Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. – Hebrews 12:1

Pulling Weeds.  I get assigned that job around the house.  Maybe a little too often for my liking.  It’s certainly a necessary task and it makes wherever they have been pulled look a lot better.  I get caught sometimes (by guess who) not taking the time to dig out all the nasty and stubborn root systems supporting these stubborn and pesky pieces of ugly green growth.  It’s work to do that.  I would rather get my manly weed-wacker out and just cut them off.  But they’d be back in a couple days, smiling at me again.

Our hearts and the sin “which clings so closely” reminds me of those weeds.  If I don’t get to the source of the problem, the heart, the old sinful patterns just keep coming back.

I believe this was also the point Jesus was making as He dealt with the two issues of the heart we will be talking about this Sunday, anger and lust.  Jesus’ desire in the text (Matthew 5:21-30) is to get to the root of the problem and create a new standard that provides freedom and joy.

I look forward to opening up this passage with you and seeing the Holy Spirit excite us with grace to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship.

Love you, Church!

Ed Bley
Pastor of Ministry and Care

SUNDAY AM PLAN
9:00 AM  – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)
9:15 AM  – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Myerstown Campus)
11:00 AM – Worship Service on Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)

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