Brothers and sisters,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday we worshipped our great God who rules completely the universe. We sang songs to Him of His greatness as He rules this universe and sang of His great grace toward us. We saw in Daniel 4 that we should not be overly depressed or overly impressed by whomever might be in power in the governments of the world at any given time because, truly, God Most High rules over the kingdoms of men and gives them to whomever he chooses. All human rulers are simply temporary but the Lord God forever reigns. He is able to bring down the proud and exalt the humble. In fact, God Most High has already exalted the One who “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” (Philippians 2:7-11, NIV). May each of us forsake all pride and follow Jesus’ example of humility daily.
Next Sunday, September 23, we have a special guest with us. Mitch Freeman, former pastor of East Madison, will be worshiping and sharing with us a few minutes about the fatherhood initiative ministry he is doing at the Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County. I am truly excited about this new ministry Mitch is leading and I think you will be also. It will also be great to have him worshiping with us. Many of you have told me how much Mitch helped you in your walk with Christ and I am sure you will want to be here if at all possible.
Remember we begin two new short-term small groups this Wednesday evening, September 19th. The ladies will begin the War Room Bible Study. The women’s small group will be held at 909 Tony Drive, Madison. The men’s study is from the Conquer Series and entitled: The Battle Plan for Purity. The men’s small group will be held at 9 Milo Lane, Madison. Both studies will starts at 7:00 PM. We will also begin October 7th a new short-term DVD Bible Study on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM for older youth and adults called “The Clash of Kingdoms.”
Remember we are taking up the Care and Share Missions offering during the month of September. This offering supports Wisconsin and Minnesota outreaches and ministries. Envelopes for this offering are on the table in the foyer.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church