Deliverance From Worry | June 17th

 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.”

   Galatians 1:3-4

  Beloved, do you find yourself worried about the world around us? The daily news and what we see happening can feel overwhelming. These concerns feel even more personal when we think about our loved ones. Every generation of believers has faced these same worries throughout church history. We wonder how we and our children will endure, and how their children will, unless the Lord returns soon.

  The promise of Christ’s return is assured, as is the sustaining power of our Lord. Let us recall our Lord’s authority over all unclean spirits He encountered. Remember that He willingly laid down His life for our sins and triumphed over sin and death.

  We are saved by grace alone, and that same grace sustains us each day. The Spirit of God continually delivers all of God’s children in every challenging era. Hell cannot overcome the faith present in the hearts of God’s people, not because our faith is strong, but because of the One in whom our faith rests. Nothing can remove us from the hand of God in any age until He returns for His own. Therefore, rest in the sustaining power of Christ.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Home Sweet Home | June 16th

“You saw the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”

  Revelation 17:18

  “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.”

    Revelation 21:2

  Beloved, we live in the city of man, but our true life and citizenship are in the city of God. Sometimes, living in this tension is hard. Our minds, bodies, and spirits feel the strain as we move through this world, yet we keep longing for the holy city.

  We live in this world yet we are not a part of it. We have momentary comfort but a nagging emptiness. We see how things constantly shift and pass like mist in the morning, and long for the permanent foundations of the city of God.

  Do not let the great city of Babylon discourage or distract you. It will soon pass away, and everything in it will be lost. Only the city of God lasts forever. There, we find real peace and lasting contentment. The Lord is in the city of God, living with His people. He has already prepared a place for us. Christ the Redeemer welcomes you and will stay with us as we journey through this world. He alone leads us to our true home, where we will live with Him and all God's people forever.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

There is Hope in Pain | June 15th

  “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

  “Follow me.”

“Lord, what about this man?”

“If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

  John 21:18-19,21-22

  Beloved, illness and the transition from this life to eternity are experiences common to all. The timing and manner of these events remain within the providence of God.

  In these moments, let us remember that such experiences do not diminish God’s grace or indicate a lack of rest in the promise of heaven. Jesus informed Peter of his impending martyrdom, prompting Peter to inquire about John’s future. Jesus responded that Peter should not be concerned with John, but rather focus on following Him. In both sickness and death, we are called to follow Christ. Our assurance lies in the sufficiency of His grace and His sustaining presence.

  Not every believer transitions peacefully into eternity. This journey may involve prolonged suffering and pain, yet such experiences do not signify exclusion from the Father’s table. Sickness is not evidence of God’s displeasure. Although we cannot determine the nature of our trials or the manner of our departure from this life, we can place our trust in God throughout every circumstance.

  Paul discovered the sufficiency of God’s grace through the persistent affliction he described as a thorn in his flesh. Consequently, he took pride in his weakness, allowing the power of God to be more clearly revealed. Heaven is a reality, and our Lord awaits our arrival, regardless of the manner in which we cross from this life to the promised shore.

 Until then, let us follow Christ in all seasons, knowing that He has gone ahead to prepare a blessing for us with Him.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight