I know I've mentioned it a few times from the front on Sunday, but I do hope a few of you will join us for lunch on May 4th after the service! There will be two conversations taking place, both of which are for your interest and information, and neither of which commit you to anything.
Keep ReadingHave you ever wondered why God doesn't just give all missionaries the immediate ability to communicate in different languages? After all, it happened in the early church! God gifted those new believers with tongues, granting them the supernatural ability to hear and be heard across languages. Why doesn't God just do that all the time?
Keep ReadingSometimes short Bible verses are the best Bible verses. This is true with the two simple commands of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17; "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing..." That is also our goal and my request of you next week as we lead up to Resurrection Sunday. Many of us lead full and busy lives. My request is that we all intentionally make next week full of prayer and praise. Here's how we will do that together.
Keep ReadingIt's good to be humbled once in a while. This week I am taking part in a preaching workshop with a ministry called "The Simeon Trust." In actuality, it's really a workshop on how to interpret and teach Scripture, as we are not preaching sermons as part of the workshop.
Keep ReadingOne of the requests made at the last triennial all church survey was better communications between the elders and the congregation. In response we decided to try using the Pastor's Blog for that purpose. It seemed like a good medium to communicate, as well as a chance for Pastor Aaron to have a week off from the blog now and again, so here goes!
Keep ReadingHow might you prepare for Resurrection Sunday? We have not greatly emphasized Lent season as others have, but there is something beneficial in looking with anticipation to high points on our church calendar, and taking advantage of opportunities to practice greater reflection. And I am excited for our plans for Easter this year.
Keep ReadingMay 30
2024
We are grateful for a church family that cares for each other, demonstrating well Scripture’s commands to love one another (John 13:34-35) and carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). The CBC Deacons oversee the ministry of caregiving but rely heavily on the faithful, loving service of many others in the church when needs arise.
May 23
2024
Today was our kids’ last day of school, and we are officially shifting into the summer season. The summer schedule at church is intentionally simpler, as we take breaks from 242 Groups, Sunday School, Kicks, Trek, and Awana. These breaks in the schedule are designed to give rest and allow for a time or reflection, prayer, and planning.
May 16
2024
We close out the John series this week, and I feel like we’ve just gotten started. Personally, this has been a rewarding series. But it’s also been difficult, if for no other reason than the wealth of content in each chapter of John. If there is too much of Jesus’ ministry to fit in one book (John 21:25), there is also too much in each chapter to fit in one sermon.
May 9
2024
One of John’s themes in his account of the crucifixion is that the death of Christ on the cross was promised long ago, and is in fulfillment of Scripture. With that, I wanted to list here a few ways in which John 19 connects to the words of the Old Testament. This list is by no means exhaustive – more connections could be made.
May 2
2024
One of my favorite church interactions is when someone tells me about a thought they had regarding the sermon’s text on Sunday – especially when it’s something I hadn’t fully considered. It’s always encouraging and interesting to see how people are interacting with God’s word in their own minds and hearts.