Normal
"Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
I like Paul. Admire him. Learn from him.
I like his attitude. After some pretty miserable weeks on the 1st missionary journey, after a series of physically and emotionally abusive events, he is philosophical. "It's the way things will be'" he tells others. Problems are a predictable part of our loyalty to Christ and the world's hatred toward God. Many tribulations. One after another. Through them, despite them, by the grace of God, we make progress toward (entrance into) the kingdom! Paul doesn't complain. He isn't even surprised. Just keeps going.
People say to me, "Pastor, I can hardly wait until things get back to normal." Sometimes they mean COVID. Sometimes they mean the deep divides in our nation. I don't say it. Maybe, I should. From the wide perspective of history, our present situation IS NORMAL!
Wars and rumors of war. Illness and setbacks. Joys and victories. Life is a strange mix, isn't it? Even so, life as it comes is our ONLY opportunity to serve Christ. We can't wait for a better day to come. We don't need perfect circumstances who have a perfect Savior.
I am proud of Hunters Glen Baptist Church! Proud of the people and the staff team and the leaders. For all the struggles of recent days, I have seen a consistently resilient joy and hope in your hearts. We are making progress! It is joy to watch!
Wednesday we will study Matthew 8. Sunday we will study Joshua 7, the story of Achan. I hope you will seek the Lord as you read.
We will meet for ALL CHURCH PRAYER on 1/26. (The second session is Sunday 1/30.) For a God as large as He is to hear us when we cry out to Him may be the biggest miracle of all! It is, no question, the biggest grace. I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING THAT WILL PREPARE US FOR A NEW PASTOR BETTER THAN PRAYER.
These are good days. Hard and good days.
Hope to see you on Sunday. Looks like it is going to be an abnormally good day.
Don Guthrie
Interim Pastor
To reply to this message, email .)