“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That verse from 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us that down to the most menial, routine task our objective is to bring honor to our Lord.
I am sure you are familiar with the film Chariots of Fire. It is based on the true story of two British runners competing in the 1924 Olympics. Eric Liddell is a devout Christian and one of the finest runners in the world. Eric’s sister, Jennie, wants him to leave competitive running to join the family on the mission field in China. Jennie feels Eric is putting running ahead of serving God, and she questions his commitment.
In one scene, Eric attempts to help his sister see his point of view. Eric announces with a smile, “I’ve decided I’m going back to China. The missionary service has accepted…”
Jennie interrupts him. “Oh, Eric, I’m so pleased.”
Eric continues, “But I’ve got a lot of running to do first. Jennie, you’ve got to understand. I believe that God made me for a purpose, for China. He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure. To give it up would be to hold him in contempt. You were right; it’s not just fun. To win is to honor him.”
Let’s not think in compartmentalized terms that certain activities are sacred and others secular. Followers of Christ should view all that we do as good for something and good for someone. No matter where we go and no matter what we do we do it all for the glory of God. Running off to a restaurant after worship is not to be any less spiritual than our time in worship. The Bible makes no such distinction between secular and sacred. My way of serving the Lord in full-time work should not be seen as the primary way of serving and anything less than that is secondary.
Church, wherever you are and whatever you do, be faithful. Whether you are baking bread, or raising little ones, or listening to customers’ complaints, or drive for a living or work in an office or get up each morning to the same routine, be faithful. “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” And Paul adds in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
I am so encouraged by your enthusiasm each Sunday as we worship. My heart is refreshed by the many who are dedicated to the work of the Lord that goes out from this church. Take that with you as you go to the bank, the store, the beach and whatever else is part of your day.
Often if I drive to the office on route 11, I pass a man from our church (Richard) who is praying or singing, likely even preaching. What catches my attention is his joyful enthusiasm in his daily routine of walking! And I can’t help but think of Jim Elliot’s words, “Wherever you are, be all there!”
Striving to be all there in all things,
Pastor Brian
I am sure you are familiar with the film Chariots of Fire. It is based on the true story of two British runners competing in the 1924 Olympics. Eric Liddell is a devout Christian and one of the finest runners in the world. Eric’s sister, Jennie, wants him to leave competitive running to join the family on the mission field in China. Jennie feels Eric is putting running ahead of serving God, and she questions his commitment.
In one scene, Eric attempts to help his sister see his point of view. Eric announces with a smile, “I’ve decided I’m going back to China. The missionary service has accepted…”
Jennie interrupts him. “Oh, Eric, I’m so pleased.”
Eric continues, “But I’ve got a lot of running to do first. Jennie, you’ve got to understand. I believe that God made me for a purpose, for China. He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure. To give it up would be to hold him in contempt. You were right; it’s not just fun. To win is to honor him.”
Let’s not think in compartmentalized terms that certain activities are sacred and others secular. Followers of Christ should view all that we do as good for something and good for someone. No matter where we go and no matter what we do we do it all for the glory of God. Running off to a restaurant after worship is not to be any less spiritual than our time in worship. The Bible makes no such distinction between secular and sacred. My way of serving the Lord in full-time work should not be seen as the primary way of serving and anything less than that is secondary.
Church, wherever you are and whatever you do, be faithful. Whether you are baking bread, or raising little ones, or listening to customers’ complaints, or drive for a living or work in an office or get up each morning to the same routine, be faithful. “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” And Paul adds in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
I am so encouraged by your enthusiasm each Sunday as we worship. My heart is refreshed by the many who are dedicated to the work of the Lord that goes out from this church. Take that with you as you go to the bank, the store, the beach and whatever else is part of your day.
Often if I drive to the office on route 11, I pass a man from our church (Richard) who is praying or singing, likely even preaching. What catches my attention is his joyful enthusiasm in his daily routine of walking! And I can’t help but think of Jim Elliot’s words, “Wherever you are, be all there!”
Striving to be all there in all things,
Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
“Troubled but Triumphant”Revelation 2:8-11
Link to View Last Sunday’s Sermon
audiovideo
OWLS
Join the OWLS as we cruise aboard the oldest floating post office, the “Doris E” on July 25th.The Sophie C is being refurbished. We will eat lunch as we cruise around the lake. We need to know if you prefer an egg or chicken salad sandwich. (We still have your previous sandwich choices, but if you want to change it please let us know). Bring your own drink or you can purchase one on the boat. We will depart EBC at 10am.We will also stop at the Kellerhaus after as they have $1.00 cones (1 scoop) on Wednesdays!
Please RSVP by July 23
Jay and Bette Moreau 582-4458 or 759-3780
Norma Phillips 783-0211 or 848-7203
Cost is $15.00 per person
Women’s Ministry Bible Study
A NEW type of Bible Study series for the ladies of EBC! Every week will be a different topic and a different leader. There will be no books or study guides to purchase and you are free to join in based on your schedule and/or the topic at hand.Tuesday July 24th “The Best Yes” led by Anna Yasharian.
Financial Review Meeting
A Financial Review is an opportunity to learn in more detail our budget for the coming year in a discussion format.August 12th9:50-10:25 Room 104
ASPIRE
Thank you, church, for your donations to Aspire’s Baby Bottle Blessings fundraiser. EBC raised a total of $2,224.34 towards the fundraiser for a grand total of $11,636.78 and counting from other participating churches. Praise the Lord!Please bring back your baby bottle if you have not returned it yet.
EBC Kids
Please pray for EBC Kids! We are expanding this Fall and adding a new classroom for kids downstairs. We therefore need more helpers and teachers to serve once a month! Please pray for us as we grow and pray for more volunteers to join our team. Please email Mary Whitman or call her at 540-986-6626 if you are interested in serving in this growing ministry!Baptism Class
Coming in August. Details to come!Church Picnic
Save the Date!!! Sept. 9thDetails to come!