Wow! Sunday’s sermon was an ambitious and wonderful message. The texts were easy and direct. Old Testament – Elijah raises a widow’s son from the dead. New Testament – Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead. Pastor’s Wayne’s message – celebrating the power of God as demonstrated in these miracles (the easy sermon)? Nope, like Elijah and Jesus, he did not take the easy way. Instead, he talked about topics like – how come some people get miracles and some don’t, what is the purpose of miracles anyway, what is the purpose of prophets, what do we, as Christians, have to share with the world and what do these stories ask of us.

He invited us to share the gospel of Jesus in acts of compassion and in acting compassionately. Do we always feel like acting compassionately? No, we don’t. God does not require the feeling, just the actions. Annie reminded us Wed. night that we might be the only Bible that some people ever read. What will they read when they read us? What will our actions tell them about Jesus? It’s been said that we should share Christ with everyone we meet and when absolutely necessary, use words.

As an underscore to Sunday’s message, thanks to the kindness of a friend, we got to attend Ocala Civic Theater’s performance of Sister Act, Sunday afternoon. Pastor Wayne and Annie’s messages were acted out clearly in this delightful and moving show. There were “Christians” and “unbelievers” teaching each other about Jesus through their own compassionate acts. Each learns from the others and all are compassionately redeemed through faith and love.

Read Colossians 3:12-17 and remember, God loves you (and that person toward whom God calls you to be compassionate) UNCONDITIONALLY!

Mike