Greetings,
Gillian, along with her mother and I are in Dallas for a combined get together over this Pentecost weekend. The double Sabbath allows the opportunity for some extended fellowship for the congregations from Houston, Tulsa and Dallas.
Over the past few weeks we have seen a number of deaths among the people of God. This has been in the context of a number of serious health problems and other severe trials some members are experiencing. Given the state of the world as a whole; its fragile state teetering on the edge and the many expressions of unbridled human nature, our heavenly Father must surely be looking at the total scene and making preparations for the return of Christ to this earth. In this context, what is happening in the lives of His people must be of paramount concern to Him. He is a Father and He has a family He loves more than we can humanly understand. Today and every day are important periods of time for Him in the development of that family. Our Father’s attention is on you and He is filled with desire for you to share an eternal existence with Him.
No potential member of His family dies without our Father’s complete involvement. He knows what is happening to us in infinite detail. As we are facing our entrance into the “Promised Land”, we need to remember the promises made by God to Israel as they were preparing to enter their land of promise. “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave nor forsake you…And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:6,8). God changes not and the One who went before them is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). It is interesting that Paul references this characteristic of Christ immediately after quoting, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
This encouragement from God through Moses is sandwiched between two sections of instruction regarding responsibility toward the law of God. Our forefathers were encouraged to choose life through loving God and clinging to Him as well as hearing the law in order to, “learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 31: 12).
The Day of Pentecost underscores for us the writing of God’s law on our hearts through the Holy Spirit. We have the ability to live God’s law to its fullest spiritual intent. The people who live this way comprise the Body of Christ – the Church. As we think about aspects of this Holy Day, we know that our Father is keenly anticipating firstfruits which will be added to the Firstfruit, Christ, and to Their family. This provides a greater context for the issues of life.
Pentecost Services:
East AM: Service time is 10:00 am Eastern. Originating from Columbus, Ohio.
East PM and West AM: Service time is 11:00 am Pacific (Offering taken up). Originating from Denver, CO.
West PM: Service time is 2:30 pm Pacific. Originating from Duarte, CA
Weekly Sabbath services will originate from Dallas at the usual time.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
