Christ Community Chapel (Audio)

We often think of challenges to genuine faith in God as coming from outside of religious institutions - from societal forces at odds with our beliefs, for instance. In the Bible, however, we often hear Jesus calling out the righteous elites of the day, the Pharisees, as hypocrites that were leading people away from God. As Tom Randall reminds us in this message, there is still risk today of favoring the traditions of men - even within the church - over the direction of God in the Bible. As Tom shares personal stories of being at odds with traditions at points in his life, as well as how he persevered, we are all reminded that there is no greater authority than the word of God for our lives.

Jesus was the most compassionate, generous, loving person on earth. And the most compassionate, generous, loving person on earth doesn't just end up hanging from one of the most tortuous death implements known to humanity without being a threat. Jesus scared and offended people... He scares and offends people to this day. The thing about Jesus is that he claims that all things are under his authority, and that authority clashes with our autonomy. He claims that humanity is broken when we want to believe we are good people. The submission Jesus requires of us can be seen as a threat to the very core of who we are. This terrified the religious leaders of Jesus' time. Have you wrestled with the offensiveness of Jesus?

Whether you have been directly affected by it or not, you have probably at least heard that Northeast Ohio is facing a major opioid addiction crisis right now. Heroin overdoses in the greater Akron area are all too commonplace, and more dedicated resources are needed to help those with addictions recover.

Throughout history, God's church has often felt the call to be healers in this world, helping those in need as best they can. Now is one of those times, and as a result, Christ Community Chapel is helping to start Restore Addiction Recovery, a comprehensive addiction recovery center that will offer connected facilities where people can stay through every stage of the recovery process. Hear from Pastor Marshall Brandon about his personal experience dealing with heroin throughout his life, and from Pastor Joe Coffey, who lays out our vision to reach, rescue, regenerate and reconcile those suffering from addition today. Finally, consider praying for the ministry! You can learn how here: ccchapel.com/special-pages/6-8-prayer

In the gospels of Matthew and Mark, Jesus encouraged us to receive the kingdom of God like a little child: with a pure and humble faith. He tells us not to be childish, but "childlike," embracing joy, worrying less and trusting in God to serve our spiritual and physical needs. This week, we celebrate Kids' Weekend at CCC, bringing children to the forefront of worship and service within the church to remind us not only that God chooses to use children to convey his messages throughout history, but that there is still a lot we can learn about loving God from the youngest among us.

God is the almighty ruler of the universe, yet he expects his servants (us) to carry out his will on Earth. The problem is that we are inclined to take care of ourselves first and foremost, rather than serving others. We could serve God because he is in a position of authority over all things, which is a good enough reason in itself. More importantly, however, we should serve him because we serve those who love us most, and God's love for us is unparalleled, even though we don't deserve it.

So, what does serving look like? Jesus commanded us to go forth and make disciples, baptizing and teaching in his name. It isn't always easy and comfortable, but it isn't supposed to be. Take heart, though! Jesus said, "Behold, I am with you always," so be confident not only that you are loved, but that we act with the full blessing of the king when we serve him daily.

Imagine for a moment you stepped out onto a city sidewalk, minding your own business, headed for the store. The next thing you know, you're being arrested for a crime you not only didn't commit, but about which you know absolutely nothing. While you feel certain that a jury will clear your name, you soon find yourself serving a ten-year jail sentence because a corrupt police officer framed you for the crime. Do you think you could forgive him after losing four years of your life before your conviction was overturned?

Jameel McGee faced that same question when this exact scenario played out in his life. This week, he visits Christ Community Chapel to tell the story of his journey toward forgiveness, and he does so sitting side-by-side with Andrew Collins, one of his close friends. Andrew also happens to be the corrupt officer whose false testimony sent Jameel to jail in the first place. The story of their reconciliation and collective redemption not only showcases how God can work wonders in our relationships, but reminds us that the king is at work in our world accomplishing feats of grace every day.

Jameel McGee's life was turned upside down when a crooked police officer, Andrew Collins, framed him for drug dealing and sent him to prison for a 10-year sentence. His sentence was overturned after four years once Andrew was arrested for corruption, but Jameel still lost years of freedom. He was bitter, and when he encountered Andrew again, he wasn't sure he could contain his anger.

God works in unexpected ways, however. Jameel and Andrew both came to know God throughout their ordeals, and became unlikely friends as a result. In this evening session, both men joined CCC's lead pastor Joe Coffey and Highland Square campus pastor Marshall Brandon to talk about race relations in America, what we can do to improve them, the power of forgiveness, and how God can ultimately change us to be forces of good in this world - loving God and loving one another, no matter what.