persistence and scriptural guidance

Good morning sisters and brothers,
Our reading from Timothy is one of my favorite statements on scripture. Paul reminds Timothy to strengthen himself in the scriptures because they instruct in Christ's salvation. He also reminds him to dedicate himself to scripture in his teaching because "All scripture is inspired and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." He also warns Timothy that people will be drawn away by teachers they choose for themselves who simply tell people what they want to hear, rather than keeping the challenge and demand of the gospel in front of them.

Our reading from Luke reminds us to keep praying, even when it seems like God isn't listening. God hears us, and God wants to hear us. Never give up because God's final victory of love is certain.

On a (sort of) separate note, we are starting a new series at the Boulevard Wednesday evening at 8pm. The focus of the series is getting back to the basics of who God is and what the story of faith is about. My hope is to invite people who don't go to church to join the conversation. If you have someone in your life who doesn't believe, or believes but doesn't go to church, this may be the series for them. It's less intimidating than a Sunday school class because it's at a bar instead of the church.

God bless,
Sam

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

*Sunday

Luke 18:1-8

1Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent.' 4For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" 6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"