Dear Lighthouse,

            I work in a laboratory.  We do all sorts of testing on various chemicals and products that come through our doors.  Often we use things called ‘indicators’ to find out what is in a certain product or to give an estimate of how strong or weak a certain mixture may be.  Indicators come in many forms - paper strips, like litmus paper, color changing fluids like phenolphthalein, and so on.  These indicators are marvelous inventions.  They can tell you very quickly the nature of the products with which you’re dealing.  In the Church we have some indicators as well.  Let me tell you about one that Jesus gave us.  Then let me tell you about some test results.

            In John 13 we find Jesus drawing close to the fulfillment of His mission, the crucifixion.  He has just finished His last supper with the twelve and in v.34-35 of that chapter we find these words recorded, “A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”.  Wow, what a command and what a challenge.  But also what a blessing and what a barometer for our community of believers.

            Jesus, here, knows that His time is short.  He is about to leave and is fully aware that savage wolves will come after those He must leave behind.  Acts 20:29 records His warning to that effect.  So, it is with this backdrop that Jesus issues the command to love one another.  This is significant.  He knows that love for each other will be the only protection and the only defense that can overcome the evils that will come against us.  He knows, all too well, that it will be the spirit of self-sacrifice and humility that will bind the infant Church together and keep it unified.  Jesus knows that in order for His bride to be attractive to the many lost in the world it must demonstrate an un-Earthly love.  To survive we must grow.   Abraham Lincoln echoes the words of Jesus in Matt. 3:25 when he states that a house divided against itself cannot stand.  What was true of the nation is still true of the Church.

So, how are we doing?  The Lighthouse has been experiencing growing pains now for some time.  We needed more room to allow even more to come and fellowship together with us.  Our space was at capacity and we needed help.  Out of love and a desire to see the Kingdom continue to advance forcefully, Kevin McConnell’s class graciously volunteered and will be swapping rooms with us this coming Sunday.   Out of love and a servant heart several men have volunteered to help move us on Friday.  Out of love you all continue to welcome in new members to the Lighthouse and you all continue to work hard to make our programs and events successful and Christ-centered. 

I would just like to say, ‘Thank you’ to you all.

I really appreciate Kevin’s class and their benevolent sacrifice.  Thank you.  If you see those folks I encourage you to take a moment and thank them.  We’ll be sending them breakfast casserole and muffins and stuff Sunday morning to say ‘Thanks’ is a more meaningful way! :)

Thank you to all of those who will work to provide that breakfast.  Thank you to the men who will help move the furniture.  Thank you to the ladies that have already spoken up to ‘redecorate’.  Thank you to the individuals and HCC’s leadership that made this move work out.  Thanks to you all for making the Fellowship successful.

You see, this is a small thing to some, but it really is an indicator, a litmus test if you will, of our faith.  By the cooperation of a few doors have been opened for the blessing of many and I feel loved.  That’s what its all about, isn’t it?  “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Pretty good indicator.

This week as we celebrate our new room together and have fun getting it ready for Sunday I want to challenge you to consider your role within the Lighthouse and within Highland Church at large.  Now is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your love for others by welcoming visitors and encouraging them in their spiritual growth.  We have an excellent opportunity to share our excitement and zeal for God to the rest of HCC and invite revival.  By our love for each other and our working together we have a most excellent opportunity to glorify God in a great way.  Please continue to let that be our focus - as a Sunday School and as a Church - let God be glorified and may we clearly show the path to Him.

I just want to close this message of encouragement to you with the opening words of Paul’s letter to the Philippians found in 1:2-6.  I mean these words to you.  I cherish our fellowship and simply want it to spread.  Thanks for making my ministry at Highland a joy.  “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

In Love,

Evan