And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war. ~Isaiah 2:4
On Sunday Keith Thomas Kinnunen opened fire in a church in Texas, fatally shooting two people. It’s the time of year that we are making, and more than likely, already breaking resolutions. But we are not only looking forward, we are also looking back on a year that held so much hope but sadly that hope is also amidst so much tragedy. The (verse above) proclaims the eventuality of what God will do. There will be no more violence, no more destruction, and no more death. The church stands in between proclaiming the in breaking kingdom of God. We are the now, and not yet, people who can assure those in desperation that a day is coming where violence will meet its final end. If you are like me the passion of your resolutions are already fading, so let me suggest a few resolutions you might not have already listed, and together we can resolve to be the representation of God’s breaking peace.
We resolve to pray for the healing of our world and against violence and vengeance.
We resolve to let perfect love drive out fear as we continue to meet together and proclaim The good news of Christ.
We resolve to seek peace and seek healing and wholeness for those marginalized.
We resolve to trust in God’s perfect justice.
We resolve to let the Holy Spirit shape our steps everyday and to let the life of Christ in us overflow into our world, city, and into our neighbors.
I have spent 25 years preaching Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again. In the meantime I trust that He is reigning alongside The Father and he will finish the work He has started in you.
Grace & Peace,
Scott Austin
Lead Pastor, The Park Community
January Upcoming Events
5th // Regular Parish Schedules
12th // All-Parish at UIW Sky Room
IF:The Park SA Women’s Conference
Join women of The Park on February 28th-29th for IF: The Park SA 2020! This gathering will include worship, fellowship, and powerful speakers. Registration is $50 which includes dinner on Friday, lunch on Saturday and an IF:The Park SA t-shirt. To register you can click here. For questions or more information you can contact Terri Pease at terri@theparksa.org.