Just as the secular world tries to de-CHRISTmas-size Christmas each and every year, why can’t Disciples Christianize and delete the scary, dark, evil side of Halloween?
Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul tells us in verse 2 of the 12th chapter of Romans, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
Whenever we face tough decisions, whenever we face difficult situations, whenever we face the hard choices, “Rejoice in the hope that is in you, be patient in tribulation and be in constant prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
According to Paul, the best way to offer the Gospel of Christ is to “contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) We are to rejoice, live in harmony with one another, and we are to live peacefully with one another.
As a community church, it is our mission to reach out to the community, to be engaged in the community and to interact and associate with the community. We need to continue to be a church that looks to plant those seeds for Christ. Being open to others is being open to God.
Our weekly Open Arms Diner is a good example of a great mission opportunity to touch the community of Independence with the love of Jesus Christ.
Paul tells us in Romans 12:4-5, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function. So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” We are all different in personalities, attitudes and physiques, yet we are all the same under Christ.
Paul preaches that our mission is to use the blessings given to us for the greater good. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” (Romans 12:6)
You have been given a gift. You have been given a blessing. God has given to you freely, and God gave to each one of us out of His love for us. Let us continue to give and to help others just as God has given to us and just as God helps us each and every day.
LaDella and I would like to thank you for all the adulations and wonderful celebrations and for allowing us to be your shepherds here at First Christian Church. It has only been one year, yet many of you have graciously accepted us as a part of your church family. We hope to continue our lifelong mission of reaching out to others in love, acceptance, hospitality and fellowship as we continue to be witnesses as Disciples of Christ in the community of Independence.
Please continue to pray for us and remember that we are here to serve you and to help you along your faith journey. Our door is always open to you for conversation, prayer, support, counseling, Bible reflection, outreach, evangelistic ideas, visitation, or just for a good time of fellowship and friendship.
Thank you for being a blessing in our lives.
Pastor Mark