Bulletin Thought - October 2016

October 2, 2016

Bulletin Thought

A Thought from Pastor Bryson,

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

(Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV)

As we gather for another day of worship and sharing of Communion, I would hope that we gather with hearts full of gratitude and love toward our Savior Jesus Christ. We of all people should be full of praise and thanksgiving, and love.

“If” we are growing spiritually we can’t help but keep in mind what God has done for us and at what price. This is not a memory that should come to us on Sunday’s only, but in reality we are to live our lives daily filled with gratitude and love towards our Savior. He died for us; He shed His blood for us; our sins are forgiven; we’ve been declared not guilty and we have the assurance of living with Him in eternity.

“If” we have a relationship with Him, our lives have been changed and are changing; our hearts have been made new; our thinking, our behavior, and the words we speak should be a reflection of our being in relationship with Him.

There is no question that we live in challenging times, but if we’re growing spiritually we are aware that challenging times will always be present because we live in a fallen world; there are many people not yet saved; we are engaged in spiritual warfare. I’m convinced that many of the problems we face today are a result of not being in relationship with Jesus as Savior. Keep in mind that saying we know Him is different from living like we know Him. The evidence of knowing Him, of being in relationship with Him will show up in our attitudes and lifestyles.

“If” we are growing spiritually we will remember that the early Christians suffered much because of their faith, but they remained committed to living a life that would honor their Savior. In the midst of their challenges their lives was characterized by joy, patience, love, and hope. They “knew” what the Lord had done for them; they “knew” that they had the victory; they “knew” He was always present with them.

They never forgot that they had been delivered from the power of darkness and were citizens of a new kingdom. They constantly lived striving to please Him. Lord, help us to do the same.