Today Pastor Steve preached his farewell service at Bayview Glen Church. It was based on Colossians 1:18-20. Amidst a time of turmoil and transition, he pointed us exactly where we need to be looking - to Jesus. The verses read:
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
~Colossians 1:18-20
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
~Colossians 1:18-20
Such a bittersweet and beautiful sermon, and a wonderfully Christ-centred message. After closing, we sang this song (through tears). Maybe you know it.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
For it's only in Your will that I am free,
For it's only in Your will that I am free,
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
(All for Jesus, by Robin Mark)
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
For it's only in Your will that I am free,
For it's only in Your will that I am free,
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
(All for Jesus, by Robin Mark)
It is with such heavy hearts we bid farewell to Pastor Steve and Claudia. We do not wish them to go so soon. And yet, it is this verse that brings comfort:
Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.
~Proverbs 19:21
Thank you Lord, for Pastor Steve and Claudia. May You bless them and use them mightily wherever they go. And may we at Bayview Glen always live ever and only for Jesus - all for Jesus.