Wednesday, February 01, 2017

Moderator’s Column

I am grateful for the individuals who have agreed to contribute to this column during this year. This is also an opportunity where you can respond to their writing. Send your response to the writer and when he or she chooses, you will be provided with contact information. Please write with “I” language, which includes: asking a question, sharing your ideas or perceptions, or requesting additional information, etc. Please refrain from critical judgments or comments, as those are not helpful and are likely to be misunderstood. We are most blessed when we can interact with those whose understanding of the Gospel differs from ours.

Allegra Hess, Moderator

Don’t Be Afraid! I bring You Good News!

“Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking!
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door
I will come into his home and share a
meal with him, and he with me.”
—Revelation 3:20

Wow! God wants fellowship with us, His creation. When we are walking in fellowship with God we have no need to fear. Today is a good day! There is good news! We don’t need to be afraid of anything! We replace fear with faith and by faith we stand firm on the Word of God. Faith is believing what God says is true. God starts by getting us back into a relationship with Him, which was lost when sin entered the world. God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth and Jesus was born in a manger. He grew up teaching us how to live and died on the cross in obedience to God the Father. Jesus took the punishment for our sin. He rose from the grave in victory so that we can live in victory every day. That’s good news! Reading the Word of God, believing, receiving, and standing on those promises, causes faith to arise. Perhaps you’re a Christian not living in the victory Christ has won for you. The Word tells us what to do: We are to wait upon the Lord, seek His face, love Him with all our heart mind and soul, and encourage each other. My prayer is that each and everyone will believe deeper, replace fear with faith, and share this good news with all.

Pastor Laurie Natzke
Stanley Church of the Brethren

Please note: The Moderator’s Column in the January newsletter was a Christmas meditation written by Christy Waltersdorff.