July 29, 2002
It was a thrill for us in Mauston to have Dr. Patrick Pang fill our pulpit yesterday following his presentations at the Small Church in Small Communities gathering at the Dells Saturday. On both occasions his emphasis was the way Jesus ministered, even in the midst of crowds, always to individuals. He pointed out that Jesus did 3 simple things on each occasion. He stopped. He listened. He speaks or stays and saves. Last week I pointed out that "Jesus asks us to go beyond simple tolerance to fellowship, and commitment in service to one another and to reach out to those uncomfortable in the traditional expressions of Christianity but with the universal spiritual questions. It may not even have moved to (recognizable) spiritual hunger but simply asking the universal question. Why am I here? What am I living for and hope to accomplish?" These of course are spiritual questions.
Dr. Pang’s Biblical passages were from Mark 5 and John 4. In the first instance Jesus concluding words were "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace AND be healed." She became well in both body and soul. In the John passage about the Samaritan woman at the well her conclusion after encountering Jesus "He cannot be the Messiah, can he?" So many of us are like that. We can’t believe we have encountered Jesus when the baffling challenges in life come. Yet even in her incredulity she went out and told others. Come and See.
Often times we cannot understand the mystery of God. Yet we can come and see for ourselves. One of the first places should be the gospels. Often people who are inspired to seek Biblical answers to the mystery questions begin in the beginning in Genesis. I think it is more profitable to begin with Jesus in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Find out about Jesus and the whole Bible becomes more understandable. You don’t end the mystery but you have a standard for understanding. This is my emphasis at First Baptist. If in appeals to you, come and see.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
201 Oak St.
Mauston, WI 53948-1333 608-8474555
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