We may have already had the white elephant bean supper and Family Christmas night on Capri, but the season isn’t into full swing until the choir presents its cantata and yesterday it did! While completing his Master’s degree program amongst all his other duties, Pastor Steve still managed to teach the choir a challenging cantata which they performed flawlessly to overflowing audiences at both services. Thank you Pastor Steve and choir for a moving, meaningful morning. As the season continues to gear up, don’t let all the hustle and bustle, the pressure to buy presents, the parties and parades overwhelm you. Be overwhelmed by that silent night, that holy night when Christ was born. Christmas may be good for the economy, as the world clearly thinks, but Christmas isn’t about the economy or us giving each other gifts. Christmas is about us receiving the greatest gift ever given, God’s gift to us, His Son. Christmas is about receiving Jesus! Enjoy this season, the festivities, the lights, family, friends, but never let the lights on the tree dim the light of the star in the stable!
When Jesus first appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, Thomas wasn’t with them and refused to believe they had seen Him. Thomas had traveled the dusty roads from village to village, he had seen Jesus perform countless miracles, heard the words and teachings straight from His lips, yet he still couldn’t believe it was true, he had to see for himself. It is hard to believe in what you can’t see, what you can’t physically touch. That’s why it’s called faith! Are you a doubting Thomas? Do you sit in a pew every Sunday morning and nod and say amen and go home unsure? Why? You have the witness of the Gospel writers, of Paul, of over 500 brethren who saw Him at one time. You have the words of John, “… but these words are written that you may believe (not doubt) that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” Yet the greatest witness is that of the Holy Spirit in our hearts! Time and again, He will touch you in subtle, personal ways that brings peace to your soul. Don’t be a doubting Thomas! Faith takes a commitment, make that commitment and let the Lord have your heart! Christianity isn’t a once a week, Sunday morning thing. If that’s all it is to you, you will have doubts. Christianity is a personal relationship with our awesome, loving Heavenly Father, His Son, and His Holy Spirit, that moves us to follow His word and worship and honor Him, not only Sunday morning but every day! Having a loving, caring church family to do that with is a bonus! Time to trust Him in all things, with all of your heart, and let Him drive your doubts away!
“All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players, they have their exits and their entrances,” begins Jaques in act 1 scene 7 of “As You Like It?” Do you ever feel that’s true? Look back over your life, all the different parts you’ve played, hats you’ve worn, players that have come and gone, dramas and comedies you’ve starred in, doesn’t it seen like one long act 1? So what’s act 2 going to be like? Thanks to Jesus, it’s going to be Heavenly! All because He emptied Himself to become a man, was obedient to His Father, and rose from the grave, act 2 will be awesome! How many times did He tell His disciples what was going to happen; He would be delivered into the hands of men, be killed, and rise on the third day? Many times, so why were they surprised at His resurrection? It sealed the deal, it proved everything He had taught them was true! They must have felt a surge of encouragement as their hearts raced when Mary brought the news of the empty tomb. He is risen, He rose for them, He rose for you! That’s why when act 1 is over, act 2 is going to be really awesome. There are some definite directions in the Script that need to be followed and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior tops the list. For those that don’t, act 2 isn’t going to be too hot, well … The curtain will fall on act 1 for everyone, where act 2 opens is up to each individual. Let us help all the players to know the truth of who Jesus is, what He has done for them, and what He will do for them. It is never to late to take directions and follow the Script, except when the curtain finally drops on act 1!
Are you a fan or a follower? Do you cheer Jesus and all His teachings from the sidelines or do you humbly follow and obey Him? Unbeknown to the Sanhedrin, of which they were members, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were fans of Jesus, which, if the Pharisees and Sadducees knew, would have been a political suicide for them, but they stepped up to the next level when they took and prepared Jesus’ body for burial. They stopped hiding what their hearts told them was true, regardless of the political/social repercussions. What about you? Are you a fan sitting in the bleachers or do you walk your faith on the field? What would someone see if they stalked you for a week? Would they know whether or not you’re a Christian, full or part time? Would they want to know more about Jesus or just change the channel? Talk is cheap, but actions can be costly! For three weeks after Ian, Capri Christian stepped up and let its actions speak volumes. As donations poured in for all the devastated homes on the island, we opened the doors every day to do whatever we could to help ease people’s pain. Supplies and food of every kind were brought in and given out, meals for lunch and dinner were provided by individuals and restaurants, and hearts were softened. The love we profess was evident and felt by all who came in need and hurting. When the needs slowed down and we shifted over to the Community Center, someone said isn’t it good to see the church back to normal! For those three weeks the church was as normal as it gets! Don’t hide your faith. We have what the world needs, Jesus! Don’t just rah rah in the cheap seats, get on the field and let your actions do the talking!
Jesus stood before Pilate, the time had come. Falsely accused, the Jewish leaders showed Him no mercy. Pilate showed Him no mercy as he had Him scourged. The Roman soldiers showed Him no mercy as they reviled Him and drove nails into Him! No mercy for the Lord of mercy! What had He done but have mercy on the poor, the sick, the spiritually lost. What He did was to provide mercy for everyone, the poor, the sick, the Jewish leaders, Pilate, the soldiers, for all who would ask throughout the ages. We have mercy because they were merciless to Him. His mercy bridged the gap between God and man. As it has been shown to us, how can we not show mercy to others? We can’t! Our mercy is to be shown to all. Our job is not to be judgmental, God is the only one qualified to judge. Our job is to show mercy regardless of race, nationality, income (or lack thereof), health, or lack of cultural upbringing. His mercy is meant for all. We are not meant to ride on high horses but to walk humbly along the narrow way. Let the world know we are Christians, let them know by our love and mercy!
By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team
By Tim Irving – Evangelism Team