Yes is Yes

Today’s message proclaims God’s “Yes” through the story of the Canaanite woman, who seeks Jesus’ mercy and healing for her daughter. Presenting the gospel as God’s promise of hope, healing, restoration, and new life, Pastor James asks how people first heard that promise and turns to the Canaanite woman, an outsider who recognizes Jesus as the one who can help. Though separated from Israel by religious, ethnic, and cultural barriers, she approaches Jesus with a bold trust and persists despite silence, resistance, and apparent rejection. Why? Because beneath it all she hears the deeper “yes” of God’s mercy.

Through her example, Christians – who also come in need, humility, and faith – are cautioned not to become gatekeepers who keep others from grace. Instead, we are called to notice real human need, welcome those who come seeking mercy, and carry God’s message beyond the church walls to those who may never hear it otherwise. Not every seed of ministry will bear visible fruit, but the church must keep planting. God’s “Yes” becomes our yes through faith, compassion, welcome, service, and hope.

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May you be blessed as you worship at home today and in the coming days.

AUGUST 16 WORSHIP MATERIALS

A link to this, and other, recorded services can be found in our Recorded Worship Services. The recording of the 9:30 a.m. service will be available on Sunday afternoon.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

A web version is available here.* Be sure to check out current Community Service news on the last page. There is a lot of information about ways you can help others right now. And take a look at the Serve page for more opportunities.

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