Sunday is Coming!
Who gets to define truth for you?
What does it mean for a prophesy to "come true"?
How do you know if someone is telling the truth?
…and what is "Truth" anyway?
These questions and more are underlying the theme of our new series, which will look at how Jesus introduces himself to the masses in Luke 4, with a quotation from Isaiah 61.
à It matters who we allow to define "Truth" for us
When you are going through difficult circumstances, who do you turn to for advice or comfort? Who do you allow to speak "Truth" into your circumstances?
à It matters who we allow to define "Truth" for us
When you consider the complicated issues facing our world today, whether in politics or entertainment, in global affairs or personal relationships, who gets to shape your opinions?
à It matters who we allow to define "Truth" for us
What do you believe to be true about yourself? How do you define yourself as a person? Whether you feel rich or poor, free or imprisoned, blind or able to see, worthy or unworthy, blessed or cursed, loved or unloved
à It matters who we allow to define "Truth" for us
Who has the power or permission to define "Truth" in your life? Who do you allow to shape your thoughts and values?
This week we begin a series looking at a very important passage of the Gospels where Jesus Speaks Truth about a text from the Old Testament, and it might challenge some things that we assume to be true. If Jesus is our Lord, we must always let His words challenge our thoughts.
We will spend the next few weeks digging into the words and meanings of the passage, but this weekend we will consider the context and the Broader Truth Claim that Jesus makes in this passage in Luke 4:16-21—
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
This passage is from the Prophet Isaiah. The Jews have a few different interpretations of this passage that may place the fulfillment of the prophet's words in the Past, Present, or the Future. From an Old Testament perspective, any of these could be true.
However, Jesus demonstrates His own authority to define Truth--Rather than offer a lengthy interpretation of the passage along these temporal lines, Jesus presents himself as the fulfillment of the passage as "TODAY" in your hearing.
Let that sink in – Jesus speaks with authority as One who determines when a prophesy is fulfilled, and that HE Himself is its fulfillment, in the ears of those who hear him!
'Fulfilled' is a word packed with meaning, and we will consider it together in the next few weeks, particularly how Jesus would answer some of the following questions drawn from the themes in the passage:
What is "Good News?"
What is "Freedom?"
What (and when) is "the year of the Lord's Favor?"
Jesus gives the full meaning to these concepts, and His Truth is the only truths that matters in a world that constantly struggles to understand truth. My prayer is that through this study, we will have a better understanding of who Jesus is, how we are to read His Word, and how this must shape our thoughts and actions as his followers.
à It matters who we allow to define "Truth" for us
This Sunday
Prepare your hearts for worship as we come together to Praise or Savior!
8:30 Traditional Worship
A Child of the King #574
Joy Unspeakable #740
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing #21
Jesus I Come #491
11:00 Contemporary Worship
He Lives
Great Things
Overcome
Grace Alone
Ordinance Service
This Sunday, July 14th at 6:30 in the evening in the Sanctuary, we will be having a special time of worship to observe the ordinances of communion and feetwashing. This will feature the Lord's Supper and a reflection on serving God by serving others, as Jesus demonstrated in John 13 through washing His disciples' feet. Feetwashing will be demonstrated, and there will be first-floor locations for men and women to participate in the sanctuary classroom and CrossRoads Station. Additionally, we will have handwashing as an accessible option for those who are unable to physically bend or kneel, etc.
Council Highlights and Staff Update
This week the Shippensburg First Church of God council met for the monthly meeting. Various topics were discussed, including the nominating process for our elections, which will be held this fall, and other leadership and ministry opportunities within our church.
We are happy to announce that Debra Pelow has been hired as our new Administrative Assistant. Deb will be serving here in the Church Office alongside our pastoral staff and our secretary to assist in a variety of ways, most notably helping with preparations for our weekly worship services. She will be officially beginning on July 22nd and will be in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Her email will be adassistant@shipfcog.org, which is the same email used by our previous administrative assistants. Let's all welcome Deb to our Staff!
The offering collected for the Gideons this past weekend amounted to $850. Praise the Lord for these generous gifts that will enable the Word of God to be distributed far and wide through this ministry.
Upcoming Events
Tonight (July 11) at 7:00, the outreach team is putting together an evening of volleyball at the outdoor volleyball courts at Shippensburg University. All ages are welcome to participate in some fun, pick-up volleyball!
The Living Stones group (ages 50+) will be hosting a Game Night on Friday, July 19 at 6:30 PM in the Annex. Please bring your favorite board games and a snack or drink to share. You can register in The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classrooms, or call the church office. More Living Stones activities are planned for the coming months, stay tuned for more information, and check the Gathering Place and FYI to see dates.
Community Worship Opportunities
Shippensburg Fair Vespers
The Shippensburg Fair begins with a Community Vespers service on July 21 at 7:30 at the main stage (bring your own chairs). Plan to join with other believers in our community as we worship our God together!
Men's Revival
This Saturday, July 13, 9:00 – 3:00
Shippensburg Township Park, 304 Britton Road, Shippensburg
For questions, contact Bill Lape, 717-816-2396.
Survey for Small Groups and Sunday School Classes
We want to hear from you!
The Christian Education Committee would like to know your thoughts and feelings regarding the classes and care groups you participate in. You can fill out a survey at this link:
Paper copies are also available.
The purpose is to get a better idea of how the Christian Education Committee can help improve our small groups, as well as how we can better come alongside our leaders in a supportive way. We ask each person to complete a questionnaire for each Care Group and or Sunday School Class you are a part of.
Communications Updates
The July edition of our "FYI" Newsletter is now available!
If you have information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online. Look for the current edition at the Welcome Desk or in the center section of the Sanctuary.
Looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday!
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Helpful Links:
Online Messages (shipfcog.org)
Care Groups & Sunday School Classes
Weekly Bulletin & FYI Monthly Newsletter (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
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