September 17th, 2006 - Sunday Service

Creator’s Golf Scramble and Barbeque took place this afternoon but out of town company was in town for us and we could not make it. Doug has volunteered his time and works organizing and promoting this event that is always looked forward to.

The service and Debi Stromberg's presentation for the Adult Education hour provided many topics to contemplate. The lesson was about minding what we say, that the tongue is the rudder that we too often follow when we have not thought through what we have said. The gospel reading was Mark 8:27-38 and the focus was on verse 34

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

In the Adult Education hour Debi’s presentation was a report on speakers at an event called Politics and Spirituality she attended in Los Angeles. One of the speakers had talked about how important it was that we become red letter Christians (referring to the red letters some Bibles use to denote the “direct” sayings of Jesus).

Debi reported the speaker talked about how rarely Jesus directly answered a question (there were only three direct answers according to the speaker).

Pastor Dayle referred to one, Mark 10:17-25

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words.

His words, this answer Jesus gave, still has immense impact. The fact this is one of the few direct answers Jesus gave to a question puts even greater weight on it. The command is tough and is at odds with how most people live their lives.

Two challenging Bible verses today, to be taken to heart and prayer.