Sunday was another great day. I had the opportunity to hear the testimonies of 11 young people from Wellandport URC and Zion FRC. It is always so encouraging to see how God works in the hearts and lives of the young people to make that commitment. I'm looking forward to hearing more of them in the near future! I wish we could hear the personal testimonies from each one, or attend those parts of the consistory meetings, but maybe that will come in time.
In the morning we heard a great sermon from Deut. 30:11-16. Here is the passage:
11"For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' 14 But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
15 "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. 16 If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.
I love how Rev. Dykstra explained the passage. God is not looking for a mechanical, superficial outward response to His love - he wants impassioned souls that are joyful in their service to Him. Also, there is so much comfort in these verses - the tasks that have been appointed to us are not outside of our reach. This calling is not too difficult for us. It will present its challenges, certainly. But out of the range of possibility? Never. God wouldn't require that of us.
Hebrews 10: 23ff
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Amen and amen.
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