Another Pastoral Epistle 10/31/18

I read that at a pastor’s conference there was a large sign at the front of the auditorium. It hung above the platform for all the pastors in attendance to read each time they entered the room and sat down. In big bold letters it read: “Relax everybody. For once you’re not in charge!” I guess pastors need to be reminded of that. But don’t we all? Isn’t the word to all of us- Relax! we’re not in charge?

In our study through Revelation a major theme that keeps rising to the top is that God is in charge. That’s not to say we don’t have responsibilities to fulfill or that we shouldn’t take charge in roles assigned to us or that we have a Que sera Sera-“whatever will be will be” attitude. But God is in control. The Creator is also the sustainer of all things. Isaiah was stunned at the power of God to create and name and sustain every star in the heavens (Isaiah 40:26).

Even secular scientists conclude that planet earth is “just right” to support life. It has been said this way, “Over the past thirty years or so, scientists have discovered that just about everything about the basic structure of the universe is balanced on a razor’s edge for life to exist.” In other words, there is a recognition by scientists that hundreds of finely-tuned features in the universe are all necessary for the universe to exist and for life to exist in the universe. Naturalists chalk it up to chance. But the most reasonable explanation was that all the just rightfeatures necessary to support life points to an intelligent designer, the Creator God!

The Creator and Sustainer of everything is not irrelevant. So exhale and relax, for the One who calls each star by name and keeps the universe going is the God who holds you. I need that reminder. God calls me to keep in balance living responsibly and trusting in His sovereign control. My confidence is that there are enough mercies to deal with every situation that comes my way. God is in charge of the mercies- they are new every morning. I can trust that tomorrow’s mercy will be sufficient for tomorrow’s troubles or tomorrow’s tasks or tomorrow’s curve balls. Relax! You are not in charge!

One way we express that confidence in God is through prayer. As a church, all we do must be bathed in prayer. Prayer builders is this Sunday from 10:05-10:25. Praise God for the faithful ones who meet each month to pray for EBC and our worship services. Would love to have you join us! With the service time change beginning on 11/11 (9:00 & 10:45), prayer builders will still meet the first Sunday of the month from 10:20-10:40.

Be sure to check out the displays around the worship center this Sunday of the ministries of EBC. This is an opportunity to increase your awareness of what is happening at the church and to see ways you can be involved in our vision for making disciples.

Our God is working in our church. Lives are being impacted through His people and His Word. Our dependence is on Him to grow and sustain us by His powerful hand!

Blessings to you,
Pastor Brian