Titles and Honors this Sunday

Dear Church Family,

Here’s Pastor Andy at last Sunday’s Church on the Grass giving us a double-barrel thumbs-up because you’re consistently lugging food to church for our Shepherd’s Table. I don’t really credit you for this, but I do credit the God who is making you generous.

The weather was beautiful last Sunday (Andy was wearing short-sleeves as you can see) and it looks to be nice again. So, let’s go! Here’s a view in case you missed it.

We’re continuing to explore Jesus’ identity and authority, but with a Christmas twist. We’re looking at some of the majestic titles Jesus receives in Scripture. Titles are important.

Here’s the full title for Prince Charles: His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, KG, KT, GCB, OM, AK, QSO, CC, PC, ADC, Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland.

The beloved cinematic boxer Apollo Creed of “Rocky” movie fame styled himself this way: The Master of Disaster, The King of Sting, The Dancing Destroyer, The Prince of Punch, and The Count of Monte Fisto. Get a load of this T-shirt I found online!

How does Scripture style Jesus Christ? The title we’re talking about this week is almost an anti-title. Most men would consider it an insult. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.

By the way, my friend with the initials GH brought someone to Church on the Grass last Sunday. It was great to meet him! If you can work up the courage, please invite someone to join you on the grass. Here’s my pledge: I’ll try to make the message funny and friendly for spiritual investigators while also speaking to you. Please ask God to help me (in my weakness) to hit those twin targets. If you bring someone, I’d love to meet him or her. Come up and say “hi” or wave me over. I’ll try not to act too weird or excited. I’ll just be “chill,” as my kids say.

For the One who deserves all praise,

Darren