Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all and Happy New Year! We gathered yesterday and joyfully praised our great God and Savior. From Mark 14, we learned people ultimately will either adore Jesus in worship or reject His gift of salvation in disdain. No one can remain neutral about Jesus forever. As individuals listen to His Word and learn increasingly of the gift of salvation offered to them, they will respond in two ways. They will either come to receive, embrace, and grow in His undeserved love and grace. Or they will respond by rejecting or simply ignoring His grace, thinking they do not want or need Him. If they reject Jesus, then they will ultimately grow in hostility to Jesus. Will be you like the religious leaders and Judas Iscariot and have open or secret disdain for Jesus and the need for forgiveness and salvation through His blood, His cross, and His resurrection? Or will you, like Mary of Bethany, respond to His love by receiving, believing, and then seeking to lavishly love and worship Jesus? Which choice will yours?
We will observe the Lord’s Supper during our worship gathering next Sunday, January 14, 2024.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. I was reminded again yesterday, when someone shared a prayer concern with me, that 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