January 26, 2025
“So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” ~ Colossians 2:10 (NLT) ~
There’s a story about a man named Samsundar Balgobin who won first place in an international linguistics competition with his response to following challenge: “No English dictionary can adequately explain the difference between ‘complete’ and ‘finished.’ How would you explain the difference?”
Here’s his response:
When a man marries the right woman, he is complete. When he marries the wrong woman, he is finished.
As the story goes, he received a five-minute standing ovation, he was awarded a trip around the world, and he was invited to dine with the Queen of England. No doubt the judges themselves were married and knew firsthand just how accurate this definition is.
From a theological perspective, there’s also a difference between the two words. When Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished!” he was saying, in effect, “The power of sin is done away with. It is paid in full. It is gone forever. It cannot hurt you anymore.”
And when Paul said, “you also are complete through your union with Christ,” he was saying that the Jesus you received at salvation is all you need for your life in God. You have complete forgiveness in Him. Your hope is complete. Your future is complete. Your purpose is complete. In Him you have everything and lack nothing.
With Jesus, you’re complete and sin is finished. Without Jesus, we’re all finished.
As I close this week, I would like to go back to the “right woman” vs “wrong woman” thing. The day this edition of CONNECTIONS is scheduled is for this Sunday, January 26th. That just happens to be mine and Barbara’s 51st Wedding Anniversary. (You all realize that we were married while in preschool, don’t you?)ABible verse that has remained constant throughout those years for me is the promise of Solomon recorded in Proverbs 18:22. There he stated…
“He who finds a [true and faithful] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor and approval from the Lord.” ~ Proverbs 18:22 (AMP) ~
Men, God intends for you to recognize that your wife is a good thing for you. I know that sounds a little crass in today’s vernacular. That is why I like the New Living Translation that states your wife is your treasure. I simply cannot think of any greater treasure that I could ever have than that of the privilege of calling Barbara my wife.
“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.” ~ Proverbs 18:22 (NLT) ~
With Barbara I have received favor from the Lord with Barbara I am complete. Men, I hope you would say the same thing about your wife.
Blessings on your week as you consider some of the many ways God has blessed through your relationship with Christ. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday morning as I continue my current sermon series on IMMERSE: KINGDOMS with ACRASH COURSE ON FIDELITY.
Pastor Terrell
P.S.
HappyAnniversary Sweetheart!
Choir resumes rehearsing THIS week! Wednesday @ 6:20 PM in Room #203.
Morning Worship at a Glance
“Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” “Bless That Wonderful Name” “Rock of Ages” “Shine, Jesus, Shine”
Welcome & Offertory Prayer
Kidz4Christ dismissed
“Build Your Kingdom Here” “He Will Not Remember”
2820 N. Pleasant View Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
928-772-7218
fsbcpv@firstsouthernpv.org
www.firstsouthernpv.org
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265
PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org
Worship Pastor Bart Young 928-254-8713
PastorBart@firstsouthernpv.org
2 Samuel 11-12/pages 150-152/paragraphs 1ff “Higher Ground” “Shine, Jesus, Shine”
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