CCW Podcast

1 Peter 3:18-22 shows us that the heart of the gospel is the fact that Jesus Christ who knew no sin, died for sinners. Peter closes this section on the unjust suffering of believers with the example of how Christ suffered unjustly to redeem the lost. Jesus’ atoning death forever eliminated the need for further sacrifices. When He died, the price for sin was fully paid, once and for all, by His shed blood. This Sunday we will look at the Triumphant Christ. How fitting a message on Memorial Day weekend that we show appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives to pay for our freedom!

How do we honor God’s name? By doing His will on earth. Saint Francis once took a young monk with him to preach in town. But when they arrived they just chatted with vendors and talked to people on the street. Returning home, the novice asked Saint Francis why they hadn’t preached. He replied, “People listened; they observed our attitude and behavior. That was our message.” Paul writes “Take care of business do your work then people who are not believers will respect you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NCV) this Sunday we will look at 1 Peter 3:13-17 on How To Be A Christian Witness In A Hostile World.

One of the crucial factors involved in the maturing process of the Christian is the issue of the believer’s relationship with others Christians. If we can learn to get along with other Christians, and be patient when other believers are a pain, then he or she will grow and go forward for Christ and live The Good Life, which is the title of the message Sunday morning. If a Christian can’t deal with the fallacy, faults, failures, and frustrations that are created by other believers, he will become hurt, bitter, discouraged, and disillusioned with Christians, the church, the Bible, and the Lord. He will most likely follow the path that many have trod and get out of church. Join us and we take a close look at how to avoid the pitfalls, so we can continue in the way of The Good Life! May we be an example to others of how to navigate this life without stumbling and falling away.

In last week's Easter message, we looked at Luke 24, when the two disciples and Jesus were walking to Emmaus. As the three approached the village at the conclusion of their trip, the couple begged the Lord to stay with them at their home since it was getting late. Jesus said yes and went home with them. As they sat together for the meal, the Lord took the bread, blessed it, and gave it to them. The breaking of the bread by the Lord provokes some important thoughts and applications for our personal lives. This Sunday we will be looking at how God sometimes has to break us in order to bring blessings to others and ourselves. Then we will partake of the Lord’s Supper together. Don’t miss this special day as we break bread together.

This Easter Sunday's message is titled, "The Road to Joy!" The lives of many have been changed throughout history because of a road they took in their travels. The life of a man that was beaten by robbers on the Jericho road was saved by someone we know as the Good Samaritan. Saul’s life was drastically changed when he traveled on the road to Damascus, met Jesus, and was saved. These folks found life on their difficult paths or roads they traveled. This Easter, we will be looking at two people who were on the Emmaus Road, when they ran into the risen Christ on that first resurrection Sunday and how it changed their lives forever. You can set your GPS for Luke 24 because that's our destination!

Speaking to believers, Peter said, ”Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles” (1Peter 2:12). This speaks of our behavior before the world. Honest speaks of more than just a person’s integrity. The word is translated Kalos in Greek which means good and beautiful. Conversation refers to more than the mouth but to the entire manner of life. “That they by your good works glorify God in the day of visitation”. The believer is to behave in such a way that it will cause others to glorify God not bring reproach. This Sunday we will take a look in the mirror and consider how the world sees us.

Peter was a strong, impulsive fisherman, yet when he met Jesus, he bowed to his Lord. In his later years, when he wrote this letter of encouragement to the believers, he spoke of love, hope, humility, and our precious Jesus. This week's message is The Precious Stone from I Peter 2:4-7. In this passage we are reminded of how precious our Savior is and in turn how precious our lives are because of Him. We have a holy purpose. The Lord is special to Christians, and we are special to the Lord. He has a specific plan for each of us that will bring glory to Him, that will bless our lives, and will benefit others that put their faith in Him. Peter reminds us where we came from, where we are right now, and where we are going if we know the Lord Jesus. He is building us up into a spiritual house. Don't miss Sunday as we look at the preciousness of Christ and our purpose which is precious.