This Weekend's Sermon

"Only Christ is Gain" by Pastor Mike Avato


We are returning to our sermon series in Philippians after an extended break because of the Advent Season.


This weekend's sermon text tells us that one of the reasons we are not becoming more Christ-like, as we should, is that we rely so much on our own resources. Paul lists his accomplishments and accolades only to demolish them all by saying, "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." Imagine the most successful person in terms of worldly achievements to finally say at the end, "It's all worthless without Christ!" Paul takes it further by calling it all "rubbish" and that he gains Christ through the loss of these achievements. His utter reliance and dependence on Christ's provision instead of these things result in further sanctification. Of course, Christ's work on the cross is the ground of Paul's salvation, but Paul's suffering for Christ helps him further identify with Christ who suffered to the point of death, even death on a cross (Phil 2:8).


Paul's reliance on Christ's provision is clear and so should ours. Paul was so changed by his encounter with Jesus that he left behind the rabbinical world that he worked so diligently to obtain in order to follow the call of Christ. Leaving that which we know for the unknown can be scary. But Paul knew Jesus and therefore he wasn't leaving the known for the unknown. Paul left all to know Christ more! He said, "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection" (Phil 3:10). That is our calling too! May we know him and the power of his resurrection! Amen!

The Art of Marriage

JAN 8th - FEB12th (6 Sessions)

Sunday School Class for ALL ADULTS AND TEENS (i.e., Men, Women, and Teens & childcare provided) CHILD CARE PROVIDED


In The Art of Marriage, we weave together biblically-centered teaching, real-life stories, humorous vignettes and more to portray both the challenges and the beauty of God's design. Ministry leaders such as Dennis and Barbara Rainey, Voddie Baucham, Russell Moore, Crawford Loritts and others provide the expert teaching while couples who have struggled and overcome openly and honestly share their stories of pain, loss, forgiveness and grace.

Topics covered include:

Love Happens: God's Purpose and Plan

Love Fades: Overcoming Isolation

Love Dances: Fulfilling Our Responsibilities

Love Interrupted: Communication and Conflict

Love Sizzles: Experiencing Real Intimacy

Love Always: Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Each Sunday we'll meet in the fellowship hall to view the biblically centered and engaging content of The Art of Marriage video followed by large and small-group discussions. 

Elder Nominations

Open until Sunday, January 15, 2023

Paul the apostle instructed Titus to appoint elders saying, "This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—(Tt 1:5). The practice of the church has always been to govern by elders. We see this again in Acts 14:3,

"And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Ac 14:23). Pray for your elders and leaders. Ask for the Elder Nomination Form.

Congregational Meeting

Following worship on January 15, 2023

This will be our annual meeting to approve the budget for 2023. All members are invited to vote at this meeting. We are called to be good stewards of our resources and this meeting will help you understand how these resources are spent. Once in Luke 21:1-4, Jesus commended a woman who gave sacrificially,

"Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

I am amazed at how many of our church members give by grace as the widow did.

Thank you!

SUNDAY SCHOOL

RISEN KIDS (K-5TH) CHILDREN'S CLASSES meet during the sermon each Sunday. Children's classes are released after singing (approximately 9:25 am).


CHILDREN AFTER CHURCH

Raising up kids to love God and love others just like Jesus loved!

CAC is offered during the 10:30 a.m. Adult/teen Sunday School hour to teach Bible, memory verses, catechisms, and activities with a purpose such as arts/crafts, singing, improv, skits, & story time.


Call to Prayer


Sunday morning's at 8 a.m. in the library.

A measure of the grace of God in our midst is the amount of prayer taking place. Will you come join in to experience this grace together with others. As we fill the prayer room...God will fill our church!



PRAY FOR:

  • Pray for pastor Heiko & Kay Burklin. Kay's ALS is progressing, pray for God's merciful healing. When you need some encouragement you may read about Kay here at: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kayburklin
  • Pray for the Marriages in our community. May God use The Art of Marriage to enrich our relationships!
  • Pray that God would bring A NEW YOUTH DIRECTOR to minister to our teens. 
  • Pray for THAT ONE FRIEND to trust Christ this new year and bring them to church.
Read the Bible

Click on "Read the Bible" this will take you to "Today's Reading" where you will see D. A. Carson's commentary, then four selections from the Bible. Really solid stuff for you to feed upon!

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