In this past Sunday’s sermon Kurt talked about Achan’s desire — his desire for the things of Jericho. I have been rereading a book lately that talks about how we form our desires (which are not innate) by imitating the desires of others. In the 10th commandment we are prohibited from coveting the things of our neighbor. We want our neighbor’s stuff though  because our neighbor showed us that these things were desirable. As we come to follow Christ, we need to have not only our desires changed, but also the model for our desires. Christ had no desire of His own per see, but rather the desire to be an imitator of His Father. Achan was modeling his desires after the folks from Jericho. Who is our “desire” model?

I have had the privilege of teaching through our statement of faith article by article since Feb.  One of the most convicting lessons was on the fall of man.  According to the article, we have inherited “a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and his law.”  This means we rebel against God with every breathe, every action, every thought.  Even our best motives are tainted with sin. This should help us only see our need for Christ more and praise him that his blood covers every sin.

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What were you doing three years ago? Many of our current members weren’t around here three years ago, which is great in that we have lots of new folks. What’s not so great is that a number of members from 2006 have moved on. But, the main point to this post (for those who were here and those who weren’t) is that it was three years ago on March 16 that we formally implemented our constitution and elder leadership. We did not cross into some “promised land” when that happened, but we did enter a period of sustained spiritual growth and health for the church. With thanks to all those who shouldered the load with us, with thanks to all who have joined our band, and with all the glory to our Father . . .

Yesterday, we considered together that the choice facing Rahab to align herself with the unbelief of her people or to align herself with the one, true, God mirrors the choice facing all people. Jesus Christ is coming. For some, his arrival will be a day of rejoicing. For others it will be a day of judgment. The only way to avoid the judgment of that day is to switch our allegiance from sin to God. My prayer this morning is that Third would be increasingly marked by an evangelistic zeal that appreciates the certainty of Christ’s coming and that we would see many come to saving faith through our bold proclamation of the Gospel, both from the pulpit and in our relationships.

This blog is based upon a meditation of I Pet 3, my self-loathing, the blessing others’ suffering has brought to my own life, and John Chrysostom.

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A friend’s blog sent me to this article by an atheist who thinks Christianity is good for Africa.  I appreciate the atheist’s thoughts and observations that people seem more at peace because they were converted.  He even credits the reformed tradition that emphasizes the direct connection man can have with God specifically (see priesthood of every believer).  He also realizes that a major breakthrough must take place in one’s philosophical/spiritual framework in order to make the kind of changes that he sees in the African Christians.  The question I have is what event, fact, or experience can change someone’s worldview?  And are they really better off for believing in Christ if you are truly an atheist?

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1) Church Life….We have a wonderful church. We have wonderful fellowship…But people still fall through the cracks - members and visitors…

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