September's Stuff!!!

September is coming upon us quickly!!! I am excited about what is in store for us as we begin the Fall. First we are revealing our Vision, Mission and core Values for FC3 (First Christian Church of Cleveland!) A group of men have been praying and looking at the Bible and also the characteristics of FC3. We seek to honor God in everything we do and we want to place it before our congregation to hold up as a standard for the specific ministry of FC3. I hope that all of you will make it a priority to be in our worship service the frist 3 weeks of September as we share what God has laid upon our hearts. The fourth week of September we will be begining "The Story" which is a 31 week look at the Bible - Genesis through Revelation - to give us a big picture of God's Story! I hope you will desire to be a part of everything we have coming up. To God be the glory!

Revelation lessons...

Preaching through the Book of Revelation has stretched me, greatly. It has pushed my study and trust in the Spirit of God more than before. I love the fact that it has also caused many of FC3 people to jump in and study the Bible more. I guess the biggest lesson for me in all of this has been the necessity to seek to 'snatch others from the fire' (Jude 23) more than ever before. While I am very thankful that the Bible teaches me about my eternal reward for surrendering my life to Jesus, it also teaches me the destiny of the damned! Oh, dear God forgive us for our complacency and apathetic lifestyles that have little or no impact on those who do not know Jesus as Lord. While I do not enjoy preaching about Hell, I do appreciate the fact that God given us HIS book to teach us just how serious this life really is. I have a deeper ache inside of me for my friends who have not yet made a decision for Jesus! I desire to make it for them, but I cannot! My only hope in all of this for their sake is to trust that Jesus will live powerfully through me to draw them to HIS side. Therefore there is a greater need each and every day to give up my desires for HIS desires. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." The more I grow, the more I think about that patience with me that God talks about. In the past, I have often read that to mean patient with those outside of Christ Jesus. But lately, I feel as though it means God is patient with me as a believer who is not living life completely for HIM which keeps others from finding true freedom and peace that is only found in HIM. May we all learn this lesson for the glory of God and the salvation of those who are not yet HIS. All to the praise and honor and glory of God my Father and yours!