RECAP: FOR ALL PEOPLE based on Ephesians 2:11-22
When Jesus saved us, his goal was not just the salvation of you and me, but the entire world. We have been delivered and set free in order to carry a message to all people–the gospel! But unfortunately, in the world today, the perception of the church is that they keep people out except those who are just like themselves, almost like how in elementary school I was never chosen for kickball for various reasons (darker skin color, left-footed, wore glasses, etc.). But especially in this hour, Jesus wants no one to be left out from having the opportunity to respond to the good news. What message does Jesus want us to carry?
1) We can all be reconciled to God. Because Jesus came down from heaven and faced the cross, we can find reconciliation. God’s goal from the beginning with humanity was to walk with humanity; sin, however, interrupted that goal and drove a wedge between humanity and God. So Jesus came providing the way to atone for sin and to point humanity back on a path away from sin and toward God. And in so doing, he provided means for reconciliation. We are welcomed into the family of God, not as outcasts or less-than family members, but welcomed back as full participants in the kingdom of God!
2) Humanity can find peace with God. This world strives for inner peace. Peace within can only come when all is in order in the world. It does not mean that everything is perfect, nor does it mean there is a lack of struggle or difficulty; rather, true inner peace is evident in our calm and confidence even in the midst of the trial. That peace only comes from God. He came to bring us peace. The very thing that people crave the most, inward peace, comes by surrendering our lives to the very one who died for us to set us free. Nothing else will bring peace.
3) All barriers have been broken down. In the temple, there were many courts and rooms that only a select group of individuals could enter. The Gentiles could go no further than the court of the Gentiles; likewise, only the priests and Levites could enter the Holy Place, with the high priest being the only one to enter the Holy of Holies once a year. But with Jesus, the veil of the temple was torn down; all now can fully enter into the presence of God. There is no distinction, nor is there anything that can divide people from Jesus. All barriers are superficial constructions of humanity to keep people out. Jesus wants as many to come in as possible. Note: a boundary is different than a barrier. Jesus has no barriers to come into the sheepfold of God. But once you enter, you need to stay within the boundaries established by his holy word; otherwise, you are rejecting the invitation!
4) All people can have peace with each other. Tolerance does not bring peace between others. Compromise of values does not bring peace between people. Diplomacy will only go so far in bringing peace. Lasting peace can only be found when all parties come together to seek Jesus Christ. Jesus removed the barriers and promised his peace. He brings together those who are far away and those who are near and made the two into one. But unless there is a singular focus on Jesus, we won’t find peace. If we push our own agenda without seeking the face of God, we will not find peace at the end of the day. You cannot legislate peace or force people into tolerance! Jesus is the solution for peace in this world!
5) All have access to God. Because of what Jesus did, anyone can access God. We do not need a pastor or a priest to offer prayers on our behalf; we can boldly come before the throne of grace with confidence! Why? Because Jesus’ desire is to have a relationship with each and every one of his special creations!
6) If we accept the invitation, humanity can become citizens of heaven. Jesus paved the way for us to have eternity with God and enjoy the fruit of heaven; it is up to us to accept the invitation!
This broken world could use the message of hope. Can we bring and share the good news?
Questions for Reflection
1) Do we know the peace of God? Who do you know needs inward peace today? How can you bring that message of hope to them?
2) Do we have any inadvertent barriers (not boundaries) we need to tear down?
3) Do we need to forgive ourselves to allow for full reconciliation with God? Who needs to hear the message of hope of forgiveness and reconciliation?
4) Do you embrace God, or keep him at a distance? If at a distance, what keeps him there?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will conclude the series called “A Fresh Start” with the sermon titled, “River of Life” based on Revelation 22. How will God make all things new? And how can we know we will partake of the river of life? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for July 5 – 11
July 5: Romans 3:1-8 Why is there a need for the gospel?
July 6: Romans 3:9-20 Why is there a need for the gospel?
July 7: Romans 3:21-31 Why is there a need for the gospel?
July 8: Romans 5:12-21 Why is there a need for the gospel?
July 9: Romans 6:1-14 Why is there a need for the gospel?
July 10: Romans 6:15-23 Why is there a need for the gospel?
July 11: Romans 7:7-25 Why is there a need for the gospel?
This Week’s Events:
Thursday, July 8–Gifts and Calling Team Mtg
Sunday, July 10–Baptism after service
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, July 17–Possible Deacon Mtg after church?
Wednesday, July 20–Ministry Team @ 7 pm
Wednesday, July 21–Leadership Team @ 7 pm
Sunday, July 31–Vespers @ 6 pm
Friday, August 19 – Sunday, August 21–Church Retreat @ Natural Chimneys
Announcements:
Summer Vespers
We will have summer vespers on the final Sunday of each month for July and August. We will gather for a meal over the fire, sing some hymns and camp song favorites, play a camp-style game or two, and conclude with a vespers devotional. Come out and enjoy!
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
We are still in need of both worship leaders and children’s stories. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Church Retreat
We will have our first Church Retreat post-COVID at Natural Chimneys from Friday, August 19 through Saturday, August 21. Come rent a lot, pitch a tent or park a camper, and spend the whole weekend, or come and go as you please. It will be a great time to get away and simply enjoy each other at Beaver Creek!
Idea Box!
What do you want to see at Beaver Creek? What are some ideas you have for the long-term growth of our congregation? Any outrageous outreach ideas? Please either email Pastor Ryan or write them down and place them in the brown suggestion box in the narthex. Dream big!
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to the Christian Education Team and let them know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
John Bennington (health)
Sandy Bennington (health)
Donnie Cornwell Sr (health)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)
John Fix (addiction)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Bob Hess (health)
Tori Jackson (peace)
Darlene LaPrade (health)
Leroy Makely (health)
Mark Martin (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Torrey Meyer (well-being)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Marty Moore (recovery)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Lottie Ritchie (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Whitmore family (various)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Winnie Wilfong (knee)
Shelvy Wittig (health)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church