Christ Presbyterian Church

CPC THIS WEEK

September 16, 2011

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

It’s Looks Okay until You Put the Light on It!

As some of you know I fancy myself as a handyman – almost a jack-of-all trades.  Well, almost!  This past week I decided it was time to finish my much delayed bathroom/laundry room remodel. And, I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel – and this time it’s not a TRAIN!

But being in the final stages means one thing – Drywall!  Now, I’ve logged a few hours with a mud knife in my hand; it’s really something I enjoy doing.  Must be that artistic thing in me.  However, given that I don’t do it everyday I’m not as good at it as I want to be.  In fact, at times I can really fuss over it – aiming for an elusive perfection (not unlike some of my golf buddies!)  And, for the most part, things look pretty good when the job is finished.  But before the wall is ready for a coat of primer there’s one final test.  The dreaded LIGHT TEST!!!

You see a room with ambient light is “drywaller” friendly covering a multitude of sins.  But a higher watt bulb, now that’s a different story.  When held at just the right angle it’s amazing to see all of the imperfections left behind, even the smallest ones.  That’s exactly what it’s intended to do exposing my abilities, or lack thereof.

Take a look with me at John 3:16-21:

 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”    

The light of Christ has come into the world to show us that we are imperfect, flawed sinners.  When the light of Christ shines into our lives it reveals our true identity.  Yet, with that same light Jesus shows us the way out of darkness and into the light of His love.  And not just at conversion, the light of Christ as revealed in God’s living Word continues to shine a path that leads to growing righteousness in our lives with a new identity – amazing!  But wait – there’s more!

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:14-16)

Once we have that light, Jesus wants us to do something with it.  As His representatives on earth Jesus expects our lives to be lived in such a way that others with ultimately praise God.  No, not because of us - but because of Jesus.  Light is wonderful thing.  Especially when that light is the life of Christ in and through us.  

Well, my mud is almost dry enough to sand – I hate that part.  May God give me a steady hand, and lots of light!

Yours in Grace,

Bob

PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH:  LAOS: CHILD-LIKE FAITH

Eleven orphans in northern Laos are currently facing pressure from the principal of their orphanage to stop attending church. If they do not obey, the children may have to leave the orphanage, according to VOM contacts. 

After attending a local church and becoming a Christian, one of the orphans shared the gospel with his peers. Soon, 10 other orphans turned to Christ and began regularly attending church. When the principal heard of the conversions, he told the children multiple times to stop attending church, according to VOM contacts.

After pressuring the children with no results, the principal called the group to his office on Friday, Aug. 19, 2011. He told the children they must stop attending church or face the consequences.

Seven of the orphans promised they would stop attending church, but none of them have renounced their faith. The remaining four orphans continue to attend church and refuse to bend under the pressure. Please pray that God will protect these orphans, who depend entirely on government support.

Posted: September 12, 2011

WINE IN COMMUNION

This will be our second week of using wine along with grape juice in the Lord’s Supper.  We will be using colored cups on the outside ring of the communion tray for wine; the juice will be in clear cups in the inner ring.  Jim Roszell’s two-week Sunday School study guide is available for in the lobby for those of you who missed his class.  Also, there is a shorter explanation in the form of a brochure in the lobby as well.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Adult Sunday School this week, September 18^th, will have separate classes for our Men and Women.  The Women will learn of the exciting plans for a Fall Women’s retreat about “The Extraordinary Women.”  The Men’s class will discuss the topic of Sexual Purity in an internet age.

CCYF PARENTS’ MEETING

The meeting for both youth and their parents is this Sunday, September 18^th, immediately following Sunday School.   A lunch will be served with donations.

ELDERBERRIES is meeting Wednesday, September 21, at 11:30 a.m. at MCL Cafeteria.  The program will be presented by Sgt. Curt Leverton and his dog.  Sgt. Leverton is with the Richmond Police Department K-9 unit.

 **SUNDAY'S SERMON**

More Than Conquerors

“Hyper-Christians!”

Romans 8:35-39

Bob Clark

THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER

If you are able, please sit toward the front, especially if you arrive early.  This will enable later arrivers to fill in at the back with less disruption.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!