Brothers and sisters,
Happy Tuesday to all! The worship team of two lead us in a wonderful time of worship and taught us a new song based on the Nicene Creed. Thank you, Pete and Damon! However, even though the two of you did an excellent job leading, we did miss all you other guys and gals on our creative worship team! We are truly blessed by God for every member of our team and should not take them for granted.
As we looked at Matthew 16:1-12, we thought about the timeless truth to not allow our position, status, privilege or love of any sin to keep us from the love of Jesus. We thought about the danger of raising questions just to question and seeking evidence that we do not intend to act on if we find that evidence, like the Pharisees and Sadducees did at the time of Christ. They kept asking for signs but denied the miraculous signs and irrefutable teaching of Jesus that were right in front of their eyes. It was not the lack of evidence that kept them from believing. It was their own unwillingness to let go of their position, their status, their privilege, and their sins that kept them from believing. If anything keeps you from knowing, experiencing, and living in the love of Jesus, you have traded your soul for some worthless scrap!
The ladies will begin the second half of their study of Philippians on Wednesday evening, September 25. If you have any questions, contact Carla.
We will be starting a membership class this Sunday, September 8. This class is designed to help understand what church membership at East Madison is about. It will last four to five weeks and be held during our Bible Study times on Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. Adults and older youth are invited to join us. The class is for those new to East Madison or those who simply want to explore what we are all about. I will be teaching the class so feel free to contact me with any question about the class. Some have informed me of their interest, but, even if you haven’t, you can just show up. We will meet in the classroom down by the restrooms.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church