A Christmas message from Pastor Bruce Sofia

 

Hello dear Ladies ~ Today we have a Christmas message from ~ Dr. J. Bruce Sofia
Senior Pastor of Gloucester County Community Church.
(This church has supported FNF since 1988)

 

I recall years ago when we were producing a TV show called "The Other Side", one of the questions posed to those on the street was: "What does Christmas mean to you?" The answers received were varied in nature from, "I'm Jewish but I have no problem with it," to "It's about family and friends," to "I'm an atheist - I think the world would be better without it," to "It's too commercial," to "It's about Jesus."  So, here's a question to ponder: "What would the world be like without Christmas?"

Two words immediately came to my mind - light and life: Jesus the light of the world" Jesus the way, the truth and the life.  What would the world be without Christmas?  I really don't think we would want to know.  I have been to four continents, and where Christianity is absent so is 'light' and 'life'.

Think about it for a moment? The air is filled with a positive and inspirational 'buzz', but those of us who know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior understand "the way."  The airwaves are filled with His name...Christ-mas.  He is everywhere? The colors. The trees. The decorations. The snow (at least in our part of the country. Sorry Dotti, couldn't resist. LOL!) The music. The carols. The shows. The concerts. The gifts. The parties. The days off.  The spirit of generosity and giving.  And I could go on.  Although they are not the Christ, they speak of Him, and, it is "awesome."

Yes, as the gospel writer Luke put it: "For unto you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ the Lord."  Anyone who has come to know Christ in a redeeming and personal way knows there is nothing that can compare.  Let us rejoice and be glad!

In closing, permit me to take this moment and thank God for His gift to you who are widowed - Dotti, (Founder & Director of FNF in Lake Worth, Florida), Mary Lou (Director of FNF, Turnersville, N.J.) and ALL who assist them throughout the year.  Ladies (and Paul, Mary Lou's hubby), you truly all bring light and life to many.  Thank you!

Have a blessed Holiday Season and a Merry Christmas!

In Jesus,

Love,

Pastor Bruce

 

 

Below is a beautiful rendition of ~

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

Recognizing Loved Ones In Heaven

 

'Real Answers' by Pastor Bruce Sofia'

Question: WILL WE RECOGNIZE LOVED ONES AND THOSE WHOM WE KNOW IN HEAVEN?

This is a good and intriguing question, and I'd like to address it in three parts.

1) First, yes we will recognize those whom we have known on earth in Heaven.

In Luke 16, we are given the story of the rich man, who had everything in this life but spent an eternity in hell, and Lazarus who had nothing in this life but received all the blessings of an eternity in heaven.  They know one another here, and although there was a chasm (divide) between them in eternity, they were able to recognize one another in eternity.  Of course, it is important to remember that seeing from Heaven into Hell is a special dispensation usually not granted.  However, this passage does indicate that we will recognize one another in eternity.

Another passage that indicates we will recognize one another is when Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus, Peter, James and John on the mount of transfiguration.  The disciples, who by the way had never met Elijah and Moses, recognized them. Mark 9:2-7

2) Second, Scriptures indicates that we will recognize one another by our "soul persona." What do I mean by that? We will not have these human bodies but will have a new and glorified body that is referred to as a "spiritual body." Job 19:26 and 1 Cor. 15:44. You many recall, in nearly every instance Jesus is seen after his resurrection he is not recognized until he chooses to reveal himself.  In one instance he is recognized at the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:30-31), at another, when he chooses to reveal the nail prints and wound in his side (John 20:24-29). There will be not defects in our new and glorified bodies.  That's cool! It won't be GQ or Cosmo's model of perfection; it will be God's both in appearance and nature.

3) Third, will we remain married to our spouse in eternity?  Sorry to disappoint all of you who wish to remain married in eternity (some of you aren't disappointed - smile), but death does truly part us. Romans 7:2-3 You recall the lady who had, lawfully, seven husbands - Jesus said, "we shall be like angels in heaven, neither married or given in marriage."  Matthew 22:22-32

However, don't be disappointed, guess who is your spouse: Jesus.  He is the "groom' we are his "bride."  Now, that's awesome.

 

Intro: ~ ‘Real Answers’ by Pastor Bruce Sofia

 

Dear Friends,

Each year I have been invited to speak at our widow’s support group, Friends Needing Friends.  The group has been meeting since June 1988 at Geet’ Diner in Williamstown.  Today they meet every fourth Monday at Wedgwood Country Club.

Friends Needing Friends has extended its ever increasing ministry to another chapter that meets the third Monday at Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club, Lake Worth, Florida.

At one of the “FNF” meetings, the ladies were asked to write a question concerning widowhood and I would answer one question each month that would be published in their monthly newsletters and now in the Friends Needing Friends blog.

www.friendsneedingfriends.blogspot.com

I pray as you read the different answers to the many questions that were presented, God will speak to your heart as He helps you through your time of grieving.

In conclusion, the Scripture is clear. “God defends the cause of the widow,” Deuteronomy 10:18. If you ever find yourself doubting the truth, as “Higher Ground” so beautifully sings, “Just say the name of Jesus!” Yes, there is comfort, healing and strength in the name of Jesus.

Very truly yours in Jesus,

Pastor Bruce Sofia

Founder & Director of

Gloucester County Community Church