Fighting Fire with Fire
Dear Mosaic Boston Family,
I'm sure you've heard of the devastating wildfire still raging in Northern California. The so called "Camp Fire" is the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history. It has destroyed over 9,800 homes, as it has scorched 146,000 acres, with only 50% contained. The death toll has risen to 71, with 1,011 people unaccounted for, as of today. We must pray!
Part of the reason California is suffering reoccurring wildfire is the lack of precipitation during California’s five-year drought, which ended in 2017, which has left trees weak and vulnerable. Scientists say the tangled mass of timber represents a fire hazard of unprecedented size and intensity. More than a million dry trees have so far been felled, but an estimated 127 million and counting remain. Since logging is too time and manpower consuming, authorities are turning to another tool at their disposal: fire. They are setting prescribed fires in areas of high tree mortality in order to lessen future fire danger. They are preemptively fighting fire, with fire. Counterintuitive, but effective.
In last week's text in Colossians, the Apostle Paul said that asceticism and legalism are impotent in stopping the "indulgence of the flesh," meaning external changes won't stop the raging fire of sin within. We need something else. We need to fight the internal fire with fire, by fighting desire with desire. Thomas Chalmers said, “The only way to dispossess the heart of an old affection is by the expulsive power of a new one.” Join us tomorrow as we learn about the most powerful sin-mortifying weapon at our disposal.
Praying for you!
Pastor Jan
Announcements
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Sundays, November 4-18
We are running a drive for Brookline food banks during November leading up to Thanksgiving. Items needed: dried/canned goods and fresh produce. Take a Trader Joe's bag home, fill it up and return to church! Bags available in the lobby.
Interested in Membership?
Sunday, November 18, 1-3 p.m.
If you are considering becoming a member of Mosaic, please join our membership class after the 11:15 service. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to admin@mosaicboston.com.
Baptism Seminar
Sunday, November 18, 5 p.m.
Want to be baptized? The first step toward baptism is to attend our baptism class, held during the evening service. Email Kara@mosaicboston.com to sign up.
Songs for Sunday. If you would like to know what we'll be singing on Sunday (so you can be ready to sing your heart out!) you can find the playlist here.