Dear Church Family,

The last phrase of Romans 5:2 set me off on the exploration of God’s glory with the words, “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” In other letters Paul teaches the glory of God is far greater than the glory of any other thing in the universe. Let’s go on a short hunt for His glory.

In Romans 9:23 Paul explains the God work of redeeming a chosen people for Himself was done “to make His glory known to the objects of His mercy whom He prepared in advance for glory.” John Piper writes, “The glory of God is all that God is for us in his greatness and his excellence. And God is infinite. So his glory is infinite. It has no boundaries, no limits, no end. Sometimes Paul stresses this with the phrase "riches of his glory."

In Ephesians 1:18 Paul prays, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” God shows His glory now and will show it more fully one day in the inheritance that His people now and will enjoy.

Then in Philippians 4 Paul shares that he has “learned the secret of contentment whatever the circumstances.“ We live in a world that is seemingly allergic to being content. Advertisements bombard us from every direction – TV, radio, billboards, internet pop-ups, etc. – telling us we must buy this or that product so that we will be fulfilled, liked, beautiful, healthy and more. In verse 19 Paul reveals the ‘secret’ with the simple words, “And my God will greet all your needs according to His glorious riches.” Just a few verses earlier Paul wrote in this joyful letter, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” In whatever he did Paul focused on the goal stated in verse 20, “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

I encourage you to continue to hunt for the glory of God in His world and in His creation as you live to His glory. May “we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

Living by grace to His glory,
Pastor Gillikin