CPC THIS WEEK
November 18, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“God’s Will: A Three-legged Stool”
“Rejoice always, Pray always, Give thanks always”
That was the closing salutation in last week’s article. So, I decided to make it my opening line for this week’s contribution. It’s a paraphrase from Paul’s closing remarks in his first letter to the Thessalonians:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5:16-18)
What you will probably notice is that I did not mention Paul’s reason for writing those words in my paraphrase – it’s God’s will! I think it is safe to say that of all the questions posed by believers this may be at the top – “What is God’s will for my life?” Ring a bell? Sure it does. We’ve all been in those places where this question is foremost on our hearts and mind. Spouses or houses, cars or careers, we want to live in God’s will for our life. Yet, with all the time we spend on searching, here is at least one thing we can all do. Well, it’s actually three if you’re counting. And, given where we are in the calendar it’s worthy of time and attention.
As you work through this three-legged stool for God’s will, I would imagine that most of us soar right through the first two admonitions. Though we struggle, perhaps, to see them functioning consistently in our daily lives. But it’s the third leg that gives the most problem – thanks in ALL circumstances? Really? The quick answer – YES. That’s why Paul’s final explanation is so important. No matter what happens to us in this life, God has instructed His children how they are to respond: “Rejoice always, Pray always, Give thanks always.” Is this hard? YOU BET! Is this doable? Yes – with God’s help.
We believe the Bible teaches us that God is Sovereign over every area of life – every area. And, because we believe this, we must accept that whatever meets us in life has first passed by throne room of Him who knows the beginning to the end. It is only our confidence in God that allows us to hold possible the notion that we can/should give thanks in every circumstance – regardless of the circumstance! I know only too well from personal experience that this preaches a lot easier than it lives. But, it’s true. And although we may deeply struggle at times attaching thanks to events in our lives, it nonetheless gives glory to God when we do. For in His will there is neither mistake nor malice. All that God does He does for His glory and our good. Though we may not see it immediately, or, ever in this life.
In just a few days we will gather with family and friends to “Give Thanks.” Before us will be a table full of family favorites that reminds us of God’s care and grace to us during this last year. Did you know that we’re only one of three nations that observe such a holiday? However, as Christians, we are to give thanks always! Along with rejoicing and praying. As we stop to give thanks, may God give us the ability to be thankful in all things – seeing that all things come from the hands of His providence. May we join with David who knew this truth:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
For His Glory, for our Good -
Bob
**SUNDAY'S SERMON**
“Thanksgiving…Thanksliving”
Psalm 100
Bob Clark
CPC Adult Sunday School
Regular Sunday School classes resume this week:
Jim Roszell – “The Grand Demonstration”
Bob Clark – “How to Interpret the Bible”
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL next week due to the Thanksgiving weekend.
ROCK SOLID
Next Tuesday, November 22, is our turn in the rotation to serve a meal at Rock Solid. If you haven’t been there in a while, or, perhaps have never helped in serving a meal, this Tuesday before Thanksgiving would be an excellent opportunity for you to demonstrate your personal thankfulness by serving others less fortunate. Call Jane Bumbalough if you’re interested.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE - INCLUDING DESSERT!!!
Sunday Evening, November 20th at 6 pm we will gather for a time of Thanksgiving and Praise; followed by a time of fellowship and desserts! If you’re willing to supply a dessert please call the church office.
SAVE THE DATE - CPC Christmas Dinner Party!!!
Where: Forest Hills Country Club
When: Sunday, December 18, 6 pm
Who: Adult CPC members and friends
Cost: $20.00/person
More Details to follow
GOT LEAVES???
If you need any assistance with remaining leaves, our CCYF youth are hopeful of raking in a few extra bucks with their fall fundraiser. Contact Pastor Bob, Cindy Cook, or the church office. Thanks!
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH:
KENYA: CHRISTIANS ATTACKED
Attacks on Christians have continued near the Somalia-Kenya border since Kenya began air strikes and deployed troops last month to deter al-Shabab militants, an extremist Muslim group associated with al-Qaida.
Last Saturday, Nov. 5, suspected extremists sympathetic to al-Shabab threw a grenade into a church elder’s home outside Garissa, Kenya, killing 8-year-old Winnie Mwenda Mutinda and 25-year-old John Kikavu. Three others in the house were seriously injured. The church’s pastor, Ibrahim Makunyi Kamwaro, told Compass Direct News that the three injured Christians are now in stable condition after undergoing treatment.
Kamwaro told Compass Direct News that the attack might have something to do with the church’s practice of communion. He is unsure who was behind the blast, but he had received threatening calls from al-Shabab the day before the attack. Despite the threats and attack, the church continued its worship service the next day.
In a separate incident, On Oct. 27, six young Muslim men beat 25-year-old Hassan, a Somali Christian refugee in Kenya. The attackers believed Hassan had converted to Christianity from Islam, according to Compass Direct News. They hit Hassan on the head, face, back and legs with a metal bar; cut his hands with knives; and stomped on his stomach after he fell to the ground. A passerby found Hassan bleeding and unconscious at the entrance to a church where the men had left him. Hassan was rushed to a hospital and received a blood transfusion. Despite the attack, Hassan’s faith remains strong.
“In spite of what happened, I don’t feel I’m losing my Christian faith,” Hassan told Compass Direct News. “I still need to fight for the Christian faith, in spite of what I’m feeling now.”
Sources: BBC News, Compass Direct News
Posted: November 14, 2011
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
Email addresses occasionally disappear from our bulk email lists. If you stop receiving the e-newsletter, the weekly prayer list and/or prayer requests, please contact the church office.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
November
21 Jane Hunt
22 Joshua Strain
24 Michele Luker
24 Jerrad Foust
26 Rebecca Adcock
27 Ray Campbell
**No CPC Newsletter next week