Hi Friends,
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it– 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Rom. 3:21-25 ESV)
I don’t have a long statement to make about the above passage (which was part of our daily Bible reading calendar today), other than to say, “Wow!” This little paragraph is rich with doctrine! Just look at some of the key words: righteousness, faith, sinned, justified, grace, redemption, propitiation, divine forbearance… See what I mean? When sharing about verse 23 with people, I like to say, “What part of ALL don’t you understand?!” All means all, including you and me. Thank God that we are justified by His grace as a gift…!
I’m sure you’re all aware that THIS SUNDAY IS MOTHER’S DAY! Men, there’s your reminder if you need it. 🙂
Once again we at FBC will have plenty of opportunities to eat together. Saturday morning there is a Men’s Breakfast at 7am with another section from our “Stepping Up” video. Guys, please join us. Then the ladies will be enjoying their Ladies Tea at 1pm. I’ve heard that around 80 are signed up! Then on Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10am we are having our annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Everyone is invited to this great time of fellowship and honoring mothers.
Speaking of mothers, I need to let you know that May 19 will be the last Sunday the nursery will be available during the construction of the new classroom addition. While this might present a little challenge for a few months, we are asking everyone to “Pardon our Dust” and be patient. There is a good result coming not too long from now, as we hope to have the new building functioning by October. So in the meantime, I’m reminded of a statement I frequently heard while touring in Israel: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not break!” The CE Commission is planning to have some things available in the foyer (under the coat rack between the restrooms) for parents to stay with their little ones and still be able to hear the worship service. If you have any questions, please talk to Elizabeth Beach.
During the worship service we will take a brief break from our study in Galatians, and will look at Genesis 21:1-21. The title of the message is “God Hears”. Read the passage and see if you can figure out where that title comes from. Genesis 21 is referred to numerous times in the New Testament. See if you can find a few!
On a personal note, I’ve been doubly blessed in my life with my own mother, and the mother of my children. These 2 women have obviously had profound impact on me. I am so thankful that God allowed me to be raised by a woman with tremendous love and sensitivity. She has long been a major encouragement as I have stepped out in various adventures! And the desire of my heart to marry a woman who would be a tremendous and godly mother has been met. Great things are in store in the lives of our children, in large part because of the blessing they have of a wonderful mom!
Have a great weekend, and “Honor your mother…”
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael