What does it really mean to carry the cross? What does really mean when Jesus says to the to the crowds to hate mother, father wife, kids, sisters brothers and even oneself to be a disciple of Christ? What does it mean to really follow Christ vs. what it means to say you’re a Christian and go through the motions of trying to be a decent and morally abiding human being?
There’s not a thing that’s normal about following Jesus. Christ is different…Jesus simply doesn’t fit into normal society. He talks and acts strange, abandoning normal Jewish social protocols. But he’s so mesmerizing to listen to. And once you begin to find yourself following Christ in your day to day doings, your desire to chase anything else seems to wane. We’ll talk more during worship at 8:30, 9:00 and 11:00 this Sunday.
I want to thank all who made it possible for my travel to the Holy Land and the Obermaggau Passion Play. Your prayers were felt as we journeyed. My experience cannot be put into words. Bob Whitley put an amazing group of people from New Bern and friends from other places who have connections here. The bond we shared was incredible and the experiences, we will be able to share for a lifetime. I hope that some of those who went, will be able to share some of what we saw and experienced in the Holy Land, Germany and Austria sometime in the near future. Thank you again…my heart feels overwhelmed and I’m grateful for your generosity.
Lastly, check out the CROP Hunger Walk page for Centenary UMC. Please join our team if you’d like to walk or contribute to this important ministry. Here is the link:
Grace and Peace!
Pastor Michael
Sunday Scripture
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Luke 14:25-33