Last week we began talking about the seven benefits of justification — the seven benefits of being in the kingdom of God.
They were, and are, the peace that surpasses our understanding. Second is access to the presence of God, third is the hope we have, and fourth are the problems that produce patience.
I read a fascinating post on Facebook from a woman who’d just moved to a new city and was looking for a local church, “…with a marriage ministry, outreach ministry, and a choir.”
Someone commented, “We’d love to have you visit. Our traditional service is at 8:30 a.m. and modern at 11 a.m.”
Someone else commented, “We’d love to have you.” And then another said, “…a very welcoming church. We have a wonderful choir and small groups.”
One of my favorite responses was, “We’re not perfect, but we serve a perfect God.”
Finally, someone said, “I pray that the Holy Spirit leads you to your new church home and that you continue to grow and be blessed.”
And we’re continuing to talk about the seven benefits (there are more in other places) of justification, i.e. living in the kingdom of God, in Romans 5.
This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us. Fifth, above all the rest, love.
“For God so loved the world he gave his only Son, and his only Son gave his life for us!” — John 3: 16
By his blood we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God's anger!
Sixth, deliverance from the wrath of God. Yes, we’ll experience and live in the valley of the shadow of death with the wrath of men and women, but the wrath of God will “pass over” us!
But that is not all. We rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God’s friends.
Seventh and finally, joy. The joy growing out of love and giving birth to peace — the fruit (singular) of the Spirit is love, from which flows joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Finally, I commented on that Facebook post, “As you can see, (city name) is filled with good churches and plenty to do, but this is not like joining the best club in town. Maybe you should first pray, asking God which church he wants you to attend.
It’ll be a place where:
• You can grow and mature in your faith;
• Enjoy the peace, love, and joy that comes from being a part of God’s family;
•Find a way to use your gifts and talents to serve God, that congregation, and the community around you.
Meanwhile, the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you peace as he leads you to “His place” for you, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Charles “Buddy” Whatley is a retired United Methodist pastor serving Dawson Street Methodist Church in Thomasville, Ga. With wife, Mary Ella, they are missionaries to the Navajo Reservation.
