Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009

Posted on May 28, 2009 
Filed Under Weekly Bulletin

The Lord’s Day!
May 31, 2009
Welcome to our Church!

PREPARE TO WORSHIP
As we remember the Day of Pentecost, may the same power, love and unity that blessed the first Christians touch us all.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are visiting us today, please fill out a visitors card & drop it in the offering plate as your contribution today. Thank you.

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 STAY FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT!

TONIGHT :  Institute of Biblical Studies, 6:00 PM / Chapel

THIS WEEK :

UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOTE:  There will be no Jr. Church during June, July & August.

Visitation Team:
Members on call this week
If you or someone you know needs a home or hospital visit, please call: Shannon Berkheiser, 775-2170 or Megan Reed, 775-1719

PENTECOST SUNDAY
On May 31, Christians around the world will celebrate the Day of Pentecost. It’s often remembered as the church’s birthday.  Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon those who believed in his resurrection.  Three thousand people were gathered in Jerusalem when the Spirit came upon them.  They were so touched by the Holy Spirit that they began to worship regularly, especially on Sundays, the day of Christ’s resurrection.  To symbolize the “tongues, as of fire” (Acts 2:3) that came upon the people present at Pentecost, liturgical churches display the color red in their worship services on Pentecost Sunday.  Many people attending worship wear red on that day.

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Thanks for attending FIRST CHRISTIAN, please come again!

Protected: Prayer Requests – May 27, 2009

Posted on May 27, 2009 
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WHEN PIGS FLY Mark 5:1-20

Posted on May 23, 2009 
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons

I have yet to hear this text preached well. Not that I am likely to do much better (though I will give it my best shot). On the surface it seems to be a straight forward text. But if you take the time to explore the nuances of the conversation between Jesus and the Demon(s) and consider the worldview of the local population the text shows greater depth.

This is a story about a supernatural confrontation between Jesus the Son of God and a legion (a lot) of demons. Mark is demonstrating the fact that Jesus is Lord. Including it would seem over the demonic realm. In fact the demons attempt a reverse curse on Jesus before he can curse (cast out) them. They in essence appeal to a higher power, that is God (the Father). Notice they know who Jesus is (see v.7). He is Son of the Most High God. But even they realize Jesus in some way answers to God the Father so they in effect try to go over his head. But the Father and the Son’s will are one. The Lordship of God is one.

The context for Mark asserting the Lordship of Jesus is three fold. The most obvious context is the supernatural, which we have already considered to some extent. The second, is the supersticious and uninformed. The local population is familiar with demon possession and is highly supersticious but they lack information about who Jesus is. In all likelihood they saw Jesus as a magician, someone who could likely communicate with the dead. He was a modern day John Edwards (one of our modern day charlatans). To them Jesus was powerful, mysterious, and potentially dangerous. The third contextual aspect is that of economics. Two thousand pigs is a lot of pigs. I did some market research and found more than I could ever read, some rather comical and some downright scientific (here is a sample website http://terrabytefarm.com/wp/2009/04/22/the-cost-of-things-pigs). By modern day standards those pigs could have been upwards of 2 million in market worth. No wonder they wanted Jesus to leave. He was killing the economy.

So what’s the point. Well, only Jesus can set you free to thrive in the culture you came from. Ironically there are a lot of parelells between the culture of Decapolis and ours. We are open to spirituality (though not necessarily the Lordship of Jesus as the one true God). We live in a capitalist culture (though increasingly socialistic) which is and will continue to be consumer oriented. The similiarities are striking.

Yet, while Jesus will rescue this man from the demons. He will not rescue him from the culture. He leaves him to thrive in it as a representative of Christ. In classic 12 step programs (like AA) one of the steps is to change your environment. Christianiaty often advocates the same (which is not a bad idea). But Jesus understands reality. You can’t ostracize yourself from everything and everybody. He delivers us to thrive in the culture we came from and represent him as the one true God. When you come to Christ you can’t just quit your job, switch schools or find a new spouse and children. You live in the culture you came from. That’s the beautiful thing about this text. The people were in awe of how Christ had changd this man’s life. May those we interact with be in awe of how God has changed our lives as well.     WHB

Weekly Bulletin – May 24, 2009

Posted on May 21, 2009 
Filed Under Weekly Bulletin

The Lord’s Day!
May 24, 2009
Welcome to our Church!

PREPARE TO WORSHIP
We yearn for your blessings, O God. May this be the day and the hour that we know with certainty that we’ve been in your presence.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are visiting us today, please fill out a visitors card & drop it in the offering plate as your ontribution today. Thank you.

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 STAY FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT!

TONIGHT :  No Evening Service.

THIS WEEK :

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Visitation Team: Members on call this week
If you or someone you know needs a home or hospital visit, please call: Pastor Justin, 722-2760 – Jeff Bushong, (570) 853-2821 – Ben Willis, (607) 235-0969
______________________________________

Thanks for attending FIRST CHRISTIAN, please come again!

Protected: Prayer Requests – May 20, 2009

Posted on May 20, 2009 
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THE DEVIL INSIDE Mark 7:1-23

Posted on May 16, 2009 
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons

This is a well told tale in the Christian community. As the Clinton administration put it, “it’s the economy stupid.” I suppose Jesus might have said, “it’s the heart, stupid.” Ok, so Jesus might not have said ‘stupid”. But he does sound a bit flabbergasted when he says, “Are you without understanding also?” Or to contemporize Jesus, “You still don’t get it?”

We are our own worst enemy. It is what comes out of our heart that defiles us. We know this, at least we say we do, think we do. But do we really believe it? How much does this truth change the way we come to Christ? Submit to him? Cry out to him to change our hearts? In the words of the psalmist, “create within me a clean heart O God.”

The way I see it. The Church has two great obstacles in light of this text. The first is itself. We are our own worst enemy. It’s not Obama or for that matter Bush. It’s not politics, education, liberalism, conservatism, socialism, capitalism or any other ism for that matter (including religious isms). It’s just us. What we do to what God gives. We just can’t leave it alone  can we? We actually believe that we can make it better. We somehow know better than God does. The Pharisees thought they knew better and in turn forsook the commandments of God for the traditions of men. Are we to be so arrogant to suggest that we are not susceptible to do the same? Have we not done the same? We can get so engrossed in fighting our causes and protecting our turf with rules and regulations that we lose sight of our mission to produce authentic followers of Christ?

In the story there are three groups Jesus addresses. The Pharisees, the crowd and the disciples. In that order Jesus addresses them and at the end of the story it is the disciples who are still struggling with the idea. You are your own worst enemy. It is from your heart that “all these evil things come” (23). We’re still struggling. Hard truths are not easy to take to heart.

I suggested there were two great obstacles so I suppose I have to suggest another. I believe it is the illusion. Or perhaps you might say the delusion. We have deluded ourselves into believing that we’re “ok”. All across the spectrum of Christianity we can point fingers at each other and say I’m not like that/them (fundy, liberal, social, emergent, baptist, catholic, reformed, dispensational, militant….). Go back and read Jesus in Mark 7. Now consider this. See how the Pharisees in laying aside the commands of God were able to elevate their own rules/agenda and take control of people. Such is the way of mankind. We love to control people and things, even ourselves. Keep in mind I am not condemning self-control or authority (as referenced in the Scriptures). But control is an outworking of the defiled heart. Governments, churches, businesses, you name it. They like control. Individuals love to be in control. So many relationships and marriages are haunted by this evil. Even something as complex as eating disorders are in large part about control. Lets face it. In a world where we feel like we are always being manipulated by somebody it’s not uncommon to maintain control over one segment of your life and feel justified in doing so.

So, how about it? Chances are if you are reading this you already know that the “heart is deceitful and desparately wicked” (Jeremiah). But do you believe it? About yourself? Are you your own worst enemy? Can you count the ways? Or have you already lost track? God forbid we keep score.

This is one of those stories that ends as a cliffhanger. You start out cheering Jesus on. The rebel putting religious freaks in their place for trying to control everyone. You subconsciously gloss over the fact that Jesus loves the Law/rules of God. You kind of forget that he is the Word of God. And then he stabs you in the heart and you bleed out the infectious puss of sin. Your own defilement. We are our own worst enemy.

This is the place where you read Psalm 51 and make the plea for a clean heart and a transformed life. It is the place of humility where we surrender ourselves and trust the sweet blood of Jesus for redemption and submit to his Lordship. It’s a better view if you’re on your knees. That’s where I am. See you on Sunday.  WHB

JESUS WANTS TO SAVE CHRISTIANS by Rob Bell

Posted on May 14, 2009 
Filed Under Book Review

“Exile is when you forget your story” (Rob Bell). Too bad Bell has twisted the story of the Bible to suit his own ideological fancies. I like books and read lots of them. Both secular and Christian or psuedo-christian in this particular case. But when I pick up a book that reminds me of those condensed, simplified, comic book versions of classics like “Moby Dick” I know I’ve got a loser in my hands.

Granted I am a literary snob. I openly admit it. They just don’t write books like they used to. I have found Thomas A Kempis to say more on one page than Rick Warren can stuff into one chapter. Jesus Wants to Save Christians Too is such fodder. Bell says this is a “book of theology.” I think what he meant to say was “ideology.” Not that I am suprised. It is common place to hijack the language of the Bible and cut and paste your own meanings to words and even entire texts.

So, why don’t I like Bell’s book. Well first of all it is intelectual plagerism. If you have read N.T. Wright and Brueggemann then you have pretty much read this book (you just don’t know it yet). And frankly those men make a far more compelling case for their theology. I personally recommend “The Land” by Brueggemann.

Secondly, there is the problem of deconstruction. Bell is in part right, “exile is when you forget your story.” But in this books case it is not so much that the story has been forgotten but that it has been deconstructed, changed, rearranged and twisted to fit one’s own personal whims (which are constantly blowing in the wind). In a world of deconstruction you can not trust history. For it is merely the history the suppressor’s want you to believe and buy into (go watch the “Matrix”).

Third, it smacks of a harsh uber-liberal ideology. Thats old-fashioned elitism that has always been lurking in the dark corners of liberal and fundamental christianity. The funny (read tragic) thing is that so many of these pomo, emergent (whatever they are calling themselves at the moment for it is not my desire to label them) types are x-fundys (though for the record Bell himself is not). It would seem they hate themselves. So they repackage themselves and spew more hate. I have said for a long time that evangelicalism at large (including those of a conservative stripe) have had an identity crisis for some time. Those on the left are no different. Thanks to deconstruction we can never be sure where we came from or who we are.

If you think Jesus is a card carrying socialist you would probably like this book. If you see him as a social/elitist/political Messiah (like the Jews of the deconstructed gospels did) then this book is for you. you will relish its ideology. Though its theological roots do not go very deep into the text of Scripture. Yes, there are great oneliners and quoteables. Not to mention the use/abuse of Scripture but it fails to become a coherent Biblical theology that is text centered. I do give Bell credit for a desire to be Christ-centered. I’m just not sure it’s the Jesus of the Bible (perhaps I should say of the Bible I read [usually ESV]). So I like the jesus stuff, blood on the doorposts, communion and community. I guess I like it because that’s what we do at FCC. But the danger for all of us is to fall in love with a form of worship and expression. Rather than the God whom we are called to worship.

My guess is that this book could only sell in America (and liberal european enclaves). The rest of the Christian world is busy living it. Liberal/western Christianity is busy crying in its porridge over its birthright which it sold long ago. Martin Luther was right. The Church is a whore. But you gotta love her.

Do yourself a favor and don’t read this book. I would recommend you read Bonhoeffer, “Life Together”. There is a guy who lived it in the worst of times. People like Bell (and myself) are just candles in the wind. Finally, I have to say I was truly disappointed with this book. Probably because I expected more from Bell. I have read his articles in the past and listened to some of his sermons and was blessed by him. Granted it was a younger Bell I was listening to and reading. Maybe he just got old and irrelavent. Sorry Rob, you just couldn’t lead me out of the wilderness.

Weekly Bulletin – May 17, 2009

Posted on May 14, 2009 
Filed Under Weekly Bulletin

The Lord’s Day!
May 17, 2009
Welcome to our Church!

PREPARE TO WORSHIP
May no barrier come between any of us and your everlasting love, dear Lord, as we worship you now.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are visiting us today, please fill out a visitors card & drop it in the offering plate as your contribution today. Thank you.

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 STAY FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT!

TODAY: Soccer Camp Meeting, Are you interested in  finding out more about FCC’s summer soccer camp? Perhaps you have some ideas or would like to volunteer. Please come to our first meeting after Sunday School in the chapel. Any questions – see Pastor Justin.

TONIGHT :  Institute of Biblical Studies, 6:00 PM / Chapel -Dr. Snyder from Davis College will be with us to take us thru the book of Ruth. Please join us!

THIS WEEK :

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 31 – Morning: Will Reichel will have the morning service.  Evening: Institute of Biblical Studies, 6:00 PM / Chapel. Our final night in the book of Judges & the end of the institute for this season.

Visitation Team: Members on call this week
If you or someone you know needs a home or hospital visit, please call: Pastor Justin, 722-2760 – Jeff Bushong, (570) 853-2821 – Ben Willis, (607) 235-0969
______________________________________

Thanks for attending FIRST CHRISTIAN, please come again!

Protected: Prayer Requests – May 13, 2009

Posted on May 13, 2009 
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HE TOUCHED ME Matthew 8:1-17

Posted on May 9, 2009 
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons

“Jesus, if you will, you can make me clean” (the leper 8:2). Jesus was willing. The healing scenes in Matthew 8 begins a pattern used by Matthew to describe the “presence of God.” Keep in mind Matthew records the angelic event with Joseph. Where he learned he was to name the Christ-child Immanuel or God with us. Matthew is demonstrating how God is with us and who He is with. The healing scenes come in trilogy’s (threesome’s). Which are followed by short digressions concerning discipleship. The larger message of Matthew is that Jesus is the Messiah and he is to be followed. That is we must be his disciples. Such a commitment is not without cost though as Jesus seeks to communicate in each of the digressions.

Our attention is directed more narrowly to the healing events and what Matthew is seeking to communicate. Keep in mind there is what Jesus does and says (historical) and what and how Matthew records the words/acts of Jesus (textual). There are three scenes with the middle being the longest (healing of the mercenaries servant). The two outer scenes are chiasmus constructions where Matthew emphasizes that Jesus was willing to “touch” unclean people. That is Jesus reaches out to the untouchable, marginalized and despised. The middle scene varies in the sense that Jesus heals from afar. But the extent of his reach is even greater as he is willing to minister to an enemy (an oppressor not the oppressed).

This is a beautiful text which heralds the contagious nature of Jesus’ wholeness (holiness). It is infectious and available to any who are willing to receive it. This is an important lesson for the religious community. Notice that at the center of the trilogy comes a prophetic word from Christ. He insists that the sons of the kingdom (Jews) will be cast out and that many will come from all directions to sit with the patriarchs at the heavenly table. This is a word of judgment and hope. Judgment for the religious who presume to follow Christ but can not come close to the faith of the oppressor (mercenary) and mercy to the outcast and untouchable (contextually and theologically speaking the gentile).

Strong words for those who presume to be “in”. If we are in then it is incumbent upon us to be like Christ and reach out to those who live on the borderlands of existance. The untouchable. For we are only “in” because He has touched us. Just how infected are you with the holiness of Jesus?        WHB

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