Dear HLPC family,
Just some miscellaneous thoughts today:
- We are forecast for some potentially rough weather in the next 48 hours as Hurricane Helene is predicted to pass over us after it makes landfall. Let’s pray for those who will feel the brunt of this storm near the coast and let’s also check on one another after the storm passes by.
- I enjoyed watching the Paul Tripp live seminar that was available Monday night. I sent an email to this list that provided the link. Perhaps some of you saw it as well. I was helped by his love for Scripture and call for us to see Jesus throughout the Bible’s pages. Tripp has a great gift for writing and his books and devotionals have encouraged many.
- While on Sabbatical, Connie and I visited a church in south Florida for worship one Sunday. On that particular visit no one spoke to us, and it was not a large congregation. That could happen anywhere on any Sunday, I realize. Let’s purpose to continue to be a friendly church and keep it from happening at HLPC. Keep your antennae up for visitors each Sunday. They’re here!
- Our trip to the UK during the Sabbatical really pricked my heart for the state of the church there. Statistics say less than 3% profess faith in Jesus Christ in the UK. This is the land of the Puritans, of John Newton, John Knox, William Wilberforce, and Charles Spurgeon. The level of spiritual decline is sobering, but God has not left Himself without witness. Connie and I worshipped in a church in Edinburgh that is part of the Free Church of Scotland—a Bible believing denomination—that is trying to be a hub for church planting. The UK certainly needs our prayers.
Your Pastor,
Paul