Beloved Friends in Christ,

Stock market meltdown, mortgage crisis, Wall Street bailout, recession-these are the sorts of phrases that have been. filling the news in recent days. Many people, especially south of the border are worried. Here in Canada, however, analysts are telling us that we need not be alarmed, for our financial institutions are in better shape. Yet, the assurances of others go only so far. Who, in this world, can really guarantee safety and stability?

In this world, sudden, unwelcome changes often occur. Financial disasters have befallen many, Large scale natural calamities have wreaked havoc where only moments before order and peace reigned. Illness and disease have disrupted tranquil lives. And no one is immune.

Although many are of the opinion that God will not allow any danger to befall those who trust in Him, this is simply not so. Christians, along with others, suffer hardships in this world. Christians, as others, contract diabetes, heart disease and cancer, and in the end will die. Christians, together with others, may suffer losses on the stock market and make poor financial decisions.

Nonetheless, those who believe in Christ need not fear. Why? As the writer of the book of Hebrews pens in the verse above, "The Lord is my helper." Consider also these words of Christ our Lord: "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul." While we may suffer loss in this world, sometimes as a result of the contempt or folly of others, our souls are safe in Christ.

Moreover, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who rose bodily from the grave, will not only deliver our souls from death, but our bodies too. We believe in the bodily resurrection and the restoration of all things beautiful and good. Whatever good we had, though we may lose it for a time, it will be ours again with more besides. Not one thing will be lost or taken away.

"We can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me." In Christ Jesus, we can relax, be at ease, be content, and more than all this-we can even give God thanks!

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey