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