Pastor's Pen

  Pastor’s Pen , Sunday:     The Evidence of Spiritual Life                                                        2 Peter 1:1-11                                                          On either side of the front door of the house where we used to live were to decorative Japanese trees. One was living, thriving-- just the kind of tree you want in front of your house. The second was barren, lifeless-- just taking up space. The difference? One tree was growing, the other wasn’t. And  growth is the evidence of life . While this is true in the realm of plants and animals and humans, it is also true in the spiritual realm. Take two individuals for example. Both profess to be Christians. They attend the same church. But one is saturated with the Word, demonstrate Christlike character and manifest the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, etc. The other seems to be going through the motions. Instead of more of the fruit of the Spirit, there's less. Instead of a hunger for the

  Pastor’s Pen , Sunday:     The Character of a Godly Mother                                       1 Thessalonians 2:1-12                                                          If you missed Wednesday night fellowship dinner, you missed a very special celebration of mothers.  As we went around the tables following the meal sharing memories and anecdotes about our mothers, there were tears, laughter, and the renewed appreciation for what it means to be a mother and all the responsibilities appertaining thereto (that’s a phrase I used when conferring degrees as a college president for many years, but it certainly seems appropriate as we celebrate our mothers.)  As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we recognize that the Bible is filled with mothers, many of whom exhibited positive character traits, and some who didn't. Think about Sarah, the mother of the nation Israel, who waited so long for the arrival of her son Isaac. Reflect on Hannah, who willingly her son Samuel to the Lord for His

  Pastor’s Pen , Sunday:     God’s Purpose in Our Suffering                                               1 Peter 5:10-14                                                           Are you ever tempted to ask why me Lord? Or, why this trial? Perhaps it’s a serious illness diagnosis, a falling out with a friend or family member, or the loss of a job. Or perhaps even something worse? And sometimes we just plain feel like giving up! Job in the Old Testament is most closely identified with suffering. He could’ve written a book on the subject. As could Peter, in the New Testament.  And Peter actually did.  Throughout First Peter he touched on the subject. (2:23, 24; 3;13, 14; 4:1,2; 4:12-15.  As we come to the conclusion of this epistle, Peter’s benediction, we learn the key to understanding why God allows us to suffer.  Our suffering is designed to strengthen us for God’s glory . *****   We appreciate those who help sanitize our facilities for services each Saturday morning in in in in in i