Adult Ministry

Ephesians 4:2-6

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: We have faith in Christ

“Athleticism”

Are you an NFL fan? This year’s draft of professional footballers was a fascinating process. In summary: teams spend millions analyzing athletes coming out of college (there are a few Canadian players drafted), then analysts review each team’s pick by giving an opinion about the quality of the choice by the team. The camera switches between the new draftee, fans cheering, and the team’s “draft room;” all the while comments fly back and forth from a variety of people in sports. 

If you listen closely, you’ll hear the word “athleticism” over and over again. It’s used like this, “Tom has great hands, amazing strength and speed, and he’s definitely one of the top linesmen in this draft. Teams are really big on this kid’s athleticism.” After a few minutes, you’ll notice its overuse. 

What do they mean when they use this word? Aren’t all professional athletes in football better athletes than the rest of us? Do they mean speed? Quickness? Strength? Ability to jump? Or is it everything that just means, “He’s even better than these other really great athletes?

In this selected passage from Ephesians, there is a word from the Apostle Paul that is used within Christian circles often: humble. The thought is, “Christians should be humble.” But my question is, “What do you mean by how you’re thinking of the word, ‘humble’?”

My perception is that people are using it to mean Christians should not be confident. And while “arrogance” might be debated, that is not the biblical meaning of humility. 

Another reading, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 

In essence, Christians do not think themselves better than anybody else as it pertains to our status before God. That is, we know we are separated from God as a natural state of the human condition. Nothing of our own merits has ever, or will ever, fix that separated state. And believers, “having been made low” (humbled) by God, are grateful for this awareness that points to a right relationship with God.

As to abilities, there is nothing wrong with knowing you have strengths in certain areas, and that other people have strengths in areas where you are less gifted. Specifically, you should be confident in Christ’s ability to save, confident in Holy Spirit’s promise to give you certain gifts, and confident in your status with God through Christ. 

We’re not better than other people. We are grateful God showed us the true state of our disconnect from reality. 

As you encounter people who do not believe in God, consider a confidence in the One who saves, restores, and renews. 

I don’t believe in myself. I believe in God. And God has given you, and every believer, specific resources needed to advance God’s kingdom on earth. 

There is no way to get the NFL to stop overusing subjective words like athleticism, physicality and my favorite, “freak.” In the meantime, perhaps you and I can reclaim “confidence in Christ” as a way of saying “humble.” 

PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, teach me in the way of Jesus today. Amen.”

Want to sign up for the daily devotionals? They follow the current message series. Sign up HERE.

April 8th came and went for the highly anticipated solar eclipse. It passed over our home, for which we were prepared with the appropriate glasses and timing by way of the local news. As news teams gave updates, we peeked outside as a family (dogs included) to experience the daytime darkness. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate - it was overcast so we only glimpsed a few peeks of the changing sun scene between cloud cover. Still, it was exciting and interesting to stand outside through the phases of the light. 

Light is an image used throughout the New Testament, which includes a few verses within Ephesians. For this series on Ephesians, the devotionals will follow along by chapter each week. To get started, here is a fantastic overview of Ephesians by BibleProject. It’s worth a watch. 

May you remember the full scope of “spiritual blessings” God has bestowed upon you and me as members of Christ’s church. 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

Chase the light my brothers and sisters: read and reflect upon God’s word. Unlike trying to get a perfect view of the occasional eclipse, God's truth is always shining through the clouds of mystery.

And as always, it’s an honor to study with you. 

PRAYER FOR THE STUDY OF EPHESIANS: “Holy Spirit, hear my prayer, guide my steps, be my guide. Amen.”

P.S. You can sign up for my daily devotionals HERE.

Dr Bryan Stamper answers a common question from folks who visit Presbyterian churches: "Why do you baptize babies?" In this short video devotional, Pastor Bryan delves into the two main issues with the question. And at San Pedro, note we celebrate baptism by both methods (immersion and sprinkling), depending on the age and preference of the participant. All baptisms in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are recognized and affirmed at San Pedro.

And as always, questions are welcome. Click the image to watch the short video.

Kids and adults get a special treat on the first Sunday of their birthday month. Pick up a "It's my birthday month" badge and get a birthday cake flavored Hershey's Kiss.

We're asking folks to wear the badges out to restaurants, when shopping and as you go around town. It's an easy way to let people know about San Pedro, and a fun reminder to celebrate God's blessing through your life. You deserve a special treat, come worship and enjoy the San Pedro way to recognize your birthday.

P.s. Keep the badge and wear it for the month of your birthday, then bring it back to the name tag center so other folks can share it, too.

Avoid excessive plastic bag usage and show some San Pedro pride at the same time. Guests get one free! Available immediately, purchase these reusable, thermal lined shopping bags with the church logo - three colors available.

For a gift of $10, receive a shopping bag in the color of your choice AND pay the cost for a bag to go to guests. New here? Pick up your lovely shopping tote with information about San Pedro inside (and make sure you're signed up for our Newcomers Brunch - info HERE).

Totes are available in the narthex. Get yours today, and spread the word about San Pedro when you shop.

[This is a transcribed letter we received from Jean Bakatubia on behalf of his family. They arrived legally in The United States in search of freedom and a better life].

Dear Pastor Bryan/entire congregation,

This thank you letter is intended to show our gratitude. I and my family to the church for all the love and support you have shown us.

I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart for all the assistance you have given me and my family. When we cam to the US, we had no place to worship. But when we came to church, you welcomed us and you showed us love.

I want to thank Bobby, Dennis, Suzy and every one else for your sacrifice to provide us with transportation to and from church and other appointments.

I am now ready to give myself a ride, and I can't thank you enough.

Thank you for the love and support. This kind of love has taught me a lot and has increased my faith in the Lord.

Pastor thank you for welcoming my family and making us fell at home. I am happy to call you all friends. Thank you.

Yours in Christ,

Jean Bakatubia