We are living in some very turbulent times –– rising unemployment, corporate downsizing, escalating business and personal bankruptcies, wages are down, prices are up, pensions are disappearing –– it’s as if our world is in a constant state of instability. Many are wondering: “How do we survive and thrive in such difficult times?”

Join us as we tackle this question in a new series entitled, BUCKLE UP – A BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO LIFE’S UNCERTAINTIES. You’ll discover that the vast majority of the Bible was written by people who were no strangers to pain, sorrow, tragedy, or adversity.

So if you want to know what to do when the ‘fasten seat belt’ sign comes on –– when there’s turbulence and tension and trouble and transition –– the answers are found in Scripture. Join us and invite a friend! Regardless of what kind of current turbulence you may be facing –– God, through His Word, shows us how to “Buckle Up.”

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (Phil. 3:7-9)

"There are some who have no understanding to hear the truth of freedom and insist upon their goodness as means for salvation. These people you must resist, do the very opposite, and offend them boldly lest by their impious views they drag many with them into error. For the sake of liberty of the faith do other things which they regarded as the greatest of sins… use your freedom constantly and consistently in the sight of and despite the tyrants and stubborn so that they may learn that they are impious, that their law and works are of no avail for righteousness, and that they had no right to set them up." – Martin Luther

HT: Steve Brown

Reading through I Corinthians, this particular verse jumped off the page at me recently: "So then, men ought to regard us as SERVANTS of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God." (I Cor. 4:1, bold emphasis mine)

Of the MANY things that I find encouraging about our church family, one near the top is the fact that there are so many of you who are sincerely willing to serve wherever you are needed.  It's as if you hit the ground running with the attitude, "ready and willing" -- "just show me how I can help."  Along wanting to say thank you, I also want to remind you that Jesus is HONORED by that :)

I'd also like to make all of you aware of a current need that we have in the body.  Some of you may not realize that ALL of our weekly cleaning is done by an awesome team of volunteers.  The cleaning tasks are divided up so that it doesn't get overwhelming for just one or a few folks.  We could use some additional help.  So if you've been looking for a way to plug-in and serve at CC, would you consider serving on the clean team?  If so, you can contact me or Melissa Pace, and we'll get you started - thank you!

Speaking of serving, I want to give a shout out to George Trickey who refinished all the cabinet doors in the kitchen.  Actually there's been a "team" of volunteers who have helped with the painting: Cindy Headen, Julie Shelton, Stephanie and Sara Stambaugh, and Robert Hatchet.  You guys rock! Thank you!

Hey, let me also remind you to check out our Volunteer / Ministry Assessment sheet.  It's an excellent way for you to discover all the ministry opportunities we have at CC.  Just check the particular areas of service in which you would like to participate and then turn your assessment into Monica Hatchett.  If you haven't had a chance to meet Monica, let me know and I'll help you get acquainted.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad! Instead of getting you a card this year, I decided to convey some of many reasons why I am thankful that you are my father. I hope you won’t mind that I am sharing this personal tribute in such a public way, but I wanted others to have a glimpse into the special man that I get to call, “Dad.”

A Tribute to My Dad

One of the greatest blessings that I received from God was being born to an incredible mother and father who loved me. That extraordinary blessing would set the stage for many, many more, the earliest of which, was the simple, yet profoundly important blessing of being able to grow up with a father. What a gift! So Dad, let me begin by simply thanking you for being there.

More specifically, thank you for committing yourself to love Mom and us kids, more than yourself. Not all men do. Not all men stay. You did, and for that I’m very thankful! In fact, among your greatest accomplishments in life, none mean more to me than the importance and priority you always placed on being a husband and father. Again, what a gift! Thank you for still being there, Dad!

In attempting to sum up why I’m thankful for you, my words are not nearly adequate. But I would like to mention a few of the many things that I admire most about you (in no particular order):

* Two words: “MAN’S MAN” - I get a kick out of telling people that I was raised by a combination of John Wayne and the Marlboro Man. I’ve always admired your strength and toughness, Dad. I think of you every time I read I Cor. 16:13 - “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” Thank you for modeling biblical manhood for me.

* Speaking of biblical manhood, I’m grateful that your mentoring included teaching me the Scripture and leading me to Christ. I’ll never forget those Sunday afternoons, sitting at the table long after lunch had finished, discussing the sermon or exploring the Scriptures. I had questions, you had answers, all from God’s Word. I’m especially grateful that I was able to learn from you both by word and example. Thanks for discipling me.

* I remember learning early on that men don’t hit women. More than that, I’m thankful for the countless life lessons I learned from you that women are to be honored and protected.

* The way you cherished Mom, especially the tender care you gave to her in her courageous fight against cancer. Your seat is being saved :)

* I’ve always admired your strong work ethic. More than faithfully providing for our family, I’ve never forgotten what you taught me about always doing your best, no more and no less. Most won’t fully understand that last part, but I do - thank you.

* You were the first example I had of someone who knew the difference between religion and relationship. The impact your example has had on my life and ministry is incalculable.

* You are the greatest athlete, bar none, that I have ever known. Nobody could swing a bat like you. Being a pro ballplayer with the Giants notwithstanding, I still remember being in awe of your exploits on the softball field when I was in high school. I’d give anything to have a video clip of some of your towering homers over the lights, or some of those rockets you used to throw from short to first, or cut-off to home - wow!

* I’ve always admired the compassion you have for people. Coupled with that, you are the most generous person I have ever known. And that’s saying a lot given the fact that I don’t begin to know how many have been helped by your compassionate generosity (Matt. 6:3-4).

* Two more words: “deer hunting” - Thank you for teaching me how to hunt and fish. Even more, thanks for a lifetime of special memories of hitting the woods together after an evening of “coffee and stategizing.” Much of my love for the outdoors comes from our time in it together.

* I’m thankful for the relationship my kids have with you. “Grandpa” is an endearing term overflowing with love and affection because of the investment you have made in their lives.

* Two more words: “character matters” - Along with that, words such as honesty, integrity, trustworthy, faithful, and dependable come to mind when I think about your influence in my life. Thank you for modeling what it means to stick by your commitments and stand by your promises, always honoring your word.

* I’ve always been moved by your patriotism. Thank you for instilling within me a respect for our flag and nation, along with those who serve and defend it. Their sacrifices bear witness to the fact that freedom isn’t free. I have you to thank for that understanding. I’m grateful.

* I’m glad that you teased me on occasion. I’m grateful for the sense of humor it cultivated, not to mention the valuable lesson not take myself so seriously. Most precious to me are the memories of all of us sitting around being able to laugh at ourselves. That continues to bring me great enjoyment whenever we’re together.

* Proverbs 13:24 - thank you.

There is so much more that could be said, but the bottom line is this: Dad, thank you for being a godly man worth imitating and emulating. I’ve learned and benefited much from your example. Most of all, I’m eternally grateful that you’ve directed my focus above you, to Christ. Although, much of what I’ve learned about Him and from Him, I’ve seen in you.

I don’t think we ever outgrow the command to honor our father and mother. I hope you’ve been honored by this tribute Dad, because you’re the most honorable man I’ve ever known. Happy Father’s Day!

I love you.

Buck

The psalmist declares, “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3) The Hebrew word for great means large or great in the sense of magnitude and extent –– great in importance. It has the connotation of towering over all; someone who has this towering presence.

So the psalmist is declaring that God towers over all –– He’s infinitely greater than all other man-made gods, any situation, any and every circumstance that you and I will ever face. That wonderful truth is going to be basis of a new series entitled Greater Than: God’s Faithfulness Revealed in the Psalms. Each message will focus on a different Psalm that describes an attribute of God that supersedes the following:

• Greater Than My Failures - Psalm 136
• Greater Than My Sin - Psalm 51
• Greater Than My Doubts - Psalm 73
• Greater Than My Questions - Psalm 2
• Greater Than My Troubles - Psalm 78
• Greater Than My Alienation - Psalm 139

Email this link to a friend and invite them to come with you!

Laurie and I are so grateful for all the prayers, encouraging words and offers to help as our family finishing preparing for “THE BIG DAY” this Saturday. We’re very excited for Emily and Nick! We would love to have you join us at the wedding if you are able.

I’m planning to be at Christ’s Church on Sunday, but in light of the wedding, I’ve asked someone else to preach. I am SO looking forward to hearing him bring the Word! You may be wondering, “Who is he?” I’m not telling! But I will give you three clues:

• Most of you at Christ’s Church know him.

• None of you have ever heard him preach.

• His nickname rhymes with “Gumby”

Anybody want to venture a guess? Trust me, it’s going to be good! He loves the Lord and His Word and it shows! I hope you’ll make every effort to be present. You’ll be fed and Jesus will be “made much of” -- Isaiah 26:8!

Oh. . . and we also have a “mystery vocalist” who will be bringing a special in song. It’s going to be an awesome day!

Our small group has just started a verse-by-verse study of I Corinthians. I’m really looking forward to the study! While all of Scripture is forever relevant, this particular letter addresses all kinds of practical issues facing churches in every generation. In thinking through the first chapter, I’ve been especially struck by Paul’s emphasis in this passage.

Weak things. Lowly things. Despised things.

The things that are not.

While meditating on the implications on that powerful paragraph, I ran across this gem in the comments of a blog that I regularly read:

Many of the great hymn writers of old were clergymen, missionaries, statesmen, and astute members of the church. One was even an invalid blind woman with fantastic insight... But none of them were rock stars.

Indeed.

A prayer for boasting in our weaknesses and difficulties.

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” C. S. Lewis

Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD;
O Lord, hear my voice. Let Your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption.
He Himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Psalm 130

This Sunday we’ll be kicking off a new series on each of the “I Am” statements found in the Gospel of John. In each instance, that phrase hearkens back to when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3). As he walked over to get a closer look, Moses was told to remove his sandals because God’s presence had made the ground holy.

After Moses was informed that he would lead God’s people out of Egypt, he wondered how he should respond to the myriad of questions that the Israelites would have? In particular, he wanted to know what to say when they asked about God’s name.

God answered Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent Me to you.” (Ex. 3:14)

“I AM” was God’s covenantal name. It was a title so sacred that it could only be uttered by the high priest, and even then, only once a year on the Day of Atonement. It conveys the truth that nothing else defines who God is but God Himself.

Every time Jesus made one of the “I AM” statements, He was emphatically claiming to be Yahweh, Almighty God. Much more than just figures of speech, these phrases were staggering statements of His sovereign supremacy. Just as the burning bush cast light all around, so Jesus is the light of the world – a consuming fire that should stop us in our tracks because we are on holy ground.

My prayer for this series is that we will be brought face-to-face with who Jesus truly is. In fact, in Sunday’s message from John 6, we’re going to see that many of the Jews thought they knew all about Jesus, but their familiarity kept them from believing that He was more than He appeared:

“Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” (John 6:42)

Likewise, many in our day are in danger of doing the same thing. You may have grown up going to church, you’re familiar with a few Bible stories, you know what happened at Christmas and Easter, and you think you have Jesus all figured out. Be careful that you don’t allow what you know about Him to keep you from actually knowing Him.

Please join me in praying that Jesus will open our eyes and hearts through His Word (Luke 24). Who do you know that needs Him? Pray for them as well, and invite them to come with you.