January 16, 2015
Dear Eastridge Family,
Hebrews 11 is one of those passages that can reinvigorate my faith. It’s such an encouragement to hear that people have lived lives of faith before me. They’ve made it through this journey and by faith, had these great successes. They conquered temptation, were spared from floods, and gave God their best.
But, somewhere in the middle, something happens; something we can’t overlook about faith. People stop conquering giants and having children miraculously. The author of Hebrews writes that some, “quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection.” He still has me at this point. I’m ready to take on the world.
My heart rejoices with each story of triumph, but he goes on, “Some were tortured refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated…wandering about in deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth.”
Did I miss something? What happened to crossing through seas and closing the mouths of lions? These two groups of people, ones who saw amazing miracles because of their faith and those who suffered for it, are grouped in the same passage, in the same verse even. We cannot miss what this means or we’ll live a distorted life of faith. In this life, faith doesn’t only produce miracles, it also produces suffering. Jesus assured us of this (John 15:18-21). Nearly all of the disciples were killed and John was exiled to a remote island.
Notice, these individuals who suffered for their faith are not cast into a corner and ignored. They’re celebrated, like those we view as “champions” of faith. Here’s what he says of these mistreated faithful heroes: “the world was not worthy” of them. He says the same of the Old Testament heroes who experienced some of God’s greatest miracles, “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”(11:16)
We must not be ashamed of suffering. It may make us uncomfortable or even question Jesus. That’s how Peter felt when he found himself struggling with the fate of his faith: death on a cross. In John 21, after Jesus revealed this to him, Peter pointed to John, demanding that they receive fair lives of faith, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Jesus requires the same of us. We must follow him, wherever he leads.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
“Thou shalt not kill….”—Exodus 20:13 Since the Supreme Court decision in 1974 that made abortion on demand legal in America, there have been more than 50,000,000 abortions. This coming Sunday is “Sanctity of Human Life” Sunday. We need to pray for repentance in our nation that we might be given the grace to eradicate the scourge from America.
Church Work Day
Instead of having one church work day we will have an entire week of work. We have several jobs that need to be completed from painting to construction from plumbing to electrical. If you can help out with any of these projects please see one of the trustees for more details. Our three trustees are Dan Henry, Todd Hunter and Norman Karns.
Church Membership Class
If you would like to become an official member of the Church of the Nazarene here at Eastridge please contact Pastor Andy. We will start a new membership class soon so don’t miss out.
Wedding Shower
The wedding shower for Mr. and Mrs. Josh Heer will be Sunday, January 25th, at 4:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Men are included!
Favorite Quotes of the week
Joyless Christians are that way because they only have enough religion to make themselves miserable. - Leonard Sweet
The key to unity is not agreement; it’s humility. – Neil Cole
I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!
Pastor Andy
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