Bible Verses for Service April 16, 2023
Ephesians 2:14
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Announcements:
Next Sunday Jim Rooney graciously agreed to preach so that the Millers can enjoy a week of vacation.
Spring Ladies’ Luncheon is on April 29 at 11AM to 1PM. The theme is “Walk in Him” with the verse “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,” Col 2:6 as the devotional focus. Planned is a salad luncheon, fellowship, as well as some gifts and goodies that will be given out. Bring your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, neighbors and friends. Women of all ages are welcome. Be sure to sign up to let us know who will be coming. You can also sign up to bring food.
La Vie’s Baby Bottle Campaign, themed this year as “Change for Hope” runs from May 14 (Mother’s Day) through June 18 (Father’s Day). You can give online, but we will place a large baby bottle in the foyer where you can place your gift. The La Vie pregnancy center provides free and low-cost services to the women in our community. La Vie’s mission is “To empower individuals to embrace hope by providing loving, compassionate care for those facing unplanned pregnancies.”
Vacation Bible School is coming soon, June 5-9. Please be sure to mark your calendars. We look forward to an exciting week of ministering to children. VBS runs from 9AM to 11:45AM. As usual, we need people to help so please let Natasha know if you can give of your time that week.
Lastly, the Days of Praise daily devotional booklets for March thru May are available on the foyer table.
Sermon:
Continuing in Luke, Pastor spoke on Luke 7:18-28, “Words of Commendation, not Condemnation,” which covers Jesus’ explanation to John the Baptist’s disciples, who came with a question from John, who was imprisoned. Pastor introduced this idea with an anecdote about preaching and lights going out. While the pastor fumbled, a member of the congregation shouted, preach on pastor, we can see Jesus in the dark. Using this as a metaphor, pastor asked us can we see Jesus when all is dark around us? And, asked us to hold this concept in thinking about John the Baptist’s questions to Jesus.
In thinking about John’s question, we should keep in mind where he was, and the difference between his prophesy of judgment in the coming messiah, and his imprisonment and Jesus’ ministry of healing. He felt the difference, perhaps had some doubt and perhaps needed reassurance. His question to Jesus revealed his puzzlement over this difference. But, he sent this question in the right direction, to Jesus. In response he was challenged with Christ’s admonition to look at the works. In other words, Jesus asked him to consider that his view of the messiah was incorrect.
Besides challenged John, Jesus took the opportunity to praise John to the crowds around Him. He gave a sincere description of the prophet as a man of conviction versus compromise. Pastor illustrated this with another anecdote about the tall grasses we see in Montana blowing with the wind versus the trees that are steadfast. In addition to this compliment, Jesus stated that John was a man of ministry versus luxury. He dressed in camel hair clothes versus fine, soft garments. Lastly, Jesus commended him in what looks like a back handed way, by saying he was greater than all that had gone before him, but lesser than the least of the kingdom. This statement is perhaps puzzling at first, but not when you appreciate the riches that are in the new testament, particularly Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that reconciled us to God permanently through Him.
In closing, Pastor asked us to consider when things perhaps look dark and difficult we should like John turn to Jesus for reassurance. Let’s give him all of our cares, and walk in his ways.
Accessing the Service, Bulletin and Sermon Outline:
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