A Counter-Cultural Move

There are a lot of hate-filled people in the world.  Have you noticed?  All you have to do is watch the news, listen to people talk about one another, or observe public life.  Never before in my lifetime has the level of spite, anger, racism, political vitriol, and divisiveness in America been so concerning.   We are quick to judge, label, cancel, and assign people to a particular “tribe.”  If you’re not in my “tribe,” watch out!  I’m coming for you.  Anything goes.  We are innately selfish and self-centered to the core.

Into this context meet Jesus Christ.  A Jewish legal expert asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest.  Without missing a beat, Jesus essentially says love God and love others.  When you boil it down and cut to the chase, out of all the commands in the Bible or that have ever existed in the world, these are the greatest.  What a counter-cultural move!  It’s as if Jesus’ words were spoken for us today in 2023.  Imagine a world in which love was the highest law of the land and all peoples strove to obey this rule!

Sometimes you need to “boil it all down” and get back to basics.  Now is that time.  Sunday’s message, “The Greatest Command,” will challenge you, confront you, and comfort you all at the same time.  Prepare yourself for a heart check-up as we examine our lives in light of Jesus’ radical and revolutionary teaching to love God and love others as yourself.  Let’s get back to basics.  Let’s return to the core of our faith.  Let’s examine our lives.  Let’s become and be the people God calls Grace Church to be!

Join us Sunday, August 27, at the service of your choice.  Traditional worship begins at 9:00 AM.  Contemporary worship begins at 10:45 AM.  Both services include the same biblical message, heart-felt worship, welcoming friends, and the powerful healing presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst.  We’ll also share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday as we are reminded of God’s unconditional love for us.  A Nursery is available.  Refreshments will be served between services.   The table is set.   Will you be there?