.
The Love of
Christ Compels Us
.
“For
Christ’s love compels us,
because we are convinced
that one died for all, and
therefore all died. And he
died for all, that those
who live should no longer
live for themselves but
for him who died for them
and was raised again.”
–
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
In this issue
The
Scriptures remind us that this present
world is passing away and the Lord Jesus
is returning to establish his
everlasting kingdom of righteousness,
peace, and joy. We are sojourners -
passing guests and pilgrims - in search
of a better homeland prepared for those
who hunger for God and the abundant life
he offers us through his Son, our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus
comes to fulfill every promise which God
has made - a kingdom of peace and
reconciliation, joy and everlasting
life, and total victory and freedom from
sin, Satan, and death. That is why our
hope is anchored in God alone and his
word of truth, justice, and merciful
love.
This issue is dedicated to
the "good news" that the Lord Jesus has
come to set us free and give us new life
through the gift of the Holy Spirit. And
the Lord Jesus continues to fill us with
great anticipation and hope in his
promise to come again to complete his
work of redemption for us.
How should we live in this
present time between the Lord's first
coming and his return? How will he judge
the living and the dead and bring
vindication to those who belong to God?
What gives us joy, hope, and courage to
advance the coming of his kingdom
throughout the world today? And how can
we pray and cooperate with God's work of
reconciliation and unity for the broken
body of Christ, and for the building up
of communities of disciples on mission
today ? Don't miss the wisdom and
insights of gifted teachers and servants
of God's word which this issue offers
for your encouragement and strengthening
in faith, hope, and love.
The love of Christ compels
us - be reconciled with God and with one
another through the gift and grace which
Jesus Christ has won for us through his
victory on the cross and his glorious
resurrection.
May this Advent season and
Christmas celebration be a rich feast of
savoring God's word and preparing our
hearts and homes to receive the Lord
Jesus who comes to unite us in a bond of
peace and unity through the grace and
power of the Holy Spirit who dwells
within us.
Sincerely in Christ,
Don Schwager
editor
[photo above, (c) by thegarden
at bigstock.com]
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