For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. --1 Corinthians 1:18
Sunday we survey Christ's wondrous cross together... and gather at His table to celebrate!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Testing the Gospel We Teach (and believe)
The glory of the gospel is that God has declared Christians to be rightly related to him in spite of their sin. But our greatest temptation and mistake is to try to smuggle character into his work of grace. How easily we fall into the trap of assuming that we remain justified only so long as there are grounds in our character for that justification. But Paul’s teaching is that nothing we do ever contributes to our justification. So powerful was his emphasis on this that men accused him of teaching that it did not matter how they lived if God justified them. If God justifies us as we are, what is the point of holiness? There is still a sense in which this is a test of whether we offer the world the grace of God in the gospel. Does it make men say: ‘You are offering grace that is so free it doesn’t make any difference how you life’? This was precisely the objection the Pharisees had to Jesus’ teaching!
-Sinclair B. Ferguson
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The transactions of the crucifixion
Sunday I'm preaching on "3 Things Jesus Accomplished at the Cross".... here's a quote by Spurgeon:
"The bitter herbs of Gethsemane have often taken away the bitters of your life; the scourge of Gabbatha has often scourged away your cares, and the groans of Calvary yields us comfort rare and rich. We never should have known Christ's love in all its heights and depths if He had not died; nor could we guess the Father's deep affection if He had not given His Son to die. The common mercies we enjoy all sing of love, just as the sea-shell, when we put it to our ears, whispers of the deep sea whence it came; but if we desire to hear the ocean itself, we must not look at every-day blessings, but at the transactions of the crucifixion. He who would know love, let him retire to Calvary and see the Man of sorrows die."
"The bitter herbs of Gethsemane have often taken away the bitters of your life; the scourge of Gabbatha has often scourged away your cares, and the groans of Calvary yields us comfort rare and rich. We never should have known Christ's love in all its heights and depths if He had not died; nor could we guess the Father's deep affection if He had not given His Son to die. The common mercies we enjoy all sing of love, just as the sea-shell, when we put it to our ears, whispers of the deep sea whence it came; but if we desire to hear the ocean itself, we must not look at every-day blessings, but at the transactions of the crucifixion. He who would know love, let him retire to Calvary and see the Man of sorrows die."
Monday, March 26, 2007
A Nourished Soul.... prep your heart for communion Sunday
A reminder here for you to be meditating on the sacrificial love of Jesus as we prepare to celebrate the Eucharist on Sunday. I am always encouraged by Q&A 75 from the Heidelberg Catechism...
Q. 75. How are you reminded and assured in the Holy Supper that you participate in the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross and in all his benefits?
A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread, and to drink of this cup in remembrance of him. He has thereby promised that his body was offered and broken on the cross for me, and his blood was shed for me, as surely as I see with my eyes that the bread of the Lord is broken for me, and that the cup is shared with me. Also, he has promised that he himself as certainly feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life with his crucified body and shed blood as I receive from the hand of the minister and actually taste the bread and the cup of the Lord which are given to me as sure signs of the body and blood of Christ.
Q. 75. How are you reminded and assured in the Holy Supper that you participate in the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross and in all his benefits?
A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread, and to drink of this cup in remembrance of him. He has thereby promised that his body was offered and broken on the cross for me, and his blood was shed for me, as surely as I see with my eyes that the bread of the Lord is broken for me, and that the cup is shared with me. Also, he has promised that he himself as certainly feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life with his crucified body and shed blood as I receive from the hand of the minister and actually taste the bread and the cup of the Lord which are given to me as sure signs of the body and blood of Christ.
Journey of Faith Team
Many have asked who pulled off the wonderful decorations and activities of yesterday at 9am. Paige French and Christina Fischer led a team that worked creatively and with great diligence.
The campaign was led by Brian & Rebecca Schackow, with Sarah Hamersma serving as Campaign Administrator. A more complete list of names will be forthcoming. Basically, you were well-served by a great team during this Journey.
The campaign was led by Brian & Rebecca Schackow, with Sarah Hamersma serving as Campaign Administrator. A more complete list of names will be forthcoming. Basically, you were well-served by a great team during this Journey.
What was your high point?
Journey of Faith commitment Sunday was yesterday. What memories! Since the service I have asked people, "What was the high point for you yesterday?" Mine? It was seeing three jr. hi boys make their offerings as part of the children's offering at the start of the service. The humility and freedom for them to consider themselves children. OR, maybe they were given a freedom for a moment that we all need---the freedom to love God more than we love our reputation.
What was your high point? Give thanks to God.
What was your high point? Give thanks to God.
Wowed by God
Weren't we all astounded by God? That He would secure the leaders, and envision them for the future... to the point of committing to give $1 million over the next three years.... Flabbergasting was one word I heard to describe it.
We look with great anticipation to what He continues to do in our midst as we seek to see Him known & cherished in Gainesville.
We look with great anticipation to what He continues to do in our midst as we seek to see Him known & cherished in Gainesville.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thoughts as we make commitments Sunday
May I (Rob) please remind you of what we said over the past few weeks. Sunday's pledging toward Journey of Faith should be:
1.) Joyful, not under compulsion
2.) "New money"... no one is helped if you shift your normal offering (in whole or part) to Journey of Faith
3.) Towards God's Fame... sacrificial giving displays God as our treasure
1.) Joyful, not under compulsion
2.) "New money"... no one is helped if you shift your normal offering (in whole or part) to Journey of Faith
3.) Towards God's Fame... sacrificial giving displays God as our treasure
120 RSVP's
Sunday at 9am there are special events planned as we culminate JOURNEY OF FAITH ....
We've received word of planned participation from 120 adults and about 50 children. If you aren't in that number... join in! 9am Sunday
We've received word of planned participation from 120 adults and about 50 children. If you aren't in that number... join in! 9am Sunday
Parents, pray about HOW you teach your children about God
"Teachers & parents who do not exult over God in their teaching will not bring about exultation in God. Dry, unemotional, indifferent teaching about God--whether at home or at church--is a half-truth, at best. It says one thing about God and portrays another thing. It is inconsistent. It says that God is great, but teaches as if God is not great." --John Piper
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Our Great God
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations. ---Psalm 145
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations. ---Psalm 145
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ye Old Commitment Card
This is the commitment card we will be using on Sunday. In case you want to see it prior to our service.
Who will see my pledge?
This is a question that I (Rob) have been asked a couple o' times this week. The answer is..... the same as your normal giving. Our financial secretary, Debbie Staples. No one else.
Hope that is helpful.
Hope that is helpful.
Jesus: "Fear not, little flock....
... for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
"Somebody's Daddy died this week"
That is how the dinner conversation will begin tonite, or soon, in my house. I don't know the family or this man... but because of my history with RUF (Jesus found me there) and my current love for Steve Lammers... this hits hard.
The RUF minister at Furman University, Dustin Salter was riding bikes with his children (ages 10 and under) last Fall when he wrecked and sustained head injuries that resulted in his death this week.
A friend of his wrote a moving tribute you can read here.
The RUF minister at Furman University, Dustin Salter was riding bikes with his children (ages 10 and under) last Fall when he wrecked and sustained head injuries that resulted in his death this week.
A friend of his wrote a moving tribute you can read here.
Joshua Tree turns 20
The Joshua Tree was released 20 years ago this month. A 1987 interview w/ the band here.
Lunch in Downtown Beautiful Alachoooway
Our favorite native of Mumbai, Sid Gaitonde, organizes a monthly lunch get-together for men that is held every 3rd Wednesday of the month. They will be meeting on the 21st, which is soon.
They will be having lunch at 11:45am at Conestogas restaurant in downtown Alachua. Let Sid (sid.gaitonde AT gmail DOT com) know if you guys can make it so that i can get a head count to make reservations. You are welcome to invite other men.
They will be having lunch at 11:45am at Conestogas restaurant in downtown Alachua. Let Sid (sid.gaitonde AT gmail DOT com) know if you guys can make it so that i can get a head count to make reservations. You are welcome to invite other men.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Theology & Evangelism
All true theology has an evangelistic thrust, and all true evangelism is theology in action."
- J.I. Packer
- J.I. Packer
Sunday, March 18, 2007
A Week of Prayer
March 18-25 is a week of prayer for ChristCommunityChurch, culminating in our Journey of Faith commitments during the 10am service on March 25. Here are some ways to help you pray this week:
1. Some folks have cut a prayer path on the property where the building will be constructed. This makes a great place to go out and pray that--on this site-- people will experience the grace of Jesus Christ... AND--from this site... people will go out to extend the grace of Jesus Christ. Some have mentioned praying the names of their friends/family/neighbors while walking the path. Parents, while ambling, can pray for the work of God's Spirit in their children's hearts. Etc. Won't you come out and invest 10-20 minutes praying on the site this week?
2. On Sunday March 18th we exchanged prayer cards. Everyone present was simply encouraged to write the names of their family members on one side of an index card. On the other side we wrote these two verses:
LUKE 12:31
Seek first God's kingdom...
1 Chronicles 29:14
All things come from you, and of your own have we given you. (ESV)
Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (NIV)
KEY IDEA: As we prayerfully seek to partner with God and make a commitment to journey of faith... we need to be praying for each other. So, everyone who decided to pray for another person took someone's card and this week will be praying those Scripture for themselves and for the person whose card they took.
What if I wasn't there Sunday? Call someone in your small group, or the church office and say, "I need to be prayed for; and someone for whom I can pray!"
3. Time of Fasting
On Tuesday or Wednesday all of CCC is encouraged to join in some form of fasting. This can be any abstinance or limitation from something good and normal in your life.
What would this look like in my life??? Here's a sample list:
--Jogging without listening to Ipod
--Only one cup of coffee that day
--No soda
--A light lunch or supper
--Leave the computer off
--Leave the TV off
The idea of fasting is to withdraw (for a season and a reason!) from something good in creation. This time, the purpose is to say, "God, help me seek your kingdom. What do you want to do through me in this Journey of Faith?")
1. Some folks have cut a prayer path on the property where the building will be constructed. This makes a great place to go out and pray that--on this site-- people will experience the grace of Jesus Christ... AND--from this site... people will go out to extend the grace of Jesus Christ. Some have mentioned praying the names of their friends/family/neighbors while walking the path. Parents, while ambling, can pray for the work of God's Spirit in their children's hearts. Etc. Won't you come out and invest 10-20 minutes praying on the site this week?
2. On Sunday March 18th we exchanged prayer cards. Everyone present was simply encouraged to write the names of their family members on one side of an index card. On the other side we wrote these two verses:
LUKE 12:31
Seek first God's kingdom...
1 Chronicles 29:14
All things come from you, and of your own have we given you. (ESV)
Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (NIV)
KEY IDEA: As we prayerfully seek to partner with God and make a commitment to journey of faith... we need to be praying for each other. So, everyone who decided to pray for another person took someone's card and this week will be praying those Scripture for themselves and for the person whose card they took.
What if I wasn't there Sunday? Call someone in your small group, or the church office and say, "I need to be prayed for; and someone for whom I can pray!"
3. Time of Fasting
On Tuesday or Wednesday all of CCC is encouraged to join in some form of fasting. This can be any abstinance or limitation from something good and normal in your life.
What would this look like in my life??? Here's a sample list:
--Jogging without listening to Ipod
--Only one cup of coffee that day
--No soda
--A light lunch or supper
--Leave the computer off
--Leave the TV off
The idea of fasting is to withdraw (for a season and a reason!) from something good in creation. This time, the purpose is to say, "God, help me seek your kingdom. What do you want to do through me in this Journey of Faith?")
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Draw my affection, Lord
“Oh, let not mine eyes be dazzled, nor my heart bewitched with the
glory and sweetness of these worldly treasures. . . Draw my affection to
the love of that durable riches, and to that fruit of heavenly wisdom
which is better than gold, and the revenues whereof do surpass the
silver, that my chief care may be to have a soul enriched and furnished
with Thy grace.” --Samuel Hieron
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