Millbrook Baptist Church Blog

The text tells us that the apostles will be witnesses in Jerusalem, this big city, where they will first meet the Spirit, and the site of great miracles; in Judea, their home region and the place they feel most comfortable; in Samaria, a place where they feel least comfortable, and whose citizens are construed as enemies; and even to the ends of the Earth, in this instance, Spain, the farthest corner of the Roman empire. Stagg says that commentators often label this growth or outreach as the major trajectory of Luke’s two-volume gospel, but to do so is a mistake. Yes, the earliest Christians are on the move, but the hardest boundaries to cross are not geographic; they are religious, national, political, and racial, just to name a few.

Hear that again. Christ shares the gift of peace with the earliest disciples. And because Christ shared it with them, it means we, too, share in God’s peace. It means we can give and receive Christ’s peace to and from one another.

Truth, transparency, and trust.  We MUST love, Millbrook, with truth, transparency, and trust. Jesus commanded us to love one another as he loved us. Good friends, may God grant us the strength, the courage, and the patience to live out, and ultimately love out such a command. Amen.

On this Mother’s Day, I look around this room, and I am grateful for mothering figures of all expressions who keep bringing life into this community. Yes, some of you have literally given us breath, but that’s not all you have given. You are teachers, and proclaimers, deacons, and ministers, and healers, and artists, and strategists, and marketers, and consultants, and financial advisors, and counselors, and activists, and volunteers, and friends, and disciples, and a thousand other things, too. And each and every day, in your own unique and spirited ways, you bring life into this world! To all those who model the motherly love and servanthood of Dorcas, we offer you our gratitude!

Friends, a long time ago, John the evangelist penned a story about a man named Jesus, one who’s truth would bring us life. It’s an old, old story. But not so old that it couldn’t have happened yesterday. And if we believe John’s truth, it’s a story that can happen today, and tomorrow, and the next day. Holy mackerel, I sure hope so!!! Amen.

No Doubt Second Sunday of Easter Bob Stillerman John 20:19-31 Bulletin | Sermon Text John 20:19-31 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” […]