Back in the saddle…
Last week we talked about the Gospel for Mutts. Thank you Johnny K!
This week we dive into the letter Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. He was at the end of his life and stuck in a Roman prison from which he would not be released. These four, short chapters are his personal reflections on how he has remained faithful to Jesus through many difficult circumstances: doubt, resentment, escape, ignorance, privilege, success, failure…
These circumstances are actually threats to our relationship with God that we still experience today. Anyone of them could derail us from a life of faithfulness. Yet Paul triumphed in the challenge and the power of God: see his rejoicing, his excitement about the Gospel, his desire to persevere to the end, and most of all his contentment. This fall, we will explore each circumstance and see how Paul stood firm and lived in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
I am really looking forward to being back in the pulpit. I have missed you all! Small Groups start this week. They are open to everyone. See you on Sunday.
September 22, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
Thinking about Acts 16 and the three characters’ reactions to their encounters with the Gospel….All three did something they did not have to do. Lydia “prevailed” on Paul and company to come to her house. The jailor brought them to his house too, and fed them well. A dark reflection of their gratuitous and gracious acts is the legal action of the slave girl’s owners. The slave owners had already lost their hope of gain; the demon was gone. The only thing they had to gain from having Paul and Silas arrested, tried, and imprisoned was the satisfaction of revenge. Perhaps it is natural to respond in some unnecessary, lavish way to any encounter with God. Some are responses of gratitude; others are responses of spite. It seems that when God shows up, the normal and practical response–business as usual–doesn’t seem relevant.
September 22, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
very well said, Mr. Calhoun. I do agree– when God shows up, the normal and practical response doesn’t seem relevant. May we be people who delight in God showing up and may we be people who respond appropriately 🙂 Great insight. What a good week of small groups!!