Last Sunday, Pastor Dave McGaffic offered a wonderful reminder to us all about the timeless wisdom of sowing and reaping. He also reminded us of the importance of prayer as a practice that changes us. As we pray, we reinforce the reality of the presence and power of God. We cannot control so much of what happens in this world, but we can choose to respond to all events in faith. We can choose to ask God to give us the eyes of Christ with which to see the people we encounter every day.
About twenty years ago, I remember telling a seminary professor that I struggle with a proper description and vision of “the church” in the world. I will never forget his response. He said, “Of course you do. That is because the church is always a moving target.” What he meant is that Christ’s body on earth is dynamic, expanding, and reaching out all the time. It is about evangelism and social justice, holiness and mercy, trust and obedience. It may take diverse forms, and just as we cannot predict the movement of the Holy Spirit, God’s church is not confined to our creation. The church looks different in different places with different people, but God is always at work. This is good news!
This Sunday, the primary scripture passage is 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21. This is such a powerful passage. It reminds us that because of Jesus Christ each of us is a new creation. We have become “the righteousness of God.” Imagine the contrast from being a broken vessel to being the righteousness of God! Our candidate for ministry, Lilly Hibbard, will share the message. Lilly does a wonderful job leading The Five each week, and I look forward to her message this week!
Now that the new school year has started, I challenge you to commit to do two things each week. First, attend worship each Sunday. Secondly, invite at least one person to worship each week. Try it and see how God blesses your commitment!
I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Steve Hart