Hello FBC,
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:15-21)
What a powerful prayer from Paul and reminder of the hope we have because of the great power of God at work in our lives! Chew on that prayer for a bit, and let’s pray that the “eyes of our hearts” will be enlightened and we will know the hope to which He called us.
This Sunday I will be preaching on Revelation 21:1-8, “All Things New!” Please read through that and consider what it will be like when God makes all things new, including a new heaven and a new earth. There are a number of things that John says will no longer be present. What are those things? Oh how we should be looking forward with great hope and joy to an eternal home where there is no more evil, no more pain or suffering, etc.!
We will also be remembering the Lord’s death during our Communion service together. Let’s be in prayer for all of us to come with prepared hearts.
Obviously, this week we witnessed a horrible tragedy in Roseburg. May we pray for the families and those affected deeply by this act of evil. There have already been many various responses by people. One that I found interesting was by Ed Stetzer, and I have attached it to this email below. You may not agree with all of his conclusions, but it contains some wise responses for us to consider as Christians.
I’m looking forward to our time together tomorrow.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael