First Christian Church
First Christian Church of Leisure World teaches from God’s word, the Holy Bible, most often verse by verse. It is a friendly church that welcomes all visitors.
Services
Saturday and Sunday services have the same message given by Pastor Bruce Humes. Sunday services from 9:3010:45 a.m. are traditional, with hymnal music performed by Pat Kogok at the piano. On Jan. 2, she will also sing a solo.
Saturday services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. are more contemporary, with Gregory Black leading in worship with guitar accompaniment.
Friday evening prayer meetings are from 6-7. Weekly Bible study with Jack Frost is on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. All events are open to anyone interested.
The Message
In 1 Thessalonians 2:14, it reads, “For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans.” The word “imitators” means followers, indicating that the churches established in Thessalonica followed in the footsteps of the church of God in Judea not only in their newfound faith in Jesus Christ, but also in the suffering and persecution they experienced for Christ’s sake.
It seems that a certain amount of suffering and persecution accompanied those who came to faith in Jesus Christ, whether they were Jews or gentiles. In Judea, it was persecution from fellow Jews, and in Thessalonica, it was from their fellow countrymen or gentiles. The common denominator was faith in Christ. These various trials should not be a surprise to us today, as throughout scripture, there are difficulties experienced by followers. In James 1:2-3, it reads, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” And in 1 Peter 1:6, it says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.”
God always has a purpose for the trials, temptation and hardships people encounter as they sojourn through their time on earth. In these two cases, people learn patience and are instructed to greatly rejoice in them. As they enter a New Year, everyone should strive to be more patient and rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances.
Scripture of the Week
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come” (II Corinthians 5:17).
Announcements
Anyone who wants to speak to someone at the church or has a need should call (562) 4318810 and leave a message. Calls will be returned at the church’s earliest opportunity.
