Reflections From Sunday Evening

We are anticipating Vacation Bible School the week of July 8-12. I took an informal survey today. When the congregation was asked who had attended VBS at some time in their life, most if not practically all hands went up. Bible School was something we did for two weeks when I was growing up. (I would not suggest that to our leaders today.) It was part of the forming of faith. I followed that by asking who had volunteered to help with Bible School at some time. Again, many hands went up. When I asked how many had done so in the past few years a smaller number of hands rose. By the time I asked everyone who planned to help this year to indicate so very few hands went up. But Pastor Ginger has taken care of it by asking everyone to pray. We are invited to pray, "Lord what would you have me do for VBS?" That is not a bad prayer for anything in the life of faith. "Lord, what would you have me do about serving, giving and responding to your call?" Will you pray? What will you pray? It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

The new Superman movie, Man of Steel has several theological themes. Clark Kent is 33 when he embarks on his "mission. Compare our belief that Jesus began his public ministry at age 33. Kal-El comes from another world, sent by his father. Jesus comes down from heaven sent by his Father. Kal-El comes to save the world. You get the drift. The "S" on his chest is not an "S" in his world but the symbol of hope. There is the cosmic battle between good and evil. It intrigues me that our increasingly secular world flocks to experience a re-telling of the gospel. The word is that our culture is becoming increasingly anti-Christian and anti-Church. But there are obvious deep spiritual longings. The question becomes how do we connect a generation of spiritual seekers to the Gospel. In the next several weeks I am going to lead discussions around the issue of personal evangelism. How may we effectively invite people to relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As my friend Bob Farr puts it, "How do we do so without being obnoxious?" The main thing to remember is this. It is not only possible for people to connect seekers to the Lord. We have the promise of the Holy Spirit to empower us in our faith sharing. "Superman" is a great story. The modern version may not be like the comics of our childhood but they are certainly action packed. But believe it or not, the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ may be even more exciting. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly playing at a church near you! Come share in His grace. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

reflections from sunday evening

Today we talked about David and Goliath. Let Goliath (the giant David defeated) represent any "giant" or challenge you are facing today. We may learn much from David and this story where the young man came against the Philistine champion with only a staff, sling and rock. But what David had was the Lord. He was very clear when he approached the giant. "You come against me with sword, spear and javelin but I come against you in the name of the Lord God Almighty. Furthermore ..."the battle is the Lord's and He will deliver..." It is an amazing story. Use you imagination. What challenge stands in front of you? Name it. Is it a fear...an anxiety...uncertainty? That is your "giant." Now remember. Remember that "best day" of life...best season...best time of your life. As you reflect on that you will realize that the determining factor was the presence of God. Here is good news. God is with you as you face the giant. Now we have a choice to make. In ancient times when the giant came out and defied the army of Israel, Saul and his men "trembled and were terrified." What makes you tremble? What terrifies you? Now comes an interesting point in the story of David and Goliath. The giant moved toward David, well armed and all the odds in his favor. But David ran to meet him! He ran to face the challenge. He ran to the battle. So here is our question. Am I the kind of person who stands aside when challenges arise and tremble and allow myself to be terrified? Or am I the kind of person who runs away from challenges? Or...am I one who will run to meet the giant. We may run to meet our challenges because "We come in the name of the Lord!" We may run to meet our challenges because "the battle is the Lord's and HE WILL..." Read the story in I Samuel 17 and find the strength of the Spirit to run to meet your challenges. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Nelson Hopper led the way for the 17th annual Platte Woods Church golf scramble. Seemed to me that everyone had a good time. My team did not stick around to pick up our winnings! Actually I would say that the only loser today was the game of golf! I insist that I have far too much respect for the game to actually play it. But we raised some money for the church endowment fund and enjoyed a beautiful day. It has been a great day. As always church touched hearts this weekend. Each service is unique and touches different people in different ways. That is a pretty amazing thing about the Body of Christ - the Church. Today we talked about how Jesus had a "magnetic" way about him that drew people to His grace. Today we are the Body of Christ. I believe that implies we are intended to be magnetic along the way of Jesus. The two keys to being a magnetic church -- 1. Love God. 2. Love people. Eventually it comes to the point where people who are not even very interested in church find themselves being attracted to the faith. I sense this becoming our experience. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve