Church in Action

Yesterday marked the end of our series in 2 Corinthians that began back in September. I really wanted to emphasize the actions we take as followers of Christ. Christianity isn’t something we sit back and observe, but it is a practice we engage in. Just as a reminder, I want to list the sermon titles from this series. A Church in Action is one that is: Providing Comfort, Living with Integrity, Ministering Faithfully, Speaking Truthfully, Proclaiming Reconciliation, Walking in Holiness, Repenting Willingly, Giving Cheerfully, Contending Boldly, Delighting in Weakness, and Striving for Restoration. Put that way, it seems like a lot! The point is that we are continually seeking to live out our faith and the values that come from Scripture in an active way. We do this imperfectly, but as we have seen God’s strength is most clearly seen when we are weak.

I concluded yesterday’s sermon with a story from the life of a Sudanese pastor who had been converted from Islam. I had not planned to do this when I wrote this sermon, but I was so moved by his testimony that I heard on Thursday and it fit so well with the theme of seeking restoration, I had to include it. I was embarrassed that I could not remember his name, but it is Yassir Eric. Some of you expressed interest in learning more about him. The part of his story that I shared can be found here. A longer form of his testimony and specifically the story of his conversion can be found in this video. It is an important reminder that God can accomplish what might seem impossible to us. For a radicalized Muslim to not only become a follower of Jesus, but a powerful evangelist sounds a lot like the story of the Apostle Paul’s conversion—transformed from a persecutor of Christians to being a missionary. We need to be reminded that the Jesus who appeared on the Damascus road is the same Jesus we follow today and he is still able to radically change a life though it might seem impossible to us.

We had a really good crowd for the Make and Take Christmas ornament event. Many thanks to those who planned it and to all of those who came. Just two short weeks until we’ll be in the season of Advent.

Finally, most of you have heard about the fire at Busy Corner and its closure. If you haven’t heard a fund has been set up at Goodfield State Bank to help support the servers who have suddenly found themselves without income in a difficult time of the year. If you feel inclined to give, the restaurant has said that “no amount is too small, and every donation is deeply appreciated.”

God bless, Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday

Psalm 67—What are some things that the psalmist is thankful for in this psalm?

Revelation 11:16-19—What are some reasons we are thankful that God is in control?

Psalm 136—How would you complete this phrase: “Give thanks to the Lord for. . .”?

Philippians 4:4-9—What are some less obvious things that you are thankful for?