As I pen this pastor’s desk and prepare for our 54th Homecoming celebration service this coming Sunday, I have a sad heart, for a variety of reasons: Mass shutting in Nevada; hurricane victims; the passing of my sister-in-laws best friend and the passing of my aunt after a long fight with cancer - so really not feeling “celebratory.”  We all have seasons of life that we are not “feeling” very “celebratory”, and not that we ever should be celebrating during human tragedy and loss of loved ones, but, if we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ we don’t mourn as those who have no hope, because to “absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” the bible says (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:8).   And the bible reminds you and me that there is going to be a great “Homecoming” some day!   One day when Jesus comes back and time stops as we know it and He ushers in the “new heaven and new earth.”   A time when the bible says that “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes: there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away…behold, I make all things new!” (cf. Revelation 21)

So, I guess there is reason to celebrate, no matter what season of life we find ourselves in.   That celebration is not always based upon the here and now - but God’s future promises!   Keep your eyes firmly fixed upon eternity and the author and finisher of your faith - Jesus Christ Our Lord!

“Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 

(cf. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18)

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney

inCHRISTalone