The Weekly Epistle 1/12/21

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them” (Psalm 139:17).
 
As I have been preparing for the last two sermons on what we believe about God, I am reminded of how much I am in over my head.  Language is insufficient to communicate the greatness of all that God is.  But that isn’t to say then, that speaking of what we do know about God is useless or insignificant.  Even though we cannot grasp him fully, we can know Him truly.  Also, what we do know about God gives direction to what we don’t know.
 
That is particularly true when it comes to explaining and understanding that we believe in one God to be three distinct persons of one true essence.  We call this the “trinity,” though that word is found nowhere in the Bible.  The word may not be used, but the teaching of one God eternally existing in loving unity of three equally divine Persons, is seen throughout Scripture. 
 
Does it really matter that we believe in a triune God?  The triunity (trinity) is necessary because only the sacrifice of a perfect being, the divine Son of God, the Lord Jesus, could pay for our sin.  The triunity is necessary because only the Perfect Divine Spirit could indwell each of us.  And God the Father Himself must be distinct to execute such a plan.  In the announcement section of this epistle, I will provide some Scriptures that you can check out that support the belief that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are spoken to have divine qualities and to be equal with God, the Father.  
 
What we believe matters and that is why our present sermon series, “True North” is more than simply exploring the EFCA’S statement of faith, it is to be our fixed reference point as we navigate this life in such a changing world.  We will take the next two Sundays looking at what we believe about the Bible.  
 
Also, mark your calendars for a new study, “Guardrails” a video series by Andy Stanley, to begin on Sunday, February 6 at 9:00.  
 
I remember once many years ago, traveling down a steep and winding road when I hit a patch of ice, lost control of my car and although I never actually hit the guardrail, I was comforted knowing the guardrail was there as my car was headed straight for it.  The only thing that would have protected me from going off the edge of that steep cliff was that guardrail.  Honestly, I never really thought of the guardrails on that road until that moment and every time following that incident.  
 
“Guardrails” study will challenge us to stop flirting with disaster and establish personal guardrails.  It is a six-week class led by the adult discipleship team and is for men and women, high school age and up.  What a great way to start your Sunday morning before attending worship! 
 
Meeting together on Sunday mornings continues to be the highlight of my week.  I love seeing you and being with you each week.  I also love praying with you.  There is something absolutely beautiful about being in the same room with you talking with our Father in heaven about His church, this community, and the needs we have as His children.  So, don’t forget “Prayer 30” on January 20 from 7:00-7:30PM in the gym building.  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

The Message
1 John 1

Link to This Sunday Worship Service

 

Bible references on the Triunity of God

Divine qualities and functions ascribed to Jesus
  Matthew 10:37; Mark 2:5-7; John 1:1; 5:18; 5:18; 8:54-59; 20:28; Romans 9:5; 
Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 John 5:20.
 
Divine qualities and functions ascribed to the Holy Spirit
  Genesis 1:2; Mark 3:29; John 15:26; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Hebrews 9:14. Also, the Holy Spirit is set alongside God the Father and God the Son in a way that assumes their equality: Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2.

Sanctity of Human Life

This Sunday in your bulletin is a flyer entitled “The Miracle of Creation” from the Aspire Women’s Center telling of what they offer to the Lakes Region.  This is a wonderful follow-up to Pastor’s message last week on Psalm 139.  Be sure to pick up a bulletin.

Prayer 30

The next Prayer 30 will be on Thursday, January 20th from 7:00 -7:30 in the gym.  Mark your calendars.

Cancellation Procedure For Sunday Mornings

In the event of bad weather that would potentially impact services, the following will be taken into consideration: the current weather in Laconia, timing of the weather event, and whether roads, walkways, parking areas will be cleared.  A decision will be made by 7:30 am to cancel one or bother of our services. EBC will notify of cancellation using the following: WMUR TV*, Church website news feed www.laconiachurch.com, Email (weekly epistle list), and EBC private and public Facebook pages. *(If 1stservice is cancelled, it will say “No Early Services”, if both services cancelled, it will say “No Sunday Services” on WMUR)

Giving and Online Giving

There is the option of online giving.  Go to the website (laconiachurch.com) and click on “give” and proceed from there.  If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 524-2277 or office@ebclaconia.com.