Pastor's Note

At the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15, the apostles and elders of the early church convened in Jerusalem to make a crucial decision regarding Gentile inclusion in the church. They affirmed that Gentiles (that is, non-Jewish people) did not need to be circumcised and observe the Old Covenant Law of Moses, in order to be saved. Indeed, we are saved by faith alone.

In Acts 14, the people of Lystra believe that Barnabas and Paul are the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes, who have come to visit the people. They exclaim; “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” As Christians, this sounds familiar. It sounds like incarnation language, in the same way Jesus has come to us. Philippians 2:7 states that Jesus was born in the likeness of men. This may raise a question.

According to Paul’s sermon in Acts 13, God chose Israel as His favored people, and He appointed some to believe Paul’s gospel message. Paul also talks about God’s “selection” of Jesus as the Savior, in quoting Psalm 2:7; “You are my Son, today I have begotten you,” (or the NIV rendering; “You are my Son, today I have become your Father.” I didn’t get into it, but this is a tricky verse and quote!

This week we continue in the book of Acts, and I am in the middle of preparing Sunday’s sermon. Over the summer, I took more breaks from the pulpit than I have in almost a decade at CBC (outside of a sabbatical). A number have noticed, and asked why that is. It’s a good question! I might write a longer piece at some point, but I wanted to briefly give a few reasons off the top of my head.

I’ve been reading a book called, “The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?” It’s an interesting book, seeking to analyze what the authors call the biggest religious shift in American history – which is the historic number of people leaving churches of all denominations. I’m still assessing their findings and analysis, but one thing I have appreciated is the surprisingly optimistic tone of the book.

With 242 Groups starting soon, I wanted to leave a note about them! The purpose of 242 Groups is essentially “fellowship around the Word.” They exist for the people of CBC to build relational connections, new and old, that are centered on Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

I hope a number of parents (and grandparents) will join us on Sunday evening from 5-7pm for a preview of “Game Plan.” This is basically a sex-ed (or “sexual risk avoidance”) class that has been developed by Advice and Aid. Their primary intent with this curriculum was to be able to teach it in high schools. However, as we talked with them, it became clear this could be useful for churches as well.

Every summer we hope to give everyone at CBC the opportunity to jump into new ministries and new relational, learning, and growth environments. With that, we also give everyone the opportunity to be placed in a new “Pastoral Care List.” What are those? I’m glad you asked! Here is what our membership class materials say:

This upcoming Sunday is a big one for us. As you may have heard, several people will be baptized, which on its own is a great joy. Additionally, we will have our Back to School Bash later in the afternoon (many thanks to those of you serving to put that on – it will be a great time for the kids)!

Maggie recently read this quote from Nancy Guthrie (a great writer), who was commenting on sections of Ecclesiastes. I thought some might find it useful if they are struggling with discontentment, worry, and/or dissatisfaction in the midst of the struggles of life in a fallen world. Or, if you are simply facing the harsh realities of life, this is a word of hope and encouragement, knowing all will ultimately be well in Christ.