Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday, we worshiped our God as the loving creator, sustainer, and redeemer of the universe. Then from Genesis 21, we thought about the peace treaty between Abraham and Abimelech. We see that God wants His children to seek to live in peace with those around them. Believers are to seek to make that happen. We are to be peacemakers! Oftentimes today, though, we, by wrong attitudes, hypocrisy, harsh words, and hatefulness, are people who destroy peace. By not being people who display the fruit of God’s Spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control-we create conflict. We heed to heed the words of Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Yes, we must speak the truth, but speak it with gentleness, respect, and love. Those who disagree with us morally or politically are not to be seen as unreasonable enemies, but as human being created in the image of God that need Christ. We are to love them and, in gentleness and respect, relate to them. Christians are not to live in hostility to those who disagree with us, even if they live in hostility to us. Believers need to push for gentleness, reasonableness, and peace. As God grants that to us, we need to thank and worship our eternal God who brings this about.God works among His people to seek peaceful existence with others.
Sunday evening, November 16, at 6:00 PM is our annual EMBC Thanksgiving celebration. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the foyer for the food needed for this celebration.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens our brothers and sisters in Christ might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church