Dear Church Family,
In my reading this week, I came across this section in the first volume of the Testimonies (158-161) that was so powerful I was tempted to share it in its entirety. So powerful and so relevant to the Laodicean church of today.
I would not dishonor my Master so much as to admit that a careless, trifling, prayerless person is a Christian. No; a Christian has victory over his besetments, over his passions. There is a remedy for the sin-sick soul. That remedy is in Jesus. Precious Saviour! His grace is sufficient for the weakest; and the strongest must also have His grace or perish.
I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet, and there alone plead with God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much. Jacoblike, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus, in the garden, sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and pray you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can and will appear in you.
God forbid that I should cease to warn you. Young friends, seek the Lord with all your heart. Come with zeal, and when you sincerely feel that without the help of God you perish, when you pant after Him as the hart panteth after the water brooks, then will the Lord strengthen you speedily. Then will your peace pass all understanding. If you expect salvation, you must pray. Take time. Be not hurried and careless in your prayers. Beg of God to work in you a thorough reformation, that the fruits of His Spirit may dwell in you, and you shine as lights in the world. Be not a hindrance or curse to the cause of God; you can be a help, a blessing. Does Satan tell you that you cannot enjoy salvation, full and free? Believe him not. . .
A supposed hope, and nothing more, will prove your ruin.
1T 158-159, 160
May we experience the Mystery of God, Christ in us the hope of glory.
In the news:
- This Sabbath will be Pastor Alex & Suranny’s last Sabbath with us as our pastor. We will miss them very much! He will share the sermon tomorrow and will also baptize Kayla Finley during the worship hour.
- There will be a special church-wide fellowship dinner this Sabbath in honor of Pastor Alex & Suranny. Please bring a dish and join us in saying farewell.
- AYA this week will feature the premiere of THE MEDIA MIND. This presentation by Scott Ritsema will share what the latest research reveals regarding “big tech” media’s influential stranglehold on our lives. What are the Biblical principles that can restore balanced use and avoid misuse of mass media? How to remain Christ-centered in the digital dark age.
- This Monday evening we will have a Finance committee meeting at 6:00 p.m. and a church board meeting at 7:15 p.m.
- Dinner with the Doctor will be this Tuesday evening with Dr. Philip Thwing presenting on how to prevent and recognize skin cancer. It begins at 6:30 p.m.
- Many of us signed up for the challenge to read or listen through the Testimonies in 16 months. If you missed the sign-up, please contact me or the office soon and we will put you on the daily email list.
- Looking ahead at what is to come:
- We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper next Sabbath during the worship hour.
- The school will have their annual fall festival next Sunday, Sept 15 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for food and activities will be sold at the door.
- Our NE TN camp meeting is scheduled for September 20-21 at the Oaks retreat center. Stephen Bauer will be our presenter and is a very thought provoking speaker.
- A Garden Workshop will be held at the church fellowship hall on Monday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. Carl Ashlock will be presenting on the benefits of Biochar and how to make it for your garden and how to make a compost tea. Remember, this is a great event for the community.
Blessings as you prepare for the coming Sabbath!
In His Service,
Pastor Jeremy
The Greeneville Chronicles 