Thoughts from Pastor Tim - October 30

Dear Church Family –

How Christians relate to the culture around us is a huge issue in America.  It has divided churches and families and challenged us to love without accommodation and stand for truth without rancor.  It’s not easy.  It never has been.

The culture of the Roman Empire in the 1^st century where the church was birthed was no better than modern American culture and, in fact, may have been worse.

In the 6^th century B.C. the prophet Daniel described a time when people will be turned to godlessness by deception, and will act wickedly toward God’s people.  Sounds like modern America.  “But,” Daniel says, “but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.” (Daniel 11:32)

So then, the key to being a strong, active Christian in a godless culture is knowing God.

In J.I. Packer’s classic book, Knowing God, he draws out of Daniel’s prophecy four characteristics of people who know God.

1. Those who know God have great energy for God.

2. Those who know God have great thoughts of God.

3. Those who know God show great boldness for God.

4. Those who know God have great contentment in God.

Church and personal devotions and family devotions and Bible studies are not just about us having a better life (though that is a result).  It’s about our witness for Christ in the world and to the next generation.  It’s about knowing God.

This Sunday is Youth Sunday.  It’s a great time once a year when our High School youth are in charge of our Sunday morning worship service.  It’s a time to both grow in our faith and encourage the next generation.  We’ll also be having dinner together after church in the Fellowship Hall.  It’s a fundraiser for our youth group’s annual work project trip--a great time of building godly relationships and serving others in the name of Christ.

There will be something else unique in our service Sunday.  A filmographer will be moving among us taking video footage for a special 150^th celebration video that will be shown next year.

For 150 years, Emmaus Church has been salt and light to the culture around.  We’ll be celebrating that milestone next year by both looking back and looking ahead.  As part of that celebration, our 150^th Anniversary Committee is producing a special anniversary video.  Ryan McGuigan, owner of Rybo Media and brother to Lauren Busenitz, will be filming this Sunday during our service and dinner.

So, we look forward to seeing you Sunday to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). – Pastor Tim