Verona United Methodist Church

February 9, 2020

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. (Philippians 2:14-16)

Before I was a pastor, I belonged to a small country church in Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia. The older church members told the story of a local man who some years before would have nothing to do with preachers or their churches. He had a rather wild reputation so there was shock all around one Sunday morning when he walked into the church, sat down, and fervently joined in the worship. It wasn't long before he had joined the choir, reformed his "wild" life and given his heart to Jesus.

This new church member wasn't content to simply be a pew sitter on Sunday mornings. He knew the church had no indoor plumbing for restrooms and a kitchen; and little room for Sunday School classes. So he headed up a committee to build an multi-purpose building next to the sanctuary. He personally did much of the manual labor.

When the man passed away a few years later, the deeply appreciative congregation named the building in his honor.

It's easy, isn't it, to become jaded about the possibility of change - in others and in ourselves. Is it really possible for the Gospel to bring about a complete turn-around in a human being? God's Word answers with a resounding "Yes!"

I hope you'll be in worship Sunday to hear the testimony of a man named Paul. A man who was changed forever when he met Jesus.

Blessings in His name!

Pastor Bob

Philippians 3:8-12