Hi, Pastor John,
Beautiful! I feel this is my favorite section, yet. The short paragraphs about Phileas touched me greatly. Here is a man that was killed for the true gospel! It’s amazing that his story survived throughout the centuries. This section left me with an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness and gratitude. I walked around my house this morning and felt a gratitude for turning on lights, seeing the cleanliness of a house from a loving wife that takes such good care of me, clothes, food, and even the pleasures and blessings that God has bestowed upon all of us to enjoy with each other. And more than anything, feeling peace all around us at this time in history is one the more treasured blessings that we can have, knowing that the gospel which we can serve in sincerity and truth is acceptable to God (if our hearts are clean).
We can serve and praise God with our whole hearts, with gladness and joy knowing the truths that God has given you over the years (not only for us, but for all who will heed God’s call) will set us free so that we can do so without any hindrance. In fact, we are encouraged to do so and “behave ourselves” in the Spirit.
I thank God that you have the time and heart to labor to do the research and archive this history. After reading these things, I feel my eyes are clearer to see the value in serving God with sincerity and truth in the truth of Paul’s gospel. What we have together is precious. It’s a miracle that any truth of Paul’s gospel survived throughout the centuries. The only reason it did (I feel) is that God wanted it so for someone, somewhere, to honor his Son Jesus without all of the filters of ceremonies in all the brands of Christianity.
It is fearful and sobering that Jesus called us to this truth. Like you said, “What does God want from us?” I don’t truly know. I just know I feel so thankful this morning for everything that Jesus has given to me (us). Fellowship is an honor! The least I can do is live a holy life in the Spirit that Jesus died for us to have.
Love always,
Billy