April 15, 2011

Opening Hymns:

Depth of Mercy 355 (red hymnal)

Am I a Soldier of the Cross? 511 (red hymnal)

Scripture Reading:

Philippians 2:5-11

Message: Humble Thyself

Sometimes I feel like Christians get the humbleness thing wrong. Christ was God’s own Son, and He never treated anyone like they were far below Him. Instead He cared and touched the untouchable sick. He forgave sinners, and welcomed them into His family. He corrected the religious leaders so they could have a better understanding of how God wants them to live. He is our perfect example of how to follow God.

In modern churches I have seen many condemning behaviors. Recently some churches have been very verbally condemning people who are gay. Some churches have the attitude that if you are divorced and re-married you will be condemned. The list can go on and on. The feeling that comes to those who commit these sins is… that of being cast out and rejected. But how are we to act if we want to be humble as Christ was humble? Are we free of sin, or was it God’s grace that let us into His family? If we are to humble ourselves it starts with not putting ourselves above others who sin differently than us. Instead let us seek to be more like Christ. Let us learn to forgive others, as Christ has forgiven us. Remember it is God’s judgment that counts in the end. We cannot even condemn demons to Hell. How can we place condemnation on a different child of God?

Time of Prayer

Lord, teach us how to be humble. Let us welcome all into Your home as Christ did. Teach us how to love people, and forgive sins. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn

Beneath the Cross of Jesus 297 (red hymnal)

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord

Thanks be to God