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A Time for Service

Yesterday was a great day for Central Christian.  You rose up mightily in your response to the call for servant workers.  Approximately 38 of us agreed to be involved in the interfaith hospitality network where we will provide food and spend the night at Trinity Baptist to help those families who find themselves without a place to sleep temporarily.  You did yourselves proud yesterday.  I really appreciate your willingness to expend some time helping others.  What better month than November to start this!  As we approach Thanksgiving, let us remember that God has blessed us bountifully and we can do no less than to share what we have with others. 

Be looking forward to other opportunities to let the love of God shine through us.
Bob

Halloween again?

I read back through some old comments earlier today and noted that my comment from October 31, 2005 mentioned some people who had spoke the previous Sunday about missions.  I commented about how great it was to  hear from people who had dedicated their lives to evangelism.  This year, I want to compliment our children.  If you missed last Sunday's worship, led by our youth, you missed an uplifting time of worship.  Not only were we led in worship but we got to see how much work Tom and Erin Fodi are putting into our youth.  Give Tom and Erin and our kids a big "thanks" when you see them.
Get ready for the holidays by looking for ways to serve others.  My family will be serving meals at a local shelter.  That is easy to do and helps us keep our prosperity in the proper light.  We are truly blessed but many are not as fortunate.
Bob

May Day

Okay, another month is upon us.  The nice thing about his month, for most of us, includes at least two things:  Mother's Day and the end of school (or, for those of you who don't get out until June, almost the end of school).  The colleges in the area are wrapping up their classes and the summer is about to get under way.  Start looking for those summer jobs, students, to help with the next school year expenses!

We had a great Sunday this past weekend.  The combined Sunday school breakfast was a blast, the silent auction for VBS made over $1,000, the graduates were honored and the Fifth Sunday worship with the other area Christian Churches was well attended by CCC members and others.  All in all, a great day!  If you missed these events, you really missed out.  And, not to mention the elders' skit during breakfast.  I understand a couple of people almost had heart attacks when the three elders came running into the fellowship hall.

Tonight is Mexican food for the 1st Wednesday meal.  The hotter the better!  Start planning now for the Memorial Day picnic at Wetlands park.  We will have lunch there together on that Monday.

I am continuing the 1st Thessalonian series from the end of chapter five.  Read over this chapter and see what you can do to make CCC all it can be.  As we work together, God can do great things through us.  Of course, He can do great things anyway but how 'cool' to be in on His plans.

Enjoy the week and be loooking out for something good to do for others.

Bob

March and Easter

March is about over and the time of the year when we enjoy the 'rebirth' of nature is already upon us.  My flowers are blooming and my yard needs mowed weekly.  Soon, it will require more work.  Does it sometimes seem as though there are too many things to do?  I am sure Jesus felt that way as He faced the last passover with his disciples and knew that the cross was waiting.  As we move into the Easter week, let us remember that God gave His all for us.  That should encourage us to do a little more for Him and His church.

Happy Easter.

Bob

All in the family

As we continue to view relationships at Central Christian, let me encourage you to think about your physical family relationships.  We have started the Sacred Marriage class and will start another Sunday, February 18 at 6:45 p.m.  This one will be held at the building.  Please see me if you want to join this group as it is filing up fast.

Bob

One month gone

The first month of 2007 is over.  What have you done with it?  As you think about that, also consider that God is holding us accountable for the way we use the time He gives us.  His admonition is to "redeem the time for the days are evil."  Sure, right now many people are thinking about the Super Bowl this coming weekend.  However, there is a much larger conflict going on in this world every day.  As Satan vies for our souls, he fights against the forces of God.  Satan knows how to tempt us and how to distract us from doing what God would have us do.  How is he doing in your life?  Did you waste a month of this year or did you draw closer to God.  Did you spend even a few moments talking to someone about Jesus and their salvation?  Who do you think will do that if you do not?

Many of us have been sick over the past few months and some still are.  Remember, though, that these distractions are just some of the ways Satan puts us off track.  We are fallen and prone to disease because Satan tempted Adam and Eve and brought sin into this world.  I pray for your health but I am more concerned that you be about your Father's business.  Commit to not letting February pass without talking to someone about Jesus.

Bob

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

As we approach the end of 2006, it seems fitting that we are celebrating the holidays again.  Last night was a special evening at Central as we enjoyed "Miracle on Main Street" as directed by Rocky and Teresa and performed by our children.  Anyone who missed that performance missed a great time of worship and fellowship, not to mention the entertainment.  The auditorium was almost full of parents, grandparents, friends, church members and other guests who clapped, laughed and simply enjoy the evening.  "Thank You" to all who helped in any way.

Some of my fondest memories are of Christmas Caroling.  Several have planned to go this evening and I am sure that will be enjoyable, as well.

As we get ready to change calendars, take a few moments and ponder over what 2006 has meant to you.  What did you get accomplished; who did you help?  Was the year better for people in your life because of the way you acted?  What about 2007?  Do you have any plans?  Have you set any goals?  What are you planning for your Christian service for this next year?  Someone else wrote: "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail."  For the most part, I think this is true--unless you plan to accomplish something, little will be accomplished.  Few of us get very far "flying by the seat of our pants."  Sure, you will get lucky once in a while but not often.  I am not talking about unkept New Year's Resolutions.  Rather, I am talking about plans that are made after praying for God's guidance, seeking His will for your life, and then listening to what He has to say.  Give it a try this coming year--it might surprize you what God can do for and through you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Bob

The Holiday Season

Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, it seems the days just run together, at least in my life.  There are so many things to do, so many things to complete, so many activities to get involved in.  The same is true at CCC.  If you missed the Christmas concert at Trinity Baptist Sunday, you really missed out.  The performance was beautiful and the atmosphere both worshipful and holidayish (okay, so that's not a word, you know what I mean).  This coming weekend is Russ and Tammy's wedding (the 9th).  On the 16th we have a workday at ETCH and then the congregation meal at Golden Corral that evening.  On the 17th there is the open house at the Robersons and the children's play that evening.  On December 24, we will have a Christmas Eve service at 5:30 and then, yea!, Christmas is the next Monday.  Before we know it, 2007 will be over.  How time flies when we are having fun.

If you are not having fun this holiday season, remember this--Christ came into this world to bring us salvation.  That salvation gives us joy no matter what our circumstances.  Yes, we sometimes have a tough time on this earth but these trials are temporary compared to the time of glory we will have with our God through eternity.  Don't let the cares of this life defeat you--look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our salvation.

Have a great Christmas season.

Bob

Elections and Election

Happy November.  This is Thanksgiving month and the holidays begin in earnest.  It is also a time when a lot of people, including some in our congregation, are the loneliest because of losses they have suffered through this past year or previously.  Remember to reach out to everyone and be sensitive to those who have lost spouses, children, parents and the like.

The mid-term elections are behind us.  Whether you like the results or not, the American people have exercised their right to vote for their leadership as well as different issues that were on various ballots around the country.  There are few countries that enjoy the freedom we have to peacefully change administrations.  I thank God that we live in a nation where we can express ourselves and see a bloodless change of leadership.  If you did not vote and were qualified to do so, shame on you.

Our attendance is up at church.  Be sure to welcome Mary Gordon into our fellowship.  She placed her membership with us this past Sunday.

A lot is going on around Central.  Look around and get involved.  Christians are happier and feel more worthwhile when they reach out to help others.  We have many opportunities to do this here.  Ask the elders or deacons what you can do.

Thank you for your gift of love for Pastor's Appreciation Month. I appreciate being here and my family knows that we are loved.  You are special people.

Remember to say "Thank You" to veterans this coming weekend, and at other times, too.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Bob

Halloween

Today is one of those special days that I have fond memories of as a younster.  I can recall dressing up, celebrating this special evening, and eating much more candy than I should on any one evening.  Maybe that's why my blood sugar has flared out of control.  Okay, maybe that had nothing to do with it.  Diabetes is a genetic disease, to some extent, and my mother was diabetic as are one of my sisters and one of my brothers.  What does that have to do with anything?  Probably nothing except to suggest that sometimes we connect the dots and reach conclusions that seem right but may be completely off base.  We do that with our eating habits, we do that with our relationships, we do that with one thing after another.  And, the usual result is that we jump to conclusions that end up hurting people and causing rifts in our relationships.  Maybe we could make Halloween a special day to heal relationships.  Is there someone in your life that you are on the "outs" with?  If so, why not look for a way to make amends, no matter whose fault the rift was.  Life is far too short and friendships far too precious to allow misunderstandings to interfere with them. 

I know some people who do not talk to their blood siblings.  I know of some parents and some children who refuse to talk to their children or parents.  Even worse, I know of some Christians who refuse to talk to other Christians because of something that came between them.  Friends, Jesus says either you forgive others or God cannot forgive you.  What is hard to understand about that?  I, for one, do not want to stand before God having carried a grudge against someone else to that throne.  Do you?  God says we cannot love Him, who we have not seen, if we do not love our brothers (and sisters) whom we have seen.  Make an effort to practice forgiving others.  After all, God continues to forgive you for all the times you hurt Him.

Don't forget to join us tomorrow, November 1, at 6:30 p.m. for our first Wednesday potluck meal.

Bob

Storytelling, Revivals and such

There is an old saying that goes something like, "I like going on vacation, but I sure love coming home."  Dorothy said it like this, "There's no place like home."  Whenever I miss preaching or teaching at CCC, I feel as though I have missed out on something really important.  I was in New Orleans two Wednesdays ago and we enjoyed our potluck last Wednesday and the revival was four weeks ago so I have taught only once in the past four weeks and how I have missed it.  And, to top it all off, Larry and Vicki Bacon got to finish Genesis for me!  It is time to move on to something else during our Wednesday evening Bible class.  Suggestions would be appreciated.

The week I was gone to New Orleans, Mark Smith preached for me and last Sunday was storytelling so I have missed preaching, too.  This Sunday I intend to start a sermon series on knowing God's will.  This was one of the most requested topics when I did the sermon survey a couple of months ago.  I pray that God will lead me as I study and put my thoughts down in order to present them to you.  I would appreciate your prayers, too.

So many people helped with storytelling.  Shirley and Judi made their soups and several made sandwiches.  Others helped with drinks, ticket selling, "barking," clean-up, and so forth.  A big "Thank You!" to everyone who helped out in this activity.  We enjoyed listening to Steven James who brought us a good laugh on Friday evening and a spiritual storytelling time during our services Sunday morning.  Approximately 45 people from out of town worshipped with us Sunday morning and had an opportunity enjoy our company.  Thank you to all our members who went out of their way to come "fight the crowds."

On a more personal note, Debbie starts her chemo therapy next Friday.  Your prayers are coveted for her, and for us, as she goes through these treatments.  I am praying that God heals her again and that her time in treatment does not interupt her life any more than necessary.

Our God is good.  He will provide for us, lead us and help us do His will.  He will not give us more to do without giving us the power to accomplish what He wants us doing.  We simply need to study His word, commit to doing His will and trust Him to lead us.  I am moving forward with our church leadership and call upon all to join me and them as we look forward to a bright future doing God's will.

Bob

October

My heart goes out to those families whose children or relatives have been killed or wounded in the rash of school shootings that have plagued our nation the past couple of weeks.  What is up with people?  How could killing innocent children achieve anything?  There are times when i have to wonder why God is allowing us to continue.  Then, to top it all off, there is some foolish group of "religious" people who have decided to picket the funerals of the Amish children.  What makes people act that way?  Certainly not the love of God!  My prayers go out to those families and to the unfeeling picketers who somehow have convinced themselves that they are doing God's will.  How do we make that determination?  Honesty has to be a part of the process.  Sometimes God's will for us is simply what we want God's will for us to be--in other words, we selfishly decide what we want and then broadcast that as God's will.  Do you struggle with this?  If so, join us October 15 and we'll talk about that during our morning worship time.

As we at Central start with new leadership, let me encourage all of us to pray for the eight men who will be serving us as elders or deacons.  Also, do not forget to pray for the other ministry team leaders, our Sunday school teachers and whoever else you can think of who serve us in a public way.  Without these people, our community would suffer tremendously.  Add to this list the muscians and vocalists who lead our worship times.  Then, think of so many othes who serve in smaller, less obvious ways just to make our times together flow more smoothly.  Thank you all.

As we start this new era together, be sure to make your comments known to either myself or one of the elders about things you either like or dislike about Central.  We need good, honest, straightforward discussion so that we can move forward.  Do this, however, in a loving way that is meant to improve things rather than just gripe.  And, if there is something about Central that you wish would change, be prepared to be involved in that area so that you can help it change!

Thank you for your prayers for Debbie and the family as she begins her chemo treatments next week (probably).

Bob

Elders, Deacons, and other people

This next Sunday we will be selecting those who will serve as elders and deacons for the next year or two.  Please be in prayer about this over this next week so that God will direct our process and those people who should be elders and deacons will be selected.  It is important to the work at Central that God control this process.

As we get ready to start a new year at Central, let me encourage all of us to be on the look out for things we can do to help or bless the congregation.  It is not just the elders and deacons who are to serve--we are all to be servants for Christ and reach out to each other.  As you see something good that needs to be done, do it.

We welcome back our college students who have been gone for the summer.  And, we include with them all of our students who are starting another year of school, no matter what grade.  Be in prayer for Kristin who is starting at Milligan and who moved into the dorm this past weekend.  Although she is close by, she has still made that step of moving out of her home.  That can be tough on anyone.

Remember to tell those outgoing elders and deacons "thanks" for all they did this past year.  To my knowledge, none of them are leaving the area, they are just taking a year and not serving in one of those special capacities.  I still expect to see them working and serving here at Central anyway.

Keep praying for me and our congregation.  With God's help, we can overcome any trial and be the congregation He wants us to be.

Bob

Catching Up

A lot has happened since I last posted.  We enjoyed a great VBS--thank you Diane and Lisa and all of you who volunteered your time and talents.  We have seen our mission team go and come back.  You are to be commended for providing the funds that enabled these men to spread the reputation of CCC onto foreign soil.

We are about half way through summer.  As the hot months pass, remember that we are building toward a revival beginning the second Sunday in September.  Be praying for this.  Pray that God will revive us here at Central and that, through this revival meeting, we can reach out into the community.  The lost will be led to Jesus because someone told them about Him.  Will you be that someone?

We have had several visitors recently.  Please be sure to put your best foot forward and make them feel welcome.  Go out of your way to speak to visitors and others that you may not know well.  People will attend here, rather than somewhere else, if they are made to feel welcome and noticed.  Do your part to help us fulfill our duty of hospitality.

Thank you for your prayers for me.  Keep praying for me that God will use me as He wills.

The last three Wednesdays in July I will be teaching a class at 6:30 p.m. on the subject of women in the church.  This is the class I told the elders I would teach before we elect new elders and deacons.  If you have any questions about this, have anything to offer on the subject, or would simply like to learn more about the Bible, please plan to attend.  We will return to Genesis for the month of August.

Be in prayer about our elder/deacon selection process that is underway.  God would have us have godly servants placed in leadership roles.  Pray for the people you believe should be in leadership and for the process of nominating and selecting them.  Be prepared to follow them as they plan for our future here at Central.

Finally, if you see something that needs to be done at Central and you can do it--do it!  If we all volunteer, the load is lighter for all of us.  Take some ownership of the congregation and help it meet its needs.

Have a great summer,  Bob

Week of May 29

Are you letting God direct your life?  This next Sunday we will look at the life of Abraham.  The challenge to us, from reading these Old Testament stories, is to determine how they will affect our response to God.  God loved you and sent Jesus to die for you--how will you treat this gift?

I appreciate the fact that we have a Memorial Day weekend.  We, as free citizens of the United States of America, should never forget the price that has been paid for our freedom.  However, this pales in light of what God has done for our spiritual freedom.  It does not matter which country you live in if you are in spiritual bondage.  And, everyone who has not accepted Christ as Savior is still in that bondage.  Each Sunday we gather to remember what Jesus gave for us and ask God to allow that blood to cleanse us from our sins and to ask God to remember that we are His adopted children, co-heirs with Jesus.  What a status that gives us.  Like any parent, though, God, because of His love for us, has given us certain guidelines and, in some circumstances, rules, for how our lives can be most blessed.  When we obey Him, our lives flourish; when we disobey Him, our ives become miserable and we miss out on the joy and abundant life promises to us.  You choose each day how you will respond to God--choose wisely.

I thank you for your continued prayers concerning my double vision.  God will grant me a healing and things will be fine.

Bob

News from the Ukraine

Our friends Jonathan and Heather have sent us an update from their part of the mission field, over near Kiev, in the Ukraine. Not too long ago that was part of the old Soviet Union.

The Soviets did their best to rid themselves of God. It looks like He was there all along, still living in the hearts of many of the people:

We approached the director of the public school which is located just down the street from the church with the idea of a region-wide soccer tournament and two sports days for the students of the school.

... He only had one concern—he wanted to make sure that for the two school sports days, that we would also spend part of the time teaching the Bible.

And now they don't have to try and hide God anymore. Go read the rest, and think about what it will take for something like that to happen here:

http://oldtownccc.blogs.com/Documents/PowellUpdateMay2006.htm

And keep the Powells, and all our foreign missionaries, in your prayers always.

jayj

Week of May 22

How fast the year is flying by.  The school year is about over for everyone and we are looking forward to summer.  Okay, maybe you are not looking forward to summer since it brings more work (mowing the yard weekly, at least); sweating and high humidity; wasps and more bugs, and whatever else you think of when you think of the "down side" of summer.  But, there are some great reasons to be looking forward to summer--vacations, Christmas is getting close, no school work, warm weather (hey, in Yuma it is 104 today), pic nics, blue skies, fresh fruit, a garden to play in, and whatever else you can imagine that is good.  Why not think about the good things that you have to look forward to?  Stress the good things going on in this world rather than dwell on the bad.  Let people around you know that Christians have a positve outlook because we have a greater hope than depending on this world's pleasures to satisfy us.  Let's get positive in our speech, in our outlook and in the way we treat others.

Be in prayer for our VBS that starts soon.  We could probably still use some helpers so see LIsa or Diane and volunteer.

Bob

Week of May 8

Thank you, Steve, for such a great lesson on our personal responsibility to be evangelistic.  That is God's plan.  Each of us are obligated to "go into all the world and make disciples."  That is not just my job (or your's as a preacher) but it the job of every Christian.  No, we do not all have to go to Africa or East Asia like Jennifer but each of us has a mission field right here in our own back yard.  We must ask ourselves, "How am I carrying out the great commission given by Jesus?"  If we are serious about our faith in God and our salvation through Jesus, then we will "boldly go where no man has gone before" and tell our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family about who Jesus is and the risk one takes in rejecting Him.

We are planning to have a revival meeting beginning September 10, 2006.  I would like us to start planning that now.  Start thinking about who you will invite to this meeting.  We are planning a "friend day" for that Sunday morning with a prize to the person or family bringing the most visitors.

Have a great week.

Bob

Week of May 2

The year is one/third over!  What have you done to bring someone to Christ this year?  Unless you and I make the effort, scores of people will die and go to hell because they do not konw Jesus.  Jesus commanded us to make disciples, baptize them, and then teach them His words.  As we look to the rest of this year, let us make an effort to revive our evangelistic desire and start talking to people about Jesus.

This Sunday Jennifer Hill will bring us up to date on her activities and Steve Page will be preaching.  Most of you have heard Steve before but I have not and am looking forward to sitting through his sermon.  I believe his topic is evangelism.  Seems appropriate.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Bob

Week of April 24

Thank you, Gene, for your sermon yesterday.  You challenged us, especially those of us in leadership, to look at what we are doing.

Ya'll welcome Anna Willis to our fellowship.  She placed her membership with us yesterday.  Anna is married to Michael and they have four children, Jessica, Holly, Katie and Joshua.  You have already seen their children involved in the children program a couple of weeks ago.  The entire family has jumped right in.  Be sure to get to know them and welcome them to the family.

This coming Sunday, I am going to be talking on the Lord's Supper.  Spend some time this week to consider what that activity means to you.

I thought our worship program this past Sunday was great.  Of course, Deb and Veronica were two of the singers.  But, besides that, I thought Rocky did a great job of blending old and new songs into a meaningful worship time together.  Remember, that God calls us to daily worship Him.  Our Sunday time is simply continued worship done with all of us gathered together.

A big thank you to all who worked on the yard, the floors and the flowers.  All these activities help make our building a more pleasant and attractive place to worship.

Remember, next Wednesday is the first Wednesday of the month. The theme for May's dinner is "fingerfoods" and includes whatever that term means to you.  Come join us on Wednesday, May 3 for a meal at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday, May 5, we will be selling Mexican food from the building to participate in the Cinco de Mayo day.  The city is having music on the square.  All proceeds from our activity will go to help fund the mission trip.  So, come on out and eat with us.

Bob

Week of April 17

Easter and all its pageantry is behind us.  I don't know how you view Easter, what it really means to many of you, and how it affects how you live.  I do know, though, that our God sent His Son into this world that I might be saved.  My faith in Him, my willingness to obey, and my acceptance of His grace allow me to stand before God free from the fear of sin and death.  I pray that you can acknowledge this, too.

We are building toward VBS.  If you have not signed up to help and are willing to, please sign up on the list hanging in the hallway.  Lisa and Diane are putting together what appears to be a great program for our children.  If you have children, I expect that you will have your children here at VBS.  If you have friends with small children, especially if they do not attend church somewhere, my prayer is that you will invite them to VBS.  Get involved with activities like this and lets become the outward reaching congregation God expects us to be.

Gene Milhorn is preaching for us this coming Sunday.  For the following Sunday, I am preparing a sermon on the Lord's Supper.  Be in prayer for Gene and for me as we prepare lessons for the congregation.

Be in prayer for our Sunday school program.  We are trying to improve it so that people will want to bring their children and so that we can attract non-members with young children.  We need your help.  If you have ever thought about teaching or being involved with the Sunday school program, get a hold of me or Laurie Clements and let us know.

Have a great week. 

Bob

Week of April 9

This is Passion week.  Be in prayer about how God can use you for His glory.  As you go about your daily activities this week, keep in mind what must have been going through the mind of Christ as He looked forward to Friday and His destiny with a cross.  Because of His sacrifice, you and I can look forward to living with God forever.

Wasn't yesterday (Palm Sunday) awesome?  Those kids that Rocky and Teresa have been working with did an outstanding job.  And the choir (no thanks to me) did a wonderful performance that helped us all focus on the life of Christ and His gift to us.  Tell Rocky thanks for all the hard work he had to endure to get most of us on the same page of music.

This Sunday will be different, too.  We are having a "sermon through songs" service that I pray will lift you up into God's presense as we worship together.  Invite some friends and join us this Easter.

Thank you for all your prayers.

Bob

Week of April 2

I want to give a big "thank you" to our elders.  These men strive to help us be the kind of church we need to be.  Please be in prayer for them.  Their task is not an easy one and they need to know that we, the membership, appreciate what they are doing.

It is already April.  The next couple of weeks at Central will be a little different on Sunday.  This coming Sunday the choir will present the Easter cantada during the worship service.  We are doing it a week early because some of our good singers are college students and they will be gone over Easter Sunday.  Then, on Easter, we will have a different type of service, too.  Both services will include a chance for the congregation to join in praising God, we will participate in the Lord's Supper and I will have a few words to say.  However, if you were looking for a chance to bring a friend to a "less traditional" worship service, this would be the time to do that.

Thank you to our tireless audio guys who keep fixing stuff.  It is beyond me how you keep all those wires straight.  I appreciate what you do for our congregation.

Be in prayer for those who lost family members and friends to the storm last night.  And, for those who suffered the loss of their homes.  We tend to think of violent storms striking Kansas or Oklahoma, not our pretty State.  However, the storms of last night remind us that even we are subject to the whims of nature and need to be alert.

Don't forget that this Wednesday is "meal" Wednesday.  Bring food that reminds you of "Spring."

Bob

Prayers answered - and many more still needed

At the end of last Sunday's service Bob mentioned a momentous and significant answer to prayer (well, actually, millions of prayers all over the globe) that had just come over the weekend. The Afghan man who had been condemned to death for converting to Christianity was freed - charges dropped - but the immediate concern then became the angry street mobs who would have found him and killed him anyway. Now the great people of Italy have granted him asylum: the Times newspaper of England reports "Afghan Christian spirited to safety thanks to the Pope". Click the link and read the article, then be sure and offer a prayer of thanks and praise.

But don't stop praying just yet. The beleaguered community of Christians which Mr. Rahman leaves behind are still persecuted, in a manner that probably compares to that of the first century Christians under Rome's rule. Germany's national news magazine Der Spiegel reports on the daily realities of life for "Christians in Afghanistan". Go read that article, too, then please get busy praying again for persecuted Christians everywhere. It's real, my friends, and we need to be in prayer for those people who risk their lives for their faith in Jesus as the Christ.

< originally noted at http://michellemalkin.com/archives/004880.htm >

Week of March 27

I am excited!  I am excited because I can sense and see the Spirit of God moving in our congregation.  Mark and Jay, thank you for your comments to my last post.  I know that that Thursday evening is the beginning of a new life here at Central.  I thank God for  you  two men and the good works you do here at Central.

This week I am focusing on Grace.  Ed suggested this topic, maybe because yesterday's sermon was so tough.  Forgiveness is important--it is so important that God says His forgiveness of us is based on how well we forgive others.  Friends, if there is any area in your life where you need to practice forgiveness, do not put it off--get that taken care of immediately.  Grace, of course, should be the driving force behind our willingness to forgive others.  God, in His infinite wisdom, choose to extend His grace to me.  After that totally unselfish act, how can I possibly harbor ill-will toward others in my heart?  And, like it or not, unforgiveness is harboring ill-will.  When you think about how the grace of God allowed Jesus to come to this earth and die for each one of us (not to mention the billions of others who have lived on this earth), we should be so overwhelmed that we fall all over ourselves extending this grace and forgiveness to others.

Paul wrote "There is now, therefore, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."  Paul could write this because he knew that Christ had paid the price for our sins.  And, since in Christ we are forgiven for everything we have done or will do, there can be no condemnation because atonement has already been paid.  What love!

Extend grace to others this week.  It makes you a better person.

Bob