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Pastor's Thoughts

Find updates, thoughts, event notices, or short message from Pastor Tim in his weekly blog posts. 

Monday Thoughts from Pastor Tim - January 27

Dear Church Family –

Our thoughts and prayers today are with families and churches in California who have lost everything to epic, raging wildfires.  Five new wildfires started in California last week.

As conservative Christians here in the Midwest, we’re tempted to dismiss California as “the left coast,” or “the land of fruits and nuts.”  There’s some truth to that humor, but nonetheless, God has His people there.  And many of God’s people there have lost everything to the fires.

The horrible scenes we see on the news of fires destroying everything reminds us, graphically, of the coming judgment.  2 Peter 3:7-13

“…by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men…. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:7-10)

I came across an article last week that Erwin Lutzer wrote in response to the California fires.  I’m passing the main points on to you for your prayer, comfort, and challenge.

Fire exposes the uncertainty of our future.  “What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes,” (James 4:14).

Fire doesn’t discriminate.  As one commentator put it, “Wealth, fame, and privilege was no deterrent in surviving the flames.” …When judgment comes, money, fame, and status are not a refuge….In the final judgment, kings stand alongside paupers, and masters alongside slaves.

Fire clarifies our values.  “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” (2 Peter 3:11)

In conclusion, Dr. Lutzer wrote, “The wildfires of California may well be God’s shout-out to our entire nation, motivating all of us to prepare for a much worse judgment to come.”

Thank you for setting your mind on eternal values, not earthly values (Col 3:2).

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:6-7)

Love and grace – Pastor Tim

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1 Comment


Keith Wiebe
Keith Wiebe
6 days ago

Does the "land of fruits and nuts" include John MacArthur who says slavery is "good" if you have the right master? And demonizes the call for mercy the other day from Bishop Budde?

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