1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:1–8 – NASB95)
Oh, how I love that passage of Scripture. It has helped me persevere with joy through this past year of testing from the Lord. Would I focus on all the negative things I perceive my government leaders to be doing, or would I focus on the things Scripture tells me that my sovereign God is doing? If I do the former, I am potentially frustrated, angry, and/or bitter. If I do the latter, I am enjoying God’s peace, resting in His grace, and confident that He will use this trial to increase my perseverance, make me more like Jesus, and fill my heart with hope and love. And I KNOW that God loves me because He proved it once-and-for-all on the cross of Christ. When I was His enemy, He loved me. There is no cause for me to doubt His love now that I am His adopted child.
Now let me admit that there were moments this past year when my faith was tested. What contributed to that? Not knowing if Randy Leinen would survive his surgery last year, and if he did, would he be able to come back to serve as Executive Pastor. Wondering who would leave our church over the Covid-19 regulations, and what impact that would have on people and ministries in the church. The impact of Covid-19 on our missionaries all over the world and STN’s ministries in India, Nepal, and Latin America. Church staff leaving or stepping away from a particular ministry area and needing to find excellent replacements for those ministry areas. My health and being informed I needed open heart surgery… How could a physical specimen like myself need something like that?!? There were a few “wake up in the middle of the night and ponder all that is going on” moments when I had to remind myself that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and The Bridge Bible Fellowship and my health & family are in His capable and loving hands.
What was the past year like for you? Have you been persevering with joy? Are you resting in the love of God? This Sunday, Lord willing, it will be my privilege to take us back to Luke 10 and look at The Great Commandment. Last week we looked at “Love your neighbor.” This week we will focus on “Loving God.” This will be the last sermon I preach before undergoing open heart surgery on June 3rd. I hope to see you as we look at the love of God and how that impacts our love for Him. It is my prayer that we will become known as a church that loves God and loves our neighbors because Jesus first loved us.
Covid-19 update. You may have heard about a lawsuit against Governor Newsom that was won by a church in Pasadena (Harvest Rock Church). We hoped it would take away all restrictions on churches but unfortunately that is not the case. It did take away any and all “discriminatory” regulations against churches. It did not take away any regulations that are required of other businesses or organizations similar to churches. Since Covid-19 regulations in California vary from county to county, it had no impact on the regulations we are following in L.A. County. What it DID do is require the state to recognize churches as “essential” and treat us the same way they treat any other organization (no discrimination). If other organizations can be open, meet inside, etc., so can the church. But we are still required to follow current regulations in L.A. County for wearing masks and social distancing. We are hopeful those regulations will be lessened or removed on June 15th or shortly thereafter. If not, we will persevere with joy by God’s grace for His glory.
Personal note. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all the love, encouragement, prayers, and offers of help that have come from all of you. I am sorry I haven’t been able to respond to all of you personally. I want you to know what a privilege it is for me to be one of your pastors and to serve the Lord alongside you. The surgery I am about to undergo is fairly common and usually quite successful, but it is serious and there are risks. I am experiencing God’s perfect peace going into the surgery and I look forward to being with you again in July. But if the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, should decide to take me home, please know that I love you and I’m excited about the future of this church. Our loving Lord is building His church, and nothing will stop it from accomplishing His purposes. It has been my privilege to be one of your pastors and to serve Jesus alongside of you. You are my hope, joy, and crown of exultation in the presence of Jesus at His coming (1 Thess. 2:19-20).
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21 – NASB95)