Our Message

Recently, I have been meditating on this text from II CORINTHIANS 4:1-18. The more I think about what is going on in the world today, and the more I think about these words of Scripture, the more I want to get the word out to you. I hope you will read this passage and think about the following questions:

What do you see with your temporary eyes?

My temporary eyes see heartache at home and terror abroad. At home, we have heartache for loved ones, family members, and members of our church who are facing disease and difficulty. The needs have been overwhelming, and the needs have been many. We labor in prayer, and with expressions of encouragement and support for those we care for and love. Abroad, we hear of increasing violence in many quarters. In Iraq, overwhelming numbers of innocent citizens and increasing numbers of U.S. personnel who have been sent into harm=s way are killed and wounded every single day. Nuclear tests by what many have called a "rogue" dictator threatens a renewed arms race and the destabilization not merely of regional security, but global security. When I listen with my "temporary" ears and view the world merely through my "temporary" eyes, I am tempted to be afraid, and to surrender my faith to the uncertainty of temporal concerns.

But what do our eternal eyes see?

My "eternal" eyes focus on the power of God, and the Holy Spirit who fills the fragile earthen vessel with life from God and with faith which never fails or disappoints. When we view our lives and world events through the eyes of the eternal, we recognize that God is still in control and we are held secure in Him, even if everything around us becomes insecure. The Word of God reminds us that neither death nor life, not disease, nor terrorist threat; indeed, there is nothing in all creation which can separate us from our Heavenly Father's love (Romans 8:37-39). For that we can give thanks and praise to God!

In II Corinthians, the apostle declared that we may be hard pressed - but we will never be crushed. We may be sorely perplexed - but we will never be left in despair. We may be persecuted because we stand for Christ - but we will never be abandoned by Him. We may be struck down by the circumstances which so easily entangle - but we will never be destroyed.

In fact, Paul compares the Christian life to a jar of clay; earthen vessels of common use and temporary value. Like jars of clay, we can be weak and vulnerable - easily cracked; totally shattered when dropped or carelessly handled by others. But like earthen vessels and jars of clay, our common, temporary lives can also be filled with precious ointment and useful in the service of uncommon purposes when filled with the Holy Spirit and the power of God. That's how the apostle Paul could look at the circumstances that beset him in life and see the power of God at work in the vulnerable condition of his human weakness.

The key lies in keeping your eyes fixed not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; staying focused on what is eternal, not on what is temporary. Now read Hebrews 12:1-3. I pray that in these days of uncertainty and unrest, people will turn to the Lord and turn to His church. Because it is only as we keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus - seeing with our eternal eyes, not our temporary eyes - that we will not grow weary, and we will not lose heart (Galatians 6:9).

November is the month for Thanksgiving. At church and in our homes, we will celebrate with special meals and the gathering of loved ones and friends. In Philippians 4:8 the apostle Paul wrote: "whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Throughout the month, I hope you will focus on and think about these things. Trusting Christ and counting blessings is the best antidote I know for the threatening and uncertain events of our times. Never forget:

He still is Lord,
And He still does reign!

Our Other Messages

Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for an inspirational service of worship. We are located at the Corner of Pine and Stanton Roads - 3 miles west of U.S. 31 and 2 1/2 miles north of U.S. 6. Our mailing address is 69531 Pine Road, North Liberty, IN 46554. If you would like to give us a call, you can dial us up at 574-784-2806. At Pine Creek Church we're touching hearts through sharing Christ. We hope to see you on Sunday!