Eternal Joy (+this Sunday)
Those who love him shall have pleasure without interruption and without end.
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).
John Newton, like any caring father, had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lasting spiritual lessons. In a letter to his adopted daughter, he used something as simple as a cake to teach her about the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures and the lasting joy found in Christ:
Your mamma sent you a cake, which I hope you received; and, if you did, I suppose it is all gone by this time—for they say, you cannot eat your cake and have it. It is a true saying, and full of meaning. Look at all that appears good and pleasant in this world; could you call it all your own, it would last but a little while, and when you go into another world, the remembrance of what you had in this world, will be but like remembering you once had a cake—but it is gone, quite eaten up. But it is not so, my dear child, with respect to that feast which Jesus prepares for poor sinners. The pleasures which he gives are repeated from time to time, and are pleasing even when we reflect on them. And, in the other world, when earthly pleasures will be quite ended, those who love him shall have pleasure without interruption and without end, rivers of pleasure at his right hand for evermore!
Newton, John. John Newton's Letters: Twenty-One Letters to His Adopted Daughter Betsy When She Was Away at School (1779-1783)
THIS SUNDAY AT IMMANUEL
SUNDAY: Join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. as Dr. Russell Moore continues our sermon series The Gospel According to Genesis!
SUNDAY SEMINARS
9 AM: Student Seminar (grades 5-12) in the gymnasium
9 AM: Studying the Bible Together, led by Dr. Tom Cox, studying the book of Romans in Sadler Hall (through the breezeway and the red double doors)
10:45 AM: - Church History for Beginners, led by Dr. Gavin Ortlund in Sadler Chapel
Last Word seminar will resume on Sunday, 3/23, in Sadler Chapel
ON THE HORIZON
INFANT BAPTISM & DEDICATION SEMINAR: Interested in baptizing or dedicating your baby at Immanuel? Sign up to participate in our next parent seminar this Sunday, March 2nd at 10:45am! Before the meeting, please read through our booklet on infant baptism and child dedication so we can discuss your questions. If married, both spouses need to be present for the seminar. Afterwards, we will follow up with your next steps for participating in a baptism/dedication service!
MARRIAGE SEMINAR: If you are preparing for marriage or are young in your marriage, Join us on Saturday, March 29, from 9 AM - 1 PM for a marriage foundations seminar in the cafe. Lunch will be provided. Please Register HERE.