VBS 2021
As I write this, our Vacation Bible School is about to begin. At least the part the kids see is about to begin. There has already been a lot of work planning, decorating and preparing. Right now there are people in the kitchen getting a meal ready. VBS was another thing that we missed out on in 2020, and it is encouraging to see its return. If you are reading this on Sunday, VBS is finished and the building is probably back to normal. Although I’ll have to admit that I wouldn’t mind if there was a boat on the stage and a whale (or big fish) in the hallway for a little longer.
The story of Jonah is another of those Old Testament stories that seems like it’s for kids because there are sailors, a ship, adventure and a whale (big fish). There is actually a lot in the story for us adults too. There are ungodly sailors who turn toward God, there’s an evil city that turns around and a reluctant preacher that turns bitter. Through it all the constant is God and his love for all of them. It’s always good to be reminded of God’s love and mercy for the sailors, the city, the preacher and us.
So thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s VBS possible. God wants His message proclaimed in our city as well, and you were a part of doing that this week.
Brian
“When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.” – Jonah 3:10
Making the Invitation Inviting

Give Me Liberty

Siblings

Pentecost

- The apostles are together (2:1). Maybe they’re just waiting for what comes next. Maybe it’s an intended time of fellowship. Or maybe that is just how they do life. Whatever the reason, community is important to them.
- The Holy Spirit is there (2:2-4). As we get into discussions about spiritual gifts today, we miss the importance of the work of the Spirit today. He gives comfort, assists us in prayer, and His fruit is shown in our lives just to name a few.
- God has a way of connecting people who will tell the story with people who need to hear it (2:5-14). We need to remember that did not stop on that day, and that we are those people who can tell the story.
- The story of Jesus is powerful (2:14-41). Even though we are not apostles speaking in languages we do not know, the story of Jesus we tell changes lives.
- The chapter begins and ends with being together (2:1, 2:42-47). Father, Son and Spirit are together. The apostles are together. His church did life together. The church still functions best when we do life together.
Reaching Out

The prayer is in first person. Notice what Paul asks to be prayed for: “us, our message, that we may proclaim, that I may proclaim.” Paul is not just wanting lives to be changed because of an open door. He wants to be personally used by God in the process. In fact, his ending the sentence with “as I should” indicates he does not only desire to do it. He feels a responsibility.
Look for and act on opportunities. Our time on earth is temporary. Our time with specific people is even less. We must use the time that God gives us well.
Being a Church Member

The Beginning of the Gospel

Just As He Told You

Thankful for Jesus
