The cover page of the Bulletin is currently being used for our Order of Worship.  We will leave the following articles on this site so you can

benefit from the lessons prepared for our edification.

5/9/10

MOTHER’S DAY

By Jay Thornell

 

  “My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the correction of discipline are the way to life.” (Proverbs 6:20-23)

 

  It sounds like God is really counting on parents to come through for their children by way of “command,” “teaching,” and “discipline.” Parents bless their children with these three things. Children, in turn, often interpret these blessings as anything but. After all, like Adam and Eve, we want to be our own boss.

 

  In many cases it is only years later that we realize that we need an authority figure in our lives when we’re kids. We need commands, teaching, and discipline. Those of us who received them are very fortunate. If we received them from our mothers, be sure to remember to thank them on this important day. Their job wasn’t always an easy one; we made sure of that. But their job was an important one. Who knows how many times we avoided trouble because we remembered our mother’s commands, teaching, and discipline? Today would be a good time to thank our mothers!

5/2/10

SHACKING UP

By Jay Thornell

 

     Is it my imagination or are more and more Christians living together before marriage? What’s going on?

     One young woman told her grandmother that “it’s not sex,” when questioned about her decision to move in with her boyfriend. (The grandmother didn’t believe the young woman’s claim of abstinence. Good for her!) On more than one occasion I have been told that financial concerns are the reason why couples are living together. They say, “It just makes more sense to pay one rent instead of two, etc.” (Another sure sign that materialism is ruling the day!) And then there is the “because we love each other” explanation. How could living together be wrong if two people love each other? (“Love” is like the ultimate trump card used to justify behavior. But love doesn’t make something right!)

     Am I wrong for being bothered by this trend? The Bible says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality…” (Ephesians 5:3) Isn’t there a “hint” of sin when you go to the Bahamas with your girlfriend or when you move in with your boyfriend? “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”(1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Some of us have been brainwashed to believe that sex is moral as long as it is consensual. The Bible teaches that sex is immoral whenever it takes place outside of marriage. This is just one of several reasons why the less sexual experience you have before marriage, the better off you will be in your marriage, even when it comes to the sexual dimension of matrimony! Isn’t it ironic that many people believe just the opposite? Or is it more demonic than ironic?

4/25/10

PRAY FOR THE CITY

By Jay Thornell

 

     Included in Jeremiah’s letter to the Jewish exiles in Babylon was this charge: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

     I wonder how these words struck those who shared the sentiments expressed in Psalm 137 where the author writes, “O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us – he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.” (Psalm 137:8-9) Would people who felt this way about Babylon want to pray for and bless it?

     What about us? Do we want to pray for and bless our city? Even for Christians who see our city as an enemy, the answer must be “yes”! During this period of economic exile it is easier for me to see how our prosperity is connected to the city’s prosperity. In this regard we should not maintain an “us vs. them” attitude. Yes, there are certain businesses that I do not want to see prosper – ie. Strip clubs and bars. But I do want my city to prosper. I do want to be a blessing to my city. I do want my city to be a haven of righteousness and fruitfulness, especially during a time of nationwide economic exile.

      So join me in praying for our city. And once you have prayed seek ways to bless our city!

 

                  PRAYER IN MAY:

                 1.  Week of May 02 – Pray for our city!

                  2. Week of May 09 – Pray with your family!

                  3. Week of May 16 – Pray in your “closet”!

                  4. Week of May 23 – Pray for this church!

4/18/10

FACTS EACH MUST FACE

By Jim R.Lewis

 

Life Is Short: “What is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).

 

Death Is Certain: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

 

Eternity Is Long: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46).

 

Judgment Is Sure: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

 

There Is Only One Way To Be Saved: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). This salvation is available to all alike only through obedience to His gospel.

 

4/11/10

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE THAT WAY

By Jay Thornell

 

       How it happened, I do not know. Was she set up? Did she think he really loved her? In a fleeting moment of weakness did she bow to a long-standing temptation? For whatever reason, she ended up in bed with a married man. How many warning signs did she ignore before she crossed the threshold into the arms of someone else’s husband? Let’s be perfectly clear. For all of the subtext that may surround this incident, this woman is far from innocent. She “made her bed.”

 

       This woman was brought before Jesus by the religious police. Her sin was made public to those in His presence. Jesus wasn’t interested in their game and, with a stroke of genius, dispersed his enemies and her accusers. Then, presumably, there were two. Jesus asked her a question, unconcerned about being seen with this woman in public. She answered and he told her that, unlike her accusers, he wasn’t going to condemn her. And then Jesus said, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) She didn’t have to live this way and she shouldn’t live this way.

 

       Some of us learned the same lesson during the seven weeks before Easter. Whether we abstained from a habit or even a sin we realized that we didn’t have to live the way we had become accustomed to. We don’t have to eat certain foods or do certain things in order to live. Giving something up reminded us of this. The truth is you don’t have to lie anymore. You don’t have to steal anymore. You don’t have to commit adultery anymore. You don’t have to live that way. Jesus makes sure of it!

 

4/4/10

HAPPY EASTER!

By Jay Thornell

 

This time last year a friend of mine was dying. I still remember the January night when he told me the cancer had returned. A couple of years younger than me, I listened as he and his wife talked about the situation. Doctors believed he had less than a year to live. They were right. His wife is now without a husband and his two daughters without a dad. He is missed by many.

 

A few years ago we got the call to hurry home. My wife’s sister was in the hospital and her life was in danger. I still remember the tears we shed as we hurriedly packed so we could get on the road. I remember the silence in the car as my wife’s mind raced towards home. I remember the call on our cell phone. We were told to come to the house instead of the hospital. We knew what that meant. My wife’s sister was gone. My wife and her parents still grieve today. She is missed by many.

 

Several years ago the hope of the world was beaten and abused until he was covered in blood. A few hours later he died on a cross. Buried in a borrowed tomb, his friends and family believed all hope was buried with him. They missed their friend. They wondered what went wrong. The last thing they expected was to see him anytime soon. But Sunday morning came and by the end of the day Jesus had visited with many of them.

 

1 Corinthians 15:20 describes Jesus as “the firstfruits of those who have died”. Where there is a first, there is a second, a third, and more. One day it will be my friend, my wife’s sister, and the ones you miss.  Easter tells us that resurrection came.  It also tells us that resurrection is coming.  Happy Easter!

3/28/10

ONE WEEK LEFT

By Jay Thornell

 

 

Six weeks ago many of us began to fast from something. Here are some things some of our members fasted from: dessert, Facebook, debit cards, recreational reading, sport’s websites. I am sure there were many others.

 

I heard one member say the longer it went, the harder it got. I was expecting to hear just the opposite, but this hasn’t always been the case. There are some things some of our members are really missing. Then there are some things a few of our members have discovered they would rather live without permanently.

 

The fast ends next week, appropriately on Easter Sunday. Easter symbolizes new life. Something that has been dead for seven weeks will come back to life again for us. Hopefully, this time around, we know a little more about ourselves and that “something.” We know that we do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God! That “something” isn’t the boss of us. We serve only one Master. May His name be praised in our lives!

 

3/21/10

A STRANGER IN MY OFFICE

By Jay Thornell

 

     A stranger just walked into my office. He quickly told me his name and what his problem was. “Could I help him?” There have been times when I have assumed the role of investigator during situations like this in ministry. Ask questions. Ask them again a few minutes later and check for inconsistencies. Ask to see a driver’s license. Ask for references. Who am I, Magnum, P.I.? (That last reference really dates me, doesn’t it!)

     Today I tried a different approach. I listened. I empathized. I helped. I gave him $20 and apologized for not being able to give him more. When he thanked me, I asked him what kind of car he was driving. “A Taurus,” he said. “Those get pretty good gas mileage,” I responded. “Maybe this $20 will get you a little closer to home.” He thanked me again and left. I walked to the window and watched him pull out of the parking lot. I prayed for him and then focused my eyes on his car to determine if, in fact, that was a Taurus he was driving. (Old habits are hard to break!)

     Next time I may return to my investigative ways in order to be a good steward of God’s money. But for today it was nice to just help someone without worrying whether he was a con man. After all, he may have been Jesus in disguise. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger…” (Matthew 25:34)

3/14/10

SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT

By Jay Thornell

 

     Doctors spend lots of money on liability insurance. While only 2% of patients injured by medical negligence actually file malpractice claims, the average malpractice award in the U.S. in 2008 was $326,931. Experts are trying to figure out how to deal with this costly issue. You’re not going to believe what they’ve discovered. Studies show that when doctors tell patients they erred and are sorry, litigation is much less likely. Something as “simple” as an apology goes a long way in healing wounds between doctors and patients. It costs a lot less too.

 

     Might what works for them work for us too? Isn’t an apology the best way to diffuse a situation? So why is it the last thing we typically think about bringing to the table? PRIDE! We think too highly of ourselves and too much about ourselves. How could we be wrong? What do we have to apologize for? When we’re blinded by pride, we fail to see who we really are and continue to believe the lie that we’ve done nothing wrong. Jesus told the church at Laodicea, “But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” (Rev. 3:17) Neither do we; and when we don’t the last thing we’ll ever think about telling someone is, “I’m sorry.”

 

     “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1) What could be gentler than an apology? If you’re a doctor it may save you a wad of cash. And for the rest of us it just may save a friendship, a marriage and even our very own souls.

3/7/10

IF I SHOULD DIE

-Author Unknown-

 

  “If I should die before I wake,” prayed young Tommy. “If I should die before I wake . . . If I should die.”

  “Go on, Tommy,” urged his mother, “You know the rest of your prayer.”

  “I’ll be back,” blurted the youngster.

  Scrambling to his feet, he ran into the next room. Soon he was back. Dropping to his knees, he rattled off the familiar bedtime prayer without a bobble.

  Tucking little Tommy into bed, his mother issued a gentle rebuke for the interruption, insisting that he should think about what he was saying when he prayed.

  “Mom, I was thinking about what I was saying,” said the boy defensively. “That’s why I had to stop. You see, I stood all of Ted’s wooden soldiers on their heads, just to see how mad he’d be in morning. If I should die before I wake, I wouldn’t want him to find them that way, so I had to go and fix them the right way.”

  “You’re right, dear,” said a happy mother, voice quivering. She thought of herself, and many other adults who should stop in the middle of their prayers and undo some wrong against another.

  There are lots of things that may seem fun if you are going to keep on living. But you do not want them that way at the end.

 

“It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then

vanisheth away”

James 4:14

2/28/10

ATTENTION

By Jay Thornell

 

  So what does God have to do to get our attention?

 

  On September 16 of last year dairy farmers in Belgium dumped 790,000 gallons of dairy product onto their fields to protest low prices. Couldn’t they have just called a meeting to get the government’s attention? Just think of all that milk being soaked into the ground, all of the hungry people who could have been served by that milk…I guess that’s the point. They got our attention.

 

  Does God have ours? The apostle Paul preached that God “made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:26) Why? “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27) God wants our attention. If creation isn’t enough to garner it, the apostle Paul adds, “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31) A day of judgment? A man resurrected from the dead? What else does God have to do to get our attention? Spill his own blood on the earth?

 

  He already has!

2/21/10

THE DEER ARE COMING

By Jay Thornell

 

 

Did you hear about the deer herd that ran down a woman on a sidewalk? This sounds like a joke, but it isn’t.

 

A few months ago Michelle Brewer was opening the jewelry store in downtown Tarboro, NC when she encountered a herd of deer on the sidewalk. An observer, presumably on the other side of the street, saw one deer kick Michelle several feet into the air before the rest trampled her. Fortunately, she suffered no serious injuries. Michelle’s injuries, though, did include two bruises on the right side of her face and a hoof print on her leg. (I promise – I’m not making this up!)

 

I also promise that this next statement is from the very mouth of God. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8) So you have your very own personal “enemy.” This enemy is identified as the “devil” and is compared to a lion who likes to eat people. The last time I checked, deer do not eat people but lions do. The bad news for us is that the devil is compared to a lion, not a deer. Satan is always on the prowl for his next meal. Could that meal be you?

 

Michelle Brewer could never anticipate a showdown with a herd of deer on a city sidewalk, but we should anticipate numerous house calls from the Prince of Darkness. May we stand “firm in the faith” when he makes his move! (1 Pet. 5:9)

2/14/10

HUSBANDS HAVE TO HEAR THIS

By Jay Thornell

 

Husbands, you have to hear this. I’m not making this up. What you are about to read is in the Bible. God inspired these words, not me or an unhappy wife. Sit down before you read them.

 

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (1 Peter 3:8)

 

It’s the way God ties how husbands treat their wives with how He treats our prayers that has my attention. I’m not sure how many husbands connect their behavior at home with their relationship with God. In this verse the two seem inseparable. How can we be men of God when we fail to be men who treat our wives well? How can we claim to be heaven bound while we make our wives’ lives a living hell? Why are we shocked after our wives leave us when God has long since left our prayers in his dust?

 

I don’t think husbands take this verse seriously enough. If we can’t think of one good reason why we should make our wives’ lives as easy and enjoyable as possible, this verse gives us a great reason to treat them with the utmost consideration and deepest respect. Our relationship with God is tied to our relationship with our wives. May we treat both of them well!

2/7/10

SUPER BOWL SNACKS

By Jay Thornell

 

More food is consumed in America on Super Bowl Sunday than on any other day of the year besides Thanksgiving. More snack food is bought in our country on Super Bowl Sunday than on any other day of the year. Apparently “man does not watch the Super Bowl alone, but must consume as much food as possible as he does.”

 

Food serves many purposes to us – prolongs life, provides pleasure, gives energy, comforts, sustains, rewards, entertains, brings people together. We eat food everyday for various reasons. This might make it tempting for us to build our lives around food. We could even lose perspective and become a servant to food. Food, we know, is a great servant but a poor master. And yet our eating habits can easily slip out of control.

 

Jesus said, “Man does not live on bread alone.” (Matthew 4:4) Does this address our relationship with food? It is something to think about. After all, I like to eat. But at what cost to my spiritual and physical health? If food is pushing God to the background of my life, I need to push back with the word of God. Jesus did say that man does live “on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) I hope we’ll snack more on God’s word this year than we will on chips and dip!

 

1/31/10

4 DAYS ‘TILL FRIDAY

By Jay Thornell

 

It’s Monday. I’m at my desk. I’m trying to write a sermon but Friday keeps coming to mind. On Friday we’ll get on a plane and fly to Colorado. I wonder if the plane will arrive on time.

 

I write some more. I stare at the computer screen, thinking about the next sentence. Who will throw the first snowball? Will we soak in the hot tub while snowflakes fall upon us on Friday night? But that’s Friday, and its still Monday?

 

Someone stops by to talk. I listen as he describes his troubles at home. We then exchange some pleasant conversation about sports. An hour later he leaves. I return my attention to the computer screen. Will the Lodge be as nice as advertised? When I rent my ski equipment, should I rent a helmet too? What am I doing? It’s still four days until Friday.

 

On one hand, it’s nice to have something to daydream about. On the other hand, it can be rather distracting. Is this the tension that saints of old lived in when it was said of them “they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16)? And is this the tension we live in as we admit we are “aliens and strangers on earth (Hebrews 11:13)? If this is the case, how come I rarely daydream about heaven? Is it because it seems so far away? Is it because I’m too in love with my life? I’ll have to think about that one; how about you?

1/24/10

THE UNBELIEVER’S PSALM

-Author Unknown-

 

I have no Shepherd, I constantly want.

 

Discontentedly I graze in parched fields; I can find no water to quench my thirst.

 

My soul is weary: I wander in the paths of sinfulness, seeking pleasure.

 

When I walk in the darkness of danger and death, I am afraid;

 

I am all alone.

 

No power or principle gives me comfort.

 

There is no nourishment to strengthen me against my enemies.

 

There is no ointment for my head.

 

My life is empty.

 

Even though God’s goodness and mercy have been available all the days of my life,

I shall be banished from the house of the Lord forever.

 

***Compare the above words with the words of Psalm 23***

1/17/10

GREATER THAN GOLD

By Jay Thornell

 

On a recent Wednesday night our Bible fellowship meditated on this phrase in 1 Peter 1:7 – “faith – of greater worth than gold.”

 

Don’t you wish you had moved all of your money out of the stock market and invested it in gold two years ago? Gold is worth a lot; our 401k – not so much! (How is that for succinct financial analysis?) Gold has been one of man’s most prized objects for a long, long time. Today, we like to wear it on our fingers, around our necks, and even on our wrists. How come? Gold is of great worth in our world.

 

So why is faith of greater worth than gold? Faith doesn’t perish. Gold does. Faith reaches beyond this world order. Gold doesn’t. (Unless gold is used as pavement in heaven?) Faith pleases God; does gold? (Is a gold ring really what God wants from us?) When Jesus is revealed those with faith will be honored by God.

 

But in the here and now, which do we value more – faith or gold? How can we tell? By what we do with our “gold?” By how we respond when tested? By how well we take care of our faith in contrast to how well we take care of our “gold.”

 

May we seek more than bread and gold in 2010. After all, faith is worth a whole lot more!

 

1/10/10

MORE THAN BREAD IN 2010

By Jay Thornell

 

Our memory verse for the year is, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Jesus quoted this verse when he was really, really hungry. At a different place and time he would make bread for the hungry masses. But at this place and time Jesus refused to turn stones into bread so he could eat. Why? Because man does not live on bread alone.

 

We try to. Think of bread as all of those things we fill our lives with in place of God. Think of bread as the things we say we just can’t live without. Think of bread as the things we center our lives around. If you live on those things alone, two things will happen. One, you will get weak and do things that violate your values and beliefs. After all, a “bread only” diet will make any person weak. Two, your Christian witness will grow moldy and distasteful. Remember, bread goes bad over time. I believe our attempt to live on bread alone helps to explain why the Christian community doesn’t always look so Christian. So in 2010 may we decide to live on more than bread!

 

Even though Jesus was really, really hungry he believed that God’s purpose for his life was more important than bread. This is why he said we are made to live “on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” So he did. And may we this year as we eat more than bread this year!

 

1/3/10

BOOK OF THE MONTH

By Jay Thornell

 

This morning I will announce our church theme for 2010. In keeping with that theme there are a number of things I will encourage us to do throughout the year individually and corporately.

 

During the month of January I am asking you to read your Bible. Specifically, I’m asking you to read the first book in your Bible. Genesis is a book about origins or beginnings. Read through it as many times as you can this month. This may be once, twice, or a dozen times. The most important point is to just read it!

 

Here are some ways I want you to consider reading Genesis. One is at the dinner table with your family. Just keep your Bible where you eat and serve it along with the mashed potatoes. If your family rarely eats together, find a different time to read it – maybe bed time or breakfast time. Another way is to read it by yourself in a quiet place at home or during your lunch break at work. Married couples could try to read it together each night before they turn on the TV. Children could read it during their bedtime routine. The point is – I’m asking you to find a time to read Genesis. Participate in this year long “volunteer” journey with your church.

 

I’m going to try the first approach and place a Bible on our dining room table where we eat most meals together. Having a Bible where we eat will fit real well with our theme for 2010. You’ll know what I mean after I preach this morning.

12/27/09

HOW WAS YOUR YEAR?

By Jay Thornell

 

     A recent article in TIME magazine described the first ten years of the twenty-first century as the decade from hell. (I’m guessing that in eternity the residents of hell will wish for a decade like this one.) I must say that as 2009 comes to a close it does feel like it has been a bad year. I know people who lost their jobs, their homes, and their health. I know people who have died physically and spiritually. I know people who have divorced their mates and neglected their children. I know children who have broken their parents’ hearts. I know people who don’t know how they are going to pay their bills next month.

     So, did anything good happen this year? Is it hard to think of something? Give up? Oh, I’m sure you can think of something. You still have your citizenship in heaven, don’t you? What about the person you led to Christ? Remember the answer to that prayer earlier this year? You got over your cold, didn’t you? When you were hungry, wasn’t there something in the pantry to eat? Did you forget the good night sleep you got because you told the truth that day? How about the joy you experienced in the Holy Spirit? God still loves you, doesn’t he?

     “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) I am convinced that even the decade from hell won’t either. We stand on the ledge inching closer to 2010 firmly planted in the love of God!

12/20/09

WHO IS IN THE MANGER?

By Jay Thornell

 

     As Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem he spoke to its residents and said, “you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” (Lk. 19:44) As people look back to the manger this month, do they realize who is lying there?

     These words from prophetic Scripture remind us who is in the manger:

 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)

 

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanel (God with us).” (Isaiah 7:14)

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

 

     The little baby in the manger is God himself! He may have been born on a particular day in the city of Bethlehem, but he has been around a lot longer than that. Try forever! No wonder, then, why some people may be uncomfortable around Christmas. When properly understood the birth of Jesus is a statement about God himself. God isn’t a myth. God is with us and God has something to say. Will we pause long enough at the manger to listen this year?

 

CHRISTMAS STRESS

By Jay Thornell

 

   Every year we promise ourselves that we will not get stressed out over Christmas. We’ll shop early. We’ll write our Christmas cards in July. We’ll scale back on who we buy for and how much we’ll spend. We won’t host a big party and we’ll only attend the company one. We won’t travel and we’ll limit our in-laws stay at our home to two days. Instead, we’ll spend most of the Holidays around the Christmas tree each evening, drinking hot chocolate and playing board games until bedtime. Yet, in spite of our best intentions, Christmas never seems to go as planned. The stress inevitably shows up over the Holidays.

   When I think of the birth of Christ I initially envision a time of peace. The sky is dark, the stars are bright, the moonlight illuminates the manger where Jesus lay, and there are peaceful smiles on the faces of Joseph and Mary. And somewhere nearby there are angels saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” I like this picture of the first Christmas much better, don’t you? It sounds so peaceful.

   So here’s a suggestion. Don’t worry as much about changing your Holiday situation as much as about changing your response to the Holidays. You can stand in a long line and be at peace instead of stressed. You can make the long drive to your parent’s home and be at peace instead of stressed. You can be at a loss over what you’re going to buy your brother for Christmas and be at peace instead of stressed. Do so by taking your mind back to the manger where Jesus lay. After all, He is the Prince of Peace and extends his peace to those he favors!

BECAUSE WE RESPECT GOD

By Jay Thornell

 

“We should try to become holy in the way we live, because we respect God.”   (2 Cor. 7:1 – NCV)

        What words might we choose to follow the word “because” in the above statement to explain why we should live the Christian life? Because we want to go to heaven? Because we don’t want to go to hell? Because this is the religion we were raised in? Because we’re afraid of disappointing our family? Because we want to be all that we can be?

        We can find all sorts of reasons for seeking to live in the will of God. What do you think of the reason mentioned in 2 Cor. 7:1? Do you choose to tell the truth because you respect God? Do you get up and go to church on Sunday mornings because you respect God? Do you tell your family that you made a mistake and you’re sorry because you respect God?

        If holiness is the fruit of our respect for God, does this mean that our disregard for God’s laws is interpreted by God as disrespect for Him? How else could a parent interpret his child’s actions that are in opposition to his wishes? If you ask your child to clean up his room and he doesn’t, isn’t that a sign of disrespect?

        If we have respect for God we will care about the things God cares about and seek to please God with the things that bring him pleasure. In the back of our minds our devotion to God will influence our choices and actions.

        Some of us believe that holiness is beyond us. Shouldn’t we, however, at least try to become holy in the way we live? Do we respect God enough to try? If we’ll just try, we may be surprised with what the Holy Spirit can do in a heart that respects God!

 

THE WORLD

By Jay Thornell

 

       Off the coast of Dubai is a cluster of 300 man-made islands shaped like a map of the globe. Stretched across six miles, the islands are supposedly made of coral, making it the largest artificial reef on the planet. The pet project of Dubai’s ruler, each island is named after a country or city. The maze of islands is appropriately called, “The World.” Each island is for sale by invitation only, but apparently only one person has fallen in love with “The World.” Dubai’s ruler has a home on one island. The 299 others are empty of everything but sand. Where’s the love for “The World”?

       “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) We know how much God loves the entire world. I’m not sure I should call the world “God’s project.” That sounds too sterile to me. We are more than a project to God. We are made in God’s image, sharing a deep connection with God. We are his children and He is our Father. What Father wouldn’t love all of his children, even the one who lives all alone on an island off of the coast of Dubai?

       We should love God’s world too. But this doesn’t mean we should buy an island anytime soon. We should, however, care about what is going on in the world regardless of how remote a place may seem to us. After all, this is our Father’s world!

 

NOWHERE

 

By Jay Thornell

 

 

Too busy to give thanks? Ever found yourself rushing through life without giving thought to how blessed you are? Who has time to stop and count his blessings?

 

When Jesus healed ten lepers their first thoughts raced to the future – going home and reentering society. Captivated by what was to come, nine of them failed to give thanks for what had already happened. Isn’t this just like us? So focused on the future we fail to live in and appreciate the present.

 

Remember the word “nowhere” and break it down into two words. NOW and HERE. If we did a better job of living in the “here” and “now” we could also do a better job of counting our blessings. We might even be able to name them one by one.

 

One leper took a deep breathe and lived in the moment. Doing so, he retraced his steps and praised God in a loud voice until he located Jesus again. Once there the Bible says, “He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.” (Luke 17:16) This leper was living in the here and now. It seems like a nice place to spend some time. Let’s join him this week!

 

 

 

 

 

TODAY IS

 

MISSIONS SUNDAY!

 

“A DAY OF FREEWILL GIVING TO HELP OTHERS”

 

10/25/09

GREAT QUESTIONS OF THE BIBLE

Compiled by Richard A. Kauffman

All selections from the NRSV

 

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?”

GENESIS 4:9

 

Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?

JEREMIAH 8:22

 

Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

MATTHEW 19:16

 

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?

PSALM 8:3-4

 

“To whom then will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these?

ISAIAH 40:25-26

 

What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? . . . How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

10/18/09

JESUS HAS THE WHEEL

By Jay Thornell

 

 

   I preached a sermon recently titled, “Jesus Has The Wheel.” I love the song, “Jesus Take The Wheel.” Sometimes we need to pray a prayer of surrender to God; like every day. At other times we need to remember that Jesus already has the wheel. He is in control. In John’s gospel Jesus is described as being in control even during the worst of times – his Passion. Imagine that? When he’s arrested, interrogated, abused and crucified Jesus is actually in control of what’s happening.

   What if, even during the worst of times, we believed that Jesus was actually in control of what was happening around us and to us? What if, during an off day, we believed that Jesus still had the wheel? Might this faith give us the stamina we need to finish where Jesus finished?

   Leonard Cohen, 74, singer and songwriter, said, “The older I get, the surer I am that I’m not running the show.” The Bible tells us over and over again that this is true. And when we challenge this notion, we always lose. Just ask Nebuchadnezzar. He ended up grazing with the cattle because he proclaimed that it was by his own might and power that Babylon became a great empire. God sent him out to pasture until he realized and acknowledged “that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.” (Daniel 4:32) I heard a concerned parent recently describe his son as “feeling invincible.” I hope the young man soon realizes that Jesus has the wheel. I would hate to see him grazing with the cattle.

 

 

10/11/09

 

GREAT QUESTIONS OF THE BIBLE

Compiled by Richard A. Kauffman

All selections from the NRSV

 

The Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”…Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

GENESIS 3:9, 13

 

Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?

PSALM 139:7

 

The Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

EXODUS 17:7

 

For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life?

MARK 8:36-37

 

With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high?...He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

MICAH 6:6, 8

 

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

ROMANS 8:35

 

 

 

 

CARE GROUPS MEET TODAY!

 

 

Don’t Forget to Care!

 

 

 

 

***CHECK TO SEE WHERE YOUR CARE GROUP

 IS MEETING; DETAILS INSIDE OF THE

9/27/09

 

WHAT COUNTS?

By Andy Warren

 

   While two friends were visiting Annapolis, they noticed several students on their hands and knees assessing the courtyard with pencils and clipboards in hand. “What are they doing?” one friend asked the tour guide.

 

   “Each year,” he replied with a grin, “the upperclassmen ask the freshman how many bricks it took to finish paving this courtyard.”

 

   “So what’s the answer?” the other friend asked him when they were out of earshot of the freshmen.

 

   The guide replied, “One.”

 

   Many of us are like this with Christianity! We try to figure out every angle and aspect of it when really there is just one thing: Please God!

 

   The apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord – for we walk by faith, not by sight – we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-10)

 

 

 

9/20/09  

ANNUAL

BEACH PICNIC

 THIS SATURDAY!

 

 

 

***Important: Be sure to sign-up today so that your name will be at the guard gate when you arrive at Litchfield-By-The-Sea! We also need to know what you are bringing, so check the list!

SOME QUOTES ABOUT GOING TO CHURCH

 

“I take the kids to church and Sunday school. They love it. I really think it’s important for a child to feel that there are things that are bigger than your life out there.” – actress Reese Witherspoon

 

“The difference between listening to a radio sermon and going to church…is almost like the difference between calling your girl on the phone and spending an evening with her.” – preacher Dwight L. Moody

 

“Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in him unless he knew where his believers are?” – reformer Martin Luther

 

“Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.” – preacher Dwight L. Moody

 

“You can be committed to Church but not committed to Christ, but you cannot be committed to Christ and not committed to church.” – preacher Joel Osteen

 

“Going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than going to the garage makes you a car.” – Dr. Laurence J. Peter

 

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – The Bible (Hebrews 10:25)

 

“NEED A JUMP” SERMON SERIES

September 19: Family

September 26: Finances

 

 

NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY

 

NEXT SUNDAY

 

SEPTEMBER 13

 

10:30 A.M.

 

 

 

Know someone who doesn't go to church?

Invite them to join us!

8/30/09

THE REAL STORY ABOUT FAITH

By Jay Thornell

 

     A few weeks ago we looked at the Jewish leaders ponse to both Lazarus' and Jesus' resurrection. In each case they did not deny the truth about these events. Instead they attempted to suppress the truth and destroy the evidence which supported the historicity of each resurrection. Faith consists of more than an intellectual dimension. Faith also has an ethical dimension too. The real story about faith in the gospels describes people who were willing to lie and kill in order to get rid of the evidence which pointed to Jesus as Lord because they did not want to believe. Why not? One reason made clear in Scripture is because they did not like where faith in Jesus leads.

     The same story about faith is being played out today. Recently a woman was executed in North Korea. Her crime? She was guilty of distributing Bibles. Over the centuries the forces of darkness have sought to discredit the existence of God, to rid the earth of the Bible, and to wipe the church off the map. None of these efforts have succeeded. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Heb. 13:8) You cannot get rid of him! "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."  (1 Pet. 1:24-25) God's word will always be with us! You cannot destroy it. Jesus said, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Mt. 16:18) And it hasn't in spite of valiant attempts to destroy her. The suppression of the truth about Jesus has failed.

     Nevertheless, there are still people who do not put their faith in Jesus because they do not want to follow Jesus. It's an ethical issue. This is the real story about faith.

8/23/09

NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY

By Jay Thornell

 

    I don't know who designated Sunday, September 13 as National Back To Church Sunday. I'm fairly sure it wasn't Congress, but I could be wrong. Instead, maybe a slick marketing group thought this up as a way of selling lots of marketing tools to churches. The skeptic in me believes this. The optimist in me believes some good people who love God and love people thought this was a good idea that could bring people back to one of the core principles of Christianity - the church. Regardless of the motivation, we can use this idea to preach Jesus to our community.

    Church attendance used to be a staple in our nation's culture. Today, most Americans have been to church and yet only 20 percent are regular attendees. So what can we do to reverse this downward trend? Invite the unchurched to attend church with us. 82 percent of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited. However, 73 percent of people who don't attend church were never invited. So, the least we can do is invite people to come, right? How hard is that?

    In the next two weeks we are going to make it easier for you to invite people to church on September 13 by providing you with some professionally printed invitations to give to your friends and neighbors (business cards and door hangers). Only 2 percent of church members invite an unchurched person to church. We want that number to be 100 percent for our church members! But starting today I want you to pray daily for our unchurched community - that they will get connected to the Lord and his church on Sunday, September 13!

8/16/09

NEED A JUMP?

By Jay Thornell

 

 

   Is your spiritual battery getting weaker by the day? Have you lost touch with what was once most dear to you? Do you feel like life is draining you of Spirit-filled energy? If so, you probably need a jump. The book of Hebrews was written to do this for a group of first-century Christians who were growing dangerously weak. Beginning next Sunday I will begin a sermon series from the message of Hebrews, applying its spiritual battery cables to the heart of this church. The following areas are ones we may need a jump in:

 

                        August 23:                 "God"

                        September 06:           "Faith"

                        September 13:           "Church"

                        September 20:           "Family"

                        September 27:           "Finances"

 

   I hope you will be present for every study. I hope you will invite a struggling believer or an unbeliever to come with you. Pray with me that God will use these five weeks to "Revive us again: Fill each heart with Thy love; May each soul be rekindled with fire from above!"

 

8/9/09

ARE WE THERE, YET?

By Andy Warren

 

   Yes, it is true. There are times that we, as parents, have heard the question asked on a long trip, "Are we there, yet?" It doesn't even have to be the kids! Sometimes adults will ask the question just to be an irritation.

 

   Maybe that question would be a good one to ask in our journey toward spiritual maturity! Is it something we plan or chart? Is it something we have ignored? Have we even made a decision to start the journey?

 

   We may not be able to drive there or fly there or get there by ship or bus, but it is certainly a journey we must consider! Life is the journey and eternity is our destination! Are we there, yet? No, not quite, but we will arrive, no doubt, on time.

 

   "For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Hebrews 13:14)

 

 

NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY: Mark Sunday, September 13 on your calendar as we make plans to invite people back to church on this day. More details to follow in coming weeks!

8/2/09

ALL THAT? 

By Jay Thornell

 

Do you remember what we studied together last Sunday? Anyone? Someone? At least one? Here it is: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:16-18) If there are loopholes in this passage, I'd like to find them. Always joyful? Always prayerful? Always thankful? We're suppose to be all that? Like I said last week, let's not argue with this piece of the Bible. Let's just try to obey it. Did you try last week?

 

Here are a couple of thoughts that I didn't use in last week's sermon:

  1)J.C. Ryle (19^th century Church of England minister) wrote, "I know well that asking God is one thing, and praising God is another. But I see so close a connection between prayer and praise in the Bible that I dare not call true prayer that in which thankfulness has no part." This made we wonder if the commands to be always joyful, prayerful, and thankful are really one command. Can we be one without being the other two? Remember, it was Charles Spurgeon who said, "When joy and prayer are married their first born child is gratitude."

  2)Augustine has written that the early saints, when they met each other, would never separate without saying, "Deo gratias!", which means "thanks be to God." Considering that they were the object of severe persecution this may say something about our understanding of "give thanks in all circumstances."

 

Let's try again this week to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful. That is God's will for us! Don't argue with it. Be all that!

7/26/09

REVISITING VBS

By Jay Thornell

 

Because of where my office is located, sometimes I get to eavesdrop on people's conversations as they enter the church building during the week. It's great fun!

 

I found myself in this situation during VBS week. A support group that uses our building on Wednesdays was filtering in as I sat at my desk. They were immediately confronted with all of the decorations on the walls, the stage and backdrop in the family life center, and the dock that wound through the hallways. I wish I could have recorded what I overheard. Time after time people "oohed" and "ahhed" at what they saw. They marveled at the detailed precision. They admired the hard work. One lady even said, "I used to help with VBS at my church years ago, but we never came close to doing anything like this." The general feeling I picked up on was one I have overheard before. "This must be a good church."

 

It is. You are. I thought that our VBS week was a great spiritual event. What, perhaps, pleased me the most was to see so many of our members take responsibility for the execution of this ministry. It wasn't just one person. It was many. And each did wonderfully well.

 

So please remember two things. One, even what our church building looks like on the inside and out says something about us to our community. Two, you are a wonderful church!

7/19/09

 

AMPHIBIOUS INVATION

By Andy Warren

 

            One teacher of seventh-graders came to the subject of World War II, and a test question was. What was the largest amphibious assault of all time?  Expecting to see "the D-Day invasion" as the answer, found on one paper, "Moses and the plague of frogs".

 

            That's a pretty good answer if you ask me!  Of course wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us had Bible stories on our minds at all times?

 

            We could learn well from what God told the children of Israel:

Deuteronomy 6:7  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

 

            What is it WE teach?  What do WE talk about when we sit in our houses, when we take a walk, when we go to bed or get up in the morning?  Is that what our children are hearing, or other family members, or friends or fellow workers?

 

Jesus was right about things that come out of our mouths come from our hearts!  It would do us all a bit of good to prepare our heart with the right stuff!

7/12/09

WE STILL NEED GRACE

By Jay Thornell

 

     Earlier this year I read these words in our local paper:  A woman who wasn't invited to her sister's wedding reception showed up anyway and attacked the bride, pulling out clumps of her hair in a struggle, police said. The 23 year old attacker was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge. The report, however, left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Why wasn't the sister invited to the wedding? What made her show up anyway? And does the fact that she showed up anyway give us a clue as to why she wasn't invited to begin with?

     As bizarre as what happened at this wedding sounds, every time I read the newspaper there are numerous stories which report such activities among humanity. Each one supports what the Bible has already told us. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Jesus said the he came to the world to seek and save what was lost. (Luke 19:10) How lost was this young woman on her sister's wedding day? And how lost is the world every day? Without realizing it, perhaps, newspaper reporters answer that question with its daily stories.

     The world still needs God's grace. So do I even though I have been a Christian for a long time, even though I'm not the person I use to be, even though I sense the work of the Spirit in my life. I don't guess that will ever change no matter how old or mature in Christ I become. Some things I have said and done recently all support this truth. I still need grace. What about you?

7/5/09

 

PRAYING DELIVER US FROM EVIL

Compiled by Richard A. Kauffman

 

 

Evil that masquerades as an angel of light is commonplace. We need help. And we need help even when we don't know we need help. Especially when we don't know we need help. (Eugene H. Peterson in "Tell It Slant")

 

In praying to God to deliver us we acknowledge that God is greater than any foe of God. The power of evil must be admitted and taken seriously, yet not too seriously. Perhaps that is why, though the Lord?s Prayer honestly focuses upon trial, temptation, and evil, it never mentions Satan by name. (William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas in "Lord, Teach Us")

 

Many assure us that Jesus really means 'keeping us away from temptation,' or  'lead us out of temptation,' or 'remind us that you never tempt us.' Of course none of these things is what Jesus actually said. He told us to beg God not to put us to a test, presumably because we would fail it. What a vote of confidence in us! What a vote of confidence in God! What a way to conclude a conversation! (Telford Work in "Ain't Too Proud to Beg")

 

There is no resistance to Satan other than flight. Flee-that can indeed only mean, Flee to that place where you find protection and help, flee to the Crucified. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, ("Creation and Fall/Temptation")

6/28/09

A HAUNTING QUESTION

By Jay Thornell

 

I love the question asked at the end of the first session of "The Truth Project." The question is, "Do you believe that what you believe is really real?"

 

If we really believe that God sees everything, then why are we viewing pornography on the internet?

 

If we really believe that when we pray we are talking to the Creator of the universe who loves us, then why do we have a hard time remembering to pray?

 

If we really believe that hell exists and that it is the worst place imaginable, then why are we so silent about it?

 

If we really believe that Jesus joins us during communion every Sunday, then why do we only make it to church once or twice a month?

 

If we really believe that God hears everything, then why do we allow evil thoughts to continually rule our minds?

 

If we really believe that we are going to stand before God in judgment one day, then why do we give so little thought to how we are living?

 

If we really believe that the Bible is the word of God, then why do we prefer to watch TV instead of attending a Bible class?

 

If we really believe that heaven is our home, then why do we worry so much about our earthly possessions?

 

Do you believe that what you believe is really real? The choices we make and actions we take tell the tale!

6/14/09

 

PRETTY NEAT

By Jay Thornell

 

   One morning I was sitting at my desk and praying. "Praying" may sound too formal. I was actually just talking with God. During the course of our talk I said, "It would be pretty neat if you made it rain here today." (At the time there hadn't been a whole lot of that happening in our area.) A few minutes later I answered the phone. Immediately after that I began a counseling session. Ninety minutes later I got up from my desk and glanced out my window. The parking lot was covered with water. Puddles had formed in certain spots. (No, Leo, it wasn't the sprinkler system.) It had rained. How had I not heard it? How had I managed not to glance out my window over the last ninety minutes and notice it? When I saw the evidence of the rain I was completely surprised.

   As a preacher I could take this ball and run with it in different directions 1) Christian Evidences - I've never seen God just as I never saw it rain that morning. But I still believe in both because of the evidence 2) Devotional Thought - How many times has God blessed us without us realizing it? So caught up in my work I didn't even notice that God was 3) Providence and Coincidence  Had God already planned for it to rain here before I prayed? Were these events (my prayer and the subsequent rain) a mere coincidence? How do you explain?

   I'm sorry to disappoint but my only response that morning was, "That's pretty neat. Thank you God." Most of my prayers aren't answered like this one -  immediate and obvious. That this one was is pretty neat! It encourages me to keep praying. I hope you will too!

6/7/09

HE RESTORES MY SOUL

By Jay Thornell

 

   As we enjoy the green pastures and quiet waters God provides for us we, nevertheless, still find other pastures and waters enticing at times. We step across the line, feed on these pastures and drink from these waters. Granted, doing so makes absolutely no sense but sometimes we make absolutely no sense. So there we are, wondering how we got there and how we can get back to where we use to be.

   It is at this point in Psalm 23 that the author writes, "He restores my soul."  Even when sheep are under the best care possible, they can still find themselves in life and death situations. For instance, a sheep may become "cast," stuck in a rut while lying on his back, overweight, and unable to move himself upright again. Panic sets in. Unless the shepherd looks for the sheep and sets him upright, the sheep will die. A good shepherd will search for his sheep and save his life or "restore his soul." Jesus explained that God is this kind of shepherd. When we get off track God searches for us and restores our souls.

   From there the author of Psalm 23 writes that "He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." The shepherd's reputation is on the line. He will not give up his sheep without a fight "for his name's sake." And neither will God. Please know that there is someone out there fighting for you! He wants to restore your soul/life. I hope you will let Him.

5/31/09

 

THE TRUTH PROJECT BEGINS WEDNESDAY AT 7 P.M.

 

 

Our adult Bible fellowship on Wednesday night will be viewing and discussing "The Truth Project", a dvd presentation produced by Focus on the Family, this summer. What is truth? Who is man? Does God exist? Questions like these will be dealt with during this series. I hope you will attend as we seek to solidify our Christian worldview as a church!

 

Here are some things to keep in mind as we begin this journey:

1. Arrive a few minutes early. The seminar will begin promptly at 7 p.m. each evening. (Each session lasts approximately 55 minutes.)

2. Bring pen and paper. I'm sure there are things you will want to write down.

3. Invite a friend. (Especially one who doesn't believe in God, absolute truths, or religion in general.)

4. Discussion will take place after each session at 8 p.m. for those who wish to remain after class is dismissed.

5. Don't drop out! Some thoughts will be challenging; we'll be swimming in the deeper end of the pool. But the only way to stretch and grow is if you stick with it!

 

Sign up today to eat pizza this Wednesday before our first class begins. Let's take this journey together as a church!

5/24/09

VALUABLE ORANGES

By Norman Martin

 

   One of the most tragic accidents that has ever happened came about in the mid-Atlantic, April 14, 1912.

   The Titanic, one of the largest vessels of all time, hit an iceberg and sank within a few hours. Many stories of heroism and courage have been written about this incident. Many women chose to go down with their husbands. The band played "Nearer My God to Thee."

   One woman who was allotted space on one of the rescue boats asked permission to return to her stateroom. She was given three minutes. In that stateroom money and jewels were scattered all over the floor, but she took no heed of them. Rather, she snatched three oranges and hurried back to the boat.

   It seems almost incredible that the woman preferred oranges to diamonds. But, you see, death had boarded the Titanic, and with one blast of his awful breath, transformed all values ? precious things became worthless and worthless things became precious.

   Death has a funny way of changing things. All of the things we work for and worry about seem reasonable until they are viewed in the light of our own death. The pursuit of pleasurable things seems most reasonable until one thinks about death. Striving for fame would also seem reasonable until one ponders the grave. Death just has a way of changing one's perspective.

   The thing that happened on the Titanic actually happens every day  but remember: values transformed at death are values transformed too late. Will you transform your values now?

 

  Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. ( 1 TIMOTHY 6:6-8)

5/17/09

 

APPRECIATE EACH OTHER

 

The divorce rate in America is too high. Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? (Matthew 19:3) Not so, said the Lord. What happens that changes those moments of starry-eyed splendor into unconcern and apathetic feelings? Consider:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->He married her because, among other things, her hair looked so beautiful. He divorced her because she spent too much time fixing her hair.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->He married her because she was such an adept conversationalist. He divorced her because she talked all the time.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->She married him because he enjoyed her home cooking. She divorced him because he never took her out to eat.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->She married him because he was a "real sport." She divorced him because he refused to give up his "sport."

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->He married her because their families shared a common background. He divorced her because her family interfered in their affairs.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->She married him because he was so attentive to little things. She divorced him because he was oblivious to important things.

An ideal marriage is not one in which people marry to be happy, but to make the other one happy. This means to give as well as take, to forget as well as to remember, and to love as well as to be loved.  The Beacon, Pensacola, FL

5/10/09

 

 

Dear Mothers,

 

 

 

THANK YOU!!!

 

 

With Appreciation and Love,

 

Your Church Family

 

 

P.S. " Happy Mother's Day"

5/3/09

 

CARING GROUPS MEET TODAY

 

(Check the inside of the bulletin for details!)

 

 

 

Church Family,

 

I need to share something the Lord has reminded me of in recent months. Christians need the company and friendship of other Christians. We live in a difficult world where spiritual failure is always lurking. After their failures numerous people have told me, "I need to start spending more time with Christians." Why? Because you are on the same path they are on. Iron sharpens iron, right? So please don't underestimate the importance of your presence at any of our gatherings like today's caring group meetings. I think I'm supposed to tell you this; so there it is.

 

Peace and Love,

Jay

4/26/09

 

OUR LOVE TURNS TO RUST

By Jay Thornell

 

 

Our love turns to rust; this is a line in a U2 song I've been listening to lately. It's a good line because, sadly, it's an accurate observation of what often happens to love. It turns rusty.

            There are plenty of marriages where this is the case. It's not like they are on the brink of divorce. It's not like these couples are fighting like cats and dogs. They are just tired or lazy or apathetic. In a state of inertia their love has turned to rust.

            Jesus talked to a church whose love for Him had grown rusty. He said, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." (Revelation 2:4) These were good people doing good things. They had even endured hardships because they were Christians. But over time their love for the Lord turned to rust.

            If this describes your walk with Christ or the status of your marriage it's time TO DO SOMETHING. Shake things up. Do something different. Get off the couch. Wipe off the rust and renew your vows to the Lord and/or your mate. The rust is doing no one any good, least of all yourself. And chances are you are to blame for it. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

4/19/09

AFTER EASTER

By Jay Thornell

 

Jesus comes back from the dead, spends some time with his small band of followers, and then sky rockets to heaven one day. So what are the disciples suppose to do now? Jesus tells them what to do. He said, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20) So what were they suppose to do after Easter? Talk to others about the meaning of Easter so that others could become followers of the Lord who made Easter happen.

 

             For us Easter was last week. What are we going to do this week? Put away our Easter clothes, Easter baskets, and Easter eggs? I think we're still supposed to be talking about Easter. I think that's the plan. And that we are to continue to talk about it until Easter rolls around again on the calendar. Then we start all over again. So I guess we're never supposed to stop talking about Easter. Be instant in season and out of season, right?

 

            Ask people if they believe Jesus rose from the dead. Tell people how you haven't been the same since you started following Jesus. Invite people to church with you to share communion with the One who is still alive. This is what's supposed to happen after Easter. But will it?

4/12/09

A COVER STORY THAT DIDN'T WORK

By Jay Thornell

 

      After Jesus died some of his enemies were worried that their attempt to snuff out his Way could still be jeopardized at Jesus' grave site. So they posted some guards outside his tomb just to make sure. Nothing happened on Friday night, Saturday morning or Saturday night. But something did happen on Sunday morning and in a blink of an eye the tomb of Jesus was opened and empty.

     The guards told their employer what happened. The chief priests quickly devised a cover story. (That's right; these guys were priests who weren't interested in the truth.) Matthew 28:12-15 reports it this way: They gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

      At any point did anyone in this conspiracy ask the obvious question? The obvious question was, "What really happened on that Sunday morning?" Or was the obvious just ignored in pursuit of the status quo? This morning our answer to the obvious is,  "Jesus is alive." I hope that messes with our status quo this week!

4/5/09

 

ALL KINDS OF GREED

By Jay Thornell

 

   A few weeks ago we studied Jesus' statement, "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed." (Luke 12:15) Apparently there's not just one kind, but all kinds of greed. The word "greed" comes from two words which mean "to have more." Greed is something that is cultivated in our hearts with a heavy application of the desire to have more. When we believe we have to have more, all kinds of greed are actualized in our lives.

   For instance, I read this in the newspaper recently: "A wealthy U.S. businessman with a passion for books about the Middle East was sentenced to two years in jail Friday for stealing pages from rare texts at two of Britain's most venerable libraries. Farhad Hakimzadeh sneaked a scalpel into the London's British Library to surgically remove leaves from books, according to library staff. He used the pilfered pages to replace lower-quality parts of his own copies of the works."

   Jesus is right. There are all kinds of greed. And we are willing to cross all kinds of lines in order to have more. There are at least two ways to reach contentment, says one person. Acquire more or desire less. Isn't it time we try the latter for a change and see what happens? Hasn't the "god of more" been worshipped long enough? Keep worshipping it and we might find ourselves doing something crazy like Farhad did.