Feeling Forgiven

...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus ...  

Romans 3:23-2

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2

This may strike you as odd, but one of the most common feelings that true Christians have is a sense of "conviction." That's the Christian term for it, but if you don't know what it is, it feels just like plain old guilt. It is a work of the Spirit on a redeemed conscience that pretty consistently reminds us that we are not perfect yet. Paul reminds us about the condition of our souls in Romans 3:23, where he says that we have all sinned and are falling short of the glory of God, and are being justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Note the present active verb "are falling short" in that verse. It means we are more or less always in a state of moral imperfection in this age. The awareness of this is painful to us, but it is the ministry of the Spirit, the gracious gift of a sensitive conscience toward our own failures and sins. It aches a bit. But it also keeps us in repentance and honesty about who we are (No deceit as David said in Psalm 32. No kidding ourselves about our sinfulness. 1 Jn.1:8-2:2) True Christians have an increased awareness of their own weaknesses and failures, even as they press forward in repentant obedience to the Lord. It's an odd combination of feelings that accompanies the Lord's life within us in this fallen age.

But that's not all it says. We are also being justified by God himself, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This is a present passive verb, which means that something is happening to us presently, daily, constantly. We are always being justified, even as we routinely fall short despite our efforts to do what is right. What a stunning and wonderful reality! Martin Luther put it in the Latin phrase simil justus et peccator, which means "simultaneously a sinner and justified." As Christians there is never a time when we don't need the Lord's grace-and never a time when we don't have it.  

The awareness of both our human failure on the one hand, and his abundant, divine, and legal grace poured out richly on us on the other hand, is what makes us humble and courageous, trusting grace as we press forward in our halting and stumbling attempts at obedience. I often refer to my life as "flailing forward."  

Christian friend, beware of two ditches, one on either side of the straight path. Some folks seem to think they don't really need grace any more now that they are "holy." You can tell because they look down on everybody else. They are basically Christian Pharisees. Others seem never to feel truly forgiven and declared righteous, new creatures in Christ, free from the guilt and condemnation of their sins. You can tell because they have precious little joy and peace. They are anxious and fretting, always waiting for God's other shoe to drop on them. Mature believers in Christ feel both unworthy in themselves and yet profoundly loved by God the Father all the time. This combination of feelings is what propels them forward in mission and draws them back to the cross daily.

Just a Thought,

Pastor Rick 

On Easter Sunday, April 5, there will be a Baptism in the heated Baptismal behind the Church office. If you'd like to be Baptized after service, pick up a loaner CD (Steps to Baptism) at the Willingheart Window or listen HERE,  follow the steps, then call the Church Office to speak with a Pastor. Church Office: 541.878.3501

A fabulous weekend of fellowship, teaching, great food, and outdoor activities at Camp Lake Bradley are in the works for April 17-19. Sign up now at the Information Counter using an Event Envelope, and enclose your payment. You may also sign up online HERE. Prices and details are on the brochure available at the Information Counter. 

Dear TCF Family:  During this cold and flu season when we are often locked indoors much of the time, illnesses are spreading like wildfires. If you or your child is coughing, have a sore throat, a runny nose or a fever; for the sake of all others please remain home until your symptoms have passed. If you have questions, comments or concerns please feel free to call me.

In His Care, Debbie Conley

Director of Children's Ministry  

541-261-2605

TCF friends of Jan Bowling-Grout are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Jan on Friday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Table Rock Fellowship. Instead of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jan to St. Jude's Children's hospital, the National Cancer Society, Access Food Share, or any organization that helps animals.

♥ a heart awareness that God, as your Papa deeply loves you?

HeartChange will be held Wednesday - Saturday, March 25-28, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Pacific Bible College, 409 N. Front St. in Medford

For questions or to register contact: Mary Neel at 541.855.7052, Cell 541.220.6860, or email: lamaneel17@msn.com

Transportation Ministry Volunteers Needed

The TCF Transportation Ministry is in need of someone with a gifting and heart for service to coordinate this ministry as well as some volunteers to provide rides (using your own transportation). This ministry provides scheduled rides for members of our body for an important trips such as medical appointments, rides to service, etc. Please fill out an application at the Information Counter or call Joe Carini at 541.941.7624

Host Families Needed

Foreign exchange students coming to the U.S. for the 2015-16 school year need host families. Will you host a student? One is Changtian, who is a 15 year old boy from China. He enjoys debate, chess, science, swimming, and piano. Exchange students speak English, have medical insurance, and pay their personal expenses. Host families provide room and board and loving parental guidance. Students become a part of the family while attending the local high school.

Host families are needed in the Crater, Phoenix, North Medford, South Medford, Grants Pass High, Rogue River Jr./Sr. High School, North Valley, Hidden Valley, and Eagle Point High School districts. Please contact me if interested or in need of more information. The sooner you choose a student, the sooner you can start to get to know them. An exchange student will thank you for opening their home to them. 

Email: ekslavick@gmail.com or call Elizabeth at 541-772-1294.