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A Tale of Twos
If you’re as old as dirt like me, you remember a very old TV commercial for Certs breath mints, which annoyingly claimed, “Two, two, two mints in one.” Years ago people would catch themselves singing that catchy little jingle as they were taking out the trash or taking out your girlfriend (There’s a great joke in there somewhere, but I’ll just leave for you to finish).
The first two verses of the New Testament book of Ephesians deal with a trio of twos. Paul has two sources of authority. He was selected to be a capital “A” Apostle, and was under the authority of the will of God. That’s a double dose of authority.
Christians were identified by being both holy and faithful. That’s a double dose of identification I’d like to be known for. In the very least, it would look pretty impressive on your tombstone.
Two prayer requests round out our tale of twos. Grace and peace. What else do we need? Let’s stand for closing prayer.
What if you had spiritual authority from knowing your spiritual gift and living under the power and direction of God’s will? What if holy and faithful were words used to describe how you live, and not so much what you say? Could contentment finally be realized if you fully grabbed on to the available double dose of grace and peace? Wow. Can you imagine the spiritual machismo and impact you and I could have? Can you imagine a church filled with such dynamic duos?
We will begin our study of the incredible book of Ephesians beginning in January. When Ephesians starts with the dynamite of verses one and two, you know the rest is going to be crazy good. Get ready to see the Church be everything God intended as we study our way through. Get ready for God to show us things beyond our wildest dreams and imaginations. Get ready to see and experience the Church… our Church… moving rhythmically and easily together. Can you even imagine that? Have you ever seen a church fully mature and grown up? It’s possible, and the keys will be unpacked as we trek through Ephesians. Get ready. Get set. Pray.
Yes contentment can be yours today. How can one not be content when we have been given grace and peace from God? I find I am not content when I try and take control. Praise the Lord He is in controll and we can rest in His peace.
Alan:
Thanks for the ever timely reminder of some of the important things that God gives up if we trust in Him – holiness, faithfulness, grace and peace.
Appreciate your leadership and love of God’s people. Love you, bro!
There have been many times in the past year that I have found contentment only through staying focused on God. What an awesome reminder this writing was to help us remember that all of our contentment is found in the Lord. I can’t wait for your book to be published so I can read it.
There’s contentment and there’s sanctification. Contentment in Jesus, not in this world, careers, politics, stocks, houses, 401k’s, gold, or even “church,” and certainly not in myself. Sanctification: I am not done until GOD says “Done.”
Welcome back! (… and my wife is smokin’ hot!. GOD must really love us to give us wives like that.)
I’m so glad you are “one of the pastors at Cumberland” and I’m especially thankful that you love God, your family, and your church (all of us). I love you too and I’m looking forward to what is in store for us as a church.
The newest Veggie Tales DVD “It’s a Meaningful Life” illustrates in a practical way that God has a purpose for our lives. If we go through life always wishing “What if……”, we can not find contentment. However, thankfulness for the things we have such as family, career, and friends acknowledges God’s purpose and produces grace and peace in us.