“What exactly did I sign up for?” After reading the opening of St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy, that might be precisely what you wonder as a follower of Jesus. Paul here expresses all manner of radical notions when it comes to our discipleship as God’s people living in this world. He speaks about the power of the Word, the working of the Holy Spirit, being given not a spirit of timidity but of power, love, and self-control. He writes about suffering for the Gospel and living holy lives. And there’s more! This can feel like some pretty radical idealism – but is it? Or is there some reality to what Paul was inspired to write to us?

Old Testament Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 
Epistle Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 17:5-10 
Sermon Title: “Suffering for the Gospel”