October

Yesterday as we shared a meal with some friends who had come for supper, we all had a chuckle when we noticed that fall began at 7:29 PM and it started to rain at 7:31 PM. Not for long or heavily but just long enough to say “fall is here.” For me it is my favorite season. Over the years as we traveled and lived away from our beloved Northwest, whenever I found myself in overcast days with a little chill in the air with some light mist (some would call it rain but in the Pacific Northwest it would only qualify as mist), my mind would nostalgically turn to home. Perhaps because it was that type of weather that made me think of home that I favor the fall so much. 

Fall, it is a season that gives one pause to stop and reflect on what has transpired since the year began and also as one feels the year winding down, the promise of another year on the horizon looms. That promise brings with it anticipation as to what the New Year will launch. Reflections of what has transpired and the promise of the launch of something new is something that we will look at this month in our sermon series. Brett will bless us by launching us in the sermon series on the book of Galatians. Galatians is an epistle that gives us pause to reflect on what has transpired when we entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We reflect on that freedom that we found in Him, what that freedom meant and how we are to live it out. It speaks to the launch of a new life. 

When thinking of something being launched, it has been said that this little book (149 verses) helped to launch the Protestant Reformation, as in it was rediscovered by Martin Luther and others the doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone. (**NOTE: I am not referring to faith only salvation, as some understand it.) Because of its great influence in combating anti-pharisaical doctrines, it has been called “The Magna Carta of Christian Liberty.” This short letter that we will explore this month will remind us of the significance of the person, word, and work of Jesus Christ. I hope that you are as excited about delving into this series as I am. To Him be the Glory. 

Blessings, 

Vic