::truth::
What does it take for a prostitute to “get saved”?
Last week we looked at “Extravagant Love” from Luke 7:36-50. In that amazing encounter, Jesus tells the woman, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace”. What possibly could this woman have believed about Jesus?
She could not have articulated a theology of the atonement, she probably wasn’t versed in the Trinity, and the dual natures of Christ might have sent her over the edge!
But you don’t have to know a lot. It boils down to this:
- She was a great sinner (no self-deception here – she knew who she was.)
- She could not save herself (absolute abandonment at the feet of Christ.)
- She needed Jesus (not reformation, not condemnation, not self-justification)
- Jesus would not reject her (Jesus has never rejected anyone who comes with faith and repentance)
That’s about all it takes for someone to begin with Jesus. We may fault her for her theological imprecision (but, hey, she might have been a biblical scholar for all we know!). What we do see is the love and protection and forgiveness of Christ causing a response of extravagant love.
How about you? What have you ever done just because you loved Jesus so much? Yeah, me too. “Lord, may the gospel come to us, so that it may come through us!”
The well-wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
p.s. Here’s the link for a clip from Matt Chandler, “Jesus wants the rose!”
p.p.s. Here’s the link for Joe and Kay King’s newsletter!
::prayer::
Eloise B – Maurice is having shortness of breath when he walks around the camp, in PA. He’s in much better shape than that, so she’s worried it’s his heart – they are in touch with his cardiologist.
Stephen W – Pray for Janet Lycan that she will come back from the hospital and will get better.
Wendy A – Please pray for healing for Matthew Strong (David and Doris’s 8 year old son) who broke his arm last week in Bangkok.
Please pray for my bother-in-law, Rob, who is now seeking a new job (the Padres released his contract). He is a man of strong faith so pray that the Lord places Rob where He wants him.
Praise the Lord for all the good news regarding Katie Karp. Her surgery went well and the spot on her hip is not cancer. Please pray for continued healing and strength for the next round of chemo.
Tricia P – Pray for me and my sister for wisdom as we meet with my mom to help her work out health issues – physical and emotional needs. Pray for Lindsey for a full-time job in Colombia, S.C.
Julie V – Please pray that my husband recovers soon from his surgery on his foot, to take the pain away, and to heal strong.
Christine D – Please continue to pray for my mom. Her surgery went well, but she is still in a lot of pain. She goes in Tuesday for a check-up.
Nancy W – Please pray for educational and vocational direction and opportunities for Janna and Jonathan.
Barbara B – My parents have a buyer for our house. Pray for closing on August 18. I have another eye exam this week to determine if there is damage.
Joe R – Please pray for safe travel for the Relichs as they travel to NC for vacation. Please pray for the spiritual growth of our family as we grow in Christ.
Debbie S – Praise the Lord – Baby Jonathan (born at 23 weeks) seems to be steadily improving. He weighs 2lb 1oz now! His brain scans are good and he is taking feeds every 12 hours. Please keep Jeff and Marissa in your prayers as the walk this path with their son.
Jim P – Pray for Rick’s salvation. Pray for our church’s financial needs.
::community::
This Wednesday:
- Women’s Summer Study, 6:30PM
- Elder’s Meeting, 7:00 At Matt Kelly’s
Upcoming Message Series: “Askitallogy” (Ask-it-all-ogy!). Pastor Tom will be (attempting) to answer your questions about life, the Bible, practical issues, theological struggles, really – anything! No question too easy or too hostile. So “ask it all”! Email Tom your questions or post them on our Southwest Church Facebook page.
Meet Julie Wolf: Julie is a licensed counselor representing Hope Counseling Clinic – “restoring hope and healing hearts.” Julie is leading a seminar called “Surviving Grief: Understanding Yourself and Those You Love” August 12th from 7pm to 8:30pm in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. RSVP at 407-758-5693
New CD “Love Rains Down.” The album features local homeless musicians working together with an amazing cast of musicians and producers, including one sound engineer who just won an Emmy (all time and production donated). They all pooled their talents to create an amazing CD full of original songs. All the proceeds will go toward supporting work with the homeless in Orange County, with the first priority being to provide a shower trailer for the homeless of West Orange County. $10 Donation.
::mission::
Gordon & Cheryl Roedding (Home Assignment from Mali) – Pray for their home assignment, they will begin “tours” in September. Pray for the English classes in Mali, that they will continue and go well in their absence.
TIm & Ruth Albright (CAMA & ECHO) – Pray for their work at ECHO and upcoming presentations and contacts that they will make.
