PASTORAL LETTER – August 27
Dear Friends,
In these days of uncertainty it seems more than ever we are needing to remind ourselves of things that are certain and will never change. The Apostle Paul focuses on the reality of the resurrection and the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ and makes it clear to us that this matter is of first importance.
In 1 Corinthians 15:58 he writes these words of encouragement, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding (excelling) in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain.”
We know for certain that following Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, He was resurrected from the grave on the third day and ascended to the right hand of His Father in Heaven. Therefore we know that in Christ Jesus, death is not going to get the last word in the believer’s life. The coming resurrection is meant to strengthen and help believers to continue doing His work while here on earth.
Whilst we face discouragements at times, Paul tells us that this truth makes us immoveable, meaning that we don’t lose our balance and get knocked down or blown off course. As elders, we are mindful of the daily challenges many people face at this time. When the winds of trials and difficulty, sickness, financial pressure, and strife buffet us, it’s so important that we don’t lose heart and veer off course. We need to remember who our God is and seek Him for strength and grace to enable us to stand firm in the certain hope that we belong to Him forever because of Jesus.
We are called to be resolute about what is true, reliable and eternal. The Biblical truth is that Jesus has ultimate authority over everything and our confidence in Him is to be unshakeable. May the Lord make us immoveable and help us to fix our eyes on Jesus and live out life, in the great hope of the resurrection day when Jesus comes again.
Let us encourage one another to be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, by joining together as part of our Sunday morning worship on Zoom. If you’ve not joined with us for a while, we’d love to see you and share in fellowship together as a church family. At the end of this time we have the opportunity to spend some time catching up with one another in smaller breakout groups.
Please note, for our Sunday Zoom gatherings, we now have the capability to include those who do not have Internet access. Although it will only offer an audio and not a visual experience, we hope this might be helpful to better facilitate connecting for those in this situation. Please refer to the letter with instructions to join us in this way.
While these are difficult days, remember that God sits on His throne in heaven and His rule will know no end. Praise God we are part of this.
Matt – On behalf of the Elders