Pastor’s Page |October 22
Sermon Prep (Read Col 1:21-23)
SERMON PREP! (Colossians 1:21-23)
Have you ever messed up really bad and just wanted to make things right with someone? Like the time you said something you really shouldn’t have said, and you knew the damage it did the moment you uttered the words. From that point on, there existed a separation between you and that person because of what you said. You are sorry, and you want to make it right. How? You say you are sorry, but that doesn't take away that person’s pain. You try to make up for it by doing things for them. You wash their car, you buy them gifts, but nothing takes away what you said. The pain is there; the hurt is real. That person can’t simply forget what you said, they can’t ignore the pain they feel because of what you said. And more than anything, you want things to be back to the way they were. Yet, every time you see them, you know what you said and you know they know what you said. In your mind, all you think they see when they look at you is what you did to them. And until things are made right, there can be no real relationship. There will always be that separation.
But imagine this person took the initiative to make things right with you. Even though you were the one who said the bad thing, you were the one that caused them the pain, they took the initiative to make things right. They just can’t say that it didn’t matter, because it did. To say it didn't matter would lessen who they are and the seriousness of what you said. So, there must be something done to acknowledge the seriousness of the words yet also express the desire to make things right. How does one get justice for what was done, acknowledge the worth of the person who was hurt, and yet show grace and forgiveness. Welcome to the Gospel Story.
After telling us how great Jesus is in Colossians 1:15-20, Paul tells us the extent of His love and what He has accomplished for us. As you read through Colossians 1:21-24, notice some key words and phrases and the implications to us: Alienated, enemies of God, in your minds, reconciled, physical body, death, blood, holy, without blemish. As we prepare to enter into the time of Thanksgiving, go through the entirety of Chapter 1 and take note of all the things we have to be grateful for.
October Sermon Series
Jesus is Lord: A Study of Colossians
10/4 The Hope of the Gospel Col 1:3-9
10/11 Praying for you Col 1:10-14
10/18 The Greatness of Jesus Col 1:15-20
10/25 The Greatness of What He has done Col 1:21-23
Updates, Thoughts and More
Thank you! Words cannot express how grateful I am for this church and for all that you have done for me and my family. I am truly blessed to be your pastor, and I thank God all the time that I get to serve Him here at Acton Methodist. We have not only a great congregation, but we have such a wonderful staff that loves the Lord and loves serving you. I appreciate all the kindness you have shown me and I am forever grateful. Thank you so very much for everything. I am truly blessed.
All Saint’s Day Service. On November 1st we will be having a special service to honor the memory of our loved ones and church family who have gone to be with Jesus in the previous year and to celebrate our hope in Jesus Christ and His resurrection. If you have a loved one who passed away this previous year and would like to have a candle lit in their memory and have their name mentioned during the service, please email me or contact the church office.
Grief Group. Over the past few weeks, we have had so many people struggling with different events in their life that no one should have to go through alone. Talking with others, we have a huge need for a grief support group in our church. If you are interested in helping to get this ministry going, please let me know.
Football picks. So, did y’all realize that Kentucky is tied for first place in the SEC? Yes, first place! Every game has been a nail biter, and it has taken about 10 years off my life, but we are 6-1. We should be able to handle Vanderbilt, but that is what Georgia thought about Auburn last week. I think UK wins by 2 touchdowns. The rest of the SEC, I think the upset bug may be over this week and all the ranked teams will win pretty easily. The game that will be fun to watch is Ole Miss and Texas. I think Ole Miss will win pretty easily, but the drama that will unfold afterwards will be fun to watch (depending on whether you are a Texas fan or not). Mississippi State and Oklahoma will be a fun game to watch. State has an explosive offense and OK has a stout defense.
In the NFL, tonight’s game between the Patriots and Bears will be good. Maye has hit a slump and for some reason he seems to be regressing. I think he rights the ship and the Patriots win by a field goal. The other fun games will be the Chiefs and Seahawks. I am not sure about this one. Mahomes is not playing that great but their new running back (who was the old Seattle running back) is a difference maker. Seattle was a fool to let him go. The other game is Green Bay and the Lions. You never know which Green Bay team will show up.
Sadly, the Cowboys and Eagles game has lost its shine. I think the Cowboys will win, but the Eagles are struggling just as much as the Cowboys are.
What’s Going On This Week
Sunday (10/25)
Worship Services 9 & 10:30 am
Monday (10/26)
Stitching Angels 1:30 pm
Tuesday (10/27)
Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast 7:30 am
Trish Bassett’s Bible Study 10 am
Wednesday (10/28)
Prayer Warriors 9am
Sip And Share 10am
Table Talk (C.S. Lewis Study “The Screwtape Letters”) 5 pm
JAM Youth 5 pm
Bell Choir 6 pm
Choir Practice 7 pm
Thursday (10/29)
Davelyn Hays Wisdom of Solomon 9 am
Saturday (10/31)
Fall Festival 5:00 pm
Sunday (11/1)
Young Adult Bible Study 9 am
All Saints Remembrance Service 9 am
Important Upcoming Dates
10/31 — Fall Festival
11/01 — All Saint’s Day Service
11/14 — Lord’s Acre
Joke of the Week
A Jewish rabbi and a Catholic priest were good friends. At a picnic one day, the priest was eating a ham sandwich. “You know,” he said to his friend, “this ham sandwich is delicious. I know you’re not supposed to eat ham, but I don’t understand why such a good thing would be forbidden. When will you break down and try it?” To which the rabbi replied, “At your wedding.”
Memory Verse of the Week
Colossians 1:22 (NIV84)
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation”
Quote of the Week
“God did not wait for a change of heart on our part. He made the first move. Indeed, He did more than that. He did all was necessary to secure our reconciliation, including our change of heart. Even though He is the One offended by our sin, He is the One who makes amends to Himself through the death of Christ.”
Jerry Bridges
