I present the opening words of our lesson from 2 Timothy:
"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David--that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:8-10
Do you notice Paul's strong conviction? The word of God is not chained! Even though he may be in prison, the word of God is not going to be confined in any way. Might this not be an important word for us to reflect on today? There might be folks who want to squelch religion or put Christians on the sidelines; yet the word of God is not going to be bound. The word is still going to get out; it is still going to be powerful and effective. Christianity is not going to die out.
As a result, the apostle Paul calls for us to have endurance. It might be easy to give up on our missional task thinking that the naysayers are too strong or we just can't have a voice in today's world. Maybe we better think again. The word of God is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4).
I would ask you to reflect on your level of endurance in doing Christ's work today? Do you feel that there is power in your own witnessing? Do you believe God's word can change another person's life? I would ask you to reflect on these words for your preparation for this Sunday's worship.
Also, I would invite you to consider any healing you might need in your own life - whether for a physical ailment, emotional problem, or lack of faith you might have. The holistic prayer for healing will offered in worship this Sunday!
Pastor Marty
"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David--that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:8-10
Do you notice Paul's strong conviction? The word of God is not chained! Even though he may be in prison, the word of God is not going to be confined in any way. Might this not be an important word for us to reflect on today? There might be folks who want to squelch religion or put Christians on the sidelines; yet the word of God is not going to be bound. The word is still going to get out; it is still going to be powerful and effective. Christianity is not going to die out.
As a result, the apostle Paul calls for us to have endurance. It might be easy to give up on our missional task thinking that the naysayers are too strong or we just can't have a voice in today's world. Maybe we better think again. The word of God is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4).
I would ask you to reflect on your level of endurance in doing Christ's work today? Do you feel that there is power in your own witnessing? Do you believe God's word can change another person's life? I would ask you to reflect on these words for your preparation for this Sunday's worship.
Also, I would invite you to consider any healing you might need in your own life - whether for a physical ailment, emotional problem, or lack of faith you might have. The holistic prayer for healing will offered in worship this Sunday!
Pastor Marty
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