New Sermon Series: Prodigal Church. Season II. 2 Corinthians.
Dear Mosaic Family,
What would it take for you to disown your family? What would it take for you to cut off all contact with your siblings and parents? There's probably a pain so deep they could inflict that you could potentially see yourself taking such a drastic step.
How about as a parent? Is there something your children could do that you would disown them? Is there something they could do that you give up on them?
The Apostle Paul spent 18+ months preaching the Gospel in the city of Corinth. People got saved. The Corinthian church was established. They witnessed divine power unleashed in breathtaking ways. Paul thinks the church is healthy, and heads to Ephesus to plant a new church. While in Ephesus, word reaches him of problems in Corinth. Almost as soon as he left, the problems began. This must have been so discouraging! But he doesn't give up on them. He labors over writing the letter known as 1 Corinthians. It was a Holy Spirit inspired letter. When read and applied in the church, the Holy Spirit used the Scriptures to mend the church.
Things got better. Then they began to unravel again. Bad theology, bad morality, turf wars, petty jealousies, political division. Those who came to faith under Paul's preaching of the Gospel, quickly go from loving the Apostle Paul, to deep suspicion of him. On the turn of a dime, they go from seeing the best in him to believing the worst about him.
He could have just thrown up his hands and said: whatever! Good luck! Have a great life! But he doesn't give up on them. He writes another magnificent Holy Spirit inspired letter. Then he follows it up with three months of in-person ministry making everything right once again.
The Apostle Paul didn't give up on the church because he felt a weight of responsibility for it. He didn't just view his role in the church as a sibling. Siblings certainly have a level of responsibility for the family, especially as they get older and begin to care for aging parents. But you know who feels the greatest responsibility for the family? Parents do. The father and mother. As you grow as a Christian, there must come a point when you start to care for the church as a spiritual father or spiritual mother. There are children in the church who are different in many ways. You need to learn to love them individually, while making the best decisions for the good of the whole family. Most importantly, spiritual parents never give up on their children. They do everything they can to help their spiritual children mature into spiritual parents themselves.
Join us tomorrow as we being to study 2 Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1).
Praying for you!
Pastor Jan
This Week's Announcements
Service Time Changes
Sundays, 9:15 & 11:15 am
We have moved our service times to 9:15 and 11:15 am. We're excited to worship with you 15 minutes earlier and coffee will be provided.
Parent Commissioning Class
Sunday, September 5th, 11:15 am
At Mosaic, we don't dedicate children. Instead we commission parents who have dedicated themselves to living gospel-centered lives in front of their children. Whether you've just had a child or your kids are older, we invite you to come join us for an informative session on Parent Commissioning. Learn more & sign up here.
Baptism Seminar
Sunday, September 12th, 1:00 pm
Want to be baptized? The first step toward baptism at Mosaic is to attend our baptism class. For more information or to sign up, visit Brookline.MosaicBoston.com/Baptism.
Mosiac Membership 101 Class
Sunday, September 19th, 1:00 pm
If you'd like to learn more about Mosaic Boston Brookline, join us to hear why we are here and how you can join the church through membership. Visit our website to RSVP.
Songs for Sunday
If you would like to know what we'll be singing on Sunday, you can find the playlist here.