“So that …”

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience …”

Colossians 1:9b-11 NIV (emphasis mine)

Through the process of packing and moving last month, I found some things I had forgotten about.  One of those things was a tool Sara got me a couple of years ago.  I fancy myself a woodworker in my free time and occasionally look at or acquire new tools.  A while ago, Sara gave me a new router as a gift.  Since that time, the projects I’ve worked on haven’t required the use of a router, so this gift has sat unopened in its original box, unused and unthought of.

In the above Scripture, Paul writes to the church at Colossae about a gift he prays God gives them.  It is his desire that God will fill them with knowledge and with the Holy Spirit.  But Paul doesn’t want the Colossians to receive these gifts because he is nice guy, or it is the right thing to say, or it will make them happier or more successful people.  No, Paul has another reason for wanting this gift for them. 

Paul says that he wants the Colossians to receive this gift “so that” they may bring God glory.  The goal God (and Paul) has for believers is to “live a life worthy of the Lord and to please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to (God’s) glorious might …”  God gives us these gifts for a reason.  God does this so that we might bear fruit.  God does this so that we will continue to grow.  God gives us these good gifts so that we might accomplish his purposes.  And with these gifts, he also gives us a mission: We aren’t meant to leave God’s gifts unopened in a box in a cabinet somewhere collecting dust.  We are to use these gifts.  Take them out, put them on, even risk getting them a little dented or dirty so that others may discover they have been given the same precious gifts. 

The power of the Holy Spirit, the knowledge of God, and the love of God are amazing gifts.  Are you putting those gifts to work so that glory may be given to God?

It is an honor to be your pastor and be in ministry alongside an amazing God!

Blessings,

Chris

Worship This Sunday

This Sunday we will conclude our “Three Essential Questions” message series by considering the question: “Why do people need this church?”  We will talk both about the unique qualities of Nelson Memorial and also the United Methodist Church. 

Our scripture reading this Sunday will come from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 16-20.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

Music this Sunday will include the Charles Wesley classic “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing,” along with “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations,” “Freely, Freely,” and “Sent Out in Jesus’ Name.”  Additionally, we will sing the contemporary songs “Come as You Are” by David Crowder, and “Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone” by Chris Tomlin. 

We understand that many folks are still not comfortable attending worship, and we want you to know that is okay.  We record our service every week and make it available on Facebook and on our church website by early Sunday afternoon.  As cases of COVID-19 are increasing in our state and county, we do encourage you to remain vigilant in making the best decisions for your health and the health of those around you.  We are still encouraging and practicing social-distancing in our worship services and Sunday School classes/small groups and recommend the wearing of masks whenever appropriate.  Remember – even though this feels like it will never end, even the Israelites wilderness time eventually came to an end, and so will ours. 

News and Events this week:

Sunday, July 19: Youth Group – 6:00 pm at the Jackson’s home

Tuesday, July 21: Staff Parish Meeting – 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Wednesday, July 22: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality small group – 9:30 am in the Church Lounge

Coming Up:

Help us get the word out about this fun look at some important Biblical lessons.

Closing Words of Wisdom:

We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.”

John Wesley