worship preview

Getting from Tel Aviv back to Canton earlier this week required about 27 straight hours of traveling.  A little over 16 hours of that was spent flying across oceans and continents and  the rest sitting in three different airports.  As I write this, my mind and body continue to try to figure out exactly where I am and what time it is.    Despite the struggles associated with jet lag, the two week pilgrimage to the Holy Land was a fascinating, awe-inspiring trip.  I feel profoundly blessed to have visited the historical sites so central to our faith.  I look forward to sharing my journey with you in the hope that while this journey has ended, what I experienced will help us all to be more faithful and effective travelers in the on-going adventure of Christian discipleship.      At least that's my hope and desire!  And so this Sunday we will journey together in exploring the call of Christ that has been given to each of us.  We will take a look at two Scriptures:  Mark 1:14-20 and Hebrews 11:8-10, which are included below.  In each of these passages, some folks go on a journey of faith.  As you read the passages, you might ask yourself the following questions:  when in your past has God asked you to step out in faith?  how did it feel?  did you respond immediately as the disciples did or was it a more gradual assent?  can you sense where God is asking you to take a step of faith today?  what do these passages tell us about stepping out in faith?   Please be in prayer as we approach the privilege of worshiping God together.   In Christ,   Bryan   Mark 1:14-20 (New International Version) The Calling of the First Disciples  14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"  16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18At once they left their nets and followed him.  19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.   Hebrews 11:8-10 (New International Version)  8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.