Sunday, November 30, 2014

WHY ARE WE AT ODDS WITH GOD, WITH OTHERS, AND WITH OURSELVES?

 
 
What keeps us at odds with God?
1. Pride
2. Prejudice
3. Self Righteousness
4. Selfishness
5. Stubbornness...

6. Ignorance - Immaturity
7. Lack of Reciprocity
8. Legalistic spirit "keeping the letter of the law, not the spirit"
9. Fear of rejection by others

What keeps us from being reconciled with others?
1. Pride
2. Prejudice
3. Self Righteousness
4. Selfishness
5. Stubbornness
6. Ignorance - Immaturity
7. Lack of Reciprocity
8. Legalistic spirit "keeping the letter of the law, not the spirit"
9. Fear of rejection by others

What keeps us from being reconciled within our own hearts?
1. Pride
2. Prejudice
3. Self Righteousness
4. Selfishness
5. Stubbornness
6. Ignorance - Immaturity
7. Lack of Reciprocity
8. Legalistic spirit "keeping the letter of the law, not the spirit"
9. Fear of rejection by others

So if we were to be reconciled to God we would indeed be reconciled with others and at peace within.

GOD AND SINNERS RECONCILED - INTRODUCING CHRISTMAS 2014

 
IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - REDEEMING LOVE
 
 
 
Our theme for this year’s celebration is taken from that great Christmas hymn of Charles Wesley, "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing!" In light of all the tragic events surrounding the sad death of Michael Brown this phrase arrested our attention--"GOD AND SINNERS RECONCILED."

In the good old days we used to get a bank statement in the mail. To be sure that our checkbook agreed with the bank’s accounting we would "reconcile" our bank book. When our checkbook agreed with the bank’s statement we said we say our account was "reconciled." The two reports now agreed.

As we have been praying for Ferguson, for our St. Louis community, and for those who have experienced such trauma and pain we have been more convinced than ever--we must to be reconciled to God if there is ever to be peace.

Law and the enforcement of law brings order. But only the love of the Lord Jesus Christ can bring peace.

Reconcilation must begin with a plain and truthful recognition of what, or I should say who we are. The tragedy of modern man is that we are so unwilling to admit who we are, and even more reticent to accept who we are. We are not so wonderful. Our problem is NOT that we are greater than we think we are. We are not so great.

Apart from God’s redeeming love we are rebels to God and disodient ingrates. Whatever our self assessment, "I’m better than the next fellow," "I’m a cut above the rest," "I am right," we must come to the profound realization that we are not better, we are not a cut above, and we are not right.

We are sinners, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," in need of a Savior. Actually we are rebels, "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way." Actually we are deceived--"the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9

(Continued on Back Cover)

When we see ourselves as we are in the sight of God, we then look at who He is. God is holy. God is love. God is pure. God is righteous. God is compassionate. Oh my.

Is there any hope? Is there anyway that our soul so at odds with God, our heart so opposed to Him, could be "reconciled" with Him?

If we have any hope, it will not be in man’s philosophy, our ideas, or our deeds. Having examined all the options it is clear that only God Himself can reconcile us to Himself.

So God so loved He gave His only begotten Son. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." 2 Corinthians 5:19. Reconciled to God through the blood of His only begotten, we are made righteous--not self righteous, but Christ righteous.

Hallelujah!

Onward!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

A CALL TO PRAYER FOR A COMMUNITY IN CRISIS

 
 
 
____________________________

As our city experiences the tragedy of the Michael Brown shooting and the aftermath of the Grand Jury Decision we must fervently seek the face of God.  Oh how we need HIM!

We're praying that the truth will be known and appreciated.
We're praying that God's will will be done.
We're praying that faith will conquer fear.
We're praying that love will triumph over hatred.

We're praying that the peace of God that passes understanding will keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
We're praying that we will be instruments of God's peace.
We're praying that we will be channels of blessing.
We're praying that those who are bent on doing evil will see the error of their ways.

We're praying that those whom God has ordained to preserve civil order will be strong, effective, and safe.
We're praying for godly homes that can bring children up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD.
We're praying that God's people will lift high the banner of holiness unto the LORD.
We're praying that righteousness will prevail over prejudice.

We're praying that the respect and respectability will be valued.
We're praying that virtue will triumph over vice.
We're praying that heaven will prevail over hell.
We're praying for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit.

We're praying for a Holy Ghost, Sin Killing, Devil defeating, revival!











 

Sunday, November 23, 2014

FCC NOVEMBER 2014 CONNECTION LETTER


IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - THANKS TO GOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcK9nJM7Rtg

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - WE'LL UNDERSTAND
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuSkFKgG6og
 
November 2014


It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:
To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night…
O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
P S A L M   9 2 : 1 - 6

 
GOOD MORNING FRIENDS OF FAITH,
 
The story is told of two old friends who happened to meet along a path.  One of them looked distressed and almost to the point of tears.  “What has happened?” the concerned friend wondered. 
 
The sad fellow replied, “Three weeks ago my uncle died and left me $40,000.”  “That’s too bad.  But why the tears today?” the caring friend asked.

The sad fellow said, “Let me tell you.  Two weeks ago a cousin that I never even knew died and left me $85,000 free and clear.”  “Wow,” the amazed friend replied, “You’ve been blessed.  That’s $125,000 in two weeks!”
 
The sad fellow interrupted, “But last week my great aunt passed away.  I inherited almost $250,000 from her estate.” 

The sympathetic friend was confused.  “With all this money why do you look so glum?”

The sad fellow looked up, “This week… nothing!”

How like us!  God’s mercies are new every morning.  His compassions fail not.  His love endures forever.  All we have needed His hand has provided.  Yet we glumly drive down the street wondering “What’s God done for me lately?

IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD!

We certainly do not want to be like the nine ungrateful men who Christ healed of leprosy.  When they realized that Jesus had healed them they never looked back.  Only the tenth man returned to thank the Savior.  I want to be like him.

That’s why God’s people want to be in God’s House. We want to honor the Savior who has done so much for us.  Actually every good and perfect gift we enjoy—spiritual as well as physical —comes from our heavenly Father.  James tells us, “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”  (James 1:17). 

Funny how people will say “Look at the new car God gave me!” and then say, “We’re going to miss Church Sunday so we can take it out for a drive!”  Hellooooo! 

IT’S A GOOD THING TO EXPRESS THANKS TO ONE ANOTHER!

While the first purpose of the first Thanksgiving was to thank the Lord for His providence—His provision and protection—it was also to thank those who had been such invaluable help.  For the Pilgrims, that meant thanking each one who had contributed to the community and thanking the native Americans who had been such a blessing.

The value of giving and thanks-giving was beautifully illustrated in a first grade classroom several years ago.

Here’s how the story unfolded:

Thanksgiving day was near.  The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment—to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season.

The teacher thought the students would no doubt draw pictures of the meals they would soon enjoy.  And most of them did.

But Douglas made a different kind of picture. 

Douglas was a different kind of boy.  He was the teacher’s true child of misery, frail, and unhappy.  As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side.  One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different.  When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand.

He drew nothing else, just an empty hand.  His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers.

Whose hand could it be?  One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys.

Another suggested that it was the hand of a police officer, because the police protect and care for people.

Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us.

And so the discussion went—until the teacher almost forgot to ask the young artist himself!

When the children had returned to their other assignments, she paused at Douglas’ desk, bent down, and asked him whose had he had drawn.

The little boy looked away and murmured, “It’s yours teacher.” 

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she took the class from place to place.

How often she had said, “Take my hand Douglas, we’re going outside.” Or, “Let me show you how to hold your pencil.”  Or, “Let’s do this together.”

Douglas was most thankful for his teacher’s hand.  Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

The story is not only about thankfulness.  It says something to teachers who teach, parents who care, and friends who go the extra mile for each other.  It means so much to the Douglasses of the world.  They may not know how to say thanks.  They may not always say thanks.  But they will remember the hand that reaches out.  (See http://www.appleseeds.org/goodier_hand.htm). 

IT’S A GOOD THING TO LIVE WITH AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.
 
Every day we choose whether we will fuss and cuss, or pray and praise. 

The Apostle Paul said that he had learned how to be content in every circumstance. (Philippians 4:11)  He urged God’s people, “Rejoice evermore, Pray without ceasing, and In everything give thanks.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).  I’m with the Apostle!  I’m choosing an attitude of gratitude.

It’s not only good to give thanks, it is right to live giving thanks.  Ingratitude evidences a spiritual need.  When the heart is right, the attitude is right, and the life is right.  No wonder God’s people, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, filled with the Spirit of holiness, can rejoice, and praise the Lord even when cast into the dungeon.  (Remember Paul and Silas who praised their way right out of prison!)

WE ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THIS WEEK!
Church Sunday at 11:00 am and 6:30 pm (Communion). 
Thanksgiving Dinner at Wild Acres on Monday, November 24, at 7:00 p.m. 
Tuesday, 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Service. 
 
MAY THE LORD RICHLY BLESS YOU!

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE OUR WONDERFUL CHURCH FAMILY!

Onward!
Pastor Richard M. Jones
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH –  A Crusaders Church of America
Telephone (314) 298-5840; Cell Call or Text (314) 607-1424


 
FINANCIAL UPDATE: Thank you for faithfully supporting this mission.  This is the weekend we must raise our $2900 mortgage payment.  Join us in praying that this urgent need will be met.  Truthfully we need to raise $14,000  over the next 5 weeks (including this week’s $2900).  That’s a lot of money.  But if we will all pray and do what we can, the need can be met and we can begin 2015 with our bills all paid.  We are behind about $2000 on bills we cannot yet pay because we do not have the money.  You may give by bringing an offering, by mailing your gifts (FCC, 2969 N Lindbergh, St Louis, MO 63074) or by logging onto our web page at www.FCCStLouis.org.  The online gifts are much appreciated and immediately available. 

 

 

Saturday, November 15, 2014

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT

TOGETHER - Our Christian Privilege

We are a community of faith--faith in Christ Jesus, faith in God’s inspired infallible word, and faith that "with God nothing shall be impossible!" 

We are sure that God wills that we should live the Christian life together. The New Testament writers urge to remember to:
 
WORSHIP TOGETHER, Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
LABORERS TOGETHER 1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry...
WORKERS TOGETHER 2 Corinthians 6:1
We then, as workers together with him, ...
PRAY TOGETHER, Romans 15:30
... strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
Be JOINED TOGETHER, 1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Be PLANTED TOGETHER, Romans 6:5
For if we have been planted together...
Be GLORIFIED TOGETHER, Romans 8:17...that we may be also glorified together.

Be YOKED TOGETHER 2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Be QUICKENED TOGETHER Ephesians 2:5

SIT TOGETHER IN HEAVENLY PLACES Ephesians 2:6
Be BUILDED TOGETHER Ephesians 2:22
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
STRIVE TOGETHER Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
FOLLOWERS TOGETHER Philippians 3:17
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE Colossians 2:2, 19
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Finally be CAUGHT UP TOGETHER 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
LIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM, 1 Thessalonians 5:10
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
COMFORT YOURSELVES TOGETHER 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
John Wesley reminded us, "There is no holiness apart from social holiness." He wanted the first Methodists to be people who truly cared for one another and for all those for whom Christ died.

Jesus prayed that the world would notice that his disciples loved one another, and that their love would be attractive and attracting others to the Savior.
Let’s stand, and live, and love together as the people of God.

FROM PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE - FCC SUNDAY BULLETIN, NOVEMBER 9, 2014


Saturday, November 1, 2014

NOVEMBER 2014 AT FCC



THIS WEEKEND AT FCC!

Saturday, November 1 - Sunday School Winners trip to the CITY MUSEUM
Sunday, November 2 - TIME CHANGE SUNDAY - OLD FASHIONED DAY!
                                              FCC Fellowship after evening service.

NEXT WEEKEND AT FCC!

Friday, November 7 - FAMILY CONFERENCE - SPEAKING WITH GRACE!
               Everyone is Welcome!   SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER DENNIS SKINNER

Sunday, November 9 - 11am & 6:30pm