From the Pastor’s Desk

Sunday, August 18, 2019

This past week I was impressed by reading once again, 2nd Corinthians 3:5-8 and from that reading I want to share some thoughts. We who believe in the truthfulness of God’s Word need to be aware that does not guarantee that we will minister that truth in the Spirit of God. Ephesians 4:15 describes growth and maturity in the body of Christ as being related to our “speaking the truth in love.”

Paul in his writings warns of the danger of God’s Word being ministered literally but not life-givingly. We need not wonder if this is possible, since the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Life are the same – the Holy Spirit. Blending both will always reveal three things: 1) A faithfulness to “keep straight” … “rightly dividing the word of truth” means putting forward the truth, faithfully and forthrightly. 2) A constant presence of love, even in the most demanding declarations of correction or judgment. Urgency may attend our message and passion infuses our delivery; but anger, impatience, and irritation are not of the life-giving Spirit, however literally accurate the interpretation of the Bible or preaching thereof may be. 3) An expectation of signs to follow the preaching of God’s Word. Jesus promised this, and the early church tested its beginnings. Paul described it as normative in his ministry and the Book of Hebrews endorsed this as a part of the “so great salvation” we have been provided.

These “signs” and “wonders” not only is to verify Christ’s living presence where His gospel is preached, but also is to warn us against drifting from the new life to which we have all been called.

You are loved, Pastor Don