Dearly beloved,
When I was a youngster, one of my most frequent complaints was, “That’s not fair!” Everything had to be fair, and if it was not then I was not a happy camper! My dad, if I remember correctly, told me in so many words on more than one occasion that if I thought everything had to be fair that I was going to be very disappointed and disillusioned with life. Perhaps you have even complained a little when you were growing up, but I am sure you have overcome that temptation now that you are mature!
Fair means:
- Free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice, like a fair decision
- Legitimately sought, pursued, done proper under the rules, like a fair fight
We have been inundated these days with words like unbiased, justice, right, equitable, unprejudiced. But where does this sense of fairness come from? If the human race evolved over millions of years and we “homo sapiens” are just byproducts of some random process, then why make such a big deal about equality? We are just animals by nature, and we can do whatever comes naturally – right?
But let’s say we were created in the image of God and that we do live in an ethical universe in which some things are moral and some things immoral? But that begs the question, what is evil, what is good and who makes that final determination?
In our current study, Peter exhorted Christ followers in the 1st century that by “doing right” they would silence ignorant and foolish men. This week in 1 Peter 2:18-20 we will look at one of the hardest hitting passages in the Word of God as it relates to bearing up under sorrows while suffering unjustly. Peter was emphatic about the fact that although they were exiles and aliens that they could experience God’s favor and bless their Father by their godly lifestyle. I think we all have a lot to learn in 2021 and my title is, “When Life Just Ain’t Fair.”
I hope that you will join us either online or better yet come to “Church on the Grass” at 10:45 am. I urge you to contemplate 1 Peter 2:18-20.
For Jesus’ sake,
Glen
Church on the Grass – Outdoor worship service this Sunday, March 7 at 10:45 am. Bring your own lawn chair and/or blanket. Register ASAP with this LINK. Please read through the instructions on safety before you attend. If you are unable to join the outdoor service, please attend one of our two online options. Just visit valleychurch.org and click on the colorful Join us online banner.
Calling all men! – Valley Church will be having a Men’s Breakfast THIS Saturday, March 6 from 8:00 am – 10:00 am on the church lawn. Cost is $10. Speaker is Glen Miller. We will serve individual breakfasts (Panera Breakfast Wraps and Breakfast Sandwiches, Danish, Yogurt, and Juice). Bring your own coffee. Register online HERE. Covid-19 protocol will be observed. Please bring your own mask and chair. There is also a work day opportunty right after the breakfast. For more information about Men’s Ministries, contact Thomas Sorrentino.
Hope of Cans – For the past 13 years, you have faithfully brought your redeemable cans and bottles to help feed orphans through Hands of Hope Zimbabwe. Together we have raised $50,000! Wow! The time has come for those of us who have been doing this ministry to either turn it over to a new team or to discontinue it. If you might be interested in taking it over, please contact Russ Drews at (408)477-4235. Thank you again for your participation in this important work…together we have fed many, many precious children. (From Russ and Laura Drews and Matt Tedone).