Scripture – Luke 8:26-39 CEB
Jesus and his disciples sailed to the Gerasenes’ land, which is across the lake from Galilee. As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, a certain man met him. The man was from the city and was possessed by demons. For a long time, he had lived among the tombs, naked and homeless. When he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down before him. Then he shouted, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!" He said this because Jesus had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had taken possession of him, so he would be bound with leg irons and chains and placed under guard. But he would break his restraints, and the demon would force him into the wilderness.
Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
"Legion," he replied, because many demons had entered him. They pleaded with him not to order them to go back into the abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs. Jesus gave them permission, and the demons left the man and entered the pigs. The herd rushed down the cliff into the lake and drowned.
When those who tended the pigs saw what happened, they ran away and told the story in the city and in the countryside. People came to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully dressed and completely sane. They were filled with awe. Those people who had actually seen what had happened told them how the demon-possessed man had been delivered. Then everyone gathered from the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave their area because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and returned across the lake. The man from whom the demons had gone begged to come along with Jesus as one of his disciples. Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return home and tell the story of what God has done for you." So he went throughout the city proclaiming what Jesus had done for him.
Bob’s thoughts:
I was impressed on the way in when I found signage at the entrance walk from the parking lot but I wish there had been a sign as to which doors to use. It’s embarrassing to try the set that’s still locked but not marked. Jan could be seen through the other doors and a pleasant woman came and let us in.
The great crosses outside were an added treat. The original building is ranch-style and the design of the newer sanctuary is impressive.
There is good signage and a sizeable kitchen and social area in the older part of the building. We were a little early getting in for the service which gave a number of people opportunity to welcome us.
This one of the most interestingly designed worship spaces I have seen. The blend of materials, odd angles, mix of new and ancient stained glass is truly wonderful; I should have taken a video to share. There is a great cross suspended which cast a shadow I liked as much as the cross. God’s house is ready to welcome His people.
We were talking on the hour drive from Economy about churches we have visited and people we have met. The pastor filling in at this service will serve some of these yoked churches at his next appointment.
From the message: sometimes the transforming power of Christ is overwhelming and sometimes, like me, it takes a while. I thought I was a Christian, albeit not a very good one, but after 50-some years, Christ claimed me (probably out of sympathy to my family’s prayers). But when it happened, I was completely overwhelmed.
When someone is transformed by Christ, we need to stay close and encourage and teach them. The pastor offered my favorite evangelism plan: “Tell your story.” One-on-one witnessing works; it is a personal invite to Christ.
I have wondered for some time, thinking back to when Christ claimed me, whether we mentor new Christians or discourage them. We come to Christ with zeal and as Christians we try to dampen that. Shouldn’t the exuberance of Palm Sunday or Pentecost still be part of us?
It was unfortunate the piano drowned out most of the prayer.
Jan’s thoughts:
We arrived with a bit of time to spare and were greeted by several people almost immediately and then by others after we sat. One of the ladies who greeted us also let us know the pastor was on vacation.
This building was larger than I expected, and beautifully designed. The sanctuary especially was an expert mixture of various designs tied in with contemporary rectangular blocks of stained glass and featuring a huge traditional-style genuine Tiffany stained glass window. It was all truly striking.
The signage was plentiful and I noticed many decorative touches.
The message was presented by Rev. Brandon Moore who was pleased to announce that as of July 1 he would be the pastor for three yoked congregations, Shannopin, Glenwillard, and Little Hill. He pointed out three questions coming from the story about the demon-possessed man in Luke 8:26-39:
1 – Jesus granted a request from a legion of demons;
2 – He also granted a request from a town full of unbelievers;
3 – He did not grant a request from the healed man who then believed.
The reasons, the preacher stated, were:
1 – Jesus permitted the demons to enter the pigs because it was not yet time for them to be sent into the abyss;
2 – Christ left the town at the request of the people because His mission was to the Jews;
3 – He told the man to stay in the town and witness about what Jesus had done for the man because He knew some in that town would come to believe in Him as a result.
Like the man who had been possessed, if we have been transformed, we are given the mission of proclaiming God’s mercy to not-yet-believers.
An even more arresting point he made was, “Human solutions to spiritual problems will ultimately fail.” He gave a couple of examples of conditions it seemed God meant to grow someone that were “fixed” without the spiritual application allowing complete and permanent success. I have thought long and hard about this and was surprised to identify several cases of this in my life. This concept has changed my perspective on some of the struggles and afflictions in this world.
We appreciated the time and conversation of those members who gave us some of the history behind the Tiffany-made stained-glass window.
Our prayer for this church:
Father, we pray You will continue to bless and guide this church and its leaders. Please equip and inspire this congregation to take Your message to their neighbors and the world. Encourage them to tell their story. Amen.
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