God Takes Delight In Blessing + This Sunday
Good morning Immanuel. Pastor TJ reminds us that blessing is God's natural reflex toward creation, and the Immanuel staff keeps us posted on the latest news.
“So God created man in his own image . . . and God blessed them” (Genesis 1:27-28).
From the beginning, the heart of our heavenly Father is to bless and not to curse. Adam and Eve do not begin on parole. God’s blessing is the given in every Edenic equation. If they are to discover God’s wrath, they must wade through God’s blessing to find it. They must drive Him to anger. The anger of God must be provoked, but blessing is His natural reflex toward creation.
If that was true of God's heart towards the first creation, how much more toward the new creation, which Jesus the Son of God inaugurated at the cross? There is more gained in Christ than lost in Adam—more purchased at Calvary than forfeited in Eden. We must, therefore, begin our planning today from the assurance of God’s blessing. It is our re-birth right!
Father, you take joy and delight in blessing your children. We never have to overcome some reluctance in you, but you are eager to see our hearts filled with your joy and peace. Thank you that there is more grace in you than there is sin in us and that Christ gained more for us than what Adam forfeited in the garden. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
June 4, 2023 - This Sunday At Immanuel
Sunday Morning
SERMON - Pastor Barnabas will continue our sermon series in Ephesians this Sunday.
Seminars
9 am: Studying the Bible Together, led by Dr. Tom Cox in the Staff Lounge
No Next Steps for June-July in observance of summer break
No First Word Seminar for June-July in observance of summer break
No Student Seminar for June-July in observance of summer break
On the Horizon
Discover Luncheon - The next Discover Luncheon will be hosted in the cafe on July 9th. If you are new or newish and looking to learn more about Immanuel, feel free to RSVP here.
Next Steps One Day Event - Join us on Saturday, August 5th, from 9 am-2 pm in the cafe for Next Steps Day. We will cover the material for all four sessions. Coffee and lunch will be provided. RSVP here.
Young Professionals Gathering - Every third Thursday, Immanuel hosts our monthly Young Professionals Fellowship from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Invite a co-worker, or come and meet a friend! Our next gathering is on June 15th. Food will be provided, with a suggested optional donation of $7 to help cover the food costs. RSVP here.
Engage
ONLINE PRAYER MEETINGS - Every week, Jenn Ross, an Immanuel Discipleship Group leader, facilitates two online prayer meetings that everyone is welcome to join. Join her on Sundays morning from 7:30-8 am via Zoom here.
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