January Messenger

From The Pastor’s Desk:

The Test Of Greatness


This past week we lost a great National leader of our Country. Jimmy Carter, our 39th president. Jimmy Carter was a devout Christian who was given the nickname “The Sunday school teacher”, long before he was president. God also blessed his years greatly, (read Psalm 90:10), for his faith and servant heart for Christ, to those he loved, to the Church, and to his Country. Most of his life was dedicated and committed to helping and serving humanity. Jimmy Carter was well known and recognized for his contribution to “Habitat For Humanity”, and for contributing to bringing peace to our world through meetings with world leaders and representatives of our Country. Although this message I have for you today is not about the life of Jimmy Carter, I believe that his life exemplified what Jesus described as being great in the Eyes of God.
In Luke 9:46-48 Jesus taught the true meaning of greatness in the Light of the kingdom of God.
[ "And an argument arose among them as to which of them might be the greatest. But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their hearts took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, "whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me, for he who is least among you, this is the one who is great." ] (NASV)
Jesus, not only new what the disciples were talking about, but He also knew what was in their hearts and that their concept of greatness was contrary to the true meaning of greatness in the kingdom of God. Knowing what was in the disciples hearts, Jesus demonstrated what true greatness was by showing them the nature and character of a child. It seems that the disciples just didn’t get it, and obviously were confused by Jesus Words and demonstration about greatness. We can see this same kind of confusion among people in the world today in the way that they defy what greatness is in the Eyes of God.
Jesus uses the humility, and the insignificance of a child who has the least amount of power and status, in order to point to and demonstrate greatness.
Even when Jesus speaks of someone on earth as being exceedingly great, He still reminds us that such a great person is least in the Kingdom of heaven. We can read this truth from God’s Word in Matthew 11:11, which says;
["Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist, yet he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he."] (NASV)

We can also learn from God’s word that greatness, from God’s perspective, is also associated with weakness. This truth can be clearly seen in God’s Word, where God told the apostle Paul that His Strength was perfected in weakness.[ "My Grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is perfected in weakness."] (2 Corinthians 12:9).
We see God’s strength perfected in weakness, in this same way, in the lives of people we know and love. God puts them in our lives to bless us and remind us of His Love for us. God is clearly teaching us that the greatest leaders in a church are the ones who are weak, In their own strength, and least among the ranks of status quo, but are a blessing to us through the power of God shining through their lives, often unaware of it themselves.
As a Pastor, I am communicating to you the importance of God’s Greatness in our personal lives and in the life of the Church. Also, that we would recognize God’s Greatness and that we would demonstrate His Greatness, in all that we do and say. I pray that as we move into the new year as a Unified Church, we would do so in the power of God’s Greatness, giving our utmost for His Highest. We owe it all to Him!

Happy New Year and God Bless you!
Pastor John

Bible Memory Verse Plan

Week 1 – Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105, NIV

Week 2 – Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5, NIV

Week3- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV

Week 4 – 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV

Jesus, show us what we must leave behind to follow you; show us what talents and tools to use in sharing your good news with others.

A Prayer For The New Year

Eternal God, thank you for bringing us once again to the threshold of a new year. Help us dedicate each day of 2025 to following your will for our lives. Guide us, Lord, in all our decisions and actions, day by day and hour by hour. Help us accomplish all that you desire for us to do, until our mission on earth is finished. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

The Meaning Of The Snowman

The white snow stands for the purity of souls filled with God’s grace.

The circular snowballs represent God’s everlasting love.

The pieces of coal used to make the eyes, mouth and buttons symbolize God’s Almighty power.

The carrot nose reminds us that God gives us everything we need to live and grow.

The scarf suggests the warmth of God’s tender care.

The top hat reminds us always to keep faith our top priority.

The twig arms are outstretched to us, as God’s always are.

The broom made of straw and wood signifies that Jesus was born and died to cleanse us of sin.

May your heart be ever warmed by the Good News of God’s great love for you!

~ Author Unknown ~

 

                                                                                                                              ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building

Choir Practice Every Thursday at 1pm

You may reach Pastor John at #607-651-4760 or at his.ship@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 1stHappy New Year

Sunday, January 5thBreakfast following Worship Service

Monday, January 6thEpiphany

Thursday, January 9thPW meeting – 11am

Sunday, January 12th3pm – Service at Barnes Kasson/SNF

Wednesday, January 15th Men’s Breakfast – 8am

Tuesday, January 28th Newsletter Deadline

NOTE: Our website is: www.franklinhillpresbyterian.org where you can access online messages, event calendar, our church newsletter, mission, etc. Check it out when you can! Church E-Mail: fhpc400@att.net Phone #570-967-2075

 

 

 

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