The Most Powerful Force in the Universe
Good morning Immanuel. The kingdom of God is energized by the engine of God’s enthusiasm!
“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:7).
The governments of this world wax and wane. But the government of Jesus Christ is always on the rise. His kingdom of justice and righteousness must be ever-increasing because it is bound to the most powerful force in the Universe, the zeal of the Lord of hosts!
We’ve all seen zealous people accomplish great things through the sheer force of their enthusiasm. The gift of human zeal accomplishes wonders when aimed at the good. But our zeal is also the cause of unspeakable atrocities. What a comfort to know, then, that the kingdom of God does not depend on our zeal. The kingdom of God is energized by the engine of God’s enthusiasm!
Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been swept up into a movement that cannot fail because Jesus cannot fail. At the cross, the zeal of Jesus overcame the world. And His government has been increasing ever since. In the first century, the cross of Christ was barely a footnote in the gospel of Roman glory. Today, the distant memory of Roman glory is widely preserved as the background to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The zeal of the Lord of hosts has done this! And so it will be for everyone who takes up their cross and follows Jesus. To lose with Jesus is never-ending gain.
Then learn to scorn the praise of man,
And learn to lose with God;
For Jesus won the world through shame,
And beckons thee His road.
June 5, 2023 - Monday Memo
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN JUNE - VIDEO RECORDING 1 JOHN
RSVP - During June, Pastor Sam Allberry will teach an interactive four-part series through 1 John. Learn more about gospel culture and practice it in real-time during this recorded event. The teaching time will be held in the cafe, and we will start promptly at 6:30 pm. Space will be limited, so you will need to RSVP to save your seat!
If you are unable to attend in person, the series will be recorded and made available as a resource for Immanuel and other churches.
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.
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Amen!