Happy Monday to all! In Genesis 45, as Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, we again recognized that God is in control and His purposes will prevail. Even though Joseph’s brothers had wronged him and sold him as a slave in Egypt, God’s purposes were to get Joseph to Egypt to use him to save many lives and preserve Jacob’s family through whom the world’s Redeemer and Savior would be born. God was working in this situation to bring about His purposes. “History is His story.” I know that is an old cliché but believe it is one of the truest ever said. Is someone pulling the strings to bring their plans and purposes to completion? Yes! Almighty God is working to bring restoration and redemption to fallen humanity and His created world. Derik Kidner reminds us that God’s will, not man’s, is the controlling reality of life! God is in control. We believe that His children will not be forsaken, as Twila Paris sings. Understanding God’s sovereign control enables believers to truly forgive evil done to them. Understanding God’s sovereign control helps us see His working to bless us through human officials and governments. Understanding God’s sovereign control opens our eyes to see many miracles through the ordinary events of life. God works His redemptive purposes even through the sinful and evil actions of people.
We will observe the Lord’ Supper during our morning worship next Sunday, August 16. Remember for the rest of August, on August 16, 23 and 30, we will meet for worship during our normal Sunday School time at 9:30 AM. Next Sunday August 16, during our normal 10:45 AM worship time we will meet in the sanctuary to continue to discuss some important issues facing East Madison Baptist Church. If we need more time, we can continue the discussions through August 23 and 30. If not, we will just have our regular Sunday School classes at that time. We intend to switch back to the normal Sunday School at 9:30 AM and 10:45 AM worship time again in September.
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