This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:35

I love the account of Acts 8, how Philip was directed by the Spirit to share the faith with an Ethiopian eunuch. There are all kinds of speculations about the Ethiopian, how and why he was worshiping in the temple at Jerusalem and such.

But, just for a moment, let's ponder the little verse I've posted above. These days, there are all kinds of sentimentalities about THE faith and, more importantly, THE Gospel. We're told to "live" the Gospel. I've heard it so many times, "Preach the Gospel and, if necessary, use words." The problem with such sentimentalities is that they basically ignore what the Gospel is and the faith that it births.

Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with a passage of Scripture in Isaiah, Luke records, "he [Philip] told him [the Ethiopian] about Jesus." The Gospel is not a lifestyle. It is not something to be observed. The Gospel is a message made up of words which express complete thoughts. The Gospel is given to be heard, and through the hearing of it, faith is birthed and individuals are brought to confess THE faith.

What is the Gospel? I tell this to the confirmands every year. St. Paul answers that question in 1 Corinthians 15: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve...

There you have it. The Good News about Jesus, the Gospel, that Philip delivered to the Ethiopian is that Jesus died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. No wonder the Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing after his baptism, for there is no sweeter word!

This week at Mt. Olive:
The Mother Daughter banquet is this coming Saturday evening. The menu is salad, lasagna, cheese cake, and some homemade bread. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children. Call Dawn Johnson or Kathy Jennings to purchase.

Speaking of the Mother Daughter banquet, I'd like to put some of the guys on standby. I'm not sure how many meals will be served, so I'm not sure how many people will be needed for serving. There are a couple of folks who have graciously volunteered to help prepare, though.

Also for this coming weekend, since it's Mother's Day, I think I'll cancel Confirmation Class so the young 'uns can spend some time with their mothers that day.

Looking ahead - 20 MAY - the Jr. and Sr. Youth will be heading out to see The Avengers. We'll know more about time and costs the closer we get.

Really looking ahead, Vacation Bible School is 9-13 JULY. Put it on your calendar and get ready to have some fun!

Finally, and very important for the life of the Church, Mt. Olive will host an Ascension of Our Lord service in May 17 (Thursday) at 7:15 p.m. This service will celebrate Christ's ascension into heaven and the promise of His return in glory.

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Wednesday, 9 MAY
8:30 a.m.
Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Bible Study (Revelation 20)

Saturday, May 12
6:30 p.m.
Mother Daughter Banquet

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney, John Sorensen
Ruby Rieder, Ann Cleveland, Walter and Pearly Theiss (Houston), Doris and Burt Nelson
The Church throughout the world as she continues to proclaim the resurrection of Christ

God bless!
PKJ