Sunday Evening Meeting Report, Apr 22, 2007

Bro. Dillow brought a teaching message tonight taken from Ephesians Chapter 1.  He explained how Paul, the apostle, spent 3 years in Ephesus teaching the word to the people.  The gospel that Paul proclaimed was a positive gospel, focused on peace, grace and the will of God.  He lifted up Christ and brought hope, instead of focusing on the evil in that city (idolatry), although it existed.  And the gospel message overcame the evil and prevailed.   

Focusing on the negative aspect of the Gospel such as “hellfire and brimstone” or eternal punishment, brings discouragement instead of hope.  The very word “gospel” means “good news”.  People today won’t want a gospel that doesn’t bring them hope and isn’t “good news” to them. 

Do we have a positive outlook, something that brings hope to our city today?  Just like in Ephesus, people are still worshipping idols – gods of fashion, music, money, etc.  Let’s lift up Christ and offer them something that will last forever.