The Weekly Epistle 9/30/20

“The salvation of a single soul is more important than the production or preservation of all the epics and tragedies in the world,” C.S. Lewis said.  What I like about these words is that it places the emphasis on people over any political and economic issues.  
 
It is that time of year and it happens every four years, that I “feel the pressure” or the expectations of some to speak authoritatively on political issues.  Frankly, I am not oriented in that way.  But more than that, my main task as your pastor is to help the church be the church.  This is not suggesting that it is wrong for Christians to be politically active and to influence the laws of the land.  But I am not called to that.  Some pastors might feel differently.
 
Wherever you may land on this, and we may have to agree to disagree, I think we can be unified in our passion for the church to be spiritually minded and countercultural in whatever America becomes.  “What does it profit a person,” Jesus said, “If he gains the whole world and yet forfeits his own soul.”  The greatest impact we can have is an intentional penetrating voice into the souls of men and women who desperately need Jesus!  Agree?
 
We need to know the issues, stay informed, be in the world but not of the world, yet keep the main thing, the main thing- make disciples who make disciples.  That task never changes.  That call to us as a church focuses on eternal, not temporal things.  
 
The gathering this past Saturday and throughout the 10 days of prayer was a good reminder of unity of purpose as several churches from various denominations came together to plead with God to awaken the church and hear the cries of repentance for our city and land.  May that continue to be our prayer!  
 
One of my prayers around our time in our new sermons series in 1 John is that we are awakened to the enjoyment of fellowship with Jesus and with each other.  A life experienced is a life shared.  We will build on that thought from last week’s opening verses as we seek to live lives that are real, authentic, genuine.  If you have been following the reading plan for reading through the entire Bible you should now be reading through 1 John.  I would encourage all of you to read through 1 John in its entirety each week from now until we wrap up our study in January.  Will you take the challenge?
 
I would also challenge you to attend the network workshop that I will lead here at the church on November 7 & 14 from 9:00-noon.  Network is committed to helping you find the right fit for serving the Lord.  At EBC, we want the right people in the right places.  Do you know how your passions, personality style and spiritual gifts can have the greatest impact for the Kingdom?  Sign-ups begin this Sunday.  Stop by at the ministry counter to pick up your workbook and get started on what just might be a real difference maker in your life.  
 
You can impact lives for Christ for all of eternity!  Keep the main thing, the main thing, church!
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian