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Hey y’all,
What a delight it is to be back in worship with you, I certainly missed you and what a treat last Sunday to hear Pastor Tom’s first message with us. He did a great job. I know, as I was fed well from God’s Word. I am looking forward to ministering together this Sunday.
How thrilling to know that while we are worshiping in the Family Life Center there are children joyfully participating in Vacation Bible School in the newly created “Cave” under the Sanctuary. If you come early, 10:00 a.m. this Sunday you can experience some of that energy before the children leave and we prepare for service at 10:30, I highly recommend it! I am very excited to bring the message this Sunday as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. This is one of my favorite Ordinances to share as we are truly in communion with each other as we remember what our Lord has done for us. As you prepare to join in, consider what the Apostle Peter said in his first letter, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 ESV
Preparing for this Sunday was a bit daunting for me. As I prayed and considered what God would have me bring as my first message after being away for what seems forever, I was led to a message I have entitled “Where to go?”. I did struggle with where to go, but through some consultation and prayer I was led to the Gospel of John, where we hear our Lord say, “I am the bread of life.” What better place to begin than hearing Jesus’ words. In this piece of John’s Gospel, Jesus shares with us some difficult teaching, teaching that was very rough for the Jews of Jesus’ time to hear and understand. It was even difficult for some of the disciples to accept. There were challenges made and questions asked. The crowd was reminded of how Yahweh had worked in the past and what He was doing for them now… just as Jesus consistently challenges us today as we seek to follow Him. I look forward to unpacking this text with you, never quite knowing where the Spirit will lead.
All that being said, would you join me and pray for the Spirit’s anointing as I prepare and for us all on Sunday as we hear from God’s Word? Pray for the Spirit to enliven our time together, strengthen our faith and if there are any in our midst who may be close to receiving salvation, for the Spirit to work in such a way that they would not be able to resist. May you continue to be blessed as we wait on the Lord together, Pastor Rolan |
