Summer 2017

Dear Neighbor,

Jesus said, “Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Sometimes people are confused about what the Lord means by Father, Son and Holy Spirit—it almost sounds like three gods.

The Lord our God is one (Deut. 6:4). Therefore, we can think of the Trinity as three ways our Lord works with us. First, the Lord is our Heavenly Father, who creates us and takes care of us all the time. He is the Source of all true love that we feel, for He is Love itself. “Look at the birds of the air…. Your Heavenly Father feeds them…. Do not fear, little flock, for it your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Matt. 6:26, Luke 12:32).

The Lord came into the world so that we could see Him. Jesus Christ is “the Word made flesh” (John 1:14), the Word in Person. “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has brought Him forth to view” (John 1:18). He gave us His example to follow (John 13:15). The Lord walked among us, teaching and healing us. Jesus said, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30). Now we can behold His glory and follow Him.

Jesus was willing to lay down His life for His friends (John 15:13). In this way, He showed us that when our natural body dies, it is not the end of our life. Just before He ascended He said, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of age” (Matt. 28:20). His presence with us is called His holy spirit. As the spirit of truth, He guides us into all truth (John 16:13). He reproves us when we sin and brings to our remembrance all the things He has taught us (John 16:8, 14:26). He comes to us and does not leave us orphans (John 14:18).

You are welcome to worship at the Kempton New Church on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. May the Lord be with you, and you with Him.

Rev. Lawson M. Smith