Pastor John,
I loved the meeting last night. The music was wonderful! What a blessing! Allison was absolutely beautiful, I could feel absolute joy and happiness from her!
This part of our reading really touched me:
Jesus’ new birth at the Jordan had signaled the drawing of a new and eternal age, when humans could, with him, become sons of God, but no one at the time could understand the signal. Later, after John received the baptism Jesus was talking about and had become “a new creature in Christ”, he exclaimed with great joy, “As he is, so are we in this world!” (1Jn. 4:17). On the day the Spirit was poured out on John and the others, the new nation about which Isaiah prophesied (Isa. 66:8) was instantly “created in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:24). Those followers of Jesus were recreated by God in the image of His Son when he was on earth, with fully-grown, mortal bodies filled with God’s eternal life. They were not born again as little babies any more than the Son of God was; they were born “as men [and women] in appearance”, though they were newborns in the kingdom of God.
To make that precious blessing, that “pearl of great price”, available to fallen man was God’s entire purpose for everything the Son suffered on earth. What can we then say but “thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!” (2Cor. 9:15). Understanding what God and His Son did for us “leaves us with nothing but a mouthful of thank you!”
I love that we were made “a new creature in Christ”! A new past and a new, exciting future! The love in this is overwhelming!
As I was listening to all the questions and comments last night, my heart was overwhelmed at the liberty we have been given. To be able to “ponder on heavenly matters” and to “talk with God and freely ask him questions” without fear is precious. I’m so thankful Jesus brought me to a place, outside of Christianity, where we can talk to Him, as the Friend that He is!
Sister Willie is right, all we have at the end of the day is a mouthful of “God thank you”!
Thank you, Pastor John! The Father and Son readings have been wonderful. I’m excited for our next reading!
Michelle
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