Weekly Bulletin – March 2, 2008

Posted on February 28, 2008 
Filed Under Weekly Bulletin

THE LORD’S DAY
March 2, 2008
WELCOME!
We extend a kind welcome to all who are present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRAISING GOD WITH SONG
 

GIVING TO GOD  Offering  /  SPECIAL MUSIC    
Jr. Church children (ages 4 – 7) may be dismissed.
HEARING FROM GOD 
 

WORSHIPING GOD IN SONG
 

   ____________________
  
PLEASE JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL, NEXT!
There are classes for every age.
TONIGHT: NO Evening Service
  
THIS WEEK – Wed. night

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Attn: SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS, YOUTH LEADERS
 March 28 & 29 – Seminar at Baptist Bible College.  Information & registration forms available in the foyer.  Any questions, see Don Dickson.

 LADIES BOOK CLUB:  We have a new book available.  If you would like a copy, please see Terry Johnson.  Cost is $3.00.  All of the books we are reading will be available in the church library also.  Our current read is about a “hero of faith” by the name of Sojourner Truth. 

Thanks for attending First Christian, please come again! 

  

Weekly Bulletin – February 24, 2008

Posted on February 21, 2008 
Filed Under Weekly Bulletin

THE LORD’S DAY
February 24, 2008
WELCOME!
We extend a kind welcome to all who are present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRAISING GOD WITH SONG
 

GIVING TO GOD  Offering  /  SPECIAL MUSIC    

Jr. Church children (ages 4 – 7) may be dismissed.

HEARING FROM GOD  

WORSHIPING GOD IN SONG

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

   ____________________
  
PLEASE JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL, NEXT!
There are classes for every age.

TONIGHT: Institute of Biblical Studies, 6:00 PM in the Chapel /  Deuteronomy
  
THIS WEEK

UPCOMING EVENTS:

LADIES BOOK CLUB:  We have a new book available.  If you would like a copy, please see Terry Johnson.  Cost is $3.00.  All of the books we are reading will be available in the church library also.  Our current read is about a “hero of faith” by the name of Sojourner Truth. 

Thanks for attending First Christian, please come again! 

Protected: Prayer Sheet – February 20, 2008

Posted on February 20, 2008 
Filed Under Prayer Requests

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THE KINGDOM; NOW OR NEVER? (Matt. 5)

Posted on February 18, 2008 
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons

You could go around the block about a dozen times before you had to actually engage the text of Matthew 5 if you wanted to. There is so much at stake contextually when it comes to understanding what Jesus is trying to get across in this passage. There are a number of portals you have pass through. One is the theological portal. The various “systems” all seek to interpret (use/subvert at times) the text in a manner that fits into their thinking. For the dispensationalist (which I am) it has traditionally been called a kingdom passage and refers to the kingdom life (granted they also infer that this period includes the Tribulation in regards to this text). More liberal theologians have usually gone the soteriological or sociological route and make the text more salvivic in nature. Those of a covenant strain often call it an “ecclesiastical” text. That it is for the church and tells them how to conduct themselves (close but no cigar; being as the church was not Jesus’ immediate audience).

Then there is the ideological portal. This text has been hijacked for all sorts of political purposes (often by those of a more post-millennial strain). Social justice is at the top of the list for those who use this text for that purpose. Popular topics are the disenfranchised, civil rights and pacifist ideas. There are certainly potential applications here. But they often go way beyond what the text allows. While these are some great topics the text may not infer as much as some would like it to in these areas. What you end up with is violence being done against the text and the Church’s focus becomes displaced.

Another valuable portal is the historical portal. How has the Church used this text in ages past (you could say “abused”). History matters and we would be wise to not forget that everyone from Roman Catholics to the Puritans have been using the Bible to sanction various movements (like the Crusades or America as the New Israel).

The most important portal is the text at large in its cultural/historical setting. Simple things like: who, what, when, where and why? Jesus was speaking to Israel. Specifically his followers (those who had forsook all and began to follow him being as he was the Messiah). Keep in mind Jesus was offering Himself and the Kingdom. You could not have one without the other. Israel was very interested in aspects of the Kingdom or the Kingdom on their terms and Jesus as Messiah if He fit and followed their agenda. It is important to note that there are two gospels in Matthew (I love saying that because it gets everybody all hot and bothered). The first is in 4:17, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (come near).” The second begins to be propagated in ch. 12-14. These are critical/transitional chapters. For Israel has rejected Jesus as Messiah and the kingdom has been postponed. If you don’t want Him, then you can’t have the kingdom. So, Jesus begins to preach the cross (2nd gospel in Matthew). The rest you might say is history.

Albert Schweitzer had it right in his “The Quest of the Historical Jesus” that this address is for the interim period between the cross and the kingdom. Keep in mind the Sermon on the Mount could be described as an explanation of the Torah. Jesus is telling them how to live a life that honors God (which is not going to disagree but agree with the OT, and Torah especially). God does not change and nor do his moral expectations of his people as time and history advances. He may have specific responsibilities for various groups of people but the essential stuff of being right with and living for God have always been the same. One cannot ignore who Jesus’ immediate audience was and what his offer (gospel) consisted of. Israel was the audience and their promised kingdom (OT) was being offered.

Now take a breath and think for a moment. Jesus preached, but Matthew wrote (some years later) to a Jewish audience that had rejected Jesus. Matthew is a part of NT canon. Regardless of who reads the text today, you (we) are between the cross and the kindgom. And it is for anyone who would follow Christ. This is the extraordinary life Jesus invites us to participate in. The Church has a responsibility to live in and practice this text and one day (unless all the OT prophets are wrong or they were speaking allegorically [which is perposterous]) Israel will embrace this text and get an opportunity to accept their Messiah (Jesus) and live the life in advance of Christ’s coming kingdom. In which case for all who have trusted Christ for salvation are citizens of his Kingdom. Citizens of a kingdom which has not yet come. We are justa passin’ thru for we search for a city whose builder and maker is God. A place where there is no darkness but nor is there any sun because the SON is the light of that city……….. WHB

“WNL” Chocolate night – February 27th

Posted on February 17, 2008 
Filed Under Teen Happenings

Bring your favorite chocolate desert or snack to share. Games will be played with chocolate!

Protected: Prayer Sheet – February 14, 2008

Posted on February 14, 2008 
Filed Under Prayer Requests

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Weekly Bulletin – February 17, 2008

Posted on February 14, 2008 
Filed Under Weekly Bulletin

THE LORD’S DAY
February 17, 2008
WELCOME!
We extend a kind welcome to all who are present. If you are visiting us today, please fill out a visitor card, found in the pew pocket. We invite you to inquire about our church’s activities and ministries. May your attendance today be a wonderful blessing.

PRAISING GOD WITH SONG

GIVING TO GOD  Offering  /  SPECIAL MUSIC    

Jr. Church children (ages 4 – 7) may be dismissed.

HEARING FROM GOD   

WORSHIPING GOD IN SONG

____________________
  
PLEASE JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL, NEXT! There are classes for every age.

____________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Todd Smith has been elected to the nominating committee, bring your recommendations to him for an elected position within the church.  He will present them to the board.

TODAY: BABY SHOWER, 2:00 – 4:00 – to benefit Life Choices.    Bring a wrapped gift & a favorite dessert.

TONIGHT: COLLEGE & CAREER, 6:00 pm  @ Will Reichel’s.
  
THIS WEEK:

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

        INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, 6:00 PM /Chapel

LADIES BOOK CLUB:  We have a new book available.  If you would like a copy, please see Terry Johnson.  Cost is $3.00.

Volunteer Grandparents Needed
 Broome Cty. Office for Aging – Foster Grandparent Program
 Are you over 60, have limited income and love children? Volunteer as a Foster Grandparent 20 hours per week and receive a nontaxable stipend, free meal and the joy of making a difference in the lives of children.
 Please call 778-2089.

Thanks for attending First Christian, please come again! 

LIVING AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN

Posted on February 13, 2008 
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons

Why is it “extraordinary” has such a idealistic ring to it when in reality it is only two words (extra and ordinary) strung together? How would you describe an extraordinary life? I suppose most of us have dreamed of it. Perhaps you are living it right now. You are at the top of your game. Your best life is now. Then came Jesus. He had to come along and turn the world upside down and scramble all the price tags (and I was never good at “The Price Is Right”).

I am going to dare to preach a new series on the Sermon On The Mount out of Matthew 5. I say ‘dare’ because I have my own questions about this text. Nor am I sure (strike that), I am positive that I have often miserably failed to experience (live) this kind of life. Not to mention the fact that this text is a theological juggernaut.

What is a “blessed” life? How does one be “poor in spirit”? Am I “hungry and thirsty for righteousness”? Am I “pure in heart”? Am I a “peacemaker”? Have I ever been persecuted for the sake of Jesus? Is this all a bridge too far for us? Should we take this literally or metaphorically? Perhaps this is not for us (whoever ‘us’ is). It’s a Jewish thing anyways. Let the Israelites deal with it. It is the greatest sermon Jesus ever preached. I mean we have favorite movies, books or episodes from a tv program and we long see them again. But Jesus, his greatest stuff scares the daylights out of us. We feel small in contrast to his immense presence. He overwhelms us and were it not for his mercy we would be left (ground into) in the dust. But, fret not. For He is the great deliverer. He has not only given his life for us but He is our life. And an extraordinary life is for those who are determined to follow Jesus. Which is what the Sermon on the Mount is all about. God is able to give you an extraordinary life. Just remember He gets to define “extraordinary.”         WHB

“WNL” Chocolate Night-February 13th

Posted on February 13, 2008 
Filed Under Teen Happenings

Bring your favorite chocolate desert or snack to share.  Games will be played with chocolate.      CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER !  Have a good week teens, your leaders will miss you !

” WNL” Mall Scavenger Hunt- February 23rd

Posted on February 12, 2008 
Filed Under Teen Happenings

Teens meet at Fellowship Center on Saturday @ 6:00 PM

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