A Note from Our Pastor:

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20-21

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

As we come to the concluding verses of chapter three we also come to the closing of the Apostle’s prayer. In the preceding verse, the Apostle offers his last petition on behalf of those reading his letter. Now, he closes his prayer with a focus on one of our purposes here in this life.

Self-help books and other modern thought promotes the idea that our purpose in this life is to achieve. Whether that be in business, hobbies, or somewhere else, we are told that our life only has purpose if achievement is tangible. While there is nothing wrong with achievement often our purpose in this life should be less self-centered and far less tangible.

The scriptures make it very clear that loving our neighbor and taking care of those in need is to be our calling as a disciple of Christ. In fact, the scriptures point out that not fulfilling that purpose raises questions about the true nature of the disciple.

In this verse though, the Apostle is focused on the first part of the great commandment of the New Testament — to love God with all of our might and all of our soul. One of the purest ways we accomplish this is to give glory to God. As believers, we should give glory to God for his creation, for his providence, for his salvation, and for his hope bestowed upon us.

From day-to-day we are charged with giving glory to God as individuals, but we are also instructed by the Apostle to give glory to God as the church. Christ is the head of the church. He has made us to be part of the body and to be fit together with other believers. As such, by Christ are we able to give glory to God as the church.

In our self-centered world, the focus of going to church has all too often become about what the individual gets out of being there. Believers are focused on what they get socially, emotionally, and spiritually from going to church. However, when we follow scriptures, the focus of being in church and part of the church becomes what we give unto the Lord instead of what we receive.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah