The Messenger - July 8, 2010 - Finding Life

Pastor's Corner

"Finding Life"

I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly
(John 10:10)

If you have at least a passing interest in recent scientific discoveries, you may have heard about new forms of life that scientists have discovered in very unlikely places. Some of these new forms exist in the vents of undersea volcanoes, where intense heat destroys all life that we knew of only 50 years ago. Other forms of life have been discovered beneath the surface of retreating glaciers, where immense and astonishing pressure would crush everything we had known in the past. Nonetheless, this life persists where no human being could have conceived of it before.

In reality, these "new" forms of life are very ancient--probably older than we are--and God knew about them for millennia before we did. But God did not reveal them to us until the last few years. And this revelation has greatly broadened our understanding of God's creative work on earth.

The Bible teaches that God wants us to find life, and God wants us to share life with others. Scientific discovery is one thing that shows us life, faith is another one, and love is third. But it can take us many years to receive these. Some discoveries come to adolescents, some come to young adults, and some come to us primarily in our "golden" years. But God is always teaching, and God is always leading us into the path of life--abundant life--that comes to us in Christ.

Sometimes, it's fun to pause and think about the life our God has brought within the last few years. It might be physical life, like the birth of a child or grandchild. It might be social life through the development of new groups, friends, or and activities. Or it might be spiritual life through a greater appreciation for the Scripture or a greater awareness of God's work within your world. I can't tell you where God has done it in your personal life, but I know that God has done it, and I'd love to know how.

That's one reason our church is hosting a number of parties this summer around the theme of life ("Zoe" in Greek). How have you found life in our fellowship? Where have you found life beyond it? And who has helped you most in that process? New folks are drawn to church and old folks remain within it when they grasp the ways that God is bringing life. I know God's done that here--I see it every single day. So do most of you. But none of us see the whole picture, and our joy is not complete until you hear what God has done for you.

Thus, I hope you'll join us for a "Zoe" party within the next several weeks. You can register through our web site or through paper forms at church. We've scheduled quite a few of these parties through the summer months, and we think that every one will be a source of joy.

I'll see you in church!

p.s.  We'll be celebrating the new life of Mikaela Marie Brabbee this Sunday morning, July 11, when I baptize her in church. Her mom, Minette Brabbee, has brought us life by singing in our praise team within the last year, and her dad has taught several of our children. I hope you'll join us!

Editor's Corner

San Pedro Packages For Patriots

On behalf of Pat Miller, I would like to take a moment to extend her invitation to all the readers to help and support our military men and women in Afghanistan.

Please click here to find out more about this non-profit organization and on how you can help.

Pat will have a pick-up bag in the church foyer or you can call her at (310) 547-3130 to make an arrangement. And if you're not much of a shopper but a writer then you can pen her a check made out to "Packages for Patriots" to help cover the shipping cost and the purchasing of fill-in items. And to those who like to sweat and flex their muscles then you can roll up your sleeves and help with the packaging. Just like the old saying "if there is a will, there is a way........".

Until next time!

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