The Weekly Epistle 8/25/21

As the old camp song put it, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”  Who will know?  The world!  How will they know we are Christians?  By our love!  How are we doing?  That camp song was taken directly from John 13:35.  
 
I am concerned that what the world is seeing is a lot of anger from those who profess the name of Jesus.  I am equally concerned that the issues of the day are dividing believers, rather than uniting us.  
 
During the beginning of the pandemic, I came across an article that was entitled, “Church, don’t let the Coronavirus divide you.”  At first pass, that sounds rather ridiculous.  But the enemy of the church is using it.  And quite frankly, we are giving the evil one plenty to work with.  
 
Back when I was doing “Wednesdays in the Word” I shared some thoughts around Romans 14.  It would be helpful if we revisited Romans 14.  I would encourage you to read the entire chapter in one sitting for yourself and read it slowly.  Here the principles I pulled out that I want to reiterate.
 
1.  All of us ultimately are judged by God (verse 1).
2.  Don’t take the place of the Lord in someone else’s life (verses 4-5).
3.  We are to live for the Lord (verses 6-7).
4.  When you judge you are usurping God’s role as judge (verse 10)
5.  We all must give an account to God (verse 12).
6.  Because of love, I must choose the course of action that best builds up the church (13-19). 
7.  Everything that does not come from faith is sin (23).
 
Paul’s words in Romans 14 are addressing matters of ethics on which Christians differ.  On disputable matters of application, we are to be convinced ourselves but allow others to decide as unto the Lord what is right for them.  As it relates to certain issues, one person may have more freedom to exercise his or her faith than the other.  It isn’t fair to assume that you are walking by faith, and others that believe differently than you are walking in fear.  Or that you are walking in love and others who feel differently than you are unconcerned for the well-being of others.  
 
Church, hold to your convictions.  But hold to those convictions in love.  Don’t judge!  Don’t look down upon others.  As Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  And verse 19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”  
 
Let’s make every effort, church, as we gather as brothers and sisters in Christ to contribute to a safe haven that we all need from the storms around us.  Let’s do our part to provide that safe place where we can break from the chaos in the world.  Church, in this time, we need each other more than ever.  
 
Blessings, Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

Two Great Tests
Proverbs

Link to This Sunday Worship Service

 

Business Meeting

The annual business meeting will be tomorrow August 26th at 7pm in the church sanctuary.The annual business meeting will be Thursday, August 26th at 7pm in the church sanctuary.

Church Picnic

This Saturday is our annual Church Picnic and Baptism at Ellacoya from 10 -4.  The forecast is for possible scattered showers, but we will enjoy it rain or shine and it is forecasted to be cooler.  There is the pavilion one could get under if the showers do occur.

EBC Kids Ministry

Ebc Kids is looking for people who are passionate about Jesus and love working with kids, to serve as preschool / kindergarten teachers. If interested, please contact Victoria Mansfield for more details.  email: victoriayasharianmansfield@gmail.com or phone 603-717-8784

At the present time there is no nursery during 1st service due to lack of workers to care for the children.

Community Prayer Gathering

There will be a community wide prayer meeting on the lawn of the Laconia High School on Sunday, September 5th at 1PM.  Join local churches as we cover our staff, students, teachers and the city and towns in prayer as the new school year begins.

Next Prayer 30

The next prayer 30 will be Wednesday, September 8th at 7 PM in the gym parking lot.

OWLS

Save the date of September 11th.  We will resume getting together and on this date we will be blessed with Rob and Patsy Tacker entertaining us.  Those who heard them over a year ago really enjoyed it so plan to join us.  Further details will follow.

Hospitality Training

The hospitality team training will be in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, September 25th from 8:30 – 10:00.  Breakfast will be served.

New Sermon Series

Coming in September “Faith in Action” from book of James.