Lions for Christ Spring Break 2012

Posted by Chris on March 15, 2012 under Bulletin Articles

Honduras Mission 2012

Posted by Chris on under Bulletin Articles, Front Page Announcements

We are called to Mission… not simply a mission trip, but a lifestyle that shows others that we really are on a mission from God… a mission that IS our purpose … one that glorifies Him and denies ourselves.

Honduras provides an opportunity to live out this Mission by becoming a part of a culture that is very different from ours… a language that we do not speak… food we do not normally eat… people we may have not associated with in the past.  Our team of 64 students and adults will help build security walls with cement blocks and mortar at local schools, paint walls, some of which will be Biblical scenes inside the schools, conduct a daily VBS at a variety of schools, serve in an orphanage and many other activities.  The work will be very hard, but very rewarding.  Pray for the mission and the team members listed below.

• Steve & Lindsay Allen
• Amber Bellcock
• Josh & Kim Bice
• Chris & Carrie Burress
• Bill & Graham Coffelt
• Dave & Breck Cogswell
• Robin Dover
• Brent, Hayden & Haleigh Evans
• Blake & Hope Frost
• Jay Glidewell
• Chad Graham
• Chandler Harper
• Kevin, Hope & Hannah Hesslen
• Haley Hickey
• Scott & Breckin Horton
• Scott & Rachel James
• Kerry, Dena & Abbey Jenkins
• Corey Jones
• David Juelfs
• Chris & Jamilyn Knight
• Ted & Sharon Knight
• Jack & Glenda Lewis
• Caitlin McKuin
• Julia Morgan
• Cody Mumford
• Greg, Rachel & Hannah Null
• Rick & Jake Odell
• Jenny & Jacqueline Oliver
• Becca Risley
• Brian, Tanner, Tyler & Sarah Robbins
• Ana & Carolyn Seglem
• Ethan Six
• Kent & Rachel Snider
• Allison Thompson
• Sydney & Mallory Walker
• Robin & Ben Webber

Knowing Christ-Part 9 “The Bread of Life and The True Vine”

Posted by Chris on under Front Page Posts, Sermons

Comments Before Serving the Bread:

We know Jesus through the images that he gave us (McGrath, Knowing Christ).  For instance, he tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life.  He is not merely the guide but he is the way.  He is not merely a teacher of the truth, but he is the truth.  He is not simply a giver of life, but he is life.

Two images should come to mind as we gather at the

Lord’s Supper: Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life,” and also “I am the True Vine.”

At the Lord’s Supper, our living Lord asks us to “remember” him.  Not simply a remembrance of an historical event (which none of us experienced first hand), but a remembrance that pays attention to his nearness.  If we wish to know Christ, then “do this in remembrance of me” means “do this with some regard to my presence . . . do not overlook me or ignore my company.”  And so he instructs his disciples to regard the bread and the wine as his body and his blood.  What does this mean?  How do we do this? Read more of this article »

It’s All Greek!

Posted by Chris on March 8, 2012 under Bulletin Articles, Front Page Announcements, Uncategorized

The myths of the ancient Greeks remain a vital part of our culture.  Recent films such as Wrath of the Titans, Percy Jackson, and books such as The Hunger Games are inspired by these legends of old.

No one can say that the Greek myths are gone and forgotten.  The names of mythological figures are widely used in our technology and entertainment.  Apollo took us to the moon and Pandora gives us radio over the Internet.  (But if one knows the story of Pandora, why would you ever open it on your PC?)

The gospel of Christ includes themes that are sometimes present in Greek Myth.  So much so that critics dismiss Christian faith as “just another religious myth.”  Yet, the on-going story of Christ is quite different in important respects.

In the four weeks of this series we will consider what elements from the myths old and new might be redeemed for Christian faith.  We will also pay attention to the unique, life-changing, universe-altering implications of the message about Christ.

The four parts of this series are:

March 18 – Don’t Open That Box (The Myth of Pandora and The Reality of Sin)

March 25 – Into the Labyrinth (Theseus and the Minotaur, The Hunger Games, and Heroic Sacrifice)

April 1 – Forget The Titans (Wrath, Rebellion, and Redemption)

April 8 – The God of the Sun and the Son of God (The Dying God Myth and Christ’s Resurrection)

Knowing Christ – Part 8 “In Jesus’ Name”

Posted by Chris on March 6, 2012 under Front Page Posts, Sermons

Joy Worth the Risk – Psalm 126

Posted by Chris on December 11, 2011 under Front Page Posts, Sermons

It is good and right that we should take the time to celebrate the commitment of our new campus minister, Travis Campbell, and our commitment to him as a fellow servant.  It is good and right because when we do such things, we speak of ideas that are too often not spoken: joy, hope, promise, courage, sacrifice, commitment.

It is good and right for us to focus these grand notions on something tangible.  So that we can say with the Psalm – “The The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

It is good and right for us to name anything that the Lord has done.  It is good and right to admit to the hardships and sacrifices that paved the way to our joy.  It is good right to stir up our spirits and embolden one another, because our enemy is threatened when we develop the sort of passion to do God’s work despite the cost.

The enemy’s scheme is subtle . . . Read more of this article »

Restore Us, O God – Psalm 80

Posted by Chris on November 28, 2011 under Sermons

What Messes We Produce For Ourselves!

Posted by David on March 27, 2011 under Bulletin Articles

And although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests. Matthew 14:9 (NASB)

Sometimes we get ourselves into terrible situations because we realize the consequences of promises too late. The ruler Herod gave a party. He made a rash promise to his stepdaughter because her dance was so pleasing. He never thought about what she might ask for! The result: The stepdaughter asked for something he did not wish to give.

Instantly, he was in a horrible position. He could honor his promise and do what he did not wish to do. Or, he could admit his promise was foolish, reject her request, and produce unknown responses from his guests. What a horrible choice! After all, he was Herod! Because he was who he was, he should not have to make such hard choices!

Should he do a foolish thing and look “good,” or should he humbly admit his mistake and look “bad?” Oh, our tragic decisions when we arrogantly try to look “good” to others!

Herod’s dilemma was not an insignificant situation! Earlier he wished to kill John because John condemned him for marrying his brother’s wife. He did not kill John because such would irritate his subjects (Matthew 14:5). Now he had to humbly admit his mistake, or irritate the people he ruled. Have you noticed–even today–how frequently people tend to do anything to hide their personal foolishness?

How was Herod to know his stepdaughter would ask her mother’s advice? Maybe he could kill John and postpone the inevitable by salvaging the immediate–he could “save face” now and take care of fallout later. Maybe time would produce some unseen good options. If so, he could be arrogant now, preserve his reputation with his guests, kill John, and deal with the possible fallout later. Sound familiar?

Herod’s fear was obvious. When he heard about Jesus’ miracles, he said, “It must be the resurrected John!” (Matthew 14:2) Does that sound like a guilty conscience to you?

Do you think ahead or act foolishly? Does arrogance force you to live in hurtful pride?

Do You Want To Be A Part of God’s Family?

Posted by David on February 20, 2011 under Bulletin Articles

“For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50 (NASB)

We love to be exclusive! When we belong and others do not belong, it somehow appeals to our sense of self-respect and self-worth. It seems to declare, “I may not be as important as they are, but I am more important than you are.” Why is being more important than someone else considered by some as essential?

Biblical Christianity differs from most other religions and most human organizations in the way it includes rather than excludes. Its focus is on serving rather than bragging. It focuses on giving all in Christ the same sense of worth because all in Christ are members of God’s family. My approval means nothing. God’s acceptance means everything.

Once groups of Christians in Corinth felt quite superior to other Christians for numbers of reasons. One of the number of ways Paul addressed the problem was by asking these questions: “What do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)

Does the Holy God provide us gifts through Jesus Christ? Does that include forgiveness? redemption? sanctification? righteousness before God? hope? If God gave it to us through Jesus Christ, why do we act like we are special instead of rightfully acting like God is special?

To whom does God make these incredible gifts available? Paul said of all and of himself: “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (NASB)

Nobody grants equal opportunity as does God. Everyone can be a part of God’s family!

Lifting the Burden

Posted by David on February 6, 2011 under Bulletin Articles, Front Page Posts

And when the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were much afraid. And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:6, 7 (NASB)

Physical life is filled with burdens. The gift of living in this country removes some of them. However, as beneficial as living in this country is, those benefits do not remove our biggest burden. In fact, those benefits at best can only temporarily distract us from the biggest burden we all carry from time to time.

What is this burden? It is the burden of terrorizing fear. Accidents terrorize us! The passing of time terrorizes us! Serious sickness terrorizes us! Unexpected, uncontrollable forces terrorize us! The shocks of bad surprises terrorize us! Those do not begin to approach the terrors of personal phobias. Despite our claims, we all fear something.

In the above reading, Jesus took three disciples to the summit of “the mountain of transfiguration.” These men came face to face with (1) pure holiness–which always terrorizes people because we all have evil in us, (2) God’s power–which scares powerless humanity silly, and (3) Jesus’ identity–he was more than a man, more than just a righteous friend. To say he is God’s Son is one thing; to see it is quite another.

Peter, James and John’s reaction: In overwhelming fear, they fell on their faces — too scared to look.

Note Jesus’ response to their fear. He did NOT say, “I thought you were godly men!” or “Where is your courage?” or “What are you afraid of?” or “I am so disappointed in you men!” or “Can you lead others if you are terrorized by God’s presence?”

Instead, Jesus touched them, told me it was okay to get up, and encouraged them not to be afraid. Jesus understood their reaction, cared about them, and encouraged them. Jesus was not ashamed of them for being afraid. Instead he helped them in their weakness. Jesus lifted the burden of their fear! Jesus’ mission to you: to be your burden-lifter.

Never be ashamed of Jesus. He is never ashamed of you. Let him lift YOUR fears.