Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! It was wonderful to worship with God’s people and share in taking the Lord’s Supper together. It reminds us that we are one body in Christ because of the sacrifice of Jesus. We belong to him and each other. The message from Genesis 23 reminded us that the promises of God are not exhausted in this lifetime. Sarah, Abraham’s wife died and Abraham mourned for her. Abraham needed a burial site for Sarah and his family. Since God had promised his descendants the land, Abraham wanted a family burial plot in the land of Canaan to bury Sarah. It was an act of faith to buy land to bury Sarah. The passage taught us that God’s people will suffer loss before receiving the fulness of God’s promises. However, we also saw that God’s people act in faith believing God will completely fulfill every promise, evidenced by the fact that Abraham bought this burial plot in Canaan. In Abraham’s buying this land we see an act of faith that teaches us that God’s promises are not exhausted in this lifetime.
Here is a link to the worship song I mentioned in the message. The song, “Is He Worthy?’ is by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive. It is a favorite of mine these days. https://youtu.be/OIahc83Kvp4
Next 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. I hope you plan to join us for this wonderful time of thanksgiving.
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