This Sunday was a bit strange and difficult and special.
Of our two vehicles neither would start in the -40 below weather. I worked on them intermittently from 7:30 to 9:45 am to no avail.
Christel was sick along with one son and a pastor was down for the count and unable to lead the congregational meeting. It was shaping up for a difficult day.
So I walked to 2 blocks in the sub-forty-degree weather and borrowed a van from one of my elders. His wife mentioned God’s providence in it all and I had to wonder.
With the help of this family, I was able to drive to church and walk in as people were finishing the last of the opening hymns.
I preached from Romans 8 and the golden chain of the “ordo salutis” focussing on the effectual calling of God.
I had to confess my struggle with trusting in God and that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
But God was gracious and gave me liberty and it seemed, some sweet unction as I praying for God to compellingly convert many sinners to himself.
After the service, we had a congregational meeting with a church budget discussion. I outlined the prospects for our new church plant and the need for more staff. We ate food and read aloud our covenant with one another.
I got the friends’ minivan home and was gratified to get one of two cars going.
It was a good Sunday even with all the hurdles.
We spent 5 hours together as a church family.
And -40 didn’t stop us.
A deacon at Calvary Grace, Jared Harfield, tweeted out:
Why do Christians battle icy roads and -40°C wind chill to get to church on Sundays like this?
Because God’s word is like fire (Jer. 23:29).
When the Bible is read, prayed, sung, and preached – cold hearts are set aflame with love for Jesus and each other.
And that is the latest Sunday Recap.