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Perhaps Paul Had it Right
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This year continues to throw challenges at us. If Covid were not enough we now have hazardous smoke and slow moving hurricanes. What is next for the apocalypse bingo card? As I sit staring out my smoke filled windows I have to admit that I feel trapped. I cannot spend much time outside, I cannot spend much time in public areas, I am isolated. For some this might be heaven on earth, but for a lot of us it is getting old, fast!
First thing I want to invite you to is to name it. This stinks! This is not the 2020 I signed up for and I would kindly like to see it resolved now. Secondly I want to invite you to call if you need someone to talk to. A lot of you are feeling the way I am and to simply hear a live voice might make a difference, or give you a chance to share your story. I might not answer when you call, depending on what is happening such as meetings or driving, but I will return your call and if nothing else pray with you. If you need someone to talk to feel free to call, 509-818-0970. Third invitation is to see that we were not meant to be isolated, God designed us to be in relationship with Him, and with one another and when this isn't happening we feel pain or depression or sadness to some degree. This is normal because it is how God built us.
Perhaps Paul had it right when he called us "brothers." This term, αδελφος (adelphos) has the same meaning as someone yelling out "guys." In the phrase, "hey guys, wait for me," we see a masculine word being applied to anyone in the group. In the same way, the New Testament uses this term for brothers to not only speak to the males, but can and should rightly be translated brothers and sisters to include the females as well. What is interesting is Paul uses this term for brothers and sisters 121 times in his 13 letters. The term for friends, ἀγαπητός (agapetos), which is best translated as beloved, linked to the term for love, appears only 12 times in his 13 letters. In other words Paul sees us, the church, not as merely friends but more deeply as siblings. Paul knew, as did Jesus, that to call one another friend would not encompass all that the church was designed to be. Friends may or may not see one another, and even if it has been several years will still call someone their friend. Family, on the other hand, implies so much more including the intentional get together's, acceptance of one another when no one else will accept us, love enough to speak up when someone needs correcting, regularly celebrating achievements or milestones, and an undying love for the other.
I am reading a book right now called "Pastor Paul" by Scot McKnight, in which McKnight examines Paul's ministry to best understand what a church would look like if it had "Christoformity" to the extent that Paul hoped the church would. Christoformity simply means to be conformed to Christ, more Christ-like, simply put it is the definition of being Christian. Understanding this definition, McKnight argues that the church should be a group of people that sees themselves as siblings filled with five important themes: "sibling relations are marked (1) by love, (2) by love for all siblings, (3) by mutual growth into Christoformity, (4) by recognizing the safety and security of boundaries, and (5) by knowing that sibling relations began with Jesus, our Brother."
I am not done with the book yet, but I can already see a church shaped by this type of brother and sisterhood would be radical to a world that thinks we can do everything on our own. Perhaps Paul is right in calling us siblings. One thing is for sure, a lot of us are not enjoying this isolation after so many months and I think the reason is because we are meant to do life together, as brothers and sisters in Christ. What does that look like? I will have to continue to read but something tells me the answers are found within the Scriptures. It is best expressed when we commit to one another to see this "Christoformity" take root in each others lives. It happens when we, the family of God, focus on being God's family.
The key to unlocking this type of church is to spend time with one another while being focused on Christ. That said, brothers and sisters, if you need someone to talk to, let me know. If you are able join us for small groups (Bible studies) and group gatherings (Sunday worship, Mercy Grill). You may find yourself blessed by being with others and through being around your bothers and sisters in Christ find yourself part of something that Jesus knew would bring health to you and those around you.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -Hebrews 10:24-25
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Tonight (Wednesday) at 7:00pm we are starting our new study on Evangelism based off of Jeffrey Johnson's book, Got Style.
Join us in person or on zoom.
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Thursday's at 6:30pm. This church service is centered around how Jesus did church... with food and conversation. For those of you hungering for something different, come join us at Mercy Grill. For those of you willing to serve and be the church, come join us.
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Men's Breakfast, this Saturday at 8:30am.
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9/20/2020 Worship Service
Sermon:
"Power of Prayer"
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Join us as we worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, while engaging His Word.
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Feel free to join us at the Engage campus with limited seating (keeping the 6 foot rule) or on the live feed which starts about 15 minutes before 10:30am, you can catch it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/engagespokane/live_videos/
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Wednesday Evening Bible Study and Prayer
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Starting on the 16th we will be studying "Got Style." The study will be on Wednesdays at 7:00pm at the church campus or online and will be focused on how God uses all of us to share His good news, even if we are not like Billy Graham. Order your books on Amazon or let the office know if you need help.
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Join the Zoom meeting at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2062233253
Meeting ID: 206 223 3253
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Awana club has starting up. Bring your children, grandchildren, neighbors children, and there is even a chance for you to volunteer.
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First Sunday of the month we are take all canned food you have brought in through the month to a ministry in need.
For our online congregation, feel free to give to this ministry with the note "for canned food" and someone will go purchase canned food or make a direct donation to the ministry where the food is going for the month, or let us know and we can help you find a organization in your area to support.
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If you haven't yet, get our free church app. You will have access to the latest announcements, our prayer wall, links to Sunday morning videos, and more...plus we are always looking for feedback on what would be helpful.
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