E-note 4/25: Church Membership

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday we anticipate the reception of five new members into Christ's church: Jennifer Bjurling, April Daigle, Sam & Laurel Fulford, and Christi-Lynn Martin (Zelma Loseke has a schedule conflict and will be received in May at the annual meeting).

What is our responsibility at this point? To give thanks! Let us give thanks to the Lord, for every time a saint is bound on earth by faith, hope, and love to the communion of saints they are also bound in heaven by the Lord of the Church (Matthew 18:15-20). Let us give thanks to the Lord, for every time a saint is bound on earth by church authority to the communion of saints we are witnessing the ascended and enthroned Lord himself building his Church (Matthew 16:18-20). Let us give thanks to the Lord, for every time a saint is bound on earth to the communion of saints we are seeing the Spirit gather more of God's flock away from wolves and false prophets (Acts 20:20-31). Let us give thanks to the Lord, for every time a saint is bound on earth to the communion of saints we are witnessing the Spirit liberating another soul into the freedom of submission (Hebrews 13:17). Let us give thanks, for every time a saint is bound on earth to the communion of saints we are witnessing the Spirit nurturing a heart in the new loves of the everlasting Kingdom (Psalm 26:8-12).

Now maybe all that sounds a bit over the top. Or maybe we are just too far down under. Should the thanksgivings due this occasion sound like a foreign language to you then refresh yourself in the Word of God lest the disenchantment of secularism and sociological institutionalism dull you to the glories being played out on earth by the ascended Lord Jesus. Open the drapes and let in the light of heaven. Christ will shine on you. He will bring light to your path and share his joy with you through his apostles and prophets. A fine start, that you will not regret, is giving 15 minutes to this reading on church membership. May the Lord be so very near as you tend to the increase and strengthening of your faith. Yours in Christ, John

Here is another beautiful testimony to God's love and faithfulness from St. Albans: Click here