Greetings in Christ to our brothers and sisters in the Atlantic District! Indeed, to our mother as a District, for the New England District was “birthed” from the Atlantic District 53 years ago.
“In this hope we were saved” (Rom. 8:24) – the hope of the redemption of our bodies. It is a redemption that has been accomplished for us by God, as we have so recently heard; a redemption that Christ accomplished as He took our sins within His own body and redeemed us from their judgment by His death upon the cross; and then, a redemption that Christ accomplished when He rose from the dead and triumphed over death. Our victory has been won! And, that victory has been given to us and made certain by the gift of the Holy Spirit, who has been poured out upon us in holy Baptism. So, we have a hope that is sure and certain, and not just a pious desire. Our hope in Christ strengthens us in our work for Him!
My prayer for you, my brothers and sisters in the Atlantic District, is that, strengthened by the sure and certain hope that we have in Christ, you go about your work at the convention with confidence and joy. For, we have God’s promise: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6) Thanks be to God!
In the blessed name of Christ, our Savior,
Robert D. Beinke
President, New England District, LCMS
