Easter isn't just once a year

The Easter holiday is this Sunday! For Christians around the world, it is the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He not only taught like no other teacher, made outlandish claims to be God in flesh, but backed up his words through His victory over physical death. It is recorded in the Christian Bible,

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve."

- 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Paul tells us in his letter to the Corinthian church that this event is the most important event in their Christian faith. I would go so far as to say it is the most important event in all of history! Without the resurrection of Jesus, our faith would not stand apart from other religions around the world. Christianity is the only religion whose leader has died, rose from the dead, and lives eternally. Leaders from all other religions (Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, etc) have all died and are dead to this day. History was changed forever by the resurrection of Jesus. Because Jesus conquered death, he could say to those who would follow him,

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." 

- John 14:6

It's important to note that Jesus' death and resurrection occurred according to the Scriptures. We call that prophecy. It was predicted by Old Testament prophets and even Jesus himself that this event would take place.

"After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities."

-Isaiah 53:11 

"For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so that Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

- Matthew 12:40

Easter marks the yearly celebration of Jesus' resurrection. However, Christians observe the Lord's Supper on a weekly basis to commemorate this event as practiced by the early church in Acts. Luke writes in Acts,

"On the first day of the week we came together to break bread..." 

- Acts 20:7 

The "breaking of bread" was referring to the Last Supper given to the disciples of Jesus prior to his arrest. He encouraged his followers to "...do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).

As you celebrate Easter this Sunday, remember these 4 things:

1. This earth-shattering event changed the course of history. 
2. No other religious leader has accomplished this miraculous feat. 
3. The resurrection was predicted before it happened. 
4. Celebrate the Lord's Supper to remember Jesus death and resurrection weekly

Is your shirt causing you to sin?

I just read this week in my daily Bible reading plan from Leviticus (Let's Read the Bible Together)  that we should not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material (Lev. 19:19). You may have come across this verse if you are reading along with us this year through the Bible. There are similar commands to this one in Leviticus that might make one scratch their heads.

"Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed" Lev. 19:19
"Do not mate different kinds of animals." Lev. 19:19
"Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together" Deut. 22:10

What is the writer talking about when he refers to mixing of two different types? And is this a commandment we should be obeying yet today? Some Jews and Seventh-Day Adventists would say, "Yes!"

Well, first of all, when the Bible warns against mixing two different types together, whether it be seeds, animals, or fabrics - it's a metaphor for the nation of Israel to not intermix with the foreign, secular nations around them. In Deuteronomy, we read:

"Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD's anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you." Deuteronomy 7:3,4

It's clear throughout the Old Testament that God chose the nation of Israel to be his holy (set apart) people for his purposes and glory.  They were to be different than the nations around them. Commands such as not mixing two types of fabric together were given so the people would remember God's desire for His people to live differently.

Since we do not live under the Old Testament Law with its over 600 commands, we are not bound by these decrees. Today, we live in the New Testament era. Jesus fulfilled the law by obeying all of it and then made the one and final sacrifice of dying on the cross, therefore taking the punishment for not obeying the law upon himself in our place!

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to filfill them." Matthew 5:17

If we don't live under the Old Testament and the law, but the New Testament, what does that look like? Simple. Grace. We live in a time when God's grace is available to those who would believe in Jesus and accept his gift of forgiveness of sin - in other words, GRACE.

"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14

 A. J. Jacobs wrote the book, "The Year of Living Biblically," after he devoted himself to reading and living entirely by the commands, principles, and teachings of the Bible - both Old and New Testament, for one year. It's an insightful, sometimes comical look, at what it would look like today if someone took the Bible (mostly the Old Testament Law) and tried to practice it to the letter today. It's a fun read, but keep in mind A. J. Jacobs is at best an agnostic and doesn't distinguish well, if at all, between the two testaments in the Bible.

There is a new television show coming out this fall on CBS called, Living Biblically. I haven't seen an episode from it yet, but based on the main character, Chip Curry's, "God Squad," assembled to give him guidance, it appears it will be another attempt to combine and follow both the Old and the New Testament laws and teachings. So, while it may be humorous, keep in mind that no one, save one, has ever been able to keep all of the Bible's Old Testament commands. 

Where does that leave us today? Well, the teachings of the New Testament are still applicable today. And they are written for us, Christians. Again and again, we are told as Christians to not be like the world.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2a

 Christians are to be set apart from the ways of the world similarly to the nation of Israel was to be different from the evil nations around them. We live under a New Testament, a new covenant, where grace reigns supreme.

You shouldn't need to read a book or watch a television show to see how living Biblically according to the New Testament looks - you should just be able to look around you at your Christian brothers and sisters!

(All Bible references are from the New International Version)

The Associate's Angle

Tim Severance

If you are reading along with the church in our Bible using the Bible app Bible reading plan, don't forget to download the "Let's Read the Bible Together" February edition today or tomorrow. It's another plan, yet it is a continuation of the first plan. Hopefully, that's not too confusing. Don't have a Bible reading plan for 2018 yet? This is a great time to join us in reading through the Bible! I love starting my day with God's word!

I find myself listening to Classic Rock and older Christian music because the Christian radio stations just play the same songs over and over. Don't artists make entire albums with at least 10 songs on each? Why don't radio stations play some of those songs? I listen to Classic Rock because for the most part those songs are clean! Right now on Spotify Eight (8) of the Top Ten Hit songs in the USA are labeled EXPLICIT. In movie terms, that means Rated R. Explicit rated music just doesn't fit with Philippians 4:8.

We're seeking a pre-owned (we don't say "used" any longer) shuttle bus to purchase for the church. Something that seats 20-24 people. Adults will benefit from a shuttle bus by riding together to events such as "A Higher Call" in Gaylord, Michigan this spring and "Women of Wow" in Lansing, Michigan. Teens will use it to travel to conferences such as CIY Move and CIY Believe as well as traveling together to perform local service projects. Children will benefit weekly as they are bused from the school to the church building for WASP and Octane. There will be many other uses for a church shuttle bus. These are just some samples that come to mind.

If you volunteer (have found your PART with us) in any capacity at the church on a regular basis, mark your calendar to attend the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Friday, March 9th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. We're planning a memorable evening with great food, music, and surprises to show our thankfulness to those who give of their time, talents, and energy to Jesus Christ and His church in Kalkaska.

Finally, my brothers and sisters, forgive each other (Ephesians 4:32). Treat each other respectfully. Be it friend, foe, or President, show honor for each other (Romans 12:10). And, especially on Social media. Speak as if that person were right in front of you listening. Don't hold grudges. Practice the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Love each other. Why? Not because they are always loveable, but because He first loved us (1 John 4:19-21).

2018 Resolution

In 2018 I will...

Ask more questions than I answer

Give away more than I keep

Help others more than I am helped

Be in the Good Book more than Facebook

Laugh more tears

Cry more laughs

Smile more than frown

Cheer more than sneer

I know I cannot...

Do everything on my own

Fix every problem

Have every answer

Spend every dollar

I will store up...

Memories from the past

Knowledge for today

Savings for the future

I will take more time to...

Pray to the one who made me

Listen to those closest to me

See those around me

and touch those who need me

I will commit to...

Saying "I'm sorry" more quickly

"I was wrong" more often

and "Forgive me" more sincerely

Comparing the Comings of Christ

Biblical History describes Jesus' First Coming to earth

The Night host at the Bethlehem Inn had a successful night with the Roman census driving so many residents back home to be counted. He had closed up early and probably planned to turn in soon. He had no idea a pregnant Jewish girl named Mary traveling with her betrothed husband would be needing a room that night.

"And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." Luke 2:7

Even the clueless Magi from the East didn't know of Jesus' birth until they saw a star and inquired in Jerusalem about the "King of the Jews" whereabouts.

When God's son first entered into history as a newborn baby, all those around him were simply going about their business. No one was preparing for the newborn King of Kings. No one was planning a party, an inauguration, nor a baby shower. The shepherds were watching their sheep like they did every other night.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." Luke 2:8

It is true that many were waiting for the Messiah, the Christ, to come, yet none were prepared for his appearing nor did they know what this "first coming" would look like. Once when Jesus returned to his hometown, people pushed back when they heard Him teach.

"Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us? And they took offense at him." Mark 6:3

Today, as we celebrate this "first coming" of God's son into the world, it behooves us to ready ourselves for his "second coming" as it may occur in much the same way as the first! In fact, the New Testament confirms this.

How Jesus' Second Coming will be like His first

It will be unannounced - There is no timetable available for His return 

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Matthew 24:36

People will be going about their business as usual - Life just goes on. 

"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. for in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark" Matthew 24:37, 38

It will be surprising - Expect the unexpected.

This last point is made by looking at a couple of parables Jesus told about his returning. First, the parable of the Sheep and the Goats found in Matthew 25:31-46. Both the saved (sheep) and the lost (goats) are surprised that "whatever they had done (not done) for the least of these, they had done for Jesus." Secondly, the parable of the workers in the vineyard found in Matthew 20:1-16 concludes with a surprise ending. All the workers, regardless of when they began their work day, received the same pay. 

What can we say about this? Just to "Be ready." Like a thief in the night, we do not know when Jesus will return. We must strive to keep ourselves pure, humble, and active as we anticipate this spectacular time-ending, life-changing event!

Best Apps for Your Christian Walk

Best Apps for your Phone or Tablet

I'm convinced that technology is amoral - it's neither good nor bad in and of itself. However, it can be used for purposes unbecoming of a Christian. If you are a Christian, and you use a smart phone or a tablet, there are amazing apps available to assist you in your Christian walk. Below is a short list of some I recommend.

Each of these apps are free and useful for the life of a Christian seeking to be more like Jesus Christ. While they may not all be necessarily "Christian apps" they are useful for the Christian believer.

Bible by YouVersion

Bible (iOS | Android / Windows / Amazon)

Bible by youversion is still my go-to app for Bible reading.  Follow along every week with Sunday worship at KCC by using the Live feature of Bible. Place a Bible verse on an image, either stock or your own, and share it to Facebook or other social media. Choose a Bible plan and be reminded daily to read. Social media integration allows you to create a friend list to share with one another what you are reading. Videos from major Bible-based motion pictures. are integrated right in the app. Enjoy reading from numerous Bible versions and in countless translations.

Spotify

Music (iOS / Android / Windows)

Spotify  Listen to Christian music at home or on the go with streaming service Spotify. It's free if you don't mind ads. The Premium version for $9.99 a month removes the ads and allows you to listen to music without connection to a tower or WiFi. Search for a playlist and listen to your favorite artists just like a radio station. Create your own playlist and share it! Listen to an artist and find related artist recommendations.

Memorize Anything

Bible Memorization (iOS)

Memorize Anything by Bendy Tree allows you to record your own voice reciting scripture then play it back. Depending on the setting the app will drop words as you speak allowing you to fill in the space as you memorize valuable Bible verses. Listen to it over and over at home or in your car to "hide God's word" in your heart!

Echo

Prayer (iOS / Android)

Echo Prayer Manager - Echo Prayer Manager by Echoprayer.com is simple and easy to use. It keeps track of who I'm praying for as well as allowing me to mark prayers as answered. It even sends me a push or email reminder to pray based on the settings I choose. The Interface is clear and user-friendly.

Sermons (iOS)

Overcast- This is a podcasting app for iOS. Podcasts are free programs available on the Internet to listen to live or archived. You can find a Podcast on just about any topic under the sun. Use Overcast to listen to sermons from well-known speakers and pastors like Liz Curtis Higgs, Rick Warren, Andy Stanley, Craig Groschel and so many more.

Grace Period

There are those who struggle with a God who actively punishes people for their sins or wrong doings. They believe in a God of love, and find it entirely inconceivable that He would ever condemn someone to hell or punish them in any way.

While the God of the Bible is loving, the attribute many forget is that God is also JUST. It's logical that we want justice when it comes to interacting with people. For example, we want our law enforcement personnel to be just; we want our courts to be just and fair. From childhood, we've known justice is natural; injustice is just, well, wrong! Just listen to a child on the playground that feels unfairly treated. What's the first thing he says? "That's not fair!" Intrinsically we have a desire for fairness and justice.

There are many occurrences throughout Biblical history where God acts justly in punishing people and even entire nations because of the sinful behavior.

However, today if a nation occupied another country and began to systematically murder its inhabitants, essentially wiping them out, we'd call that genocide. It would be condemned by the world powers and ultimately stopped.

So, how to we synchronize our understanding of a loving God and a judgmental, Old Testament God?

First of all, we believe God created us. Therefore, God decides when we live and when we die. We are not the decision makers as to when we are born nor when we die. God is. While murder, homicide, and suicide, as well as assisted suicide (euthanasia), all occur, they are not a natural means of ending one's life. The only one who should have the right to end our physical lives is the very One who created our lives in the beginning.

Secondly, it appears from just a cursory reading of the Bible, that God always offered a "Grace Period" before He mete out punishment. He always allowed the people an opportunity to change their evil behavior or in other words, repent of their sins.

Examples of a GRACE PERIOD

• Noah and the flood - It appears that Noah preached (2 Peter 2:5) to the people for 120 years while he built the ark. The people were indeed wicked and corrupt (Genesis 6:11,12), and yet only Noah and his family were spared even as God waited patiently for them to repent (1 Peter 3:20, 21).
• Sodom and Gomorrah - Abraham pleaded with God's representative, the angels, to not destroy the cities if he found 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 righteous people among them (Genesis 18:16-33). Sadly only Lot's family escaped the fire and brimstone that rained down from heaven. 
• Ninevites - Here's an example of a nation that DID repent when confronted. Jonah, although reluctant at first, preached to the people of Nineveh that in 40 days God would judge them, and they turned from their wicked ways and God spared them (Jonah 3:4-10).
• Canaanites - This is surely the most problematic judgment for most people in that not only were men killed, but entire families including women and children. How is this justified? Again, we read in Genesis (Genesis 15:13-16 NLT) the prophecy that God's people would return to the land of Canaan after 400 years "for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction." Interpretation: The people had 400 years to repent and turn from their wicked ways!  The deaths of children can be explained in that they would live on beyond the earth - whether it be in paradise or heaven. This was not their end, but only a passageway to a better place. 

God is loving and just! He waited patiently in the Old Testament for people and nations to repent. If they turned back to Him, he spared them. If not, they were destroyed. 

Today, God is again waiting patiently (2 Peter 3:9) for us to come to repentance. We have been given a "Grace Period." He doesn't desire that anyone would perish (John 3:16, 17). What will we do? What will you do?! The earth is again increasingly wicked and everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). God's Grace Period only lasts so long.