I will miss you.

Some weeks ago, Beth and I began an unsolicited journey with the Lord regarding a change of ministerial calling.  As you know, after much prayer and deep reflection, I have answered the Lord's call to join his church in Maryland and submitted my resignation to the pastor and church board.  Please find comfort that this is not a decision to "leave" Bradenton First Church, but a response of our obedience to the calling of God for continued service with our Christian brothers and sisters up north.  Our deep love for you contributed immensely to the difficulty in these past few weeks at coming to our final decision, but we must trust that God is orchestrating all to the good of his glory.

Oswald Chambers penned “We have no right to judge where we should be put, or to have preconceived notions as to what God is fitting us for.  God engineers everything. Wherever He puts us, our one great aim is to pour out a whole-hearted devotion to Him in that particular work.”  More than anything, Beth and I want to give ourselves wholeheartedly for that to which the Lord has called us.

It has been a true blessing to serve such a loving congregation over the past three years. We treasure each memory and pray for the health and well-being of each of you. I will greatly miss all of you.

May the strength of the Lord be with you all. 

Amen!

This is the fourth post in a series of  posts looking at some biblical expressions of worship. If as Christian worshipers we say we believe the Bible, then our worship services must be biblical. If they are to be biblical, then they must take the elements/acts found in the Bible into account and understand their contribution to this act of obeisance we offer corporately each week.

Expression #4:
The Congregational "Amen"

Biblical References:
1 Chronicles 16:36; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 106:48; Deuteronomy 27:14-26

Explanation:
The Hebrew "Amen" has the force of strong affirmation or assent, usually to something spoken by another.  Most simply, a spoken "Amen" is often loosely translated, "so be it."  Moses' directions for worship included, "and all the people shall say AMEN."  After hearing Ezra read the law, all the people raised their hands and shouted, "AMEN."  Paul refers to the people's "AMEN" of thanksgiving.  In Revelation 3:14 it is used in direct relation to the terms true and faithful, referring to Christ as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness," and emphasizes Christ and his message--the embodiment of TRUTH (John 14:6; 17:17). These verses conclusively show the word's scriptural meaning.