​I don’t want to be overdramatic, but on Friday, July 17, 2020, the church lost one of its greatest treasures. J.I. Packer left his temporary home here on earth to join the Lord Jesus in glory. Perhaps fewer Christians are familiar with Packer than they were with Ravi Zacharias, who passed away on May 19, of this year, both giants in the Christian academy.
 
Among the millions of books written through the ages, only a few rise to the level of being called a “classic.” Knowing God by J. I. Packer certainly ranks among them! Sitting in a cabin on an island in Canada as a young man, I concluded reading this masterpiece. In it, I learned of God as the Bible reveals him. Too often, our view of God is so tainted by our culture. Instead of understanding God for who he really is, we often press him into the cultural mold we create. Packer helps the reader uncover God by exploring the meaning of his truth, love, grace, justice, and wrath. After reading Knowing God, I had a greater appreciation for the cross, and the tremendous sacrifice God made through Christ for my atonement (propitiation) on the cross.
 
It is no small thing to say that Packer influenced my core theological understandings about God and the church. I often turn to his Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs (1993) when writing my sermons, and one of his last works, Weakness Is the Way: Life with Christ Our Strength (2013) was helpful to me during my recent call to the role of bishop.
 
J.I. Packer remained engaged in the Lord’s work through the age of 93; he was ever teaching, always pointing to Jesus. If my life makes half the impact of Packer’s, then my journey on earth exceeded all my expectations.  

Last Sunday, we began the sermon series called “None Greater.” As mortal human beings, we naturally think in finite terms. When we talk about and attempt to understand God, however, we cannot think in the same way, lest we inadvertently attempt to domesticate him. In this series of messages, we want to understand there is no one like our God.

Since we are back in our building, the audio recording of the message will be posted on our website (blainsport.org) the following week. You can also see the entire worship service on our Facebook page. In addition to the worship service on Facebook, we will also have guest Sunday School speakers. We will not be able to Livestream any video material used during Sunday School. So, not all adult classes will show up on Livestream. Check your bulletin to see if a speaker is scheduled for that Sunday.

We are happy to be returning to some of our regular activities in the church. However, I like to follow the advice of my good friend Brian Martin at Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community, “be nimble and flexible in spirit.” So, we will humbly adjust as necessary along the way.

I must admit, it continues to be an exciting season in the life of the church.  So many amazing testimonies keep unfolding about how God is shaping individuals. I’m inspired by the ways so many of us are “leaning on the everlasting arms” of Jesus. While I love seeing many of us in person during Sunday morning worship gatherings, I realize there are so many others still awaiting a less risky time to return. Keep plugging into our online resources and please call or email me if you need anything—even just to chat.

I hope to see you this Sunday in person or online!