As we approach yet another wonderful Sunday, I think back on this past Sunday’s services; along with the past week. After spending a marvelous time in the sweet presence of the Lord during praise and worship, we had our first baby dedication at Eastpoint Family Church. Keagan Hays Schneider was presented and dedicated to God. As his parents offered him to the Lord, they vowed to raise him to love the Lord Jesus Christ. After which, the congregation promised to support his parents by example and through acts of service.
After introducing little Keagan to the church body, we watched a skit by our own drama ministry. The thematic message of the production involved becoming so busy by the world’s idea of Christmas, that the “actual” celebration for the holiday is forgotten and pushed off to the side. That “actual” foundation for Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ here on earth. His life, death, and resurrection ensure eternal life for those who believe in Him and have asked Him into their hearts (see “A Life-Changing Prayer” on the right side of this page). If we keep Christ first in our daily lives, then every day can be a Christmas celebration. Interesting side note, the song that went along with the skit was written by our own Mark Williams.
Our morning service sermon was entitled, “Angels Out In The Field”. The angel that appeared to the shepherds that glorious night brought a message of peace to mankind. But not peace as the world would know it, peace that can only exist in knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This is the only true peace that can thrive on earth—until Christ’s millennial reign. Again, I direct you to the right side of this page for the section titled “A Life-Changing Prayer”. Asking Jesus Christ into your heart will give you a peace that transcends all understanding—even when you don’t know why you’re going through a living nightmare, you can be content in the fact that you belong to Jesus and nothing can ever change that decree unless you allow it to. Reread Luke chapter 2 with this knowledge in your heart and mind; the words literally carry the joy and glee of God, the Father, as the angel gives the pronouncement of Christ’s birth.
On Sunday evening we enjoyed another magnificent time in congregational praise and worship of the almighty God. My evening sermon continued on the subject of “Peace”. Many years ago, the countries of Argentina and Chile were on the verge of an ugly war stemming from a border dispute. Instead of going to war, both governments decided to construct a monument to forge a peaceful relationship—“Christ, the Redeemer of the Andes”. Through this symbol of peace (Jesus Christ), both peoples have kept relations civil. As we studied this further, we found that this follows true in our own lives, as well. We have to allow peace into our lives in four different areas: 1) Peace with ourselves, 2) Peace within our families, 3) Peace with others, and 4) Peace with God. The last one is the most important; without peace with God, the other three areas of peace will not survive. This peace, or reconciliation, with God occurs with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This beginning step may seem difficult to take, but the journey is well worth the effort. We followed this again on Thursday night as we concluded our study of the John Bevere book, Drawing Near. God desires to have a relationship with you. He loves you and is calling out for you to respond back to Him. Don’t let another minute go by without asking Jesus into your heart; the destination at the end of the road is an eternity spent in the presence of an infinitely-loving God. He loves you, as do I.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Claude
