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.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. We are going to look at Matthew’s remembrance of that fateful week when the promises of God came alive. The people of Israel had been waiting for centuries for the mysterious “Man of Sorrows" whom Isaiah had written about. Their Messiah had finally arrived, but those in power, both the Religious leaders in the temple and Rome itself, did not like the Kingdom Jesus was promising to usher in. Kingdom politics has a servant leader, a cross for a throne, and thorns for a crown. Much different than those who were running the show the day Jesus descended into His city for the last time.
This week we look at Paul and his farewell conversation with his elders from the church in Ephesus. We see there, instructions for how they are to care for the church as well as the painful goodbye to a group of people he has pastored for the past three years. The joy of serving at times is met with the pain of goodbye, but Paul and his pastor’s heart shines here in so many ways.
As Paul makes the transition into new things away from Ephesus, he focuses on the important things; his ministry and the responsibility of the elders. Before we get there, however, we should look at who this man was and why he was so focused on the gospel of God’s grace.