Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday as we worshipped, we learned how blessed we are! Doug Plank reminded of this in a song he wrote that we used yesterday, “Blessed is the One.”
Blessed is the one whose sins are overcome
Whom God has sheltered deep within His grace
Blessed is the one who trusts in God the Son
His steadfast love the sinner’s hiding place
I will always hide at my Savior’s side
I find my refuge in His sovereign care
When the waters rise, God will hear my cries
His steadfast love will hold me safely there.
Jesus, Your blood covers all my sin
Jesus, Your love draws my heart to sing
What a Savior, Jesus!
We can continually thank God for our Savior Jesus. Then from Mark 12, we looked at those who were trying to trick and trap Jesus. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy. But one of their group was open to Jesus and truth. From this passage, we found we could ask ourselves a few questions about our lives. Do we simply want to hang with people who think exactly like us and reinforce our opinions? Or do we seek Jesus in truth and want to truly know Him and truth? Do we come to Jesus seeking for Him to reinforce our false political or religious preconceptions? Jesus will not be cornered by any political faction or bamboozled by false religious ideas. Do we want to trap Jesus, or do we want to know Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Do we want to find the love, purpose, and meaning in life found only in Jesus? Jesus’s enemies were seeking to judge and trap Jesus with these trick questions, but they found Jesus will be the One judging them. The scribe who was open to Jesus found commendation and encouragement from Him, as will all who seeking Him then and now. Jesus wants us to be like this scribe open to His love and truth. Jesus will be open to any who approach Him seeking truth.
I wanted to thank all who helped in any way with the “Trunk or Treat” outreach to our community. We had a steady stream of families during the whole time of the “Trunk or Treat.” I know Carla and I had a few very meaningful interactions with people who came. It was a family effort of the EMBC family, and it was wonderful!
Next Sunday, November 5, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper during morning worship. Also remember to change your clock and “fall back” as that day is also the end of daily savings time.
East Madison Thanksgiving celebration will be November 12 at 5:30 PM in less than two weeks! There is a sign-up list for the foods we will need on the table in the foyer.
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