BRAVEHEARTS Micah 2:1-5;3:1-4
Posted on July 4, 2009
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons
“This government is drunk with power.” (Ben Stein) Power seems to do strange things to people. You might say it can bring out the best and the worst in people. There is an old saying, “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This is a huge falacy. If it were true than an all powerful God is corrupt. What we need to realize is that power does not corrupt but all it does is reveal what was already there. Those who abuse power were already abusive. The only reason you may not have previously seen it is because they were not in a position to abuse it.
In Micah’s day the powerful were dreaming of way to exploit others. They then implemented their appetite for destruction. One has to wonder where we ourselves are going as a nation. We have come a long way from the founding fathers. Our republic has become an oligarthy (watch video: thegovernment ).
As the body of Christ we need an alternative voice to the corrupt spirit that permeates America. That voice is Christ. It is his leadership we must follow and emulate as his people (read Philippians 2:3-11). There are of course vices to leadership. Selfish ambition and conceit being some that the Apostle Paul higlights. Leadership is not about you. Leadership is supposed to be about others. Jesus used his position to set people free. He did not lead from the top down but from the bottom up. Death by crucifixion is hardly top down leadership. He was sacraficial in every way. This is of course the Church’s great strength. The power of the cross salvifically but also the power of the cross ethically. As a way of life and leadership. The scene in Braveheart is a great example. William Wallace, a commoner has just won the battle of Sterling and is being honored by the Scottish barons. They then disentigrate into a fight about who has the right to the throne. They are conceited and self-ambitious. Wallace in disgust walks out seeing leadership as a tool to serve and liberate others not advance oneself (video clip: watch?v=uwF7rCpv40o&feature=related not sure how long this link will last, you can skip the battle scene and get right to the hall at 3:00).
You may not think so but we all have some power/influence. It falls upon us to be bravehearts. Who use our power to be a blessing in other poeple’s lives. It is in your power to empower others and in some cases deliver them. Even if you don’t abuse your power it may be that you are failing to use it to make a difference in other’s lives. How often have you sensed an opportunity to make a difference and yet done nothing? Here at FCC we seek to lead thru inspirational, relational, moral authority. As believers we all have the same DNA, the Holy Spirit. Our positions may vary. But it is not one’s position that should define us. But the God who lives within us. The God who has set us free to be bravehearts. Use your power to set others free. WHB
Weekly Bulletin – July 5, 2009
Posted on July 2, 2009
Filed Under Weekly Bulletin
The Lord’s Day!
July 5, 2009
Welcome to our Church!
PREPARE TO WORSHIP
As we gather to worship, Lord, may every heart be open to your Spirit and the guidance you have for us today.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are visiting us, please fill out a visitor’s card & drop it in the offering plate as your contribution today. Thank you.
PRAISING GOD WITH SONG
- “I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD…” Judges 5:3 NIV
GIVING TO GOD Offering / SPECIAL MUSIC
( No Jr. Church for the summer )
HEARING FROM GOD
- “BRAVEHEARTS” Power, it’s purpose and abuse. Micah 2:1-5; 3:1-4
WORSHIPING GOD IN SONG
PLEASE STAY FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT!
TONIGHT : No Evening Service
THIS WEEK :
- Wed – Dinner/Communion/Prayer, 6:30 PM @ Fellowship Ctr. You are all invited to join us.
- Sat – Men’s Softball – make-up game?
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- If you have an event this summer that should be in the bulletin, please e-mail the details to fcc.kirkwood@yahoo.com.
- July 6-12 – The Berkheiser’s will be on vacation.
- July 7 – Corn Roast Meeting, 7:00 PM in the Chapel for all those interested in helping this year.
- July 13 – Ladies Softball Players Picnic at Highland Park. Call Ralph for details.
- July 12 – Will Reichel will be speaking during the worship service.
- July 19 – Faith & Family @ NYSEG Stadium.
- July 20 – Deacon’s Meeting, 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
- July 26 – Communion Sunday
- July 30 – American Red Cross Blood Drive – At the Fellowship Center from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – goal 19 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – goal 19. For an appt. call Darlene @ 775-6383
Missionary Christmas in July – $710.00 has come in. There are envelopes for your missionary Christmas donation available by the donation box under the bulletin board. You can put your donation in the box or drop it in the offering plate. This year’s goal is $2000.
Visitation Team: Members on call. (June 28-July 11)
If you or someone you know needs a home or hospital visit, please call:
Sommer Scott, (607) 621-7532 or 775-4524 & Danielle Wasson – 775-9201
Thanks for attending FIRST CHRISTIAN, please come again!
Protected: Prayer Requests – July 1, 2009
Posted on July 1, 2009
Filed Under Prayer Requests