29
Jun '15
Uh, I Think We Knew This Was Coming
29
Jun '15
I don’t want to do it, I don’t want to do it, and if you have any doubt at all, I really don’t want to do it. What? I do not want to get into another political or ideological debate. But people, events and other political and ideological parties keep dragging me into it. And as long as this political tennis ball keeps landing on the Church’s “Biblical and moral” side of the court, I am compelled to address it and send it back across the net. It is not my fault! So here goes.
In light of the past Supreme Court rulings, and the pursuing discussions which followed, I think most would agree that we are seeing some significant change in the wind regarding the theological and moral compass surrounding the issues concerning marriage, family, the Bible, the Church and our national identity. The very fabric of our society is undergoing (and has been undergoing) a seismic shift away from what was held to be true for both millennia in the body of Christ, as well as the majority of mankind’s existence. And, although encapsulated in “good intentions,” it is revealing the ever increasing separation of our national and global culture, and Biblical understanding held by most men and women of God throughout world history. Having said all of that, we kind of knew this would happen.
This past month we spoke about what it would be like living in what many believe to be the “End Times.” As we read Biblical texts, we are clothed with the knowledge that “The World’s” understanding of rightness and wrongness would take a significant left turn (or right turn depending on your political station) from God’s Word. In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul writes to a young pastor named Timothy and sets out to prepare him, and us, for an upcoming apostasy. He starts out with these words from 2 Timothy 3, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves…” STOP. I don’t want to hear any more!! (Hands on ears).
Following those first few words of Paul comes a laundry list of characteristics describing the condition we find ourselves in today. One thing interesting in verses 7 and 8, we are told that humankind would not only be unable to come to the truth found in God’s Word, but would indeed be resistant to the same (2 Timothy 3:7-8). We are living in a generation where many seek to remove Biblical instruction from all spheres of public life and consistently exalts humankind as their own savior and moral arbiter. Surely, we knew this was coming?! More on this subject in 2 weeks.
Be blessed even more,
Pastor Chris
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11
Jun '15
Thank You For Giving
11
Jun '15
I want to take this time to thank everyone who continues to give to the ministries of Central Christian Church. We have such a generous congregation and we all are blessed by the ongoing financial support that has become a hallmark of this wonderful congregation. So many have stepped up to provide for our needs whether through regular weekly giving or for special needs that occasionally arise. Not only have you given to the financial needs of this ministry, but you have shared your time and your talent as well, and all of us have been enriched by it. In Hebrews 6:10 we read, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” He never forgets what we do for Him and His reward is sure. In the book of Luke 6:38, we are encouraged to give to others. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you give, it will be measured to you.” Be assured that you cannot out-give the Lord. He has promised to repay some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold the gifts given in His Name and on His behalf.
However, we know that our congregation does not give expecting a return. You give because of your love for God and love for the ministry of Jesus Christ. We so appreciate your support and believe that God will bless all of those who from a pure heart give to the ministry of Central Christian Church; this congregation continues to evangelize and extend our love to the Huntington County community. In Philippians 4, the apostle responds to the giving of believers who have amply supplied for his ministry and the work God called him to. He describes a group of Christians who gave to his need “time and time again.” In the 19th verse he states this, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” That is my prayer for you and I believe, because of your marvelous generosity, God will supply all of your needs according to His riches as well. As you continue to support God’s ministry through tithes and offerings, shared talents and precious time, know that we remember you often in prayer and so appreciate the sacrifice you make.
We could never thank you enough but we so appreciate your faithfulness and support.
Be Blessed and Be Grateful and THANK YOU,
Pastor Chris
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11
Jun '15
Turtle Talk
11
Jun '15
God encounters us in a way we can understand. But we must take the time to listen and make space to listen. I have been told that researchers have conducted studies on the communication and conversation patterns of a breed of river turtles in Brazil’s Amazon territory. This research has yielded recordings of over 250 distinct sounds between a group of hatchling turtles and their mother. They were able to categorize this conversation into 6 different groups corresponding according to the behavior observed as a consequence of the “turtle chatter.” Now the communication elements are not definitive in their meaning, but it has become clear to researchers that information is being exchanged between the mother turtle and her babies. What some scientists have concerned themselves with is the noise pollution created by a growing level of modern civilization and heavy machinery that brings conflicting and distractive sounds to their world.
God speaks to us also. Not always in long soliloquies or eloquent orations, but God often speaks to us in a still small voice that can also be susceptible to distracting voices and sounds. These world manufactured distractions take us away from finding and hearing God’s voice spoken to our spirit. In Psalm 46:10 scripture tells us this, “10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” In this scripture, God lets us know of His awesome power; that he will be exalted among all people and throughout the entire world! Yet the Word of God starts with, “Be still and know…”
It is when we get in a place and a time of quiet peace that we can hear the voice of God speaking to us and telling us things that bring an intimacy to our relationship with God. Just as the baby turtles have to be in a place and time to be able to stop, hear and recognize the voice of Mama Turtle (Away from the noise of the world), we need to do the same with our Father who has opened up His line of communication through His Word and by the medium of the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirit. That is why it is so important to find a place of isolation and spend time with God before we leave our domicile in the morning, entering into the world with distracting activities and voices. Take time each morning and find a place where God’s voice becomes clear and His Words begin to speak to you.
Be blessed and be grateful,
Pastor Chris
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