“Including the Excluded”
November 22nd, 2009
Peter had to decide he had to include what had been excluded! God seems to be calling us to this kind of moment today. Who are the excluded in our culture today? Why is that so? Acts 10: 34-43
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Dear Pastor Bob;
I was not “In Attendance” at your Sermon entitled; “Including the Excluded”. I do know what that means, because one of the “Greatest Obstacles” we face as Christians, is the (Social Barriers) we set against ourselves. God’s Love demands that we care for Widows and Orphans, “The Lowly Ones”, building in Faith, Spirit and Truth. However,the Greatest Challenge we face is we live in a world full of; MATERIALISM and with all of its devices. PDA’s, Cell Phones, IPADS, E-Mail, MySpace, Twitter & Facebook.
These Modern Technology Marvals do nothing in reinforcing NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS. If anything,they separate,divide,isolate,and create unloving environments.
As a (Valley Boy) who grew up at the bottom of the hill; W Seneca Tnpk and Valley Drive in the 1960′s I miss those NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS. Back then, Your Neighbor was your Extended Family. So was the Merchants; Example:(Bill Gannon’s – Super Duper) now Gannon’s Isle. The only way to Welcome those that have been Excluded in Life, is the following;
(1) Excerise friendship that comes from the Figretive Heart.Going beyond the (Once a Week) Church Service.
(2) Regularly Keeping In-Touch by Phone & Home Visits.
(3) Schedule regular gatherings with your neighbors, welcoming those NEW TO THE AREA!!!
(4) Conduct Church Sponsored “Block Parities”, forming a Carnival Atmosphere, in the attempt to MELD THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER.
(5) Forming an Empty Nester’s Group, (Children out of the House), In Rebuilding Relationships previously lost,(Or New).
In our Lord and Saver’s Praise,, And in God’s Blessing’s and Love!…Paul,B
(INCLUDING THE EXCLUDED SUMMARY) It is also important to note, that this makes not only for a Strong Congregation and Community, but also provides the “Building Blocks” in Making Disciples, “Preaching and Teaching” in witnessing to others about God’s Kingdom, as we are all gods stewards “Saved by Grace”. Matthew 24:14 commands that this “Good News” will be preached in all of the inhabited earth, for a witness to all of the nations, and then the “End of this Age will Come”. We do this, (all of God’s People) not out of fear, but out of our “Godly Love” for our savor Jesus Christ. And, for one another, Our Neighbors…PEACE, and BLESSINGS!!..Paul,B
We are Eric Sinkula’s parents, and we are very proud of our son for his work with finding accepting churches for GLBT people. He has worked hard for several years and has found over a thousand churches for the directory he suports – this is not a paid position, rather a effort of love and compassion on the part of our wonderful son. God has truly blessed your church, and may God continue to bless you and the emebers and families in your congregation.
Carna and Frank…thanks for you comment. We will be discussing further this fall what it means for us to include the excluded. I am blessed with a great congregation of people. Bob Langston
I was so moved by this (and all of your) sermon(s) that I posted this one on my facebook links page so that I can do my part in getting the word out. If it just inspires/ changes one person then I feel there is hope for others too. Wish I could be there every Sunday!
Lots of Love
Kellie
Hey my dear…thanks so much for your kind words! This was truly ‘of God.’
BTW…we prayed for you and Josh and Haylee today. Will be in touch. Tons of love…pastorbob
Bob,
I have listened to Sundays sermon a second time and am just as moved the second time around.
I am right with Sue and Steve and have forwarded the sermon on to friends of mine. I believe that professing the Christian faith means that we are inclusive — not exclusive.
Thank you,
Betty
Thank you,
Betty
Thank YOU Betty! Trusting God blesses this witness and yours. Love you…Bob
Bob,
I just want to praise you for having the courage to take this one on! I surely do thank you! I will forward this on to all of my children.
I hope Karen is feeling better soon.
I love you and Karen,
Sue
i agree with you Sue… Good job Bob. This has always been a difficult subject for me. I wrestled with it as I forwarded the Email. I have firends that have chosen a different path than I have and are wonderful, loving caring people. I would never hesitate in the least to call them my friends. Guess I need to get out of the old “rut” and try having a more open, Christian mind. Guess I have some soul searching. Kudo’s.
Steve…thanks for the kudos. Right back atcha. Bob
Thanks Sue. This sermon was truly a God moment for me. We’ll see where the Lord takes us. Blessings and love to you and Scott as well.
pastor bob