Scripture – NIV
Proverbs 27:17 –
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 –
Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:
There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
“For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business!
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Proverbs 18:24 –
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
1 Corinthians 15:33 –
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 27:19 –
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
Proverbs 27:6 –
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Bob’s thoughts:
We were welcomed at the door, including by the assistant pastor. We enjoyed coffee and conversation with a few people, and a few more said hello during the welcome time.
The modern stained glass at this church has been one of my favorites, and the large draped wooden cross in front of the window made it perfect for me.
There were a few young girls dancing in the aisle for one of the opening songs and quite a few came forward for the children’s message.
The message, Iron Sharpens Iron, was the eighth and final part of a series. It brought back memories of all my friends who were about my age who abandoned me when I came to Christ. Two older friends came looking for Christ and I was able to share modern Bibles with them, but those who were my “friends” from boyhood all left. Even then, God was walking with me and He has brought me to this place and time.
We were pleased to get a few moments with the Director of Student Ministries. I knew him and his little brother when I was Santa many years ago. That was around the time I read in a Guidepost magazine about Dutilh Church rebuilding after a fire.
I’m always pleased to see so many children as it’s a clear sign of a healthy church.
Jan’s thoughts:
Years ago, when our kids were young, our family attended church together. At the annual Christmas party, Bob would slip away and change into his Santa Claus suit so Santa could make his featured appearance at the party. These are some of our most treasured memories.
It’s hard to believe, but those little ones who sat on Santa’s lap and whispered their secret wishes in Santa’s ear are now grown adults with children of their own. So of course, when we heard one of those youngsters had joined the staff at this church, we made a note to visit again.
Although we arrived early in the hope of finding this young man, we did not know he would be in the midst of an especially busy morning. Consequently, we had only a brief visit, but we were grateful he took a moment to reunite and it was wonderful to see him.
We were warmly welcomed by a number of people and it was a joy to see the sanctuary virtually filled with worshipers of all ages for this contemporary service.
Each time we visit this church they seem to have more going on. Today we heard the testimony of one member of a recent mission trip to Zimbabwe, and the bulletin contained many announcements of various events. One exciting one will be next week when this church celebrates its 175th anniversary.
I noted a couple of interesting touches: the bulletin indicated the service would be livestreamed and that faces in the congregation are sometimes visible, adding that seating toward the back is not visible in the livestream.
During the announcements it was mentioned that those worshiping online should use the “virtual pew pad” to indicate their presence. I recognize some could have an objection, but I think that’s a wonderful way to help those joining remotely to feel included.
The music was outstanding for several reasons, beginning with the talent of those playing. The first song was the Cheers theme song, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, which I found unexpectedly appropriate. Then came a song called Wake Up, Oh Sleeper, during which everyone nearby smiled as four young girls danced in the aisle with great enthusiasm. As the offering was taken, they played Garth Brooks’ Standing Outside the Fire, which fit perfectly. And the closing song grabbed my heart: Church (Take Me Back). Today I was reminded of just how meaningful music can be in worship.
The sermon was This Is Us, Part 8: Iron Sharpens Iron in which the pastor spoke of the importance of friendship, especially godly friends. He stated that friendships are risky but they are worth the risk, and that a godly friend makes us a better person and helps us become more like Jesus.
He described a godly friend as one who is:
1 – reliably present
2 – unconditionally loving
3 – reflectively revealing
4 – completely honest
5 – intentionally encouraging
He said that godly friends lead us to Jesus, and since only Jesus can be all these things to anyone, our friendship with Him is the foundation that strengthens us to take the risks of friendship with others. If we refuse to take risks, we’re not really living.
For all these reasons, I was overjoyed to be here today.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You continue to bless and guide Your church and that Your Presence is always known as it was today. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment