First Free Methodist - FFMC

This week we explore where Paul uses a farmer's logic of sowing and reaping to urge the Corinthians to give generously and cheerfully for the church in Jerusalem. We look at how God supplies the seed, multiplies the harvest, and turns generosity into thanksgiving shared by the giver, the receiver, and God. 

The Christian practice of generosity begins at home in the life of the church. We read many stories and teachings in the Bible about caring for the community and life together. Jesus' teaching here is a reminder of the importance of caring for one another in His Name.

We think what is ours is...ours. We hear in the Bible a challenging message that we are merely pilgrims in this life and that all we have belongs, and even belonged, to God. Our giving is merely returning God what already belongs to Him! This week we explore how generosity can be both a gift to God and for God's purposes.

Loving God can be hard to be conscious of all the time. Part of God's gift of love is to form our love for Him. He does not do this without our willingness. Our life in Christ is about releasing the love God has already put in us.

Just about everyone has heard a reading from 1 Corinthians 13 at a wedding. Paul's letter to the Corinthians is certainly about love; certainly about their lack of it! This week we explore a familiar passage in its own context. Paul's lesson on "free love" is offered to a group of people who are broken in their competitiveness and anger. Love can certainly show the way!

If there is anyone capable of judging us, it is God. Every secret known. Every thought made plain. Total transparency. Instead of condemning us, God makes the choice to love us with a sacrificial love. If God does not condemn us, neither should we.

Love is hard to describe, but we know it when we feel it. The love of God is really not all that different. When we feel the weight of Jesus' gift given to us, we know that we are loved. Accepting that love and living in it are hard to do since we are used to earning love. Love is gift and all gifts invite our gratitude.

We live in uncertain times. True. However, uncertain times are nothing new to the Christian or to the stories of the Bible. The Book of Revelation was written to seven churches during an uncertain time of persecution. It encourages them to stand strong in their faith with the confidence that evil will one day be destroyed. May we have the same hope in our time.

We live in uncertain times. True. However, uncertain times are nothing new to the Christian or to the stories of the Bible. The Book of Revelation was written to seven churches during an uncertain time of persecution. It encourages them to stand strong in their faith with the confidence that evil will one day be destroyed. May we have the same hope in our time.

How do we learn to obey God? Is obedience a matter of faith, or is it more about feeling than choice? When Mary is told that she will bear a son and name him Jesus, she is faced with these same questions. Her response can help shape how we bring ourselves to God. This week, we explore the pattern of obedience born out of faith.