Today was a good day in
Most particularly I loved how he put suffering into perspective. He categorized most people into two areas, those who avoid suffering and those who play the martyr; both are bad. Those who avoid are avoiding identification with Christ and those who play the martyr glory too much in their suffering and in so doing, “take Jesus off the cross and put themselves up there.” He spoke of the need that in the midst of our suffering we need to cast our eyes on Jesus and not be defined by our suffering but rather be defined by eternity. That was so good to hear! There were a lot of other wonderful things I wish I could reiterate but in all it was such an edifying sermon.
Rachel really appreciated the emphasis that the Pastor put on baptism. He did a wonderful job giving the Presbyterian and Reformed view on baptism while encouraging us all to remember our own baptisms. For even when we feel God is silent and we struggle we may look back and be assured of His faithfulness. He emphasized the necessity of the girls claiming their baptisms in faith at a later age or else they shall find that this blessing is a curse. Rachel was so thankful for the clarity and seriousness in which the sacrament was applied.
After Church we went to the beach. Sam and Rachel laid on the beach and sunned while Brian and I played Frisbee. Due to my massive skill at Frisbee our poor Arobe was lost to the tumultuous waters of the sea. Brian and I proceeded to relive our days at Shamineau and we fought in the shallow waters, in the end the strong current and waves won out. The four of us walked to the end of a pier and enjoyed our time together. We came home and the girls made some great salmon for dinner. We took a dip in the hot tub and are now relaxing eating some of Sam’s mud pie.
We are so thankful for this time out here and are growing increasingly excited for our arrival out here.
3 comments:
Hmmm...you and Rach enjoyed the emphasis on baptism? You're sounding a little baptist, baby brother! Btw, since you claim to be a paedo now, it'll be awfully hard for your kids to remember their baptism if they ever hear a sermon with the reminder to remember their baptism.
Silly Borgy,
Brother, *Rachel* enjoyed the emphasis on baptism not because we are baptist (suffer the thought)but because some children were marked with the outward sign of membership in the covenant community. We rejoice in the faithfulness of Jehovah! :-)
Secondly, to remember one's baptism does not necessitate remembering the exact act of baptism. One can remember their baptism by calling into mind the benefits and promises of their baptism. This is what we must remember when we feel far from the Lord, that we have been identified with the Lord.
Silly, silly...baptist :-)
Love you bro!
I can't believe you think the water and waves won in our wrestling contest! Having a tough time admitting defeat? I can't wait to get you back out here so I can finish the job!!
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