Memorial Presbyterian Church

06/22/2026

Greetings Friends. For the 13th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A) - June 28th, 2026 our scriptural Reading is from Exodus 20:8-11. This reading commands Israel to set apart the seventh day as holy to God by ceasing all work, grounding this obligation in God's own rest after creating the world in six days. The commandment extends the Sabbath blessing to all persons and animals within Israel's community, establishing a weekly sanctuary in time that prefigures eternal rest and equality before God. This reading poses a concrete and searching challenge. The commandment does not ask whether keeping Sunday holy is convenient; it asks whether God has sovereignty over our time — which is to say, over our lives. Several practical implications press themselves forward. First, Sunday Services are not optional devotion but covenantal obligation. This is not ecclesiastical legalism; it is fidelity to the pattern God has woven into creation itself. Second, the commandment's inclusion of servants and livestock is a call to examine what Sunday looks like for those who work for us or depend on us. Do our Sunday shopping habits, our demand for services and entertainment, effectively cancel the Sabbath rest for others? We consumers bear moral responsibility here. Third, the commandment resists the commodification of time. In an economy that treats every hour as monetizable, deliberately resting — not merely relaxing, but resting before God — is a radical counter-cultural act. It declares that human worth is not derived from productivity. Finally, Sunday rest should include time for the family, for works of mercy, for nature, and for genuine prayer — not passive screen consumption. We are urged to rediscover Sunday as "a day of joy, rest, and solidarity." The Key Insight is that God commands rest not as luxury but as sovereignty—to sanctify time itself is to declare that your life belongs to Him, not to the market. Commentary from https://www.sacredtextsguide.com/

From MWS Brenda this week’s sermon is titled God’s Church Triumphant

Notes:
• The MemPres Pantry program supports Atkins Schools by feeding into their Blessing Boxes. Bring in those boxed/canned items which we will provide to the school system.
• MemPres supports the Atkins Elementary/Middle School Backpack Program. In Pope County more than 1 in 4 children are dealing with poverty and food insecurity. During the school year, children have access to free breakfasts & lunches along with backpacks filled with food for weekends. Mem Pres has also committed to providing toiletry kits for the backpack program (Shampoo, Bars of Soap, Toothpaste/brush, Deodorant, Face Wipes.)

Our attendance on June 21 was 7.

Verse-by-verse Bible commentary on every book of Scripture. Deep explanation, historical context, and what each passage means for today. Free to read.

06/09/2026

Greetings Friends. For the 11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A) - June 14th, 2026 our lectionary scriptural Reading is from Romans 5:1–8. Romans 5 teaches that believers are justified by faith, granting peace with God and access to His grace through Jesus Christ. Romans 5 begins by declaring that being justified by faith brings peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
Justification is a legal term meaning that God declares a sinner righteous, not based on works or adherence to the law, but through faith in Christ’s sacrificial death (Romans 5:9). This declaration restores the believer’s relationship with God, ending enmity caused by sin and establishing reconciliation. Through justification, believers gain access to God’s grace, standing in it confidently and rejoicing in the hope of sharing in God’s glory (Romans 5:2). Paul emphasizes that even suffering has a purpose, producing perseverance, character, and hope, which is sustained by the love of God poured into believers’ hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). Paul highlights that Christ died for the ungodly while we were still sinners (Romans 5:6-8), demonstrating God’s unconditional love. This sacrificial act ensures that believers are not only justified but also saved from God’s wrath, emphasizing the superabundance of grace compared to the consequences of sin (Romans 5:9-10). Romans 5 contrasts Adam’s trespass, which brought sin and death to all humanity, with Christ’s obedience, which brings justification and life (Romans 5:12-19). While Adam’s disobedience resulted in condemnation, Christ’s righteous act provides a free gift of justification, allowing believers to reign in life through Him (Romans 5:16-17). Paul underscores that grace abounds even where sin increased, highlighting the transformative power of God’s righteousness (Romans 5:20-21). Being justified by faith has several practical benefits:
Peace with God: The believer’s relationship with God is restored, ending spiritual hostility (Romans 5:1).
Reconciliation: Believers are reconciled to God through Christ, enabling a life of hope and joy (Romans 5:11).
Assurance of Salvation: Justification is secure through faith, independent of human merit (Romans 5:9).
Spiritual Growth: Suffering and trials contribute to perseverance, character, and hope, deepening the believer’s faith (Romans 5:3-5).
In summary, Romans 5 presents justification by faith as the foundation of Christian salvation, linking it to God’s love, Christ’s sacrificial death, and the believer’s hope and reconciliation. It contrasts the consequences of Adam’s sin with the redemptive work of Christ, emphasizing that grace triumphs over sin and leads to eternal life.r! Commentary by the Rev. Porter C. Taylor

From MWS Brenda this week’s sermon is titled It Took a Miracle .- scripture reference is Joshua 3: 11-17 which recounts the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, where the waters were stopped to allow the Israelites to pass on dry ground, led by the Ark of the Covenant.

Notes:
• The MemPres Pantry program supports Atkins Schools by feeding into their Blessing Boxes. Bring in those boxed/canned items which we will provide to the school system.
• MemPres supports the Atkins Elementary/Middle School Backpack Program. In Pope County more than 1 in 4 children are dealing with poverty and food insecurity. During the school year, children have access to free breakfasts & lunches along with backpacks filled with food for weekends. Mem Pres has also committed to providing toiletry kits for the backpack program (Shampoo, Bars of Soap, Toothpaste/brush, Deodorant, Face Wipes.)

06/02/2026

Greetings Friends. For Pentecost 2(A) - June 7th, 2026 our lectionary scriptural Reading is from Mark 3:20-35. This is one of the classically “tough” passages from Mark’s gospel where we have to really wrestle with what is being said and what is definitely not being said. The image of the strong man and Jesus’ comments about his family have long confused many commentators and preachers. That we find these statements to be confusing simply proves the point that Mark’s Jesus is “unknown” before the resurrection, that his identity is kept secret. The structure of the text is actually quite simple. The whole of Mark 3:20-35 takes place in a house—possibly the house of Simon and Andrew—before moving on to a new scene in 4:1. Jesus retires to the house but is followed by two groups of people: the teachers of the law and his family. And both groups accuse Jesus! The teachers of the law accuse Jesus of being in league with Satan and his family accuses him of being crazy. Lamar Williamson, Jr. makes the argument that Mark’s Jesus “subjects himself to the possibility of being misunderstood.” In fact, Jesus’ main line of “defense” throughout Mark is simply to heal, cast out demons and perform good deeds; he spends very little time verbally defending his actions or identity. Let us treat the two claims made against Jesus individually. First, it is laughable that Jesus could somehow be in cahoots with Satan! Jesus is the offspring of Genesis 3:15 who will strike the serpent’s head! Jesus responds to this accusation with three “If…then” statements to show how a Kingdom, a house and Satan cannot stand while divided. Why was Jesus accused this way? It was due to his miraculous signs and wonders! That which could not be understood by the teachers of the law had to be explained away religiously in order to keep with the status quo. It would have been all too simple—despite the Messianic Secret in Mark—for the teachers to see in Jesus the fulfillment of Isaiah and other prophets who foretold of the healing and liberation that would come with God’s kingdom; it would have been too easy to see in Jesus the Holy Spirit promised throughout Ezekiel, Joel, and others. No, the teachers were confronted with something and someone who was removing their power bit by bit and the natural respond was to defend. Jesus offers his comments here on the unpardonable sin: grieving the Holy Spirit. Jesus doesn’t spend too much time defining this sin or even accusing the teachers of committing it, per se. Rather, Jesus makes is clear that the unforgivable sin is recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit and attributing it to demons and Satan. It is to stand oneself against forgiveness habitually. The verb tense in v. 30 is imperfect and suggests that those who “were saying” were doing so regularly, habitually. Doubt and inquiry is celebrated throughout Mark’s gospel and through the whole of the New Testament. A firm conviction against the work of the Holy Spirit is not to be celebrated; it is in fact the unpardonable sin. Perhaps the work of we in “the priesthood of all believers” is to steer clear of judgment or stone throwing and to offer others the hope that doubt at times is ok and that instances of failure to believe does not result in such a sin. Second, Jesus’ family accuses him of being crazy; literally to be “outside of one self.” Jesus’ response is difficult to grasp but please here that he is not doing away with the family structure of his day or ours. Jesus is not rendering some harsh verdict on the meaning of family but expanding our traditional meaning beyond the biological, nuclear family in order to include the family of God. To be a relative of Jesus is to hear and do what the Father is saying through him. Our real family—the communion of all the saints, the church vigilant and militant—is made up of all the men and women who have gone before and who have obeyed and followed the Lord. The great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11-12 is our family; the disciples and their companions were part of Jesus’ family; and those whom we are ministering to in the faith are part of our family. That being said, we are still responsible for loving, caring for, and causing our biological family to grow and to draw closer to Christ. Do not abandon one for the other! Commentary by the Rev. Porter C. Taylor

From MWS Brenda this week’s sermon is titled The Root of Bitterness .- scripture reference is Hebrews 12:12-15 – which encourages believers to strengthen themselves spiritually, pursue holiness and peace, and guard against bitterness that can harm themselves and others.

Notes:
• The MemPres Pantry program supports Atkins Schools by feeding into their Blessing Boxes. Bring in those boxed/canned items which we will provide to the school system.
• MemPres supports the Atkins Elementary/Middle School Backpack Program. In Pope County more than 1 in 4 children are dealing with poverty and food insecurity. During the school year, children have access to free breakfasts & lunches along with backpacks filled with food for weekends. Mem Pres has also committed to providing toiletry kits for the backpack program (Shampoo, Bars of Soap, Toothpaste/brush, Deodorant, Face Wipes.)

05/24/2026

Greetings Friends. For Trinity Sunday (A) – May 31st, 2026 our scriptural Reading is from John’s Gospel – John 7:37-39. Today’s scripture reading describes Jesus offering “living water” to all who believe, symbolizing the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower and satisfy believers. These verses occur during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, a Jewish harvest festival that included a daily water-drawing ceremony at the temple. On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and proclaimed, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38 NIV). This public declaration highlighted Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual fulfillment. The term “living water” symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who would later be given to believers after Jesus’ glorification (John 7:39). Just as water sustains physical life, the Spirit sustains spiritual life, bringing renewal, guidance, and empowerment. The imagery of rivers flowing from within emphasizes that the Spirit’s presence is not external but indwelling, continuously nourishing and overflowing in the believer’s life. Today Jesus extends an open invitation to all who are spiritually thirsty, emphasizing faith in Him as the pathway to receiving the Spirit. The passage anticipates the coming of the Holy Spirit, which would occur after Jesus’ resurrection and glorification, marking a new era of God’s presence dwelling within believers. Jesus’ words echo Old Testament promises of abundant life and salvation, such as Isaiah 12:3 and Isaiah 55:1, where God’s provision is likened to water drawn joyfully from the wells of salvation. *For Christians, John 7:37-39 serves as a reminder that spiritual thirst is satisfied through faith in Christ, and that the Holy Spirit is the source of ongoing spiritual vitality, guidance, and empowerment. Believers are encouraged to seek this “living water” daily, allowing it to flow through their lives to bless others. In summary, John 7:37-39 portrays Jesus as the source of eternal spiritual life, offering the Holy Spirit to all who believe, fulfilling God’s promises and transforming the believer from within. Commentary by godbless.org
From MWS Brenda this week’s sermon is titled “What is our Living Water?”.

05/17/2026

Greetings Friends. For Pentecost – May 24th, 2026 our sermon (Pentecost and Spiritual Gifts”) is derived from our scriptural reading - 1 Corinthians 12:3-13 which is about the varied spiritual gifts given by God to believers to build up the body of Christ, emphasizing the unity and diversity of the church as each member plays a unique and important role in the functioning of the whole body. The scene is set in the city of Corinth, where the apostle Paul is writing a letter to the church he founded there. The believers in Corinth were facing issues of division and pride, particularly concerning spiritual gifts. Paul, in his letter, addresses these issues and emphasizes the importance of unity in diversity within the body of Christ. The scene unfolds in a gathering of believers in Corinth, where individuals from various backgrounds and with different spiritual gifts have come together. Among them are individuals with the gift of prophecy, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of anticipation and curiosity as the believers seek to understand and navigate the complexities of spiritual gifts. As Paul’s letter is read aloud to the group, there is a palpable sense of conviction and reflection among the believers. They are challenged to embrace their unique gifts and roles within the body of Christ, recognizing that each member is essential for the functioning of the whole. The scene is one of unity in diversity, as the believers come to understand the beauty and necessity of different spiritual gifts working together for the common good. This passage from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, delves into the intricate tapestry of spiritual gifts and the unifying essence of the body of Christ. Paul stresses that all spiritual gifts emanate from the same Spirit and are bestowed for the collective benefit of the community. The phrase “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” underscores the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in acknowledging and professing Jesus as Lord, emphasizing the divine empowerment necessary for genuine faith. Furthermore, the assertion that “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” highlights the diverse array of spiritual gifts present in the Christian assembly, all originating from the unified source of the Holy Spirit, fostering cohesion amidst diversity. “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” elucidates that spiritual gifts are not for personal acclaim but for the enhancement and upliftment of the entire body. The analogy of the body, with its many parts forming a cohesive whole, mirrors the unity and interdependence among believers, each fulfilling distinct roles and functions that contribute to the vitality and mission of the church. In Romans 12:4-8, Paul similarly discusses the multiplicity of gifts and the significance of utilizing them harmoniously for the betterment of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 expounds on different roles within the church and their purpose in fortifying the body of Christ, while Galatians 5:22-23, discussing the fruit of the Spirit, complements the discourse on spiritual gifts by showcasing the virtues that should accompany their utilization. beckons us to discern the origin of our spiritual gifts, to utilize them for the common good, and to exult in the unity and diversity present within the body of Christ. It challenges us to transcend self-absorption and actively partake in the betterment of our community, embodying the love and unity that Christ envisions for His church. This passage shows us that the presence of the Holy Spirit can be discerned through the acknowledgment and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. It is by this recognition that we come to understand the working of the Holy Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit reveals and affirms the divinity and lordship of Jesus Christ, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit manifests through the various gifts and abilities bestowed upon believers. These gifts are given for the common good of the church and serve as a tangible demonstration of the Spirit’s presence and work among believers. Believers can discern the presence of the Holy Spirit at work as they see these gifts being used in love and unity within the body of Christ, empowering and equipping them for service. The Holy Spirit ultimately unites believers into one body, the body of Christ. Through the indwelling of the Spirit, believers are connected in a profound spiritual bond, regardless of differences in background, culture, or abilities. This unity, characterized by love, mutual support, and cooperation, testifies to the presence of the Holy Spirit among believers. Commentary by Reverend Michael Johnson

05/11/2026

Greetings Friends. For the 7th SUNDAY OF EASTER (A) – Ascension Sunday our scriptural Reading is from John’s Gospel – Luke 24:44–53. With this reading we find a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry. This passage marks the culmination of Jesus’ earthly journey and the beginning of a new era for his followers. This post explores the historical context and contemporary relevance of these verses, we uncover the profound impact they have on our understanding of faith, mission, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Historically, this moment is significant as it bridges the gap between the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus explains to his disciples that everything written about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled. This assertion underscores the continuity of God’s plan throughout the scriptures and affirms Jesus’ role as the Messiah and marks a pivotal transition in Christian history. As Jesus is taken up into heaven, he blesses his disciples, signifying the transfer of his earthly ministry to them. This event is not just a miraculous occurrence but a symbolic act that empowers the disciples of sharing His message. It also foreshadows the coming of the Holy Spirit, which would equip them for the challenges ahead. The promise of the Holy Spirit is as relevant today as it was for the early disciples. As we await the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will guide, comfort, and empower us to fulfill our divine purpose. Commentary by The Narrow Road
2026 Calendar of Events
May 14th – Ascension Day AKA Holy Thursday
May 17th - Ascension Sunday
May 24th - Pentecost – the birth of the Church – Communion
May 25th - Memorial Day
May 31st - Trinity Sunday
June 13th – 162nd Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Arkansas @ First Pres Conway
June 21st - Fathers’ Day
July 8th – Third Quarter Session Meeting
August 2nd - Communion
September 13th – Grandparents Day
October 4th - World Communion Sunday – Communion – World Communion Offering
October 2nd/3rd– 163rd Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Arkansas @ First Pres Springdale October 7th – Fourth Quarter Session Meeting
October 31st – Reformation Day
November 1st – All Saints Day - Daylight Savings Time – set clocks back
November 2nd – Reformation Sunday
November 11th – Veterans Day
November 22nd – Christ the King Sunday
November 29th – First Sunday of Advent– Hanging of the Greens
December 6th – Second Sunday of Advent - Communion - Christmas Joy Offering
December 13th – Third Sunday of Advent
December 20th – Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 24th – (Thursday) Christmas Eve Service
December 25th – (Friday) Christmas

05/03/2026

Greetings Friends. For the SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (A) – May 10TH, 2026 our scriptural Reading is from John’s Gospel – John 14:15-21. This reading is about Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to be with his disciples, guiding them into truth and continuing to dwell within them after his departure, as a way for believers to experience the presence of God in their lives. The verse from the Bible, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever,” speaks to the deep connection between love for Jesus and obedience to His teachings. It emphasizes that these two aspects are intricately linked. The promise of the Holy Spirit as an advocate and helper is given to those who truly love Jesus and seek to live out His commandments in their daily lives. Imagine being offered a constant companion, a guiding force, and a source of strength at all times. This is the promise of the Holy Spirit to those who love and follow Jesus. The verse encourages believers to not only profess their love for Christ but also demonstrate it through their actions by obeying His teachings. It reminds us that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to live out our faith in a tangible way. When we love Jesus and keep His commands, we open ourselves up to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will walk with us on our spiritual journey and empower us to live a life that is pleasing to God. Today, this passage holds relevance in reminding us that true love for Jesus is displayed through our obedience to His commands, challenging the notion that love is merely a feeling. The promise of the Holy Spirit offers comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty, while Jesus’ assurance of His presence reassures us of His care even in our darkest moments. Reflecting on stories of individuals finding solace and direction through the Holy Spirit can illustrate the practical application of Jesus’ promises in our lives. In conclusion, John 14:15-21 invites us to ponder our relationship with Jesus, the significance of obedience as an expression of love, and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let us consider how we can demonstrate our love for Christ through our actions and seek the guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit in our daily walk with Him. To show love and obedience to God, we must follow His commandments. This demonstrates our love for Him by aligning our actions with His will. Obedience to God is not merely following a set of rules, but rather a heartfelt response out of love and reverence for Him. We show that we trust in His wisdom and goodness by walking in obedience to His teachings. Furthermore, as believers, we are called to abide in God’s presence and cling to Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. This intimate relationship with God strengthens our faith and allows His love to flow through us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live in a way that reflects God’s character, showing love to others and shining His light in a world that is in need of His grace and truth. Commentary by Reverend Michael Johnson
From MWS Brenda this week’s sermon is titled “What do we know of the Holy Spirit?”. The scripture reference is John 14:15-21.

04/27/2026

Greetings Friends. For the FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (A) – May 3rd, 2026 our scriptural Reading is from John’s Gospel – John 14:1-14. This is the fifth of the seven weeks of Eastertide. Between now and Pentecost, we’ll continue exploring Jesus’ teachings on faith and intimacy with God. This week’s reading from the Gospel of John includes one of the most famous — and infamous — verses in the New Testament: Jesus’ remark that “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Too often, this sentence is distorted into a dogma of exclusion, as if Jesus is saying, If you’re not Christian, you’re damned. As we’ll see, this is a drastic misunderstanding of what Jesus is actually up to in this story. What’s he up to? He’s trying to reassure his anxious, heartbroken disciples. Why are they anxious and heartbroken? Jesus has just delivered a devastating one-two punch: first, the news that “I am with you only a little longer” and “Where I am going, you cannot come” (John 13:33); and second, that Peter — and by extension, the whole group — will deny and desert him in his imminent hour of need (John 13:38). For the disciples, worse news could scarcely be imagined. They’re stunned, and beginning to panic — and at precisely this moment, this week’s passage begins. The larger context is John’s version of the Last Supper (John 13-17). John doesn’t include the Eucharist in his narrative, instead focusing on how Jesus washes the disciples feet and then delivers the so-called “farewell discourses” — basically his last words of guidance and consolation for his followers as he takes his leave. The broad strokes in this section of John, then, are that Jesus is on his way out, the Holy Spirit is on her way in (as we’ll see in next week’s reading; see John 14:15-26), and the post-Easter church is about to be born, a community that, Jesus insists, will go on to do even “greater works” than he did (John 14:12). Christians tend to valorize Jesus’ time “in the flesh” — but for John, the symphony of salvation continues to crescendo with each movement, and the rise of the Spirited-church-abiding-in-Jesus is an even “greater” phase of God’s redemptive work. At its heart, this is a passage of consolation, of Jesus reassuring dismayed disciples — then and now — that he isn’t abandoning them. He will not leave them orphaned. And he doesn’t interrupt this care and consolation with a jarring aside, a pronouncement about excluding other people from salvation (!). No, his remark, “No one comes to the Father except through me” is intended to calm and console his friends, to give them “peace” in the midst of turmoil. He’s saying, Don’t worry: I’m leaving, but we’ll still be together. Just keep going toward God in the Way we’ve been traveling, and I’ll be with you — for I am the Way! I am the Divine Logos! As long as you’re going toward God, you’ll be going “through” and with me. We often think and speak of the good news of Christ’s advent, his arrival, his coming near — but here we learn of the good news of Christ’s departure, his “going away” (John 14:28). Jesus goes away like a tablet dissolves into water: the tablet is gone, but at the same time its presence pervades the water entirely. His absence, then, also makes way for a new presence of the Spirit, all of which gives rise to the community of the church, the movement that will go on to do even “greater works” (John 14:12). In other words, Jesus leaves in order to make possible an even more intimate communion with us, and with creation as a whole: “I am going away, and I am coming to you” (John 14:28). In practical terms, what would such mutual indwelling look like? It would look like Jesus, and at the same time it would look like us — that is, it would look like us being true to ourselves, the people God made us to be. In a word, it would look like love: incarnate, tangible, down-to-earth love. And from another angle, it would look like peace: not just any peace, but what Jesus calls “my peace,” the shalom of God, a buzzing, blooming, fruitful community, coming and going, alive with the Spirit, sparkling with service, healthy and whole.
From MWS Brenda this week’s sermon is titled What’s the Evidence of Your Faith?. The scripture reference is John 14:1-14.

04/20/2026

Greetings Friends. For the Fourth Sunday of Easter – April 26th, 2026 our scriptural Reading is from John’s Gospel – John 10:1–10. This reading is a crucial passage in the Gospel of John that presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who offers protection and guidance to his followers. This passage is part of a larger conversation that Jesus had with the Pharisees, who were religious leaders in Israel at the time. In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of the Good Shepherd to illustrate his role as a spiritual leader and caretaker for his followers. The passage begins with Jesus pointing out that those who try to enter the sheep pen (representing the community of believers) through illegitimate means are thieves and robbers (v. 1). He establishes himself as the true shepherd who enters by the gate (v. 2) and whose voice the sheep recognize and follow (v. 3-5). When the Pharisees fail to understand his metaphor (v. 6), Jesus further clarifies his role as the gate (v. 7) and states that all who have come before him are thieves and robbers (v. 8). By declaring that he is the gate, Jesus emphasizes that he is the only way to salvation and a relationship with God (v. 9). He contrasts himself with the thief, whose sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy, and explains that his own mission is to give life to the full (v. 10). There are several key themes and meanings in this passage, including:
• Jesus as the Good Shepherd: Jesus is portrayed as a loving, protective, and guiding figure for his followers, who are likened to sheep in need of care.
• The exclusivity of Jesus as the path to salvation: Jesus emphasizes that he is the only way to salvation and a relationship with God, and that any other means are illegitimate and harmful.
• The importance of recognizing Jesus’ voice: Jesus’ followers are called to recognize and follow his voice, which symbolizes his teachings and guidance. This implies that believers should be discerning and attentive to the truth of Jesus’ message.
• The contrast between the thief and Jesus: The thief, who represents false spiritual leaders and influences, seeks to harm and destroy, while Jesus’ purpose is to bring life and abundance. This highlights the importance of choosing to follow Jesus and his teachings in order to experience the fullness of life.
• Jesus’ mission to give abundant life: Jesus came not only to provide eternal salvation but also to offer a life marked by spiritual abundance, fulfillment, and joy.
In conclusion our reading is a rich and powerful passage that presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd who protects, guides, and provides for his followers. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus’ voice and following him exclusively in order to experience the abundant life he offers. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to be wary of false spiritual leaders and influences that seek to deceive and destroy. As believers, we can take comfort in Jesus’ role as our Good Shepherd, knowing that he cares for us and leads us in our spiritual journey. By staying attentive to his voice and teachings, we can experience the fullness of life that he has come to give us. Commentary from Ministry Answers
From MWS Brenda this week’s sermon is titled Jesus vs the World. The scripture reference is John 10:1–10.

Notes:
• Due to the busy schedules of all, our Lent Bible Study has been postponed. When we pick back up on this study, please remember to bring friends and relatives, neighbors, co-workers and former co-workers, city employees, people from nursing homes and off the streets, lepers, the blind and lame, business people, the isolated and lonely, farmers, former convicts, bus drivers, college students,, prostitutes, etc., etc.

• The MemPres Pantry program supports Atkins Schools by feeding into their Blessing Boxes. Bring in those boxed/canned items which we will provide to the school system.

• MemPres supports the Atkins Elementary/Middle School Backpack Program. In Pope County more than 1 in 4 children are dealing with poverty and food insecurity. During the school year, children have access to free breakfasts & lunches along with backpacks filled with food for weekends. MemPres has also committed to providing toiletry kits for the backpack program (Shampoo, Bars of Soap, Toothpaste/brush, Deodorant, Face Wipes.)