It's July 4....Stop and Think! - Luke 14:25-33
Each year we get to celebrate and remember the 4th of July! I imagine some of us know what the Declaration of Independence is about. Many have probably never read it in total. It is a fascinating document!
Let me ask my question. What is the most significant, and recent, purchase you have made? Did you labor over the cost? Did you wrestle to decide if you should pull the trigger? Is it really worth what you paid for it?
We will take advantage of the day to celebrate communion together, and consider the cost of showing up at the table. There was a cost to the 56 men who showed up at the table to sign the Declaration of Independence. And.....there is a cost to all who show up at the table to dine with Jesus.
But I thought salvation was a free gift? And you are correct. But even the blind man who receives his sight realizes that things are forever changed because now he can see. There is a cost to being deaf, and there is a cost to hearing.
In a discussion Jesus has with the multitudes about really learning from Him, he makes sure to be honest about the cost of experiencing new life, freedom, and the Kingdom of God's love! What is that cost? Is it worth it? Only you can make that decision.
Steve
Communion Sunday - July 4th, 2021
It's July 4....Stop and Think! - Luke 14:25-33
July 4, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden
Saved By Baptism? - 1 Peter 3:18-22
April 23, 2023 • Pastor Steve Feden • 1 Peter 3:18–22
This Sunday, we have some important business to take care of! What business is that? The business of baptism with a topical message on the subject from 1 Peter 3. After starting with my usual questions, we will investigate one area of scripture that offers some important information on the subject of baptism, especially for those who believe that sprinkling water on a baby or dunking someone in a body of water has some spiritual power to save. I know why some believe that. In 1 Peter 3, Peter says that baptism saves us! Yes, he really does! However, the apostle is quick to clarify what he means by that! Why do we practice baptism? What does it do? What does it mean? Did you know that Jesus Himself got baptized? He really did! And so do those who want to follow Him! If you want to hear more then... ...COME AND SEE Steve
John 13
March 26, 2023 • Pastor Steve Feden • John 13
"Breaking Bread...and Something Else" - John 13 I will be taking advantage of the timing and our pause between books of the Bible to step into the gospel of John and prepare us for communion. I have been inescapably drawn to John 13. What one thing, if everyone lived it, would instantly change the way we experience church and family life? You said "love" didn't you. Of course that is true, but can we be more specific? Love is just too easy to say while it remaining a bit obscure. What type of expression of love? This will be the topic of discussion for tomorrow and will extend into our "Love Feast" tomorrow night. It's so important that Jesus gives a specific example and makes sure to explain it, roughly 12 hours before he would be crucified! If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what example would you want to leave for your children or those you were mentoring? What example did Jesus leave? There was more than bread that had to be broken around the table that evening. If you want to know the details... ...VIEW AND SEE Steve
James 1:19-25
January 1, 2023 • Pastor Steve Feden • James 1:19–25
HOW and WHY to READ THE BIBLE - James 1:19-25 In this new year, 2023, our vision as a church remains steadfast and unchanged. As pastor Chuck Smith has said, we are making our best effort to, "Simply teach the word of God....simply." On my end, the resolve for myself and the CCF leadership is to continue to bring to you the whole counsel of God's Word, book by book, and chapter by chapter. We are responsible to keep God's Word central. He promises to handle the results! What about you? Any resolutions? I hope tomorrow's sermon from James will be both challenging and inspiring as you think about 2023. I hope this sermon may be used by the Spirit of God to set our direction for the coming year and maybe, for some of you, for the rest of your lives. What is the challenge? If you want to know, you have to..... .....VIEW AND SEE! Steve