Brothers and sisters,
What a joy it was last Sunday to celebrate a baptism and worship our great God together!
Sermon Recap
Last week we looked at Habakkuk 1:1-4. We got a glimpse into the anguished soul of a man watching his own people turn away from God to embrace wickedness and violence. The righteous were being swallowed up. Justice was being perverted. And God, as far as Habakkuk could tell, stood idly by.
Abandonment, silence, and a lack of justice. These seemed to be God’s only responses in Habakkuk’s “troubled times,” leading the prophet to cry out “How long?” and “Why?” How often do we pour out these questions to God in our own afflictions? Our God can bear the burden of honest questions—but as we cry out to him, let us remember that there was another who cried out to God. Jesus “…cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matt 27:46), and he received no answer, for “it was the will of the Lord to crush him” that he might “bear their iniquities” and “make many to be accounted righteous” (Isa. 53:10-11).
In all of our suffering, we can know that God works for our good and will never forsake us, because Christ “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18). This week, if you find yourself tempted to despair, remember that God gave his only Son so that you could be brought near to him. He has not and never will abandoned you.
Bulicek / Hardy Gospel Community
Gospel Communities (GCs) are small groups of believers who share life and live their shared life on mission for the glory of God. This week we highlight the GC that meets in Kent and LeeAnne Hardy’s home, which meets every other Friday and focuses on ways to serve and bring the gospel to light in the lives of foster care children. If you are looking for a gospel community, consider joining them! Reach out to let us know you are interested: we’ll get you connected for more information with these great brothers and sisters.
Generosity
Thank you for faithfully building the financial responsibilities of the church into your weekly budget. Through your generosity many are hearing and growing in the gospel. It is common to fall behind budget in January and get caught up in this month; however, this year we did not make up the need in February. Please consider an additional gift in early March to get our stewardship caught up to the opportunities God is giving us. This is one way we worship God together.
I pray this week that the family of Church on Mill will find itself moved to hope and peace in the midst of difficulties. Jesus has made this possible!
Your brother in Christ,
Phil Hoshiwara
