A Symphony of Unity and Service

 


A Symphony of Unity and Service

​Scripture Foundations (NLT)

  • ​Psalm 133:1: "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!"

  • ​Proverbs 13:3: "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything."

  • ​1 Corinthians 1:18: "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God."
  • ​1 Peter 1:3: "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation."
  • ​1 John 4:18: "Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love."
  • ​1 Thessalonians 5:11: "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."

​The Beauty of Dwelling Together

​Our church community is a living testament to Psalm 133:1. The Hebrew word for "unity" used here is yachad (יַחַד). It means more than just occupying the same space; it implies a "togetherness" that creates a singular unit. It comes from the same root used for "becoming one."

​When we serve as God’s hands and feet, we aren't just a group of individuals performing tasks; we are yachad—a single body moving in rhythm with the heart of God. This unity is tov (good), meaning it fulfills its divine purpose.

​Guarding the Heart and the Tongue

​To maintain this closeness, Proverbs 13:3 reminds us to guard our speech. In Hebrew, to "keep" one’s mouth is natsar (נָצַר), which means to watch over or preserve, like a watchman stationed on a city wall. In a tight-knit community, our words have the power to either fortify the wall or create a breach. By speaking life and truth, we protect the yachad we have worked so hard to build.

​Power Through the Cross

​The world may look at a small, self-sacrificing community and see "foolishness," but,              

1 Corinthians 1:18 tells us that for those being saved, the message of the cross is the dynamis (δύναμις) of God. This Greek word is the root of our word "dynamite." It represents explosive, inherent power. Our regular acts of service for those in need aren't just "good deeds"—they are fueled by this divine dynamis, making the impossible possible in our neighborhoods.

​A Living Hope in Trials

​When we help those who are struggling, we offer them elpis (ἐλπίς)—the "living hope" mentioned in 1 Peter 1:3-9. In the Greek, elpis isn’t a wishful thought (like "I hope it doesn't rain"); it is a "joyful and confident expectation" of salvation. Because we live out this hope as a church body, we can stand with others in their trials, knowing that their faith—more precious than gold—is being refined.

​Perfect Love Casting Out Fear

​1 John 4:18 tells us that "perfect love drives out fear." The Greek word for love here is agape (ἀγάπη)—the highest form of love, which is selfless and sacrificial. When our church enters the community to help the hurting, we bring agape. This love is teleios (τέλειος)—"perfect" or "complete"—meaning it has reached its end goal. When love is complete, fear (phobos) has no room to stay. Our service literally pushes back the darkness of fear in people's lives.

​Building One Another Up

​Finally, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls us to encourage and build each other up. The Greek word for "build up" is oikodomeo (οἰκοδομέω), which literally means "to build a house." Every time we pray for a brother or sister, or help a neighbor in need, we are adding a brick to the spiritual house of our community.

​Reflect: We are a community that doesn't just read the Word; we breathe it. Continue to be the oikodomos (builders) of hope, using the dynamis of the cross to spread agape to everyone we meet.

​As Dan Aykroyd famously said, "We're on a mission from God!" If we are going to talk the talk, we must walk the walk. To other communities: love your neighbor as yourself.


Heavenly Father, 

We Thank you, Lord, for all you have done for us as individuals and for our church and community. Guide our words and steps daily that we may be faithful representatives of you our Triune God. Let your love shine through us to those hurting the most. 

Lord, We ask a special blessing for our Pastor Joyce and Pastor Victor as well as their wonderful children, Lydia, Abe, Grace, Esther and Hannah.  They will soon be leaving us for their new appointment in Cape Cod. Wrap them in our love with your embrace. Guide this transition and give them peace and a touch of excitement for the change.

We also ask for guidance with our in coming Pastor Craig Taylor and his family, Meagan and Riley and Ezra!

Keep both families safe during their travels, dear Lord.

We ask all this in Jesus' precious name.

Amen!



​The Lord's Prayer

​Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.


BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED. AMEN. 

BOBBA ❤️ 

Love, Penny 💛  

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