| Volume 3, Issue 4 April 2006 |
GOOD NEWS CHRONICLE Statement
of Purpose P.O. Box 1141, 64 Burns Avenue, Dayton, OH 45401 Phone: 223-4513 Home Page |
|
Daily
Food from the Pulpit It was a day of surprises, the day Jesus was killed. Luke, the physician and historian, recounts several eyewitness accounts of that fateful day. In each case, there is an element of surprise. It certainly was a surprise for Simon. He was from North Africa, from Cyrene (modern-day Tripoli) and to be in Jerusalem for the Passover was a dream come true. When a crucifixion parade crossed his path on those unfamiliar streets, it should have been only a brief delay. But a surprising thing happened. Jesus stumbled under the weight of the cross, right in front of Simon. The cross he was required to carry fell to the ground. Because Jerusalem was an occupied city, Roman law gave the soldiers the right of conscription. They could draft anyone into their service instantly with the touch of a spear blade. Simon from Tripoli was the closest person, so he was forced to pick up the cross and carry it, a humiliating task. Unforgettable last words - The Roman soldiers—Jesus' executioners—had crucified many men by nailing them to wooden crosses. As the dying men would scream and suffer, the soldiers would sit at the feet of the crosses and play games—desensitized to the incessant curses and pleas. They prided themselves on being people not caught by surprise. Yet never before had any one of them heard what Jesus said. Soon after his hands and feet were nailed to the cross, and it was lifted and dropped into place in the ground, Jesus prayed audibly for his executioners, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). It was enough to shock the toughest veteran. It was enough to make a man think before he went to sleep that night. So it's no wonder that when the centurion made his final inspection after Jesus' death, he paused at the cross and praised God by saying, "Surely this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:47). The forgiveness of Jesus was a surprise then, but it is still a surprise today. He knows our worst sins so well, yet Jesus' heart still seeks to forgive. A gasp and celebration - On the day Christ died, the angels must have been struck speechless at God's sacrifice. But perhaps even more amazing to them was the brief conversation between Christ and a common criminal (Luke 23:42, 43). For the condemned thief on the cross, time was running out. Regardless of what he had said or done before, in the end, he did fear God. He realized that his judgment after death would be totally determined by God. Like the convict on the far side who insulted Jesus (Luke 23:39), this man must have come to the cross with some advance knowledge of who Jesus was and what he could do. He must have realized Jesus was God's Son who was headed back home to the paradise from which he had come. Believing this, the thief asked Jesus to save him when he arrived back in heaven. What an interesting contrast between the criminal who mocked Jesus to save him physically and this man who sought Jesus to save him spiritually. Of course, Jesus said yes. He was being crucified for this very purpose-to save sinners and to promise heaven to all those who ask. Two thousand years later, the invitation still stands. ********************************************** *Bible Study 100,
Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. (w/Continental Breakfast) Foundations of Christian Doctrine 102, Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Instructor: Ty Waardenburg, Director/Nehemiah University *Bible Study 101, God’s Plan: Past, Present & Future. Sunday, from 9:40 a.m. until 10:20 a.m. (w/ Continental Breakfast) Instructor: Ken Clarkston, Director/Gospel Mission *Chapel
Service, Sunday, from 10:30
a.m. until 11:45 a.m. (w/special music and hymn songs) Youth Schedule:
The Good News continues by the teaching of His Word. Give us a call at 223-4513 for more information. *These
classes meet at 64 Burns Avenue.
The Gospel Mission, Inc.’s Nehemiah University spring quarter computer classes are off to another great start. These classes are definitely making an impact, which is Good News! Computer classes are offered every three months. We will notify you when registration starts for the next series of classes.
|
When the Fire Goes Out Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. Proverbs 26:20 When a fire finishes burning through the material it feeds on, it goes out. Similarly, when gossip reaches the ear of someone who will not repeat it, it dies. We like to hear it and share it with others because it "tastes" good. Gossip is rooted in our need to feel good about ourselves. As we bring others down, we gain the illusion that we are moving upward.That's why spreading gossip is so difficult to resist. It takes prayer and God's Good News of grace to bring us to the point where we refuse to pass it on or even hear it--even under the guise of personal concern or a request to pray for a sinning friend in trouble. We must ask God for the wisdom to know when to speak, what to speak, and when to simply keep our mouths shut. For "in the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19 It is often wise to be quiet and speak few words. But if we must speak, let's talk of those things that encourage and move others closer to God, not those things that will discourage and hurt them. "The tongue of the wise promotes health." Proverbs 12:18 -----Our Daily Bread *********************************************** The Good News is that once again Historic South Park will be having their annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 15, starting at 9:00 a.m. There is a new location this year, which is behind Emerson Academy near the end of Burns Avenue. No need to register, just show up! ************************************************ The King’s Table schedule for the community:
*Doors open 30 minutes prior to starting time.* *********************************************** The Good
News is that the Nehemiah University is available for use at no
charge for groups to meet and discuss community events.
It is the goal of the Nehemiah University to be a community center
for information and participation on issues that concern our city.
*************************************************
------------------------------------------------------------ Men's Good News Basketball Schedule
Sunday…Tuesday…Thursday .**Community Center at 44 Burns Ave.**
*********************************************** The Gospel Mission would like to invite you to attend our April 16 Easter Sunday Services and hear the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection! The day begins with a Bible study at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. We will also be having a special Easter Sunday brunch following our 2:00 service. We’ll see you there! **************************************************
As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19
|