First Christian Church
First Christian Church of Leisure World teaches from God’s word, the Holy Bible, 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 1:1.
Pastor’s Message
Arranged marriages are not common in the 21st century, but it was the standard in the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as recorded in Genesis. In Genesis 24, the marriage of Rebekah and Isaac is arranged by Abraham and his servant, and is a marriage with far reaching results.
Rebekah, when asked by her family, did not hesitate to depart from her home and family to meet her future husband, Isaac. And, apparently Rebekah’s family had an inkling of what the future might hold for Rebekah as they gave her this blessing as she departed from their home: “They blessed Rebekah and said to her, ‘May you, our sister, become thousands of ten thousand, and may your descendants possess the gate of those who hate them,’” (Genesis 24:60).
The first part of that blessing was fulfilled as evidenced by the Record of the Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah in Matthew 1:1-16. Fourteen generations are recorded from the time of Abraham and his son Isaac to the birth of Jesus the Messiah. She went willingly and upon meeting her groom she immediately treated him with respect and verse 67 tells us he loved her.
This story provides a picture of a future relationship between the Son of God, Jesus, and his future bride, the church. Those that come to faith in Jesus Christ will become what the New Testament identifies as the “bride of Christ.” Genesis 24 gives an incredible description of the beginning of a people, the Israelites and a nation, Israel from whom the Messiah would come. It also gives a spiritual look into a future marriage between Jesus Christ and his church, those who have been called out to be his bride.
Weekend Services
Sunday services, held from 9:30-10:45 a.m., are traditional with hymnal music led by Janet Ray with Pat Kogak at the piano. This week, Sherry Parmenter will bring the special music.
Saturday services are held from 9:30-10:45 a.m. and feature contemporary songs of worship led by Gregory Black with guitar and vocal accompaniment.
Midweek Studies
Mellie Herrera leads the women’s Bible study on Mondays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Pastor Gary Whitlach leads the Tuesday Bible study from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Pastor Bruce Humes leads the Thursday morning Bible study from 10:30-11:30.
Pastor Humes also leads prayer and Bible study every Friday from 4-5 p.m.
All Leisure World residents are welcome to attend any of the services and Bible studies.
Scripture of the Week
“Let all you do be done in love,” 1Corinthians16:14.
Contact
First Christian Church is located on Northwood Road behind Carport 125.
For more information, call 562-431-8810 and leave a message.
