Words from a well-known sinful prophet come to my mind in expressing full worship to the Perfect Prophet: “He [Jesus Christ] must increase, but I must decrease.”
Why? Because Jesus is eternal Creator and present-day reigning King of glory, while the forerunner, John the Baptist was not and never will be. We see the distinction and revel in our God.
There are soul-watchers in Southeastern Idaho, today—pastors who seek to follow the biblical blueprints and to be heart shepherds. I have some good friends: Pastor Chris Leavell (he designed this website) from Berean Baptist Church in Ashton, Idaho, Pastor Joe Lacy from Grace Baptist Church in Rexburg, Idaho, Pastor Ray Hatfield in Victor, Idaho, Pastor Jason Ehmann from Bethel Baptist Church in Rigby, Idaho, Pastor John Lovegrove and Pastor Dennis Rodgers from Shelley Baptist Church in Shelley, Idaho, and Pastor Colan Deatherage from Pocatello Baptist Church in Pocatello, Idaho.
We are fallible, sinful, and simply needy dust in comparison to the sovereign, holy God. But we are redeemed creatures who long to heave upward (1) blessed brothers and sisters in our church families, (2) friends in our neighborhoods, and (3) leaders in our community for a closer gaze upon the heart of God.
We will be actively posting all kinds of biblical nuggets, beautiful pictures, and joyous events in upcoming days. Our hearts’ desire is for you to experience being lost in wonder, love, and praise to the Lord. The Idaho trees sing. The Idaho mountains rejoice.
So why don’t you join with us now in giving glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Spirit . . . the great I AM.
And to all the brothers and sisters in our congregations, Paul writes with stirring, inspired encouragement to you:
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written,
For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
And again he saith,
Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
And again,
Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
And again, Esaias saith,
There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Think tonight of what God has done, is doing, and will do through you for Him in 2008.
Southeast Idaho for His Glory!
