I Love My Church

I asked a few Christ's Church folks to blog about why they love our church. Here's what Ashley Bigley had to say. Thanks for contributing, Ashley!








Why I Love Christ's Church

1. It is in Arizona
When Drew and I first visited Arizona to decide if we felt this was where God wanted us, we absolutely fell in love with it! There was no doubt in our minds that this is where we were supposed to be.

2. The Pastor and his family
Howard and Patsy were so gracious to us during our visit, and by the time we left, we already felt that we had known them for years. We knew it would be a privilege to serve God working with them. We knew we could learn a great deal from them and grow in our walk with God because of their example.

3. The friends we have made
As the church began to form and we began to develop relationships with the people of Christ's Church, we knew that we were once again being blessed by God. The people we were meeting were wonderful and great fun to be around. Having moved 2,000 miles away from all of our family and friends, this was a great comfort to know that we would have a family at Christ's Church that would help ease the pain of being separated from our own families.

4. The music and sermon are uplifting and God-honoring
The music at our church is always uplifting and God-honoring. I always look forward to the music we will be singing each Sunday, because I know that I will be blessed by it. I can also count on God's Word being preached each week. Pastor Howard is committed to preaching the truth, no matter what.

5. The Children's Program
I have the wonderful opportunity to teach in our children's classes a couple of times a month. I love watching them learn about God's love and completely enjoying the fun stories from the Bible. I am blessed each time I am able to be a part of those classes.

6. The atmosphere
Every time I am out of town and not able to attend Christ's Church, I miss it! Our church meets my spiritual needs to help me to continue to grow in Christ and gives me an opportunity to serve God by being a part of the various ministries we have. None of the churches that we visited before our first service came even close to feeling as much like home and family as Christ's Church does.

So why do I love Christ's Church? Because it is an uplifting, God-honoring, friendly church where my spiritual needs are met and where I can serve God beside some of the best Christian people I know.

Serving Christ in your workplace

A friend recently introduced me to this website: http://calledintowork.com/

The Resources and Blog sections feature some books and articles on the topic of serving Christ in the workplace. I encourage you to check it out!

Calling all weak, fearful and imperfect people!!!

I was reading Hebrews 11 this week, a passage of Scripture known as the Hall of Faith. Several Old Testament men and women of God are listed, saints whose faith was noteworthy.

As I was reading, I was struck by verses 32 through 34. These verses say that these people “subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword and out of weakness were made strong...” Wow! That’s the kind of believer I want to be!

What does it take to be that kind of Christian? Is it exceptional skill or talent? A good upbringing or education? A dynamic personality? Here are some observations I’ve made about some of the Hall of Faithers.

- Many had questionable pasts.
David was an adulterer and a murderer (2 Samuel 11). Rahab was a prostitute (Joshua 6:17).

- They were often afraid.
Gideon was hiding when God called on him (Judges 6:11). Barak wouldn’t go to battle unless Deborah accompanied him (Judges 4:8).

- They were weak and flawed.
Moses had a speech impediment (Exodus 4:10). Samson had a problem with lust (Judges 14, 16). Jacob was dishonest (Genesis 27).

These people were far from perfect! So what enabled them to do all of the things Hebrews 11:32-34 says they did? One thing. Their faith in a perfect, mighty God!

Knowing this brings me such hope! I, too, have things in my past that brought shame. I’m often fearful and overwhelmed with worry. I’m weak and terribly flawed, just ask my husband! I have to remember what 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, His strength is made perfect in weakness.

Do you have some weak places that God can use to show Himself strong? When we surrender ourselves to Him, there’s no limit to what He can do through us!

The Nelons in Concert

The Nelons from Jacksonville, FL will be singing this Sunday, February 28 at 10 AM at the J.O. Combs Middle School. Rex Nelon, who sang bass with the LeFevres, started the group. His daughter, Kelly, sang the alto. Today, the group is made up of Kelly, her husband, Jason Clark and their daughters, Amber and Autumn. The Nelons take all the elements you've come to expect from the group--unparalleled vocal excellence, a sound built on the interplay between a soaring soprano and Kelly's emotional alto with an intertwining tenor, and add tight family harmony as they've never in the history of the group been able to do before. You'll enjoy this family!

Fourth Of July Celebration at Christ's Church FWB

How To Have A Great Nation

Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing

1) Saved citizens

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

2) Submissive citizens

1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme.

3) Sensible citizens

Psalm 100:4-5

Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

4) Scriptural citizens

Deutoronomy 11:27-28

A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:
And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

5) Seeking citizens

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 9th - Saturday, October 10th Men's Retreat in Sedona, AZ

The Home Bible Studies will be starting soon. If you have any specific questions about the studies, please call or email the pastor at 520-723-7020 or hrgwartney@aol.com

Happy Father's Day!

What My Father Taught Me
By Pastor Howard Gwartney

To obey my parents
To be friendly and warm to strangers
To honor and respect law enforcement
To do my best in everything I do
To shake hands
To drive a nail and change a tire
To work hard for my employer
To pay my bills on time
Not to say "I can't", say "I'll try"!
Not to be a whiner
To allow ladies to go first
To love my wife
To remember that I am not infallible
To apologize when I am wrong
To be on time for appointments
To always be early for church
To remember that God deserves my best!
To have a sense of humor
To carry a little money
To keep my word
To stand up for my convictions but also be a peacemaker
To sing and love worship music
To do what is right even when others do me wrong
To love the unlovable
To be generous with others
To pay my tithes
To read God's word
How to become a Christian
To stop preaching when my sermon is over.

Easter Egg Hunt

The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. The meaning of Easter also symbolizes the complete verification of all that Jesus preached and taught during His three-year ministry.

Baptism

We had three people baptized today: Steve, Linda and Wayne.
Congratulations!

Collingsworth family in concert at Christ's Church