Matthew 25:31-46
Revelation (vv34-34) + Fostering Hope (vv35-40) + Salvation (vv41-46)

With many guests present for Fostering Hope Sunday, Pastor Dave took pains to explain salvation. He preached from the “sheep and goats” passage in Matthew 25, which can cause confusion about salvation because of its focus on works. The sheep – the saved – have supplied basic needs such as food and drink and community to “the least of these,” but that’s not what saved them. Rather, that is what saved people do in obedience to their Lord. Some people are confused about salvation in the opposite direction. They think they are saved by grace, through faith, and then are free … to do nothing. Unchurched people are confused about salvation, but so are some people who have attended church for years. Pray for any among us who think they are saved by works or who think it’s possible to be a sheep without good works.

The word that kept coming to my mind Saturday evening at Fall FunFest and Sunday morning at the special Fostering Hope service and reception was community. The sense of community we enjoy in our church is a gift and blessing from the Lord. Thank Him for it!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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