Hi Everyone,
Josh and Jenny Simons welcomed their little boy, Parker James Simons, into their family on Tuesday of this week. Parker weighed in at 7 lbs 9 oz, and was 20 inches long. He is a rock and the rumor is that is “studly like his old man!” Congrats Josh, Jenny, and Parker’s big sis Emily. We also want to congratulate Parker’s grandparents, Jimmy and Sheri Hodges, who attend BCC.
Hi Everyone,
I want to ask you to pray for Ryan Fisher, our new Youth Pastor, as he leads a group of folks from our church to Camp Barnabas on Wednesday of this week. Roxi Thomason, Amanda Curtis, and Preston Sullivan will be going with Ryan to serve the campers at Camp Barnabas and it is going to be a life-changing experience for everyone.
Camp Barnabas is located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains outside of Branson, MO. During the summer of 2008 over 1,300 special needs campers will be given an opportunity to have the time of their life in a Christian environment. Our group will go as volunteers and will work one-on-one with a camper who has come from their home to spend a week at camp. The volunteers are vital to the success of the camp program. Almost 1,800 people from over 30 states will serve as volunteers this summer in a servant-oriented ministry as they care for and assist their campers.
I can’t wait until our folks get back from camp and share their stories with all of us. I want to ask you to pray for Ryan, Roxi, Amanda, and Preston as they go to Camp Barnabas this week.
In His Steps,
Mike
Today we are going to turn our attention to one of the most difficult sections of God’s Word. Many Bible commentators throughout the ages have said that these ten verses of Romans are the most complex and enigmatic verses in all of Scripture. When you examine each verse of Romans 5:12-21 you will find that they are difficult, but the overarching theme of these verses is easy to understand—One act makes a world of difference.
In our study for today we will learn that the sin of Adam has affected each and every person who has ever lived—we are all united in Adam. We will also learn that the obedience of Jesus in dying on the cross has affected each and every person who has ever lived. I don’t want you to be misled by my words so let me clarify. The death and resurrection of Jesus has a profound affect on each of us, believers and unbelievers alike, because at the cross God placed His mark on human history and the question has echoed throughout creation since that day—“What will you do with My Son?” Let’s take a look at our Scripture for today and then we will take a closer look at what I’ve just said.
We’ve had a wonderful week in Vacation Bible School. I want to thank Dana Stevenson and her wonderful crew of volunteers who have made this week so special for so many kids. Our theme this week has been “God’s Big Back Yard,” and throughout the week the kids have learned about serving.
There are many things that our kids are being taught today and many who are willing to teach them. The list of folks who are teaching young people today are legion. There are parents who spend time with their kids teaching them what is important to their family. Teachers spend time with our kids each day in their schools. There are influences, both positive and negative, in our kid’s neighborhoods that spend time teaching them what’s important to them. Coaches teach our kids about how to play their particular sport. There are also men and women in churches all across this city that have a desire to teach kids about God’s love and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. If you and I were to compile a list of the top ten lessons that our kids are learning I would dare say that being a “servant” would not be on the list.
Hi Everyone,
I am so excited to let you know that we have a new Youth Pastor! Ryan Fisher has been attending BCC for over one year and many of us got to know Ryan better on our recent trip to Israel. Ryan is from Eufaula, Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University where he graduated last year. While he was in college Ryan worked at Kanakuk Kamp. Since graduating from college Ryan has been employed by Devon Energy and he has been volunteering with K-Life since he has been living in Oklahoma City.
Ryan will begin his work with us on July 28th. He will hit the road with our high school kids on July 30-August 6 as they travel to Kamp Barnabas in Missouri for a week of serving. I hope you will welcome Ryan to BCC and let him know how excited you are that the Lord has led him to this exciting new opportunity.
In His Steps,
Mike
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the newest members of Britton Christian Church. Sunday morning we were so thrilled to welcome Richard Hicks (not pictured), Herman and Marsha Green along with their daughter, Gladys, Tre and Alicia Clarke, and Teresa Willis. What a joy it is to see the Lord lead people to BCC! I hope you will make time to welcome these wonderful folks into the fellowship.
In His Steps,
Mike
I want to begin our study today by playing a little game. I call the game, “If! Then?” It’s not so much of a game as it is a quiz. I’ll begin by making a statement followed by a related question. We’ll see if you can get the answer right. Let’s get started.
First question: If a man were able to lift a car, then do you suppose he might be able to lift a feather? Are you ready to give your answer? The answer is, “Yes!” Of course. Okay, you are doing great so far. Let’s move on. Second question: If a girl was able to make an “A” in her college Calculus class, then do you suppose she would be able to recite her “times tables” all the way through the 10s? Are you ready to give me your answer? The answer is “Yes!” Did you get it right? Sure you did. Third question: If a cow was able to jump over the moon, then do you think she might be able to jump over the fence at the edge of the field? And the answer is, “Yes!” You are doing great! How about this one: If Batman were able to forgive The Joker, whom he can’t stand, do you think he might be able to forgive Robin who has been his buddy forever? What do you think? Of course he can. Let’s try one more. Last question: If a man was able to conduct the world famous New York Philharmonic Orchestra, then do you suppose he could play “Chopsticks?” Survey says, “Of course!”
Now, I’m sure you are wondering, “What in the world does this have to do with Bible study?” I’m glad I’ve got the synapses firing. Our silly little quiz is much more closely related to what Paul sets out to show us in our Scripture for today then you will ever know.
You are all familiar with “contrasts.” A contrast is a tool used to compare, to highlight differences. Dictionary.com defines contrast as:
1. to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc. 2. a person or thing that is strikingly unlike in comparison: “The weather down here is a welcome contrast to what we’re having back home.” 3. opposition or juxtaposition of different forms, lines, or colors in a work of art to intensify each element’s properties and produce a more dynamic expressiveness.
Contrast is a very useful tool that we run into all the time. You may have seen contrast used in the field of photography and art. I’ve seen pictures that demonstrate contrast by having the tallest man in the world standing next to the shortest man in the world. Or maybe you’ve heard one of our weather guys talk about the hottest and coldest temperatures that we’ve experienced on any given day. Preachers have used contrast to demonstrate the wide gulf between goodness and depravity or love and hate.
Today, we will take a look at Romans 5:6-8. In our study we will see a great example of the use of contrast. Like a brilliant diamond set against a black velvet cloth, the love of God, in all of its radiance, jumps off the page for us when it is set against the sinful condition of humanity—the very people He has chosen to be the recipients of His glorious love. Let’s get started. Read along with me.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8 NIV)
