Onesiphoras: A Legacy of Caring

 Pastor’s Pen,

This Sunday: Onesiphoras: A Legacy of Caring                                                  2 Timothy 1:16-18  

This past week at my sister’s celebration of life, her son Michael talked about how Suzi genuinely cared about people. An RN who often worked the graveyard shift in the emergency room, she faced medical challenges that would be beyond the imagination of most of us. But as Michael explained it, Suzi consistently demonstrated her caring concern for patients and fellow staff.


We saw this trait in other aspects of her life as well. Suzi would frequently give to neighbors and friends, even when she couldn’t afford to. She loved to share encouragement over the phone (she was definitely low-tech!) and was prayer warrior and supporter. In all of this, she left a legacy caring.


In the New Testament Paul wrote to Timothy of a man named Onesiphoras.  Apparently when the apostle wrote, Onesiphoras, like Suzi, had already gone on to heaven. Yes this man, whose name literally meant “help-bringer,” demonstrated unconditional love toward Paul and others.


*****


We appreciate those who help sanitize our facilities for services each Saturday morning in in in in in in in in in in in preparation for Sunday worship as well as those who make it possible for us to ‘live-stream’ on Facebook at 10:45 each Sunday morning, and to post each Sunday’s message on our website (www.fccwylie.org) on Sunday afternoons. 


When you enter the sanctuary Sunday, after you are given a bulletin, stop by the communion table where the offering plates are located in the rear of the worship center and pick up your disposable communion cup. Then following the service, please dispose of it in the trash can. (Mark 10:45) 


We continue to hold our Sunday services with all safety protocols and pre-service sanitizing in place. No Sunday school yet, and the nursery is not available.  We are now following the latest CDC guidelines which allow fully vaccinated individuals to go without masks. We use bulletins printed untouched by human hands, with songs, etc. printed therein, and pre-packaged communion elements. Offering plates are located at the rear, or giving can be done online at www.fccwylie.org.


If you still feel uncomfortable attending, feel free to join our live stream on Facebook, at 10:45 AM, which includes communion and the worship hymns. Or the message is available each Sunday afternoon on our website. (www.fccwylie.org)


Onesiphoras: A Legacy of Caring                                                                               2 Timothy 1:16-18  

                                                        

  • He was a “frequent refreshment” to Paul 
    • Meaning
    • Application 
  • He demonstrated unashamed compassion 
    • Remember how Barnabas practiced this toward Paul?
    • A current example
    • The ultimate Example 
  • He exerted diligent effort 
    • He was persistent
    • He was successful
  • He practiced a multi-faceted service 
    • Adversity in Ephesus
    • He served in a variety of ways

Conclusion:

Like Onesiphoras, we can demonstrate creativity

Like Christ, we must cultivate a servant’s heart




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

PRAYER ITEMS: Please check the Prayer list on the Bulletin!

Bruce Moilan—surgery recovery, continued progress dealing with multiple health issues: Also, grandson Lucas – recovery from surgery; and son Drew - surgery the day before Thanksgiving.

Kim Ramsey-health issues

John Royal’s father: parents relocated to Texas

Rbeda’s brother-in-law—spiritual 

Darla and other healthcare workers; Educators, students

A.B. Simmons, recovering

Mike’s son Jesse

Shirley’s cousin: lost his wife, heart surgery upcoming

Suzi Hawkins’ family, especially her son Michael

Kaleiann Loughery, new baby born 

William Martin-colon cancer

RADIO THIS WEEKEND:   

Medicare ads continue to fill the airwaves, often creating more confusion than clarity. Toni King, America’s Medicare Life Coach, joins host Don Hawkins to offer insight and wisdom, this weekend on Encouragement Live.

Encouragement Live can be heard Saturday at 7:05 PM central time on American Family Radio (90.9 FM) or (www.afr.net) and on theworshipchannel.org.  Re-broadcast Sunday 9 pm on The Worship Channel. 

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