This Sunday, along with celebrating communion, we will be looking at the “consequences” of following Jesus that have come upon the Thessalonian Church. Paul, as a father to his children, exhorts, encourages and charges them to continue in their faithfulness. They are one of the first to understand the cost and are now being rejected by their own people, just as the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. It seems that the old enemy is working behind the scenes and through non-believers to try and stop the advancement of the Gospel. This sharing with others is the gift that God has given to us In Christ. It is a joy-filled and solemn encouragement from Paul.
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and we will be looking at the fifth commandment as well as the childhood of Jesus.
Asking the questions: What does it mean to honor your Mom? Is it the same thing as obedience to her?
Mary, favored by God (Luke 1:28) and chosen to be the mother of Jesus, became a great example of what a Mom is to be. Jesus, her son, also became the best example of how one honors their parents.
God's people doubt His goodness and are skeptical of His kindness. They are relationally fractured, apathetic, and have turned their backs on Him. His message to them through the prophet Malachi is "Return to me, for I have loved you".
The Apostle Paul was writing to a very young church, made up mostly of brand new Gentile believers. Not only was he looking to encourage them in their new belief and faith journey, but he was also encouraged by the reports he was hearing about them. This is a wonderful couple of letters pregnant with hope and encouragement.
When we surround ourselves with only those who think like us, we can find ourselves stuck in an echo chamber. It is important to look outside of our inner circle and consider understanding those who think differently. Listen today to this message based on the book of Acts, and for a way to move forward in the Jesus way.
We are going to continue for one more week in this Easter story as I think this “Road to Emmau’s” journey has some lessons for us to learn. The crisis moment of loss and confusion can really mess with our thoughts and our ability to process all that has happened. In Luke’s Gospel and chapter 24, these two people have packed their stuff up and have headed out of town. On the road back to Emmaus, full of confusion and grief, they have an encounter that will transform them forever.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Easter Sunday, we will gather again to celebrate the fact of an empty tomb. This is one of those things that causes so many to question the truth of the Bible. After all, people don’t rise from the dead, right? Well, Easter morning we will look at why Christians believe Jesus did, and how that changes everything.
This Good Friday service we look at the beautiful thing that happened on that ugly day. We will also celebrate communion together as we reflect on the power of the cross.