Weekly Newsletter 2/15-2/21

This blog kicks off our weekly newsletter where will provide our church family with the opportunity to stay informed via weekly devotions, prayer requests, and any announcements that folks may need to be reminded of throughout the week.

Announcements and Prayer Requests

     Upcoming events:

- Fellowship Meal 3/1 after our gathering: Please sign up to bring a side or dessert on the sign up sheet in the foyer.

- Teacher Training 3/8 after our gathering: This will serve as a training for current teachers and those who desire to serve in our children's lesson time. We are switching to a new curriculum from The Gospel Project, so we encourage anyone willing to serve in this area to attend.

     Prayer Requests:

- Russ Williams: Pray Russ would continue to improve after being hospitalized by abdominal issues.

- Community Groups: These groups are the DNA of our church and where our people grow the most. Pray for sound teaching, deep unity, and genuine loving community for these groups.

- Our Elders: Pray for our leaders as they seek God's direction for our church and seek to serve us as they have been called to do.

Weekly Devotion

This past Sunday, we discussed Acts 17:1-15 and saw many rich truths in this glorious passage. One thing sticking to my mind this week is the word spoken by the angry mob in Thessalonica. After Jason and some of the believers were arrested for proclaiming Christ, those who opposed them detained and dragged them before the city authorities and said, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus." (Acts 17:6b-7 ESV) 

Now, what is striking about these words is the idea that they meant ill by saying them, however, they are actually a profound compliment and testimony to the gospel's power. The first claim the rabble makes is that these Christians have turned the world upside down. These world changing Christians did not wield weapons of destruction, did not burn chariots, and did not riot. No, they simply proclaimed the transformative message of the gospel which was altering the status quo in their region. The good news of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection as payment for the sins of those who will believe in Him was enough for these believers to be deemed ground breakers and earth shakers throughout the Roman Empire. The world has, can, and will be turned upside down in the most beautiful way by Jesus' gracious gospel plan of redemption. Let's join hands with these bold believers of old and share this glorious truth with our loved ones, or community, and let the gospel radiate in the walls of our church building. 

The next claim they make is true but twisted. The believers were not breaking laws against the the head of state or causing insurrection by their claims. What they meant by proclaiming another king was that there is a King of a different kind, a King unlike Caesar. Of course these men would have known and acknowledged that there were other kings and rulers somewhere in the world, but the claim of these Christians is deeper than that. See, being a Christian does not just mean gaining your fire insurance, it means an oath of allegiance to the One True King. The Creator of the cosmos and ruler of all. John Piper put it this way, "Jesus is not a consultant to your life; He is King. The gospel is treason to every rival throne." This proclamation that set Thessalonica in an uproar is incredibly important to us as followers of Christ. One writer claimed, "The central confession of the Christian faith is not merely that Jesus saves, but that Jesus is Lord." This is where trouble came about in the minds of these Macedonian, Roman citizens. The claim that there was a greater and higher authority that these people were heralding on every street corner could not go unchecked. 

Family, as we let this text dwell in our minds this week, recall the fact that our allegiance is to the One True King who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The King who gave Himself up for us as the perfect, spotless sacrifice in order that by His grace through our faith, we can be joined to Him in His kingdom forever. Knowing this, let us live on earth as citizens of heaven.

- Written by Anthony Lampron, Pastor