Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! We had a wonderful day of worship yesterday as we sang about the Lord being our Rock and our Redeemer who holds us fast. I want to thank David and Annette for leading in worship while Pete was away. We have wonderful people who serve week to week and step up when there is a need. Yesterday we thought from John 14 how those who believe are never alone. The Holy Spirit of God is forever with them. He lives in the bodies of every believer and is especially present when we gather together. Those who believe in Jesus have a Helper, a Guide, a Comforter, a Teacher, an Empowerer with them forever. The Holy Spirit is not some impersonal force but the very presence of Jesus with those who believe in Jesus. The Holy Spirit teaches everything we need to live for Jesus and provides right now the peace of Jesus to those who believe. We are not orphans. God our Father is present with us. God the Son is present with us. What a friend we have in Jesus! God the Holy Spirit lives in us and will be with us forever. God’s Holy Spirit Himself guides the people of God in carrying Jesus’ forgiveness and life to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit makes our bodies His home until the day when we are in the physical presence of Jesus Himself in the home of God the Father.
We apologize for not being able to livestream yesterday’s worship service. Here is a direct link to the recorded service: https://youtu.be/iWYImLSeprE. Also, here is a link to our YouTube channel where you can find recordings of past worship services: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3rJ-oFvSS-9W-iWf6Wcvnw.
We will be observing the Lord’ Supper in our morning worship gathering next Sunday, September 26.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other.
Love being your pastor,
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church