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Watch the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
Philippians 2:1-4 New International Version
Imitating Christ’s Humility
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Tags: Philippians
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Getting Jimmy Kimmel back is a small victory.
And it’s a step in the right direction.
But the Heart of Darkness has three more years of vengeance and chaos. We can hope that some members of his cult will see the light. But so far, not many. It’s hard to leave a cult. Good people get drawn in. It’s like good kids who join sides with the bully in high school.
They may even realize how mean the bully is, but they are on the power side. The Heart of Darkness once said, “To exercise power is to instill fear.” That’s what bullies do. That’s what dictators do. They make people afraid of them.
We are now a nation run by bullies, and they govern by instilling fear. And, so far, it’s working. Heads of corporations are afraid. University leaders are afraid. Heads of big law firms are afraid. Teachers in classrooms are afraid. The brazen, lawless use of power to instill fear is working so far.
But that’s—so far.
It cannot continue.
Because the trajectory of God’s creation is toward love, not fear. The foundational principle of the universe is love. God, who is the source of all things, is love.
You can stand in the river with arms stretched out to stop the water, but the water will overwhelm you. You can oppose the foundations of existence only so long. Finally, there is no power against God’s grace.
“Perfect love,” says John, “casts out fear.”
It will get darker for a while. Then comes the sun.
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The MSB Gospel Choir was a great success! We had 100 people present, and after paying the choir, we were still able to give a generous gift to Eastside Ministries. Thank you to everyone who helped, attended, and gave. Your love truly makes a difference.
Pastor’s Class
For the next two weeks, I’ll be sharing something very personal—my remarkable experience during Communion a few years ago. This will be the first time I’ve discussed it with a group. You’ll even receive a copy of the closing chapter from my book. Join us at 9:45 AM, followed by breakfast.
Breakfast This Sunday
It’s a “We-Bring” Sunday, so feel free to pitch in! Breakfast begins at 10:30 AM.
Worship This Week
Mary will be preaching, Kristi will be out, and Blake will fill in.
Community Spotlight
Tickets are on sale for Rent at the Grand Prairie Uptown Theater this Saturday at 2:00 PM. Julian, Shannon, and Josh are in the production—don’t miss it! Visit the Uptown Theater Events Calendar (Prekindle Tickets) and click on “Rent” to purchase.
See you Sunday!
God bless,
MB
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Hello, dear friends and family of Saint Matthew UMC,
I am still humming the songs from our concert on Saturday, the 20th. What a beautiful evening it was—filled with music, fellowship, and a wonderful meal afterward. I am so grateful to everyone who helped make the event possible. The church looked so welcoming, and our guests commented repeatedly on the warmth and friendliness they experienced here. It was truly a night of community building. Thank you for your hospitality.
Our next concert will take place on Saturday, October 25th, at 6:00 PM, with a meal to follow. This free event will feature the choir from All People’s Church on Sandy Lane as they present Lazarus. I’m looking forward to an evening of music and fellowship with their choir and church family. Events like these are especially meaningful as we continue to strengthen connections with our neighbors and other congregations. Together, we become stronger.
I will be preaching this Sunday and hope to see you there.
Love and prayers,
Mary