Worship Preview 8.21.22
This Weekend: Sunday at 10:30am “Sufficiency” Scriptures: Ephesians 2:1-10 and 2 Corinthians 11:16-12:10with Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.
Recently we’ve been talking about what United Methodists believe. Last week I focused on Scripture as sufficient. When Martin Luther challenged the practice of selling indulgences, he did so based on not finding a basis for that approach in Scripture. The cry of Lutheran reformers was “Sola Scripture,” by Scripture alone. In doing so, they rejected what they saw as patterns of practice – church tradition – that had gone astray and they appealed to the Bible as a source of authority rather than the Pope.
Of course, the Reformation also, from reading Scripture, held that Faith alone (Sola Fide) was sufficient, and that Grace alone was sufficient (Sola Gratia). The Bible teaches the sufficiency of Christ (see Hebrews) and that Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” as we read in John 14. We humans immediately try to define and contain – to put God, and each other, in boxes that we can label (and perhaps then store away).
Wesley, following the Anglican church he was a part of, taught that all that was necessary for salvation could be found in the study of Scripture, and living it out – hearing and doing the Word, as the epistle of James puts it. Wesley tried to find a both/and – an emphasis that doing was important, and yet we do not save ourselves in the doing – rather the doing is a response to grace. The grace of God, revealed in Christ, revealed in Scripture, abiding in the hearts and minds of those who have faith – faith which is, itself, a gift – a gift sufficient to destroy sin.
Sunday we will continue talking about what United Methodists believe, and how we live it out – and wrestling a bit with grace and faith and sufficiency.
If you do not have a church home, or just need a change, you are invited to join in worship at 10:30am at 301 S. National, coming just as you are with your questions, doubts and hopes - and to experience the transformative, healing love and grace of Christ - which makes us whole. See www.firstumcfsks.org/newvisitorsfor more information on what to expect.
This Week: Wednesday, August 24th, 5:30pm Feeding Families in His Name– this weekly free meal is available to everyone without obligation.
Community Office Hours: Pastor Christopher will hold community office hours next week – being available at Moes on Monday, August 22nd from 9:30am to 10:30am and Hedgehog, Ink! from 2:30-3:30pm on Thursday, August 25th. Come say hello!
