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June 2024 Pastor’s Corner — Blessed Naïveté
Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
— 1 Corinthians 14:20
Has anyone ever accused you of being “holier than thou”? It’s a strange insult, when you think about it, but it’s also one that I think most folks dread having applied to them. There’s a good reason for that — the phrase is really directed at those who are arrogant and self-righteous in their “holiness” and look down on those who they deem not as worthy. However, our dread of this accusation has had a consequence that is deeply affecting the Church (capital ‘C,’ as in the church universal not just the local church).
Instead of striving after true holiness, as just about every page of the Bible calls us to, we strive to be relevant and relatable so folks will see us as just like and certainly no better than they are. We try to avoid the scarlet ‘H’ as much as possible. As NT Wright writes, “There are people who pride themselves on knowing about evil, but can’t be bothered to think through serious issues from a biblical or theological point of view. There are many Christians who can tell you which film star is getting divorced but can’t tell you where in the Bible you might find teaching on the subject.” We want to make sure that folks know we’re no different than they are. I doubt any Christian is trying to be an expert in evil; most likely we just want to make sure that we’re not being naïve about it. We want to be seen as mature, not childish.
Paul flips that kind of thinking upside down in 1 Corinthians 14:20. He says that what I just described isn’t mature — it’s childish. True maturity doesn’t come from familiarity with or knowledge of evil, but rather by pursuing Christ and holiness. Those who are truly holy don’t go around flaunting it in front of and over others. Somewhat ironically, the holier we become, we become all the more aware of the depths of our sin and brokenness. Consider Jesus. He was perfectly relatable and relevant to all with whom he came in contact. Sinners were drawn to him, so much so that He spent far more time with the “sinners” than He did with those who considered themselves “saints.” Yet He never compromised his holiness or his righteousness, nor did He ever entertain temptation, sin or evil.
If we are striving to show the world that Christians are just like them, then what do we have to offer? The entire point of the Gospel is that the world can never provide that for which our souls yearn. The world can never heal our brokenness. The world can never help us atone for our sins and failures. The world cannot provide life. The Gospel, the Good News, is that by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ we have been called out and set apart (that’s what “holiness” means). Being mature and holy isn’t about being perfect or sinless, but it does mean that we strive to leave sin and evil behind, focusing instead on Jesus Christ. True maturity comes from “pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14-15)
Instead of trying to show how much like the world we are, “let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. — Philippians 4:8-9
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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News & Announcements for May 26, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – SUNDAYS, 9 AM
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School each Sunday as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
MISSION FOCUS FOR MAY: HELPING HANDS
Our mission focus for the month of May is Helping Hands of Amherst County which help citizens of Amherst County who need an occasional helping hand with necessities such as food, electric bills, rent and water bills when children or medical needs are present. It is administered out of Madison Heights Baptist Church. You may make a donation by specifying ‘Helping Hands’ on your check memo line.
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News & Announcements for May 19, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – SUNDAYS, 9 AM
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School each Sunday as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
AMHERST SENIOR CENTER HYMN SING – MONDAY @ 11:00 am
The Amherst Senior Center will be holding an old-fashioned hymnsing, led by Robert Cardwell, here in the Fellowship Hall from 11-12 noon, on Monday, May 20. Everyone is invited to attend. Please contact Julie Lerner with any questions
WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
MISSION FOCUS FOR MAY: HELPING HANDS
Our mission focus for the month of May is Helping Hands of Amherst County which help citizens of Amherst County who need an occasional helping hand with necessities such as food, electric bills, rent and water bills when children or medical needs are present. It is administered out of Madison Heights Baptist Church. You may make a donation by specifying ‘Helping Hands’ on your check memo line.
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News & Announcements for May 12, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – BEGINNING SUNDAY, MAY 12
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School beginning May 12th as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY @ 8:30 am
Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am.
WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY @ 10 am
The Women’s Book Club will meet on Thursday, May 16, at 10 a.m. at Anne Wilkins’ house. We will be reading The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede. All women are welcome.
MISSION FOCUS FOR MAY: HELPING HANDS
Our mission focus for the month of May is Helping Hands of Amherst County which help citizens of Amherst County who need an occasional helping hand with necessities such as food, electric bills, rent and water bills when children or medical needs are present. It is administered out of Madison Heights Baptist Church. You may make a donation by specifying ‘Helping Hands’ on your check memo line.
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News & Announcements for May 5, 2024
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, May 6, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Barbara Baker will be our facilitator and hostess this month. We are using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. This month, we will be studying David and Abigail – The Rebel and the Peacemaker. Ladies, read your book and complete your workbook! Bring a friend. As always, if you don’t get your homework done, come anyway!!
UNRAVELING REVELATION – BEGINNING SUNDAY, MAY 12
If there’s one book of the Bible that people have questions about or don’t understand, it’s the very last book, the Book of Revelation. It many respects, it is one of the most unique books in the entire Bible, bringing together all sorts of unusual imagery and confusing language. It’s become quite popular to read it in such a way as to try to unlock the secrets to the future, but doing so actually robs the book of its true power and import. Revelation isn’t so much about the future as it is a field guide to dissident discipleship in the here and now. Join us for Sunday School beginning May 12th as we seek to Unravel Revelation.
MISSION FOCUS FOR MAY: HELPING HANDS
Our mission focus for the month of May is Helping Hands of Amherst County which help citizens of Amherst County who need an occasional helping hand with necessities such as food, electric bills, rent and water bills when children or medical needs are present. It is administered out of Madison Heights Baptist Church. You may make a donation by specifying ‘Helping Hands’ on your check memo line.
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