But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. – 1 Corinthians 12:24-26

This Sunday, we return to our study of 1 Corinthians entitled: Gospel – Church – Community. We will take up Paul’s call for us to be individual members of the corporate body of Christ, that which we call “the church.” He encourages us not to be prideful as we exercise our gifts within the church.

This is a worthy goal, but it is much easier said than done. Pride taints every part of our nature. It was lurking behind the first sin and permeates all sinful behavior since. It leads ultimately to death, which is the last enemy to be destroyed by the overwhelming majesty of Christ as his saints enter into everlasting glory, where pride will live no more. Until then—Wow! What a struggle we face tamping down this great enemy of our faith. If we can learn to practice humility as God has called us to practice it, our relationships (all of them) will be impacted greatly for the good. Grace is so much easier given and received when pride is not rearing its ugly head.

Now, looking forward to 2026, we are off to a great start with our Faith Promise. Over $500,000 has already been promised for next year. God is good, and you are a generous people! Our Faith Promise Offering Boxes will remain available at the front of the worship center for the next few weeks. You can always turn them in via the offering boxes at the back of the worship center as well, or by giving to “Missions” via our online giving. It will be very helpful for us, however, if you do inform us how much you intend to give in 2026 so that we can budget for our missions giving accordingly.

Finally, most of you know I am a great lover of poetry. Let me leave you with a wonderful poem that addresses both our need for prayer and how it allows us to enter into the suffering of others, as Paul encourages us to act as one body, although we are individual people. It is from a missionary autobiography by Norma Bobbett, who served (with her family) as a missionary in Niger, Africa. I hope it will bless you as it blessed me when I read it.

You prayed for me. You did not know my need,

or that I had a fear I could not quell.

You sensed that with me all was not well,

And so – you prayed for me.

You prayed for me. My path had seemed so black,

and yet I knew there was no turning back.

Then, in my loneliness I felt God near,

and down the long, dark road a light showed clear,

because you prayed for me.

You prayed for me. God did Himself attend.

Honored the intercession of my friend.

And as your prayer, like incense sweet did soar,

He did, in love, on me a blessing pour.

The day you prayed for me!

Pray for one another, brothers and sisters, and as one body let us suffer and rejoice together!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jym

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