RSS

Category Archives: Community

Christ the King: Unmoved by Human Loyalty

27 Nov
Christ the King: Unmoved by Human Loyalty

11.27.24

Christ the King: Unmoved by Human Loyalty

This past Sunday, we marked Christ the King Sunday by reflecting on John 18:33-37, where Jesus declares that his kingdom is not of this world. His kingship stands apart from earthly power, grounded instead in truth—a truth that does not shift with human loyalties or fleeting allegiances.

As followers of Christ, we are challenged to honor his reign not only in our words but also in our daily actions, standing firm in love, justice, and grace—a love that calls us to serve, reconcile, and give generously. His kingship calls us to live not for fleeting gains or convenience but as witnesses to his truth in all aspects of our lives.

This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us give thanks for the blessings we enjoy—family, food, shelter, and the presence of God in our lives. But let us also pause to remember those for whom this season is difficult. Some will not gather around tables this year: people without homes, those in war-torn regions, families grieving loved ones, and individuals spending their first Thanksgiving without someone they cherish. Let us also reflect on the complex history of this holiday, honoring the Native Americans whose experiences of this day may differ greatly from the celebration many of us know.

As we give thanks, let our gratitude inspire action. Let us remember the values of Christ’s kingdom by extending generosity to the needy, hope to the grieving, and love to all. And as we move into Advent next Sunday, we prepare to welcome Christ—not only as the infant born in Bethlehem but as the King whose reign of peace and truth is already breaking into our world. In this season of preparation, may we open our hearts to Christ’s love, living as witnesses to his justice, grace, and truth.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, reflection, and hope! And may you have a meaningful beginning of Advent!

‘Ofa atu,
Sela Finau

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on November 27, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Signs of the Times

22 Nov
Signs of the Times

11.22.24

Signs of the Times: Preparing for the Future

In Mark 13:1-8, Jesus warns his disciples about the destruction of the temple and the signs of upheaval—wars, disasters, and unrest. His words are not meant to instill fear but to remind us to remain faithful and alert as God brings about something new.

This passage comes on the heels of the widow’s offering, where Jesus criticized a system that exploited the poor while enriching the powerful. His warning about the temple’s fall reflects his anger at injustices that fail to reflect God’s kingdom—a place where everyone is cared for and no one is left behind.

Today, we also live in uncertain times, filled with fear, division, and inequality. Yet, the signs we see—though painful—are like birth pains, pointing to the hope of new life. Jesus assures us that God has not abandoned the world. Instead, God is actively at work, transforming creation and inviting us to be part of that transformation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to prepare for the future by living faithfully in the present. May we work toward a world that mirrors God’s justice, love, and peace, knowing that God’s Spirit is always with us.

Let’s hold onto the hope of God’s kingdom breaking into our reality and trust in the new life that God is bringing forth.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Pastor Sela

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on November 22, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Media, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

A Call To Discernment: Standing On Truth Amid Misinformation

25 Oct
A Call To Discernment: Standing On Truth Amid Misinformation

10.25.24

As election day approaches, it is critical that we, as Christians, remember our responsibility to seek truth and uphold integrity, not just in how we vote, but in how we process information. In a time when misinformation is rampant—both in society and, sadly, sometimes even within the church—we must be vigilant in discerning what is true and what is false.

Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12 remind us, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” This is a call to personal responsibility. While we are in community with one another, each of us must take responsibility for our actions and our beliefs. It can be tempting to follow the crowd or to accept information from sources we trust without verification. Yet, as people of faith, we are called to a higher standard.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, offered wise counsel regarding elections: “I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election and advised them: (1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy; (2) To speak no evil of the person they voted against; and (3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.” Wesley’s advice goes beyond just political elections—it is a model for all areas of life where we must make decisions based on character and truth, rather than gossip, slander, or misinformation.

It can be hard to stand firm when those we have long trusted present ideas or narratives contrary to what we know to be right. But our call as believers is to diligently seek the truth, not just accept what is easy or convenient. As Proverbs 14:15 reminds us, “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” We must not be simple in our understanding, but prudent and discerning, willing to do the hard work of separating fact from fiction, even when it challenges those closest to us.

This election season, may we commit ourselves to truth—not just the truth we hear from others, but the truth we seek with diligence and prayer. May we remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God, and that standing for what is right may sometimes put us at odds with the majority. Still, we must stand.

May we pray for wisdom, discernment, and courage as we exercise our rights and responsibilities in this pivotal time.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 25, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Media, Philosophy, Podcasts, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Student life, Theology

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

When God is Silent (A reflection based on Job 23:1-17)

17 Oct
When God is Silent (A reflection based on Job 23:1-17)

10.17.24
Have you ever found yourself searching for God, only to be met with silence? I know I have. There are times when we call out to God, desperate for answers, but all we seem to hear is our own voice echoing back. This was Job’s experience, and it’s an experience many of us share, especially when we’re facing difficult times.

Job cried out to God in his suffering, but God was silent for what felt like a lifetime. In those moments, Job struggled, just as we do. But as I reflected on Job’s story, I wondered: What if God’s silence is actually a way of communicating? A God who shows up at the snap of our fingers would lose His mystery and power. But in the silence, we are given the space to express our sorrow, to wrestle with our questions, and to realize that we’re not in control.

In our world today, we’ve seen so much suffering—through hurricanes like Helene and Milton, through war in the Middle East, through personal losses and health struggles. When God seems silent, it’s easy to feel abandoned. But just like Job, we are not alone. Even in the silence, God is present through the people around us, through the community of faith that upholds us, and through the whispers of hope that remind us God is still here.

We may not always get clear answers, but we can take heart in knowing that even when we shout into the silence, God hears us. And sometimes, it’s in that silence that we find the strength to keep going, to keep believing, and to trust that God is still at work, even when we can’t see it.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 17, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

10 Oct
Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

10.10.24

Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

This past Sunday’s sermon, based on Job 1:1, 2:1-10, is a timely reflection on how we navigate life when everything around us seems to crumble. Job, a man who was blameless before God, loses everything—his wealth, his family, and his health—yet somehow holds on to his faith. How did Job manage to keep his integrity when everything in his life was falling apart? It’s the same question many of us ask when tragedy strikes.

Like Job, we’ve all experienced moments where life feels unfair, where suffering seems too great to bear. Whether it’s the sudden loss of a loved one, a devastating illness, or natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we find ourselves lifting our eyes to heaven and asking, “Why, God? It’s easy to feel abandoned or even angry in times like these. The book of Job reminds us that it’s okay to feel that way. But it also challenges us to hold on to our faith, even in the hardest of times.

This past week, as communities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida begin the long process of recovery from Hurricane Helene, and with Hurricane Milton, we are reminded of the fragility of life. Many have lost homes, businesses, and even loved ones. But in the midst of this devastation, we also see signs of hope. Volunteers, emergency responders, and neighbors have come together to help clean up and rebuild. God is at work behind the scenes, bringing comfort, healing, and hope even in the darkest moments.

As we reflect on Job’s story, we are reminded that while suffering is a part of life, it does not last forever. Evil may have its moment, but God’s reign is eternal. In the face of loss, we are invited to hold onto the good, even when life presents us with the bad. God is still on the throne, still working, still present.

Let us continue to pray for those affected by these hurricanes and for all those suffering across the world. And may we, as a church, be a source of hope, light, and love in our community, showing that even when everything seems to be falling apart, we can hold it together through our faith in God. Because no matter what happens, God is always holding us together—whether everything around us is falling apart, or when we ourselves seem to fall apart.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 10, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Prayer

03 Oct
Prayer

Growing up, prayer was an integral part of our family life. We gathered each morning and evening, young and old alike, to offer our prayers to God. The longer each person prayed, the longer we stayed together in the living room. It wasn’t uncommon for the youngest among us to fall asleep during our prayer time. Today, we continue to pray together whenever we gather as a family.

Prayer was more than just a ritual; it was a way to connect with God and with each other. It was a source of comfort, strength, and guidance.

As I’ve continued my journey as a follower of Christ, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power of prayer even more. It’s not just a spiritual exercise; it’s a lifeline to God, a source of strength, and a means of experiencing God.

Intercessory prayer is equally important. Praying for others is a powerful way to demonstrate our love and compassion. But we can also be answers to prayers. By offering practical help and support to those in need, we become instruments of God’s grace.

The recent catastrophe in the southeastern states has been a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, and the irrelevance of possessions. Yet, amidst the devastation, we’ve witnessed countless acts of kindness and compassion. People from all walks of life have come together to help those affected, offering shelter, food, and emotional support.

These individuals are answers to prayers. Their presence has brought hope and comfort to those who have lost so much. By stepping up and offering assistance, they have demonstrated the power of human kindness and the love of God.

As we continue our journey as followers of Christ, let us remember the importance of both praying and being an answer to prayers. By offering our time, our resources, and our compassion, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and reflect the love of God in the world.

Don’t let the busyness of life distract you from the importance of prayer. Make time to connect with God through prayer, and experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 3, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Submitting to God’s Wisdom

26 Sep
Submitting to God’s Wisdom

9.26.24

True wisdom comes from submitting our lives to God, trusting in God’s plan, and letting go of our own will.

James, the New Testament ethicist, challenges us to examine our lives and ask, “Who truly has wisdom?” He reminds us that wisdom isn’t just about knowledge or intellect. It’s about how we live our lives, how we interact with others, and how we respond to challenges.

In contrast to heavenly wisdom, earthly wisdom is rooted in pride, selfishness, lies, deceit, hate, and a desire for self-promotion. On the other hand, heavenly wisdom comes from God and is characterized by peace, gentleness, humility, love, mercy, and grace.

To cultivate heavenly wisdom, James encourages us to draw near to God, seek guidance, and trust in God’s plan even when we do not understand it. By doing so, we can turn away from the world’s destructive influences and embrace the peaceful, godly leadership essential for a thriving community of faith.

As we continue our journey as followers of Christ, may we seek wisdom from above and live our lives according to God’s will.

In Christ!

Sela Finau

Reflection based on James 3:13-4:8a from the New Testament of the Bible.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on September 26, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Wisdom

19 Sep
Wisdom

9.19.24

Proverbs 1:20-33 offers life-giving wisdom. Like a lighthouse guiding ships through rough waters, wisdom calls out to us, urging us to follow the path that leads to life, peace, and purpose.

But wisdom doesn’t just call—it warns. Just as ignoring a warning sign on a journey can lead to peril, turning a deaf ear to wisdom brings its own set of challenges. We’ve all faced moments when taking the easy or popular path leads to unexpected setbacks. Wisdom, however, invites us to rise above that and choose a better way.

In today’s fast-paced world, wisdom’s call feels more urgent than ever. It invites us to go deeper, to look beyond the surface, and to build lives anchored in God’s truth. It’s a call to cultivate our faith, act with integrity, and live with purpose.

Grace and Peace!

Sela

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on September 19, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags: , ,

Faith in Action

06 Sep
Faith in Action

9.6.24

James 1:17-27 offers a deeper understanding of faith in action. The passage emphasized listening to God’s word and putting it into practice, including controlling anger and serving others.

The message encourages us to:

Acknowledge God’s gifts: Everything we have is a gift from God.

Listen and learn: Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Control anger: Resist the temptation to react angrily.

Serve others: Actively participate in serving our community.

Following Sunday’s Worship Service, several of us went out to feed our friends on the street. The line of people waiting for food was a testament to the need and the blessing that the church’s service provided.

This act of service mirrored Jesus’ example of going into the community rather than waiting for people to come to him. It was encouraging to see other churches also participating in this ministry, demonstrating a shared commitment to serving our community. This served as a reminder that we are not alone in our efforts and that God is with us in our shared mission.

Thank you to everyone who participated, whether through your monetary gifts or your hands and feet. 

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on September 6, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags: ,

Put On The Full Armor of God

29 Aug
Put On The Full Armor of God

8.29.24

Put On The Full Armor Of God

Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul urges us to “put on the full armor of God.” This passage serves as a powerful reminder that we are engaged in a spiritual battle, a constant struggle against the forces of evil. The enemy is not just a physical entity but a spiritual force that seeks to undermine our faith and divide us. This battle is not limited to the past; it’s a daily reality that we all face.

Just as the Pevensie children in The Chronicles of Narnia faced off against the White Witch, we, too, are engaged in a cosmic conflict. The White Witch represents the forces of darkness, while Aslan symbolizes Christ, the true King of Narnia.

This story serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual battles. Like the Pevensie children, we must rely on the strength of our faith and the protection of God to overcome the challenges we face.

To equip ourselves for this spiritual warfare, Paul outlines the armor of God:

  • The belt of truth
  • The breastplate of righteousness
  • The shoes of peace
  • The shield of faith
  • The helmet of salvation
  • The sword of the Spirit
  • Prayer

By putting on this armor, we can stand firm against the enemy and emerge victorious.   

As we continue to navigate the challenges of our church, community, and world, may we remember to put on the full armor of God. By doing so, we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead and live lives that glorify God.

In Christ!

Sela

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 29, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Tags:

← Older posts
Newer posts →