| Welcome to the First Baptist Church of Norwich 239 West Main Street Norwich, Connecticut Phone: 860-889-0369 |
Cal's Pastoral Epistles
Your Lucky Day
September 6, 2007
I probably shouldn't tell you because it might get me into hot water, but I
have been invited to become a member of a secret society. A mysterious
letter arrived in the mail about six weeks ago. It was actually quite
flattering. It said that I had been recognized as a person who possessed the
special gifts that the secret society was looking for. One of their members
nominated me because they feel that I have what it takes to join their
ranks. Imagine that!
The personalized typed letter went on to say that the members of this
society had access to an ancient manuscript that taught all the secrets of
how to become rich and famous. My letter included testimonies from
several very famous unnamed celebrities, politicians and entrepreneurs
who told how this manuscript had literally changed their lives. They
couldn't reveal their names because, well, they were a part of this secret
society that I could be a part of if I was willing to simply fill out a form
and mail it in.
I mailed the form back. I anxiously awaited the precious manuscript that
would change my life. Two weeks later I got another personalized letter
with more testimonies from unnamed famous people. Included with the
letter was the first few pages of the ancient manuscript. It was an
interesting read. I also found an order form that told me I was one step
away from joining the secret society. All I needed to do was send in my
membership fee of $139.00 and I was in. They would send me the ancient
manuscript and my life would never be the same.
I have the feeling that if I had sent that money in my life would have
changed all right. Doing her best Alice Kramden impression, my wife
would have clobbered me. A long time ago I learned that if something
sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I think that is why so many
people hesitate when they hear the good news of the Gospel. They say,
"God, the creator of heaven and earth, the one who demands perfection
and has a long list of laws to be followed, really loves me? You have got to
be kidding!" It sounds too good to be true.
Yet there are no secrets when it comes to our Christian faith. It is all in the
book we call the Bible. There is good news there as well. You can get a
copy of this ancient manuscript for next to nothing. If you drop in to First
Baptist, I'll give you one for free. The book has all the secrets to
happiness. It tells you how to get the most out of life. It shares some of
the blessings that a faith filled life can bring. It even tells you how to deal
with hardship and suffering.
The best part of all of this is that there is no membership fee. That price
has already been paid by God himself. It was pretty expensive but it just
goes to show how much God loves you and me. And unlike that scam I
was telling you about earlier, you don't need to possess any special gifts to
join. You can come as you are. So what are you waiting for? Pick up the
Bible and start hanging with God. You will be blessed.
God bless. See you in church. Cal
September 6, 2007
I probably shouldn't tell you because it might get me into hot water, but I
have been invited to become a member of a secret society. A mysterious
letter arrived in the mail about six weeks ago. It was actually quite
flattering. It said that I had been recognized as a person who possessed the
special gifts that the secret society was looking for. One of their members
nominated me because they feel that I have what it takes to join their
ranks. Imagine that!
The personalized typed letter went on to say that the members of this
society had access to an ancient manuscript that taught all the secrets of
how to become rich and famous. My letter included testimonies from
several very famous unnamed celebrities, politicians and entrepreneurs
who told how this manuscript had literally changed their lives. They
couldn't reveal their names because, well, they were a part of this secret
society that I could be a part of if I was willing to simply fill out a form
and mail it in.
I mailed the form back. I anxiously awaited the precious manuscript that
would change my life. Two weeks later I got another personalized letter
with more testimonies from unnamed famous people. Included with the
letter was the first few pages of the ancient manuscript. It was an
interesting read. I also found an order form that told me I was one step
away from joining the secret society. All I needed to do was send in my
membership fee of $139.00 and I was in. They would send me the ancient
manuscript and my life would never be the same.
I have the feeling that if I had sent that money in my life would have
changed all right. Doing her best Alice Kramden impression, my wife
would have clobbered me. A long time ago I learned that if something
sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I think that is why so many
people hesitate when they hear the good news of the Gospel. They say,
"God, the creator of heaven and earth, the one who demands perfection
and has a long list of laws to be followed, really loves me? You have got to
be kidding!" It sounds too good to be true.
Yet there are no secrets when it comes to our Christian faith. It is all in the
book we call the Bible. There is good news there as well. You can get a
copy of this ancient manuscript for next to nothing. If you drop in to First
Baptist, I'll give you one for free. The book has all the secrets to
happiness. It tells you how to get the most out of life. It shares some of
the blessings that a faith filled life can bring. It even tells you how to deal
with hardship and suffering.
The best part of all of this is that there is no membership fee. That price
has already been paid by God himself. It was pretty expensive but it just
goes to show how much God loves you and me. And unlike that scam I
was telling you about earlier, you don't need to possess any special gifts to
join. You can come as you are. So what are you waiting for? Pick up the
Bible and start hanging with God. You will be blessed.
God bless. See you in church. Cal
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |