Hello Folks,
     Over the past couple of days I have been reminded of the fact that death comes to everyone.  This morning I participated in the gravesite service of a wonderful saint from this congregation.  Elizabeth Luttrell lived a long life of 89 years and she was faithful in this congregation for well over 65  years.  In the 11 years that I have pastored here she has been nothing but a wonderful example of Christian love and patience.  I have never heard her day a remark that could be thought to be disparaging of another person.  What a legacy she left for her 4 sons and their families as well as the local congregation and the local community.  It is a joy to be part of a funeral where you have no doubt about someone's faith in Christ and their life as they live their faith.  It is also a reminder that no matter how many years we have here in this world that through Christ life continues and we live with Him forever!  Praise His wonderful name.
     I have been reading some about the cultural changes that are taking place and some of the struggles that are taking place in the "christian" community.  All through the ages there have been those who have held divergent viewpoints that have a possibililty of moving people away from the One true Savior!  Today we have those who are espousing an "emergent" church viewpoint.  In essence that viewpoint is nothing more than what has been proclaimed by many others in the past.  The idea that everyone's understanding is acceptable to God becomes nothing more than the universalism of the past.  To preach and teach that there is no truth other than what each individual determines for themself is a falsehood that will send people to a very real hell.  It may take 20 or 30 years but the "emergent" church viewpoints will fall upon the trashbin of falsehoods that have come from the past.  May we all walk with the only one who is THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.

Have a great day,

HGRudd