And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth–el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
Genesis 35:1
Dear Church and Friends,
What should a person do to prepare themselves to meet God? Jacob gives us a recipe for such an occasion. The Lord spoke to him and told him to go back to Bethel; the place where it all started. (Jacob saw the ladder there and God spoke to him and promised to bring him back.) Twenty years later he’s back and it’s time to make the trip complete. However this time he isn’t traveling alone, but has a great company of people with him.
After receiving instruction from God he lays out his requirements for preparation. He says:
- Put away the strange gods that are among you, Even though the Law had not yet been given Jacob knew in his heart that the worship of the Lord God was exclusive. To prepare his people he had to separate them from their idolatry.
- and be clean, This is a purification of the heart not of the flesh. When the idol is removed the heart must be cleansed. God looks on the heart.
- and change your garments: These were stained by the worship of the false gods. They also represent their habits and routines. The idols demanded certain daily exercises from the worshiper. So to extract every vestige of idol worship from his group they would have to change.
Just like Jacob, we are headed toward an uncertain future. The church must prepare by focusing on holiness. Jacob’s words ring true still today. Not as a way of salvation; no man can be saved based on deeds done. Our relationship is based on His grace, but we have a great responsibility to walk in holiness.
Let us put away our idols and seek purification of heart and habit before that uncertain future arrives. Many will be looking to the church for help and hope, we need to be ready.
Music: God So Loved by We The Kingdom
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Prayer Requests: Please pray for the following.
- Students and Young Professionals in Seoul. Please pray for the university students, young adults, and young professionals of Seoul, South Korea. Sadly, very few of them claim to have faith in Jesus. They have been pressured to focus on studying and competing for good jobs. They strive to be beautiful and financially comfortable in order to succeed in their society. Pray for these young people to realize the ultimate emptiness of chasing after these things, and to develop a hunger for truth. Ask God to open their hearts and minds to the gospel so they can experience the true satisfaction and joy that is found in a relationship through Jesus.
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Wednesday Night Bible Study Returns October 7, 2020 @ 7 PM
184
Was He only made free from sin?
No, but He was also filled with the Holy Spirit without measure..
185
Why was the fullness of the Spirit given to Him?
That He might bestow the Spirit upon us.
186
Why was He made man like unto us?
That He might die for us in our own nature.
187
What follows upon His incarnation?
That life and righteousness are placed in our flesh.
The Pastor’s Letter is coming to an end. The last one will be published on September 28, 2021.
Watch the Bible Bistro blog for an announcement on a new project for Fall of 2021.
All my best.
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