RECAP: I BELONG TO JESUS–based on Acts 11:19-30
The church in Antioch stood out. This was certainly no small feat, for the city of Antioch was a melting pot of over 500,000 people–the third largest city in the world at that time! Antioch was where three major roads intersected–the road to Rome and the European interior, the road down to Egypt and North Africa, and the Silk Road to the Orient. Yet this small church made a name for themselves literally, being the first church to actually be called “Christian.” What caused this church to be so unique and stand out?
1) They were unwavering in their faith. Their faith was strong as a result of persecution. They knew who they believed, and clung to Jesus with everything they had. Instead of their neighbors, who allowed themselves to be tossed and turned by everything and embraced new religions every day, they were resolute in what they believed. They knew the Jesus who saved them, and there was no other to follow. They were so committed to their faith, they tried to imitate Jesus in every way. And when under pressure, they stood strong as diamonds, refusing to recant or deny.
2) They had an open message to all. Although Antioch was a melting pot, they often did not mix faiths, nationalities, or classes beyond financial reasons. But this church broke down political, social, and racial barriers. They believed that God’s message of hope is for all, and shared with everyone. Jesus reached out to everyone, and they did too.
3) They were true to the Lord with all their heart. They literally asked themselves “What would Jesus do?” and tried to follow everything in the Scriptures. They used the text as their guide and strove to remain faithful in every circumstance.
4) They had open hands. When they heard about the coming famine, instead of saving up resources for themselves, they gathered as much as they could to help out Judea.
All of these were counter cultural. They stood out because of their faith. When people see us today, do they clearly see a follower of Jesus? Do we walk so closely with him that we are a “little Christ?” Let it be so!
Questions for reflection
1) Why is it easier to fade into the crowd and go unnoticed?
2) What would you say is the core of your faith?
3) Who guides your steps?
4) What type of individual is the hardest for you to welcome? Why?
Next Sunday
Pastor Ryan will continue the Acts church series with the sermon titled, “A Calling Body,” based upon Acts 13:1-3 and 14:21-28. The Antioch church called out a few of their own and empowered them into mission. What can we learn about calling out those to service? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for July 21 – 27
July 21: Romans 5:1-11 What should be our message?
July 22: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 What is the good news?
July 23: 1 Peter 4:1-11 How do we embody the gospel?
July 24: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 How do we live in a way that pleases God?
July 25: Romans 12:9-21 How do we show we are different from the world?
July 26: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 What are the different gifts of the Spirit?
July 27: Romans 12:4-8 What are the ways one can serve the body of Christ?
Announcements:
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
As we look at the ability to reopen in the coming weeks, we are in need of both worship leaders and children’s story. We are looking for one person each week, rather than a month at a time. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Bible Study
We will take the month of July and August off from Bible study due to vacations and other scheduling conflicts. We will resume Bible study in September!
Baptism/Membership Class
Before church closed for COVID, we had begun to announce a baptism and membership class (for transfer of membership). So for we have two that have expressed interest. If you are interested in either, or even if you recently became a member without the class and would like more of what it means to be a member of Beaver Creek, please let Pastor Ryan or Tess know you would like to take the class. Once there is enough interest, more specifics will be shared at that time. Classes will be on Sunday evenings at 7 pm in pastor’s office, beginning August 9 and ending September 13. If you would like to be a part, let Pastor Ryan know ASAP!
Call to Prayer
As we know, right now has been a time of unrest in our land. Our nation needs healing! Let us take five minutes every day to pray for our country. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” If we want to see our nation healed, it starts with us as the church in fervent prayer and leading the way of repentance. September 18-28 has been called as a ten day season of repentance. On Saturday, June 26, there will be a national day of prayer for our nation. Let us take that day and time to pray!
Sunday School
The Leadership Team has approved for us to begin reopening Sunday School based upon the teacher’s personal preference. It is summer hours, so Sunday School will begin at 9:15.
Five Ways to Give! With the extended closure, this is greatly necessary.
1) Direct Deposit–form available on the website
2) Mail your tithe into the church office
3) Drop it by church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
4) New online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
5) Drop off in the offering plate at main entrance as you enter for church
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer:
Prayers for our Congregation–pray for those who have been unable to visit or spend time with family, those who have lost their jobs or seen furloughs, for those who have been discouraged, and those in our nursing homes, who have not been able to have any physical contact since early March.
Mary Batterman–(injury, at Augusta Health & Rehab)
Andrew Brookman JR–(health).
Brunk family–in the passing of Sylvia. Prayers of comfort and peace. Memorial service will be 7/25.
Jacobson Family (loss of child)
Tami Plaugher (health)–great report last week!
Dan Rhodes (health)
Chris Shirk (Reba’s brother, health)
David Simmons (health)
Grayson Whitmore (recovery)
Tom Wilfong (recovery)
Charles Wright (health)
Owen Wright (health–Charles Wright’s brother)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek COB