You and I and everyone here is a disciple, a part of the church. We have one job: tell and show people the love of God. It’s a big job. It’s your job. It’s my job; it’s their job [point to congregation]. What a wonderful job! Showing people that they are loved. Be thinking this week of ways to show people that God loves them. Then do some of those things. Thank you for listening. I’ll see you next week. In the mean time, don’t forget to do your job!
DR. CAROL J. MILLER is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. She earned the B.A. degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and M.Th. and D.Min. degrees from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. For forty years she was in pastoral ministry, serving churches in Arkansas, Texas, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Dr. Miller writes curriculum [...]
Regardless of how much we talk, we need to be sure that the way we speak and the words we use are pleasing to God.
Paul of the Bible writes a letter to Christians living in another town and he says, "We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers" (1:2) "remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love…"(1:3). It must feel great to know that someone prays for you frequently and thanks God for your "labor of love."
LOIS PARKER EDSTROM is a freelance writer and poet who has authored two non-fiction books, Contemporary Object Lessons for Children's Church, Baker Book House and Object Talks on the Parables of Jesus, Standard Publishing. Other published non-fiction work includes several articles and Christmas programs. Lois's poetry has appeared in numerous literary journals such as [...]
When a witness sees and hears something, they don't usually change their minds. They know what they have seen. The disciples had seen Jesus die. They had seen him placed in a tomb. But, then, they saw Jesus alive. Not just this day, but for more than 40 days, they saw him and talked with him. They even watched him eat food. They were not seeing a ghost!
We have heard the story of Jesus' love and he asks that we pass it on, sharing his love with others. We all make mistakes and his message is that when we make mistakes and feel sorry for what we have done, we will be forgiven. His love and forgiveness is offered to everyone. It is a story that has been told down through the ages to all parts of the world. We each have a story to tell. We need to open our mouths and pass it on!
Places of worship are built and decorated with gold and silver, lovely carvings, and beautiful paintings such as the Sistine Chapel and they are truly amazing. What is even more amazing is that: "You are God's temple…" You are beautiful and complete, ready to honor and live with God's Spirit.
We have talked about growing and becoming strong by eating good food. We must open our mouths to eat - letting the healthy food in. We must also open our minds and let the good news, which Jesus brings, become a part of us. We are told God will help us understand. We grow and become strong Christians by opening our minds to what God is trying to teach us. Open your mind to God's word and receive his love.
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul speaks to new Christians and teaches them that they must have a good foundation. He says, "For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ" (3:11). As we grow and build our lives we need something solid to build on. Learning about the love and wisdom of Jesus is a strong foundation for our lives. His gift of love will not fall or fail. It is always there, holding us up and helping us make good choices.