Bobservations Column
By Pastor Bob Lawrenz
Many have told us this week that they finally went out shopping to pick up food, or supplies; “It’s so good to get out of the house” or “I’m bored out of my mind, there’s only so many times a person can clean out their closets.”
We are all feeling it: Housebound, chores are done, we’ve done all the puzzles we have, we’ve done Spring Cleaning from top to bottom, vacuuming under all the furniture, and on & on.
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8,9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16,17 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
It is by grace that we are saved through faith, but to what end, for what purpose? Salvation comes first for the purpose of us being perfected and prepared unto every good work.
But Pastor Bob, how can good works be accomplished when the State and the Federal Governments limit our movements with Social Distancing, and staying home?
Under the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul answers this question in 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23:
“Wherefore brethren, comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake. And to be at peace among yourselves.”
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and unto all men.”
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the God of peace sanctify you wholly;
And I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body1 be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We should not be bored; there is plenty yet to do!
11 Genesis 1:26,27 / Deuteronomy 6:4,5 / Matthew 22:37,38
We are made in His Triune image!
