Sermon for May 11th, 2014

Acts 2:37-47

37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” 40And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Birthing, Mothering & Raising a Church

I was born on Tuesday May 27th, 1975 at 2:52 in the morning. From time to time throughout my life, my mother has taken great delight at calling me at 2:52 in the morning to wish me a happy birthday. The first time she did this, I think I said something to the effect of, "Mom, I was sleeping. You woke me up." To which she promptly replied, "Hey, you woke me up that first morning...I'm just returning the favor!" These days, I just say, "I love you mom. Thanks for getting up so early to bring me into the world."