Thursday, August 21, 2014
We Are God's Chosen People by Jason Goldtrap
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Til He returns or calls me home-
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
- Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
The confident standing of a saved soul is a lifelong process. It would be great to live in a Hallmark Channel world of inspiring moments and happy endings. I like inspiring moments, but what happens when the moment is gone? Who you are and what you will be starts in the waters of baptism and it is finished in the unseen realm of eternity. One of the reasons we come together as a church is to remind ourselves of who we are and what we will be.
We are God’s chosen people in a crowd of babbling religious dogma. We are the saved ones- hands folded in prayer during a riot. We are the ones who practice truth in a tide of trends. We are immovable as we happily refuse to join the fallen world’s carousel race to nowhere. We are the mercy givers to those who do not deserve clemency. We do not forget the friendless, the sick and the homeless. We believe in the Book that turns the world upside down and the One who penned it.
Colossians 2:9-10 “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Praise Our Benefactor for the immeasurable love He shows us daily. Bless us, Father, as we serve Thee only. Amen. –Jason Goldtrap
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Why We Assemble by Rusty Hilliard
One of the hardest things about writing a bulletin article is remembering when it will primarily be read. At Central the weekly bulletin is available at the worship service each Sunday. This is important because of the purpose that draws us here.
In last Sunday’s evening service I spoke about the need for us to understand why we are at worship. As I set here in my office on Thursday, I am struck by the simplistic purpose that will call the saints together on Sunday August 17. The purpose isn’t to criticize the sermon, or the song service, or the length of the prayers, or the eloquence (or lack thereof) of the individual who heads the table. Our purpose in coming together isn’t to hear how well the Bible class teachers have prepared their lessons, or even to enjoy a fantastic meal together. Our purpose in coming together isn’t for parties, plans, pleasure, or any other earthly cause.
As you sit reading this article, before services begin, why are you here? From a Biblical standpoint, simply put, we are here to give praise and glory to God. Ephesians 3: 21 states:
“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
Folks, when we come here to worship, we need to come looking to give praise, not looking to what we will receive. I want to encourage you, as our service begins, focus your hearts, minds, soul, and body upon giving all the glory to God. -Rusty
Friday, August 8, 2014
Ordinary Moments can be Special Moments by Rusty Hilliard
On September 9 it will be three years since Delaney and I began working with this congregation. Over that time, we’ve been encouraged by a number of things. We’re passionate about our young people. I love the way in which this group of God’s children tells our young people how much they matter to the work in God’s kingdom.
Charles Francis Adams, 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. "Went fishing with my son today--a day wasted." His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: "Went fishing with my father--the most wonderful day of my life!"
Charles Adams thought he was wasting his time; Brook Adams saw it as an investment. To adults some things seem like a waste of time, but they mean the world to these young people. Thanks to those who help and encourage our young people by the time spent to plan, carry out, financially support, and transport our young people. To those who work with the youth, you are investing both in the future and in the today of the church. In the New Testament, Timothy had been trained for years before Paul came along and instructed and encouraged him. We have a delightful group of kids here at Central who are thirsty for both the work and word of the Lord. As a congregation, let’s make sure that we are satisfying that thirst. -Rusty
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