Pastor Brett Ehlke

Epiphany Moments— “Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means “reveal.” When someone has an epiphany, it’s not that reality changed. The way they see that reality is what changed, for a deeper truth has been revealed. An epiphany is an “a-ha!” moment causing us to look at things very differently.

In the Church Year, Epiphany is the season where we see Jesus begin his ministry, revealing the reason the Son of God came to earth. In this season we will come to understand that when we have Jesus in our lives, it does not always mean our reality drastically changes. It simply means that we see reality differently (and better). Jesus always provides an abundance of epiphany moments.
 
Rejection Is Not Proof of Failure— When you are trying to share some important information with someone, but they refuse to listen or perhaps totally reject what you are saying, it feels like you have failed. This is especially true when someone rejects the gospel! We proclaim the good news because want others to know the love of Christ. When people are disinterested in God’s Word, we feel like we’ve failed.
 
So, here is this week’s epiphany. Rejection is not proof of failure. Precisely because the gospel is divine revelation, it is guaranteed to be rejected by many. God’s Word offends like an unwelcome diagnosis from the doctor. When someone rejects God’s Word (including us), that rejection is proof that God’s Word powerfully cuts straight to the heart of mankind’s biggest problem—sin. Yet, what causes Jesus’ words to hurt is what gives them power to heal. That reality encourages us to receive God’s Word with joy and to proclaim it boldly to others.
 
Theme:  Rejection Is Not Proof of Failure