2
Corinthians 3:18:
And
we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed
into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is
the Spirit.
Revelation
21:4:
“He
will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning
or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
We
were greeted as we entered, given a bulletin, and directed to the restrooms. A
few people asked if we were visiting and where we were from. On a quick look
downstairs signage was evident. My guess was there was nothing but the
Sanctuary on the main floor.
The
pews are arranged in an angular arc and the wooden cross is centered in a
window. The service started with one of the music leaders singing what at first
sounded like Jewish music, and the congregation joined in. It was a prelude to
one of the best music programs I have heard. The congregation sang with the
harmony of a well-trained choir and all were done without instruments. One of
my favorites, “You Are My All in All,” was sung with the female echo and then
reversed on the next verse. I can’t remember a congregation being so seamless
in song.
The
offer was made for prayer card for private or corporate prayer. A number of
different people offered prayers comfortably.
The
sermon, “From One Degree to Another,” focused on our steps to a new
commencement. It was great direction to me to never stop graduating, from one
degree of glory to the next.
I
wondered if others are like me in maintaining where I am in Christ without
thinking of pursuing the next degree. I am grateful for the message and
grateful that the pastor would let Christ use him to deliver direction for me.
I really enjoyed hearing so much Scripture quoted throughout the sermon, the
Word of God for all to hear. The last point of striving for a degree in
cardiology struck me personally.
We
stayed for a few minutes after the service for a tribute to two graduates with
a video montage that was well done.
We
attempted to worship here several weeks ago, but God wanted us to hear another
sermon that day. Today I learned He was saving this one especially for me.
I
appreciated being greeted immediately upon entering, and there was signage but
none for restrooms because they were immediately inside the building.
We
briefly toured downstairs but all we saw were classrooms and it was too close
to start time to look around any further.
The
Sanctuary was striking even without stained glass. Lots of matching wood, an
intriguing ceiling, and comfortable pews arranged in a zigzag layout unlike
anything I’ve seen before.
The
pews were nearly filled and the members were animated in their conversations,
so when the hour arrived, the lights were briefly turned way down to let
everyone know it was time to find their seats. I found this merely interesting
until a gentleman began leading the congregation in song, and when I looked
around I realized there were no musical instruments in the Sanctuary. The
amazing thing, though, is that instruments were unnecessary. In the course of
the service at least seven songs were sung (I may have miscounted), with three
different male leaders at various times. Obviously the leaders all had superb
voices, but the congregation maintained incredible volume and harmony. What an
absolute joy to participate in that musical praise.
I
was blessed to partake of Communion and to read the Scripture on the projection
screen during the sacrament.
The
sermon series is entitled “God’s Great Adventure” and this installment is “From
One Degree to Another.” Since the high school graduation of two members was
recognized later in the service, the title was a creative connection.
The
pastor pointed out that life’s new beginnings and fresh starts provide a series
of graduations and commencements to new steps in life. For instance, “the
Israelites graduated from slaves to wilderness wanderers to inhabitants of the
Promised Land. The woman caught in adultery was given a new beginning, and it
took Jonah only three days to receive his degree.” He used other Bible
characters as illustrations, including Peter, who was “faithless at the trial
and faithful at the tomb,” to illustrate his point that we “should never stop
graduating and should be transformed on a regular basis.”
He
suggested the following three degrees that everyone needs to seek:
- A degree in Bibliology – it
should be our lifelong pursuit, along with a minor in prayerology.
- A degree in Pneumatology (i.e.,
the Holy Spirit) – He is the key to defeating sin, He is the giver of
gifts, and the fruit-producer. We are warned against grieving or quenching
Him.
- A degree in Cardiology – the
heart is central, it should be guarded and examined.
This
message spoke to me loud and clear. I so often feel like I should be moving
forward somehow but I’m never sure in what direction. This message reminded me
that each day God graciously allows me to again learn and grow and graduate and
to become a new person. So, I’m not stymied after all. What freedom there is in
finding that I’m already doing part of what I have so wanted to! And, I get to
do it again tomorrow!
Father,
It is a joy to lift this church to You, Lord, as it was a joy to meet with You
in worship here. We pray that You continue to bless and lead these people to
their next commencement. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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