August 31 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Scripture Reading: Acts 14:8-15
Sermon: Life in the Spirit, With Humility
Acts 14: 8-15
In Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet and had never walked, for he had been lame from birth. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. And Paul, looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And the man sprang up and began to walk. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates; he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifice. When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, “People, why are you doing this? We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
Key Idea of the Sermon
Paul and Barnabas are partners in what is called Paul’s first missionary journey. They are sharing the Way of Jesus in word and deed in the mostly Roman/Gentile region called Asia Minor, modern day Turkey. This story brings to mind similar healing stories by Jesus (Luke 5:17-26) and by Peter and John in Jesus’ name and Spirit (Acts 3:1-10). Paul and Barnabas resist the temptation to take credit for the healing and refuse to take the offerings brought to them as if they were gods. Like Jesus their purpose is to serve rather than be served (Mark 10:42-45). A humble heart is an open heart for ministry in Jesus’ way.
Questions for Reflection
• Paul and Barnabas were disciples on a mission. How might your daily purpose be enhanced if you understood each day as a mission opportunity? What would it look like if you began the activities of each day as a servant of Christ committed to serving others? • It is easy to move from righteousness to self-righteousness, from giving God the credit for all that is good to taking credit for all that is good. What humble actions do Paul and Barnabas take that we might follow? • What are the worthless things in our lives that we should surrender in order to be in relationship with the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Make this affirmation of faith your first prayer every day in the new week: Today I serve you, Christ my Leader, by serving others. Pay attention to see how this simple prayer makes a difference in your discipleship.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
