The calendar we use for the church year follows the calendar our society uses. The church calendar emphasizes, however, certain seasons and holidays that the secular world does not. For example, during 2007, in January, the church year began with Sundays of ordinary time, that continued until February when the season of Lent began, the season of preparation and anticipation of Easter that lasted for 40 days leading up to Palm and Easter Sunday. Easter season began after Easter Sunday and continued throughout April until the end of May when we celebrated Pentecost Sunday and then Trinity Sunday. Ordinary time resumes until Advent begins the first weekend of December. Why are these weeks and times of the year called ordinary time?
“...“ordinary” comes from the Latin word, “ordinal”, which means numbered. It is helpful to note the origin of the word ordinary, for there is nothing ordinary about Jesus or about being His disciple.”
The word “ordinary” comes from the Latin word, “ordinal”, which means numbered. It is helpful to note the origin of the word ordinary, for there is nothing ordinary about Jesus or about being His disciple. Although there is a strong emphasis in the church on the holy seasons of the year, such as Lent, Easter and Advent, it is the times in between where the nitty-gritty of our faith is lived out. The liturgical color for Ordinary time is green, representing the life and hope we can have in Jesus. It is also important to reflect on another meaning of ordinary. A quick study of a dictionary tells us that ordinary means “customary, usual, familiar, unexceptional or common.”
“Scripture reminds us that God loves to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.”
Scripture reminds us that God loves to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. In Acts 4:13, for example, Peter and John have just shared their faith in Jesus with the Sanhedrin. Their religious education would have paled in comparison with that of religious leaders. The two disciples, however, have walked and talked, watched and learned from an extraordinary rabbi, Jesus the Christ, the only Begotten Son of God. As a result, they were willing and able to be used by God in an extraordinary way. The reaction of the Sanhedrin in 4:13 and of Peter and John in 4:18-20 is telling,
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus...Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
God used two “ordinary” men in Peter and John to lay the foundation for His church. Today, God also wants to use each of us to do extraordinary things to share His love.
“Jesus promises us that He will do extraordinary things in and through us.”
Jesus promises us that He will do extraordinary things in and through us. In John 14:12, Jesus tells us, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” How can this be possible? It is possible because we are filled with the gift and the Person of the Holy Spirit. This gift fulfills the promise of God made in Joel that He would pour out His Spirit on all people (Joel 2:28). Because of the Holy Spirit being in us, our lives will never be the same. Our extraordinary God is now powerfully with and even in us. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.” God loves to use ordinary people, like you and me, to do extraordinary things, for His glory and for His kingdom.
Praise God for His extraordinary love and that He graciously uses us for His glory. In these “ordinary” weeks and seasons, may we come to see our extraordinary God in new and amazing ways, as His Holy Spirit fills us and renews us so that we can become more like Jesus.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Brian
Sermons for July 2007
Enjoying New Life in Light of the Resurrection
A Study of 1 and 2 Peter
July 1, 2007: “Adding to Your Faith”
Psalm 97:1-10; 2 Peter 1:1-11
“Communion Sunday”
July 8, 2007: “Refreshing our Memories”
Psalm 111:1-10; 2 Peter 1:12-21
;Baptisms of Gonzales Children&
July 15, 2007: Pastor Brian on Vacation
Guest Preacher Pastor Vigen Galustian
July 22, 2007: “Made Up Stories”
Psalm 37:1-11; 2 Peter 2:1-10
Baptisms of Kirton Children
July 29, 2007 “Springs Without Water”
Psalm 1:1-6; 2 Peter 2:11-22
As we celebrate the God’s goodness during July, we will look at the letter of 2 Peter as we learn how to enjoy new lives in Christ in the knowledge that His tomb is empty and that Christ is risen. When provided, please read and reflect on the Scriptures ahead of time in preparation for hearing and responding to God’s Word as it is read and proclaimed.
