Our Scritpure reading this morning came from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-29). Jesus finishes this great sermon with a parable concerning two builders: One wise and the other foolish. Pastor Mario encoruaged us that it is possible to live like Jesus. Admittedly, putting Jesus words into action takes practice. We were challenged to consider what foundation we are currenlty building our lives on, to take heed to Jesus' teaches again in order to build our lives on a foundation that is sure to last. 

Our Scritpure reading this morning was from John 1:1-5. Pastor Mario discussed John's integration of philosophy and theology as he described Jesus as the eternal Logos (Word). We were encouraged to consider what it might look like if we understood Jesus to be a man of extraordinary ability, who is still as relevant to us today as he was to the people he touched during his earthly ministry 2,000 years ago. Pastor Mario concluded his sermon by sharing some thougths from Dr. S.M. Lockridge's famous, "That's My King." You can find a PDF of one of the variations of his famous sermon here. There is truly no one, quite like Jesus! 

Our Scripture reading was from 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. Pastor Mario connected this passage of Scripture back to our series on Luke 15. We looked at our high calling as ambassadors of Christ, and were encouraged to live and lean into the reality of new creation as we live out our ministry of reconciliation. We are comforted by this fact: While it may be hard to see others, ourselves and the world from the perspective of new creation, we can do it. Why? Paul reminds us: He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf so we can become the righteousness of God. We live in a world in need of reconciliation. How will we respond? 

Pastor Mario continued his journey into the heart of Luke's Gospel. Our Scritpure reading this morning was from Chapter 24, verses 25-35. As we prepared our hearts to receive from the Lord's Table this Communion Sunday, we journeyed back to Cleopas and his companion's walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus, where Jesus finds them in the midst of their disappoinment, bewilderment and unmet expectations. A fresh reading of Scripture and a sense of awe at the invitation to the Table, with the Spirit as our guide, is needed to point us to a fresh reality of who Jesus is. What better way to live into our sense of call to be a church with open hearts, open minds and open doors? For further reading, check out the UMC's document regarding The Lord's Table, entitled, This Holy Mystery.