Weekly Newsletter – May 4, 2026
đź“–Sunday Recap
In Matthew 9:1–8, we see a moment where everything shifts from what people expected to what they truly needed. A paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, and while the crowd is focused on physical healing, Jesus goes deeper. He looks at the man and says, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” In that moment, Jesus isn’t just offering comfort but He’s making a claim of authority. Forgiveness isn’t just kind words; it’s a declaration that only God has the right to make.
This scene shows us that Jesus addresses our greatest need first. While we often focus on external struggles—health, stress, circumstances—Jesus goes straight to the heart of the issue: sin. Our biggest problem isn’t what’s happening around us but what’s separating us from God. And Jesus alone has the authority to deal with that.
But not everyone responds the same way. The scribes, though knowledgeable in Scripture, question Jesus internally. They recognize that only God can forgive sins but instead of seeing Jesus for who He is, they resist Him. Jesus responds by exposing their hearts, showing that this isn’t just a misunderstanding but it’s a refusal to believe what’s right in front of them. It’s a reminder that it’s possible to be around the things of God, know the right answers, and still have a heart that isn’t surrendered.
Jesus doesn’t stop there. He proves His authority in a way no one can deny. He tells the man to get up and walk and immediately, he does. The visible miracle confirms the invisible truth: the One who can restore a broken body is the same One who can forgive a broken soul. Jesus backs up His words with action, leaving no doubt about who He is.
The crowd’s response is what stands out. They are filled with awe and glorify God. They recognize that they’ve witnessed something far greater than a miracle. They’ve seen the authority of God on display.
If Jesus truly has the authority to forgive sins and if that forgiveness is real in your life then it should shape how you live and worship. Take time this week to examine your heart. Are you more focused on temporary problems than your spiritual condition? Have you grown familiar with forgiveness instead of being moved by it? Ask God to restore your awe. Come back to Him with humility, gratitude, and surrender and let the reality of what He’s done for you impact how you think, live, and respond each day.
Happening This Week
Thursday:
- 5:15pm – National Day Of Prayer @ Albion Square
Saturday:
- 10am – Ladies Brunch
- 2-4pm – Bicycle Safety Day
Sunday:
- 9am – Worship
- 10:20am – Sunday School
- No Evening ServiceÂ
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
Service Opportunity:
🙏 Prayer Requests
Please be praying for:
Rita Giese – upcoming medical procedure
Twyla Walter – health issues
Kerri McCaleb – recovery
Andrew Seibers – healing from accident
Lyle and Susan Weber – health issues
Briar Burdine – 5-year-old, emergency appendectomy
Sherry Balding – surgery recovery
Pam Varner- heart cath
Kelsey Schilt – guidance
Rick Kennedy – stroke recovery
Wayne Zirkle – cancer treatments
Abigail Clodfelter Henson – health issues
Dan Greifzu -health issues
Family of Stanley Dorney
Family of Alta Krajec
Family of Steven Headley
Family of John Wissel
If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.
See you Sunday!