Central Reminder: Come celebrate with our graduate, Andrew Zahr, at our annual senior ice cream social this evening at 5pm. There will be a table set up for cards and gifts. Congratulations Andrew!
Arrangements for Joseph Tubb
Arrangements have been made to honor Joseph Tubb. Visitation (4pm), Memorial service (6pm), burial, and fellowship meal will be at Cumberland Heights Church of Christ on Monday, May 10th. Thank you for continuing in love and prayer to God for Brittney, Daniel, Les, Becky, and the whole family.
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Celebrate Jesus 5- 500 and more
CJ#5: 500 + Untimely Born
Thursday, April 29, 2021Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1-6
1 Cor 15:1-7 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015&version=ESV>
“After I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee” (Matthew 26:32)
Matthew 28: 7-17 (Angel)
Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
The Report of the Guard
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
The Great Commission
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. Matthew 28: 7-17
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028&version=ESV>
Highlights from Galileean Ministry
Events in the Galilean Ministry
NOVEMBER 23, 2008 BY
Below is a numbered listing of all recorded events in the Galilean Ministry Period. This is not an exhaustive listing of every text in the Gospels. (Luke’s introduction, for example, is not included because it is related to Luke’s writing of the Gospel rather than the events of Jesus’ life.) Further, the number and order of events is not always absolute. In some cases there is room for interpretation. When there is room for debate, specific rationale for a particular division or order can be found in the notes related to that event. Still, this provides a generally accepted chronology of events and can be very helpful in understanding the flow of Jesus’ life during the Preparation Period. For a downloadable .xls or .pdf of this and other documents see Handouts/Downloads.
GALILEAN MINISTRY (Approximately 12-18 months)
- Jesus begins first tour of Galilee – Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:14c-15, Luke 4:14b-15, John 4:45
- Jesus heals the son of an official – John 4:46-54
- Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Nazareth – Luke 4:16-30
- Jesus moves to Capernaum – Matthew 4:13-16, Luke 4:31
- Jesus heals a lame man on the Sabbath in Jerusalem – John 5:1-15
- Jesus explains his sabbath healing – John 5:16-47
- Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John – Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11
- Healing of a demon-possessed man – Mark 1:21,23-26, Luke 4:33-35
- The people are amazed at Jesus’ teaching – Mark 1:22,27-28 Luke 4:32,36-37
- Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law – Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39
- Healing of crowds in Capernaum – Matthew 8:16-17, Mark 1:32-34, Luke 4:40-41
- Jesus begins second tour of Galilee – Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44
- Jesus heals a leper – Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16
- Jesus heals a man who was paralyzed – Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26
- Jesus calls Matthew – Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32
- Teaching on fasting – Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39
- Jesus criticized for picking grain on the Sabbath – Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5
- Jesus heals a hand on the Sabbath – Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11
- Jesus heals at the Sea of Galilee – Matthew 12:15-21, Mark 3:7-12
- Jesus chooses the Twelve – Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16
- Jesus preaches the “Sermon on the Mount” – Matthew 5:1–7:29, Luke 6:17-49
- Jesus heals a Centurion’s slave – Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10
- Jesus raises a widow’s son – Luke 7:11-17
- Jesus reassures John the Baptist – Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35
- People of Galilee rebuked for their unbelief – Matthew 11:20-24
- Jesus invites the weary to follow Him, promises rest – Matthew 11:25-30
- Jesus anointed by a sinful woman – Luke 7:36-50
- Jesus tours Galilee again – Luke 8:1-3
- Jesus heals a blind man – Matthew 12:22-24
- Jesus responds to Pharisees’ charge of blasphemy – Matthew 12:25-37, Mark 3:20-30
- Jesus rebukes those seeking only a sign – Matthew 12:38-45
- Jesus’ mother & brothers do not understand Him – Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 4:1-9, Luke 8:4-8
- Jesus explains to His disciples why he teaches in parables – Matthew 13:10-17, Mark 4:10-12, Luke 8:10
- Jesus explains The Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8:9-15
- Jesus uses the metaphor of a Lamp on a Lampstand – Mark 4:21-25, Luke 8:16-18
- Jesus refers to the Seed of God’s Kingdom – Mark 4:26-29
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Wheat & the Weeds – Matthew 13:24-30
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Yeast – Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21
- Jesus fulfills Psalm 78:2 – Matthew 13:34-35, Mark 4:33-34
- Jesus explains The Parable of the Wheat & Weeds – Matthew 13:36-43
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Hidden Treasure – Matthew 13:44
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Pearl – Matthew 13:45-46
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Net – Matthew 13:47-50
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Landowner – Matthew 13:51-52
- Jesus calms the storm – Matthew 8:18,23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
- Jesus restores the man living among the tombs – Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39
- Jesus heals the hemorrhaging woman – Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:24b-34, Luke 8:42b-48
- Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter – Matthew 9:18-19,23-26, Mark 5:21-24a,35-43, Luke 8:40-42a,49-56
- Jesus heals two blind men – Matthew 9:27-31
- Jesus heals a demon-possessed man – Matthew 9:32-34
From <https://interactivelifeofjesus.com/galilean-ministry-events/>
power; 44it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
&&&I. 500+ shows Victory Over Death’s Defeat.
1 Cor 15:42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.
&&&II. 500+ Victory Over Sins Dominion.
15:43 – It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
Jesus says to Martha –
John 11:21-25 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[d] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
&&&III. 500+ Demonstrates the Power to Make a Comeback.
500+ It Demonstrates the Reach of God’s Redemption.
15:7-8. “Then He appeared to James, then all the apostles and last to me as one abnormally born.” In the Greek the phrase “one abnormally born” is one word which means literally to be “Snatched” from the womb as in a cesarean section, or an abortion. You see Paul had nothing to be proud of—he persecuted the Christians—he says I am least of the apostles—it was only by the grace of God that I am what I am. He was snatched out of the depths of his sinfulness.
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Amazing Acapella and Christian Chronicle
Entering back into the building for Sunday morning worship has been wonderful for us as we enjoy singing acapella again with brothers and sisters in Christ. We aren’t the only ones loving acapella. Check out this video released last week from a group out of Lubbock Christian University, a Church of Christ affiliated college in Lubbock, Texas. “Rolling Stones” is a cover of Lauren Daigle’s Christian hit performed by the group called, “Best Friends.” This group of Lubbock students travels around to sing at youth rallies, retreats, and other worship events. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G-QyjFZp4k&t=66s
This group was brought to our attention through the Christian Chronicle, who just released their May issue. Read international news from Churches of Christ all over the world by clicking the .PDF version here:
Rolling Stones Lyrics by Lauren Daigle
Out of the shadows
Bound for the gallows
A dead man walking
Till love came calling
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
Bound for the gallows
A dead man walking
Till love came calling
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
Six feet under
I thought it was over
An answer to prayer
The voice of a Savior
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
I thought it was over
An answer to prayer
The voice of a Savior
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
Now that You saved me
I sing ’cause You gave me
A song of revival
I put it on vinyl
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
I sing ’cause You gave me
A song of revival
I put it on vinyl
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
I once was blinded
But now I see it
I heard about the power
And now I believe it
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
But now I see it
I heard about the power
And now I believe it
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
I thought that I was too far gone
For everything I’ve done wrong
Yeah, I’m the one who dug this grave
But You called my name
You called my name
I thought that I was too far gone
For everything I’ve done wrong
Yeah, I’m the one who dug this grave
But You called my name
You called my name
For everything I’ve done wrong
Yeah, I’m the one who dug this grave
But You called my name
You called my name
I thought that I was too far gone
For everything I’ve done wrong
Yeah, I’m the one who dug this grave
But You called my name
You called my name
All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones (you’re still rolling, rolling)
(You’re still rolling rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones (you’re still rolling, rolling)
(You’re still rolling rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
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Caving with Young Adults
Young adults from Central Church of Christ came together to enjoy the beauty of Blue Springs Cave, the longest cave (36.42 miles) in Tennessee. On the way we found a new overlook at Shaky Rock on Coal Bank Rd. Special thanks to Lonnie Carr for the opportunity to witness God’s subterranean beauty!
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” – Romans 1:20a
To go to a viewing and download folder, click here:
To go to a viewing and download folder, click here:
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Celebrate Jesus 4 – Fishing Love
Scripture Reading – John 21:15-19
WELCOME: Happy 2 weeks after Easter and welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we hit the fourth of a message series from the Bible called, “Celebrate Jesus.” In this series we will walk each Sunday from Easter (Apr 4) to Pentecost (May 23) through an exciting Bible timeline of the appearances of Jesus to the church.
And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”
Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.”
And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same. (Mark 14:26-31)
Peter “went away, wondering to himself what had happened.” (Luke 24:12)
He’s Alive – by Don Francisco
“…something strange had happened there, but just what, I did not know.
John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go.
Circumstance and speculation couldn’t lift me very high.
‘Cause I’d seen them crucify Him and then I saw Him die.
Back inside the house again the guilt and anguish came.
Everything I’d promised Him just added to my shame.
When at last it came to choices – I denied I knew His name.
And even if He was alive… it wouldn’t be the same.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyPBVwOCYmM
“Children, haven’t you any fish?” – John 21:5
“No,” they answered.
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” – John 21:6
Back when Jesus first met Peter and James and John he said to Simon Peter, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. (Luke 5:4-6)
“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” (Luke 5:8)
“Even though THEY all fall away, I will not.” (Matthew 26:33)
The Bible talks about that kind of mindset in II Corinthians 10:12b
“When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”
Remember when Adam and Eve were in the garden? They ate of the tree they shouldn’t have eaten of and then they “heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they (pause) HID from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.” Genesis 3:8
1 John 1:9 says “If we CONFESS our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from unrighteousness.”
If you don’t love Jesus… nothing else matters.
Jesus once said “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
1st John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us…”
“… and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
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Sermon Notes – CJ3 – Believe
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- **Scripture Reading: John 20:24-27
- **INTRO: Turn to John 20 while I tell you about Voltaire: https://schooloftherock.com/html/who_was_voltaire_and_why_does_.html
- “When a man like him announces that he has brought the dead back to life, we have to believe him”
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- **WELCOME: Happy 2 weeks after Easter and welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we hit the third of a message series from the Bible called, “Celebrate Jesus.” In this series we will walk each Sunday from Easter (Apr 4) to Pentecost (May 23) through an exciting Bible timeline of the appearances of Jesus to the church.
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- “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” From that day on, Thomas has always been referred to as “Doubting Thomas.” In fact, if someone is known to doubt things that they’re told, they’re often referred to as “Doubting Thomases.”
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- John 14
- “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” And Thomas said to him, John 14:5 “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” To which Jesus replies “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes unto the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
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- Thomas says “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16
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- **Doubt. People do struggle with doubt once in awhile. In fact, Jude tells us “… have mercy on those who doubt” Jude 1:22
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Someone once noted: “Those who doubt most, and yet strive to overcome their doubts, turn out to be some of Christ’s strongest disciples.” – Selwyn Hughes
https://libquotes.com/selwyn-hughes/quote/lbt1a4i
**When Jesus confronted Thomas, He gave Thomas the evidence he asked for. Then He said: “Do NOT disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20:27)
“Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1:1
“Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES DAILY to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25)
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:26-29
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- CLOSE: Iacocca & Bezos –
https://jonathangifford.com/be-decisive-great-leadership-idea-no-62/
- CLOSE: Iacocca & Bezos –
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“And I know also, if I try and fail, I’ll never regret having tried and failed. “As soon as I thought about it that way, I knew I had to try.”
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29b
Song: Freely, Freely
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name.
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his love as he told me to.
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
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Pavilion Workday Tomorrow
Here is a list of some of the work available for our workday on 4/17/21. Topher will bring a lot of tools, but if you have your own, it’s always a good idea to snag them. We work from 8am-12pm. Please park in the regular church parking lot as we will be sweeping the pavilion parking lot clean.
Outdoor Pavilion
- Hang the metal J-Channel along the horizontal support beams that have been installed at the 7ft height. This will be approximately 144 feet. Some trimming of metal sheeting may need to be done. Using metal screws to install the J Channel. Most of the work is on a ladder.
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- Install approximately 27 feet of metal sheeting on the north west corner of the building. Install it down to the J Channel
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- Remove the Base Trim & Angle iron that surrounds the floor. We will grind down the bolt heads to remove the angle iron. (approximately 110 feet).
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- Also remove the one remaining block of wood with nails that is on the north side of the building.
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- Chip up the remaining tile, bag, and throw it away. We have three areas that still have tile left on the concrete.
- Parking Lot – Run a rolling magnet and brooms across the entire parking lot. Sweep it clear of all gravel and construction debri.
- Remove Insulation from the four corner posts behind the metal. (very short project). Throw it in a bag and remove.
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- Also Remove the small panel of insulation that was missed on the eastern side of the metal wall.
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- Cap off existing plumbing to make the walking area safer. (and smell nicer)
- Remove the electrical switches for the air conditioning units that are on the rear wall of the building. Also remove the wiring and conduit that is on the interior of the wall.
- Fill in the dangerous gopher hole (very deep ankle breaker) that is on the east side of the pavilion with gravel and a layer of dirt.
- Remove the single piece metal trim (just a few screws) from the front brick wall. It is approximately 14 feet long and has screws holding it up.
- Remove the Caulk & Sealer around the front windows. It only requires scraping or chipped off.
Main Building
- Install rubber treads in the stairwell leading down to First Steps area.
- Remove the obsolete coaxial cable wire that runs from the main office down the hall, through the lighting trough of the auditorium, to the First steps stairwell at the front of the auditorium. It is left over from an old video camera system.
- Wire brush and paint the southern handrail of the front steps. The northern handrail has already been prepped & painted.
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March Missions from Scotland
To view the entire March mission report from Cumbernauld Scotland, click here:
Dear Friends,
We all continue to enjoy good health through this pandemic. Over half of the country has now received their first vaccination and the cases are dropping. We are told that they are still high with between 250 and 500 new cases every day but the important figure is that those new cases only represent an average of 2.5% of all those tested on that particular day. We are beginning to see the signs of spring and have even enjoyed a few days which have been pleasantly warm for this time of year. It has even been nice enough to enjoy a visit or 2 outside in the back garden although we are still limited to no more than 4 people and from no more than 2 households. We are hopeful that this restriction will be eased to allow up to 6 people to meet in the next week or so. On the upside we were able to return to the building on the last Sunday of the month. We still have to wear masks and keep the seat groups at least 2 metres apart but it was so good to see everyone who was there in 3D again. Next time we report to you we will hopefully be seeing more back at the building and perhaps have some idea of when we can start classes back again and when we can hopefully raise our voices in song again. Oh, and we will all have had a haircut by then too. Thank you all for your support, your prayers and your encouragement. Even in a global pandemic we are truly blessed.
As always, stay safe and stay strong. All for Him, Adam, Mel & Nicole
To view the entire March mission report from Cumbernauld Scotland, click here:
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Celebrate Jesus 2 – There All Along
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:28-34
Mr. Hooper Dilemma on Sesame Street
https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_1839
Sigmund Freud famously said: “And finally there is the painful riddle of death, for which no remedy at all has yet been found, nor probably will ever be!”
https://www.independent.org/publications/article.asp?id=1668
- WELCOME: Happy Easter week after and welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we continue a brand new message series from the Bible called, “Celebrate Jesus.” In this series we will walk each Sunday from Easter (Apr 4) to Pentecost (May 23) through an exciting Bible timeline of the appearances of Jesus to the church.
- Now here we have 2 men walking from Jerusalem to their home town of Emmaus. Distance of 12 km
From Jerusalem to Emmaus, which is described as being 60 stadia (10.4 to 12 km depending on what definition of stadion is used) from Jerusalem.
And when Mary Magdalene stood by the empty tomb (not knowing she was talking to angels) it says that the angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
And she replies “They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him.” John 20:13
Saddest Verse “… we had hoped (repeat that) that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel…” Luke 24:21
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him – if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
(I Corinthians 15:12b-20)
“…what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that HE APPEARED
- to Peter,
- and then to the Twelve.
- After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
- Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
- and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”
(I Corinthians 15:3-8)
Hebrews 2:14-15 tells us “since the children have flesh and blood in common, He also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death – that is, the Devil – and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the FEAR OF DEATH.” (HCSB)
A poet named Calvin Miller once wrote this poem:
“I once scorned ev’ry fearful thought of death, when it was but the end of pulse and breath,
But now my eyes have seen that – past the pain – there is a world that’s waiting to be claimed.
Earthmaker, Holy, let me now depart, for living’s such a temporary art,
And dying is but getting dressed for God, our graves are merely doorways cut in sod.”
“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.” Luke 24:15-16
People Struggling with Death
- 1st – He listened to them.
- Next, Jesus reminded them of the promises from Scripture.
“… beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Luke 24:27
- Lastly, He gave them something physical to hang their faith on. The Table & Bread
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” Luke 24:30-31
World War 2 – Sleep with Bread
http://pennylhunt.com/sleeping-with-bread/
Jesus has been there with you all along!
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