If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
We were privileged to witness some of the excitement of a church worshiping in their new building as this was their second week in this new space. Had there not been good signage out front we would have followed our GPS a mile or so down the road to the school where they had been located. The space is so new that there is minimal signage; I think the paint was still drying on the walls. I hope the lack of a cross is one of those things they just haven’t gotten to yet.
I believe this is the first church that has provided ear plugs. They were much appreciated and necessary for us. I had trouble understanding some of the lyrics so the words projected on the screen was a plus.
We were welcomed at the door by the Lead Pastor, and later when I peeked into the kitchen a woman spoke with us, and a third person gave us a tour of the child care area after the children had left.
We witnessed a couple dedicating their children to God. Having one of our children now with God, this was very powerful.
The sermon was part of a series and I was pleased to find a hard copy of the message. At times I sense a call to pray for the pastor or church and with this I did not miss anything from the sermon.
The pastor told how early in seminary an instructor directed him to adopt a pompous speaking voice for the pulpit, advice that he thankfully rejected. I was reminded of a pastor I knew who had a perfectly normal voice on the street but who was horrid to hear preach.
Today is the second Sunday this church has worshiped in their new space, so the excitement was palpable, as well it should be. This was a huge undertaking on the part of this congregation and they had worked hard to bring it to fruition.
The newness of the facility was obvious, but the ever-helpful restroom signs were up and many hospitable touches were apparent such as a table of information about the church, cards with their contact information, pens, a large-print edition of the message, and even earplugs. First-time guests were also given a copy of the Lead Pastor’s book, “Life Cycle of a Christian.”
Several people took time to welcome us and chat, and with all the excitement and the fact that they have three services, I was surprised anyone noticed visitors. I observed many animated, friendly conversations and it looked like things operated smoothly.
As the Lead Pastor welcomed the congregation he detailed some tweaks that had been made since last Sunday and listed others still to come. From the perspective of this first-time visitor, and recognizing that this is a work in progress, I thought all the hard work was apparent.
The current message series, which is based on the book of James, is titled “Faith Works.” He reiterated last week’s take-home point: “Our words either build up or tear down.”
In this message full of teaching he stated that wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge, that honor and humility are seldom taught in the world but that Jesus’ ways are not the world’s ways. This week’s take-home point is: “Worldly wisdom leaves us dead; godly wisdom leads to life!”
James tells us God expects us to be pure, peace-loving, gentle, yielding to others, merciful, full of good deeds, showing no favoritism, and sincere. Most of us would say that’s impossible for us, and we would be right. But God’s Holy Spirit within us gives us the ability to do what He would have us do and be the people He created us to be.
We must remember to ask daily to be refilled with God’s Spirit to enable us to become more and more like the One in Whose image we are created. After all, as the pastor pointed out, we can’t live it if we don’t have it.
Lord, thank You for blessing this congregation with this new space. Guide them to use it to Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
1 comment:
I understand how important restroom signs are. As we grow older we go more frequently.
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