File

File

Minister’s Message: Comprehending a truth beyond knowledge

The love of Christ passes knowledge

Are yearbooks still a part of the high school tradition? Pictures of classmates, activities, sports and other events all add to the memories. We wrote humorous and encouraging notes to each other in our yearbooks; fun to read again.

Senior pictures sometimes included a special quote or saying. When I graduated from Bible college, we chose a scripture verse to go with our picture. My friend Paul used a verse from Ecclesiastes which says in part, “ … much study is a weariness of the flesh.” He wasn’t dismissing studying, just having fun, I think.

As school starts in session again, the learning process once more receives focus. Students have been learning all along, but now in the classroom it begins with purpose.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Jesus invited those who are carrying burdens to “Come unto me” and he gave a promise of rest. He wanted to make a connection and added, “learn of me.” There is much to learn about the Lord Jesus. It is a lifelong quest with great reward which will extend into eternity. The Gospels give a good account of the teaching Jesus shared and the miracles he performed. He claimed to be the Resurrection and the Life and demonstrated that power with his own resurrection.

Paul was an author and preacher in the Bible. He witnessed to many about the light he saw and the voice of Jesus he heard at his conversion. Governor Festus claimed there were questions “of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.” King Agrippa wanted to hear Paul for himself. Paul told of the light and voice at his conversion to the king and governor, who then accused Paul, “much learning doth make thee mad.” Paul replied that he was not mad but spoke the “words of truth.”

Paul warned in his letter to Timothy that it is possible to be, “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” That is a sad circumstance with no benefits that the truth produces. Much better outcomes are available from having a “love of the truth.”

I didn’t take physics and calculus but I admire those who did. Those are subjects I wouldn’t attempt to study.

Can you imagine comprehending a concept that goes beyond knowledge? That is the case Paul presented in Ephesians chapter three. He wanted believers to “comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of the love of Christ. He added that the love of Christ passes knowledge. There will always be more to learn about his love.

Paul wrote in Romans chapter eight about the power of the love of Christ. He listed 17 disasters or dilemmas that we may experience in life. He affirmed the truth that we can be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Thankfully we can know that kind of love to keep us in any circumstance.

1 John 4:19 reads, “We love him because he first loved us.” Jesus showed that love on the cross. His prayer on the cross, “Father, forgive them” is where we start and continue in his love. It is an unfailing love worth knowing.

Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit the services and our website, sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.

More in Life

Graphics show the nine finalists in three age groups for the Soldotna “I Voted” sticker design contest. (Provided by City of Soldotna)
Soldotna announces finalists for ‘I Voted’ sticker contest

Public voting will be open until July 20 to determine the winners.

Homer’s Cosmic Creature Club performs at the 2024 Concert on the Lawn at Karen Hornaday Park. (Emilie Springer/Homer News file)
July events to provide entertainment and fun on lower Kenai Peninsula

Events include the Highland Games, Concert on the Lawn, local art camps and the Ninilchik Rodeo.

Nick Varney
Unhinged Alaska: Flashback dreams and the cold sweats

When summer arrives, every personage in the known cosmos suddenly seems to remember that they have kindred living in Alaska.

File
Minister’s Message: Freedom is not what you think

If freedom isn’t what we first think it is, what is it?

This is the Kenai Power complex. The long side of the plant faces the Frank Rowley home, seen here at the right side of the photograph. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 1

Frank Rowley made one of the most important steps toward modernization in the history of Kenai.

This cake stacks colored crepes for a brilliant rainbow breakfast. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Crepes of a different color

This rainbow cake celebrates Pride with layers of colored crepes.

”Thread of Light” is an acrylic painting done this year by Dan Coe on display through June at the Art Shop Gallery in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting
Fine art in invented spaces

Anchor Point artist showcases his skills with exhibit of acrylic paintings.

A variety of peony blooms grow vibrantly on Pioneer Avenue on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
6th annual Peony Celebration begins July 1

The festival will run in Homer through Aug. 17.

Most Read