A Word from Pastor Chris...

Clean from the Outside-in or Inside-out?

Now when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch with him; and He went in, and reclined at the table. When the Pharisee saw it, he was surprised that He had not first ceremonially washed before the meal. But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.

Luke 11:37-41

When Jesus skipped washing up before supper He wasn't making a stand for poor hygiene but rather standing up for having a clean heart and soul. It isn't readily apparent to the Gentile reader of scripture that Jesus was actually taking one side of a great theological controversy within the Judaism of His day. Some teachers of the law held that if a ceremonially or common item was clean on the outside, it was considered clean on the inside too. Others held that only what is clean inside and outside is truly clean. Jesus took this latter view because of His unique perspective on humanity.  

Humans are very prone to thinking all is well as long as we look good in our external lives. But let's not kid ourselves that this is just a "Pharisee problem". Plenty of Christians are quite skilled in this kind of fakery having it all together on the outside yet being quite spiritually sick inside. The Lord's prescription for us is to be really clean, not just look that way.

Of course no amount of our own efforts or good intentions will make us clean vessels for the Lord. This is why Jesus died on the cross. He alone absorbed our sin and paid the debt that we actually are clean before God. Thus the inner man is healed and we really are clean despite the state of our external lives at any point in time. We access this reality through repentance and the sure knowledge that Christ will make clean all who are tired of faking it and want to live in the truth.

Looking forward,

Pastor Chris

Starts Tonight!

The Art of Marriage

We'll meet tonight Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Feel free to show up for the first study tonight even if you have not signed up. If you need child care (and have not signed up) please call ahead. Cost is $20 per couple. 

Are you married or engaged? Enhance your relationship with The Art of Marriage small group series. Six engaging video sessions weave together expert teaching, real-life stories, humorous vignettes, and more to portray both the challenges and the beauty of God's design for marriage.  Participants of the study interact with one another in the small group, and then weekly date nights enable couples to interact one-on-one through discussion questions and mini-projects. The accompanying workbook features study highlights, articles, as well as group discussion questions, date night discussion questions for couples, and date night ideas. Classes will run January 22-February 26. 

1. Love Happens: God's Purpose and Plan
2. Love Fades: Overcoming Isolation
3. Love Dances: Fulfilling Our Responsibilities
4. Love Interrupted: Communication and Conflict
5. Love Sizzles: Experiencing Real Intimacy
6. Love Always: Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Mexico Mission Outreach Update 

Bring your sweetheart to a romantic dinner Saturday, February 14 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Register by February 8 using an Event Envelope at the Information Counter or pay online at www.trail.org. Cost is $25 per couple. Please indicate child care needs (kid's dinner included). Space is limited! For more info contact: Ben and Theresa Wewerka: 541.826.7489

CPR/Basic First Aid Class

for TCF Volunteers

Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. Please sign up at the Information Counter, enclose $25. Bring a sack lunch, no child care. Class size is limited. Questions? Contact Debbie Conley: 878.3501 or debbie@trail.org 

Great Commission Festival, February 27 - March 1.  

Join us for dinner Friday, February 27 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. followed by presentations from several of our cross cultural partners from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. with a dessert break. On Saturday, February 28, Z and T's care team will be hosting an update on North Africa in the Fireside room from 10:00-11:30 a.m. The GO Board will be hosting a light lunch which will be followed by a presentation on B4T (business for transformation). Our guest will share about the many ways a business can be used to transform people's lives and thinking about the Kingdom both here and abroad. On Sunday, March 1, our partners will be available in the foyer before and after service to share about what the Lord is doing in and through them. Please sign up for the dinner and the lunch at the Information Counter so we have enough food and seating for all our guests. Check there for full details. Questions? Call Kelly 541-878-3501 or outreach@trail.org 

Being God's Man Group Study starts tonight 

Car Care Volunteers Needed 

Men's Raft Trip Meeting this Sunday 

If you're interested in floating the wild and scenic Rogue River this summer, come and hear the details this Sunday, Jan. 25 right after service in the Adult Classroom (next to the Church Office). Mike Harrington: 826-9415 or Gary Bradley 474-7438

MOMS Group