First Christian Church
The excitement of the Christmas season is evident at First Christian Church including the beautiful decorations, the beloved Christmas carols, and the anticipation of the birthday celebration of the Lord. Anyone who wants to experience the joy of the season is welcome to join in the celebration.
Message From the Pastor
This week’s message centers on self-imposed consequences people encounter because of their refusal to confess, repent, and ask the Lord for his forgiveness of their sins. In 2 Peter 2:9 it says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis Chapter 4 reveals a grievous sin, a lie and a punishment.
Abel kept the flocks and Cain worked the soil. In time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering: fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but not on Cain and his offering. Previously, God had told Cain if he would did well, his sacrifice would be accepted.
Cain was very angry and downcast. Cain turned his anger towards his brother Abel and killed him—the first murder. God called out to Cain saying, “Where is your brother?”
Cain with a sarcastic lie responds “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
God asks Cain, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground.
“When you work the ground, it will no longer yield crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”
Upon Cain’s recognition that this punishment means God’s face will be hidden from him he says to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear.” Then Cain went out from the Lord’s presence, unrepentant, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Weekend Services
Traditional Sunday services are from 9:30-10:45 a.m., with hymnal music led by Janet Ray and Pat Kogak at the piano.
This week, Janet Ray will sing “O’ Holy Night” as a solo performance.
Saturday services, from 9:30-10:45 a.m., are more contemporary with Gregory Black leading worship with guitar accompaniment. Saturday service time is 9:30-10:45.
Midweek Studies
Melli Herrera leads the new women’s Bible study on Mondays from 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Pastor Gary Whitlach leads the Bible study held on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Thursday’s Bible study, led by Elder Jack Frost, is held from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Pastor Bruce Humes leads Friday’s prayer and Bible study from 6-7 p.m. All residents are welcome to attend any of the above services and Bible studies.
Scripture of the Week
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” Matthew 3:16 .
Contact
First Christian Church is located on Northwood Road behind Carport 125.
To learn more information about the church and its services, call the office line at 562-431-8810. The call will be returned at the earliest opportunity.
