[The Mayor]

September 21, 2005

Invisible Companions

Read:
Hebrews 12:18-24

You have come to . . . an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly. —Hebrews 12:22-23

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 34-36

One Sunday morning while traveling in West Virginia, we visited a small church in a tiny village. Only 15 people were present, yet they radiated joy as they sang. And the pastor preached from the Bible with enthusiasm. But I couldn't shake a feeling of sympathy for him and his people. With little chance for growth, it looked like a discouraging ministry.

But the testimony of a young seminarian showed me how wrong I was! Assigned to minister in a small village chapel, he was dismayed when only two people stayed for the communion service. As he read from the liturgy, he came to the words: "Therefore, with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, we worship and adore Thy glorious name." That sentence changed everything for him. In his heart he said, "God forgive me. I did not know I was in that great company."

When we came to Christ in faith, we joined an invisible host of companions, what the writer of Hebrews says is an "innumerable company of angels," and "the general assembly and church of the firstborn" (12:22-23). Keep this amazing reality in mind as you worship God. It will give great meaning to every service, whether thousands of fellow worshipers are present, or just two or three. —Herb Vander Lugt

Glory to God, and praise and love
Be ever, ever given
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heaven. —Wesley

When Christians worship here on earth, the hosts of heaven are worshiping with them.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
What Can We Learn From The Angels?

[luvie]

Good mornin' Mayor! Thank you for the lesson in God's Word. Are you on your way to work? Have a good day! (((hugs)))

[WVNan]

Hey Rus. Thanks for that segment. It's another good idea for a sermon. I think I will use that to put together the sermon next time we have Communion, which will be on World Communion Day, Oct 2. Have you contacted your adversary yet?

[auboy]

In Great Company bump.

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning and happy fall to you!

I have never been in Upper State New York (my son lived in Ballston Spa for awhile.....I think that is up there somewhere near Albany), but I can imagine that it is beautiful in the autumn, like the rest of New England.