Brothers and sisters,
Happy Monday to all! It is always so wonderful to be with the people of God. George Linde told me last week when he could not attend our worship gathering in person that he watched the livestream, but it just was not the same. If you want to, you can listen to many powerful and Biblical preachers on the radio or internet that will help you grow in knowledge of the Word of God. Many of them are more gifted than your pastor at preaching. However, that is different from worshipping together and being physically present with God’s family. I know there are elderly, immunocompromised people, and from time to time each of us who cannot gather physically, and this is the reason we provide the livestream. However, many of those who cannot come wished they could come. We should seek to be together if possible. We need each other! I want to encourage you, if possible, to be with us physically. Rediscover the fellowship and encouragement that comes from being physically present with God’s family as we worship and study God’s Word together.
Yesterday from Romans 9 we learned again God never fails to fulfill every promise He makes. God loves the world and burdens His children with concern for others around the world and especially for their specific families and nations. We learned God sovereignly chooses which vessels to work through to bless the world. We learned God chooses to glorify Himself both through the children of promise and even those who refuse His love.And we again saw God chooses to save every person who comes to Him by faith in Jesus and rejects those who seek to earn their way to Him.
Please continue to keep Connie Boss’ sister-in-law Alice in your prayers as she is in hospice. Also, pray for Connie and the family in this situation.
During the month of September, we are taking up an offering for Minnesota/Wisconsin State Missions. There are special offering envelopes available for this offering.
Put October 29 on your calendar for “Trunk or Treat.” We will need lots of candy and plenty of help to reach out to our community on that day. We will be picking up the block party trailer, overseeing bounce houses and other fun activities, publicizing “Trunk or Treat” on Facebook and throughout our neighborhood. “Trunk or Treat” will be an “all hands-on-deck event.” Pray for God’s blessing on this outreach and for your specific part in helping.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other.
Love being your pastor,
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church