February 4 “Love Each Other …” 1 Peter 4:8
Pastor Glen Update: Praise God! I am getting stronger each passing day and I am grateful for the Grace of God and His power and provision in my life! God willing, I will be back on Sunday, when I will conduct a baptism and boldly proclaim His Word! Please keep praying for me and each other!
ANNOUNCEMENT: Baptist Tabernacle Church will be 100 years old, in 2022. A grand celebration is planned for May 22, 2022, to commemorate the first service as an organized church body! Special information, recognitions, God’s Word, and a catered meal (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
For the second time in this letter, Peter commands Christians (you & I) to work hard at loving each other. Peter writes that Christians should do this "above all." A follower of Christ must make demonstrating the love of Jesus, to others, his or her, their first priority. This is always a requirement, but especially crucial during times of suffering and distress. Loving each other is also a proper response to the realization that the end of all things is near. Knowing that the Day of the Lord (Rapture) could come at any moment should cause believers (you & I) to double down on our commitment to each other. Finally, loving each other in this way covers a multitude of sins. We need to be careful with this statement. This doesn't mean that our acts of love for each other can earn God's forgiveness. Nor does Peter mean to imply that we are paying our sins off through good works. Rather, the idea that our love for each other covers a multitude of sins relates to our imperfection. Christians are not yet sinless, although some individuals act as if they are slightly “Holier than Thou!” We are not perfect. We have set the course of our lives away from sin, when we claim the selfless act at Calvary and embrace the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, but we still fail to obey sometimes. We make mistakes, even when we mean well. Recognizing that others make mistakes, as well! Love for each other, includes forgiving each other, overlooking past hurts, and building each other up when we fall. It is difficult for sin and resentment to flourish in a community rich in Christ-like love. He forgives our sins and shortcomings, and we must forgive others, and love them, with the Love of God! When you are loving an individual and you are praying for them and you are encouraging them, it is impossible to tear them down or to be judgmental towards them. Remember, under the blood of Jesus we are forgiven, not perfect, and we must embrace and practice love towards one another, even the unlovable! Want to strengthen relationships with others? Then, LOVE, FORGIVE, and LIFT THEM UP TO GOD! For the Believer, THIS IS NOT AN OPTION! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!