acts 24:15). What are you doing today to help you “look to the things that are unseen,” because “things that are unseen are eternal”? What are you doing today that will pay everlasting dividends?
Thank you for praying for me and my family while we had some time off together. I’m very grateful for that blessing, and thankful for your love and concern for my family. And thank you for praying for Molly and her time serving in Mexico. She is doing well, and of course we are missing her greatly, but thankful for her heart for Jesus and for people!
I also want to thank Justin and Ethan for three excellent messages while I was out of the pulpit. Justin’s 2-parter on unity from 2 Cor. 12 was very powerful and practical. I just finished listening to the second one today. I’m thankful for the peace of mind I could have knowing the preaching ministry was in good hands. And I’m so proud of Ethan Whitted! What a well-prepared, and also practical, message on anxiety he delivered! I remember preaching my first sermon at age 19, and I think it was quite a bit longer than Ethan’s, and probably not as well done. I think we all at times struggle with worry and stress, and he shared some great insight from God’s Word on the topic! Thank you for being a great group of encouragers for both Justin and Ethan.
Reminder: There is NO SUNDAY SCHOOL this Sunday. “Promotion Sunday”, when kids are moved up to new grades and new classes, will take place September 10. But there IS our regular WORSHIP SERVICE at 10:30! Looking forward to seeing you here!
I am excited (and trying not to be anxious thanks to Ethan) to begin a new series on the book of ISAIAH, which I am calling “Portraits of Messiah: King, Servant, Conqueror”. This is a tremendously powerful prophetic book, and will be sure to challenge us and confront us regarding sin in our lives, inspire awe in us regarding the holiness and awesomeness of our God, and provide hope and comfort regarding the future that God has prepared for His people. This week we’ll be doing an introduction of the book, looking at some of the key ideas that emerge. September 10th I’ll start into chapter 1. I’d like to encourage you, that if you have a study Bible, or some kind of Bible handbook, to take a look at what it says in the introduction to the book of Isaiah. Try to get a feel for the overarching message and themes that we will discover. I also want to ask you, since there are many well-known and deeply meaningful passages in Isaiah, do you have a favorite? Would you be willing to share with me which verse or passage means the most to you, and why? You can just reply to this email, or send me a text, or tell me in person. I may even ask this question on Sunday.
Also, please note that this Sunday we will again be sharing together in the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. And of course we will be receiving your gifts for the “Care Fund”.
I love you all and thank God for the joy of being a part of the body of Christ here in Brownsville. Grace and peace to you!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael