Weekly Announcements

The Week of November 17th at a Glance

Sun. Nov. 17 – Field of Dreams Gymnastics, 2-9:00 (FLC)

Mon. Nov. 18 – Field of Dream gymnastics, 6-9:00 (FLC)

Tue. Nov. 19 – Food Pantry, 10:30-2:00 (FLC)
Church Council & Charge Conference, 6:30 (7)

Wed. Nov. 20 - Prayer, 6-6:30 am (sanctuary)
Praise Band, 6:00 (FLC)

Thu. Nov. 21 - RSA, 9:30-5:00 (whole campus)
Chancel Choir, 6:30/Christmas Choir, 7:15

Sat. Nov. 23 – Bountiful Blessings Baskets due 8-2:00 (FLC)
Wedding, 4:00 (sanctuary)

Pastor’s Corner

I was reviewing some articles I have saved over the years. One from 2017 was titled “8 Sins Christians are Starting to Ignore” by RachelClaire Cockrell. So often we tend to focus on the wrong sins and miss the underlying sins that sneak in and really rob us of having life in Christ. Here is the author’s list: Selfishness/Self-Righteousness, Patriotism, Fear/Worry, Pride, Gluttony/Coveting, Gossip, Hatred, and Judgment. Here is my take on her list.

Selfishness/Self-Righteousness – as we read through the gospels, we find that Jesus led the selfless life, and gave credit to God for all the miracles. He did not care what the religious leadership thought of His actions, only what God thought. If we are still being motivated out of self-interest, or just trying to impress others, we might be stuck in this one.

Patriotism – Our primary citizenship is heavenly, not earthly. Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”. Yes, we live in the best nation in the world; but imposing Jesus on others, or confusing love of country & love of God can be idolatry.

Fear/Worry – If we are consumed with fear and worries, we are not trusting in God to take care of us. It also paralyzes us from working on the things that need working on now. The best way I have learned to get past my fears is to look at the track record of where God has brought me thus far.

Pride – This is one I must watch myself on. Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” It is not about me (or us); it is about God working through us despite ourselves.

Gluttony/Coveting – Wanting more than what we have is normal. But going into debt to have it is not so good for us, especially if it is just to impress others (see Selfishness & Pride). Paul notes that whether he has much or has nothing, he is content as long as he is serving Christ. Are we content?

Gossip – If we are not part of another person’s problem or part of their solution, and we are talking about it, we are gossiping. And if we are too busy confessing other’s sins, we are surely not working with God on our own sin.

Hatred – if someone has done you wrong, you must forgive, or you are the one that ends up in fear and bondage. You do not have to forget the incident, but we are called not to let the incidents cloud our walk with God.

Judgment – Let’s Face it folks, we are all broken sinners. I don’t need you to tell me what my specific sins are, God is the one who brings me under conviction on what God wants to work on next in my life. We are all in the process. Leave the judgment and conviction to God and just encourage others to walk closer to God.

So, there is my take… it is not a list of “thou shalt not” activities. It is a list to remind ourselves what gets in the way of a healthy relationship to God and others. Amen.

Blessings,
Pastor Tom

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