Here are some things to kick around this Sunday since we did not gather today as a church family. I have been reading the bible with new eyes and a new mind. I believe that all stories told in the bible are pointing all of us to redemption. That is God’s goal, to redeem all of us so that we can be part of bringing the Kingdom of God into this world here and now. We can be most effective at this when we realize that Jesus completed “everything” necessary on the cross to give every man, woman, and child an inheritance to the perfect world that is coming. No one will be lost. Some will not find God’s kingdom in this life for various reasons, but that will not keep them from their ultimate inheritance. Eternal Life.
What I am hoping to accomplish through our Sunday gatherings and through the writings on this blog is a discussion. All of us have learned certain things about God and Jesus and the bible. Most of us have learned what I call the traditional story. Since my studies have lead me into the Hebrew and Greek language and church history, as well as looking at some of the Jewish beliefs about scripture it’s as if someone has turned a light on and given a whole new, clearer understanding of the scriptures. There is a saying by Thomas Aquinas, a very famous Italian priest and philosopher in the mid 1200’s, he wrote, “Beware of the person of one book!” This is powerful and Christians need to think long and hard about that statement. I think we need to be willing to expand our horizons as we seek Truth. The early Jews had a saying about the the Torah, “There are 70 faces of the Torah!” meaning there are many thoughts and meanings and ways to look at what the torah, the law of Moses is saying. Like I said on Easter, we need to sometimes step back and look at the whole picture of the bible. What is it really saying to us? To me it clearly is saying that God loves us so much, that He will find a way to save all of us!
Much more to come! See you next week at 11:00am at 800 North Main Edwardsville. We are going to start kicking up some more dust. See you soon. Love, pastor kent
Our Prayer List:
Pete Fornoff Pete is still having difficulty eating and drinking. He will be having more tests soon. We pray that God will will intervene with His healing hand and give Pete health and Peace.
Faye Heuchert Faye is going to have a very serious surgery to remove two brain aneurysms. We lift Faye and Brad as to Gods healing hands and ask for divine intervention and God’s Peace.
Gary White, Gary is a friend of mine from way back in the day. He recently had surgery on his legs. Please pray for God’s healing touch as he goes through therapy and recovery.
Brett Ahrens Brett is starting to feel better and is home! Thank you God! We continue to lift Brett as he grows stronger and continues to recover.
Alan and Judy Kunz Alan had a fall and Judy happened to be in his path. Judy ended up with a broken hip. Both of them are sharing a room at Anderson Hospital but they will be going to Liberty Rehab soon. We send prayers of healing and strength to both Judy and Alan.
Cathy Crowder Cathy is home from Barnes hospital from here colon cancer surgery. Please lift Cathy to God’s healing mercy and for strength, courage and God’s Peace.
Pat DeClue Jennifer Kaburick’s mother, has been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. We lift her up into Jesus’ healing hands and pray for strength and peace for her family.
Bill Zimmer, Alexis’ grandfather is in hospice. We pray for God’s peace and comfort for Bill and his family.
Louise (Snookie) Burns Bonni’s mom has begun treatments for breast cancer is is doing good. We pray for God’s healing and strength for her and Bonni’s dad Henry as she continues her treatments.
Walt Williams Walt continues to battle cancer. Please continue to pray for Walt and Mary Ann, We pray for God’s healing touch and His peace and strength.
Praise Community Fellowship, the church