FCC Etown Podcast

We carry the imprint of God in our souls; we were created in His image, “So God created mankind in his own image….” (Genesis 1:27) Jesus is the perfect model of goodness, and as a church, we are designed to live out that goodness through good works. However, we can’t do this on our own; we have to have Jesus Christ as our Savior because no matter how hard we try, we will fail at some point. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Acts 6:1-4 tells us about a time when the Apostles faced a challenge at the start of the church. The widows were being overlooked. When the Christians were making the rounds to care for some of these women, they were not taking them the food they needed. As a church today we also face challenges. How can we handle all God is calling us to? A phrase we all have heard before is, "Teamwork makes the dream work." God gifts each of us to help build up the church body, not just run the church, but really take care of each other and love each other during this time.

Rising from the rubble is the church that will share the greatest message that the world needs right now. A message of hope, a message of grace and mercy and love that has been forgotten over the past year. That’s the mission the church has been given. The mission has never changed.

The way we accomplish the mission hasn’t changed either. The message of the good news of Jesus Christ was always distributed by the Body of Christ. That’s you. That’s me. That’s we. 

You have a role in the Body of Christ. You need to allow the Spirit of God to lead you to your role. Why? The church needs you! We need you so that we can assemble the team that God has brought together right here at FCC to rise from the rubble and revive the world with the Love of Christ.

Do you have these friends in your life? Do you have friends where you feel comfortable revealing the real stuff? Friends, who share and help carry the load? Friends who encourage you and fight for you? Jesus had those friendships and modeled those friendships for us. God intends you to have these relationships in your life. Here is the catch. We will not have these kinds of friends until we're ready to be those kinds of friends.

It takes courage and patience and bravery to be a parent. Parents are brave warriors because parents are on a mission to do more than just fight battles over food, sleep and toys. They are fighting to raise the gifts God has given them to be physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally healthy people. And that is no easy task.

You’ve probably spent more time with your spouse during the last year than you normally do. Most of the time it was good to have that time together but then there were times when it was best to be in separate rooms for an hour or so. Sustained time together can lead to finding faults you never knew existed in your loved one. However, if you took time to think about it, your faults were probably quite evident, too. How do we avoid the “nitpicking” in our marriage relationship? Begin each day praying that God would help you be His love, grace, and mercy to everyone, especially the one He brought into your life because He knew what you needed.

Jesus is alive! Praise God, Christ Jesus has defeated death, and the tomb is empty! Forever He is glorified! He is our resurrected King, and He is lifted high! His followers had trouble realizing and understanding their friend and savior had come back to life. Even today, it may seem impossible, but the reality of Jesus coming back to life is true and the basis of our faith! Hallelujah, Jesus has overcome the grave. Praise God, Jesus is alive!

In Luke 23:39-43, we read about the two criminals that were crucified with Jesus. The first criminal was indignant and hurled insults at Jesus. But the other one was the total opposite. He is concerned about himself, but it's because he knows he's lived a life against God's laws. He's dying, and he's not in a good place with God. He says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." This criminal saw a king and appealed to him for mercy. He didn't know much. If anyone had nothing more than faith as small as a mustard seed, it was this man. His faith may have been small, but still he cried out to Jesus and it was enough. And it is enough for us as well. No matter what we have done, Jesus give us the same grace and mercy as he gave the criminal that day

As a kid, we're asked what we want to be when we grow up. We answer, doctor, firefighter, pilot, teacher, etc. People aspire to be important, reliable cogs in life who bring benefit to themselves and others.

The disciple Peter was no different. His time with Jesus led him to want to be a dedicated and reliable servant. In fact, he was sure he could be that person. But Jesus recognized Peter (like all of us) was prone to mistakes and protection of self.

We all must realize our human frailties and depend on Jesus to cover for us when we fail in life.

In Mark 14:3-9, we read of a woman who anointed Jesus with fine, expensive perfume. She faced harsh and disapproving looks from those present as she did this and was rebuked for her actions. The stern faces and indignant comments did not stop her from anointing her Savior; she was not deterred. And she worshiped Him.

What stands in your way? What might stop you from worshiping? Could it be disapproval through looks and words? Might you fear the condemnation of others for your worship or the anointing of your Savior with your praise and obedience?

Do not let barriers, real or imagined, stand between you and the one who is the Way and the Light.