Skip to main content

MLK & the Gospel, Upgrading Your Parental Software (Pastoral Emphasis for 1/15)

Tomorrow is the MLK holiday to celebrate his birthday.  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream was not just about black advancement but racial harmony and equality.  We can find this in the Gospel.

Ephesians 2:11-16 (ESV): Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

The dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile has been removed by Christ.  As Christ reconciled sinners back to God through His death on the Cross, He has also reconciled people to one another.  In Christ, we are all equal.  There is no prejudice in Christ. So in honor of Martin Luther King's dream and more importantly the Gospel, let us continually strive towards racial harmony especially in the church.


Today, Mt. Zion ministered at Cary Health & Rehab Center. Our Children's Choir, the JA Lewis Choir, sang and Elder Bullock gave a short message on faith and relying on God's Word.  I had the opportunity to talk with one of the residence whose name is Scott.   He was in a a wheelchair due to an aneurysm.  But he recognized that the aneurysm was a gift from God because it stopped him from his destructive ways.  I also found out that we shared one thing in common...that we both lived in Michigan for a while.  I prayed with Scott and was very encouraged by our conversation. 

This quarter, we are doing Project: Serve Thy Neighbor. We want to do at least one act of service for a neighbor. Go to the website to sign-up and get different service ideas.

All parents (especially of teens & pre-teens), we are hosting the "Upgrading Your Parental Software" seminar on Saturday, January 28th, from 10am to 2pm. This event will be a presentation on the modern application of biblical parenting skills, as well as an in-depth look at the contemporary issues and obstacles that we face in parenting a child today. Please sign up online.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mortgage Burning Ceremony (10.6.24)

Today is a day of celebration and gratitude as we come together to witness the burning of our church’s mortgage! This moment represents years of faith, commitment, and sacrificial giving from this congregation. It’s a testament to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of His people. What we are celebrating today is not just the end of a financial obligation, but the beginning of new possibilities for missions, outreach, and service in our community.   ---     Psalm 127:1 says, ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.’   This building has been more than just bricks and mortar; it has been a spiritual home where so many lives have been touched by the gospel. We recognize that while we’ve paid off the mortgage, it is the Lord who has truly built this house, sustaining us through every season.   --- History of the Vision         Though this chapter is closing, the mission God has ...

My Hope Sunday, M:T Not a Competition, Prayer Gathering (Pastoral Emphasis for 10/13)

Today was My Hope Sunday ! We had several invited guests, and my message was from 1 Samuel 8:4-9 on "Looking for a Savior".  Israel wanted a king like the other nations who would “save” them. This is the very definition of a functional savior. A functional savior is anything or anyone a person looks to for ultimate hope, security, identity, or fulfillment in place of God. Whatever you look to to “save” you from your problems, fears, or insecurities is your functional savior. But all of our functional saviors cannot save us. Jesus is the Savior we really need!  Our greatest need in this life and the life to come is to have our sins forgiven by trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Savior! Today, my wife shared her My Hope Testimony .   (RSS Subscribers: click here to watch the video) Missions:Together’s "Not a Competition" is a powerful missions gathering designed to re-ignite your passion for missions on Saturday, November 2, hosted at The Summit Church in Apex. Wheth...

December Birthdays & Anniversaries, Bible Display, Verse by Verse Challenge (Pastoral Emphasis for 12/1)

As we step into December, it's a time for reflection, celebration, and coming together as a community. Here’s what’s happening this month in our church family:  ---  🎉 Birthdays and Anniversaries December is a special month for many in our congregation. Let’s take time to celebrate these milestones:  Birthdays : Join us in wishing a heartfelt “Happy Birthday” to all who are celebrating this month.  Anniversaries : We wish “Happy Anniversary” to these couples and ask God to bless their commitment to one another.   🌟 December Senior Birthday Surprise We are also excited to celebrate Deaconess Peggy Credle with a special birthday surprise. Let’s make her feel loved and appreciated for all she does in our church community.  ---  📖 Theological Seminar: The Forge Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 7, at 9:00 AM. We will gather for a special Theological Seminar featuring The Forge . This event will include a viewing of the seminar followed by a...