Pressed together to see Jesus

 The early church was an odd mixture of wealthy and poor, men and women, Jewish, Roman, and immigrants. When pressed together, they might not look like they really belonged together, but their love for Christ was more important to them than their political affiliations or social status. Are you able to set aside your personal preferences to embrace the body of Christ? Gal 3:28-29

Are you stepping away from God's love?

 When Christians talk about remaining, or continuing in the "Love of God", it often sounds like a mental exercise in remembering to love God. In the gospel of John (Jn 15:9-17), the phrase seems more related to loving God by loving others. Maybe the best way to remain in love with God, is by showing His love to others. How can you love others this week?

Paul glories in...pain?

 The Apostle Paul, one of the most influential voices of the early Church, did not brag about his position. Instead, Paul acknowledged his ongoing prayer for relief and God's refusal to take the impediment from him (2 Co 12). While we don't know what Paul suffered from, we know that this affliction did not undermine his faith or his work. What weaknesses can you be thankful for?

The Ironic Gift

 

When the affluent Christians of Jerusalem found themselves suffering a lack of status and economic opportunity, the less affluent churches of Macedonia gave what they could to assist their fellow Christians
(2 Co 8:7-15). Demonstrations of love like this caused many communities to understand the transformative power of the gospel and to embrace Christianity.

Are you overfull?

 It may be tempting to feel we deserve every material benefit we enjoy and especially those we take for granted. One way to remind ourselves that our gifts come from God and a way to show love to others, is by sharing the wealth God has given. Paul praised the Macedonian churches for giving a liberal offering to help those suffering financial difficulties in another city (2Co 8). Are you able to give those who cannot repay?

God's protector?

 Although the idea is truly absurd, sometimes in our zeal, we begin to act as if we are God's protectors. Paul took a different approach in 2 Co 6:1-10, where he speaks of not giving offense and living out his faith as a clear testimony of the goodness of Christ and the empowerment of Christ's followers. Are you busy trying to protect God from others or do you spend your energy worshipping the almighty and living out your faith?

4th of July 2021

Many Americans are proud of their country and the ideas it was founded on. However, it can become easy for anyone to mistake the gifts God has given for rewards of righteous behavior and begin to blur the line between God's word and national proclamations. No matter which country you call 'home,' as a Christian, you are really part of a much grander nation called the Kingdom of God. Jn 18:36, Phil 3:20