Worship Series
Destination Cross: Christ our Goal

Just as travelers on the television series Destination X don’t know exactly where they’re going until they arrive, Christians often find that God’s Word takes us on unexpected stops in history - but every stop points us to the same final destination.

Join us this Sunday, September 21st!

Don't forget to watch for clues on Facebook for our next destination!

Luke 16:13-15 – [Jesus said] “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

Do you remember the phrase, “Flattery will get you nowhere”? Originally, it meant that despite one’s sweet talk and lavish compliments, the receiver would not be swayed. Well, I’ve read that an early film star who was being complimented turned it around and said it this way: “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

This way of saying it implies that we are a people who love to be flattered, who may even need to be flattered. And that leaves us open to temptation, manipulation, and worse. It can lead us to a life that demands that even God stroke our ego if He wants our love.

Jesus, however, tells us to be careful who we’re listening to. There is the voice of God, the One who loves you, who calls you to repentance for the sake of your forgiveness, life, and salvation. And there’s the voice of the enemy—the world, money, power, sinful self-interest, ego, and flattery. Jesus says you are listening to one or the other, and there are ramifications to both.

What’s hard for me in this passage is that for many, including myself, we’re not always sure who we’re listening to. The people in Jesus’ time thought the Pharisees, the outward religious leaders, were the voices to be heard. Jesus says they are not. Today, we hear voices promising economic success, political power, temporal peace—as if they are the only voices that can do it. They stroke our egos by telling us it’s entirely up to us; we can solve all our problems.

But we can’t. We can’t exalt ourselves among men and justify ourselves before God.

Jesus came to destroy all of that. That’s why He bore His cross for our sins, died, and rose three days later. That’s why there is a life to be lived for us now in His Name for others. That’s why a new heaven and new earth are coming, because this one is passing away.

When it comes to serving God—and Him alone—sorrow and repentance for our sins, and trusting Jesus’ sacrifice for our redemption is what matters most. But don’t just trust me on this; trust the straight-talking Jesus of the Scriptures.

(This devotional message is from Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour)

Honesty is the Best Policy

God cares about how we use the things He gives us, and He wants us to be honest in every choice we make. Even when no one is watching, telling the truth and doing what’s right shows that we can be trusted. When we are honest with little things, we can be trusted with big things too.

God can trust a truthful heart!

Jesus Connections is back in full swing!
 Join us this Sunday, directly following Fellowship!
 

Fellowship Hour for Sunday, September 21
Bars + Cookies

No matter if they’re crispy, crunchy, soft, chewy, thin, thick, or sweet, we will love them! Perfect for sharing.

You are what you eat, so eat something sweet!

 

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…   

Aaron Byers - Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Helen Cantrell - Health issues, pray for comfort as she continues treatment.

Casey Ishmael  (Morgan’s neighbor) – Recovering from a paralyzing motorcycle accident. Prayers for healing, strength, and a quick recovery.

Camden Goolsby - Camden's hand is healing and recovering quite well, and almost has full use of his hand. 

Eddie Hensen - Recently diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer. Please keep me in your prayers—for healing, strength, and peace.

Tana Doerr - Thankful for coming home again!  It's been a long road, but God is good!

Mark Dubois - Peace and comfort for the pain he is experiencing.

Tenna Walker - Had surgery on foot Tuesday, August 26th and is at home recovering well.

The Smiley Family - Prayers for peace, comfort, and understanding as they mourn the loss of a Husband, Father, and Grandfather. 

Miriam Satterthwaite - Prayers for strength, peace, and understanding as Miriam and her family mourn the passing of her father. 

John Goolsby - Prayers for strength, peace, and understanding as John and his family mourn the passing of his father.

Julie Featherston - Battling a stubborn cold—praying for God’s healing and renewed strength.

Mathew Eisinger - Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland Sept. 16th for 9 months. May the lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship!  Join us this Friday, September 19th, 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.

This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!

Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember! 

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