Community of Christ - Plymouth MI

03/29/2024

As Easter draws near, hearts around the world are lifted with anticipation and hope. This sacred holiday, cherished by Christians worldwide, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Yet, Easter is more than just a religious observance—it is a time of profound significance, inviting us to reflect on themes of renewal, redemption, and the triumph of light over darkness.

At its core, Easter celebrates the central event of Christianity—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospels, Jesus, crucified and buried, emerged triumphantly from the tomb on the third day, fulfilling ancient prophecies and offering humanity the promise of salvation. This miraculous event stands as a testament to the power of God's love and the victory over sin and death.

Just as nature awakens with the arrival of spring, Easter symbolizes spiritual renewal and rebirth. It is a time to cast off the burdens of the past and embrace the promise of a new beginning. Through the resurrection of Christ, believers are invited to experience a transformation—a renewal of faith, hope, and purpose.

Central to the Easter narrative is the concept of redemption. Jesus' sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection offer the ultimate redemption—the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of fellowship with God. The Apostle Paul eloquently captures this truth in his letter to the Romans (Romans 6:4), "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Beyond the festivities and traditions, Easter conveys a timeless message of hope—a hope that transcends the trials and tribulations of life. It reminds us that, even in our darkest moments, there is light; even in our most profound struggles, there is redemption. As we celebrate Easter, let us embrace this message of hope and allow it to illuminate our hearts and minds.

"Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!"

02/12/2024

Titus 2:13
We wait for the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

11/01/2023

The House of Representatives is voting tonight for colleges and universities to publicly condemn antisemitism on their campuses

Please text the word campus to 72572. It will take you to a link to your state representative. It takes less than a minute. The vote is tonight.

I already did it.
Please send this to as many people as you can.

10/30/2023

Yum

Loaded Potato Soup
INGREDIENTS:
1 package (12 oz) bacon
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
6 cups chicken broth (from two 32-oz cartons)
2 lb baking potatoes, peeled, cubed
2/3 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
Must express something to keep getting my recipes.... Thank you.
Full recipe in first comment

04/17/2022

It should not be a surprise that we are talking about Jesus' resurrection today. In Luke 24:1-8 it says..

"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words."

It goes on to say in verse 10-11, that when the Apostles heard of Jesus' rise from the dead, they didn't believe them because it didn't make sense.

We, as a people and as a church can have that same reaction when we are restored. When you make a change in your life, do people believe it? My challenge to you is to do something radical, start something new. Jesus gave us a gift of repentance for our earthly sins, here is our chance to start over. It is never too late, no matter how bad we were, to repent and have God not remember the sins. If you fail, keep trying! God will love that you try again!

04/03/2022

Before today's scripture, I wanted to thank everyone who takes the time to read my posts. I am not a master Theologian, not a Pastor, just a disciple who does his best to follow Christ. I appreciate the likes and shares I receive.

Today we are focusing on John 12:1-8. The story of Mary washing Jesus' Feet. It reads..

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Stealing from the poor, as Judas did, is never okay. Jesus' answer to him was surprisingly gentle, telling him that it is okay that Mary washed his feet with the oil despite the cost. You have to wonder if Jesus was aware of the theft that was happening?

Mary showed lavish love to Jesus, which is a contrast of Judas. This passage gives permission, so to speak, to honor Jesus in extravagant ways, perhaps even by giving a massive donation to the poor. It warns against mistaking discipline for discipleship. It embraces affection as part of a devotion to Jesus that is nothing less than the costly, precious gift of one’s whole self–down to every last strand of hair.

03/27/2022

Today we will spotlight the parable of the lost sheep, as it says in Luke 15:1-7

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

I've personally done plenty of wondering over the last 10 years or so. There have been varying degrees of folks who try to go after me. Sometimes I run further, other times I stop and listen and then there are the times where no one goes after me at all. I've experienced all three in my time. I've learned it is okay to run, okay to listen and most of the time, it is okay people don't come after me. I've also learned that God is patient and still loves me regardless of where I am at with the communities.

I know there are lots of people who have spouses, partners, children and grand children who are not participating in religious organizations at this time. You see them make bad choices, distance themselves from God and just plain be indifferent to traditions you hold in your life. Be comforted in knowing that God knows their name, loves them and patiently waits for their return. Their return could be in a different expression of faith or circumstance, it is fine for them to express their faith differently. Be patient, leave those issues at Jesus' feet. Don't worry about them, they have the best shepherd and advocate watching over them. Tell them you love them, unconditionally, just like Jesus does.

01/22/2022

Today we are focusing on Luke 4:14-21 where Jesus, who is gaining attention from all parts of the land. His teachings in the synagogues were becoming very uplifting to the people and many came to see Him.

In verse 16, it says that he went to Nazareth on the Sabbath day (what many would consider Sunday now) to a synagogue. Someone handed Jesus a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, Jesus started reading: (Starts in verse 18 and 19)

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
Jesus handed the scroll back and sat down saying “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and helping the poor is two of our Church's most important missions. We have many missions in our World Church to help humanity throughout the world. This could be helping a village dig a water well, provide farm animals for food and house the homeless. We also have many Pastors, Elders and ordinary disciples (like myself) who try to spread the good news of our Savior to others. There are others who work tirelessly outside any organization to help our neighbors. Jesus shows us that ordinary people can do great things!

So, today the scripture is being fulfilled ! We can do it!

01/17/2022

I'm thinking about Jesus' most earliest miracles. In John, Chapter 2 1-11, Jesus and His Mother went to a wedding. As the event rolled on, they eventually ran out of wine. Jesus' Mother told Jesus of the shortage, which made Jesus question why he is involved but eventually asked to handle the situation.

It says in verses 6-8.. "Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

The master was brought the stone bucket by servants. Expecting water, he tasted wine. It tasted good, like the premium wine you would serve at the beginning of the evening, but this was toward the end of the banquet.

How often do we feel ordinary? Like the water in the buckets? Surely I can't provide any kind of miracles like Jesus! With Jesus and some faith, anything is possible.

We can be a blessing to everyone in our lives by living an authentic, loving life and believing in yourself. I've asked God many times to make me useful to the world, be the wine instead of the water. How can an imperfect man, with some bumps and bruises, be transformed with the help of Jesus? It's a work in progress, but I know who's helping me.

01/08/2022

We hope you had a great New Years Celebration with family and friends. As a faith community, we are hopeful that 2022 can be a year full of miracles, good health and peace.

Today's scripture is from the Old Testament, The Book of Isiah 43: 1-7. It reads..

But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”

In this passage, God is telling the nation of Israel that He is with them, not to fear and He loves them. I especially like the "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Was this handy information to have? Maybe they walked through fire often?

I have a testimony of God's love for all of us, not just Old Testament Israel. We are His children, he is our God, the love goes both ways. Believers, doubters and everyone in-between is loved in a way that only God can. As this society becomes more secular, there are many Christians that are concerned for their non believing family members. Rest assured God is with them too and patiently waits for their return. Be patient, loving and authentic, just as God would. You may be surprised how quick a heart can change.

12/31/2021

Happy New Year from Community of Christ Plymouth. May your year be full of joy, hope love and peace. This week, we are focusing on joy and renewal. We find this in Jeremiah 31:7-14, in the Old Testament.

God starts out saying to gather His people. It says in verses 8 and 9:

"Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son."

I hear joyous words that people of all kinds and afflictions will gather in an inclusive way. No boarders, no judgement, everyone is invited in the throng. It goes on in verses 12-13

They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord— the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

To me, this shows a joyful and graceful side of God, one that reaches out to the enslaved (by sin and guilt), people in distant lands far from God and those who turn their backs on Him. It's an invitation to allow God to show His grace and forgiveness to make our burdens lighter. God does not force a relationship with us, but the scripture is an invitation to reach out. It is never too late, God knows our names and our hearts and waits for us patiently. Try reaching out, you may be surprised what comes back.

12/26/2021

We do not know much about Jesus' childhood. I could only imagine what it would have been like to have your son be so important. How did Mary and Joseph keep him safe? Was Jesus hiding in plain sight or was He hidden? I have not found a source that answers those questions.

Luke 2:41-52 details 12 year old Jesus' visit to the yearly Passover Festival held in Jerusalem. After the Festival, Jesus somehow stayed behind while His family traveled for a day. It took three days for Mary and Joseph to find Jesus, who was found talking to Elders, Teachers and others asking questions. They were astonished by His understanding and questions.

When He was found, Jesus could see that Mary and Joseph was very worried. Jesus said

"Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?"

Jesus was obedient the rest of the journey but Mary noticed that Jesus ".. grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

Jesus was wrong to not be obedient to his parents but He was learning and listening to the Elders. Our church has many people who are wise and do their best to share Jesus' message. Jesus proves that anyone can learn, even children, Elders, younger, older and those in between. Never stop asking questions, reading and learning. It makes us more informed, better disciples and better humans in general.