07.12.2026 - Pentecost 7  - Pastor Chris

Do you have a favorite children’s story that contained a moral? I think most of us grew up with these, The Boy Who Cried Wolf for example, but it seems, to me at least, that we gave up these moral lessons when we hit a certain age. And I think we could benefit from these children’s stories even today.

I love the scene that Matthew sets for us. There is this massive crowd that is hanging on Jesus’ every word, and Jesus doesn’t let them down. He shares with them “many things.” (Even though we only get one in this reading.) How do you relate to this passage? Do you see yourself in this passage or do others come to mind? I confess I usually think of others when hearing this parable when I should do more to think about myself. With that in mind, what are the things that you need to bear fruit, or what is getting in the way of your faith growing to the point that it becomes a blessing to others? 

Jesus lists of the things that get in the way; lack of understanding, lack of depth in the face of trouble and persecution, and wealth. But what are the things that help out faith grow? Our ministry divisions of Connect, Grow, Serve are by no means unique to Epiphany, almost every other church out there has something similar, but these are elements that we believe someone needs to help their faith grow. We need community, we need an opportunity to grow in our faith through study, and we need an opportunity to live out our faith in service to others. So, with our model of Connect, Grow, Serve what area needs the most attention in your faith life? Maybe give that area some attention and see how your faith grows. And remember, you never do this work alone, we do this work together. Please let us know how we can walk along side you as you look to grow in your faith.