Daily Archives: October 1, 2025

Friday’s Word

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I always have sermons on my mind. Several are usually rattling around in my head at the same time. Here are some things I will be preaching about in the coming weeks, listed in no particular order:

Christianity Is Illegal. It is—today—in the USA. Not the name. Every bully and braggart in Washington claims to be a Christian. But when you make DEI illegal, you cancel the Christian way of life. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” is all about loving the neighbor.

The Problem Parable That Changed My Life. It’s the strangest parable—the one about the unjust manager who was praised by the man who fired him (Luke 10:1–13). Why does the employer praise the dishonest guy for doing something bad? It has puzzled people for 2,000 years. But recently, it has spoken to me with such power that burdens were lifted. I’ll talk about that.

What DID Paul Say About Gay People? I will tell you he said nothing. Yes, you heard that correctly. Nothing! Find out why I say that.

The Power of Surrender. Things change when we “let go and let God.” I found that out 47 years ago when I surrendered my life to ministry. It was a moment like no other.

Wrong for 2000 Years. The church has always read the Adam and Eve story wrong. Which came first, our sin or our separation from God? Bet you got that wrong.

We live-stream every week. Web address below. Or—come to church! Worship is, as you know, at 11:00.

I’ll save a pew for you.

saintmatthewumc.com
revmaxb@tx.rr.com

Max’s Corner

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I have one more meeting with a doctor to get approval for my knee surgery—heart doctor—this Friday. Approval is not guaranteed, but if I receive it, I am on my way to a new knee.

My love and prayers to all of our people who are involved in medical business right now. Leslieann has had complications from her surgery. Joe and Joan Halford are still out as Joe recovers from a fall. Beverly Tye is headed for surgery. So is Charlotte Holder. Carol Bennett is not yet back after her surgery. Say a prayer—right now—for all you know who are involved with medical problems.

Pastor’s Class

We continue discussing my Communion experience—the most remarkable event of my life. At 9:45—followed by breakfast.

Breakfast This Sunday

It’s a “Winston Sunday.” Feel free to help. That’s at 10:30.

Sermon This Sunday

Sermon: The Power of Surrender
Our scripture is Romans 8:26–31.
Kristi will be back. Our choir will be in place but will not do an anthem. (I think that’s right.) This is Communion Sunday.

There’s a seat in church waiting for you. I’ll look for you in it this Sunday.

God Bless – MB

Mary’s Corner

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Greetings in the name of the risen Christ! Thank you so much for your great singing on Sunday morning during worship. I love standing up front and listening to you. I promise we will have more opportunities to learn and sing with each other. And bless you for listening to so many sermons from the same passage of Scripture. If you have a sermon you especially liked that I have preached, let me know. I have to submit one more to the Board of Ordained Ministry by December 1.

This weekend I will be traveling to Michigan for the celebration of my brother’s 30th year at his church. They used to call him the hippie preacher because he had long hair and progressive ideas. Now he is bald, and I have no idea what they call him!

I will be back on the 12th. Love to all,

Mary

Kids’ News – The First Passover

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Last week, we learned how Pharaoh’s heart was hard, and he refused to let the Israelites go. God showed His power through mighty acts, beginning with the plagues. The Nile River turned to blood; the land was filled with frogs, gnats, and flies, and the Egyptians’ livestock fell ill. Yet each time, Pharaoh’s heart grew harder, and he still would not listen.

The plagues continued. Painful sores covered the people, hail destroyed crops, locusts devoured what was left, and darkness covered the land for three days. Through it all, God showed that His power was greater than all the gods of Egypt. Finally, God sent the most serious plague: the death of the firstborn. However, God provided a way for His people to be saved. They were to place the blood of a lamb on their doorposts, and the Lord would “pass over” their homes and protect them.

This became the first Passover, a moment so important that the people of Israel still celebrate it today. It reminds us that God delivers His people and keeps His promises. Just as God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He frees us from sin through Jesus, the Lamb of God.

What We Learned

  • God’s power is greater than any ruler or false god.
  • God protects His people, even in the hardest times.
  • The Passover points us to Jesus, who delivers us from sin and death.