Truth

In July 1998, I began as pastor of the church.  We’ve had many years together.  Several of us have graduated from middle age to senior citizens.  Our life in the Lord has been good.

I John 5: ¹⁹ And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. ²⁰ And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

I want to die with this being the conviction of my heart and life.  I wanted truth in my life, and I found it in Jesus Christ when I was 17 years old. Along life’s way, I have kept an open mind, checking to see if there were any other source of more perfect truth. Had I found it, I would have followed it instead. But I haven’t. If there is one lesson I have learned from life, it is the fact that indeed, as the scripture saith, “The Truth is in Christ Jesus.”  At times we get weak and have our moments, but we know truth.  The devil trembles knowing who Jesus is.  By knowing Jesus personally as his children, we have safety and security.  We have victory over the devil.  We remain a church because of HIS holding power and our confidence in HIM and each other.

The first message I preached as pastor was from Ezekiel.  I called it “Let’s Make a Chain.”  I ask again tonight if you’re still committed to the task.  Let’s commit afresh to Jesus as Lord of the church and each other.  We don’t need physical strength; we need a steadfast faith in the Son of God.  He alone is the true God and eternal life.

Let’s make a chain of faith and keep it in Jesus.  When the time comes—either the trumpet sounds or we’re called home—let’s keep the chain.  Many who were with us 14 years ago are in heaven now. We owe it to them to keep the circle together.

After the service, there was a time of fellowship with an ice cream sundae social to celebrate the anniversary with Preacher Bob and Nita.