Pastor John – Dec. 22

Looking Back

The people asked God, “Where is the God of justice? (Malachi 2:17). They arrogantly demanded God to account for His actions and defend Himself. God told them through Malachi, “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before Me” (3:1). His answer to their question of “Where was He?” was “Wait and you’ll see.” He’s coming. 

Zechariah expected this promise to be fulfilled. He was one of the few who kept the faith and walked with God in a trusting relationship (as did his wife Elizabeth). The angel Gabriel told Zechariah that their boy would, “…go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). And Zechariah saw his miracle son delivered, his mouth was finally opened, and he praised God unreservedly. “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun (reference from Malachi 4:2) will come to us from heaven… (Luke 1:76-78).

The God of justice came just like He said He would. He was faithful and just to forgive us from our sins (1 John 1:9). He was faithful to keep His promise and He was just to punish sins by laying them on Jesus the Son and punishing them thoroughly on the cross. The debt has been paid in full for everyone who has confessed Christ as Lord. Have you?

Looking Forward

One of our new members shared her testimony with me the other day. Her family was not a Christian one. But, one day some Christians knocked on her door… That’s where it started for Trudy Flamboe and look at her now.

Our 2020 vision is becoming more clear all the time. We are going to turn ourselves outward and become messengers of this Great News and wonderful family fellowship to people who don’t even know they need it yet. We’ve been given an abundance, and much is required of us now (Luke 12:48). 

Three things I badly need to mention to you as we get ready to enter the new year:

• Campaign 2020 isn’t over yet. Our corporate goal is to pay off the debt we owe and get ready for the next stage in this great church’s growth. More information is coming. 

• The Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions Celebration Evening is January 12. Let’s rock the Lottie! Much more information to follow.

• The business meeting for the 2020 budget was so encouraging. God is truly blessing us.

 

I’m so excited. Let’s get ready to roll in 2020. Love you guys. Pastor John

 

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