Scripture
– Mark 8:27-30 (NIV)
Jesus
and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way
he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
They
replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one
of the prophets.”
“But
what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter
answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Jesus
warned them not to tell anyone about him.
Bob’s
thoughts:
I
enjoyed worshiping at a church that looks like one: handsome cross, prominent stained
glass, including the dome, and beautiful banners. Most places the signage was
good, though it took some asking to find the restrooms so we were a little late
to the service.
The
music by the GCC Men’s Glee Club was a delight. These young men were very easy
to listen to.
A
strong point from the sermon was that “Jesus is the center of every sinner’s
longing.” At one point the question was raised about witnessing to those who
might be less than receptive, and my note said “Preach it anyhow, it’s the Good
News.” I’ve been unsure of a lot of things in life, but Jesus Christ is the one
I’m sure of.
There
was an adorable baby in the pew in front of us who presented me with a
challenge: she seemed more interested in Jan. It’s easy to feel connected to
God when there is a baby to watch.
Since
the service had started we had little opportunity to talk to many people before
worship, but a number of people greeted us afterwards; this is surprising for a
church with two services.
Jan’s
thoughts:
This
stately former PC(USA) church sits directly across the street from Grove City
College and was just as I remembered it except with a lot more snow.
As
we entered the building and moved into the hallway, I inadvertently stepped in
front of an older woman navigating her way to the sanctuary. I apologized but
she looked at me and said happily, “We’re all just going to church!” She then made
sure I had a bulletin, for which I thanked her as she headed off just full of
joy. I couldn’t help but think, I want to be like her when I’m that age. This
encounter set the tone for our visit this morning.
The
Young Adult Pastor recognized us as visitors and struck up a conversation after
which we found seats and joined the service.
The
sanctuary is stunning with intricate stained glass covering most of the left
wall and a ceiling dome in stained glass. The colorful sparkly banners caught
my eye, and it all worked perfectly against the pale-but-rich yellow walls.
What
a treat to be there to hear the superb Grove City College Men’s Glee Club!
In
the sermon, “The Heart of the Faith,” the pastor mentioned that Mark 8:27
(Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?”) is considered to be the center
point of Mark’s gospel, and our response to that question is predicated on who
we believe Him to be. His main points were:
1
– Jesus the Messiah is at the heart of God’s redeeming work in the world;
2
– Jesus is at the heart of every sinner’s longing for salvation;
3
– The unbelieving world around us knows what Christians are against. Do they
know what we are for? (And do they see it as good news?)
Indeed
that is the challenge for we who are called to be in the world but not of it: some
people may only come to know Jesus by an encounter with a believer. Like Paul, I
can only pray for more of Jesus and less of me.
Our
prayer for this church:
Father,
we pray You continue to bless this church and generously water the seeds they
plant as they continue to witness to the young people passing through Grove
City College. Amen.
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