Uplook - February 18, 2023
Dear Seattle Saints,
Sometimes it seems there is little from the culture surrounding us in which we can have confidence these days. While it isn’t universal, I find myself disappointed in institutions and organizations in which it seems we should have confidence but cannot. For a myriad of reasons they no longer produce products with the quality they once did or do not provide service as they once did. Others once clearly communicated virtue and truth but now seem to have embraced something quite different. If we were to dwell on such things for too long, we could find ourselves quite discouraged I think.
As Christian believers however, we can have utmost confidence in the redemptive message of the Cross. The writer of Hebrews encourages us with these words:
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:35–37
We can have confidence Jesus came to earth as the incarnate (in the flesh) son of God whose purpose was to bridge the chasm of sin between humanity and their creator by giving His sinless life a ransom for sin. We can have confidence this same Jesus defeated death; resurrecting from the dead after three days and was seen by over 500 people over a period of 40 days. We can have confidence this same Jesus ascended to heaven in the presence of his followers who were reassured by angels that he would return for the faithful. We can have confidence this same Jesus is seated right now at the right hand of God the Father, making intercession for humanity. And we can have confidence when we respond in faith to this same Jesus’ offer of new life by repenting and forsaking sin, that forgiveness is forthcoming and comprehensive.
This confidence is based upon these earlier words of the Hebrews author:
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:19–25
Because we have this confidence in Jesus, we are invited into the very presence of God. Not in fear or condemnation, but in full assurance of faith in what Jesus has done and is still doing for us. Then we are challenged to consider each other, encouraging one another to live and love based upon this confidence. We are challenged to stir ourselves to gather together to encourage, comfort, and pray for each other more and more as we anxiously await the return of the Lord.
So, today...dear brothers and sisters it is my prayer that your confidence is renewed. There are many things to discourage but thank God, we can be encouraged because of who Jesus is and what he has done and is still doing. Circumstances, challenges, and schedules all will pull at our boldness to enter into God’s best, but may we encourage one another and even challenge one another by God’s grace to gather, encourage, comfort and pray for one another in the days ahead.
Housekeeping details:
In Christ,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Sometimes it seems there is little from the culture surrounding us in which we can have confidence these days. While it isn’t universal, I find myself disappointed in institutions and organizations in which it seems we should have confidence but cannot. For a myriad of reasons they no longer produce products with the quality they once did or do not provide service as they once did. Others once clearly communicated virtue and truth but now seem to have embraced something quite different. If we were to dwell on such things for too long, we could find ourselves quite discouraged I think.
As Christian believers however, we can have utmost confidence in the redemptive message of the Cross. The writer of Hebrews encourages us with these words:
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:35–37
We can have confidence Jesus came to earth as the incarnate (in the flesh) son of God whose purpose was to bridge the chasm of sin between humanity and their creator by giving His sinless life a ransom for sin. We can have confidence this same Jesus defeated death; resurrecting from the dead after three days and was seen by over 500 people over a period of 40 days. We can have confidence this same Jesus ascended to heaven in the presence of his followers who were reassured by angels that he would return for the faithful. We can have confidence this same Jesus is seated right now at the right hand of God the Father, making intercession for humanity. And we can have confidence when we respond in faith to this same Jesus’ offer of new life by repenting and forsaking sin, that forgiveness is forthcoming and comprehensive.
This confidence is based upon these earlier words of the Hebrews author:
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:19–25
Because we have this confidence in Jesus, we are invited into the very presence of God. Not in fear or condemnation, but in full assurance of faith in what Jesus has done and is still doing for us. Then we are challenged to consider each other, encouraging one another to live and love based upon this confidence. We are challenged to stir ourselves to gather together to encourage, comfort, and pray for each other more and more as we anxiously await the return of the Lord.
So, today...dear brothers and sisters it is my prayer that your confidence is renewed. There are many things to discourage but thank God, we can be encouraged because of who Jesus is and what he has done and is still doing. Circumstances, challenges, and schedules all will pull at our boldness to enter into God’s best, but may we encourage one another and even challenge one another by God’s grace to gather, encourage, comfort and pray for one another in the days ahead.
Housekeeping details:
- Choir - In preparation for Easter (and singing more regularly post pandemic) , the choir will begin meeting on Sunday afternoons at 3:45 beginning tomorrow. Please let the director know if you will be unable to attend.
- Ordinance Services - It is our plan to hold our quarterly Ordinance Services (Lord’s Supper/Communion & Washing of the Disciples Feet) next Sunday evening February 26.
- Love@Easter - Our Sis. Dami will be traveling to Nigeria over Easter. She has shared a burden to help some of the less privileged in the church there. We are hoping to “put a smile on these people even as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior” all for God’s glory. Love@ Easter requests donation of women’s/men’s/children’s clothing (suitable for church in warm weather) which she will take and distribute within one of our branch churches. Donations can be brought to church and placed in a narthex box beginning next Sunday, February 26 through Sunday, March 25. Items could include: Lightweight jackets & sweaters, shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, blouses/ tops, or lightweight shoes/bags. The church will cover the fees for additional baggage costs for the donated clothing. If you have questions please text, email, or speak to Sis. Dami. God bless.
In Christ,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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