Mid-Week Encouragement January 31st, 2024
One of the things I often think of when reading scripture is the duality of it. Not that it means two different things; rather, the word itself can be a blessing to one and a curse to another, yet it is the same word. It's like a beach-goer and a farmer reading the news of the coming rain. The farmer in desperate need of rain for his fields is filled with joy. The beach-goer, hearing the very same news, feels sorrow and disappointment.
Reading the Living Word of God, we too can experience this. We can read and become joyful, while another may read the same verses and find themselves in despair. Take, for instance, Revelation 21.
Revelation 21:1-8
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain. The first things passed away.”
5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” 6 Then He said to me, “They are done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7 He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. 8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
To those who belong to the Lord, this is beautiful. However, if you have stored your treasures on earth, they will be destroyed forever. God will dwell among us and there will be no more pain, sorrow, sadness, sickness, no more death, but it is reserved for those who belong to the Kingdom.
He who overcomes (those who run the race until the end 2 Timothy 4:7) will inherit these things, and "I will be his God and he will be My son."
For the rest, the second death in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.
We need to remind ourselves of our commitment to the Lord to run the race until the finish, share the gospel during our run to free others, and be aware of our brothers and sisters so that we may return them to the flock if they stray.
James 5:19-20
"My brothers, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."
SERMON FROM LAST SUNDAY
NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON
Serving the Body of Christ
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We have four baptisms scheduled in February! Praise God for their decision for Christ and their desire to be baptized, letting the world know that Christ is at work in them and in their lives!
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
With Hebrew Scholar Chad Bird from 1517, a nonprofit organization that exists to declare and defend the Good News that you are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone.
OTHER NOTES
Pastor Bruce's latest book on faith, Drowning in Milk: A Guide to Spiritual Growth, is available at the church, along with his other books, Heaven & Hell and The Minister's Manual, on the vestibule table just outside the sanctuary. All of his books are also available on Amazon.
Our new online giving system makes supporting our church easy. The new system allows you to give a one-time, weekly, or monthly donation of any amount. See for yourself at https://www.ps127.org/tithes-offerings. Please support our ministry by giving.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Kari Sidel
BIRTHDAYS
1/10 Mike Baker
If you need anything added, such as an announcement, birthday or anniversary, or prayer request, send it by email to Contact@PS127.org.
