CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY

"...We must say as clearly as we know how that underlying the pages which follow there is a profound conviction that the Christian Gospel is God's supreme act on man's behalf and that the history of Christianity is the history of what God has done for man through Christ and of man's response."

Latourette wrote over eighty books, many of them on church history and missions. In the above statement he describes his point of view in the writing of his classic work, "History of Christianity." Few modern historians give such unqualifying credit to the Christian Gospel in such terms, let alone the recognition that it has been significant in its effect on the history of mankind.
Today the common theme of historical commentators and analyzers is more likely that of synthesizing all major religions and their histories in such a way as to claim a blend that thus represents God and his desires upon our lives. An example is the best-selling author of the book, "Where God Was Born," Bruce Feiler. In an interview on Fox News “Special Report,” Feiler expresses the view that God throughout history and especially with Abraham as a common ancestor to three major religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, seems to be trying to establish a relationship with Himself that respects any faith-based approach. It is an appealing ideal, but is it valid or just another attempt to accept the “many ways to God” version of politically- correct religion? "The only force strong enough to take on religious extremism," he concludes, "is religious moderation."
But if we are to take Jesus at his word, surely he advocates no “moderation” in our religion, either believed or expressed. Yes, Christianity claims exclusionary rights and privileges. To “moderate” them would mean to lessen the intensity or extremeness of our view. Is that appropriate to faith? If moderation in behavior is all that is intended, then we agree to the extent that we should love our neighbors, treat them as we wish to be treated, respect them as persons and accept them as far as we can without moral conflict. There are limits to the expression of our faith as witnesses too. We are not called to brow beat or berate those who do not wish to hear the Gospel, assuming they know what it is. We are to exhibit the truth in love. But we should be careful not to accept the idea that it doesn’t matter what one believes.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. What we believe really matters. And the truth that God has revealed throughout Scripture and especially in the Gospels is for everyone, whether they know it or not. And though we may be uncomfortable and will certainly be challenged by many who think us wrong to make insistence, we have been called to the very purpose of proclaiming the exclusionary message of Jesus Christ. He is the only Savior. He is the only way. His is the only life that will live forever in the grace and forgiveness of an Almighty God who wants everyone to come to the truth and be saved.

See you in Church,

IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
– Galatians 4:4-5

“In the fullness of the time, when the fairest flowers of science and art had withered, and the world was on the verge of despair, the virgin’s Son was born to heal the infirmities of mankind. Christ entered a dying world as the author of a new and imperishable life."

Philip Schaff (1819-1893), the renowned German-American theologian and church historian, wrote the above words in his monumental History of the Christian Church, Volume I, Chapter 1 – Preparation For Christianity In The History Of The Jewish and Heathen World. As preface to his statement, Schaff examines the history and contribution of many cultural aspects and events leading to the fullness of time reported by the Apostle Paul. It was a time of spiritual darkness, but God’s Spirit was yet influencing the hearts and minds of many different peoples in readiness for the appearance of God’s Son as the world’s Savior Redeemer. Even in times of great despair, globally, culturally and personally, God is at work on behalf of his beloved creation to bring about the effects of his grace through Jesus Christ, born as a babe in Bethlehem, “that we might receive adoption” as his children.

Advent and Christmastide remind us again of God’s love for the world resulting in his Son coming to earth so that we might believe in Him and have everlasting life. Despite the attempts of many in our own culture to diminish this truth, to marginalize the purposes of our faith and to discredit our right to voice it in public display, God will still be heard. He will be heard through our constant refusal to stop wishing people a Merry Christmas wherever we are in the season. He will be heard through the ringing of church bells, the display of Christ centered symbols and decorations in our homes and lawns. And he will be heard through the singing of favorite Christmas Carols, choir cantatas, Sunday School programs retelling the Christmas story and in a full array of Christmas expression.

But God will be heard even more completely through our Spirit enlivened love that causes us to give. Our giving to community needs for those in poverty, giving to the Church and Christian organizations that spread the message of Christ, and, yes, our giving to one another within our families and congregations that reflect the love of Christ within our closest relationships—all speak of God’s love in the greatest Gift we have received. These all, along with our celebration in the public square, cry out above the sounds of commercial exploitation and critical opinion that there is One whom we worship and adore responsible for all that is good and who stands at the door to be received that we may enjoy all the privileges of our heavenly Father as his dear children. He came as the Son of the virgin to heal the infirmities of mankind and he died on a cross to save us from eternal death. The fullness of time extends to include each Christmas, including this one, as we proclaim the birth of Christ.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.

Merry Christmas!

Pastorpj

A Happy Thanksgiving in Alabama

This year being our second in Alabama was especially treated with most of our family able to come for Thanksgiving. This was Tim's second trip to visit us, coming the Saturday before and staying until the Friday after. He now works for Thrivent in Salt Lake City and has just finished his tests for licensing as an investment and insurance agent. Pat arrived the Monday before and stayed for nearly two weeks, leaving yesterday back to California where he lives with Mr. & Mrs. Bury and works for Chipotle Resturants. Sheri & the grandkids arrived Wednesday just in time for Thanksgiving Eve Service at our church and Sean joined us late Thursday night, having to work at his Cracker Barrel in Danville for Thanksgiving. They all stayed till after church on Sunday and left after treating us for lunch at the local CB resturant.

For Thanksgiving Dinner this year we did two turkeys. One the traditional Nelda way and the other I fried according to Southern preference. Both turned out great, but the fried turkey went the fastest! After being taught by the master, Chef Chuck Baldwin, and getting his recipe for injecting the marinade and borrowing his fryer I managed to get-r-done without burning down the house. Although I did have a little more oil than I needed, it was boiling near the top, no damage was done and the turkey was done just right.

All in all it was a great Thanksgiving week. Liz's boyfriend Dan got to meet her brothers and they all had some entertaining times together - after I was long in bed each night. Nelda and I enjoyed both boys and the family times we had with Sheri and hers as well. The only sad part was the absence of Jeri & Rachel, but hope they will be able to come see us soon. Now we are back to normal (almost) and looking forward to a less crowded but still with part of our family (Sheri & her brood) for Christmas. We were and still are thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for all He has given us through our family and through our church and our many friends.