Part of our human nature is to protect ourselves and avoid suffering. Part of our spiritual nature is to share in the sufferings of Christ. That's the part of following Jesus that we resist. Yet our reading for this week promises us the reward of joy, power and partnership when we suffer for our faith in Christ.
We are also reminded that the enemy is ever busy opposing us...because of the power of our partnership with Jesus. We do not have to fight the enemy. Instead we are taught to stay alert, stand firm, and be strong in our faith. The enemy has far less power than we think. Praise be to God for resurrection power!
I invite you to look at your suffering in light of benefit it brings to your life. Instead of resisting, complaining, and being discouraged, try it God's way. Know that you are not alone. Jesus is with you and you join people all around the globe who are going through the same kind of suffering you are. Change how you see suffering from a punishment to a partnership and know that it will bring forth good in your life.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
May 28, 2014
May 20, 2014
Once For All Time
Last week we looked at
our "once upon a time" lives before becoming a follower of Jesus.
This week our reading is from 1 Peter 3:13-22. Verse 18 reminds us that
"Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never
sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God." How
would your life change if you believed your sins were forgiven and, you truly
trusted Jesus to "bring you safely home to God"?
For me, it has brought a
security like no other. It reminds me that Jesus has this. He suffered, died
and rose again. No matter how much I suffer, and even when I die, Jesus will
bring me safely home to God. Therefore, what do I have to worry about? Do you
have that kind of assurance? I hope so. If not, come and hear more about this
on Sunday. Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly. He paid
the price once for all time. And once for all people. That includes you!
Bring something to share
for our pot-luck this Sunday. If you don't cook, pick-up something from the
store to eat or drink. Let's fill the table and enjoy each other's contribution
and company after church. And if you sing or play a musical instrument, join in
Praise Team practice right after lunch. Make a joyful noise unto The Lord!
May 14, 2014
Once Upon a Time
It's hard to remember my
life before MCC. That's because I have now been in MCC for the majority of my
life. What I do remember is feeling isolated from my faith and church. Like
most people my age, I was told that my spirituality and sexuality were mutually
exclusive. I lived in the shadows, hiding who I was. I wanted to be true to
myself and true to my faith but I did not see any way to make that happen. And
then I found MCC! My life was forever changed. The truth that I could be gay
and Christian set me free and joy filled my heart.
Do you remember your
life before MCC? And do you remember that there are thousands of people in our
city that may be feeling the way we were because they have yet to find MCC?
It's easy to forget our old lives and to think that everyone has heard the good
news. Our text this week reminds us of where we have been, and where we are
called to go. It gives us reason to rejoice as we continue serving God through
the church.
Once we were not a
people....and now we are the people of God! What a story of resurrection!! Our
spirits were broken, our bones were dry and we were dead spiritually. But God
breathed life back into us we are alive and well. Join us Sunday @ 10:45am as we
celebrate God's love and mercy for all people. No one can tell our people the
good news like we can. So look around you, find someone who needs what we have
to offer, and invite them to join you. Just as MCC changed my life and yours,
MCC can help bring a positive change to your family, friends and co-workers.
Our part is easy, all we have to do is extend the invitation.
Sunday we will be
baptizing two precious babies. Come and be a part of blessing them and their
families as we bring them into the family of God.
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