Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday as we worshiped, we focused on the wonderful grace and mercy of God. As we looked in Romans 7, we learned that we died to seeking God through law and rule keeping and became free to serve God in the resurrected life of the Spirit. We learned that the purpose of the law was to make us aware of the sinful nature that resides in every human being from which we need to be delivered. We learned another purpose of the law was to help us see the dehumanizing, destructive and deadly nature of sin. We learned that the law tells us what to do, but never give us the power to do right and good. We learned that all of us do not need more laws, but someone to deliver us from ourselves and our sin. Paul cried out when he saw his own sin and the need for a deliver, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Then Paul answered his own question by saying, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” We have a Deliverer, a Rescuer, a Savior, and His name is Jesus! We do not have to depend on our own willpower and determination to overcome sin. These will not help. We can depend on the power and presence of Jesus through His Spirit who lives in us. The Holy Spirit can deliver us day by day by day for those temptations and sin that we will face.
We hope to worship next Sunday in our parking lot if the weather is cooperative.
Continue to pray for Alice, Connie Boss’ sister-in-law, who is being treated for pancreatic cancer. Her first round of treatment did not shrink the tumors, so she has started a different and stronger chemo.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other.
Love being your pastor,
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church