From the Pastor's Desk

Happy New Year to ALL!

January here we come. Here is what’s on tap, so to speak.

Just like today, people in Bible times marked time based on who was in charge. American history can’t help but be presidential history. The story of the Egyptians directly relates to the Pharaohs. In Jesus’ day, King Herod was in authority. Or at least he was in many ways, but not in every way.

Believers understand that the kingdom of God somehow, some way is also present while temporal leaders exercise their authority. Jesus lived, “in the time of King Herod.” But Herod lived in the time of Jesus Christ!

Our Bible helps us to sort out how we can live in times like these. And you guessed it, our Sunday morning sermons will have more to do with Jesus than Herod. Public policy threatened the holy family. But the Lord provided rescue. Herod sought to eliminate any competition to his throne. But at Jesus’ baptism, God made a distinct endorsement for who really was in charge.

Herod expected submission. God provided invitation and opportunity by calling disciples to participate willingly. Participation came by way of following Jesus. And that focus and allegiance meant everything to those Apostles. And it remains the life-line for all who live in the times of this person or that movement. That’s the good news of the gospel for times like these and for people like us.

Pastor Pat