Trinity began her life in a family full of issues and problems, but Trinity had a protector in a loving grandmother who saw what was happening to her and responded. But they were not alone either. Both Trinity and her grandmother were soon surrounded by a loving church and community.
In life we also face job difficulties, family squabbles, financial issues, health concerns and/or emotional trauma. So, you seek out a church for help. Hopefully, you find a loving caring church which gets you to first base. Then the real work begins: teaching, fellowship, sharing & prayer.
Maybe God looks a little like John Houseman, trim, prim and just a little grim. Sitting on his golden throne with his I-Pad. On that screen is your name and your picture. God then adds up the good stuff, then subtracts the bad. And if the total adds up? You’re in: Barely. Then God says: “You get to heaven the old-fashioned way. You earn it.”
The source of our strength, our peace, our comfort, our stability all lies with the amazing grace offered to us through Jesus Christ which is carried out and maintained by God’s church and God’s Holy Spirit. “I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we’re the church together!”
After Jesus death, the disciples were consumed with questions: Why did Jesus have to die? What will happen now? Would they too be arrested, tried, and executed? Somehow, the followers of Jesus needed reassurance. Two had an encounter with Christ that “cut them to the soul.”
Amidst the smoking ruins, Tabernacle United Methodist Church began to dream and build toward the future. A miracle was quietly taking place.
Before the end of the week, Jesus is arrested, tried, whipped, humiliated, spat upon, cursed, plotted against, crucified, dead and buried. When Jesus was born there was no room for him in the inn. When He died, there was no room for Him in the world.
Treating others, the way you wish they would treat your children, parents or best friend is a great way to think about participating in a church. “It’s not my church. It’s your church. It’s God’s church.” Think about what it means to look around and figure out how God wants you to serve.
God is not condemning us for being healthy or wealthy or talented or highly educated or successful. God is warning us to be more aware and more vigilant about using our health, our wealth, our talents, our education, and our success to benefit others in service of Jesus Christ.
How much does God love you? A father has two sons… We know this story. One son asks for his inheritance early which is a gigantic slap in the face to the father and to the family but the father gives-in and off the son goes on a grand spending spree.