Uplook - April 4, 2025
Dear Saints,
I’m writing this a day early as Lori and I plan to be with the saints in Langley BC over the weekend. And for your information, Sis. Marjorie and Bro. Edwin from Langley plan to join us in Seattle for the first weekend of May when we will have a potluck and good time of fellowship. Over this week I have had the opportunity to have several meetings and conversations with saints…some in person, and some virtually over the internet. Those meetings have spanned 5 states, 6 countries, and 7 time zones. I was amazed at the unity of purpose among all of these beautiful children of God…to work together. I’m reminded of a scripture often quoted by one of my pastors from many years ago.
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” Philippians 1:27
While not living in the 21st century, the Apostle Paul understood the potential divisions that arise between people based upon a variety of issues that confront them on a daily basis. In his day these included allegiance to Caesar and the Roman Empire, racial and national pride, economic differences, social and familial customs and norms, and the list goes on. So what was his solution the all of those challenges? It was the faith of the Gospel…the good news that Jesus, the Jewish Messiah had given His life for all humanity on a Roman cross and then took it up again three days later. Perhaps the most radical idea anyone had every heard. And yet two millennia later the answer remains the same. The gospel brings deliverance from sin which infects all humanity, it restores value in each individual as created in God’s image, and it offers hope both for daily living and for eternity.
So…don’t be overwhelmed by the “bad news”…be it political, economic, social, etc. Our words and conduct is to be reflective of the good news of Jesus. By God’s grace and strength, we must stand fast unified in one spirit, striving together for the faith. Sometimes it seems like an enormous task but never forget that we have an enormous God who is faithful. God bless you all.
Housekeeping notes
Choir – In anticipation of Easter, the choir will meet on Sunday afternoon at 3:20pm. Please be there.
Good Friday – Tenebrae service. We have scheduled a Tenebrae service at 7 pm on April 18. Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of medication on the Cross.
Easter Sunday – The choir and other musicians are working on some wonderful music so feel free to invite friends to our Sunday morning service.
Special guests -– Lord willing on May 4 we will have Sis. Marjorie & Bro. Edwin Reid with us from Langley, BC. We plan to have a potluck that day.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
I’m writing this a day early as Lori and I plan to be with the saints in Langley BC over the weekend. And for your information, Sis. Marjorie and Bro. Edwin from Langley plan to join us in Seattle for the first weekend of May when we will have a potluck and good time of fellowship. Over this week I have had the opportunity to have several meetings and conversations with saints…some in person, and some virtually over the internet. Those meetings have spanned 5 states, 6 countries, and 7 time zones. I was amazed at the unity of purpose among all of these beautiful children of God…to work together. I’m reminded of a scripture often quoted by one of my pastors from many years ago.
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” Philippians 1:27
While not living in the 21st century, the Apostle Paul understood the potential divisions that arise between people based upon a variety of issues that confront them on a daily basis. In his day these included allegiance to Caesar and the Roman Empire, racial and national pride, economic differences, social and familial customs and norms, and the list goes on. So what was his solution the all of those challenges? It was the faith of the Gospel…the good news that Jesus, the Jewish Messiah had given His life for all humanity on a Roman cross and then took it up again three days later. Perhaps the most radical idea anyone had every heard. And yet two millennia later the answer remains the same. The gospel brings deliverance from sin which infects all humanity, it restores value in each individual as created in God’s image, and it offers hope both for daily living and for eternity.
So…don’t be overwhelmed by the “bad news”…be it political, economic, social, etc. Our words and conduct is to be reflective of the good news of Jesus. By God’s grace and strength, we must stand fast unified in one spirit, striving together for the faith. Sometimes it seems like an enormous task but never forget that we have an enormous God who is faithful. God bless you all.
Housekeeping notes
Choir – In anticipation of Easter, the choir will meet on Sunday afternoon at 3:20pm. Please be there.
Good Friday – Tenebrae service. We have scheduled a Tenebrae service at 7 pm on April 18. Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of medication on the Cross.
Easter Sunday – The choir and other musicians are working on some wonderful music so feel free to invite friends to our Sunday morning service.
Special guests -– Lord willing on May 4 we will have Sis. Marjorie & Bro. Edwin Reid with us from Langley, BC. We plan to have a potluck that day.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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