Welcome,
Pastor Julio C. Peña's February 2025 Message
“KEEPING IT REAL”
Romans 12:2 states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
One of Jesus last words as he was dying on the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Like most of you I’m concern, worried, and angry on what is going on in the United States with the Immigration Issues, Transgender issues, Women’s right issues and other injustice issues. There is a lot of information coming from social media, different news sources, and other sources that brings hate and fear into the hearts of so many people. The Presbytery of Chicago has in their website valuable information to help during these trouble times.
I would argue that it is a very good idea to gather information to protect yourself from the enemies; it doesn’t mean that we don’t also use our faith in a living God that brings us Hope and Faith. Jesus was all about justice issues, but he did it with Love, Compassion, Hope & Peace and that is what we are called to do.
We can’t be panicking and bringing fear and anxiety to individuals who are going through this injustice, we are to be a prayerful individual that will listen to them and support them as best we can.
Let us look into scriptures that help with our anxiety and worries.
Philippians 4:6 - 7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 11:28 – 30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
As a Christian and a Pastor, I will continue to be the light of Christ, bringing the Hope, Love, Faith and Peace of Jesus Christ to all who are struggling, especially for the immigrants, LGBTQIA+ community, and all that are struggling in faith.
May the Peace of Christ be with all of you.
Pastor Julio
Side Note:
The Month of February brings us Black History Month, and we will have a discussion on systematic racism in our Coffee with Jesus; Tuesday, February 11th at 7pm and on Sunday, February 16th I will preach on Dismantling Racism.