The Messenger
Dear Friends,
In the past weeks we have been barraged with headlines and commentaries of fighting in the Middle East, missing and downed airliners, children waiting in detention centers, flooding and droughts. And then there are the private matters that hit closer to home for many in our church. It is understandable that with all the headlines, commentaries, and private matters that people become discouraged, throw up their hands and murmur, "There is nothing good in the world." But I disagree with that statement. Scripture tell us that there is plenty of good left in the world. There is still a lot of life to be lived and hope to share with others.
In the Old Testament book of Ezekiel we find the prophet Ezekiel commanded by God to relay the bad news of judgment to the people of Jerusalem. There will be war, death and captivity. But his message is not all doom and gloom. In Chapter 37, we read that Ezekiel is in a valley of dry bones, very many and very dry. Ezekiel is commanded by God to prophesy to the bones 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord."'(v.4-6) When Ezekiel does as God commands, the bones come to life. God does not perform the miracle of bringing the bones to life again without the prophesying of Ezekiel in the midst of this waste land. Without Ezekiel's prophetic words God's work would not have had the impact on a nation waiting to hear the good news of life. And not just the life they had experienced before but a better life than they had ever experienced before.
If you were in church last week you had the opportunity to hear Greg Long from our choir speak a message of encouragement to us all. In his message he reminded us of the good things we are doing: sponsoring a missionary, providing backpacks to CCSA, ministering to our children, and providing scholarships to students seeking higher education. Yet, he also challenged us to speak a message of hope to our close neighbors and invite them to worship. Are we doing good things at St. Mark's? Yes. Can we do more? Yes! We can share what hope we find at St. Mark's with others who need hope in their lives. We can help bring a breath of fresh air to those in our pews and neighborhoods by inviting them to any of the upcoming events that are on our calendar. When we speak the words, God can do life-changing things.
I look forward to seeing you and your friends at church.
Jeri
Remember the Future: A Leadership Devotion
Praying for the Church and Change
This is an Important Time for St. Mark's!
Be Part of It!
As we head into the fall, I invite you to be part of a church-wide daily devotion called Remember the Future. It calls leaders and friends of St. Mark's to courageous new conversations with readings that cultivate hope, renew vision, and keep us attentive to the mission of Christ.
The devotion will take about 10 minutes a day, and there will be opportunities to meet weekly or participate online for those who are interested. The daily study begins Monday, August 18 and runs through Sunday, September 14, and books will be available starting on August 3. Books are free, with a suggested donation of $5 (designated to Adult Ministries).
Also, please save the date: Saturday, September 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a church-wide planning retreat.
All are invited. Thanks.
Craig
The Yard Sale is Next Week
Just a few more days until we begin sorting and pricing the items donated for the Yard Sale. We hope you have added your name to the list of those who will help before, during or after the sale (clean-up), July 28 - Aug. 2. Please come by to help an hour or two even if you haven't signed up. You will be welcome and appreciated!
Important dates and times to remember:
Delivery of items
Mon.-Wed., 9 AM -7:30 PM; (July 28-30)
Workers needed
Mon.-Wed., 9 AM-7:30 PM, and Thurs. 9 AM- 2 PM. (July 31)
Sale days:
Thurs. 4-7 PM for St. Mark's people, including Pre-school families.
Fri.- Sat. open to the public from 8 AM-2 PM. (Aug. 1-2)
Spread the word among your friends and neighbors. We have great stuff at very low prices!
Memorial Garden Plaques
Are you aware that there is a dedicated Memorial Garden area at St. Mark's? It is the outside upper terrace in front of the church, including the walled deck with trees and plants, and the Memorial Wall. The posts of the Wall hold memorial plaques, dedicated to deceased loved ones as a way to memories of them alive. An accompanying book of biographies with a page for each of those identified by the plaques is inside the Narthex near the Memorial Wall.
Each year we offer the ordering of bronze plaques for deceased former pastors, members, constituents and their immediate families. Plaques may be ordered with either one name (minimum donation of $500) or two names (minimum donation of $750), with the costs covering purchase of the plaques, their installation and dedication, and maintenance of the Memorial Garden.
If you would like to dedicate a plaque, please obtain a Memorial Garden Wall brochure from the church office. The brochure provided much more information, and includes an order form. Orders and payments must be received by August 24 to be included in this year's All Saints Sunday dedication on November 2. If you have further questions, please contact Ron or Donna Newby (858-278-4482) or other members of the St. Mark's Memorials Committee.
Next Week at a Glance
Sunday, July 27 2014
8:30 A.M. Pastor's Sunday School/NR
Summer Choir Rehearsal/Sanc
9:00 A.M. Youth Fellowship/Rm 10
9:30 A.M. Worship
10:45 A.M. Blood Pressure Screening/NR
11:00 A.M. All Church Picnic/Park
12:00 P.M. Tongan Fellowship Worship
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
10:00 A.M. CCO/NR
10:00 A.M. Spanish Story Time
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
5:30 P.M. Bible Study/NR
Thursday, July 31, 2014
4:00 P.M. Yard Sale for Friends
Friday, August 1 2014
8:00 A.M. Yard Sale
7:00 P.M. Girl Scouts/Rm 10
Saturday, August 2, 2014
8:00 A.M. Yard Sale
8:00 P.M. Clairemont Days/Park
Sunday, August 3, 2014
8:30 A.M. Pastor's Sunday School/NR
Summer Choir Rehearsal/Sanc
9:00 A.M. Youth Fellowship/Rm 10
9:30 A.M. Worship
12:00 P.M. Tongan Fellowship Worship
*If you have any questions or would like to add an event to the church calendar, please contact Malinda Whiteley, Church Secretary at 858-273-1480 ext.10 or smumcsdoffice@gmail.com.
Staff Office Hours
Rev. Craig Dorval
Senior Minister
Monday - Thursday
10:30 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.
Rev. Jeri Newell-Davis
Associate Minister
Tuesday - Friday
9 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Rev. George Rosemier
Minister of Visitation
Wednesday 11 A.M. - noon
Spencer Topham
Youth Director
Tuesdays: 2 pm - 6 pm
Wednesdays: 9 am - 1 pm
Thursdays: 9 am - 11 am
Fridays: 9 am - 1 pm
1st, 2nd & 3rd Sundays: 9 am - 11 am
Malinda Whiteley,
Church Secretary
Monday - Friday
8 A.M. - 3 P.M.
About Us
St. Mark's United Methodist Church
3502 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, California 92117
858-273-1480
To contact any member of our staff, visit our staff information page.
Rev. Craig Dorval, Senior Minister
Rev. Jeri Newell-Davis, Associate Minister
Rev. George Rosemier, Minister of Visitation
M'Lu Colbourn, Director of St. Mark's Preschool
Frank Williams, Music Director
Craig McIlwain, Organist
Jo Anne Hammond, Director, Carillon Bells
Robin Haber, Director, Glory Ringers and Peace Ringers
Christina Peer, Director, Chimes
Cheryl Eubanks, Children's Choir Accompanist
Spencer Topham, Youth Director
Marya Chuong, Website
Malinda Whiteley, Church Secretary
Angel Cardenas, Church Custodian
Save the Date:
Saturday, September 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a church-wide planning retreat. All are invited.
All Church Picnic
Sunday, July 27
Everyone is invited to the South Clairemont Recreation Center following Worship on Sunday, July 27 for an Old Fashion Picnic on the lawn. Bring a chair or a blanket; some shade will be available so bring sunscreen or a sun-brella just in case. We will barbecue hamburgers and hotdogs, provide water and lemonade, a bounce house and lawn games for kids of all ages. Please bring a dish to share and get ready for some fun! Sign-ups are requested so we know how many hotdogs and hamburgers to prepare.
Pastors Sunday School
We will study the lectionary texts, which follow the church calendar. It's an informal study, always open to all, at 8:30 a.m. in the New Room, just behind the church office.
Below are the lectionary reading for this week:
Genesis 29:15-28
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Genesis 29:14-15 Laban said, “You’re family! My flesh and blood!”
When Jacob had been with him for a month, Laban said, “Just because you’re my nephew, you shouldn’t work for me for nothing. Tell me what you want to be paid. What’s a fair wage?”
16-18 Now Laban had two daughters; Leah was the older and Rachel the younger. Leah had nice eyes, but Rachel was stunningly beautiful. And it was Rachel that Jacob loved.
So Jacob answered, “I will work for you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”
19 “It is far better,” said Laban, “that I give her to you than marry her to some outsider. Yes. Stay here with me.”
20 So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel. But it only seemed like a few days, he loved her so much.
21-24 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife; I’ve completed what we agreed I’d do. I’m ready to consummate my marriage.” Laban invited everyone around and threw a big feast. At evening, though, he got his daughter Leah and brought her to the marriage bed, and Jacob slept with her. (Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her maid.)
25 Morning came: There was Leah in the marriage bed!
Jacob confronted Laban, “What have you done to me? Didn’t I work all this time for the hand of Rachel? Why did you cheat me?”
26-27 “We don’t do it that way in our country,” said Laban. “We don’t marry off the younger daughter before the older. Enjoy your week of honeymoon, and then we’ll give you the other one also. But it will cost you another seven years of work.”
28-30 Jacob agreed. When he’d completed the honeymoon week, Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. (Laban gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maid.) Jacob then slept with her. And he loved Rachel more than Leah. He worked for Laban another seven years.
Psalm 105:1-6 Hallelujah!
Thank God! Pray to him by name!
Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
translate his wonders into music!
Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God. Live a happy life!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
be alert for signs of his presence.
Remember the world of wonders he has made,
his miracles, and the verdicts he’s rendered—
O seed of Abraham, his servant,
O child of Jacob, his chosen.
7-15 He’s God, our God,
in charge of the whole earth.
And he remembers, remembers his Covenant—
for a thousand generations he’s been as good as his word.
It’s the Covenant he made with Abraham,
the same oath he swore to Isaac,
The very statute he established with Jacob,
the eternal Covenant with Israel,
Namely, “I give you the land.
Canaan is your hill-country inheritance.”
When they didn’t count for much,
a mere handful, and strangers at that,
Wandering from country to country,
drifting from pillar to post,
He permitted no one to abuse them.
He told kings to keep their hands off:
“Don’t you dare lay a hand on my anointed,
don’t hurt a hair on the heads of my prophets.”
43-45 Remember this! He led his people out singing for joy;
his chosen people marched, singing their hearts out!
He made them a gift of the country they entered,
helped them seize the wealth of the nations
So they could do everything he told them—
could follow his instructions to the letter.
Hallelujah!
Romans 8:26-28 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
29-30 God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
31-39 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Matthew 13:31-32 Another story. “God’s kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. It is quite small as seeds go, but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles build nests in it.”
33 Another story. “God’s kingdom is like yeast that a woman works into the dough for dozens of loaves of barley bread—and waits while the dough rises.”
44 “God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.
45-46 “Or, God’s kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.
47-50 “Or, God’s kingdom is like a fishnet cast into the sea, catching all kinds of fish. When it is full, it is hauled onto the beach. The good fish are picked out and put in a tub; those unfit to eat are thrown away. That’s how it will be when the curtain comes down on history. The angels will come and cull the bad fish and throw them in the garbage. There will be a lot of desperate complaining, but it won’t do any good.”
51 Jesus asked, “Are you starting to get a handle on all this?”
They answered, “Yes.”
52 He said, “Then you see how every student well-trained in God’s kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it.”
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John Wesley’s Notes-commentary for:
Genesis 29:15-28
Verse 15
[15] And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
Because thou art my brother — That is, kinsman.
Should thou therefore serve me for nought? — No, what reason for that? If Jacob be so respectful as to give him his service without demanding any consideration for it, yet Laban will not be so unjust as to take advantage either of his necessity, or of his good nature. It appears by computation that Jacob was now seventy years old when he bound himself apprentice for a wife; probably Rachel was young and scarce marriageable when Jacob came first, which made him the more willing to stay for her till his seven years were expired.
Verse 20
[20] And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
They seemed to him but a few days for the love he had to her — An age of work will be but as a few days to those that love God, and long for Christ's appearing.
Verse 25
[25] And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
Behold it was Leah — Jacob had cheated his own father when he pretended to be Esau, and now his father-in-law cheated him. Herein, how unrighteous soever Laban was, the Lord was righteous.
Verse 26
[26] And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
It must be so done in our country — We have reason to think there was no such custom in his country; but if there was, and that he resolved to observe it, he should have told Jacob so, when he undertook to serve him for his younger daughter.
Verse 27
[27] Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
We will give thee this also — Hereby he drew Jacob into the sin and snare, and disquiet of multiplying wives. Jacob did not design it, but to have kept as true to Rachel as his father had done to Rebekah; he that had lived without a wife to the eighty fourth year of his age could then have been very well content with one: but Laban to dispose of his two daughters without portions, and to get seven years service more out of Jacob, thus imposeth upon him, and draws him into such a strait, that he had some colourable reason for marrying them both.
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
Verse 3
[3] Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Glory — Glory in the God whom you serve, as the only true God.
Verse 4
[4] Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
Seek — The Lord in his strength, in his sanctuary, or before the ark, which is called God's strength.
Face — His gracious presence.
Verse 5
[5] Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
Judgments — The punishments which he brought upon Egypt by his mere word.
Verse 6
[6] O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
Of Jacob — The only branch of Abraham's seed to whom the following blessings belong.
Verse 7
[7] He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
Judgments — God executes his judgments upon all nations and people.
Verse 8
[8] He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
Remembered — So as to perform it.
The word — The promise.
Commanded — Established.
Thousand generations — To all generations.
Verse 9
[9] Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;
Oath — Wherewith he ratified the covenant with Isaac, Genesis 26:3.
Verse 10
[10] And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:
A law — That it might be as firm and irrevocable as a law.
Verse 11
[11] Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:
Lot — The portion assigned to you by lot.
Romans 8:26-39
Verse 26
[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Likewise the Spirit — Nay, not only the universe, not only the children of God, but the Spirit of God also himself, as it were, groaneth, while he helpeth our infirmities, or weaknesses. Our understandings are weak, particularly in the things of God our desires are weak; our prayers are weak.
We know not — Many times.
What we should pray for — Much less are we able to pray for it as we ought: but the Spirit maketh intercession for us - In our hearts, even as Christ does in heaven.
With groanings — The matter of which is from ourselves, but the Spirit forms them; and they are frequently inexpressible, even by the faithful themselves.
Verse 27
[27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
But he who searcheth the hearts — Wherein the Spirit dwells and intercedes.
Knoweth — Though man cannot utter it.
What is the mind of the Spirit, for he maketh intercession for the saints — Who are near to God.
According to God — According to his will, as is worthy of God. and acceptable to him.
Verse 28
[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
And we know — This in general; though we do not always know particularly what to pray for.
That all things — Ease or pain, poverty or riches, and the ten thousand changes of life.
Work together for good — Strongly and sweetly for spiritual and eternal good.
To them that are called according to his purpose — His gracious design of saving a lost world by the death of his Son. This is a new proposition. St. Paul, being about to recapitulate the whole blessing contained in justification, (termed "glorification," Romans 8:30,) first goes back to the purpose or decree of God, which is frequently mentioned in holy writ. To explain this (nearly in the words of an eminent writer) a little more at large:-When a man has a work of time and importance before him, he pauses, consults, and contrives; and when he has laid a plan, resolves or decrees to proceed accordingly. Having observed this in ourselves, we are ready to apply it to God also; and he, in condescension to us has applied it to himself. The works of providence and redemption are vast and stupendous, and therefore we are apt to conceive of God as deliberating and consulting on them, and then decreeing to act according to "the counsel of his own will;" as if, long before the world was made, he had been concerting measures both as to the making and governing of it, and had then writ down his decrees, which altered not, any more than the laws of the Medes and Persians. Whereas, to take this consulting and decreeing in a literal sense, would be the same absurdity as to ascribe a real human body and human passions to the ever-blessed God. This is only a popular representation of his infallible knowledge and unchangeable wisdom; that is, he does all things as wisely as a man can possibly do, after the deepest consultation, and as steadily pursues the most proper method as one can do who has laid a scheme beforehand. But then, though the effects be such as would argue consultation and consequent decrees in man, yet what need of a moment's consultation in Him who sees all things at one view? Nor had God any more occasion to pause and deliberate, and lay down rules for his own conduct from all eternity, than he has now. What was there any fear of his mistaking afterwards, if he had not beforehand prepared decrees, to direct him what he was to do? Will any man say, he was wiser before the creation than since? or had he then more leisure, that he should take that opportunity to settle his affairs, and make rules (or himself, from which he was never to vary? He has doubtless the same wisdom and all other perfections at this day which he had from eternity; and is now as capable of making decrees, or rather has no more occasion for them now than formerly: his understanding being always equally clear and bright, his wisdom equally infallible.
Verse 29
[29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Whom he foreknew, he also predestinated conformable to the image of his Son — Here the apostle declares who those are whom he foreknew and predestinated to glory; namely, those who are conformable to the image of his Son. This is the mark of those who are foreknown and will be glorified, 2 Timothy 2:19. Philippians 3:10,21.
Verse 30
[30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Them he — In due time.
Called — By his gospel and his Spirit.
And whom he called — When obedient to the heavenly calling, Acts 26:19.
He also justified — Forgave and accepted.
And whom he justified — Provided they "continued in his goodness," Romans 11:22, he in the end glorified - St. Paul does not affirm, either here or in any other part of his writings. that precisely the same number of men are called, justified, and glorified. He does not deny that a believer may fall away and be cut off between his special calling and his glorification, Romans 11:22. Neither does he deny that many are called who never are justified. He only affirms that this is the method whereby God leads us step by step toward heaven.
He glorified — He speaks as one looking back from the goal, upon the race of faith. Indeed grace, as it is glory begun, is both an earnest and a foretaste of eternal glory.
Verse 31
[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
What shall we say then to these things — Related in the third, fifth, and eighth chapters? As if he had said, We cannot go, think, or wish anything farther.
If God be for us — Here follow four periods, one general and three particular. Each begins with glorying in the grace of God, which is followed by a question suitable to it, challenging all opponents to all which, "I am persuaded," etc., is a general answer. The general period is, If God be for us, who can be against us? The first particular period, relating to the past time, is, He that spared not his own Son, how shall he not freely give us all things? The second, relating to the present, is, It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? The third, relating to the future, is, It is Christ that died - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Verse 32
[32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
He that — This period contains four sentences: He spared not his own Son; therefore he will freely give us all things. He delivered him up for us all; therefore, none can lay anything to our charge. Freely - For all that follows justification is a free gift also.
All things — Needful or profitable for us.
Verse 33
[33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
God's elect — The above-cited author observes, that long before the coming of Christ the heathen world revolted from the true God, and were therefore reprobated, or rejected. But the nation of the Jews were chosen to be the people of God, and were therefore styled, "the children" or "sons of God," Deuteronomy 14:1; "holy people," Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; "a chosen seed," Deuteronomy 4:37; "the elect," Isaiah 41:8,9; 43:10; "the called of God," Isaiah 48:12. And these titles were given to all the nation of Israel, including both good and bad. Now the gospel having the most strict connexion with the Books of the Old Testament, where these phrases frequently occur; and our Lord and his apostles being native Jews, and beginning to preach in the land of Israel, the language in which they preached would of course abound with the phrases of the Jewish nation. And hence it is easy to see why such of them as would not receive him were styled reprobated. For they no longer continued to be the people of God; whereas this and those other honourable titles were continued to all such Jews as embraced Christianity. And the same appellations which once belonged to the Jewish nation were now given to the gentile Christians also together with which they were invested with all the privileges of "the chosen people of God;" and nothing could cut them off from these but their own wilful apostasy. It does not appear that even good men were ever termed God's elect till above two thousand years from the creation. God's electing or choosing the nation of Israel, and separating them from the other nations, who were sunk in idolatry and all wickedness, gave the first occasion to this sort of language. And as the separating the Christians from the Jews was a like event, no wonder it was expressed in like words and phrases only with this difference, the term elect was of old applied to all the members of the visible church; whereas in the New Testament it is applied only to the members of the invisible.
Verse 34
[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Yea rather, that is risen — Our faith should not stop at his death, but be exercised farther on his resurrection, kingdom, second coming.
Who maketh intercession for us — Presenting there his obedience, his sufferings, his prayers, and our prayers sanctified through him.
Verse 35
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ — Toward us? Shall affliction or distress - He proceeds in order, from less troubles to greater: can any of these separate us from his protection in it ; and, if he sees good, deliverance from it?
Verse 36
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
All the day — That is, every day, continually.
We are accounted — By our enemies; by ourselves. Psalms 44:22.
Verse 37
[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
We more than conquer — We are not only no losers, but abundant gainers, by all these trials. This period seems to describe the full assurance of hope.
Verse 38
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
I am persuaded — This is inferred from the thirty-fourth verse, in an admirable order: - Neither death" shall hurt us; For "Christ is dead:" "Nor life;" 'is risen" Nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers; nor things pre - sent, nor things to come;" "is at the right hand of God:" "Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature;" "maketh intercession for us." Neither death - Terrible as it is to natural men; a violent death in particular, Romans 8:36.
Nor life — With all the affliction and distress it can bring, Romans 8:35; or a long, easy life; or all living men.
Nor angels — Whether good (if it were possible they should attempt it) or bad, with all their wisdom and strength.
Nor principalities, nor powers — Not even those of the highest rank, or the most eminent power.
Nor things present — Which may befal us during our pilgrimage; or the whole world, till it passeth away.
Nor things to come — Which may occur either when our time on earth is past, or when time itself is at an end, as the final judgment, the general conflagration, the everlasting fire.
Nor height, nor depth — The former sentence respected the differences of times; this, the differences of places. How many great and various things are contained in these words, we do not, need not, cannot know yet.
The height — In St. Paul's sublime style, is put for heaven.
The depth — For the great abyss: that is, neither the heights, I will not say of walls, mountains, seas, but, of heaven itself, can move us; nor the abyss itself, the very thought of which might astonish the boldest creature.
Nor any creature — Nothing beneath the Almighty; visible enemies he does not even deign to name.
Shall be able — Either by force, Romans 8:35; or by any legal claim, Romans 8:33, etc.
To separate us from the love of God in Christ — Which will surely save, protect, deliver us who believe in, and through, and from, them all.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Verse 31
[31] Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
He proposed to them another parable — The former parables relate chiefly to unfruitful hearers; these that follow, to those who bear good fruit.
The kingdom of heaven — Both the Gospel dispensation, and the inward kingdom. Mark 4:30; Luke 13:18.
Verse 32
[32] Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
The least — That is, one of the least: a way of speaking extremely common among the Jews.
It becometh a tree — In those countries it grows exceeding large and high. So will the Christian doctrine spread in the world, and the life of Christ in the soul.
Verse 33
[33] Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Three measures — This was the quantity which they usually baked at once: till the whole was leavened - Thus will the Gospel leaven the world and grace the Christian. Luke 13:20.
Verse 44
[44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
The three following parables are proposed, not to the multitude, but peculiarly to the apostles: the two former of them relate to those who receive the Gospel; the third, both to those who receive, and those who preach it.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hid in a field — The kingdom of God within us is a treasure indeed, but a treasure hid from the world, and from the most wise and prudent in it. He that finds this treasure, (perhaps when he thought it far from him,) hides it deep in his heart, and gives up all other happiness for it.
Verse 45
[45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
The kingdom of heaven — That is, one who earnestly seeks for it: in verse Matthew 13:47 it means, the Gospel preached, which is like a net gathering of every kind: just so the Gospel, wherever it is preached, gathers at first both good and bad, who are for a season full of approbation and warm with good desires. But Christian discipline, and strong, close exhortation, begin that separation in this world, which shall be accomplished by the angels of God in the world to come.
Verse 52
[52] Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Every scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven — That is, every duly prepared preacher of the Gospel has a treasure of Divine knowledge, out of which he is able to bring forth all sorts of instructions. The word treasure signifies any collection of things whatsoever, and the places where such collections are kept.
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'Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food, or thirsty and give you something to drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.' Matthew 25:37b - 40
Matthew 25:37-40 “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’Your Help Is Needed!
St. Mark's is working with CCSA to bring hydration to those who wait in line for their commodities on the fourth Thursday of each month. We are looking for people who would like to serve water bottles to CCSA clients on a monthly basis. St. Mark's will provide the water bottles and carts to transport the water; water bearers will distribute them from 7- 10 AM.
The sign-up sheet is in the office. And please do not forget your food donations to CCSA on the First Sunday of each month. Collection bins are now located in the Sanctuary at the altar railing.
Statements Available
Your giving statements for the first half of the year are available in the office during office hours, and on Sunday morning on the patio.
Please take yours home, and save St. Mark's the cost of postage.
Condolences
Prayers for the friends and family of Nancy Hedin who passed away on July 16. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Marks on August 7 (time is TBD).
Prayers for the friends and family of Ed and Virginia Lail. Ed passed away on Tuesday, July 22.
In Our Prayers
♥ Reba and Clark Lovrien
♥ Phyllis Mosher
♥ Tom Nehring
♥ Michelle Innis
♥ Mary Lowe
♥ Zoena Nicola
♥ Carmina Santos
♥ Rachel Caldwell
♥ Roger Silliman
♥ Ed Lail
♥ Mia Fely
♥ Mindy Eubanks Stalnaker
♥ George Riley
♥ Dick Robinson
♥ Harry Meyer
♥ Lois and Joe Ramsey
♥ Lorretta Schaffer
♥ Renae Pierce
♥ Franki Benson
♥ Gene Hagar
♥ Dana Robinson
♥ Rod Barrett
♥ Mitch Boyer
♥ Margaret Westfall
♥ Bill Burton
We Remember Our Military Personnel, including:
♥ Kris Brendal, Army
♥ Robert S. Chisholm, Navy
♥ Craig Clemans, Marines
♥ Paul Clemans, Air Force
♥ Blake Cross, Navy
♥ Brandon Dempster, Navy
♥ Samuel England, Navy
♥ Lenny Hezelett, Navy
♥ Michael Hunter, Navy
♥ Brady Jackson, Army
♥ Jeremy Munson, Navy
♥ Daniel Ness, Army
♥ Milo Riegle, Marines
♥ Casper Stalnaker, Navy
♥ Nathan Streeter, Army
♥ Robert Tarango, Navy
Our presence in worship on Sunday, July 20 was 170.
Links
St. Mark's Website
Youth News
St. Mark's School
St. Mark's UMW News
Upper Room Daily Devotion
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The newsletter can also be found on our website.
St. Mark's United Methodist Church
3502 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117 United States
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