E-Note From Pastor Andy 9-27-13

September 27, 2013

Dear Eastridge Family,

The past couple of Sunday morning sermons I have attempted to describe the Salvation over sin that God has provided to each of us.  Sometimes we call this “Victory over Sin”: Holiness, Full Salvation or Entire Sanctification.  We must remember our salvation always has its root in the love of God. 

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world…”  You have probably heard this before but sometimes it is good to be reminded of the truth of God’s love for us.  Consider these three points about the love of God:

There never was a time God started loving you.  God didn't start loving you when you were born.  His love for you predates you.  He didn't start loving you when you became a Christian.  His grace, mercy and love watched over you and brought you to the decision to follow Jesus.  God didn't start loving you when you joined the church.  In our flights into legalism, we often compare “I'm-here-everytime-the-church-doors-are-open” to our “absent-from-church brethren.”  Don't be proud.  God put the desire in your hearts to gather for corporate worship, to come out for a Bible Study and Sunday School class.

There will never be a time that God stops loving you.  God will not stop loving you when you die.  Death cannot separate you from the love of God.  God doesn't stop loving you even when you sin. If you turn your back on God, if you apostatize from the faith, if you shake your fist in his face, he will not stop loving you. He will do whatever it takes to bring you back.  As a matter of fact, he has already done all that he could to save you when he gave his only begotten Son to die on the cross for you. If you go to hell, it will be over God's loving protests. God will love you and honor your choice to take the broad road that leads to destruction.  It is only because of God’s love that you are able to make that choice in the first place.

There has never been a time when God did not love you.  God has always loved you.  There has never been a time when he didn't.  There will never be a time when he won't.  If God had a refrigerator, your photo would be on it.  If God had a wallet, your picture would be in it.  God says in his book, "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3).  From eternity past to eternity future—God loves you.

·         New Baby Boy

Wednesday evening Ana gave birth to a baby boy she named Geoffrey Bravo Peña.  He weighed in at 6lbs. and 15 oz. and was 19 inches long.  Now that Estefania and Ana have each given birth, it is now Fatima’s turn J.

·         Saturday Morning Prayer Service

Each Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. here at the church Pastor Daniel will lead our prayer service.  Everyone is invited to attend.

·         Purpose Driven Life Campaign

I am excited about a spiritual growth Campaign we are planning to do soon, called 40 Days of Purpose.  This Campaign is designed to answer life’s most important question: “What on earth am I here for?” I am excited as I consider our entire congregation living in alignment with God’s purposes for their lives, and the impact this could have on our church and our community! The 40 Days of Purpose Campaign will run for six weeks.

On Saturday morning after the prayer meeting at 10:30am I will meet with the PDL planning committee at the church to discuss the all church campaign.  If you are interested in serving on this committee come out Saturday morning.

·         Missionary Books

Our Missionary President Muriel Murray has the missionary reading books.  If you would like to learn about what is going on in Nazarene Missions check out one of these books.  We also have the books on CD so you can listen as you drive if you would prefer to listen instead of reading.

·         Children’s Christmas Program

It is hard to believe but Stephanie has already started working with the children on the Christmas program.  They will need help with costumes, back drops and cookies for the day of the program which has yet to be determined.  If you are interested in helping please contact Stephanie Heer.

·         Church Website

We recently added a page on our church website to include the Sunday morning sermons.  Some of you have to work on Sunday morning or maybe you have been helping with the children on Sunday morning and missed the sermon.  This will give you an opportunity to go back and listen to the message.

I’m looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday. 

Pastor Andy