October 21, 2021 | ISSUE #81 |
|
Love. Share. Grow. Serve. |
|
Bellefield family,
One of the most famous parables Jesus told is the parable of the sower. You can read it in Mark 4:1-20 (it's also found in Matthew 13 and Luke 8). You may be familiar with it: someone goes along, sowing seed that lands on different kinds of soil. Some is eaten by birds before it even takes root, some lands on rocky ground and withers quickly, some lands among thorns and is choked out, and some lands in good soil and produces incredible growth.
Jesus goes on to explain that this refers to the way in which the word of God goes forth in this world and the kinds of reception it finds in people's hearts. Given that, it's possible to see the series of accounts in Acts 17 as something of a real world case study of that parable. (Take a minute and read Acts 17 if you're not familiar with it.)
When Paul and Silas went to Thessalonica to preach the gospel, there were some who believed, though they were ultimately driven out of the city by those who "were disturbed when they heard these things" (Acts 17:8). They then went to Berea, where the people "received the word with all eagerness" (Acts 17:11) and many people became believers. After that, they went to Athens, and when Paul preached about the resurrection of Jesus some mocked him, others wanted to hear more before they made up their minds, and others believed (Acts 17:32-33).
The total portrait is very much in line with what Jesus said would happen when the word of God goes forth. There will be places where it finds no reception, places where the grain and the thorns are entangled, and places where it bears much fruit. Because of this, there are two things I'd encourage you to do.
First, examine your own heart. Has the good news of Jesus found fertile ground there? It's important to prayerfully seek the Lord and ask him to help you see the beauty, wonder, grace, and truth of the gospel in ever-deepening ways.
Second, pray that the good news of Jesus would go forth from this place and find receptive hearts here in Oakland and beyond. As we've been studying in our current sermon series on Romans, the gospel "is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). However, as Paul asks later in the letter, "how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?" (Romans 10:14).
We share the good news--or, sow the seed, to use Jesus' imagery--understanding that it will find varying levels of reception in the hearts it reaches, and yet doing so with the expectation that there are those who will hear and "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing they may have life in his name" (John 20:31).
Grace and peace,
Josh
|
|
COMMUNITY CARE
In need of help? Looking for ways to get connected? Here's how:
Connect
If you are looking for ways to connect with our community, please reach out to us using this connect form. One of our staff or leaders would be happy to talk with you.
Small Groups
If you would like to grow in your faith through joining a small group, there are a number of groups to choose from! Email Julie for more information.
Prayer
Our Prayer Team will offer prayer after our morning service. Contact Greg if you need to talk or would like prayer during the week.
Deacons
If you or your family have been experiencing spiritual, financial, or physical hardship during this time, please reach out to our Deacons who are here to help care for you.
|
|
Given the still significant number of COVID-19 cases in our region, our leadership is asking that everyone please wear a mask during indoor worship services and group gatherings in the church. More details are on our website.
|
Sunday, October 24th
Monday, October 25th
- Women's Bible Study @ 9:30am, Conference Room
Tuesday, October 26th
- Rooted @ 6:30pm, Bellefield Patio (Lot)
Wednesday, October 27th
- PRISM International Women's Bible Study @ 10:00am, Conference Room
- Women's Bible Study @ 7:30pm, Zoom
- Cornerstone: Pitt University Ministry Gathering @ 8:40pm, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, October 28th
Sunday, October 31st
- Sunday Classes @ 9:15am
- Worship Onsite @ 10:30am, Sanctuary
- Worship Online, Livestream @ 10:30am
- Congregational Meeting @ 11:45, Sanctuary
- Worship Onsite @ 5pm, Patio
*To watch our worship service online after Sunday morning, head over to our YouTube page, click Videos and then Past Live Videos. On Monday mornings you can find the recorded live stream on the front page of our YouTube channel.
|
|
|
|
Congregational Meeting
Sunday October 31st
|
Congregational meeting to be held on Oct 31 after the 10:30am service. For the purpose of electing a new Nominating Committee and Associate Pastor Search Committee only. |
|
|
|
Haiti Dinner
Celebrate 15 years of Haiti H20
|
Come celebrate with us on
Wednesday, October 27th
and enjoy authentic Haitian cuisine provided by Sak Pasé Pgh.
We will come together to celebrate transformation through partnership!
Where: Church of the Ascension
4729 Ellsworth Ave. PGH, PA 15206
When: 5:30-7:30 pm
Price: $15.00 per person
Dinner will be served outside under a tent weather permitting. Masking will not be required. If we have to move indoors due to weather, masks will be required unless you are eating.
|
|
|
|
Bellefield Presbyterian Church | 4001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 | 412-687-3222 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
