Dear Grace Community:
Have you ever noticed how creative we human beings can be at finding excuses for inaction? We may say that we don’t have time, or that we are not smart enough or talented enough, or that we just do not believe in our ability to succeed in navigating the challenges of our lives. We have all, at times, leaned on our excuses to avoid doing things that God has called and empowered us to do. In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul has some strong words for the people of the struggling church at Corinth. But before he addresses any of their shortcomings, he reminds them that they “are not lacking in any spiritual gift.” He thereby preempts their human inclination to voice excuses for their problems.
A few years ago, I was at a meeting with several leaders from a variety of churches. One influential pastor told everyone in the room that we all had everything that we needed to accomplish what God had planned for our specific mission fields. At the time, I thought the statement was presumptuous. But over time I began to realize that what he said was consistent with the teachings of scripture and with my experience. In Sunday’s message, I will explore what it means to take seriously the claim that “we have everything we need.” The message is based upon 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9. I invite you to read through 1 Corinthians in preparation for Sunday. It just may be that God is calling you to be at worship Sunday so that you can welcome a new person. Please pray for new opportunities to serve, just as you pray for me and all of us who have leadership roles in worship. We depend upon your prayers!
See you Sunday! Pastor Steve