Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Midweek Scripture (2 Corinthians 4:3)

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

Can we help people believe what we believe about Jesus? Can we convince others so that they can know Christ like we do? When we see things from believers’ perspective, it makes us wonder how come others are having so much difficulty in seeing God’s love and presence everywhere.

For some enthusiastic Christians, faith actually means that everything they do is due to God working through them. This is why they are quick to condemn, judge, punish and shun those who are not Christians. They also impose their ways of thinking and behaving as God’s command on others. There was a case where an American in a hotel in another country began beating up a worker for not willing to receive the Gospel of Jesus he was bringing to save this Muslim worker.

It is true that Throughout history Christians ended up committing all kinds of crimes against others for their unbliefs and wayward ways. Being Christians do not mean that  they are able to see the way of Christ. Often the way of the Gospel is very much veiled and many people are unable to see how their ways of thinking and being Christian can be totally opposite to what they ought to be in Christ. It appears that many Christians do not realize that the Gospel of Christ is also veiled to those who are proud, arrogant, selfish and greedy.

If we follow what Paul is saying that the Gospel is veiled to those who are perishing. We may wonder how this may be possible, but for those who have suffered under people who call themselves good Christians to benefit themselves know this to be true. As we earnestly begin our preparation for journeying with Christ in Lent, we prepare ourselves by reexamining ourselves and see how veiled our eyes are to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We try our best to see if we are being like those who misuse the Gospel, who try to satisfy our own needs without considering the needs of others, and who think we are to be first and best while resenting that we are called to be the last and the least. There are many ways we betray the Gospel of Jesus Christ because we do our best to save ourselves first. It is essential, therefore, as we prepare ourselves for Lent to see that if we forget the core of the Gospel message, we end up being the ones perishing as Paul mentioned in the passage.

The entire journey to Golgotha with Christ is to stay true to Christ, even though like Peter, we will deny Jesus to save our own skins. The way of the cross is the challenge that makes us deny ourselves in following Christ. To see the Gospel as Christ brings it to us, we are asked to give our lives up in order to find in Christ.

So we now look into ourselves and try to find out how we belong to Christ and are sharing the Gospel of Christ in ways Christ served those whom he called and continues to call. We come to Christ asking Christ to unveil our eyes for us to walk with Christ all the way to the cross and through death and resurrection. 

2024 February

Prayer Time

Every Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 pm, we are gathering to pray. We will lift up our prayers for all those who are struggling with many different concerns. We ask you to pray with us. Pray especially for those who are looking for jobs, those who are recovering from illnesses and those who are doing the Lord’s work.

Ash Wednesday Service

On Ash Wednesday, February 14 as we begin our forty days of Lent, we will begin the Lent with worship. Please come at 10 am for worship to journey with Christ.

Lent Devotions, every Wednesday on Wed. Feb. 21-Wed. Mar. 14

As part of being the body of Christ, we join with Christians around the world in devotion and prayer as we remember Jesus’ ministry and our faith in him. It is also an opportunity to refresh ourselves spiritually as we prepare for Easter.

Volunteer Work

Last Friday, many people came out to volunteer and help us get things done in the church. We thank all of you for coming and signing up. Today, I am sending out what we are planning to do with each group.

Time for Music

For those who are wanting to learn guitar and some new hymns and gospel songs, please let us know. We are forming a group that will begin in two weeks.

Bible Study

We are continually seeking those who are interested in doing Bible study. Please let us know if you are interested.

Membership Workshop

Since many of you have expressed interest in becoming a member, we will hold workshops on necessary topics prior to becoming a member. Please do not forget to sign up. These workshops will take place on Saturdays.