Real Jesus (1 of 10)
Series: Real Jesus
Craig Smith
John 7:37-42
I. Introduction
Happy new year.
I sincerely hope this is shaping up to be a good year for you. Personally, it's been a hard start because 2017 did not end well and that has spilled over into the start of 2018.
As many of you know, my beloved assistant, Judy, lost her husband, Kelton on Dec. 23. I spent that night going back and forth between Christmas Eve services at Mission Hills and Littleton hospital to support Judy and her children. Kelton's memorial service, by the way, is tomorrow at 2pm.
And of course, you probably all know that our own Deputy Zack Parrish was killed in the line of duty on New Year's Eve day. Between supporting the family, there was the vigil on Monday night, the memorial service on Friday. And just before starting weekend services here at Mission Hills I conducted the interment service for the family. So...I'm feeling a little wrung out right now to be honest.
But I have been reminded this week Real hope doesn't come from closing our eyes to the hard things we face, but from opening our eyes to see God at work in spite of them. And there have been lots signs of hope this past week:
- Coletta's conversation with a reporter (i.e. ''this one is different'')
- Just this weekend, Zack's wife, Gracie shared a couple of the many, many text messages she's gotten. One said ''I've learned more about Jesus in the past week watching the media coverage of Zach's vigil and memorial than I have in a lifetime of attending my church.'' Ok, two thoughts: one...find a new church. Two...praise God. Even in the midst of tragedy, God is at work, turning hearts and minds to him, and giving people hope. Another text message Gracie shared basically said ''after hearing about Zack's faith and seeing how his church has supported the family, I think it's time for me to start going to church.''
That's what church should be, right? A place where we not only learn about God ...
Series: Real Jesus
Craig Smith
John 7:37-42
I. Introduction
Happy new year.
I sincerely hope this is shaping up to be a good year for you. Personally, it's been a hard start because 2017 did not end well and that has spilled over into the start of 2018.
As many of you know, my beloved assistant, Judy, lost her husband, Kelton on Dec. 23. I spent that night going back and forth between Christmas Eve services at Mission Hills and Littleton hospital to support Judy and her children. Kelton's memorial service, by the way, is tomorrow at 2pm.
And of course, you probably all know that our own Deputy Zack Parrish was killed in the line of duty on New Year's Eve day. Between supporting the family, there was the vigil on Monday night, the memorial service on Friday. And just before starting weekend services here at Mission Hills I conducted the interment service for the family. So...I'm feeling a little wrung out right now to be honest.
But I have been reminded this week Real hope doesn't come from closing our eyes to the hard things we face, but from opening our eyes to see God at work in spite of them. And there have been lots signs of hope this past week:
- Coletta's conversation with a reporter (i.e. ''this one is different'')
- Just this weekend, Zack's wife, Gracie shared a couple of the many, many text messages she's gotten. One said ''I've learned more about Jesus in the past week watching the media coverage of Zach's vigil and memorial than I have in a lifetime of attending my church.'' Ok, two thoughts: one...find a new church. Two...praise God. Even in the midst of tragedy, God is at work, turning hearts and minds to him, and giving people hope. Another text message Gracie shared basically said ''after hearing about Zack's faith and seeing how his church has supported the family, I think it's time for me to start going to church.''
That's what church should be, right? A place where we not only learn about God ...
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