The church has been called to be a special community. It is set apart you might say to be that holy entity created by Jesus. As such, it is to have a way of life that is shaped to live in God's ways. This trickles down to us as individual believers.
The author of Hebrews expresses this unique way of living in this manner...
"Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:1-5
As you read these words, does anything stand out for you? I myself have felt that this advice goes against our mainstream culture. We in the church are called to live in a different way from that of the world. Consider the aspect of hospitality. We do live in fear of the stranger. In today's age, we might fear for our lives. Yes, there is a challenge here. Our society is caught up also in consumerism. How does one get away from the love of money and strive for contentment?
I believe there is a strong witness that can come out for us in the church. We have something to give to the world. Our lives are to be shaped by Christ. I would ask you to reflect on these very words and the full reading that will form the basis of the message. The reading is Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16.
May God's blessing be upon your meditation of these words of Scripture and your preparation for this Sunday.
Pastor Marty
The author of Hebrews expresses this unique way of living in this manner...
"Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:1-5
As you read these words, does anything stand out for you? I myself have felt that this advice goes against our mainstream culture. We in the church are called to live in a different way from that of the world. Consider the aspect of hospitality. We do live in fear of the stranger. In today's age, we might fear for our lives. Yes, there is a challenge here. Our society is caught up also in consumerism. How does one get away from the love of money and strive for contentment?
I believe there is a strong witness that can come out for us in the church. We have something to give to the world. Our lives are to be shaped by Christ. I would ask you to reflect on these very words and the full reading that will form the basis of the message. The reading is Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16.
May God's blessing be upon your meditation of these words of Scripture and your preparation for this Sunday.
Pastor Marty
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