Friday, April 3, 2020 Fear#18
Dear Trinity Baptist Church Family: Israelites remain an oppressed people. Throughout much of the world they are despised. In the country of Israel they are surrounded by nations who have stated their intention of “driving Israel into the sea.” The General Assembly of the United Nations has come out against Israel again and again. Yet, God is not done with Israel.
In Isaiah 43 God tells of His plans to gather Israel and bring them to safety. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”’ Isaiah 43:1-2,7 Note the God’s self-identifying statements: who created you, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, I will be with you, I have loved you (43:4). And this awesome God directs all this towards “everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for my glory.” Yes, God is speaking to and about Israel. But all Christians can identify as those “called by My name and created for My glory.”
Rejoice! God created you, called you, redeemed you, will be with you, and loves you. FEAR NOT!
Please remember the family of Tom Michler in prayer. Tom passed away yesterday morning. Pat told me she had a precious time of prayer with him, hugged him, and he was gone. She believes he left this world trusting in Jesus. Pray for Pat, Tom’s daughter, and other family members as they grieve under these stressed circumstances.
Pray for the Purcells. Ross is at the Lutheran home with plans to gather strength this week. Carol tells me the plan is for him to be on hospice. she hopes he can come home next week. Pray also for Carol’s health.
I won’t have an outline Sunday. I will be recounting the Passion of Christ. I’ve attached a picture that you might print out for children. Perhaps you might want to go to freebibleimages.org to print off pictures of the trials and death of Jesus for your family to consider during the sermon.
Pray for one another. Pray for those who are hurting. Pray for our country. Pray for God to be glorified in His church.
Embracing Truth, Pastor