This Party is For You
At one point during the BBQ, a parishioner walked up to me and said, “America needs this.”
Read the Whole article here at This Party Is for You - Mockingbird (mbird.com)
Last spring, our church held a party after Sunday services. It featured a huge BBQ feast (with three different sauce choices!), bounce houses, a trackless train, live bluegrass music, a shaved ice truck, and a bubbleologist (look it up). It was a great day with tons of people of all ages enjoying the day together after worship.
At one point during the BBQ, a parishioner walked up to me and said, “America needs this.”
![[Sunday] John 3:16 - Richer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1656620271292-5FF8I7Q1N6N12UXJWUG1/Richer+1a.jpg)
[Sunday] John 3:16 - Richer
For God so loved the world that he gave… It’s such a humbling verse for us, and yet we receive so much comfort from it. God is saving us and is saving the world. This gives us comfort that we can stop trying to be the saviors of ourselves and our neighbors and find rest in our Lord.
Questions for the week
Describe a time that forced you to see the world in a new way.
Read John 3:1-21. Who is Nicodemus? Why do you think he is questioning Jesus in this way?
How does Jesus respond? Why does Jesus respond this way?
What does this teach you about God and his love for you and the world?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Zeal In The Way - Missio Dei Part 4](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1752278147934-JOT5HNNFKQO2MQ2AX8V1/Missieo+4+Week+1a.jpg)
![A June Mets Game [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1752198727255-RW7CQYV6TH5ADZ2NT8WB/IMG_2638.jpg)
![[Sunday] July 6 - Who is the Beloved? - Christ in the Psalms](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1751648088877-RHR8B8T4M71WDD60X315/2.jpg)
![[Sunday] June 29 Christ in the Psalms The Gift That Keeps On Giving](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1751038491595-3TO5P50WP7Q9WBH6WPCH/2.png)
![[Bible Study] Chapter 14 | Gospel of Mark](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1656679374288-9XZISO593CXHF7WBP0IQ/mark14.jpg)
Christians and the 2 Kingdoms Edited by Ed Scott
Martin Luther understood that Christians inhabit 2 worlds: the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God, or the secular and the spiritual.
Martin Luther understood that Christians inhabit 2 worlds: the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God, or the secular and the spiritual. In response to many questions from people about how to relate to the government, he taught the theology of the 2 Kingdoms to guide Christians to be responsible citizens in both realms. For our statement of faith today we review some of these teachings, compiled,
edited and paraphrased from Luther's Works into a catechetical format by Pastor Scott.
Luther says, we must carefully distinguish between the two governments. Both must be permitted.. The spiritual.. produces righteousness, the secular helps insure external peace and prevents evil deeds. Neither one is sufficient without the other.
Why do we need 2 forms of government, one secular and one spiritual?
Because no one can become righteous in the sight of God by means of the secular government. [For that).. Christ's spiritual government is needed. And we need secular government because Christ's government does not extend over all people since Christians are always a minority in the midst of non-Christians. (LW, Vol. 45, p.84)
You mean we can't get all we need from one or the other?
No, because where secular government or law alone prevails... hypocrisy is inevitable... For without the Holy Spirit in the heart no one becomes truly righteous, no matter how noble and fine the works he or she does. On the other hand, where... spiritual government alone prevails over land and people, there wickedness is given free rein and the door is open for all manner of rascality... aw. Voi 45, p. 84
What responsibility does a Christian have to the secular government?
Christians, among themselves and by and for themselves, need no law or sword, since... a true Christian lives and labors on earth not for himself alone but for his neighbor... [However}, because the sword is... necessary [in] the... world in order to preserve peace, punish sin, and restrain the wicked, the Christian submits... willingly to the rule of the sword, pays his taxes, honors those in authority, serves, helps, and does all he can to assist the governing authority, that it may continue to function and be held in honor.... (as well as for the] benefit to others.
Can Christians serve the state or work in government?
[You mean people in law enforcement, jurists, lawyers, politicians and others of similar function...? Yes they can, since for external peace there must be those who arrest, prosecute.. and destroy the wicked, those who protect, acquit, defend and save the good. Therefore, when [Christian professionals] perform their duties... [to] help the law and the governing authority function.. there is no peril in that; they may use their office like anybody else would use his trade as a means of livelihood. LW. vi 45, p. 103)
Richer: Finding Meaning in our Favorite Verse (Teaching Series)
There are many Bible verses that are so loved by the church. Over the centuries, these verses have been encouraging and equipping the church in its walking with the Lord. So let's dive deep into these beloved verses to gain an even richer love and understanding.
There are many Bible verses that are so loved by the church. Over the centuries, these verses have been encouraging and equipping the church in its walking with the Lord. So let's dive deep into these beloved verses to gain an even richer love and understanding.
Reading Plan
July 3rd 22
John 3:16John 2-3
July 10th 22
1 Peter 3:151 Peter 3
July 17th 22
2 Corinthians 12:92 Corinthians 12
![[Sunday] 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Richer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1657807734734-ZH74IVJBK5BKP54Y4QUD/Richer+3a.jpg)
![[Sunday] 1 Peter 3:15 - Richer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1657246717732-K83UQ4BAKWX1LPMRWXGP/Richer+2a.jpg)
![[Sunday] Christ In All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1656083572547-8NPQTORRZXMZIICABI9A/IAT+5aa.jpg)
[Sunday] Christ In All Things - In All Things
Paul, in prison, writes a letter of encouragement to the church, a letter that does not say Christ is just in what you do, but rather Christ is in all things. So we are confident that he is here to help. We're encouraged to live in peace, knowing that God is on our side.
Questions for the week
No Questions this week
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Distinct Mission - Missio Dei Part 4](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1752843882712-UFGPH4BP5GN3UFFKGETP/Missieo+4+Week+4a.jpg)
![[Bible Study] Chapter 13 | Gospel of Mark](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1656079720140-XZXZOZR2V7Q0IF6PTQFT/mark13.jpg)
![[Sunday] Good In All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1655472116410-5V697U3D182DKAKNJTCU/IAT+4a.jpg)
[Sunday] Good In All Things - In All Things
We desire to live the good life which will ultimately land us in the good place. But in our search for the good place, we may find ourselves not fulfilled as our lust for desires goes unmet. Maybe true fulfillment can be found in death and resurrection.
Questions for the week
Describe something you thought was good, but ended up being bad in your life.
Read Colossians 3:1-17. What two types of lifestyles does Paul compare? How has Jesus freed you to live the second type of lifestyle?
Read Colossians 3:18- 4:1. How does Paul's encouragement in these verses encourage us to reflect Jesus in relationships with others?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Forward In All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1654867356344-O33STPWPFW691U3BFXYZ/IAT+3a.jpg)
[Sunday] Forward In All Things - In All Things
When I moved, I placed everything in a huge moving truck and rolled my car onto a small trailer. This taught me a simple lesson in life, one we see here in the Bible: always be moving forward.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you stopped moving forward and got stuck going backwards.
Read Colossians 2:6-15. What does it mean to “walk in Christ?”
What empty philosophies might hold you captive?
How does walking in Christ and in what he has done free us from that captivity?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Pastor Cris Birthday photos
Thanks to everyone for making it fun
Thanks for making the day fun!
The Mysterious Disappearance of Moses
Somehow the Jewish sect that claimed to follow the Messiah Jesus very quickly ceased to follow the Law.
Read the whole article at The Mysterious Disappearance of Moses - Mockingbird (mbird.com)
Investigators from the missing persons unit of Christian Theology are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Moses ben Amran, who has gone missing. His last known whereabouts appear to be some time in the first century. His last known associate was Saul of Tarsus, last seen traveling from Jerusalem to Damascus on a secretive business trip. While some witnesses are claiming that Moses has been heard from recently, his public appearances have mysteriously dwindled and investigators remain baffled as to the cause.
Where did Moses go?……………………..
![[Bible Study] Chapter 12 | Gospel of Mark](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1654865131748-IJCMYCWNS1EM6TPHPG29/mark12.jpg)
What to Do When You’re Running Low on Faith
Faith is walking toward your dreams despite the odds. It’s knowing that your best effort is enough, and that you’ll be provided for through God’s grace. Faith is fearless.
Read the whole article at What to Do When You're Running Low on Faith - RELEVANT (relevantmagazine.com)
Faith is walking toward your dreams despite the odds. It’s knowing that your best effort is enough, and that you’ll be provided for through God’s grace. Faith is fearless.
Every person of faith knows we need faith more than food, even. But how do you just magically “get” it? How do you go from not believing that you can even be happy to living out your purpose and fully trusting in God?
I discovered that faith, like most things, is a learning process; and that if you want to leap, you have to walk and hop first.
MY FAITH JOURNEY
I struggled with faith for the first half of my adult life. I just didn’t think that I could take care of myself or be happy, so I didn’t even try……………………………………..
![[Sunday] Hope In All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1654222823414-AHLCONIOUPLEL6OQFSML/IAT+2a.jpg)
[Sunday] Hope In All Things - In All Things
When looking for hope, we often try to find it in other gods and gospels, but the Holy Spirit is always calling us back to the one that can truly save us. See why Jesus matters.
Questions for the week
Describe a song that has impacted you. What about it made such an impact?
Read Colossians 1:15-20. Paul is writing in poetry. What other parts of the Bible is this song like?
Paul draws us to the wonder of creation and how that creator is with us in all things. How does that change how you look at the world around you?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Song of All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1653619794124-MWIZMNCXP8C9IXJA46YW/IAT+1a.jpg)
[Sunday] Song of All Things - In All Things
Beginning his letter of encouragement, Paul leans into the history of the scriptures, using the language of song to convey something bigger than can be realized with just mere words. With the prophets, the psalms, and even the first five books behind him, he weaves encouragement the only way a song can.
Questions for the week
Describe a song that has impacted you. What about it made such an impact?
Read Colossians 1:15-20. Paul is writing in poetry. What other parts of the Bible is this song like?
Paul draws us to the wonder of creation and how that creator is with us in all things. How does that change how you look at the world around you?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Bible Study] Chapter 11 | Gospel of Mark](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1653684929387-O007ZU8XONAOI82ZMZ9R/mark11.jpg)
The Gospel and Butterbeer
There is no substitution for the real thing.
Read the Whole Article at The Gospel and Butterbeer - Mockingbird (mbird.com)
My father’s text message came a little past five in the morning. “I think we should cancel our Universal Studios trip this weekend. It’s just going to be too gross in Orlando. It will be storming the whole time.” My bag was already packed in the corner, but I agreed. I was excited to go back to Orlando, but I knew another opportunity for a Florida getaway would come. A weekend at home with my husband and dogs would be good for me.
Still, I was looking forward………………………………..
The divine mission transcends human distinctions, revealing a grace that embraces all and thoughtfully extends love to every neighbor.