Message for March 28, 2021 from Pastor Shirley

A personal letter to New Life from Pastor Shirley

 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.  Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.  Philemon 1:4-7                       

 It has been a year since the virus came into our world. The life we all were  familiar with changed suddenly.  As I reflect back over the past year I believe that we are stronger in our faith.  We have come together as the body of Christ.  1 Corinthians 12:27 You are the body of the Anointed One, and each of you is a unique and vital part of it. We have realized as the children’s song says, “The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people.  I am the church, You are the church, we are the church together. 

One of the common phrases we often heard this past year was “you are not alone”.  Just the tone of that brings comfort.  We all want to know that we are loved and thought of during difficult times.  

 As a body of believers we are to encourage one another.  

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.  We are not alone; we are united with each other and with Jesus.

Thank you for your faithfulness – for all that you have done in the past year to stay connected to each other – Brother Glenn for keeping things up and running so we could worship in person or at home with  live streaming.  Everyone of you who calls New Life your place of worship keeps it strong and healthy for the glory of God by your attendance, your tithes and offerings, and your participation. I know you do those things from your relationship with God and your love   for the ministry of New Life and one another.  Together we have all the gifts we need to live out God’s mission and do what God has called each one of us to do. Let us continue to celebrate His abundant goodness as we move forward.