I was getting my haircut this Wednesday, and one of the women in the shop talked from the time I entered the shop until I left. I’m glad I don’t have cable television anymore, so I don’t have to listen to so many “talking heads”! Bottom line, people like to talk! That is one reason we always need to be ready to listen and then to talk about the hope that is in us. As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to be ready to talk to anyone. Don’t decide in advance who needs to hear the Gospel and who does not. Don’t mark anyone off your list.
We may not have to talk but we must be ready to talk, as we read in 1 Peter 3:15,, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” We must always be ready to give people an understanding of the hope we have, especially in a world of so much brokenness and despair and hopelessness. We have the GREATEST gift to give to people – the gift of Jesus Christ. So, are you ready to do it? Do you know the words to speak? It takes practice, rehearsal, and courage.
Peter makes it clear in 1 Peter 3:15 that we are to do this with gentleness and respect. No topic is as volatile as that of religious matters – no topic needs so much finesse and gentleness than our faith. But, contrary to popular belief, people are interested in spiritual things.
The fact of the matter is that we don’t know what God may want to do through our words. So, speak your words with gentleness and respect. Where has God planted you? Who are the people who you come in contact with regularly?
If we can allow this deep sense of purposefulness to enter our conversations, we may be surprised by what God the Holy Spirit will do. So, always be ready to make your defense to anyone who wants to know the hope that is in you.” Friends, that is our mission! That is the mission for which God has created us – to believe that God is up to something in all our conversations. So, be ready to listen . . . and to talk with people about the hope you have in Christ!
Sunday Worship
Pastor Glen is continuing a series of messages on the Great Commission, specifically Matthew 28:16-20. This Sunday’s sermon is entitled, “GO . . ., based upon Matthew 28:19. Please read Matthew 28 in preparation for worship!
An offering plate is available when you enter the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Nursery
We are pleased to offer a nursery for children through pre-school. The nursery is in the Sunday school area, and there is a check-in area at the door of the nursery. We are very grateful for the ministry of Ailene Wright, our nursery attendant!!
Training2Send Class
We are excited to offer the wonderful eleven-week class, Training2Send. The purpose of this class as described on the website: “To provide reproducible training that teaches the foundational, biblical doctrines necessary to make disciples. The goal of Training2Send is to produce trainers, individuals, who will go and disciple others while continuing to work to multiply the Kingdom.
Please keep all those participating in this class and those who are training in your prayers!
After returning home from a hospital visit and rehabilitation, Teresa Marshall would be blessed by some meals. Here is the link to provide a meal. Thanks so much!
Click Here to visit Take Them a Meal
Special Offering for the Justines
If anyone is interested in contributing to a special offering to help offset the additional costs the Justines will incur by having to quarantine when they arrive back in Thailand in September, please make contributions, indicating “Special Offering for Justines” on a check or a note.
Outside Workday
Since our last workday was rained out, we will have another outside workday on Saturday, July 24th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please mark your calendars now for that time of cleaning up the outside of our building and applying mulch.
July Birthdays
Kristen Adams (7/16); Helen Wilson (7/21); Marty Porter and Nina Gross (7/27); Bill Watkins and Ted Brown (7/31)
