First Christian Church - Elizabethtown, Ky

In this picture of Jesus’ power we see him raise a little girl from the dead and heal a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Both not only demonstrate his unmatched power of the physical barriers of death and sickness, but also demonstrate his desire to create a new social order where women and children are given dignity.

Mark was the first account of Jesus’ life to be penned and he focuses the majority of his writing on the power Jesus demonstrated. He healed a man of leprosy and in his power to overcome an incomprehensible illness began to heal a spirit and a heart that was in even greater need of healing. His power over the physical was simply a foreshadowing of his power over sin.

We are created by a holy and amazing God. He designed us, unlike any other part of His creation, to be made in His image. We look around and see many people—spirit-filled, gifted and talented—all with creativity and an independent uniqueness being used by Jesus for some great purpose. And then we make comparisons. We are not like those with special gifts and talents; we’re just not good enough. We don’t have the creativity, skill, power or focus. Our lives are simply too busy and crowded with surviving the day-to-day requirements to have anything left to offer. And how can we possible measure up to God? Created in His image, yes, but containing any of His power and wonder…how can that be? And so, we hold back, we limit what we can do. We offer excuses and reasons why we fall short. Our comparisons between us and others and us and the Lord make us feel as if we do not measure up, so we quit. The Lord’s alternative to this is for us to step up and to wake up! Awaken the wonder provided by our Creator. Believe that God made us in His image and believe in the creativity and power He placed inside us. Isaiah heard the call of the Lord and responded; Isaiah awoke the spirit inside. Isaiah recounts, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I. Send me.’” Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

In Matthew 13, we can read the “Parable of the Sower.” In Jesus’ day, sowing seeds was generally the way crops were planted. The sower would broadcast the seeds in a sweeping motion. As the seeds were thrown from the sower’s hand, they would cover a larger area, so not every seed would end up exactly where it should be. Everyone in Jesus’ audience knew that the seeds scattered would end up in very different places. Even though the sower is the first thing mentioned in the parable, he is not the main character. The parable is more about the seed and soil than the sower, who is not mentioned again after the planting. Some of the seeds fell on the path, where some alert birds saw them and ate them. Some fell in rocky soil, sprang up quickly and succumbed to the heat of the sun. Some seeds were choked out by the thorns and weeds as they grew. However, some fell on good soil and did exactly what they were created to do—produce abundantly. The main point of the “Parable of the Sower” is to realize that our reception of God’s Word is determined by the condition of our hearts. Salvation is more than a superficial hearing of the gospel. Someone who is truly saved will go on to prove it. May our faith and our lives exemplify the good soil.

We are created by a holy and amazing God. He designed us, unlike any other part of His creation, to be made in His image. We look around and see many people—spirit-filled, gifted and talented—all with creativity and an independent uniqueness being used by Jesus for some great purpose. And then we make comparisons. We are not like those with special gifts and talents; we’re just not good enough. We don’t have the creativity, skill, power or focus. Our lives are simply too busy and crowded with surviving the day-to-day requirements to have anything left to offer. And how can we possible measure up to God? Created in His image, yes, but containing any of His power and wonder…how can that be? And so, we hold back, we limit what we can do. We offer excuses and reasons why we fall short. Our comparisons between us and others and us and the Lord make us feel as if we do not measure up, so we quit. The Lord’s alternative to this is for us to step up and to wake up! Awaken the wonder provided by our Creator. Believe that God made us in His image and believe in the creativity and power He placed inside us. Isaiah heard the call of the Lord and responded; Isaiah awoke the spirit inside. Isaiah recounts, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I. Send me.’” Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

We search our family trees looking for famous ancestors—presidents, war heroes, movie stars, athletes. Instead, we often find ancestors who are infamous—criminals, deserters, rascals, losers. One thing is for sure. Your family tree looks no better and it looks no worse than the genealogy of Jesus. His family tree includes glorious kings and decadent sinners. This provides an interesting perspective, which should help us avoid being too proud or too embarrassed about the family members who came before us. You may be wondering why all this talk about family trees is important. Why does the New Testament start with a list of names? Why are so many chapters in the Old Testament devoted to ancestry? Two reasons come to mind. First, the family tree provides historical legitimacy to the Christmas story and the prophecies fulfilled by the birth of Jesus. Second, by looking at the kind of people Jesus came from, we can see the kind of people Jesus came for. Regardless of your past, Jesus came for you. And that is the gift that will never stop giving.

During the Kidtown-led worship service last Sunday, we saw some of the boards from Jesus’ family tree removed and used to form a manger like the one where Jesus was born. Later in the service those same boards were used to form a cross like the one where Jesus died. Each board had written on it the name of an individual found in Matthew 1:1-17, the genealogy of Jesus. One of the unique things about the list of individuals in Matthew is that five of the ones mentioned were women, four of whom were mentioned by name—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Mary—and one who was identified as the mother of Solomon, who we know as Bathsheba. Including women, especially identifying them by name, was not a common practice in the time this was written. Even more uncommon was including the name of one like Rahab. You see, Rahab was identified as a harlot, a prostitute, but her story in Joshua 2 centered on what she did to help two spies from Israel escape capture. The spies, in turn, protected Rahab and her family when the Israelites destroyed the city of Jericho. It wasn’t what Rahab did that made her right with God. As John MacArthur says in Twelve Extraordinary Women, “She is a reminder that God by His grace can redeem even the most horrible life.” No matter what sin was in your life or is in your life right now, no matter what you’ve done to make yourself right with Him, it is God who, by His grace, redeems you and puts your name on His Son’s family tree.

From the beginning of time, men have studied and watched the stars. On land and sea, men have been guided by the stars, so it was very practical and fitting that the wise men were guided to the Christ Child by the star from the East. More than likely, these men had studied the stars and knew something of their size and movement. When they beheld this unusually bright star in the heavens, they were sure it held special significance. Probably they would have followed this unique star even if King Herod had not ordered them to “go and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” Matthew 2:8 (ESV) There must have been something magnetic in this starlight that these wise men were drawn to follow to see if indeed prophecy had come true, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) Surely the lives of these wise men were never the same after following the star and viewing the new born babe. Our lives can be changed too, if we would catch a gleam from that Star of Bethlehem this Christmas season and worship the Christ Child who was born some two thousand years ago to bring peace, hope and love into the world. Let us hear anew the angels’ song of Peace on Earth Good Will to Men.

Many of us may wonder what the purpose of Matthew 1:1-16 is. God said 1,000 years earlier that the Messiah must come from the line of David. How would the people know who to believe? One answer—check His genealogy. If He’s not from the line of David, forget it. He can’t be the Messiah. Matthew 1 begins this way: “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” We might say, in a sense, that this family tree is the original Christmas tree. In order for Jesus to qualify as the Messiah, He must be a literal, physical descendant of David. We also may wonder why only four women were mentioned. Israelite scholars usually only recorded the significant male ancestors. Sometimes entire generations were skipped, and usually all of the women were not mentioned. The first woman mentioned is Tamar. “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother’s name was Tamar” Matthew 1:3 (NIV). On the surface, this seems normal enough, but Judah was Tamar’s father-in-law. After Tamar’s husband died, she behaved as a prostitute and had children with Judah. What does all of this mean? God isn’t like us. We can’t pick our relatives, but He can. We might assume He would pick only the most morally pure of heart for His lineage, but He didn’t. Jesus’ family tree is like any other. Can we see what God is saying even in a detail as small as Christ’s genealogy? We don’t have to be perfect to be used by God. No matter what we’ve done, He still has a purpose and plan for our life.

Just a few days ago we sat down with family and friends to share a Thanksgiving meal together. Things don’t always go right with those dinners. But things don’t always go right with us as we journey through life either. Consider these Thanksgiving stories. We were having a huge meal with lots of people. When the humongous turkey was done we each grabbed a side of the disposable foil pan and lifted. We got it just out of the oven before the pan bent and we dropped the turkey and the entire contents of the pan all over the kitchen floor! It went spilling out EVERYWHERE! Stephanie Sullivan I had everything cooked and sitting out on the counter except for the dressing, so I took it out of the oven and sat it on top of the stove. All of a sudden, I heard a small explosion. I did not realize the stove was hot and when I sat the glass dish on it, the dish exploded into pieces. Glass went everywhere. It got into all the food that was on the counter. The only thing salvaged was the mashed potatoes and bread. Dawn Brewer My friend’s mother-in-law always added a drop of yellow food coloring to the gravy to give it that golden glow. One year she accidentally used red, and everyone had to look away while eating what looked a lot like blood poured on their mashed potatoes and turkey. Diane Rinaldi None of us can go through life without mistakes and blemishes. But just as the food coloring covered the real look of the potatoes and turkey, the blood of Jesus covers our sins and errors in this life. Let’s be thankful that we have a God who loves us and wants to spend Thanksgiving with us for all eternity.

Giving, like so many things, takes practice. When the word generosity is used, the first thing that often comes to mind is some sort of financial resource—money. Certainly giving money can be a generous act but it is not the only way to give or to be generous. Giving is not just about tangible items. We can give our time and our labor. But adding labor and time to gifts of money is not an all-inclusive description of generosity. Do we ever think of a confession as being a generous act? In 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV) we read “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” When we give money, time, resources or make a personal commitment, we are most like our heavenly Father. Generous giving and serving brings us a joy unlike any other. Sometimes the simplest sayings capture the largest ideas. Such is the perspective on giving and generosity in the saying, “It is better to give than to receive.” The origin of that little bit of wisdom springs from the book of Acts.“ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’“ Acts 20:35 (NIV) Giving and doing so generously is a way to display and practice thanks but it must be practiced daily.

We spend a lot of time looking at other people. We observe people at work, at school, in traffic and at the next restaurant table. And if that’s not enough, the average person spends 1.72 hours per day on social media,* which is one more way to see what other people are doing. Often, what we see is frustrating. Wives are prettier and husbands more handsome. Children are smarter and better athletes. Cars are newer, homes bigger and pets don’t chew up furniture. At least that’s how it looks. The full story is rarely in view. Chronic illnesses and pain lurk just below the outward beauty. There are children struggling with peer pressure and bullies and jobs filled with stress and insecurity. Still, envy creeps into the picture. We see the good circumstances of others and the bad circumstances of our lives. There is a better way to look at life. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) *globalwebindex.net

“My father said there were two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better.” —Marlo Thomas Our generosity can be a window to our heart. What you give and to whom you give speaks about you, describes you and demonstrates where your priorities live. To proclaim support for ministries and missions is helpful, giving to those efforts truly meaningful. In Luke 12:34 we read, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke didn’t say where you think your treasure is or where you want others to believe your treasure is located. Rather he said where your treasure is actually located, there is your heart. In a simple old phrase, actions speak louder than words. As Christians giving should be important to us, not talking about it but actually doing it. Often a natural question to ask is “How much?” Here again we can find the answer in the scriptures. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving is your heart in action. Giving fuels the world of ministry and mission, both near and far. Giving often means sacrifice but yields a great, priceless bonus. To give is rewarded by the love of God, an incredible return on an investment! “Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up.” – Colin Powell

Many of us may have asked the question at some point in our life: “Why should I read and study the Bible?” It is actually quite simple. We should read and study the Bible because it is God's Word to us. The Bible is literally "God-breathed," 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV). In other words, it is God's very words to us. There are so many questions that philosophers have asked that God answers for us in Scripture. What is the purpose of life? Where did I come from? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven? Why is the world full of evil? Why do I struggle to do good?We should read and study the Bible because it is totally reliable and without error. The Bible equips us to serve God, 2 Timothy 3:17; Hebrews 4:12 (NIV). It helps us know how to be saved from our sin, 2 Timothy 3:15 (NIV). God’s Word helps us see sin in our lives and helps us get rid of it, Psalm 119:9, 11 (NIV). The Bible keeps us from wasting years of our lives on that which does not matter and will not last, Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV). The Bible is not just for reading. It is for studying so that it can be applied. The more we make an effort to really dig into it, the more reward we will gain for our effort. If we make the time in our life to study, we will see that there is power in it to change our life and become the person God wants us to be. Once we do this, we will experience the peace to enjoy every day of our life!

As important as the local church is, God’s plan extends way beyond E’town and Hardin County. Yes, God calls us to reach the people in our community, but he has no intention of stopping there. Until our vision of the church encompasses the entire globe, we don’t have an accurate view of God’s church or His plan of redemption. Many Christians are surprised to hear that there are still countless ones around the world that have never heard the name of Jesus. We take it for granted that people nearly everywhere have access to the gospel but there are many who have never heard the name Jesus or what He offers them. They desperately need hope, healing and salvation. The Apostle Paul’s ambition in life was to take this message of redemption and bring it to those who had never heard it. His passion was an essential part of the mission that Jesus gave to the church. How will those in need of a savior call on Him in whom they have never heard? How are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are missionaries to preach unless they are sent? These questions should burn in our minds and hearts. At First Christian Church we regularly support a number of missionaries in various parts of the world from your regular giving. We make short term mission trips available to our members. We encourage our members to financially support missions. Designating a special offering to support an upcoming FCC mission trip is one way you can help FCC be a global church.

Last Sunday many First Christian members were out of the church building serving others while many remained in the building packing meals for Haiti, compiling goody boxes for college students and writing encouraging notes to those who can no longer attend church on a regular basis. You were being the “light of the world” regardless of where you chose to serve. While what we receive each Sunday morning by participating in a life group and in the worship service is vital to our Christian growth, we are told In Matthew 5 that there is more to be done. We must let our light shine not only as we greet one another, teach or serve in some capacity each Sunday morning but we must also focus on getting that light out of the church building to shine it on others. “You should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Mathew 5:16 ERV. Shining this light must not be restricted to this one Service Sunday. We must shine His light on those we meet every day of the year. This is so important that Jesus empowered us through prayer. He said in John 17:22-23 ERV “I have given them the glory that you gave me. . . .I will be in them.” He will be with us each time we reach out to serve others through a smile, a kind word and a selfless deed. He’s given us that glory so that others will see His light as we serve. Whether you were able to participate in the Service Sunday or not, opportunities still await you. How will you be the light of the world today . . . tomorrow . . . Tuesday . . . Wednesday . . . Thursday . . .Friday . . . Saturday?

Have you ever thought “I get a lot from the sermon each week but why go to the trouble of going to church Sunday morning to hear it? I can just stay home and watch it online at my convenience. Who needs all that other stuff—the worship service, seeing all those people or joining a life group?” This may seem to be a shocking admission to some of you but others completely understand that thought. Just as reading only the front page of the newspaper or reading just the first and last chapters of a book or attending a basketball game where you are the only spectator doesn’t give you a true picture of that particular activity, pursuing a walk with the Lord based only on the sermon will not give you a true picture of what being a disciple is. We are told in Hebrews 10:25 NIV “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Our responsibility as a Christian disciple doesn’t begin and end with what we get out of the Sunday morning activities at church but should include how we can help others grow in their walk with the Lord. That means we need to get to know our fellow believers. Not only do we need to participate in the worship service and absorb what the sermon is telling us, we need to engage others in conversation. We need to be that disciple who encourages others in their walk with Christ. You can’t do that in front of a computer screen!

An old Cherokee legend tells of a grandfather talking with his grandson about a battle that wages within people. He said, “My son, there is a battle between two wolves. One wolf is evil, it represents anger, jealousy, greed, envy and arrogance. The other wolf is good, it represents love, peace, hope, compassion and faith.” The grandfather continued, “These two wolves living inside of us are constantly in battle with each other.” The young grandson pondered these words for a few minutes, then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?” The old grandfather answered wisely and simply, “The one we feed.” Leading people to Jesus is what we as Christians have been instructed to do, but we can’t stop there. We must be Christian examples and live our lives immersed in the Word of God—studying it, praying over it and obeying it. That way, we can mentor and teach new believers; in other words, feed them. It’s not enough to lead someone to Christ, see them baptized and then disappear from their lives. We must be ready to share our testimony with others. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 28, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Those words make it clear that we are to be Jesus’ representative in this world. Our mission is to teach others about the gospel, guide them to acceptance of grace and to help them become closer to Jesus throughout their lifetime. Jesus promises to be our leader…our boss…through this process. Jeffrey James of Inc.com wrote an article that identified the greatest traits of an extraordinary boss. He said they inspire employees to dedicate themselves to the success of their peers and to the community at large. Jesus teaches us to see others as important and to help them become a part of God’s family. James wrote that extraordinary bosses set a general direction and then commit themselves to obtaining the resources that their employees need to get the job done, intervening only in emergencies. Jesus knows we have what it takes to get the job done. He empowers us. But the Holy Spirit is on call 24 hours a day when we need him. And James also wrote that extraordinary bosses inspire people to see a better future and how they'll be a part of it. As a result, they'll share in the rewards. Jesus promises us rewards in heaven for faithful performance of our duties. We have an extraordinary boss in Jesus. Let’s do his work with supreme confidence and thankfulness.