|
February 11, 2010 - Edition Number 74 |
| From the Pastor |
Dear Friends,
Last week, I wrote about the place of preaching and, more broadly, the role of the Word of God in the Church. Simply put: It is God's Word that creates God's people. I want to follow up with an additional part you play in this process as we grow in Christ together as a congregation. At the risk of being misunderstood or appearing self-serving, I want to plead with you to pray for preachers.
In Ephesians 6:19, the Apostle Paul calls the Christians at Ephesus to pray for each other, and then he makes a personal request. He asks that they make supplication not just for the saints generally, but "... also for me, that words may be given to me in the opening of my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel." If the greatest Christian preacher in the history of the church needed the prayers of God's people, how much more do Bryan and I? Of course, the benefits of those prayers reach well beyond the preachers, covering the entire congregation. Let me suggest some ways you can pray for all of us in the preaching of the Word:
-
Pray for the preacher of this Sunday's sermon. Ask that the Holy Spirit would open God's Word to him, guarding him from sterile or casual study. Instead, ask the Lord to give the preacher vigor for the hard work of studying and preparing, as well as heart-level engagement so that he would not preach a passage that hasn't already worked in him deeply (1 Timothy 4:14-15).
-
Pray for the hearers of this Sunday's sermon. Ask the Lord to prepare us to come and listen actively, with engaged minds. Let's pray for each other that we would hear the sermon with the eagerness of someone who is getting life-saving food and not with the passivity of a casual (and well-fed) observer (Acts 17:11).
-
Pray that last Sunday's sermon would continue to ricochet around in our heads and hearts, that we would not merely be hearers of the Word, but also doers (James 1:22).
-
Pray that the sermon would exalt Christ, point us to our need for Him, and bring to us the very words of life in the different stages and states in which we live. Ask the Lord to comfort the afflicted through the reading and preaching of the Word. Ask the Lord to convict those who need to deal with specific sin. Ask the Lord to bring assurance where it is lacking (Luke 24:27-32).
-
Pray for the unconverted who hear the sermon each week. Ask God to use His Word here and now to bring the lost to Him and give them new life. To paraphrase John Newton, ask Him to show them that they are great sinners and that He is a great Savior (Acts 2:37-41).
-
Pray for wisdom and God's leading as Bryan and I plan future months and years and that we would give you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:20-21).
-
Pray that we would wisely make application. A given text has just one meaning, but it can sometimes have many applications to our lives. Pray that we would identify those applications most likely to be helpful to your soul (Nehemiah 8:1-8, especially v. 8).
-
Pray for the wise use of our time, especially in preparation. Ask the Lord to help us say "no" to lesser things in order that we might say "yes" to the most important things. We have the same time management struggles you do (Luke 10:41-42).
-
Pray that we would be men of integrity and not preach one thing at church and then go home and live another way altogether (Titus 1:5-9).
-
Ask the Lord to guard us and our families from the attacks of the Enemy, especially in the last several days leading up to preaching (1 Peter 5:8-9).
-
Pray that we would deal forthrightly with our own sin. Robert Murray M'Cheyne, a great Scottish preacher and pastor of the 19th century, once said, "My people's greatest need is my own holiness." By that, he didn't mean that he was more important or special, but that the role to which God had called him meant that he needed to be even more diligent to walk closely with Christ (1 Peter 1:13-19).
-
Finally, pray that we would be men of prayer. Ask God to show us just how little power and strength we have in ourselves and that this would drive us to beg the Lord to work in us and in you. Pray that we would grow in our praying (Mark 9:28-29).
Friends, I'm not ashamed to ask you to do this. Several years ago, a good friend was lamenting to another man how he felt as if he found himself begging the Lord for everything in prayer. His friend replied, "Well, Douglas, you're not going to get it any other way, so you'd better get used to asking." Would you commit to regularly pray, perhaps even daily, through this list? We won't get these things any other way.
Remember, you get the preacher you pray for.
Your friend,
Bill
|
| Valentine's Sunday Night Supper !!! |
 Join us for Sunday Supper this Valentine's night! We are planning to have baked chicken and vegetables. Please come enjoy a great meal, fellowship and be ready to hear Jim and Rachel Van Eerden share the story of their adoption of Edison in late 2009. After the Van Eerden's share their story, children will go with Mrs. Debbie for crafts and adults will spend some time praying. Nursery will be provided. Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM. Cost is $2 per person with family maximum cost of $7. Many of you may have Valentine plans, so keep them and enjoy! However, if your schedule permits, join us for a great night of fellowship, food and sharing of the Lord's grace in Edison's life.
| |
|
|
|
|
| Save the Date! |
Save the Date for these upcoming events:
- Family Movie Night - Friday, February 26th at 6:30pm
- Scouts Pine Wood Derby - Saturday, March 13th
- Consignment Sale - Saturday,March 13th
Resurrection Egg Hunt - Palm Sunday,March 28th
- Maundy Thursday Worship Service - 7 PM
- Easter Sunday Lord's Day Worship - 10:30 AM
- Wototo Children's Choir Concert - Sunday, April 11th
- American Red Cross Blood Drive -Wed. April 14th
- Congregational Meeting either on May 2nd
or May 16th - for purpose of approving next fiscal year's budget.
- Vacation Bible School - Mornings of June 21-25th
More information to follow soon on these events. | |
|
|
| 11:4 Group |
What is the 11:4 Group? Hebrews 11:4 speaks of Abel and says, "though he died, he still speaks." A new men's small group will be starting in a few weeks in order to read short excerpts of the writings of our fathers (and mothers!) in the faith and meet to better understand their wisdom and apply it in our lives. God has given us a rich spiritual heritage through the record of how His Spirit has moved through the centuries. We have a treasure in old books that can give us a perspective on the Christian life very different from our own generation's and, sometimes, vastly more helpful. This won't be hard literature. Instead, we will read short, understandable pages and listen together to the record of how God worked in our spiritual ancestors. The goal is to learn from them and grow together in Christ.
The group's meeting time and day will be determined based on the availability of those interested. If you would like to know more, contact Bill Marsh.
|
Opportunities for Ministry
|
  
Mens' Breadfast- February 13th 7:30am Join them for a yummy breakfast and fellowship. Rev. Bryan Crotts wll be the guest speaker.
Women's Ministry Kick Off
"Breakfast and Breaking New Ground", Join us for a meet and greet, Saturday February 27th, 10:00am-12:00pm, Cost $5 please bring that morning. Discover and discuss our dreams and ambitions for 2010 and beyond. RSVP to Amy Munson or call 288-2365.
Family Movie Night- February 26th at 6:30pm. We will be showing "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" in the JAM Theater. Popcorn and drinks will be available. Everyone is invited. The movie will begin at 6:30pm.
Valentine goodies Thank you to everyone who donated items and money to be used for the valentine boxes for our college students. We were able to fill 19 boxes!!!
Freedom House is participating in the Human Race on Saturday, March 20th as a fundraiser. It is a 5K walk/run (3.1 Miles) from 9am-12noon at Grimsley High School. If you are interested in walking (or running), contact Michele Moyer at 282-6148 or wayneandmicele@hotmail.com.
Sunday Night Suppers
Join us 5:30pm Sundays for fellowship, dinner, and prayers.
We will be coming together on:
February 14 (Church sponsored $2 per person or $7max for family)
February 28 (Mexican pot luck)
March 14 (Church sponsored)
March 28 (Easter picnic pot luck)
April 11 (Church sponsored)
April 25 (American Cookout pot luck)
May 9 Mother's Day (Church Sponsored)
WATOTO Children's Choir is coming back to CCC. Further details to come soon. Take a look at the choir website at www.watoto.com
Children's Ministry
We are about to start working on getting everything ready for CCC's Consignment Sale. There are may areas that you can help out in if you would like to volunteer, we can use you! Please contact Julie Streng at jstreng@triad.rr.com to find out ways to help.
Student Ministry
Middle School
*JumpStart tonight Join us for Sunday Supper at 5:30pm and then we'll head up to the Attic from 6-7:30 for JumpStart!
*Winter Retreat to Rockbridge Next Weekend! Last chance to sign up today, so don't miss out!
High School
*Dinner and Concert tomorrow night Join us at Moe's at 6 for dinner and then we'll head to Grace Community Church for a concert with Drew and Ellie Holcomb and hear them share about healthy relationships as a part of our Month of Love. We'll conclude at 9:15am at Grace.
*Oasis Wednesday @ 7pm...Join us as we continue in our "Month of Love".
|
| Prayer Requests |
- Lee Williams - comfort in the passing of her father
- Candy Simth's mother - healing after surgery
- Pray for David and Rachael, Rob and Karen, and the rest of the Chad Team. Pray for safety, health, and for contacts with those with hearts receptive to the Gospel
-
For Pastors Marsh & Crotts, Amy, Ashley, Debbie, James and the families of our staff
-
That we would all be more effective stewards of the resources (time, talents, financial means) that our Lord has entrusted to us, cheerfully giving to this and other ministries - investing in His Kingdom, from an eternal perspective
-
Personal Missions: for a burden in each of us that would compel us to share the love of Christ with others
-
Local Missions: for wise use of our benevolent funds as needs arise within and without our body
-
Persecuted Christians: for an awareness in western countries to the suffering that many face in countries where freedom of religion does not exist
-
Governing Authorities: pray for Guilford County, the City of Greensboro and our surrounding community leaders
-
Our friends, relatives, and A.R.P. Chaplains serving around the world in the U.S. Military |
| To Prepare for the Lord's Day Worship |
Sunday's Sermon: "Worship: Not If, But Whom" Rev. Bill Marsh
Read to prepare for the Call to Worship: Matthew 28, Isaiah 60
Confession of Faith
Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?
A. The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ1 who, being the eternal Son of God, became man,2 and so was, and continues to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.3
Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body,4 and a reasonable soul,5 being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her,6 yet without sin.7
Q. 23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.8
Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.9
Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice,10 and reconcile us to God;11and in making continual intercession for us.12
Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to himself,13 in ruling14 and defending us15 and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.16
1 I Tim. 2:5-6. v John 1:18; I Pet. 1:10-12; John 2 John 1:14; Gal. 4:4. 15:15; John 20:31. 3Rom. 9:5; Luke 1:35; Col. 2:9; Heb. 7:24-25. 4 Heb. 2:14, 16; Heb. 10:5. 5 Matt. 26:38. 6 Luke 1:27, 31, 35, 42; Gal. 4:4. 7 Heb. 4:15; Heb. 7:26. 8 Acts 3:21-22; Heb. 12:25; Compared with II Cor. 13:3; Heb. 5:5-7; Heb. 7:25; Ps. 2:6; Isa. 9:6-7; Matt. 21:5; Ps. 2:8-11. 9 Heb. 9:14, 28. 10 Heb. 2:17.11 Heb. 7:24-25. 12 Acts 15:14-16. 13 Isa. 33:22. 14Isa. 32:1-2 15I Cor. 15:25; Ps. 110.
|
| Adult Bible Fellowship |
-Study of the Gospel of John,
Elder Sam Cain: Why Do People Suffer? - John 9:1-39
-The Christian Home,
Pastor Crotts: The Effects of the Fall - Genesis 3
-Study of the Westminster Confession of Faith,
Pastor Marsh: Chapter 21.7-8: The Sabbath |
| Did you know? |
God gives individuals various gifts so that they may serve the church for his glory and the good of our fellow saints! Please consider how the Lord might use you to serve the saints at Christ Community Church. We have an online survey that you can take in 10 minutes or less and it will let us know how to best employ you according to your gifts & interests. Visit this site: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8P5MKFT and let get to know how the Lord has made you for his service.
|
| Food for Thought |
"It is worth while to be a Shorter Catechism boy. They grow to be men. And better than that, they are exceedingly apt to grow to be men of God. So apt, that we cannot afford to have them miss the chance of it. 'Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.'"
- B.B. Warfield
| |
|
Bill Marsh and Bryan Crotts
Christ Community Church
|
|
|
|
|
