Yesterday brought great excitement for two reasons. First, our church gathered to worship Jesus, continuing our reading and preaching through First John as part of our series at Palmetto Shores Church for Advent. Chapter 3 powerfully connects our call to love others with the incarnation of Jesus. Notably, 1 John 3:5 emphasizes, ‘You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.’ In this specific context, John emphasizes that Jesus takes away enslavement of sinning from all those who trust in Him. By doing so, Jesus destroys the works of the devil. While we still grapple with our indwelling sin now, we look forward to our future with hope because, ‘when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.’ (1 John 3:2)
Second, it was a day of profound significance as one of my closest friends was ordained as an Elder at his church. I was so happy to be able to be there for this. I am deeply thankful to God for His grace. This was an immense encouragement to me. It serves as a reminder that Jesus promised to build His church and continues to raise up His people to bless and serve His church. Witnessing the Lord setting apart a fellow brother in Christ for a lifetime of ministry has rejuvenated my commitment to serve Christ.
The Lord Bless You
