August 17, 2021
Dear church family,
“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”
2 Timothy 2:8-10
It would be reasonable to expect Paul to become despondent and pessimistic. The message that he proclaimed – concerning Jesus, who as to his human nature was a descendent of David, who died, and who rose again – has seen him end up in prison, being treated as though he was a criminal. He is suffering for the gospel to a far greater extent than any of us ever has or likely ever will. And yet his tone is far from despondent or pessimistic. Why is that? Because “God’s word is not chained”. The great apostle and proclaimer of the word may be chained but the word is never chained. What a wonderful truth and promise! It is the kind of truth that motivates Paul to endure, not only what he is experiencing as he writes to Timothy, but “everything” so that those whom God has already chosen might experience “salvation” and “eternal glory”. What an encouragement and challenge!
The times that we are currently living in may bring discouragement for many of us. We have seen a variety of freedoms and privileges removed. We are unable to carry out church and ministry in the same way. We have seen our contact with others in our community limited. I need to hear, accept, and meditate upon Paul’s words for myself – “But God’s word is not chained”. Here are a few ways in which I have seen this in evidence over the past week …
- Last week I received a message from one of our mission partners who, along with others in his country of service, is facing much uncertainty. In the midst of everything he is experiencing he wrote, “Thank God that I have seen his kindness in the way he has led us to this point”. What a wonderful testimony! “God’s word is not chained”.
- Last Wednesday we had a gathering of our Fellowship of Congregational Churches pastors via Zoom. Sometimes our gatherings have been disappointing as attendance has been fairly small. On this occasion, and because the current circumstances required that we meet online, we had a very encouraging number attend, including two pastors from Queensland, one from Tasmania, and another from the Hunter region. “God’s word is not chained”.
- Last Friday night we had a girl join us online for Youth. Along with many of you, I have been praying for this little group to grow, but we have not had any visitors since we commenced almost two years ago. Until now! “God’s word is not chained”.
- On Sunday night we had the privilege of hearing Ruth share about her life and faith. She shared of how she continues to cling to God’s promises, such as Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”. Truths like this have sustained her for over 50 years. “God’s word is not chained”.
In what ways have you seen this truth in evidence for you personally?
James (on behalf of the elders)