Sunday Recap 9-13-09

Morning: The sermon entitled, "Persistence in Prayer," drew from Luke 18:1-8. In this passage Luke records a parable Jesus taught his disciples. He begins by giving us a key to the passage: "he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). This parable was told so that his disciple would know to pray without losing heart. Shifting from the key to the story, Jesus paints the picture of wicked villain and a helpless widow. The villain, an unjust judge who neither feared God nor cared for men, sets out to deny justice to the widow. The widow wears him out by asking him for justice continually.

Jesus drives the point of the story home by pointing out some important truths. First, he reminds us that the unjust judge said, "I don't fear God or care about people, but she's wearing me out-I'll give in." He uses this to imply a contrast with God. God cares about his glory, he cares about people, and he delights in hearing the prayers of his people. Second, he begins asking probing questions: "And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?" The answer is God will give them justice. He also asked, "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" This final question is asked to drive home the need to pray continually. Our faith is demonstrated by our continual asking, in trust, the Lord to meet our needs.

Evening: We moved our services to the County-wide revival at Morgantown Elementary School's Gymnasium. It will continue through Wednesday Night. Services are at 7:00 pm.