C H A N G E by Lead Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem (joel@lordoflife.org)
It was obvious the bathroom needed work when a mushroom was growing out of the floor. It was the bathroom in the first house Karen and I owned and when we called in a plumber to check out what was going on, it became clear that the entire subfloor under the toilet was rotting. We were rather fortunate that the floor didn’t give way. We needed to make a change to our house— the subfloor, the flooring, and the toilet were all replaced. In our homes, we know that things need to be updated and replaced. Some things wear out. Other things go out of style. Some additions are needed. Some spaces need to be opened up to allow for a better flow. When the bones of the house are in good shape, most everything else can be changed and updated over time. The bones of our theological house are strong. The Church is founded on the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s what Jesus says to Peter in Matthew 16:18: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Or as the hymn goes, “How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in Christ Jesus the Word!” CHANGE......................................................................2-3 BIBLE 101: RECOGNIZING JESUS............................ 4-5 community life / HEBREWS 13:8........................ 6-7 JOB TRANSITIONS........................................................ 8 ALONE TOGETHER .........................................................9 Making things new.................................................10 CONTACT US..................................................................11 IN A WORLD OF CHANGE AND TRANSITIONS...........12
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