For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
We were welcomed from the moment we walked in the door and a number of people took time to go beyond hello and ask questions.
The facility is modern with a lower ceiling, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. The cross is to one side and the screen toward the middle.
There seemed to be a healthy age mix present.
The right side windows showed the driveway and I noticed the ushers were quick to respond to late arrivals. I also appreciated their quick response to temperature adjustments.
A most impressive time was devoted to prayer requests. As people requested prayers a member volunteered to pray for them. I wish more people felt comfortable to do so.
The sermon, “Here I Stand,” dealt with our reluctance to share Jesus Christ. I have often wondered about why we don’t feel compelled to share the greatest thing that ever happened to us. The crux of the message was that we are embarrassed to witness for Christ. We are called to get the truth out but are not responsible for the consequences.
I fear sometimes that it is more of a selfish situation where we have this very good thing and are not comfortable sharing. Are we somehow afraid we will have less of Christ?
I have seen how we treat new believers: when they express their excitement we wait for them to settle down and be “normal” instead of jealously trying to regain our own passion for Christ.
Jan’s thoughts:
We worshiped at this church once some time ago before we began the blog, so my memory may not be completely accurate, but the members seemed much friendlier than at our previous visit. We were handed bulletins as we entered the door and greeted warmly by nearly everyone we encountered.
This charming church sits in a quiet, lovely area only about five minutes from busy Cranberry. The sanctuary includes a low ceiling, carpet, and comfortable, padded chairs.
A spirit of hospitality was shown in more than a few ways, but one that touched me was a packet of tissues tucked into the back of the chair in front. Such a small thing has the potential to mean so much.
I was heartened to witness the worship leaders join in a circle of prayer before beginning the service.
The pastor asked for prayer requests and as they were voiced another member of the congregation was asked to speak a prayer for that request. Then as the pastor led the prayer time, the designated members prayed aloud for each request. What a splendid way to orchestrate this part of the service and allow the congregation to both participate and minister to each other.
The message was part 3 of a series entitled “Here I Stand” and began with the statement that “Christians are hoarding the Gospel.” Of course that’s not how we think of it, and our current culture has us always asking “Who are we to judge?” But he pointed out that truth gives a response, and if what we have were the cure for cancer, the solution for Syria, a safe diet pill, or how to get out of debt, we wouldn’t hesitate to spread the news.
He declared the truth is that apart from Christ, one is headed to hell, lost, desperate, and bankrupt no matter how much money they have. Every human being is sick and in need of a Savior, and the only one capable is Jesus Christ. No one else can do it for us, and we cannot be good enough.
He said we are responsible for taking action and communicating the truth; we are not to worry about how it’s received. Someone must break the silence…we must share the truth!
I was refreshed and encouraged by the blunt honesty of his words. I wish I was capable of living up to this vision on my own, but I know better. Instead I pray for a fresh refilling of the Holy Spirit in order to live them out.
Father, we pray this church is an inspiration for Jesus Christ, the Lord. May they continue to be a welcoming presence and boldly witness for Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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