The Weekly Epistle 4/21/21

“Courage is knowing what not to fear” is a quote attributed to Plato. I would lean more towards saying that wisdom is knowing what not to fear. In Psalm 37, David wrote what is categorized as a wisdom psalm in response to fear of evil and violent people. His first piece of advice was simply to not fear them. Why not? Well for starters, wicked people will “fade like the grass”, which calls to mind the mortality of the wicked (verse 2). That bit of wisdom may help someone to hold on until the bad people have moved on; but it isn’t exactly encouraging for life in the moment. 

In verses 3-8 David continued to list several ways those living in the presence of God are free to live in response to fear; he says “Trust in the Lord and do gooddwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture, delight yourself in the Lord, commit your way to the Lord, be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act, refrain from anger, forsake wrathand twice he says to fret not yourself.” This call to be active in life may seem impossible to someone paralyzed by fear of danger, in fact it’s the exact opposite of their desire to hide away. However, it’s only by trust exemplified in both action and solitude that God’s goodness will become apparent in fearful situations. 

For those who are in Christ, they have been given strength by the Holy Spirit to carry out their calling in the face of fear because of the living and lasting hope that has so graciously been given to them in Jesus Christ. While the plans and actions of evil people can appear unimpeded, it’s important to remember David’s temporal perspective but also his eternal encouragement of God’s faithfulness when he says “the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble (verse 39)”. 
Peter later reminded us of this when he wrote “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”(1 Peter 4:19). We can know that evil and violent people are not to be feared because though they may harm the body they cannot harm the soul. For those in Christ their souls and eternal security are untouchable from evil schemes. This promise frees us to live abundant lives; therefore, let this piece of wisdom be an encouragement, we know what not to fear. 
Thanks to Adam Hayes for this great reminder!  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

Why?
Habakkuk 1 – 2:1

Link to This Sunday Worship Service

 

New Sermon Series

“Wise Up!”
Book of Proverbs
Coming in June

Communion

We will be celebrating communion this Sunday. If you are worshipping with us from home, please be prepared to celebrate with us.

Office Hours Next Week

Pastor Brian will be out of the office from 4/22-5/3
Due to school vacation, the office administrator will be out of the office next week. You may contact the office during the week by email Corianne at corianne@ebclaconia.com

Church Picnic

Our annual Church Picnic and Baptism is scheduled for Saturday August 28th.
We look forward to coming together for a time fellowship and celebration. 
Mark your calendars!

On Goal Soccer Camp

June 22nd – June 26th
Register today at www.ongoal.org
K-1st 9am-Noon $145 / 2nd-9th 9am-3pm $165
Family discounts and Laconia resident discounts are also available. 
Visit www.laconiachurch.com/ongoal to volunteer or donate to the scholarship fund. 
We already have donation requests coming in.

EBC Kids

EBC Kids is back up and running. Nursery – Grade 5 is provided during second service. If you would like to volunteer to serve in this ministry, please contact Victoria Mansfield at victoriayasharianmansfield@gmail.com

Prayer and Praise

If you have any prayer requests or needs, please email Corianne at: corianne@ebclaconia.com