en Association of Free Lutheran Congregations http://www.christcommunityonline.net © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=186 2008 Youth Group Retreat to Camp Koinonia in NY Youth: Sam Angle, T.J. Boreni, Erica Deatrich, Ethan Fristoe, Luke Giancola, Kevin Henson, Kara Henson, Emily Horst, Julia Horst, Spencer Horst, Kelsey Koontz, Matt Koontz, Sean Koontz, Andrew Lewis, Julie Lewis, Shalom Muthoka, Stephanie Breem, & Andrew Spitz. Adults: Jayne Angle, Pastor Rich Carr, Kathy Deatrich, Kirk Spitz, Gwen Wilson, & Josh Wilson. Click here to see photos of the Youth Retreat. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:59:40 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=243 Fahrney-Keedy Home - Bingo March 21, April 11, May 2, June 6* 12:30 p.m. Youth - Please bring a bag lunch or money to purchase lunch. *No evening Youth Group on the day of the bingo event. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:58:42 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=299 Youth Group Dessert Auction Sunday, April 25 12:00 p.m in Paden Hall The Youth Group will hold a Summer Camp Fundraiser Dessert Auction. The auction will be live! Come and bid on your favorite dessert! Desserts are needed! If you can donate a dessert for the auction, please see Pastor Rich Carr. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:57:59 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=301 Game Night March 27 6:00 p.m - covered dish meal 7:30 pm - games start Adults - join us for a night of fun, laughter and fellowship (with a little competition thrown in)! Make it your date night! Please bring a covered dish to share. If you need a babysitter, please consider contacting Pastor Rich Carr to schedule one of the youth in our Youth Group to babysit your children. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:32:31 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=268 Family Fun Weekend July 3, 4 & 5, 2009 at Cowans Gap State Park, PA Click here to see photos of the event! Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:30:32 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=260 Prayer Shawl Ministry! "Love & Compassion in Action ~ Hand Made with Prayer" Do you like to knit or crochet (or would you like to learn)? Do you enjoy spending time in prayer? Put the two together and you have... "The Prayer Shawl Ministry"! Most of us have experienced life's heartache through loneliness, sickness, or grief. In those challenging times, it's a blessing to be reminded that we are loved and cherished by our Heavenly Father and those around us. It's time to put our love into action! By joining the prayer shawl ministry you will be praying and knitting a shawl for an unknown recipient (adult or child) experiencing heartache. The prayer shawl becomes a beautiful reminder of God's love and comfort in a tangible way. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Cor. 1:3-4 Prayer shawls may be made on your own or those in the Prayer Shawl Ministry may meet as a group. Instructions are available for knitting and crocheting the shawls. Please contact our Prayer Shawl Ministry Coordinator Denise Stahle for knitting or crocheting instructions. Donations of NEW SOFT yarn are graciously being accepted. The adult size prayer shawl uses about 3 skeins of yard and the child size uses about 2 skeins. Please place yarn donations in the designated box in the hallway any Sunday. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:30:32 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=177 Our Governmental Representative Contacts As Christians we are encouraged to be active participants in our government. If you would like to contact any of our government representatives, please call them at the phone number listed, write them at the listed address or to email them click on the link for their email address. US SENATORS: Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat) 509 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510 (202)224-4524 Email web address contact http://cardin.senate.gov/contact/ Barbara A. Mikulski (Democrat) 503 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510 (202)224-4654 Email web address contact http://mikulski.senate.gov/Contact/contact.cfm US REPRESENTATIVE: Roscoe Bartlett (Republican, 6th District) 2412 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2006 (202)-225-2721 Email web address contact http://bartlett.house.gov/Email_Roscoe/ GOVERNOR: Martin O'Malley (Democrat) 100 State Circle, Annapolis Maryland, 21401-1925 (410)974-3901 or 1-800-811-8336 Email web address contact http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/ STATE REPRESENTATIVES from the house of delegates will vary depending on where you live. By entering your address at this web site you can find your local representatives - http://mdelect.net/electedofficials/ The majority of us are represented in the STATE SENATE by Donald F. Munson (Republican, District 2, Washington County) James Senate Office Building, Room 401 11 Bladen St. Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841-3609 , (301) 858-3609 1-800-492-7122 , ext. 3609 (toll free) Email web address contact http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa12155.html fax: (410) 841-3675, (301) 858-3675 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:30:32 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=124 Maundy Thursday Fellowship Meal & Communion Service April 1 6:30 p.m. in Paden Hall The fellowship meal will start at 6:30 p.m. at be followed by the Communion Service (in Paden Hall). Please bring a covered dish or dessert to share. Meat dishes are needed (no pork please). Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:30:32 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=125 Good Friday Service April 2 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary "But He was wounded for our transgressions, "He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:30:32 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=98 Tuesdays Christ Community Church is Praying for Boonsboro Elementary School, Our Community, and Our County The ECLN is the same group of churches and pastors who participated in the "Month to Talk About Sex" from a Biblical perspective to help in lowering the sexual immorality and the out of wedlock births in Washington County. Pastor Mark Benz is a member of a prayer team in the ECLN and they are asking churches to take a day or more every month to pray for a spiritual revival in our community and county. We, as a church family, will be praying for Boonsboro Elementary School, our neighbors, community and county every Tuesday! Wherever you are on Tuesdays, please set aside some time to lift up the need for spiritual revival to our Lord in prayer. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:30:32 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=256 Golden Living Center Ministry March 18, April 12 & 15 7:00 p.m. 750 Dual Highway Hagerstown, MD The visitation team visits the Golden Living Center twice a month and helps the residents get from their rooms to the church service held at the Golden Living Center, assists them during the service, and then helps them get back to their room. They also meet with the residents in the lounge area and sit with them and paint their fingernails. If you are interested in joining the Golden Living Center volunteer team, please contact Linda Koontz before going to the center. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:20:38 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=287 Soup, Sandwich & Salad Fellowship Meal Sunday, March 14 Noon in Paden Hall Please bring soup, sandwiches or dessert. Drinks will be provided. Come and enjoy delicious food and great fellowship! Mon, 8 Mar 2010 10:56:10 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=300 Lenten Services Maundy Thursday Fellowship Meal & Communion Service April 1 6:30 p.m. in Paden Hall The fellowship meal will start at 6:30 p.m. at be followed by the Communion Service (in Paden Hall). Please bring a covered dish or dessert to share. Meat dishes are needed (no pork please). Good Friday Service April 2 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 10:43:48 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=18 Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Our worship consists of a blend of contemporary and traditional styles to meet the needs of all generations. We worship as God intended - as a family! Christ Community Church is handicapped accessible. Our worship service is signed for the hearing impaired. We offer Children's Church for kindergarten and below age children every Sunday immediately following the Children's Sermon. Activity bags for children in first through fourth grade are available in the back of the sanctuary. They contain all kinds of Christian activities to keep your young one from getting restless during the worship service. Please see a greeter if you would like an activity bag for your child. We are blessed to have a "cry room" at the rear of the sanctuary for those who have crying babies or those who are nursing moms. The cry room also has a window to the sanctuary and a speaker so the worship service may be heard. We look forward to you joining us at worship! Mon, 8 Mar 2010 10:11:31 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=79 Baby Albright Randy Banes Joan Barra Bill Laura Bloom Kathy Bollinger Family of Vi Bowers Gavin Brewer Mark Bryan Tara Callander Frances Chandler Christ Community Church The family of Shirley Clay Larry Cohen John Coleman Ava Sophia Daniels Gaither Dean Larry Dill Erica Sunday Ewald Carol Ford Larry Fristoe Sheree Fristoe Debbie Hall Ed & Eileen Harvey Wanda Henson Patsy Hockenberry Ryan P. Jones Judi Ann & Family Julie Kate Jack Koontz Bunky Kurtz Martha Lewis Nevin Lewis Family of Jim Logan Lorain Millie Mays McKenna Family of Kevin Mercer Karen Miller Dave Muritz Keith Nash Beth Ostoich REACH Cold Weather Shelter Mary Rippeon Scott Rippeon Jocelyn Rose Even Rourke Norma Russell John Salvaggio Lillian Salvaggio Sam Rich Sheffield Ted Shank Tom Shank Pastor Ray Shriver Jamie Solomon Irene Sigel Neal Spencer William Spitz Sue Steward Michael Stock Barbara Stockman Brenda Wachtell Washington County schools, our community, county & country Lisa Webster Sue Ann Wynn In the Military Michael Cline Christopher Fahlbush Danielle Fahlbush Jennifer Fahlbush Derrick Gallagher Richard Kemble Mark Kulsonimit Bob Miller Mike Minnichbach Morgan Brown Searcy Miranda Short Camden Wilson Mon, 8 Mar 2010 10:01:53 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=91 Sermon Messages The sermon messages are in .mp3 format and can be played with most digital audio players. If you would like to listen to one of our past sermons, please click on the desired date below:March 7, 2010 - Not availableFebruary 28, 2010 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Result of not Wholly Following the Lord"February 21, 2010 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Come Out and be Separate from Them"February 17, 2010 (Ash Wednesday) - Pastor Rich Carr - "What Sacrifice Does God Want From Us?"February 14, 2010 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Giving to God's Work" February 7, 2010 (not available)January 31, 2010 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Passover Then and Now" January 24, 2010 - Pastor Mark Benz - "A Glimpse of a VIP's Life"January 17, 2010 - Brent Ward - "Do Good Christians Suffer?"January 10, 2010 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Abraham's Sacrifice"January 3, 2010 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Fall, Curse and Promise"December 27, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jesus Would Live In Egypt"December 24, 2009 - Pastor Rich - "The King Has Come and Given Us Our Perfect Gift"December 20, 2009 - Not availableDecember 13, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Kings Would Bow Down to Jesus"December 6, 2009 - Pastor Mark Benz - "Jesus Would be Born of a Virgin and Called Immanuel"November 29, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jesus Would be Born in Bethlehem"November 22, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Truth of the Resurrection"November 15, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The God of the Old Testament"November 8, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Hidden Sickness"November 1, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Foundation of Your Call"October 25, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Pouting Prophet" (Part 5 of the series "Is There More to Jonah Than a Fish?")October 18, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jonah's Messages to America" (Part 4 of the series "Is There More to Jonah Than a Fish?")October 11, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jonah Experiences Repentance" (Part 3 of the series "Is There More to Jonah Than a Fish?")October 4, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "God's Power Changes Lives!" (Part 2 of the series "Is There More to Jonah Than a Fish?")September 27, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "God's Runaway" (Part 1 of the series "Is There More to Jonah Than a Fish?")September 20, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Overcoming the Evil With the Good" (Part 6 of the series "Are You A Romans 12 Christian?")September 13, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Are You A Romans 12 Christian?" (Part 5)September 6, 2009 - Pastor Joseph Brown - "The Integrity of the Word"August 30, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "What Does A Christian Look Like?" (Part 4 of the series "Are You A Romans 12 Christian?")August 23, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "How Does Our Body Work?" (Part 3 of the series "Are You A Romans 12 Christian?")August 16, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "United by Grace" (Part 2 of the series "Are You A Romans 12 Christian?")August 9, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Christian's Action Plan" (Part 1 of the series "Are You A Romans 12 Christian?")August 2, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Is it Good or Bad?" (part 3) July 26, 2009 - Neal Spencer - "I'm Not Alone" (not available)July 19, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Is it Good or Bad?" (part 2)July 12 ,2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Is it Good or Bad?" (part 1)July 5, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "What Has Faith Given To Us?"June 28, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Take Heart Oh Sinner"June 21, 2009 - Pastor Mark Benz - "How Big Is Your God?"June 14, 2009 - Pastor Mark Benz - "What's Your Vision?"June 7, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Letting Our Light Shine"May 31, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Caring For Those That Cared For Us"May 24, 2009 - Brent Ward - "Where's Your Passion?"May 17, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Word of Life in a Culture of Death"May 10, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Fruit of the Womb" May 3, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Looking to the Future" (not available)April 26, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Jesus Is Waiting for You"April 19, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Who Do You Fear?"April 12, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Gospel Truth, Pure and Simple"April 5, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "A Rigged Trial"March 29, 2009 - Josh Wilson - "Let Go of the Past and Press on Toward the Goal"March 22, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Prodigal Son"March 15, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Be Careful and Take Heart"March 8, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "Show Your True Colors"March 1, 2009 - Pastor Rich Carr - "The Richest Blessing of God!"February 15, 2009 - Pastor Joe Brown - "The Sanctity of Life" Mon, 8 Mar 2010 08:47:11 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=66 Worship Bulletins To view or print a copy of one of our Sunday Worship bulletins, please click on the desired date below: March 7, 2010 February 28, 2010 February 21, 2010 February 14, 2010 February 7, 2010 (not available) January 31, 2010 January 24, 2010 January 17, 2010 January 10, 2010 January 3, 2010 December 27, 2009 December 20, 2009 December 13, 2009 December 6 ,2009 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 08:45:54 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=293 Weekly Lenten Bible Study Series "The Walk to the Cross" "Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23 (NKJV) We are having a weekly Bible study based on Luke 9:23. The study is in a format good for small group participation, family, and personal devotions. The weekly Bible studies are designed to prepare us for the pain, suffering, and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as His glorious resurrection that we celebrate on Easter. Click on the link for the appropriate week's Bible study. February 21-27 - "What's Our Flesh got to do with it?" February 14-20 - "What Sacrifice does God want from us?" February 28-March 6 - "How Do You Take the Cross of Christ Daily?" March 7-13 - "Follow Christ? Where is He Going?" Thu, 4 Mar 2010 09:25:53 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=39 FCMN (men's) Fellowship Breakfast & Bible Study Second Saturday each month 8:30 a.m. at Hagerstown Christian Church, 336 Linganore Avenue, Hagerstown A breakfast will be served at the church at 8:30 a.m. Please RSVP Pastor Rich Carr if you will be attending. Bring a friend and join your brothers in Christ for a wonderful time of fellowship and Bible study! For more information email Pastor Rich Carr. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:18:27 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=295 Youth Group 30-Hour Famine Rescheduled - Date to be Announced at Ray & Sherryl Shriver's home See Pastor Rich Carr or Jayne Angle for details. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:07:31 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=294 NEW!!! Mid-week Video Devotional with Pastor Rich Carr! Each week during Lent we will have a mid-week video devotional with Pastor Rich Carr. Please click on one of the links below to view the video for the appropriate week. February 17 - "What is This Thing Called Lent, and What Does it Have to do With Me?" February 25 - "What Do You Value Most?" Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:39:54 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=269 Youth Group Wiffle Ball Game Click here for photos of a recent Youth Group wiffle ball game! Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:14:04 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=51 2007 Youth Mission Trip to Rutland, VermontYouth Jennifer Angle, Marcus Angle, Samue Angle, Kalyn Berry, T.J. Boreni, Kara Henson, Emily Horst, Lucas Horst, Spencer Horst, Katie Koontz, Kelsey Koonyz, Matt Koontz, Sean Koontz, Zach Koontz, Julie Lewis, Maggie Rishel, Marco Rotini, Jack Schwartz, Maureen Schwartz, Jacob Shriver & Shannon Sullivan. Adult Leaders Jayne Angle, Alicia Fridgen, Ty Fridgen & Ray Shriver Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:14:04 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=24 Youth Group We are blessed with two active youth groups: Junior High Youth Group - grades 6-8 Senior High Youth Group - grades 9-12 The Junior/Senior Youth Group meets Sundays at 6:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise. There is a Bible lesson, snacks, and games/activity. All youth are encouraged to bring their friends and parents. Leaders: Jeff and Jackie Kelley, Mark and Jayne Angle, Joe Boreni, Kirk Spitz and Andy and Lisa Koontz. To email our youth group contact person for information about our Youth Group click here. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:59:50 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=298 Easter Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Sunday, April 4, 8:00-9:00 a.m. in Paden Hall Easter morning the Youth Group will hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser for their Summer Camp. Come enjoy a delicious breakfast and great fellowship while supporting our youth! Cost is by donation. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:58:46 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=297 Youth Group Spring Cleaning Fundraiser During the entire month of March If you need yard work or spring cleaning done at your home the youth will provide the service needed! Contact Pastor Rich Carr to schedule the youth. Cost is by donation and will benefit the Youth Group Summer Camp. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:48:57 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=296 Youth Group Babysitting Fundraiser March 13 & 27 The Youth Group will provide babysitting on March 13 and 27 as a fundraiser for their Summer Camp. If you would like to support our Youth Group by having a youth babysit your children, please contact Pastor Rich Carr to schedule (240-329-4920). Cost - by donation. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:47:28 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=83 Military Personnel Addresses SrA Fahlbush, Christopher 557 ERHS/USAF COB Adder APO AE 09331 Birthday: October 2 SSGT Danielle Fahlbush 386 ABW-EMDS APO AE 09855 Birthday: Jennifer Fahlbush Apt. C9 4115 Spring Valley Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 Birthday:LCpl Gallagher, Derrick A 109 Pappa John Lane Jacksonville, NC 28540-8866 Birthday: April 8 SPC Richard L. Kemble 51607 Zuni Circle Killeen-Ft. Hood, TX 76544-2147 Birthday: October 17 Mark Kulsonimit PRT Bagram APO AE 09354 Birthday: PFC Minnichbach, Mike EBTRY-43ADA Unit # 15131 APO-AP 96224-5131 Birthday: June 24 Morgan Brown Searcy PCS 103 Box 3368 APO AE 09603 Birthday: May 24 HN Short, Miranda 109 Pappa John Lane Jacksonville, NC 28540-8866 Birthday: September 19 LCPL Camden Wilson 9th Comm.Bn.Co. Unit 42583 FPO AP 96427-2583 Birthday: February 17 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:36:53 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=40 Senior's Breakfast 9:00 a.m. first Saturday of each month at "Junction 808" at the corner of Virginia Avenue & Noland Drive, Hagerstown All seniors are welcome to join them for a time of wonderful uplifting fellowship and prayer! To email our "Senior's Breakfast" coordinator Pat Beard for more information click here. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:34:59 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=34 Daytime Women's Bible Study "The Purpose Driven Life" lead by Julie Strasburg12:00 noon (No Bible Study in August) March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17 at the American Red Cross Building Conference Room, 1131 Conrad Court., Hagerstown. The most basic question everyone faces in life is "Why am I here? What is my purpose?" Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God's purposes for putting you on earth. This study helps you understand God's incredible plan for your life! Please bring a bag lunch. To email Julie for more information click here. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:34:59 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=38 Caring Groups Caring Groups are small groups of people who meet in member's homes to study and discuss Biblical subjects such as Christian Life Principles, Christian Finances, and Raising a Christian Family. There are several groups which meet in different locations at different times. To email our "Caring Groups" coordinator Kerry Henson for more information click here. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:34:59 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=55 "Caring & Sharing" Ministry Sunday, March 14 As part of our "Caring & Sharing" monthly ministry at Christ Community Church, we will be collecting canned food for the "Washington County Food Bank." Please place donations in the designated area in the church hallway on the date above. Thank you for sharing your God-given blessings with others! (Matthew 25:34-40) Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:14:09 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=100 Inclement Weather Policy If we experience inclement weather, please listen to WJEJ (1240 AM) or WCRH (90.5 FM) or visit WCRH's website at http://www.cedarridge.org/storm.php to find out if the Worship Service or Sunday School is cancelled. Tue, 9 Feb 2010 10:37:16 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=11 Our Congregational Leadership To email any of our leaders, please click on their namePastors: Rich Carr Mark BenzElders: Jody Koontz, Council President Josh Wilson Rick WilsonDeacons: Jeff Kelley, Council Vice-President Andy Koontz, Treasurer Greg Roth, Secretary Shake Fristoe Rick Wilson Thu, 4 Feb 2010 11:30:35 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=292 "Curveballs" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the February 2010 issue of "The Lampstand" Have you ever had one of those moments when you were doing just fine in life when you were thrown a curve ball? Working in the ministry tends to generate a few curveballs, and I recently had one that I want to share with you. Brenda and I had decided that my going to the Pastor's conference this year was just not going to happen. We thought it would have been too expensive for the church to pay for two airline tickets, registration, and everything else needed for the trip. On top of that Brenda really didn't want me to go alone this year, and frankly the thought of spending time in frosty windblown Wisconsin at the ARC during January wasn't very appealing to me. Something I have learned time and time again is that I need to be asking God what He thinks before I make up my mind. You see in my mind I just assumed God didn't want me to go for the very same reasons (maybe not the frosty January reason through...). However I was wrong. And I was very surprised. After talking to Pastor Nash and being told just how important it was for me to attend, and that home missions would pay for my travel expenses, well it just seemed like God didn't feel the same way about my not going. So after figuring out who and how our kids would be watched we quickly understood that flying was not an option. We were to drive all the way there. Most of us enjoy road trips but throw in a house that was far from ready to leave, 5 children with one frantic mother attempting to pack everything necessary, and one maniac father trying to keep all the details straight and you have a production that would rival the best of John and Kate plus 8! After many miles, too many "Are we there yet's?," and a ticket for an illegal left hand turn (I never saw the sign), Brenda and I arrived for the conference. I was able to show pictures of our congregation and what we have been doing here on a Power Point slide show for a sermon at my old church. I also shared with their missions board the vision and direction of our congregation. The mission board was impressed with the work we are doing and there is a strong possibility that Hope Church will come along side of our congregation as a sort of sister church and help us. The actual pastor's retreat took place the day after I preached at Hope, and it lasted for the next four days. While there were no indoor swimming pools, spa treatments, or other exotic treats we did find encouragement from reestablishing bonds with pastor friends, meeting new faces, and being ministered to by preaching and teaching. Perhaps the most impactful teaching time was from a man teaching about worship. His point was that worship of God should be influenced by what the Bible says and not from our culture, tradition, or personal preferences. He implored us to read the Bible and showed how Biblical worship involves kneeling, bowing, and sitting in silence, as well as shouting, dancing, and using various musical instruments. I look forward to further study into this as well as teaching it to our congregation. Our way home proved that God was in control and taking care of us regardless of what the weather threw at us. While Brenda might have her first few pieces of grey hair as a result of driving through an ice storm, God protected and provided for us. If I learned nothing else from this trip it is that whether big or small, important or seemingly unimportant, all our decisions should be bathed in prayer. If you forget to do that perhaps one day you might have a curveball thrown your way too! Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:49:28 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=291 "What's in the Word?" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the January 2010 issue of "The Lampstand" This year for 2010 Christ Community Church will once again be asking you the congregation to join together and read or listen through the Bible in a year. Pastor's Rich and Mark will also be following along in the preaching series and preach on one of the texts that was to be read that week. For some of you this will be something that you have already accomplished, for others this may be your first time attempting to read through the Bible in a year. Some may be thinking why? Why bother reading through the Bible in a year? I have been doing just fine in my Christian walk, so why bother with this reading or listening plan? The answer to the question of why read it again or read it through the first time is because it is the Word. The Word, the Bible, God's revelation for mankind, God's instruction book, God's love letter - the Bible has many names. Yet for as many names or terms used to describe the Bible it is the most essential book ever written. It is more critical to read than anything ever written, yet for as critical a book as the Bible is, it is largely ignored. I believe the Bible is ignored by most because of two reasons. First, the enemy knows how powerful it is and does anything possible to discourage us from reading it. Second many don't read the Bible because of a simple ignorance most of us have about the Bible. There is nothing we can do to keep the devil from throwing darts of doubt, fear, and laziness at us in regards to reading the Bible, but there is something we can do about our ignorance. Coming up this month or next month we will offer an intensive ½ day overview of the Old Testament. This will help provide a framework for us to understand the Bible. Just as history doesn't make sense unless you understand how it all fits together, so too will the Bible make more sense when all the "pieces" fit together in our minds. For some reading through the Bible is difficult because how do you keep track of what you have read, and what you still need to read? This year we will have two ways of keeping track of our reading. There will be tracts that are small and easy to keep in our Bibles and mark off what was read, and we will also make available larger papers that are easier to see and use as well. These tools will make keeping track of our reading easy. Finally, for those still fighting the concept of reading through the Bible here are some reasons God gives us as to the importance of the Word. Jesus tells us how the Word of God nurtures us, "But He answered and said, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4 NKJV) This past month we celebrated a special time where Jesus took on flesh and became a human man like us. That is what makes Christmas so special. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (NKJV) And John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (NKJV) God tells us that Jesus who is the Word became like us so that we can better relate to the Word. And as amazing as this relationship God has with the Word, there is even more for us to understand about the Word. And perhaps the most important relationship we can have with the Word is our faith in Jesus and the Bible. Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (NKJV) This tells us that our very faith in Christ is directly tied to hearing God's Word the Bible. If we rightly understand how important the Bible is, how can we not want to pour ourselves into its study? This year will you decide to pour yourself into the reading and study of the Word? If you take this step toward better Biblical literacy you will not regret it, and will find yourself having a richer, deeper walk with God. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:45:33 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=289 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the November 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" Chapter 9 My Fault, Your Fault, Who's Fault? If you have ever watched your children or someone else's children for more than 10 minutes you have probably experienced firsthand that famous saying, "It's not my fault." This disregard for personal responsibility does not just apply to small children caught with their hand in the "cookie jar," but applies equally to supposedly responsible adults. Our current sorry state of economical affairs helps to highlight this concept. Many people bought houses that were too costly for them to purchase, yet with very creative financing many bought homes with no money down, bad credit, and paid only the interest. When the time came for these "creative" investment homes to be sold for a nice profit, the bottom fell out of the market, and the homes couldn't be paid for. I heard over and over again how people were victimized by predatory lending. The government who was supposed to be overseeing the mortgage industry blamed the greedy capitalist mortgage industry, and huge banks for negligence. Representative Barney Frank and Senator Chris Dodd led the cry of foul play even though they personally worked to open up government lending and make it easier for people with poor credit, or dangerously low income levels to take government backed mortgages. Homeowners, banks, mortgage firms, government officials, and anyone connected with bad financial decisions all passed the buck. It was a rare event to find anyone willing to take responsibility for problems they helped to create. This human tendency is also the same when dealing with sin. It started way back in the beginning when Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the snake. Just as an alcoholic needs to hit the bottom and admit they have a problem, a sinner needs to hit the bottom and admit their sin. This goes for both personal and corporate sin. All true Christians would admit they are sinful and need saved from that sin. This realization is absolutely necessary for a person to have for without recognizing sin, there is no need of savior from it. It is hard to offer a man a glass of tepid water to drink when he just finished drinking a nice cold glass of his favorite drink. Offer that same man the same glass of tepid water when he is dying of thirst and he will guzzle that water down and be more grateful than a Washington Redskin fan after watching a winning game! While most Christians understand their sinfulness, they lack the understanding of corporate sin. We are a nation of individuals. We understand being rewarded for our successes, and punished for our failures, but few accept being punished for the failures of others. Surely God wouldn't punish us for someone else's sin would He? God passed before Moses and said this about Himself in Exodus 34:6-7: 6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation." NKJV God wanted Moses to know and He wants us to know that He is merciful, gracious, patient, and full of goodness and truth. God also holds the guilty responsible, as well the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The Old Testament is also full of the history of God's chosen people and how they as a people sinned against God, and god punished all of them. One such example of this is when the twelve spies were sent into the land flowing with milk and honey, and only two were willing to step out in faith and trust that God would provide and protect them against these giants that lived in the land of Cannan. I am sure that there were probably a few that believed in these two godly men as well, yet as punishment for doubting God, and complaining the Israelites, all the Israelites, were made to wander the desert for 40 years. God takes sin seriously, and when a nation sins, He takes the whole nation to task. Nehemiah recognized the fault not just of his own sins, but also the faults of his nation. His prayer was a confession of his people, as his sin: 6 please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father's house and I have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. (Neh. 1:6-7) NKJV We need to stop whining and start taking responsibility. We try to teach our kids this lesson, maybe this lesson is something that we need to learn again. If the news at night turns your stomach, and makes you feel like America is becoming a dung heap of sin, understand that you have as much a part of that dung heap as the other guy does. Maybe America hasn't gotten better because we haven't taken ownership of our sin. We reject the life giving water God offers us because we as a nation feel we are dying of thirst. Perhaps the nightly news should provoke cries to God for forgiveness and mercy. Let the news anchors lead you in prayer. They can do the reporting of the sin, and we can do the praying. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:41:04 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=290 "Giving Thanks" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the December 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas is fast approaching. Too often we rush through Thanksgiving to just think about Christmas. Department stores have practically all their Christmas decorations up and out before we even cut into our turkeys and add an inch to our waistline. Instead of being part of the Christmas rush, I want us this December to think back to Thanksgiving and consider all the blessings we have individually, as a church, and even as a nation. As a nation we were founded by men and women seeking religious freedom. The vast majority of the early American settlers came to America for a chance to worship the way they felt led to. Currently we still live in a country where we are mostly free to worship unhindered by the hands of the government. Today many Christians living in foreign countries live in fear that they will be discovered, or that their Bibles will be confiscated. God has seen fit to not only give us unprecedented religious freedom but continues to allow us in America such wealth and religious protection that practically every home in America has not one but multiple Bibles. Truly America is a nation blessed by God. As a church we have much to be thankful for as well. God brought us together to stand united on His Word the Bible. We left behind money in the bank, a nice building, a parsonage, and lots of memories. In a time when so many find the almighty dollar their god, it is encouraging that we didn't allow our wallets to direct what we would do. We left it all behind in order to found our new congregation. As a result of the sacrifice of so many who founded our congregation there is also a deeper level of commitment to each other and to God. As with any family there will always be fights and disagreements with each other, but in the end we are committed to each other and to God. While we find ourselves not owning a church building we also find ourselves not having to pour money into a building's upkeep or paying for costly utilities. Of course there are times when it would be nice to have our own building, however at this time in our congregation's life it is more of a blessing to not have major upkeep bills, and building maintenance as a distraction from the ministry God is calling us to be a part of. Perhaps the lack of a church building is exactly what God knew we needed as a congregation. When my mother spent the week with us about a month ago she came to our "church" bonfire at Jody and Linda Koontz's home. She commented to me later that night how friendly and close knit our congregation seemed. While it helps to have many in the congregation related in some way, there is more than just blood relations that bring us together. We are a congregation that has its warts yes, but we also have a sense of unity born from the work of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives. Finally this December we need to be thankful for the blessings we have as individuals. In our current economic and political climate it is easy to be depressed. Many have lost large amounts of money in the stock market, those who still have employment feel tension and unease about their current job, and there seems to be a general distrust of many of our current politicians who are supposed to represent us in Annapolis and Washington. I believe that we have become so used to having more than we need, living above and beyond our means, and have become accustomed to ease and comfort that the norm for most in the world is a shock to our system. Perhaps the current social and economic conditions are exactly what we need in America. Too much of a good thing can be bad. God knows our human condition and how we tend to ignore God when things are going well. Isaiah 55:2 records for us God's desire for His people, "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food." (ESV) The King James translates this verse by saying that we should listen to God and delight our souls in fatness. Just as Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that she could have living water that would eternally satisfy her, God tells us in His Word that when we focus on food and drink and how to gain it instead of first focusing on God we will go hungry, we will not be satisfied. Yet when we pursue God and eat of God's Word and pursue a relationship with Him we will be delighted at the rich buffet of spiritual food He has given us. Maybe one of the greatest things we should be thankful for this December is our dependence on God and not our jobs, stock market, or 401(k). Just as it hurts when a band-aid is ripped off our skin, it needs to happen for our body to fully heal. God is ripping away the stuff we used to cling to so we can be healed. As crazy as it sounds look for areas in your life that you had to cut back, and rejoice. If you have had to make reductions in your standard of living rejoice! If you have 10 years left of retirement instead of 30 rejoice! The more we have to depend on God to provide for us, the more we will see God move in our lives. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (NKJV) God desires us to work hard and be good stewards of the money He gives us, but He wants us to first seek after Him and His kingdom, and when we do, He promises us that all these things like food, shelter, and money will be given to us. This year instead of rushing forward with your Christmas festivities and quickly forgetting about Thanksgiving, let us all ponder the many blessings to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, this Christmas, and all through the year. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:40:35 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=276 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the October 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" Chapter 8 What Do You Do When You're Busted? - Tap Out! Have you ever been caught red handed in something? Recently a politician was caught going to see a woman in a foreign country. This governor simply slipped off the radar and until caught, everyone including his wife didn't know where he was. The truth eventually came out that he had been having an affair with a woman in South America. The news media took this story and got whipped up into a frenzy. A school of hungry piranhas could not have torn apart this man any better. Some used to consider this man a potential front runner for the president of the United States. Now he is considered by most as nothing more than just a train wreck. Recently a TV report came out about how this governor was going to restaurants, shops, people's homes, and other local hang-outs asking for his constituents to forgive him. He is doing about the only thing he can do, ask for mercy. For most of us we don't even think about asking for mercy from anyone unless there is absolutely nothing else left for us to do. It is almost shameful for us, we a pride filled people asking for mercy from others - forget it. Even growing up I would wrestle with other boys and we would attempt to inflict severe pain on each other in order to get our opponent to "tap out." For those not familiar with the term "tap out," it is simply a signal given when you give up the fight or wrestling match by hitting the floor with your hand 3 times. This would signal you have given up, that you admit defeat. You announce to the whole world you are beaten, and you are asking for mercy. To this day I have such a strong competitive edge that I cringe at the thought of giving up and asking for mercy. Many of you are no doubt reading this and shaking your head at my foolish behavior. What would posses someone to act so foolishly? Why would you fight and struggle simply to avoid asking for mercy? I couldn't agree more concerning the foolishness of avoiding asking for mercy. As foolish as it is to avoid asking for mercy in a wrestling match, it is even more foolish to avoid mercy from God concerning our sinfulness. Every day we inflict pain on ourselves and others because we want to continue struggling on our own. We may recognize the mess we are in. We might even realize the hopelessness of our futile struggle, yet so many of us are so proud that we won't ask, or beg God for His mercy. Nehemiah was driven to ask God for mercy because he understood that his nation's problem was way beyond his ability to fix. By looking at Nehemiah's prayer we are able to listen in on this cry for mercy. Nehemiah realizes the situation is hopeless and in essence "taps out" by appealing to God for mercy. This cry for mercy by Nehemiah is illustrated in chapter 1 verse 5 of Nehemiah, "You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You." (NKJV) This appeal to God to remember His covenant with His people harkens back to earlier in Scripture, where others also asked God for mercy, and to remember his special promise to His people. Many years before Nehemiah was on the scene King Solomon prayed at the dedication of the temple built for God by saying, "..."Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts." (2 Chron. 6:14 NKJV) This same prayer of Solomon's is also recorded in 1 Kings 8:22-23. And before Solomon, Moses recorded for us another example of God's promise of mercy to be shown on His people in Deut 7:12, "Then it shall come to pass, because you listen to these judgments, and keep and do them, that the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the mercy which He swore to your fathers." (NKJV) Those Biblical heroes remembered as being pillars of faith in God, are also some of those that continued to bring before God this idea of remembering the promise of mercy to His people. The idea of seeking mercy is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. When our prideful arrogance is stripped away, and we see the abject poverty we have spiritually, we can do nothing short of begging for mercy. You could say that the strongest man or woman of faith, is one that recognizes the need to spiritually "tap out." So how does a person cry out for mercy from God, and "tap out"? Scripturally there are examples of people praying back to God the Scriptures. We can read our Bibles and find where God had mercy on His children and claim that same promise of protection, forgiveness, and faithfulness for ourselves. We are told that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever in Hebrews 13:8. That means that the same God who showed mercy on the Israelites after they had quickly turned from God and began worshipping idols, is the same God who will show mercy on you when you recognize your sinfulness and come to God in an attitude of repentance. Another way we can "tap out" is to simply ask God to hear our prayers. Nehemiah does this in verse 6 of chapter 1 when he prays, "please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant." (NKJV) I know what some might be thinking. God hears all prayers so why should I ask Him to hear mine? The following verses all show God choosing not to hear the prayers of His people because their actions have not lined up with their prayers: 1 Sam. 8:10-11,18 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked him for a king. And he said, "This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: ... And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day." NKJV Ps. 66:17-18 I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. NKJV Isa. 1:15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. NKJV Micah 3:4 Then they will cry to the Lord, but He will not hear them; He will even hide His face from them at that time, because they have been evil in their deeds. NKJV Jer. 14:11-12 Then the Lord said to me," Do not pray for this people, for their good. When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence." NKJV God does not choose to listen to our prayers based on our performance as Christians, but we can cause God so much pain through our shallow faith and lack of obedience that He tires of hearing selfish prayers directed at alleviating the pain we cause ourselves by our own sinful behavior. We all can take a lesson from Nehemiah who recognized this fact and asked for mercy to even hear his prayer. In a very real sense we as Americans have never really been humbled as a nation. We have conquered nations, won wars, and established our world dominance. We are a nation that has never been conquered. Yet our spiritual state paints a different picture. We are dried up, wasted away, and dead in the water. We are a sinking ship that is beyond our abilities to save. We need the mercy of God more now than ever before. We are caught with our hands stained red with sin. We have but two choices; continue denying our wrong doing, or turn back to God and beg for mercy. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=273 "The Barn Door Has Been Opened!" by Pastor Richard CarrArticle excerpted from the September 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" This month was to be chapter 8 of my "Man on the Wall" exposition of Nehemiah's prayer. However I felt compelled to address a recent development in the Lutheran Church, specifically the recent ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) convention held in Minneapolis. As reported by the ELCA on August 21st just a few weeks ago, the national assembly voted to accept practicing homosexuals who live in a committed relationship to be an ordained pastor, or to be any other professional church worker. To many this vote will be the straw that breaks the camel's back. The ELCA is bracing for the continued exodus of church members and churches worldwide. The ELCA has seen declining numbers in churches for some time now, and this vote will surely cause more to leave. There was a pastor from the ELCA's West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod named Richard Mahan who expressed his displeasure at this recent shift in official policy of the ELCA. The ELCA's official website quoted Mahan who along with others said this new policy is contrary to biblical teaching. "I cannot see how the church that I have known for 40 years can condone what God has condemned," Mahan said, "Nowhere does it say in scripture that homosexuality and same sex marriage is acceptable of God." (http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4253) What Mahan said is true. The Bible does condemn homosexual behavior, just as the Bible condemns adultery between two heterosexuals, murder, and lying. All of these are sins. Yet what was telling was the official response to Mahan and others regarding this. There was no denial that the Bible condemns this behavior, or that it calls this behavior sinful. A politically correct view of justice was given as the reason for this change: But others said a greater acceptance of people who are gay and lesbian in the church was consistent with the Bible. Bishop Gary Wollersheim of the ELCA Northern Illinois Synod said, "It's a matter of justice, a matter of hospitality, it's what Jesus would have us do." (Ibid) The reason given for this official adoption of homosexual behavior is for greater acceptance of others, which is said to be a matter of justice and hospitality. The ELCA started down the road to wholesale abandonment of traditional Biblical values when long ago the leadership in the synod began accepting and eventually teaching the Bible as simply being a good book to use. The authority of the the Scripture has been usurped by prideful men and women who seek to place their ideas, their reasoning, and their cultural norms and values ahead of the Bible. When a church lays aside the authority of the Bible, they leave the "barn door" open for other wild and wrong ideas to "get out." In essence one cannot pick and choose what the Bible has authority over. Either the Bible is our complete and sole source for doctrine, beliefs, and authority, or it is simply a good book to use when it fits. "Justice", as Revered Wollersheim would have us believe, is giving equal opportunity for all things to all people. Why should we judge someone as being unfit to serve as a pastor because they happen to have a different lifestyle, or are "born that way?" There is an element of truth to Wollersheim's remarks. The Bible does teach that God leaves open the possibility for all men, women, and children to repent of their sins and come to God through faith in Christ. Being a homosexual is little different in God's eyes than two teenagers having pre-marital sex. As Christians we of all people should be open and friendly toward homosexuals. Homosexual sin is not an unforgiveable sin, nor are homosexuals to be treated as modern day lepers. Where the Bible and many in the ELCA differ, is on the acceptance of sin. God never accepts sin. God cannot stand to have sin in His presence. Even people that appear to be good and honest are still exceedingly sinful. Moses was a spiritual giant, yet because of his sin even he could not look upon God's face without perishing, "But He (God) said, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live." (Exodus 33:20 NKJV) Some say that God is love and therefore would never damn people to a place like Hell for being "born" different. Regardless of one's view of the cause of homosexuality, God has made it clear in the Bible that homosexual behavior is sinful and if not repented of will be punished in a real place called Hell, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6:9-10 NKJV) What the ELCA has essentially done is cause those that should have fear over their sinful state to rejoice in it, and believe that in God's eyes they are fine for living in a sinful relationship. What is so discouraging is that this wrong view of homosexual behavior can be traced back many years prior to when the ELCA started explaining away sections of the Bible they didn't like as being confined to its culture. They argued that the Bible is a living document that must be "reinterpreted" as culture and society changes. The minute we place our current political, cultural, or societal bias over the Bible, we have opened the metaphorical "barn door" and will never close it. The question revolving around this issue has little to do with homosexual behavior. The key to understanding what happened, and why this happened has everything to do with the authority of the Word of God, the Bible. Our congregation left the ELCA and joined with the AFLC a few years ago because of the recognition of the "open barn door." We left friends, family, buildings, and money, because of the recognized need to be under the authority of the Word, not man, the culture, or society. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=262 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the August 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" Chapter 7 Give Glory Where Glory is Due While I was in high school I had the privilege of being part of a very large musical ensemble. Occasionally we would perform for concerts or take part in musical competitions. Each person had a role to play in the creation of our music. We were expected to spend long hours of practice playing our instruments so that when our performance time came we would be ready. This practice took hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. When our work finally came together for a concert or competition we didn't earn a paycheck, win a new car, or make a name for ourselves in history. Typically the only recognition we received was some applause, and perhaps a small trophy or medal. Looking back on this it mystifies me that I did so much for so little. But as insignificant as that applause was, and the occasional encouraging word that came from others, it meant a lot to me, and the others that performed. I think there is something that rests inside each one of us that loves to be told that we did a good job. We will put in countless hours of work, take huge risks, and make great sacrifices, so that others might stand up and take notice of our efforts. We may not always expect to be given praise, but when we receive praise there is something that clicks inside of us. Painters try to make paintings that others admire, writers write books that people read and hopefully enjoy, people who create things like to have others enjoy their work. There is nothing wrong with this, and in fact it is good. Imagine the greatest sculptor, smartest inventor, most creative genius the world has ever seen who has his works on display for literally every man, woman, and child to see. Now this same person who has done all this work and put so much on display for others to see rarely gets a word of praise. In fact the vast majority of us ignore his beautiful works, and deny that the artist even made them. How discouraging would that be? Unfortunately it is true. The genius artist who has His creative works spread everywhere for all to see is God. And most today are blind to the fact that God exists, let alone give God praise for His creation. Nehemiah was deeply involved with God in prayer. And this prayer life of Nehemiah's was likely a deep and personal time with God that connected him with his Lord. But what did Nehemiah say to God during all this time? As we look at Nehemiah 1:5 we see the heart of Nehemiah's prayer life which is the recognition of the creative genius behind all that we have, God. Verse 5 begins with, "And I said: "I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God..." Nehemiah recognizes God for who He is. And as fitting as it is to stand and applaud the performance of a gifted musician, or gasp at the beauty of an exquisite piece of artwork Nehemiah lauds God and ascribes to God glory that He is due. It is fitting that Nehemiah's first words in his recorded prayer is to tell God that He is indeed great and awesome. How bizarre would it be to spend $200 for a ticket to see a world renowned orchestra perform a masterpiece to perfection, and when it ends just simply get, up walk out, and pretend that it never happened? Paul wrote in Romans under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that this happens regularly. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God... (Romans 1:18-21a NKJV) Surely it must sadden God to never hear a word of thanks or praise for the mighty and wonderful works that He has created. Even worse many deny the very existence of God despite the overwhelming evidence found in creation showing God's handiwork. So what about the rest of us? What about those that know and accept the proof of God's existence? How about us Christians? Do we spend time simply saying thanks, or giving God praise? Personally I never realized how selfish I was until I got married. No longer was my life my own. I had to do things that my wife wanted to do, and go places she wanted to go. After a few months of being married I started to feel better about myself. I felt that yes I had been selfish, but now I was selfless. That illusion was quickly smashed when we started having children. Again I was faced with the reality that I really am a selfish man. When the baby would wake us in the middle of the night for a feeding, I had no desire to get up. I didn't like watching Barney on TV, or changing a really foul smelling diaper. I no longer accept the illusion that I have overcome my selfishness. If I was really honest I would love to give all those delightful treats of being a parent to my wife, and I would do just the fun stuff. Many Christians are like me being a new parent. They think that they have it all together. They go to church, say their prayers, and live a comfortable life. Prayer for many Christians (especially new Christians) is like having your own personal genie. Make a wish and you will have it granted. We pray for our needs, and wants, and if we really push ourselves we might even pray for our family. Prayer becomes more like a way for us to let God know what we need. Yet Nehemiah shows us by example that even when life seems bleakest we ought to take the focus off of what we want and desire and first just simply say thanks to God. By first spending time giving God some applause, by telling God He is awesome and worthy of praise we shift the focus of our prayer from what we want and need, which is being self centered; to giving God some well deserved praise, which is being God centered. Nehemiah had much to pray for and about for his country and people. The lesson we can learn from him is that by starting our prayers with some praise and adoration to God, our prayers become not a formula to get the genie in the bottle to do as we ask, but rather a relationship based conversation with God who wants to hear about what is on our heart, but also wants to hear a thank you, or even a round of applause for His handiwork. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=257 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the June 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" Chapter 5 The next action we see Nehemiah take (which is the other component to fasting) is to pray to the Lord. Verse 5 says, "And I said: I pray..." If fasting were to be compared to a high quality tool in the hands of a master, prayer is the muscle that makes that tool move. Prayer is the acknowledgement of a student going to the master and asking for help. Prayer is the child who climbs up onto her father's lap and asks her daddy for help. Prayer is the acceptance that the the situation is beyond our control, power, or abilities: but not beyond God's! You might whole heartedly agree with your need to go to prayer, but maybe you struggle with how to pray. Perhaps you have never been taught the great work of prayer. Take heart! Our action plan of Nehemiah lays out some specifics on how we should pray when we are faced with a problem that is beyond our ability to fix. By closely examining how Nehemiah prayed for his beloved nation we can have a better understanding of how we ought to pray when faced with a problem beyond our abilities. The first specific Nehemiah prayed for was not to have the walls fixed, to have the Jew's enemies destroyed, or to have the rest of the captive Jews released to go home to Jerusalem. When Nehemiah began to pray his prayer he began by praising God. This may seem a small thing for Nehemiah to do. After all many Christians have no problem praying and giving God praise and honor. We regularly praise God at church services, or after watching a particularly striking sunset or seeing the majesty of the ocean. What we need to remember though is that Nehemiah praised God when things seemed at their worst. He praised God in the midst of his deepest darkest moment. Nehemiah showed us by example that when things are bad, we are to give God the glory! This may seem strange to us, yet that is exactly what Nehemiah did. Nehemiah 1:5a, "And I said: "I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God..." As a father of 5 small children I enjoy giving them presents, seeing them laugh and smile, and just like being with them when they are enjoying life. However it pains me to hear them complain, cry, whine, and be nasty to each other and sometimes to Brenda and me. I think they have much to be thankful for because through God's help Brenda and I have provided them with a comfortable life. They have enough food to eat, a nice place to sleep, security from most harm, and plenty of things to do for entertainment. I work hard as does Brenda to make this possible. Therefore it drives me nuts when they don't appreciate the things I have done. Imagine this feeling for God. He built a paradise for us, we wrecked it. He washed the earth and started over with Noah's family that knew all the promises of God, and they didn't do a good job of communicating it to their children because there are many people groups throughout the world that still don't know those promises, or of Jesus Christ. God set apart the nation of Israel to be a nation of priests. Instead of spreading the good news willingly to other nations God had to use a fish with an upset stomach to force a prophet to tell foreigners about God. Jesus came to earth to save us, we killed Him. God instituted the church to be the salt and light in the world and we squabble over carpet color, the church calendar, and whether pews or chairs are better. God has to get tired of our complaining, whining, and fighting. How refreshing it must be for God to hear us ascribe to Him glory, honor, and praises instead of always having our hand out saying "give me." God's original intent was for mankind to spend time with God, to communicate with God, to have a relationship with God, and to worship Him. God wants to hear from us when we are on top of the world and feeling grand. He also wants to hear from us when things are spiraling out of control and all hope seems lost. Job was a man that had great wealth and blessings throughout his life. He also was a man that was acquainted with great sorrow, pain, and depression. In the beginning of the book of Job it is recorded for us how Job lost practically all his wealth and all of his children. After Job tore his robe as a sign of sorrow and mourning the Bible records for us in chapter 1 verse 21, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (NKJV) Job lost it all, yet he praised God. Nehemiah found that his beloved home was in shambles, yet he praised God. For us to be able to praise God in this manner we have to understand and believe that God has control over everything. Bad things happen. However as Christians we can take comfort and know that God is sovereign, or in control over everything. By accepting God's sovereignty, we can better accept the pain we have in life. Not only is God in control even during the bad times, but that God will even use our painful experiences to create something good and helpful to us and others. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (NKJV) Pain and sorrow will come into the life of a Christian. Yet in the midst of our pain and sorrow we can praise and glorify God in the midst of it. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=258 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the July 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" Chapter 6 When Should We Pray? So Nehemiah is moved to pray for his beloved nation. For some prayer is a one dimensional concept that is done in a certain manner, at a certain time, in a certain way. For those that have the love of early mornings, prayer is a wonderful way to start the day. These people wake at five or six in the morning and whittle out a section of time to have a solid prayer time before the Lord and get it done with. After that, they go about their day confident that they have fulfilled their "required quota of prayer". For others, waking up early in the morning is the equivalent of going to the dentist to have a tooth pulled! There is no way these people would consistently pray in the morning, so they choose the evening. Of course many of those who see prayer as required of "good" Christians in the morning would frown at those who choose to end their day in prayer because they are night owls. Unfortunately many today likely view prayer as a required task and seek to compartmentalize this work of prayer to a certain hour of the day or night. For emergencies these people might occasionally send up a prayer when under pressure, but prayer is meant for the prayer closet in either the morning or evening and definitely not for use in the public. Nehemiah didn't have the view of prayer as a chore that must be done in a certain way, at a certain time, to appease a stern God. A close look at chapter one verse six shows us that Nehemiah had a relationship with God, and spent all day talking to God. Nehemiah didn't just wake and pray to God, but also spoke to God through prayer at night as well. Nehemiah 1:6 says, "please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night,) NKJV. While the text doesn't clearly tell us that Nehemiah prayed throughout the day and night, the context of this account leads us to assume that was just what Nehemiah was doing. For the Bible also clearly tells us that prayer should be done continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages the Christian to pray continually, or without stopping. Luke 18:1 also instructs us that as Jesus taught on prayer He encouraged us to always be in prayer and not to be despaired that God isn't listening to us, "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." NKJV The obvious question then becomes how can we function in our daily lives if we are always mumbling a prayer, or closing our eyes and bending our knees in prayer? I believe that what God wants of us is to always have an attitude of prayer. A Lutheran commentator named Lenski says this about about always being in prayer: "Ceaselessly" does not mean that our regular custom of praying in the morning, the evening, at meals, in church, is not to be broken. The "always" of Jesus and this "ceaselessly" (means) that we are always to be fit and ready for an approach to God in worshipful praying. The person who rightly understands the use and work of prayer understands that prayer is simply a way that we communicate with God. Just as a young lover can't get enough time with the apple of his eye, so to should we view God as an intimate friend who desires to know our every thought. To be a close companion eager to share the happenings of the day, or concerns that we are having. Prayer is not a chore that ought to be eliminated early in the day so as to be through with it, or saved till last because it is such a hard work, but done throughout the day. As we rise from our beds in the morning we should have a prayer of thanksgiving on our lips, sing praises to God in the shower, as we brush our teeth we can speak in our minds to God praises for our intricate bodies. We spend time with God in the morning to help keep ourselves from temptation, and to organize our day. This can be a simple 5 minutes or a long section of time to pray for things that burden you. Then throughout the day we can have a ready heart to pray for things that come to our minds, for a missionary in Africa, for your unchurched neighbor across the street, for your spouse at work. As the day moves so to should our spirit, always in tune with God, ready to pray at a moment's notice. Then as the day wears on and you are home with your family you spend time in prayer together. Perhaps your children are all very young and having a quiet time to pray can't be had till all are in bed. After your prayers with your children, now you too can speak to God and let Him know the burdens of your heart, and lift up your spirit to be led by the Holy Spirit, the great guide to prayer. Prayer is effort and work. For most it doesn't come naturally, and requires hard concentration. Yet in time this hard work can become an intimate bonding time with our Savior. We can begin to long to spend more time with God. Prayer can change and become a time where we find ourselves continually at the throne of God speaking to Him as we would a close friend. For Nehemiah he found that his whole waking existence revolved around his relationship with his creator and savior. He had a huge burden for his people and their capital. It was natural for him to continually bring before God the needs of his people. How about you? Perhaps you have found prayer as only something you know you should do, but don't ever seem to want to do. Maybe the answer is to strip away all the pomp and preconceived notions that you accepted regarding prayer. Allow prayer to be the simple thing that it is, communication. Before you seek to change your prayer life, you should seek a change in your attitude regarding prayer. Ask God to help you pray. Ask God to help you see prayer not as a chore, but as a way to speak to the lover of your soul. Ask God to give you the heart that Nehemiah had, a heart of continual prayer through the day and through the night. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=240 "The Value of Life" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the May 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" In the past year or so I have been hearing a lot about buying gold in order to have real value in my "portfolio." I am told by the talking heads that precious metals like gold will always be worth something because of their intrinsic value. In the past few weeks I have heard a new commercial telling me I should buy seeds because seeds will produce a "nutrient dense" harvest that will feed my family in times of need. This commercial tells me that seeds have been valued higher than gold in the past. According to the seed company I should buy seeds because of their value and security. Others place real value in seeing a high dollar amount in their savings accounts, or large amounts of stocks in their 401K. I would agree that all of the above items have some value and worth. But which one has the highest value? In our culture what is the highest valued commodity? Well, I don't have the answer to what investment will be the best or safest. I do have the answer though to what commodity our culture should value the most - human life. When I say life should have the highest value in our culture, I mean life from the point of conception to the life of a woman who at 98 breathes her last breath. We as Christians need to see the sanctity of life as not just with the unborn, but to those with mental and physical handicaps, those who are the poorest of poor, those who are wasting away in nursing homes, and those who have been marginalized and forgotten. Jesus says in John 10:10, "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (NKJV) Why is it that we as a culture seek to place a value on life, and when the value of the life drops below our standards we as a country believe it is time to end that life, or to warehouse that life until "it" dies? We don't want abundant life because it uses up too much of the earth's resources. We are told that the world is over populated, over polluted, and headed to a cataclysmic failure because of mankind. When God told Adam and Eve (and I believe all of mankind) to be fruitful and multiply, God must have meant to do this until the world is full according to some scientists. If you doubt this pessimistic view on life I am explaining, go to your local college campus and talk to some of the facility or students about overpopulation and the human problem, you might be shocked to find that what I am saying is just the tip of the iceberg. Does the Bible desire us to be good stewards of the earth to the point that we have mandatory caps on the size of families as China does? Should the elderly seek to be euthanized because they are using up the resources that should go to the young and strong? Should we screen babies as we currently do for physical and mental disorders and terminate pregnancies if there is a high probability of Down Syndrome or some other abnormality? If the Bible does speak to these issues, should we pay attention to it? What if science is telling us facts that lead to a conclusion that is counter to the Bible? Life issues are much more than simply dealing with abortion. During the month of May we will have a sermon series on life, and how we as Christians need to view it. I also want to encourage you to send in your questions regarding life to the church office. I will either answer those questions directly to you, or address the questions in my upcoming sermons. The concept of life is foundational to the Christian worldview, and I believe we all could use some brushing up on what God sees as the most important commodity in all the universe- human life. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=239 "One Thing Never Changes" by Pastor Richard Carr Article excerpted from the April 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" The month of April reminds us of new beginnings. The flowers are starting to spring up from under the dead leaves and rotting wood of mulch. The grass is turning from brown and ugly, to green and full of life. The cherry and apple blossoms are nearly in full bloom and the sun is starting to stay in the sky longer. Spring has sprung! For some, the best part of spring is the holiday that celebrates the resurrection of our Lord - Easter. For most families Easter is celebrated by having fellowship and food with one's family. I remember as a child going to my grandmother and grandfather's home to spend time with them, and my cousins, aunt, and uncle. I also remember how crowded it was at the dinner table, so I along with my younger brother, and younger cousin would be given the "honor" of sitting at the kid's table. I always looked forward to the day when I could sit with the big people. Today I can say that I am indeed big (unfortunately big on the scale as well). My parents would always hide an Easter basket filled with goodies for us to find in the house. I remember having a happy dizzy feeling after eating 10,000 calories of chocolate, jelly beans, and other sweets from my basket after finding it. Things have changed for me regarding Easter traditions. I haven't seen my cousins for over 10 years, nor have I even seen my aunt and uncle. My grandmother is the only surviving grandparent either Brenda or I have. My kids have now taken the "honor" at times of sitting at the kid's table when we have dinner with our family. I no longer look for Easter baskets filled with candy, but rummage through the boxes of stuff in our house to find the baskets for Brenda and I to put candy in. No doubt most reading this article relate with how Easter has changed for them in many ways as well. What I have realized is that the core reason for our celebrating Easter has remained the same. Jesus rose from the grave. He experienced the death of Good Friday, in your place. And three days later rose from the grave to show you how you too can conquer death through Him. Just as the grass turns from a dirty brown, lifeless stubble, Jesus' new life came back to a bloody, dead, lifeless body. Whatever season of life you find yourself in. Regardless if you are a young child delighting in Easter egg hunts, chocolate crosses, and marshmallow peeps - or an old woman who would just rather simply sit in the warm sun of a spring day and enjoy looking at the beauty of God's creation, know that Easter is about our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And while we may change in our appearance, desires, and emotions regarding the stuff surrounding Easter - one thing never changes - Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." NKJV Celebrate this Easter, this spring, this year knowing that the stuff in Easter and your life will change (including you), but your risen Lord and Savior remains the same. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=213 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Richard Carr Article excerpted from the February 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" Chapter 4 Weakness Leads to Strength You are ready for a change. You see the need. You want to get to work. You are ready to do what it takes - or are you? If an auto mechanic recognizes that a car's exhaust system is broken he rips out the old and installs the new. If a dentist finds a cavity, he drills out the soft decayed tooth and inserts a filling. We are good at fixing things that we can directly control. We can depend on our own abilities and skills in identifying the problem and fix it. What becomes frustrating is when we are called to fix something that is beyond our abilities and skills. How frustrating it is for an auto mechanic (and even more for the owner of the car) to spend many hours attempting to fix a problem on a car, only to continue to see it reoccur, or for a dentist to try and help a patient, only to keep making the problem worse. To see our church healed we cannot fix it ourselves, it is beyond our abilities and skills. We cannot depend on being the best we can be. We cannot decide to go out and save the church by our own power. We need an outside expert. We need someone that has the power, the ability, and the desire to help us. That person is God. He has the power to change our dying church and He has the desire. All that God needs of us is to be willing vessels, people open enough to allow God to work through us to fix what ails our church. The 2nd aspect of Nehemiah's prayer is that he was moved to mourn and fast over his recognized problem. By looking at Nehemiah 1:4b we see Nehemiah is broken hearted over his and his people's sin. This broken heart led him to action, "...I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven." Nehemiah was so moved over the sin of his people, as well as the consequence of that sin that he wept and mourned for numerous days. Nehemiah knew that this problem of his people's was far beyond his ability to fix. Just as a student calls on his teacher to provide help and aid in finding a solution, Nehemiah calls on his teacher - God. Some might feel that God is out of touch with them, that He just doesn't listen. The problem is not God, it is us! We have grown so hardened in our sins that we don't hear God trying to get through to us. By fasting and praying we in essence empty ourselves of our earthly comforts and needs and force ourselves to rely on God. Fasting is not fun, nor is it easy, but it is necessary for us as a people. Few Christians have ever fasted today. Fewer still fast on a regular basis. Nehemiah was so moved by the problems of his people, and understanding the enormity of it he did the only thing he could - fast and pray. Yet Nehemiah was a man of action and conviction. Why would he waste time praying and fasting? Why not spend that time putting an action plan together and organize work parties to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem? He understood that this problem could only be dealt with if God was behind his people. By fasting and praying Nehemiah as a student went to the master for guidance and direction. When the light was shown on Nehemiah and his people, a problem was revealed that was beyond Nehemiah's ability to personally fix. Nehemiah is moved to intense and lasting action. He truly was hurt and experienced loss in hearing about his home. He grieved as if his own mother had died. He likely shaved his head and beard to make it obvious to those around him that things were not well with him. He deprived his body of food to further show God the severity of his loss and depth of his mourning. He emptied himself so that in his weakness God would move in power. The apostle Paul explained this concept of human weakness leading to strength and dependency on God in 2 Corinthians chapter 12. The Bible tells us that Paul had something that caused him great distress a "thorn in the flesh." After pleading with God to remove it, he got a simple answer from God, "No." God allowed this torment to Paul in order that Paul would depend on God not himself for power. Then Paul records for us how this made him feel in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." NKJV What is the depth of your loss and pain over the sin of our country, church, and selves? We say that we hate abortion, yet most of us live our lives as if abortion is just a minor problem. We are bothered to hear about school shootings, kids selling other kids drugs in school, and the lack of morals of our sexually permissive youth. However all of these problems do little to dampen our enthusiasm for cook-outs, trips to the lake, and our family fun. Don't get me wrong, I don't think we should walk around with our heads down constantly grieving over our nation's sin, but I do think we are far too extreme in our acceptance of sin in our country. The next school shooting will likely be little more than another news blurb that goes in one ear, causes us to say something like, "My the youth today sure have it bad," and then we move on with our lives as if nothing bad was happening. We need to pray and ask God to give us soft hearts again. What breaks God's heart, ought to break ours. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 that there is a time for everything. I say that now is the time for us to be like Nehemiah by mourning, fasting, and crying out to the Lord. Fasting is something that we modern Christians need to start embracing again. The problem of our country's sin is too great for us to tackle alone. When we humble ourselves, and deprive our bodies of sustenance we weaken ourselves purposely so that God can use us mightily. God is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. God wants to heal our land and see us walk in righteousness and holiness again. This cannot happen unless we who call ourselves Christians first empty ourselves and look to the master for guidance. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=207 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Richard Carr Article excerpted from the January 2009 issue of "The Lampstand" Chapter 3 Illumination Have you ever tried to work in the dark? There have been times when I thought doing something on the car was only going to take about an hour, and that hour stretched into 3 or 4 hours. In that extra time it took I often found that I lost my patience, some skin on my knuckles, and my light. Working in the dark is frustrating at best, and dangerous at worst. This same concept of operating without illumination is just as dangerous in the spiritual realm. We need to know what our spiritual problem is, we need the light of God to illuminate our needed repair. If a car has a cracked windshield, the windshield needs replaced, not the tires. If our nation has truly changed and now calls what is evil good, and what is good evil then we need God to help us see again. Nehemiah recognized this principle of the need of God's illumination and took the appropriate action. We don't have the time to remain in the dark. Our nation, our church, us as individuals need God's illumination of our sin problem. Neh. 1:4a says, "So it was, when I heard these words..." Nehemiah begins his prayer and "action plan for change" by recognizing or hearing the problem. Nehemiah could have listened to the negative report concerning his beloved country and simply refused to believe it. This report could have just been written off as a mere rumor. Or as we often do today, Nehemiah could have sought out others that just told him what he wanted to hear concerning Jerusalem. Have you listened to the words of a preacher or modern prophet that pointed out America's dismal spiritual condition lately, or have you insulated yourself from those that preach and teach such negative messages? We need to hear the words of those that see the problem our nation is in. We need to be open to recognizing our needs. We need to embrace the pastors and modern day prophets preaching a message of judgment, not run away from them. One of our many problems that is repeated throughout history is that we never want to listen to those that make us feel guilty, or point out that we are wrong in a decision we make. How would history have been different if President Nixon had listened to one dissenting voice that told him he should not send people to break into the Democratic Party's National Committee offices at the Watergate Hotel? The war in Vietnam could have had a different outcome. Thousands, perhaps even millions of lives could have been spared the slaughter and genocide that took place in South Vietnam and Cambodia if President Nixon had simply listened to the one voice that told him to do the right thing. 1 Chronicles chapter 21 shows the consequences of one bad decision made by David to count the fighting men of Israel against the correct advice of Joab the commander of David's army. As a result of this prideful decision made against the godly advice of Joab, 70,000 men died, along with many thousands of widows and orphaned children - all because the unpopular godly advice was ignored. This ignorance of unpopular advice is not just found in the Old Testament either. Acts 7:54-58a records for us the account of Stephen sharing an unpopular message with the high priests and ruling council of Jews: 54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man stand- ing at the right hand of God!" 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. NKJVHave we stopped up our ears? Have we run away from those that tell us that which we don't want to hear? To be like Nehemiah we need to begin by recognizing our need of God's illumination. To recognize our needs we need to know and hear the Law of God. We get this from His Word the Bible, and from good preachers not afraid to "step on our toes" and point out our sins through the Word of God. Many today flock to teachers and pastors that make them feel good about themselves. These teachers and preachers primarily always focus their messages on the concept that God wants to make them wealthy and happy. They essentially preach that God is like a giant vending machine. One puts a quarter in by prayer or some good work, punch the button of what you want and presto, instant gratification. The apostle Paul writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit warned Timothy that there would come a time when people would not stand for preachers that preached things that weren't popular in 2 Tim 4:3-4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." NKJV Perhaps what the average American Christian needs is a good dose of preaching focused on our need for God because of our sinfulness. There are many wonderful modern day prophets and preachers that have a divine ability to cut through our spiritually withered hearts and give us what we need, God's illumination. Personally I recommend reading sermons from Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, or for a more modern message listen to Ray Comfort or Paul Washer. There are many more powerful preachers still holding fast to God's Word. If you have found one, then rejoice because he is offering you in his messages something worth more than diamonds. The first aspect of Nehemiah's prayer is recognizing our problem which takes the illumination of God's Word preached and lived out. We need the light that only God can bring to help us to see our great need. Click on the link below to listen to a powerful sermon by Paul Washer preached to a youth conference. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuabITeO4l8&feature=related Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=206 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Richard Carr Article excerpted from the December 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" Chapter 2 How it began In the beginning of Nehemiah we see an account of a man hungry for information concerning his home. He wanted to know what was happening to his beloved country. When I served in the Army and wasn't able to travel back home very much I called my family (specifically my mother) practically every week. I would ask how things were going. I wanted to know about any new things that were happening. Sometimes my mom would send me newspaper clippings of events in the area. I yearned to be home and she would do her best to inform me. Nehemiah was no different. In verses 2 and 3 of chapter 1 Nehemiah questions a fellow Jew and likely an actual blood relative named Hanani and some other men about the state of his beloved home. The news was bad. Their home was defenseless, and those few who had returned to their home lived in disgrace. Every day the Jews living in Jerusalem looked up at the remnant of the walls and gates around their city and were reminded of their failures. After spending many years in captivity and away from his beloved land, Nehemiah's news was not good. Nehemiah was devastated, but why? When I served in the Army after high school, I left my hometown and was stationed in Missouri, Virginia, and Georgia. I was only away from my hometown for about 3 years, yet it felt like forever. I found myself deeply yearning for the things of home. I missed my family, friends, and even the local food. I would look at pictures of Pittsburgh and look forward to the day when I could return home for good. Nehemiah and his people had no choice in leaving their home and were forced to serve foreign kings. Instead of being gone for less than three years like me, all the Jewish people were exiled for almost 50 years. Some Jews weren't even able to return home for longer. To hear that his home town was a wreck after the many years of anticipation must have been a devastating blow for Nehemiah. Why had God allowed this to happen? After all weren't the Jews God's chosen race? Why had the Jews who had returned not rebuilt the walls and gates? Why was Nehemiah's home town, which was once well guarded and protected, now open to attack from their enemies and scorn from those that hated the Jews? The quick answer to these questions was that the Jews were paying for their idolatry. For years the Jews chased after foreign gods and placed wealth and power as objects of desire, instead of seeking holiness and truth. The result was destruction, despondency, and defeat for Nehemiah's people. It was not as if God didn't warn these stubborn people. God sent many prophets (not the least of which were Isaiah and Jeremiah) warning the Jews to turn from their wicked ways and ask God for mercy. Yet God's chosen people chose idolatry instead of God. They followed their carnal desires instead of following their creator, so God sent them an ominous warning from the mouth of Jeremiah:‘From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, this is the twenty-third year in which the word of the Lord has come to me; and I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, but you have not listened. And the Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.' Yet you have not listened to Me," says the Lord, "that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt." (Jeremiah 25:3-7, NKJV) As was prophesied from Jeremiah and other prophets, God broke his chosen nation. God allowed the Babylonians to conquer the Jews and destroy their once powerful city. The reason for this destruction was not that God wanted to hurt the Jews or even to punish the Jews. God simply removed His mantle of protection from the Jews which allowed their nation's destruction. What made the once little tribe of Judah great and powerful was not their knowledge, power, or skill. What made the Jewish nation a world superpower was one thing only - God. When the people stopped worshipping God, and chose to worship idols, the people lost their nation's reason for existence. When the Jews were conquered around 586 BC, they simply lived out the end result of not following God. What worked for the enemy in Nehemiah's day is what works against us today. It is the enemy's ploy to entice us to sin. That sin looks so wonderful and exhilarating. It titillates our senses. We feel as if we need this sin. We see God's law forbidding us from doing these sins as oppressive. Then as soon as we start sinning the enemy snatches those euphoric feelings away and replaces them with shame, guilt, and despondency. The Jews followed their idols made of stone and wood. They intermarried with the pagan culture around them. They turned away from the Law of God, and followed laws made to suit their desires. Then they paid the price. The Jews were conquered by the Babylonians, and now that many have returned from captivity in Nehemiah's day, they continued to pay for their sins by not having their walls and gates built up to protect them. Everyday these broken down pieces of their city reminded them of their rebellion against God. Was there any hope left for this broken nation? Had their sins pushed them past the point of no return? God had to allow the natural consequences of the Jew's sin to overcome them, which believe it or not was a blessing. Without the Jews living out the negative consequences of their sinful ways, there would be no desire to repent from their sins, and turn back to God. If God allowed them to live chasing after foreign gods, and pagan pleasures there would have been no remnant left of God fearing people. It was a blessing for the Jews to be conquered and shaken from their sins, just as it is a blessing for us to be caught in our sins. When I was a young boy my mother caught me stealing a pack of gum from a food store. She marched me back into the store and made me give it back. I was horrified and cried the whole way into the store and back again out of the store into the car. Some parenting "experts" today might say this was bad of my mother to do. This event has obviously left a mark on me to this day, and thereby has caused great harm to my "inner child." I however am glad this event happened. From that day forward I have better understood that stealing is wrong and sinful. I was taught a hard lesson. The Jews unfortunately had to be taught a similar lesson. It took the destruction of their home, and the captivity of their people to realize that following false gods was not just wrong in God's eyes, but harmful to themselves. Now that this hard lesson was taught to the Jews, it was time for the healing to begin. The obvious question that we as Americans need to ask is are we living as a nation on borrowed time? Have we thrown off the constraints of God and His Word in order to live our lives on our own terms? We as a people were founded as a nation by a huge Christian majority. Our laws were based on the Ten Commandments, our schools were designed to help us better understand the things of God - yet hasn't all of that changed? If God allowed His chosen people, the race of people that the Messiah would come from to be conquered and defeated because they wanted to do things their own way, what is keeping America from following the same course of action? Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=193 "Man on the Wall - How Nehemiah Sets an Example for the American Church to Follow" by Richard Carr "Article excerpted from the November 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" This is an analysis of a small section of Scripture from a relatively obscure book in the Old Testament. This book is designed to rekindle a fire that many have allowed to burn out. That fire is a love and passion for the little known books of the Old Testament. Looking back on my growth as a Christian I can point to specific times when I made giant leaps forward in my understanding and love for God and His Word the Bible. For an unfortunate length of time in my early Christian life I had a poor view of the Old Testament. I once viewed this section of the Bible as outdated, and relatively pointless to the modern Christian. I read the Old Testament because that was expected of Christians, not because I wanted to. I lacked any enthusiasm, zeal, or drive to read the Old Testament. My view of the Old Testament was to quickly change when I entered seminary, as was my perception of a seminary professor name Jerry Holmaas. This man was everything an aspiring Jewish Rabbi should be. Professor Holmaas sometimes reminded me of that Jewish farmer named Tevye from the movie Fiddler on the Roof. He had the right sized beard, the bright playful eyes that seemed to dance as he taught his love of the Old Testament, and even read and spoke Biblical Hebrew. Since I was a brash young seminarian, I would often sit right in the very front of the class dead center, practically under his nose. As a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, living and going to school in a suburb of Minneapolis, I felt it my duty to taunt my fellow seminarians about their junior varsity "Professional" football team named the Vikings. Professor Holmaas really didn't care much as he was a Green Bay Packer fan, and disliked the Vikings as much or more than me. What I quickly discovered was that Professor Holmaas not only cared about his teaching of the Old Testament, but that he cared about brash young "pastors to be." One day when I was on the verge of breaking down from the stress and strain of my studies Professor Holmaas stopped the class and we just talked about how our lives were going. We as a class encouraged each other and I left class that day feeling like I could go on. He prefaced this "encouragement hour" as something he liked to do at least once a year to see how the class was doing. Of my three years of classes he never did that again. I think he knew that I needed help, and I needed it then. If it wasn't for his and other people's help, I may not have gotten through that time in my life. So it gives me great pride to dedicate this first official book of mine to him. My understanding is that he has moved on to take a congregation as a pastor again. I know that the congregation he pastors will be blessed to have a man that loves his savior Jesus, the Scriptures (especially the Old Testament), and people. This book is not intended to be a commentary. This is not another "5 step approach to a better life," or a "how to make your life happier book." This book was born from a movement I believe God stirred in my heart. This movement stems from what I see as the decay of the American Christian Church. I do not speak as an authority on the Bible as I do not have a degree from an "accredited" seminary (although I believe my training was far more rigorous and Bible focused than the majority of "Lutheran" seminaries), nor can I speak from 30 years of experience as a pastor. What I can do is communicate to you what I believe needs to happen with us before we as a culture, church, and world move past the point of no return. I encourage you to read this work of mine along with a Bible in hand. Don't take my word for it, look into your Bible, pray and ask God to give you clarity regarding this section of Scripture and allow God to work in you, your own conviction and zeal based on and for the Holy Written Word. Chapter 1 Is There A Problem? As I was mediating on the state of our nation, and the ongoing beginnings of our church's call to repentance, prayer, and fasting I started thinking a lot about the book of Nehemiah. I have learned over time that often God speaks to me through very subtle ways like a desire to read something or a thought that just won't go away. I often hear stories of how God motivates people to do some work of His, yet the person fights that call or urge. So instead of ignoring this inner, small, still voice I followed it. I read the introduction to the book of Nehemiah and just after the first chapter I had a page of notes and an idea. Before I go any further let me back-up and explain a bit about the book of Nehemiah. Basically Nehemiah is a record of a great leader living in exile who was moved by God to perform a seemingly impossible task. The city of Jerusalem had been savaged by the Babylonians and all the gates, and most of the protective walls around the city had been destroyed. A new world superpower (the Persians) was on the scene and took over Babylon. That allowed the Jews to begin to assume their national identity again, and the Jews living in exile slowly started to return to Jerusalem. Nehemiah was still in exile (meaning he was living outside of his home country), yet he had a great amount of power and influence because he was the Persian King's cupbearer. This job meant that he had the King's ear, as well as some friendship of the King's. When the King saw that Nehemiah was sad, and the reason for this sadness was the ruined capital city of Israel, the King sent Nehemiah on his way to rebuild the city walls, and gates. Now that you have a brief explanation of the events behind Nehemiah and the city of Jerusalem let me start again to share my vision with you how we as a church, and in fact a nation fit into God's plan for restoration. First I see a clear resemblance to the American church and the city of Jerusalem. We as a church have allowed our gates and walls to be destroyed. We Christians have stood by with a feeling of helplessness and watched our country get swallowed into spiritual darkness. We have allowed our government funded agencies like Planned Parenthood to legally kill babies both in the womb and out of the womb. It was not until August of 2002 that babies born alive through a failed abortion had the right to medical care and therefore allowed to live. Despite this right that post-aborted babies have to medical care, there are still documented cases where babies born alive are still not given proper care and are left to die. Until this federal law was passed, babies that survived induced labor to expel the "fetus" from the mother were left on tables to die. Two nurses that worked at a hospital named (oddly enough) Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois testified before the U.S. Congress about the horrors of what can only be called infanticide. Registered Nurse Jill Stanek said of one of the babies that survived the failed abortion, "The baby was healthy and had up to a 39% chance of survival, according to national statistics." Some babies who are victims of failed abortion attempts have lived despite neglect and abandonment by abortion doctors and nurses. One such event happened in Vancover, British Columbia Canada where a little baby was born alive from a failed abortion and left to die in a plastic bowl sitting on top of a stainless steel table. After about an hour of waiting the hospital finally decided to render care, the infant survived but has permanent brain damage from loss of heat after the birthing process. Some Christians are quick to pick up the charge against these vile abortions, yet they wallow in other sins like sexually immorality. This sin has unfortunately left a mark in practically every Christian home in some way or another. To make ourselves feel better about this sin we have changed from knowing and understanding that sexual immorality (pre-martial sex, homosexuality, prostitution, and pornography) is wrong and sinful, to allowing and even condoning it! In fact the church today is leading the charge to help people wrongly see that sexual sins like the above mentioned are not in fact sinful. The issue of acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle has become one of the major platforms many church bodies have strove to adopt. Many church bodies including the largest Lutheran church body the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) have made steps in recognizing homosexual activity acceptable and even healthy for Christians. While some Christian churches are quick to denounce the sin of homosexuality, these same churches turn a blind eye to heterosexuals having sex outside of marriage. The culture's promotion of sex outside of marriage through television and movies, the exponential growth of the pornography industry, and even President Clinton's redefining what sex is while in office as the President have all come together to desensitize our culture and churches to the sin of sexual immorality. The American church has embraced and even encouraged what was once understood as sin, and denounced those that still hold to a traditional Biblical worldview. The church as a whole has stopped preaching and living the Bible, and instead has adopted a message to tickle our ears and make us feel good about ourselves. We have allowed public schools to teach theories like evolution as fact, and denied the ability of teachers to lead their classes in prayer. We have sat by and watched our pocketbooks grow fat, and our spiritual bodies shrivel and die. If ever there was a time for a leader like Nehemiah to step forward and lead us as a people to rebuild our "walls and gates," now is the time. While I would never be so bold as to label myself as another "Nehemiah," I will however help you to see the process he took to effect change and start the rebuilding. Nehemiah 1:4-11 is a prayer that contains 7 aspects that we must internalize and do ourselves, if we hope to begin the rebuilding of the American church, and our country. If you are alarmed and grieved by the American church, if you thirst for renewal and restoration, if you are ready to see God rescue our culture and families from this mess that we have made for ourselves then this study into a small and obscure book of the Old Testament is the medicine that you and our church needs. Bush, Transcript of Remarks made by President George W. "Remarks by the President in Signing of H.R. 2175, Born Alive Infants Protection Act ." President Signs Born-Alive Infants Protection Act . Pittsburgh: Office of the Press Secretary, 5 August 2002. Strom, Ron. World Net Daily. 25 April 2005. 21 August 2008 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.christcommunityonline.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=184 "The Rest of the Story" "Article excerpted from the September 2008 issue of "The Lampstand" Have ever gone to a really good restaurant and ordered a small portion and despite the cost, fat, calories, and the stares, you were going to order another plate of food because it is so good? Brenda and I split our meals when we go out oftentimes because most portions are too large for an average adult, and it saves money. There was a couple that took us out to a small little German restaurant and Brenda suggested we split our dinner. I agreed and we started to decide on our meal. When I saw the sausage, potato dumpling, and sauerkraut meal I had to get it. Brenda being smarter than me decided on a a dish that was less fattening, better for us, and something we would both probably like. I decided I needed to order my own meal because those sausages were calling my name out. There was nothing left on the plate when I was done! Sometimes when I get involved in something like eating a good meal, reading a good book, or watching a series on TV I really have a hard time stopping. Maybe it's an addictive personality, or maybe I just like to immerse myself in what I do. Whatever the case, it has happened again, except this time it is with a writing of mine. I really felt like God was moving me to cast a vision for our church for the month of September and beyond. This was done through a reading of Nehemiah. I told Denise to give me plenty of room in the monthly publication because this was going to be a bit longer than my usual. After 4 pages and still not being half way through, and holding back on the detail I wanted to get into I realized that I needed to do something. Here it is. I will give you a teaser. What I will give you next, hopefully sometime in early September, is as Paul Harvey says, "The rest of the story." I have always wanted to dabble in actually writing something to publish, and perhaps this could be one of my first pieces. I would be honored to have you my church family read it first. So without further ado here is your appetizer. As I was moved to think and ponder the man Nehemiah and his daunting task of rebuilding the walls and gates that were broken down in Jerusalem, I started to again see the parallels with our culture and the Jews living in Jerusalem. Our walls of protection have been destroyed, and our gates have been removed allowing filth, garbage, and enemies into our hearts and lives as Americans. As with the city of Nineveh, now is the time to act. We are being called to hold the line. We need to stand up and fight back. Not with guns, bombs, and aircraft. We are to fight back with holiness, purity, and righteous indignation. Nehemiah has an awakening to the distress of his homeland and people. He recognizes the problem and takes action. The steps he takes are steps that I believe we also must take. Apathy and fear kept the Jews living in a vulnerable state as a nation. Apathy and fear are keeping American Christians, specifically Christ Community Church largely ineffective and stymied. As with my earlier vision I cast, prayer needs to be the center piece of our restoration. Instead of having only August be a month of prayer and repentance, I am calling on us as a church to signup for each day from 7-8:00 PM to pray for our culture, our church, and our people. Instead of just having prayer on Monday nights, lets have prayer every night! Even if only the family hosting the prayer time participates, this prayer can and will change us as a people. I will do my best to finish this short book, devotional, or whatever it is I'm doing soon, and hopefully it will be of great encouragement to you. Pastor Rich Carr Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:24:05 MST