5-12-2024 1:18am

Strong spirits: a letter?

Photo: cottonbro studio

Suppose you loved a person or group of people dearly and wanted very much to let them know that. And wanted very much to remind them of certain truths and promises. And you were unable to get to them and had no modern means of communication. What would you do? Maybe you would write a letter...

Much of the New Testament of the Bible is made up of letters written by early believers, who were leaders in the Church, who very much wanted other believers to remember the truths they had been taught.

These letters are absolutely rich, full of wisdom, encouragement, reminders, and personal thoughts. They were directed to a particular individual or gathered group. But they also have direct impact and help for those of us who have come to believe in Jesus in these days. Why am I telling you this?

For a while, this column will be based on what we find in one of those letters- Paul's letter to the Ephesians. I want to encourage you to read that letter. Or a different one if you prefer. I suggest you begin your reading with a short prayer asking God to show you what he wants you to see. And as you read, ask three questions: what does it say? what does it mean? how can I apply it to my life.

If you can do that, I believe your life and your world will be enriched greatly! More to come...

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.