MMC: Questions on Faith

So normally I try not to do two post in one day, but our internet is out was I was not able to post my sermon yesterday.  Every Monday I send out an email to members and friends of the congregation with some announcements about upcoming events and questions on the text for the coming Sunday.  Here is today's email:

Good Morning!

First off:  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!  To everyone who baked, cooked, set up, cleaned up and attended the pasta dinner on Saturday evening.  The final totals are not yet in, but we raised over $700 for the basement remodeling fund which is a great start towards our goal. 

Next a quick note about contacts:  AT&T had a “major failure” and therefore the church’s (and parsonage’s) internet and land line phone, will be out until possibly Wednesday.  Therefore my email and the church’s phone will be spotty for the next few days.  (I’m emailing this from the library)  My cell phone however is working so if you need anything please call me there.  I can also check email from my phone but I will not be doing that too regularly.

Announcements about upcoming events:

·        Next week is our African Worship as we celebrate World Communion Sunday.  All of our music will be traditional African music or written by African composers (many of which we already know).  A special collection will be taken for Healing Hope Mission International in Malawi, an organization that serves hundreds of orphans and widows.   Frank Cangalosi will also give an update about the ministry that HHMI is doing.

·        Blessing of the Animals is coming!  Mark your calendars for October 17 at 2pm, rain or shine!  All leashed or caged pets are welcome.  A collection will be taken for ROAR.

·        Senior lunch is now on Wednesdays!  We will be meeting at Old Blue Bird Inn on Black Rock Turnpike in Easton on Wednesday October 6th at noon.  All are welcome (you don't have to be a senior to attend)

Now onto the text:

The first lesson is Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4.  Habakkuk is lamenting over all the injustice and violence, crying out “How long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you 'Violence!' and you will not save?"  And yet Habakkuk feels like among all the injustice God is silent.  Have you ever felt like your prayers go unanswered?  Starting in 2:2 God answers saying that the wicked will die and the righteous will live by their faith.  When has God answered your prayers, especially later than expected or in a different way than expected?  Did the outcome turn out to be what was best or do you wish that God would have acted differently? How has that experience effected your faith life?

The second lesson is 2 Timothy 1:1-14.  Paul writes to Timothy and give thanks for his mother and grandmother who lived lives of faith. Paul also reminds Timothy that faith is a gift from God.  Who taught you faith?  How has faith been a gift to you?

The gospel is Luke 17:5-10.  Jesus tells the apostles that if they have faith the size of a mustard seed even trees will move for them.  How big is your faith?  Jesus also tells his followers to be like servants who do work as part of their duty and not in seeking a reward.  Do you behave more like a servant or a master?  Do you do good things in order to gain a reward or do you do them so because it is what God has asked you to do?

As always I love to hear your thoughts and ideas on these texts. You can answer these questions or discuss other thoughts you may have via email or ladies come to the Wednesday evening bible study at 7:30 at the parsonage.  

Have a blessed week!