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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to stay and join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use this prayer to get started.
Thank you, Lord, for calling us into your family and for grafting us into the line of Abraham through Christ. Thank you for all the blessings that we enjoy as followers of Jesus Christ. Despite our high calling, we are still human and realize many obstacles and hindrances lay ahead for us, as for all Christians. Help us to exercise wisdom and grace in dealing with others, and help us not to become a hindrance to our brothers and sisters in the faith. For we ask it in Christ’s name. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Genesis 13:8-18.
Lesson context
The story of faith begins with Adam and Eve being expelled from the Garden of Eden because of their sin and disobedience. From then on, God takes the initiative to restore humanity and creation. God’s restoration plan begins with a series of covenants God makes with 75-year-old Abram and his wife. In the fullness of time, God would send the Messiah through their descendants — the nation of ancient Israel — to inaugurate the new creation. Thus God would fulfill his cosmic design. Through Jesus, a person can become a child of Abraham by joining the family of God through faith rather than by being born into a particular nationality. God’s covenant with Abram (Abraham) included promises of a land, progeny and blessing, but it took centuries for it to become reality. The first step in the developing relationship between Abraham and God was for Abraham to respond to God’s call to leave his country, his people and his father’s household and set out for an unknown land. The text for today is about a distraction that occurred when Abram took his nephew Lot along on the journey. This resulted in problem after problem, including the one described in today’s lesson.
Abram’s offer (verses 8 and 9)
Both Abraham and Lot were prosperous nomadic herdsmen, which was a common occupation in the ancient Near East. Maintaining a large flock required abundant resources of water and fertile land, and when the men came into Canaan they found it to be suitable for their purposes. However, because their flocks were very large, even this land could not support both of them if they lived too close to each other. Abraham suggested they separate so that each had enough resources to support their flocks. To avoid conflict and quarreling, especially because of their close relationship, Abraham suggests two locations that will allow each enough room to prosper without impinging on the other’s land. Abraham further allows Lot to choose which direction he will take his flocks. Whichever way he goes, Abraham will go the opposite way. Abraham his taking a risk by making the offer, but Lot will eventually suffer the consequences of choosing his own self-interest.
Lot’s choice (verses 10-13)
Lot saw that one area was particularly appealing. The plain of the Jordan near Zoar — one of five cities in the lower Jordan Valley — is well watered “like the garden of the Lord.” Part of what this description implies is that, like the Garden of Eden, the area had abundant natural water supplies. Lot’s workmen would therefore be spared from having to dig wells by hand. It is interesting to note that, from the point where Lot makes his decision, he will now be moving east. In Genesis, traveling east has been associated with moving away from God. Adam and Eve were driven eastward from the Garden of Eden. After killing his brother and after God had pronounced his punishment, Cain moved east to the land of Nod. Before arriving at Shinar (Babylon), the people who built the Tower of Babel moved east. At this point, Lot is a nomadic herdsman, pitching his tent “near Sodom”. But the next time the Bible mentions him, he will be living “in Sodom” (14:12). Lot has transitioned from being a nomad to being a permanent foreign resident.
God’s promises (verses 14-16)
The narrative now switches back to Abraham. Lot having moved away, God expands his promise to Abraham. God promises to give all the land that Abraham can see to him and his descendants forever. Assuming Abraham is standing at the spot where he offered Lot a choice of locations, the promised includes about 13,700 square miles, an area about a third the size of Tennessee. In addition, God promises hyperbolically that Abraham’s offspring will be as numerous and uncountable as the dust of the earth. Remember that, at this point, Abraham is a childless 75-year-old man.
Abram’s tour (verses 17 and 18)
God next instructs Abraham to walk through the land that God is giving him. In the ancient world, this was the equivalent of claiming ownership of it. Then Abraham settled in Hebron, near the great trees of Mamre. He pitched his tent there, and he built an altar to the Lord. Stone altars were common in the ancient Near East. Abraham was surely familiar with them through his exposure to pagan altars in his homeland. Altars also served as monuments designed to memorialize places where important events had happened. They reminded the observer of the ongoing importance and significance of what had taken place there. This would be a significant place for Abraham throughout the rest of his life. In fact, he and his wife, Sarah, were buried in a cave near their home in Mamre. 
Conclusion
God’s first words to Abraham (as Abram) were a directive to leave home (Genesis 12:1). He left his extended family behind as he journeyed toward and within the land God had designated. God deliberately separated him from his past to create a new nation from him — a nation to usher in the Messiah. We may wonder how homesick Abraham became from time to time. We may also wonder if Abraham ever wished he hand’t taken Lot along! The importance of Abraham (who lived about 2000 BC) in salvation-history should not be overlooked. His names “Abram” and “Abraham” appear on the pages of the Old and New Testaments nearly 300 times, with about 28 percent of those occurring in the New Testament. In Hebrews 11, Abraham is enshrined in “Faith’s Hall of Fame.” His example has much to teach us yet today. In a sense, Abraham’s story is ours as well. God wants us to know the Messiah he has sent. But for that to happen, sometimes God has to separate us from relationships, events, jobs, etc., that stand in the way (Mark 10:28-31; Luke 5:27-28). Those separations may come either in order that we may know Jesus or as a result of knowing Him. Those who have experienced such severances may have an inkling of Abraham’s faith. His willingness to place faith in God before all else makes him stand apart, a hero of faith (Hebrews 11:8-10; compare Galatians 3:9). God expects similar faith even today. When we believe we are called to a different situation, God may not reveal all the details of how to do so and why. If he did, then there would be no room for faith! We should not be surprised if our journey involves taking a “Lot” along. In the Genesis narrative, that man was nothing but trouble for his uncle. More importantly, it’s vital that we not be a “Lot”!
Prayer
Father God, send us into the troubled world as your ambassadors so that we may make disciples as we remind others of what you have done for us. Give us eyes like Abraham to perceive the nature of faith. May we not be a short-sighted “Lot”! We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on 1 Kings 8:22-24, 37-39, 46, 48-50.
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Prelude: Carol Smith
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: We were once dead in our trespasses but in Christ, God has made us alive! In Christ, we have been forgiven all of our trespasses. Our record of sin, as it was, has been cancelled. It was nailed to the cross, and we bear it no more, Our God has put the enemy to shame. And so we will walk in Him! We are rooted and built up in Him! Let us worship Him today, the Lord Jesus who takes away our sin. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! # 1
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Lord, we come to You with a ledger of sin that we seem to add to everyday. Our actions do not reflect the love and devotion we have toward You, our thoughts and our hearts do not reflect our submission to You. Even though we confess that You have bought us at a great price, we give ourselves to lesser things. We trust though that through faith, You cancel the debt that we have built up. That You alone can forgive and forget our wicked ways. So we turn to You again this day for mercy. We look to You as our hope bringing us from death to life. Amen. *Time of silent prayer. *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 92 Mary Esselstyn Sermon Text: Colossians 2: 6-15 *Hymn “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound. # 649 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine! # 839 *Benediction Postlude: Carol Smith
Birthdays: Carley McCoy
Next week, we will be switching our worship and Sunday School times. Worship will be at 9:45 am, and Sunday School will be directly after. Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document them, then return them to You.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Mary Stoey, Johnny Yurko, Ron Poznic, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabensue, Norma Jean Kelso, The McFeely’s, Chuck Kapaika, Nellie Baker, Kayla Horner, Ed Stavovy, Tommy Ann Sanders ( 5 yr.old), Ron Westfall, Margaret Danna, Mary Ann Durila, Carolyn Knabensue, Linda Morgan, Dan, Doug, Marilyn Ward
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together, we take time to share our weeks, and any joys and concerns we have. If you have a prayer request, please add it to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Lord God,
We come before You today with humble hearts. Prepare us to study Your Word. Show us how to be teachable. Help us to lay aside areas where we are stubborn and where we cling to our own sins. Let Your Word change us! May we faithfully and accurately interpret Your Word today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's lesson is on Titus 3:3-11.
Lesson Context
Paul's letter to Titus is a Pastoral Epistle, written to a specific person. It was written after Paul had been released from his imprisonment in Rome, and visited the island of Crete. Titus was a gentile believer who accompanied Paul on Crete. Titus stayed on Crete to correct a chaotic situation in the Cretan churches. The church there was troubled by people who professed to know God, but lived demonsterably different lives. Such people had deceived others, disrupted the community, and brought needless controversy to the church.
Gospel Reminder (verses 3 - 8)
This passage opens with Paul's reminder that everyone has sinned. We are disobedient by rebelling against the standards of God. This can lead to a person's self-deception of what is right and wrong. It can also affect a person's relationships with others -- causing envy, anger, and hate. However, God provided a way to free us from sin and evil. This arises from God's character, particularly his kindness and mercy. The ultimate example of his kindness has come through God's sending of his Son, Christ Jesus, to pay sin's price through the sacrifice of himself on the cross. This display of kindness would lead humanity to repentance. No matter what good acts we may do, we cannot ever earn salvation. Our merciful God has provided a way for salvation that does not require righteousness. Instead, he has initiated our salvation through his gift of grace. By his mercy and grace, we are justified by faith. Therefore we are saved. Our book says that the washing of rebirth could refer to baptism, or it could refer generally to the spiritual cleansing from sin that results from our salvation. In this new life, we are dead to the ways of sin. The Holy Spirit transforms us into new people devoted to following God and obeying his commands. We become the heirs of God and benefactors of God's promises regarding glory. Paul says that we have the hope of eternal life. Here, hope is not wishful thinking. It is a certainty, a confidence that the promises made by God to his heirs will come true. Paul directs Titus to stress the things that have been taught up to this point in the letter. This includes: the human condition; the kindness and love of God; salvation through grace; purification by the Spirit, and; the hope of eternal life. These points of doctrine are the core of the gospel message. By teaching these things, the believers would hear, obey and trust. They would be devoted to obeying God. By obeying God and having faith, believers will do good works. This is a result of the presence of God in that person's life. Good works are the result of salvation, not the source of it.
Gospel Behavior (verses 9 - 11)
After discussing "profitable' behavior in light of salvation, Paul describes the unprofitable behaviors for believers pursuing godliness. This includes things like useless debate, arguments, genealogies, and quarrels over the law. Our book says that this may mean some of the false teachings had to do with aspects of the law of Moses and human ancestry. A divisive person creates discord and disruption. Paul's directive for discipline has a certain amount of patience. Divisive people could receive two warnings. After the second warning, the church should outright reject the person. This would give the troublesome part ample opportunity to repent and change. By following the directive, Titus would no longer give attention to those who brought distraction and division to the church. 
Conclusion
When churches emphasize the gospel, the spiritual health of its members improves. Instead of being focused on distractions that lead to division, believers can become devoted to doing good works that result from godliness. Paul retells the gospel message that begins with the kindness and love of God that results in our salvation and culminates with being made new through God's Spirit. In response to Paul's directives to Titus, we should reflect on his teachings and the practices of our churches. Ask yourself if your church focuses on the gospel and living out its teachings. Then, ask yourself the same question. Do you focus on the gospel and living out its teachings? Have distractions threatened your spiritual livelihood?
Prayer
Kind and loving God, we thank you for your mercy and grace by which you have saved us. Help us be more attentive to the Spirit's leading into renewal and rebirth so that we might do good works in your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Next week, we will be starting the fall quarter.
Prelude: Ron Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: Everyone who serves God come and offer thanks. Thank You God for Your love to us. Everyone who has gathered in this place, lift your hands and praise God. Thank You God for Your love in this place. Shout praises to God for you are God’s servants, so shout praises. Thank You God for Your faithfulness. Praise the name of our God who is kind and good. Thank You God for Your love endures forever! We come to worship You today. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “We Are One in the Spirit” # 300
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Most gracious and merciful God, we confess to You that time after time, we have offered sincere sounding prayers, but our hearts have been closed to Your grace. We have lifted our hands to You in praise, but our feet have still walked in the way of sin. We have heard Your word and celebrated Your sacraments, but we have refused to see the needs of our neighbor. Forgive our lack of faith and love. Grant us the cleansing that can only come from You. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 111 Kirkland Cipoletti Sermon Text: Colossians 1: 24 – 2: 5 Baptism of Wilder David Neil *Hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” # 306 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Standing on the Promises” # 838 *Benediction Postlude: Ron Dobscha
Birthdays: Marilyn Ward, Don Hanes
Anniversaries: Tim & Janet Schivley Sympathies: To the Family of Connie Palmer To the Family of Bill Buxton Both are friends of Debbie Durila Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document them, then return them to You. Schools are starting back this week. Be safe and courteous !!
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Mary Stoey, Johnny Yurko, Ron Poznic, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabensue, Norma Jean Kelso, The McFeely’s, Chuck Kapaika, Doug Ward, Nellie Baker, Kayla Horner, Ed Stavovy, Tommy Ann Sanders ( 5 yr.old), Ron Westfall, Margaret Danna, Mary Ann Durila, Carolyn Knabensue Good morning! We're so glad you decided to join us today! When we meet in person, we take some time for fellowship and sharing. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, please add them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and for calling me into Your family, through faith in Christ. Help me to take heed of all that You would teach me, and use me, I pray, to point the lost to Christ and to encourage those that are saved by grace. Thank You that we have been equipped with knowledge of the truth, which is according to godliness. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN. Today's lesson is on Titus 1:1-3; 2:11-15. The Book of Titus deserves our attention as we look to the Bible for instruction on how to live a life pleasing to our Lord. We can learn what we should avoid as well as that which we are to strive to imitate. Paul suggests we seek to be pure as we avoid the things which will defile our minds and consciences. And then Paul makes a statement which should never be forgotten: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” (Titus 1:16). As Christians, we must examine ourselves to be sure our lives line up with our profession of faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5). 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? Along with this warning, Paul also tells us how to avoid denying God: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5b-6). By seeking a daily renewal of our minds by the Holy Spirit we can develop into Christians that honor God by the way we live.  Prayer God, our Savior, we thank you for the gift of grace that has appeared in your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for your gift of salvation and the hope that we have because of it. By the power of your Spirit, help us to live godly and pure lives. In the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen. Thought to Remember We have a “blessed hope”! Questions for Discussion
Benediction  Next week's lesson will be on Titus 3:3-11.
This morning's service was a shared one at the Washington County Fair. We also took some time at the beginning of the service to remember Dana Wilson.
Old Testament Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9
New Testament Lesson: John 3:14-21
Good morning!
We are at the Washington County Agricultural Fair for the 11 am church service today.
Please feel free to read the lesson! You can also comment if you would like to discuss it.
Since we are not meeting in person this week, we won't be able to have our typical time of sharing. However, we still invite you to share any prayer requests as a comment below. This way, we can still pray for you! When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started.
God I invite you to come into my life and empower me to live an honorable life of faith, always doing what pleases you. When I stumble, help me to get back up and keep walking with You. Thank you for saving me. Now I am a child of God!
Today's lesson is on 1 John 3:1-10.
We are unsure of the issues that faced the letter's original audience, Apparently, they had been confronted with threats to their faith. Some of these threats included the temptation from an early form of the attractive heresy we call Gnosticism. Among other things, Gnostics taught that it did not matter whether a person had morality or love – as long as he or she had “secret knowledge.” To combat this false teaching, John emphasized the connection between right belief, right actions, and right love. The child of God must believe the truth, obey the commands, and love the brethren. False teachers were so bold that John referred to them as having a “spirit of antichrist.” John wanted their influence eliminated lest they split the church further.
In contrast to the children of God, the world has failed to know God and his abundant love revealed through Jesus Christ Therefore, the world is also unable to know the children of God. As a result, believers can anticipate facing hatred from the world. As God's children, we do not fully know God's plan for our lives. But we know we will someday be changed. What we eventually will be has not yet been disclosed fully. Even so, we know this: when Jesus appears at his second coming, we shall see him as he is because we will see him face-to -face. At that time, we shall be like him. Christ will transform our bodies into something glorious. In and through this transformation, we will share in Christ's glory. It is he who is pure, meaning he is sinless. Christ's blood shed on the cross is the means through which our purification from sin occurs. John's directives in this verse mirror Jesus' teachings: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”. Human perfection is impossible on earth. However, we should make every effort to live pure and upright lives as children of our perfect heavenly Father. Having established the life of purity required for God's children, John presents the danger that believers face: that of sin. Sin is foolishness, the opposite of faith, falling short of God's glory, a willful failure to do good or any wrongdoing. Ultimately, sin turns people into enemies of God. Simply having knowledge of Jesus is not enough . Instead, believers should seek understanding of Christ and conform their lives to that knowledge. Only one person could take away humanity's sins: Jesus Christ. Only Jesus has the power to deal with sin because he was a sinless Son of God. He and he alone could take away our sins through his sacrifice on the cross. John begins a contrast of two types of people. The first is the person who lives in Christ. Jesus taught that believers should remain in him because he is the source of spiritual life. Believers do so by receiving his teachings and obeying them. Doing so does not mean that believers will be perfect and without any sin. Rather, when we follow the perfect, sinless Savior, we can pursue lives of holiness and righteousness. The second type is the person who has neither seen Christ nor known him. Some people in John's original audience had apparently claimed that they could know God but continue to live sinful lives. This false belief led to a strong correction from the apostle: it was not possible to both love God and love sin. Some people in the community had attempted to deceive the believers and lead them astray from the truth. We can assume that these teachers had wrongly taught that a person could be righteous without behaving righteously. In contrast to the righteous person is the person who does what is sinful and disobeys God's law. People who willfully oppose God and his truth are following the devil's lies. This spirit of disobedience results in a person's spiritual death. Since the introduction of sin at the beginning, the devil has opposed God and the people of God. The devil' opposition comes through temptation. Therefore, believers should “not give the devil a foothold. Instead, we should make every effort to resist the work of the devil. To read a book that deals more with this topic, I would recommend “Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table” by Louie Giglio. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth a sacrifice for human sin. By doing so, he triumphed over the devil.. Although Christ has already won the victory, the devil has power in the world for a time. That power, however, is limited. Someday, Christ will return to destroy the devil and devil's work. God's children will continue to wage war against sin and its effects. Although we have been released from sin and freed from its condemnation, our sinful nature will continue until Christ returns to deliver us. When John says that believers cannot go on sinning, he does not mean that we will live perfect lives. Instead, John's words are meant to encourage us to seek godly and upright lives. Believers can avoid life of sin because they have the seed of God in them. This seed is 'planted” when believers receive the gospel and the Holy Spirit. Only through the power of God's Spirit that remains in us can we fight sin. A person's status is also measured in how he or she loves other members of the family of God. As the love of God fills believers. The person who habitually fails to act with righteousness or demonstrate love is not God's child. 
Conclusion
Rubrics help learners understand expectations and how to achieve an assignment's intended goals. Today's Scripture gives us a rubric for whether or not we live as though we have been filled by God's love. If his love has changed our lives, then we will seek lives of holiness and demonstrate love for others. God's love has transformed us, but we are still affected by the presence of sin. Until the ultimate defeat of Satan, we will fail to behave or love as we ought. In the meantime, God has given us tools to help us grow spiritually. He has given us his Spirit to transform us into Christ likeness. God has also provided us with a spiritual ”family”; other children of God. These spiritual “siblings” can encourage us to live according to the rubric of life that God has given us.
Prayer
Loving God, you have shown us tremendous mercy and brought us into your family. We repent of the times when we have failed to love you and our neighbors. Show us how we might better notice the Spirit's leading so that we will not remain in sin. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen
Questions for discussions
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Titus 1:1-3; 2:11-15.
Next Sunday, we will be worshipping at the Washington County Fair at 11 am.
Prelude: Ron Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: Jesus is before all things. He holds all things together. All that we see and that we cannot see was made and made for our Lord Jesus. By the blood of his cross, all things are reconciled. Even when we were once alienated and hostile to Him, we find reconciliation in His body. Jesus will present us holy and blameless, above reproach before God. If we remain in faith, we will be welcomed into the glory that is His. Let us worship today the one who does this incredible work out of His great love for His people. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” # 829
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Father, we have failed to love You as we should. We have failed to love others as we love ourselves. We have chosen wrong when we know what is right. We have rejected Your rule and submitted ourselves to lesser kingdoms. Restore us O Lord and teach us Your way. Give us undivided hearts, that we may fear Your name. Then we will praise You, O God, with all that is in us, and glorify Your name forever. Amen *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9: 5b – 6 Debbie Durila Sermon Text: Colossians 1: 15 - 23 *Hymn “What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine” # 837 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE *“Let us Break Bread Together” #525 Communion “Alleluia” (see insert) INVOCATION *Hymn “A Hymn of Joy we Sing” (see insert) *Benediction Postlude: Ron Dobscha
Birthdays: None this week
No service next week so I am including all birthdays for that week. Billie Wilson, Mike Hildebrand, Doug Ward, Grant Molinaro Anniversaries: Don & Karen Hanes Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document them, then return them to You. Remember!!! No service here at North Buffalo next Sunday. Service is at 11am at the fair in the Nadene Gardner tent. Transportation can be had if needed.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Mary Stoey, Johnny Yurko, Ron Poznic, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabensue, Norma Jean Kelso, The McFeely’s, Chuck Kapaika, Doug Ward, Nellie Baker, Kayla Horner, Ed Stavovy, Tommy Ann Sanders ( 5 yr.old), Tom Blackhurst, Ron Westfall, Helen Wagner, Randy Pitre, Margaret Danna, Eli Taylor, Mason Adams
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
Next week, we will be at the Washington County Agricultural Fair for the 11 am church service.
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use this prayer to get started.
God of grace, we pray for those who are suffering and in pain today. We pray especially for those around the world who, in addition to the normal difficulties of life, have chosen to follow Christ, even though it means persecution and violence for them. Strengthen them and encourage them by your word. For we ask it in Christ’s name. Amen.
This week's lesson is on 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - 3:5.
Lesson context
Scholars believe the epistle that we call 1 Thessalonians was the first of the 27 New Testament books to have been written. Although the Gospels record events that happened earlier, they were probably written at least a decade after this letter. Thessalonica was (and is) a Macedonian port city where Paul founded a church during his second missionary journey. His visit was controversial (Acts 17:1-9). The commotion Paul stirred up was so intense that he had to escape by night. (17:10). The city was on an important trade route and prospered as a result. Those of Greek, Roman and Jewish heritage constituted its population. Paul and Silas had entered the synagogue in Thessalonica and argued from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. They ultimately persuaded some Jews and many Gentiles (Acts 17:1-4). Other Jews in the city became envious of Paul and Silas’ success. They persuaded the governing authorities to persecute the residents who believed in Christ. While the church in Thessalonica grew, it continued to face challenges in terms of persecution. Paul wrote this letter to comfort and encourage the believers in their trials.
Thanksgiving (2:13-16)
Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians that he thanks God continually that they accepted Paul and Silas’s message as the the word of God, which it is. Today we identify the Bible as the word of God, as it is as well. That is, we acknowledge that it has a divine origin. However, the 27 books of the New Testament had not yet been written when Paul began his missionary journeys. Instead, Paul’s oral testimony was God’s word to them. Paul notes that the word of God is “at work in you who believe.” Vital to their salvation and sanctification was not simply their belief in the message but also their response to that message. His original hearers, recognizing the supernatural origin of his message, responded fittingly. Paul acknowledges that the choice to follow Christ has brought them suffering, which might have been a cause for discouragement. Instead, Paul encourages them by relating that, in suffering, they were following “in the exact footsteps of the churches of God in Judea,” who were persecuted by their own people just as these Christians were being persecuted by theirs. Not only that, but Jesus was put to death, and before that, the prophets were killed for speaking the word of God. Paul and Silas were also driven out. Paul’s point is that suffering for hearing, believing and speaking the word of God is not the exception but the rule. Therefore, it should give them assurance, comfort and encouragement to know they are not alone. A small group of Jewish leaders had orchestrated the death of Jesus, just as a small group of Jewish leaders had incited the people of Thessalonica and influenced the local officials to persecute the new believers, ultimately leading to Paul and Silas’ nighttime escape. Paul writes that this opposition to God and to anyone who hinders their agenda makes them culpable. By doing so, they “heap up their sins to the limit.” Therefore, Paul says, the wrath of God has come upon them — which may include future punishment but mainly refers to what was happening at that time.
Encouragement (2:17-3:5)
Paul and his companions had to escape the mob violence and leave the church at Thessalonica, but that did not mean they forgot about the people of that church. His stay was little more than two weeks, which was very short compared to the time he often spent with churches. Therefore, he had an intense desire to return. In fact, Paul writes that he wanted to return again and again, but Satan prevented it. It is unclear exactly how that happened, but some have speculated that the missionaries fell ill while others believe the city leaders may have forbidden them from entering the city. Paul’s teaching did not always yield an abundant harvest of new believers, but despite opposition he and his companions did have many successes. The people that came to believe through their ministry would be their hope, their joy and their crown before Jesus when he returns, and Paul writes that he counts the Thessalonians among them. According to the book of Acts, Paul and Silas then traveled 45 miles to Berea, but they were forced out of that town as well. The Jews who had opposed them in Thessalonica went as far as to follow them there and to stir up opposition. Therefore, Paul and his companions traveled south to Athens, accompanied by an escort of new Berean Christians who offered protection along the way. It seems that Paul, who formerly persecuted and threatened Christians, is now being pursued in the same way. When they could not stand to think about the new Christians in Thessalonica being left alone without anyone to nurture and encourage them in their faith, Paul sent Timothy instead. Timothy could also carry Paul’s correspondence to the people. Paul often trusted Timothy with special tasks. It was not Paul’s first choice, but it was the best he could do under the circumstances. Paul reminds them again that trials and persecution are to be expected for those who follow Christ. However, he also knows that Christians who suffer severe trials before their faith has had a chance to take root and deepen may find it difficult not to give up and turn back. Satan had been hindering him so much through the efforts of the Jewish leaders in Thessalonica that he feared what they might be doing to the Christians who remained there. He wanted to learn how they were standing up against such opposition, which is another reason why he sent Timothy there. 
Conclusion
Suffering is part of the Christian life. But sometimes, we fall into the habit of dealing with suffering alone. We think we need to just grit our teeth and bear it. While God does call us to endure suffering, God does not ask us to suffer alone. Paul talks more about suffering for Christ than anyone else in the New Testament. Yet his solution was not telling people to buck up but to encourage them. Because the church is Christ’s body, we share in each other’s sufferings (1 Corinthians 12:26). By encouraging one another, we can help bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:2). We will also keep sufferings from becoming temptations, leading one another away from following Christ.
Prayer
Father, help us to seek and comfort the discouraged in our midst. Let their burdens be ours as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on 1 John 3:1-10.
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