“Gathered By God”

Whenever I read the obituaries, which I now do more as I get older, I am always impressed with the long list of clubs and organizations that people belong to. And it seems the longer the list, the better. For example, one of the obituaries I remember reading said that the person who died belonged to Sam’s Price Club. Flipping through my own wallet, I am a card-carrying member of Visa, MasterCard, the American Red Cross, AARP, USAA, Giant, New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolence Association (like that ever seems to help me), and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. You may be a member of AAA, even though the only meetings you go to are attended by Tow Truck Drivers. And so it seems that we only need the slightest hint of a shared interest, and we come together like shoppers at the stores on Black Friday.  

In fact, there is an Encyclopedia of Organizations that has over 123,000 entries, including the “US Amateur Tug-Of-War Association.” There is also something called, “The Cloud Appreciation Society.” “The Association of Professional Piercers.” That sounds painful. And finally, “The Flying Funeral Directors of America.” 

As members and friends of Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church, you are part of an organization you did not choose, -- but one which chose you. The church is different from all your other gatherings during the week -- at work, at school, at the exercise club, the civic club. The church is a gathering worth sacrificing for. The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians chapter 1 that “We are gathered by God.” Listen to all the verbs Paul gives in the first chapter of Ephesians. It’s an English teacher’s dream. We have been “chosen,” “predestined,” “adopted” -- “according to the purpose of God’s will.”  

This Sunday, October 24, we will gather as God’s people as I will wrap up my “40 Days in the Word” Our signature verse is, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and light for my path” from Psalm 119:105. I will be preaching on the early church in Acts, and how the Holy Spirit convicted those people to worship, pray, fellowship, and serve in the name and power of Jesus Christ. We will also be dedicating our renovated sanctuary at both services. Please join us in the sanctuary at 8:00 am. At 10:30 am, we will also be in the sanctuary, while broadcasting on Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube.

Blessings,

Pastor John