Today, Elise and I went to church at First Alliance which is located in Lexington, Kentucky. This was our fourth time to attend this church, and Elise and I recently decided this will be our church home while we are in Kentucky! We have already made some really great connections with many people there, and we hope to get involved in the college and young adult ministry and help some individuals who desire to start an international bible study. First Alliance church is also a church which is very big on equipping and sending missionaries, which is a great fit for us as well.
The sermon was over Luke 7: 36-50. The pastor is very gifted speaker. He is very insightful, encourages reflection, and very poetic with his words. In the story he preached on, we find Jesus invited to dinner at a man named Simon's house. When Jesus takes his place at the table, a woman who is a notorious sinner (probably prostitute) begins to wet and wipe Jesus's feet. Simon saw this, and judged Jesus and the woman for what was happening in his home. Jesus then tells a parable about two men who each have a debt. One debt was greater than the other, but each debt was cancelled. Jesus asked Simon, "Who loved him more?" Simon correctly answered, "The one with the greater debt."
Jesus then pointed out several things Simon had not done that were cultural practices which honored guests in homes. The kiss of peace, the washing of feet, and the anointing of a guest's head with oil. And yet, the woman did.
After lunch, we were hosted by a married couple our age named Joel and Jenny. We had an incredible time. We really got along great with them. It is really exciting to see God shaping community around us. Some of it you can see coming, and other parts are totally unexpected. I love eating with people, and I am looking forward to eating with them again many times.
No comments:
Post a Comment