Christ Covenant 05.11.14
Community Church

Weekly Update

Law & Gospel: How Do Our Lives Change?

We're being both . . . simplistic and naive when we assume that simply telling people what they need to do has the power to make them want to do it. Telling people they need to change can't change them; exhorting people to obey (which we should definitely do) doesn't generate obedience. Even God's command to love him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength is not itself what causes actual love for him. What causes actual love for God is God's love for us. His love for us is what motivates love from us. The Bible is very, very, very clear that grace and grace alone carries the power to inspire what the law demands. Love, not law, compels heartfelt loyalty. Ask your spouse. Ask your teenagers. Ask your employees. Ask yourself! . . .

J. Gresham Machen makes the compelling point that it's a low view of the law that produces legalism, since a low view of the law causes us to conclude we can do it - the bar is low enough for us to jump over. A low view of the law makes us think the standards are attainable, the goals reachable, the demands doable. This means, contrary to what some Christians would have you believe, the biggest problem facing the church today is not "cheap grace" but "cheap law" - the idea that God accepts anything less than the perfect righteousness of Jesus. . . .

-- Tullian Tchividjian

Click Here to read the rest of the post.

Baby Shower!

For Ashley Maness

Saturday, May 17, 12 - 3pm

At the home of Lisa Boyer

Please RSVP to Lisa if you plan to attend.
Call or text: 540-287-5245 Click Here to send email

NOLA 2014 Photos

Our NOLA 2014 arrived home April 26th and began sharing God's work and their experience at worship last Sunday. Lots of photos. Lots of stories. Lots of love!

Click Here to see the Slide Show. We expect to add more photos in the days ahead as well.

Learn the New City Catechism: One Question Per Week

Each week we'll be posting a question and answer from the New City Catechism, along with a brief video explanation.

Question 19:
Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God's favor?

Answer:

Yes, to satisfy his justice, God himself, out of mere mercy, reconciles us to himself and delivers us from sin and from the punishment for sin, by a Redeemer.

NCC Q19: Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God?s favor?

Click here for a tutorial on using the New City Catechism!

Sunday Sermon

Preaching:

Cliff Wright

Thank You For Serving In Children's Ministry This Week!

nursery: Jake Webb & Allison Webb

preschool:Rachael Orzeckowski

elementary: Gaby Victoria & Wil Dargan

Pre-School Plans For the Summer

We'd like to grab a moment to get together with as many folks as are interested or already working in our Pre-School Children's Ministry to consider some summer plans.

Tuesday, May 13 - 7:30 pm

Lindner Home

11203 Glen Park Dr

FXBG, VA 22407

For directions or info, call or text 540-656-8181

MCs This Week:

Gospel Perspectives Forum
Sundays 9:30am
5044 Plank Rd

Ladies' Bible Study
Tuesdays 9:00am
5044 Plank Rd

Gospel Perspectives Forum

A time and place to listen, discuss and consider in light of the Gospel of God's grace.

This Week:

Shalom for Relationships:

PeaceMaking

Not

PeaceKeeping

I've been praying and listening for several months about some issues in my life and the life of Christ Covenant. This week, I was reminded of the difference between PeaceMaking and PeaceKeeping. I think that was the Voice of the LORD, and I'd like to start thinking about that together. - Pastor Bill

Click Here for an article to prepare for class, or just read on your own. Click Here to read or download.

Sundays 9:30am

5044 Plank Rd

Child friendly! Contact Beverley Bouchard with questions about child care.

Calling All Students!

High School students, recent high school graduates, college students, between school gigs or just interested!

Plan to hang around after worship on Sunday, May 25 for a Mama's meal and some conversation about the summer. Sebastian and Wesley Bouchard will be leading and would like to get input regarding group activities from Bible study to paintball. Certainly something for everyone! Contact Sebastian or Wesley by email if you can't be there and are interested, or if you have some thoughts to bring to this lunch.

Condolences

To Mary Lynn and Pastor Bill Lindner at the death of Mary Lynn's mother on April 18. JoAnn Sadler had been in declining health in Beaufort, NC, then suffered a major stroke on Wednesday, and passed away two days later on that Friday. Mary Lynn and Bill were able to be with her in her days, but no final Memorial Service arrangements have yet been made.