Pastor Matt’s Thoughts Sept. 2012

Matthew 25:36- I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Jesus said this when He was explaining what it would be like for the righteous as they receive their inheritance in glory. Jesus is asking, “Did you recognize my need, in the need of the one right in front of you?” And if we did, the question is did we stop to feed the hungry, did we give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked?

I believe that those of us who live in the western world, often have a western mentality that can lead us to overlook who the least really is. I once thought that the least of these was a homeless person living on the streets somewhere addicted to drugs. Later I thought the Least of these to be a starving child or abused child in Africa or elsewhere.

In fact, both of these (homeless person/starving child) clearly have needs and could be considered the  “least of these”. But I want to suggest that “the least of these” has a different meaning to everyone. I believe that when Jesus is talking about “the least” of these, He’s talking about the one’s who are least worthy of love and compassion.

The different ones that are not just in physical need but the ones who are more difficult to love. Who are they? Maybe it’s the person who is quiet and overlooked. Maybe it’s the person who has a anger problem who will never let anyone get close. Maybe it’s the one who always wants your attention all the time.

I believe God is challenging all of us at Calvary to search our hearts and be the light of Christ even to those who are difficult to love. They may not know they are starving, thirsty, or naked but they are.  If we can redefine our definition of these who are truly in need, our eyes will start to see people with a new vision in a new way.

Of course it will be difficult and challenging to go above and beyond to love and care for those and beyond to love and care for those who are difficult to love. As the days grow closer to the end. God is asking all of us to give it all for the sake of love Calvary! Jesus said that the world will know we are His by our love (not by any other means) for one another. John 13:35-By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 

Pastor Matt

 

Get Back to Work

Get Back to Work

Sermon Series

 

In the previous weeks Pastor Matt has preached on the downfall of “Excuses” and how it affects one’s salvation and the work of God. He followed that up with the message Calvary’s Greatest Hour is Still Ahead” No matter what the excuses or the time we live in, God wants to pour out His blessing on all who believe and His Church.

This week, Pastor Matt starts a 3 week sermon series “Get Back to Work”. With summer almost behind us and fall quickly approaching it’s time to “Get Back to Work” Not just any work but God’s work. Pastor Matt is praying that this God ordained sermon series, concerning the prophet Elijah and how relevant his experience was, to ours.

Pastor Matt’s sermons are now available on both CD (due to the generosity of a family in the church) and on Cassette tape. The cost is $5.00 for CD’s and $2.00 for cassette tapes. If interested see Ray Eutsey or the church office.

Pastor Matt’s can be a great witnessing tool or gifts for shut in’s. There’s a lot of work to be done for Jesus… no excuses and it gets easier if we all work together.