The Messenger - May 6, 2010 - Bragging

Pastor's Corner

"When to Brag"

Since my mother, Virginia Neuenschwander, is visiting with us over Mother's Day weekend, I have been reminded of some lessons that she taught. When I was growing up, mom was a wonderful listener who rarely said harsh words to anyone. She placed great confidence in us, and she expected great things from us, but she never expected even one of us to brag. That's because we considered braggarts to be arrogant and gauche.

Nonetheless, I have learned that several of Paul's letters in the New Testament use the old Greek word for "bragging" or "boasting" (Kauchema).

2 Cor 10:8 "Even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.

Ro 15:17 "Therefore, I boast in Jesus Christ for my service to God."

2 Cor 1:12 "This is our boast; our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God."

Phil 2:14-16 "Do everything without complaining or arguing. . . so that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."

2 Thess 1:4 "Therefore, among God's church we boast about your perseverance in all the trials that you are enduring."

2 Cor 1:14 "You can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus."

When I first read some of these texts, I thought "Did Paul have a bad mom? Surely, someone should have taught him not to boast." But, as I read these texts more clearly, I realized that Paul wasn't really boasting about himself or his abilities--he was boasting about God and the people whom God had challenged him to serve. Not only that, Paul boasts in his suffering (2 Cor 12:9), because, Gerhard Kittle says, suffering is the "envelope" in which God's power is revealed.

This Sunday's text describes that "envelope" with these famous words:

"We boast in our sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4)

I'll spend some time unpacking that "boast" in my sermon this Sunday morning. I hope you'll join us. And, if possible, I hope you'll bring your mom.

Have a great weekend!

Youth's Corner

Confirmation classes will be held on Wednesday, May 12th from 6:30 PM - 7:40 PM (in the blue room).

American Cancer Society's RELAY FOR LIFE on May 22nd.
Please click here to join or to give support to "First Presbyterian" team.

Editor's Corner

Reflections of a Mother

I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.

I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.

I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.

I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.

I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.

I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.

I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.

I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.

I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.

I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you.

I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.

I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you.

I can warn you about drugs, but I can't prevent you from using them.

I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.

I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.

I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's family.

I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.

I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.

I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.

I can love you with unconditional love all of my life..... and I will!!!

                                                                                                                                 --Author Unknown--

Have a Happy and Blessed Mother's Day to all the moms!

      Yesi

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