We Live Not Alone, an illustration by Grace Ellen Schiel, March 23, 2008

The title of this week’s sermon, True Faith, reflects not only the message Pastor Dan intends to convey from the Christ Church pulpit this Sunday, but the life lived by two beloved brothers of our congregation who’ve passed on to be with our Lord this week. The first went home to be with the Lord late Wednesday evening. He was a strong lifelong Christian who professed his faith boldly, the father of one of our elders here at Christ Church, and faithful husband to his wife of many years who is also member of our church family. He will be remembered in services on Monday morning here at the church.

Less than twenty four hours later another brother from our congregation passed into glory. His gentle and loving personality has been part of this church family for decades and his testimony was one of quiet faith through his soft-spoken words, even in the face of great difficulty. We continue to pray for his lifelong partner in faith who has stood by him as his faithful spouse for many years and continues to worship here.

From the Pulpit

They were two very different men with very different lives, both a living testament to Christ, even in their physical death — yet they both exemplified a “True Faith.” Yes, I’ll be listening closely this Sunday as we hear from the book of Romans once again on this subject of faith as exemplified by Abraham. And I’ll also be considering these other two lives of faith we’ve been touched by this week in their passing from this world. Take a look with me into the scripture we’ll be hearing from this week, Romans 4:13-25. You can read it from the ESV HERE or The Message HERE. This will be another sermon from the sermon series “The Gospel.” Last week’s sermon was entitled The Accounting, also from The Gospel series.

The recent sermon series “His, in Life and in Death” provided valuable reassurance for us. You may review the series of sermons HERE.

And We Continue in Prayer …

This week we’ve joined in prayer with our brothers and sisters about matters of life and death, health and sickness, sorrow and joy, as we pray together in all things. Hear this word of assurance from Philippians 1:19 — “for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance”

Church Calendar:

• “Believing God,” May 11, 6 p.m. – Final session ladies bible study in the fellowship hall
• Friday Men’s Meeting, May 14, 6 a.m.
• Communion, May 16 during Sunday worship
• Mid-week Home Group, May 19, 6 p.m.

(for funeral and viewing times please check with church staff)

Psalm 103:15-19

As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all. (ESV)

Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints. (ESV)