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 to join in worship and explore God’s word together, “That we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine,” Romans 1:12.
Pastor’s Message
Among many incredible women in the bible, Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is sometimes overlooked. Her story is told in Genesis beginning in chapter 11, verse 29, when Abram took her as his wife and continues until Genesis 23:2 when she dies at the age of 127 years. This is interesting in the fact that the age of no other women in scripture is recorded.
Throughout the story of her life, moments of Sarah’s unbelief are recorded throughout scripture. Like her husband, she went through grievous trials. The most significant trial for Sarah was one of infertility. But God had a very special plan for this woman, and it seems that he preserved her life to old age because of his plan, giving believers evidence that people don’t always know what tremendous things God has in store for their lives.
Sarah conceived, miraculously orchestrated by God, and gave birth to her son Isaac at 90 years old. Isaac was the first of the line of Abraham that ultimately resulted in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, through that same lineage. Isaiah 51:12 says, “Listen to me, you who seek righteousness, you who seek the Lord; look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone and blessed him and increased him.”
Abraham grieved and mourned at the passing of Sarah as she was buried. He turned his thoughts to his own number of days and said, “I am a foreigner and a visitor among you.” His thoughts were not on his earthly home. Abraham’s faith had grown to the point that he understood he is a sojourner, just passing through this time and place. The apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:21, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus.” Just as Abraham was just passing, so are believers.
Weekend Services
Sunday services, from 9:3010:45 a.m., are traditional with hymnal music led by Janet Ray with Pat Kogak at the piano. This week, Al and Sherry Parmenter will sing.
Saturday services,from 9:3010:45 a.m., include contemporary songs of worship, led by Gregory Black with guitar and vocal accompaniment.
Midweek Studies
Melli Herrera leads the women’s Bible study on Mondays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Pastor Gary Whitlatch leads the Tuesday Bible study from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Pastor Bruce Humes leads the Thursday Bible study from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Humes also leads the prayer Bible study on Fridays from 6-7 p.m.
All are welcome to join any of the Bible studies.
Scripture of the Week
“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call his name Immanuel. God is with us,” Isaiah 7:14.
This prophecy was spoken 700 years before the birth of Jesus.
Contact
First Christian Church is located on Northwood Road behind Carport 125. For more information or to receive prayer, call 562-431-8810.
