Christ Church

Wordly Wisdom from Michael Perry

Juneteenth

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." — Romans 5:1

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, legally freeing enslaved people in the Confederate states. However, because Texas remained under Confederate control, that freedom was not enforced for more than two and a half years, until June 19, 1865. These people were free and did not realize it. They continued living in the condition of slavery, unaware that their status had changed.

Similarly, many Christians continue living in bo***ge to sin, guilt, and condemnation, not realizing that Christ has truly set them free once and for all.

Forgiveness is a wonderful gift, but forgiveness alone is not the reason we go to heaven. Only perfect people go to heaven. Sin creates a debt. Forgiveness releases the offense, but the debt must still be paid.

If you hit my Celica, dent the car, and break my Pittsburgh Steelers tag, I can forgive you, but the dent still needs to be repaired, the tag still needs to be replaced, and somebody has to pay for it. A debt was created.

God says we are justified by faith in what Jesus has done. A simple way to remember justification is: just as if I'd never sinned. God not only forgives the offense, He removes the dent. Through faith in Christ, His righteousness is credited to our account. We stand before God in a completely new condition—not merely forgiven, but in the very righteousness of God.

Through the finished work of Jesus, He has emancipated us from the penalty and condemnation of sin. The debt has been paid, the record has been cleared, and we now have peace with God.

Hallelujah!

Wordly Wisdom from Ricky Simpson

What is God calling you to rebuild in your life?
“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.”
Nehemiah 1:11 NIV
This is truly one of my favorite books and verses in the Bible. Nehemiah was the servant of King Artaxerxes (say that ten times fast). However, the Lord calls him to rebuild the city of Jerusalem and Nehemiah was afraid of the earthly king so he petitions his heavenly king for God to allow him to receive favor. Why? Because Nehemiah delighted in praising the name of the Lord. God rewards him and shows him favor before the king and through his journey to rebuild the city. Now, I’m not sure what God is calling you to rebuild in your life today, but I am certain you have no need to fear, because His plans never fail. Have you asked your father who loves you to show you favor? I encourage you to do so brothers and sisters. And in the last portion of the verse, Nehemiah calls himself a cupbearer for the king. While he is speaking of Artaxerxes, I believe he feels he is also a cupbearer for the Lord on High, the King of kings, and he shows it throughout the rest of the book. Give it a read and see if I’m right.
Blessings to you all this day, and may the Lord of Heaven and Earth show you favor.

Starts TOMORROW 6pm - 8pm!!

https://vbspro.events/p/76fa1c?fbclid=IwZnRzaAScBz1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEemz6TOIdb5ePK2pGyNE3_5qhgfBJSPrLSPSX5_3N13pVHWO5eYG-DN5yI6Pc_aem_I3O6NwHAi8o7EBRvGRE0jQ

Christ Church VBS Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a life-long adventure, discovering the nature of God, and exploring what it means to be rooted in relations...

Wordly Wisdom from Thad Ellett

There is an old saying that states, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That old saying has passed away with the dinosaurs. Words can do a lot of damage. In fact, death and life are in the power of the tongue, saith the Bible. Also, the tongue, though a small part of the body, is like a small rudder that can turn a large ship. Also, a little word or spark from the tongue can start a big fire. On the other hand, a large horse can be controlled by a small bit in his mouth. The Bible also says that a tongue can bless with words and, in an instant, spew words that can damage a human being made in the image of God. That authoritative book, the Bible, states that these things should not be. Instead, think before you speak. Man should have Godly control of his tongue and let heavenly wisdom prevail when he speaks. Another verity states that a soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. Therefore, use words to bless people, not hurt them.

Evening VBS next week! Use the QR code and follow the link to register! We’d love to share Jesus with your kids!

Wordly Wisdom from Phil Manly

Trusting God

Think about what’s weighing on you right now—a decision, a relationship, a worry you keep replaying in your mind. Instead of trying to figure it all out, pause and honestly tell God, “I don’t have this, but You do.” Are you asking God what to do? When fear or doubt creeps in, picture yourself running into God as a safe place, not scrambling to protect yourself. Even if today feels messy or unclear, trust that God is using it—all of it—to shape you, guide you, and grow you more into who God created you to be. Trust Him, he’s got you. 🙂

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Christ Church VBS Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a life-long adventure, discovering the nature of God, and exploring what it means to be rooted in relations...

VBS Registration is now open! Use the link to let us know you are coming!!

https://vbspro.events/p/76fa1c?fbclid=IwdGRjcASFb_5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEer7uvr4-6yIxHhEZExFMmEkl0IN7B0leSBUmIwf3lbGQLxNwSgMG-nKE_nq0_aem_Kr1afdpwvUGgTubnrm7hXA

Christ Church VBS Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a life-long adventure, discovering the nature of God, and exploring what it means to be rooted in relations...

Wordly Wisdom from Nathan Turner

Don't Just Stay in the Indicatives, You Must Move to the Imperatives

Is Gospel knowledge useful if nothing changes? Is knowledge of Christ truly beneficial if a life is not transformed? What happens if our knowledge or teaching never progresses beyond just that, mere knowledge.
We are content with being right. Winning an argument is our supreme happiness in a contentious world. Pick a side and dig a trench. Empty philosophies. If the Gospel was only ideas, only truths that brought no change of behavior, no obedience, no sacrificial service, no witness to a dying world, no action, then it would be an empty philosophy too.

But the teachings in the Bible are not mere teachings, mere philosophy. All teaching in the Bible is meant to bring about transformation. There are truths, which can label as "Indicatives" (as they are statements that indicate truth, or ideas). But these are not given in isolation. They are given to move to the "Imperatives". The word "therefore" often clues us in when the gospel writers are moving from indicative to imperative. On the basis of THIS GREAT GOSPEL TRUTH, you must OBEY IN THIS WAY.

Since you have been saved by Christ, you must be conformed to His image. Paul's letters are full of this. Often, the first part of a letter will be "indicative" and the second half will be "imperative" (Romans and Ephesians).

So what are we to do? Read the Bible. See what Christ is calling you to. But let us be wise to start this one:

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matt 28:18-20

Since all authority on Heaven and Earth has been given to Jesus, let us obey Him and go make disciples. We don't follow an empty philosophy after all.

Wordly Wisdom from Dennis Burt
Your Jesus Story

What is your Jesus story? Can you share clearly and concisely how you have come to know Him? Someone needs to know. Some heart has been prepared by the Holy Spirit to respond to the transforming truth of who Jesus is and what he has done to save the lost. We are to bear witness of what He has done in our lives. We are to share His word, the powerful effectual written word.
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Heb. 4:12
“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO *BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!” Rom. 10:14-15

Consider the words of the old hymn by F***y Crosby and be encouraged to share His Story.

Tell me the story of Jesus
​Verse 1
​Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus,
Sang as they welcomed His birth,
"Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth."
​Chorus
​Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
​Verse 2
​Fasting alone in the desert,
Tell of the days that are past,
How for our sins He was tempted,
Yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of His labor,
Tell of the sorrow He bore;
He was despised and afflicted,
Homeless, rejected and poor.
​Verse 3
​Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,
Writhing in agony there;
Tell of the grave where they laid Him,
Tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender,
Clearer than ever I see;
Stay, let me weep while you whisper,
Love paid the ransom for me.