A weekly look back and look forward from Pastor Wayne
Looking Back: If you had the privilege of joining us this past Sunday you may recall diving into 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a we were introduced to the “nature of love.” I trust you remember the focus was not on what we “need to do,” rather on what Christ has done and how His Life can be lived through us. We discovered that the characteristics of love are those of Jesus. Jesus is love personified. Thus, we were reminded that Jesus love is patient and kind, it is goodness, and it never fails. As I said last Sunday, “we fail, but not Jesus’ love.” My prayer is that what we learned last Sunday will remain a great encouragement. May your eyes be fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfector of our faith.”
Looking Ahead:
From the “nature of love” we move this Sunday toward the “necessity of love.” We will finish out 1 Corinthians 13 with a look at verses 8b-13. The bottom line of these verses is that gifts will cease but what remains…faith, hope, and love! My goal is to express what remains this way – faith in Jesus Christ, hope in Christ, and the love of Christ. Everything else fades away, but not Jesus! As the text puts it, “love remains.” As you prepare to join us this coming Sunday, prepare by renewing your own relationship with Jesus. In renewing your relationship, verse 9 reminds us that “we know in part, and we prophesy in part.” In the in-between, that is the time between Christ’s first coming and His second coming, all we have, and all we know, is “in part.” In other words, it is a fraction of what we will know when we see Jesus “face to face.” “What is in part” will disappear and we shall know even as we are known! And as that glorious revelation is made known to us, what remains – faith, hope, and love! Join us this Sunday as we are renewed in a call to surrender, to focus on Jesus, and to enjoy Him forever! I trust you are ready, waiting, and wondering! See you in person!
Looking Beyond: Sunday, November 23 will be a special Thanksgiving Service. Come ready to share your “Thanks.” The message will be from Ephesians 1:16-23. November 30 begins Advent with a series from Ruth!