False Pictures

By Pastor John Schmidt

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Andrew Purves to our pulpit. A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Dr. Purves teaches Pastoral Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Purves has a deep concern for the renewal of the church and speaks regularly around the country on matters of theological and spiritual renewal. We are glad to have him with us today at the start of the Lenten season.

Next week, we will begin our Lenten sermon series on False Pictures. Each week in this five-week sermon series, we will look into the book of James to see what ways we often carry false pictures about ourselves, about our world, and about God. Each week, we'll move through a separate chapter of James, pulling out important themes for our self-reflection during Lent. Naturally, we can't possibly deal with everything in each chapter in such a short sermon series. To help us get even deeper into the text, we are offering a five-week small group Bible study curriculum. These are designed to be used in our small groups, but they also could be used individually, in mentoring relationships, or in triads. Perhaps you might even pull together a few friends to study this, if you are not currently in a small group. These studies have been written for your use by various members of our congregation. You will be able to find these materials on our website or at the Small Group Table in the Concourse.

For those of you with children in the church, don't miss our 2007 Family Lenten Devotional book, "Lord, I'm Yours," presented to you by our Children's Ministry, God's Big Backyard. This devotional book was also written by members of our congregation. This is an excellent resource for you to use in family devotions during Lent. Lent is a good time to try to carve out a few extra minutes before or after a meal to draw the family together in a moment of special "consecration" to God. If you haven't already received your family's copy, please check at the Children's Ministry Welcome Desk to get one.

The sermon series, the small group curriculum, and the Lenten devotional book are all intended to help you "consecrate yourselves" to the Lord. This is our theme for the year, and it's a challenge that embraces our whole lives. I don't know about you, but I know that I need all the help I can get. Take advantage of these resources and opportunities to spur you on your walk with Jesus Christ. Even better, spend some time before the Lord in deciding what other spiritual disciplines you might begin during this season of light. Remember, God has promised to draw near to us as we draw near to him. Who knows what amazing things God might do inside us as we consecrate ourselves to him!