Good morning everyone:
“It’s OK. I’m strong. I know what I believe. I won’t be influenced by unbelieving friends.” Has anyone ever said that to you? Have you said it? While it is true that we are to be active and engaged in letting our light shine and bringing God’s law and gospel to others, Scripture also warns about the spiritual harm that can come through constant, close associations with those who do not share our love for the Lord. Paul told the Corinthians: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Cor. 15:33). Solomon wrote: “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Prov. 13:20).
What a gift it is then to have fellow believers with whom to spend time, people who share our trust in Jesus as the Lamb of God who sacrificed Himself for the sins of the world. Time spent with one another will help fortify faith rather than endanger it. When we gather for worship, take part in work days, and get together socially, we can encourage one another in taking a stand against the immorality of our culture. We can give one another godly encouragement for the ups and downs of daily life. Most of all, we can assure each other of forgiveness and peace with God through Christ’s blood.
Today thank God for like-minded Christian friends. Tell them, too, how much you appreciate them. Look for ways to maintain and build up those relationships. Ask yourself, “Are there others in our fellowship with whom I could establish a closer friendship?”
In tomorrow’s sermon text (Phil. 3:17-4:1), St. Paul writes of the blessings in noticing and imitating the godly examples of fellow believers as we travel through this temporary life to our real home in heaven.
The voters will meet at 9:45 a.m. for the purpose of calling a half-time teacher for our school.
The adult choir will sing at the beginning of second service.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor
