09/24/23
Matthew 20:1-16
Stewardship Moment from Pastor William
Stewardship in the Gospel
Jesus teaches that God’s kingdom come is a welcoming place where the first to show up are treated just as importantly as the last to show up. Jesus doesn’t play favorites, he’s more interested in getting everyone into the kingdom, than in who came first.
Stewardship in our community
Why are some so late coming into the kingdom? Quite simply, because we fail to invite them to this crazy way of life where everyone is equally celebrated and valued. Sometimes we are worried that they might make us feel uncomfortable and want to change things, and that inhibits our role in growing God’s kingdom.
Stewardship in practice
Our place in God’s kingdom come is enhanced by the inclusion of others. United as one body in Christ, we will grow together in Jesus’ way of life. We will blossom together when we nurture and encourage one another. Our life together will be far better than our life apart. When we take that attitude, God’s kingdom come will flourish.
09/24/23
Psalm 145:1-8
Paraphrased by Pastor William
Today, I will speak well of you, God,
telling everyone of your greatness.
Every day, will I honor you, God,
proclaiming your boundless peace.
For you are full of grace and love,
providing abundantly and without end.
This generation shall tell its children of your devotion,
and of your mighty acts of love.
Your creation is marvelous and amazing,
we are constantly amazed by your works.
For you are gracious and merciful to all,
slow to anger and overflowing with love for all.
09/24/23
Matthew 20:1-16
Gospel Message from Pastor William
I’m convinced that life-long Christians are reluctant to share the love and grace of Jesus with others because we are afraid they will get the same benefits we get. Don’t see that? Well, what is this parable about if not just that? Instead of being worried that some late-comer will also get forgiveness and a life-altering relationship with Jesus, maybe we should be thinking about just how inclusive and big we can help make God’s kingdom come. It will make the family reunion magnificent!
09/17/23
Matthew 18:21-35
Gospel Message from Pastor William
Jesus continues teaching about forgiveness (see last week’s Gospel Message on Matt 18:15-20) because Peter asks; How often should I forgive, as many as seven times? (seven symbolizes completeness). Jesus answers him; not just completely, but ten times completeness. Wow, that’s a lot, Jesus! Oh yes, says Jesus, just as many times as I forgive you! Oh Lord, choose to not remember my sins. And, Oh Lord, help me choose to not remember the sins of those who sin against me.
09/17/23
Matthew 18:21-35
Stewardship Moment from Pastor William
Stewardship in the Gospel
Peter understands that Jesus wants him to forgive others, really, he does, but isn’t there a limit to that forgiveness? No!, says Jesus. Just like there is no limit to how often and completely Jesus forgives you.
Stewardship in our community
The whole purpose of forgiveness is to correct broken relationships. Families have broken relationships because we hurt each other and don’t forgive. Society has broken relationships for the same reason. When we withhold forgiveness, we carry around pain. Forgiveness must happen in order to release that pain – whether the person asks for it or not.
Stewardship in practice
Jesus wants us to put on the cloak of forgiveness. The cloak that warms hearts. The cloak that protects from the bitter cold of hate and pain. When we forgive as often and as completely as we are forgiven, relationships are restored and all is well with the world. Remember, you are forgiven. Now spread some of that forgiveness. You’ve got nothing to lose but the pain.
09/17/23
Psalm 103:8-13
Paraphrased by Pastor William
God is compassionate and kindhearted,
endlessly patient and overflowing with love.
God chooses to not remember our bad behavior,
nor holds a grudge against us.
God gives us not what we deserve,
nor seeks revenge.
As a loving parent feels toward their child,
so God considers us.
God is compassionate and kindhearted,
endlessly patient and overflowing with love.
09/10/23
Psalm 119:33-40
Paraphrased by Pastor William
O God, teach me the right way to live,
and I will do my best to follow it.
Give me wisdom to understand your ways,
and I will follow with my whole heart.
Direct me to compassion and forgiveness,
and I will use it on others.
Divert my eyes from baubles and playthings,
and I will turn away from those idols.
Remind me of your love for me,
and I will love all you created.
See how I ache to be close to you,
my life has meaning in you.
09/10/23
Matthew 18:15-20
Stewardship Moment from Pastor William
Stewardship in the Gospel
Jesus teaches about forgiveness; that whomever we forgive will always be forgiven. Jesus is talking about what he does for us; always forgives us and renews our relationship with him, our creator, and the Holy Spirit.
Stewardship in our community
Jesus shows us what we get through forgiveness; right relationships. He also teaches that we are to act in the same way. How do we solve all the world’s problems? It is easy; act as Christians., That is, be forgivers of others. Imagine what our community might look like with unmerited, unending forgiveness flowing forth from us toward all others!
Stewardship in practice
It might seem difficult to forgive others. That is, until we recognize how often Jesus does it to us. Now, get out there and forgive. Forgive that aggressive driver. Forgive the person slowing up the checkout line. Forgive the person who selfishly flicks their cigarette out the car window. Forgive the person who said something you didn’t like. Forgive the politician from the other side. There’s no end to the good we can do.
09/10/23
Matthew 18:15-20
Gospel Message from Pastor William
Jesus teaches about forgiveness; he says that whatever we hold against somebody will always be held against them. That seems good, when we consider how much we dislike some people’s behavior. But, do we want others to hold us in contempt whenever we do something they don’t like? Absolutely not! So, maybe Jesus wants us to focus on the second part of his teaching; whomever we forgive, will always be forgiven. That’s better. We want forgiveness, so maybe, just maybe, we should forgive too. Maybe even forgive with reckless abandon. What’s it going to hurt?
09/03/23
Matthew 16:21-28
Stewardship Moment from Pastor William
Stewardship in the Gospel
Jesus says Peter is a stumbling block because he focuses on earthly things, not God’s ways of doing things. God’s way is love, grace, compassion, forgiveness, service and abundant giving.
Stewardship in our community
Our community needs more of God’s way of doing things; love for all, grace for all, compassion for all, forgiveness of all, service to all and abundant giving to raise all up. Our community is better when all strive for the good of all.
Stewardship in practice
How can we practice God’s ways? Quite simply, it starts when we stop thinking about what we want. Do you see trash on the ground? Pick it up.
Do you see grocery prices increasing? Buy something for the food pantry. Do you see someone behaving different from you? Express something good about that person. Stop thinking like a person of the world; think like a person of God’s kingdom come.
