Embracing Our Calling: Living the Gospel Through Compassionate Service (06/20/'24) -Message

Embracing Our Calling: Living the Gospel Through Compassionate Service Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In the midst of our bustling cities, where shadows hide countless broken hearts and silent tears, the true call of our church resonates. We find ourselves at a crossroads, where the habits of our past missionary efforts no longer suffice. Our mission must be reborn, grounded in the palpable struggles of our neighbors, for the essence of the gospel calls us to a higher, more active form of faith. James reminds us with striking clarity: "Faith without works is dead." Our faith must be more than mere words; it must be the melody of our deeds, the light we carry into the darkest corners. The gospel commands us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and extend a hand of compassion to those imprisoned by life's harshest realities. In these selfless acts, we embody the living love of Christ. Matthew's Gospel echoes this call: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." The poor, the marginalized, the overlooked—they are not mere recipients of our charity but the very heartbeat of our mission. To see them, to serve them, is to see and serve Christ himself. Our love must transcend words and sermons; it must be action. True love walks the streets, breaks the chains of injustice, and brings freedom to the oppressed. Isaiah's prophetic words challenge us: "Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" Let us, as the church, rise in humble service. Let justice flow like a gentle rain, refreshing and restoring all it touches. Let our deeds reflect the boundless grace we've received, transforming every corner of our communities. In serving the least of these, we serve Christ, and in doing so, we find the gospel's true rest. In every act of kindness, in every gesture of love, we bring the gospel to life. This is our calling, our mission, our heartbeat. Let us be a church alive in every place, moved by grace, and known by our love. Let us embrace this divine invitation to live out our faith through compassionate service, for in this, we find the truest expression of the gospel. Yours in Christ, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 20, 2024)