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Moore's Messenger - Fall 2003

Methodist Women
Pastor Appreciation

Updates
New Members
Admin Council
Senior's Picnic
Church Picnic

Upcoming Events
Homecoming
Candlelight Service

i.e. '03 - April LeMaire

Christmas Child

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Moore's Chapel Home

Web Site Contents

The Pastor's Pen by Rev. Jack D. Cohen

'Come In, We're Open' or 'Sorry, We're Closed' 

Have you ever been in such a hurry to get to a store and when you arrive you jump out of your car, hurry up to the store, pull on the handle only to find that sign saying, "Sorry, We're Closed." Sadly, I believe that many have found the same thing with churches and church people over the years. Many come to find out about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, etc., only to feel as if the church is somehow "closed" to them. Throughout this month, the United Methodist Church (UMC) has designated September to intentionally be "open house month." Some may have seen the variety of commercials, print advertisements, or radio spots. No matter the avenue of media that you may have seen these advertisements, they all have a commonality in the statement – "Open hearts, open minds, open doors – the people of the United Methodist Church." I think these are some of the best ways to reveal the message of Christ to the world; however, I do believe that making a statement is much easier than living it out. 

So how do we live the vision of "Open hearts, open minds, open doors?" I believe that it begins with our openness to Jesus Christ. Open hearts — Throughout the Bible, people either came to God by opening their hearts to His message of hope and love, or rejected Him by closing their hearts. One of the many examples of an "open heart" for receiving the message of Christ is the account of Lydia in Acts 16: 14 -" 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia . . . The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message." Likewise, for the church universal, sharing our faith requires us to open our hearts to others who need to know Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthian people, " 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you." (2 Corinthians 6: 11). Opening our hearts to share the Great News of Jesus, requires a genuine love for people that is rooted in our love for Christ.

Open Minds – Even after the disciples had spent time with Jesus, heard His teaching, saw His miracles (including His rising from the dead), before Jesus ascended into heaven he opened their minds. In Luke 24: 45 the writer states, " 45 Then he (Jesus) opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." Our minds are cluttered with so much anymore that it seems we can hardly comprehend anything else! In order to truly understand the Bible, we must allow the Holy Spirit to "open our minds." Often the clutter or even our quest for knowledge above everything else, can in some ways, close the door to understanding the Bible. The Apostle Paul's prayer for the church was, "that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." This only comes through open minds guided by the Holy Spirit. Open Doors — Remember the times when it was nothing to leave your doors and windows opened and unlocked? Not anymore! Sadly, I believe many of our churches and communities have lost the Greek concept of koinonia or fellowship. Not only are the physical doors of our structure closed, but so is the receptiveness to people and the Christian faith. I believe this is due to Christianity forgetting to be ambassadors of Jesus displaying His heart of love,

His mind rooted in the truth of God's Word, and His open door policy of forgiveness, fellowship and love . For those already in the ministry of Moore's Chapel, recommit to opening hearts, minds and doors for displaying Jesus Christ to others. And for those who are not involved with a church, come and test us out to see if we truly practice what we preach. Remember Jesus said, " 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3: 20). So, what is the sign on the door of your life – "Sorry, we're closed" or "Come in, we're open"? 

Shalom & Agape (Peace & Love),
Reverend Jack D. Cohen, Pastor