PASTOR’S NOTES
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
In this week’s scripture, Paul points out for us all the good in the Good News! From a man who is in prison, Paul speaks of peace, reconciliation, and family. Paul knows that he has been given more than he has lost. I believe that it is important for all of us to see that the Good News gives us good things! Not only is what Christ accomplished on the Cross what leads us to forgiveness and glory, but the Good News is what also leads us to real family. The Good News leads to a peace that passes understanding in a world that tries to steal it with every twist and turn in life. What Christ has and continues to do for those who place their trust in Him exceeds any promise or gift the world offers. In Christ, we have true acceptance and fulfillment!
Life is hard, and it’s easy to see only the bad when you are in the worldly prisons of this life. Even if you are a Christian, it’s challenging to see God’s goodness during hard times, let alone serious suffering or loss. Each and every one of us has stories that are unique to the challenges and sufferings we experience. However, remember that the “Good News is always greater!”
What applied to Paul’s life, applies to ours today! Whatever you have lost, God has given you in Christ. Whatever you have sacrificed or abandoned, God promises to fill with even greater fulfillment in Him as you trust Him to fill those gaps. Whatever is joyful is your life, the Good News rises above and makes that which was good even greater!
Christ is enough! He is sufficient! The Gospel gives us strength to abandon our ourselves, and trust Him completely. We are citizens of a greater place- a heavenly place- and that should transform how we live, how we love, and how we worship our Creator God.
Thank you Lord this world is not our home!
SCRIPTURE TO GO ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE
Read Romans 12:10-13 & Matthew 12:49-50
HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR BIBLE
Highlight verses 2:19-22 in Ephesians this week
