The View from the Pulpit:

Dear People of God at Resurrection,

“Finally, friends, farewell.  Aim for perfection, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 

[2 Corinthians 13:11] 

“THANK  YOU  AND  FAREWELL!”

Paul chose these words to be his last to the Christians at Corinth.  I felt that they seemed appropriate for my last newsletter article to you.  Perhaps there will be other words to you, but as your pastor these will be my final ones.

Before reflecting on these words of Paul, Rita and I would like to thank you for the marvelous farewell dinner and your kindness and good wishes at the last services at Resurrection.  We are most touched by all the love we felt and greatly appreciate your wonderful gifts.  It will be a great help as we make our transition to retirement and a new life in South Carolina.  Your kindness, love and help have marked each of the 26 years the Lord has given us together.  We will always remember and cherish and give thanks to the Lord for it all!  Indeed we will miss so many at Resurrection, but look forward to your visits to Little River and North Myrtle Beach in the future.

Now about the “farewell words.”  Rita and I certainly pray that you will “fare well” as you walk in the ways of our Lord Jesus Christ!  The best way to “fare well” is to “aim for perfection” – that is to struggle to be complete; to be all that God has called you to be.  While perfection is not possible this side of heaven, we “aim” for that perfection from living in and according to God’s Word (that is why our leader-ship pushed Bible study so strongly!).  You can “be of good comfort.”  We have the comfort of the knowledge of God’s love, mercy and care in the Risen and Reigning Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  With His Words be a comfort to one another!  May you “be of one mind” and that mind be the mind of Christ!  His mind and the Spirit’s indwelling and power will never lead you astray or let you down.  Paul’s final exhortation is to “live in peace.”  This will happen when you share the love that God has shown you in Christ Jesus and gives you in Him.  With this love comes the power to say: “I was wrong”; “I am sorry”; and “I forgive you” – to live in peace and harmony.  “And the love of God and  peace WILL be with you!”

Finally, never forget that you have been washed clean by the blood of Your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; forgiven freely and fully of all your sins; empowered by Him to walk in this world as His very special person; and given eternal life with God forever!  SOLI DEO GLORIA! – TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!

 

With His LOVE, in Christ our Lord,

Pastor Hank Hollar