The Weekly Epistle 1/19/21

Have you ever noticed that your gas gauge on your car stays on “Full” for a while even before the needle moves?  Have you noticed how quickly it then moves as it moves toward “Empty”?  Have you noticed how it sort of stays on empty for a bit until that warning light comes on?  
 
From what I have read, the engineers have calibrated them to do that because the customer doesn’t want to see the needle depart too quickly from “F.”  It gives them the illusion that they are getting better gas mileage.  The customer also doesn’t want to run out of fuel as soon as they hit “E.”  They feel better about having some reserve of gasoline even when they hit empty, but not too much reserve so that they run out.  Terry Shea, writing for AOL Autos says this, “Apparently, there is this sweet spot where customers are happy to be fooled by their gas gauges, but not too much.  We customers are a fickle bunch.”
 
We customers are a fickle bunch!  That can be true for churchgoers as well.  And sadly, some pastors and teachers have re-engineered the gospel and succumbed to the pressure to accommodate “the customer.”  Do you have a “sweet spot” where you are willing to accept a lie and tolerate a little compromise in your life? 
 
Andy Stanley’s video series addresses the need for guardrails in our lives to protect us from going off the edge.  On February 6, the adult discipleship team will be leading a 5-week study for men and women, high school age and up.  It will be from 9:00-10:00 on Sunday mornings in the fellowship hall.  I would encourage you to add this to your Sunday morning routine for 5 weeks.  
 
Also, the adult discipleship team is hosting a breakfast for men and women on Saturday, February 19 @ 8:00.  Pancakes, meat, eggs, and drinks will be provided.  Please sign-up so we know how many to plan for and for what you can bring (pastries, fruit, etc).  
 
Don’t forget about “prayer 30” tomorrow night (Thursday) from 7:00-7:30 in the gym building.  The focus of our prayer will be taken from 1 Timothy 2:1-5.  
 
We continue in our sermon series this Sunday on True North- beliefs that define who we are.  In a world of relativism and theological compromise, we must embrace the uncompromising truths of the Word of God.  It is knowing what we believe that keeps us from being fooled.  Let’s not be a fickle bunch, but lovers of the truth.  May God’s Word fill your life with everything you need this week!  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian