Preacher Paul's Blogs

  This Sunday, we will turn to Ephesians 4:25–32 and Paul’s warning not to “make room for the devil.” Using a childhood story about a possum that found its way into my family’s house through an open door, we will think about how division can enter a church in much the same way. Hurt feelings, pride, personal agendas, careless words, and unresolved disagreements can create openings, and the devil can use those openings to pull people apart.  But Paul also shows us another way, one marked by truth, kindness, forgiveness, and reconciliation.  As you read Ephesians 4:25–32 this week, consider these questions:  What kinds of openings can threaten the unity of a church?  And how can we help close them before they grow into something larger?

This Sunday, we will reflect on Proverbs 27:17 and the reminder that “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens a friend.” Our sermon, “Not All Friction is Bad,” will consider how we strengthen, encourage, and support one another, and how even a small spark of faith, hope, or service can spread through a congregation and help the whole church burn brighter.  As you prepare for worship, ask yourself:  Who has helped sharpen your faith, and whose faith might God be calling you to strengthen?  What spark can you help kindle in the life of our church this week?

  This Sunday, we will consider what it takes to sustain a church. The churches we worship in today are here because generations before us gave of themselves to make sure their ministry continued, and now that responsibility has been entrusted to us. In 1 Corinthians 3:9–11, Paul reminds us that we are “God’s servants, working together” and that Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which the church is built. Sustaining that church takes three things from us: our time, our talents, and our treasure.  As you read 1 Corinthians 3:9–11 this week, consider:  What are you giving of yourself to help sustain the church today?  And what are we doing together to ensure that its ministry continues for those who will come after us?

Monday is Labor Day, a day set aside to recognize the value of work, but perhaps it is also a good time to remember the importance of rest. This Sunday, we will look at God’s command to observe the Sabbath and what that command meant to people who had once been slaves, whose lives had been measured by how many bricks they could produce.  In “Brick, Brake, and Break,” we will consider why God calls us to put on the brakes, take a real break, and make time not only to rest our bodies, but also to reconnect with God.  As you read Deuteronomy 5:12–15 this week, consider these questions:  When was the last time you truly took a Sabbath?  What might you need to put down in order to stop, rest, and make room for God?