20 years of fighting Evil
Dear Mosaic Family,
I usually craft the newsletter as an appetizer to the entrée that is the sermon. Just whet your appetite so you're hungry for Sunday. I'll do that real quick: tomorrow's sermon will be delicious, because God's Word is always delicious. Done.
Now, I want to share something else that's on my heart.
Today marks 20 years from September 11, 2001. I was a freshman in college, on my way to an Economics class. I saw the television footage live on tv, in my dorm building lounge. I still remember the nasty pink walls, dirty carpet, cheap furniture, and old box-like tv. I saw the footage live, and didn't know what to make of it. I was 18 years old and had never experienced anything like this. However, I immediately realized we were at war. With whom? With what?
President George W. Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office that evening. The speech was historic in many ways, and set the course for our country for many years to come. What struck me more than anything was his repeated and emphatic use of the word "evil." I had never heard that word used seriously outside of church.
"Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror."
"Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America."
"The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts."
Then he ends his address by quoting Psalm 23:
"And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me."
Some of my high school friends immediately enlisted. Some of them died in Iraq. I went to their funerals. They wanted to fight evil. The government said the evil guys were over there. So my friends went there. But I quickly realized, the target just kept shifting. Those are the evil guys. And those over there. And those over there...
After college, I took a government job in the intelligence community. I was told we were in a battle for hearts and minds. "Hearts and minds"? If we're in a battle for hearts and minds, then the battle can't be won with force, only with fear or faith. As I grew in the Word, I quit my job and enlisted. Into the army of God. To wage war against evil by proclaiming the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Great Victor, who has already won the war, and makes us more than conquerors in our daily battles against evil. I fear no evil for you are with me.
Tomorrow's text: 2 Corinthians 2:5-2:17
Praying for you!
Pastor Jan
This Week's Announcements
Baptism Seminar
This Sunday, September 12th, 1:00 pm
Want to be baptized? The first step toward baptism at Mosaic is to attend our baptism class. For more information or to sign up, visit Brookline.MosaicBoston.com/Baptism.
Mosiac Membership 101 Class
Sunday, September 19th, 1:00 pm
If you'd like to learn more about Mosaic Boston Brookline, join us to hear why we are here and how you can join the church through membership. Visit our website to RSVP.
Serve With Us
Our amazing volunteers work together every week to create a space where Jesus can be worshiped, the Gospel can be preached, and people can draw near to God. Visit our website for more information about how you can serve with us at Mosaic.
Songs for Sunday
If you would like to know what we'll be singing on Sunday, you can find the playlist here.