First Christian Church Online
Recent Messages
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Come to the TableThroughout the Gospels we hear the call to dine with Jesus -- an invitation that means much more than a simple eating experience. It never was with Jesus. The table was the place where he fed people, and also challenged them to acts of hospitality that reflect God's way. When we break bread together, whether at the family home or at the Lord's table, we share in fellowship and love with God and with one another. As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, a time dedicated to gather around tables, let us celebrate the depth of communion to which we are called, as we come to the table.
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Stranger ThingsFor some of us, Fall is filled with fun and excitement, for others we are just not into the creepy things happening all around. Event planners and movie producers skillfully plan situations that frighten us. A hand that eerily writes cryptic messages on the wall will do the trick. Even amid trouble, God is still making a way.
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Greater ThanThe whole is greater than the sum of its parts. -Aristotle
One aspect of growing as a disciple of Christ means that we are committed to responding to God's wonderful generosity. Being generous is about aligning our priorities with God's priorities, aligning our hearts with God's heart. We grow in that generosity as part of our individual spirituality, we also grow in generosity within our faith community as the body of Christ. The early church understood the power of community and growing together. They understood that:
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Short Stories: Parables of JesusA good story captures our attention and draws us in. That's probably why Jesus told so many stories. He was a master storyteller, using common subjects and everyday experiences to share deep truths about God, God's kingdom and ourselves. They were stories that spoke to those he met, whether through one-on-one, talks within a small group or even large crowds. These stories still have power to impact and speak to us today -- in the story that we're living.
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Busy: Reconnecting to an Unhurried GodBeing "busy" has become a measure of worth in our society. We get big points for productivity, collecting accomplishments, having and being "more." But we are paying a high price in self-esteem, physical health, enjoyment of life, and connecting with one another. We are losing out on depth in our lives the more we spread ourselves thin.
The season of Lent has often been a time when we think about "giving something up." But what if we thought less about "giving up" and more about "making room?" As we enter into this season, let us think less about being busy and more about reconnecting to an unhurried God. |